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12 December 2001

NEGATIVES POSITIVELY OUTWEIGHED IN 2001 "DARE TO DREAM"

Little Diggers' graduation class of 2001 dae to dream, "who and what will I be?" When our Australia Day Ambassador, Jenny Lamy, delivered her timely message at the 2001 Australia Day celebrations, its impact and significance really came to the fore as I reflected upon what has been worldwide, a tumultuous year.

'Your future must be built upon dreams, not memories; dare to dream' ,she said.

'There is always time to dream, no matter how young or old we are, and we should focus upon this dream to make it reality'.

Positivity is clearly linked with the ability to dream and in 2001 the Advocate has endeavoured to present positive stories that portray the area as an unique adventure, one that offers the opportunity to pursue the 'Dream' m/s Lamy spoke of.

As much as some may feel we are in decline there have been a multitude of improvements and upgrades, honours, milestones, proposals and a distinct change of attitude as to how we should portray the 'Black Opal Capital of the World'.

January: * A Celebration of our Centenary of Federation.
* $3.07 m. upgrade of Lightning Ridge Central School.
*Dare to Dream, Australia Day Ambassador, Jenny Lamy's Message.
February; * $40m Power Remediation program.
* Murcutt model for Community Centre overwhelmingly endorsed.
* Stormwater Management Plan Council priority
*Raise your hands for the Olympic Opals.
* Rodeo fever.
March: * Shadow Minister for Aboriginal affairs in touch with local needs.
* A transparent legal system for miners.
* Release of OPL 160.
* Stormwater issues prioritised 'No Plan no Money'.
* Canberra Showcase. Extravaganza for national gemstone- Solid Rainbow Collection on display.
* Multiple fatality on Cumborah Road ? (We lobby Mr. Scully)
* Western Area Tourist manager ,Peter Hancock visits the Ridge.
April. * Hebel School celebrates centenary.
* Telstra Countrywide visit (Outlining Upgrade)
* OPB 160 placed at Ministers discretion.
* The Ridge, a unique Easter adventure.
* 2nd. Opal Symposium unqualified success.
* World Champion Archery Title to John Ward.
May: * Lightning Ridge on Fossil Trail.
* International Acclaim for the Goddess of 67. (Filmed in Lightning Ridge.)
* Ridge plays host to international gemstone Dealers.
* Destination Lightning Ridge for Opal Scissors.
* A new Team to Stamp out Bullying.
* Olwyn Johnson- Nurse Practitioner- An Australian First.
*Nurse of the year- Olwyn Johnson.
*Further delays on Cumborah Road.
June: * Seeking a Fortune? Exploration NSW to Boost lightning Ridge.
* Lightning Ridge Central School Auditions for Schools Spectacular.
* Hands up for Community Banking.
Are These Roads fit for your Children , Mr. scully?
* Court Decision compounds Problem. (High Court decision sends local Government and Road Authority into a frenzy)
* Informative Visit from NSW Board of Studies.
* Community consultation Meeting- Good News for Cumborah Road users.
July: ACCC investigates Opal prices.
* Historic Agreement between miners and Aboriginals. (Aboriginal Land Council and NSW Minerals Council.
* It's our Baby hands off.
* OJDAA July 26-29.
* An Epic Journey Retraced.
* Local Business a role model for Lightning Ridge entrepreneurs. (Sandra Noris' visit)
*Welcome to the OJDAA for 2002. Opal Extravaganza. August: * Opals- Our national gemstone; Opals - Our Roving Ambassadors.
*Ten Arrested in Castlereagh LAC Drug Operation.
* Let's get it Right Naidoc Theme.
*Bush Bashers Woo Lightning Ridge.
* We lose again- Ambulance downgrade may cost lives.
*Redbacks Grand Final Victory.
* Hands up for the Flying Doctor Service.
* Parliamentary Secretary for Aboriginal Affairs Visit a Support gesture. (Col Markham MP
*No Exemption for camp Dwellers (Mining Course must be done )
September: * Royal Flying Doctor Dinner Outstanding Success.
Mark 'Spud' Carroll Inspires Young League Enthusiasts.
* Hot Artesian water for Indoor Complex.
* Moorubil Forum- Reconciliation Workshop.
* Success follows Success for Barriekneal
* Ridge Kids Scoop Academic Challenge.
*Squalor bears Penalties for us all.
* Minister Wipes Hands of Cumborah Road.
* Mayoral Elections place Councillor Waterford at helm.
*Country is the first to bleed over Medical Crisis.
October: * Council Restructure Produces vibrant Team.
* NSW First for Lightning Ridge Walgett area (Bore capping)
* Multi Purpose Service Centre Planning well advanced.
* New Health facilities for Lightning Ridge Colly and Brewarrinna on track.
* 2001 Princess balls Produce gems.
2001 Aristocrat Black Opal Classic Fours October 16-19.
* The Pour is on ( (Diving Tower)
* Jubilance Short-lived- Health partnership Seeks Solutions
*Award for Teacher who brought Music to the Ridge.
*Substantial water Savings from Dungalear Piping and Capping Scheme.
*National Award for Barriekneal Housing.
November: * $2.7m Facilities open at Lightning Ridge Central School.
* Slack-Smith Supports Lightning Ridge Beautification.
* Electromagnetic Survey identifies sandstone and Claystone.
*Thank you Gwydir Electors-(John Anderson's Federal Victory)
* Year 12 Class of 2001. (First in 2001.)
* New Look Walgett Shire reveals Exciting Plans for 2002.
· Local Artists Shine at Schools' Spectacular.
* Barriekneal wins State Employment and Business Awards.
* Continuing Progress on Camps.
December: * The Shire of Dreams Australia's Outback Frontier Adventure.

Thank you Lightning Ridge for helping us 'Dare to Dream'

The Advocate is proudly 'local" and will be elevated further by your continued support. Our advertisers are the gauge of our acceptance both locally and beyond. Our advertising combination of Kylie and Lavenia are tireless in their efforts for our advertisers, promotions and the community as a whole. Their vibrancy is a breath of fresh air as they capture the magic moments with their endless 'clicking'

At the heart of the Advocate for several years has been the 'core' combination of Francine and myself, who through many difficult times have presented you with a local newsy, personal alternative, always with your interests at heart.

We too have served our community on so many committees and given freely of our time to project the image of our diverse and unique community.

Have a wonderful Christmas, prosperous New Year and return home safely from your holiday break. Our first edition for 2002 will be January 16. Copy may be deposited through the slot in the office door.

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