AMALGAMATION: 10 MARCH 2017

ANTY thanks Molong locals for their support in Cabonne’s anti-amalgamation battle

A significant crowd of about 80 locals gathered in the Molong RSL Club this evening to be thanked by the Cabonne ANTY (Amalgamation No Thank You) group for their role in helping oppose the State government’s proposed forced merger of Cabonne with Orange and Blayney.

While it may not seem like a large crowd it does represent some 5 per cent of the town’s population. To put that into some sort of perspective that would require an attendance of about 250,000 in Sydney — and that would be regarded by any measure as an absolutely massive turn-out.

ANTY Chairman Jock Haynes and spokeswoman and chief stirrer Marj Bollinger were there to thank supporters and hand out “PEOPLE POWER SAVED CABONNE” bumper stickers — “Without people there would be no people power and we couldn’t have achieved anything,” said Marj.

Jock and Marj both praised Cabonne’s Mayor, Councillor Ian Gosper for his leadership and courage when under the most intense fire, and it was also good to see so many Cabonne Council staff at the gathering.

They must have spent the last couple of years under extreme duress and their relief and joy at the outcome was palpable.

ANTY will hold further gatherings to thanks supporters in towns and villages around the shire:

— Manildra — Saturday 11 March, 12 noon — Manildra Bowling Club.

— Canowindra — Saturday 11 March, 6pm — Canowindra Bowling Club.

— Spring Hill — Tuesday14 March, 7pm — Spring Hill Hall.

— Eugowra — Thursday 16 March, 6pm — Central Hotel.

— Cumnock — Friday 17 March, 6pm — Royal Hotel.

— Yeoval — Saturday 18 March, 6pm — Royal Hotel.

— Venues and times for gatherings at Borenore/Nashdale, Cudal and Mullion Creek have yet to be announced.