Half the Moree population was there. Armidale was well represented. Inverell had a presence. Gunnedah showed up. But where was Glen Innes?

Sure, the amalgamation meeting was on at the Glen Innes and District Services Club. But those who went to go to Tamworth had made their plans long before this meeting had been scheduled.

So where was Glen Innes? The two representatives from the Glen Innes Examiner felt like they were in Tamworth on behalf of the whole town. The only other local spotted was Reg Trethewey from Deepwater.

Congratulations to Reg. His business was the only one from the region to be named a finalist.

But the poor district attendance was probably not even the worst of it.

Only four businesses from Glen Innes, Deepwater and Emmaville had even bothered to nominate for the awards.

Sure, the Glen Innes Examiner may not have won anything, but at least it nominated and had a presence at the awards. And you know what they say. You have to be in it to win it.

Tenterfield is only about half our size, but had three businesses named as finalists. That is something to be proud of.

Whereas Glen Innes has the distinction of being absent.

Anyone at the awards night would wonder if we were ignorant, arrogant, apathetic or recalcitrant.

It's just not good enough.

Erik de Wit

Editor