These were the elated words that Inverell farmer-cum-video producer John Goldsmith heard when he answered his phone. He immediately knew that Inverell had just won the bid to host the NSW National Party’s Central Council State Conference in October next year. 

He felt proud that his promotional video was part of the coordinated campaign to bring the conference to Inverell for the first time ever; managing to outrank tough contenders, Tamworth, Mudgee and Port Macquarie. And it won’t just be any conference, but a centenary event that will draw the eyes of the nation onto the Sapphire City. 

The initiative itself was the brainchild of outgoing Inverell-based Senator Williams who will retire at the next Federal election. His idea drew together the support of officials, business people, local singers, drone cameramen and many others. It also had the backing of the Inverell Shire Council – and Peter Caddey, the Inverell Shire Council Manager for Tourism and Marketing, played a pivotal role in convincing sixty Central Committee members that there’s no better place to host their centenary event than in the Sapphire City.

After pulling off this bid, Senator Williams will leave his post in Inverell with a huge parting gift. 

“The conference will bring a minimum of half a million dollars to the town in just four days,” he said, pointing to the accommodation, shopping and other opportunities for money to be injected into the area.  

“There will be around 500 members from around the state taking part in the conference, and they will also bring their families, their associates, and draw media from around the country. The conference attendees will hopefully extend their stay in the district and enjoy all that Inverell has to offer.” 

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The guests will bring money to the town, but they will take away so much more. “What I’m proud of is that Inverell has already shown that it can sweep differences aside and welcome visitors regardless of their political leaning,” said Senator Williams, who hopes that the Danthonia Choir will be invited to the event in an effort to show the talent and diversity the area offers. From spas at Blair Athol to fossicking and museums, guests and their families will be spoiled for choice gaining bang for their buck as far as a little bit of tourism on the side is concerned.  

“I’m so happy that the conference is in October when Inverell is at its best after the frost has thawed and nature comes alive,” said Senator Williams. “The visitors will get to see the lush green parklands and plants blossoming in the roundabouts painting a pretty picture of our town.” 

Some serious networking in high places will bring even more long-term benefits to the area as it enters the national spotlight for all the right reasons. Inverell Mayor Paul Harmon said the event “will draw high-level pollies at state level, who will come to see our area up close. We can potentially gain more than just tourism from the event.” 

A thrilled Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the conference would be one of the biggest in history. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the Inverell community to shine on the ‘national’ stage and showcase our spectacular region and attractions,” Mr Marshall said.

“It’s also another feather in the cap for a community that’s on the move and strong vote of confidence in our region.”

But local tourism stands to benefit the most, so it isn’t surprising that Mr Caddey, Inverell tourism chief, played such a prominent role in swaying the National Party’s Central Committee during his presentation in Sydney.

Each contender made a 10-minute submission in random order, and Inverell was drawn last. “I knew that the order was advantageous because I would be able to see the other presentations and pinpoint their weaknesses to strengthen our own,” said Mr Caddey, who had a growing “gut feeling” that Inverell would win as the morning wore on. 

“I knew that Inverell has so much to offer as it has already proven capable of hosting large conferences, and is located in the heartland of the National Party,” said Mr Caddey. “It is also the base of Senator Williams who bleeds green and gold and will be leaving the party.” 

Inverell didn’t win the primary vote, but managed to stride ahead in the end as the sixty Central Committee members couldn’t help but be enticed by the beauties of the town and began to see the sense of paying tribute to an outgoing senator who “bleeds” in the party colours.

It was an emotional moment. “We were all stoked,” Senator Williams said.”