I would like to begin this week with a huge thankyou to everyone who took part in our ANZAC Day services. The dawn service was very well attended this year and the words by Nyngan sub-Branch President Derek Francis as we stood there in the half light, were very heartfelt by all. The annual march which involved all the schools and shires service men and women was again well supported, a credit to all of our community. The Nyngan RSL sub-Branch and Bogan Shire Council staff are to be congratulated on the organisation of the event, as well as the Shire staff who assisted to help make the day a great success. A big congratulations to the Nyngan Jockey Club on their ANZAC Day Meet which, by all comments, was an absolute cracker of a day, especially with a couple of our local trainers getting up on the day. It is always a great annual event for Nyngan to catch up and the weather warmed up a little for all those who frocked up.
The school holidays have come to an end. In the first week of the school holidays the Shire held ‘Youth Week’ celebrations at O’Reilly Park and the Bogan Shire Youth and Community Centre. Great to hear that all the activities were well attended, in particular the FMX bike show held at the showground. I would also like thank Stormco for visiting Nyngan and running some of those activities for the local children and youth, as well as the Shire staff that helped put it all together.
Councillors completed their annual road tour last week in preparation for the upcoming budget meeting. Overall, most gravel roads we toured were in good shape, and with the continuing work on flood damage repairs, as well as maintenance grading programs, our roads should remain in good condition for a few months to come.
We, like most Councils, have not seen a great deal of funding available from the Government, which is worrying for the progress and future for our Shire.
However, Council have been successful in obtaining a grant from Transport for NSW for an ‘Open Streets Program’. With the funding allocation, Council has moved a resolution to hold another ‘Big Bogan Festival’ on 28th September 2024. Following last year’s success, we are looking forward to hosting an even better event this year.
The Shires Garford fire engine is now complete. Rob Avard and I travelled to Tamworth to help pick up the vehicle. We have received the rundown on its operation and made sure it was safely transported back to Nyngan. We are hoping to have it on display at the Nyngan Show.
The Annual Nyngan Show will be held on 5th and 6th May 2024, which is this coming weekend. This year will undoubtably be two days of family packed fun.