Councillor Column Cr Donna Marbelli 6 January

Hi Readers,

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas spent with family and friends. As we move into the New Year, it’s also a timely reminder that this is the season when being prepared really matters.

Living in our shire, we know how quickly weather conditions can change. Taking a little time now to prepare can make a big difference for you and your family if an emergency occurs. Preparation doesn’t have to be overwhelming small, practical steps can provide peace of mind and help keep everyone safe.

A good place to start is with water and food. Aim to have enough supplies for at least seven to 10 days, including around 10 litres of drinking water per person, along with non-perishable food items that don’t require refrigeration.

For families with young children, check that baby food and formula are within expiry dates, and ensure you have enough nappies, wipes and bottles to last several days. Our pets are part of the family too, so remember to put aside dry food, water and feeding bowls for them.

Health and hygiene supplies are equally important. A basic first aid kit, face masks, work gloves and rubbish bags are useful to have on hand. Make sure you have essential medications, including at least a week’s supply of prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Toiletries such as toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, sunscreen, insect repellent, tissues and hand sanitiser should also be included.

Finally, take time to gather your important documents. Keeping paper copies or scanned versions saved to a USB — such as driver’s licences, insurance policies, passports and legal documents — can save a great deal of stress when you need them most.

Preparing now helps protect what matters most.

As we welcome the year ahead, I wish everyone a very Happy and safe New Year for 2026. Please take care, stay prepared and continue to look out for one another.