The Weekly

Firstly, sorry for the big gap in editions... April/May has been quite hectic with The Nationals' Preselection for Riverina, the Italian Connection Trophy Rally, study and much more around the place!

I have been reviewing the Digital Television situation and correspondence Council has received from the Minister. There are a number of matters which I am not happy with and need some clarification, so I hope to get that resolved shortly. Thank you to everyone who has been advising me of their reception difficulties.

There have been a few misconceptions in the community regarding the skate park and where the project is at. Further, there have been some emails circulation trying to portray a particular attitude. To un muddy the waters the process will be as follows:

Youth Consultation (is this a project the youth definitely want and are they committed to it)
Community Consultation (Neighbourhood Centre, Schools and the Police)
Initial fundraising (to cover the cost of preparing plans and development application expenses)
Council support and lodgment of development and or appropriate application
Further fundraising to attain grant funding and in kind support

Congratulations to Cr Peter Batey and the Friends of the Old Gundagai Gaol for the wonderful markets that were held in Gundagai a fortnight ago. It was great driving into town on Saturday afternoon and seeing the street alive! I am also told that John Clark from Tuckerbox Auctions was instrumental in their success and provided his services free of charge. Well done and thank you John.

The Italian Connection Trophy Rally rolled into town on Friday evening. Unfortunately the Gundagai crew got here about second last, but I can you we had fun, especially coming out of Sydney. The Motorkhana was conducted in the Council carpark at about 5:30pm under lights, which was an ICT first and gave the event an interesting flare.

The Community Rally Dinner was attended by 130 guests at the Gundagai District Services Club. The night was amazing. For the remaining two legs of the Rally, Gundagai was the talk of the Rally with drivers who have been a part of the Rally for the past three years commenting that the 2010 Gundagai stopover had been the best they had experienced in the entire Rally series, so much so, they can't wait to get back here in 2011.

I would like to thank everyone who came and supported the dinner, especially those who were involved in bringing the Rally dinner together: Jean Clark, Les and Judy Carr, Robert and Jessica Butcher, Julie Lobel, Gundagai District Services Club Staff, Parkview on Sheridan, Bandamora Art Gallery, Gundagai Community Choir, Marieanne Noonan and Gundagai High School.

Our sponsors: Luci + Daisy, Gundagai Pharmacy, Damasque Australia, Gundagai Newsagency, GPA ACCREDITATION plus, The Daily Advertiser, The Gundagai Independent, Gundagai Shire Council, Gundagai District Services Club, A1 Signwise East Hills, Church House B&B Gundagai and National Australia Bank.

I would like to pass on a big thank you to Danika Moses of NAB Gundagai, who sponsored my entry in the Rally, but further contributed enormously by collecting the lights from Wagga for the Motorkhana, provided pens and money boxes for the raffles on the night, gave an additional raffle prize on the night worth $250 and moral support! I can't thank her and the Bank enough, so please support the local branch where possible.

Congratulations to Michael McCormack from Wagga Wagga who won the Nationals' preselection. While I was unsuccessful, the experience is invaluable and I had an amazing time. It has been a pleasure to meet and spend time with Michael, Wes Fang, Mark Hoskinson and John Minogue during the campaign period, all of whom are fantastic and dedicated supporters of the National Party. I was pleased that I was able to deliver a speech that was enjoyed by the preselectors and that his whole process has given me a new confidence I may not have gained otherwise. Well done to all involved.

Apart from that, it is business as usual. Council is currently going through the budget process so I encourage you to view the budget and management plan and/or make comments on it. It can be downloaded from the Council website at www.gundagai.nsw.gov.au by following the links. Submissions are to go to the General Manager and should be received by 10:00am Monday June 7, 2010.