Brookfield labrador now attending more committee meetings than his owner

A ten-year-old labrador named Reg has, according to minutes sighted by The Daily Yarn, attended more Brookfield Residents' Association meetings this year than his own owner, and is now listed on the attendance sheet under his own name.

Reg's owner, Gwen Fairbrother, 72, said she'd been meaning to go more often but her hip was playing up and Tuesday nights clashed with her bowls. "Reg doesn't mind. He walks himself down the hall, sits by the urn, and waits for someone to open the door. Bloody good boy, really."

Committee chair Malcolm Deare confirmed Reg had been present for the debates on the Brookfield shops carpark, the new pedestrian crossing, and "a fairly heated one about the community noticeboard". Malcolm said Reg had "abstained on all matters" but was "a calming presence, particularly during the noticeboard discussion".

Other members have started bringing Reg biscuits, which Gwen says is "getting a bit out of hand". Reg has put on 1.8 kilograms since March, coinciding almost exactly with the start of the association's monthly meeting cycle.

STATEMENT FROM THE BROOKFIELD RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION

The committee is aware of community concerns regarding the attendance of a canine at recent meetings. It should be noted that the animal in question has not been formally admitted as a member, and any inclusion on attendance records is understood to have occurred in error.

The committee acknowledges that the matter of non-human attendees was not anticipated in the current constitution, which was last reviewed in 2011. A review is being scoped and is expected to be progressed in due course.

While the committee is grateful for the ongoing engagement of all Brookfield residents, it is reminded that the provision of baked goods to attendees, canine or otherwise, is the responsibility of individual members and not the association. Concerns regarding the animal's weight have been noted and are considered a matter for the owner.

The committee wishes to thank the community for its continued interest and looks forward to progressing the noticeboard matter at a future meeting, date to be confirmed.