Mr Draper said the funds were part of a package to help develop a total of 346 NSW sport and recreational facilities at a total cost of $3.9 million.
The funding is provided at 50 per cent of the net project cost.
“I welcome this funding and congratulate local sporting groups in bringing the areas of need to my attention,” Mr Draper concluded.
New school suspension centre for Tamworth
Sunday January 29, 2006
A new school suspension centre to provide assistance for disruptive students across the New England will open at the Tamworth PCYC early in the school year, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
The new centre, one of 11 such facilities operating across the state from Term One of 2006, is aimed at teaching troubled students how to behave at school and to get them back in the classroom.
Mr Draper said the new centre would provide an effective service in managing those students with behavioural problems, and would take much of the pressure off teachers who struggle to deal with such students.
“This new centre will be an effective tool in managing disruptive students in our schools, as by taking them completely out of the school environment teachers can concentrate on the whole class rather than one rogue student,” Mr Draper said.
“Also by taking students away from the school and their friends, they may be more inclined to listen and behave appropriately.”
Mr Draper said the suspension centre would run structured programs to get students back on track and back into the classroom, and would have a maximum of six students at any one time.
“According to figures gathered from other suspension centres, up to 90 per cent of students who attend show an improvement in their behaviour when they return to the classroom,” Mr Draper said.
The new facility is part of a $70 Million program to provide stronger student discipline through behaviour schools, tutorial centres and suspension centres.
The new suspension centre will be temporarily housed at Tamworth PCYC while permanent facilities can be found.
Five rooms, a bathroom and kitchen facilities will be available to staff and students at the centre.
Minister to kick off Tigers match
Friday January 27, 2006
The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Sandra Nori will visit Gunnedah tonight to kick start the rugby league match between reigning NRL premiers Wests Tigers and a Group 4 representative side at Kitchener Park, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
While in Gunnedah, Minister Nori will be briefed about a number of issues by Mayor Gae Swain and Mr Draper, foremost being the need to upgrade lighting at Kitchener Park so the community can continue to attract significant sporting events.
Mr Draper said he was pleased the Minister was visiting Gunnedah, as she would gain a personal understanding of how passionate the community was about promoting itself as a top class tourism destination.
“Gunnedah is a great sporting town, and this was reinforced by the visit of former Gunnedah local and current Olympian Sarah Carrigan for Australia Day,” Mr Draper said
“It is a great coupe for Gunnedah to secure tonight’s Tigers verses Group 4 match, as the reigning NRL Premiers are a major attraction for league fans, with a visit from several Canberra Raiders players to follow next week’” he said.
“I aim to reinforce this solid sporting reputation with the Minister to add weight to Gunnedah Shire Council’s campaign to upgrade the lighting at Kitchener Park.”
Mr Draper said the Minister, a dedicated Wests Tigers fan, was excited about the trip to Gunnedah and had only confirmed the visit this afternoon after a last minute change in her schedule.
“Ms Nori wears her heart on her sleeve – last year she was fined by the Speaker of the House after she wore a Tigers jumper into Parliament just before the NRL grand final,” Mr Draper said.
“It should be an interesting visit and I look forward to making the Minister aware of a number of local issues with the help of Councillor Swain.”
The main game between the Wests Tigers and Group 4 will kick off at 7pm.
Govt should support financial counselling services to counter spiralling debt
Friday January 27, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has called on the State Government to step up funding for financial counselling services in the region.
Mr Draper said current funding was “totally inadequate” to meet spiralling problems caused by credit card debt, gambling and to assist farming families struggling to emerge from the recent drought.
Last year the Anglican Counselling Service (ACS), which provides financial counselling in Tamworth and Armidale, had its $100,000 funding application to the Department of Fair Training cut to just $38,000, Mr Draper pointed out.
He has approached the Premier and Ministers for Fair Trading, Gaming and Racing and Aboriginal Affairs to boost the funding in this year’s State Budget.
“Financial counselling makes a big difference to people struggling to meet their financial commitments, and there is strong evidence to show that many individuals and families in our region are now managing much better on structured payment programs,” Mr Draper said.
“ACS counsellor Faith Bohen has negotiated with banks and other lending institutions on behalf of people from every centre in the New England and North West who are keen to access this valuable support service.”
“It makes much more sense to help people to help themselves rather than perpetuate the chain of family break-ups, depression and suicide that often follow unmanageable debt.”
Post Christmas was a critical time with many running up credit card debts they were unable to meet, while struggling to meet the costs of getting children ready for the start of the new school year, Mr Draper said.
“A majority seeking counselling have to manage on very low incomes and desperately need professional help to meet their commitments. If you add to that other factors including gambling, it ends up being a huge problem.”
Financial counselling was delivering better results and it made much better policy for a whole of government approach to fund these services adequately, rather than having to mop up the often tragic outcomes through other agencies when it was too late, Mr Draper concluded.
Draper takes Tripodi to task on roads
Wednesday January 25, 2006
A visit to the Tamworth Country Music Festival turned into an update of the region’s problem roads for Minister for Roads Joe Tripodi, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Tripodi was in Tamworth yesterday for a brief and unofficial visit for the Festival, and Mr Draper used the opportunity to take him for an inspection of the unfinished section of Manilla Rd at Oxley Vale, urging quick action by the State Government to upgrade the road, along with other problems in the area such as the Topdale Rd at Niangala, the Mullaley to Boggabri Stock Route and the urgent need for a new bridge over the Peel River into Nundle.
“While Mr Tripodi was only in Tamworth for a short time yesterday, I took the opportunity to show him first hand the state of Manilla Rd, which has long been an area of concern for Oxley Vale residents and other road users,” Mr Draper said.
“I made it clear to Mr Tripodi that while some work has been recently completed, the remainder of Manilla Rd has been in this awful condition for many years and I received an assurance that he would seriously consider the matter once Parliament resumed next month.
“I also took the opportunity to urge further action on the Topdale Rd at Niangala, as many people travelling to the coast avoid this route because of the 7km unsealed section, and I also detailed the need to upgrade the Mullaley to Boggabri Stock Route, another road which has been neglected in this area.
“I made Mr Tripodi aware of the appalling condition of the bridge over the Peel River leading into Nundle, which is in such a state of disrepair that a replacement is needed as an absolute matter of urgency.”
Mr Draper said that Manilla Rd through Oxley Vale needed to be converted into a four-lane carriageway to cope with the high volume of traffic it carries each day, and a roundabout should be considered for the intersection of Manilla Rd and Tribe Street to allow quick access from the latter during peak traffic times.
“I look forward to following up with the Minister on all these issues of importance when Parliament resumes next month,” he concluded.
$130,000 for NIAS
Monday January 23, 2006
Increased funding to the Northern Inland Academy of Sport will help place the growing number of talented athletes from the North West on the path to sporting success, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
NIAS received $130,000 in funding from the State Government this year to help develop young sporting talent, a $30,000 boost from previous years.
Mr Draper welcomed the funding, saying it was important regional athletes received the same level of development and training as their counterparts in metropolitan areas.
“Many athletes from regional areas go on to become national and international superstars, so it’s important that we recognise the contribution they make to our national sporting identity,” Mr Draper said.
“This funding will help local athletes go on to bigger and better things, and highlights the vital role that our regional sporting academies play in developing our young stars.”
The funding is part of a statewide, $1.3 million package distributed through the Department of Sport and Recreation.
More than 200 athletes aged between 12 and 17 years train at regional academies, under the watchful eye of 500 coaches, officials and sports administrators.
“The Northern Inland Academy of Sport is a quality facility that has played a vital role in the development of our young athletes, but it also contributes greatly in ensuring the development of quality coaches and sporting officials,” Mr Draper said.
Grants recognise the contribution of Senior Citizens
January 20, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper is pleased to announce a number of State Government grants for this year’s Seniors Week celebrations. Community organisations from electorate are set to benefit from the grants that will be used during Seniors Week 2006, running from April 2 to 9.
Mr Draper said the success of NSW Seniors Week relied on the involvement of local communities and their continued participation in Seniors Week activities, and urged the broader community to support local initiatives that recognise senior’s contributions.
“Seniors Week is a welcome initiative that recognises the contribution made by older people to our society, and these grants help local organisations arrange activities to achieve that recognition,” Mr Draper said.
“I urge all senior members of the community, as well as the wider community, to get involved in the celebrations so that our seniors get the recognition they deserve.”
Local grants have been allocated as follows:
- $800 to the Tamworth and District Seniors Computer Club for ‘Keeping in Touch with Old and New Friends’;
- $500 to the Moonbi Kootingal Respite Care Centre for ‘Celebrating Age with Verse and Stories’;
- $500 to the Senior Citizens Centre Committee of Tamworth for the Senior Citizens Open Day and Safety Awareness program;
- $550 to Gunnedah Shire Council for Seniors Week ‘Live Life’ in Gunnedah;
- $550 to Lundie House Gunnedah for ‘Cocktail Hour at 3’;
- $880 to the Tamworth Seniors Week Organising Committee for a Hobbies Expo ‘The Fun Part of Life’;
- $275 to the Alkira Hostel for ‘The Generations Meet’;
- $550 to the Nundle Neighbourhood Aid Service for ‘I Deserve a Nice Day Out’;
- $539 to Omni Tamworth for ‘Older Men’s Country Yarns’.
Mr Draper applauded to initiative shown by so many local groups keen to provide entertainment, learning opportunities and social activities for seniors as part of Seniors Week celebrations.
“We have many dedicated individuals and organisations that work throughout the year to provide opportunities for older members of our community, and their passion and drive to improve the quality of life for seniors deserves our thanks,” he said.
From Peter Draper MP and Richard Torbay MP...
More training places needed for new health reforms to succeed
Independent MPs Peter Draper and Richard Torbay have warned that opening up Medicare to a wider range of health professionals would not relieve the shortage of doctors, nurses and other health practitioners in country regions.
Responding to the proposals of the Productivity Commission report on the health workforce, they endorsed the greater flexibility of the scheme.
However, they said it could not be seen as a substitute for training more doctors, nurses and other health professionals.
“Certainly the professional rigidities should be broken down and giving patients direct access through Medicare to nurses, physiotherapists and speech pathologists would ease pressures on the health system,” Mr Torbay said.
“But multi-skilling cannot be seen as some cure-all because it does not address the current chronic shortages of practitioners in all sectors of health care in the country.”
Mr Draper welcomed the Commission’s strategic approach to offer incentives rather than coercion to attract more health professionals to rural areas.
“Coercion is bound to fail in the long term and we welcome strategies to attract and offer incentives to people who are specifically trained and want to work in rural health,” he said.
The MPs said there were parallels between the Productivity Commission report and the Independents’ Strategy for Rural Health Reform, which has received strong community backing since it was released in September last year.
They support Productivity Commission proposals to merge Australia’s 90 existing registration boards for health professionals into one national entity to avoid waste and duplication, and to explore new ways to combine state and federal funds for hospitals, training and health services.
The Independents’ Health Strategy goes further calling for $3 billion over 10 years to replace sub standard health infrastructure, an extended broadband network in country areas to increase access to specialist health care in remote areas and setting up an efficient rural public transport system.
Issues such as remuneration, professional support, indemnity and capacity for private practice to address the shortage of medical specialists would have to be factored into an effective rural health plan, the MPs said.
Swimmers’ times stronger off new blocks
Thursday January 19, 2006
Scully Park swimmers are matching it with their city counterparts following the installation of new swimming blocks at the pool, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper this week handed over a cheque for $3150 from the State Government to go towards the cost the new blocks, which were installed late last year by the Scully Park Amateur Swimming Club and Tamworth Regional Council.
Mr Draper said he was pleased the new blocks were helping to improve local swimmers’ results, and looked forward to continuing his support of the Amateur Swimming Club.
“I’m told that these new blocks have been having the desired effect of improving swimming times by club members, putting them at the same level as their city competitors,” Mr Draper said.
“This is fabulous news for our swimmers, as they were often disadvantaged by older facilities and overshadowed by city swimmers, which may now become a thing of the past.”
Scully Park Amateur Swim Club coach Chris Wallington said the improvement in his swimmers had been obvious soon after the new blocks were installed.
“Our swimmers have been getting major benefits out of these blocks – they’re a lot crisper on the starts and that gives them a lot better body position when they go through the water,” Mr Wallington said.
“The thing with the old blocks was that they were not wide enough and too high from the water, which was a bit intimidating for the little ones.
“These new blocks are a very good thing for our swimmers and the results were definitely there at the last carnival we went to.”
The starter’s pistol has sounded for competitive swimmers in the North West with the installation of new starting blocks at Scully Park Pool this week, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper said he was pleased to see the new removable stainless steel blocks were ready for use at the pool in time for the summer competitive season, following representations he made on behalf of the Scully Park Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Club to the State Government to provide funding for the project.
Mr Draper said the State Government provided $3150 for the project, with the remaining $3850 pitched in by Tamworth Regional Council.
Photo: Amateur Swim Club captains Daniel Roach and Cassee Wallington with swimmer Caitlin Fisher (front), Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and swim club coach Chris Wallaington.
Community View Sought on Public Housing
Independent Tamworth MP Peter Draper has urged anyone with an interest in the future of Public Housing in NSW to participate in a Parliamentary Review currently under way.
“Public housing has become an issue of great interest to many across NSW in recent times given the problems faced in Macquarie Fields, Dubbo, Orange, Kempsey and indeed locally,” Mr Draper said.
“The Public Bodies Review Committee has begun an examination of public housing, looking at the Allocation of Social Housing, and in particular focusing on funding, social expectations and predictions for future demand,” he said.
All interested organisations, groups and individuals who would like to make a contribution are urged send their submission to the Public Bodies Review Committee, care of the NSW Parliament. Alternatively any submissions sent to Mr Drapers Tamworth office will be forwarded on the sender’s behalf to the Committee.
“The Committee will also compare the funding contribution made to public housing by the NSW Government with allocations made by other states and territories, so a clear picture is developed of how NSW shapes up in comparison,” Mr Draper said.
Submissions must be received prior to Friday February 24th, and Mr Draper encouraged any person or organisation with an interest in public housing to contribute.
Submissions should be forwarded to the attention of:
The Committee Manager,
Public Bodies Review Committee,
Parliament House,
Macquarie Street,
Sydney NSW 2000.
Submissions can be faxed to (02) 9230 3309 or sent via email to catherine.watson@parliament.nsw.gov.au.
Community should support health meetings
Tuesday January 17, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has called for increased community participation in the Tamworth Local Health Advisory Committee meetings.
The first of the meetings was held on Monday night at Tamworth Base Hospital, but Mr Draper said attendance by the general community was disappointing.
Mr Draper said vital issues relating to health in the electorate of Tamworth were raised, such as the operations of the Tamworth Base Emergency Department, obstetrics and mental health, and these meetings were an opportunity for residents to be made aware of health issues and make a positive contribution the operation of the Hunter New England Health Service.
“Health is rated as the number one issue of concern for country communities, so it was disappointing to see this concern not demonstrated at Monday’s meeting,” Mr Draper said.
“These meetings provide an excellent opportunity for residents to meet face to face with those who run our Health Service, and to learn of the daily challenges facing our health professionals when working to meet the needs of patients.
“It’s also a good opportunity to ask questions and make a positive contribution to the way our Health Service operates in the community.”
At the meeting, it was revealed that 21.7 full-time staff treated 34,865 people at the Emergency Department at Tamworth Base in 2005, making Tamworth the busiest hospital next to Tweed in regional NSW. That number is expected to increase to 38,000 in 2006, putting even more pressure on nurses and doctors.
Waiting lists were also raised, with 27 patients currently on a 30-day waiting list, while nine are on a 12-month waiting list. The Hunter New England Health Service aims to reduce both lists to zero patients by June 30.
Mr Draper said that obstetrics services could soon become a problem for Tamworth with the possible cessation of obstetrics services at Tamara Private Hospital mooted for June. In 2004, there were 673 births at Tamworth Base and 789 in 2005. That figure is expected to jump by about 200 should obstetrics services cease at Tamara.
The next Tamworth Local Health Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Monday March 6 at 5.30pm in the Tamworth Base Hospital Boardroom.
Funding boost for New England TAFE
January 16, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has welcomed funding for upgrades to TAFE facilities in the electorate.
As part of a $33.1 million package announced by the State Government, the Gunnedah TAFE campus will receive a $500,000 upgrade to Block D, the Tamworth Administration Building will receive a $235,000 extension, and the Tamworth Open Learning Access Centre (OLAC) and the Faculty will benefit from a $470,000 refurbishment. The entire New England network will also benefit from a $375,000 expansion to its online capacity.
Mr Draper said the funding would improve what was already a substantial network of facilities in the electorate, and thanked the State Government for recognising the area of need.
“This is great news for our TAFE colleges as this funding meets a real need present within our local TAFE network, and indeed at many TAFE facilities across the State,” Mr Draper said.
“TAFE colleges provide quality education for thousands of people both across the State and in this electorate, and the funding will go a long way in improving the delivery of education services in local communities.
“The New England Institute of TAFE has an excellent reputation for delivering quality education outcomes, and I will continue supporting the Institute to secure funding that will enable that reputation to grow.”
The $33.1 million in funding will allow work to commence on 45 projects across 35 TAFE colleges throughout NSW.
Gay gets it wrong again on Police numbers
Friday January 13, 2006
Police numbers remain at full strength in the Oxley Local Area Command despite claims to the contrary by the State Opposition, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition, the Nationals’ Duncan Gay, claimed today in the media that police numbers in the Oxley LAC were below strength by 14 officers. But Mr Draper said according to information provided by the office of Minister for Police Carl Scully, the actual number of police retained in the Oxley LAC was 123 officers, well above the Command’s authorised strength of 114.
“Once again, the Opposition has got it wrong on police numbers in NSW,” Mr Draper said.
“By making incorrect accusations such as this, it serves only to put our police in our community under pressure when they should be supported, and by leaping into the media with such grossly inaccurate information creates fear in the community.
“Heaven help us if Mr Gay ever becomes a Minister – he has a history of getting things wrong and this is another on a long list of examples.
“I fully support the police in the Oxley LAC as they are doing a fine job, and I suggest the Opposition does the same instead of merely looking for ways to attack the Government and our Police Service.”
Mr Draper added that the Oxley LAC would also benefit from up to six additional officers from the March graduation of the Police Academy at Goulburn, further dispelling the claims that the Command was below strength.
Mr Draper said that six of the 123 officers in the Oxley LAC were on long-term sick leave, while 11 were on restricted duties. This put the number of operational police in the Command up to 117, three above the authorised strength of 114.
Tickets for Seniors’ Concert now available
Thursday January 12, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has urged senior residents in the electorate to take advantage of a free ticket offer for the 2006 Premier’s Seniors Week Gala Concert at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on April 3.
Mr Draper is offering 10 double passes provided by Premier Morris Iemma for interested seniors to reward them for services to the community.
Mr Draper said the tickets are highly sought-after by seniors across the State, with demand often exceeding supply, and residents should get in fast to secure their tickets.
“The concerts take place over two days, with three concerts attracting around 10,000 people per concert,” Mr Draper said.
“The concerts are a fun and active way to thank the senior members of our community for the contribution they make to families, workplaces and the wider community, and I urge our seniors to take advantage of these free tickets.”
The concerts are now in their 24th year and are arguably the biggest single event for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere.
Two concerts will be held on the day, one at 10.30am and 2.30pm and finish at approximately 12.15pm and 4.15pm respectively.
To reserve your ticket, contact Mr Draper’s office by telephone on (02) 6766 1422, in writing at 13 Fitzroy St, Tamworth 2340, or by email at tamworth@parliament.nsw.gov.au. Applicants must live within the electorate of Tamworth, and be able to provide their own transport to Sydney and organise accommodation.
Lake Keepit boating to improve with grants
Wednesday January 11, 2006
The Lake Keepit State Park will benefit from two grants to improve boating activities, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
$47,300 was granted to the Lake Keepit State Park Trust to go towards construction of a new 150m boat ramp on the park’s eastern foreshore, and a further $2,400 was provided to the trust to replace 10 buoys around the existing swimming pontoon.
The Trust will match both grants to complete the projects.
The grants are part of $1.32 million in State Government funding for new and improved boating facilities across NSW.
Mr Draper welcomed news of the grants and said they would help make what was already a great regional recreation facility even better.
“This is great news for Lake Keepit and the thousands of locals and tourists alike who use this great facility each year,” Mr Draper said.
“There have been calls to install a second boat ramp at the park for many years, and the news that it will become a reality will be welcomed by those fisherman and campers who prefer the more natural camping experience of the eastern foreshore.
“The new buoys will also ensure swimming and boating safety as they demarcate between swimming and boating areas of the lake.”
The second ramp would provide access on the opposite side of the lake (location of the caravan park), where thousands of bush campers are accommodated during summer and many of whom launch their boats from the banks.
The road to the area would also be upgraded to improve access for boat trailers.
The total cost of the project is $94,600, and is expected to begin when dam levels are lower in the coming months. The $4800 buoys project has already been completed.
Christmas cards should be recycled
Tuesday January 10, 2006
Residents in the electorate of Tamworth who still have Christmas cards cluttering their homes should consider the environment and recycle them, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Having received countless cards from his constituents last Christmas, Mr Draper will recycle the cards using the ‘Cards 4 Planet Ark’ program, and is urging residents in the electorate to do the same.
“Australians give each other over 260 million Christmas cards and envelopes each year, and thanks to the Cards 4 Planet Ark program it’s never been easier to recycle them,” Mr Draper said.
“All you have to do is put your greeting cards into the free envelope offered by Australia Post and post them free at any post box in Australia.”
While stocks last, residents can go into a participating Australia Post outlet for a free postage paid recycling envelope.
Since the campaign’s inception, over half a billion greeting cards and envelopes have been recycled, saving over 100,000 trees. Every type of greeting card and envelope will be accepted by Planet Ark to be recycled into new products, like SAFE branded toilet tissue or packaging.
“I’d like to congratulate the residents in the electorate of Tamworth who have helped to recycle large amounts of greeting cards and envelopes,” Mr Draper said.
“Turning greeting cards into tissue products is a very practical idea and it’s also a great way to give the environment a happy New Year.”
For details of the program in your area go to RecyclingNearYou.com.au and type in your postcode.
Tenders called for Gunnedah Ambulance Station
Monday January 9, 2006
Tenders have been called for the construction of Gunnedah’s long awaited new Ambulance Station, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper announced today.
The new ambulance station will be constructed on the Gunnedah Health Service site adjacent to the emergency department, giving the ambulances direct and safe access to Anzac Parade, and will replace the existing building in Conadilly Street.
“It is good to see that the Ambulance Station for Gunnedah is on track after I sought assurances from the Premier in Parliament late last year,” Mr Draper said.
“It’s a tribute to the hard work of the Gunnedah community, who rallied behind their Ambulance officers when they needed them, and I look forward to seeing the project come to fruition.
“The station is designed to accommodate the existing fleet of four ambulances, with provision for the occasional relief ambulance.
“Staff amenities for the existing seven officers include, a training room incorporated into the general meal/common room, operations/ administration room, medical and general storage area and a station Managers office,” Mr Draper said.
The building is designed for future expansion and will be able to meet longer-term growth of the fleet, if required.
Tenders for construction of the $860,000 station close on February 7, 2006.
Funding for Powerstation Museum
Friday January 6, 2006
The Tamworth Powerstation Museum will receive a welcome upgrade with $5,000 in State Government funding, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper announced today.
The funding was made available under the State Government’s 2006 Museums Program, and will go towards developing new educational signage for the museum.
Mr Draper said the signage would be designed to give visitors a clearer understanding of the significance of the museum and the exhibits on display.
“I welcome the funding for the Tamworth Powerstation Museum, as it recognises Tamworth’s achievement in becoming the first city in the southern hemisphere to install electric street lighting in 1888,” Mr Draper said.
“This milestone deserves to be commemorated, and the funding will help visitors to gain a greater under of the significance of electric lighting in our city.”
Tamworth Regional Gallery and Powerstation Museum manager Brian Langer said the funds would be used to create visually appealing interpretive panels providing visitors to the museum with clear contextual information.
“The new interpretive panels will not only provide visitors with a unique experience of the Powerstation Museum and the historical and social significance of the site, but also upgrade the displays and facilitate a better understanding and appreciation of the Museum’s collection” Mr Langer said.
“The museum’s reputation is growing, encouraging greater utilisation by the community, schools and tour groups. The introduction of this new signage will set a benchmark for further development of the displays at the Museum.”
The new interpretive panels will be developed and installed in the second half of 2006.
Nominations called for NSW Woman of the Year
Thursday January 5, 2006
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper is calling on residents in the electorate to nominate whom they believe to be an outstanding female member of the community for the NSW Woman of the Year award.
As part of celebrations for the International Women’s Day, which will be held on March 8, 2006, the State Government will recognise the achievements of one special woman from a NSW community by presenting the award for NSW Woman of the Year.
While only one nomination can be submitted from each electorate by the current sitting member, Mr Draper said he welcomed input from community and or women’s groups in the Tamworth electorate to suggest whom they believe to be ideal candidate for such an award.
“I encourage residents in the electorate of Tamworth to make a suggestion, particularly those in community or women’s groups, who would have a good idea on who would be a worthy recipient for this award,” Mr Draper said.
“This award recognises a person who has an outstanding community service record, achievement in leadership or valuing, and promoting their local, regional, state or national community.
“The communities in the electorate of Tamworth are rich and vibrant, and I am sure there is a long list of worthy recipients that people could suggest for this award.”
Mr Draper said International Women’s Day was an important time to recognise both the achievements of women and the leadership they provide, as women were often reluctant to nominate for such honours, with only one-third of recipients for the 2005 Australia Day honours being women.
Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Gae Swain was nominated from the electorate of Tamworth for the award, and was subsequently named the electorate’s Woman of the Year.
To nominate a member of your community for the NSW Woman of the Year, contact Mr Draper’s Tamworth office in writing at 13 Fitzroy St Tamworth, NSW, 2340, or by email tamworth@parliament.nsw.gov.au by 5pm, January 25.
