As this year draws to a close, I am reminded of how lucky we are to live in a strong, connected and resilient community—one where volunteering is at the heart of so many of our events, activities, services and organisations. Quite simply as I look around our Shire we know we would be ‘nowhere’ without our volunteers.
Earlier this year at Hornsby Council we had the chance to honour the significant anniversaries of many of our volunteer organisations and just this week, on International Day of People with a Disability, I had the chance to honour Studio Artes, celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. It was great to join with co-founders Sue Byatt and Wendy Escott OAM along with all of the artists, volunteers and staff to share in this celebration.
We are so lucky to have Studio Artes in our community—a community-based organisation dedicated to supporting people living with disability in all facets of the arts. They provide a safe, supported creative haven for artists with a disability, young and old. They have inspired young artists, kick-started impressive art careers and they have brightened our community with their artistic creations and events—from musicals and exhibitions to murals and painted street libraries. They have been engaged and inspiring creative partners over many years with Hornsby Council and I wish them heartfelt congratulations on their first successful twenty five years and many more years of creative endeavour to come.
Next year, The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. This coming year will see a focus on the vital role of volunteers as change-makers: acknowledging that volunteering can be a powerful force for connected, resilient, and sustainable communities across the world. I look forward to celebrating this International Year in our local community.
As we head now into the festive season I wish all of you and your families all the very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. It’s been a huge year for many of us, with many successes and many challenges. I hope you have the chance to be with loved ones and I wish you all much happiness for the year ahead.
