A plane trip to Wagga Wagga organised by Member of Parliament Russel Turner (Nationals) allowed some of the members from the newly alligned Radio-Therapy Group Orange, the opportunity to visit the community built Radio Therapy Unit in Wagga Wagga.
Orange City Council provided a lunch hosted by The Climate Institute. The Climate Institute has been carrying out publicity campaigns in regional areas to persuade Australians of the dangers of climate change and the need for urgent action. The Climate Institute aims to raise public awareness and debate about the dangers to Australia of global warming and motivate communities to take positive action.
There was a gentleman who spoke about how he has changed his farming practices to adapt to the impacts of human-induced climate change; policy, institutional and fiscal challenges to being a part of the solution.
A representative from The Climate Institute spoke about how the agricultural community can be a profitable part of Australia's solution in climate change. To finish a Dr gave an overview of the climate science for the region and a sneak peak at the latest unpublished CSIRO climate impacts modelling for Australia. I recommend a visit to their web-site www.climateinstitute.org.au to learn more.
There was one clear message that was coming out from yesterday and today's climate change forums. Along with the same message Al Gore gave out in his documentary called "An Inconvenient Truth" and that is that every one of us can make significant changes to help rectify the problems that have been increasing.
In the Frequently asked Questions section on my web-site you will see reference made to "ten things to do" and an additional web-site; these were collected of a brochure after watching Al Gore's documentary. "Let's get active and make these changes it's our children's future!";
This Climate Change Summit presented a unique opportunity for Councillors, Council Staff and environmental managers a chance to determine how they can adapt to and mitigate against the impacts of climate change in their Local Government Area. There was plenty to think about and many resources available.
I was unaware of the Forest Carbon Sinks so found the conference beneficial in learning about this initiative. Also continual emphasis was made on reinforcing that we, as Councillors, can be active and influential in the change needed to prevent future world catastrophes as identified by this conference. Copies of the presentations which were discussed are available on the Australian Local Government Website.
Taking Flight was a major art exhibition of school art for Year 6, Year 11 and HSC students held at the Orange Regional Gallery. The opening was made by a Graphic Designer and winner of the Year 11 FORG Award 1997. The art work on display was truly amazing and left no doubt in my mind that we have some budding artists in Country NSW.
There was a mixture of medium used by the students and the imagination that these young people have was well worth the visit to the art gallery. Congratulations to those students who received prizes and awards and of course to all the students who had artwork on display, thankyou for providing a truly interesting art display.
I was invited to attend this meeting by Orange City Council's Multi-Cultural Migrant Officer Anni and met lovely people who were very friendly. Conversation was easy even though there were language differences. The meeting proceeded well and it was interesting listening to the topics of conversation.
Then the surprise came we were to sing and sing we did. We sang the song “Down to the river to pray”. Cecelia was our teacher along with her husband who played the drums to help us with the rhythm and beat. Now you have to understand I am not a great singer but with a group of people it sounded pretty good. There was an event where we were to sing this song it is the World Aid’s Day and you will learn more about this next month.
This was a wonderful day and the second year that I have been involved. It was a great way to help raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charity. I met some lovely young people who were only too willing to help point me in the right direction when serving.
At the Orange store it was quite busy and there was plenty of opportunity to talk with customers. Of course a huge thankyou to those people who supported the day by making purchases of food and arm bands and the wonderful staff who accommodated our presence in the store.
The event was held to celebrate International Volunteers Day and recognise those volunteers who help support our community by giving their time so generously. In the Southern Court near the Library Orange City Council thanked volunteers. Volunteers had the opportunity to meet other like minded people whilst being catered for with morning tea.
I found it a wonderful opportunity to meet these people and give thanks personally for their strong committment and support. I didnt realise just how many people do volunteer work in our community. A huge thankyou to each and every one of them.
My son Tristan and I had much pleasure in attending the official opening of the Central West Community College Orange. The MP Gary Hardgrave the Minister for Vocational and Technical Education opened the purpose built office complex and state of the art training facility at William Street. We enjoyed a guided tour through this facility with a detailed explanation on the capacity of each learning area. Congratulations on a well designed facility.
A celebration of the outstanding achievements of individuals and community groups in regional and rural NSW and the ACT, these awards showcased business enterprises, events and tourism, regional service, environment and land care, and the community of the year. It is with much regret that I could not attend this function and receive the certificate of achievement for the annual Christmas Street Party held in Summer Street Orange. The staff at Orange City Council put a tremendous amount of work into this event and this year will see the 10th anniversary for the Christmas Street Party.
