News Centre

MEDIA RELEASE 20 September 2023

Elm Leaf Beetle control to commence

Council will soon commence elm tree injection work within the Bathurst region as part of a program to protect elm trees from the elm leaf beetle.

Target areas will include Robin Hill, West Bathurst, South Bathurst, Bicentennial Park and Berry Park, Perthville, Rockley, Trunkey Creek, Wattle Flat, Sofala, Evans Plains and Hill End. The works will take place between Monday 9 October and Friday 10 November.

Manager Recreation Mark Kimbel said a total of 345 elms will be stem injected with pesticide by experienced local Contractor which will protect the elm trees against attack for 2-3 years.

“The tree injection method is the most environmentally friendly approach to controlling the elm leaf beetle delivering pesticide directly into the tree, he said”.

Elm Leaf Beetles are around 6mm long and yellowish to olive green with black stripes. The beetles hibernate in sheltered places during winter and emerge in spring to feed on young leaves and lay eggs. The larvae of the beetle hatch shortly after and feed on the leaves throughout summer. Adult beetles eat holes in the leaves, while the larvae skeletonise the leaves of the Elms.

Council encourages property owners with Elm Trees to control the beetle to limit future infestations. Further information including control measures can be found on Councils website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

ENDS

Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 20 September 2023

A public awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the critical role of the flying-fox in the survival of Australian bush has kicked off as the native mammals arrive in the Bathurst region.

The ‘Little Aussie Battlers’ campaign was first initiated by the Hunter Joint Organisation Councils in 2019 to boost understanding of the migratory habits of the flying-fox, as they increasingly roost in residential areas. The ‘Little Aussie Battlers’ campaign is drawing attention to two species of flying-fox in the Bathurst region: the vulnerable Grey-headed Flying-fox, and the Little-red Flying-fox, which are protected by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act.

The Grey-headed Flying-fox, which is extremely susceptible to climatic changes and loss of habitat, is now federally classed as ‘Vulnerable to Extinction’, with its national population declining by more than 30% in the past few years. It is hoped a greater understanding of these Little Aussie Battlers will improve tolerance as affected residents and visitors to Machattie Park in the cities CBD recognise the seasonal nature of flying-fox migration and the vital role this threatened species play in our ecosystem.

Council’s Manager Recreation Mark Kimbel said flying foxes are migratory within the Bathurst region, arriving around spring and moving to warmer areas of Australia as winter sets in. Our fragile colonies are only here for a small part of the season and it calls for tolerance and patience by the community. Council will be working closely with the NSW Department of Planning & Environment and WIRES Central West to deliver the Little Aussie Battlers campaign.

“Throughout the year, flying-foxes migrate up and down eastern Australia, to wherever their feed plants are flowering, meaning local camp numbers fluctuate from season to season, year to year,” he said.

“Like FIFO workers – flying-foxes fly in and fly out, working the night shift and leaving their camps at dusk to feed on flowering or fruiting plants and trees, then spreading these seeds up to a 50km stretch of land every night before heading back to camp to sleep through the day.

“We hope our communities can allow these Little Aussie Battlers to continue to do their incredible job of maintaining the health of our magnificent Australian native forests and ensuring the wellbeing and survival of our unique Australian native flora and fauna.”

For more information visit Council’s website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au, follow Council’s Sustainable Bathurst Facebook page or visit http://littleaussiebat.com.au

ENDS

Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 15 September 2023

What’s News

Potential Special Rate Variation

Council at the meeting on 16 August voted to start a conversation with the community about a potential special rate variation. Community consultation began on Wednesday 23 August with information available on yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/srv

A series of community information sessions will also be held, with dates and locations to be advertised soon.

Community information sessions

Council will host a series of information sessions for the community to discuss and learn more about the proposed special rate variation.

Monday 18 September

2pm – Panorama Room, Panthers Bathurst

6.30pm - Panorama Room, Panthers Bathurst – Business community

Tuesday 19 September

7.30am Courtyard Room, Bathurst RSL

2.30pm Kelso Community Hub

5.30pm BMEC conference rooms

Wednesday 20 September

9am BMEC conference rooms

11.30am BMEC conference rooms

A copy of the presentation on the SRV options will be available on YourSay Bathurst for those unable to attend in person. To register or for more information visit YourSay Bathurst.

