Peter Draper MP with Premer Public School students. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP with School students at Tambar Springs Public School. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP with members from the Barraba district RFS units, Sam Faint (Group Captain & Captain Woodsreef-Gundamulda), Chris Forbes (Captain Burindi), Tom Watkins, Dave Smith and Phil Hodges. Click here for the story.

Independent State MP Peter Draper presents Bevan Sharman with his NSW Premier's Community Service Award. Click here for the story.

Photo (from left): Roger Hollingworth, Ashley Rees, May Boxsell, Ron Boxsell and Ron Rees (Wynella RFS) accepting the $2,000 cheque from Independent State MP, Peter Draper. Click here for the story.

NSW Independents Peter Draper (Tamworth), Richard Torbay (Northern Tablelands) and Dawn Fardell (Dubbo) lend their support to protesting librarians outside the NSW Parliament. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP with Jake Hathway, Tim McKenzie, Sam Liles and Alex McKenzie. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP (second from left), Phil Koperberg (NSW Minister for Climate Change, Environment & Water, third from left) with Tania Mills and Scott Woods (Joint A/GM Tamworth Co-operative Limited). Click here for the story.

Photo: Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, and NSW Roads Minister, Eric Roozendaal, inspect traffic conditions at the Peel / Tribe Street intersections as part of the on-site visit to Manilla Road. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP, NSW Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal and Tamworth Regional Mayor James Treloar at the official opening of the new Nemingha bridge. Click here for the story.

Photo (from left): Graham West (NSW Minister for Sport & Recreation), Frances Smith (Secretary - Tamworth Netball Association), Peter Draper MP and netballers from McCarthy & Calrossy Schools. Click here for the story.

Paul Gorrick and Scott McLaughlin (Hunter New England Health), Peter Draper MP with Manilla District residents Richard Hagan, Doug & Audrey Jenner, Vicki Sing and son along with Judy Simpson (Admin Manilla HS) and Janet Allan (Manager, Manilla Health Service). Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP with Peel Valley Removals rep Scott Hall. Click here for the story.

Scott Hall and Peter Draper with Annette Marshall and Christine Norman of the Coledale Community Centre. Click here for the story.

Peter under pressure from students at Tambar Springs Public School during a game of Ultimate Frizbee. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper takes time out from batting with students from Premer Public School. Click here for the story.

Photo (from left): Athol Coutman, Peter Draper MP and  Max & Shirley Newcombe at the presentation of a Premier’s Community Service Award (for the State seat of Tamworth 2007) to Moonbi resident Max Newcombe. Click here for the story.

Jeremy Mills (Principal) and students of Tamworth West Public School pictured with Peter Draper MP in Bicentennial Park Tamworth for Literacy & Numeracy Week activities. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP and Matt Brown (NSW Minister for Housing) with Marlene Howell and Noelene Simmonds at their recently completed homes in Tamworth. Click here for the story.

Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, commended the staff of Barraba Health Service and Richardson House Aged Care Facility for their commitment to the local community, following a recent visit. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP, Dr John Prior, Mrs Prior, Cloe Davis (community volunteer Meals On Wheels) and Noreen Boehm (Boggabri HACC) following presentation of a community service award to Dr Prior. Click here for the story.

State Member for Tamworth, Mr Peter Draper MP, during an inspection tour for the official opening of the Idemitsu Australia Resources Boggabri Coal Mine. Click here for the story.

Noreen Boehm (Boggabri HACC), Peter Draper MP and Cloe Davis (Meals On Wheels Volunteer) load the meals and check the delivery list. Click here for the story.

Cloe Davis & Peter Draper deliver a meal to Boggabri Meals On Wheels client Betty Durrant. Click here for the story.

On Wednesday 22nd August, Independent State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper attended the national launch of the parenting programme Hey Dad! For Indigenous Dads, Uncles and Pops at Tamworth Community Centre.

A local aboriginal dance group opened the launch and those in attendance were also treated to two wonderful songs from the Hillvue School Aboriginal Children’s Choir, performed in the local dialect.

The group work programme will support indigenous men in building individual and community skills in being more effective and involved with their kids. Interested persons can contact Centacare Tamworth on 6762 1783. Photo – Members of the Yaamanhaa Men’s Group who helped in programme development.

