New varieties to be released, latest in research at field day

September 8, 2014, 10:32 pm

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Researchers at the IA Watson Grains Research Centre  are looking forward to welcoming growers and people from across the farming community to the centre’s annual field day tomorrow, Wednesday.

Visitors to the field day will hear about and see the current research and future programs at the centre.

Grain growers will learn what varieties are in the pipeline for their farming in the years ahead.The field day has been restructured, with a program of more relevance to growers, said one of the organisers, associate professor Richard Heath. 

“The field day will start at 9am with information sessions around two of our key research areas, followed by an opportunity to visit trials, see how research equipment works and interact one on one with various University and other researchers.”

Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) will be releasing new varieties and growers will have the opportunity to talk to the

researchers and later visit the trial areas of particular interest to them. 

The grains research centre is recognised nationally and internationally for its work which includes development of some iconic Australian wheat varieties.

The Centre has an enviable history of research and breeding with many iconic wheat cultivars such as Sunco and Sunvale originating from the breeding program based there.

“In recent years a significant new stage of infrastructure investment by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) the Wheat Research Foundation (WRF) and the University of Sydney has secured a centre of excellence for grains research for many decades to come” said associate professor Heath.

“The University now has 13 full time and five part time staff based at Narrabri with a continually growing research program. 

“This year we have 15 PhD, Masters and Honours students using trials at the IA Watson Centre. 

“We have more research and breeding than ever before with trials on site from University of Sydney, AGT, Kalyx, Longreach Plant Breeders, CSIRO, NSWDPI and Austgrains. 

“There is 130ha of, or 108,000 two metre by six metre plots sown at the IA Watson Centre this year.

“The GRDC is the major and crucial supporter of the research carried out at the IA Watson Centre by the University of Sydney, with nine separate projects and four full time positions funded to the tune of $2.6 million per year. 

“A further $1 million of research annually is funded by other bodies such as the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, and international agencies, such as The Generation Challenge program and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

 The IA Watson Centre also hosts research, pre-breeding and breeding from many other providers.  “Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) has a significant presence at the Centre and the University would like to thank and acknowledge AGT for their support of the field day’ said associate professor Heath. 

 

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New local organisation will offer crisis support

September 8, 2014, 10:39 pm

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The need for support for people who are struggling and entering crisis situations has never been greater.

Economic hardship and the range of issues impacting on personal wellbeing are increasingly being felt in many country communities, including Narrabri Shire.

Now, a new not for profit support organisation, One Of A Kind Community Support, is to be launched in Narrabri and volunteers are being called for to be part of the body. 

“The organisation is focused on offering neighbourhood, social and community support programs” said Chief Executive Officer Michael Ticehurst.

“We will reach at-risk locals before the need for crisis support and suicide prevention services.

“The need was identified through consultation with social workers and volunteers, including those from the existing One Of A Kind Opportunity Shops.

“Volunteers reported that many visitors use the shops as a source of social interaction and that is just one service that we hope to build upon,” says Michael.

The organisation’s opportunity shops, based in Tamworth, Armidale and Narrabri, have previously been a source of funds for national charity Lifeline. 

The establishment of the new organisation means that the funds raised, much of which come from the generosity of locals, will now be kept and used locally. In November One Of A Kind Community Support will launch a local non-crisis telephone service to tackle issues such as loneliness and financial distress, and support vulnerable groups including young mothers and farmers. They will also launch a Narrabri-based community and neighbourhood support program in early December. 

Phone 6765 7000 for information.

Our top tipsters off to NRL Grand Final

September 8, 2014, 11:06 pm

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The winners of The Courier 2014 NRL Tipping Competition will fly to Sydney for the Grand Final, each with accommodation for two at a five star Sydney hotel courtesy of The Courier.

The winners, top tipster Chris Fowler, and  Peter McCauley representing Business House Challenge winner Faber’s Prestige Powder Coating, accompanied by their wives Amanda and Tammy, will be part of the Grand Final excitement at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, October 5, courtesy of the NRL.

The Courier NRL tipping competition began with the biggest ever number of nominations from potential tipsters.

