Cowra Council Community Newsletter Issue The Cowra Quarterly Cowra Council Community Newsletter Issue: Autumn 2015 Calleen Art Award gala opening Saturday, May 2 The premier central west art prize, the 2015 Calleen Art Award, has its gala opening on Saturday, May 2 at Cowra Civic Centre. Cowra Council offers a free “talking book” version of the Cowra Quarterly provided on a compact disk (CD) format. Narrated by Mr Ted Baker, the copy is mailed out to all residents on our subscriber list. To add your name e Calleen Award; signature art prize for the State’s Central West. “Talking” Cowra Quarterly to the list, contact Council on 6340 2087, email: [email protected], or write to: David Dixon, Public Relations, Cowra Council, Private Bag 342, Cowra, NSW 2794 This year’s judge is art critic, writer and broadcaster, Andrew Frost, who will announce the winners on the night which starts at 6pm. An ensemble of young musicians from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music will also play in the Gallery after the official launch as part of the exhibition preview. The Calleen Art Award is an acquisitive art award established in 1977 by Patricia Fagan OAM. It has developed into a significant national painting award and the signature art prize in Central West NSW. The 2015 winner will receive $19,000 in prize money and their painting will join the Calleen Art Collection at the Gallery. The Central West Regional Art Award is non-acquisitive, attracting entries from some of the region’s foremost artists. The 2015 winner will receive $2500 in prize money. This year, 308 entries were received and 55 have been selected as finalists by a panel of art professionals. The award winners will be announced by the 2015 Awards Judge, Andrew Frost, Art Critic, Writer and Broadcaster at the Awards Gala Opening on Saturday May 2 at Cowra Civic Centre. This always entertaining and vibrant exhibition continues to June 14. The next exhibition, Kensuke Todo Sculpture & Drawings commences Saturday, June 21. This is an engaging and captivating exhibition that examines the paradoxical works of Canberra- based Sculptor Kensuke Todo. Born in Kyoto, educated in Japan and Australia, Kensuke Todo extends his bi-cultural perspective to sculptures and drawings that gesture towards imaginary architecture, with rigorously considered in- between spaces that function ambivalently as voids and energy fields. Exhibition closes July 26. Cowra Regional Art Gallery’s hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10–4pm, Sunday 2–4pm; with admission free — Cowra Regional Art Gallery is a cultural facility of Cowra Shire Council.
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Cowra Council Community Newsletter Issue
The Cowra Quarterly
Cowra Council Community Newsletter Issue: Autumn 2015
Calleen Art Award gala opening Saturday, May 2
The premier central west art prize, the 2015 Calleen Art Award, has its gala opening on Saturday, May 2 at Cowra Civic Centre.
Cowra Council offers a free “talking book” version of the Cowra Quarterly provided on a compact disk (CD) format.Narrated by Mr Ted Baker, the copy is mailed out to all residents on our subscriber list. To add your name
The Calleen Award; signature art prize for the State’s Central West.
“Talking” Cowra Quarterlyto the list, contact Council on 6340 2087, email: [email protected], or write to: David Dixon, Public Relations, Cowra Council, Private Bag 342, Cowra, NSW 2794
This year’s judge is art critic, writer and broadcaster, Andrew Frost, who will announce the winners on the night which starts at 6pm. An ensemble of young musicians from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music will also play in the Gallery after the official launch as part of the exhibition preview.The Calleen Art Award is an acquisitive art award established in 1977 by Patricia Fagan OAM. It has developed into a significant national painting award and the signature art prize in Central West NSW.
The 2015 winner will receive $19,000 in prize money and their painting will join the Calleen Art Collection at the Gallery. The Central West Regional Art Award is non-acquisitive, attracting entries from some of the region’s foremost artists. The 2015 winner will receive $2500 in prize money. This year, 308 entries were received and 55 have been selected as finalists by a panel of art professionals. The award winners will be announced by the 2015 Awards Judge, Andrew Frost, Art Critic, Writer and Broadcaster at the Awards Gala Opening on Saturday May 2 at Cowra Civic Centre. This always entertaining and vibrant exhibition continues to June 14.The next exhibition, Kensuke Todo Sculpture & Drawings commences Saturday, June 21. This is an engaging and captivating exhibition that examines the paradoxical works of Canberra-based Sculptor Kensuke Todo. Born in Kyoto, educated in Japan and Australia, Kensuke Todo extends his bi-cultural perspective to sculptures and drawings that gesture towards imaginary architecture, with rigorously considered in-between spaces that function ambivalently as voids and energy fields. Exhibition closes July 26. Cowra Regional Art Gallery’s hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10–4pm, Sunday 2–4pm; with admission free — Cowra Regional Art Gallery is a cultural facility of Cowra Shire Council.
