Not just roads, rates and rubbish: Maitland Council lines up Local Government Week 2024 activities

Maitland City Council is encouraging residents to think beyond roads, rates and rubbish during Local Government Week 2024 (Monday 29 July to Sunday 4 August).

An initiative of Local Government NSW, Local Government Week is designed to showcase the work that local councils do in their communities, including the wide variety of services they provide.

To underline the themes of Local Government Week, Maitland City Council is hosting two free activities for residents to participate in.

On Tuesday 30 July, Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold is inviting residents to join him on an exclusive behind the scenes look at the historic Maitland Town Hall.

Built in the late 1880s, Maitland Town Hall was where Australia’s first Prime Minister Edmund Barton opened his government’s campaign for the inaugural federal election in 1901.

After a short presentation in the venue’s antechamber, Mayor Penfold will guide visitors through the heritage listed site, which reopened to the public in 2023 following a $9.7 million refurbishment.‘

With the first stone laid in January 1888, Maitland Town Hall has evolved quite a lot over the decades,’ Mayor Penfold said.

'As one of the oldest buildings in our city, it’s seen and undergone a lot of change, and this is a great opportunity for residents to see the historic detailing, ornate ceilings and original features up close.’

On Thursday 1 August, a free community morning tea in the Maitland Administration Centre’s lobby will give residents the chance to engage directly with Council staff to learn more about potential careers at Council, visit our Library stand and come away with free native seedlings for their backyard plus plenty of other giveaways.

Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold said Local Government Week ‘helps shine a light on the diverse range of programs and initiatives that councils like Maitland run day in, day out, as well as learn a little more about the exciting careers that people can pursue in local government.’

Tickets for tours of Town Hall with Mayor Penfold are free and are available via Eventbrite. To book, visit mait.city/LGWeek2024Tours