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This is Nola Mackey talking with Shirley Adams at her home. This is Nola Mackey talking with Shirley Adams at her home.
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342 Oliver St, Grafton, on the 1st of April 2008.  Now, Shirley, I'd like to talk to you about a little bit on your early life then when you came to Grafton and your uh commitment to the community and local government. Please. 342 Oliver St, Grafton, on the 1st of April 2008.  Now, Shirley, I'd like to talk to you about a little bit on your early life then when you came to Grafton and your uh commitment to the community and local government. Please.
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I'd be delighted to participate, Nola. I'd be delighted to participate, Nola.
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Well, let's, let's start right at the beginning. Uh you weren't born in Grafton, were you?      No, I wasn't born in Grafton. I was born at a small town called Warialda, and between Warialda's, situated between Inverell and Moree. Well, let's, let's start right at the beginning. Uh you weren't born in Grafton, were you?      No, I wasn't born in Grafton. I was born at a small town called Warialda, and between Warialda's, situated between Inverell and Moree.
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And uh I came uh And uh I came uh
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I lived there for ohh until I was eighteen. I went to the public school there, until I went to high school, and then I went to boarding school in Tamworth at Calrossy, the Church of England Girls School. And uh of course, then I came back to Warialda when I completed my education. And uh then my father and mother for many, many years used to bring us to Grafton every year or Woolgoolga for holidays, I lived there for ohh until I was eighteen. I went to the public school there, until I went to high school, and then I went to boarding school in Tamworth at Calrossy, the Church of England Girls School. And uh of course, then I came back to Warialda when I completed my education. And uh then my father and mother for many, many years used to bring us to Grafton every year or Woolgoolga for holidays,
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holidays and we used to travel along the old Glen Innes Highway. Do you remember that? It was a beautiful scenic drive but we used to absolutely hate it. I was one of four children, the youngest and uh the only girl. I had three older brothers. holidays and we used to travel along the old Glen Innes Highway. Do you remember that? It was a beautiful scenic drive but we used to absolutely hate it. I was one of four children, the youngest and uh the only girl. I had three older brothers.
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And we'd get up early in the morning and get in the car we'd have uh And we'd get up early in the morning and get in the car we'd have uh
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brown paper wrapped around our stomach. We'd have all these things out of the four children, three used to get violently carsick [laughter] and you can imagine coming down that windy road was absolutely terrible. brown paper wrapped around our stomach. We'd have all these things out of the four children, three used to get violently carsick [laughter] and you can imagine coming down that windy road was absolutely terrible.
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But uh when we got to the uh But uh when we got to the uh
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Um, tunnel there. Dad had stop and blow the horn and say now the people in Grafton, Woolgoolga will know we're on our way. But we were very blessed. We had a very happy childhood and, and uh as I say, mum and dad used to bring us over to the coast uh every year for a holiday and that was something very special and something I always remember.       Did they have family here or what made them actually choose the coast for holiday?       No, they had very good friends. Um, tunnel there. Dad had stop and blow the horn and say now the people in Grafton, Woolgoolga will know we're on our way. But we were very blessed. We had a very happy childhood and, and uh as I say, mum and dad used to bring us over to the coast uh every year for a holiday and that was something very special and something I always remember.       Did they have family here or what made them actually choose the coast for holiday?       No, they had very good friends.
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Uh, that was here and uh Uh, that was here and uh
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Phillips was their name, and uh he was the Postmaster at South Grafton. Phillips was their name, and uh he was the Postmaster at South Grafton.
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For many years, Harold and Dulce Phillips and they were local people, and they'd met them at some time, and that friendship lasted all their life, which was fantastic. For many years, Harold and Dulce Phillips and they were local people, and they'd met them at some time, and that friendship lasted all their life, which was fantastic.
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And I would say that's the reason they came over. And I would say that's the reason they came over.
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And uh, then when I was eighteen, uh, dad decided that he was going to retire And uh, then when I was eighteen, uh, dad decided that he was going to retire
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Grafton. Grafton.
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And uh, that's how we arrived some many, many years ago, of course, as you know. And uh, that's how we arrived some many, many years ago, of course, as you know.
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Um, and we've had a very happy and wonderful life in Grafton. Um, and we've had a very happy and wonderful life in Grafton.
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And I can always remember my dear mum saying. And I can always remember my dear mum saying.
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I'm so pleased that we came to Grafton. I'm so pleased that we came to Grafton.
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After your father died, he died at sixty two, had a heart and mum, had lived until she was ninety eight in Robinson Avenue, and she was always forty odd years on her own. After your father died, he died at sixty two, had a heart and mum, had lived until she was ninety eight in Robinson Avenue, and she was always forty odd years on her own.
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And she used to say to me, I'm so blessed to think that I live here in Grafton. I don't live at Warialda. It's too small and I'd have no one there. And she used to say to me, I'm so blessed to think that I live here in Grafton. I don't live at Warialda. It's too small and I'd have no one there.
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So she had a lot of friends. So she had a lot of friends.
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And she got involved in, in?         Yes well she was very involved with the CWA and uh those were the days where Kit McEwan, she was a wonderful lady, Mrs. Eggins who was a former Lady Mayoress and Marge Boultitude, Marg is still alive now she's up in one of the nursing homes and uh Jean Simmons. Jean wasn't as old as the old crew and Violet McLachlan and those four or five women And she got involved in, in?         Yes well she was very involved with the CWA and uh those were the days where Kit McEwan, she was a wonderful lady, Mrs. Eggins who was a former Lady Mayoress and Marge Boultitude, Marg is still alive now she's up in one of the nursing homes and uh Jean Simmons. Jean wasn't as old as the old crew and Violet McLachlan and those four or five women
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which is so strong in themselves. And of course they just lived and breathed for CWA in Grafton. which is so strong in themselves. And of course they just lived and breathed for CWA in Grafton.
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Which was really fantastic. Which was really fantastic.
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So uh you know mum was very involved with Country Women's Association      It might be a good idea to say your mum's name because.       Julie Young. So uh you know mum was very involved with Country Women's Association      It might be a good idea to say your mum's name because.       Julie Young.
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Yes, mum's known as Julie Young and uh Yes, mum's known as Julie Young and uh
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My dad, you know, it was a funny. A lot of people even today say to me, ohh yes, I knew your father. I knew your father. My dad, you know, it was a funny. A lot of people even today say to me, ohh yes, I knew your father. I knew your father.
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And I said I don't think you did. And he said, Ohh yes. They say to me, yes, uh he was the Estate Agent, Alec Young. And I said I don't think you did. And he said, Ohh yes. They say to me, yes, uh he was the Estate Agent, Alec Young.
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No relation you know, uh, Alec and Mary Young had a daughter, Margaret, who was my age too, but uh no, no relation at all. My father came from Scotland and uh my mother uh came from a background from Germany. No relation you know, uh, Alec and Mary Young had a daughter, Margaret, who was my age too, but uh no, no relation at all. My father came from Scotland and uh my mother uh came from a background from Germany.
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They were uh land people on the land, as a matter of fact my grandfather. They were uh land people on the land, as a matter of fact my grandfather.
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He had uh three brothers and uh John Ryan, who was the mayor of Maclean Shire was his brother. He had uh three brothers and uh John Ryan, who was the mayor of Maclean Shire was his brother.
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So that's interesting. So that's interesting.
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So I have a a relation many times passed with the Ryans down at Maclean. So it's a small world, isn't it?     Yes So I have a a relation many times passed with the Ryans down at Maclean. So it's a small world, isn't it?     Yes
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We would like to get back to when you, um, when you left school, uh where did you actually were employed? We would like to get back to when you, um, when you left school, uh where did you actually were employed?
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Well, I came up in a family that mum and dad's all there's no need to work. Well, I came up in a family that mum and dad's all there's no need to work.
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It was that era, you know, say hand, learn to do all the cooking [laughter] and I can remember as a child we had an old fuel stove at Warialda. It wasn't old but it was a good fuel stove and everyone had a fuel stove in those days, and uh when I left school, and every day I used to cook a four egg sponge It was that era, you know, say hand, learn to do all the cooking [laughter] and I can remember as a child we had an old fuel stove at Warialda. It wasn't old but it was a good fuel stove and everyone had a fuel stove in those days, and uh when I left school, and every day I used to cook a four egg sponge
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for my brothers to have for afternoon tea. for my brothers to have for afternoon tea.
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And we didn't have any thermostats or anything like that. How you had to get the oven right? Would you put your hand in and it was just the right temperature and you would And we didn't have any thermostats or anything like that. How you had to get the oven right? Would you put your hand in and it was just the right temperature and you would
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cook this sponge and it'd be the most wonderful four inch high sponge. You know that was a good old days [laughter] so uh then, we then came to Grafton. cook this sponge and it'd be the most wonderful four inch high sponge. You know that was a good old days [laughter] so uh then, we then came to Grafton.
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And uh then I uh didn't work for a while. Well, I have never worked. And uh then I uh didn't work for a while. Well, I have never worked.
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And a friend of mine I used to play tennis with Yvonne Sessions And a friend of mine I used to play tennis with Yvonne Sessions
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and her sister and they lived down the end of Oliver Street, corner of McEwen and Oliver, lovely girls and and her sister and they lived down the end of Oliver Street, corner of McEwen and Oliver, lovely girls and
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Yvonne worked at Vienna Styles. Yvonne worked at Vienna Styles.
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And I can also remember one day, her saying to me, ohh, we're going to Sydney to live. And I can also remember one day, her saying to me, ohh, we're going to Sydney to live.
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Why don't you apply for the job. Why don't you apply for the job.
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I said, oh, I wouldn't be any good at that, you know? I said, oh, I wouldn't be any good at that, you know?
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Anyway, I did apply, Anyway, I did apply,
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and I applied, and Freddy Stratton interviewed me, remember, Freddie Stratton. They were wonderful people, absolutely wonderful people to work for. Freddie was a very special person, and so was Mrs. Retch. and I applied, and Freddy Stratton interviewed me, remember, Freddie Stratton. They were wonderful people, absolutely wonderful people to work for. Freddie was a very special person, and so was Mrs. Retch.
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And uh, they were always so good to everyone. And uh, they were always so good to everyone.
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So I applied for the job and I can always remember Freddie saying to me and what previous experience have you got? So I applied for the job and I can always remember Freddie saying to me and what previous experience have you got?
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And of course, being very naive and everything I can remember saying to Fred, well, I did look after my brother's shop at Warialda. He had electrical shop while at school. You know, little town. And of course, being very naive and everything I can remember saying to Fred, well, I did look after my brother's shop at Warialda. He had electrical shop while at school. You know, little town.
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And it was funny. He had all the pencils and books that the kids come in and buy and the children come in and they say come on. He had bright red hair like I had in those days. And he was called ginge ginger. And uh he said, they used to come in and say. And it was funny. He had all the pencils and books that the kids come in and buy and the children come in and they say come on. He had bright red hair like I had in those days. And he was called ginge ginger. And uh he said, they used to come in and say.
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Would you do my homework for me? And he used to do their homework for them. That's people out west, anyway, I can always remember looking after his shop while he went away for about a month or so, and uh I said that's the only experience I've ever had in sales. Anyway, I got the job. Believe it or not, and I loved it. Would you do my homework for me? And he used to do their homework for them. That's people out west, anyway, I can always remember looking after his shop while he went away for about a month or so, and uh I said that's the only experience I've ever had in sales. Anyway, I got the job. Believe it or not, and I loved it.
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Ah, I thought it was just absolutely beautiful. They had beautiful clothes and, and the people they had were beautiful that came in. Everyone was so nice. And, and the girls. Val Felsch Ah, I thought it was just absolutely beautiful. They had beautiful clothes and, and the people they had were beautiful that came in. Everyone was so nice. And, and the girls. Val Felsch
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Val Small worked there then. And Pat Martin. Val Small worked there then. And Pat Martin.
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And uh, we were a great team. And I used to love decorating the windows. That was my job. Dressing the windows up, you know, and and doing things like that. And I can always remember if someone came in and uh they'd walk out without buying something. Mrs. Retsch come up and she'd say Shirl. And uh, we were a great team. And I used to love decorating the windows. That was my job. Dressing the windows up, you know, and and doing things like that. And I can always remember if someone came in and uh they'd walk out without buying something. Mrs. Retsch come up and she'd say Shirl.
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"Why did they not buy?" "Why did they not buy?"
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And I'd say because it didn't suit them, Mrs Retch, you know, it's not what they wanted because, you know, so many people say ohh Vienna sales used to push things onto people. But I don't think that was right. I used to always say to them the customers, look, that doesn't look too good on you. You know, I'm sure we've got something else. And I think that's great and I loved working for them. And I'd say because it didn't suit them, Mrs Retch, you know, it's not what they wanted because, you know, so many people say ohh Vienna sales used to push things onto people. But I don't think that was right. I used to always say to them the customers, look, that doesn't look too good on you. You know, I'm sure we've got something else. And I think that's great and I loved working for them.
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I found Anne a bit difficult. I found Anne a bit difficult.
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She was never in the shop but uh she was a very demanding lady, but she had a heart of gold, you know. Uh but they were very, very happy years and it was during that time that I worked for them, uh that the Quota Club of Grafton, which Mrs. Retch was very involved with. She was never in the shop but uh she was a very demanding lady, but she had a heart of gold, you know. Uh but they were very, very happy years and it was during that time that I worked for them, uh that the Quota Club of Grafton, which Mrs. Retch was very involved with.
