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| Local MP Peter Draper joined colleagues at Parliament House to sign the pledge to support the Heart Foundation's Go Red campaign highlighting the leading killer of women - heart disease. Click here for the story. |
Independent State MP Peter Draper joins Caroona Coal Action Group's Tim Duddy and residents from the Liverpool Plains outside Parliament House in support of the Mining Amendment (Safeguarding Agricultural Land and Water) Bill. Click here for the story. |
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| State MP Peter Draper is supporting the Heart Foundation's Go Red for Women campaign and has copies of the new publication Healthy Living Women and Heart Disease available at the electorate office 13 Fitzroy Street Tamworth or by phoning 6766 1422. Click here for the story. |
Independent MP Peter Draper welcomed a decision by the State Government to install "dragon’s teeth" at the entrance to every school zone across NSW. Click here for the story. |
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| Peter Draper MP celebrates Education Week with the region’s school captains. Click here for the story. |
Jean Coady (Tamworth TAFE), Dawn Fardell (Independent Member for Dubbo), Richard Torbay (Northern Tablelands MP), Phil Ward (Dubbo TAFE), Peter Draper (Tamworth MP), Barry Toole (Dubbo TAFE), Jill Finch Ultimo TAFE. Click here for the story. |
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| Back from left: Ruth Luxford (member of Tamworth Regional Tidy Towns Committee), Paul Ying (Chairman Tamworth Regional Tidy Downs Committee), Councillor James Treloar (Mayor Tamworth Regional Council), Peter Draper (Independent MP for Tamworth and Ambassador for Keep Australia Beautiful); front from left: Doreen Goddard (Secretary of Tamworth Regional Tidy Towns Committee), Janita Ying, and Valda Smith (member of Tamworth Regional Tidy Towns Committee). Click here for the story. |
Local MP Peter Draper joined McDonald's franchisees Guy Greenwood and Troy Johnson, together with McDonalds staff member Kerry Cassels, former Wallaby Tom Bowman, Central North Manager Courtney Hopkins and members of the Central North Junior Rugby team at the announcement that local McDonald's businesses would sponsor the Central North Junior Rugby competition for 2009. "Getting a team on the field is a very expensive business, so I congratulate Troy Johnson, Guy Greenwood and the other McDonald's franchisees across the region for giving these budding sports stars such valuable assistance," Mr Draper said. Mr Draper said he was particularly pleased that McDonald's had announced they would be helping such teams in small communities like Manilla and Barraba, even though such towns didn't have franchises. "It's great to think all our communities have the chance to benefit from this very sporting support," he said. |
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| Local MP, Peter Draper, presents NSW Police Minister, Tony Kelly, with the results of 846 crime, law and order questionnaires returned by a concerned Gunnedah community. |
Oxley Area Command Superintendent Clint Pheeney, Gunnedah Mayor Adam Marshall, Police Minister Tony Kelly, Deputy Gunnedah Mayor Colleen Fuller and State MP Peter Draper discuss Gunnedah policing issues with the Minister during his visit |
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| Peter Draper, Superintendent Clint Pheeney (Commander Oxley Patrol) and Police Minister inspect the new holding cells at Tamworth Police Station. Click here for the story. |
1st Gunnedah Scout Group Leaders, Michael Crowhurst and Peter Anderson and members of their troop being presented a NSW State Flag by local MP Peter Draper and Minister Kelly. |
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| Photo (from left): back – Peter Draper MP, Sid Turnham and Tegan Smith; front – Emma Clifton, Christopher Ninness and Isaac Farmilo. Click here for the story. |
State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, Federal Member for New England, Tony Windsor, Jim White (Relieving Regional Director New England - Department of Education and Training) and Mal Donald (Principal Bullimbal School) were joined by parent representatives, staff and students as Bullimbal student, Tyler Downey, helps turns the first sod to commence work on the new $8.1 million Bullimbal School for Specific Purposes. Click here for the story. |
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State MP and Dungowan Rugby League Football Club Publicity Officer, Peter Draper, has congratulated Tamworth Rural (formerly Tamworth Co Op) for continuing their support of local sporting organisations by becoming the Dungowan Cowboys major sponsor for the 2009 season.
Cowboys representatives met with staff from Tamworth Rural at their premises to inspect the clubs new 2009 jerseys. Pictured (from left to right) are Peter Blom (Secretary Dungowan Cowboys), Ashley Swan (player), Mick Schmiedel (coach), Al Mumford (President/player), with Tania Mills and Cal Orman (Tamworth Rural).
