News Centre

MEDIA RELEASE 21 September 2020

Children, families and friends can enjoy the excitement of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 with a variety of off-track events.

Activities include a scavenger hunt, a colouring-in competition and window displays.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said while the off-track events will be very different to previous years, we can implement activities in a safe way that support the local economy over race week.

“We can still celebrate Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and we have some activities planned that will add to the excitement and support our local businesses at the same time,” he said.

“We are asking our local businesses to become involved as well by encouraging them to host race week-themed events or by creating a window display.”

VERTO Chief Executive Officer, Ron Maxwell, said the organisation is proud to sponsor the scavenger hunt.

“VERTO has been an important part of the Bathurst community for more than three decades, so we are thrilled to team with Bathurst Regional Council to provide our local community with a fun, but safe event these school holidays.

“VERTO understands that these holidays will look a lot different because of COVID-19 restrictions, but we hope that the scavenger hunt can provide lots of fun and laughter for people of all ages.”

Program

VERTO Scavenger Hunt

Grab your friends, kids or go solo to explore and discover the Bathurst region. Gain points

for every task to go into the draw to win one of 30 prizes.

Runs from 25 September – 18 October.

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. Download a copy at www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Window display and business events

If your business is hosting a breakfast, running a best-dressed competition or simply showing the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on the big screen we want to know about it. Register on Council’s website to promote your event.

If hosting something isn’t applicable to your business, we still want you to get involved and register for our window display packs.

For more information on any of these activities visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 18 September 2020

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

Positive Ageing Strategy

Council is developing a Positive Ageing Strategy that will aim to improve the region’s ability to

cater for an ageing population. For more information on the strategy, to register your interest to attend planned focus groups or to provide feedback visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/positiveageing. Submissions close 25 September.

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.

BRAG

“The Archibald Prize 2019 is now open at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.

Eagerly anticipated and often controversial, The Archibald Prize for portraiture is Australia’s most prestigious and oldest painting prize. Presented by the Art Gallery of New South Wales and ANZ, the annual prize features portraits of Australian public figures from artists, actors and musicians to politicians and media personalities and sports stars.

Some notable high-profile Australians in the 2019 Archibald Prize include media personalities Annabel Crabb, Benjamin Law and Leigh Sales, Paralympian Dylan Alcott, rugby league star Greg Inglis and musician Megan Washington.

The 2019 Archibald Prize was awarded to Tony Costa for his portrait of fellow artist Liny Lee. This was Costa’s fourth time as a finalist for the prize. The packing room prize was awarded to Tessa MacKay’s portrait of actor David Wenham and a highly commended honour went to Jude Rae’s portrait of actor Sarah Peirse. When visiting the 2019 Archibald Prize at BRAG don’t forget to vote for the ANZ People’s Choice Award for your chance to win $500 courtesy of ANZ. Voting is now open and closes 5pm Friday 18 September with the announcement of the winner on Saturday 3 October.

For more information visit www.bathurstart.com.au

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.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 16 September 2020

Council will consider a fourth round of stimulus measures to support the community, as part of a Mayoral Minute, at tonight’s Council meeting.

The first round of economic stimulus measures was passed by Council in April, a second round in May and a third was passed in June.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said Council is committed to supporting our community through these uncertain times.

“Council will continue working with businesses, artists, sporting groups and other community organisations to support them with this third round of measures that are aimed to sustain and rebuild our economy. The total value of the stimulus measures to date is $722, 070,” he said.

Following are some of the measures to be considered by Council:

• Waive the user fees of parks, gardens and active spaces for summer sporting groups

• Provide the Bathurst District Sport and Recreational Council (BDS&RC) with $10,000 to assist affiliated sporting bodies to cover costs incurred due to COVID-19.

• Provide Arts OutWest with $10,000 to be utilised in assisting the organisation to achieve its mission.

Previous stimulus measures include ongoing assistance to businesses and the business chamber, residents, sporting and community groups. The financial impact to Council as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic is estimated at $4.1 million although savings have been identified in the budget to help fund the losses.

The Mayoral Minute is available on Council’s website as part of tonight’s business paper.

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 11 September 2020

Tickets on sale for BizMonth business lunch

BizMonth is an initiative of Bathurst Regional Council which highlights the importance and diversity of local businesses and tickets are now on sale for one of the feature events, the BizMonth business lunch.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said this year, the lunch, to be held on Tuesday 29 September, has been adapted to fit with the current restrictions and the guest speak Gus Balbontin will join the lunch from Melbourne, via video link.

“Gus is a former Executive Director of Lonely Planet and a current board member of Start Up Victoria so he will have some fantastic insights for those attending on how to deal and adjust to rapid change, something we have all had to do this year.”

“Tickets to the lunch, to be held at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre are limited, because of COVID restrictions, so if you’d like to attend, don’t delay in buying a ticket,” Cr Bourke said.

Tickets are $35 each. For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Bathurst Business Hub website https://bathurstbusinesshub.com.au/event/bizmonth-business-lunch/

Throughout September, a range of workshops and seminars are also being staged educate businesses in all things digital and to also encourage the community to shop local.

“The format will look a little different this year with a mix of online and in-person events that will have limited numbers and social distancing measures in place,” Cr Bourke said.

BizMonth is a partnership between Bathurst Regional Council, the Western Advocate, Bathurst Business Chamber, Upstairs Startup Hub, Bathurst City Life and 2BS.

Event Program

What: Music in Kings Parade

When: Each Friday from 12-2pm and each Saturday from 12 - 2pm throughout September.

What: Bathurst Rotary Corporate Duck Race

Where: Bicentennial Park

When: Sunday, 13 September at 1.00pm

What: Getting the most out of Facebook and socials.

Where: BMEC

When: Tuesday, 15 September from 9.30 – 11.00am

What: Covid coping strategies for business owners

Where: Upstairs Startup Hub

When: Wednesday, 16 September from 6.00pm - 7.00pm

What: Industry Expert Panel on IT and Digital Adoption

Where: Upstairs Startup Hub

When: Thursday, 17 September 10.30am to 11.15am

Cost: $7.00

What: Industry Expert Panel on Energy

Where: Upstairs Startup Hub

When: Thursday, 17 September 1.15pm - 2.15pm

Cost: $7.00

What: Importance of Setting Up an Online Store

Where: BMEC

When: Tuesday, 22 September from 9.30am – 11.00am

What: Business Chamber Virtual Business Awards

When: Tuesday, 22 September from 5.30pm – 7.00pm

What: Crazy Day

Where: Bathurst CBD

When: Thursday, 24 September

What: Upstairs Startup Hub open day

When: Thursday, 24 September from 9.00am – 2.00pm

What: Business Lunch featuring Gus Balbontin

Where: BMEC

When: Tuesday, 29 September from 12.00 – 2.00pm

Cost: $35

For more information and to purchase tickets visit: https://bathurstbusinesshub.com.au/event/bizmonth-business-lunch/

What: The Importance of Content

Where: BMEC

When: Thursday, 1 October 9.30am – 11.00am

For more information or to register for any of these events visit www.bathurstbusinesshub.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE 11 September 2020

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

Library

Online Author Talk - Cassandra Pybus

Historian and author Cassandra Pybus joins Bathurst Library for an online discussion about her 2020 book “Truganini”. Listen to Cassandra discuss her book describing the life of significant Indigenous historical figure “Truganini”.

This event will be held online on Friday 18 September at 6pm with special conversation partner Jenny Barry from Books Plus Bathurst. For further details call the Library on 6333 6281.

Positive Ageing Strategy

Council is developing a Positive Ageing Strategy that will aim to improve the region’s ability to

cater for an ageing population. For more information on the strategy, to register your interest to attend planned focus groups or to provide feedback visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/positiveageing.

Applications to join the Youth Council are open

Apply now to be part of the 2020/2021 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 Council and other youth service providers. Application forms are available from school coordinators or Council’s website Applications close 4:00pm on Tuesday, 15 September. For more information please call Council’s Community Services section on 6333 6523.

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.

BRAG

“The Archibald Prize 2019 is now open at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.

Eagerly anticipated and often controversial, The Archibald Prize for portraiture is Australia’s most prestigious and oldest painting prize. Presented by the Art Gallery of New South Wales and ANZ, the annual prize features portraits of Australian public figures from artists, actors and musicians to politicians and media personalities and sports stars.

Some notable high-profile Australians in the 2019 Archibald Prize include media personalities Annabel Crabb, Benjamin Law and Leigh Sales, Paralympian Dylan Alcott, rugby league star Greg Inglis and musician Megan Washington.

The 2019 Archibald Prize was awarded to Tony Costa for his portrait of fellow artist Liny Lee. This was Costa’s fourth time as a finalist for the prize. The packing room prize was awarded to Tessa MacKay’s portrait of actor David Wenham and a highly commended honour went to Jude Rae’s portrait of actor Sarah Peirse. When visiting the 2019 Archibald Prize at BRAG don’t forget to vote for the ANZ People’s Choice Award for your chance to win $500 courtesy of ANZ. Voting is now open and closes 5pm Friday 18 September with the announcement of the winner on Saturday 3 October.

For more information visit www.bathurstart.com.au

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.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 9 September 2020

Bathurst to join national Garage Sale Trail

Bathurst will join the national Garage Sale Trail for the first time this year.

Mayor Cr Bobby Bourke said previously Council has held an annual community garage sale at Mount Panorama but with the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, the decision has been made to take the garage sale in a new direction, partnering with the Garage Sale Trail.

“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 21 and 22 November.

“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,” Cr Bourke said.

Registration to participate in the Garage Sale Trail opens on 16 September. To keep up to date on the Garage Sale Trail and how to take part visit Council’s website or follow the BRC Events Facebook page.

The Garage Sale Trail website also includes a range of information for anyone wanting to know more about the event as well as the opportunity to sign up for free online tutorials that focus on farewelling fast fashion.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 4 September 2020

Positive Ageing Strategy

Council is developing a Positive Ageing Strategy that aims to improve the region’s ability to

cater for an ageing population. For more information, to register your interest to attend planned focus groups or to provide feedback visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/positiveageing.

Tree Planting Day

Flying Fox Habitat - Macquarie River - 10am, Sunday 6 September

The meeting point is at the end of Morrisset Street (just near the Wastewater Treatment Plant).

To ensure safe hygiene practices, please bring your own gardening gloves. Council will provide hand washing facilities. Due to COVID Safe Guidelines, volunteers must register prior. For further information or to register please contact Bill Josh on 0407 256 791 or Kristie Kearney on 6333 6233.

Applications to join the Youth Council are open

Apply now to be part of the 2020/2021 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 Council and other youth service providers. Application forms are available from school coordinators or Council’s website Applications close 4:00pm on Tuesday, 15 September. For more information please call Council’s Community Services section on 6333 6523.

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.

BRAG

“The Archibald Prize 2019 is now open at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.

Eagerly anticipated and often controversial, The Archibald Prize for portraiture is Australia’s most prestigious and oldest painting prize. Presented by the Art Gallery of New South Wales and ANZ, the annual prize features portraits of Australian public figures from artists, actors and musicians to politicians and media personalities and sports stars.

Some notable high-profile Australians in the 2019 Archibald Prize include media personalities Annabel Crabb, Benjamin Law and Leigh Sales, Paralympian Dylan Alcott, rugby league star Greg Inglis and musician Megan Washington.

The 2019 Archibald Prize was awarded to Tony Costa for his portrait of fellow artist Liny Lee. This was Costa’s fourth time as a finalist for the prize. The packing room prize was awarded to Tessa MacKay’s portrait of actor David Wenham and a highly commended honour went to Jude Rae’s portrait of actor Sarah Peirse. When visiting the 2019 Archibald Prize at BRAG don’t forget to vote for the ANZ People’s Choice Award for your chance to win $500 courtesy of ANZ. Voting is now open and closes 5pm Friday 18 September with the announcement of the winner on Saturday 3 October.

For more information visit www.bathurstart.com.au

Easing of Water Restrictions

As a result of recent rainfall, high level water restrictions are in effect for all residents, businesses

and community services.

The following restrictions apply at the high level;

• Watering of lawns and gardens is allowed up to 60 minutes in total per day before 10am or after 4pm using the odds and evens system
• Cars can be washed on the lawn with a trigger nozzle before 10am or after 4pm
• Swimming pools can be filled for a maximum of 15 minutes per day before 10am or after 4pm, a pool cover must be used
• Garden features, bird baths and children’s pools can be filled

For more information please visit the council website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/

waterrestrictions or phone the water restrictions hotline on 6333 1683.

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.

BizMonth

BizMonth is on during September. A range of seminars have been organised and will be held face to face and online. For more information and register for events visit bathurstbusinesshub.com.au

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 4 September 2020

Council now has ownership of a key piece of land near the Bridle Track from a deceased estate necessary for the road bypass near Monaghan’s Bluff.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said while this was good news, there was still a lot of work to do before plans for the bypass can be finalised.

“This process has transferred this piece of land into Council’s ownership, we still need to finalise adjoining acquisitions and obtain environmental approvals, all of which takes time,” he said.

“Once the additional land is in Council’s ownership, more detailed route survey works can occur and we can complete the environmental and heritage assessment work that is required.

“Seeing this project completed is a high priority, and I continue to work closely with the Member for Bathurst Paul Toole on the Bridle Track project”.

Council has obtained $2 million in funding from the State Government for improvements to The Bridle Track.

The bypass around Monaghans Bluff is around 2km. Over $200,000 in works conducted so far have improved access for residents and tourists. This includes road widening and maintenance works on various sections of the road.

The Howards Bridge replacement works which are underway, worth approximately $1.3million, will also enhance access on the Bridle Track.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 1 September 2020

Celebrate Father’s Day with free entry for dads to the National Motor Racing Museum (NMRM) Sunday, 6 September.

Enjoy over 110 racing cars and motorcycles, check out some of the iconic cars in the upcoming Dick Johnson exhibition or take a selfie at the car display at the front of the museum.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the much-loved event will look a little different this year.

“To ensure the event and the NMRM remain safe for everyone to enjoy, we are unable to offer the rides in the classic cars around Mount Panorama this year,” he said.

“Father’s Day at the NMRM will still be a great day out for the whole family, and you could even spoil dad with some of the new arrivals in the gift shop.”

The museum will be open from 9.00am to 4.30pm. For more information visit museumsbathurst.com.au or phone 6332 1872.

Visitor numbers are capped so there may be a short wait to enter the museum.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 31 August 2020

Five stay at home vacations within the Bathurst region are up for grabs to encourage locals to take a break without having to travel far and to support local businesses.

The staycation packages include a range of experiences in arts and culture, family friendly fun, the great outdoors, heritage discovery and luxe indulgences.

The competition is open to people residing in the Bathurst local government area via the Bathurst Business Hubs Facebook Page.

Mayor of Bathurst Bobby Bourke said the competition will continue to help support local businesses who rely on the visitor economy and will encourage locals to stay home and keep their community safe while enjoying all the wonderful experiences in our back yard.

“Bathurst has such a diverse range of experiences and there really is something for everyone right here without having to travel. From the great open spaces, to the historic villages and rich cultural heritage of our region. Even if residents have lived here for years there are always new and exciting parts of our region to explore, he said.”

“Our local businesses have their doors open and it’s a great time to go and support those relying on the tourism industry as this year has been tough for many of them.”

The competition is open from now until 10 October. To enter, go to the Bathurst Business Hub Facebook page, tag a friend and share the giveaway posts. Each prize package will be given away over the next eight weeks. The competition is part of the DoorsOpen! Bathurst initiative from Bathurst Regional Council.

Full details are available at www.bathurstregion.com.au

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer