News Centre

MEDIA RELEASE 24 June 2022

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week will be celebrated nationally from Sunday 3 July to Sunday 10 July. NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Council will host a NAIDOC Week celebration with a flag raising ceremony, lunch and some performances.

Date: Thursday 30 June

Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm

Location: BMEC

At the Library

NAIDOC Film Festival

In celebration of NAIDOC Week the library will be streaming two documentaries on the big screen on Sunday 10 July. The films will be available for viewing with Bluetooth headphones available at the library front desk. Running from 11am to 2.30pm you can drop in for a short time or stay for

the whole time. No bookings required.

School holiday program

The school holiday program is available now. Join a magic show with Mr Bamboozle or bring teddies to the library for sleep over and learn what adventures they get up to. There’s also craft and many other activities. For bookings phone 6333 6281 or more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/library

At the Rail Museum

Sign up for our model train workshops for ages 12 -10 at the Rail Museum on 4, 6 and 8 July for $15 a session. Places are limited. To book call 6338 2850.

At BRAG

Monotype and foam block Wednesday 13 July | 2.30 - 4.30pm

Explore printmaking by learning how to create monotype and foam block prints. Inspired by the prints in the exhibition ‘Luke Sciberras: Side of the Sky’, participants will learn techniques to create unique art prints as well as multiple print run.

For ages 8+

Drypoint Etching

Thursday 14 July | 2.30 - 4.30pm

Participants will learn techniques and create a dry point etching. This technique can be used to create multiple copies of the image created on a ‘printing plate’. The workshop is inspired by the artist prints in the current exhibition 'Luke Sciberras: Side of the Sky'.

For ages 8+

To purchase your ticket visit bathurstart.com.au

Gormans Hill & Miller Parks

Council is seeking further feedback from the community on revised concept designs that have been developed for Miller and Gormans Hills Parks under the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines. For more information visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close 8 July.

Lunch & Learn

Lunch & Learn with the newly appointed Telstra CEO, Vicki Brady. For more information and to purchase a ticket visit eventbrite.com.au.

Time: 11.30am to 1.30pm

Date: Thursday, 7 July

Where: Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst

Cost: $45 per ticket

Bathurst Winter Festival

The Bathurst Winter Festival will return during the school holidays from 2-17 July. Festival fixtures including the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink, giant ferris wheel and carousel will be back. The program for this year features food and wine events, festival nights and plenty of activities for families with children. Tickets for the ice rink are now available online only at www.bathurswinterfestival.com.au

There are many opportunities for businesses to be a part of this year’s Bathurst Winter Festival, including the program of events, being a food vendor or market stall, corporate skating sessions, Groove & Grill, and Brighten Up Bathurst.

Visit the ‘Get Involved’ page at bathurstwinterfestival.com.au for more information.

Bathurst Region Heritage Plan

The Bathurst Region Heritage Plan 2021-2025 aims to guide heritage management within the Bathurst region and establishes the key strategic priorities and associated actions for heritage management over the next four years. Stay informed of the activities, programs and projects in the community and village groups in relation to the plan by signing up to the YourSay Bathurst website.

Little Bang Discovery Club

The library science club for pre-schoolers will start on Monday mornings from 25 July. Running for six weeks, children can learn what it means to be a scientist and the very basics of science concepts with hands on experiments and activities. For further information and bookings phone 6333 6281.

ENDS
Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA STATEMENT 17 June 2022

Mayor Robert Taylor welcomed the news that was received on Friday, 17 June 2022 that the Section 10 Application under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 over land at Mount Panorama-Wahluu including the site of proposed the second motor racing circuit, was not declared by the former minister for the Environment the Hon Sussan Ley MP.

“In correspondence received by Council, Minister Ley advised she was not satisfied that the specified area is a significant Aboriginal area that is under threat of injury or desecration and that the section 10 reporter did not find that the specified area was significant and noted the lack of consensus amongst Traditional Owners on the significance of the area,” he said.

The Section 10 Application was submitted by the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation.

