Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (13:43) 

Speaker, I know I say it a lot, but the Hunter really is the best place on earth.

And the awards keep backing up my claim.

On Sunday, Singleton Council was awarded the best Council in regional NSW, taking out the prestigious AR Bluett Award, announced at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference.

The AR Bluett is the most prestigious award in local government, recognising excellence and progress.

 
Speaker, Singleton is a small regional Council, and as I have said, this is absolute proof that we really do punch above our weight.

Singleton Council delivers fantastic outcomes for the people that call Singleton home.

Singleton Council were awarded the AR Bluett for their liveability, and how they are moving to meet the future head on.

Singleton is a community and an economy know for coal mining, but the Council, and the community are working together to shift the paradigm from the here and now to the future.

 
A huge congratulations to Council’s General Manager, Jason Linnane and his incredible staff.

Congratulations also to Mayor Sue Moore, Deputy Mayor, Tony Jarrett and Councillors Godfrey Adamthwaite, Sue George, Hollee Jenkins, Sarah Johnstone, Mel McLachlan, Tony McNamara, Val Scott and Dan Thompson.

The sign of a good council is good leadership and Singleton Council is in good hands.