News Centre

MEDIA RELEASE 23 October 2020

Community Animal Welfare Scheme

Council in partnership with the RSPCA is pleased to announce that the next community animal welfare scheme will commence on Monday 16 November. This scheme is only open to pensioners, newstart or jobseeker recipients and healthcare card holders who are residents of the Bathurst Local Government Area.

The subsidised cost for this program is as follows: Dog Female $70.00 Male $55.00 Cat Female $55.00 Male $40.00 The cost of microchipping is included for both dogs and cats. First vaccinations are included for both cats and dogs. Pain relief and hospitalisation are included in the cost for both dogs and cats. Places are strictly limited, and bookings are essential at the following veterinary practices. Stewart Street Veterinary Hospital 6331 1222 Bathurst Central Animal Hospital 6334 2009.

Household Chemical Clean Out

Council will be holding a household chemical clean out on Thursday 19 November at the Cooke Hockey Complex between 8am and 4pm. Residents can bring up to 20L or 20Kg of waste items for free, although please make sure to transport waste to the collection safely. For more information about what can be dropped off at the chemical clean out please contact Council on 6333 6111 or visit the Council website.

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 further information, please phone on 6333 6523 or visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close at 4pm on Friday 30 October 2020.

Children’s Weekly Activities at the Library

Children’s Programs are back in the Library face-to-face from term 4. Strict booking conditions apply. The program offers Storytime for 3-5 years on Tuesdays, Baby Rhyme Time for 6 months – 3 years on Wednesdays, and Boredom Busters (online) for 5-18 years on Thursdays. Bookings are essential, phone 6333 6281.

Get Grubby for families

Dirtgirl, Costa the garden gnome and Scrapboy have just launched a new online subscription program called Get Grubby for Families. And, because Council is part of the Get Grubby Program residents are invited to join in the fun for free. Each month, subscribers receive a bumper email, jam-packed with ideas, activities, printables, songs, videos and exclusive resources to help you grow a family garden, make compost and cook the harvest, along with recycling fun, sustainable DIY, nature play and getting grubby outdoors!

Designed for children aged 3–10 and their families, it’s a beautiful resource to help your whole family grow together at home. To activate your subscription, click on this link-https://www.dirtgirlworldshop.com/ggp-family-activate-bathurst and carefully follow the instructions. Once you are activated you will receive your first edition – the welcome pack. Have fun getting grubby!

Garage Sale Trail

Council has partnered with the National Garage Sale Trail campaign to bring one huge weekend of Garage Sales on 21 and 22 November. Host a sale as a shop owner, school, resident or community group or shop the trail and pick up some affordable preloved goods. For more information visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au

Women in Local Government information session

An information session for women interested in standing as a candidate for the 2021 local government election will be held on Tuesday 17 November 2020. The session will from 5.30pm – 7.30pm in the Council Chambers. Due to COVID-19 restrictions numbers are limited. Participants must register to attend. Registration is via email to council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au and you need to include your name and contact details. If you are unable to register via email call Council on 6333 6111.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 21 October 2020

The ‘Water – Let’s Make It Last” campaign was division and overall category winner in Community, Education, and Empowerment Category at the Local Government Excellence in the Environment awards.

The integrated communication, engagement, education, and compliance program secured significant water savings by reducing residential consumption to a third over 18 months.

Council has previously had a Waterwise program in place but the implementation of water restrictions initially in 2018 and further in 2019 meant that the community need to be engaged in a strategic way to ensure compliance and reduce water consumption.

Education in the form of community information, engagement, or capacity building activities such as gardening workshops and compliance measures continue to be the three cornerstones of the campaign.

Mayor Bobby Bourke congratulated Council staff and thanked the community for coming together to preserve the city’s water supply.

“Water restrictions are an important and necessary measure designed to reduce water consumption and give council time to complete important water infrastructure projects to augment council's water supply,” he said

“I would like to thank our community for your overwhelming support of water restrictions. Residents, businesses and community groups have been very responsive in adopting water conservation measures and complying with the water restrictions.”

ENDS

Media contact: Corinne Boer Media and Communications Officer P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE 20 October 2020

Kelso Community Hub playground wins award

The outdoor recreational space at the Kelso Community Hub has received an award of excellence through Parks and Leisure Australia, the leading industry association for professionals in the sector.

The industry awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding initiatives and innovative efforts of ‘the people behind the places’ which promote good use of leisure time for social, environmental and economic benefits to the community.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the facility was opened in July last year and provides a vibrant, innovative and inclusive space for the community.

“Designed by Fiona Robbe from Landscape Architects and constructed by Tablelands Builders, the space includes slides, swings, monkey bars and an accessible spinner,” he said.

The space also enhances social cohesion for families and community members and provides therapeutic benefits featuring elements that blend natural materials, including timber, rock structures and boulders.

ENDS

Media contact: Corinne Boer Media and Communications Officer P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE 16 October 2020

Bathurst 1000 off-track events

It’s time to get outdoors and discover the hidden gems in the Bathurst region. The VERTO Scavenger hunt as part of the Great Race Festival Off-track Event has over 30 tasks capturing what’s iconic to the region including museums, villages, and historic buildings.

There are 30 prizes to be won which means the more you discover and complete the more chances you will have to win. Don’t forget about the colouring in competition, with 80 Supercars stationary packs up for grabs. Both competitions are free and are now open. Competitions end on 18 October. Visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Race Week at National Motor Racing Museum

Over the Bathurst 1000 event period, the National Motor Racing Museum will have some changes to normal operations. The museum will be open from 9 am to 5:30 pm on Wednesday 14 October and closed from Thursday 15 October to Sunday 18 October in line with Supercars’ COVID Safe Plans.

The museum will re-open to visitors at 8am on Monday 19 October. The museum will also be opening a pop-up shop at 38 William St from 9am to 4:30 pm on Thursday 15, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October with a range of Great Race memorabilia, team apparel, motor racing books and great gift ideas. Follow the National Motor Racing Museum on Facebook for the latest news.

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 further information, please phone on 6333 6523 or visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close at 4pm on Friday 30 October 2020.

Children’s Weekly Activities at the Library

Children’s Programs are back in the Library face-to-face from term 4. Strict booking conditions apply. The program offers Storytime for 3-5 years on Tuesdays, Baby Rhyme Time for 6 months – 3 years on Wednesdays, and Boredom Busters (online) for 5-18 years on Thursdays. Bookings are essential, phone 6333 6281.

Get Grubby for families

Dirtgirl, Costa the garden gnome and Scrapboy have just launched a new online subscription program called Get Grubby for Families. And, because Council is part of the Get Grubby Program residents are invited to join in the fun for free. Each month, subscribers receive a bumper email, jam-packed with ideas, activities, printables, songs, videos and exclusive resources to help you grow a family garden, make compost and cook the harvest, along with recycling fun, sustainable DIY, nature play and getting grubby outdoors!

Designed for children aged 3–10 and their families, it’s a beautiful resource to help your whole family grow together at home. To activate your subscription, click on this link-https://www.dirtgirlworldshop.com/ggp-family-activate-bathurst and carefully follow the instructions. Once you are activated you will receive your first edition – the welcome pack. Have fun getting grubby!

Garage Sale Trail

Council has partnered with the National Garage Sale Trail campaign to bring one huge weekend of Garage Sales on 21 and 22 November. Host a sale as a shop owner, school, resident or community group or shop the trail and pick up some affordable preloved goods. For more information visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au

Women in Local Government information session

An information session for women interested in standing as a candidate for the 2021 local government election will be held on Tuesday 17 November 2020. The session will from 5.30pm – 7.30pm in the Council Chambers. Due to COVID-19 restrictions numbers are limited. Participants must register to attend. Registration is via email to csrep@bathurst.nsw.gov.au and you need to include your name and contact details. If you are unable to register via email call Council on 6333 6111.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Contacts

MEDIA RELEASE 9 October 2020

Race Week at National Motor Racing Museum

Over the Bathurst 1000 event period, the National Motor Racing Museum will have some changes to normal operations. The museum will be open from 9 am to 5:30 pm on Wednesday 14 October and closed from Thursday 15 October to Sunday 18 October in line with Supercars’ COVID Safe Plans.

The museum will re-open to visitors at 8am on Monday 19 October. The museum will also be opening a pop-up shop at 38 William St from 9am to 4:30 pm on Thursday 15, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October with a range of Great Race memorabilia, team apparel, motor racing books and great gift ideas. Follow the National Motor Racing Museum on Facebook for the latest news.

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 further information, please phone on 6333 6523 or visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close at 4pm on Friday 30 October 2020.

The Persian Queen by Phil & Cath Snitch @ BMEC

Based on the biblical story of Esther, The Persian Queen is a new musical theatre production written by local artists Phil and Cath Snitch. Join the cast, from 8 October – 11 October, on a journey through the ancient kingdom of Persia where the tormented King Xerxes is manipulated into agreeing to annihilate the Jewish settlers of Persia. His young queen is now faced with a fearful choice … should she stay quiet or should she risk death by standing up for her people? Seats are strictly limited. To book phone 6333 6161, or visit www.bmec.com.au or through the box office open from 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday.

Children’s Weekly Activities at the Library

Children’s Programs are back in the Library face-to-face from term 4. Strict booking conditions apply. The program offers Storytime for 3-5 years on Tuesdays, Baby Rhyme Time for 6 months – 3 years on Wednesdays, and Boredom Busters (online) for 5-18 years on Thursdays. Bookings are essential, phone 6333 6281.

Bathurst 1000 off-track events

It’s time to get outdoors and discover the hidden gems in the Bathurst region. The VERTO Scavenger hunt as part of the Great Race Festival Off-track Event has over 30 tasks capturing what’s iconic to the region including museums, villages, and historic buildings.

There are 30 prizes to be won which means the more you discover and complete the more chances you will have to win. Don’t forget about the colouring in competition, with 80 Supercars stationary packs up for grabs. Both competitions are free and are now open. Competitions end on 18 October. Visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Garage Sale Trail

Council has partnered with the National Garage Sale Trail campaign to bring one huge weekend of Garage Sales on 21 and 22 November. Host a sale as a shop owner, school, resident or community group or shop the trail and pick up some affordable preloved goods. For more information visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au

Women for Election

The State Government has launched a campaign to inspire more women to represent their community and run for Council at the September 2021 local government elections.

The campaign includes a series of videos with former and current female councillors, a range of materials including key information and resources and a series of workshops and programs for potential female candidates. This information can be found on the Office of Local Government website

https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/about-councils/become-a-councillor/women-in-local-government-stand-for-your-community/

The NSW Government is partnering with Women for Election Australia to run a series of workshops, starting in October, to inspire and equip women to run for local government. Workshop details can be found on the Women for Election Australia’s website https://wfea.org.au/

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 7 October 2020

Bathurst Regional Council was successful in attracting a grant of $767,884 under the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program for the Bathurst Streets as Shared Spaces Pilot project.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the grant was one of the largest offered under the program.

“The program provides one-off grant funding to support local councils to test and pilot new and innovative ideas for streets as safe, shared public spaces,” he said.

“The funding provides quick-response demonstration projects and strategic pilots that temporarily adapt streets to support healthier, safer, and more resilient communities. From Council’s perspective, we also want this project to encourage people back into the CBD and patronising local businesses.”

Key objectives of the program are to build on the local character, increase space for safe walking, improve access on foot to key destinations, and to activate streets to create better public spaces.

The Bathurst Streets as Shared Spaces Pilot project is proposed for the south east corner of the Bathurst town square block to encompass:

• William Street (between Howick and Russell Streets)
• Church Street
• Ribbon Gang Lane

Within this precinct the project will introduce temporary and reversable improvements that will:

• improve and enhance pedestrian safety and comfort
• enhance King’s Parade as a venue where Bathurst celebrates and commemorates
• test how a CBD street block might be cooled and beautified through new temporary street trees in planter boxes.

The aim is to complete the improvements ready for the next year’s Winter Festival. More information will be available on the Bathurst Yoursay website as Council commences engagement with the community, particularly with businesses and property owners in the project area.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE 2 October 2020

A new-look National Motor Racing Museum Legendary Moments Dinner has been added to the Great Race Festival off-track events.

This year, the dinner will feature an exclusive video Q & A with current Virgin Australian Supercar drivers and past winners of the Bathurst 1000.

Mayor of Bathurst Cr Bobby Bourke said Council was pleased to be able to announce the dinner would proceed, but in a slightly different format, after COVID restrictions made it difficult to proceed with the traditional format.

“We have secured interviews with Jamie Whincup, Scott Mclaughlin, Chaz Mostert and Will Davison and these will be shown at the dinner.”

Tickets to the dinner are now on sale and are being sold in either tables of four or six to meet current health guidelines. Ticket sales are limited to 90 attendees.

The dinner will be held at Rydges, Mount Panorama, starting at 6.30pm on Thursday 15 October 2020. A table of 4 is $280 and a table of 6 is $430. Individual tickets are not available.

Cr Bourke said the other off-track events activities were already proving popular.

“The VERTO Scavenger Hunt has attracted more than 600 participants in the first week and more than 1,500 scavenger hunt tasks have been completed by participants. Ten new scavenger hunt tasks will be released this weekend.”

The window display competition has also returned, and local businesses have until Monday 5 October to register. Thanks to sponsors Bathurst Broadcasters, six winners will receive a $500 advertising package.

Entries are open in the Colouring-in competition. Show us your best and brightest colours for your chance to win 1 of 80 Supercars themed stationery packs. Entries close at 5pm on 18 October.

For more information on any of these activities, or to purchase tickets to the Legendary Moments Dinner visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE 2 October 2020

School Holiday ‘Take & Make’ craft kits

The Bathurst Library’s Spring School Holiday Program is out now and includes exciting ‘Take & Make’ craft kits for families to pick up from the library. With special themes such as Spring gardens, Safaris and Prehistoric Adventure’s the kits are hands-on packs of fun. To request a kit and arrange a pick up, call the library on 6333 6281. Kits are limited to 1 per child.

2020/2021 Bathurst CCTV Funding Program

Bathurst Regional 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 further information, please contact Council’s Cultural & Community Services Department on 6333 6523 or Council’s Website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au. Applications close at 4pm on Friday 30 October 2020.

The Persian Queen by Phil & Cath Snitch @ BMEC

Based on the biblical story of Esther, The Persian Queen is a new musical theatre production written by local artists Phil and Cath Snitch. Join the cast on a journey through the ancient kingdom of Persia where the tormented King Xerxes is manipulated into agreeing to annihilate the Jewish settlers of Persia. His young queen is now faced with a fearful choice … should she stay quiet or should she risk death by standing up for her people? Seats are strictly limited. Please contact BMEC to book 6333 6161. Box office is open from 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday. You can also book online. www.bmec.com.au/the-persian-queen.html

Children’s Weekly Activities at the Library

Children’s Programs are back in the Bathurst Library face-to-face from term 4. Strict booking conditions and COVID restriction compliance apply.

The Program offers Storytime for 3-5 years on Tuesdays; Baby Rhyme Time for 6 months – 3 years on Wednesdays; and Boredom Busters (online) for 5-18 years on Thursdays. Call 6333 6281 to book (bookings essential).

Bathurst 1000 off-track events 

It’s time to get outdoors and discover the hidden gems in the Bathurst Region. The VERTO Scavenger hunt as part of the Great Race Festival Off-track Event has over 30 tasks capturing what’s iconic to the Bathurst Region including museums, villages, and historic buildings.

There are 30 prizes to be won which means the more you discover and complete the more chances you will have to win. Don’t forget about the colouring in competition. With 80 Supercars stationary packs up for grabs. Both competitions are FREE and are now open.  Competitions end on the 18th of October. Visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Garage Sale Trail

The annual Garage Sale has been revamped as Council has partnered with the National Garage Sale Trail campaign to bring you one huge weekend of Garage Sales on 21 & 22 November.

Make money and host your own sale as a shop owner, school, resident or community group or shop the trail and pick up some affordable preloved goods.

For more information visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au

Women for Election
The State Government has launched a campaign to inspire more women to represent their community and run for council at the September 2021 local government elections.

The campaign includes a series of videos with former and current female councillors; a range of materials including key information and resources and a series of workshops and programs for potential female candidates. This information can be found on the Office of Local Government website

https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/about-councils/become-a-councillor/women-in-local-government-stand-for-your-community/

The NSW Government is partnering with Women for Election Australia to run a series of workshops, starting in October, to inspire and equip women to run for local government. Workshop details can be found on the Women for Election Australia’s website https://wfea.org.au/

MEDIA RELEASE 28 September 2020

It’s school holidays and locals and visitors alike are making the most of the break to explore the region.

Mayor of Bathurst Cr Bobby Bourke said it is important that residents and visitors when they are out over the holidays enjoying the region, to remember COVID restrictions remain in place, and to be COVID-safe.

“Warmer weather and sunshine means more people are taking advantage of our beautiful parks and playgrounds and exploring our villages. We are also anticipating an increased number of visitors to the region who will also be making the most of the school holidays to visit our many museums and facilities like the Art Gallery and Library.

“For everyone it is important to remember the rules on gatherings and social distancing and to practice good hand hygiene.

“Our museums are incredibly popular and we have COVID-safe measures in place at each of them. You will see COVID-safe marshals and we have limits on numbers at each of the venues. We also ask that you sign-in to each of our facilities and follow the directions of staff on site if we are at capacity when you visit.

“Following COVID-safe practices will ensure we can all enjoy the school holidays and help provide a much needed boost to the local economy,” Cr Bourke said.

It is important to follow the established COVID-safe practices, no matter where you are:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly

• Maintain 1.5m physical distance

• Wear a face mask when physical distancing cannot be maintained

• Stay at home if you are feeling unwell

MEDIA RELEASE 25 September 2020

School Holiday ‘Take & Make’ craft kits

The Bathurst Library’s spring school holiday program is out now and includes exciting ‘Take & Make’ craft kits for families to pick up from the library. With special themes such as spring gardens, safaris and prehistoric adventure’s, the kits are hands-on packs of fun. To request a kit and arrange a pick up, call the library on 6333 6281. Kits are limited to 1 per child.

Online Author Talk- Monica McInerney

The next online author talk available as part of NSW Public Library Collaboration events will be a conversation with best-selling author Monica McInerney. Monica’s latest book titled ‘The Godmothers’ is a standalone family drama and will be the main topic for conversation for the online event on 30 September at 6.30pm. This is a free event held online with Zoom. Registrations must be made via Eventbrite.

Museums Bathurst 2 week passes and annual membership

If you are looking for an ideal Christmas gift, or planning to holiday at home, consider a gift that lasts the whole year. An annual Museums Bathurst membership offers free entry to one or all three Museums for one year as well as retail discounts.

A Museums Bathurst two-week pass makes an ideal gift for a family adventure or for visiting friends and relatives and provides single entry to the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, the National Motor Racing Museum and the Bathurst Rail Museum.

Visit museumsbathurst.com.au for details or drop into one of the participating museums.

Garage Sale Trail

The annual Garage Sale has been revamped as Council has partnered with the National Garage

Sale Trail campaign to bring you one huge weekend of Garage Sales on 21 & 22 November.

Make money and host your own sale as a shop owner, school, resident or community group or

shop the trail and pick up some affordable preloved goods.

For more information visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au

Sporting Association Grants

Each year Council provides a grant scheme to assist local sporting organisations to undertake

specific works or purchase equipment for the advancement of sport in the Bathurst region.

Sporting organisations that are affiliated with the Bathurst District Sport and Recreation Council

are eligible to apply for these grants. A total of $20,000 has been allocated to this scheme.

Further information and application forms are available from Council’s Recreation Section on

6333 6285 or Council’s website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au Applications close on Tuesday 29 September.

Access Improvement Small Business Grants

Council in partnership with the Bathurst Regional Access Committee provides grants to assist local small businesses and non-profit organisations improve access and inclusion to their place of business/organisation.

Businesses and non-profit organisations within the Bathurst region may apply for funding of either

50% of project costs, or up to a maximum of $5,000 on a dollar for dollar basis.

Projects must be completed within the 2020/2021 financial year to be eligible to apply for a grant.

Retrospective funding will be considered providing the project is completed in the current financial

year.

For further details and/or application packages, phone 6333 6523 or visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au. Applications close at 4.00pm on Friday, 2 October.

Central Tablelands Rowing Club Open Day

Date: Sunday, 27 September

Time: 10am - 2pm

Location: Chifley Dam Bathurst (near the cabins)

Please contact the club to arrange a time to view the compound, boats and waterway or

to express interest in joining the club.

For more information contact bathurstrowing@hotmail.com 0408 467 278 (Laurence), www.bathurstrowing.org or search “Central Tablelands Rowing” on Facebook.

Women for Election

The State Government has launched a campaign to inspire more women to represent their community and run for council at the September 2021 local government elections.

The campaign includes a series of videos with former and current female councillors; a range of materials including key information and resources and a series of workshops and programs for potential female candidates. This information can be found on the Office of Local Government website

https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/about-councils/become-a-councillor/women-in-local-government-stand-for-your-community/

The NSW Government is partnering with Women for Election Australia to run a series of workshops, starting in October, to inspire and equip women to run for local government. Workshop details can be found on the Women for Election Australia’s website https://wfea.org.au/

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer