One of the highlights was discussion with Fiona Nash who has responsibility for Local Government and Regional Development. Part of her portfolio includes regional funding programs and she has recently announced the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) to support infrastructure and community initiatives in areas outside of major cities. The new fund will assess projects across three categories depending on the size of the project. This means applications for smaller grants will not be competing with large projects for funding. 

I was fortunate to attend the Harden Kite festival on the weekend with Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack. We witnessed what was the most perfect day for kite flying. My congratulations to the hard working committee.

I also want to thank the Community Drug Action Team for organising the Ice Forum last week.

Those in attendance listened to well informed speakers about this insidious drug and received information about the services available in the region. It is important as a community that we are informed and vigilant in the fight against drugs and ensure our children are educated about the issue to enable them to make the right choices.

In Boorowa I welcomed the South West Group of the Country Women’s Association for their annual conference this week and it was honour to be able to speak with this dynamic group of women about the Hilltops Region.

Boorowa is set to again host the Boorowa Touch Football Netball Carnival and are anticipating over 4,000 people in attendance on Friday.