The foreshadowed closure of the Green Army Environmental Scheme is disappointing for me as I have been involved in plans for some projects through Skillset and Local Land Services.
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In the heat of battle during the backpacker tax debate, the block vote of the senate Greens was swayed by an additional $100 million for national Landcare funding.
Following that agreement, the Federal Government decided to terminate the Green Army Scheme that has helped many out of work young Australians to learn the joys of actually being employed at worthwhile jobs.
A great loss
The recent passing of John Robinson in Bathurst took away a good friend from many residents of our city and district.
John, his wife Patricia, and his extended family have been highly regarded in Bathurst and he was well known as a senior car salesman at Clancy Motors Ford.
Friends tell me that he has sold vehicles to three generations of some families.
A wide circle of friends will certainly miss John for his work ethic, his sense of humour and his friendly manner.
Year that was
Looking back at 2016:
- John Cobb stepped down from politics after a long stint as the popular Member for Calare.
- Andrew Gee resigned as state Member for Orange and comfortably won the federal seat of Calare.
- Proposed amalgamations of two sets of local councils caused a year long furore that continues to this day.
- The Baird Government backed down on plans to shut down the greyhound racing industry in NSW.
- Phillip Donato, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party, won the formerly blue ribbon Nationals seat of Orange with a massive swing.
- * Seasonal conditions across our Tablelands swung from near drought in early May to great rains through winter and spring, with early summer being close to normal conditions.
- All livestock markets are sound with goat meat prices being at a hard to believe 645c/kg liveweight at recent sales.
- Further sales of medium and small rural holdings occurred through the year at very acceptable levels as generational changes continue.
A thought for Yuletide: Be careful of the quiet people, for they are often the ones who are doing the thinking.
The year ahead
AS we look forward to the start of a New Year, many of us start putting some thought into our resolutions for 2017.
Might I make a few suggestions for your own benefits and others’:
- Never phone clients or friends before 7am of after 9pm unless in an emergency.
- Make sure that no meeting or workshop ever exceeds five hours.
- Never sound a car horn in town traffic.
- Don’t phone radio commentators; you will always regret it.
- Be kind to your children; they will eventually select your rest home.
Time for thanks
Some thank yous. To Murray Nicholls and the editorial staff at the Western Advocate for giving space for this column each Thursday.
To Mark Horsburgh for his up to the minute wool report every week.
To the four desperados who send me a few harmless yarns to include in the Rural Notebook.
And to readers of this column. I hope it contains some useful news and views and that it brings a smile to some as you enjoy your cornflakes.
Rosemary and I hope that your Christmas is peaceful and happy. Christmas is a special birthday and a time for family and friends.
Compliments of the Christmas season and good luck and good health during 2017.
This column will now recess till early January.
Laugh lines
A little old lady wrote a note to Santa:
Dear Santa,
I’m an 80 year old widow living alone and relying on a pension. A thief broke into my unit and stole the $100 cash that I had saved for Christmas lunch with my two widowed neighbours. I still believe in you, any suggestions?
Love, Ada.
A staffer at the post office noticed the shaky handwriting, opened the letter, did a quick round of office staff and sent the $95 collected to our little lady.
After Christmas, she wrote again:
Dear Santa, of course I believe in you. Many thanks for the $95; Christmas lunch was lovely. I’m sure you actually sent $100, and I bet that those shifty eyed beggars at the post office nicked the other $5.
(Thanks MH)