Yesterday I had the great honour of marching 30km into Dubbo with the Coo-ee March re-enactment. What a great way to commemorate 100 years Anzac. The group will continue to march today and for many days until they finally end up in Sydney on 11 November. It is a huge commitment by the marchers and organisers and I wish them well on their onward journey.
Speaking with the organisers yesterday reminded me of our Dubbo Day awards. There are many people in our community doing some fantastic voluntary work for the betterment of all. In Dubbo we take the opportunity – on the anniversary of the day Dubbo was declared a Village – to publicly thank those people. We rely on the people of Dubbo to nominate others that are making a difference. Nominations close on 28 October so, if you know someone making a difference in our community, please nominate them.
This Saturday you will have the chance for a rare experience. With our new Sewage Treatment Plant now commissioned – Council’s most expensive capital project in the history of Dubbo – we are holding an open day. I understand the initial reaction of most people. Touring a place where sewage is treated does not sound that exciting but it is an essential service for Dubbo and critical for our future growth. I would encourage you to attend.
This Friday night will see the awarding of the Chamber of Commerce’s twentieth Gold Rhino. The Rhinos have become an establishment in the Dubbo business community and the longevity of these awards is testament to their popularity and the successful way the Chamber has conducted these awards for so many years. I wish all businesses the best of luck for Friday night and congratulations to the Chamber.
Many people still talk to me about the excitement of flying direct to Brisbane. Next Tuesday Dubbo takes another step forward. I will be on the first commercial flight that will be flying direct to Melbourne. From next Tuesday we will have three direct flights a week servicing Melbourne and six flights a week servicing Brisbane. Dubbo will then have 168 flights every week servicing five ports directly. Dubbo’s flying really has come of age.
Councillor Mathew Dickerson
Mayor of the City of Dubbo