BreastScreen Van visiting CowraBreastScreen NSW is bringing its Mobile Van to Cowra and has appointments available until mid-May. The Van is at Cowra Showground, and is open from Monday–Friday from 8.30–5pm; bookings can be made on 13 20 50. All women of child-rearing age and older are encouraged to visit the van with statistics showing that: one in eight women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and a 30-minutes check once every two years can offer peace of mind, and may even save your life! No doctor’s referrals are needed.
New rail display highlights
ANZAC linksCowra Council staff Barry Francis (left) and Allan Taylor, with Lachlan Valley Railway Society member Eddie Guilfoyle, at the Lachlan Valley Railway’s Cowra Locomotive Depot Museum recently. Council assisted the Lachlan Valley Rail group to install a new interpretive sign and prepare the site around the recently-restored Memorial Fountain in the lead-up to this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations.
New Community Recycling Centre for Cowra
Cowra residents will soon be able to waste less and recycle more after a $75,000 grant to create a new recycling facility in the Shire.Cowra’s Material Recycling Facility (MRF) on Glen Logan Road is the site for a new Community Recycling Centre. The new Community Recycling Centre (CRC) at the MRF will collect household problem wastes including batteries, fluorescent lamps, paints, smoke detectors, gas cylinders and oils. The new centre will encourage ratepayers and residents to drop-off materials that up
to now have either been impossible or difficult to recycle at the MRF.The Community Recycling Centre will improve Council’s resource recovery operations that include e-waste, drumMuster, scrap metals, construction and demolition and garden wastes. The facility is part of an emerging network of Community Recycling Centres being built across NSW to make it easier for households to ensure their problem waste can be recycled or safely managed.The grant is enabling construction of a purpose-built facility for the collection of problem household waste products such as car batteries, fluorescent tubes, smoke alarms, and more.
Funding for new plaquesCowra Council — as part of their contribution towards commemorations towards the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC Landing at Gallipoli — recently donated more than $6000 towards the Centenary of Service Memorial at Cowra Services Club.The funds helped replace three existing plaques in need of renewal and a new plaque that lists the names of Cowra residents who served in Australia’s armed forces after World War II.The funds were provided by Council from the Strategic Planning Funding Budget.
Boomerang March returns to CowraCowra Council is hosting a special meeting for village and community representatives to discuss the Boomerang March set down for November 2015The March commemorates the 100th anniversary of the original march that took volunteers from the bush to Sydney to enlist in World War I.The re-enactment starts in Parkes and will travel through Gooloogong, Billimari, Cowra, and Woodstock in the first week of November before embarking for Sydney in a heritage train in Bathurst. They will then take part in the Remembrance Day celebrations in Sydney centred around November 11, the date that World War I ended.Locals are invited to help-out with this volunteer event and to march some of the way with the group as
Graham O’Neill, Peter Macnamara and Cr Ray Walsh stand with the updated honour roll at the Cowra RSL sub-branch.
they pass through Cowra Shire.The meeting for the group to explain their Boomerang March is on Wednesday, April 29 at 5.30 for 6pm at Cowra Council. Community and service groups, village representatives, and anyone else interested in helping-out with this historic event as part of the Centenary of ANZAC Commemorations are invited to attend.For more information on the meeting or to confirm attendance, contact Cowra Council on 6340 2087; for more information on the Boomerang March, contact Secretary Kim Templeton on mob. 0447 447 458, email: [email protected]
A third generation farmer, Councillor Peter Bruce Wright was raised on his parents’ property at Wattamondara; a self-sustaining rural community with the railway station a lifeline to the outside world:
I was born and grew up at Wattamondara. Some of my first memories are of Ernie Walker and his ‘EJ Walker General Store”. We used to get our post and groceries and shopping at his store. He had a wheat permit and we’d pick-up fertiliser at the Railway Station with machinery parts and the like shipped from Sydney. It was a self-sufficient village; my parents only came to town once a week for business. The first time I came to Cowra was to pre-school and school. I remember that going to the Cowra Show once a year was a big highlight with the sideshow attractions and the displays. We were a big family for the Show. I remember my Dad used to exhibit animals and wheat and I used to help get them ready.
