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Aberdeen puts its best foot forward in Tidy Towns CompetitionLast modified: September 5, 2008 - 2:51 PM
ABERDEEN put its best foot forward last week when Tidy Towns competition assessor Tim Cox toured the picturesque township and its surrounds. Community representatives highlighted how the small township had bounced back from hardship inflicted when major employer Australian Meat Holdings closed in 1999 with wide-ranging initiatives on several fronts. The thriving group Aberdeen Community Caring (which operated as Aberdeen Neighbourhood Watch from 1991 to 2001) hosted a light lunch at the Visitor Information Centre after the Tidy Towns delegation was treated to a lavish morning tea at St. Joseph's School. Aberdeen Community Caring secretary Carole Johnston outlined activities including production of the Aberdeen Whisper newsletter, with 1000 copies printed monthly in-house. The group also operates the Aberdeen Treasures Op Shop, which is a significant source of funds for community projects. The group coordinated a Clean Up Australia Day effort from 1999 to 2006, sponsors a child in a developing country, coordinated a Tsunami appeal in February 2005, various ‘Work for the Dole' projects and social gatherings, and initiatives such as sponsoring author Frederick Bull, who produced a book called "Aberdeens around the World". The group also supports schemes such as Hunter Home Start, the Young Endeavour Scheme and the Relay for Life fundraiser. As well as visiting St. Joseph's, Mr Cox visited Aberdeen Primary, St. Mark's Church, the cemetery, the Segenhoe Valley and Broad's Crossing, historic buildings, and parks as well as local businesses. Welcoming Mr Cox, Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor Barry Rose said there was much more to Aberdeen than initially met the eye. Mr Cox agreed, saying while he had travelled through Aberdeen many times, he was pleasantly surprised by what the town had to offer. During the visit, Upper Hunter Shire Council Community Services Manager Donna Rea highlighted projects such as the informal but highly effective tree planting group, which has planted more than 1200 native trees in the past two years in Aberdeen. She said progressive plans of tree plantings were taking place to ensure the right locations were chosen, and council was working in partnership with volunteers, with the group meeting fortnightly. "The group has plans to develop a walkway along the Hunter River and their next planting project will involve planting and establishing trees along a section of the river bank, with agricultural students from St. Joseph's assisting with plantings for this project," she said. Mrs Rea said a Youth Forum had highlighted the beautification of the main street as a priority, with young people seeking to have input. Representatives of the Aberdeen Highland Games including Charles Cook were also on hand to outline the major annual event to Mr Cox. Aberdeen is entered in a different category to Murrurundi. Aberdeen is in category C (population 1201 - 4000) and Murrurundi is in category B (population 351 - 1200). Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Barry Rose said that the community of Aberdeen and Council staff are to be congratulated for their efforts in presenting Aberdeen in its best light. The town is looking great with all its tree planting, gardens and facilities demonstrating the pride the residents have in their town. "Well done, Aberdeen!" he said. The Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards will be announced on October 31. Contact details |
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© 2008 Upper Hunter Shire Council |
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