NSW Governor, the Honourable David Hurley, visited Inverell yesterday, as part of a tour of regional communities.
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It was not his first time here; he said he did come to the town as a child.
“I did a milk run with my uncle Pat McCormick, but that was many years ago. Probably 50 years ago now,” Governor Hurley said.
The Governor visited Inverell Pathfinders office and The Linking Together Centre yesterday, on what he described as a fact-finding tour.
He said travelling around the state was part of his program for the office he holds.
“I come out to the country for three or four days every month.
“Next month I’ll be out Walgett way, and following that it will be Hay,” Governor Hurley said.
He said his visits included agencies that supported communities across the board
“So I’m looking at what’s happening in rural industry, what’s happening in youth development and the youth support services and so forth,” Governor Hurley said.
“Not that I drive anything from a policy perspective, but to support people and recognise the work that they’re doing. I can take observations back to Sydney and talk to the relevant ministers about what I see.”
He said he thought he could play a role to help build up the people around the state.
The Governor said from what he had seen, there were obviously issues surrounding water management in this region, and he had spent more than an hour talking to Moree farmers on Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s a very rich area in terms of what it produces for the country in the good seasons, so I think the future infrastructure needs that people are talking about. Water issues, are needs that need to be addressed,” Governor Hurley said.
Chief executive officer of Pathfinders Alan Brennan said it was an extremely big day for the community that the Governor had recognised the organisation.
“For some of us, it’s one chance in a lifetime. We’re absolutely delighted to see him here. He’s talking to all our young people, our staff, our volunteers and directors. It’s wonder full to see,” Mr Brennan said.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the governor and his wife had a passion for learning more and more about rural NSW.
We need to maintain these services in the area, and the Governor, while he is not a political figure, he certainly has a lot of influence,” Mr Marshall said.
“He can raise issues with Ministers, who he meets every Wednesday at Executive Council. It’s also important to acknowledge the work that people do in the sector, and that’s what he’s keen to do.”