MEDIA RELEASE 17 June 2022

What’s News

Temporary closure

The intersection at Peel and Morrisset Streets will be closed to traffic between 7.00am to 5.00pm on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 June, weather permitting. Access will be available for businesses and residents. General traffic will be detoured via adjacent streets.

The temporary intersection closure is necessary for resurfacing works in preparation for the construction of roundabout.

Gormans Hill & Miller Parks

Council is seeking further feedback from the community on revised concept designs that have been developed for Miller and Gormans Hills Parks under the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines. For more information visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close 8 July.

Lunch & Learn

Lunch & Learn with the newly appointed Telstra CEO, Vicki Brady. For more information and to purchase a ticket visit eventbrite.com.au.

Time: 11.30am to 1.30pm

Date: Thursday, 7 July

Where: Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst

Cost: $45 per ticket

Tree Planting Day

The community is invited to a tree planting day Macquarie/Wambuul River Hereford Street Reserve Commencing at 10am Sunday 19 June downstream of the Hereford Street bridge (Kelso side). For further information and/or to register please contact Bill Josh (Habitat Connect) on 0407 256 791.

Bathurst Winter Festival

The Bathurst Winter Festival will return during the school holidays from 2-17 July. Festival fixtures including the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink, giant ferris wheel and carousel will be back. The program for this year features food and wine events, festival nights and plenty of activities for families with children. Tickets for the ice rink are now available online only at www.bathurswinterfestival.com.au

There are many opportunities for businesses to be a part of this year’s Bathurst Winter Festival, including the program of events, being a food vendor or market stall, corporate skating sessions, Groove & Grill, and Brighten Up Bathurst.

Visit the ‘Get Involved’ page at bathurstwinterfestival.com.au for more information.

Heritage Advisory Service

Council offers a free Heritage Advisory Service that operates on a fortnightly basis. A Heritage Advisor and Senior Heritage Planner can meet with you on site to discuss maintenance, development options and provide advice on signage and colour schemes.

Please phone 6333 6211 to make an appointment.

Bathurst Region Heritage Plan

The Bathurst Region Heritage Plan 2021-2025 aims to guide heritage management within the Bathurst region and establishes the key strategic priorities and associated actions for heritage management over the next four years. Stay informed of the activities, programs and projects in the community and village groups in relation to the plan by signing up to the YourSay Bathurst website.

Little Bang Discovery Club

The library science club for pre-schoolers will start on Monday mornings from 25 July. Running for six weeks, children can learn what it means to be a scientist and the very basics of science concepts with hands on experiments and activities. For further information and bookings phone 6333 6281.

ENDS
Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 16 June 2022

Preferred provider selected for air passenger service at Bathurst Airport

Council has selected a preferred provider to service the Bathurst to Sydney route at Bathurst Airport.

Mayor Robert Taylor said Council called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from passenger airlines in May after Rex Airlines confirmed it would no longer service the route.

“Council has considered the EOIs received and has chosen a preferred provider and will now negotiate with the company about the airline’s proposal,” he said.

“Discussions will include flight schedules and aircraft type”

“Interest has remained from business, health and tourist sectors for a return to a daily RPT service which is perceived as necessary for Bathurst to identify as an important regional destination.”

ENDS
Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 10 June 2022

Pet Desexing Program

Council, in partnership with the RSPCA is pleased to announce that the community pet desexing program commenced has commenced and will run until Friday 17 June.

The subsidised cost for this desexing program is as follows:

Dog - Female $70.00

- Male $55.00

Cat - Female $55.00

- Male $40.00

The cost of microchipping is included for both dogs and cats. First vaccinations are included for dogs only. Pain relief and hospitalisation are included in the cost for both dogs and cats. Places are strictly limited and bookings are essential. To reserve a place you will need to contact one of the following surgeries:

Stewart Street Veterinary Hospital 6331 1222

Bathurst Central Animal Hospital 6332 5800

This program is open to pensioners and low income earners who are residents of the Bathurst Local Government Area.

Chifley Home Reopening

Chifley Home has been closed since 2020 and during this time Council has taken the opportunity to conduct upgrades and improvements to the facility. New interpretative signage will tell the stories of Ben Chifley and his wife Elizabeth. There will also be an audio app for a self-directed tour of the museum.

Visitors will be offered a preview on the long weekend of 11-13 June. A joint ticket to Chifley Home and Bathurst Rail Museum will be available at the discounted rate of $25 for a family or two adults and NSW discover vouchers can be used. A free shuttle bus will be provided to transfer visitors between the museums. Chifley home will officially open on Saturday, 2 July.

For more information visit museumsbathurst.com.au

Bathurst Winter Festival

The Bathurst Winter Festival will return during the school holidays from 2-17 July. Festival fixtures including the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink, giant ferris wheel and carousel will be back. The program for this year features food and wine events, festival nights and plenty of activities for families with children. Tickets for the ice rink are now available online only at www.bathurswinterfestival.com.au

There are many opportunities for businesses to be a part of this year’s Bathurst Winter Festival, including the program of events, being a food vendor or market stall, corporate skating sessions, Groove & Grill, and Brighten Up Bathurst.

Visit the ‘Get Involved’ page at bathurstwinterfestival.com.au for more information.

Long Term Financial Plan

The Long Term Financial Plan has been developed under the NSW Government’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP & R) Framework. The document is a ten-year view of Council’s finances. The LTFP is now on exhibition. For more information and to make a submission visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close 4pm, 17 June.

Heritage Advisory Service

Council offers a free Heritage Advisory Service that operates on a fortnightly basis. A Heritage Advisor and Senior Heritage Planner can meet with you on site to discuss maintenance, development options and provide advice on signage and colour schemes.

Please phone 6333 6211 to make an appointment.

Bathurst Region Heritage Plan

The Bathurst Region Heritage Plan 2021-2025 aims to guide heritage management within the Bathurst region and establishes the key strategic priorities and associated actions for heritage management over the next four years. Stay informed of the activities, programs and projects in the community and village groups in relation to the plan by signing up to the YourSay Bathurst website.

Author Talk

Local teacher Jude Murphy will visit the Library on Friday 17 June at 5.30pm to discuss her debut publication, Scrapbooks and Broken Strings – a moving memoir of her life and loves that will make you laugh and cry.

To book a seat, call the library on 6333 6281.

Beyer-Garratt 6029 coming to Bathurst

Transport Heritage is bringing the Beyer-Garratt 6029 to Bathurst on the June long weekend June 11-13.

The visit will include:

- Special journeys at 10am and 12noon on Friday 10 June from Bathurst to Wimbledon and return exclusively for local primary schools.

- General Public tickets on 11 (8.05am, 10am, 11.50am, 1.25pm), the 12th (8.05am, 10am, 11.50am, 1.25pm) and 13th (11:20am - Orange return)

To value add to this event Museums Bathurst is offering a joint ticket to Bathurst Rail Museum and Chifley Home. The General Public tickets can be purchased online through https://thnsw.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/54227

Little Bang Discovery Club

The library science club for pre-schoolers will start on Monday mornings from 25 July. Running for six weeks, children can learn what it means to be a scientist and the very basics of science concepts with hands on experiments and activities. For further information and bookings phone 6333 6281.

ENDS
Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 3 June 2022

Chifley Home Reopening

Chifley Home has been closed since 2020 and during this time Council has taken the opportunity to conduct upgrades and improvements to the facility. New interpretative signage will tell the stories of Ben Chifley and his wife Elizabeth. There will also be an audio app for a self-directed tour of the museum.

Visitors will be offered a preview on the long weekend of 11-13 June. A joint ticket to Chifley Home and Bathurst Rail Museum will be available at the discounted rate of $25 for a family or two adults and NSW discover vouchers can be used. A free shuttle bus will be provided to transfer visitors between the museums. Chifley home will officially open on Saturday, 2 July.

For more information visit museumsbathurst.com.au

Maintenance of trees in Kings Parade

Council will commence remedial pruning works to the formal avenue trees within Kings Parade as part of ongoing care and maintenance practices. Works will commence on the Russell Street side of Kings Parade on Tuesday 7 June and are anticipated to be completed by Friday 10 June. The parking areas adjacent to Kings Parade in Russell Street and Church Street will be fenced off in sections as tree works progress.

For more information phone Council on 6333 6111.

Bathurst Winter Festival

The Bathurst Winter Festival will return during the school holidays from 2-17 July. Festival fixtures including the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink, giant ferris wheel and carousel will be back. The program for this year features food and wine events, festival nights and plenty of activities for families with children. Tickets for the ice rink are now available online only at www.bathurswinterfestival.com.au

There are many opportunities for businesses to be a part of this year’s Bathurst Winter Festival, including the program of events, being a food vendor or market stall, corporate skating sessions, Groove & Grill, and Brighten Up Bathurst.

Visit the ‘Get Involved’ page at bathurstwinterfestival.com.au for more information.

Youth Council Recruitment

Applications are now open for young people aged from 15 - 18 years to join the Bathurst Regional Youth Council. The Youth Council provides opportunities to participate in the community by organising events, having a say on local issues and working on projects that support and encourage young people.

Applications are open to Tuesday, 7 June. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Long Term Financial Plan

The Long Term Financial Plan has been developed under the NSW Government’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP & R) Framework. The document is a ten-year view of Council’s finances. The LTFP is now on exhibition. For more information and to make a submission visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close 4pm, 17 June.

Heritage Grants

Council is now inviting applications for small grants to assist local property owners and community groups to restore, repair, promote and interpret the region’s heritage.

• The Bathurst Region Local Heritage Fund provides small grants for the repair and maintenance of older buildings in the region. The program is supported by the NSW Heritage Branch of the Office of Environment and Heritage.
• The Bathurst CBD Main Street Improvement Fund provides small grants to assist property owners and tenants to activate, improve, repair and maintain buildings within the central business district.
• The Bathurst Region Interpretation Fund provides small grants for the preparation of Conservation Management

Plans, historic publications and interpretation projects to promote and interpret the region’s history.

Applications for funding must be made on the application form which is available on the YourSay Bathurst website.

For more information or assistance, contact the Strategic Planning Section, on 6333 6211.

Closing 6 June.

Heritage Advisory Service

Council offers a free Heritage Advisory Service that operates on a fortnightly basis. A Heritage Advisor and Senior Heritage Planner can meet with you on site to discuss maintenance, development options and provide advice on signage and colour schemes. Please phone 6333 6211 to make an appointment.

Bathurst Region Heritage Plan

The Bathurst Region Heritage Plan 2021-2025 aims to guide heritage management within the Bathurst region and establishes the key strategic priorities and associated actions for heritage management over the next four years. Stay informed of the activities, programs and projects in the community and village groups in relation to the plan by signing up to the YourSay Bathurst website.

Tech talk: All about apps

Do you struggle with understanding the apps on your smart phone or tablet? Come along to this free talk at Bathurst Library on Tuesday 7 June from 2-4pm. Bookings essential, ph: 6333 6281.

Beyer-Garratt 6029 coming to Bathurst

Transport Heritage is bringing the Beyer-Garratt 6029 to Bathurst on the June long weekend June 11-13.

The visit will include:

- Special journeys at 10am and 12noon on Friday 10 June from Bathurst to Wimbledon and return exclusively for local primary schools.

- General Public tickets on 11 (8.05am, 10am, 11.50am, 1.25pm), the 12th (8.05am, 10am, 11.50am, 1.25pm) and 13th (11:20am - Orange return)

To value add to this event Museums Bathurst is offering a joint ticket to Bathurst Rail Museum and Chifley Home. The General Public tickets can be purchased online through https://thnsw.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/54227

ENDS
Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 30 May 2022

Update on the Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre

A planning proposal has been submitted to Council as part of the proposed development of a six-storey Integrated Medical Centre and a four-storey carpark on the former Clancy Motors site in Howick St and the George St carpark.

Mayor Robert Taylor said the planning proposal does not approve the Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre.

“It only seeks to amend the planning controls under the Bathurst Regional Local Environmental Plan to enable a building height and floor space ratio greater than that which is currently permissible,” he said.

For the planning proposal to be progressed, Council had to seek a Gateway Determination from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE). Council has now received a Gateway Determination from DPE under section 3.34(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

This means that the process to amend Council’s Planning Controls may proceed subject to a number of conditions.

DPE requires the planning proposal document must be updated and this must be done by the proponents of the Integrated Medical Centre. Once this occurs, Council has to seek approval from DPE to commence community consultation on the proposed amendment to Council’s Planning Controls.

Once DPE advises the public exhibition may commence the planning proposal will be required to be exhibited for a minimum 28 days. At this time the community will be invited to comment on the proposal to amend the Bathurst Regional Local Environmental Plan 2014 to change the height of buildings and floor space ratio provisions that apply to the land to facilitate the development of a six-storey Integrated Medical Centre and a four-storey carpark. The change will apply only to the Integrated Medical Centre and carpark.

The Gateway Determination can be viewed at:

https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/pre-exhibition/bathurst-integrated-medical-centre-bimc-and-george-st-carpark-gsc-additional-local-provision

ENDS
Media contact: Corinne Boer Media and Communications Officer P: 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE 27 May 2022

What’s News

Household Chemical Cleanout

Hazardous household chemicals can be disposed of at the Cooke Hockey Complex Great Western Highway from 8.00am to 4.00pm on Thursday, 2 June.

Items that are eligible for collection include pesticides, paint, garden chemicals (weed killers), solvents (paint stripper), household chemicals (bleach and detergents), smoke detectors, fluorescent light globes and tubes, old gas bottles, and fire extinguishers.

This service is for residents with domestic quantities of household hazardous chemicals only, with the first 20kg/litres able to be disposed free of charge.

For more information phone 6333 6100.

Youth Council Recruitment

Applications are now open for young people aged from 15 - 18 years to join the Bathurst Regional Youth Council.

The Youth Council provides opportunities to participate in the community by organising events, having a say on local issues and working on projects that support and encourage young people.

Applications are open to Tuesday, 7 June. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Macquarie View Tennis Clubhouse

Council is seeking information on the Macquarie View Tennis Clubhouse, Esrom Street West Bathurst, specifically when the club was first established and details on its founding members.

Council is currently refurbishing the tennis clubhouse and as part of the project a Heritage Interpretation Plan is being prepared to guide how the site will be interpreted. This document will also be important in recording details on the history of the clubhouse.

If you can assist phone 6333 6111 or email council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Long Term Financial Plan

The Long Term Financial Plan has been developed under the NSW Government’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP & R) Framework. The document is a ten-year view of Council’s finances. The LTFP is now on exhibition. For more information and to make a submission visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close 4pm, 17 June.

Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Council has prepared a Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan which is on exhibition for community feedback. Hard copies of the draft plan are available for viewing at the Civic Centre and Bathurst Library or from the YourSay Bathurst website.

Submissions can be lodged via YourSay Bathurst or in writing to The General Manager, Private Mail Bag 17, Bathurst, NSW, 2795. Submissions can be made until 4pm Friday 27 May.

Heritage Grants

Council is now inviting applications for small grants to assist local property owners and community groups to restore, repair, promote and interpret the region’s heritage.

• The Bathurst Region Local Heritage Fund provides small grants for the repair and maintenance of older buildings in the region. The program is supported by the NSW Heritage Branch of the Office of Environment and Heritage.
• The Bathurst CBD Main Street Improvement Fund provides small grants to assist property owners and tenants to activate, improve, repair and maintain buildings within the central business district.
• The Bathurst Region Interpretation Fund provides small grants for the preparation of Conservation Management

Plans, historic publications and interpretation projects to promote and interpret the region’s history.

Applications for funding must be made on the application form which is available on the YourSay Bathurst website.

For more information or assistance, contact the Strategic Planning Section, on 6333 6211.

Closing 6 June.

Heritage Advisory Service

Council offers a free Heritage Advisory Service that operates on a fortnightly basis. A Heritage Advisor and Senior Heritage Planner can meet with you on site to discuss maintenance, development options and provide advice on signage and colour schemes.

Please phone 6333 6211 to make an appointment.

Bathurst Region Heritage Plan

The Bathurst Region Heritage Plan 2021-2025 aims to guide heritage management within the Bathurst region and establishes the key strategic priorities and associated actions for heritage management over the next four years. Stay informed of the activities, programs and projects in the community and village groups in relation to the plan by signing up to the YourSay Bathurst website.

Tech talk: All about apps

Do you struggle with understanding the apps on your smart phone or tablet? Come along to this free talk at Bathurst Library on Tuesday 7 June from 2-4pm. Bookings essential, ph: 6333 6281.

Bathurst Winter Festival

There are many opportunities for businesses to be a part of this year’s Bathurst Winter Festival, including the Program of Events, being a food vendor or market stall, corporate skating sessions, Groove & Grill, and Brighten Up Bathurst. Visit the ‘Get Involved’ page at bathurstwinterfestival.com.au for more information.

MEDIA RELEASE 20 May 2022

What’s News

Household Chemical Cleanout

Hazardous household chemicals can be disposed of at the Cooke Hockey Complex Great Western Highway from 8.00am to 4.00pm on Thursday, 2 June.

Items that are eligible for collection include pesticides, paint, garden chemicals (weed killers), solvents (paint stripper), household chemicals (bleach and detergents), smoke detectors, fluorescent light globes and tubes, old gas bottles, and fire extinguishers.

This service is for residents with domestic quantities of household hazardous chemicals only, with the first 20kg/litres able to be disposed free of charge.

For more information phone 6333 6100.

Youth Council Recruitment

Applications are now open for young people aged from 15 - 18 years to join the Bathurst Regional Youth Council.

The Youth Council provides opportunities to participate in the community by organising events, having a say on local issues and working on projects that support and encourage young people.

Applications are open to Tuesday, 7 June. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Macquarie View Tennis Clubhouse

Council is seeking information on the Macquarie View Tennis Clubhouse, Esrom Street West Bathurst, specifically when the club was first established and details on its founding members.

Council is currently refurbishing the tennis clubhouse and as part of the project a Heritage Interpretation Plan is being prepared to guide how the site will be interpreted. This document will also be important in recording details on the history of the clubhouse.

If you can assist phone 6333 6111 or email council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Long Term Financial Plan

The Long Term Financial Plan has been developed under the NSW Government’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP & R) Framework. The document is a ten-year view of Council’s finances. The LTFP is now on exhibition. For more information and to make a submission visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close 4pm, 17 June.

Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Council has prepared a Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan which is on exhibition for community feedback. Hard copies of the draft plan are available for viewing at the Civic Centre and Bathurst Library or from the YourSay Bathurst website.

Submissions can be lodged via YourSay Bathurst or in writing to The General Manager, Private Mail Bag 17, Bathurst, NSW, 2795. Submissions can be made until 4pm Friday 27 May.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is held annually from 27 May - 3 June. NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The NRW 2022 theme "Be Brave. Make Change." calls for all Australians to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

Council will mark NRW 2022 by hosting a free, family fun football afternoon at Kelso Community Hub on Friday 27 May 2022 from 3:30pm – 5:30pm.

The event will include:

• Football activities facilitated by local league clubs
• Traditional Indigenous Games facilitated by Bathurst Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG)
• Library Van visit – Book borrowing and children’s activities
• Catering by Indigenous Cultural Adventures
• Informal touch football match for children, youth, community members, service providers and local football role models

For more information, please contact Council’s Community Services Section on (02) 6333 6523.

Heritage Grants

Council is now inviting applications for small grants to assist local property owners and community groups to restore, repair, promote and interpret the region’s heritage.

• The Bathurst Region Local Heritage Fund provides small grants for the repair and maintenance of older buildings in the region. The program is supported by the NSW Heritage Branch of the Office of Environment and Heritage.
• The Bathurst CBD Main Street Improvement Fund provides small grants to assist property owners and tenants to activate, improve, repair and maintain buildings within the central business district.
• The Bathurst Region Interpretation Fund provides small grants for the preparation of Conservation Management

Plans, historic publications and interpretation projects to promote and interpret the region’s history.

Applications for funding must be made on the application form which is available on the YourSay Bathurst website.

For more information or assistance, contact the Strategic Planning Section, on 6333 6211.

Closing 6 June.

Heritage Advisory Service

Council offers a free Heritage Advisory Service that operates on a fortnightly basis. A Heritage Advisor and Senior Heritage Planner can meet with you on site to discuss maintenance, development options and provide advice on signage and colour schemes.

Please phone 6333 6211 to make an appointment.

Bathurst Region Heritage Plan

The Bathurst Region Heritage Plan 2021-2025 aims to guide heritage management within the Bathurst region and establishes the key strategic priorities and associated actions for heritage management over the next four years. Stay informed of the activities, programs and projects in the community and village groups in relation to the plan by signing up to the YourSay Bathurst website.

National Sorry Day

To commemorate National Sorry Day, an unveiling of a plaque and an afternoon tea will be held in the PJ Moodie Courtyard behind the Civic Centre on Thursday, 26 May at 2.00pm.

@ BRAG

Artist-Led Workshop with Nicola Mason

Thursday 26 May, 5:30pm

Second date added due to popular demand.

In this workshop participants will be led by artist Nicola Mason in creating still life studies of eclectic objects, from both the natural and domestic environments, using watercolour and charcoal. Participants will walk away with new skills and an artwork.

Suitable for all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced.

Light refreshments and all materials included. Bookings essential via www.bit.ly/brag_events

Free Information Session: Reading problems? What you should be looking for.

A free information session on reading difficulties and disorders such as Dyslexia in adults and children, will be held at the Bathurst Library on Thursday 26 May, 5pm.

Hear about the symptoms of reading disorders, what constitutes a disorder and what assistance is available both at the Library and in the wider community. Bookings Essential, call 6333 6281. Tea and coffee provided.

Bathurst Writers & Readers Festival

The Bathurst Writers & Readers Festival returns to BMEC on Friday 20 – Sunday 22 May with both live stream and local events. One of the feature events of the festival is the Great Festival Read panel. Join panellists Elizabeth Tink, Jennifer Short, Rod Allan and Kate Conolan to discuss When We Fall by author and former Bathurst resident, Aoife Clifford. Visit bmec.com.au for more information.

ENDS
Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 19 May 2022

Banishing Bathurst Butts Beyond the CBD

Council has received $48,119 from the NSW Government’s Environmental Protection Authority’s Round Two Cigarette Litter Prevention Grants to butt-out Bathurst’s cigarette litter.

Mayor Robert Taylor said this will be the next stage of Council’s successful cigarette litter prevention project.

“The first phase of the project ‘Cignificantly Reducing CBD Litter’ increased binning rates by 87.9 per cent and decreased cigarette litter by 93.7 per cent,” he said.

“Surveys that were conducted have identified that Bathurst Base Hospital and suburban shopping areas are a priority for future projects. Butt litter checks found large quantities of discarded cigarette butts in these areas. Across nine sites a total of 4,808 butts were found littered on the ground, in garden beds and in gutters. Using this data, it is estimated that 1,594 butts are littered per week.

“The project is a partnership between Council and Bathurst Base Hospital and aims to decrease cigarette butt litter by 90 per cent on hospital grounds and decrease cigarette butt litter by 80 per cent at all other project sites.”

Deputy Premier and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the program aims to reduce littering behaviour in NSW.

“By supporting Bathurst Regional Council to deliver cigarette butt litter prevention projects the NSW government is answering the needs of locals who take pride in their city and want clean streets that reflect that,” he said.

“Cigarette butts continue to be the most common type of litter in NSW and one of the most harmful to the environment given the toxic chemicals that make up cigarettes. Banishing Bathurst Butts Beyond the CBD will target key areas that are known popular littering areas.”

Signage and butt bins will be installed at the various sites with significant butt litter. The Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 prohibits smokers from smoking on hospital grounds, signage will be installed that educates and directs smokers to lawful area with improved infrastructure.

Discarded cigarette butts have over 400 harmful chemicals that when littered leach into our natural environment and waterways causing a range of impacts. Research from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority has indicated that approximately 1.32 billion butts are littered in NSW each year. Through preventative projects in public places almost 800 million can be prevented from entering the environment.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer