officially open this year’s Cobar Show. Mr Kitt has been proudly wearing it at his
offices in Sydney. ▪ Photo contributed
UK Deputy Consul General Ed Kitt has been proudly wearing a Cobar Show Society shirt at his British Consulate General offices in Sydney.
Mr Kitt recently accompanied State Member for Barwon Roy Bulter on a trip west and the pair officially opened this year’s Cobar Show on May 23.
Mr Kitt said the trip had been “hugely informative and thought-provoking”.
After flying into Broken Hill, Mr Kitt visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service to hear about their role delivering critical medical services to remote areas and where he met a British GP working with RFDS.
Mr Kitt also visited the Silverton Wind Farm, went underground at White Cliffs and stopped off in Wilcannia to meet with Barkindji elders from the Local Aboriginal Land Council.
“I learned about the work they undertake representing interests of local First Nations people to government, councils and service providers, as well as protecting cultural sites and heritage in their area,” Mr Kitt said.
“I also heard about the significant health challenges the local First Nations community face.
“The trip culminated in Cobar when we visited a mine and descended 650 metres underground to examine how polymetallic ores are extracted.
“Of course, helping to open the Cobar Show on the final evening of the trip was a real highlight!” he said.
“Aside from providing a seemingly legitimate reason to wear my Akubra, it really was special to be welcomed into a tight-knit community where the show is such a proud local tradition.”
Mr Kitt said being part of the Cobar Show gave him a real sense of the warmth and spirit that defines regional Australia.
“I loved seeing how the Cobar Show brings the community together – it reminded me a lot of country shows back home in the UK.”
He said the mechanical bull however definitely gave it “a uniquely Aussie feel”.
“In the UK country shows can include traditional crafts that reflect the British countryside’s historical land management such as dry stone walling and hedge laying.
“But the heart of it is the same – a celebration of rural life, local pride and proper community spirit,” Mr Kitt said.
“There really is something very special about the way country shows bring people together to catch up, show off their skills and enjoy a big weekend on the land.”
Mr Kitt said the main purpose of his trip to Western NSW was to gain insights and perspectives from those living outside metropolitan areas to better inform their understanding of the bilateral relationship.
“I feel the trip has achieved that,” Mr Kitt told The Cobar Weekly.
“The visit to Cobar also reinforced the role mining plays as a cornerstone of economies in rural communities – both in terms of the job creation and money invested in local economies,” Mr Kitt said.
“I left with ideas through which we can continue to further our regional engagement and a fuller understanding of the state I represent the UK to
