News Centre

MEDIA RELEASE 8 March 2021

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global event celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

This year’s theme is Choose to Challenge - we can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. Raise your hand high to show you're in and that you commit to choose to challenge and call out inequality.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the event has been observed since the early 1900s - a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialised world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

“The significance of International Women's Day is increasing each year as is the respect, appreciation and care for women in our community and society,” he said.

Council is celebrating International Women’s Day with installations of 12 local women in Kings Parade who represent the themes and missions of International Women's Day.

The women were chosen by a panel convened by Council which included Councillors, Council staff and representatives from community organisations.

The women represent a diverse cross section of the community and work in areas such as health, creative industries, sport, have helped build inclusive workplaces or work in traditionally male-dominated industries.

International Women’s Day identifies missions to help forge a gender equal:

Celebrate tech women and Innovations

Demand equality for women in sport

• Anna Blackie -Triathlete
• Kathy Sloan – One of the founders and secretary of Bathurst AFL Giants football club.

Build inclusive workplaces so women thrive

Educate women on health choice decisions

• Dr Jane Lawrence - One of the first female doctors to practice in Bathurst
• Marie Bourke – Tireless advocate for women, volunteer counsellor, support for women exiting the justice system
• Selina Brandy – Relationships Australia, strong aboriginal role model

Increase visibility of women creatives

• Beth Pratley – Musical Director of Panorama Chorus
• Tracey Callinan – Executive Director of Arts OutWest
• Karen Golland – Local Artists
• Zoe Peters - School Captain, Youth Mayor & sporting figure
• Laura Cole – Former Youth Deputy Mayor, community activist

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

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

Statement from Bathurst Regional Council General Manager David Sherley

Re: Development of the Go-Kart Track at Mount Panorama-Wahluu

Council has received correspondence from the Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for the Environment advising that she has granted an emergency declaration under Section 9 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth) (ATSIHP Act), for a period of 30 days.

The declaration covers the area identified for the development of the Go-Kart Track at Mount Panorama-Wahluu.

The emergency declaration put a stay on the commencement of works on the project for 30 days. Accordingly, Council will not be commencing works on site on Monday 8 March.

In addition, following a hearing in the NSW Supreme Court today, Council has been issued with a cease work order for works associated with the go-kart track.

This legal action is being pursued by King & Wood Malleson, acting on behalf of the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation.

Council has agreed to this cease work order.

Council continues to consider its options in regards to these two matters.

David Sherley
General Manager

MEDIA RELEASE 5 March 2021

Free Home Security Workshops

Bathurst Regional Council, along with Chifley Police District and NSW Department of Communities and Justice, have developed a Home Security Program for the Bathurst region as a part of the Don’t Be Next campaign.

As part of the program, free home security workshops are being held to educate the community on home security and areas you can improve.

- Thursday 18 March, 10.30am-11.30am at the Kelso Community Hub
- Thursday 15 April, 10.30am-11.30am at the Bathurst Library

Workshop bookings are essential. Please visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call 6333 6523.

Can't make a workshop? Visit the pop-up home security stall in the Armada Bathurst Shopping Centre on Tuesday 13 April.

Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail

The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail will be held on 10 and 11 April with early bird tickets to the event now on sale. Over 120 local and guest artisans will demonstrate rare trades that helped build the Bathurst region including blacksmithing, saddlery, dry stone walling, whip making, glass artistry, tapestry, embroidery, carpentry and joinery, violin making and more. Early bird tickets are just $15 and tickets can also be purchased on the weekend of the event. Visit www.bathurstregion.com.au

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8 March and this year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. Council has profiled several local women about their achievements and contribution to the Bathurst community. The profiles will be displayed in Kings Parade in the form of life size corflute cut outs from 8 to 12 March. The profiles will also be published online via Council's website and social media profiles.

Entries into Waste 2 Art now 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

Sustainable Living Expo

The Sustainable Living Expo returns for 2021. Join ‘Fast Ed’ from Better Homes & Gardens for night of food, wine, cooking and learning on Friday 26 March or get the whole family together for a day out at the Sustainable Living Expo on Saturday 27 March. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Bathurst Cycling Classic 

The Bathurst Cycling Classic will be held 12 – 14 March and includes the Hill Climb, Criterium and B2B (Bathurst to Bathurst) 100km road race. The event will be held over three days from Friday to Sunday. 

Dates: Friday 12 March Hill Climb on Mount Panorama twilight event  

Saturday 13 March Criterium  

Sunday 14 March B2B 100km fully closed roads throughout course 

Registration is limited due to current NSW Health advice. For more information visit www.bathurstcyclingclassic.com.au 

Volunteers

If you would like to volunteer and raise money for your club/ organisation visit

bathurstcyclingclassic.com.au and register your interest or email b2b@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

Journey West - Bathurst Vintage Rail Weekend

Re-live the halcyon days of country passenger trains in a 1960s Vintage Rail Motor and celebrate the 145th anniversary of the opening of the Main Western Line.

Take a vintage journey between Bathurst and Sydney or Lithgow, take a short shuttle journey to Newbridge and back or ride the Tarana brunch train.

Visit musuemsbathurst.com.au for more information and bookings.

Museum Sponsors

Museums Bathurst is seeking sponsors for museum events individual museums, including the Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum, Bathurst Rail Museum, Chifley Home and Education Centre and the National Motor Racing Museum.

Please contact Museums Bathurst at museums@bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call 6333 6543 for further information.

Bathurst Library

Learn all about the NBN

Thursday 18 March at 10.30am

Come to a free information session at the library to find out how to connect, what to look for from providers and ask questions. Bookings essential. Phone 6333 6281.

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

ClubGRANTS Scheme

Council invites local community organisations to apply for funding from the 2021 ClubGRANTS Scheme.

Projects in the following categories may qualify:

• Community welfare and social services.

• Community development.

• Community health services.

• Employment assistance activities.

Applications close at 4pm on Friday, 23 April.

Further information regarding ClubGRANTS funding guidelines and application forms are available on Council’s website: www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or the ClubsNSW website www.clubsnsw.com.au, or contact Cultural & Community Services on 02 6333 6523.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 1 March 2021

The Bathurst Visitor Information Centre (BVIC) has been announced as the top business in Australia for sales of Buy Local Gift Cards.

‘Why Leave Town Promotions’, the company administering the overall program, announced the results for 2020 recently which showed that BVIC both loaded the highest value of gift cards, $47,510, as well as the most gift cards loaded by a single business across Australia at 662 cards loaded.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the Buy Local Gift Card program was an important part of Council’s commitment to supporting local businesses.

“Over $270,000 was loaded onto cards in the Bathurst region in the last year, and this is all money that will stay in our community and be spent across the more than 135 participating businesses. In December alone, 312 cards with a value of $23,175 were loaded at BVIC in the lead up to Christmas,” he said.

“The Buy Local Gift Card program has been operating in Bathurst since 2015 with over $582,161 redeemed at local businesses since its inception.”

“BVIC is a valuable hub for the community as well as for visitors to the region. These numbers, and their place as the number one business in Australia for sales in this program, show both the importance of the business to supporting Bathurst as well as the overall importance of the program to the economic strength of Bathurst”.

BVIC is open 7 days a week from 9.30am to 4.30pm daily, with Buy Local Gift Cards available to be loaded with any dollar amount from $20 to $500.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 26 February 2021

Free Home Security Workshops

Bathurst Regional Council, along with Chifley Police District and NSW Department of Communities and Justice, have developed a Home Security Program for the Bathurst region as a part of the Don’t Be Next campaign.

As part of the program, FREE home security workshops are being held to educate the community on home security and areas you can improve.

- Thursday 18 March, 10.30am-11.30am at the Kelso Community Hub
- Thursday 15 April, 10.30am-11.30am at the Bathurst Library

Workshop bookings are essential. Please visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call 6333 6523.

Can't make a workshop? Visit the pop-up home security stall in the Armada Bathurst Shopping Centre on Tuesday 13 April.

Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail

The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail will be held on 10 and 11 April with early bird tickets to the event now on sale. Over 120 local and guest artisans will demonstrate rare trades that helped build the Bathurst region including blacksmithing, saddlery, dry stone walling, whip making, glass artistry, tapestry, embroidery, carpentry and joinery, violin making and more. Early bird tickets are just $15 and tickets can also be purchased on the weekend of the event. Visit www.bathurstregion.com.au

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8 March and this year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. Council has profiled several local women about their achievements and contribution to the Bathurst community. The profiles will be displayed in Kings Parade in the form of life size corflute cut outs from 8 to 12 March. The profiles will also be published online via Council's website and social media profiles.

Entries into Waste 2 Art now 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

Sustainable Living Expo

The Sustainable Living Expo returns for 2021. Join ‘Fast Ed’ from Better Homes & Gardens for night of food, wine, cooking and learning on Friday 26 March or get the whole family together for a day out at the Sustainable Living Expo on Saturday 27 March. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Inland Sea of Sound

The Inland Sea of Sound is on from 24 to 28 February with a series of fantastic concerts in town, both indoors and outdoors featuring C.W Stoneking and Kate Ceberano. For the full program and to purchase tickets visit www.inlandseaofsound.com.au. This will be a COVID safe event.

Library

History Talk with Robyn Hardina

6pm-7.30pm on Tuesday 2 March.

Join family history author Robyn Hardina as she discusses the role her fifth great uncle, John Rowley played in exploring routes to Bathurst and the Central West. While researching her book A Gentleman of the Rum Corps: The biography of Captain Thomas Rowley and his descendants, she uncovered her ancestor John Rowley’s part in an 1819 expedition to find a new route from the Southern Highlands to Bathurst. Bookings essential.

To book or for more information phone 6333 6281.

Bathurst Cycling Classic 

The Bathurst Cycling Classic will be held 12 – 14 March and includes the Hill Climb, Criterium and B2B (Bathurst to Bathurst) 100km road race. The event will be held over three days from Friday to Sunday. 

Dates: Friday 12 March Hill Climb on Mount Panorama twilight event  

Saturday 13 March Criterium  

Sunday 14 March B2B 100km fully closed roads throughout course 

Registration is limited due to current NSW Health advice. For more information visit www.bathurstcyclingclassic.com.au 

Volunteers

If you would like to volunteer and raise money for your club/ organisation visit

bathurstcyclingclassic.com.au and register your interest or email b2b@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

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 22 February 2021

The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail will be held on 10 and 11 April with early bird tickets to the event now on sale.

Over 120 local and guest artisans will demonstrate rare trades that helped build the Bathurst region including blacksmithing, saddlery, dry stone walling, whip making, glass artistry, tapestry, embroidery, carpentry and joinery, violin making and more.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the event offers visitors and locals a unique cultural experience that gives insight into our rich past.

“It’s important to preserve the trades and crafts that shaped the history and culture of Bathurst, Australia’s first inland European settlement. The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail offers a fascinating chance to see, feel and experience how everyday items were made before the modern luxuries we are afforded today,” he said.

This year will see part of the trail housed at the heritage Bathurst Showground pavilions, along with its original location at the Bathurst Agricultural Research Station.

The extra space at the Bathurst Showground will allow artisans and guests to be socially distanced to comply with the COVID-Safe plan for the event, including contact registration via the Service NSW app upon arrival for all patrons, and the supply of additional hygiene measures.

Shuttle buses will transport attendees between the two venues, making it easy to take in the wonders of all the heritage trades on display.

Early bird tickets are just $15 online at www.bathurstregion.com.au/bathurst-heritage-trades-trail.

Tickets can also be purchased on the weekend of the event from Bathurst Visitor Information Centre, 1 Kendall Avenue, Bathurst, or at either venue for $20. Children under 16 are free.

For more information visit Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail Facebook page.

ENDS

Entries into Waste 2 Art now 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

Repco Mount Panorama 500 Picnic in the Parade

Join us for a picnic in Kings Parade, Friday 26 February ahead of a huge weekend of racing. Enjoy live music, markets, giveaways and on-stage appearances from your favourite Supercar drivers. Picnic in the Parade will be a great night out under the stars to kick off the Repco Mount Panorama 500. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Sustainable Living Expo

The Sustainable Living Expo returns for 2021. Join ‘Fast Ed’ from Better Homes & Gardens for night of food, wine, cooking and learning on Friday 26 March or get the whole family together for a day out at the Sustainable Living Expo on Saturday 27 March. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Rail Museum turns one 

The Bathurst Rail Museum will hold a birthday celebration on February 20 and 21. The event will include musicians performing on Saturday afternoon, a Thomas the Tank Engine jumping castle, stickers for kids, 10 per cent off normal entry price and shop purchases, and a competition to go into the draw to have a birthday party at the museum.

For more information, keep an eye on the Bathurst Rail Museum Facebook page.

Inland Sea of Sound

The Inland Sea of Sound is on from 24 to 28 February with a series of fantastic concerts in town, both indoors and outdoors featuring C.W Stoneking and Kate Ceberano. For the full program and to purchase tickets visit www.inlandseaofsound.com.au. This will be a COVID safe event.

Library

Discover more: Technology

Thursday 25 February 10.30am -12pm

The library is holding a series of free tutorials for people who would like to improve

their technology skills. This month’s topic: how to install apps on a smartphone or tablet. Bookings essential. Phone 6333 6281.

Memoir Workshop

Saturday 13 February 3 - 5pm

Bathurst Library will be hosting a series of monthly interactive memoir workshops from February to June to help you connect with others on a similar writing journey. Delivered by Kerry Chater, the workshops will cover topics from getting started with writing, identifying what makes a story interesting, bringing stories to life and key editing tips to help people write and develop their stories.

Each workshop costs $10 and bookings are essential as spaces are limited.

History Talk with Robyn Hardina

6pm-7.30pm on Tuesday 2 March.

Join family history author Robyn Hardina as she discusses the role her fifth great uncle, John Rowley played in exploring routes to Bathurst and the Central West. While researching her book A Gentleman of the Rum Corps: The biography of Captain Thomas Rowley and his descendants, she uncovered her ancestor John Rowley’s part in an 1819 expedition to find a new route from the Southern Highlands to Bathurst. Bookings essential.

To book or for more information phone 6333 6281.

Bathurst Cycling Classic 

The Bathurst Cycling Classic will be held 12 – 14 March and includes the Hill Climb, Criterium and B2B (Bathurst to Bathurst) 100km road race. The event will be held over three days from Friday to Sunday. 

Dates: Friday 12 March Hill Climb on Mount Panorama twilight event  

Saturday 13 March Criterium  

Sunday 14 March B2B 100km fully closed roads throughout course 

Registration is limited due to current NSW Health advice. For more information visit www.bathurstcyclingclassic.com.au 

Volunteers

If you would like to volunteer and raise money for your club/ organisation visit

bathurstcyclingclassic.com.au and register your interest or email b2b@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

MEDIA RELEASE 17 February 2021

Plans for the Streets as Shared Space Pilot Project have been finalised following extensive community consultation.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said a grant of $767,844 under the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program for the project.

“The NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program provides one-off grant funding supporting Councils to test and pilot new and innovative ideas for streets as safe, shared public spaces,” he said.

“The program provides funding to quick-response demonstration projects and strategic pilots that temporarily adapt streets to support healthier, safer and more resilient communities.”

The plans for the south eastern corner of the Bathurst Town Square include:

• Temporary kerb build outs at either end of Church Street to slow down traffic though Church Street.
• Temporary pram ramps off Kings Parade in two locations along Church Street to improve accessibility.
• Carpark line marking and a painted centre median for Church Street to improve pedestrian access across the length of Church Street.
• Extension of Parrish Lane, one way through the centre of town square and exiting onto William St adjacent to the former Bathurst TAFE building.
• Consolidation of the exit onto William Street of both Parrish Lane and Ribbon Gang Lane.
• The creation of two linear parks in the Town Square fronting William Street and Ribbon Gang Lane.
• The installation of 10 street trees in pots on William Street, in areas that do not affect carparking.
• The installation of 15 street trees in pots on Church Street, in areas that do not affect carparking.
• Commission for temporary (24months) installations of public art in three locations:
  1. 89 William Street, mural project
  2. Ribbon Gang Lane, laneway activation
  3. Former Tafe Building, activation/ outdoor gallery space

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

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 12 February 2021

Rail Museum turns one 

The Bathurst Rail Museum will hold a birthday celebration on February 20 and 21. The event will include musicians performing on Saturday afternoon, a Thomas the Tank Engine jumping castle, stickers for kids, 10 per cent off normal entry price and shop purchases, and a competition to go into the draw to have a birthday party at the museum.

For more information, keep an eye on the Bathurst Rail Museum Facebook page.

Repco Mount Panorama 500 Picnic in the Parade

Join us for a picnic in Kings Parade, Friday 26 February ahead of a huge weekend of racing. Enjoy live music, markets, giveaways and on-stage appearances from your favourite Supercar drivers. Picnic in the Parade will be a great night out under the stars to kick off the Repco Mount Panorama 500. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Sustainable Living Expo

The Sustainable Living Expo returns for 2021. Join ‘Fast Ed’ from Better Homes & Gardens for night of food, wine, cooking and learning on Friday 26 March or get the whole family together for a day out at the Sustainable Living Expo on Saturday 27 March. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Inland Sea of Sound

The Inland Sea of Sound is on from 24 to 28 February with a series of fantastic concerts in town, both indoors and outdoors featuring C.W Stoneking and Kate Ceberano. For the full program and to purchase tickets visit www.inlandseaofsound.com.au. This will be a COVID safe event.

Library

Discover more: Technology

Thursday 25 February 10.30am -12pm

The library is holding a series of free tutorials for people who would like to improve

their technology skills. This month’s topic: how to install apps on a smartphone or tablet. Bookings essential. Phone 6333 6281.

Memoir Workshop

Saturday 13 February 3 - 5pm

Bathurst Library will be hosting a series of monthly interactive memoir workshops from February to June to help you connect with others on a similar writing journey. Delivered by Kerry Chater, the workshops will cover topics from getting started with writing, identifying what makes a story interesting, bringing stories to life and key editing tips to help people write and develop their stories.

Each workshop costs $10 and bookings are essential as spaces are limited.

History Talk with Robyn Hardina

6pm-7.30pm on Tuesday 2 March.

Join family history author Robyn Hardina as she discusses the role her fifth great uncle, John Rowley played in exploring routes to Bathurst and the Central West. While researching her book A Gentleman of the Rum Corps: The biography of Captain Thomas Rowley and his descendants, she uncovered her ancestor John Rowley’s part in an 1819 expedition to find a new route from the Southern Highlands to Bathurst. Bookings essential.

To book or for more information phone 6333 6281.

Bathurst Cycling Classic 

The Bathurst Cycling Classic will be held 12 – 14 March and includes the Hill Climb, Criterium and B2B (Bathurst to Bathurst) 100km road race. The event will be held over three days from Friday to Sunday. 

Dates: Friday 12 March Hill Climb on Mount Panorama twilight event  

Saturday 13 March Criterium  

Sunday 14 March B2B 100km fully closed roads throughout course 

Registration is limited due to current NSW Health advice. For more information visit www.bathurstcyclingclassic.com.au 

Volunteers

If you would like to volunteer and raise money for your club/ organisation visit

bathurstcyclingclassic.com.au and register your interest or email b2b@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

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 12 February 2021

Council, with the support of the NSW Government’s Festival of Place - Summer Fund, will bring musicians to perform in the centre of the city.

A series of performances will occur in Kings Parade commencing on 19 February and continuing through to March and April consisting of lunch and evening performances over Fridays and Saturdays.

Mayor Bobby Bourke thanked the NSW Government for the $10 000 contribution.

“This initiative will enliven our central business district, draw and keep people in our city centre for longer periods while supporting our local artists and businesses,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to bring a chair, order your favourite food from one of Bathurst’s eateries and enjoy the performances.”

For musicians that are interested in participating in the program, please call the Economic Development team on 6333 6111.

Keep an eye on Council’s Facebook page for more information.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer