October Banksia Bulletin From the Editor

When life gives you lemons, trade them for coffee. This is my mantra for the next month.
 
Throw the Quairading Ag Show and Curtain Raisers rehearsals and performances into the usual well balanced mix of work and extra curricular activities, and many of us aren’t going to know if we’re Arthur or Martha (this is a phrase I’ve very recently added to my vocab rotation, and am loving).
 
On the CRC front, things are strong as ever; despite some uncertainty in regards to our major funding over the next few years. Without getting too political: the current state government’s projected budget figures show a 40% cut to the funding of the 106 CRCs across the state from 2019. From 1st October 2017, we have funding secured for 18 months (through to end of 2018). We’re told a review will then take place and some of us may lose (or suffer significant cuts to) our major Royalties for Regions funding from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
 
Have I lost you? Soz. I’ve included a media release on page 7 regarding a grass roots community campaign we’re part of, backed by Mia Davies (leader of The Nationals WA). Please give it a read and pop into the CRC to add your name and info to the petition. If you have any questions about how this all might affect you (or what the hell it is we as a CRC even do) please just ask!
 
Shifting gears; have you noticed the tired state of the big yellow and black sign on the corner of York-Quairading Road and Corrigin Road? Actually, have you noticed the sign at all? We have and we reckon it’s in need of a little bit of knocking-down-and-replacing. The Shire’s OH&S assessment and budget agree, and we’ve been tasked with chatting to the community and coming up a design for a new “Welcome Sign”. Some concept ideas can be found on page 22 and in the foyer at the CRC. If you’re someone who has opinions and likes to share them, come and do so! We’re hoping to finalise a design by the end of the month, so hop to it.
 
Also included in this edition of the Banksia Bulletin are profiles for the six local candidates buying for a position on the Quairading Shire Council. There are four vacant positions, with two current Councillors renominating and four new faces. Have a read and play your part by popping into the Shire anytime now to cast an early vote, or on election day on Saturday 21st October.
 
Lastly, come and buy a Curtain Raisers ticket! For just $50, you will not only be well fed for the evening but we will treat you to some very entertaining (see: questionable) singing, dancing and acting. We’ll try not to offend anyone with the miserly attempts at “Scottish” accents, but no guarantees. I’m still amazed at how cool it is that we as a community have the capacity to fill a full cast and crew, all in the name of good fun and a bit of fundraising (which goes to numerous community projects). Now we just need all of you to help fill in the audience!
 
On second thoughts, I might save some lemons. They go well with gin. And whiskey.
 
 
Jill Hayes
Coordinator, Quairading CRC
Editor, Banksia Bulletin

1 Parker Street
Quairading WA 6383
PHONE: (08) 9645 0096
FAX: (08) 9645 0098
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.quairading.crc.net.au
FACEBOOK: /quairadingcrc