This year has been one of the most challenging years I can remember for our community.
Between lockdowns and storms we may have faced it all in 2021, but I am so proud of the way that everyone has soldiered on and helped each other heal through the multiple hurdles thrown our way.
Our community has shown great resilience through these troubled times, but of course we are always here to help in any way we can for those in need.
Please reach out to us by calling 1300 368 333 if you need assistance of any kind and we can help point you in the right direction.
In getting back to business as usual, I encourage our residents to have a Yarra Ranges Christmas this year and get behind our Buy, Employ, Enjoy local campaign.
As we all know for the best part of two years, our local businesses have done it tough, so where possible please consider buying local this holiday period.
We are so lucky to live in a region that is renowned for its incredible produce that can help set the scene for a beautiful Christmas lunch or dinner.
We also have wonderful local businesses who produce locally made gifts to fulfill your last-minute Christmas shopping needs.
If you’re not sure where to start, can I suggest visiting the Buy Local directory on our website, which has more than 400 local businesses listed to help you find whatever it is you’re looking for.
I also understand that Christmas isn’t always a happy time for some members of our community, due to the financial and social challenges it can sometime pose.
We have some amazing volunteer organisations in the Yarra Ranges that can support people during these times, so please visit the community relief and support agencies section of our website for a list of local services you can reach out to if you would like to make a donation.
Tourism plays a major part in boosting our local economy, and as we’re now able to travel into and out of the Yarra Ranges without restriction, we will all need to adjust to seeing our roads and towns being busier than what we may have seen over the past 18 months.
We live in one of the best places you could possibly live, so naturally there will be a number of people from other areas of Melbourne and beyond who will begin visiting us and enjoying everything the Yarra Ranges has to offer.
If you are planning on travelling over the holiday period, please take care on the roads and stay safe.
I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year. I can’t wait to see what 2022 brings.
