Knockout the drought

Australian professional boxer Troy O’Meley, who boasts an impressive 10-0 record, travelled to Narrabri with members of the East Cessnock Bowling Club on Tuesday afternoon.

The East Cessnock Bowling Club held a toy and essentials drive to assist with the drought relief.

The town of Cessnock was extremely generous donating a van-load of toys, essentials, clothing and food to Narrabri, Wee Waa, Pilliga and Bellata.

As well as helping with the unloading of the van, which was donated by Hertz Cessnock, O’Meley ran a clinic for any kids interested in learning the basics of boxing and fitness.

O’Meley told The Courier that it is great for the kids to learn the basics from an early age.

“I wanted to run some of the kids through a little exercise class up there,” he said.

“I just gave them a few tips and things I use to stay active and keep my blood moving throughout my body.

“It just helps to keep you breathing right and it was really good.”

O’Meley once lived in Gunnedah but said it was great to see the country again.

“I love the country,” he said.

“When I was young my dad and I lived in Gunnedah for a little bit.

“I’ve been out that way a bit.

“We used to go camping around Narrabri in the school holidays.

“I haven’t been out there for a couple of years so it was good to come back out that way.

“We had a good trip back and watching the sunrise over the country, it was awesome.”

O’Meley will fight for the Australian Super Welterweight title in February.