Week Four on the Campaign
Saturday
Saturday was ANZAC day. I attended the march and memorial service in Griffith. It was an honour to listen to former Councillor Manjit Singh Lally speak about the history of the Puggaree and the connection to India. I later saw an excellent display in the Griffith War Museum and learnt a lot about the different types of rifles used over the years.
Sunday
Church. I was privileged to be invited to the Samoan Assembly of God to celebrate faith and family and some of the best music in the country. I stayed for a traditional Samoan 'light' lunch with some delicious Oka I'a and coconut bananas. In the afternoon I travelled to Darlington Point for a relaxing sunset on the Murrumbidgee River and a great pub feed at the Punt Hotel.
Monday
On Monday it a delicious Hillston bakery pie for breakfast. Then Merriwagga and Monia Gap for some sight seeing before a picnic lunch at Rankin Springs. After a long journey full of grasshoppers we made it to Carrathool and then Darlington Point where two illustrious youths earning pocket money hit me up for a car wash.
Tuesday
Pre-polling begins! I was up early to the polling booth in Griffith. The Polling Place Manager was doing a great job keeping every one in line. No mad scramble here! In the afternoon I had some meetings before a meet and greet in town.
Wednesday
On Wednesday I travelled to Colleambally where I heard first-hand about the communications and cost-shifting issues affecting the town. I also had the best steak sandwich of the campaign. In Oaklands I met up with some old friends. In the evening I had a double-header, first attending the Safer World forum to discuss international aide, then attending the Shooters Union forum to discuss gun reform and rural pest management.
Thursday
In Albury I spent the morning at the pre-polling booth. Then in the evening I attended the Charles Sturt University forum. I enjoyed a 'democracy sausage', a delicious passionfruit cheesecake and some vigorous debate.
Friday
Breakfast in Howlong then off to Mulwala for a meet and greet at the ski club. I also visited the pre-polling booth here and at Barooga a short distance away. A stop in Corowa for lunch and then off to Deniliquin for a radio interview. I called in to Wakool for afternoon tea. Then joy of joys home in time for tea.