"The Dungowan Cowboys are delighted to gain the ongoing support of such a prestigious local business, and the Committee looks forward to another action packed and successful season," Mr Draper said. |
MP Peter Draper with some of the nearly 6,000 responses to his recently released Crime, Law and Order Questionnaire. Click here for the story. |
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| State MP Peter Draper had the pleasure of addressing St Mary's Gunnedah assembly. Mr Draper also presented Captain Laura Tumbers with a State Representative Certificate. Laura represented NSW in the Open 500 metre swimming event at the 2008 Pacific School Games. Pictured - St Mary's Principal Tony Moran, Laura Tumbers and Peter Draper MP. |
Debutantes and their partners with Mrs Sarah Jane Hoy (Teacher of Honour) & Peter Draper MP – Keira Good, Hamish Sparke, Grace Purtle, James Gallagher, Eliza Jones ,Christopher Macpherson, Ashley Cornthwaite, Codie Murison, Grace Spires, Cameron Simon, Millie Sutherland , Thomas Macpherson, Grace Barnes , Alex MacDonald, Samantha Deep ,Deegan Geddes, Paquita Glanville , Thomas Ferguson, Paige Adams , Seth Brand, Heath Heron , Chelsea Todd, Joseph Thompson, Rosie Ferguson, Murlie Ison, Joshua Turner , Maddison Simon , Michael Purtle, Isabelle Dankers , Calvin Farmilo, Sarah Atkins, Jacob Barnes, Jada-Lee Sing , Declan Attenborough, Arora Attenborough & Angus Capel. Click here for the story. |
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| The cake is cut by Grace Barnes, Alex MacDonald, Father Bernie Melville (Parish Priest St Michael’s), Mrs Sarah Jane Hoy (Teacher of Honour) & Peter Draper MP. Click here for the story. |
NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos and State MP Peter Draper discuss the introduction of crime prevention strategies Coledale Cares and the CREDIT programme designed to address social issues that are behind offending behaviour and "nipping it in the bud". Click here for the story. |
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| From left: Doug Campbell (Past President Tamworth Branch AIR), Theresa Kot (AIR National President), Peter Draper MP, Wal Cameron (Tamworth AIR Publicity Officer) and Lang Martin (Tamworth AIR Branch President). Click here for the story. |
Mal Donald (Bullimbal Principal), Ruythe Dufty (DET Director of Schools NE Region-South) and Fiona Hemmings (Bullimbal School Council Representative) joined Independent State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper at the announcement of construction details for the new $8.1 million Bullimbal School For Specific Purposes. Click here for the story. |
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| Joblink Plus CEO, Chris Sheppeard, and Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, are pictured inspecting the new shirts that will be worn by Mr Draper's Tamworth XI when they take on Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay's XI, at Varley Oval, Inverell, this Friday,13th March, from 6pm. Click here for the story. |
Bill Croll (President Barraba Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association Inc), Max Kelly, Peter Draper MP and Chris Forbes (President Barraba Showground Management Committee) at the official opening of the new Max Kelly Stand. Click here for the story. |
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| Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is pictured here with young athletes Julia Boland and James Riddell, Kevin Greene (NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation), Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay, at the function where the Minister announced that $500,000 of funding had been restored to the States 10 Regional Sport Academies. Click here for more. |
The Electorate of Tamworth's Woman of the Year, Anne Jacob, and Local MP, Peter Draper, attended the State Presentation hosted by Premier Nathan Rees at a dinner at Parliament House. Click here for more. |
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Local MP, Peter Draper, hands Speaker and Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay, pages signed by residents from around the electorate of Tamworth for inclusion in the State Parliament's Condolence Book for victims of the Victorian Bushfires. Click here for more. |
Local State MP, Peter Draper and Richard Bieman, Chair Lake Keepit State Park Trust, inspect facilities at the Lake Keepit boat ramp. A public vessel wash-down facility will be a most welcome addition to Lake Keepit's infrastructure. Click here for more. |
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Official Opening Werris Creek Library
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, was very pleased to attend the official opening of Werris Creek's new library.
"Libraries are one of the most important assets in country communities, and it is impressive to see what Liverpool Plains Shire Council has been able to achieve with the State Government's library fund contribution of $200,000 towards the project."
Mr Draper also congratulated Whitehaven Coal for their welcome investment, and also the Werris Creek Lions Club for their strong support for the project. |
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Mr Draper, outside the new library, was most impressed with the latest addition to Werris Creek's main street |
The official party at the opening of the Werris Creek Library (from left): Marilyn Deeks, Leanne Perry (Public Library Services Consultant State Library of NSW), Kay Delahunt, Lyn Windsor, Robert Hunt (GM LPSC), Stella Lamb (Welcome to Country), Bernie Perkins (Deputy Mayor LPSC), Tony Haggarty (Managing Director Whitehaven Mines), Ian Lobsey (Mayor LPSC), Peter Draper MP, Colleen Wills (LPSC Councillor) and Helen Squires. |
Mr Draper chats with Kate Nalder, part of the large crowd at the official opening.
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LPSC Mayor Ian Lobsey and MP Peter Draper inspect the official plaque.
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Local MP, Peter Draper, was invited to present Betty Brennan with the major prize she won at the National Harness Racing Bushfire Relief Appeal event held in Tamworth on Sunday 22nd February 2009. Pictured (from left): Wayne Kerwick (Sec/Mgr Tamworth Harness Racing Club), Peter Roffe (Rural Fire Service), Betty Brennan and Peter. |
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Governor visits Conservatorium
Apart from officially opening Tamworth's Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre on Saturday, NSW Governor Marie Bashir and her husband Sir Nicholas Shehadie spent a very enjoyable afternoon at the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music (TRCM).
See following photos... |
Tamworth Youth String Orchestra (TYSO) performed
for Her Excellency and Sir Nicholas.
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From left: Luke Diebold, Emma Townsend, Sarah Steele, Her Excellency NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir, Rachael Barnes, Joel Wong, Sir Nicholas Shehadie and Jessica Lanham - these students performed along with (TYSO).
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Ms Annette Arthur, Deputy Chairman, TRCM Board of Management, Mrs Jane Robertson, Director, TRCM, Governor Bashir and Sir Nicholas Shehadie.
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Sir Nicholas Shehadie and Governor Marie Bashir with Eliza, Peter and Sharon Draper. Peter's daughter Eliza plays with TYSO.
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Wayne Chaffey (Principal THS) and Ruythe Dufty (School Education Director/New England South) with local MP, Peter Draper, inspecting areas earmarked for work through the $400,000 maintenance programme announced today. In the background painters are at work completing projects that received $123,000 funding last year. Along with an additional $240,000 announced last week to upgrade the school's stormwater outlets there has been over three quarters of a million dollars invested at Tamworth High School in the last twelve months. Click here for more. |
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| State MP, Peter Draper, presenting Keith Currell with his Commonwealth Sport Achievement Award. Click here for the story. |
Local State MP, Peter Draper, addressing the inaugural meeting of the National Seniors Australia Tamworth Branch. Click here for the story. |
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| Local State MP, Peter Draper, congratulates Anne Jacob on being named the electorate of Tamworth's Woman of the Year. Click here for the story. |
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay, and Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, at the launch of the Twenty20 Cricket match between Mr Torbay’s Northern Tablelands XI and Mr Draper’s Tamworth XI to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation. Click here for the story. |
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 NSW Minister for Water, Rural Affairs and Regional Development, Phil Costa Visits Tamworth Electorate
State Water Minister Phil Costa visited Tamworth at State MP Peter Draper's invitation. He met with representatives of Namoi Water, Namoi CMA, State Water, Tamworth Regional Council, Peel Valley and Cockburn Water Users (pictured) to discuss the development of a water sharing plan for the Peel Valley.
This is a necessary step towards obtaining Federal Government support for the augmentation of Chaffey Dam. Minister Costa also announced the formation of a community group to help steer the development of a water-sharing plan in conjunction with the Department of Water and Energy and appointed Mr Draper as chair of this group. |
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| State MP, Peter Draper, with Kerrie Smith and Bill McKid from Barraba Development Committee and NSW Water Minister, Phil Costa. Minister Costa promised to expedite dealings with Tamworth Regional Council towards providing Barraba with a safe, reliable water supply. |
Water Minister Phil Costa and State MP, Peter Draper, discuss issues surrounding the provision of a safe, reliable water supply for Barraba with representatives from Tamworth Regional Council and Barraba Development Committee. |
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| Following the meeting in Barraba, State MP, Peter Draper and NSW Water Minister, Phil Costa, visited Split Rock Dam a possible source of a safe, reliable water supply for Barraba. |
Minister for Regional Development, Phil Costa, and State MP, Peter Draper, inspect facilities at Peel Valley Exporters. Minister Costa announced State Government Support for a $9.2 million expansion programme which will create up to 200 new jobs. |
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| From left: RTA Road Safety Ambassador Michelle Amess, Acting Inspector Barry McMahon and Inspector Phil O'Reilly from the Oxley Local Area Command with country music star Melinda Schneider and the Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper MP. Click here for the story. |
State MP Peter Draper and his wife Sharon had a great night attending the Barraba PA&H Association 2009 Showgirl Presentation. Pictured with Mr & Mrs Draper are Barraba PA&H President Bill Croll and Showgirl entrants Tara Lee Henderson, Heather Smith and Kimberly Webster. Mr Draper congratulated all three entrants for participating in a local event with a long tradition. Heather Smith was named Barraba Showgirl 2009.
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| Federal MP Tony Windsor, State MP Peter Draper, Compere Roger Knox, Bonnie Riley (Dubbo), Tad Kiemski (Regional Manager North West Aboriginal Affairs), Loren Ryan (Tamworth) and Buddy Knox on the stage at the Cultural Showcase. Click here for the story. |
Independent Federal MP Tony Windsor and Independent State MP Peter Draper meeting with members of the Barraba Community Development Committee, Paula McIver (Secretary) and John Bishton (Vice Chair), to discuss options for Barraba's water supply ahead of a visit by NSW Water Minister Phillip Costa on the 29th January. Barraba residents are now on Level 2 water restrictions and the community are eager to obtain a long term, safe, secure water supply. |
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| Independent State MP, Peter Draper, is urging members of the community adversely affected by the world financial crisis to obtain a copy of Taking Care of Yourself After Retrenchment or Financial Loss booklet copies of which are available from the Tamworth Electorate Office. Click here for the story. |
Tamworth Regional Gallery Director, Sandra McMahon, and State MP, Peter Draper, with Louise Saxton's "Recollection - Specimens Detail", part of the 18th Tamworth Fibre Textile Biennial running until 18th January, at the Gallery. Curated by Valerie Kirk, Head of Textiles, ANU Canberra, it showcases the work of 25 artists from across Australia. The exhibition provides audiences with access to the finest and most exploratory aspects of contemporary fibre textile practice. The exhibition will leave Tamworth on a national tour in March. Funding through the NSW Arts Funding Programme assists with making this national tour possible and also allows the Gallery to provide diversity in their local artistic programming. Click here for more of the story. |
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State MP, Peter Draper, welcomed to town 14 Junior Medical Officers commencing their careers as doctors at Tamworth Hospital this week. "It's great to see so many local and rural representatives amongst these young doctors who have chosen to come to Tamworth," Mr Draper said.
Pictured with Mr Draper and Tamworth Hospital GM, Fergus Fitzsimons are Junior Medical Officers Charles Coulton, Julian Baldwin, Camilla White, Jennifer Smith, Terreene Bates, Lizzy Gordon, Liz Thompson, Sally Coulton, Ashlene McKay, Michelle Clarke, Jock Simpson, Andrew McMartin, Elizabeth Leprince and Nadia Fretze.
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State MP, Peter Draper with Challenge Chairman, Kevin Kelly, CEO Barry Murphy, and author of 'The First 50 Years of Challenge', Narelle Powdrell at today's launch. Click here for the story. |
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| State MP, Peter Draper, presents NamoiROC chair, Adam Marshall, with the funding certificate for $1,998,000 to support the Namoi Sustainability in Action – Green is the New Black environmental project. Click here for the story. |
Cloe Davis shows local MP, Peter Draper, how the recliner chairs for the seniors activity room in Boggabri work. Click here for the story. |
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State MP, Peter Draper, presents the Environmental funding certificate to Carinya Principal, Grahame Smith, and Director of Studies and the 'Wasted Away Project' co-ordinator, David Jones. Click here for the story. |
State MP, Peter Draper, congratulates Ryan Martin on his sporting achievements while presenting him with his NSW State Representative Certificate. Click here for the story. |
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State MP, Peter Draper, congratulates Ryan Martin on his sporting achievements while presenting him with his NSW State Representative Certificate. Click here for the story. |
Fairfax Public School Leaders, Eloise and Julia Laird inspect the book Australia's First Parliament and the NSW State flag that State MP Peter Draper has just presented to the school while Matty Todd increases his computer skills. Click here for the story. |
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State MP Peter Draper meeting with concerned Boggabri locals on the Grantham St Rail Overbridge. Click here for the story.
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Grey Power Inc Gunnedah, presented State MP Peter Draper with a petition containing 1,364 signatures calling for the introduction of a higher 24 hour police presence in Gunnedah. Grey Power Gunnedah Chair, Geoff Hughes, told Mr Draper that an increase in petty theft, home invasions and assaults dictated the requirement for a higher police presence. Mr Hughes also said that many people felt unsafe on the streets after dark. Mr Draper will present the petition to the NSW Legislative Assembly when Parliament resumes next week. Pictured (from left): Adam Marshall (Gunnedah Mayor), Colleen Fuller (Chair Gunnedah Council Crime Prevention Committee), Peter Draper MP, Geoff Hughes (Chair Grey Power Inc Gunnedah) and Frank Robinson (Foundation Member/President Grey Power Gunnedah). |
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| Tamworth City Uniting Church's Reverend Bill Fischer, Target Store Operations Manager Annette Williamson and Peter Draper MP listen to The CWA Wanthella Group Choir singing Joy To The World at the launch of the Uniting Care/Target Share Christmas Gift Appeal 2008. |
Member for Tamworth Peter Draper, a devout rugby league fan and Dungowan Cowboys supporter found himself in footy heaven when he attendedÊthe Men of League Luncheon at Parliament House this week.
Standing, from left: Kevin Walkom, Ron Coote, Martin Cook, Bob McCarthy, Dawn Fardell, Peter Simons, Jim Hall, Brian James, Kevin Roberts, Paul Gibson and John Walkom.
Seated: Ron Pearce, John Peard, Royce Ayliffe, Matt Walkom, Peter Draper, Richard Torbay.
Mr Draper said, "I had a yarn with Royce Ayliffe and reminded him the last time we met was in 1973 or 74 (we could not remember). He was the prop for Keira Boys High and they thumped us (Kiama High) 64 to 4. Royce dragged me about 15 yards to score a try. He reckons it was the only try he scored all year!! Craig Young was their other prop and they were the Australian schoolboys props that year and Australian props a few years later." "It was an honour to enjoy the company of these Legends of League." |
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State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, and Lylea McMahon, Member for Shellharbour and Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and Mining, officially open a new interpretive panel at the Tamworth Powerstation Museum. The opening was held at an event celebrating the 120th anniversary of the 'switching on' of Tamworth Municipal electric street lighting and the 20th birthday of Tamworth Powerstation Museum on Sunday November 10, 2008. Tamworth Regional Council undertook the project with a $5,000 grant under the State Government's Museum Programme. TRC Deputy Mayor Col Murray, TRC GM Glenn Inglis, Maisy Stapelton CEO Museums and Galleries NSW, Matt Patterson Regional GM Country Energy and other guests, volunteers and interested community members attended along with Mr Draper and Ms McMahon, at the event which also saw the Museum's Ron Greer presented with the Tidy Towns Cultural Heritage Award by Tamworth Tidy Towns Committee's Paul Ying. Mr Draper congratulated the museum's volunteers for their dedication keeping the heritage facility open for the general public.
The new interpretive panel consists of a comprehensive timeline of important dates and a brief background on the history of the museum. Richard Wesley, Director Museums and Properties, National Trust of Australia (NSW), was commissioned to research and develop the concept of the panel. Ormsby Kerrins Freeman of Sydney designed the layout. Central Signs, Sydney, manufactured. The work consists of three panels 1mm thick exterior grade Saturn natural anodised aluminium with two colour print on silver background totalling 2500 mm long by 450 mm high. |
Senator Doug Cameron and Peter Draper MP officially open the new $6.3 million automotive and electrotechnology training facilities at the TAFE NSW – New England Institute, Tamworth Campus. Click here for the story. |
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| Peter Draper MP inspects the inadequate supply of water available to the Barraba community with former Councillor Shirley Close. Click here for the story. |
Local MP, Peter Draper, inspects part of Manilla Historical Society's impressive collection with some of the organisation's hard working volunteers. Click here for the story. |
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| Peter Donald Draper and his wife Margaret, from Tamworth in England, are currently holidaying in Australia and as part of the trip paid a visit to 'our Tamworth'. "I'd love to get a photo of Marg and me with your electorate office sign," he told the staff in 'our PD's' electorate office. Happy to oblige. "I'll kid the folk back home that I've taken on a whole new role in life," he joked. "Not only are the names the same our street number back home is 13, the same as your office," he said. |
Local State MP, Peter Draper, met with NSW Minister for Lands, Tony Kelly, to discuss the manner in which a $50,000 grant was provided to Gunnedah Showground Committee to help build new amenities. Click here for the story. |
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| State MP Peter Draper has been visiting a number of our smaller public schools recently, including Curlewis, Bendemeer, Carroll and Somerton.
"I have presented each of the schools with the book 'Australia’s First Parliament' and those that required it also received a NSW State flag. I commend the teachers, parents and staff who care so much about providing children with a very high level of quality education opportunities.
"Small schools are very special places indeed. ‘Healthy Harold' and the North West Life Education van, were visiting Curlewis Public on the same day as I and, as Patron of the organisation, I was pleased to catch up with the team who do such a fine job educating our kids on healthy lifestyles."
Photo: Curlewis Public School students and Principal, Deborah Nay, with Peter Draper, "Healthy Harold" and the North West Life Education van during Mr Draper's recent visit to the school. |
State MP, Peter Draper, with local farmer Paul Nixon, stand on the Watermark hillside with the threatened rich farm lands of the Watermark and Caroona coal exploration zones unfolding behind them. Mr Draper spent Wednesday talking with local stakeholders about the future of this precious food bowel. Mr Draper said he was looking forward to the resumption of parliament next week when the question of certainty for farmers about their future operations,the protection of this valuable environment and the need for an independent assessment of possible impacts to water aquifers would be at the top of his agenda. |
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| State MP, Peter Draper, discusses the importance of literary and numeracy skills with Class 5/6, at Oxley Vale Public School. Click here for the story. |
Des Gorman (Regional Director DET), Peter Draper MP, Phil Jones (Oxley High Principal), Chris Parker (Relieving Head Science Teacher) and Rod Blaker (Head Teacher, Science) in one of the Oxley High Science Labs that will soon be upgraded. Click here for the story. |
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State MP, Peter Draper, inspects the school zone warning flashing lights at Moonbi. Instillations at Moonbi and Westdale have proven their worth and will improve safety for students and motorists when installed at Peel High School. Click here for the story. |
State MP, Peter Draper, joined NSW Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Paul Lynch, at the launch of the Tamworth Job Compacts Programme. The Job Compact is designed to build Aboriginal Employment and encourage young school leavers to get into jobs and training. Minister Lynch also attended the launch of the Birrelee Gamilaraay Language DVD, a project which attracted $15,000 of State funding and announced $7,000 funding to support the 2009 Aboriginal Talent Showcase, at the Country Music Festival. |
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Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, joined NSW Community Services Minister, Kevin Greene, for the opening of the new Peel Street office of the Joint Investigation Response (JIRT) team. The new office provides a home for JIRT to combine Police criminal investigation with the DoCs risk assessment and Health forensic medical and therapeutic services members, under one roof. JIRT work as a single unit to investigate the most serious reports of child abuse and related criminal offences. The Tamworth JIRT office covers the area from Singleton to Guyra and from Nowendoc to Boggabri. |
State MP, Peter Draper, pours drinks for Michael Ruff (Executive Officer Gunnedah District Development Board Inc) and Adam Marshall (Deputy Mayor Gunnedah) during his stint behind the bar of Gunnedah's Club House Hotel during Pollies For Small Business Week. Click here for the story. |
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Peter Draper MP, inspects the workshop with Jeff King from Jeff King Engineering during Pollies For Small Business Week. Click here for the story. |
Shayne Kirby, Peter Draper MP, Kevin Mortimer (President Gunnedah Centre of Riding For Disabled), Bryce Ellis and Courtney Riley inspect one of the new helmets at the Gunnedah Centre of Riding For Disabled grounds. Click here for the story. |
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State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, joined members of Tamworth's Scouting Community, at Oxley Lookout, on Friday morning (August 1), to help celebrate the 100 year Anniversary Celebration of Scouting in Australia. |
As part of the 100 year Anniversary Celebration, Scouts Australia has asked each of its Groups to nominate 10 Organizations or special people who have supported them over the years to receive a special issue Scout Scarf. Local recipients are pictured at Oxley Lookout, during the special 100 year Anniversary Celebration. |
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On Friday August 1, Independent State MP, Peter Draper visited members of the Caroona Coal Action Group (CCAG), at their blockade, for an update on the campaign. Mr Draper received a report from CCAG’s Tim Duddy on his attendance at the NSW Farmers Association Conference and is pleased they have thrown support behind local farmers. Mr Draper said it was also encouraging that the Australian Farmers Fighting Fund was looking at pursuing the Caroona farmers' case. |
The NSW Parliament's winter recess allows more time for local MPs to visit their various communities. Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has been making the most of these opportunities. In Boggabri, to meet with constituents, Peter also caught up with Noreen Boehm (Co-ordinator Boggabri Home and Community Care) and other locals at the "Over The Fence" information day, held in the main street. |
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St Andrews' Gunnedah Presbyterian Church congregation members Arthur Purcival, Gwen Riordan, Gwyn Jaeger, Muriel Purcival, Ivy Hill, Rev Lyle Sims and Peter Draper MP following cheque presentation. Click here for the story. |
St Andrews' Reverend Lyle Sims, with Peter, at the presentation of the cheque for $9,206 towards an upgrade of the Gunnedah Presbyterian Church's amenities. Click here for the story. |
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Scout Leaders, Brett Grimmond, Dea Mackintosh and Sandie Woods present Peter Draper with the Centenary Scarf, celebrating 100 years of Scouting in Australia. Click here for the story. |
Peter Draper MP, presents TRC GM Glenn Inglis with a cheque for $75,000 towards the outfitting of Tamworth's new Capitol Theatre. Click here for the story. |
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Bruce Keech (Development & Leasing Manager) and Peter Draper MP, among the scaffolding within the new Capitol Theatre site, inspect progress. Click here for the story. |
State MP, Peter Draper, joined Oxley Vale Public School's Class 1/2T (teacher Mrs Di Trasler) and school captains Ainslea Sweeney and Andrew Finch, along with vice-captains Melody Anderson and Blake Turner to participate in Schools Tree Day ahead of this Sunday's National Tree Day. Click here for the story.
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State MP, Peter Draper, presenting the grant cheque to Manilla Historical Society members, Ian Bignall (President), Lorraine Threlfall (Sec/Archivist), Jim Maxwell (V/Pres) and Jo Cruicshank (Life member). Click here for the story. |
Manilla RLFC members, David Thrift, Pat Carlton and Vaughan Goman receiving the $2,000 cheque from State Member, Peter Draper MP. Click here for the story. |
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Narrabri Councillor Ross Panton, Build Plan Group site manager Bernie Teale and Peter Draper MP inspect the work underway at the Narrabri hospital. Click here for the story. |
State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, with staff from The Australian Cotton Research Institute. (L to R) Front Row - Paula Jones, Letitia Cross and Greg Constable. Back Row - Philip Armytage, Peter Draper MP, Peter Gregg and Graham Charles. Click here for the story. |
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Health Minister, Reba Meagher, discusses the retrieval service based at Tamworth Hospital with Fergus Fitzsimons (GM Tamworth Hospital), Dr Chris Trethewy and Peter Draper MP, during her visit to Tamworth. Click here for the story. |
Richard Hagan (Chair Manilla Local Health Advisory Committee), Health Minister, Reba Meagher & Peter Draper MP inspect plans for the new Manilla MPS and HealthOne facility during the Minister's visit to Manilla Health Service. Click here for the story. |
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State MP, Peter Draper, inspects new security gates at Gunnedah Police Station with DSC Mark Donohue. Click here for the story. |
From left: Evan Legge (SES Deputy Local Controller), Glenn Inglis (GM Tamworth Regional Council), Peter Draper MP and Neil Carless (SES Local Controller) at the presentation of $92,500 towards new vehicles for Nundle, Barraba and Tamworth SES Units. Click here for the story. |
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Marching to the beat. Andrew Murray (Secretary of Tamworth & District Highland Society Pipe Band), Peter Draper and piper, Louise Murray. “I am very pleased to see both community funding and State Government assistance flow to a local organization that participates in many city and regional events,” Mr Draper said. Click here for the story. |
Calrossy and William Cowper School leaders (from left) Jared Snook, Elizabeth Gengos, Sarah Holcombe and Jason Bromage with Mr Draper and Mr Torbay during their visit to Parliament House. Click here for the story. |
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Barraba Central School Principal, Gary Turner, with students Clare Ferris and Ruth Unwin who addressed the community meeting. Click here for the story. |
Gunnedah Rural Museum members Brian Sampson, Eddie Swan, Ian Guest (President), Terry Egan, Jack Macpherson and Kevin Gardner, receive the cheque for $3,000, from State MP, Peter Draper, at their Mullaley Road site. Click here for the story. |
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Peter Draper MP, Jeff Mills (Housing NSW Area Director) and Lance Bright (Project Manager) inspect the completed premises in Heugh Street Tamworth. Click here for the story. |
Peter Draper MP presents the cheque for $7,000 to Kootingal Preschool President Deneille Plowman and V/P Joanne Edwards. Click here for the story. |
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Peter Draper MP and members of the Tamworth Jockey Club thank Gaming & Racing Minister, Graham West, for the $60,000 funding. Click here for the story. |
Peter Draper MP with female jockeys Jessica Drury & Lee Menser, Graham West (Minister for Gaming and Racing) and Tamworth Jockey Club Chief Operating Officer, Kathy Dodd, inspect facilities at Tamworth Racecourse. Click here for the story. |
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Mal Walsh (President Gunnedah Jockey Club), Leonie Walsh, Graham West (Minister for Gaming & Racing), Peter Draper MP, Debbie Watson (Secretary Gunnedah Jockey Club) and Gae Swain (Mayor Gunnedah) at the funding presentation held at Gunnedah's Riverside Race Course. Click here for the story. |
Department of Education & Training Regional Director, Des Gorman and State MP, Peter Draper, onsite inspecting plans for the new Bullimbal School for Special Purposes. The $6,900,000 development application for this project has been lodged with Tamworth Regional Council. Click here for the story. |
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A busy time lies ahead of Tamworth MP, Peter Draper. A busy round of Parliamentary duties means it will be three weeks till he sees Tamworth and his family again. Click here for the story. |
State MP, Peter Draper, enjoyed his annual lunch with the regions School Captains. Click here for the story. |
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Despite a hectic parliamentary programme, State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, regularly travels to all of the electorates communities to catch up with constituents and discuss their various issues. The photo gallery at right highlights a recent visit to Werris Creek.
Top left: Peter caught up with Chris Holley and the team at the Rail Journeys Museum to discuss their vision for expanding this valuable repository of rail history and important tourist attraction.
Top right: Peter visited St Josephs School and presented a book about our parliamentary system to school captain Chelsea-lee Hogg and vice captain Amy Bills.
Bottom right: Peter shares a Q & A with St Josephs Principal, Jayne Betts, and the school assembly.
Bottom left: Peter loves his football and was lucky to catch a few minutes of the Werris Creek vs Westdale school match with a few locals.
