There has been some great follow-up rain over our Shire in the past few weeks, so if this keeps up, I am sure that there will be some winter crops being planned for planting in the coming months, so fingers crossed this wonderful weather keeps up in the short term.

This week, I was very honoured to announce, on behalf of the Hulbert Family, the Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize Winner, where the ceremony was held in the Council Chambers on Monday, February 24.

This year saw an amazing selection of nominees received, and the decision for the overall winner by the Prize Committee was a very challenging one, as all agreed that they were all worthy recipients.

The nominees included Miss Alisha Conomos, Miss Sara Charles, Miss Amelia Kiem, Miss Bryony Allen, Mr Blake Ryan, and Mr Dylan Smith. After much deliberation the Prize was awarded to Miss Sara Charles, who was nominated for her charitable and volunteer activities, volunteering her time in both school and community, including assisting with Narrabri Pony Club and Riding for the Disabled, a Narrabri Show volunteer, NOSH, Eulah Creek Machinery Day, Karar School of Dance and Narrabri Way Church.

This Prize is awarded annually, and continues to remain a great opportunity to recognise our local young community members, focusing on encouraging excellence and assisting them to achieve their chosen goals. This was the 13th year that the prize has been donated by the family of the late Lillian Hulbert, and I am sure that both the former prize recipients, and the larger community are extremely grateful for such a generous ‘gift’ back to the Narrabri Shire and its residents.

Congratulations to Miss Sara Charles, and also a heartfelt thankyou to the Hulbert family for continuing this tradition.

I would also just like to take this opportunity to advise residents within the Shire that they can have their say on the ‘Destination Management Planning’ in their communities, via Community Consultation Sessions being held at the following: Boggabri – Tuesday, February 25, at The Vault, commencing at 5.30pm, in Wee Waa on Wednesday February 26, at the Imperial Hotel at 5.30pm, and in Narrabri at The Crossing Theatre on Thursday, February 27, at 5.30pm.

The purpose of the Narrabri Region Destination Management Plan is to provide the direction and framework for taking Narrabri region’s tourism sector forward over the next five years.

The primary goal is to increase visitor expenditure within the region, with resultant economic and social benefits for the region’s communities and to also identify opportunities to strengthen our region’s existing market base, and diversify into new markets in order to deliver visitation year-round.

Council and the community need to understand the needs and expectations of visitors to ensure that the correct infrastructure, facilities and services are in place within the region. We need to encourage and facilitate the development of tourist attractions, accommodation, events and infrastructure within the region.

Please take advantage of attending these meetings during the week if you have some ideas that you can suggest, or would like to listen to other thoughts and recommendations around updating the Plan.

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