Creating a brand for the city is an obvious winner but only if it's vigorously promoted over a sustained period.

Historically, our council gets pumped up about branding, but the slogans get little airplay after a couple of years.

We were excited about 'Rich in diversity and culture' for new branding a decade ago.

The new branding reflects ours as a city which is proud, harmonious, welcoming, diverse and vibrant.

But this time can we make more effective and wider use of the branding?

The logo ought to be on council vehicles and stationery, publications, emails, Facebook, the website and the customer service centre.

After three months, the new branding is one of the city's best-kept secrets.

One for the books

There's considerable focus on libraries this year with the National Year of Reading to be launched on February 14.

Anything we can do to encourage people to read books is a worthwhile initiative.

So look out for a busy year in our libraries now that the council has committed to support the national campaign, with a new library and learning strategy for the next four years.

A ratepayer recently joined Niddrie library and was excited at the level of customer service he received.

Staff gave a concise summary on how to get the most of his library membership, and general information about the ordering, pick-up and return of borrowed items.

It's good to hear a council agency showing a level of care that is so refreshing.

Let's see more of it.

Power of the people

People power has again won the day now that the YMCA has decided not to pursue leasing the Bulla Road fire station as a halfway house for youngsters.

The concept is still alive, but not at the station.

The residents were justifiably quite uptight and ran an effective campaign.

The YMCA is searching for an alternative venue.

The final word ...

As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way.