Friday, 20 April 2018
INVERELL has once again proven it punches above it weight, with an announcement today that the burgeoning regional centre will play host to next year’s NSW Nationals annual conference.
Beating out bids from rivals Mudgee, Tamworth and Port Macquarie, Inverell will host the conference in the party’s 100th anniversary year.
A thrilled Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the conference would be one of the biggest in history with an expected 600 delegates to descend on the community over four days.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the Inverell community to shine on the ‘national’ stage and showcase our spectacular region and attractions,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s also another feather in the cap for a community that’s on the move and strong vote of confidence in our region.
“The Inverell business community were very supportive of this bid for the conference and it’s certainly paid off, with recognition that a whole-of-community effort would be central to the success of their annual gathering.
“With around 600 delegates expected, along with their partners, this conference will be a huge shot in the arm for the Inverell economy and we’ll be working hard to encourage conference attendees to extend their stay in the district.”
Mr Marshall said the conference would be made all the more special with the retirement of Inverell-based Senator John ‘Wacka’ Williams at the next Federal election.
“Wacka has passionately and personally driven this bid for the conference and it will be a fitting way for him to bow out of public life and a chance for us to acknowledge his contribution in the Senate in his home town,” Mr Marshall said.
“Thank you also to Peter Caddey from Inverell Shire Council, who travelled to Sydney to help make the pitch for the conference – it was a brilliant presentation.
“This is our chance to show off our region and at last, I will get to show all my parliamentary colleagues that it isn’t all talk – our region is the best place to live and work….and hold conferences!”
MEDIA: Adam Marshall 0429 440 054