Councillors voted in favour of a motion by Cr Kate Dight to reconsider the membership and commission a report on the financial implications for the March economic meeting. 

“The arts, whatever they do and whenever they pull us together, invite us to look at our fellow human beings with curiosity and generosity,” ANW co-vice chair Sandy McNaughton said. She said ANW works to create healthy, vibrant societies and a more compassionate world.

She highlighted the economic benefits of supporting arts and culture, and told councillors that the total value of ANW activities in the region was $420,346.

“Inverell is a vibrant, wonderfully dynamic community that can only be further enhanced by supporting cultural activities,” she said.

Ashford’s Lorrayne Riggs spoke on the organisation’s generosity in keeping her on as Aboriginal cultural support officer despite losing Inverell’s membership.

She talked about her disappointment in being unable to give opportunities to local artists because the town is not part of ANW.

“I’m endorsing our rates to become part of this network because I see the value in it,” she said. 

The council was part of the regional arts peak body until 2013, when it withdrew its membership.