Answers to merger questions boring but true
In response Rex Wilson’s letter (Dungog Chronicle, July 20) which put forward 10 questions to councillors, I would like to put forward my answers which are not full of excitement or punch – but sometimes the truth is boring like that.
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- In response to receiving a letter from Dungog Shire Community Group: From memory, I do not remember seeing such letter and have no knowledge of it but several community meetings were held in Gresford, Paterson and Clarence Town in addition to three in Dungog with a very good turn out to all Dungog meetings. All in attendance had an opportunity to speak and give their opinion. I received countless emails, phone calls and had many verbal conversations on the subject and answered all to the best of my ability.
- In response to the way the council informed the community: Several mail-outs to all residents were made in addition to the above-mentioned community meetings.
- In response to councillors canvasing merger options: I cannot speak for other councillors, however I am not.
- In response to discussions with councillors from other loval government areas: I cannot speak for others however I have not been having such conversations.
- In response to councillors preferring to stand alone but later conceding it was not possible: I stated my reasons for this at last month’s Shire meeting. In short, if government departments paid the proper value for the taking of water and the relevant government departments paid land rates we would be fit for the future.
- In response to thinking outside the square: I have examined and analysed all options and acted accordingly.
- In response to it being stated two months ago that councillors did not know what their communities wanted: I did not say that and am unaccountable for the actions of others.
- In response to Port Stephens Councillors being more proactive in the Dungog community by caparison: I listened, talked and analysed in regards to the opinions and concerns of constituents.
- In response to councillors voting down a motion to acknowledge the petition from Dungog Shire Community Group: I did not vote it down.
- In response to community views that preference Port Stephens merger option: I took those opinions on board and acted accordingly.
Stephen Farrow
‘A’ Ward Councillor
Appeal sheds light on severe disadvantage
I’m writing to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the community of New South Wales for their support of The Smith Family’s 2016 Winter Appeal.
We launched the Appeal in May to raise $3.65 million by June 30 to support the education of disadvantaged children across Australia.
Our Appeal highlighted the impact of severe financial disadvantage on the education of a child.
For the 638,000 children living in jobless families across Australia, every day at school can be a struggle.
These children often miss out on excursions and camps, can feel isolated and alone, and are at risk of disengaging from learning.
Without educational support and extra resources, they may never reach their potential or find a pathway out of poverty.
It is heartening that our call to “end poverty – one student at a time” through education resonated with so many people in the community, who responded with great generosity to our Appeal.
Jack Murphy
Acting General Manager New South Wales
The Smith Family