Click on the thumbnails for larger images. |
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State MP, Peter Draper, Greg Carr (President, Friends of Nioka), Naida Hunt (Nursing Unit Mgr) and Dr Richard Thornton (Director Palliative Care) enjoy morning tea with members of Friends of Nioka for Palliative Care Week. Click here for the story. |
Peter Draper MP, with McCarthy High Student, Jamilla Hile, who spoke on behalf of students at the National Reconciliation Week ceremony. Click here for the story. |
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Peter Draper MP, chatting with Connie Newcombe and McCarthy High Student Jamilla Hile during the National Reconciliation Week Ceremony at Coledale Community Centre. Kamilaroi elder Connie Newcombe presented the welcome to country and Jamilla Hile spoke on behalf of students. Click here for the story. |
Anglican Counselling Service Executive Director, Larry Apthorpe, Peter Draper, MP for Tamworth, and Jim Booth, Centacare NENW General Manager, are pleased that funding to assist problem gamblers in the region has increased by 5.8% to $737,925 over four years. Click here for the story. |
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Peter Draper MP with Belinda Williams (Oxley High) and Jessica Pawsey (TAFE) who chaired the Regional Consultation Session - Raising The NSW School Leaving Age. Click here for the story. |
Peter Draper MP & NSW Education Minister, John Della Bosca, at the Regional Consultation Session Raising The NSW School Leaving Age. Click here for the story. |
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One of the new SES flood boats on trial in Sydney Harbour. Click here for the story. |
State member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, enjoys a "good drop" with Kim Hawksford, Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay and Rolf Blickling at the Blickling Estate stand at the New England - North West Regional Food & Wine Expo, Parliament House, Sydney. Click here for the story. |
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Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, and his wife Sharon enjoyed a great day at the Mothers Day Gunnedah Gold Cup Race Meeting pictured here with Debbie Watson (Secretary Gunnedah Jockey Club), NSW Sports Minister, Graham West, and Gunnedah Jockey Club President, Mal Walsh. |
Community Services Minister, Kevin Greene, hands the cheque for $7000 to assist with instillation of air conditioning at Kootingal & District Pre-School to Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper. Click here for the story. |
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Josephine Cruickshank, Brian Sykes and John Lysaght are congratulated by Peter Draper MP for their active roles in their communities and recognition through nominations for Seniors Awards. Click here for the story. |
NSW Governor Marie Bashir and Independent State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper chat with Sarah MacDonald and children Brooklyn and Mia at Tamworth Airport. Click here for the story. |
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Members of the Hillvue Public School community mingle with Governor Marie Bashir, Peter Draper MP and Principal Ben van Aanholt during Her Excellency's visit. Click here for the story. |
Neil Bryan (District Commissioner Central Northern District), Tim Smith (Joey Scout Leader), Peter Draper MP, John Thompson (Tamworth Hillvue Group Leader), Tarranne Bryan (Regional Commissioner Adult Training & Development) with members of Tamworth Hillvue Joey Scouts in their Hillvue Road headquarters. Click here for the story. |
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Members of Curlewis CWA, with State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, outside the local CWA hall that will benefit from the $600 grant. Click here for the story. |
Harrison Kelly receives his State Representative Certificate from State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper. Click here for the story. |
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NSW Roads Minister, Eric Roozendaal and Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, at the official opening of the Nundle Bridge. Click here for the story.
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James Treloar (Mayor TRC), Peter Draper & NSW Roads Minister, Eric Roozendaal at the opening of the Nundle Bridge. Click here for the story.
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Peter Draper MP and Phil Betts (Deputy Mayor TRC) mingle with the festive Nundle crowd at the opening of the towns new bridge. Click here for the story. |
NSW Education Minister, John Della Bosca, discusses the future of West Tamworth Public School with Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, at Parliament House in Sydney, this week. Click here for the story. |
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Gunnedah Greyhound Breeders Owners & Trainers Association's memorial to Chief Havoc – The Gunnedah Wonder Dog. Click here for the story. |
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, along with Dawn Fardell (Independent MP Dubbo) and Richard Torbay (Independent MP Northern Tablelands) joined library workers and concerned citizens protesting about the current under funding of Public Libraries, outside Parliament House in Sydney, recently. Click here for the story. |
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John Iuso (Captain Hallsville-Moore Creek RFS), Jenny Harnett (Duty Officer/Treasurer Hallsville-Moore Creek RFS) receive the cheque for $1,000 from Peter Draper MP. Click here for the story. |
Bill Miller (Head of Distribution NECU), Michelle Edmonds (NECU Regional Manager), Kevin Dupe (Chief Ex Officer NECU), Sandra Erich (Tamworth Branch Mgr NECU), Andrew Murray (Tamworth & District Highland Society Pipe Band Secretary) and Peter Draper MP at the presentation of $1,000, by NECU, to assist the band's activities. Click here for the story. |
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Peter Draper presents Shirley Close with her certificate for Rural Women of The Year nomination at Barraba's Council Office. Click here for the story. |
Peter and Shirley inspect the dwindling supplies in the Manilla River while discussing the potential of a Split Rock Dam - Barraba pipeline. Click here for the story. |
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Honorary Secretary of the Ken Falkenmire Cricket Academy, Mick Shelton, shares a cricket yarn with Peter Draper, while collecting the $500 funding Peter obtained through the Rural & Regional Grant Fund. Click here for the story. |
Pictured (from left): Katharine Dubois (Regional Co ordinator Active After-school Communities Programme), South Tamworth Public students Stephanie Fulwood, Jaydan Mann & Tyler Classen with Peter Draper MP. Click here for the story. |
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Peter Draper tries his hand at golf with students from Tamworth South Public School during an Active After-school Community Programme. Click here for the story. |
Peter Draper MP and Mrs Letty Elks (Tamworth Branch President) at the opening of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW Regional Conference, held in Tamworth. Click here for the story. |
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Geoff Carr (left), CEO of National Rugby League, with Peter Draper MP at the launch of the Centenary of Rugby League Foundation Clubs historic exhibition at the Fountain Court, Parliament House, Sydney. Click here for the story.
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Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, congratulates Gunnedah students who took part in the day's proceedings after trying his hand at the local Gamilaroi language, when he shared an account of the visit of the World Youth Day Cross, Icon and Aboriginal People’s Message stick to Gunnedah, in the New South Wales Parliament. Click here for the story.
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Peter Draper inspects plans for improvements to Kootingal-Moonbi War Memorial Swimming Pool amenities with TRC's Pool Manager, Doug Luckie. Click here for the story. |
State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, and Federal Member for New England, Tony Windsor, inspect "abandoned" grain wagons on portion of the former Barraba branch line, near Tamworth. Mr Draper believes an urgent audit of available grain rolling stock must be undertaken to determine what "operational" assets are available to handle a bumper grain harvest. Click here for the story. |
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Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, inspects the beautiful setting of the Nundle Pony Club where $25,000 of Capital Assistance Programme funding will allow substantial improvements to facilities. Click here for the story. |
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, presents a cheque for $10,000 to Lyn Flood and Ros & Greg White representing STACSA Gunnedah and from STACSA Tamworth Susanne Moore and Helen Read. Each STACSA branch has received $5,000 to assist with ongoing operations. Click here for the story. |
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Peter Draper and Tamworth Oxley Scout Group Leader, Brett Grimmond, check the new programme loaded into one of the ex government laptops presented to local scouts. Click here for the story. |
Morris Blanch (left) "Plumthorpe" Barraba and DPI's Tony Townsend receive the $30,000 Environmental Grant Certificate from Peter Draper MP (right) for funding the fish passage remediation project on the Manilla River. Click here for the story. |
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Peter Draper MP presenting State Representative Certificates to William Cowper High's Christopher Massey and Farrer's Benjamin Merrick for representing NSW in the Under 15 Boys State Hockey Team at the Hockey Australia Under 15 National Championships. Click here for the story. |
Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Tamworth & District War Widows' Guild Club (back, from left) Bob Chapman (President Tamworth RSL Sub-branch), James Treloar (Mayor TRC), Father Tom Shanahan (Chaplain Tamworth RSL Sub-branch), Tony Windsor (Federal Independent Member for New England), Peter Draper MP with (front, from left) Mrs Joan Rankine (President, Tamworth & District War Widows' Guild Club) and Mrs Anne Bonner (State President Rep, War Widows' Guild of Australia). Click here for the story. |
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Photo (from left): Dr Colin Bell (Programme Director - Good For Kids. Good For Life/Hunter Population Health HNEAHS), Cr Col Murray (TRC Sports Committee), Marc Glanville (Good Sports Hunter New England Project Manager), Peter Draper MP and Mark Falkenmire (Goof Sports Project Officer). Click here for the story. |
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Kootingal Branch Country Women's Association of NSW. Peter Draper MP, Phil Betts (TRC), Dennis Johnson (auditor), Lee Betts, Teresa Kuczera (treasurer), Betty-Anne White (secretary), Anne Maher (President) and Karen Dusting (Wanthella Group President). Click here for the story. |
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New South Wales Premier, Morris Iemma, and Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, mingling with Festival crowds. As the Premier said "what better place is there to be, than in Tamworth on Australia Day?" Click here for the story.
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Liverpool Plains Land Management Committee's David Walker being presented with the $98,000 environmental grant by Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper. Click here for the story.
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Pictured from left: Peter Beaton (HSU), Brian Bridges (HSU Committee Rep), Peter Draper MP and Bob Wales (HSU) discuss the pay concerns of HSU members. Click here for the story. |
Peter Draper MP at the soon to be replaced wooden bridge over Duncans Creek on the Nundle Road at Woolomin. Click here for the story. |
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Nemingha Principal Aurora Riley and Peter Draper MP in the middle of the exposed quadrangle that will soon be covered with shade cloth thanks to the efforts of Nemingha P & C. Click here for the story. |
Fergus Fitzsimons (GM Tamworth Hospital), Nick Ryan (Director Emergency Department), Chris Trethewy (Associate Director Intensive Care), Peter Draper MP and Premier Morris Iemma inspect the new portable ultrasound unit, capable of being taken to the patients bedside and which will help improve services to patients. |
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Premier Morris Iemma and Peter Draper MP inspect the drug testing bus, and its operation, in Tamworth during the Country Music Festival |
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, was a proud dad when his son Ben joined him as part of the Mayor's XI for the annual Tamworth vs Country Stars cricket match fund raiser. On the day the CM stars proved the better team although local charities were the winners with over $4,000 raised.
Peter and Ben took two wickets each and were given the daunting task of opening the batting with Ben scoring 1 and Peter 8. |
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Premier Morris Iemma & Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper chatting with staff at Tamworth Hospital Emergency Department. Click here for the story. |
Flag raising at Werris Creek. Luke Donnellan MP (Member for Narre Warren North in Victoria and Parliamentary Secretary to John Brumby, Victorian Premier), Hon Milton Morris (Special Guest - Former NSW Minister for Transport & Chair Hunter Valley Training Co), Chris Holley (Australian Rail Monument), David Screen (Rail Heritage Office), Marianne Hammerton (Chief Executive Officer - Rail Heritage NSW), Tony Windsor MP, Ian Lobsey (Mayor, Liverpool Plains Shire Council) and Peter Draper MP. Photo by courtesy Don Porter, Quirindi Advocate. Click here for the story. |
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Peter Draper MP at the historic Werris Creek Station, home of the Australian Railway Monument. Click here for the story. |
