Love it or hate it, local government is one of the biggest employers in the Shire and has profound effects on our lives, whether it be in deciding on the number of storeys allowed in a building or simply filling the potholes outside our front yards. It is also the disputed battleground where state government policies manifest, for good or bad.

Most folks don’t take an active interest in the workings of council unless some action affects them personally and obviously. But once a year local government takes a punt at celebration in Local Government Week, which this year runs from August 1 to 7 with the theme ‘Empowering Communities’.

Byron Shire Council has decided to mark the Week with an open afternoon at the new Byron Regional Sport and Cultural Complex on Ewingsdale Road on Sunday July 31 from 2pm to 4pm. Perhaps the more empowering event, and the one relevant to a low-carbon future, is the free community presentation ‘Transitioning to a Sustainable Community’ on Tuesday evening August 2 in the Council Chambers, Mullumbimby, 6.30pm to 8pm. To book a seat at this seminar, email sust...@byron.nsw.gov.au or phone 6626 7305.

Rather than just whinge at Council, though the Shire could play for Australia in this sport, take the best from it and learn. Empowering communities is about empowering ourselves, not waiting for something to be done for or to us. The future will demand from us more self-empowerment, and it’s a good idea to start picking up the appropriate skills right now.