Nationals candidate for the Northern Tablelands by-election Adam Marshall (left) and NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell (centre) talk with Armidale Mayor Jim Maher over his exclusion from a scheduled mayor’s meeting.

By JO HARRISON

ARMIDALE Mayor Jim Maher is livid after being excluded by NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell from a meeting with the region’s mayors during his visit to Armidale on Tuesday.
The Premier said that it would be difficult, in the context of the meeting, that one of the mayors was a candidate in the up-coming by-election.
During Premier O’Farrell’s scheduled walk through in the Armidale mall, a furious Cr Maher demanded an explanation.
“I was very unhappy with his response,” Cr Maher said.
“I asked him why the Mayor of Armidale, the biggest city in the electorate, wasn’t invited to a meeting of mayors. His response – that I chose to be a candidate therefore I was excluded and that he would speak to me later on by myself – I find appalling.
“I am the mayor. I am an ethical man and I would not use the mayoral position to criticise the Premier or his policies in any way.”
Last week Cr Maher suffered a similar incident when NSW Treasurer Bruce Baird came to town and met with the mayors. He only found out about the meeting when he was asked by the Guyra Mayor why he hadn’t attended.
“What meeting?” asked Cr Maher.
“I find it a slight on the office of the mayor. I am still the mayor and our city deserves to have the leading citizen meet with the Premier in an official capacity to discuss issues of importance.”
The Premier also met with a small contingent of protestors from the nurses’ union over nurse ratios and a wage dispute.
“I have had discussions with nurse reps about their issues and currently before the Department of Health is a new wage agreement being negotiated,” said Mr O’Farrell.
“We are trying to ensure that we bridge the gulf between the sorts of care that has been available in regional areas as opposed to city areas.”
During his visit, Premier O’Farrell announced the NSW Government had committed $1.3 million to help Guyra Shire Council complete a vital upgrade of the Guyra-Ebor Road – also called Main Road 135.
“The Guyra-Ebor Road is a crucial piece of infrastructure in the Northern Tablelands – linking the New England Highway at Guyra to Waterfall Way at Ebor,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“Guyra Council has already begun upgrading the road, but to complete the final 3.8 kilometre stretch the council approached the NSW Government for $1.3 million of funding in 2015/16.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government agreed to provide the required funds because we recognise the strategic importance of the Guyra-Ebor Road not just to the Northern Tablelands, but to the entire North West region of country NSW.”

An independent Airport Users Advisory Group was established last week, made up of key stakeholders in the region.

By JO HARRISON

APPLYING for funding in round five of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) is on the agenda for Guyra Mayor Hans Heitbrink, who last week was appointed interim chairman of the Armidale Airport Users Advisory Group.
A large number of regional stakeholders were invited by Armidale Dumaresq Council to discuss the proposal to form an airport users group. It was decided that the group would be made up of one representative from each of the stakeholder groups.
They include the University of New England, the business community, travel agents, airport tenants and regional mayors.
“The purpose of the group is to seek input from the different stakeholders and provide feedback to Armidale Dumaresq Council so that they can provide better services through the airport,” Mayor Heitbrink said.
“A combined lobby group is the best way to describe its purpose.
“If Armidale Dumaresq Council approaches the government, federal or state for funding, that doesn’t have nearly as much clout that it would have if it comes from the whole region with input from a number of stakeholders.”
Armidale Dumaresq Councillor Andrew Murat has been instrumental in refocusing the council’s energies into the development of the Armidale Airport to allow larger aircraft to use the facility.
“Earlier this year we pushed for round four of RDAF funding for the airport instead of the redevelopment of the library,” Cr Murat said.
“We did this as we have $2.7 million in the Airport Reserve Fund, so in a grant we can match it dollar for dollar, whereas for the library we would have needed to borrow money and therefore increase rates to pay for it.”
The council was unsuccessful in securing round four RDAF funding, with feedback indicating that the applications did not focus on a broader regional support from other councils.
Earlier this year Mayor Jim Maher put forward a mayoral minute for improvements to the Armidale Airport. Cr Murat seconded the mayoral minute on the condition that an airport users group be formed. The mayoral minute was passed.
“The Airport Users Group has three core functions – to advise council on what needs to be done at the airport, support council as an independent body to apply for grants and lastly if the council are to put in oppressive things like stupidly high-paid parking then the committee would step in,” Cr Murat said.
It was made clear at the meeting last week that this was not a council committee. It was emphasised that the group needed to be independent of Armidale Dumaresq Council.
“The lobbying function of this group will be important,” Cr Murat said.
“They may well look at lobbying some other airlines to get a Sydney to Brisbane service in and they can do things that the council can’t do because we own the airport.”

Dora Koops is the Greens candidate for the Northern tablelands by-election on May 25.

GREENS candidate for the 25 May by-election Dora Koops is passionate about all aspects of conservation. Growing up in the region she is acutely aware of issues affecting the Northern Tablelands.
“My experiences in Japan, in Germany (where the Greens have entered mainstream politics) and in small business allow me to bring alternative insights to my campaign to represent the Northern Tablelands,” Ms Koops said.
“Greens, rural communities and farmers are natural allies as each is aware of the value of our resources and the need to husband these vital assets to ensure the long-term vitality of our communities and to avert any decline in population.”
According to Ms Koops, large-scale horticulture and an expanded tourist industry offered great opportunities to improve the region’s economy. Improvements to road, rail and air services to the region were essential to attracting expanding numbers of people to the vibrant, unique festivals and attractions offered by centres throughout the region.
“We must ensure that our region’s National Parks remain attractive and safe from recreational hunting,” she said.
“As the representative for the Northern Tablelands, I would work vigorously to improve health services.
“At the moment, less funding and staff in regions means an unacceptable increase in nursing workloads. I would work towards developing increased access to medical services and improvements in hospital facilities.”
Educational opportunities for our young people and early childhood intervention programs are key priorities.
“We must ensure all children have a fair go in school,” she said.
“I undertake to join with the communities of Ashford, Emmaville and Bundarra to fight to retain the ABS program that has been so successful in encouraging students to successfully complete their HSC studies. Furthermore, the O’Farrell Government’s relentless attacks on TAFE must be challenged.
“I totally oppose coal seam gas extraction because of its dire effects on water supplies and agriculture. The effects on water and air quality of other extractive industries must be adequately monitored.
“I am an advocate of grassroots democracy and so oppose any forced local council amalgamations and changes to planning laws which reduce community input.
“I look forward to visiting communities throughout the Northern Tablelands in the coming weeks and learning more of their individual concerns and the ways I could best represent them as the member for Northern Tablelands.”

From left, General Manager of Costa Tomato Exchange Oliver Flint, UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Jim Barber and Deputy vice-chancellor of research Professor Annabelle Duncan sign the memorandum of understanding last week at Booloominbah.

A MEMORANDUM of understanding was signed between horticultural company Costa Group and the University of New England last week, with the primary intention to “investigate opportunities for co-funded research and development”.
UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Jim Barber said the MoU was an important first step in building a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship.
“Costa is a highly reputable and progressive organisation and we look forward to working closely in a wide range of research with them. Our expertise in horticulture and development of sustainable agricultural processes fits very well with Costa ideals,” Professor Barber said.
“This relationship will put UNE’s world-class researchers in the box seat, with one of the biggest players in the horticulture industry, to identify areas of greatest benefit for industry as a whole.”
Costa group, who run a tomato farm in a glasshouse in Guyra and UNE will work closely to investigate sustainability opportunities, including recycling programs and by-product development from organic waste matter – around 150 tonnes per week at Guyra – and environmentally sustainable and efficient water usage including recycling technologies. Biological pest management, leaf and water testing protocols, and robotic applications will also be addressed.
General Manager of Costa Tomato Exchange Oliver Flint said the agreement was the first step in a logical partnership between two institutions in Australian agriculture.
“We are excited about the opportunities that this relationship presents, as we believe there are some important synergies between our business and UNE,” Mr Flint said.
“At Costa Group, we’re always looking for the latest research and new techniques to improve our productivity, quality and sustainability. UNE is Australia’s premier Agricultural Education provider with a global reputation for excellence in Agriculture research.”
“We’re interested in co-funding valuable research in horticulture and here at UNE, right on our doorstep, we have world-renowned scientists available.”

NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson, Country Labor candidate for Northern Tablelands Herman Beyersdorf and Shadow Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt in front of Duval High School, which cannot get NBN connected despite fibre running past the school. Picture: DANIELI STUDIOS

PARENTS of students at Duval High School have expressed their frustration at the NSW Government’s failure to connect Duval High School to the NBN – denying students the ability to access the full range of modern learning tools.
Country Labor candidate for Northern Tablelands Herman Beyersdorf was joined by Opposition Leader John Robertson and Shadow Minister for Education Carmel Tebbutt on Monday to meet with local Duval High School P&C representatives in Armidale to discuss the many education challenges facing local students.
Local education services are also being hit with cuts including:
- Five staff cut from the Regional Education Office in Armidale;
- 18 special/support classes in regular schools in the New England schooling region lost in 2012; and
- $5 million cut from the TAFE NSW New England Institute budget – amounting to a 13 per cent cut to the budget.
“Local Tablelands students are paying the price for the savage cuts to TAFE and regional education staff from this Liberal/National Government,” Opposition Leader John Robertson said.
“You can’t cut millions from the TAFE budget or staff from the regional education office and expect services to not be affected.”
Shadow Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt said the local P&C was rightly concerned that children were being denied access to the high-speed capabilities of the NBN.
“The frustration the parents at Duval High School have had to endure is just the tip of the iceberg – regional students will only become more disadvantaged with these cuts.”
Country Labor candidate for Northern Tablelands Herman Beyersdorf said: “First-class education resources and facilities should be this government’s number one priority – yet they have slashed budgets locally.
“Our local community needs a representative that will fight to be heard and for more resources – yet the Nationals seem to be taking this community for granted.
“If Adam Marshall was serious about standing up for local students he would pick up the phone to the Education Minister in Sydney and ensure funding is restored and that all local students get access to the best resources.”

Former Armidale local Ross Fletcher completes his final round of the competition.

By JO HARRISON

Former Armidale local Ross Fletcher scored two near perfect performances with his dog Curly to win the open division of the New England Yard Dog Trials over the weekend at the Armidale Exhibition Centre.
He was closely followed by New England Yard Dog Club members Andrew Fittler in second place with Ben and Maree Moran in third place with Amber.
The final of the open division took place late on Sunday afternoon with six finalists vying for the title. The sheep were proving to be more difficult than in earlier rounds with a couple of ring leaders making it tough going for handlers and their dogs. Maree Moran and Amber with a score of 91 in their earlier round were the first out. All looked good for Maree and Amber until a stubborn sheep made life tough for Amber at the race. They finished with a score of 81 taking their total to 173. Next up was local John Rosten and Jane who also has a strong earlier score of 90. Again it was tough going with John finishing well below his best on 70 with a combined score of 162. Jenny Cox was next with Mayah sitting in a strong position with an earlier top score of 94. A disastrous round followed for Jenny and her dog who struggled at the race with some very cantankerous sheep and did not complete the round in time. She finished with a combined score of 118. Sarah Mortimer was next with Dixie. She had an earlier round of 90 followed by 80 to finish with 170 points. Eventual winner Ross Fletcher and Curly who had a top earlier round of 94 under their belt cruised through the round with another strong run of 94. He finished with a combined total of 187. Local Andrew Fittler and Ben put everything on the line in the last round of the day with a very impressive 94. Their earlier round was 91 giving them a total of 185, Just two points shy of the winner.
“It was a real good weekend as is usually the case here in Armidale,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The sheep were really difficult at the end and I was fortunate to get a nice leader among my little lot, so it was very lucky for me.”
The weekend was hugely successful with some top trialing on show. Andrew Fittler from the New England Yard Dog Club was pleased to see some of the best handlers and their dogs compete.
“I got close but couldn’t quite get the big one but overall it was a great event with quite a steady amount of spectators coming along over the whole weekend,” Mr Fittler said.
“I would like to thank everyone that gets behind this trial, we couldn’t have put this together without everyone’s support and the support of our sponsors.”
In the Maiden Trial, first was Nick Ray with Sweep on 175 points; second Justin Tombs with Kez on 173 points; and third Stuart Williamson with Sally on 172 points.
In the Novice Trial, first place went to John Rosten with Rosten’s Pearl on 186 points; second Michael Colvin with Bruce on 180 points; and Greg Addis with Holly on 179 points.
In the Improver Trial, first place went to Jai Moore with Kate on 181 points; second Justin Tombs with George on 176 points; and third Michael Colvin and Bruce on 169 points.

Andrew Fittler works with his dog Ben to move the sheep through the race.

Maree Moran and Amber work together to move some stubborn sheep.

John Rosten competes in an early round on Sunday.

Justin Tombs had a busy weekend competing in multiple events.

Uralla Medical Practice receptionist Wendy Streeting accepts a pleasant Mother’s Day surprise from Uralla CBD mail-lady, Gloria McMillan. Picture: BARRY BLAIR

By BARRY BLAIR

BAGS of chocolates and a small arrangement of flowers were a welcome surprise with the morning mail in Uralla CBD on Friday.
Gloria McMillan has delivered mail in Uralla for the past 16 years and to make Mother’s Day different; for the past 16 years she has brightened the hearts of many a mother on her weekday mail run.
“I do it because people not only like what I do, but I enjoy it immensely,” Gloria McMillan said.
The idea came to Gloria during a 32 year stint as a Brownie Leader.
With a cheery word for everyone, Gloria interacts with locals and visitors alike.
“Visitors often say they wish someone in their town had the guts and gumption to do something similar.”
“I not only do the job, but finish it as well.”
Gloria was easily located on Bridge Street on Friday morning for she was the only female dressed in a party outfit, carrying a parasol.
Never short of something to wear, Gloria has over 40 outfits to choose from in her burgeoning wardrobe.
“I’ll wear as many as 16 different dress styles as a lead-up to Christmas.”
“Then there’s Easter, Anzac Day, Mother’s Day, Halloween, and Melbourne Cup, to name but a few.”
“Some people say I’m mad (I know it!) but when I see people getting enjoyment from what I do, it gives me great joy.”
Joy was unheard of when Gloria was a young girl, for she spent a number of her formative years in an orphanage.
“I’m sure making up for it now,” she said.
One of life’s real characters, Gloria is due to retire at the end of June and Uralla locals and locals are wondering what she will do with no mail to deliver.

NSW Electoral Commission staff with the secure ballot box. From left, Senior Office Assistant Bob Vidler, Office Assistant Leonie McKay and Returning Officer Peter Dooley.

By JO HARRISON

NOMINATIONS closed last Thursday 9 May at 12 noon for the Northern Tablelands by-election to held on 25 May.
After nominations closed, Returning Officer Peter Dooley and staff conducted a secure ballot in accordance with NSW Electoral Commission procedure to randomly select candidates for their position on the ballot paper.
Official positions are: 1. Bill Bush (Independent); 2. Adam Marshall (Nationals); 3. Dora Koops (Greens); 4. Herman Beyersdorf (Country Labor); 5. Katherine Nicholson (Independent); 6. Jim Maher (Independent) and 7. Nero Silvana (Christian Democratic Party, Fred Nile Group).
Country Labor candidate Herman Beyersdorf was one of a few candidates in attendance and said that the position on the ballot paper usually mattered in the potential for donkey votes.
“Everybody talks about and hopes for the donkey vote but quite frankly I don’t think there are that many donkeys in the electorate,” Mr Beyersdorf said.
“I think 99 per cent of voters in this electorate are discerning voters who look for the person they want on the ballot paper – I don’t think it will make much difference.
“I feel it is almost symbolic where I am right in the middle, in many ways I am a man of the middle so either way it is quite a good draw.”
On election day polling places are open between 8am and 6pm. Voting is compulsory for all people on the electoral roll in the electoral district of Northern Tablelands. Postal vote applications will be accepted up until 6pm on Wednesday, 22 May. You can apply for a postal vote at www.elections.nsw.gov.au or by contacting the Returning Officer.
Early voting is available from Monday, 13 May to Friday, 24 May at the RO office – 2/206 Beardy Street Armidale, Monday, 13 May to Friday, 17 May – 8am to 6pm; Saturday, 18 May – 9am to 5pm; Monday, 20 May to Wednesday, 22 May – 8am to 6pm; Thursday, 23 May – 8am to 8pm and Friday, 24 May – 8am to 6pm.

The New England Branch of the Australian Alpaca Association will be holding a free Alpaca Welfare Information Session on Sunday 26 May between 2pm and 4.30pm.

MEMBERS of the New England Australian Alpaca Association are concerned that the breed’s welfare needs are not being met and are holding a welfare information session on Sunday 26 May.
Alpaca numbers have grown across a variety of settings including herd guards on sheep properties, on hobby farms and as pets with owners of these animals unaware of the welfare needs and responsibilities of owning an Alpaca.
They are now also being sold between non-breeders and non-breeders, sometimes without the required information being passed on as it would be from an experienced registered alpaca breeder.
During the heatwave last summer it was evident that many alpacas had not been shorn and were therefore suffering.
Owners of alpacas also need to know about drenching and vaccination needs, nutritional requirements, teeth and nail care, as well as safe handling. There are also a number of mandatory requirements that need to be met including the upcoming NLIS, the need for PIC numbers, and biosecurity and livestock transport regulations.
The New England Branch of the Australian Alpaca Association will be holding a free Alpaca Welfare Information Session on Sunday 26 May between 2pm and 4.30pm.
The information session will be held at the property of Barry and Anne Hambrook, Hilldale Park Alpacas, 52 Budumba Road, Invergowrie. For directions please phone 6775 2510. For further information and to RSVP please call Kevin Mead, 0418 221 167 or 67752524 (evenings) or email koorana01@bigpond.com