Warialda Gym Announces Successful Completion of Major Renovations

Submitted by Graham Cutmore

Warialda Gym is delighted to announce the completion of extensive renovations, including the demolition of old bathrooms and the construction of new facilities. The grand opening, held on Thursday 13 July 2023, was attended by a significant number Council staff, Councillors and was officially opened by the Hon. Mark Coulton.

The completion of this substantial renovation project signifies a noteworthy enhancement of our facilities and exemplifies our commitment to provide the local community with top-class fitness amenities.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Wayne Andrews, who led the demolition works with exceptional proficiency and diligence, ensuring that the initial phase of the renovation went smoothly.

The renovation project was further advanced by the Randal Group who successfully handled the final stages of construction, in particular, the bathroom renovations and installation of the new glass door. Their expertise was instrumental in enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of our gym facility.

A project of this scale involves the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals and groups. Therefore, we’d like to extend our gratitude to all subcontractors who played a part in this substantial upgrade. Their collective expertise, professionalism, and commitment to quality have undoubtedly contributed to the successful realisation of our vision.

With our doors back open, Gwydir Fitness Centre welcomes all members of the community to come and experience the upgrades. We are confident that these new facilities will greatly enhance our members’ fitness journeys.

The completion of these renovations is not merely about the transformation of a physical space; it’s about fostering a healthier, fitter, and happier community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back and seeing the positive impact these enhancements will have on our members health and fitness goals.

About Gwydir Fitness Centre

Gwydir Fitness Centre is a community-focused fitness centre located in Warialda and Bingara. We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, supportive, and well-equipped environment for all members of our community to achieve their health and fitness goals.

Three new fire trucks and honours for Namoi Gwydir Rural Fire Service members

Members of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) Namoi Gwydir Team were celebrated during special events held in Bingara on Wednesday 19 July and Bellata on Thursday 20 July to recognise their dedication and more than 500 years’ service amongst them.

Across both ceremonies, Assistant Commissioner Jayson McKellar presented 16 Long Service Medals, two National Medals and two Humanitarian Overseas Medals for RFS members who have rendered sustained or significant service.

“This is an opportunity to recognise the hard work and incredible contribution of volunteers and staff across the region,” Assistant Commissioner McKellar said.

“Every single one of these members should be proud of themselves and their dedication to protecting local communities, those across the state and further afield as well.

It is important to have these volunteers on deck to mentor and guide the younger generation joining the Service now and into the future.

“’I’d particularly like to recognise Keith Thomson of the Brooklyn Brigade who is being recognised for 60 years’ service.

Joining in 1962 and previously holding the ranks of Deputy and Senior Deputy Captain, Keith remains an active, integral part of the brigade and community.”

The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal is presented to members of the Service in recognition of their deployment to Canada in 2017 and were presented to Jock Smith from Narrabri and Garry Cooper from the Bingara Brigade.

In a boost to the region’s firefighting capabilities, Bingara’s ceremony included the handover of replacement fire tankers for the Croppa Creek, Bingara and Upper Horton Rural Fire Brigades.

The combined $440,000 investment will see the update of vehicles which had served each brigade and the communities they protect for more than 20 years.

Assistant Commissioner McKellar thanked the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all RFS volunteers.

“We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property,” he said.

Emergency Plus - the app that could save your life!

In an emergency, time and location accuracy are critical. By downloading the ‘Emergency +’ app, you’ll equip yourself with a powerful tool that will help you call Triple Zero (000) quickly, and allow you to accurately communicate your location to emergency call-takers.

‘Emergency +’ is a national app developed by Australia’s emergency services and their government industry partners, helping people to call the right number at the right time, anywhere in Australia. Emergency + also includes SES and Police Assistance Line numbers as options, so non-emergency calls are made to the most appropriate number.

When calling Triple Zero (000), remember to stay focused, stay relevant and stay on the line. Before you call ask yourself: what3words has divided the world into 3m squares and given each one a unique three word identifier. Addressing using what3words works offline - ideal when you have no data coverage or are in a remote location.

* Is someone seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help?

* Is your life or property being threatened?

* Have you just witnessed a serious accident or crime?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, call Triple Zero (000). Triple Zero (000) calls are free.

The app uses a mobile phone’s GPS functionality and what3words, so callers can provide emergency call-takers with their location information as determined by their smart phone.

With what3words available within the Emergency+ app, Triple Zero (000) callers can confirm their exact location quickly and accurately.

Important – if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile telephone.

The Emergency Plus app is available to download for free on the App Store or Google Play emergencyplus.com.au

Free Home Internet For Unconnected Students

I’m pleased to announce the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) is now available, offering free home internet for up to one year for eligible unconnected families with school aged students.

Through this initiative the Australian Government aims to bridge the digital divide and expand educational opportunities for students who do not have home internet access.

To qualify, participants must:

- Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school in 2023.

- Not have an active NBN network internet service at home. Having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility.

- Be referred by a nominating organisation. This will include consideration of whether the child has access to a device and the digital skills to use the internet safely.

- Live in a premises that can access the NBN network.

For more information please visit the website: https://www.nbnco.com.au/campaigns/ school-student-broadband-initiative

Concerns About Proposed Heritage Laws

I have serious concerns about Labor’s proposed cultural heritage reforms and their potential impact on Australian property owners.

The Labor Government has refused to rule out heritage laws similar to the controversial Cultural Heritage Act in Western Australia which is now in question. Any similar laws would cause havoc in communities I represent, as this would require landowners to obtain expensive cultural surveys for basic activities conducted on their own properties.

Most Australians want to do the right thing, but what was proposed in Western Australia is overreach, and would have a hugely negative impact should anything similar be introduced in the Parkes electorate.

For more detail please read the media release: https://www.markcoulton.com.au/laborsproposed-heritage-reforms-a-major-riskfor-australian-property-owners/

LABOR’S BANANA REPUBLIC

Under the current Government we are, to echo Paul Keating, becoming a BANANA republic, meaning: Builds Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone.

The previous Government understood that infrastructure underpins the Australian economy and invested billions of dollars in highway upgrades and railway projects such as the Inland Rail. This Government is a disgrace when it comes to infrastructure, and needs to get Australia moving.

They’re waiting for the results of the 90 Day Review, but they should get on with it and stop delaying projects so necessary to the lifeblood of communities across the Parkes electorate!

Amazing Effort For Macquarie Home Stay

What a great example of community fundraising - the Duck Creek Picnic Races have raised $40,000 for Macquarie Home Stay and I couldn’t be prouder of the people in this electorate. So proud in fact, that I spoke up in Parliament about this last week. People in the West know all too well the importance of the Macquarie Home Stay and the accommodation it provides for people undergoing medical treatments and their families. About 28 per cent of its visitors are Aboriginal people as well as many other people from the Far West.

Where the Labor Government cut funding options for this facility, the people of Western New South Wales have stepped up to support this incredibly necessary facility so that it can now plan more rooms to meet demand. Amazing effort!