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As a member of Quota and uh Mrs. Lambert, remember from the music shop, she was a lovely person and uh As a member of Quota and uh Mrs. Lambert, remember from the music shop, she was a lovely person and uh
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they decided that uh they'd nominate me for a Jacaranda. they decided that uh they'd nominate me for a Jacaranda.
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To become a Jacaranda Queen, if I could. To become a Jacaranda Queen, if I could.
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And uh, so they supported me, but I was the Spastic Councils candidate. And uh, so they supported me, but I was the Spastic Councils candidate.
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And the Hockeys were involved with these Spastic Council, so I've worked with them and I was very blessed and that I won the event that year. So that was in 1952.       And was it uh like the earlier stages of the Jacaranda festival, it was the one who raised the most money. But by then it had changed, hadn't it?       It had changed, but I think mine was the last year that we had to raise And the Hockeys were involved with these Spastic Council, so I've worked with them and I was very blessed and that I won the event that year. So that was in 1952.       And was it uh like the earlier stages of the Jacaranda festival, it was the one who raised the most money. But by then it had changed, hadn't it?       It had changed, but I think mine was the last year that we had to raise
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money I think I raised. I only looked at it. I was talking to Kay Payne yesterday. She's doing a book on Jacaranda and uh money I think I raised. I only looked at it. I was talking to Kay Payne yesterday. She's doing a book on Jacaranda and uh
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I showed her, uh, that slip out of the paper that I had and I said, you know, you had to always in those days put in the paper and the public notices how you raised your money and what money cause it was public money. And I said there you are, there's £990.00 and that was a lot of money in those days. And we had a car that everyone raffled, you know, had, I showed her, uh, that slip out of the paper that I had and I said, you know, you had to always in those days put in the paper and the public notices how you raised your money and what money cause it was public money. And I said there you are, there's £990.00 and that was a lot of money in those days. And we had a car that everyone raffled, you know, had,
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prizes you know and things like that which helped the girls, but uh the activities they had in fundraising. We had a big fashion parade, Pat Scales do you remember Pat Scales, she was uh lovely and Flo Cooper and uh Vienna styles for the fashion parade on with Quota and we made a lot of money out there and Mrs. Kerwood Fisher. I don't know if you remember her she was the most delightful person she was prizes you know and things like that which helped the girls, but uh the activities they had in fundraising. We had a big fashion parade, Pat Scales do you remember Pat Scales, she was uh lovely and Flo Cooper and uh Vienna styles for the fashion parade on with Quota and we made a lot of money out there and Mrs. Kerwood Fisher. I don't know if you remember her she was the most delightful person she was
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the conductor of Glee Singers, and I was a member of the Glee Singers because Mrs Kerwood Fisher taught me to sing over many, many years through the Conservatorium, and uh they had an evening for me and I think we might have made about. the conductor of Glee Singers, and I was a member of the Glee Singers because Mrs Kerwood Fisher taught me to sing over many, many years through the Conservatorium, and uh they had an evening for me and I think we might have made about.
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eighteen pounds or something. But in those days that was a lot of money. When you, when you think back, you know. eighteen pounds or something. But in those days that was a lot of money. When you, when you think back, you know.
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And um, I can remember one of the doctors, his name was Ray, if I remember. And uh he gave a camera and uh we had a, now what do you call those? And um, I can remember one of the doctors, his name was Ray, if I remember. And uh he gave a camera and uh we had a, now what do you call those?
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You go and find things a scatter. What do?       Scavenger hunt.      Scavenger hunt, You go and find things a scatter. What do?       Scavenger hunt.      Scavenger hunt,
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that's right. And uh, he donated that prize. That was all around Memorial Park. And it was lovely things we had, you know. And uh see, I'm saying and uh too [laughter] that's right. And uh, he donated that prize. That was all around Memorial Park. And it was lovely things we had, you know. And uh see, I'm saying and uh too [laughter]
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So it was uh, it was a very happy time. And uh, we So it was uh, it was a very happy time. And uh, we
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then had a wonderful Jacaranda. then had a wonderful Jacaranda.
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And of course from there uh I still worked at Vienna Styles and And of course from there uh I still worked at Vienna Styles and
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had my 21st and my father. had my 21st and my father.
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and mother uh gave me a trip overseas. I went with them for twelve months. and mother uh gave me a trip overseas. I went with them for twelve months.
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And we went overseas. And we went overseas.
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We had a lovely time, We had a lovely time,
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saw lots and lots of countries. saw lots and lots of countries.
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And we came back and on the uh ship coming home on the Stratheden. And we came back and on the uh ship coming home on the Stratheden.
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Uh, we'd called in at uh Marseilles. Uh, we'd called in at uh Marseilles.
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And there was a cable there from John, And there was a cable there from John,
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and John said, uh. and John said, uh.
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I have completed my articles I have completed my articles
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and I'm now qualified as a Surveyor. and I'm now qualified as a Surveyor.
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Look forward to meeting you, I still have it. I look forward to meeting you, uh, when the ship berths in Sydney. Look forward to meeting you, I still have it. I look forward to meeting you, uh, when the ship berths in Sydney.
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So we arrived in Sydney and John asked Dad for my hand in marriage. So we arrived in Sydney and John asked Dad for my hand in marriage.
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And we, I stayed in Sydney for a few weeks. And we, I stayed in Sydney for a few weeks.
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And we got married in the following, that was about January, I think it was, and we got married in the following October. And we got married in the following, that was about January, I think it was, and we got married in the following October.
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And we went away And we went away
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and we lived at Maitland, and we lived at Maitland,
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for seven years, John was a surveyor down there, Staff Surveyor. for seven years, John was a surveyor down there, Staff Surveyor.
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And then we went to uh Maitland, uh not Maitland, Tamworth. And then we went to uh Maitland, uh not Maitland, Tamworth.
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And we lived there for And we lived there for
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nine years. nine years.
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But when we lived in Maitland, of course we couldn't get a home. We were just newly married and I didn't work. I've never worked since I got married. But when we lived in Maitland, of course we couldn't get a home. We were just newly married and I didn't work. I've never worked since I got married.
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Must be the old fashioned breed. Must be the old fashioned breed.
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I've worked for the community, in other ways and I, uh we lived. We couldn't get a house. And in those days public servants had government real estate places. It's like a little housing Commission place. They'd have a housing commission area, and they'd put about three houses or four houses aside for government I've worked for the community, in other ways and I, uh we lived. We couldn't get a house. And in those days public servants had government real estate places. It's like a little housing Commission place. They'd have a housing commission area, and they'd put about three houses or four houses aside for government
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guys who were working, and uh they were mainly for school teachers and uh guys who were working, and uh they were mainly for school teachers and uh
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Lands Department and people like that. Lands Department and people like that.
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So we were out at Kurri Kurri. Ohh. I wondered what I'd struck when I went to Kurri Kurri. So we were out at Kurri Kurri. Ohh. I wondered what I'd struck when I went to Kurri Kurri.
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My goodness, this little seven square fibro house. My goodness, this little seven square fibro house.
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It was. You couldn't swing a cat. The bathroom would be as big as a toilet. [Laughter] You know, we had no furniture because when you start off, you don't have anything. It was. You couldn't swing a cat. The bathroom would be as big as a toilet. [Laughter] You know, we had no furniture because when you start off, you don't have anything.
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And, uh, we had bare boards for a long time, And, uh, we had bare boards for a long time,
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furniture that was given to us. But I before I said we got married, I said to John furniture that was given to us. But I before I said we got married, I said to John
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I do want a lovely lounge suite, I do want a lovely lounge suite,
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because, I was always brought up that the lounge was a very special place and people, when you arrive and they knock on the door, you could always bring, bring them into your lounge. That was something I was brought up with as a young girl. You know, your lounge room was a very important place to bring your friends and your visitors.       I think it was called the Parlor in the generation before.                 (laughter) because, I was always brought up that the lounge was a very special place and people, when you arrive and they knock on the door, you could always bring, bring them into your lounge. That was something I was brought up with as a young girl. You know, your lounge room was a very important place to bring your friends and your visitors.       I think it was called the Parlor in the generation before.                 (laughter)
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So we did. We had a beautiful lounge which was handmade. I've still got it after all these years. And it's a beautiful, it's Queen Anne. So we did. We had a beautiful lounge which was handmade. I've still got it after all these years. And it's a beautiful, it's Queen Anne.
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And it's a beautiful lounge and I've looked after. And it's a beautiful lounge and I've looked after.
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And uh then of course we went to Tamworth, as I said to you, and we bought a house there, lovely little cottage, And uh then of course we went to Tamworth, as I said to you, and we bought a house there, lovely little cottage,
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lovely garden. The children went to school there and the children were very happy. And John was uh Senior Surveyor, then he uh became District Surveyor and he went to, then we went to Hay. Have you ever been to Hay? Hay, Helen Goolagong now I was always told. And of course, the thing is I believe everything I'm told until I prove it wrong [laughter] And I was told that lovely garden. The children went to school there and the children were very happy. And John was uh Senior Surveyor, then he uh became District Surveyor and he went to, then we went to Hay. Have you ever been to Hay? Hay, Helen Goolagong now I was always told. And of course, the thing is I believe everything I'm told until I prove it wrong [laughter] And I was told that
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only the bad people that have done something wrong always goes to Hay because it's a tiny little place.      But that's the same story with the railway people too.      is it? Yes, and uh only the bad people that have done something wrong always goes to Hay because it's a tiny little place.      But that's the same story with the railway people too.      is it? Yes, and uh
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anyway, they opened a new Oxley High School in, in East Tamworth, and the Surveyor General came up, Noel Fletcher, to open it anyway, they opened a new Oxley High School in, in East Tamworth, and the Surveyor General came up, Noel Fletcher, to open it
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because it was named after Oxley. because it was named after Oxley.
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And, uh, so I had them for lunch and the uh district surveyor from Armidale was down and And, uh, so I had them for lunch and the uh district surveyor from Armidale was down and
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And we're sitting there and the district surveyor from Armidale came up to me and he said, well, Shirley, what do you think about your move? I said, what move? He said, you're going to Hay. And we're sitting there and the district surveyor from Armidale came up to me and he said, well, Shirley, what do you think about your move? I said, what move? He said, you're going to Hay.
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I said I didn't know that. I said I didn't know that.
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What's John done? [Laughter] They all laughed, but it was experience, you know? And of course he went out there and uh as uh District Surveyor, and we arrived at Hay at uh, oh might I say, in Tamworth, I started, started my Guiding career. What's John done? [Laughter] They all laughed, but it was experience, you know? And of course he went out there and uh as uh District Surveyor, and we arrived at Hay at uh, oh might I say, in Tamworth, I started, started my Guiding career.
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I was never ever fortunate enough to be a Brownie or Guide when I was young and uh I can always remember Virginia coming home and saying ohh mum, I'd love to be a Brownie. My friends are Brownies. I was never ever fortunate enough to be a Brownie or Guide when I was young and uh I can always remember Virginia coming home and saying ohh mum, I'd love to be a Brownie. My friends are Brownies.
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And I said, Ohh, alright, I'll go up and see the lady. And I said, Ohh, alright, I'll go up and see the lady.
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And I went out and saw the lady, and she uh she said the "Brown Owl", and she said to me. And I went out and saw the lady, and she uh she said the "Brown Owl", and she said to me.
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Ah, we've got a waiting list of over thirty. Ah, we've got a waiting list of over thirty.
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And the brownie packs were twenty four. And the brownie packs were twenty four.
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If you'd like to uh be a leader, we could take Virginia in straight away and of course. If you'd like to uh be a leader, we could take Virginia in straight away and of course.
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I fell for it. I fell for it.
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Ohh, I loved it. It's been my life, one of my lives, one of my very special lives the Guidong. And I was their Tawney Owl, because Goldie Owl because they had a Brown Owl, they had a Tawney Owl. And the third one was a Goldie Owl. So I was a Goldie Owl and I didn't drive often and John had the car away, working and things like that. And Simon was only, Virginia was seven, so Simon was Ohh, I loved it. It's been my life, one of my lives, one of my very special lives the Guidong. And I was their Tawney Owl, because Goldie Owl because they had a Brown Owl, they had a Tawney Owl. And the third one was a Goldie Owl. So I was a Goldie Owl and I didn't drive often and John had the car away, working and things like that. And Simon was only, Virginia was seven, so Simon was
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five five
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and we used to have to walk five blocks and we used to have to walk five blocks
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to go up, but we didn't mind that and I always took Simon with me and take colouring book and something and he'd sit out in the verandah and while we were doing brownies, you know, so uh he was indoctrinated with the that to go up, but we didn't mind that and I always took Simon with me and take colouring book and something and he'd sit out in the verandah and while we were doing brownies, you know, so uh he was indoctrinated with the that
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and uh of course, then we went to Hay and uh of course, then we went to Hay
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Seem to be chopping and changing and Seem to be chopping and changing and
