FEBRUARY-MARCH 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS Message from the Mayor Welcome to our Day provides us with the Government drought funding latest issue of chance to reflect on our past and look has allowed us to continue the Community News. to the future. It is day where we can employment of Samantha Star as celebrate our sense of our community Council’s Drought Support Officer. It’s I would firstly like and acknowledge our strengths. terrific that we have Sam on board. to congratulate our Australia Day It’s also a good time to reflect on With the new school year underway, award recipients our past year. Despite the ongoing I remind you to slow down in school and nominees. drought, it was pleasing to see zones and around school buses. If the Each and every one of you make progress across the whole area. flashing lights are activated, you must an amazing contribution to our These diverse projects include slow to 40 km/h. community. the new junior change rooms at With February upon us, we’re on the , the striking new entrance Congratulations also to John Stuckings home stretch with the heat. I thank signs at and the from Coleambally who was awarded the Jerilderie community who has new amenities block at Jerilderie the Australian Fire Service Medal for embraced the raw water restrictions. Racecourse. his contribution to fire fighting in We have had a 30% reduction in the Australia Day Honours. This was Further Government grants will allow water use compared to this time last a well-deserved honour for John’s us to continue our improvement year. I encourage everyone to be enormous dedication to keeping our works throughout 2020. You will see waterwise where you can and save community safe. an exciting range of projects, such our most precious commodity. as the upgrade to Coleambally’s I was fortunate to attend all three In the meantime, if you need to cool Sports Precinct, the new boat ramp at Australia Day ceremonies in our off, head to our local public pools and Darlington Point and the upgrade to Council area and it was a wonderful enjoy a free swim at the pool! the Jerilderie Swimming Pool. day. Kind regards, Ruth McRae Wanting to make a difference? Are you passionate about our local Government (OLG). Their email has a Rates and Charges community? Would you like to make a address is [email protected] and difference to our area? Would you like telephone is 02 4428 4100. Have Hardship Policy. We to represent the interests of others? a look on OLG’s website (www.olg. encourage you to nsw.gov.au). It has lots of useful If you’re ticking all of these boxes, contact our Rates Team information, including a “Stand for then why not run for Council? Local if you are experiencing your Community” guide which gives Government elections for the whole financial hardship and all the details about becoming a of NSW will be held on Saturday 12 Councillor. having difficulty paying September 2020. your rates and charges. For more information go to www. If you would like further information votensw.info or www.elections.nsw. about becoming a councillor, you T: 1300 676 243 gov.au. can contact the Office of Local Congratulations - Australia Day 2020 Congratulations to John Stuckings who was awarded the Australia Day Award recipients for Darlington Point Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) as part of the 2020  Citizen of the Year: Tegan Volleberg and Annie Mitchell Australia Day Honours. (tied) This is well deserved recognition for John who is incredibly  Young Citizen of the Year: Shania Hughes devoted to the fire service, not only as a fire fighter, but also in mentoring the younger volunteers, training and  Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Thomas Fattore administration.  Sporting Team of the Year: Darlington Point/Coleambally First Grade Rugby League Team (L-R) Australia  Day Ambassador Event/Group Achievement of the Year: 2RG Sunshine Warren Potent, Club – Darlington Point Branch John Stuckings and Mayor Ruth McRae.

Also part of the day was the presentation of Australia Day awards across the Murrumbidgee Council area. Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae congratulated all of the recipients and the nominees. (L-R) Back, Australia Day Ambassador Warren Potent, Australia Day Award recipients for Coleambally Sue Porter representing 2RG Sunshine Club, Tegan Volleberg, Cr Ruth McRae, Cindy Eldridge representing Darlington  Citizen of the Year: Monika Burgess Point Coleambally RLFC, Annie Mitchell and Shania Hughes.  Young Citizen of the Year: Danielle Mannes Absent: Thomas Fattore.  Sportsperson of the Year: Phoebe White Australia Day award recipients for Jerilderie  Junior Sportsperson: Laura Mannes  2020 Citizens of the Year: “The Wednesday Group”  Sub-junior Sportsperson: Dallas Hickey of Anne Hardie, Joan Kuschert, Elaine Forbes and Joan Atkinson  Sporting Team of the Year: Coleambally Bowling Club  Men’s Pennants Team Young Citizen of the Year: Ben Neessen   Cultural Award: Lucy Bolton Little Aussie Awards: Jerilderie Public School - Dan Eldridge and St Joseph’s Primary School -  Event of the Year: Toby Price Challenge Lachlan Wells. (L-R) The Wednesday Group members Elaine Forbes, Joan Kuschert, Anne Hardie, Joan Atkinson, with Ben Neessen.

Also on the evening, (L-R) Back, Australia Day Ambassador Warren Potent, the late Ian Sneddon Danielle Mannes, Stephen Hardy representing Toby Price was posthumously Challenge, Cr Ruth McRae, Ian Sutherland representing named as the Patron of Coleambally Bowling Club Men’s Pennants team, the Jerilderie Australia Laura Mannes. Front, Phoebe White, Dallas Hickey and Day Committee. (L-R) Little Aussie’s, Lachlan Wells Lucy Bolton. Absent: Monika Burgess. and Dan Eldridge.

T: 1300 676 243 | E: [email protected] | www.murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au 2 Don’t be a tosser! Cigarettes tossed from vehicles can start bush fires. With the dry conditions Congratulations - Australia Day 2020 at the moment, it’s more important than ever to refrain from throwing your cigarette butts out the car window. You can report littering from a vehicle on 131 555 or online at epa.nsw.gov.au. Australia Day Award recipients for Darlington Point  Citizen of the Year: Tegan Volleberg and Annie Mitchell (tied) Noisy neighbours? What’s on 29 February - Jerilderie Working Dog Auction, 8.30 am -  Young Citizen of the Year: Shania Hughes If your neighbour is causing noise that is annoying you, it’s 4.00 pm, Jerilderie Racecourse. T: 0429 445 964. best to talk to them and try to resolve the issue. If you still  Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Thomas Fattore can’t resolve the issue, contact Council for assistance. 5 April - Youth Week Bus Trip to Griffith - bowling,  Sporting Team of the Year: Darlington Point/Coleambally laser tag, arcades and rock climbing. T: Eden at First Grade Rugby League Team Noise restrictions are in place for the use of tools and other Murrumbidgee Council on 03 5886 1200. things which can disturb the neighbourhood. During these  Event/Group Achievement of the Year: 2RG Sunshine times, your noise should not be able to be heard inside 22-24 April - Jerilderie Holiday Youth Program, Jerilderie Club – Darlington Point Branch someone else’s residence. This applies to: Racecourse. T: Jacqui Robertson 0429 861 560  Power tools, pumps, lawn mowers - not before 8 am or 29 April - Seniors bus trip to Hotel for lunch. after 8 pm on any Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, or T: Kerri at Murrumbidgee Council on 0427 600 971. before 7 am or after 8 pm on any other day. 17-24 May - Jerilderie Show ‘n’ Shine Art Exhibition,  Musical instruments or electrically amplified sound contact Roslyn Lockhart. T: 0427 275 886. equipment - not before 8 am or after midnight on Friday, Saturday or any day immediately before a public holiday, or Spreading the word before 8 am or after 10 pm on any other day. Murrumbidgee Council staff have been out and about  Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving promoting tourism offerings from the region on the residential premises) - not before 8 am or after 8 pm on Promotions Committee stand at the any Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, or before 7 am Victorian Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow. or after 8 pm on any other day. The show attracts over Australia Day award recipients for Jerilderie What is a Neighbourhood 50,000 people interested in all  2020 Citizens of the Year: “The Wednesday Group” Safer Place? things caravan of Anne Hardie, Joan Kuschert, Elaine Forbes and and camping and Joan Atkinson Neighbourhood Safer Places are a place of runs from 19 to  Young Citizen of the Year: Ben Neessen last resort during a bush fire. They are to be 24 February in used when all other options in your bush fire  Flemington. It is Little Aussie Awards: Jerilderie Public School survival plan can’t be put into action safely. - Dan Eldridge and St Joseph’s Primary School - a fantastic way Lachlan Wells. Neighbourhood Safer Places in our to liaise with Council area potential visitors to our area.  Monash Park, corner of Bolton and Mahonga Streets, Jerilderie. Council’s Economic  Development and Yamma Hall, 1334 Gilbert Road, Coleambally. Tourism Manager  Coleambally Community Club Car Park, Falcon Road, Kellie Dissegna at Coleambally. the supershow.  Darlington Point Sports Ground, King Street, TransGrid survey activity Darlington Point. Also on the evening, the late Ian Sneddon You should note your Neighbourhood Safer Place in your Work crews from TransGrid will soon be carrying out environmental investigations, including soil surveys was posthumously bush fire survival plan before a bush fire occurs. You should and ecology assessments. The work is part of Project named as the Patron of also know how to get there, as well as alternate routes in EnergyConnect, a new transmission line linking SA, NSW the Jerilderie Australia case the road is blocked or too dangerous to drive on. Day Committee. and . T:1800 490 666, E: [email protected], For more information as well as other vital fire safety W: www.projectenergyconnect.com.au. Information and information, head to rfs.nsw.gov.au. feedback sessions will also be held.

T: 1300 676 243 | E: [email protected] | www.murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au 3 Services for seniors Who can benefit from this service? Weekly bus service from Jerilderie to (first Thursday); Cobram (second Thursday);  People aged 65+ who need assistance to manage in Yarrawonga (third Thursday); (fourth their own home (or over 55 for Aboriginal people) Thursday) and or (fifth Thursday). and their carer. Contact: Valmar Support Services. T: 02 6920 4162  Younger people with a disability and their carer (only (please book a week in advance). for Coleambally and Darlington Point residents). Respite Group – Coleambally Respite meets each Services available Wednesday at the Coleambally Community Club. Darlington Point meets each Wednesday at the Minor home modifications and home Darlington Point Sports Club. maintenance Contact: Coleambally: Kerri Weymouth/Cherie Contact: Coleambally and Darlington Point: Cindy Chirgwin, Murrumbidgee Council. T: 0427 600 971. Eldridge, Murrumbidgee Council. T: 02 6960 5500. Darlington Point: Cindy Eldridge/Kylie Heath, Jerilderie: Berrigan & District Home & Community Murrumbidgee Council. T: 02 6960 5500. Services. T: 03 5883 2044. Community Social support in Jerilderie – practical Meals on Wheels support, such as visiting, shopping and other activities. Contact: Coleambally: Kerri Weymouth/Cherie Contact: Berrigan & District Home & Community Chirgwin, Murrumbidgee Council. T: 0427 600 971. Services. T: 03 5883 2044. Darlington Point: Cindy Eldridge, Murrumbidgee Council. T: 02 6960 5500. Seniors trip to Morundah Jerilderie: Berrigan & District Home & Community Celebrate Seniors Festival with a bus trip and lunch Services. T: 03 5883 2044. at the Morundah Hotel on 29 April 2020. More details Community Transport to follow. Contact: Kerri or Cherie at Murrumbidgee Council on 0427 600 971. Weekly bus to Griffith (every Thursday) and monthly bus service to (last Regional Seniors Travel Card Tuesday) for Coleambally and Darlington Point residents. Eligible seniors living in regional, rural and remote Contact: Kerri Weymouth/Cherie Chirgwin, areas of NSW can now apply for a $250 prepaid Murrumbidgee Council. T: 0427 600 971. card to help ease the cost of travel. The card can be Access to car/bus transport to attend appointments. used at certain retailers to pay for pre-booked NSW Trainlink Regional trains and coaches, fuel and taxis. Coleambally and Darlington Point, Kerri Weymouth/ For more information visit www.service.nsw.gov. Cherie Chirgwin, Murrumbidgee Council. T: 0427 600 971. au/regionalseniorstravel, phone 13 77 88 orgo to a Jerilderie: Valmar Support Services. T: 02 6920 4162. Service NSW Service Centre. Intereach - a service for the whole community Intereach provides support to anyone in the community and knowledge. Support is also available for people who through the Community Links program. need assistance to apply for NDIS support. It is assists people to link with the local community, Connect with the Community Links team on 1300 488 226 connect with like-minded people and develop new skills or email [email protected].

T: 1300 676 243 | E: [email protected] | www.murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au 4 Drought funding in our area Have your say on the future The Australian Government has provided $1 million in funding to many local councils, including Murrumbidgee development of our area Council, to help alleviate the impact of the drought. Our Council is currently undertaking a review of planning Council is using some of this money to support events controls that affect the social, economic and throughout the area, including: environmental development of our area. This includes  AFL “Tackle your Feelings” Coaching program at looking into things like: Jerilderie (5 March) and Coleambally (6 March).  Any constraints, issues and opportunities that  Farm budgeting Masterclasses. might affect future development  International Women’s Day luncheon (6 March).  The need for any rezonings and controls that affect  “Cork, Canvas and Create” Wellness in the Park. development   Wellness activities in Jerilderie and Darlington Point Whether additional residential, business, industrial and recreation areas are required – FloYo in the Pool (Yoga and HIT class).  The adequacy of our services, facilities and  Women on Wheels training days in . infrastructure Other news  Ways to promote the liveability of our towns  One off payments are still available through and communities and measures to encourage St Vincent de Paul, Rural Aid and the CWA. population increase and business investment  Visit the Drought Hub website to keep up to date If you have any views or wish to make suggestions, with all the latest initiatives. https://www.dpi.nsw. please contact the Environmental Services team at gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub Council on 1300 676 243.  Contact Rural Financial Counsellor, Airlie Hoskins for financial counselling. Airlie is located in the Welcome to Coleambally Council office. T: 0429 396 729 or Darlington [email protected]  Contact your bank for information regarding their Point! Hardship Policies. Take a drive along the Kidman Way at Contact Samantha Star for more information on Darlington Point and 0400 321 016. you’ll be greeted Drought support for small by the impressive new entrance signs! They were funded by the NSW business Government.

The NSW Government has a number of support If you have a project in mind that would be a programs for small business including: great asset for our area, drop us a line at mail@  murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au or phone us on Skills training for drought-affected business owners 1300 676 243.  Rural Adversity Mental Health Program  Professional business advice Spray drift and its impact  Dealing with business to business disputes Spray drift is when pesticide dust or droplets move Also available are some excellent resources and tips through the air when they are applied or soon after to on promoting your business. More details: www. somewhere other than where they are meant for. It can smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au. damage our health, animal health and the environment, nearby crops or land on other property. The EPA Small Business Drought loans up to $500,000 are regulates mismanagement of spray drift and works with available. They are administered by the Regional communities to reduce spray drift by providing guidance Investment Corporation (RIC). Contact RIC on and advice. Go to epa.nsw.gov.au for more details. 1800 875 675 or go to www.ric.gov.au.

T: 1300 676 243 | E: [email protected] | www.murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au 5 The next rates Waddi Regional Cultural Council info instalment is due at the end Heritage Arts Centre Meetings will be held at: Library hours of February Construction has begun! Keep the June 2020 long  Tuesday 24 March, 10 am Jerilderie weekend free for the opening! at Darlington Point Library: Monday, Thursday  Tuesday 28 April 2020, and Friday: 10 am-5 pm. If you would like a personalised commemorative paver 10 am at Jerilderie Wednesday: 10 am-6 pm. in the community garden, come along to the Punt Hotel Closed for lunch from 12- on 29 February from 11 am - 2 pm to place your order. All welcome! 12.30 pm. No cash will be accepted, debit or credit card only. A Waste Depot hours single paver will be $27.50 and a family triple paver will Movie - 3rd Wednesday of Coleambally: Tuesday and each month. be $100.00. More details: Tamileigh: 0428 681 398. Thursday: 9-11 am and The MPHN Murrumbidgee Youth and Murrumbidgee The Mobile Library visits Sunday 2-5 pm. Darlington Community grants are now open: www.mphn.org.au. Point: Tuesday and Thursday: Coleambally every Wednesday 2-4 pm and Sunday: 8-11 am and Darlington Point every Check out Council’s e-news for details on grants. Thursday. Subscribe at www.murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au Jerilderie: Monday and Friday: 8-11 am, Wednesday: 3-6 pm Recycling facilities and Sunday 2-5 pm. War on weeds Community Recycling Stations Bendigo Bank Agencies are located at Murrumbidgee A $40,000 grant from Murray Local Land Services (MLLS) has helped in the ongoing war on weeds. Council Both the Darlington Point Council offices (Darlington and Jerilderie offices provide Point’s is coming soon). Items allocated the money to nine landholders who used it for Bendigo Bank Agency services that can be recycled: mobile the control of African boxthorns, Horehound, Galvanised from Monday to Friday, 9 am- phones and accessories, burr and Bathurst burrs along the Yanco Creek area. 4.30 pm. fluorescent light bulbs, smoke Funding was extended by twelve months due the dry detectors, household batteries conditions. Council would like to thank MLLS and all and toner cartridges. landholders involved. Your Councillors Jerilderie Ward Murrumbidgee East Ward Murrumbidgee Ward

Cr Ruth McRae (Mayor) Cr Robert Black (Deputy Mayor) Cr Robert Curphey 0428 861 767 0428 696 102 0448 629 502 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Cr Faith Bryce Cr Christine Chirgwin Cr Gavin Gilbert 0438 108 803 0467 544 724 0439 255 448 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Cr Gaila Smith Cr Pat Brown Cr Phillip Wells 0428 861 513 0427 546 151 0408 445 339 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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PO Box 96 Jerilderie NSW 2716 | E: [email protected] | www.murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au Darlington Point Office Coleambally Office Jerilderie Office 21 Carrington Street 39 Brolga Place 35 Jerilderie Street/PO Box 96 Darlington Point NSW 2706 Coleambally NSW 2707 Jerilderie NSW 2716 T: (02) 6960 5500 T: (02) 6954 4060 or (02) 6954 4179 T: (03) 5886 1200 Office hours: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm Office hours: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm (Monday to Office hours: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm (Monday to Friday) Friday). Closed for lunch 12.30 - 1.30 pm (Monday to Friday)

For emergencies out of hours: Coleambally and Darlington Point T: 0427 684 166 and Jerilderie T: 0428 579 095 6 Information is correct at the time of printing. February 2020.