News Centre

MEDIA RELEASE 28 May 2021

Youth Council

Applications are open to join the Youth Council. Application forms are available from school year advisors, the Civic Centre or at www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/youth. Applications close 4:00pm on Tuesday 1 June. For more information, call 6333 6111.

Free HSC study support sessions

The library will be hosting a series of free HSC study support sessions in June for students

in their preliminary or final year of study. These online events will be streamed in the library on

the big screen from 4.30-5.30pm with study space made available. For more information on dates and bookings, visit the library website.

Library June Book Sale

Friday 4 June to Sunday 6 June

Grab a bargain at Bathurst Library’s next book sale. Choose from a great range of ex-library items and donated books, starting from just 50c.

Heritage assistance grants now open

Applications are now invited for small grants to assist property owners, and community groups maintain, conserve and interpret the regions heritage and history under Council’s heritage assistance funding programs.

Owners of older properties in the Bathurst Region, community groups with an interest in Bathurst’s local heritage and history and owners of properties in the CBD are encouraged to apply for funding.

Funding is available through the:

• Bathurst Region Heritage Fund 2021/2022
• Bathurst CBD Main Street Improvement Fund 2021/2022
• Bathurst Region Interpretation Fund 2021/2022

Application forms and guidelines are available on Council’s website or from Council’s Environmental, Planning and Building Services Department.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 18 June.

Community Animal Welfare Scheme

Council in partnership with the RSPCA is pleased to announce the next animal welfare scheme will commence on Monday 7 June. Please note that this scheme is only open to pensioners, Newstart/Jobseeker and Healthcare card holders who are residents of the Bathurst Local Government area.

Places are strictly limited and bookings are essential at the following veterinary practices. Stewart Street Veterinary Hospital 6331 1222 Bathurst Central Animal Hospital 6332 5800.

CareerLink

CareerLink is a new free career development service delivered by Skillset with support from the 11 councils of the Central West, Regional Development Australia Central West and the Australian Government. The program provides:

CareerLink Consultations

If you are 25 to 44 and live in one of the 11 Central West local government areas, including Bathurst, you may be eligible for a free career development session. This session can help with:

• Defining your individual career goals
• Reviewing your suitability for career options
• Ensuring you have all the job seeking tools you need
• Finding a job that is right for you.

Take the next step in your career - contact CareerLink to book in a one-on-one session today by visiting skillset.com.au or calling 1300 853 525.

Candidate information webinars

The NSW Electoral Commission is holding a series of online candidate information sessions in the lead up to the September Local Government Elections.

The next webinars will be held at:

• 11am, Thursday 10 June
• 6pm, Tuesday 15 June

Previous webinars can be viewed on the NSW Electoral Commission website. For more information visit elections.nsw.gov.au/lge21

Save the date

NSW Local Government elections will be held on Saturday, 4 September. Voting is

compulsory. For more information visit elections.nsw.gov.au/lge21

Volunteer at the Bathurst Winter Festival

Volunteer at a signature event or in the Winter Playground during the Bathurst Winter Festival.

Visit www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au to register.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 27 May 2021

Closing the gap on food waste

Council is currently trialling new ways of collecting domestic and commercial food, and green waste throughout parts of the city. This project is supported by Local Government NSW with funding from the NSW Government.

The trial runs from May for four months and the aim of the trial is to identify the best ways to divert food and garden organics from landfill. Diverting this material from landfill allows the nutrients to be converted into usable composts while reducing the amount of greenhouse gases expelled into the atmosphere.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said this is an important initiative that is aimed to look after our environment for future generations and identify our community’s habits with regards to food waste.

“The ‘Closing the gap on food waste’ trial will also guide Bathurst in planning its future waste services,” he said.

A number of households from residential zones in Bathurst have been randomly selected to participate, and a variety of businesses have also been invited to partake.

Household participants will be experiencing a range of changes unique to their trial area. Some areas will be provided with a caddy and a roll of compostable liners to place food items in and carry to the lime green-lidded bin. Other areas of the trial may receive an alternative red-lidded general waste bin and/or have these bins collected fortnightly for the duration of the trial only. Feedback from the participating households will be sought throughout the trial and at its conclusion.

Businesses participating will be provided with dedicated food waste bins for the duration of the trial along side kitchen insert bins.

Throughout the trial the food waste will be composted at ANL at Blayney and will be sent to local farms providing a nutrient rich material to be used in agriculture. At the conclusion of the trial, services for the participating households will return to the standard bin collection schedule.

ENDS
Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 26 May 2021

Beautiful rural scenery and rich cultural heritage will form the perfect background for a new monthly tour exploring the wineries of the Bathurst region beginning on Saturday 19 June.

The ‘Bathurst Wine Explorer’ will depart from the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre and will visit three of the region’s wineries for tastings. A special highlight of the day being a two-course lunch with paired wines at historic Abercrombie House and a talk from a featured vigneron as well as a tour of the 1870s 50-room Scottish baronial mansion included.

The tour will run on the third Saturday of every month with a rotating program of vineyards visited. The initiative is a result of close collaboration between the Bathurst Region Vignerons Association, Abercrombie House, Bathurst Tours and the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the tour was an important addition to the range of experiences available in the Bathurst region.

“The ‘Wine Explorer’ is a fantastic opportunity not just to sample the fantastic cool climate wines of Bathurst, but to meet the local winemakers who are a passionate and dedicated range of characters whilst travelling the countryside of the iconic Bathurst plains,” he said.

“Our outstanding regional food and wine, and our heritage are two of the main pillars of the Bathurst region destination brand. I am excited to see these brought together and local operators working with the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre team to bring this new experience to life”.

Bathurst was one of the first wine regions of Australia with a history dating back to the 1830s. Today, new generations of vignerons are pushing the boundaries creating some of the finest cool climate wines at elevations and with extended ripening periods that place the region on the very edge of where it is possible to grow high quality vines.

Tickets for the full day tour are $155 per person, including all tasting costs and lunch, and are available from bathurstregion.com.au or from the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre. Future dates and itineraries are also published on the Bathurst region website.

ENDS
Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 21 May 2021

Youth Council

Applications are open to join the Youth Council. Application forms are available from school year advisors, the Civic Centre or at www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/youth. Applications close 4:00pm on Tuesday 1 June. For more information, call 6333 6111.

Notice of Environmental Burn

A low intensity burn is proposed at Hillview Estate Reserve at Napoleon Reef on Saturday 22 May, subject to operational programming and weather conditions. This will consist of the controlled burning of vegetation to improve the diversity of flora in this reserve. The burn will also reduce bushfire fuel and assist in reducing the intensity and adverse impact of bushfires in extreme weather conditions.

There is potential for smoke to impact surrounding residents and roads. A letterbox drop will be conducted to notify surrounding residents of measures to prepare their properties.

For more information, call 6333 6111.

National Road Safety Week - 16 to 23 May

The old Ambulance Station on William St joins other iconic buildings and landmarks around Australia that was lit up in yellow this week as part of National Road Safety Week from running to 23 May.

The heritage building was lit up each evening of National Road Safety Week in memory of the 1200 people that die on Australian roads each year.

In 2020 there were 297 lives lost in NSW due to road trauma. The biggest contributing factors in road crashes are speeding, fatigue, alcohol and drugs. This National Road Safety week we are all invited to take a pledge to ‘Drive So Others Survive.’ The road is there to be shared by a variety of road users and each of them has the responsibility to not put other road users in danger.

You can take the pledge online at www.roadsafetyweek.com.au

CBD CCTV - Stage 3

Works are underway on Stage 3 of the CBD CCTV project. The project will see the installation of fibre optic cable and CCTV cameras in several location in Havannah Street.

Works will occur between 7am and 4pm weekends. While under boring works occur there will be some noise and an impact on parking in the areas where the work is occurring. Havannah Street will remain open to traffic while the works occur. Visit bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call 6333 6100 for more information.

Advice for Android Devices

On Thursday 27 May at 10.30am, the library is holding a free workshop for owners of android mobile phones and tablets. This workshop will cover the basic skills you need to operate your device, including how to adjust the settings to suit your needs. Participants need to bring their own android device (basically all brands except Apple iPhones and iPads), as well as any passwords required.

Seats are limited and bookings are essential. For more information or to book, call 6333 6281.

Free HSC study support sessions

The library will be hosting a series of free HSC study support sessions in June for students in their preliminary or final year of study. These online events will be streamed in the library on the big screen from 4.30-5.30pm with study space made available. For more information on dates and bookings, visit the library website.

Seeking Sponsors

Bathurst Rail Museum is seeking sponsors for the Daffodil Festival Express train to Rydal Daffodil Festival. Please contact Museums Bathurst at museums@bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call 6333 6542 for further information.

Heritage assistance grants now open

Applications are now invited for small grants to assist property owners, and community groups maintain, conserve and interpret the regions heritage and history under Council’s heritage assistance funding programs.

Owners of older properties in the Bathurst Region, community groups with an interest in Bathurst’s local heritage and history and owners of properties in the CBD are encouraged to apply for funding.

Funding is available through the:

• Bathurst Region Heritage Fund 2021/2022
• Bathurst CBD Main Street Improvement Fund 2021/2022
• Bathurst Region Interpretation Fund 2021/2022

Application forms and guidelines are available on Council’s website or from Council’s Environmental, Planning and Building Services Department.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 18 June.

Save the date

NSW Local Government elections will be held on Saturday, 4 September. Voting is

compulsory. For more information visit elections.nsw.gov.au/lge21

Community Animal Welfare Scheme

Council in partnership with the RSPCA is pleased to announce the next animal welfare scheme will commence on Monday 7 June. Please note that this scheme is only open to pensioners, Newstart/Jobseeker and Healthcare card holders who are residents of the Bathurst Local Government area.

Places are strictly limited and bookings are essential at the following veterinary practices. Stewart Street Veterinary Hospital 6331 1222 Bathurst Central Animal Hospital 6332 5800.

Future Proofing our CBD

Council’s response to the Bathurst Town Centre Master Plan titled ‘Future Proofing our CBD’ is on public exhibition.

The ‘Futureproofing our CBD’ report outlines those elements of the Master Plan that Council is considering implementing in the future. Submissions can be made on the Bathurst Yoursay website or at Council and should be received by Monday 24 May.

Candidate information webinars

The NSW Electoral Commission is holding a series of online candidate information sessions in the lead up to the September Local Government Elections.

The next webinars will be held at:

• 11am, Thursday 10 June
• 6pm, Tuesday 15 June

Previous webinars can be viewed on the NSW Electoral Commission website. For more information visit elections.nsw.gov.au/lge21

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 14 May 2021

Youth Council

Applications are open to join the Youth Council. Application forms are available from school year advisors, the Civic Centre or at www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/youth. Applications close 4:00pm on Tuesday 1 June. For more information, call 6333 6111.

Notice of Environmental Burn

A low intensity burn is proposed at Hillview Estate Reserve at Napoleon Reef on Saturday 22 May, subject to operational programming and weather conditions. This will consist of the controlled burning of vegetation to improve the diversity of flora in this reserve. The burn will also reduce bushfire fuel and assist in reducing the intensity and adverse impact of bushfires in extreme weather conditions.

There is potential for smoke to impact surrounding residents and roads. A letterbox drop will be conducted to notify surrounding residents of measures to prepare their properties.

For more information, call 6333 6111.

National Road Safety Week - 16 to 23 May

How confident are you that your child car seat is fitted correctly? As part of National Road Safety Week, there will be a free child restraint fitting day on Wednesday, 19 May from 11:00 to 2:00 at Bathurst Toyota on Corporation Avenue. You can get your child restraints checked and fitted by an authorised fitter and learn some tips to help select the correct seat for your child.

More information at https://fb.me/e/1ELxmflrw

Winter is fast approaching with foggy mornings and early sunsets. Morning and evening joggers, walkers and cyclists are reminded to BE SAFE, BE SEEN. Walking, running and cycling in low-light or low visibility greatly increases the risk of being hit by a vehicle. In most early morning and night time pedestrian crashes the motorists claim that they “just didn’t see them”. Wear bright coloured or high visibility (hi-vis) clothing and one or more lights. Keep off the road where possible and walk or jog on the right side of the road so you are facing oncoming traffic.

Driver fatigue is not always caused by driving. 30 to 40 minute commutes on high speed country roads are common in our region and that’s where many of our fatalities occur. If you’ve had a big day at work a 30 - 40 minute drive can be a killer. Take a 20 minute powernap before you get behind the wheel. It might just save your life. If you start to fidget, yawn or lose concentration, pull over somewhere safe and take a break, even if you think you’re nearly home.

CBD CCTV - Stage 3

Works are underway on Stage 3 of the CBD CCTV project. The project will see the installation of fibre optic cable and CCTV cameras in several location in Havannah Street.

Works will occur between 7am and 4pm weekends. While under boring works occur there will be some noise and an impact on parking in the areas where the work is occurring.

Havannah Street will remain open to traffic while the works occur.

Visit bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call 6333 6100 for more information.

Heritage assistance grants now open

Applications are now invited for small grants to assist property owners, and community groups maintain, conserve and interpret the regions heritage and history under Council’s heritage assistance funding programs.

Owners of older properties in the Bathurst Region, community groups with an interest in Bathurst’s local heritage and history and owners of properties in the CBD are encouraged to apply for funding.

Funding is available through the:

• Bathurst Region Heritage Fund 2021/2022
• Bathurst CBD Main Street Improvement Fund 2021/2022
• Bathurst Region Interpretation Fund 2021/2022

Application forms and guidelines are available on Council’s website or from Council’s Environmental, Planning and Building Services Department.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 18 June.

Save the date

NSW Local Government elections will be held on Saturday, 4 September. Voting is

compulsory. For more information visit elections.nsw.gov.au/lge21

2021 Community Animal Welfare Scheme

Council in partnership with the RSPCA is pleased to announce the next animal welfare scheme will commence on Monday 7 June. Please note that this scheme is only open to pensioners, Newstart/Jobseeker and Healthcare card holders who are residents of the Bathurst Local Government area.

Places are strictly limited and bookings are essential at the following veterinary practices. Stewart Street Veterinary Hospital 6331 1222 Bathurst Central Animal Hospital 6332 5800.

Future Proofing our CBD

Council’s response to the Bathurst Town Centre Master Plan titled ‘Future Proofing our CBD’ is on public exhibition.

The ‘Futureproofing our CBD’ report outlines those elements of the Master Plan that Council is considering implementing in the future.

Submissions can be made on the Bathurst Yoursay website or at Council and should be received by Monday 24 May.

Welcome Wagon

Council, in partnership with the Bathurst Business Chamber invite people new to Bathurst to the next Welcome Wagon Mayoral Reception at the Mayoral Suite, Pit Complex, Mount Panorama, Monday 17 May commencing at 5.30pm.

To register https://bathurstbusinesshub.com.au/bathurst-welcome-wagon/

Candidate information webinars

The NSW Electoral Commission is holding a series of online candidate information sessions in the lead up to the September Local Government Elections.

The next webinars will be held at:

• 11am, Thursday 10 June
• 6pm, Tuesday 15 June

Previous webinars can be viewed on the NSW Electoral Commission website.

For more information visit elections.nsw.gov.au/lge21

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 13 May 2021

Council in conjunction with the Rural Fire Services and Local Land Services will conduct a prescribed burn at Hillview Estate Reserve, Napolean Reef.

The burn event is scheduled for Saturday, 22 May 2021(subject to weather conditions) and will consist of a low intensity, cool burn for ecological purposes as well as general fire hazard reduction.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the burn is necessary to maintain a healthy bush ecosystem, improve the diversity of flora and reduce the potential for intense bushfires by reducing fuel loads.

“Controlled burns also known as prescribed or environmental burns are conducted to not only improve the diversity of flora, but also to protect lives, homes and properties,” he said.

The controlled burn will generate smoke, hot embers and heat and it is important to consider the following

· Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes

· Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns

· Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage

· Remove washing from clothes lines

· Ensure pets have a protected area

· If driving, slow down, keep windows up and turn headlights on

· If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities. If smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.

For more information phone 6333 6111.

Media Contact - Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 7 May 2021

Proclamation Day

Council invites residents to acknowledge the anniversary of its Proclamation by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1815, on Sunday 9 May. The event will consist of a Proclamation Ceremony at 10am at the Flag Staff acknowledging the 2020 Living Legends and announcing the 2021 Living Legends.

A commemoration of past Bathurstians will take place at 11am at the Pillars of Bathurst. Learn

about Bathurst’s rich history as you take the self-guided tours of the Delightful Spot trail.

For more information contact Council on 6333 6111.

CBD CCTV - Stage 3

Works are underway on Stage 3 of the CBD CCTV project. The project will see the installation of fibre optic cable and CCTV cameras in several location in Havannah Street.

Works will occur between 7am and 4pm weekends. While under boring works occur there will be some noise and an impact on parking in the areas where the work is occurring.

Havannah Street will remain open to traffic while the works occur.

Visit bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call 6333 6100 for more information.

Heritage assistance grants now open

Applications are now invited for small grants to assist property owners, and community groups maintain, conserve and interpret the regions heritage and history under Council’s heritage assistance funding programs.

Owners of older properties in the Bathurst Region, community groups with an interest in Bathurst’s local heritage and history and owners of properties in the CBD are encouraged to apply for funding.

Funding is available through the:

• Bathurst Region Heritage Fund 2021/2022
• Bathurst CBD Main Street Improvement Fund 2021/2022
• Bathurst Region Interpretation Fund 2021/2022

Application forms and guidelines are available on Council’s website or from Council’s Environmental, Planning and Building Services Department.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 18 June.

Save the date

NSW Local Government elections will be held on Saturday, 4 September. Voting is

compulsory. For more information visit elections.nsw.gov.au/lge21

Community Tree Planting Day

Sunday 9 May, 10am

Macquarie River – Kefford Street Nursery Open Space

Don your gardening gloves, to help us clean up some of our flood damaged planting sites and help plant native plants along the banks of the Macquarie River. For further information and/or to register please contact Bill Josh on 0407 256 791 or Kristie Kearney (Environmental Programs Coordinator) on 6333 6233 or email

council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

Join the Youth Council

Applications are now open for the Bathurst Regional Youth Council. The

Youth Council consists of 14 members aged between 15 and 18 years and is an

opportunity for young people to engage with the Council and other youth service

providers.

Application Forms are available from school Year Advisors, Council’s Civic Centre and at

www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/youth.

Applications close 4:00pm on Tuesday 1 June . For more information, please call 6333 6111.

Top Tourism Town Awards for NSW

We know Bathurst is an amazing town for family-friendly attractions, world-class events, fascinating heritage, and great food and wine. Let's get behind our town in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards.

Bathurst is a finalist in the awards by the NSW Tourism Industry Council. Now it's up to you to cast your vote for your favourite town and community. So please support the Bathurst region and vote to make us NSW’s Top Tourism Town. Voting is open until Friday, 14 May.

To vote visit www.businessnsw.com/media-centre/nsw-top-tourism-town-awards-2021

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 3 May 2021

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.

Bathurst Mayor Bobby Bourke said being a member of the Youth Council provides many benefits to individuals who join.

“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.

Applications close Tuesday, 1 June.

To apply visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or phone 6333 6523.

Ends

More information: Media Officer

Council has received a copy of the Minister’s decision in relation to a Section 10 being placed on the area identified as being for the Go-Kart track project on Mount Panorama-Wahluu.

Council is seeking advice to investigate the full ramifications of the Section 10. While Council is disappointed in the decision, we will abide by that ruling at this time.

Council notes that neither our own commissioned reports or the Minister’s commissioned report indicated that a Section 10 should be placed on the site.

MEDIA RELEASE 30 April 2021

What’s News

NRL

The NRL clash between the Penrith Panthers and the Manly Sea Eagles will be held on Saturday, May 1 at 3pm.

• Plan your trip; walk, carpool or catch a bus
• Use variety of city parking
• Free buses for park and ride all weekend, provided by Council
• Plan extra time
• Park further away and walk

Visit bathurstnrl.com.au for more information.

CBD CCTV - Stage 3

Works are underway on Stage 3 of the CBD CCTV project. The project will see the installation of fibre optic cable and CCTV cameras in several location in Havannah Street.

Works will occur between 7am and 4pm weekends. While under boring works occur there will be some noise and an impact on parking in the areas where the work is occurring.

Havannah Street will remain open to traffic while the works occur.

Visit bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call 6333 6100 for more information.

Parking enforcement

Since March 2020 Council’s Rangers have taken an educative approach to parking enforcement, issuing cautions for many offences rather than Penalty Infringement Notices Council has taken this approach to enforcement to support the local businesses and the community during the difficult period over the last twelve months.

Over a number of weeks, Council Rangers will escalate enforcement practice to ensure fair and equitable access to parking for all members of the community. This will include restrictions in school zones, bus zones, no parking areas and time restrictions in the carparks.

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

Heritage assistance media@bathurst.nsw.gov.augrants now open

Applications are now invited for small grants to assist property owners, and community groups maintain, conserve and interpret the regions heritage and history under Council’s heritage assistance funding programs.

Owners of older properties in the Bathurst Region, community groups with an interest in Bathurst’s local heritage and history and owners of properties in the CBD are encouraged to apply for funding.

Funding is available through the:

• Bathurst Region Heritage Fund 2021/2022
• Bathurst CBD Main Street Improvement Fund 2021/2022
• Bathurst Region Interpretation Fund 2021/2022

Application forms and guidelines are available on Council’s website or from Council’s Environmental, Planning and Building Services Department.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 18 June 2021.

Entries into Waste 2 Art open

The Bathurst Waste 2 Art exhibition and competition will be held at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre between 8 and 23 May. Entry forms are now available on the Council website and entries are open until 5 May. For more information and inspiration visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Save the date

NSW Local Government elections will be held on Saturday, 4 September. Voting is

compulsory. For more information visit elections.nsw.gov.au/lge21

Community Tree Planting Day

Sunday 9 May 2021, 10am

Macquarie River – Kefford Street Nursery Open Space

Don your gardening gloves, to help us clean up some of our flood damaged planting sites and help plant native plants along the banks of the Macquarie River. For further information and/or to register please contact Bill Josh on 0407 256 791 or Kristie Kearney (Environmental Programs Coordinator) on 6333 6233 or email

council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer