We have also embarked on a political campaign to protect the NSW opal industry.

Last month we met with New South Wales Governor Marie Bashir who was very supportive of the industry and the opposition spokesperson for mineral resources Duncan Gay who demonstrated an immediate grasp of our issues.

Unfortunately our meeting with the then-mineral resources minister Ian Macdonald was cancelled. We will be seeking a meeting with the new minister Paul McLeay. We need to make the State Government aware of the importance of the opal industry to the local and regional community, our history and culture and we are seeking your help.

Anyone who can, please write to the Premier Kristina Keneally, Level 40, Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000.

Please also send a copy of your letter to the Minister for Mineral Resources, Paul McLeay MP, Level 35 Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000.

Use your own words but feel free to draw on the following example if you need some inspiration:

Dear Premier,

The opal mining industry is vital to the Lightning Ridge community and to keep our community alive and vibrant we need to encourage small miners to prospect for and mine this elusive gemstone, our State emblem and national gemstone.

History has shown that individual Aussie battlers, existing Australians and new Australians have been the most effective at growing and maintaining this industry.

Opal is a resource where an economic deposit can not be predicted and small full-time, part-time and hobby miners are able to devote the time, energy and resources to discovering and extracting the resource with no guarantee of a return.

This amazing, unpredictable gemstone has determined the unique and dynamic culture of Lightning Ridge, Grawin, Glengarry, Sheepyards, White Cliffs and the surrounding opal fields and provides a basis for a healthy and flourishing tourism industry.