SPIRIT OF THE LAND | Dr JOE McGIRR (Wagga Wagga) (20:13): I will update the House on positive events in the electorate of Wagga Wagga. Over the weekend of 13 and 14 October the town of Lockhart hosted the annual Spirit of the Land festival. The festival began in 2006 when Lockhart was experiencing one of its worst droughts. The idea is to celebrate the resilience of those who live and work on the land, and the courage and determination of the community battling the difficult circumstances of the environment. Since the time of the festival's founding the community of Lockhart has twice battled severe floods and is now again facing the effects of drought. The Spirit of the Land festival is home to the famous National Farm Art Sculpture award and also includes exhibitions of photography, fine art and Indigenous art. The main street with its famous and picturesque verandahs is closed off and the town hosts a vibrant gathering of market stalls with live music, and a wonderful variety of food and fireworks on the Saturday evening. In addition, there are open gardens, farm tours and even a cycling event, which now in its third year. I congratulate the winner of the $10,000 National Farm Art award this year, Sean Meany, on his piece entitled Bunyip from Burra Creek. Other winners included Matt Bye who got the Spirit of the Land sculpture award, Max Thomas who got the local artist award, Michael Cudmore who got the youth sculpture award, Ann Rayment who got the Spirit of the Land fine arts award, Debbie Wood who got the Indigenous award, Mark Slater who got the Fine Arts Photography award and Ruby Bergmeier who got the fine arts youth award. I also acknowledge the work of the Spirit of the Land committee with Peter Veneris as chair and the Lockhart Shire Council as well as the major sponsors Lockhart and District Community Bank, GrainCorp, Lockhart IGA, Rotary Club of Lockhart, Lockhart Ex-Servicemen's Club, Riverina Water County Council, Delta Agribusiness, Tasco, Lockhart Anglers Club, John Bance and Son, Lockhart Lions Club and Friedlieb Fox McLeod and Bush and Campbell Accountants. The festival took place a week after the annual Lockhart Picnic Races. On 12 October the town saw the launch of the Lockhart Water Tower Mural and Walk of Fame. These events reflect the success of the town and the energy of the local community and are a credit to the council and community.