Thanks to all who participated in the competition (results page 10) - and we look forward to the start of the 2015 tipping competition.

Finals Fever now starts on Thursday with the top eight readers from the NRL competition fighting it out for $400 worth of prizes.

 

Thirty years of embroiderers’ talents on exhibition

September 11, 2014, 4:08 pm

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Narrabri embroiderers’ craftmanshiop and creativity was on display at the group’s 30th birthday exhibition at The Crossing Theatre on Friday and Saturday.

The 16 member Narrabri group is a member of the NSW Embroiderers’ Guild.

The exhibition was titled ‘A Cascade of Pearls.’

A feature of the display was a collection of pieces made by the founders of the group, a wall display themed ‘Reflections.’ Another feature, among works from group members, was a large wall hanging, the group’s ‘challenge’ project for the past 12 months,  titled ‘I Can Stitch A Rainbow’ to which each member made a contribution.

A special guest for the 30th birthday event was the state president of the NSW Embroiderers’ Guild, Margaret Gollan.

Exhibition of accomplished local artist Judy Nobilo’s work

September 11, 2014, 4:25 pm

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"A Painting Journey Old and New" art exhibition will open tomorrow, September 12 at the Narrabri Craft Shop gallery.

The exhibition features work by local artist Judy Nobilo, who will exhibit a selection of her many paintings which hang in her home, such as "Ted" which won the Peoples' Choice Lexus Mortimore prize in 2006, as well as "Young Australians" which took out the major prize in 2010 at Frost Over Barraba.

Since retiring from work 18 months ago, Judy has been able to devote more time to her hobby and has been trying new painting techniques and styles.

Judy's mediums of choice are oil and pastel and she always has the camera handy as she paints mainly from photos.

"Portraits are a favourite subject. They can be very challenging but rewarding, like the time  I surprised my niece with a portrait of her daughter and she became overwhelmed with emotion and got teary, it makes it all worthwhile," Judy said.

There will be about 80 paintings on display, although not all will be for sale.

 

Fashion Under The Stars David’s finale

September 11, 2014, 5:37 pm

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Fashions Under The Stars, a fund raiser for St Francis Xavier’s Parents and Friends to be  staged by Narrabri’s David Pierce on Saturday night will be a spectacular event.

It will also be David’s final parade, the culmination of a long catalogue of successful events he has organised and staged for local charities.

Proprietor of Authentic Trademarks, David’s not going anywhere and he remains very much a part of the business and general community, but he has decided to finally hang up his charity choreographer, fashion, music director and co-ordinator’s hat to pursue other areas.

David has made a huge contribution to the coffers of local charities in his career as the driver of fashion fundraisers.

And importantly he has been a mentor, advisor, confidence builder and friend to many young people along the way.

David’s parades are special occasions, and bigger than anyone outside the event would probably realise in terms of organisation, work and time. But the commitment has always been cheerfully given and successfully carried through.

But now that era, sadly, is over.

“This will be my last ever fashion show in Narrabri” said David. “It is time to do other things.

“But I want to go out with a bang. A big event, the closest I can achieve to bring Fashion Week to Narrabri. I have always wanted to do this.

“And I am delighted to be able to do it for the school” he adds.

“If I can help generate a significant amount to go towards the start of a foundation for a multi purpose centre for the school I will be very happy to have played my part.” 

David has presented many charity events, starting with the first, a fund raiser in conjunction with Noelene Barraket when the Narrabri High School library was burned down.

Then there was Farmcraft and many more.

Even when David was working long hours running a major store in Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall he made time to come back to Narrabri to stage parades with panache and to contribute  his time and expertise.

The charities are the financial beneficiaries, but what may be overlooked is the impact participation in the events has on the young models, as a confidence builder and  in opening a  window on a wider world.

David has seen quiet kids blossom after they step on the catwalk, realise their potential and gain confidence - doors open for them.

“That’s  a big reason I do it. There are so many opportunities for our young people and these events give them the confidence to step out and follow it through” said David.

Meanwhile, the stage is set for the Fashions under The Stars at Narrabri Golf Club “We have close to 20 local models” David said. “We have been busy rehearsing and preparing.”

“Tickets are nearly sold out but some may still be available up until 12 noon on Saturday at Authentic Trademarks.

 

Western centres could link in a hub and spoke

September 11, 2014, 5:40 pm

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Narrabri has not had a regular Sydney air service since the end of May when Vincent Aviation collapsed, but Walgett Shire has been without an airline since December 2008.

A delegation from Walgett Shire Council was keen to talk to the visiting Virgin Australia executives in Narrabri on Tuesday to present a case for a Walgett linkage to a possible Narrabri air service.

Walgett mayor, Cr Bill Murray, and general manager, Mr Don Ramsland, held a meeting with Virgin Australia Regional Manager Alexandra O’Connell and Business Development Leader Andrew Best when the Virgin executives.

“We have proposed that a hub and spoke arrangement be put in place if Virgin begins regular passenger services to Narrabri” said Cr Murray.

“Virgin has some smaller aircraft, acquired when they bought Sky West, which we believe would be suitable to fly passengers from Walgett and Lightning Ridge, perhaps also  including centres like Bourke and Brewarrina, to Narrabri to link up with a Virgin service to Sydney.”

The Walgett to Narrabri flight would be about 20 minutes and the other centres could be added to make a ‘milk run’ of stops en route.

Drawing passengers from the western centres would further build capacity for Virgin in and out of Narrabri.

The future of an air service appeared to be a regional model.

“We see the issue as a regional jigsaw” said Cr Murray.

“We have a lot of service providers, medical and legal for instance, who are currently making a three hour drive from Dubbo.

“There would be benefits to our communities in improving the range of these services if we had access to an air service.”

 

Goodies galore at traditional country fair

September 11, 2014, 5:41 pm

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The traditional country fair is a memory for many communities, but not Narrabri.

The annual Presbyterian flower Show to be held on Saturday at the St Stephen’s Hall, is a fair of the old style.

“We will have everything you would expect to find at a fair” said spokesman Graeme Philp.

And the fair provides a great lunch too, with some of the best home cooking you will find, although the ladies in the kitchen would be too modest to say so.

This week the fair organisers have been busy unpacking produce.

“We will have craft, ranging from soft toys to coathangers and embroidered tea towels, plants for the garden, pickles, chutneys and cakes.

“There will be home made donuts and milkshakes and Devonshire teas.”

And, of course there will be fresh flowers on display, the best from some of the best gardeners.

“Everyone has contributed something to the day” said Graeme.

Trading tables start at St Stephen’s hall at 10am and regular visitors to the fair make a point of being early.

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Thumbs up to the Blue Boars

September 11, 2014, 5:49 pm

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THUMBS UP TO THE BLUE BOARS: Narrabri High School students and staff are right behind the Narrabri Blue Boars in their home ground Grand Final clash with Tamworth Pirates on Saturday. Back: Ethan Wright, Lauren Nott, Georgie Hancock (obscured), Blue Boars #1 fan Jenny Hood, Grace Tomlinson, Alana Trudgeon, Chelsea Hancock, Georgina Rutter (obscured), Ashley Baker and Emma Partridge (teacher), front, Jordyn Mowle (standing), Hamish Nolan, Nick Tomlinson, Ruby Ford and Isabel Gourley (standing). High School receptionist Jenny Hood has created a Blue Boars fan site, complete with blue balloons and signage at the school’s front office. Jenny and Narrabri High supporters will be at Dangar Park in force for the big game.

Crossroads named Narrabri’s ‘Best Business’

September 15, 2014, 10:54 pm

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The Crossroads Hotel was declared the winner of the 2014 Narrabri Best Business title at Saturdays night’s awards presentation dinner at The Crossing Theatre.

This is the second year the Crossroads has taken out the top prize, also having won in 2012. The award was presented to proprietors Campbell and Narree McIntosh to the applause of the capacity audience of 350 Narrabri business operators and their staff.

