It is sad to sit in a council chambers and feel the largely silent plea of the gallery as a matter they no longer have any power over is discussed.
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It is heartbreaking to hear those same people shuffle quietly out knowing the decision has been made.
There were no shouts, no calls for clarification, no accusations.
These people were largely older people who felt strongly about something the community had built and felt they owned.
And still, it looked like every vote in the council chambers yesterday afternoon was a vote from the heart. Nobody was flippant in the matter of the Visitors Information Centre and it does the town justice to know that this service is a service Gunnedah people take more than just pride in. They feel so strongly about it that they seem to see it as a turning point, something that can make or break this town.
Those who spoke for the relocation spoke every bit as passionately as those who spoke against, talking about the need to make Gunnedah a tourism destination, to embrace change, make a tough decision and try something new.
Only time will tell whether this will prove a bitter pill or a bracing tonic for council and for Gunnedah.
There was a brief moment of light, however, when Michael Sparkes made the suggestion of a giant koala. It was lost too quickly in the angst of the issue, but here is a little idea that could lead to big things.
Australia loves big things. Who wouldn’t? Every family must have some great moments centred around the sundaes at the Big Pineapple, wild slides at the Big Banana, or just some great photos in front of the Big Prawn. Apparently, there are more than 150 big things in Australia. For those of a more serious bent, there is the big paperclip in West End, Brisbane, and the Big Slide Rule in Hobart.
There are apparently, already at least two giant koalas in Australia – one in Cowes and the other at Dadswells Bridge, both in Victoria. Is there room for another – even bigger – in the koala capital of Gunnedah?
On a more serious note, we wish we could have our own huge memorial at the Independent for Marie Hobson, who leaves us this week.
Marie has been at the Independent for 21 years and knows most of our readers as well as they know themselves. We are going to miss you, Marie. Thank you for 21 years of hard work and kindness.