Walcha Council’s efforts in hosting a motorcycle rally for the town last year have been recognised with a funding announcement of $95,000 to plan and organise a long term future for the event.
Mayor Eric Noakes said the announcement is “absolutely fantastic news". “While we don’t know when the COVID-19 restrictions will ease completely, this funding will help us to get a lot of structure in place and help us to make this a long term event," he said. “This will really give us something to build on and I want to thank Kevin Anderson for all his support and help." Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson congratulated council staff and the community on the grant from the Bushfire Community Resilience and Economic Recovery Fund and said it was a well-deserved boost. “Against all odds, Mayor Eric Noakes, and his Council team organised at short notice an awesome rally late last year in the middle of the worst drought on record," he said. “The more than 750 visitors, some travelling from Queensland, South Australia and across the state to the town, gave locals a welcome shot in the arm and provided some great cheer for everyone who attended. “Two of Australia’s 10 best motorcycle rides originate from Walcha and with this awesome package, the Walcha Motorcycle Rally will be bigger and better than ever and will be right at the peak of similar rallies right across the country."