Snapshot: 2013 in review

Inverell honoured all those who served and supported the armed services over the years on ANZAC Day, 2013.

Kye Kuhn and Kevin Bell at work at Bindaree Beef, which has secured a $23 million grant for a system that turns waste into fuel with a world-first biodigestor made possible by the controversial Carbon Tax.

A crowd of 300 turned out in April to see 144 swimmers compete in the inaugural Gwydir Shire Copeton Freshwater Swim. Placings were Armidale’s Jay Kennedy (second), Julian Aenishaenslin from Ballina (first place) and Lismore’s Hayden Blanksby (third).

Alice McInnes, Charlotte McInnes, Hollie Purvis and Emma McInnes wave the Aussie flag in Victoria Park on Australia Day.

Flying foxes were on everybody's mind as they established large temporary colonies along the Macintyre River for many weeks and local historic residence Blair Athol, causing an enormous amount of physical and emotional havoc in their wake.

After the surprise demise of local member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay, the electorate had a by-election in May with former Gunnedah mayor Adam Marshall scooping the votes to win with a landslide for the National Party.

The Sapphire City Festival celebrated new royalty for 2013-14 in the form of Sapphire City Princess Emma Prosser, Queen Kate McCosker and Junior Princess Caitlin Kearsey.

Ladies' Day in April hosted by the Inverell Highlanders was a chance for dressing up, as seen by Brittany Turner-Conley, Chelsea Saunders, Lux Fox, Jacqui O'Brien, Tonia Campbell, Izzy Apthorpe and Melissa Ehsman.

Local Doug Mather who received the award for best customer service at the 2013 Inverell Proud Awards, established a strong music haven within the Inverell community with the area outpost of Black Dot Music. Unfortuantely, the economy limited the shop's future and with much regret, many saw the shop close on Christmas Eve.

Inverell High School year 12 students raised a record-breaking $11,356.59 for three area charities, in 2013. The car wash was a popular activity in November. Here, Brittany Walters, Brock George, Ashley Rafter and Izzy Hampton did their bit to direct cars to the students’ car wash.

Larger than life, the redheaded Pauline Hanson landed in Inverell to campaign for local votes during the contentious 2013 Federal Election.

A routine traffic stop in September halted a learner motorcyclist. He was charged with several traffic offences including using unauthorised numberplates and being unlicenced and uninsured.

Hope Stainton gets her helmet secured for a camel ride at the 2013 Inverell Show which had all the colour and appeal of a traditional country event.

Tony Windsor's departure from politics was a blow for many committed supporters in New England. Nat party member Barnaby Joyce was elected as Federal Member for the electorate in the 2013 Federal race. Mr Windsor addressed the Inverell community in February at a public meeting.

Owing to his considerable experience and cycling success, local son Scott Sunderland was appointed race director for the five Cycling Australia events on the Subaru National Road Series calendar.

At the 2013 Inverell Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards, big winners were: Manager/supervisor of the year Courtney Pay, employee of the year Elissia Goldman and Telstra Store manager Wendy Wilks with the trophies for best business.

Colleen Graham received the award for Tingha Citizen of the Year at the 2013 Australia Day awards ceremony in Tingha.

Northhaven Recycling Plant went solar in 2013. Here, workmen from Eco Energy & Solar Solutions - Brett Newton, Nick Bowden, Brett Martin, Joel Griffiths and Troy Stibbard - took to the roof at Northaven to install solar panels.

The theme of the day was to toughen up at the inaugural Toughen Up Challenge, but among all the competition, $3000 was raised for local community services.

Showing the thrill of childhood, Gabby Single enjoys a ride on the merry-go-round at the annual Venetian Carnival.

Young Communicator of the Year Sam Saunders with Peter Caddey who was named the area's top Communicator for 2013.

Sunday night lights on Miles Street: Coral Whitbread, Sue Fox, Judith Kirk and Renee Whitbread who's holding block mascot Henny Penny.

Local members of Inverell's Masonic Lodge, Raymond Roberts, David Tait, Ian Davidson, Andrew Hodkinson and Vic Finney with care packs for Aussie troops serving overseas.