It breaks an election promise not to forcibly merge local councils.  

Democratically elected mayors and councillors have been dismissed and boundaries re-drawn, the new councils will be run by administrators, handpicked by the premier. 

These administrators do not represent the community — they answer only to the premier. In many areas the mergers proceeded despite widespread objections from the community. But, because we are in the middle of an election campaign, a couple of mergers in marginal seats have been temporarily halted.  

The political cynicism is astonishing, but not surprising. Every step in this process has been driven by political considerations.  

We believe that local government should be reformed, not by forced amalgamations, but by banning developers from office and capping political donations.  

Labor is committed to returning democratic decision making to local government and where communities want to overturn the forced mergers, we will provide them with the democratic opportunity to do so.

Do you have a pet duck or chook; or some cross-bred birds in the backyard? Why not enter them in a show?

The Waterfowl Society of NSW Inc annual show will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the Yass Showgrounds.

There is the opportunity to see a wide variety of domestic waterfowl; and participate in the backyard chook, backyard duck, and pet duck classes on offer. These classes are open to any crossbred or purebred duck or chook, with cash prizes up for grabs.

For the more serious exhibitors there are the usual open breed classes with major prizes, best of breed awards, and other special prizes. Other classes include juniors; novice; eggs, and new colour classes.

Are you after some new birds for the garden? This year you can enjoy a fun day, and possibly purchase some new birds for the garden directly from breeders via a silent auction of waterfowl.

Further information can be obtained from the society’s Facebook page, or by emailing fearn2001@hotmail.com.au or phoning 0432 548 242 or (02) 4869 1834.

The Waterfowl Society of NSW Inc is the oldest waterfowl club still in existence in NSW. The society aims to assist people with keeping and showing poultry; conserving rare breeds; integrating all sorts of poultry into the garden, especially in organic or permaculture systems. 

The Cootamundra Nursing Home will celebrating 30 years of service to the community with a reunion.

The reunion will be a time for recollections and memories to come flooding back as past and present staff members, volunteers and board members gather at the Cootamundra Ex-Services Club on July 2, 2016. Preparations are in full swing. A Facebook page has been created, with lots of photos from the facility’s 30-year history.

Registration, dinner and entertainment will be provided at the Ex-Services Club starting at 6pm. The Sunday recovery allows time for those who would like to visit the nursing home for morning tea and tour of this fabulous community owned, not for profit facility.

RSVPs are to be emailed to education@ctanurse.com.au, or inquiries to (02) 6942 3511. Check us out on Facebook – Cootamundra Nursing Home 30 year reunion.