Council director is farewelled

DUBBO Regional Council director Technical Services Stewart Mcleod retired this week after what General Manager Mark Riley called a remarkable career.

“Stewart started work with Dubbo City Council in 1979 and retired this week after some 36 years’ service, including a brief term at Orange Council and 22 years as Director of Technical Services at Dubbo Council,” Mr Riley said.

“During this time, Stewart worked for 12 separate elected Councils, 83 individual elected councillors, 10 mayors, 1 administrator, 3 General Managers and has experienced two amalgamations,” he said.

“Between 1979 and 2016, the LGA has doubled in size, and Stewart has been at the helm of many of the city’s major capital works projects including the Troy Rail Deviation, major intersections at the Airport, Bunnings, Boothenba Road, Wheelers Lane and the Talbragar and Darling Street Beautification projects, and built the city’s first roundabout in 1986.

“Other legacy items include all stages of the Tracker Riley Cycleway, the Yabangee Bridge, the Shibble Bridge, the Gulambula Bridge, water supplies for the villages of Brocklehurst, Wongarbon, Ballimore, Eumungerie and Mogriguy and the safety upgrade of the South Dubbo Weir and Fishway,”

“He was also behind the construction of the Water Treatment and Sewerage Treatment Plants, fluoridation of the Dubbo Water Supply, nine new water supply reservoirs and a number of drainage schemes across the city, and all of these are just a glimpse of what Stewart has been involved with during his career.”

“Stewart has also been an active member on a variety of a number of committees including being the Chair of the Dubbo Local Emergency Management Committee since 1998, a member of the Central Western Emergency Management Committee since 1990, various state level Water and Sewer Industry Committees and a driving force behind the Lower Macquarie Water Utilities Alliance.”

“Along the way, Stewart has garnered a number of awards as an individual and for projects he has managed,”

“These include the prestigious Public Service Medal awarded in 2011 that recognised the significant contribution he has made to the community during his professional career.”

“It is with a mixture of sadness and fond feelings that Council farewells Stewart on his retirement. He has not only left his mark, but he has improved the quality of life for the residents of Dubbo in a myriad of ways and I wish him and his wife Judith all the best.”

Macquarie Matrons seeking sponsorship for last event

THE Macquarie Matrons are appealing to Macquarie Valley businesses for sponsorship.

Each year the Macquarie Matrons set about raising money for charities and community groups within the Macquarie Valley Region. To date the Macquarie Matrons have raised in excess of $920,000 for charities.

“We are seeking support from the business communities in Trangie, Narromine, Warren, Nyngan and Tottenham this year as we undertake possibly the last Macquarie Matrons event – the Macquarie Matrons Marquee at the ‘Three Rivers Machinery’ Macquarie Picnic Races,” said Kelly Reynolds, president of the Macquarie Matrons.

“We are seeking donated items to be included in our silent auction on the day. All money raised will go to the Macquarie Valley Regional Fund, which in turn will be donated to charities and community groups in Trangie, Narromine, Warren, Nyngan and Tottenham,” said Kelly.

“In return for their generous sponsorship, businesses will receive promotion through social media, inclusion in the auction brochure and potentially their logo and promotional material displayed on the sponsors’ wall in the marquee.”

“It will be a great, fun day out and we hope that others will be encouraged to join the Macquarie Matrons so that we can continue to raise money for charities within the Macquarie region,” said Kelly.

Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor should email president@macquariematrons.com.au.

Racegoers interested in purchasing tickets for the Macquarie Picnic Races for the Macquarie Matrons marquee can do so through www.123tix.com.au and are encouraged to stay up-to-date through the Macquarie Matrons Facebook page.

Marquee tickets are $55 if purchased prior to December 15 and include entry to the races, a delicious luncheon, access to a private bar and live music. Tickets will be available through 123tix.com.au.

Buses are also available from Dubbo to Trangie return for an additional $25 per person.