National Tree Planting Day has come around again with the students from our three local schools helping the Shire to further enhance the appearance of the town in the future. Students from Nyngan Public School planted some trees at the showground, with students from the High School and St Joseph's adding trees to the established line along the edge of the Mitchell Highway. Thanks to the students and teachers who participated, and to the Shire staff who prepared the holes for trees and established the drip systems. Previous trees planted in earlier years continue to grow and I hope students who helped plant these trees watch them grow and remember their involvement in the beautification of the town.
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Ag Expo arrives at the showground this Saturday, the last of the four major events at this venue this year. With over 300 exhibitors apparently coming, they keep returning and must get good value from attending. One reason they keep returning is the efficient and experienced way they are treated by the Ag Expo committee. Thanks to the committee for their efforts to ensure this event remains very worthwhile for people to attend, particularly during the current drought.
Readers would be aware that Bogan Shire was recently successful in obtaining a $1M grant announced by the Deputy Premier on his recent visit to Nyngan. General Manager, Derek Francis informed Councillors at the last meeting that the Grant Application was originally made in 2017 under the NSW Government's Environment and Tourism Fund to protect and enhance environmental and tourism assets. The grant will fund improvements to the Nyngan Railway Station so its displays can expand into areas formerly occupied by the SES. It will also fund the restoration of the historic brick Girilambone Railway Station, consider options for a local museum, art gallery, café and camping area. This grant application was part of a specific tourism-focused fund, unlike current grants for general community projects, however there will still be considerable local economic benefit for local employment and local purchases of materials.
As the drought continues, it has become the worst ever in severity and duration. Little if any help seems available for small businesses, particularly our rural suppliers, machinery dealerships, agents, mechanical repairers and contractors to name a few. Governments may be loud in their talk of future schemes to assist droughts, but more importance on present, real financial help for small businesses and farmers to preserve their operation and those who they employ is required. Once businesses put off employees or are forced to close, they are unlikely to return.
Council further discussed some low key acknowledgement of the 30th Anniversary of the 1990 Nyngan Flood in April next year. We have decided to lead organising some local events with any other suggestions welcomed. The Museum committee's expansion into the SES building, representatives from organisations that helped invited to return, an event at the river, Anzac Day Races, helicopter to land here on Anzac Day and an art and craft exhibition are some ideas to date.
Ray Donald OAM
Mayor