Back (from left) – Robert Charlesworth (Tamworth Regional Council), Paul Newall (TRC), Jodie Foster (TRC) and Peter Draper MP; Front (from left) – Kevin & Tanya Smith (Dungowan Hotel), John & Vicki McDonald, Robyn Thompson, Dianne Baker and Marlene Sippel... pictured after the handover of a $2,500 cheque for improvements to the Dungown Hall. Click here for the story.

The Independent State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper is calling for Solar Powered Level Crossing warning systems to be considered for country crossings and has received advice from Transport Minister John Watkins that his proposal would be examined. Click here for the story.

Belinda Kotris (Mgr Tamworth Family Support), Peter Draper MP and Minister for Community Services, Kevin Greene. Presentation of cheque to Quirindi Supported Playgroup. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP at Namoi Valley Brickworks - 2007 Pollies For Small Business Programme. Click here for the story.

Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has travelled around the electorate launching the booklet Climate Change - Simple Ideas For Future Growth, a resource designed to help small to medium sized business deal with and profit from climate change. At the Manilla launch, Peter is with Craig and Jillian Butler proprietors of SPAR supermarket. Copies of the booklet are available from Peter's office, 13 Fitzroy St, Tamworth or by calling 6766 1422.

The Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, attended the launch of the new Westpac Rescue Helicopter on Tuesday July 24, 2007.
 Pictured (from left): Peter Draper, Tony Windsor (Federal Member for New England), Cliff Marsh (Chair Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Board), Richard Torbay (Independent State Member for Northern Tablelands).   

Back Row: Ben Stubbs (Gunnedah), John Sandell (Farrer), Jarad Taylor (Tamworth High), Nathan Rickard (Peel); Centre: Phillipa Henrey (Gunnedah), Emma Bricknell (Peel), Annie Broderick (Tamworth High); Front: Ashley Bailey (Oxley), Daniel Haslam (Oxley), NSW LA Speaker Richard Torbay, Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and Matt Grinfer (Farrer). Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP at the Gunnedah Railway Station. NSW Transport Minister John Watkins has announced an improvement in access to facilities at the Station.  Click here for the story.

From left :Alan Everett, Meegan and Jessica Taylor, Jeff Bonham, Gwenda Maxwell, Gay Bonham, Peter Draper MP, Emma Fletcher, Kym Hagon, Warren McAdam, David Thurn, Murray Martin. At Manilla Showground.  Click here for the story.

Pictured from left: Yvonne Pauling, Lisa Garthe, Peter Draper MP, Martin Wiggs & Fiona Ware – local SES volunteers who assisted during the Hunter Flood Emergency (absent Heather Hunter, Alex Armstrong and Gavin Miller). Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP congratulates Pat Foley on his appointment as Vice President of Community Colleges NSW. Click here for the story.

Photo (from left): Jerod Sutherland, Peter Draper MP, Robert Sutherland. Member for Tamworth Peter Draper presented the National Medal to the two Manilla VRA members with a combined service totalling 43 years. Click here for the story.

James Treloar (Tamworth Mayor), Bill Wheeler (Buildplan), Greg Maguire (Chair AELC Working Group), Peter Draper MP. Taken at the sod turning ceremony to commence construction of the Australian Equine & Livestock Centre. Click here for the story.

From left: Craig Murray (Country Energy GM), Peter Draper MP, Matt Patterson (Regional GM Country Energy) and Gai Swain (Mayor, Gunnedah Shire) at the opening of the power provider's Field Service Centre in Gunnedah. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP (back left) with Tamworth Toastmasters Youth Leadership Course 2007 graduates and course Co-ordinators at far right, Michelle Thomson (left) and Margaret Finucane. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper MP and Sydney Swans players Earl Shaw and Matthew Laidlaw with AFL District Officer Evan Griffiths during a Smoking. Don’t Be A Sucker campaign appearance at Peel High School. Click here for the story.

State MP Peter Draper with Gloria Lee, Joshua Scharkie, Tegan Cocking & Meg Richmond at todays “Reconciliation Week” flag raising ceremony. Click here for the story.

The Independent Member for Tamworth joined with students, teachers, parents and community members to celebrate Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at Boggabri Public School. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper with Boggabri Gunnedah Gun Club Inc President Noel Edlington and trophies from the 43rd Tally Ho shoot 2007 held in Gunnedah. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper with Oxley High Principal Phil Jones and Girl Captain Ashley Bailey. Click here for the story.

Peter Draper with public school Captains at a luncheon with the Captains and Principals of all public high schools within the electorate. Click here for the story.

SES Community First Responders and Long Service Medal recipients were recognised at Tambar Springs this week. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (far right) presented certificates recognising nominations for Seniors Week Awards to Werris Creek Rail Journeys Museum volunteer Chris Holley, Senior Citizens Centre Committee of Tamworth secretary Marge Darlington and treasurer John Lysaght, Walcha’s Beryl Green and granddaughter Deanne Morris, and Tamworth Seniors Week State Award winner Fred Towle. Click here for the story. Click on the photo for a larger image.

Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (centre) discusses future options at the Boggabri Showground with Lions Club president Phil Bower and Showground Trust president Peter Many. Click here for more.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and Lt Col Michael Hanna pictured at the Tamworth Hunter River Lancers depot. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (centre right) and Tamworth Regional Council Mayor Phil Betts announce to the media that the State Government has committed funding to the upgrade of the capacity of Chaffey Dam from 62 to 100 gigalitres. Click here for the story.

From left: The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper, pictured with Dr Chris Trethewy, Dr Phil Hungerford, Luke Sams (Connecting Critical Care Project Officer) and the Minister for Health John Hatzistergos (seated) engage in the Connecting Critical Care Telehealth technology launched at Tamworth Hospital. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (centre) receives his certificate of appreciation from MTA northern district manager Murrae Davis and president Steve Borg. Click here for the story.

Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (far right) pictured with members of the Barraba Rugby League Club Bob Richardson, Neville Moore, Joe Riley, Fay Coombs, Bulldogs captain-coach Chris Darlington, Annette Riley and Dave Cameron at the Bulldogs’ home ground. Click here for the story.

Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (second from left) with Manilla Tigers captain-coach Glenn Goddard, Pat Carlton (vice president), Vaughan Goman, David Thrift, Jim Goddard, Matt Martin, Scott Tanner and Craig Butler (president) sample the revitalised Tigers home ground after recent rain. Click here for the story.

Sharon Draper, independent MPs Richard Torbay and Tony Windsor and Tamworth MP Peter Draper cut the ribbon at Mr Draper’s campaign office opening in Tamworth on Friday. Click here for the story.

Tamworth MP Peter Draper congratulates Werris Creek Preschool director Julia Cameron for her nomination. Click here for the story.

Mr Draper and Kootingal Preschool president Peta Taggart with Michelle Cherniayeff at the Day of Rage protest on Friday. Click here for the story.

Photo: Trish and David Currell, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper, Ted Irwin, Chris Jeffrey and Gary Young at the Barraba Range. Click here for the story.

Tamworth Zone operations officer Geordie Akeroyd, Tamworth Zone manager Superintendent Lyndon Whieland, Tamworth MP Peter Draper, and Kootingal/Moonbi deputy captain Chris McGoldrick with the new tanker. Click here for the story.

Farrer students and mechanical apprentice Matthew Everingham, Susan Goodwin from Goodwin Kenny Mechanical, Tamworth MP Peter Draper, TAFE New England director Gary Pollock, Department of Education New England region director of schools Des Gorman, The Minister for Education and Training Carmel Tebbutt, and the State’s first school-based apprentice, Peel High student William Duff. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper pictured with the Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald and Dr Ray Hare at the Tamworth Agricultural Institute. Click here for the story.

Mr Peter Draper and concerned farmers pictured in front of a century old dying red gum at Maules Creek. Click here for the story.

Sweden’s Christian Maurer, Godfrey Wenness, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Sandra Nori, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper, Germany’s Ewa Wisnierska and the Member for New England Tony Windsor at the opening of the FAI World Paragliding Championship. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper discusses the serious Government funding shortfall with local preschool directors at a meeting in Tamworth recently. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper pictured with Gunnedah Shire councillor Tony Jones, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Sandra Nori, Kevin Sheridan and Bulldogs president Don Pascoe. Click here for the story.

Narrabri Shire councillor and Boggabri resident Ken Bates, Minister Sandra Nori, Tamworth MP Peter Draper, and Boggabri Tennis Club members Gwen Tumbers, Peter Maunder and John Shaw. Click here for the story.

Mr Peter Draper at the proposed site for the new Halls Creek hall with residents Nathan and Kylie Ford, Sharon Keys, John Temple and Peter Eggleton. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and talented softballer Aaron Mills. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper pictured with TAFE New England director Gary Pollock, William Duff, Brent Smyth and State Training Services general manager David Collins. Click here for the tory.

NSW Police Association president Bob Pritchard and independent MPs Richard Torbay and Peter Draper discussing policing issues at a meeting today in Tamworth. Click here for the story.

