Tocal Field Day

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Happy 40th anniversary to the Tocal Field Days! The Tocal Field Days are a rural institution, attracting exhibitors and visitors from across regional NSW and over 20,000 visitors over the weekend. This significant anniversary was celebrated with a cake last weekend, cut not by a knife but by an axe. A fitting recognition of the woodchopping event which featured for the first time this year. Congratulations to Principal Darren Bailey, the Tocal Agricultural College, volunteers and sponsors who put so much effort into making the three days a success! Special congratulations also to the teams from Transport for NSW with their excellent Truck Blind Spot Display and the Maritime Tent. It was great to also catch up with the Port Stephens Hunter Police District team. The days are an opportunity for local community groups to fundraise and promote their work. A special personal thanks to the volunteers from Maitland CWA, Slow Food Hunter Valley and the Rotary Club of Rutherford Telarah for helping me with my stock (as in soup) emergency! Thank you also to Tocal Agricultural College volunteers and Maitland Rotary Club on getting the site set up! I look forward to next year!