From Hilltops Council – Margaret Roles

Summertime is almost here in our beautiful Hilltops. The extreme weather of the past few weeks has put primary producers under stress – including our cherry growers who are starting the harvest.

As a society we have all been under ‘pandemic stress’ and it is important that we focus on the positives in our lives. Many of us enjoyed the fun of Woolfest in Boorowa and the Harden Kite Festival. Now it is the turn of Young with the National Cherry Festival, to be held on the first weekend of December 2022.

The program is out now and includes activities and events to gladden the heart, including the crowning of the 2022 Cherry Queen. Both entrants are outstanding ambassadors for Hilltops and the charity they have chosen to support. It has been my privilege to spend time with the candidates and I thank Kim and Brianna for their infectious enthusiasm, hard work and community spirit.

Many visitors are expected during the festival, to join with the community of Young in celebrating not only cherry season and harvest, but also the vibrant and dynamic growth of our area. Good food and wines, as well as fresh produce and a wide variety of retail outlets give every reason to shop locally this season.

The sun is forecast to shine for Saturday, 3 December, and I look forward to meeting with you all to enjoy the 2022 Young National Cherry Festival.

Finally, we all realise that Hilltops and other country areas, have been affected by the rain and storm events. The toll on the road network has been enormous. Recently, at the Country Mayors Meeting the estimate was given for a $2.5 billion road damage bill in NSW. I am very proud of the way in which Hilltops staff – at all levels – are working tirelessly to support our extensive road network, under very difficult circumstances. My thanks also to all the community for your support and resilience.

Mayor Margaret Roles

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• Local Council