Hume councillor Joseph Haweil says he would like for the mayor to issue commemorative certificates to residents celebrating special life occasions.
Cr Haweil has called on council officers to prepare a report about the possibility of a mayoral certificate recognition program for residents’ milestone birthdays, anniversaries and other significant occasions.
Cr Haweil said that while he was in the role of mayor, he had received many requests for such certificates.
“[I] realised that we don’t really have a structural process… for the provision of those certificates of recognition for special milestones,” he said.
“It is a very granular one, but I certainly think one that is meaningful to residents in the community, should they wish to apply to us to receive a certificate like that… recognising their special occasion.
“When you can do that at other levels of government, I’d certainly like to see that replicated at a level of government that’s very close to the people.”
Cr Jarrod Bell said he realised how impactful and meaningful a gesture like a commemorative letter would be to residents.
“If a message from our mayor, on behalf of our council and broader community, is something that we can add to that mix, I wholeheartedly support [it],” he said.
A report will be presented to council at a future meeting.
