Ordinary Council is the most formal meeting we hold each month.
It’s where councillors vote to endorse the recommendations from committees, and it is literally where the decisions are made.
There is a lot of formality and ceremony that goes with this meeting.
We do condolences for those who have passed, congratulations for those who have achieved great things, and we table petitions from those who care.
But last term I felt like something was missing…the community.
So, this term we’re trying something new in Council Chambers.
I’ve asked captains and leaders from high school and primary schools in our city to nominate to do our Acknowledgement of or Welcome to Country before each meeting, as well as faith leaders to offer a blessing, some wisdom or a prayer.
When I was first elected, we always had a prayer from a faith leader – until COVID put an end to it – and it’s great to have it back.
We are a very diverse city with people from all over the world making their home in Logan and they bring their faith with them.
Last week, we had Jayde Green from Marsden State School lead a beautiful Welcome to Country.
She is a Traditional Owner and Indigenous Captain at her school.
Her Welcome was so moving, I shared a video of it on my social media.
Jayde told me that she worked on it with her mum and she’s very proud of it.
She specifically wanted me to tell you – if you love it, please don’t copy it – but come up with your own version.
Jayde attended with her fellow school leaders so they could stay for the whole meeting.
Their teachers said the students asked great questions about how we run the meetings and what it means when we move motions.
After the meeting they enjoyed sitting in the mayor’s chair and of course a tour of the building with a few more lessons about the history of our city.
Each month, we will rotate with faith leaders and school leaders from different parts of the city.
If your school or your faith leader would like to take part, could you please email my office at mayor@logan.qld.gov.au so we can pop your name on the list!
