At last Friday evening's Wilcannia Tourist Association meeting (30 March) a brief report was given on the collection of sample from the Knox and Downs site that have been sent away to be tested for any asbestos residue.

The samples were collected while there was an asbestos testing company representative here last week. It was resolved that further talks with the Shire take place over the future of the building. In last years Tidy Towns report, the fact that the first thing visitors see when they drive into town is the burnt out building and scaffolding was highlighted. It will be 10 years this September since the building burnt down.

Shire Grant offered.

There were a number of suggestions put forward as to how the Association could best use the grant being offered by Central Darling Shire Council for Tourism organisations in the shire

The first was the replacement of the axle and wheels under the steam engine in Reconciliation Park. The original axle has been located and an approach is to be made to the shire for the use of their equipment to retrieve the axle and reposition it.

Action on the amount of the non native weed, South African Box Thorn in the town was another suggestion. This weed has increased in density along the river banks particularly near Baker Park and along the river side trail from Ray Hunter Park.

More seats and tables in Baker Park and renovation of public toilets, both at the Park and the other 2 sites around town.

Purchase of promotional material. The town is sadly lacking in supplying tourists and other visitors with information about the town and souvenir items to purchase. It was decided that several members would get together and collate the ideas and source suppliers.

Driver Reviver

The Driver Reviver van will operate again this Ester. Volunteers are still required. If you have a couple of hours spare on any day over Ester, Please see Fiona at the bank, Ben at the Post Office or Bill Elliott.

Wharf

The drawings for the reconstruction of the wharf are ready for signing off by an engineer. Once this is done and a budget prepared applications will be made for a grant to rebuild the old wharf.

Anzac Day

Mick Williams said that he and Steve Thompson would organise to pick up BBQ, tables and chairs for Anzac Day Dawn Service and March. As there is left over supplies from previous community events only fresh foods such as milk, bread, bacon and eggs will need to be purchased.

Hospital Auxiliary X Ray fund raffle.

Tickets are selling really well and a number of significant donations have been received. $1,089 has been banked since the raffle started. This brings the total in the fund to over $16,500, so another $3,500 to go.

Permission has been received from the Shire to have a ticket selling table outside the supermarket every Thursday from now until the week the raffle is drawn.

The raffle will be draw at the Golf Club after the meat raffles are drawn on Friday 27th April.

It was also suggested that a thermometer style graph be put up at the Post Office so that the amount raised can be tracked. The next meeting will be Friday 27th April