Several deserving Northern Tablelands locals received King’s Birthday Honours on Monday.

Four people received Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) including Peter Kearsey who received his posthumously for his services to the Inverell community, Uralla’s Russell Clifton for service to the Rural Fire Service, Armidale’s William ‘Bill’ Oates for his work in the field of history preservation and Walcha’s Yvette Stanton for her service to embroidery.

Louise Chappell received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) medal for advancing human rights, especially the rights of women.

Kentucky’s Garry Bashford was awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for his tireless volunteer work with the Rural Fire Service in Kentucky.

Congratulations to everyone who received these honours and I thank you for your dedication and commitment to your field.

Gwydir Shire Council mayor Tiff Galvin, Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan and GSC general manager Leeah Daley at Naroo which has been touted as a potential site for seniors’ housing.

Uralla Library funding

A sum of $62,000 was secured for Uralla Shire Council purchase and install two enclosed pods within the library.

The funding came through the State Library of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grants program which is aimed at helping councils improve the facilities at their local libraries.

The two new pods will have their own temperature control, sound proofing, power and a desk setup which will make for a great space for people to meet and study.

Funding for housing assessments

A total of $90,000 was secured for Gwydir Shire Council to plan for a potential future housing development at Naroo in Warialda.

The grant was secured through the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

The RHSPF is aimed at supporting the groundwork and planning needed to deliver additional homes across the state.

Naroo was identified as a potential site for extensions and development due to the changing needs of the local community and the demand for seniors housing.

The grant through the RHSPF will allow council to plan and establish framework through site, infrastructure and environmental research, to therefore support the delivery of housing that needs of residents.

Myall Creek Memorial Gathering

The annual Myall Creek Memorial Gathering was held on Sunday. It brought together people from all over the country including Northern Tablelands mayors and fellow Members of Parliament.

Retired Farmers group, Armidale

The retired-seasoned and semi-retired farmers group in Armidale is a place where like-minded people gather for a chat. They often invite a guest speaker to talk about current issues. The group gathers at the Armidale City Bowling Club on the second Tuesday of the month at 10.30am.

Mallawa picnic races

The second of the Golden Triangle picnic race meetings was held in Mallawa last Saturday and it was fantastic to see it widely supported.

The once-a-year event is a great race meeting and always draws a crowd.

Congratulations to former Inverell local Zara Lewis for jockeying Akauwheo to a win in the Mallawa Picnic Cup.

Talmoi is the next Golden Triangle meeting next Saturday, June 20.

New doctors for Guyra

It is great to hear the news of the arrival of three new much-needed doctors at the Guyra Medical Centre Dr Anusha Wijesooriya, Dr Mali Ranathunga, Dr Baseerat Hashim are all on board.

I wish them all the best settling into the Guyra community.

Service NSW mobile centres

Service NSW is bringing their mobile service centre to Toomelah, Mungindi and Boggabilla.

The mobile service centre can help with driver knowledge tests, drivers licence applications and renewals, working with children check, birth, death, and marriage certificates, and more.

The mobile service centre will be at Outreach Health Clinic, Toomelah on Tuesday, June 16 from 9am until 11am.

The mobile service centre will be at Community Health Centre, 74 Merriwa Street, Boggabilla on Tuesday, June 16 from 12pm until 3pm.

The mobile service centre will be at Barwon River Park, 155 George St Mungindi on Wednesday, June from 17 10am until 3pm.

What’s on

June 12-13: Guyra Rotary mini book fair at Rotary Hall, 18 Nincoola Street from 10am until 3pm.

June 17 and June 24: Farming Through the Dry Cycle Community Information Sessions at Armidale Golf Club June 17 from 10am until 1pm and Guyra Bowling Club June 24 from 10am until 1pm. Cost is free with lunch provided.

June 18: Book Conversation: Being Patient Close Encounters in Cancer World and Can Assist fundraiser at New England Regional Art Museum Armidale, from 5.30pm to 7pm. Tickets HERE.

June 20: Uralla Arts Winter Solstice Celebration at The Glen, Uralla.

June 20: Glen Innes School of Arts and Music Open Day at 181 Bourke Street from 10am until 3pm.

June 28: Ashford Golf Club clinics. Juniors from 10.30am to 11.30am and women’s beginner clinic from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands