Generally Speaking - Weekly update from the GM
Published on 02 August 2024
As we end another wonderful week in Walgett, I am still trying to get my head around what fabulous events our shire is capable of putting on.
Last week, I was fortunate enough to attend the Opal Festival in Lightning Ridge, which attracted 7000 people over the four-day festival. What a cracking event!
While the festival has been running for a few years now, this is the first time that organisers have used available technology to measure numbers, and they are truly quite impressive.
The first three days saw 5800 people pass through the festival, with another 1500 at the markets on Saturday morning. Then, the jewel in the crown was the glittering Opal Queen Ball, where 10 Young women were presented to a crowd of 280 for one of them to be anointed Opal Queen.
This award is designed to celebrate the contribution that women make to our local community and I wish to congratulate all the finalists for being such shining beacons of positivity for our region.
The winner, Savannah Chesworth, will act as an ambassador for both the Ridge and the Opal Industry at events throughout the year. Congratulations to the organisers, with the current estimated overnight spend of $123 per person per night, it brings a much welcomed boost to our visitor economy by at least $861,000.
A lot less glamourous but no less important, Local Government Week is drawing to a close and I wanted to take a moment to thank the wonderful team we have here.
From the successful partnership with the RSPCA that helped many of you receive health advice for your pets, to the community development team that are always on the go, to the hidden treasures in the office that keep the motor running, I thank you all for your efforts.
Our team will be in Lightning Ridge on Tuesday, August 4th, and if you are in the area, please drop in and show them some appreciation and find out what services we can either deliver or connect you to.
Until next time,
Megan Dixon
GM
