I’d like to begin this week’s column by acknowledging the wonderful contribution Angie White has made to the Community of Nyngan over the past 30 years. The work that she has done with kids of all ages has been remarkable. She wasn’t just a dance teacher, and for many it became like a second home, building confidence and resilience in so many children passing through her doors throughout the years. I wish Angie and Gary all the best for the future in their new home.
I was unable to attend the Nyngan Christmas Event held in the main street on Saturday 9th December. From all reports it was a great community event, with lots in attendance even though the weather was hot. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves on the night, and congratulations to the Committee, helpers, and stall holders for such a successful event, also with the lighting of the Christmas tree and live music. Hopefully we will see it bigger and better in 2024.
Bogan Shire General Manager Derek Francis and I attended the Alliance of Western Councils Board Meeting on Friday 8th December 2023. A large topic of discussion was about temporary accommodation and building transportable buildings/homes for the accommodation shortages that most Shires are facing. Still, to be honest, the process that the NSW Land and Housing Corporation are trying to implant will take up to two years, with no instant fix to the crisis, and does not seem to be the most economical solution.
Over the past fortnight I have been invited to attend many of the Shires’ end of year school concerts. It has been great to see so many achievements and developing talent amongst the Shire schools.
On Tuesday 12th December, the Hon Tara Moriarity MLC Minister for Regional NSW attended Bourke for a Development Roundtable on discussions regarding Regional Development Act 2004. The result of this will be insightful to know if there will be change to the Royalty to Regions, funding and grants for regional NSW.
Council crews have been busy in the lead up to the Christmas break. Completion of pothole repairs to the Shires’s roads are in the process, or close to being completed, including Nyngan town streets , Colane, Buckiinguy, Tottenham, Canoba, Pangee, Hermidale to Nymagee Roads and also the Mitchell Highway. With heavy patching also being done on HW7, HW8 ,MR70 and also Pangee and Cockies Roads.
Civil works undertaken throughout the Shire have included ongoing construction to the car park and picnic shelters for Teamsters Rest parking area extension, the commencement of the installation of a new toilet block at the swimming pool, recycling bins to Pangee Street business area, repairs to damaged signage at the entry to Hermidale, and pouring the concrete slab and shelter erected for an electric BBQ at the Nyngan Pony Club.
I wish everyone a very merry & safe Christmas and will see you all in the New Year.
Mayor Glen Neill