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we arrived at Hay one Sunday afternoon we arrived at Hay one Sunday afternoon
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And uh the two children and a dog. And uh the two children and a dog.
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In the car back In the car back
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and we went over these plains and we went over these plains
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It was so hot this was January It was so hot this was January
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and we went, got to Hay and we went, got to Hay
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there wasn't a soul in sight, not even a dog in the street. Everyone was at a football match. [Laughter]. there wasn't a soul in sight, not even a dog in the street. Everyone was at a football match. [Laughter].
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And we didn't have a house to go to at that stage. And we didn't have a house to go to at that stage.
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John was out a long time before me because uh, we didn't have a house and I had to sell the house in Tamworth. John was out a long time before me because uh, we didn't have a house and I had to sell the house in Tamworth.
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And we stayed at the Hotel. And we stayed at the Hotel.
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And that night at 6 o'clock there's a knock on the door And that night at 6 o'clock there's a knock on the door
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and the Hotel proprietor said Mrs. Adams, and I said yes, he said Brownies start on Wednesday. And if you don't go and take it over, it's going to close down. and the Hotel proprietor said Mrs. Adams, and I said yes, he said Brownies start on Wednesday. And if you don't go and take it over, it's going to close down.
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So apparently they'd sent my name on from Tamworth. See, that's how it goes out West. Like the Telegraph So apparently they'd sent my name on from Tamworth. See, that's how it goes out West. Like the Telegraph
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Line. You know, phones Line. You know, phones
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So I did start and uh, there was only six brownies and in a matter of uh two months I had twenty four plus a waiting list. We had a wonderful group. The people at Hay were absolutely fantastic, small, uh very caring, really wonderful people. And I've always said So I did start and uh, there was only six brownies and in a matter of uh two months I had twenty four plus a waiting list. We had a wonderful group. The people at Hay were absolutely fantastic, small, uh very caring, really wonderful people. And I've always said
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any place is what you make it. You can be the loneliest person in the world any place is what you make it. You can be the loneliest person in the world
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and its your own fault. and its your own fault.
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Because if you get out there in the community and I've always had this philosophy, and meet people and do things, you're very happy. Because if you get out there in the community and I've always had this philosophy, and meet people and do things, you're very happy.
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You don't get bored. There's always something to do. You don't get bored. There's always something to do.
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So then of course, uh, we were there for a little over three years. I think it was. So then of course, uh, we were there for a little over three years. I think it was.
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And we decided, ohh, we didn't decide, we decided for us. John was appointed to Grafton as District Surveyor and uh he became Regional Manager here. And uh of course I became involved with Brownies Guides here from the very first very much involved, and I've been involved for now forty years years with the Girl Guide movement. And we decided, ohh, we didn't decide, we decided for us. John was appointed to Grafton as District Surveyor and uh he became Regional Manager here. And uh of course I became involved with Brownies Guides here from the very first very much involved, and I've been involved for now forty years years with the Girl Guide movement.
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I've slowed down a bit I've slowed down a bit
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with them, but they that still have my strongest support. I'm patron of uh Grafton District. with them, but they that still have my strongest support. I'm patron of uh Grafton District.
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And then John retired but prior to that And then John retired but prior to that
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Uh. Uh.
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The Council elections came up The Council elections came up
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and after and after
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feeling a bit put out, a couple of letters that we'd written to the Council about certain matters feeling a bit put out, a couple of letters that we'd written to the Council about certain matters
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nothing happened nothing happened
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and uh and uh
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I thought, well, you know, there was one woman, Mavis McClymont who was absolutely wonderful. I thought, well, you know, there was one woman, Mavis McClymont who was absolutely wonderful.
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And uh a woman she'd been on many, many years. And uh a woman she'd been on many, many years.
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And it looked like a man's world once again. And it looked like a man's world once again.
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And I thought ohh throw my hat in the ring. And I thought ohh throw my hat in the ring.
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And I said to John, what do you think? And I said to John, what do you think?
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And he said I'll support you, whatever you do. And he said I'll support you, whatever you do.
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And that's been our life. And that's been our life.
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All our life, John has always said I'll support you and I support him. All our life, John has always said I'll support you and I support him.
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So that's why you know, we have a very good close union. So anyway that was great and I, I threw my hat in the ring and at the same time for that election Fran Hampshire So that's why you know, we have a very good close union. So anyway that was great and I, I threw my hat in the ring and at the same time for that election Fran Hampshire
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put her name in the ring now put her name in the ring now
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Yes, hat in the ring I should say, Yes, hat in the ring I should say,
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And uh. And uh.
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Say we're totally different people. We're the greatest friends. Always have been. Say we're totally different people. We're the greatest friends. Always have been.
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And uh so I thought, now I've got to get myself onto that Council, it's not going to be easy. And uh so I thought, now I've got to get myself onto that Council, it's not going to be easy.
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And what I did And what I did
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was we decided we'd do our own little pamphlet, which we did all when I looked back. And what they do to today, honestly was so naive. was we decided we'd do our own little pamphlet, which we did all when I looked back. And what they do to today, honestly was so naive.
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Ohh home and hand made Ohh home and hand made
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poster that we took out and we didn't letterbox or anything like that. What we did? I asked the lady two doors down from here. Her daughter was in Guides, poster that we took out and we didn't letterbox or anything like that. What we did? I asked the lady two doors down from here. Her daughter was in Guides,
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and she had a bike. I didn't have a bike and I asked her could I have a loan of a bike? and she had a bike. I didn't have a bike and I asked her could I have a loan of a bike?
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And I went around a letterbox and knocked at the doors of people. And I went around a letterbox and knocked at the doors of people.
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And the mother came back and she said yes she can, but Katie said. And the mother came back and she said yes she can, but Katie said.
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I hope she blows the tyres up after she uses [laughter] she's you know, I wasn't slim in my eyes. I hope she blows the tyres up after she uses [laughter] she's you know, I wasn't slim in my eyes.
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That's children. That's children.
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Anyway, so I went round and I'd knock on the door. Anyway, so I went round and I'd knock on the door.
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And I used to be frightened of dogs. And I used to be frightened of dogs.
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So I take a little bag, plastic bag of those tiny little biscuits, dog biscuits, and if a dog came, I'd throw a dog biscuit [laughter] So I take a little bag, plastic bag of those tiny little biscuits, dog biscuits, and if a dog came, I'd throw a dog biscuit [laughter]
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And I found that quite good. And I found that quite good.
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So anyway, the great day arrived and uh the election and there were ohh, I think there was about twenty odd people stood So anyway, the great day arrived and uh the election and there were ohh, I think there was about twenty odd people stood
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and um and um
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three women. three women.
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And wasn't it marvellous the three women got in, and I came in number fourth and I thought that was absolutely fantastic that the people had the confidence in me And wasn't it marvellous the three women got in, and I came in number fourth and I thought that was absolutely fantastic that the people had the confidence in me
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to put me on Council to work for them. to put me on Council to work for them.
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The first thing Fran and I said was, Fran said to me, The first thing Fran and I said was, Fran said to me,
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now we're miles apart, you're different to me now we're miles apart, you're different to me
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we're good friends we're good friends
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and we won't always support each other. and we won't always support each other.
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I said that's true Fran but I said when we walk out this door we're the best of mates ,and that's what it was. I can always remember Mavis McClymont saying to me at my first meeting. Now, Shirley, you're an Alderman, I said that's true Fran but I said when we walk out this door we're the best of mates ,and that's what it was. I can always remember Mavis McClymont saying to me at my first meeting. Now, Shirley, you're an Alderman,
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and, she said, and don't make a cup of tea for the men. and, she said, and don't make a cup of tea for the men.
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Because it's been a man's world, you know. So I never did. But then you do make the occasional, would you like a cup of coffee or something, over the years you mellow. So we got on to council and Because it's been a man's world, you know. So I never did. But then you do make the occasional, would you like a cup of coffee or something, over the years you mellow. So we got on to council and
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we were only there a very short time and there was a great discussion on where they're going to put the City Hall we were only there a very short time and there was a great discussion on where they're going to put the City Hall
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and uh and uh
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it was decided that it was decided that
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Probably it'd go with the South Grafton School of Arts. Probably it'd go with the South Grafton School of Arts.
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And in those days there was no protection or anything like that And in those days there was no protection or anything like that
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and uh and uh
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we discussed it and we came to a stalemate really because it was six all we discussed it and we came to a stalemate really because it was six all
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vote and uh being a new chum on the block too. I found it uh very stressful to think that you vote and uh being a new chum on the block too. I found it uh very stressful to think that you
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had to make a great decision on what you were going to do. had to make a great decision on what you were going to do.
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So we decided Bob Liddiard was So we decided Bob Liddiard was
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on council then on council then
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And uh, there's quite a few of them And uh, there's quite a few of them
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and we stood down and we stood down
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and uh and uh
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then the government put an administrator in, which was Fred Elliott. then the government put an administrator in, which was Fred Elliott.
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and then we had to re-stand again. and then we had to re-stand again.
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But we felt so strongly, those six people But we felt so strongly, those six people
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about it about it
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but uh, and I think it was a wise move when I, over the years I thought about it. I think it was a wise move what happened. but uh, and I think it was a wise move when I, over the years I thought about it. I think it was a wise move what happened.
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How often do you use the Town Hall anyway? How often do you use the Town Hall anyway?
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And we've got the beautiful Community Centre too down here now, so it's been a wonderful And we've got the beautiful Community Centre too down here now, so it's been a wonderful
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road that I've travelled in local government. road that I've travelled in local government.
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I was on for thirteen years. I was on for thirteen years.
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And uh, that's thirteen years were wonderful years. And uh, that's thirteen years were wonderful years.
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I will say then I had a break in '88 because John was retiring. I will say then I had a break in '88 because John was retiring.
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And uh, we thought that we would travel, well I thought, but I had a rude awakening because John won't go in a plane. And uh, we thought that we would travel, well I thought, but I had a rude awakening because John won't go in a plane.
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And uh, which put a bit of dampener on things. I mean, we drive all over the place and do things like that, but uh And uh, which put a bit of dampener on things. I mean, we drive all over the place and do things like that, but uh
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anyway, uh, that didn't eventuate, even though I went twice overseas anyway, uh, that didn't eventuate, even though I went twice overseas
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in that time, I had eight years off. in that time, I had eight years off.
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And then I decided that, uh And then I decided that, uh
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Must be that twelve years ago that uh I'd go back on to Council. I had pressure from some people in the city asking me to go back. Must be that twelve years ago that uh I'd go back on to Council. I had pressure from some people in the city asking me to go back.
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And uh I thought I'll give it another try. And uh I thought I'll give it another try.
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Which I did, and I was very blessed that the people had the confidence in me to vote for me, to put me in. Which I did, and I was very blessed that the people had the confidence in me to vote for me, to put me in.
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And that was And that was
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rather an exciting time. rather an exciting time.
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Because as you get older, you think, ohh, they'll probably think you're too old. You know you, Because as you get older, you think, ohh, they'll probably think you're too old. You know you,
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use by date on you, but uh I think it's uh not age that counts, I think it's what's within your heart and uh what you want to do use by date on you, but uh I think it's uh not age that counts, I think it's what's within your heart and uh what you want to do
31:31

