NewsletterMessageFrom the Mayor

Contact Us141 East Street Narrandera

NSW 2700

T (02) 6959 5510F (02) 6959 1884

council@narrandera.nsw.gov.au

Inside thisIssue

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Cr Jenny Clarke, Mayor

ISSUE #3 Spring 2012

CYCLING AND WALKING TRAIL UPDATE

ARTS UPDATE

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

UPCOMING EVENTS

COUNCIL BUSINESS

Welcome to the third edition of the Narrandera Shire Council Newsletter. I am again delighted to present you with a regular update of matters that are important to you.

It is pleasing to report that Council, in July 2012, approved the appointment of Mr Ray Pluis as General Manager. Ray brings a wealth of experience to the position having previously served as the General Manager at the Leeton Shire Council for a number of years. The Council looks forward to working with Mr Pluis moving forward in what is anticipated to be challenging times for Local Government.

Since the last Mayor Message, there have been a number of achievements and activities taken place within our Shire. These have included; Chinese Calligraphy & Art Exhibition; The BlazeAid Farewell Appreciation Dinner; Attendance at the Country Change Expo in Sydney; Continuation of the Mayor and GM Industry Visits, that are well received by all; The Annual Narrandera Camellia and Cavy Shows; with the Rotary Art & Photography Exhibition being a great success once again. A wonderful day was held for the Annual 2012 Barellan and Narrandera Shows including another fantastic fireworks display at the conclusion of the Narrandera Show, and the Barellan night show consisting of Bull Riding and mini Rodeo events were greatly enjoyed. The PCYC holding a Blue Light Disco in Narrandera for our youth during the September school holidays and prior to this, the Grong Grong Rodeo is another great community event on the Shire’s calendar.

I would like to convey my thanks and appreciation to the outgoing Councillors for their work and dedication over the last four (4) years, being Councillors Bob Manning, Michelle Kilgower, Troy Lee and Peter Gunn. Cr Bob Manning in particular who retires after 20 years service.

Council has been advised by the NSW Electoral Commission that due to receiving nine (9) approved nominations for the 2012 Local Council Elections, that these nine (9) Councillors have been appointed through an uncontested election. I would like to welcome the new Council and in particular Councillors Barry Mayne, Neville Kschenka, John Sullivan and Jim Howard. These Councillors join the other five (5) Councillors who have continued for another four (4) year term.

I would also like to convey my sincere thanks to the community for their support during my time as Mayor over the past 12 months. This has been challenging, and at the same time very rewarding, and with the appointment of the new General Manager, I am confident in the positive outcomes for our Shire going forward into the future.

I would be pleased to hear from Narrandera Shire residents with any questions you may have, by phoning my Personal Assistant on 6959 5500 or my contact email address is jenny.clarke@narrandera.nsw.gov.au.

Until next time... Jenny

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Shire Supports Arts Hub at Station

Chinese Exhibition

a gallery and as a meeting place for the group.“We have been keen to offer a program of workshops and we needed a space in which to do so. The funds support the workshop program and the building supports what we’ve called Narrandera Arts Hub @ the Station.

“The railway station has a number of attributes that make the rooms suitable for a workshop space and gallery.

It’s large enough to accommodate most arts workshops comfortably. We have use of the kitchenette and secure storage on site. The platform and

Howard, Neville Kschenka and John Sullivan. This will be Cr Barry Mayne’s first time on Council.

An appreciation and thank you is conveyed to Crs Michelle Kilgower, Troy Lee, Peter Gunn and Bob Manning for their work and dedication whilst serving on Council during the 2008 – 2012 period. All of these Councillors did not seek to renominate for Council. Apart from Cr Bob Manning, all of the retiring Councillors have served one term

The 2012 – 2016 Council is made up of

the following representatives:

• Cr Jenny Clarke

• Cr Graham Eipper

• Cr Wesley Hall

• Cr Jason Lee

• Cr Kevin Morris

• Cr Jim Howard

• Cr Neville Kschenka

• Cr John Sullivan

• Cr Barry Mayne

for the 2012-2016 period

Narrandera Arts and Creative Network has been the beneficiary of two agreements made recently. The Council at its August meeting agreed to provide sponsorship of $1000 to the group to support its Boutique Arts Workshop Program; and again in August, Narrandera Shire’s Railway Buildings Management Committee struck a deal with the arts group to allow it exclusive use of the railway refreshment rooms.

Chair of NACNet Mrs Kathleen Foster said the rooms at the station will be used as a space for creative workshops,

A recent inauguration ceremony established the New Criterion as the Australian Chinese Culture Exhibition Hall. There is now a static exhibition available for viewing in the New Criterion. This exhibition gives a thorough insight into the Chinese Culture. There are a large number of items on display such as artwork and calligraphy, Chinese costumes, terracotta soldiers, pieces of jade, hair clips and many more intricate items. The exhibition will be open for viewing from 10am-2pm every Thursday so come along and have a look at these wonderful items on display.

Please refer to the Australian Chinese Culture Exhibition Hall web sites at www.acceh.org.au or www.acceh.com.au for more information on the Australian Chinese Exhibition Hall

The NSW Electoral Commission advised Council that it had received nine (9) authorised nominations for the 2012 – 2016 period of Council.

As the nine (9) authorised nominations represent the number of vacancies on Council, these people were duly appointed to the Council and no general election was necessary. Five (5) of the current Councillors sought renomination, with another four (4) new Councillors being appointed. Of the four (4) newly appointed Councillors three (3) have served on Council before, these being Crs Jim

Appointed Council

grounds also lend themselves to support some of our future activities. There are some furnishings in place and we have applied for a grant to purchase more.

Our aim is to make the Hub a comfortable space in which members and local groups can gather to share arts-based interests pursuit, and to welcome regional visitors for workshops and exhibitions.

We are very grateful to both Narrandera Shire Council and the Narrandera Railway Buildings Management Committee for their support.”

UpdateNarrandera Cycling and Walking Track

Narrandera Shire has many kilometres of shared pathways and the network is growing, with shared pathway recently established along Lake Drive up to Lake Talbot Complex. They are extremely popular with walkers and cyclists alike, however there are some safety issues that need to be obeyed to ensure the pathways can be enjoyed safely by all. Most of the path network is deemed to be shared pathways. Shared paths are designated by appropriate signage and their use is covered under the road

rules. Cyclists should expect to share these paths with people of all ages and physical conditions. Expect to see wheelchairs, prams, scooters, joggers, roller bladers, skaters, motorised scooters and of course walkers.

In summary…

•Be considerate of other path users and pay particular attention to elderly people, children and dogs

•Keep left unless overtaking which should be done on the right

•Ride at an appropriate speed for the conditions

•Wheeled traffic always gives way to foot traffic

•Ring your bell as you approach pedestrians from behind and call out “passing”

•Move off the path if stopped for any reason

•By law all riders and passengers on a bicycle must wear correctly fitted approved bicycle helmets

The development of walking and cycling tracks in Narrandera – Stage One, which includes Lake Talbot, Murrumbidgee River, Wetlands and Koala Reserve is raising enthusiasm among shire residents and visiting tourists.

The cycling and walking track, ‘Narrandera Bike and Hike’, will be branded through advertising and for visitors who frequent the Bike and Hike track. A new contemporary design has been created for the Cycling and Walking Track project.

It is a goal of Narrandera Shire to be identified as one of the best cycling and walking destinations catering for families and mountain bikers wanting a more technical challenge, and the progress towards this project is a great move in that direction.

Stage one of the larger track network will consist of three separate tracks. Each track will be colour coded to allow ease of navigation. Each track section will include a track head sign with a comprehensive map and safety information as well as directional and interpretive signage. Signage concepts are complete and signage installation is scheduled for early October 2012.

Additionally, new tracks are being constructed linking Brewery Flat to the Wetlands underneath the Newell Highway Bridge, and other areas of the track are being slashed and tidied to allow safe passage for visitors using the trail network.

Each trail will be for shared cycling and walking and will be well signposted.

Future stages of the project will involve GPS coordinates and trail development

above Lake Talbot, which is ideally suited to future mountain biking.

‘We’re excited about this project,’ Narrandera Shire Council Tourism and Marketing Manager Andrew Brown said. ‘It’s a great opportunity to make a large portion of our town’s natural surrounds available to be enjoyed by both locals and visitors while reaping the health benefits of time spent walking or cycling out of doors.’

Shared pathways

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Heartmoves barellan Heartmoves is well underway in Barellan with more than 15 people attending the one hour exercise program each week.

Heartmoves is a light exercise program designed by the Heart Foundation that is run through Live Well Narrandera on a weekly basis In Narrandera, Grong Grong and Barellan on a weekly basis.

The Program is one of thirteen projects overseen by the Live Well Narrandera Committee on behalf of the Narrandera Shire Council using funds provided by the Department of Health and Ageing as part of its national Healthy Communities Initiative.

Narrandera Mayor Cr Clarke said she is pleased with the interest in the program from the Barellan community.

“Like the Grong Grong Community who are already participating in the Heartmoves Program and have supported a successful FOODcents Program, the Barellan community has welcomed the opportunity provided by Live Well Narrandera.

“The Live Well Narrandera Committee is looking to deliver Heartmoves, FOODcents, Good Sports Plus, Foundation Walking and Aqua Aerobics at Barellan over the next twelve months,” Mayor Cr Clarke said.

Heartmoves is described by the Heart Foundation as “…suitable for people who haven’t exercised in a while”. As with the other programs delivered under the Healthy Communities banner, Heartmoves is intended for people who are not predominately in paid employment. It is free to concession card holders.

The Barellan Heartmoves classes will run every week until the end of June 2013.

People interested in enrolling should call the LWN Project Officer on 02 6959 5510 or attend any Wednesday class at 9.45am to sign up for a 10am start.

This National Partnership agreement in Preventative Health Initiative was funded by the Australian Government

Healthy Communities Initiative

Step out SeptemberLive Well Narrandera has encouraged residents to Step Out for their health through its Step Out September promotion.

The initiative is aimed at harnessing the renewed energy that Spring can bring.

The Committee wants adults of all ages to take every opportunity in September to kick start some good health behaviours and retain them through Spring so that they become permanent changes.

Live Well Narrandera Chair Mayor Cr Jenny Clarke said the promotion is supported by a feature in the Narrandera Argus, coverage on Spirit FM and health promotions at several events, along with opportunities to participate in Healthy Communities projects have supported the promotion.

Projects underway in the Shire include:

• Heartmoves in Narrandera, Grong Grong and Barellan

• FOODcents in Narrandera

• Zumba in Narrandera

• Losing it for Life in Barellan

• Heart Foundation Walking in Barellan

• Come & Try Cycling for adults

• Wiradjuri Elders Living Well Gatherings

Events include:

• Out in the Open Aboriginal Health Awareness expo

• Healthy Eating Promotion in relation to Bike Week

Cr Clarke said that there are more events planned beyond September. “The community can look forward to a healthy cooking promotion by celebrity Paul Mercuri as part of the Narrandera Fisheries Centre’s Fish Festival on 20 October, and Barellan community will have the Goodsports forum on 27 October. Its aim is to engage sporting clubs in accreditation that supports sound management of alcohol consumption and a focus on provision of healthy food choices.”

Members of the Barellan Heartmoves class with fitness leader Sue Johnston.

Narrandera Shire Living LegendJan McGilvray has been a member of the amazing volunteer team at Narrandera’s Visitor Information Centre since February 2009.

Jan is a Narrandera girl through-and-through - having lived here her whole life. She is very proud of her community, and thankful for the wonderful life it provides for her and her family.

Jan married Doug in 1961 and together they raised 2 beautiful children -Tracie and Craig. Jan lost Doug in 2008 and it was Tracie who encouraged Jan to volunteer at the Centre, believing that it would help relieve the hole left in her life after caring for Doug during his long illness.

Jan now volunteers twice a week at the Centre. She loves meeting people and sharing our beautiful area

with them. Customer Service is the Centre’s highest priority but there are many other tasks that Jan and the volunteer team undertake including retail sales, as well as ensuring that the merchandise and information brochures are well stocked and attractively displayed. The team also assist with administrative tasks such as banking, mailing, answering the telephone, researching, and assisting with ordering, to name just a few.

Jan also volunteers with the Soroptimists, the John O’Brien Festival Committee, her church and the Golf Club. She loves playing golf and is a dab hand at cards; and the past few years have seen Jan travelling with friends enjoying holidays around Australia and overseas. By far, Jan’s greatest joy is spending time with her children and 5 grandchildren.

The Centre staff say that Jan is a delight to work with – enthusiastic, friendly and heaps of fun - and cannot imagine the Centre without her. Her customer service is exemplary and her local knowledge, suggestions and input in a million other ways is invaluable.

The Narrandera Visitor Centre wishes to acknowledge the vital contribution given by all of its volunteers – just like Jan, they really are living legends!

Jan McGilvray Living Legend

Jan McGilvray with the ‘Welcome to Narrandera Guitar’

To Do Kids websiteNarrandera Shire Council has secured free access for local businesses with the new activity search site: www.todokids.com.au.

Narrandera businesses, charities and clubs can benefit by listing activities on this innovative new website which connects

children’s services and activity providers with families looking for things “to do” with their children. Let’s get more families and

children enjoying our activities in Narrandera!

Visit www.todokids.com.aufor further information.

for NarranderaArts Partnership

Western Riverina Arts Board Chair Julie Briggs looks on as Regional Arts Development Officer Greg Pritchard

presents Kathleen Foster, Chair of Narrandera Arts and Creative Network,

with a cheque for $2000.

Narrandera Arts & Creative Network (NACNet) was delighted to welcome Western Riverina Arts Inc. (WRAB) into a partnership to deliver its Boutique Arts Workshop Program for 2012. The Western Riverina Arts Board contributed a $2000 sponsorship to support the program and the arts space at the Narrandera Railway Station.

During the past two months four successful workshops were held at the Narrandera Arts Hub @ the station, including a funding workshop, and workshops covering conceptual arts, textile mosaic and paper pulp art. The NACNet Committee plans to hold or host an average of two workshops per month in Narrandera.

The program is promoted throughout the Riverina and beyond via Facebook, e-blasts and via www.narranderacreates.com.au.

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What’s on in Narrandera Shire?Thursday 29 November Narrandera Lights up for ChristmasLocation: East Street and various locations around Narrandera.

7.30pm-9.30pm

Residents and shops light up and turn our town into a fairyland of lights. There will be live music and entertainment as well as late night shopping.

For more information contact Narrandera Visitor Centre on (02) 6959 1766.

Saturday 1 December Can Assist Book SaleBaptist Church & Hall, Bolton Street, Narrandera, 10am till 2pm

Extensive range of preloved books and magazines. Money raised goes to Can Assist. For more information phone Neta Close 02 6959 1096

Tuesday 25 September Narrandera Blue Light Disco 5.30 – 6.15 KG Dance Workshop

6.30pm – 9.00pm Blue Light Disco Narrandera Public School - Free Entry

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 October Barellan Clydesdales & Heavy Horses “Good Old Days” WeekendBarellan Showground

Two days of displays and competition of Working Clydesdales & Heavy Horse Teams. Market stalls, horseshoe toss, sheaf toss, pony rides, butter churning demo, whip making and a lot more.

