New intersections, bridge opened during minister’s visit to Narrabri

Last week was busy and productive. I had the opportunity to spend time with the Minister for Regional Roads, Jenny Aitchison, and our local member, Roy Butler, as we opened several new intersections and the Bullawa Creek Bridge.

These events provided a valuable opportunity to discuss pressing issues such as funding and ownership for Rangari Road and Kaputar Road, and concerns related to our hospitals.

We will continue to have these dialogues with our state representatives to ensure our local needs and priorities are addressed.

I have also been discussing the hospital situation in our Shire with the mayors of seven other councils in the area.

We have agreed to call for a full independent inquiry into our local health district.

We want to understand why our smaller hospitals keep missing out on critical health services and why, despite our high levels of need, particularly for birthing and emergency services, we are not receiving proper support for our rural hospitals.

I also attended the Wean Races last Saturday and had the honour of presenting the cup to the winning trainer and jockey.

It was a great day, and the support from volunteers for the Wean Amateur Picnic Races committee was impressive.

Their dedication makes events like these possible and enjoyable for everyone involved.

In other news, the Animal Welfare League Vet Truck will visit Narrabri on Friday, July 26.

The truck will be at The Crossing Theatre carpark from 8am to 12pm, offering free health checks for dogs and cats, free microchipping, and dog C3 vaccinations.

Limited free cat F3 vaccinations will also be available.

No appointments are required, but please bring your phone to sign in.

There is a maximum of three animals per household, with cats needing to be in carriers and dogs on a lead.

This is a great opportunity for pet owners to ensure their pets are healthy and properly identified.

The Namoi Jobs and Trades Show is scheduled for Friday, August 2, at the Narrabri Racecourse from 9am to 4pm.

Organised by the Narrabri Industrial Network Inc and Future EDU, this event aims to promote local industries and showcase employment and career opportunities within Narrabri Shire.

The show is supported by Narrabri Shire Council.

Local businesses interested in registering as exhibitors should do so by Monday, July 22, via the events section on council’s website.

This event is an excellent chance to connect with potential employees and highlight the diverse job opportunities available in our region.

Nominations are now open, and tickets are on sale for the Narrabri Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2024.

The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 14, at The Crossing Theatre.

These awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding businesses that drive our community’s success.

Nominations close on Saturday, August 10, and tickets can be purchased on The Crossing Theatre website.

Encourage nominations for deserving businesses or business people and secure tickets for a night of recognition and networking.

On the infrastructure front, garden preparation and mulching continue.

Jubilee Oval in Boggabri is ready for athletics, and works on the Boggabri shared path are nearing completion. Proactive flushing to improve water quality and repairs on Nandewar Street are also concluding.

The Tourism and Cultural Hub team has completed a site inspection, and tender preparations are underway. Investigations into drainage issues on Dewhurst Street have begun.

Finally, stay warm during these cold spells and can I also remind everyone to check in on their elderly neighbours, family, and friends to ensure that they are staying comfortable during this weather, as spring is only months away. It’s important that we all look after each other in our towns and villages.