Mayor all set for 78km ward walk

CASEY mayor Janet Halsall will get back to the grassroots of local government next Monday when she embarks on a 78km walk.
Cr Halsall will visit 23 different community locations, including sports clubs, neighbourhood houses, senior citizens’ clubs, community centres and kindergartens throughout the River Gum Ward.
The walk will also serve as a fundraiser for children’s welfare organisation Windermere Child and Family Services.
Fellow ward councillor Wayne Smith will accompany the mayor on certain sections of the walk.
Cr Halsall has set a $10,000 target and is planning on presenting the money at Windermere’s community fundraiser event which is being held at the Berwick Springs Hotel on 16 May.
The walk has been inspired by Federal MP Greg Hunt and the annual electorate walk he does.
Although Cr Halsall’s five-day walk doesn’t compare to Mr Hunt’s lengthy 500km trek, it has the same motive.
“I am very pleased to be getting out into the community and listening to residents and their thoughts and concerns.”
“It will be a valuable time-out from the duties of the mayoralty,” Cr Halsall said.
Cr Halsall said she had chosen Windermere as many residents in River Gum Ward had benefited from the work of the group.
“I encourage everyone to also attend the Windermere fundraising function.”
All money raised will help fund the highly successful Kids becoming Champions (KbC) program, which assists severely abused and disadvantaged children living in the local area.
Local entertainers, including Casey Idol winner Naomi Horsley and local comedienne Barb Joseph – fresh from performing at the 2008 Melbourne Comedy Festival – will perform.
For more information or to book tickets contact 9705 3200.