Weekly column from Council Courier e-newsletter by CEO Greg Hallam, Friday 22 January 2016.
Australia Day, just four sleeps away, is a window into the special place local government holds in the nation’s democracy and broader community.
We are the embodiment of how our fellow Australians connect to the political process - dare I say it, the level of government closest to the people.
So whether it's a citizenship ceremony in Bundaberg, a cultural event at Beenleigh or a community BBQ at Burketown, it is local government to which people connect to celebrate our national day.
That’s true of most of our major celebrations - Anzac Day, New Year, Christmas - it's the council that festoons the streets, puts on the concert and engages the community groups.
It's the mayor who will read out the name of the sportsman and woman of the year in Emerald or Cairns, the senior citizen of the year in St George or the Gold Coast, or the junior citizen in communities across the state next Tuesday.
As a young council CEO I used to get blasé about those type of events - here we go again, more hassle, double time pay for the staff etc, etc. But in my later years I really do appreciate that people look to local councils to arrange events which enable people to all come together peacefully and to celebrate
As a university student 40 years ago, I remember reading some philosopher who spoke of people acquiescing to their own powerlessness. I’ve never forgotten that.
On Australia Day that definitely won't be the case. Millions of Aussies will be on the beaches, in parks and or at an Australia Day ceremony revelling in the facilities and services their local council provides.
Those opportunities to provide the community a way to engage, participate and belong really do promote harmony and goodwill nationally. It’s a case of Better Councils really meaning Better Communities.
Happy Australia Day.