The Ellerston Public School is very pleased to announce that they have successfully raised enough money to have one of the most interesting floats in the parade this year.

This year will see Ron McKinnon of Tomerong near Nowra along with his 12 bullocks parade down Kelly Street with school children and parents along with some of their sponsors sitting on the wagon.

Ron loves talking about bullocks and the history of his skills. 

We might be lucky enough to have a chat to Ron after the parade.

Well done to the Ellerston Public School and to Cath Payne for their organisation to make it possible to have these bullocks in the parade.

The horse festival is held from April 30 to May 17 with the parade held on May 9.

It again promises to be another great day out with many different floats on show.

Election of a new mayor

May I take this opportunity to congratulate my council colleague Michael Johnsen on his success in winning the Upper Hunter seat in the NSW Parliament. 

I personally thank Michael for his dedication he has shown to his council duties and the personal help he has given me during his term as mayor, which I’m sure will continue for the remainder of this term of council. 

May I also wish the Hon George Souris and his wife Vassy all the best in his retirement from politics and thank him for the support he has given the Upper Hunter Shire over this time.

Given his additional commitments, Cr Johnsen has decided to step down as mayor, but will remain a councillor for the balance of this term of council. 

This will mean that councillors will be electing a new mayor at their next meeting on April 27 to fill the casual vacancy left by Cr Johnsen. 

This will however mean that another mayoral election will occur in September that will take us through to the September 2016 Local Government elections.

I am confident the mayor that is elected will continue on with the job of their predecessor and continue to develop our great shire for the long term benefit of our communities.

DPOP meetings

I encourage everyone to attend one of the four community meetings that will be held in Scone, Aberdeen, Murrurundi and Merriwa in May to put your points across to the council, and to ask questions that may be worrying you, or maybe even help you better understand something that has been concerning you.

Anzac Day

For Australians, the Anzac Centenary will be one of the most     significant commemorations to take place during our lifetime. 

It will be a time for Australians to contemplate the legacy of those who have gone before them over the last century, and those who never returned to their families or friends.

The Hunter region is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Anzacs landing at Gallipoli with the opening of the Anzac Memorial Walk in Newcastle on April 24, the day before Anzac Day.

Councillors will be attending all Anzac Services throughout the shire on Anzac Day. 

I will be attending the Scone Dawn Service and then the Gundy Service.