As we head into February our town and district would have to go back a long way to remember such a mild summer and magnificent season triggered by plenty of rain.
It may not erase the memory of a wet harvest that so many experienced however with peak moisture levels, an abundance of grass and reduced bushfire risk, the year has had a promising start for the ‘Year of the Farmer’.
I am sure all Bogan shire residents can well remember, and therefore sympathise with, those residents of flood-ravaged northern NSW and southern Queensland towns, particularly those towns coping with another flood barely 12 months on from the last one.
Nature reigns supreme and historically shows it replenishes what it restricts, something those orchestrators of the Murray Darling Basin Plan version too should keep in mind.
Thankyou to all those who came along to the Town Hall and supported our Australia Day celebrations.
The Town Hall provides a good alternative venue to Davidson Park, something to keep in mind for the future. Reg Kidd proved to be an excellent ambassador and must have nearly chatted to everyone.
His Australia Day message would take some beating at any venue and he really appreciated the welcome he received from everyone.
Congratulations to the award winners, particularly Lyn Webster and thanks to the high school band, those who cooked and served breakfast and morning tea, the organisers and participants in the seven-a-side cricket and the members of the swimming club who organised some novelty events for the children at the pool.
Special appreciation extended to Donna Pumpa who was responsible for the bulk of the organisation for the day.
Our new helicopter has settled in well in Vanges Park, well out of harm’s way and provides a very impressive spectacle to those visiting the town.
You will remember we swapped ours for this one, restored by the members of the Caloundra RSL Sub Branch. Our helicopter with the battle of Long Tan significance from the Vietnam War has now been restored back in Caloundra and will be dedicated in a ceremony on March 16 2012.
Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston AC AFC, the last commanding officer of 9 Squadron has been asked to officiate.
A number of surviving members from the battle of Long Tan reside at Caloundra. I have been asked to represent Bogan Shire at the ceremony.
The Prime Minister promised to hold a referendum at the next federal election to recognise local government in the Australian constitution.
The best way to have this eventuate would be to have the words “and local government” inserted after “state government” in section 94 of the constitution.
The question needs to be supported by a majority of states and voters at the next election for it to be successful. Some legal questions are simmering about the capacity of the Commonwealth Government to directly fund Local Government and not go via the State Government.
Stimulus packages that funded local projects like the St Joseph’s new assembly hall and the RTA inspection shed at the showground as well as the Roads to Recovery program that funds much of our local road works are at risk if constitutional recognition is not achieved.
Council extends sympathy to the family of Cr Danny Dutton whose father Peter passed away last week.
Peter Dutton OAM will long be remembered as a great stalwart for local and state pony clubs and equestrian events, and a tireless worker and life member of the Nyngan Show Committee.
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