AS 2024 draws to a close, it’s interesting to reflect on some of the events that have shaped the Far West in Barwon.
It’s certainly been a year to remember.
It began with record-breaking rains in January, a storm cell that contributed to an electricity supply disaster in October and a December heatwave.
We saw an iconic, historic newspaper close, and a new one begin publication, huge growth for the Mundi Mundi Bash and a wonderful celebration for the Broken Heel Festival marking the 30th anniversary of the movie, Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Hopefully, it’s just a temporary break for the organisers as they work on some other projects for The Palace.
We also saw the closure of Willyama High School due to mould, but the New South Wales Government has committed to rebuilding the school, guaranteeing Broken Hill continues to have two high schools.
Whilst the current colocation is not ideal, I thank the school communities for their willingness to work together.
2024 has also seen a record number of Parliamentary Ministers visit the Far West.
The Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate Change, Energy Environment and Heritage, Minister for Health and Regional Health, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Minister for Water and Mental Health and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads all made visits to the Far West and met with organisations, community members and groups.
Broken Hill also hosted a Community Cabinet in November, where the Premier brought his entire cabinet for a community forum and held a series of meetings with community members, organisations, businesses, and Councils.
It has helped to improve the Government’s knowledge and understanding of regional and remote issues and the Premier and his Ministers found it an informative experience, and really enjoyed the local hospitality.
This year has also had its challenges, rising living costs and the costs to households and businesses due to the unplanned disruption to our power supply. Inquiries into the causes are underway and we will have more on that in 2025.
We will continue to work hard, negotiating with the government to improve services for the Far West in health, education, roads, lands emergency services and to encourage new workers to come join us in the Far West.
If you are travelling to see friends and family during the break, please be careful on the roads. We want everyone to get to your destination safely.
If you are staying at home, take some time to relax and recharge.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Roy Butler
Member for Barwon
