The Gwydir News 21 September 2023

MARSHALL MOVES RFS ‘RED FLEET’ BILL TO EASE RATEPYER BURDEN

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall formally moved his Private Members’ Bill in State Parliament today, amending the Rural Fires Act 1997, to transfer the ownership of NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) vehicles, fire trucks and buildings from local councils back to the State Government.

The local MP delivered a second reading speech in the Legislative Assembly last Thursday to progress his Rural Fires Amendment (Red Fleet) Bill 2023 which he said would resolve an archaic and redundant anomaly buried within the current legislation.

“The ‘red fleet dispute’ has been an ongoing debacle – a political football – over the last 18 months between the State Government and local councils over who own and pays for RFS assets,” Mr Marshall said.

“This Bill remedies the situation, bringing the argy-bargy to an end, by making it clear that RFS assets belong to, and will be accounted for by, the State Government, via the NSW Rural Fire Service.”

Mr Marshall said the Rural Fire Service of today looked very different to when the Rural Fires Act 1997 was written.

“The Bill will vest all firefighting equipment, including apparatus, buildings, water storage towers and lookout towers with the State Government,” he said.

“As it currently stands, local councils are legally and financially responsible for firefighting equipment even though they don’t have any control over the procurement of those assets, how they are operated, stored, maintained or disposed of.

“This legislative amendment will bring the treatment of all these items inline with how the vehicle and building assets of all other emergency services in NSW are accounted for and remove an enormous and ridiculous cost burden from our local councils and their ratepayers.

“Why should a local council use ratepayer dollars to account for and depreciate an ‘asset’ which they do not purchase, manage or have the authority to dispose of?

“And why do councils legally own these vehicles but not police cars or Fire & Rescue NSW pumpers?”

Mr Marshall told Parliament his Bill amended Section 119 of the Rural Fires Act 1997 to transfer the ownership of all NSW Rural Fire Service vehicles and buildings to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

“This will ensure these assets are vested solely with the RFS, which will be required to account for these assets, and the associated depreciation and costs, on its books,” Mr Marshall said.

“Currently the Act and the NSW Auditor General requires all local councils to do this, costing them a small fortune, or risk having their accounts qualified.

“Last year 43 local councils had their accounts qualified for the 2021/22 financial year due to them not accounting for and depreciating all RFS assets in their local government areas on their books.

“The depreciation costs alone, cost each council and their ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is money which could be better spent delivering services or fixing local roads.

“In the Northern Tablelands, more than $4 million annually would be saved if this Bill were to pass the Parliament.

“This is a significant cost burden to our communities and is money that could be better used to fix potholes, reseal roads and upgrade play equipment.

“In essence, this Bill reverses a huge and archaic cost-shifting anomaly buried deep within the Act and puts the full cost back on the level of government responsible for the RFS; the State Government.

“It ensures the legislation accurately reflects what occurs today with regard to the procurement and operation of RFS assets, not what was things were like back in 1997.

“There has been so much talk lately of the financial sustainability of local councils moving into the future, so this Bill has come at a perfect time.

“I hope the government and opposition support my Bill so we can resolve this dispute once and for all.”

Mr Marshall’s Bill will be debated in the Legislative Assembly in the coming sitting weeks.

Left: the Hon. Adam Marshall MP, Member for Northern Tablelands with the RFS Red Fleet Bill in the Legislative Assembly last Thursday, 14 September 2023.

Warialda IGA to add disabled parking space

Initially proposed by Terri Hickman, whose daughter Charlotte requires the use of a motorised wheelchair, Paul Crollick, as Senior Vice President of the Moree Labor Branch presented the issue to the Branch. Subsequent representations by the Branch with the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP, and as a result of further consultation with Gwydir Shire Council, the additional space will now be installed at Carlo’s IGA, Warialda.

In response to the request, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP replied:

“As Stephen Street (which becomes Warialda Road), is a Regional road owned byTransport for NSW, but is managed by Gwydir Council, the request for a disabled parking space needed to be approved via Council’s Local Traffic Committee (LTC).

Transport for NSW forwarded the Moree Branch ALP’s request to be added to the agenda of the LTC meeting held on 17 July 2023. The LTC

Bingara Soldiers Memorial Hall façade to stay

On Tuesday 19 September 2023 the Council fulfilled its commitment to hold a public meeting prior to any decision concerning the Development Application relating to the proposal to demolish the buildings located at 33 and 35 Maitland Street Bingara.

The meeting was attended by seven elected Councillors , staff and over 50 interested residents.

Any resident who wanted to speak were encouraged to put forward their individual views. This occurred after a summary of the history that resulted in the current situation was outlined.

The meeting was advised that the Independent Planning Consultant has submitted his assessment report, which will be considered at the Council’s Meeting on Thursday 28th September 2023 at the Warialda Council Chambers commencing at 9am. A copy of the report was available for collection at the public meeting.

The Councillors will certainly have a range of opinions to consider at its meeting.

The decision to retain the façade of the Bingara Soldiers Memorial Hall was supported by most of the residents who attended the meeting.

determined that the IGA car park wa sa suitable location for disabled parking. The IGA agreed that one of their car parkingspaces could be used as a disabled parking space. Signage and markings will be installed by Gwydir Shire Council. Please contact Council about when the markings will be installed by calling 02 6724 2000 or emailing mail@gwydir.nsw.gov.au.

Thank you for taking the time to write to me. I genuinely appreciate the effort the Moree Branch ALP has made to raise this matter with the Government. I look forward to catching up with Branch Members when I am visiting the Shire.”

Paul Crollick wished to thank the Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, Gwydir Shire Council, and Carlo’s IGA Warialda for their support of this excellent outcome which will benefit all disabled and mobility-impaired residents.

Celebrating Centenary of Myall Creek Soldiers Memorial Hall

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall joined hundreds of Myall Creek district locals and former locals last weekend to mark the 100th anniversary of the much-loved Myall Creek Soldiers Memorial Hall.

Mr Marshall said the hall had been an important focal point for the local community over many years.

“A lot may have changed during the last century, however, the use and the importance of the Myall Creek Memorial Hall for the community has remained the same,” Mr Marshall said.

“In 1923, when the Hall was officially opened, the Inverell Times reported that more than 400 people from across the district turned out for a night of dance and celebration.

“A century on and the facility remains a thriving community meeting place, with a number of groups originally involved in establishing the building, like the Country Women’s Association, still regular users.

“It was wonderful to see local stalwart Ian Davidson acknowledged for his whopping 59 years of voluntary service on the Hall Committee, helping to maintain and improve the Hall and facilities.

“Myall Creek Hall has played host to countless birthday parties, cracker nights, sporting days and popular dances over many years.

“The memories and milestones the hall must have witnessed is quite remarkable.

“Congratulations to the current Hall Committee members and the many members and volunteers who have served over the past 100 years.

“Thank you for looking after this gem of a small community Hall.”

During the celebrations Mr Marshall presented a certificate of appreciation to local hall committee stalwart Ian Davidson, who recently retired after devoting 59 years of volunteer service to the hall and community.

Top: Adam Marshall MP at the 100th anniversary of the Myall Creek Memorial Hall. Above: attendees at the celebrations enjoying the convivial atmosphere of the day..

Gwydir Shire scholarship applications open

Applications are now open for two $10,000 scholarships for local students health students.

For more than two decades, the Barwon Health Alliance and Gwydir Cotton Growers Association (CGA) have supported rural university students with the Dr William Hunter and Healthy Communities scholarships.

Second year medical, allied health and nursing students from the Moree Shire, Warialda, Bingara or Collarenebri districts are eligible to apply for the 2024 scholarships, which will provide two years of funds to assist with accommodation, textbooks and other university costs.

Encouraging students to bring their skills back to the region, scholarship winners agree to undertake placements in Moree, Warialda, Bingara or Collarenebri. Retired GP and namesake of the Barwon Health Alliance scholarship Dr William Hunter said this was more important than ever with shortages of medical professionals in country areas.

Natalie said that working in Indigenous communities opened her eyes to the “massive need” for rural health services.

“I was actually really shocked when I got it,” 2023 Healthy Communities scholarship winner Natalie Young said.

“The interview process was really good and I found it quite easy to talk to the panel.”

Studying a Bachelor of Social Work through Charles Sturt University, Natalie lives and works in Moree. She is passionate about rural health and bringing more health professionals to the area, and hopes to work in oncology or mental health. The scholarship funds will help her complete her university placements.

“I really appreciate the scholarship and it’s being put to good use,” 2023 Dr William Hunter scholarship winner Will O’Donoghue said. Studying medicine at the University of Queensland, Will said the funds were a relief considering the high cost of living.

“I can see how much worse it’s getting and how quickly, even in my lifetime. It’s getting harder and harder to see someone,” Will agreed. He is eager to return to the country and is most interested in the rural generalist pathway.

Chair of Gwydir CGA Mick Humphries said the scholarships increase opportunities for locals pursuing medical careers. A partnership between Gwydir CGA and Barwon Health Alliance means that students can fill out just one application to apply for both scholarships.

Applicants must be Australian citizens in their second year or above of an undergraduate medical, allied health or nursing degree at any Australian university, and cannot currently be receiving payments from another scholarship. A two-week student placement in Moree, Bingara, Warialda or Collarenebri and a second in a rural/regional town will be required for successful applicants.

To learn more or receive an application form, email barwonha@gmail. com or call 6752 7196.

Applications for the 2024 scholarships will close on October 13, 2023.

Top left: the 2023 scholarship presentation earlier this year was semi-virtual. Pictured is Gwydir Cotton Growers Association committee member Liam Winter and Healthy Communities Scholarship winner Natalie Young.

Left: 2023 Dr William Hunter Scholarship recipient Will O’Donoghue said the funds were a relief considering the current cost of living.

Above: Healthy Communities Scholarship winner Natalie Young with Gwydir Cotton Growers Association committee member Liam Winter and chair Mick Humphries.

Bookings for Arts and Health Events

Unfortunately, tonight’s perfromance of The End of Winter has had to be cancelled due to poor bookings. It is hoped that many wonderful future productions can be brought to residents and visitors of the Gwydir Shire, but in order to do so, sustainable advance bookings need to be secured to ensure the viability of such events.

Your support of the Arts in the Gwydir Shire is appreciated. Please watch this space for the announcement of future events.

LABOR’S BASIN PLAN WILL COST US

I joined my Coalition colleagues in Parliament recently to speak up as a group against Labor’s disastrous move to re-introduce water buybacks into the Murray Darling Basin Plan regardless of the economic impact on agricultural communities.

This press conference followed on from a roundtable discussion with representatives from horticulture, agriculture and irrigation industries who have grave concerns about the effects of these changes.

The Water Amendments, Restoring Our River Act introduced by the Labor Government will severely impact agriculture, in turn pushing up the price of food and fibre even further than is already the case.

One-third of the Murray Darling Basin sits within the electorate of Parkes, and is critical not only for our environment but for many local economies, and Labor have not taken this into account. This is yet another example of the current Labor Government having no idea about the practical implications of their policies, which prioritise ideology over practicality at great cost to everyday Australians.

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRPAHERS

Calling all photographers in the Parkes electorate! My Christmas Card Photo Competition is now open, with photographers of all ages invited to submit an entry.

This is a great opportunity to have your work showcased electorate-wide, as shortlisted and winning photos will feature on my annual Christmas card which is distributed to all households, as well as on social media and my 2024 Calendar.

To enter:

• You must be a current resident of the Parkes electorate

• Email a high resolution 300dpi image to mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au

• Photos must be landscape in orientation and taken in 2023

• Include your full name, address, phone number and a brief description of the photo including location

• Please clearly indicate your permission for us to use your photo in social media, print and online materials

Entries must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 29 September 2023.

For more details please visit the media release on my website:

https://www.markcoulton.com.au/coultonschristmas-card-photo-competition-is-nowopen

PREPARING FOR THE 2023 REFERENDUM

The Referendum on the Voice to Parliament is fast approaching, with prepolls due to open on 3 October and polling day on Saturday 14 October.

My offices have been kept very busy sending out postal vote application forms to those who cannot access a computer and do not have the ability to get to a polling booth. The most efficient way to secure a postal vote is through the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website, however my offices can help if this is not a possibility.

Details for my offices are listed on my website and on a flyer I recently sent to all residents, however please note a correction to my email address which should be:

mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au

If you are already registered as a general postal voter you do not need to apply for a postal vote, however all voters should check their details are up-to-date by contacting the AEC on 13 23 26 or www.aec.gov.au as soon as possible

Below: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton joined his Coalition colleagues to oppose changes to the Murray Darling Basin Plan which would negatively affect communities in the Parkes electorate.

Warialda Junior League 2023 wrap-up

Three teams travelled to Guyra on Saturday 9 September 2023 for the Group 19 Junior Rugby League finals. Warialda’s Under-11s went in as minor premiers and came away with a win, 36-22 against Inverell. Warialda’s Harry Hawkins received the Best on the Field trophy for the game.

The Under 14s were also minor premiers, then took on Armidale in an intense game with a very close first half. They came back in the second half to win 44 to 26. Jarred Petrus was named Best on Field and Best and Fairest for the group for 2023.

Warialda’s Senior League Tag girls were also minor premiers before taking on Glen Innes in a very tight game, sadly going down 12-22. Candy Brooker took out the Group 19 Best and Fairest for 2023.

-Submitted by Sarah

Butler

Best and Fairest for Intermediate League Tag went to Holly Whalan and in the non-competitive grades, Khash Beel took out the Under 8s, Faith Turner the Junior League Tag and Dusty Turner the Under 6s.

The Club then received Group 19 Club of the Year for 2023, which is worked out on the number of players registered per population. Impressive by any standard, Warialda had four tems represented through to finals, and of the 16 Best and Fairest trophies awarded in group 19, Warialda received six.

Warialda have had a cracker of a year and have now wrapped up following their presentations on Sunday 10 September. The Warialda Junior League Annual General Meeting is set for October 30 2023.

Sarah would like to thank everyone who helped run the club this season and hopes to see them all again in 2024.

