Thanks for observing COVID-19 regulations

The Mayoral column has been ‘absent’ of late, due to the continuation of the unprecedented events that have taken place state, Australia, and worldwide.

I thought it best that imperative and essential information be published in our wonderful local newspaper, and my messages and information to residents can be held over for a few weeks.

To date, the Narrabri Shire local government area is still COVID-19 free, and I would like to sincerely thank all community members for their adherence to the state and federal temporary restrictions in place for ‘staying home’, social distancing and their general patience and tolerance of the situation at large.

I believe that this has placed our local towns and villages in a great position keeping healthy and not passing on any other infections – particularly at this time of year, regardless.

Well done to our local health staff, emergency services, supermarket staff and essential workers who continue their day-to-day activities during a time when they can even put their own health and safety at risk.

This certainly includes the chemists that are continuing to provide flu vaccinations to locals, who are also being very patient in receiving their annual immunisations.

I can’t thank these local businesses and their staff enough, they are keeping the Narrabri Shire running, happy and healthy, and are remaining calm and composed – which was certainly needed over the past several weeks, with panic buying and scare mongering at its worst.

I would like to mention that even while there has been a general ‘shutdown’ of many businesses within our local area, and further afield, Council staff have continued on with their progress and developments overall, and are taking more pride than ever keeping the towns in a fantastic condition – particularly the Anzac Memorials and surrounding parklands.

There have also been ongoing works with the Tarriaro Bridge re-construction, Culgoora Road re-alignment, Boggabri Boston Street Bridge repairs, the Wee Waa sewerage treatment facility upgrade and of course the Narrabri CBD works – which I can report is almost at the last phase within the entire project. Even though most of the country is in lockdown, Council services are ‘essential’ and work must continue on this type of infrastructure, to maintain delivery of the best services to all residents in the Shire.

And finally, I would like to pass my sincere thanks on to all residents of Narrabri Shire for their commitment and loyalty, albeit in a smaller manner than normal, their show of pride and dedication for Anzac Day remembrance on Saturday, April 25.

Well done to the Narrabri Pony Club, Narrabri Showground staff, 2MAX FM and all associated groups who assisted with the 11am ‘on air’ ‘Ode of Remembrance’ and ‘Last Post’ played over loud-speakers and the radio station to all who could hear it.

It was an amazing feeling to know that so many people were listening to this at the same time, but in a variety of locations. It proves that after all that Australia has been dealt in the past few years, particularly in the past 12 months, we are steadfast in our respect and honour for the fallen heroes who protected our country, and that we can continue to live in the best place in the world, without fear or trepidation.

Lest we forget.

Cr Cathy Redding, Narrabri Shire Council Mayor