News Centre

MEDIA RELEASE 17 August 2021

Council is supporting the NSW Police Force’s “Operation Stay At Home” that was launched this week to boost the public health order enforcement efforts across the state.

Bathurst Mayor Ian North said Bathurst residents have been doing a wonderful job staying at home and this will need to continue as long as the public health order remains in place.

“I would like to thank the men and women of our local area command who are on the front line in the effort to keep our region safe,” he said.

“Council will continue to share messaging with our community through multiple channels to ensure that people follow the public health orders by staying at home, social distancing, wearing masks and to get tested if feeling unwell.”

Acting Superintendent Bruce Grassick said despite the vast majority of people abiding by the health orders, the small number of individuals who aren’t doing the right thing put the rest of us at risk. Their actions have the potential to increase the spread and extend the time these restrictions will be in place.

“It only takes one person doing the wrong thing to spread the virus to a regional area – and it’s encouraging for police to continue to have the community’s support through the reporting of this type of selfish behaviour,” he said

“Our ideal day is when we don’t have to issue a single infringement or charge anyone with breaching the public health orders. We want to work with the community to ensure compliance, so we can move past this as quickly as possible. However, police will not hesitate to take action against anyone flouting the rules.”

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 16 August 2021

Mayor of Bathurst Cr Ian North has congratulated the community on their quick actions after the weekend’s announcement of a state-wide lock down.

“The announcement was made late on Saturday afternoon and our residents had just a few short hours to act,” Mayor North said.

“Our town centre is significantly quieter than usual which means that our community is listening and people are staying home unless going out for essential reasons. I am proud of our community response and would like to thank everyone for doing their bit to keep the regions safe”.

Council has made significant changes to its operations to help protect the community and Council staff, while ensuring essential works and services continue.

Council facilities that deal with members of the community have closed their doors to public access. While Council buildings are closed, Council continues to provide services to the community such as customer services via phone and email.

Essential services to the community will also continue to operate including waste, water, and sewer facilities. This includes works crews, parks and gardens staff who will continue to work with appropriate Covid-safe measures in place. These vital services run to ensure public health and safety.

Residents are reminded to get tested if experiencing the mildest of cold and flu-like symptoms. For information on the nearest testing centre visit www.health.nsw.gov.au.

For more information on Council services visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

MEDIA RELEASE 16 August 2021

New Youth Mayor and Youth Deputy Mayor announced

Representatives for the Bathurst Regional Youth Council have been selected and had their first meeting online where they have voted in a new Youth Mayor and Youth Deputy Mayor.

The Youth Mayor is Ashley Maalouf from MacKillop College and Youth Deputy Mayor is Harvey Lew from Denison College, Bathurst High Campus.

Members of the new Youth Council are:

• Ashley Maalouf – MacKillop College
• Harvey Lew – Denison College, Bathurst High Campus
• Jeffrey Knox – Denison College, Bathurst High Campus
• Justin Laver – Denison College, Bathurst High Campus
• Caitlin McLean – Denison College, Bathurst High Campus
• Caitlin Morris – Denison College, Kelso High Campus
• Loukia Robson – Denison College, Kelso High Campus
• Stella Hall – MacKillop College
• Chelsea Muller – MacKillop College
• Chloe Tayler – MacKillop College
• Esther Wong – MacKillop College
• Ella Kay – Scots-All Saints College
• George Eliades – St Stanislaus’ College
• Tom Rodenhuis – St Stanislaus’ College

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.

Mayor Ian North congratulated and welcomed the new members of the Youth Council.

“Participating in the Youth Council is a wonderful chance to provide input into our community’s future. The Youth Councillors gain valuable experience that will benefit them for many years to come,” he said.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 15 August 2021

Mayor of Bathurst Cr Ian North has urged the community to do their bit in stopping the spread of COVID and abiding by the current Stay at Home orders that came into effect at 5pm last night.

“Council has made significant changes to its operations to help protect our workforce and the broader community, while ensuring essential works and services continue.

“Council’s COVID response taskforce met this morning to finalise plans for the operation of Council’s facilities under the Stay at Home orders that are now in place.

“Bathurst Regional Council’s facilities that deal with members of the community will close their doors to public access but staff will continue to provide customer service via phone and email during business hours.

“The community will see Council’s works and maintenance crews out in the community working with appropriate COVID-safe measures in place. This includes social distancing, frequent hand sanitising and wearing of masks. Maintenance works will continue for the safety and wellbeing of our community.

“Essential services – our water, waste and sewer facilities continue as a matter of public health and safety. Essential inspections and regulatory functions will also continue with appropriate COVID-safe measures in place.

“I urge the community to remain calm and follow the advice and directions of NSW Health at this time. If you’re unwell get tested and isolate until you get the results and if you can, get vaccinated.

“Can I also encourage people to reach out to services like Lifeline, Beyond Blue or Headspace if you need support during these very challenging times,” Cr North said.

A full list of Council’s facilities and their operations is attached. Council’s website and social media pages will continue to be updated with relevant information for community members about the operation of Council’s facilities during the Stay at Home orders.

For further information regarding the Stay at Home restrictions visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19 or you can contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 with your COVID related enquiries.

The following Council facilities are closed:

MEDIA RELEASE 14 August 2021

Bathurst Regional Council’s facilities that deal with members of the community will close their doors to public access while the NSW Government’s Stay at Home orders are in place for regional NSW, including Bathurst Local Government Area.

Mayor Cr Ian North said with the introduction of the Stay at Home orders from 5pm Saturday 14 August, the priority was to support the State Government in their bid to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the community.

“Council will keep its facilities closed to the public. We will however continue to provide services to the community. We have a detailed plan in place to protect Council's workforce and to continue to provide services.

“Council staff who are able to work from home will, while a number of staff will work from Council’s facilities providing customer service via phone and email.

“Council’s works and maintenance crews will continue to work with appropriate COVID-safe measures in place. This includes social distancing, frequent hand sanitising and wearing of masks. Maintenance works will continue for the safety and wellbeing of our community.

“Essential services – our water, waste and sewer facilities continue as a matter of public health and safety. Essential inspections and regulatory functions will also continue with appropriate COVID-safe measures in place.

“My priority to is to keep our community safe during these uncertain times and I would like to remind everyone to please follow the Covid-safe measures currently in place,” he said.

“Residents are reminded to practise good hygiene, QR code in and out of venues, wear face masks and social distance when you need to leave the home for the reasons allowed under the Stay at Home orders. I urge the community to remain calm and follow the advice and directions of NSW Health at this time.”

“It is also important to get vaccinated if you are eligible. Vaccination is available through the NSW Health vaccination hub, many GPs and now pharmacies.”

“If you feel unwell, get tested and stay at home until you get the results.”

“NSW Health has established extra testing capacity at the Mount Panorama drive through clinic and I urge anyone to get tested even if you only have the mildest of symptoms. We all need to work together to keep our community safe,” Mayor North said.

A full list of Council’s facilities and their operations is attached. Council’s website and social media pages will continue to be updated with relevant information for community members about the operation of Council’s facilities during the Stay at Home orders.

For further information regarding the Stay at Home restrictions visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19 or you can contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 with your COVID related enquiries.

The following Council facilities are closed:

MEDIA RELEASE 13 August 2021

Book Week

Book Week runs from 23 – 27 August. The theme this year is Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds. To celebrate Book Week, Bathurst Library will host story time sessions each day and two competitions are being held. Bookings for sessions will open on Monday, 16 August. Participants are encouraged to dress up for the sessions and participate in competitions.

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

Garage Sale Trail

The Garage Sale Trail is set to return to Bathurst over two weekends on November 13-14 and 20-21. Registration to participate opens in September. For more information visit Council’s website, follow the BRC Events Facebook page or visit https://www.garagesaletrail.com.au/

NSW Dine and Discover vouchers

Explore your local museums today with the NSW Dine and Discover vouchers. The vouchers can be used at all of Council’s museums – the Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum, Bathurst Rail Museum and the National Motor Racing Museum. You can purchase one family ticket entry for one $25 voucher (normally $35) or two adult entry vouchers for the $25 voucher (normally $30). The Discover vouchers are valid through until 31 August

CCTV Funding program

Local businesses looking to improve security for their premises can now apply for funding to assist in purchasing and installing CCTV cameras, up to a maximum of $500, on a dollar for dollar basis.

More information on the funding program is available on Council’s website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/cctv-funding-program or by calling 6333 6523.

Applications close Friday 20 August 2021.

Have Your Say

Seniors Festival feedback

Each year Council and community groups participate in the NSW Seniors Festival and we are interested to hear from you and what you like about the Festival and what you would like to see included in future years.

Closes 4pm, 3 September.

Brooke Moore Woodland Reserve Draft Plan of Management

Located adjacent to Alexander and Suttor Streets West Bathurst, Brooke Moore Woodland Reserve is a 5.8-hectare area of Crown Land managed by Council. The draft plan has been developed to facilitate the ongoing management of this highly significant woodland reserve and revered community asset.

Closes 27 August.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) Survey

Council is undertaking community consultation to develop the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022 – 2027. The DIAP aims to improve and support the inclusion of people living with disability in the Bathurst community. Council recognises the importance of ensuring the local community’s perceptions, ideas and concerns are reflected in the DIAP. Copies of the survey are available at Council’s Civic Centre, Bathurst Library and on the Bathurst YourSay website. The survey will take around 10 minutes to complete. Easy-Read version available.

Closes 20 August

Pillars of Bathurst

Nominations for the 2022 Pillars of Bathurst project are open. If you’d like to participate in this important local cultural heritage project by nominating someone visit YourSay Bathurst for more information. Nominations close 25 October 2021.

Closes midnight 20 August.

Visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

State Library of NSW Interactive Display

The Drug & Alcohol Info Hub is coming to Bathurst Library in August. This interactive display

from the State Library of NSW includes interactive content and an online quiz to find out what you know (or thought you knew) about drugs, alcohol and your health. Visit the library during August to learn more.

MEDIA RELEASE 13 August 2021

Bathurst Regional Council, and its partners Supercars Australia and Challenge Bathurst have reached an agreement over the operation of the two motor sport events at the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit in November.

Mayor of Bathurst Cr Ian North said the 2021 Repco Bathurst 1000 will go ahead on 4 – 7 November and the 2021 Challenge Bathurst will be held on 11 – 17 November.

“Council has held extensive discussions with both partners and is pleased to be able to announce that an agreement has been reached so that both events can proceed at Mount Panorama in November.”

“As the owner of the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, one of the most iconic race tracks in the world, Council wanted to ensure both events went ahead and has been instrumental in bringing about a resolution between all parties so this could occur.”

“The Council, and indeed the community, look forward to the return of motor racing at Mount Panorama this year and we are hopeful that we will also be able to welcome motor sport fans to the mountain for the Repco Bathurst 1000.

“Motorsports bring an economic boost to Bathurst and the surrounding region. Local businesses have been heavily impacted by the dramatic drop of tourism to regional areas in recent months and we look forward to both these event going ahead.”

Challenge Bathurst spokesperson Greg Evans said his focus is now on delivering this year’s event.

“The Challenge Bathurst team respects and understands the difficulties created for the Bathurst Regional Council by the rescheduling preferences of the Bathurst 1000. For the benefit of all parties, the Bathurst community and motorsport fans, we will now shift our focus and energies on every element critical to the viability of our event along with accommodating their event”.

CEO of Supercars, Sean Seamer said he was pleased with the result.

“We’re glad to see that common sense has prevailed and we thank the Bathurst Regional Council for their support to ensure the Great Race date is confirmed for 4-7 November. This is a win for the city of Bathurst along with our fans around the world,” he said.

MEDIA RELEASE 13 August 2021

While lockdown measures have been implemented a number of local government areas across the west of the state, including Dubbo, Mayor of Bathurst Cr Ian North is reminding Bathurst residents to remain vigilant.

“My priority to is to keep our community safe during these uncertain times and I would like to remind everyone to please follow the Covid-safe measures currently in place,” he said.

“Residents are reminded to practise good hygiene, QR code in and out of venues, wear face masks and social distance when out and about.

“It is also important to get vaccinated if you are eligible. Vaccination is available through the NSW Health vaccination hub, many GPs and now pharmacies.”

“If you feel unwell, get tested and stay at home until you get the results. If you’ve been to the areas now impacted by the stay at home orders it is vital you follow the directions of NSW Health.”

“NSW Health has established extra testing capacity at the Mount Panorama drive through clinic and I urge anyone to get tested even if you only have the mildest of symptoms. We all need to work together to keep our community safe,” Mayor North said.

Council is currently monitoring restrictions and the impact on facilities and operations.

For more information visit health.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE 12 August 2021

The Garage Sale Trail is set to return to Bathurst over two weekends in November.

Mayor Ian North said the Garage Sale Trail is an annual nation-wide event providing residents, shop owners, schools and community groups with a chance to de-clutter and sell pre-loved goods.

“Anyone taking part can opt to hold a physical or online garage sale on the weekend of 13-14 and 20-21 November,” he said.

“The Garage Sale Trail encourages waste reduction, recycling and on-selling of used goods and is a great way to clean up around the home and make a little extra cash”.

Registration to participate opens in September. For more information visit Council’s website, follow the BRC Events Facebook page or visit https://www.garagesaletrail.com.au/

Media Contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 6 August 2021

Library

Grab a bargain at Bathurst Library’s next book sale 6, 7 and 8 August. Choose from a great range of ex-library items and donated books, starting from just 50c. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/library

Upper Macquarie County Council

The Upper Macquarie County Council intends to conduct an aerial spraying program in October - November this year.

Council will coordinate a helicopter and chemical to spray serrated tussock for participating landholders. To find out more information call Council on 0419 033 108.

Have Your Say

Seniors Festival feedback

Each year Council and community groups participate in the NSW Seniors Festival and we are interested to hear from you and what you like about the Festival and what you would like to see included in future years.

Closes 4pm, 3 September.

Brooke Moore Woodland Reserve Draft Plan of Management

Located adjacent to Alexander and Suttor Streets West Bathurst, Brooke Moore Woodland Reserve is a 5.8-hectare area of Crown Land managed by Council. The draft plan has been developed to facilitate the ongoing management of this highly significant woodland reserve and revered community asset.

Closes 27 August.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) Survey

Council is undertaking community consultation to develop the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022 – 2027. The DIAP aims to improve and support the inclusion of people living with disability in the Bathurst community. Council recognises the importance of ensuring the local community’s perceptions, ideas and concerns are reflected in the DIAP. Copies of the survey are available at Council’s Civic Centre, Bathurst Library and on the Bathurst YourSay website. The survey will take around 10 minutes to complete. Easy-Read version available.

Closes midnight 20 August.

Community Park Upgrade incorporating “Everyone Can Play” design principles

Council has been awarded a grant proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Everyone Can Play program, designed to assist local Councils to enhance community playspaces for the use and enjoyment of all users, regardless of age, ability or background.

The grant provided by NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has been targeted towards demonstrating opportunities that can be applied to small residential park playspaces to improve inclusivity in line with the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play Guidelines.

Two residential playspaces have been selected under this grant, Gormans Hill Park in Gormans Hill and Miller Park in Windradyne. Council is seeking input from the community by completing an online survey to help inform the proposed upgrade at Miller and Gormans Hill Parks.

Closes 9 August.

Visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Access Improvement Grants

Bathurst Regional Council in partnership with the Bathurst Regional Access Committee provides grants to assist businesses and non-profit organisations improve access and inclusion to their place of business/organisation. Applications close 4pm on Friday 13 August 2021. For more information visit: bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call 6333 6523.

State Library of NSW Interactive Display

The Drug & Alcohol Info Hub is coming to Bathurst Library in August. This interactive display

from the State Library of NSW includes interactive content and an online quiz to find out what you know (or thought you knew) about drugs, alcohol and your health. Visit the library during August to learn more.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer