It is a pleasure for me to give my first report as 2019 Chairman of the Connolly Residents’ Association.

It will be a hard act to follow taking over from Brian Richardson, who served as Chairman for many years and who has built up tremendous respect in the community and the City of Joondalup. However, we have a Committee that is dedicated to serve, with new ideas as well as being responsive to the thoughts of residents.

We go into a new year following a most successful 2018 which was highlighted by the Community Fete in October and CRA receiving the City of Joondalup Community Citizen of the Year Award-Active Citizenship (Group) 2019. We are financially sound and at the Monthly meeting on 11 March it was reported that financial membership of the CRA was 309, it’s highest level for many years. The Committee is mindful of the membership and efforts will be made to grow the number of members.

Projects for this year include a Fete in October, working with the City of Joondalup in improving park facilities, maintaining infrastructure assets, protecting the flora, which also involves a team that works hard to look after the Carnaby Reserve and being more proactive in managing the concerns of residents’ security and well being. Regarding the Fete, lessons were learnt from the one held last year so planning will commence soon for the 2019 event.

Our Facebook page is active and highlights events on a regular basis so visiting this site provides UpToDate information on what is happening in Connolly. The Mayor, Albert Jacob, has offered to attend our Monthly Meetings to benefit from any suggestions residents may have in an interactive format as well as answer any questions that may arise. We welcome this initiative and I am sure these engagements will be mutually beneficial.

I look forward to working with Connolly Residents and if anyone has any news or ideas, please let us know via our email address.