Thank you for your support these past few months

Thank you all for your support over the past few months – I’m back as your mayor.

It was a tough election campaign, filled with its fair share of misinformation, as has become typical during council elections over the past 20 years.

However, I’m grateful for the encouragement and trust you’ve placed in me, and I look forward to continuing our work together.
One of my key aims with this column is to address some of the common misunderstandings about the role of council. As the third tier of government our responsibilities are often complex, and

I’ve found much to be learned along the way. I’m excited to share some of these insights with you all over time.

Before anything else, I’d like to pay tribute to Arthur Wells, who recently passed away at the age of 97. Arthur was the last remaining World War II Digger from Narrabri, marking the end of an era. His memory, and the legacy of all who have served, lives on in our hearts.

On that note, the Narrabri RSL sub-branch visited several war memorials across the region last Sunday to pay our respects and explore opportunities for improvements. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and to Nicole Gallagher and her committee for their leadership in this initiative.

Last week’s council meeting was brief, focusing on appointing the mayor and deputy mayor and addressing a few immediate matters. Our first full ordinary council meeting will be held on Monday, October 28 at 5.30 pm in the council chambers in Narrabri. As always, residents are welcome to attend in person or tune in to the livestream online.

One of the first things I did upon being re-elected was contact Hunter New England Health to get an update on the services at both Wee Waa and Narrabri Hospitals. I’m hopeful for a response soon, as maintaining robust healthcare in our communities is absolutely critical. Our hospitals are the lifeblood of the region, and we must keep the pressure on both the state government and the local health networks to ensure quality care across the Shire.

As your mayor, I also plan to visit all the smaller villages and towns within our shire, alongside the general manager. I want to meet with residents who’d like to have a chat, ensuring everyone has a voice. These visits are a chance to listen, understand and ensure that all corners of our community are heard and considered.

October is NSW Small Business Month, and there are still plenty of free events happening across the region, including workshops and brunches in Narrabri, Boggabri and Wee Waa. I encourage everyone to register on council’s website and get involved.

Nominations are now open for the Lillian Hulbert Memorial Award, celebrating the achievements of young people aged 15 to 17. Forms are available online, and nominations close on November 22.

In addition, council is seeking public feedback on the Wee Waa Levee upgrade, with comments accepted until October 25. A pop-up session will be held on October 16 at the Wee Waa Business Centre for those who want to learn more.

A reminder for residents: Mount Kaputar National Park will undergo aerial and ground pest control from October 15 to 18. Some areas, including Dawsons Spring and Bark Hut, will be closed temporarily, and residents may notice helicopters and hear shooting during this time.

Meanwhile, construction on splash pads in Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri is progressing well, with completion expected by mid-December. There may be brief closures during the final stages, but these exciting new facilities will soon be ready for summer.

Several other infrastructure projects are advancing too, including new fencing at Dangar Park, roadworks on Pilliga Road and essential water mains and sewer repairs in Narrabri and Wee Waa. It’s a busy time across the shire, and I’m grateful for your patience as we work through these improvements.

Thank you all again for your ongoing support. I look forward to catching up with many of you in the coming weeks, whether at a council meeting, community event or during my visits around the shire.