The Governor of New South Wales and his wife Mrs Linda Hurley spent time in Gulgong and Mudgee last week, visiting a number of community groups and events.

“As we normally find when we come out to the country, great people and great organisations,” His Excellency said.

“The real purpose of my visit is to thank the people in the community for all the great work they do around here, in both towns.”

During the four day tour, the Vice Regal couple visited a number of community groups including the 1st Mudgee Scout Group, Mudgee Men’s Shed and the Country Women’s Association.

“We’re so rich in our community and community spirit volunteerism, so I think people need to be acknowledged for the work they do and that’s a great job that Linda and I can do,” the Governor said.

Mid-Western Regional Council mayor Des Kennedy joined the Vice-Regal couple in the collection of soil on Wednesday.

“Beautiful black soil from Robertson Park will go down to the War Memorial,” he said.

Samples from more than 1600 sites across NSW where young soldiers enlisted to fight are being collected as part of the Centenary Soil Collection project for the Anzac Memorial at Hyde Park in Sydney. They will be placed in the renovated Hall of Service with the name of the town or suburb next to them. 

“Now you can drop in and pay your respects to the people that gifted us with this beautiful country that we’re in because without them we wouldn’t be leading the lifestyle that we’re leading now,” Cr Kennedy said.

The Governor described the initiative as an, “inspired decision, one that unites us”.

“I think it will be quite a moving experience for some people and visually a stunning experience,” he said.

The memorial is due to open in October this year.