News Issue 2 : January 2017

Page 2 Council recruiting new GM

Page 4 Park tribute to local hero

Page 6 More groups benefit from Stronger Communities Fund Edward River Christmas Fair The weather was ideal and the setting delightful when a again the wonderful talent in our community. There was large crowd gathered in Waring Gardens for the Edward food available to feed the hungry hordes, and various River Christmas Fair. Residents from across the Council other activities which were enjoyed by the young (and region gathered for the Christmas festivities. They young at heart). enjoyed musical entertainment including traditional The annual Christmas Shopping Promotion major draws carols from the Edward River Concert Band, also took place. In the interests of encouraging everyone High School Band and talented local singer Anna Bowie. to shop locally, was major sponsor Santa’s Grotto returned to the Multi Arts Centre, and as of the promotion this year. Congratulations to everyone usual he was a popular jolly fellow. Lots of parents took who participated, in particular the two big winners, Lyn the opportunity to snap a photo of their youngsters with Rose and Audrey Dunbar who took home the $2,000 and Santa. Young dancers were also popular, highlighting $1,000 shopping voucher prizes respectively. Message from the Council Administrator recruiting Welcome to the second Edward new GM River Council newsletter. I hope you enjoy our colourful format and the Edward River Council has started wide range of information about the process to recruit a new General Council activities. Manager. A priority of the new Council since it We are seeking a highly qualified was established in May has been to and skilled person to lead our ensure we have open and effective Council through the final stages of communication with our residents the merger transition process, then and ratepayers. If you have queries position our community to face the or concerns about any Council challenges of building a strong and matter, please do not hesitate to prosperous region. talk to members of our team at the administration centre in Civic A leading Sydney company Place. We now have all staff from which specialises in finding senior the former Deniliquin Council and executive staff for local government Shire Council working has been appointed to assist with together at the one site, so whether the recruitment. you live in town, on a farm or in a A recruitment panel has also village, that is where you go to have been formed and includes the any Council questions answered. Administrator Ashley Hall, former It is going to be a busy year for Edward River Council. We have started Conargo Shire Mayor Norm the recruitment for a new General Manager and are looking forward to Brennan, former Deniliquin Mayor having our first full-time appointment ‘on deck’ in coming months. This Pat Fogarty and Managing Director will help with the ongoing process of merger transition and developing a of CT Management Mike Courtney. framework around which to build future stability for the organisation and our community. This panel has immense experience across our community and local In September we will have the first Edward River Council elections. There government, and as such is will be a lot more information provided about this process in the coming well placed to find the GM our months, but I would encourage all interested residents to consider organisation needs. standing for Council. It is a very rewarding experience and will allow those elected the opportunity to play a vital role in building a strong, There will be further local input vibrant community. from Council’s local advisory committee which will have input One of our biggest events in the early part of the year is always our in development of the successful Australia Day celebrations. This year we will welcome Ambassador applicant’s Key Performance Susanne Gervay OAM and I trust large crowds will attend our functions in Indicators. Deniliquin’s Waring Gardens and at Conargo. The overwhelming support from Again, I hope you enjoy reading about Council’s activities in this current senior staff, including Interim newsletter. For more regular updates I encourage you to visit our website, General Manager Barry Barlow, www.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au and sign up to Council’s e-newsletter, or to the decision to seek a full-time ‘like’ Edward River Council on Facebook. General Manager on a five year or Until next time. similar contract, has been welcomed Ashley Hall by the Administrator. Administrator We hope to have our new General Manager ‘on deck’ in the first few months of 2017.

Page 2 | Edward River News | January 2017 Australia Day Ambassador SUSANNE GERVAY OAM Australia Susanne Gervay is an award winning Day author, daughter of post war refugees, and recognized for her Celebrations writing on social justice for youth & Edward River Council’s Australia adult literature. Day celebrations will be held in Susanne will be the Edward River Deniliquin and Conargo. Council Australia Day Ambassador The traditional Waring Gardens’ for 2017. ceremony in Deniliquin will She is also widely published in start with the famous Rotary Australian literary journals and breakfast from 8am. anthologies. Her narrative ‘Days of Before the official ceremony Thailand’ is included in the Picador entertainment will be provided Indian-Australian anthology ‘The by the Edward River Concert Fear Factor, Terror Incognito’ with Band and Sing Australia Choir. David Malouf, Sir Salman Rushdie and Thomas Keneally. There will be an official welcome at 10am, after which She is part of the Kiribati Pacific the Australia Day address will be Calling Fact Finding Delegation with Jack’ carries the yellow daffodil on its cover. Her ‘Jack’ books are given by Ambassador Susanne Patrick Dobson father of indigenous Gervay OAM. reconciliation, and she was invited in development as a feature film to represent Australia with her story directed by the award winning This will be followed by ‘To East Timor – from Australia’ in director Nadia Tass. presentation of the Australia an IBBY and UNESCO sponsored Susanne’s acclaimed picture book Day Awards including Citizen illustrated anthology Peace Story ‘Ships in the Field’ gives a voice to of the Year, Sportsperson of the that includes 22 countries, 22 the children and parents of refugees Year, Young Sportsperson of the authors and 22 illustrators to be and celebrates us all as Australians. Year and Community Event of launched at Bologna Book Fair. the Year. Susanne Gervay is a national and Recently she was flown to New At Conargo, the annual international speaker who addresses York to speak at the World Burn Australia Day cricket match on social justice through her literature Congress about her young adult the Conargo Oval will start at at festivals and conferences from novel ‘Butterflies’, recognized as 9am. Outstanding Youth Literature on New York, Delhi, Ubud, Byron Bay, The Australia Day ceremony, Disability. Beijing Literature Festival to Bologna Book Fair. Her books are widely read including an address by Her Jack books include ‘I Am Jack’, and studied throughout Australian Ambassador Susanne Gervay a rite-of-passage fiction on school schools. OAM, starts at noon in the bullying adapted into a play by Conargo Hall and will include premiere theatre company Monkey She is head of SCBWI Australia East & the Sing Australia Choir, plus Baa. ‘Super Jack’, endorsed by Life New Zealand, and chairs The Sydney poetry reading by Alex Allitt. Education, addresses blending Children’s Writers & Illustrators Presentations will be made families. ‘Always Jack’ has been Network at The Hughenden. She has to Citizen of the Year and awarded the Australian Family been awarded an OAM for Children’s Sportsperson of the Year. Therapists Award and reaches young Literature. She is patron of Monkey people, families and community Baa Theatre for Young People, Edward River Council dealing with breast cancer. It is Ambassador for Room to Read, encourages residents to get the first time the Cancer Council Director of the Kids and Young Adult involved in Australia Day nationally and the National Breast Literature Festival at the NSW Writers celebrations. & Ovarian Cancer Centre have Centre and mentors Australian validated youth fiction. ‘Always writers and illustrators.

| Page 3 New Park tribute to local hero The construction of Edward River lease for Council’s newest park is underway. A tribute to the late Manny Pottinger, Conargo’s resident windmill repair Crossing man, Pottinger Park is in the first stages of construction. Completion is expected to coincide with planting Café of the garden beds in time for this year’s autumn break. Since The Crossing Café was developed in the Peppin Edward River Council has been working with community Heritage Centre complex representatives and Liesl Malan almost 20 years ago it has Landscape Architects to develop become a favourite meeting a strong design for the site on the and eating place for locals and corner of Conargo and visitors alike. roads. Edward River Council is The park will include a striking pleased to have negotiated windmill as a tribute to one of the an extended lease with Leo village’s favourite residents. It will be and Karen Benbow, who this dedicated to the unsung heroes of year will celebrate a decade as the wool industry, with Manny at the lessees of ‘The Crossing’. forefront. Joyce and Manny Pottinger. The lease was approved at Although he never owned a sheep Council’s December meeting. in his life, he played an integral role As part of negotiations it was across the stations of the area. For agreed The Crossing Café will over half a century, he climbed the get a facelift that will include rungs of almost every windmill painting inside and out, plus in the district to ensure a reliable new floor coverings and air supply of water for stock. conditioning in the kitchen. Pottinger Park will provide a These works will be the welcoming, shady area for locals responsibility of the lessee. and tourists. The custom seats have been designed specifically for the Items for consideration by site and a series of signs will include Council in coming budgets stories of the village and some of its will include toilet renovations, residents. “These projects have all been front decking and additional designed to support small air conditioning. Installation A boulevard of Jacaranda trees was businesses, like the Conargo Store, of solar panels to the roof will chosen by community members and the communities of each also be investigated. in reference to the trees Joyce and village,” Mr Barlow said. Manny planted in their garden, next Earthworks have begun on site Council is delighted with door to the new site. the ongoing success of and the Works Team has already Edward River Council Interim The Crossing Café and the encountered an unexpected General Manager Barry Barlow is important role it plays in challenge – they discovered a large looking forward to opening the new the Peppin Heritage Centre section of asphalt from part of an old park this year. road buried well below the ground. complex. “Pottinger Park is a tribute to Manny. This has all been carefully removed It also complements the various and work will continue after the projects in each of the villages holiday break. we’ve been working on over several If you would like to know more years. It will benefit visitors by giving about this project or have stories them a pleasant environment and about the village history to share, introducing them to some of the contact Helen Flisher at Edward village history. River Council on (03) 5898 3000.

Page 4 | Edward River News | January 2017 Road construction – Rural Area: contractor for the completion of the Wanganella – Road, footpath renewal program in the Works urban area. It is anticipated this work return old seal to gravel – 13.5km of this project has been completed will commence in the new year. with 2km left to do. The completion Kerb and gutter renewals: Council program of this final section has been is currently finalising documentation impacted by floodwater in the area. regarding the completion of this Edward River Council’s Director project by contractors. Technical Services, Mark Dalzell, Blighty Hall Road – completed gave a comprehensive update of Tubbs Road – completed Resource Recovery Centre – ‘Works In Progress’ to the December Weighbridge: As part of the Hartwood Pine Road – completed meeting of Council. works at the Deniliquin landfill Moonbria Road gravel re-sheeting – depot, Council has budgeted for Following is an update on the Works completed the purchase and installation of a Program: weighbridge suitable for vehicles up Goolgumbla Road gravel re-sheeting Reseals – Rural area: Resealing to semi-trailer size. Council staff are – 50% completed. works under the Roads to Recovery undertaking an open tender process program have been completed Work to be undertaken as part of the for the supply and installation of for the following roads: Hartwood 2016-17 program includes: the weighbridge and associated Road, Millears Road, Wanganella – Pretty Pine Road – Approx. 2.5km of software. It is anticipated the tender Moulamein Road, part of Mabins reconstruction work will be approved at Council’s Well Road. February meeting which will allow Woodbury Road – Construction for completion in the 2016-17 Works to be completed include: expected to start February 2017 budget. Mayrung Road – Resealing in line Mayrung Road – Preliminary works Reservoir in Industrial Area: with urban reseals in 2017. currently being undertaken Briag Engineering has completed Conargo Road – The sections of Moonee Swamp Road installation of the reservoir and are this road to be resealed have been Wanganella – Moulamein Road finalising the pipework and civil affected by wet weather and are works, including access roads. It Gravel road re-sheeting including currently unsuitable for resealing. is anticipated the reservoir will be North Boundary Road, Flanagans Council staff shall further investigate brought into service in the new year. Road, Malones Road, Woodyards this section to determine whether Construction of the trunk main to Road, Chapmans Road, Warwillah it is still suitable for resealing or, the new reservoir is expected to start Road, Moonee Swamp Rod and due to wet weather damage, a full in February 2017. reconstruction is required. Booabula Road. Water Main Augmentation: Survey Road construction – Urban Area: Mabins Well Road – Part of this road and documentation for water main will be completed during the next Works to be undertaken in the urban augmentation works along Barham visit. area include: Road and in the industrial area are Reseals – Urban area: Urban RMS heavy patching along the State being undertaken. This project shall resealing works have commenced in Highway network be advertised for tender in the new December 2016 with further works year. to be undertaken in March 2017. Hetherington Street reconstruction – to be undertaken in February 2017 Sewer Main Relining: Work is Intersection of Wirraway Drive and continuing on the sewer main Saleyards Road: Reconstruction of Napier Street reconstruction – relining project, undertaken in the the intersection is under the Fixing It is anticipated this work will south eastern side of the CBD area. Country Roads Program. Work proceed in February 2017, following It is anticipated this work will be completed in December. consultation with businesses and the completed by mid-December 2017. community Barham Road Widening Works: Sewer Pump Stations: Quotation No work completed in past two Heavy patching – Programmed for documents have been sent out months due to commitments with March 2017 as part of preparation for for the supply and installation of Ute Muster and flood preparation. the urban resealing program. a sewer pump station in Burton It is anticipated this project shall Footpath renewals: Council is in Street. Work is due to commence in recommence in the new year. the process of engaging a local February 2017.

| Page 5 More groups benefit from Stronger Communities Fund

Edward River Council has approved four more projects § Edward River Concert Band - $9,494.07 for folding that will benefit from the NSW Government’s Stronger chairs, music stands, upgrading trailer and altering Communities Fund. existing shed They relate to applications under the auspice of § Long Paddock Committee - $50,000 for cattle drive. Council’s 355 committees and were among more than 60 expressions of interest received for community Edward River Council Administrator Ashley Hall said he projects under the fund. was delighted that more organisations could benefit from the fund and added there may even be future The latest projects approved are: opportunities, as Council would consider a second § Conargo Memorial Hall & Recreation Committee - round of funding, though with a smaller amount for $6,500 for improving capacity distribution. § Deniliquin Multi-Arts Centre - $40,000 for kitchen Council is also considering major infrastructure projects upgrade that may be undertaken with money from the Stronger Communities Fund. “We have $9 million available and Council will be seeking further community input in the new year to ensure we Murray Tourism gain maximum long-term benefit from our investment. “Council also has $3 million from the Murray-Darling Basin Diversification Programme and a community membership committee has been established to investigate and recommend the best job creation projects from this The Edward River Council area will continue to benefit allocation,” Mr Hall said. from membership of Murray Regional Tourism. The council recently decided to renew its membership of the tourist organisation, which promotes Murray Office Changes region communities on both sides of the border. The merger transition process is steadily MRT was established in 2010 through an agreement continuing, with a recent development relating to between Destination NSW, Tourism Victoria and 14 local staff in the administration centre. government councils with the purpose of developing a holistic approach to the effective coordination of tourism The former Conargo Shire administration centre activities, as well as growing the visitor economy in the in End Street, Deniliquin has been closed and all Murray region. administration staff are now working from the Civic Centre in Civic Place. It provides access to funding through both Visit Victoria and Destination NSW, and participation in targeted New relocatable offices will be installed on site in cooperative advertising and promotional programs. January to provide additional office space. ERC’s membership will also allow inclusion on the Visit So if you have any administrative queries visit the Murray digital platform, regular quarterly reports, reception which is accessed from the Civic Place access to subsidised training programs for industry entrance. operators, and participation in quarterly tourism At this stage the works depots of the former managers’ forums. Deniliquin Council and Conargo Shire Council are both still operational, although an increasing number of functions are based at the North Deniliquin depot, with the intention that it will be the sole works depot in the second half of 2017. Staff have adapted well to changes since the merger was announced and have quickly developed into a united Edward River Council team.

Page 6 | Edward River News | January 2017 Stay safe in the water Recreation The water safety message is important every summer, but is especially water use important this year in the Edward River Council district due to changing waterways. A new automated watering The effects of the October flooding have not totally dissipated so extra care system has been installed at the needs to be taken in our popular Edward River and when enjoying water Conargo Recreation Reserve. activities anywhere else. The system, purchased and There are still submerged logs in the river and particular care must be taken installed at the request of the of these. Conargo Recreation Reserve So be careful, whether you are in a boat, swimming, skiing or meandering Committee, will improve water down the river on an inflatable device. efficiency. Parents are reminded to always keep a close watch on small children, As a bonus, it is less labour whether near the river, at the swimming pool or even around the lagoons intensive, so committee in our beautiful Waring Gardens and other parks. members do not have to worry about turning sprinklers on and Following are a few tips to assist with summer safety around water: off. § Stay alert and actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water; Edward River Council is pleased to be able to assist the Conargo § Learn to swim - every child is different, so enrol children in swimming community with this project. lessons when you feel they are ready; The Council has also been able § Learn lifesaving skills - learning how to perform CPR will provide you to assist Deniliquin Golf Club with tremendous peace of mind; with its Summer watering. § Make sure backyard pools have four-sided fencing and a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent a child from wandering into the area It is providing the Golf Club with unsupervised. When inflatable or portable pools are being used, ‘in kind support’ in the form of remember to empty them immediately after use and store them upside 150 megalitres of water to help down and out of children’s reach. keep the golf course in prime condition through the hotter Edward River Council trusts you enjoy the magnificent recreational water months. facilities we have at our disposal. Council understands the value of the golf course to our community, including its role as a tourist attraction, and is Exercise along the pleased to assist in this way. The Golf Club was also Beach to Beach walk the recipient of a Council grant under the Stronger Two exercise stations will soon be installed along the Beach to Beach Walk Communities Fund which in Deniliquin. They will be the latest upgrades to the popular walk, which enabled it to purchase a new stretches from McLean Beach to Willoughby’s Beach. fairway mower, which will Each of the exercise stations will feature a range of equipment (see photo) to make huge savings to time and help local residents, as well as visitors, improve their fitness levels. efficiency on the golf course. Edward River Council was delighted to obtain funding support for this project, which has a late February completion timeline. It is anticipated the exercise stations will be installed during the week commencing February 24, 2017.

| Page 7 Extensive damage First aid grant from flooding for athletics There was extensive damage throughout the Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli has advised that funding through the NSW Government’s 2016 Edward River Council area from the October Community Partnership Program has been awarded to flooding, in particular to the road network. the Deniliquin Athletics Centre Inc. Total estimated cost of repairs has exceeded $2 “The Deniliquin Athletics Centre will receive $2,500 million, and Council at this stage has received towards the purchase of a first aid kit, defibrillator and $500,000 for repair works to roads after a Natural first aid training package. This vital equipment and Disaster declaration. training package will be a huge benefit to the club,” Mr Damage identified by Council staff includes Piccoli said. road surface and pavement damage, structural He said he was pleased to receive this State Government damage to culverts, damage to bridge and culvert funding and congratulates all those organisations that approaches, as well as damage to signs and other were successful in their applications. road infrastructure. Further details of the program and all successful Further assessments to determine necessary grants funded for the 2016 program can be found repair works will be undertaken early this year. at www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au under the ‘successful grants’ tab. Roads identified as being damaged include: § Aratula Rd South (near Tuppal Creek) § Boggy Creek Rd § Chippenham Park Rd Pavement trial § Conargo-Wanganella Rd § Phylands Rd (off Dahwilly Lane) on roads § Pretty Pine Rd Edward River Council is trialling a dust suppression § Wanganella Moulamein Rd and pavement strengthening stabilisation of existing § North Boundary Rd pavement on some urban gravel roads in Deniliquin. § Smart St The aim is to find a cost effective method of maintaining § Willurah Rd (near Conargo) our gravel roads that reduces dust, improves surface § McLean Beach car park, and caravan park condition and reduces future maintenance works. access road The Council is using a chemical pavement conditioner § Henry St-Carew St intersection called Polytahr. The construction process involves § Memorial Drive ripping the top 10mm of existing pavement, spreading § Golf Club Rd Polytahr, watering, mixing by grader and rolling. § Conargo- Rd The following roads have been selected for this trial: § Old Morago Rd • Harfleur Street • Henry Street • Morris Street § Jones Avenue • Sloane Street • Wyatt Street § Boat ramps access roads – Twin Rivers, Sloane The works were started before Christmas and will be St and Harfleur St completed after the holiday break. § River access roads – Poictiers St (after Blackett These works are only a trial and Council would St); Wyatt St, and Lawson Syphon Rd (after appreciate any feedback on this treatment. bridge at Aljoes Creek)

Customer Service Centre Central Murray Regional Library Civic Place, Deniliquin Gorman Park, 55 Napier Street, Deniliquin Post: PO Box 270, Deniliquin NSW 2710 Post: PO Box 206, Deniliquin NSW 2710 Phone: 03 5898 3000 Phone: 03 5898 3100 Fax: 03 5898 3029 Fax: 03 5881 4833 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au Website: www.cmrl.deniliquin.nsw.gov.au

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