Friday, 27 July 2007

NAT POLLIES PRAISE FOODBANK AND RENEW SUPPORT FOR MOKOAN

Nationals MP’s Peter Ryan, Damian Drum & Bill Sykes were generous in their praise of the Benalla Foodbank which they visited as part of The Nationals on going program of visiting country communities and hearing first hand local achievements and concerns.

Sharron Jarrott, Foodbank Coordinator explained how community groups including St Vincent de Paul and Rose City Christian Life Centre set about addressing the need to help feed local families in crisis situation.

10,000 meals have been dispensed since the Foodbank started in May this year.

Peter Ryan, The Nationals Leader, commended the groups for their initiative and commented that the social and economic pressure of the drought will continue for many months and years.

The opportunity for Central Access clients to assist with Foodbank operation caught the attention of Damian Drum who is The Nationals Spokesperson for people with disabilities.

The Nationals also had a briefing from the Justice for the Broken Valley Group on their ‘Mini Mokoan’ proposal.

Peter Ryan strongly endorsed the common sense option for delivering much needed water savings whilst retaining a secure water supply within the area.

Mr Ryan renewed his commitment to support MP Bill Sykes and the local community in their efforts to gain Government support for ‘Mini Mokoan’.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989