The Northern Rivers Times
October 19, 2023
16 NEWS
“Leemo has views on just about anything”
LEEMO’s VAST KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINE
‘Mum, HOW COME you went out the other night, locked me in, and didn’t come home ‘till the morning? Well, I want an explanation. (It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ here addressing ‘Mum Jane’) Anything could have happened to me whilst you were out gallivanting Mum; I could have been kidnapped; and to compound my concern, you were ALSO out for the whole afternoon of that day and, as well, spent the whole morning of that day in our bathroom. Well, what’s your story?’ Naturally, I received the ‘stare glare’ from the browfurrowed thoughtless old woman; I deduced she is, without doubt, trying to conjure up some paltry subterfuge for her tawdry behaviour. (I am NOT making her a cup of tea ‘till she fesses up.) Some minutes later, she actually spoke to me in a reasonably quiet voice, but I sensed an aura of menace in her stance. ‘Right Leemo, answer me something. I’m sure, with that vast fount of knowledge stored in your tiny brain, you’ll know the answer. Tell me, what is a Colonoscopy Leems?’ Eeek, now that’s a word I admittedly don’t know intimately and (oh bother!) I can’t look it up ‘cos crabby-puss is sitting right in front of our computer. Hmmm. I’ll meditate deeply and find the answer. So, after some time, I replied. ‘Well Mum, I think the proper name is a Bumblectomy; it is also known as a Hamstercam examination.’ Oh, Dear God, the eyebrows
were raised right up to her hairline (awful look) and she spoke loudly. ‘Don’t talk such absolute crapp Leems, you haven’t EXPLAINED to me what a Colonoscopy actually is at all, you’ve simply tossed out those ridiculous ‘made-up’ names. So, WHAT IS IT Mr Smarty Pants Cat?’ Crikey, quick Leems, think think think. ‘OK Mum, I’ve remembered. A ‘KoeLun-OS-Kuh-Pee’ is an exam doctors carry out to peek in & see if there are any changes in a human’s large intestine or areas nearby. They use a big long flexible tube with eyes which slithers in, has a very good look around and then pops out again to tell the Doctor about any abnormalities.’ Mum had a dazed look on her face; no doubt enraptured by my medical knowledge. BUT, if she thinks’ I’m finished she’s wrong; I again asked why she had stayed out all night, where she was that afternoon, and WHY she was in our bathroom all morning of the same day? I swear her countenance went greenish, but she said she would tell all. Hmmm? ‘Well firstly Leems, I was NOT out gallivanting. I was ‘preparating’ for a KoeLun-OS-Kuh-Pee. I had to drink lots of horrid medicine stuff the night before, and again the next morning before I went to the hospital for the examination at 2pm. AND THEN, ‘cos I’d had anaesethic I slept at our caring neighbour’s house so they could watch out for me. The stuff I had to drink required I spend lots of time in our bathroom before hospital so my insides were all rinsed out and sparkly clean for the viewing tube. Gottit?’ OMG, her explanation sounds like something from a ‘Bad Jelly the Witch’ nightmare. Obviously she’s made all this up so I shall go check with my buddies the truth about the tale she told me. Nitey with suspicious thoughts & purrsies, Leemo.
APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE Tenterfield Shire Council Following a recruitment process involving rigorous assessments and interviews, the Councillors of Tenterfield Shire Council have appointed a new Interim Chief Executive for a period of 6 months, from 16 October 2023 to 15 April 2024. An interview panel consisting of Mayor Bronwyn Petrie,
Councillor Greg Sauer and Acting Manager HR, Workforce Development & Safety met to interview three (3) shortlisted candidates for the interim position. Arising from these interviews, and upon resolution in the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on the 11 October 2023, Mr Glenn Wilcox was selected as the successful candidate for the interim role. Mr Wilcox brings
over 37 years of local government experience to the position, most recently holding the position of Acting General Manager (interim) at Balranald Shire Council. Other positions held include Interim General Manager - New England Weeds Authority, Interim General Manager - Warren Shire Council, General Manager - Warren Shire Council, Acting Director
Planning & Environment - Lachlan Shire Council, Interim General Manager - Armidale Regional Council, General Manager – Armidale Dumaresq Council, General Manager – Blayney Shire Council, Director Planning & Environment - Gloucester Shire Council, and Assistant General Manager – Lachlan Shire Council. Mayor Bronwyn Petrie said, “On behalf of Council we wish our departing Chief Executive Daryl Buckingham and his wife Amanda all the very best for the future.” “We welcome Glenn Wilcox to our Council, and we look forward to working with him, and utilising his proven expertise to ensure councils sustainability to continue critical service delivery for our community.”
Local Land Services Board Chair recruitment process underway Applications are now open for the Local Land Services Board Chair position. The Board Chair is responsible for driving the strategic direction and success of the organisation, while working closely with the chairs of the 11 local boards. Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the Local Land Services Board Chair plays an integral role, providing strategic guidance to the organisation and helping shape local services. “We know farmers and landholders are always facing challenges, whether it’s dry conditions, fires or biosecurity threats, so it’s important we find a strong and experienced candidate to ensure the agency’s priorities are meeting the needs of landholders across NSW,” Ms Moriarty said. “I’d like to thank
Allison Harker for the outstanding job she’s done guiding Local Land Services through some very difficult years, on the back of bushfires, drought and floods, and working alongside landholders on their long road to recovery. “Allison’s current term ends in December 2023, and the NSW Government is undertaking due diligence by testing the water with an open, competitive, and transparent recruitment process. “I’m committed to setting up Local Land Services for success,
which is why I want to ensure we have the most suitable person as Board Chair over the next four years. “I would encourage Allison and anyone else who thinks they have the necessary skills and qualifications to apply. I hope to see a wide range of candidates that reflect modern agriculture.” Passionate, innovative and highly experienced individuals, with an interest to strategically grow agricultural productivity, healthy environments and sustainable communities are being encouraged to apply. Department of
Regional NSW Secretary Rebecca Fox said the role required a unique set of skills. “The position requires leadership experience in chairing boards or committees, supported by a deep understanding of corporate governance and exceptional stakeholder management skills,” Ms Fox said. “The role has a set term with a duration that allows the successful candidate to make a valuable and lasting impact that will benefit NSW communities and the state’s agriculture sector.” Applications close at 11:55pm on Sunday, 22 October 2023. For more information about the role and to apply, visit the Local Land Services website - www.lls.nsw.gov.au/ board-recruitment In line with the Local Land Services Act 2013, the term of the Board Chair is set for up to four years.
