Cllr Lia Mandaracas

07/06/2026

⭐️ Today marks the end of 2026

🍕🥗 Earlier this week, I popped into The Sunlight Centre on my lunch break to see volunteers at their thank you lunch

☀️ As a trustee, it is easy to see the incredible work our volunteers do to make the Sunlight an amazing community space. But the conversations I had reminded me of the positive impact volunteering has on individuals too

🩷 The work of volunteers and the positive impacts on the community should not go unnoticed, and I’m pleased that this week has shone a light on the best of our community!

💬 To mark the end of volunteers week, comment below some appreciation for people who are giving their time to make our area a better place 🤍

02/06/2026

💗Happy Volunteers Week💗

☀️ I want to take this opportunity to highlight the incredible work of the Sunlight Centre in Gillingham North! At last months quiz night, I was able to share some of the reasons why this place means so much to me…

📦 I moved to Medway from Huddersfield when I was 16. I didn’t know anyone and was worried about feeling isolated in a place I’d never been to before.

❤️💬 The Sunlight Centre welcomed me with open arms. Not only could I use the free computers to talk to my friends back in Huddersfield, but I met so many new people and felt like part of a community.

💞 In 2022, I became a Trustee, and it really feels like a full circle moment.

❣️ The Sunlight Centre continues to be a place that helps people at their lowest times, and lifts people up at their happiest times. This place is run by incredible people, and many of them are volunteers. I want to say thank you to everyone who has given their time to volunteer for organisations like the Sunlight Centre - your work doesn’t go unnoticed ❤️

🤔 Are you interested in volunteering? See the comments below for links to local opportunities!

02/06/2026

🚨Property Licensing - Consultation update – Deadline extended 🚨

We've identified a technical issue that affected access to the online consultation survey over the final weekend for submissions. As a result, Medway Council has reopened and extended the consultation.

We’re committed to making sure everyone has a fair chance to take part. This extension gives residents, landlords, managing agents, businesses, and stakeholders more time to share their views.

🗓 New deadline: Midnight, Thursday, 4 June 2026

✅ If you’ve already submitted your response — no action is needed, it’s still valid.

We apologise for any inconvenience and encourage anyone who hasn’t taken part yet to complete the consultation before the new deadline.

https://orlo.uk/W1FR3

02/06/2026

31/05/2026

🌹🌟 Yesterday was Super Saturday in Gillingham North 🌟🌹

Myself and fellow Labour members spoke to residents on
🌹 Burnt Oak Terrace
🌹 Cornwall Road
🌹 Wyles Street
🌹 Charter street
🌹 Cliffton Road

💻 I also ran a “Becoming a Councillor” session alongside Councillor David Field to provide insight into what being a Councillor is really like, and to encourage more people to get involved in local politics!

📧 If you want to contact me about Gillingham North, or becoming a Councillor, feel free to email me at [email protected]

30/05/2026

☀️ Have you visited The Strand yet?

🌟 It was great to attend the reopening of The Strand last weekend, and to see the new Play Zone created from £700,000 investment!

💛 The Strand is one of my favourite places to go to in the summer, and I would highly recommend visiting with your friends and family - especially in this lovely weather!

28/05/2026

🚨Medway Council are running a consultation about Selective Licensing and Additional HMO Licensing, and they want to know your thoughts 💭

If these additional powers were introduced, they would…
✅ improve safety of properties
✅ hold rogue landlords accountable
✅ protect tenants and communities

🏠 Gillingham North is one of the wards being considered as part of this consultation. We have a growing number of HMOs and private rented properties.

❤️‍🩹 Improved licensing would help to tackle the rise in anti social behaviour and unsafe living conditions currently prevalent in our area

👩🏻‍💻 You can complete the survey here - https://surveys.medway.gov.uk/snapwebhost/s.asp?k=177373912050

25/05/2026

The relaunch of The Strand was such a fun day spent with friends and family ❤️ My son made this video for me which I think perfectly represents the excitement, fun, and community spirit of the day 🥰

I have so many special memories with my family at The Strand, and I can’t wait to make some more this summer ☀️

Are you and your family planning on visiting The Strand soon? If so, what activity are you most looking forward to? 🏊‍♀️🏓⚽️🏌️‍♀️