The event was the culmination of the tenth ‘best business’ promotion conducted each year by Narrabri Chamber of Commerce.

And on the tenth anniversary of the awards, the MC for the first presentation dinner, Mr Terry Hogan, returned to take the podium as MC.

Businesses large and small were recognised for their successes in a range of areas from training to innovation, customer service to businesses supporting business.

The Best Business winner, the Crossroads Hotel is a  modern hotel, significantly renovated  and enlarged from its earlier days as the old Commercial Hotel, with new bar and dining areas and 24 new accommodation units, plus a bowling alley, a unique feature in a country town.

Campbell McIntosh thanked the community for its support and acknowledged that the growth of Narrabri and the strongly developing economy of the town and district had underwritten the hotel’s

continuing success.

Award winners were announced across a range of categories.

A new honorary awards category was launched this year to recognise the role of the community’s volunteer organisations.

Representatives of Narrabri Rotary, Life Worth Living, Narrabri Men’s Shed, Meals on Wheels, Narrabri Family Crisis Centre and Shared Table were called to the stage to receive awards.

Guest at the presentation dinner, Member for Barwon and Minister for Land and Water, Mr Kevin Humphries, praised the role of the volunteers in the community and congratulated the chamber.

 “This is the first time I am aware of that  a business sector organisation has  recognised its volunteers and their service and support to the community” he said.

The chamber’s initiative highlighted the close knit nature of the Narrabri community.

Mr Humphries said Australians lived in a privileged society, and Narrabri was a privileged town.

The hallmark of a civilised community was its willingness to assist less fortunate people.’

Mr Humphries praised the community minded nature of Narrabri which was a further strength added to its economic growth. Narrabri was undergoing a surge which was bringing new development and also the return of many young people to live in their home  town, Mr Humphries said.

“Everything is growing. We are seeing diversification in the community, particularly in business.”

Businesses which would bring considerable benefits were moving into Narrabri  to work with the community, Mr Humphries said.

“Everything about Narrabri is getting better.”

A special presentation was made by Chamber of Commerce president, Mr Russell Stewart, to the proprietors of Watson’s Kitchen, Terry and Marika Miller, who have sold their iconic Narrabri business launched by Terry’s father in 1946.

Mr Miller was presented with Life Membership of the Chamber and a certificate of recognition for the role of his business over almost 70 years.

In response, Mr Miller thanked the chamber and the community, noting that Narrabri traditionally enjoyed the status as a strong and steady business community.

“We are not a boom and bust town” he said, adding that he and his wife Marika had no intention of leaving.

Guest speaker at the presentation awards, Auscott’s Namoi Valley general manager Mr Bernie George spoke of the future demands of the growing world population for food, and the need for innovative and effective ways to better utilise water in its production. The world’s population was predicted to reach 8.9 billion by 2050 with an increase of 70 percent in the demand for food, Mr George said.

Australia could play a key role in feeding the world and could reap an estimated $1.7 trillion in export revenue between now and 2050 if the nation seized the opportunities in technologies to better utilise water and manage the competing demands for water across the spectrum of agriculture and energy production, recreation and civic needs.

Suicide awareness in focus at community day

September 15, 2014, 11:08 pm

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The release of hundreds of balloons on Saturday  signalled the start of the second annual J and J Fun Day, a community event to raise awareness of suicide.

The J and J Fun Day is an initiative launched last year as a response by families impacted by suicide, tragedies which are increasingly the focus of awareness campaigns and measures to support people at risk and their families.

The J and J Fun Day drew several hundred people to Narrabri Bowling Club for the event.

“The day went really well,” said publicity spokesperson for the day, Amy McCauley.

There were 26 teams, ranging in number from four to many more, who took to the greens in bare feet.

A meeting of the organisers will hear the final results of the day this week.

Funds were raised through entry fees for the teams, a gold coin donation and a big auction of goods donated by local businesses.

Further success for Barden Pump Services

September 17, 2014, 11:37 pm

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Narrabri continues to punch well above its weight in many fields, in sport, research, agriculture and business achievements.

Narrabri-based Barden Pump Services has again given Narrabri a state profile with its award as NSW Pump Dealer of the Year, reflecting the highest volume of sales across the spectrum of pumps of all kinds from domestic to irrigation applications.

The 2014 top sales award sits on the Barden Pump Services mantelpiece alongside two other state sales awards and a national award.

Barden’s won the 2013 NSW Dealer of the Year title, the 2010 National Dealer of the Year and the 2009 State Dealer of the Year titles.

“Thanks to support from our customers and a great community we are pleased to reach these achievements” said company principal John Barden who runs the business with his wife Kim.

“This is our 20th year in business in Narrabri,” said John.

“We are able to offer our customers local service - and nothing beats experience and local knowledge.”

“And we are fortunate to be in business in such a strong and consistent district” he adds.

Barden Pump Services has a local and regional customer base, and has  continued to grow, in recent years moving into new purpose built premises in Barwan Street and expanding its range of products and services to meet the needs of customers for all their requirements in sourcing, moving and storing water in all applications.

 

'Bev' the police dog sniffs out drug users on Narrabri visit

September 18, 2014, 11:12 pm

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The Narrabri Police called on one of the state’s best drug detection dogs for help patrolling several major events in town over the weekend. 

The four year old black Labrador, ‘Bev’, was busy on Saturday night searching for drugs at the rugby union grand final as well as several other locations around town.  

Inspector Ned Gligorevic from the Narrabri Police Station says Bev found eight people carrying illegal substances.

“It was alarming the amount of drug detections that were found” Inspector Gligorevic said.

“The dog searched all eight people and found they were in possession of amphetamine based substances and cannabis.”

Bev graduated from a 12-week training course with the Sydney police force, before she was transferred to a permanent post in Dubbo.

Adam Johnston from the New South Wales Police Dog Squad says she excels in her field. 

“When Bev underwent her initial training she was top of the class. Not all dogs are suitable, they need a lot of energy and drive to make the cut.”

Bev was joined on the weekend by General Purpose police dog, ‘Fyn’, a German Shepherd specialising in tracking and apprehending offenders. 

Mr. Johnston says they work well as a team.

“While Bev was working, Fyn would have been relaxing in the back of the car, and vice versa. 

“Their handler, Senior Constable Curtin, then took them both to the park for a break.”

Bev and Fyn service much of  Western NSW, with local police units requesting their help on busy weekends. 

Inspector Gligorevic says the people of Narrabri can expect to see more police dogs.  

“Police are actively targeting this type of crime, and we’ll continue to do so on a regular basis. Overall the crowd was  good on the weekend, it was a happy event for the town and we had a great result with the grand final win.”

Western wheat crops hit hard

September 22, 2014, 11:36 pm

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The relentless dry weather is wreaking havoc on the wheat crops of the North West. 

Drought conditions, which have plagued much of Western NSW for almost two years now, are creeping further east and farmers are praying with increasing urgency for the skies to open 

Every day without rain is another nail in the coffin for many crops, as the sun robs struggling plants of what little moisture remains.

The outlook is grim, and while plenty of farmers will harvest a crop in the coming weeks, very few will be happy with the result. 

As a general rule, wheat crops to the west of Narrabri will yield below average at 2 – 2.5 tonnes per hectare, while crops to the east will be closer to the district average of 3.2 – 3.5 tonnes per hectare, and may exceed this figure in patches. Further west between Wee Waa and Walgett the conditions are heartbreaking and many crops will fail, in some instances for the third year running.

Robyn Holcombe from “Rayleigh” west of Burren Junction says they haven’t been able to plant a wheat crop for the past two years due to low soil moisture. 

“This year we’ve just gone with 800 acres of barley, and it’s all being used as feed for stock.”

Dean Hancock, Senior Consultant for Delta Agribusiness’s Narrabri branch, says those who did manage to plant a crop have been attacked on two fronts.

“We had rain in that March-April period, but then we went through a long, dry period.

“The warm weather we had at the finish made the crops go to head a lot quicker than expected, and then we had a frost that got down to about minus six, which really towelled up a few crops around the Bellata and Edgeroi area.”

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a high chance of rain for the North West Slopes and Plains this Thursday, which could still help in eastern areas, especially around Maules Creek and in the foothills of the Nandewar ranges. 

Rain won’t likely improve yields this late in the season, but could help grain quality and size.

Bellata farmer, Drew Penberthy, says farmers are feeling the pressure, but remain optimistic.

“We’re still planting crops and spending money, but just not getting those yields that we want at the end of the season. 

“Things are pretty tough out here but that’s the game we’re in, we’re pretty resilient people, we know we’ll eventually get a break.”

School garden features our district agriculture

September 22, 2014, 11:37 pm

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Narrabri Public School is again preparing to host the annual Garden, Flower and Craft Expo. and school gardens will again be in the competition. 

Among the innovative gardens is a plot which features some of the diverse crops grown in the Narrabri district including durum wheat, triticale, canola, linseed, chickpeas, field peas, faba beans, safflower, lupins lentils and fenugreek. The Garden, Flower and Craft Expo will be held from October 10 to 12. There are ten categories for entries in the town and country gardens competition. Entry forms are available at The Courier, The Visitor Information Centre, Mitre 10, Coogle Cottage and Narrabri Home Timber and Hardware.

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SCHOOL’S OUT! Now for the HSC

September 22, 2014, 11:38 pm

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YEAR 12 FINAL ASSEMBLY: Narrabri High School Year 12 students gathered for the last time at a regular school assembly before heading off for holidays and preparing to sit their HSC exams on October 13. Back, Luke Bailey, Amelia Fish, Jemma Boyd, Amy Richards, Keeley Marshall, Ellice Hughes, Kristelle Pearson, Sachini Perera, Brad Noble, Corey Gold, fourth row, Phoebe Wilson, Emmalee McInnes, Merwanah Dixon, Jess Brown, Gabby Dafter, Cayleb Holmes, Jordan Druce, Jock Smith, Jye Manton, third row, Annabelle Revell, Abbey Hobday, Jerrah Palmer, Mikaella Thorn, Aaron Hall, Marlee Palmer, Tim Rex, Jesse Read, Huajian Yu, second row, Emma Dean, Nicola Onus, Curtis Bolton, Danny Anderson, Daniel White, Chloe Johannesen, Joshua Rose, Ethan Wright, Guy Gleeson, Tobin Hill, front, George Scilley, Michael Wallace, Ryan Steel, Ryan Kelso, Kieren Bolton, Kaleb Mowle, Grant Macmillan, Jake Brayshaw and Jaice Hill.

Absent from photo: Michael Bell, Joshua Boyd, Alexandra Christakos, Robert Condran, Makayla Guest, Courtney Hartog-Wells, Joshua Hobden, Hannah Lonergan, Sally Maher, Regan McLachlan, Tori McLachlan, Luke Morgan, Jacob Morris, Kayla-Lee Nehrkorn, Danna Owers, Rekkia Packer, Gena Pattison, Lucas Randall, Michael Rozendaal, Emma Sampson, Jessica Scaysbrook, Jarrod Sevil, Justin Shaw, Jake Thurston, William Tuckey, Lucas Warren, Nakita Wiggins, Brandon Wood and Tenayah Woodward.

Last day on the catwalk for veteran agent Len Sevil

September 24, 2014, 10:10 pm

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One of the best known identities in the north western stock industry, agent Len Sevil, has climbed the catwalk at Narrabri saleyards for the last time.

Mr Sevil has called it quits from saleyard activities after 60 years spanning the buying and selling of innumerable cattle, and building an unequalled knowledge of the industry, the markets, the producers, buyers and agents of six decades.

However, although Len has announced he will no longer be attending the Narrabri cattle sales, retirement is certainly not on the agenda.

“I am just retired from saleyard activities,” he said.

“I am getting away from the yard work at the saleyards, but will still have cattle there through Davidson Cameron.”

Yesterday was the day he decided to step back from the yards.

“I started in October and I reckoned I would finish at the end of September,” he said.

Any sense of nostalgia?

“Not really. The sun still rises and sets,”  he observed.

He started work at the same yards 60 years ago, although the original Narrabri timber sale yards are much refurbished with steel and enlarged since he first began work.

“In future, Hunter Harley will sell my cattle for me,” Len said.

“I haven’t retired, I have ceased saleyard activity,” he said, adding he has no trouble still scaling the catwalks and steps at the yards.

Len began work at 17 years of age as a junior with Goldsboro Mort and Co. at their Maitland street offices where Baguley’s Jewellers are now.

“I was stamp licker, messenger boy, the works” he said.

He then went to Burren Junction with his brother Leon Sevil at the end of 1959.

“Peter Tapscott’s father, Arthur, the manager of Goldsboro Mort, was my first boss,” Len recalled.

The Narrabri Saleyards will continue their role as a key industry in the shire but without the familiar face of one of its long respected identities, Len Sevil, not gone and not forgotten.

 

Life Membership honours for two RSL Club stalwarts

September 24, 2014, 10:14 pm

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Narrabri RSL Club has awarded  Life Membership to two of its members in recognition of their long service and contributions to club and community life.

Last night, Life Memberships were presented to Bruce O’Hara, who has been a board member for 17 years, and Ray Stoltenberg. Club manager Paul Gordon said the club directors had voted for the honours to be given to the two for their commitment to the club ranging across support for raffles, club activities and the sporting body.

“They are the first to put their hand up for anything going on in the club,” Mr Gordon said.

Club president Barry Stanford, presenting the Life Membership awards, said the two had done a wonderful job  for the organisation over a long period.

The recent AGM saw the current RSL Club board returned for a further term with incumbent club president Barry Stanford re-elected. 

Burren Junction raises $50,000 for teacher

September 24, 2014, 10:16 pm

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The Burren Junction Primary School Parents and Citizens Association has raised $50,000 to help pay for an extra teacher at the school following a significant rise in enrolments.

Student numbers have increased from 45 in 2012 to 66 this year, 12 students short of the threshold at which the government will fund an additional teacher. 

Donations from local and corporate businesses, as well as the proceeds from a luncheon held on “Gorian” Station near Burren Junction, enabled the P&C to well exceed its target of $30,000.

One hundred and fifty people attended the fundraiser event, travelling from Narrabri, Dubbo, Moree, Walgett and Coonamble. 

Organiser, Sarah Ball, says the P and C wanted to address a serious challenge the school is facing in terms of student numbers and teaching resources. 

“Last year we had an influx of students at the school, but it wasn’t enough to meet the requirements for the government to fully fund a fourth teacher.

 “We’re using the money to partly pay for an extra teacher this year, as well as additional teaching requirements over the next 2 years.”

She says there were a number of factors that contributed to their success.

“We haven’t had a major fundraiser for a while, so we’re not constantly hitting people up for money.

“I think people also realise how tough we’re doing it out here, from Burren to Walgett is a whole different kettle of fish compared to Narrabri when it comes to dealing with the drought.

“The banks and agribusiness outlets have decided to stick by us, it’s important for sponsors to be seen to be supporting communities during this drought.”

 

Fundraisers for leukaemia research

September 24, 2014, 10:24 pm

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Sandra Bushby knows all too well the struggle rural people face when trying to receive medical treatment in major city centres. 

Having a family member who suffered leukaemia, a cancer of the blood, has left Sandra with a passionate desire to help other families fighting a similar battle. 

Her efforts to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation kicked off in Narrabri over the weekend, with a cake stall bringing in over $470. 

In the coming weeks Sandra wil conduct raffles, theme nights, barbecues and many other events to try and reduce accommodation costs for isolated families. 

Its part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s U.G.L.Y Bartender campaign (Understanding, Generous, Likeable, You) and every $80 raised pays for one night’s accommodation.

Sandra has been contributing for three years running and doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.

 “I enjoy raising money for a good cause” she said. “I have had a family member who suffered from leukaemia so it’s a personal thing as well.”