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to leave people better off than when you came.       And what some of the work, some of the some of the other projects that the Council's been faced with the last few years.        Well, the, the things that have happened was the uh, over the years, when you look at all the things that have been done. to leave people better off than when you came.       And what some of the work, some of the some of the other projects that the Council's been faced with the last few years.        Well, the, the things that have happened was the uh, over the years, when you look at all the things that have been done.
31:49

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The cycle ways, you know, uh, I was always very, these are some of the things that I've championed. The cycle ways, you know, uh, I was always very, these are some of the things that I've championed.
31:57

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And they've been great successes. And they've been great successes.
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Uh, the Council sent me to uh Bendigo. They had a big cycle way conference there, I was so impressed with Bendigo and what they did, we came back Uh, the Council sent me to uh Bendigo. They had a big cycle way conference there, I was so impressed with Bendigo and what they did, we came back
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I came back and uh John and I did a questionnaire to every child that went to school. I came back and uh John and I did a questionnaire to every child that went to school.
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Uh, and gave them a map. Uh, and gave them a map.
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Where their home was, I had to put a dot, how they traversed to school. Where their home was, I had to put a dot, how they traversed to school.
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Did they use a bike, how many times a day they used their bike, all this sort of thing, and then we corellated it. It was a mammoth job. Did they use a bike, how many times a day they used their bike, all this sort of thing, and then we corellated it. It was a mammoth job.
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But that started the cycleway system in Grafton. But that started the cycleway system in Grafton.
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And now it's going on and on, and it's a great thing.        Well, Grafton's fairly flat because it lends itself to cycleways  doesn't it/       It does. And it's great to see the children using their cycles. I don't think people use their cycles like they used to many, many years ago now      No the buses      The buses. They're fantastic. And now it's going on and on, and it's a great thing.        Well, Grafton's fairly flat because it lends itself to cycleways  doesn't it/       It does. And it's great to see the children using their cycles. I don't think people use their cycles like they used to many, many years ago now      No the buses      The buses. They're fantastic.
33:08

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We had that then. We've had the landfill out at uh South Grafton, opposite the lawn cemetery. That was a huge development, and of course there are uh people against it, other Shires were against it. We wanted to make it a regional landfill. We thought we were looking to the future. We couldn't have landfills putting up everywhere and that was a great, great thing that's happened. Everyone's so happy about us.            We had two major landfills in Grafton, We had that then. We've had the landfill out at uh South Grafton, opposite the lawn cemetery. That was a huge development, and of course there are uh people against it, other Shires were against it. We wanted to make it a regional landfill. We thought we were looking to the future. We couldn't have landfills putting up everywhere and that was a great, great thing that's happened. Everyone's so happy about us.            We had two major landfills in Grafton,
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Grafton in that time, didn't we, that have caused a lot of headaches afterwards?       Yes, we have. When you look, I think we have about eleven. Grafton in that time, didn't we, that have caused a lot of headaches afterwards?       Yes, we have. When you look, I think we have about eleven.
33:50

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And they have some of the parks, Appolo Parks one, And they have some of the parks, Appolo Parks one,
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Also the uh       Pioneer park.     Pioneer park, that's one and       Jacaranda park       and Jacaranda Park and now after all those years. Also the uh       Pioneer park.     Pioneer park, that's one and       Jacaranda park       and Jacaranda Park and now after all those years.
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They're just planting trees in their growing, after all those years, which is fantastic. And then we had another one uh up in uh They're just planting trees in their growing, after all those years, which is fantastic. And then we had another one uh up in uh
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North Street, you know, they're all uh pockets everywhere. North Street, you know, they're all uh pockets everywhere.
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It's better now. I mean, we benefit by it by having those wonderful open spaces Grafton's so blessed with its beautiful wide streets, the trees with the wonderful people. It's better now. I mean, we benefit by it by having those wonderful open spaces Grafton's so blessed with its beautiful wide streets, the trees with the wonderful people.
34:34

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Over a hundred years ago planting the trees and we have a Tree Committee. We've always had a Tree Committee in this area, and the Clarence Valley Council still has a Tree Committee, though it's, it'll take time to generate throughout the valley. Over a hundred years ago planting the trees and we have a Tree Committee. We've always had a Tree Committee in this area, and the Clarence Valley Council still has a Tree Committee, though it's, it'll take time to generate throughout the valley.
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I don't know where we'd be if we hadn't stuck to the principles of you take a tree out, you put two in. I don't know where we'd be if we hadn't stuck to the principles of you take a tree out, you put two in.
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And uh, I know Mavis McClymont and I were very supportive of trees. And we always said we wanted large trees. We didn't want these little shrubby things around the place. We wanted large trees, I often think of uh Armidale with the beautiful park there with large beautiful trees. So we've done that. And I think that uh, you know, with the open space, we are a special city, we're special and I think you can bless and thank the Councils And uh, I know Mavis McClymont and I were very supportive of trees. And we always said we wanted large trees. We didn't want these little shrubby things around the place. We wanted large trees, I often think of uh Armidale with the beautiful park there with large beautiful trees. So we've done that. And I think that uh, you know, with the open space, we are a special city, we're special and I think you can bless and thank the Councils
35:31

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that have gone before, that have kept that up, that the open space is wonderful. You can go to some towns and it's so closed in with houses. Everyone would sell a block of land. I know at one stage in Grafton City Council there was a move by certain councillors to sell off parks and we stood united and said no, where would we be? We'd be like any other town. You may as well take the trees that have gone before, that have kept that up, that the open space is wonderful. You can go to some towns and it's so closed in with houses. Everyone would sell a block of land. I know at one stage in Grafton City Council there was a move by certain councillors to sell off parks and we stood united and said no, where would we be? We'd be like any other town. You may as well take the trees
36:02

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and what would we look a second rate place. and what would we look a second rate place.
36:05

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So you've got to be very mindful of this in the future generations have got to, I would say that So you've got to be very mindful of this in the future generations have got to, I would say that
36:14

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we the, the Community, the people have to be very mindful of our environment here in Grafton because the Council announced Amalgamated Council. They're cutting back on maintenance, they're not doing. They don't have the same passion for a place as the people who live there, and it is up to the people to make sure that they don't do away with any of those we the, the Community, the people have to be very mindful of our environment here in Grafton because the Council announced Amalgamated Council. They're cutting back on maintenance, they're not doing. They don't have the same passion for a place as the people who live there, and it is up to the people to make sure that they don't do away with any of those
36:43

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wonderful things that we have, which the forefathers have built to what it is today.       But it's not only the trees, I mean it's, it's the buildings,     Buildings absolutely. That's what I'm saying. Everything we have, the environment, we should be preserving it. I think it's just wonderful things that we have, which the forefathers have built to what it is today.       But it's not only the trees, I mean it's, it's the buildings,     Buildings absolutely. That's what I'm saying. Everything we have, the environment, we should be preserving it. I think it's just
37:02

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so important.     It's not so much so important.     It's not so much
37:06

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so keeping it for the sake of keeping a bit, but we should be actually so keeping it for the sake of keeping a bit, but we should be actually
37:11

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developing plans to actually put the stories in place to actually, for future people to know why we're keeping it.      Yes.         And what they can do in the future with it.       Absolutely.       Because I mean most cities now are putting in big shopping Centres and they have to developing plans to actually put the stories in place to actually, for future people to know why we're keeping it.      Yes.         And what they can do in the future with it.       Absolutely.       Because I mean most cities now are putting in big shopping Centres and they have to
37:32

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to meet those kind of to meet those kind of
37:34

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things half way because that's what the people want. But they've got to look at the other side of the story too, where they don't destroy what they bought with the good things they've already got.        Yes, well, you know, that really making that comment, I my mind flashed straight away to McConaughey's building and uh I was, I'm a great supporter of McConaughey's building. I always have been. I think the people want it. And I mean we're there for the people. I have, I get nothing out of it. I'm things half way because that's what the people want. But they've got to look at the other side of the story too, where they don't destroy what they bought with the good things they've already got.        Yes, well, you know, that really making that comment, I my mind flashed straight away to McConaughey's building and uh I was, I'm a great supporter of McConaughey's building. I always have been. I think the people want it. And I mean we're there for the people. I have, I get nothing out of it. I'm
38:05

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a housewife, I'm a rate payer, but I listen to the people and I know that majority of people wanted that. But I can say that when I spoke in support of it, I spoke very strongly also about Mr McConaughey and his beautification plans. He has always come up trumps with trees and I'm hoping a housewife, I'm a rate payer, but I listen to the people and I know that majority of people wanted that. But I can say that when I spoke in support of it, I spoke very strongly also about Mr McConaughey and his beautification plans. He has always come up trumps with trees and I'm hoping
38:34