Tamworth MP Peter Draper inspects the current kitchen facilities with volunteer Pat Rogers. Click here for the story.

Paramedic Stuart Harris, Staff specialist doctor Chris Trethewey, Health Minister John Hatzistergos, pilot Dave Davies, Member for Tamworth Peter Draper, Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay and senior crewman James Yeo with the dual engine aircraft on loan from Lismore. Click here for the story.

Gunnedah Ambulance Station officer Luis Luzuriaga, Minister for Health John Hatzistergos, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and NSW Ambulance Service CEO Greg Rochford unveil the opening plaque at the new Gunnedah Ambulance Station. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and the Minister for Health John Hatzistergos chat to patient Leah Weatherington in the cardiac ward of Tamworth Hospital. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and the Minister for Health John Hatzistergos (centre) give thanks to the Manilla residents who worked diligently to attract $55,000 for a new community bus. Click here for the story.

Walcha Deputy Mayor Kevin Ferrier, independent MPs Richard Torbay and Peter Draper, and Walcha Mayor Bill Heazlett discuss local issues at the Walcha races. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper with Country Energy regional general manager Matt Patterson, and apprentices Peter Wenner, Joseph Bennett, Toby Fielding and Kieren Jacobs. Click here for the story.

Local fish expert Steve Grammar with a parasite-infected yellowbelly (golden perch) caught recently at Lake Keepit). Click here for the story.

The green anchor worm or lernaea parasite can be seen here attached to the fish’s skin, where it has caused a large red lesion to appear (click on image for a larger photo). Click here for the story.

Pictured (from left): Inspector Greg Birtles, constables Chris Belson, David Barry, Trevor Roberts, Grant Sippel, Rachael Osbourne, David Cleal, Phil Morrison, Ken Flemming, Tamworth MP Peter Draper, Richard Hooley and Superintendent Tony Jefferson at today’s morning tea for the nine new police allocated to the Oxley LAC. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and wife Sharon, pictured with Barraba Showgirl entrants Leanne Thrift, Bec Bolton and winner Emma Holgate, and PA&H president Tim Crowley. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper pictured with Godfrey Wenness, British paraglider Nicky Moss, and Minister Sandra Nori at the revamped Mt Borah launchpad. Click here for the story.

The member for Tamworth Peter Draper (far right) pictured with (l-r) Tamworth Regional Council’s Peter Resch, Barraba Show Society assistant secretary Valerie McCusker, publicity officer Chris Forbes, presidents Tim Crowley, Campbell Tonkin, Max Kelly, Minister Sandra Nori, Tim Clarke, Cr Shirley Close and Nina Clark. Click here for the story.

Geoff Locke, Tamworth MP Peter Draper and Clarrie Doyle take a break while shearers work on the specially bred merinos at Bendemeer. Click here for the story.

Mr Draper discusses the benefits of the breed with Clarrie Doyle. Click here for the story.

Back: Mick Cameron, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, Tamworth MP Peter Draper, Democrats Upper House candidate Lyn Schumack, (front) Michael Bronley, Joan Wakeford and Lance Thorne catch up at the Billabong Clubhouse. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (far right) with Tamworth dentist Dr Bruce Stewart, Democrats MLC Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, Joan Wakeford and Joyce Vernon. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper pictured with CMAA general Manager Cheryl Hayes. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper met with representatives of the Sudanese community from Sydney and Newcastle prior to Tamworth Regional Council's decision to discuss a resettlement program with the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and Woolworths Tamworth Store Services Manager Amanda Slavek. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper with the Minister for Sport and Recreation Sandra Nori, Barraba Sportsground representative David Kelly, Barraba Rams president Neil Smith, and sportsground president Ron Bridges at the Rams change rooms. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and Lake Keepit State Park Manager Graham Kent examine the now exposed water intake pipes at Lake Keepit, with the temporary pump pictured far right. Click here for the story.

The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper with Tamworth RFS Deputy Captain Stephen Cummins, Zone manager Superintendent Lyndon Whieland, and (back) volunteers Sarah Cummins, Diana Cummins, Pat Rogers and Barry Gehrig with the new Cat 7 tanker. Click here for the story.

(front): The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper pictured with outgoing Tamworth Women’s Refuge manager Chris Solberg and (back) Annette Miller, Bernadine Morris, Jenny Liles, Marie-Anne Eslick, Noelene Brown and Laurie Beattie. Click here for the story.