Top left: Warialda’s Under 11 team

Middle left: Warialda’s Under 14 team

Left: Warialda’s Senior League Tag Girls’ team

Above, clockwise: Jarred Petrus, Harry Hawkins, Sarah Butler, and Candy Brooker.

WHAT’S ON!

Do you have an upcoming event, meeting or save the date you would like to list? Inclusion is free and available for all non-profit organisations and community events. AGM notices welcome. Please note all details are accurate at the time of publication, however may be subject to change. Email: editor@thegwydirnews.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2023

23-24th Upper Horton Ladies of the Valley Ladies’ Horsemanship Weekend.

23rd Honor your Heart Walk 2023. Warialda Recreation Ground, 3pm. Entertainment by Savage Groove.

24th Warialda Neighbourhood Watch Community Event.

Warialda Apex Park, 10am - 2pm.

25-29th Bingara Veterans Week of Golf. Welcome drinks from 4.30pm 24 September. Contact Judy 0428 241 415 or Tim 0427 291 672.

29th-1/10 1973/74 Warialda Senior Rugby League Reunion. Chog 0427 291 602 or Bryan 0497 129 080.

OCTOBER 2023

3-5th Holistic Grazing with Brian Wehlburg, The Living Classroom. Bookings: https://tinyurl.com/562t628p

4th Warialda Neighbourhood Watch, Warialda CHSP, 36 Hope Street Warialda, 10am.

7th Touriandi 30th Birthday Open Day, 10am-12pm, 4 Old Bora Road Bingara. 02 6724 2199.

11th Aladdin and his Magic Smartwatch, 10.30am, Warialda Memorial Hall. Bookings: TryBooking.com

14th Warialda Community Fund and Westpac Helicopter Masquerade Ball, 7pm-12am, Warialda Town Hall.

17th Warialda Historical Society Meeting, Warialda Museum, Plunkett Street, 5pm.

19th Warialda Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee Meeting, 11am, Warialda Council Chambers.

19th Warialda Golf and Bowling Club AGM, 6.30pm.

21st Warialda Honey Festival, Warialda Recreation Ground, 3pm-8pm.

29th Potluck Community Dinner, Warialda Anglican Church Hall 6pm. All welcome.

NOVEMBER 2023

1st Warialda Neighbourhood Watch, Warialda CHSP, 36 Hope Street Warialda, 10am.

11th Warialda Hospital Auxiliary Market Night, Warialda Golf and Bowling Club.

25th Line dancing social, Bingara RSL, 1pm-5pm. Newcastle DJ Ian Duke.

WHAT’S ON!

Do you have an upcoming event, meeting or save the date you would like to list? Inclusion is free and available for all non-profit organisations and community events. AGM notices welcome. Please note all details are accurate at the time of publication, however may be subject to change.

DECEMBER 2023

1st Warialda Christmas tree lighting and Carinda House Christmas Matkets, from 5.30pm. Tree lighting at 8.15pm.

3rd Bingara Carols by Candlelight, Bingara MPS, 6pm

6th Warialda Neighbourhood Watch, Warialda CHSP, 36 Hope Street Warialda, 10am.

8th Warialda Christmas Carnival, Details TBA

9th Bingara Special Events Christmas Festival, 6pm. Boom Crash Opera.

16th Warialda Rail Christmas Carnival, Warialda Rail Recreation Ground 5pm

29th New Years Eve Music Muster, Bingara Showgrounds. Bookings: https://tinyurl.com/yn86apsf

Church Notices

ANGLICAN CHURCH

Bingara: Worship at St John’s Anglican Parish, Bingara – Sunday 9:30am

Warialda: Warialda Anglican Church, Warialda - Every Sunday - 9:30am

Coolatai: First Sunday each month3:00pm

Minister Steve Cimarosti, can be contacted on 6729 1501

CATHOLIC CHURCH

PARISHES WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULES

Warialda: Saturday – 6:00pm, 4th weekend – 10:00am

Delungra: Sundays – 10:00am, 4th weekend – 6:00pm

Bingara: Every Sunday – 8:00am

WEEKDAY MASSES

Warialda: 1st and 3rd weeks, Mass 9:00am

Bingara: 2nd and 4th weeks, Rosary 9:30am/Mass 10:00am

Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Thanksgiving and Family Mass: By appointment 02 6729 1116.

UNITING CHURCH

Inverell Uniting Church’s services are live streamed at 9:00am on the Inverell Uniting Church Family private Facebook Group. These services are also recorded for later viewing – please search and join.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Bingara: Scots Presbyterian Church is open for worship at 10:00am every Sunday. Sunday School to be held each week.

Warialda: St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church has weekly worship services each Sunday at 10:00am. All welcome. Enquiries 6721 0511.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”

Colossians 3:23-24