Thursday, 27 February 2025
Wyalong Hall, West Wyalong
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC

Thank you, Councillor Monaghan for your warm welcome: ‘Marang yariya’: Good evening.[1] 

It is wonderful for both Dennis and I to be here in the Bland Shire on Wiradjuri Country and I pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.

Councillor Monaghan, as you have so eloquently said, volunteering is the backbone of our communities. 

The most recent NSW State of Volunteering Report tells us that 4.3 million people served as volunteers in 2023, contributing an incredible $178 billion of value to the state of NSW.[2]

Volunteers are also particularly important in a Shire with a number of small communities, enhancing support to local people and providing skills and leadership opportunities.

As I found out earlier today at a Community Afternoon Tea, volunteers here ‘wear a number of hats’; giving back to the community not just through one organisation but through volunteering for two or three organisations. 

Indeed, your Shire – to use a good old-fashioned expression - ‘punches above its weight’ in terms of its contributions. 

There can be no better example of that than our 2025 Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher, who was born and raised in Ungarie. Honoured by his award, and – no doubt! - by the 800-kilogram fibreglass Sherrin in his hometown, Neale’s co-founding of the charity FightMND has led to over $115 million being raised and invested into medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease.[3] 

This example of community service is replicated across the community, including by Bland Shire Council’s 2025 Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year: Marie Seckold and Macey Cowan.

Marie, I understand, your contributions span several decades, to community organisations and local schools, and Macey, well done on your commitment to community and youth programs here within the Bland Shire Council.

Today, Dennis and I visited West Wyalong Hospital after meeting with members of community organisations of which we are Patrons, during a Vice Regal Community Afternoon Tea, hosted by Bellarwi CWA Branch. 

The Country Women’s Association, as we know, is a mighty force – and here in Bland Shire, you are well-supported by five local CWAs – including Bellarwi, Ardlethan, Ariah Park, Kikoira, and Ungarie. We also met with representatives from the United Hospital Auxiliaries, whose support is so important to your hospital.  

Royal Far West - this year, marking 100 years! - the Isolated Parents’ Association and the local branch of the RSL – were each represented, organisations that provide invaluable support to this community. 

The achievements of this community – the opening of the newly extended Cooinda Water Course at “Wyalong Yacht Club’s (!)”, the Tennis Club clubhouse, the new Youth Centre and the new 2.6 megalitre water tower - are all indicative of a community that has great energy and support, matched by a proactive Council. 

I congratulate Bland Shire Council for its role in advocating for these projects.

It is clear from talking to people today that this is a place where service to the community is valued, land and environment is respected, and community pride is high. 

Indeed, we also look forward to our program tomorrow when we visit the Evolution Gold Mine, Lake Cowal Conservation Centre and West Wyalong High School.

Again, thank you for your warm welcome. Dennis and I look forward to chatting more this evening.