WALCHA has celebrated victory against council amalgamation with a gathering at the rugby union game against Narrabri at the weekend.
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Although the New England town turned on its best wintry weather – complete with temperatures not making double digits and rain – enthusiastic supporters donned their best red and white gear to celebrate.
Walcha Action Group member Barry Spry said everyone had “jammed into the tent” and it was hard to estimate numbers.
“It was cold and wet, and the weather was absolutely shocking,” he said.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce attended, along with barrister Peter King, who represented Walcha Shire Council in its battle against a merger with Tamworth Regional Council.
Walcha mayor Janelle Archdale thanked the men for their support.
“Our success would not have been possible without the passion and hard work by them and the determined efforts of our local members, Kevin Anderson and Barnaby Joyce,” she said.
Mr Spry said it was a function to say thank you to the two men who had helped in the fight.
“We are very realistic up here,” he said.
“When the minister wrote us a letter, he highlighted a few things including the financial performance of the council, passion of the community and the disadvantages that Walcha would have if amalgamated, particularly with cultural facilities like the art gallery and tourist things.
“The minister mentioned we would suffer those under amalgamation.
“A lot of bigger and stronger councils were amalgamated across the state, but our federal member was the Deputy Prime Minister and, although (Tamworth MP) Kevin Anderson supported us very strongly, the leader of the National Party was also our federal member and he lobbied on our behalf, and was originally a Walcha boy. Barnaby played a large part in that, and Saturday was a big thank you for Barnaby.”
Walcha has withdrawn from the legal case now and Mr Spry said it was focused on long-term strategic planning.
Mr Spry said there were other functions on that Mr Joyce also attended in the town.