Paul Bandy 0428 631 673 or Norma Zingel 0447 736 856

Saturday 6 October Can Assist Book SaleBaptist Church & Hall, Bolton Street, Narrandera, 10am till 2pm

Extensive range of preloved books and magazines. Money raised goes to Can Assist

For more information phone Neta Close 02 6959 1096

Sunday 7 October Narrandera’s Farmers MarketThe Shady Gum Nursery, Harnett Rd, Pine Hill, Narrandera, 9am-12 noon

A variety of produce home grown by local cooks, gardeners & producers.

For more information phone Annie 02 6959 1780

Sunday 14 October Koala CountNarrandera Nature Reserve, 9am (weater permitting)

Volunteers are invited to join NSW Parks&WildlifeOfficerstosearchforand count koalas in the Narrandera Koala Regeneration Reserve & surrounds.

For more information phone John Sullivan on 02 6959 1795

Sunday 2 December Narrandera’s Farmers Market

The Shady Gum Nursery, Harnett Rd, Pine Hill, Narrandera, 9am-12 noon

A variety of produce grown by local cooks, gardeners & producers.

For more information phone Annie 02 6959 1780

Monday 3 December Monthly Story Time

Narrandera Library,11am

Music, book readings and craft and finishesoffwithacuppaforthemums,dads, grandparents, and morning tea for the little ones.

For more information phone Narrandera Library on 02 6959 2128

Monday 15 to Friday 19 October Veterans Golf Tournament - Narrandera & Leeton Golf Clubs Combined

Four days of golf on top rated courses in Narrandera & Leeton. Monday and Tuesday’s at Leeton Golf Course and Thursday and Friday at Narrandera Golf Course.

Phone Greg Collins on 02 6959 3624 or Jason Mimmo on 02 5953 3292

Saturday 20 October Fish Festival and 50 year Celebration Narrandera Fisheries Centre, Buckingbong Road, Narrandera, 10am – 4pm

Celebrations for Narrandera Fisheries Centre 50th birthday. Free entry.

For more information phone Narrandera Fisheries Centre on 02 6958 8200

Sunday 28 October Garden Visits in aid of Can AssistNarrandera township, 9am

Various gardens around Narrandera open for viewing. Cost $10 per person (incl. morning and afternoon tea).

For more information phone Barry Di Salvia on 02 6959 2317

Friday 2 to Sunday 4 November Morundah Carpathon Fishing Competition

Morundah Village

Adult entry is $15 and $10 for children. Great prizes to be won, with mystery weights and many other categories.

For more information phone Morundah Hotel on 02 6959 7414

Saturday 22 December 2012 Rotary Christmas Fair and Lions Club Carols by Candlelight

Narrandera Park, Cadell Street, Narrandera

Includes market stalls, entertainment, amusements and the singing of Christmas Carols.

For further information contact Narrandera Visitor Centre on (02) 6959 1766.

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 November Classic Australian Wood Power Boat Association Annual Event

Narrandera’s Lake Talbot

The Classic Australian Wooden Power Boat Association will be holding its annual get together weekend.

For more information phone Greg Carr on 03 9370 2987 or 0408 037 029

Saturday 3 November Can Assist Book Sale

Baptist Church & Hall, Bolton Street, Narrandera, 10am till 2pm

Extensive range of preloved books and magazines. Money raised goes to Can Assist

For more information phone Neta Close 02 6959 1096

Sunday 4 November Narrandera’s Farmers Market

The Shady Gum Nursery, Harnett Rd, Pine Hill, Narrandera, 9am-12 noon

A variety of produce home grown by local cooks, gardeners & producers.

For more information phone Annie 02 6959 1780

Monday 5 November Monthly Story Time

Narrandera Library,11am

Music, book readings and craft and finishesoffwithacuppaforthemums,dads, grandparents, and morning tea for the little ones.For more information call Narrandera Library:02 6959 2128

John O’Brien Festival 2013Narrandera’s John O’Brien Festival gathers together a plethora of literary and musical performers, Australian comedic acts, bush culture displays, dance exhibitions, a street carnival, and other special events. The festival is one of the longest running in NSW and takes its name from poet/priest Father Patrick Hartigan (“ost of marvellous bush characters in verses such as ‘Around the Boree Log’, ‘Tangmalangaloo’ and ‘Said Hanrahan’. Father Hartigan lived and ministered in Narrandera from 1917 until 1944, and many of his compositions were penned during that time.Narrandera’s John O’Brien Festival is scheduled to be held from 14-17 March 2013. The festival offers four (4) days of bush poetry, music, comedic acts, exhibitions, bush culture displays, a street carnival, and plenty more- all offered reflecting the renowned poet’s Irish heritage and bush humour. Next year will be the 20th Anniversary of the John O’Brien Festival. For further information visit www.johnobrien.org.au.

Blue Light Disco 25 September 2012Narrandera will be having a Blue Light Disco on 25 September at Narrandera Public School Hall, commencing at 6.30pm with free entry. The event is a fundraiser for Narrandera Public School with Big Dave’s IGA and Narrandera Bakery kindly sponsoring. There will also be a pre dance Hip Hop Dance Workshop facilitated by dancer and performer “KG.” NSW Blue Light is an activity of Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW. Narrandera Shire Council is very excited about the Blue Light Disco and we are working closely with NSW PCYC to ensure that the event is a success.

Contact Us141 East Street Narrandera NSW 2700

T (02) 6959 5510F (02) 6959 1884

council@narrandera.nsw.gov.au

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Newsletter

Narrandera to Host 2014 NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network ConferenceNarrandera Shire has gained the coup of being the host town for the NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference 2014.

14 to 17 August 2012 saw Narrandera Shire Council’s Tourism and Marketing Manager Andrew Brown, Visitor Services Officer Lee Reavley, and Aboriginal Advisory committee member Joy Ingram attend the 2012 NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference (LGAN) in Grafton where their networking and bid presentation gained Narrandera the win. Suggested by Joy Ingram, the group wore very well received T-shirts featuring ‘Narrandera Wiradjuri Country’ on the back and bearing a goanna logo on the front, created from an original drawing by Narrandera local, Ricky Traynor.

The LGAN conference is a key annual event on the calendar for Aboriginal local government employees, attracting delegates from all over New South Wales, and addressing topics relevant to Indigenous Australians working in local government today.

The conference bid presented jointly by Mr Brown and Ms Reavley augmented Council’s written proposal outlining Narrandera’s suitability as a conference venue and its history of hosting similar sized events. Council’s bid was supported by a number of Narrandera-based Aboriginal associations, and by Live Well Narrandera.

Business Papers and MinutesBusiness Papers/Agendas can be viewed by clicking on the link below. Previous papers may be obtained by contacting Council’s Records Officer.

A copy of the current Business Paper / Agenda will be available at the Council Chambers on the Friday Afternoon prior to the meeting for viewing by members of the public.

Minutes will be made available to the public after the following Council meeting has occurred.

Council Meetings

The public are advised that the first meeting of the new Council will be held commencing at 5pm on Tuesday 25 September in the Council Chambers at 141 East Street. One of the first matters to be resolved by Council at this meeting will be the election of the Mayor for the next 12 months.

The public are also advised that the Council meeting for December has been brought forward by a week and will be held commencing at 5pm on Tuesday 11 December 2012. There are no Council meetings held in January. All members of the public are welcome to attend Council meetings.

Attendees at the Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference in Grafton August 2012

Aboriginal Advisory Committee member Joy Ingram - NSC Visitor Services officer Lee Reavley - NSC Tourism and

Marketing Manager Andrew Brown