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that the car park in uh, that the car park in uh,
38:38

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Fitzroy Street, will either have trees or sales, you know, like in other places, because it doesn't look crash hot at the moment. Fitzroy Street, will either have trees or sales, you know, like in other places, because it doesn't look crash hot at the moment.
38:47

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They're still in the throws of building, They're still in the throws of building,
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Uh, but I think that we've gotta move. We do have to move on. Uh, but I think that we've gotta move. We do have to move on.
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Otherwise we're going to be left behind, but we have to be conscious Otherwise we're going to be left behind, but we have to be conscious
38:60

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of the environment in which that building is going to be placed. of the environment in which that building is going to be placed.
39:05

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So it fits in with the other buildings and the beauty surrounding.        We have the the bypass to think about too, so that you know we, we need to be mindful of So it fits in with the other buildings and the beauty surrounding.        We have the the bypass to think about too, so that you know we, we need to be mindful of
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people won't be coming to Grafton unless there's a good reason to come to Grafton,       Absolutely. And I think that, that uh that is something. I went to a RTA briefing the other day, about the bypass, and the bypass will be about ten/eleven K's away and uh that will be up to us, to sell ourselves and preserve what we've got. And uh there are ways of doing that in people won't be coming to Grafton unless there's a good reason to come to Grafton,       Absolutely. And I think that, that uh that is something. I went to a RTA briefing the other day, about the bypass, and the bypass will be about ten/eleven K's away and uh that will be up to us, to sell ourselves and preserve what we've got. And uh there are ways of doing that in
39:48

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promotions and things like that. promotions and things like that.
39:50

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Uh, I think we've just got to be very mindful. I see Grafton as a, not really as a Tourist Centre, but I see that uh we are in events Uh, I think we've just got to be very mindful. I see Grafton as a, not really as a Tourist Centre, but I see that uh we are in events
40:03

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Town, City, uh we have so many events here. We have so many national and state events that brings hundreds of people, thousands and thousands and millions and millions of dollars into this city. Town, City, uh we have so many events here. We have so many national and state events that brings hundreds of people, thousands and thousands and millions and millions of dollars into this city.
40:20

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And we've got to still And we've got to still
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make that. I think that is very special for us and we must always support the festival and I'd hate to think that the festival would uh go really make that. I think that is very special for us and we must always support the festival and I'd hate to think that the festival would uh go really
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commercial. commercial.
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We are the first floral festival in Australia, the only uh one that's still going after seventy five years next year. We are the first floral festival in Australia, the only uh one that's still going after seventy five years next year.
40:48

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And I think we've just got to make sure as citizens And I think we've just got to make sure as citizens
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of the area that we keep it into that lovely happy of the area that we keep it into that lovely happy
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festival atmosphere, plant more Jacaranda trees. I'm not saying cover the whole city in jacarandas, but plant avenues and plant all the other beautiful trees we've got and we'll get people. People are just so impressed. I know the Japanese came out on quite a number of times when I was Mayor of the city. festival atmosphere, plant more Jacaranda trees. I'm not saying cover the whole city in jacarandas, but plant avenues and plant all the other beautiful trees we've got and we'll get people. People are just so impressed. I know the Japanese came out on quite a number of times when I was Mayor of the city.
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And uh And uh
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they were just so impressed they were just so impressed
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with the trees and the bird life, they'd stay at Victoria's or that motel there with the trees and the bird life, they'd stay at Victoria's or that motel there
41:31

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and they'd walk around early morning and all the birds in the trees. and they'd walk around early morning and all the birds in the trees.
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Absolutely beautiful. They were just so impressed. Absolutely beautiful. They were just so impressed.
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And we've got to continue.       Were you involved in Sister City schemes?       Yes, I was involved. That happened before I went back to Council, this last time. And we've got to continue.       Were you involved in Sister City schemes?       Yes, I was involved. That happened before I went back to Council, this last time.
41:52

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And uh, we had the sister city in those eight years prior that I wasn't on council with Japan, Isakanoka  uh and with Vanuatu. And uh, we had the sister city in those eight years prior that I wasn't on council with Japan, Isakanoka  uh and with Vanuatu.
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And uh And uh
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can I say to you that the Isakanoka sister city, can I say to you that the Isakanoka sister city,
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was a wonderful experience uh, you know, they used to bring their like, their Chamber of Commerce groups out. was a wonderful experience uh, you know, they used to bring their like, their Chamber of Commerce groups out.
42:22

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and they'd stay for a week and they'd have a look round at the whole valley. There was a lot of goodwill came out of that. You look at South Grafton High School and and they'd stay for a week and they'd have a look round at the whole valley. There was a lot of goodwill came out of that. You look at South Grafton High School and
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you've got Mrs. Benz over there, and she takes the high school students, the, the students who take Japanese as a language over every year. you've got Mrs. Benz over there, and she takes the high school students, the, the students who take Japanese as a language over every year.
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It is absolutely fantastic and that's and they come back the next year. It is absolutely fantastic and that's and they come back the next year.
42:55

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But since the uh, amalgamation of the Council, But since the uh, amalgamation of the Council,
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the councillors, the councillors,
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did away with it. did away with it.
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See, a lot stood on that as a platform. See, a lot stood on that as a platform.
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It was a waste of money. It wasn't a waste of money. The only money the Council spent was uh that they'd spend if someone from Sydney came up, [laughter] you know what I'm saying? As a VIP and things like that, I will say that uh the Council six went over, It was a waste of money. It wasn't a waste of money. The only money the Council spent was uh that they'd spend if someone from Sydney came up, [laughter] you know what I'm saying? As a VIP and things like that, I will say that uh the Council six went over,
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Uh, it cost $2020, I think. Uh, it cost $2020, I think.
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Uh per councillor. Uh per councillor.
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The goodwill it made, the accommodation and everything was paid, you know, The goodwill it made, the accommodation and everything was paid, you know,
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The goodwill it made The goodwill it made
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it was fantastic, now we've got nothing, it was fantastic, now we've got nothing,
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And you know, I can remember as Mayor on numerous occasions. And you know, I can remember as Mayor on numerous occasions.
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during Jacaranda, we'd have parties of twelve to fifteen, Japanese people would come out who were involved with the botanical gardens during Jacaranda, we'd have parties of twelve to fifteen, Japanese people would come out who were involved with the botanical gardens
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of Japan and the world, they'd travel all over the world to have a look at of Japan and the world, they'd travel all over the world to have a look at
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you know, the gardens and trees and things like that. They'd came out to see the Jacaranda festival. That hasn't happened in the last you know, the gardens and trees and things like that. They'd came out to see the Jacaranda festival. That hasn't happened in the last
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three or four years. three or four years.
44:24

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So I would like to think that, that is renewed in some way, but until we get a number of councillors from Grafton So I would like to think that, that is renewed in some way, but until we get a number of councillors from Grafton
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I'm the only person on the Council at the present moment who represents the city. I'm the only person on the Council at the present moment who represents the city.
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Everyone else, we've got four from downriver and the others are scattered around from the Shires. Everyone else, we've got four from downriver and the others are scattered around from the Shires.
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Well, that's good Well, that's good
44:50

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but it's very parochrial but it's very parochrial
44:52

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and it's very hard to get things through. I'm being very honest about this because I think the future people should know what's and it's very hard to get things through. I'm being very honest about this because I think the future people should know what's
45:03

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how things can happen? how things can happen?
45:06

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When I look at Grafton, I think of all the wonderful achievements they've got. When I look at Grafton, I think of all the wonderful achievements they've got.
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They've got the, we've had, I should say, we had the Bicentennial Travelling exhibition They've got the, we've had, I should say, we had the Bicentennial Travelling exhibition
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in '88. in '88.
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Now every town in Australia applied for that Now every town in Australia applied for that
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and uh, and uh,
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we were fortunate to get it. we were fortunate to get it.
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And I worked extremely hard for that. I think I've got And I worked extremely hard for that. I think I've got
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newspaper cuttings and all that. newspaper cuttings and all that.
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And I can remember we And I can remember we
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were the only area were the only area
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closest the uh Exhibition went to was Toowoomba closest the uh Exhibition went to was Toowoomba
45:49

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then it came to Grafton then it came to Grafton
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and then it went to Newcastle. and then it went to Newcastle.
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And I know that Port Macquarie, Lismore and Coffs Harbour jumped up and down And I know that Port Macquarie, Lismore and Coffs Harbour jumped up and down
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to get it from us. to get it from us.
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And we worked jolly hard. I was asked to be the Regional Co-ordinator by the national body And we worked jolly hard. I was asked to be the Regional Co-ordinator by the national body
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of the uh, Bicentennial Authority of the uh, Bicentennial Authority
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and I accepted and I accepted
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and uh that was in the space that I wasn't on council in '88. and uh that was in the space that I wasn't on council in '88.
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And we worked extremely hard and I went around all the uh And we worked extremely hard and I went around all the uh
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the councils from Port Macquarie to the Queensland border the councils from Port Macquarie to the Queensland border
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seeking financial assistance seeking financial assistance
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and I can remember the only person or the only council and I can remember the only person or the only council
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that really knocked it, or didn't knock it was the mayor of the day that really knocked it, or didn't knock it was the mayor of the day
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and uh and uh
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John Beattie, who is the Regional Chairman John Beattie, who is the Regional Chairman
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he uh, he uh,
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he uh came with me. We went to Grafton City he uh came with me. We went to Grafton City
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to ask for funding per capita, like everyone else. to ask for funding per capita, like everyone else.
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And Mike Emerson was Mayor then And Mike Emerson was Mayor then
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And uh I can remember sitting there And uh I can remember sitting there
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and we spoke about it and Mike Emerson said and we spoke about it and Mike Emerson said
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"Why would we want you?" And he was referring to me "Why would we want you?" And he was referring to me
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as the Regional Co-ordinator, you're nothing but a housewife. as the Regional Co-ordinator, you're nothing but a housewife.
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He said we would want He said we would want
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someone who is professional, someone who is professional,
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someone who has experience, someone who will make Grafton someone who has experience, someone who will make Grafton
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important. important.
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So I just looked at him and I said you'll regret those words. So I just looked at him and I said you'll regret those words.
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And I got up and walked out And I got up and walked out
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Council did support it finally. Council did support it finally.
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But it, uh, can I say to you it, uh, But it, uh, can I say to you it, uh,
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we worked extremely hard. we worked extremely hard.
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We We
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had over 44,000 go through the, the gates in four days. had over 44,000 go through the, the gates in four days.
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We were the largest Regional Centre with the most people to go through. We were the largest Regional Centre with the most people to go through.
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It was such a resounding success, you have no idea. It was such a resounding success, you have no idea.
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A lot of work. A lot of work.
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I'm just trying. I'm just trying.
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You know, I cannot say to you that, uh, Mr Kennard, uh he was Desmond Kennard, uh of course, was the Mr. Big of the Bicentennial Travelling Exhibition. You know, I cannot say to you that, uh, Mr Kennard, uh he was Desmond Kennard, uh of course, was the Mr. Big of the Bicentennial Travelling Exhibition.
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And uh, in a newspaper cutting, he said the city nearly lost its big event And uh, in a newspaper cutting, he said the city nearly lost its big event
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and the reason being, he said uh, and the reason being, he said uh,
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although the Grafton stop at the Australian Bicentennial Exhibition looks like drawing one of the biggest regional crowd, crowds of the tour so far, the city nearly missed out on staging the show. although the Grafton stop at the Australian Bicentennial Exhibition looks like drawing one of the biggest regional crowd, crowds of the tour so far, the city nearly missed out on staging the show.
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Director of the Australian Bicentennial exhibition Desmond Kennard said, if it wasn't for the persistence of the North Coast Regional Co-ordinator Mrs Shirley Adams, and the show would have gone to Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. Director of the Australian Bicentennial exhibition Desmond Kennard said, if it wasn't for the persistence of the North Coast Regional Co-ordinator Mrs Shirley Adams, and the show would have gone to Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.
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One of the problems with Grafton was the lack of suitable sights, One of the problems with Grafton was the lack of suitable sights,
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and we need a property development of, so big. and we need a property development of, so big.
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He said that in March '87, Shirley Adams invited him to what he thought was a meeting with committee people, but instead it turned out to be a Public Council meeting. The person who kept the issue alive was Shirley Adams, and the community should be thankful for her ability, her drive and her enthusiasm. He said that in March '87, Shirley Adams invited him to what he thought was a meeting with committee people, but instead it turned out to be a Public Council meeting. The person who kept the issue alive was Shirley Adams, and the community should be thankful for her ability, her drive and her enthusiasm.
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I never had an apology from the Mayor at all, I never had an apology from the Mayor at all,
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after making those comments. after making those comments.
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But I think that in itself, and it said here the exhibition had a record visit. But I think that in itself, and it said here the exhibition had a record visit.
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It says Grafton has emerged the Regional National record holder for both overall and school student attendance after hosting the Bicentennial Travelling Exhibition for four days. I think that speaks for itself, and that is just one, when Grafton does something, it doesn't properly. It says Grafton has emerged the Regional National record holder for both overall and school student attendance after hosting the Bicentennial Travelling Exhibition for four days. I think that speaks for itself, and that is just one, when Grafton does something, it doesn't properly.
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And I think of other things. We had the Federation that was a huge success. We put a book out uh regarding the Federation of the former mayors, etcetera, and uh And I think of other things. We had the Federation that was a huge success. We put a book out uh regarding the Federation of the former mayors, etcetera, and uh
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Also the Federation, the books that we sold for ten dollars. Also the Federation, the books that we sold for ten dollars.
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Uh we had Grafton Daily Examiner printed the book. Uh we had Grafton Daily Examiner printed the book.
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At a cost of $25,000, At a cost of $25,000,
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we sold we sold
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and we paid the $25,000 and we made a profit of $25,000. and we paid the $25,000 and we made a profit of $25,000.
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And that $25,000 went into the erection of the Federation Fountain in See Park. And that $25,000 went into the erection of the Federation Fountain in See Park.
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And not many people know that. But that's where that fountain came from. And not many people know that. But that's where that fountain came from.
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We've had celebrations of uh the Municipality for the hundreds. We've had celebrations of uh the Municipality for the hundreds.
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They uh They uh
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Now we're celebrating 150 next year. Now we're celebrating 150 next year.
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We've had just so many things. We've had just so many things.
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The Olympic torch. Now, you know Grafton hosted that. The Olympic torch. Now, you know Grafton hosted that.
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We had to work hard for it. We had the the big wigs from Sydney came up and Ray Smith, and I talked to them, and we showed them, and we said we could do this, we could do that, and see this is once again Lismore and uh We had to work hard for it. We had the the big wigs from Sydney came up and Ray Smith, and I talked to them, and we showed them, and we said we could do this, we could do that, and see this is once again Lismore and uh
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Coffs thought they had it. We had the beauty of the river and everything and the Jacarandas. And I formed a committee and we decided that we Coffs thought they had it. We had the beauty of the river and everything and the Jacarandas. And I formed a committee and we decided that we
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dress the city in purple. dress the city in purple.
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That was got national recognition, Grafton does these things. We've got people out there that are so willing to come. That was got national recognition, Grafton does these things. We've got people out there that are so willing to come.
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You know, when I think of these senior citz, on that occasion I asked them You know, when I think of these senior citz, on that occasion I asked them
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would they make these thousands and thousands of crepe flowers huge, big flowers, would they make these thousands and thousands of crepe flowers huge, big flowers,
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and we organised down in the Civic Centre, all the senior citizens to come. We had tables up and we organised down in the Civic Centre, all the senior citizens to come. We had tables up
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we showed them how to do it we showed them how to do it
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and in two days we had all the flowers. and in two days we had all the flowers.
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Magnificent. And they were the people that felt they were not thrusted aside. They were encouraged to come and be part of a wonderful thing. And on the day we had all these mauve balloons which were donated to us. Magnificent. And they were the people that felt they were not thrusted aside. They were encouraged to come and be part of a wonderful thing. And on the day we had all these mauve balloons which were donated to us.
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And the senior citz came in with these [Laughter] hand pumps and blew them up and put them on sticks and string with the helium gas. And the senior citz came in with these [Laughter] hand pumps and blew them up and put them on sticks and string with the helium gas.
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Once again, and all the schoolchildren got them and they walked down to Fisher Park, you know, Once again, and all the schoolchildren got them and they walked down to Fisher Park, you know,
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it's just that the people in Grafton are very special people. it's just that the people in Grafton are very special people.
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And I think that over the years they've been led by wonderful people and I think of the women And I think that over the years they've been led by wonderful people and I think of the women
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that have been on Council have been tremendous and I think of Heather Rowland. that have been on Council have been tremendous and I think of Heather Rowland.
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Heather was Deputy Mayor. We created history Heather was Deputy Mayor. We created history
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as I was Mayor and she was Deputy. as I was Mayor and she was Deputy.
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And that's never happened, and I can't see it happening for probably another one hundred and fifty years. Hopefully it will take, it will happen sooner. And that's never happened, and I can't see it happening for probably another one hundred and fifty years. Hopefully it will take, it will happen sooner.
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But it is just But it is just
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the women seem to get in there and get things done. the women seem to get in there and get things done.
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I think if you throw your mind back, Nola I think if you throw your mind back, Nola
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to to
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many, many men that have been on council, why have they been there? many, many men that have been on council, why have they been there?
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Has it been for their own glorification? Has it been for their own gain? Has it been for their own glorification? Has it been for their own gain?
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Has it been for the people?      Well the first thing, most of the men that have been on council have been businessmen. Has it been for the people?      Well the first thing, most of the men that have been on council have been businessmen.
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And of course it has to do with their business, and it has to do with their livelihood, yes, but all women. And of course it has to do with their business, and it has to do with their livelihood, yes, but all women.
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They were They were
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there are on their own behalf as a citizen, and a working one at that for the city. They had no axe to grind as far as personal things, wasn't their businesses that were involved. there are on their own behalf as a citizen, and a working one at that for the city. They had no axe to grind as far as personal things, wasn't their businesses that were involved.
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And that's something I can stand up and say, that I've never had any personal interest gain at all. And I think also what's helped me in public life, because you do get pressure put on you, and I know those eight years that I was Mayor, and I was very proud of that to think that And that's something I can stand up and say, that I've never had any personal interest gain at all. And I think also what's helped me in public life, because you do get pressure put on you, and I know those eight years that I was Mayor, and I was very proud of that to think that
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in a hundred and thirty seven years, at that time, I was the first and only Lady Mayor of Grafton City Council. in a hundred and thirty seven years, at that time, I was the first and only Lady Mayor of Grafton City Council.
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And I do thank uh the Councillors who supported me in that endeavour. And I do thank uh the Councillors who supported me in that endeavour.
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I think that, that was a huge step I think that, that was a huge step
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for those men and women to have voted to put me in for those men and women to have voted to put me in
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and it was, uh and it was, uh
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seven um, seven um,
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four, I think it was something like that. four, I think it was something like that.
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And uh. And uh.
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I've always been grateful and I've always felt I've always been grateful and I've always felt
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that that
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the people the people
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are the heartbeat are the heartbeat
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of the community, besides the hospital and I think of the part that we've played in the uh hospital, our hospital developing. I was talking to Kay Payne yesterday, I think I mentioned that before and we were talking about the hospital of the community, besides the hospital and I think of the part that we've played in the uh hospital, our hospital developing. I was talking to Kay Payne yesterday, I think I mentioned that before and we were talking about the hospital
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and uh it was a wonderful hospital, years ago, it's still a wonderful hospital, but it's been allowed to run down. Now it is up to the Council of the day to get in there and work hard and bring it back. and uh it was a wonderful hospital, years ago, it's still a wonderful hospital, but it's been allowed to run down. Now it is up to the Council of the day to get in there and work hard and bring it back.
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I think that, that is so important and that's why I host a, I'm a chair of a small Community committee and on that committee, and when you think about it, are people that have worked for the city. I think that, that is so important and that's why I host a, I'm a chair of a small Community committee and on that committee, and when you think about it, are people that have worked for the city.
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There's, uh Bill Dougherty, Geoff Shepherd, There's, uh Bill Dougherty, Geoff Shepherd,
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Doctor uh Alan Tyson, Doctor uh Alan Tyson,
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Doctor Bill Costello, Ron Bell and myself. Doctor Bill Costello, Ron Bell and myself.
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And at this stage, and we've worked extremely hard, we're all very proud And at this stage, and we've worked extremely hard, we're all very proud
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we've got twenty three million now, we've got twenty three million now,
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for the redevelopment of the theatres, for the redevelopment of the theatres,
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and the emergency. and the emergency.
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It won't stop there. It won't stop there.
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We are still working for the five million which the government, federal government gave as a promise for the Super Clinic. We are still working for the five million which the government, federal government gave as a promise for the Super Clinic.
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John Wickhams whose the CEO of the hospital has been in touch with me several times John Wickhams whose the CEO of the hospital has been in touch with me several times
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to find a position for it. to find a position for it.
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Things are moving on, but we can't sit back and be lethargic. We have to move forward Things are moving on, but we can't sit back and be lethargic. We have to move forward
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and you know, I'm giving Council up this year in September after twenty five years as a Councillor. and you know, I'm giving Council up this year in September after twenty five years as a Councillor.
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Now a lot of water has passed under the bridge and I know the last election, the amalgamation election Now a lot of water has passed under the bridge and I know the last election, the amalgamation election
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there are people out there that really don't know you and are very hurtful there are people out there that really don't know you and are very hurtful
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they say terrible things about you. I never respond, but it does hurt. they say terrible things about you. I never respond, but it does hurt.
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And it's always men. And it's always men.
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And that's what gets me. And that's what gets me.
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And I think to myself, what do you do for the community? What have you done? And I think to myself, what do you do for the community? What have you done?
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Are you moving forward? Are you thinking of doing things to make Grafton a better place in which to live? Are you moving forward? Are you thinking of doing things to make Grafton a better place in which to live?
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Shall I say an end and say look Shall I say an end and say look
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I think we have so much to be grateful for. All the people that have gone before us, the people who had vision, the people who worked, the people who got out there and did things. I think we have so much to be grateful for. All the people that have gone before us, the people who had vision, the people who worked, the people who got out there and did things.
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The people who encouraged. The people who encouraged.
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Both men and women, Both men and women,
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people would probably, wouldn't think of getting out there and doing things. There are a lot of those people in our community. We must be mindful. They've all got talents and skills. Let's use them. Let's not be selfish. people would probably, wouldn't think of getting out there and doing things. There are a lot of those people in our community. We must be mindful. They've all got talents and skills. Let's use them. Let's not be selfish.
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We can be very selfish if we wish We can be very selfish if we wish
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it is up to us and our heart to lead us forward, to make Grafton an even better place than what it is, it is up to us and our heart to lead us forward, to make Grafton an even better place than what it is,
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and we've worked jolly hard, let's continue.       But I'm sure even though you may be leaving Council, you will not be leaving, the many, many projects that that you're interested and support.      No. I won't be. I couldn't see myself vegetating. and we've worked jolly hard, let's continue.       But I'm sure even though you may be leaving Council, you will not be leaving, the many, many projects that that you're interested and support.      No. I won't be. I couldn't see myself vegetating.
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As you're aware, you're on the 150th uh, Anniversary Committee and I'm chair of it. Uh that is going to be an exciting year. It's a year full of uh activities. We're hoping that every month will be a special month. Uh you know it, you. The year will come and everyone will have a fabulous time and say what a wonderful year it is. As you're aware, you're on the 150th uh, Anniversary Committee and I'm chair of it. Uh that is going to be an exciting year. It's a year full of uh activities. We're hoping that every month will be a special month. Uh you know it, you. The year will come and everyone will have a fabulous time and say what a wonderful year it is.
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But will I stop and say how many hours, and how many people took the time to do that? But will I stop and say how many hours, and how many people took the time to do that?
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Even your project, what you're doing and and the U3A and your group Even your project, what you're doing and and the U3A and your group
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is absolutely fabulous and of your time, it's taken hundreds and hundreds and hundreds would be thousands of hours, and all the work that goes into it. is absolutely fabulous and of your time, it's taken hundreds and hundreds and hundreds would be thousands of hours, and all the work that goes into it.
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No, it'll be a wonderful year next year, and uh I think that'll be my major swan song. No, it'll be a wonderful year next year, and uh I think that'll be my major swan song.
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And I won't be giving up my, uh, And I won't be giving up my, uh,
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dedication for the hospital. I am also a member of Palliative Care. dedication for the hospital. I am also a member of Palliative Care.
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And uh, I'll help where I'm needed. And uh, I'll help where I'm needed.
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But, uh, you know, I think that, uh. But, uh, you know, I think that, uh.
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It's been a wonderful life. I've been very blessed. Can I say to you, I just thought of something. It's been a wonderful life. I've been very blessed. Can I say to you, I just thought of something.
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That, uh, I was uh asked to be on the Constitution Council board. That, uh, I was uh asked to be on the Constitution Council board.
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Now, I was the only local government person in the whole of Australia on that. Now, I was the only local government person in the whole of Australia on that.
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And we had such wonderful people, Professors and uh the Chairman Donald McDonald from the ABC, Ohh Premiers, people like that, And we had such wonderful people, Professors and uh the Chairman Donald McDonald from the ABC, Ohh Premiers, people like that,
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and I did ask why was I invited to join? It was when I was Mayor. I was on it for four years, and I did ask why was I invited to join? It was when I was Mayor. I was on it for four years,
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and they said because you were grassroots person, you're a people, person of the people, you listen to what they say and I felt very honoured. and they said because you were grassroots person, you're a people, person of the people, you listen to what they say and I felt very honoured.
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To think that uh you know, I've been uh To think that uh you know, I've been uh
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honoured with that, and I was the first Lady Mayor, um, chair of Country Mayors has never been another lady in the whole of NSW for three years. honoured with that, and I was the first Lady Mayor, um, chair of Country Mayors has never been another lady in the whole of NSW for three years.
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These are just some of the achievements, but it's, it's because uh I've been involved with the community. These are just some of the achievements, but it's, it's because uh I've been involved with the community.
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You know, I think that uh, You know, I think that uh,
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and I was invited to go on who's who in Australia, which I am in. and I was invited to go on who's who in Australia, which I am in.
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I mean, that's not many people [Laughter] would know that, I'll tell you. I mean, that's not many people [Laughter] would know that, I'll tell you.
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And, uh, they've just written to me asking me, can they write a bit about my life? But I don't know whether I will, you know, it's just one of those things. It's good for the family I suppose, but it's been a wonderful life. And I couldn't have done any of these if I hadn't had the support of John and my family. My children growing up they were in High School when I went on to council. And, uh, they've just written to me asking me, can they write a bit about my life? But I don't know whether I will, you know, it's just one of those things. It's good for the family I suppose, but it's been a wonderful life. And I couldn't have done any of these if I hadn't had the support of John and my family. My children growing up they were in High School when I went on to council.
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And both Virginia and Simon say now mum, think of yourself, think of us, come and spend more time with us. And I think that's what I'll be doing. And both Virginia and Simon say now mum, think of yourself, think of us, come and spend more time with us. And I think that's what I'll be doing.
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