A message from the Mayor: The bushfires remembered
Published on 07 November 2022
Three years ago, on the 8 November, was a day many of us will not forget. It was the day fireballs quickly progressed the fires out of the Willi Willi National Park area due to ferocious southerly winds. They devasted Willawarrin and its surrounds. The fire burned for several weeks impacting many of our Upper Macleay communities.
Most of us will clearly remember that devastating time when the skies turned orange and burnt leaves and ash rained down on us.
Throughout the fires, 46% of our Shire burned and 340 houses, outbuildings and fences were damaged or destroyed in the blazes. Key industries were impacted including primary producers and forestry. The local wildlife suffered terribly. We also remember Willawarrin man Barry Parsons who sadly lost his life.
We all have stories to tell from this time. I recall my street being door-knocked by NSW Fire and Rescue staff, notifying us we may have to leave soon. Many other people have much more horrific stories to tell of uncertainty, worry and concerns.
Many of us are still coming to terms with the events of those days and there is help available. Please reach out to organisations like Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.
Graduation and Race Day
Last week I was honoured to attend two amazing events.
On Thursday evening the Graduation Ceremony for the Macleay Vocational College Year 12 students was held at Frederickton. The young citizens seem to be ready to be worthy members of our community. Congratulations to them, their parents and their teachers.
Also, the Kempsey Race Club put on the Akubra Kempsey Cup on Friday at the Warwick Park racecourse. What a great turnout of people for the day. Such events are again being well supported.
Vale Cassius Turvey
I was extremely sad at the news last week of the death of 15-year-old Cassius Turvey in Western Australia while he was walking home from school with friends.
Most people in our community would agree that his murder is abhorrent and especially so if it was racially based.
On behalf of the Shire Community, I offer our deep sympathy to his family, friends and community.