In one of those strange circle of life things, about three years ago, I had a conversation with Greg Combet about how Australian politics could pull itself out of the death spiral of rolling leadership coups.

Combet – one of Labor’s brightest stars – had burned out during the leadership feud between Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, and with the grinding effort of legislating a carbon price in a minority parliament. Given he was a substantial loss to public life, I was interested in his thoughts about how things might become less toxic.

Part of the problem, Combet thought, was Canberra’s parliamentary culture was too insular, and the pace of governing was too punishing. One way to combat that would be adopting the American model, where people were recruited from outside the political system to serve in the cabinet or the executive. Recruiting high-powered outsiders from diverse backgrounds to mingle with the political lifers for a term of government would refresh the gene pool in the 2600 postcode, and allow some members of a government to focus exclusively on policy-making rather than having to juggle portfolio and representative responsibilities.

Walgett Shire Council have introduced the scholarships to all emerging artists in forms identified below that reside within the Walgett Shire. The new Scholarships are a tribute to world renowned Aboriginal artist, singer and songwriter Mr. Jimmy Little and seek to support those emerging talents across our Local Government Area.

Extended to 16th June 2020

To learn more about this fantastic opportunity follow the link: https://www.walgett.nsw.gov.au/jimmy-little-memorial-schol…/

Due to the current situation with COVID -19 Council and local services are still unsure if any inclusive community events can be staged during Reconciliation Week 2020
In a bid to inform young people and create conversations around reconciliation and what it means to people Council have partnered with Mission Australia and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service to stage an “all inclusive” Art competition for all young people.

The Westpac Foundation Rural Community Grants program provides funding for education and training projects delivered in rural communities to create pathways out of disadvantage.

With higher rates of socioeconomic disadvantage in rural and remote Australia compared to cities and metropolitan areas, the program can help respond to these challenges, which are exacerbated by the drought, fires and now COVID-19.

To apply for a $10,000 grant and learn more about the program, visit: http://ow.ly/dM0G50zfp4H

The NSW Government has adjusted the Community War Memorials Fund application rounds. The dates for the 2020/21 rounds are:
Round 1: Opens Saturday, 25 April 2020 (Anzac Day) – Closes Monday July 27 2020
Round 2: Opens Wednesday, 11 November 2020 (Remembrance Day) – Closes Thursday 11 February 2021
 Round 1 is now open. Eligible organisations can apply online for grants of up to $10,000 to protect, conserve or repair local war memorials in New South Wales. Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 27 July 2020.
Further information about the Community War Memorials Fund can be found on the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs website at https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund/?fbclid=IwAR0jOFjF-hH5WCB1twXoZkWZDNs1hH8QHJ8GezbzeTfWjyXaiuGNFE5mraY