CRC Holds Its Yearly Regional Meeting in Tamworth

8 & 9 December 2011

Commission Chair Stepan Kerkyasharian presents a CRC medallion for Tamworth Council to the Mayor, Councillor Col Murray

Each year the Commission holds one regional meeting in a regional centre.  The purpose of the yearly regional meeting is to provide the Commissioners and senior staff of the Commission with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with regional issues and priorities, and to meet and interact with key community people and senior government representatives in the area.

The visit also provides a great opportunity for members of the local community to interact with the Commission and raise their particular concerns.

This year the Commission held its meeting in Tamworth, the Mayor of Tamworth Councillor Col Murray hosted a mayoral reception which was attended by 70 people including business, civic and religious leaders, government representatives and key community representatives.

During its visit, the Commission met with senior representatives from Hunter New England Health, who conducted a presentation on the services they provide in the region and the challenges they face in recruiting and retaining overseas qualified health professionals.

The presentation was beneficial for both the Commission and health staff and provided the opportunity for questions and views to be exchanged.

The Commission has also visited British Aerospace (BAE) systems military flight training school.  It hosts international guests from Singapore Air Force (approximately 30 per month), Royal Brunei Air Force (approximately 8 per month) and Papua New Guinea as well as from the Australian Air Force.

The Commission met with the guests who talked in positive terms about their stay and experience in Tamworth.  In general, the visit was successful and strengthened the relationship between the Commission, the Council and the local community.