AFTER the long fight, there were celebrations on Saturday as Oberon marked its victory in the battle to avoid a forced council amalgamation with Bathurst.
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But amid the music and the high spirits at Oberon Democracy Day, there was also time for reflection from mayor Kathy Sajowitz on the decisive moment in the town’s tireless fight.
Cr Sajowitz opened proceedings by thanking fellow small council Cabonne for partnering with Oberon in the battle.
"The by-election in Orange was the watershed moment when the Nationals were ousted by Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Philip Donato,” she said.
"And 24 hours after the resignation of NSW Premier Mike Baird, the new Nationals leader John Barilaro announced his party had withdrawn its support for the policy on planned amalgamations. The cards were falling our way.”
Cr Sajowitz made mention of shadow minister for local government Peter Primrose, Greens MP David Shoebridge, federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee and Will and Jackie Tuck from the Save Our Councils Coalition (SOCC) for their support.
"And, of course, our Anti-Amalgamation Committee and members, in particular Brian Dellow and Marj Armstrong, who have supported council every step of the way,” she said.
A big crowd enjoyed the free, council-sponsored event at the Oberon Common that included kids’ activities, food and music from DJ Karla and Mickey Pye.
"I must thank Oberon Council staff who worked tirelessly in adverse circumstances not even knowing if they had a job through this challenging time," Cr Sajowitz said.
"At this stage council will move forward and maintain a sustainable and fit for the future council.
"Well done to us."
Oberon's Anti Amalgamation Committee chair Brian Dellow told members of the crowd they should each shake hands “with the person next to you” and “give yourself a pat on the back".
Mr Dellow said the committee appreciated the unwavering support during the battles in the courts.
"If we did not fight in the courts we would have been gone. With people power we were successful as we did not give up,” he said.
"We have to thank Oberon Business Tourism Association, Brian Griffiths and Mark Taylor for their support.
"But we have to thank Marj Armstrong, who stood head and shoulders above the rest, for the tremendous amount of work she put towards our fight. We give a big cheer to Marj."
Will Tuck from SOCC congratulated Oberon on its victory.
"You took the fight to the government and won," he said.