My Cowra...I remember being one of the first Year Seven students in the new high school, we had a brand new building back in 1969. My primary school is now the Infant’s School and the old high school is now the Public School. We had well over 1000 students at the new school because of the construction of Wyangala Dam; a boom time in Cowra.Communities used to pitch together; I remember the building of the Second Cowra Scout Hall. A group of families harvested and milled the wood and built the whole thing on Binni Creek Road.My place, “Colbin-Abbin” (“the meeting of the black and red soils”) — named after a small town in Victoria — is 35km south-west of Cowra with prime lambs and crops. I purchased it in 1989 after I married Mary-Ann in 1987; we have four children, Sam, Tom, Daniel, and Lily.Each generation of my family has expanded, not just lived on what we inherited, but have grown our identity and business skills. One of the best things about Cowra is its climate and environment, we have hot times and dry times and cold times, but we’re on average. We get something out of every year; it’s a ‘kind’ climate. Spring time is a good time here; the crops starting to grow, the gardens coming out of winter, everything seems fresher; everything’s growing and looking their brightest. Cowra’s situated in a rich farming valley, the Lachlan Valley. It’s a community built on family input and work, not inherited wealth, and it is a very picturesque place that provides the necessary schooling and medical facilities for a good family life.I developed my interest in Council after my involvement with the NSW Farmers Federation. I was a local and regional rep which developed my attention to policy.I was first elected to Council in 2008. What motivated me was that the LEP (Local Environment Plan) had stalled, and it looked like the Shire could be hamstrung by the Planning Process, particularly the restrictions in agriculture. At a NSW Farmer’s Association fund-raiser, Peter with Chris Groves
and writer and columnist, Peter FitzSimons.
The Wright’s on their property; Tom, Daniel, Sam, Mary-Ann, Lily and Peter.
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“Spring time is a good time here; the crops starting to grow, the gardens
coming out of winter, everything seems fresher, everything’s growing and
looking their brightest.”
I enjoy representing the people that voted for me, I enjoy formulating budgets that see the money spent the best way it can; that meet the challenges out of sustaining infrastructure with what we have.I’d like to see the LEP changed to 40 hectares, a second river crossing with the bypass, and the development of light industrial land for small–medium industrial businesses.The important thing is to maintain Cowra’s identity. We’re very well-regarded in education and medical services but we don’t want to be taken over and then lose our identity.I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) at 58, which means I’ve had some low times, some hard times. It’s why I close my eyes when I talk; I’m trying to see the words I want to say. It’s also why I ask a lot of questions at meetings and such.
In the last 12 months, I’ve been realising that to be challenged in life is the most important point. And Cowra has provided me with the opportunity to do my own thing.
Peter and Mary-Ann on their wedding day in 1987
As the Easter bunny at Carinya Pre-school. Happy dad, Peter with sons Daniel and Tom in 1993.
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New pool regulations now in place
New backyard swimming pools regulations are now in place throughout NSW.
Baby Boomers are urged to “have a go” at “come ‘n try”
Cowra Baby Boomers who love a bit of variety in their life can take part in a new program of activities organised by the Office of Sport and Recreation.
The once-a-week “come ‘n try” sport program is for older adults who want to keep active with the sport played changing every month.
The good news is you only come to the events when you want and only pay when you play with a nominal cost.
May begins with a free winter exercise program at Cowra PCYC on Young Rd running each Tuesday from 9–10am. June sees a change of pace with Tai Chi being held at Cowra and District Senior Citizens Club in Railway Lane each Monday from 10–11am.
July has “Dancing Fun” at Cowra Ballet School; August features regular walks; and September focuses on lawn tennis.
Other events in this Cowra Council-supported initiative include lawn bowls, table tennis, and archery. For more information, or to enrol, call 13 13 02, or go to: www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/whatson.asp?region=western
New regulations require all backyard swimming pools to be registered online with the Office of Local Government.The new regulations are designed to reduce the number of backyard drownings in the State and to ensure that adequate safety fences are in place in all Council areas. Cowra Council is now in the process of implementing their swimming pool inspection program which will include random inspections to ensure that all pools in the Shire comply.
Those selling or leasing a property with a swimming pool from next year will also be required to have a “Certificate of Compliance”.Inspectors will also carry-out mandatory inspection of pools in tourist and visitor accommodation and multi-occupancy properties to improve compliance rates and increase child safety around pools.Statewide, local councils are reporting high failure rates for initial inspections with about 95 per cent of properties not having compliant safety standards.To assist with the new regulations, the Building Professionals Board has established the new “E1 Pool Certifier” category so that private operators can now provide certification services to pool owners. This service is designed to complement council inspections and increase the number of qualified people who can conduct swimming pool inspections. To register or for more information, go to: www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au or contact the Office of Local Government on: (02) 4428 4100.
Cowra Baby Boomers
SPORT A MONTH 2015
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Cowra Council Fact:Cowra Council employs 185 staff in areas as diverse as road and maintenance crews, parks and gardens, building and maintenance, engineers, clerical and office, planning and building approval, community services, and management. Council offices include the Customer Service Centre in Kendal St, the Works Depot on Fishburne St, the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) on Glen Logan Road, the Sewage Treatment Plant on North Logan Rd; the Water Treatment Plant on Scenic Drive, and the Aquatic Centre on Taragala St.
Help research into farmer suicide Local land-holders are being invited to help in a statewide survey studying why the incidence of suicide in Australian farmers is higher than the national average.The purpose of the study is to identify risk and protective factors linked to suicide in farming communities, Clinical Interviewer/Research Assistant, Lisa Kunde explained.“We are looking for participants to take part in a phone interview if you are aged 18 years or over; you are next-of-kin of either a farmer who died by suicide; a farmer who died by sudden death; or a living farmer; and would be willing to give two hours of your time to talk to us. “This information will assist us in understanding the issues specific to Australian farmers who died by suicide,” Ms Kunde explained. The “Influences on farmer suicide in Queensland and New South Wales” research study is being conducted by the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP) in partnership with the University of Newcastle, Australasian Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, and the Queensland Mental Health Commission“Interviews will continue to September and we are seeking as many participants as possible, in order to gain an accurate picture of the risk and protective influences on suicide in farmers living in both Queensland and New South Wales,” Ms Kunde concluded. If you’d like to participate or for more information about this study, contact Lisa Kunde on (07) 3735 1144 or email: [email protected].
Gooloogong Progress & Promotion Association
The newly-formed Gooloogong Progress & Promotion Association (GPPA) held its inaugural meeting in March. The Association aims to raise the profile and advance the historic village north-west of Cowra.Contact person for the group is Emma Gosper who can be mailed at: [email protected]
Council MeetingsCouncil Meetings are held regularly in the Council Chambers and residents are welcome to attend. Dates for upcoming meetings, which are all scheduled to start at 5pm, include:April: Ordinary Meeting, Monday, April 27.May: General Committee, Monday, May 11, Ordinary Meeting, Monday, May 25.June: General Committee, Tuesday, June 9, Ordinary Meeting, Monday, June 29.For more information, contact Cowra Council on 6340 2000.
Cowra Council sports brochure
Want to get yourself or your family involved in local sport? Cowra Council’s “Get Active in Cowra” booklet provides a comprehensive list of sporting clubs and organisations in Cowra and district.These include winter sports ranging from the rugby codes, football (soccer), hockey, netball, and AFL to summer sports such as cricket, athletics, aquatics, and touch football.All year sports include bowls, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, and boxing. Other activities such as dancing, bush-walking, model plane building, and exercising are also included in the booklet.The brochure includes descriptions of each club or organisation and contact details for each organisation.To download the brochure, go to: Cowra Council.com.au and follow links to “Our Community” and “Recreational Facilities”.
Top: Turn on the lights! Country Energy workers installing new low-energy LED street lights in Kendal St recently.
Below Left: Erin McGann, Belinda Virgo, and Fiona Jennings at Cowra Visitor Information Centre.
Below Right: Mulyan Public School pupils get a look at Cowra Council recently.
