2 f NE\AIS I

Monday,October3t,20t1

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NEGS looks to new era

FROM, page'l
"He brought to the position his considerable talents as an edu-

partic!rlarly f or scholarships,"
he said.

for Cultural and Sustainability

Plans
The forum began with short presentatiois on the backgiound to devetoping Ah^original Keeping Place. a preiinct. It was identified Over 50 members of the by Armidale Dumaresq comm-unity were involved Council after they were inthefirstforumtodiscuss approached by several this.proposal,*which was cbmmunity grdups indeheld at NERAM on pendently" of" eaih other. Saturday, October 15. Council bllieved therewas The strongest themes of the potential to bring these . discussion were around ideas together into somereinvigorating this valu- thing larger and even more

chartered a positive new

Mr Cassidy said recommendations from the 2006 strategic review had been implemented, enrolments had been steadily
course for the school," he said.

cator and administrator. and during his time at NEGS he

Mr Cassidy also paid tribute to Mr Downs'wife, Shirley, for her contribution and support and refurbishment of St John's
Lodge.

increasing, and facilities had

the future of NEGS is also evident by the substantial donations pledged to the school,

Junior School campus. "The increased confidence in

the new equestrian centre arena and stables, and the consolidation of the St John's

been improved. He cited the construction of

sigLificant emotion and regret'. "This will mark the completion of 49 years in the education portfolio and the school
now re-quires a new set of eyes said.

Mr Downs said his decision to retire had been made 'with

estab- attractive iool cliriate garlishing a Cultural and dens and a creeklSnd Sustai!ability Precinct regeneration.
expressed towards

nity support has been

OVERWHELMING

Precinct underway commuEngland

able green space through

community food garden*s,

around the.New

Bggfolul Art Muieum $EqAy). __ ald _ the

to guide it into the future," he

Mr Cassidy said an advertising campaign was under way to choose a successor and- an

Adam Blakester and Kate Boyd brainstorm ideas

valuable. Over the last few months

too much too soon.

announcement

before the end of Term 4

is

expected

the new principal arrives.

Mr Downs will stav on until

activity on the site with the regeneration of Black Gully Creek, expansion of the bush tucker trail and reinvigoration of outdoor spaces around NERAM's Harvest
caf6.

there has been a lot of

and this was very

Strong community interest, support and involvement-are key to the success of such an endeavour

processes required by the Department of Lands-, the ultimate owners of the site. This session will cover the upcoming call for nominations for a new board of trustees and a formal mas-

session about the legal

hold another information

The next agreed step is to

ter planning process

begin.

to

the forum. At

clearly expressed at

pitfalls were identified, such as the need for high quality leadership and manage-

the same tirne potential

4pm with drinks and nibbles afterwards. For more

Gully at will be held Monday, November 7 at

A tree planting at Black

information contact 67729123.

community interest, remaining grounded and not trying to do

ment,

sustaining

Those interested in the community gardens please contact Jo Leoni on jo@bushrock.net, and for more information on the precinct email Hadlev on
culturaLsustainab1e@gmai
I^com

Gqncer Support Group to meet this Wednesday

THE ARMIDALE Cancer Support Group will be meeting again on.Wednesday from 10am-l2pm. The group meets upstairs at the Wicklow Hotel, which has liindly donated the venue. There will be morning tea avaii-