It’s a pleasure to be back doing the Mayors Column - thank you once again to everyone for their support.
We’ve held our first Council Meeting with new councillors being sworn in and it was great for everyone to get together to start off the new term of representing the Bogan Shire. Councillors also participated in induction and refresher training. I would like to thank the panel that participated in the training night, Ray Donald, Jodi Douglas and Ross Earl who were on hand to explain the role of councillors and answer any questions.
After 45 years of service Bogan Shire’s Director Engineering Services, Graeme Bourke has retired. I’m sure I speak for all of the community in wishing Graeme well in his retirement. Nothing was ever a problem to this man and his knowledge of our Shire was second to none. He will be badly missed. best of luck for future endeavours Graeme.
The Big Bogan Street Festival was a big success and a I would like to extend a huge thank you to all Shire staff for the effort that was put into the event including Mark Jenkins and his community facilities team. Also, Haylee Martin and Olivia Ashton in particular did a tremendous job at getting the event up and running. A big thank you to Peter Hargreaves who did an awesome job as MC for the day.
I would like to acknowledge since our last column the passing of Keith White. I’m sure a lot of the community have fond memories of Keith. The Chinese cemetery and the fully restored 1924 Garford Fire Engine will be reminders of parts of Keith’s legacy and the passion he had for Nyngan’s history. My condolences to Keith’s family.
I would also like to give my condolences to the families and friends of Ray (Kahlie) Williams-Hedges and also Maverick Woodlock - such a devastating impact of young lives lost in our community. I would like them to know we are all thinking of them and are here in support where needed through such a difficult time.
New footpath installations are continuing throughout Nyngan. The Skate Park has now reopened and is very much being utilised to the full extent of the upgrades. The pool has reopened for the season on the October long weekend and, as we are starting to see the warmer days creep in, I’m sure the canteen will be in full swing.
Road works and maintenance grading are continuing throughout the Shire. Please take care on the roads throughout, with harvest now being in full operation, lots of trucks and dust about - wishing everyone a safe and rewarding harvest.
Mayor Glen Neill