A VOLUNTEER group, that has been a strong advocate for the preservation of an iconic Australian poet's former home, will be in focus at tomorrow night's Gunnedah council meeting.
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The Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society is hoping to further cement its status within the community with continued support from the council, who will vote on whether to extend its lease and financial contribution agreements for longer terms.
The charity, which has been fighting to preserve the historic Kurrumbede Homestead built by the Mackellar family in the 1910s, has enjoyed an extremely busy 12 months with numerous noteworthy achievements, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.
Society president Philippa Murray said the inaugural Kurrumbede open day in June was a "significant success", welcoming more than 1000 visitors, and the group's annual national poetry competition is also looking positive.
"We have been able to maintain the number of entries to the competition at 7500 despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic and school interruptions," she said.
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She also pointed to the successful completion of the Dorothea Mackellar mega mural on the Gunnedah Flour Mill, something the group had long advocated for.
It is also continuing its battle for Kurrumbede to be placed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Last week, the society reappointed two of its high profile patrons, Susan Duncan and Mark Vaile, who agreed to continue in their roles for another three years.
Ms Duncan is a widely published author and journalist, and Mr Vaile is the current Whitehaven Coal chairman and former Deputy Prime Minister.
The society's 2021 poetry competition has closed with just over 7,500 entries, and a virtual presentation day is in the works.
It is hoping to secure a longer term financial contribution with the council, up to five years, after its financial contribution and lease agreements expired on June 30, 2020.
The meeting will be held at 4.30pm at the Gunnedah Council Chambers.
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Caitlin Reid
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
