Federal Labor tightens procurement regs on

Hans Lovejoy

With the revelations that large consultancy firm, PwC, had misused government information for commercial gain, The Echo asked local federal MP, Justine Elliot, whether she supports a ‘royal commission into the consulting industry and to formally ban firms that breach legal and ethical standards?’ According to www.theguardian.com, a former KPMG partner is asking for just that.

Another large consultancy, Deloitte, has also admitted misuse of government information.

Terror Nullius

A free screening of Terror

Nullius, a controversial hour-long film that ‘makes a radical critique of Australian masculinity, refugee policy and the treatment of the Indigenous Australians,’ will be held at The Byron School of Arts in Mullumbimby on Friday July 21, from 6pm. Its synopsis says:

‘Apocalyptic desert camps of Mad Max 2 become the site

Mrs Elliot told The Echo ‘The Albanese government is horrified about the PwC revelations. Treasury has referred the matter to the AFP and it is currently under investigation.’

As way of background, she says ‘The Department of Finance has already taken a number of actions under the Commonwealth Procurement Framework to strengthen our systems following the disclosure of the PwC emails’

‘Secretaries have been reminded that ethical behaviour must be taken into account as part of the value for money assessments which underpin decisions of refugee detention; flesheating sheep are recast as anti-colonial insurgents, and a feminist motorcycle gang goes vigilante on Mel Gibson’.

Local filmmaker, Darius Devas, is organising the screening and says, ‘It’s one of my top five Australian films of all time, their ability to repurpose iconic Australian imagery to hilarious and cutting effect, it is unlike under the procurement framework.

‘PwC has been directed to stand down employees who were involved in, or had knowledge of, the tax matters from government contracts, until the Switkowski investigation is completed, and the department is satisfied that the direction can be lifted.

‘New clauses will be included into the standard government procurement contracts to further strengthen the ability of the government to cancel these contracts in response to such behaviour in the future.’ anything I’ve seen. Also the fact they received the coveted Ian Potter grant to make the film and then the organisation removed themselves from being associated with the film, speaks volumes to it touching a deep nerve on our so-called Australian identity.’ He says there is limited capacity, so booking is essential: instagram.com/ being.here.

Aslan Shand

It all began with an Ugly Man competition! That’s right, in 1950, the Ugly Man Competition raised $1,221 towards the building of ‘proper learn-to-swim facilities’ in Mullumbimby.

According to Mullumbimby Happenings, by Reg Byrnes, many ‘local male identities raised funds on the basis of three pence (2 cents) per vote.’

From there, it was a range of fundraising events and carnivals that eventually became the Chincogan Fiesta, including Matron of the Mountain, Queen competitions and Maid of the Mountain.

The first Chinny Charge was run in 1960, and the second race was run in 1967, which was won by Mullumbimby local Colin Creighton.

Once the Mullumbimby Memorial Baths were opened in 1967, the first Chincogan Fiesta followed in 1968.

The fiesta ran annually, raising funds for all sorts of community needs, from the provision of a car for the community nurse in 1972, to supporting local preschools and Coolamon Villa Home for the Aged.

The race and fiesta ceased in 2002, but the Chinny Charge race was resurrected by the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce in 2017.

Apart from the two years when it was cancelled owing to covid, it has been running each year as a walk and race up Chincogan Mountain.

This year, the Chinny Charge will take place on Saturday, September 16, and it is the one day of the year that the access up the mountain is open to the public.

It is a great opportunity to either test your endurance in the run, or just enjoy a lovely afternoon walk with friends.

There is the open adult race, as well as the children’s race, from Mullumbimby to the bottom of the mountain and back with multiple prizes on offer.

All participants are asked not to take single use plastics onto the mountain. No dogs allowed.

There are 500 spaces for runners and walkers on the day. All participants must be 12 years or older. To book a place, visit www.eventwizards.com.au.