By Michael Burt
Generations of community advocacy was celebrated at an 80th birthday bash last Sunday at the Thora Hall for the Dorrigo Bellingen Valley branch of the NSW Nationals.
The branch was first established on 11 July 1945, when local residents gathered in Bellingen to form an official branch of the Australian Country Party.
Many familiar local names appear throughout the branch’s history, with generations of volunteers giving their time to represent the interests of the community. Longtime members such as “Queen bee” Norma Daley, Peg Parbery, Adrian Hickey and the late John Lean were among those recognised at the 80th lunch event.
The many well-known family names featured in the branch’s records also include the Hammonds, the Halpins, the McFaydens, the Raymonds and Adam Gilchrist’s family.
Branch chair Mark Smith said eight decades of meeting minutes reveal discussions centred not on political point-scoring, but on practical issues affecting the valley’s businesses, farmers, and local families.
“There is no dissension of other political parties. That’s not what the branch is about. It’s a real community cohort,” Mr Smith said.
“It was all about getting better roads or a bridge fixed or the cost of fuel for livestock carriers. Local community issues are what it’s all about and that’s how it will continue to be.”
“We have never sought to be in the political spotlight. You could almost say the branch is apolitical as the focus has been about community movement, not political movements.”
Mr Smith said forestry, agriculture, water security and community infrastructure also feature prominently throughout the records.
The Dorrigo and Bellinger Valley Branches of the NSW Nationals merged five years ago.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp attended the anniversary gathering, acknowledging the contribution made by generations of volunteers whose dedication has helped shape the branch and bettered our community.