www.awnw.com.au
Issue #265 – Wednesday, 21 January, 2015
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
Beefed up It’s no bull at the cattle yards, with Wodonga’s Northern Victoria LIvestock Exchange seeing record prices and smiles at the saleyard. FOR THE LATEST ON THE CATTLE BOOM, TURN TO PAGE 2.
■ Council says it will throw its weight behind gay relationships...
Marriage vow By ERIN SOMERVILLE
Wodonga councillor Lisa Mahood moves to support marriage equality. 133316 Picture: ERIN SOMERVILLE there for a while,” Ms Boyes, who is a member and supporter of the GLBTI community. “The whole motion is largely symbolic, but the more symbolism, the better.” Cr Annie Speedie supported Cr Mahood’s motion, but was quick to point out the issue did not belong in the chamber of local government. “Part of being a councillor and leader of this community is being respectful of all people’s views,” she said. “Bringing party politics to play at our table is not appropriate.” Cr Eric Kerr, who seconded the motion, threw his full supported behind the proposal and argued that councillors were “leaders for the community” and should support equality values and it fell in line with council’s human rights policy. Cr John Watson also acknowledged the human rights policy and while he argued it wasn’t an issue that should concern local government, he outlined that he would support the motion regardless. Meanwhile, Wodonga’s mayor Rodney Wangman highlighted that the issue could very likely be on the agenda at this year’s Victorian meeting of local councils.
Domanic, Heather, Jennifer and Nikita McAinsh celebrate what they love most about Australia.
Differences bring country together BEING Australian means something a little different to each of this country’s 23 million residents. Whether it’s its great outdoors, the fair go for all attitude, being part of a vibrant bubbling pot of multiculturalism or just a simple love of a barbecue after the footy, Australians will celebrate their nation in a variety of ways on 26 January. Everyone is welcome to join in all the festivities on the Border as some of our greatest citizens are acknowledged, new ones are welcomed, and all that is loved about the country is recognised. Turn to pages 12, 13 and entertainment for all the details of official Australia Day activities in the area.
Domanic McAinsh, Heather McAinsh, Jennifer McAinsh, and Nikita McAinshcelebrate what they love most about Picture: ADAM WILSON Australia 133307
1169930-EG04-15
“IT’S a small victory, but a victory nonethe-less.” That’s how Wodonga resident Melissa Boyes described Wodonga council’s surprise decision to support same sex marriage at Monday night’s meeting. Councillors voted five to one in favour of the notice of motion that was put forward by Cr Lisa Mahood which asked the council to publicly support marriage equality. It will also see the council write to all local state and federal Members of Parliament, and other relevant federal level groups, advising of that support. “I have a belief in equality for all religions, race, ages, sex and gender identities,” Cr Mahood - who is also an ALP member - said as she tabled her motion. “I speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.” Cr Mark Byatt chose to abstain from the vote saying that it was not a local government issue and that a unified approach from local councils was needed to be effective. Meanwhile, Cr Michael Fraser voted against the motion after arguing there had been a lack of consultation with the community on the issue. “We’re here to represent the people of Wodonga and not just our beliefs,” he said. “Is this supported by the people of Wodonga? Well we don’t know because the question hasn’t been asked.” Members and supporters of the local gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex community held their breath as they sat through a lengthy debate as councillors weighed up the relevance of the issue at a local government level, and whether it represented the Wodonga community’s beliefs. “I’m really pleased, but I was worried
NEW RELEASE – HUESKE ROAD