Some of the important issues addressed include:

Chamber has finally received a letter from Council saying they are looking into this on our behalf and we will keep members informed as to what our initial discussions can generate. The Chamber considers this to be the most important issue on our agenda and one which will serve both our local community, neighbouring regions, and our tourism potential.

Although we are disappointed with the Department of Fair Trading's response to this important local issue, that is the free enterprise level-playing field argument, the Chamber has been trying to follow up leads from Councils who have reportedly had success in this area. We have also requested Walgett Shire Council to take similar steps along these lines. We'll, of course, inform members of any results and hopefully successes, we have in this area.

We urge all members to take advantage of the ability and diligence of our new security firm. From all reports their services have measured up to their promises but, as we all know, we must all have customers to continue trading. The Chamber feels that, with the spate of broken windows and break-ins lately this service is vital to our town and we must "use it, or lose it". The Lightning Ridge Security Firm have successfully tendered for the security at the Easter Rodeo and have also offered sponsorship to this event which brings many dollars into Lightning Ridge.

Walgett Shire Council have done a magnificent job of this road, and we have congratulated them, and it would be a huge setback if this road suffered damage from rain and went back to its original condition. May Searle, with our support, will be applying to the State Government for special funding to finally seal this road. The Chamber is also looking at the sealing of other local roads and, again, signage.

President Stephen Eldridge has had positive talks with John Murray, President of the Tourist Association and it is envisioned that both Associations will be working closely together to boost our tourist numbers, for the benefit of Lightning Ridge and particularly our business houses.

The Chamber has accepted a quote to revamp this sign for members. The cost for your business to be represented will be $85, with $50 a year ongoing after that. Much interest has been shown and, as there are limited spaces it will be first in, best dressed, so register now.

The Chamber recognises the importance of this to local businesses and is supportive of the group who are lobbying for this service. We have attended group discussions and will continue to offer our assistance where we can.

The Chamber also recognises the importance of the money that the seasonal shooters put into the local economy and are lobbying Council in regards to having somewhere established where these hunters can wash their trucks down as deemed by law. Facilities have been established in Walgett and we would expect similar outcomes for the Ridge.

Chamber has had requests from members regarding attending meetings and the committee would be only too pleased to see members attend. Of course, they will not have a vote but their input, ideas and support would be more than appreciated. Notification of meetings will be advertised in the papers and over OPAL FM and we would appreciate it if you could ring our secretary, Francine on 0268 292 118, and advise of your attendance and/or topics you would like to see discussed.

Chamber has five participants in a Work-for-the-dole Scheme at present and they, and the scheme, are working very well. The participants, at present, are working on new amenities at the Bill Waterford Equestrian Centre in preparation for this year's rodeo, and after that, will be working with the Lightning Ridge Improvement and Beautification Committee, on the bougainvilleas along the Bill O'Brien Way. These participants will be spending five months on this scheme and we ask if members have any suggestions for future projects. The Chamber would like to thank committee member, Eddie Webb, for the unitiring work he has put into this project.

This scheme has been one of the Chamber's priorities for some time now and we continue to lobby Council. We also asked that the highway between Walgett and Lightning Ridge be cleaned up before the Rotary Conference and Easter under this scheme but, unfortunately, this has not been done.

The Chamber would like to thank our local radio station for all the publicity they give us and look forward to the same happy partnership for years to come. Good luck and good work to our local, volunteer, radio station.

This issue is top of most of our members' agendas and we recently (during the Western Division Conference) had a discussion with Police Minister Costa. Local Area Commander for Castlereagh, Tony Jepperson and Member for Barwon, Ian Slack-Smith regarding this issue. Commander Jepperson quoted facts and figures which Mr Costa had been unaware of and we have asked that he get back to us with answers on these problems. We should all continue to lobby our State politicians to ensure that our local area commands are properly equipped with emergency staff if necessary when the overall police numbers have been depleted for unforeseen reasons. We will keep in close touch with Mr Slack-Smith regarding this and other issues. Ian Slack-Smith has been a diligent member with a keen interest in Lightning Ridge and we thank him for his past, and future, assistance.

As many of you would know, mainly through making donations and pledges, the Chamber, especially Kavitha James and Eddie Webb, have put a tremendous effort into getting two packages, together promoting Lightning Ridge and our unique gemstone, Opal, ready for Sale of the Century exposure. Unfortunately, Sale of the Century was taken off the air and is undergoing a total revamp. We have, therefore, decided to present two packages to Wheel of Fortune. The first package should be aired in early July with the other about two months later. Thank you to those people who have donated cash or goods and think about it to those who said they would see how the presentation went. Our next goal is one of the major prizes on Sale of the Century. Many thanks to committee members Kavitha and Eddie who have committed much of their time and have had such a huge success.

We wish you all a Happy and Prosperous Easter and we encourage you and your family and friends and get out and about this Easter and participate in the many great events being organised for our town's benefit.

Remember, the Chamber needs as many local businesses as possible as members to successfully lobby governments so encourage your business associates to join. Together we can do much, in the true tradition of the Ridge. Let us work together to get the job done.