Village Meetings

You are invited to attend and meet with Councillors and senior staff to discuss projects Council is currently undertaking and any other matters of interest to you.

Each meeting will be held at the following locations:

Yetholme, Community Hall – 25 September at 6.00pm

Raglan, Community Hall – 19 October at 6.00pm

Peel, Peel Schoolhouse – 30 October at 6.00pm

For enquiries, please phone 6333 6111.

Sporting Association Grants

Sporting organisations affiliated with the Bathurst District Sport and Recreation Council are eligible to apply for grants to assist local sporting organisations undertake specific works or purchase equipment for the advancement of sport in the Bathurst Region. Information and application forms are available from Council’s Recreation Section on 6333 6285 or on Council’s website.

Applications close 26 September.

Dobell Drawing Prize at the Gallery

2 September - 5 November

The Dobell Drawing Prize is Australia’s leading prize for drawing, an unparalleled celebration of technique, innovation, and expanded approaches to drawing by acclaimed and emerging drawing practitioners. This exhibition showcases over 45 artworks.

Tree planting

Council is hosting a community tree planting day on Sunday 24 September.

Starting at 10am off Hereford Street, volunteers can help plant native trees that

once mature will provide habitat for local wildlife, and improve the health of the

Macquarie Wambuul River.

Market Stall Applications

Bathurst Regional Council Events are seeking Expressions of Interest from market stalls for Race Week and other upcoming events. To be involved visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/be-involved

Registrations open for Business Window Display Competition

The Repco Bathurst 1000 is turning 60 and all local businesses are invited to help celebrate the milestone. Decoration starter packs will be provided by Supercars. To register, visit Council’s website.

Become a Dementia Friend

A free information session will be held at the Neighbourhood Centre on Friday 22 September from 9.30am. You will learn what a dementia-friendly community is and how it benefits the whole community. For more information phone 0491 691 842. To book visit https://ISWYBathurst220923.eventbrite.com.au

BizMonth

BizMonth is an initiative of Council, highlighting the importance of local businesses.

Activities during BizMonth include:

20 Sep: Grant Writing Seminar: Council is partnering with Regional Development Australia Central West to present a free grant writing workshop for local businesses and community groups. Bathurst Panthers 3.00pm to 5.00pm

26 Sep: BizMonth Lunch with guest speaker Annabelle Williams OAM. The Business Lunch is the highlight of the BizMonth calendar. Presented by Council, the lunch is a wonderful opportunity for business professionals to network with each other and sit back and relax with guest speaker Annabelle Williams. Bathurst Goldfields 11.30am to 2.00pm.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 8 September 2023

What’s News

Potential Special Rate Variation

Council at the meeting on 16 August voted to start a conversation with the community about a potential special rate variation. Community consultation began on Wednesday 23 August with information available on yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/srv

A series of community information sessions will also be held, with dates and locations to be advertised soon.

Community information sessions

Council will host a series of information sessions for the community to discuss and learn more about the proposed special rate variation.

Monday 18 September

2pm – Panorama Room, Panthers Bathurst

6.30pm - Panorama Room, Panthers Bathurst – Business community

Tuesday 19 September

7.30am Courtyard Room, Bathurst RSL

2.30pm Kelso Community Hub

5.30pm BMEC conference rooms

Wednesday 20 September

9am BMEC conference rooms

11.30am BMEC conference rooms

A copy of the presentation on the SRV options will be available on YourSay Bathurst for those unable to attend in person. To register or for more information visit YourSay Bathurst.

Village Meetings

You are invited to attend and meet with Councillors and senior staff to discuss projects Council is currently undertaking and any other matters of interest to you.

Each meeting will be held at the following locations:

Eglinton, War Memorial Hall – 14 September at 6.00pm

Yetholme, Community Hall – 25 September at 6.00pm

Raglan, Community Hall – 19 October at 6.00pm

Peel, Peel Schoolhouse – 30 October at 6.00pm

For enquiries, please phone 6333 6111.

Road Closure - Alpha Street

Alpha Street is closed to traffic between Russell Street and Carlingford Street from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday until 15 September. The road closure is for water supply works. For information regarding the closure, please contact Hynash Constructions Pty Ltd on 0451 952 826 or 0439 686 096.

Sporting Association Grants

Sporting organisations affiliated with the Bathurst District Sport and Recreation Council are eligible to apply for grants to assist local sporting organisations undertake specific works or purchase equipment for the advancement of sport in the Bathurst Region. Information and application forms are available from Council’s Recreation Section on 6333 6285 or on Council’s website.

Applications close 26 September.

Dobell Drawing Prize at the Gallery

2 September - 5 November

The Dobell Drawing Prize is Australia’s leading prize for drawing, an unparalleled celebration of technique, innovation, and expanded approaches to drawing by acclaimed and emerging drawing practitioners. This exhibition showcases over 45 artworks.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 1 September 2023

Potential Special Rate Variation

Council at the meeting on 16 August voted to start a conversation with the community about a potential special rate variation. Community consultation began on Wednesday 23 August with information available on yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/srv

A series of community information sessions will also be held, with dates and locations to be advertised soon.

Community information sessions

Council will host a series of information sessions for the community to discuss and learn more about the proposed special rate variation.

Monday 18 September

2pm – Panorama Room, Panthers Bathurst

6.30pm - Panorama Room, Panthers Bathurst – Business community

Tuesday 19 September

7.30am Courtyard Room, Bathurst RSL

2.30pm Kelso Community Hub

5.30pm BMEC conference rooms

Wednesday 20 September

9am BMEC conference rooms

11.30am BMEC conference rooms

A copy of the presentation on the SRV options will be available on YourSay Bathurst for those unable to attend in person. To register or for more information visit YourSay Bathurst.

Village Meetings

You are invited to attend and meet with Councillors and senior staff to discuss projects Council is currently undertaking and any other matters of interest to you.

Each meeting will be held at the following locations:

Sofala, Sofala Community Hall – 7 September at 6.00pm

Eglinton, War Memorial Hall – 14 September at 6.00pm

Yetholme, Community Hall – 25 September at 6.00pm

Raglan, Community Hall – 19 October at 6.00pm

Peel, Peel Schoolhouse – 30 October at 6.00pm

For enquiries, please phone 6333 6111.

Computer Coffee Club

Wednesday 6 September

Would you like to learn more about using Facebook? Come along to Bathurst Library’s free Computer Coffee Club and learn how to post, comment, share and much more. Designed for beginners, Computer Coffee Club is held once a month and is a chance to learn new skills with your phone, tablet or computer in a fun and friendly environment. Attendance is open to everyone and includes afternoon tea. The library also offers free one-on-one technology sessions. Bookings are essential. Phone Bathurst Library on 6333 6281 for more information.

Household Chemical Cleanout

Council is partnering with NetWaste and Environmental Treatment Solutions to offer a free disposal service for household chemicals.

Hazardous household items that are eligible for collection include items such as garden and pool chemicals, paint, household cleaners, batteries, motor oils, fluid and fuels, fluoro lights, gas bottles, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. The collection will be held on Saturday 2 September at the Council Works Depot Carpark on Durham Street (next to John Matthews Sporting Complex) from 10.00am to 1.00pm. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Father’s Day at the National Motor Racing Museum

Sunday 3 September sees the return of the very popular Father’s Day event at the National Motor Racing Museum. There will be free entry for all Dads on the day, as well as the chance to take a lap of Mount Panorama in one of our awesome replica race cars. This year will feature the Cortina, Mini Cooper S, Falcon GT, Monaro GTS or the Pepsi Falcon Supercar, and every lap booked for Father’s Day goes into the draw for some awesome prizes, including a grid walk at the Bathurst 1000, thanks to Supercars. Call the museum on 6332 1872 to book your lap.

Road Closure - Alpha Street

Alpha Street is closed to traffic between Russell Street and Carlingford Street from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday until 15 September. The road closure is for water supply works. For information regarding the closure, please contact Hynash Constructions Pty Ltd on 0451 952 826 or 0439 686 096.

Sporting Association Grants

Sporting organisations affiliated with the Bathurst District Sport and Recreation Council are eligible to apply for grants to assist local sporting organisations undertake specific works or purchase equipment for the advancement of sport in the Bathurst Region. Information and application forms are available from Council’s Recreation Section on 6333 6285 or on Council’s website.

Applications close 26 September.

Dobell Drawing Prize at the Gallery

2 September - 5 November

The Dobell Drawing Prize is Australia’s leading prize for drawing, an unparalleled celebration of technique, innovation, and expanded approaches to drawing by acclaimed and emerging drawing practitioners. This exhibition showcases over 45 artworks.

Women’s Health Week Talk at the Library

‘Take Weight Off Your Mind For Good Without A Diet’

Friday, 8 September at 12.00pm

Delivered by accredited practising dietitian and mindfulness practitioner, Sallyanne Pisk. Learn the secrets to changing your eating habits for good. Remove confusion and overwhelm without focusing on food or the scales, be empowered to move forward with your knowledge of what nourishes you, and confidently do it with ease.

Bookings essential phone 6333 6281

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 1 September 2023

Bathurst to be featured at International Heritage Convention

Bathurst will be on display this September on the world stage at the 21^st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) to be held at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, from September 3^rd to 9^th.

ICOMOS is a global organisation of cultural heritage professionals working for the conservation and protection of cultural heritage places with its headquarters in Paris, which serves as the principal advisory body on cultural heritage to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. ICOMOS has over 9,500 members and more than 110 National Committees throughout the world.

The General Assembly in Sydney is expected to attract up to 1,500 professionals from across the globe representing heritage, archaeology, historians, urban planning, architects and academia.

The Convenor for this prestigious event visited Bathurst in 2021 to attend the annual Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail. He was so impressed by this event that the idea was born to replicate it, in part, at Darling Harbour and so, for the first time, a General Assembly of ICOMOS will feature a ‘Heritage Trades Fair’, displaying traditional craftsmanship immediately outside the entrance to the International Convention Centre. Five artisans from the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail will be demonstrating to both convention attendees as well as the general public.

Bathurst Regional Council was also invited to profile the region at a stall in the public Heritage Exposition Hall where the best of Australian cultural heritage is being showcased to visiting professionals and to the Sydney public.

Mayor Robert Taylor said that this opportunity places Bathurst and the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail on the global stage and demonstrates the strength of the region’s cultural heritage values and the wide regard in which these are held, as well as the continually growing profile of the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail as one of the most significant heritage-focused events in New South Wales.

Future details on the convention and event are available on the website for the General Assembly https://icomosga2023.org/

Further information on the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail is available at https://www.bathurstregion.com.au/bathurst-heritage-trades-trail/

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 23 August 2023

Community consultation on SRV commences

Community consultation on a potential application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a permanent Special Rate Variation (SRV) has commenced.

General Manager David Sherley said the community consultation period will occur from now until 31 October.

“Council will hold information sessions for the community from 18-20 September (times and location to be confirmed) a letter box drop and a range of information on the proposed special variation is available now on the YourSay Bathurst website,” he said

Written submissions can be made via:

• the survey on YourSay Bathurst
• email council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au with SRV in the subject line
• Mail to PMB 17, Wiradjuri Country, Bathurst NSW 2795
• Deliver to the Council office at Russell St, Bathurst

After community feedback is considered, Council will meet to consider whether or not to advise IPART that an application will be prepared and submitted to request a special rate variation. This meeting will be held on 15 November.

For more information or to provide feedback visit YourSay Bathurst

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 18 August 2023

Household Chemical Cleanout

Council is partnering with NetWaste and Environmental Treatment Solutions to offer a free disposal service for household chemicals.

Hazardous household items that are eligible for collection include items such as garden and pool chemicals, paint, household cleaners, batteries, motor oils, fluid and fuels, fluoro lights, gas bottles, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. The collection will be held on Saturday 2 September at the Council Works Depot Carpark on Durham Street (next to John Matthews Sporting Complex) from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Father’s Day at the National Motor Racing Museum

Sunday 3 September sees the return of the very popular Father’s Day event at the National Motor Racing Museum. There will be free entry for all Dads on the day, as well as the chance to take a lap of Mount Panorama in one of our awesome replica race cars. This year will feature the Cortina, Mini Cooper S, Falcon GT, Monaro GTS or the Pepsi Falcon Supercar, and every lap booked for Father’s Day goes into the draw for some awesome prizes, including a grid walk at the Bathurst 1000, thanks to Supercars. Call the museum on 6332 1872 to book your lap.

Road Closure - Alpha Street

Alpha Street is closed to traffic between Russell Street and Carlingford Street from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday until 15 September. The road closure is for water supply works. For information regarding the closure, please contact Hynash Constructions Pty Ltd on 0451 952 826 or 0439 686 096.

Sporting Association Grants

Sporting organisations affiliated with the Bathurst District Sport and Recreation Council are eligible to apply for grants to assist local sporting organisations undertake specific works or purchase equipment for the advancement of sport in the Bathurst Region. Information and application forms are available from Council’s Recreation Section on 6333 6285 or on Council’s website.

Applications close 26 September.

Bathurst CCTV Funding Program

Council is providing funding to assist local businesses improve security and community safety. Businesses may apply for funding up to a maximum of $500 on a dollar-for-dollar basis, under the criteria of the Bathurst CCTV funding program.

For more information visit Council’s website or phone 6333 6523. Applications close 5pm Friday 18 August.

@ the Art Gallery

West of Central - 1 July to 27 August

This exhibition showcases the work of 16 regionally based artists who choose to make work on Wiradjuri Country in the Central Tablelands of NSW.

Dobell Drawing Prize at the Gallery

2 September - 5 November

The Dobell Drawing Prize is Australia’s leading prize for drawing, an unparalleled celebration of technique, innovation, and expanded approaches to drawing by acclaimed and emerging drawing practitioners. This exhibition showcases over 45 artworks.

Women’s Health Week Talk at the Library

‘Take Weight Off Your Mind For Good Without A Diet’

Friday, 8 September at 12.00pm

Delivered by accredited practising dietitian and mindfulness practitioner, Sallyanne Pisk. Learn the secrets to changing your eating habits for good. Remove confusion and overwhelm without focusing on food or the scales, be empowered to move forward with your knowledge of what nourishes you, and confidently do it with ease.

Bookings essential 6333 6281

Community Tree Planting Day

Sunday 27 August

Commencing at 10.00am in Bonnor Street Drainage Reserve, just off Murdoch Place, the event welcomes adults and kids alike to participate in planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses. The event will include a free barbecue lunch. Remember to bring your own water, sunscreen, hat, suitable shoes, outdoor clothing and gardening gloves. Parking is available in Murdoch Place, Kelso. Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle access to the planting site is ONLY permissible for volunteers with a disability. This access is available via Murdoch Place.

For more information phone 0407 256 791 or 6333 6233.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 17 August 2023

At a Council meeting on Wednesday 16 August, Council voted to start a community consultation on a potential application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a permanent Special Rate Variation (SRV).

General Manager David Sherley said no final decision on an SRV has yet been made and community consultation will commence in the coming weeks.

“Information will be available on the Yoursay Bathurst website and Council will include information on the proposed SRV through our digital media platforms and to the media,” he said.

“We will also be running public forums for the community to find out more and to ask questions.”

Council has considered a range of options as listed in the table below.

Proposed Special Variation rate increase

Community consultation will commence next Wednesday and continue until the end of October. It is anticipated that a decision on the application for an SRV will be determined at the November Council meeting.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 15 August 2023

The Central Tablelands Collections Facility has added to its growing collection of awards by winning the Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award Division B recently.

Mayor Robert Taylor said the facility was opened in September 2022 and is a large-scale 2,500 square metre repository and learning space.

“This facility provides state of the art collection storage with climate control, specialised racking, equipment, pest management and security for regional collections,” he said.

Awards received:

The Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award Division B – Population 30,000 – 70,000.

Received on 3 August, this award recognises councils that have excelled in strategic policy, planning, delivery and evaluation in arts and culture.

NSW National Trust Heritage Award

The facility was awarded a Highly Commended in the Conservation – Interiors and Objects Category on 12 May. These awards acknowledge the full spectrum of heritage excellence with projects demonstrating excellence in the conservation, protection, and interpretation of Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage.

Australian Museums and Galleries Association MAGNA Award

The MAGNA award for sustainability was awarded to the Central Tablelands Collections Facility at the AMAGA conference on 16 May. These National Awards recognise the excellent work undertaken by museums and galleries across Australia in the categories of exhibitions, public programs, and sustainability projects.

Local Government Professionals Australia Award

The Central Tablelands Collections Facility won the Special Project Initiative on 1 June. This award recognises leadership where an individual, team or Council has developed a concept or practice that significantly improves the business in which they work through the development of processes or practices that has had a major impact on the organisation or its customers; demonstrates responsiveness to community, workplace or industry needs;

and presents an aspirational model for NSW local government.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer