This comment, upon Rotary Club of Corowa’s announcement that Dr Brendan Nelson AO will deliver the 2021 Tim Fischer Oration at the Federation Dinner on Friday, January 22 in the Corowa Civic Bowls Club Record, was conveyed to The Free Press by record serving mayor of the previous Corowa Shire Gary Poidevin.
In 2001, as mayor of the former Corowa Shire, Mr Poidevin accompanied the mayors of Benalla and Moira to Canberra to witness Australian Prime Minister John Howard sign a Memorandum of Understanding, committing to a new munitions factory on the existing Mulwala site.
The new munitions plant has been built and has a workforce of 380 while the Benalla munitions facility, built in the mid 1990s has some 270 employees.
“It was Dr Nelson’s hard work and dedication which led to retaining the explosives factory in Mulwala,” Mr Poidevin, who will be the night’s Master of Ceremonies, said.
A doctor by profession and leader of the AMA in the 1990s, Dr Nelson became Director of the Australian War Memorial in 2012 after a distinguished career in politics. He is currently the President of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific.
Enjoy a three-course dinner whilst honouring former Deputy Prime Minister and long-serving local Politician, Tim Fischer AC, with an Oration in his name.
Tickets ($60) can be purchased from Marshall Batteries, 10 Bow St, Corowa. Ph 02 6033 1689.
This dinner is usually held in the historic Oddfellows Hall in Corowa however this year it will be held at the Corowa Civic Bowls Club due to Covid-19 restrictions regarding attendance; will be 6.30pm for 7.00pm start.
It promises to be a great night for all to start a busy Federation Weekend based in Corowa. Book now!