There were 150 members from 24 Probus clubs in the area in attendance. They were welcomed by Bob Glanville on behalf of the Wiradjuri people and deputy mayor Dennis Palmer on behalf of Cootamundra Council.

After a lovely morning tea members boarded buses for town tours with commentary by history members Betti Punnett and Norma Clarke. Other members went to the heritage centre, Bradman Cottage and Captain’s Walk. 

On arrival back at the Ex-Services Club for lunch everyone commented on how much they had all enjoyed their tours and that they did not realise how large Cootamundra was as well as being a very pretty town.

Some also mentioned they would have to come again as they did not have long enough to see everything at the venues.

Joint Probus would like to thank all the local business sponsors who helped make this day.

We would also like to thank local Probus members for their assistance and any one who helped in any way big or small who made this day so successful.

On behalf of committee – J Elliott A Miller N Sims J Rees and J Reynolds – thank you, Cootamundra, you did us proud.

Congratulations to Mitch McTavish for his letter on amalgamations.

He has identified as well a most harmful tendency in today's politics. We are in danger of being conned.

Mike Baird has been portrayed as “Mr Squeaky Clean” and he may indeed be a good bloke. 

However, his arguments about amalgamations and efficiency are no different from his previous support for new football stadiums and Kerry Packer's casino - smoke and mirrors. 

As Roman emperors used to say: Give the people bread and circuses and we can get away with anything.

The Cootamundra I have come to know and admire is far from a smoke and mirrors sort of town. The needs of the young and the elderly, the sick and the disabled, the homeless and the lonely are given priority.  Looking out for one another creates a community and allows for a sharing of resources and the possibility of fairness.

The smooth talking and emphasis on efficiency and cost-cutting undermine the priorities that create community.  The con artists and spin doctors on all sides of politics are out in force.  Let's not be conned. 

Are the people moaning about the sale of dairy farms to Chinese investors the same people who screwed the farmers by running to the supermarket to buy the $1 milk rather than pay a fair price and buy the dairy co-op milk?

You have hung the farmers out to dry. What’s next? Draw and quarter them? Show me you love Australia, don’t tell me. You are full of another cow byproduct.