It has been a great week across the Northern Tablelands.
The New England Garden Festival in Armidale was a huge success. Thousands of people went the event at the Armidale Racecourse as well as participated in the many garden tours which showcased our beautiful region. Congratulations to the Festival committee for putting on a fantastic event.
I had the chance to get out to Boomi to inspect the winter harvest crop. It is a bumper year, and it was great to get back on the tools and see first-hand what our farmers have been doing.
It was great to catch up with members of the University of the Third Age in Armidale for their weekly Tuesday Talks.
Melbourne Cup day is a big one for the whole country but this year it was certainly one to be celebrated in the Northern Tablelands. The Rotary Club of Armidale put on a great luncheon at the Armidale City Bowling Club and we all cheered home the Walcha-bred Knights Choice, who won the Melbourne Cup. Congratulations to Norm and Diane Bazeley of Elswick Park for breeding Knights Choice.
I met with Uralla Shire Council to discuss key regional issues and answer questions the newly-elected councillors had. It is always fantastic to connect with local government and I wish them the best of luck moving forward.
The annual Snowgum School Leaders Luncheon is a highlight for young leaders from the small schools around the Guyra area. It was fantastic to catch up with captains and staff from Ebor Public School, Black Mountain Public School, Chandler Public School, Bald Blair Public School, Guyra Central School and Ben Lomond Public School. Many of these students are finishing up at primary school and moving on to high school in 2025. I wish them the best of luck in the future.
I also got to inspect the new amenities facilities at the Ascent Group’s Australian Disability Enterprises. The refurbishment there was thanks to two grants from the NSW Government, the latest a $209,990 one to remove asbestos from the site. It is excellent all users of the facility with have safe and accessible amenities to use.
Harvest is in full swing. “It was excellent to go and see it first-hand.”
Gilgai Post Office temporary closure
The Gilgai Post Office will be temporarily closed from Thursday, 7 November to Monday, 11 November 2024 due to staffing shortages.
The Gilgai Post Office will reopen on Tuesday 12 November 2024. Unfortunately, PO Box mail will not be available until the outlet re-opens.
In the interim period, customers can travel to the Inverell Post Shop, 9.5km away.
Heritage grants open
Applications are now open for the 2025–27 NSW Heritage Grants Round with grants from $10,000 to $300,000 on offer.
The State Heritage Grants program is aimed at preservation, maintenance and conservation of items listed on the State Heritage Register.
Infrastructure grants
Local not-for-profits, community groups and organisations are being encouraged to apply for the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program.
Funding can be used for a range of projects from upgrading local halls, to lighting for sporting grounds, art exhibits, community transport, or infrastructure that supports youth.
Applications opened on 4 November now and close on 25 November. For more information, please visit nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/responsible-gambling-grants
Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands
