What a weekend! It is immensly satisfying to let everyone know how successful the weekend of the 5th March was. A very big thanks to all those that volunteered and contributed to making the event such a success. I apologise in advance if I miss anyone. 

I must start by thanking my family, they all work tirelessly behind the scenes making sure we have a smooth running weekend. I am immensly proud of their committment and effort. I would mention  Bin, Nick, Wayne, and Sarah and all their families for their assistance. Brian Mortimer, Rick Maunder and the RSL sub-branch, Bellingen Valley-Dorrigo Magpies and the Glyde family, Stephen, Kathy, Robyn, Donald and Peter and all their families and Colin Osland thank you. To the Lions Club who always run a tight ship Graham Maddeford and John Molloy and their crew, thank you. To the C.ex David Doyle and Dave Ellis, The Diggers Tavern Tom and Fred, The Bellingen Golf Club Kevin, Leanne and Craig, The Bellingen Shire Council, Mayor Mark Troy and his crew, I couldn't do it without your help. To those that donated IGA Bellingen, Diggers Tavern, Spar Urunga, Cutz Both Ways Thank you. To Yasmin Maher and Kathy Glyde for photographs. The Sawtell Framers, awesome work guys. To Mid-coast Printing Graham and Maree. To Erica and Freya Cross who sing the anthem every year and do such a beautiful job. To Sony and CH Formwork (Gary and Bruce Watt)  for their contribution. 

A very special thanks to those that don't live locally and yet contribute in huge ways Phil Bailey, Matt Stevens, Nick Matthews, Reid Froggat, Kaz and Peter from WA. I appreciate the support you give our event and your help with social media, merchandise and auction items. To the NRL and CRL for their support. To Michael Crocker and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs for joining us on the day. To Matt Nolan for picking Mick up from the airport. To Michael Fitzpatrick of the Army Band, wow a record 365 people attended the concert. Thank you. 

To the Bellingen Valley-Dorrigo Juniors and Dorrigo Swim Club for their efforts and Soldier On and my own committee who pitched in when needed. Cheers.

I also have to thank His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales and Mrs Hurley for their attendance. Again our sincere thanks for your continued support. 

And last but certainly not least may I extend my thanks to the  team and crew starting with Maj. Al Lynch of the Australian Army Thunder who have gone out of their way to support this event each year. It wouldn't happen without your committment and I am so very grateful. 

We raised $16000 on the weekend. This is an increase on last year of $1500 which shows that slowly but surely we are growing. This amount will be divided amongst the following organisations. Soldier on $6400 The Grub Club $6400 Bellingen Valley Dorrigo JRLFC $1600 and Dorrigo Swim Club $1600. I know the funds will be put to good use by all. 

Finally, let me say a very big thanks to the community of Bellingen and Shire. You make it possible and a success. Thank you! 

Exciting progress has been made on our kindergarten project in Bei Cala, Timor Leste. The roof has been added along with the  door and window frames and the interior has been plastered. I have attached some photos of building of this process. We also have some award winners 2015. They are from left to right 

Jaimita Da costa, Manizia Emilia Doutel Sarmento, Anastacio Da Costa Rosario, Jorjinha Da Costa Bianco, Mildia  Da Costa lloue, Neibania F.M de F.M de Auxiladora.

Some additional news is the government of Timor Leste has built an additional buidling which is now being used by the secondary school. This is allowing the primary school to spread out and use the structure supplied by the Grub Club. I am very excited by my forthcoming visit in the April school holidays. I will be able to report on progress of the area and investigate further projects on behalf of the Grub Club.