ARLP Hunter Valley

Another trip away with the Australian Rural Leadership and this time to the Hunter Valley. There were four major objectives for this trip and they were to understand major issues facing selected Australian rural industries. Develop personal leadership skills, understand the importance of research and development for rural Australia and expand our understanding of the National Indigenous Council and challenges facing indigenous communities.
This was a jam packed trip with the opportunity to not only meet leaders in varying industries but to also view the industry, ask questions and gain a better understanding from where they stand.
On a personal note I gave a presentation about myself, family and industries that I work in. I was able to share information about where I live, the community, major businesses and industries, the environment and our multi-cultural and Aboriginal communities.

Art Display- Scott Gilbank

Off to the Orange Art Gallery to see the fine art work on display. I took with me my younger daughter who is keen on artwork herself. We viewed the work of Scott Gilbank with his years of travel and collecting work along the way. Scott Gilbank travelled the world as an advertising photographer. The images in his exhibition were taken for his personal artistic pleasure. Also Trevor Hood had his display of Dust, Marks and Memories imagining landscapes.

With a keen eye for colour and landscapes we both enjoyed the work of these two artists along with the experience of visiting Orange City Councils distinct art gallery.

Gnoo Blas "20"

Orange Light Care Club presented the Gnoo-Blas "20"
I was asked to represent John Davis our former Mayor for Orange at this event. My husband and I enjoyed the hospitality, talent and stars of the show. We learnt about the true love that so many of the guests had, what is that true love you may be asking- their cars of course.
We heard from several guest speakers including Brad Jones who shared their world of racing. We met the sponsors and enjoyed the money raising events.

We left feeling that their were so many more stories to be told about the adventures they have had and friendships that have been made. They were a lovely group of people who presented us with a slide show of their get together and of course the cars.

We are looking forward to their next celebration.

Orange Slow Summer Festival

It was an early start to the morning with a stroll through Robertson Park, the birds were singing and the smell of food cooking was bringing us closer to our destination. My son Tristan and I decided to spend Friday morning having breakfast in Roberston park.

We weren't alone by any means, there were plenty of people there celebrating the launch of the Orange Slow Summer Festival and enjoying the atmosphere put on by the organisers and the rest of the community. There was some music, a variety of food and a community table to sit and eat, drink and be a part of the company from others.

It was lovely start to the day and I recommend a walk in the park early in the morning if only to see nature at its finest, whilst hearing the birds sing.

Visit Taste Orange website to learn about other upcoming events

Leukaemia Foundation

"Vision to Cure, Mission to Care"

Why support the Leukaemia Foundation within the Central West? EVERY HOUR, someone in Australia is diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma. It is also estimated that every two hours, someone loses their life to these blood cancers.

I had the pleasure of joining several of my fellow Councillors when attending the official opening for the Central West Office in Orange. Helen Snodgrass worked incredibly hard in bringing together the call centre for Orange which will help people and families who are impacted by leukaemia.



To learn more about the Leukaemia Foundation Orange visit their office located at
Suite 5, Anson Street Plaza or
Phone 63613774 or
email: hsnodgrass@leukaemia.org.au



More details can be found at their website http://www.leukaemia.org.au/



My eldest son and our family have been avid supporters of "Shave for a Cure" for the past 5 years, each year Jono decides to do something different when he has his head shaved. His last attempt was with the help of myself out side of the Woolworth's building here in Orange. He has raised in excess of $4,500 over that time.

Job Centre Australia

Job Centre Australia is one of Australia's leading disability recruitment and placement employment agencies. They find the right job for jobseekers and the right staff for businesses.
I had the opportunity to attend an information afternoon to learn more about this Disability Employment Network.

Job Centre Australia Limited (JCAL) is part of the Disability Employment Network (DEN) funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education and Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). They are a non-profit organisation, providing no cost employment and training solutions across NSW. JCAL have been providing specialist employment services to people with barriers for nearly 20 years.

JCAL assist people with an injury, disability or health condition, to work independently in the open labour market. They will help individuals prepare for work and employment, provide on going training and ensure there is a support networ throughout their career development.

To find out more visit their web-site www.jobcentreaustralia.com.au