Central West Village Voice - Issue 008 by Village Voice Newspaper

Village Voice Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Australia Post

CHAMPIONS MENTAL WELLBEING Story on page 2

Roadmap to freedom from COVID lockdowns Pg 3

Vaccination clinic in Lithgow a success Pg 15

Motor racing returning to Wahlu/ Mount Panorama Pg 17

Blue Trees highlight Mental Health Pg 23

A SIMPLE MESSAGE FROM THE CWVV Stay Safe!

Follow health orders from NSW Health. Wear a mask, wash your hands and stay at home when you can.

Support Local

Try and support our regional small businesses wherever you can. They need your help now more than ever!

Trust Truth

Listen to your health professionals, not the Facebook jury about Vaccination and your health.

If you feel unwell get tested, follow all public health orders. For more information go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/

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AUSTRALIA POST CHAMPIONS MENTAL WELLBEING WITH 4 MILLION FREE POSTCARDS TO HELP KEEP PEOPLE CONNECTED Australia Post is helping Australians stay connected by delivering more than 4 million specially designed prepaid postcards to rural and remote households across the country as part of its continued focus on mental health.

esigned in collaboration with Australia Post’s mental health partner Beyond Blue, the postcards are divided into two sections with a part to keep, including helpful tips on how to maintain mental health, and a second part to write on and send to friends or loved ones in Australia free of charge. The free postcards are available from today at participating Post Offices, while stocks last, and from next week will start to arrive in regional letterboxes across the country. A limited number will also be included in select newspapers this Saturday. Australia Post Head of Community Nicky Tracey said the simple idea would have a positive impact on people’s mental health, particularly for those who are currently unable to visit friends and family. “We know that when we connect, we feel better and sometimes a small message can be all it takes to make a big difference to someone you care about,” Ms Tracey said. “These postcards make it really easy to

“We know that when we connect, we feel better and sometimes a small message can be all it takes to make a big difference to someone you care about,” Ms Tracey said. connect with a message of love, hope and support by simply putting a message on the card, addressing it and dropping it in a red post box.” Beyond Blue Chief Executive Officer Georgie Harman said the partnership with Australia Post helps to share important messages about mental health with communities across the

country and reach people who continue to grapple with the impacts of bushfires, floods and droughts on top of the pandemic. “This postcard campaign will help us reach into rural and remote areas, where social and geographic isolation, weather impacts and difficulty accessing services can present mental health challenges,” Ms Harman said. “I really hope people will join in the spirit of this initiative, read the tips and send a card to a loved one. If we keep talking about mental health, we can smash the stigma and remove the barriers that hold people back from seeking support.” The postcard delivery is part of a broader campaign from Australia Post to support mental health, which includes in-store fundraising for Beyond Blue and staff wellbeing initiatives. It carries on from the 2020 release of a stamp titled ‘When we connect, we feel better’ which also came in a pair and enabled the sender to use one stamp to post a letter to a loved one including the second stamp so the recipient could write back easily.

Central NSW Joint Organisation backs progress connecting the two Wests Mayors of the region met with Minister Paul Toole at their recent Board meeting and were very pleased to hear of the progress connecting Western Sydney to the Central West. ‘A safe swift link between Sydney and Central NSW remains a priority for our communities,’ said Cr Medcalf, Chair of Central NSW Joint Organisation. ‘The region shares Minister Toole’s vision for dual carriageway at 100km per hour for the Great Western Highway,’ said Cr Medcalf. The region’s Mayors were provided advice on the planning for tunnels to reduce the gradient down the western escarpment, with the current Medlow Bath section on exhibition and were pleased that dual carriageway is possible through this challenging terrain. ‘This region thanks the Government for its commitment of $4.6bn towards the project that will give an additional 67km of dual carriageway and greater safety especially for emergency vehicles,’ said Cr Medcalf. ‘The safety, time and productivity benefits are so important for our visitors, our freight and for us as we travel to and from Sydney.’ said Cr Medcalf. ‘Reducing congestion and separating people from trucks are key components of the upgrades planned between Katoomba and Lithgow. It has to work for the communities of the Blue Mountains. It is always a balance where safety comes first,’ said Cr Medcalf. ‘This is a very big opportunity and the Mayors of the region are keen to ensure that we realise every part of it,’ said Cr Medcalf. ‘Again we thank the Government for the ongoing commitment to the improvements of the Great Western Highway.’ said Cr Medcalf.

WE CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS REACH MORE LOCAL READERS EVERY WEEK FROM BATHURST TO BLACKHEATH

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Central West Media has consolidated its two previous publications into the new Central West Village Voice, Covering the entire Lithgow and Bathurst region, and distributed fortnightly on Thursdays. Our new publication has retained its loyal readership and the new look and direction has gained us many new readers. It is now an even more cost effective solution to reach the largest central west audience. If you are looking for a way to grow your business in 2021, speak to one of our friendly team and they will design a marketing plan that suits your budget and gets results.

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0429 001 918 or email sales@bclife.com.au Central West Village Voice Publisher Rich Evans on behalf of Central West Media Pty Ltd

Portland NSW 2847 Visit our website at www.bclife.com. au

Emails: editor@bclife.com.au sales@bclife.com.au

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ROADMAP TO FREEDOM UNVEILED FOR THE FULLY VACCINATED Stay-at-home orders for adults who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be lifted from the Monday after NSW passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target, under the roadmap to freedom released today.

he roadmap is subject to further fine-tuning and health advice if circumstances change drastically or if cases within a designated area remain too high. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said we are well on the way to hitting the 70 per cent double dose milestone which will allow the state to open up for those who have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. “I cannot stress enough how important it is for people to get vaccinated – if you have not had both doses of the vaccine by the time we hit the 70 per cent milestone, you will not be able to take advantage of these freedoms,” Ms Berejiklian said. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government has worked with industry to design this roadmap, which is our biggest incentive to get vaccinated, to reach the 70 per cent target as soon as possible. “Our roadmap outlines the freedoms that twice vaccinated people will enjoy once we reach 70 per cent double dose which means a meal with loved ones or a drink with friends is just around the corner,” Mr Barilaro said. Only fully vaccinated people and those with medical exemptions will have access to the freedoms allowed under the Reopening NSW roadmap. The freedoms for vaccinated adults will come into effect on the Monday after NSW hits the 70 per cent double dose target and include: Gatherings in the home and public spaces: • Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home where all adults are vaccinated (not including children 12 and under). • Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings. Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms: • Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.

• Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule (unvaccinated people will continue to only be able to access critical retail). • Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises. • Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people. • Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen. Stadiums, theatres and major outdoor recreation facilities: • Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people. • Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events. • Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity. Weddings, funerals and places of worship: • Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated. • Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated. Churches and places of worship to • open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing. Travel: • Domestic travel, including trips to regional NSW, will be permitted. • Caravan parks and camping grounds can open. • Carpooling will be permitted. Non-vaccinated young people aged under 16 will be able to access all outdoor settings but will only be able to visit indoor venues with members of their household.

Employers must continue to allow employees to work from home if the employee is able to do so. There will be revised guidance on isolation for close and casual contacts who are fully vaccinated, with details to be provided closer to the reopening date. Masks: • Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports. • Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors. • Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors. Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the easing of restrictions would come as a huge relief to struggling businesses and workers, who just want to get their lives back on track, safely. “This roadmap gives us the light at the end of the tunnel we all want and will enable our economy to start firing again, driving our state back to prosperity,” Mr Perrottet said. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the government will continue to be guided by the health advice, and may still require targeted restrictions to deal with outbreaks. “As we work toward reopening NSW, it is vital people continue to come forward and get vaccinated to help protect the community and reduce transmission of the virus,” Mr Hazzard said. When NSW hits the 80 per cent double dose target, the government intends to open up further freedoms around international travel, community sport, major events and other areas. If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.

Vaccination rates keep on climbing Residents across the Bathurst Electorate are getting vaccinated against COVID-19. As the number of people getting the jab continues to increase, Member for Bathurst Paul Toole has not only thanked them for doing the right thing, but has again issued a plea for everyone to who hasn’t been vaccinated to come forward. Mr Toole has released the latest vaccination figures for our local government areas (LGA) including Bathurst, Lithgow, Oberon, Blayney and MidWestern, as at September 12. “The figures show that 81.5 per cent of residents from the Mid-Western LGA (which includes Kandos and Rylstone) have had their first dose and 34.2 per cent their second shot,” he said. “For Blayney 80.1 per cent of residents have had their first vaccination while 41.3 per cent are fully vaccinated.” Mr Toole said the figures show that Bathurst is also doing well with 77.9 per cent having their first shot and 39.8 per cent now have had both shots and are fully vaccinated.” “Oberon residents are also answering the call to get vaccinated with 78 per cent of residents having their initial jab and 43 per cent their second. “At Lithgow the vaccination rate is also moving along with 71.9 per cent of residents having had their first jab while 37.6 per cent of that population are fully vaccinated.” To check your eligibility for vaccination please visit www.health.gov.au

Above: Crowds lined up for the Bathurst Vaccine Clinic. Photo - Ben Fry

The 2021 Regional Youth Taskforce have held their third meeting of the year, coming together over the weekend discuss how young people in regional and rural communities could better connect to outside services. Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor said the meeting focused on providing better access to training, services, work and recreational opportunities for young people across regional NSW.

“This is all about making life better for young people in regional and rural NSW, by finding innovative and reliable ways we can deliver better programs, study options and work opportunities,” Mrs Taylor said. “These meetings are designed to tackle the issues that young people in regional and rural areas care about, the things that are affecting their day-to-day lives and today we also discussed living online safely as well as knowing how and when to reach out for mental

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health support. “These incredible young leaders give us a direct line into what is working well and what isn’t, so we can look at adapting policy and closing the gaps. “With so much news and information around COVID, we want to ensure the voices of regional young people are not getting drowned out.” Mrs Taylor was joined by Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello, eSafety

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Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, Chief Data Scientist Dr Ian Oppermann and CEO of youth mental health organisation ReachOut Ashley de Silva. “The last time I met with the Regional Youth Taskforce, we worked to implement a simple online process allowing P1 licence holders to progress to P2 licences, removing the need to travel to a Service NSW centre, which for some regional youth can often be hundreds of kilometres,” Mr Dominello said. For more information, please visit: www. nsw.gov.au/RegionalYouthTaskforce.

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Regional youth taskforce, staying safe online

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Andrew GEE MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE

Your Country Your Voice

ADF VACCINE ROLLOUT - A RESOUNDING SUCCESS! Over the past 3 weeks, the ADF have set-up vaccination clinics in more than 30 locations across Western NSW. These vaccination clinics have proven to be highly effective in lifting our local vaccination rates which is great news!

I would like to extend the heartfelt thanks of the community to all of the volunteers and health professionals who’ve worked at the clinics across the region. I worked two shifts at the Orange clinic with the RFS and was incredibly impressed by both the high level of organisation and committed spirit demonstrated by the volunteers and people turning out to get vaccinated. On Saturday I also thanked our ADF personnel in Orange for their wonderful contribution (pictured right). When our communities see our men and women in uniform during a time of crisis it gives everyone a sense of security and hope that everything is going to be alright. Our ADF personnel have helped keep our communities safe by helping to get more people vaccinated sooner. The stats for the Bathurst vaccination clinic were 4,215 does administered, which is a fantastic result! In Lithgow, there were 1631 jabs! The ADF pop-up vaccination clinic will soon return to administer second doses of the vaccine in BATHURST 27 September – 3 October and in LITHGOW 3 - 5 October.

BATHURST MRI LICENCE – CLEARING UP THE FURPHIES • There are more than a few furphies out there about what an MRI licence at • Until it does, Bathurst Hospital does not need an MRI licence to give free scans to patients. Bathurst Hospital will mean for our community. Here are the facts: • MRI scanners with a full licence attract a Medicare rebate on all MRI services • The Federal Health Minister’s office has advised that public patients and outpatients will be able to have a scan FOR FREE, under the National Health • Bathurst Hospital has my full support for an MRI licence. Reform Agreement. • Bathurst Hospital doesn’t have an MRI licence because the NSW • Once Bathurst Hospital installs a machine, and until it gets a licence, Government has never applied for one. The last round was in 2018-19 and the patients at the hospital can get a free scan and non-patients of the hospital NSW Government gave the green light to applications for Dubbo and Lithgow can get a Medicare funded MRI scan at PRP in Bentinck Street – which has a Hospitals but left Bathurst out of it. full Medicare licence. Bathurst will be able to apply when the next round opens.

EMERGENCY WATER REBATE SCHEME - APPLY NOW!

$22,000 GRANTS FOR YOUNG AG INNOVATORS! The Science and Innovation Awards is a competitive grants program open to 18-35 year olds to undertake new and creative scientific-based research to benefit Australia’s agricultural industries. If you have a research project with the potential to solve a long-term issue facing the Australian agricultural industry, I encourage you to apply! Successful applicants will receive $22,000 in funding. CATEGORIES INCLUDE: cotton, eggs and poultry (layers), forest and wood products, grains, horticulture, viticulture, wool, and many more. Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

For further information, and to apply, visit agriculture.gov.au/scienceawards Applications close at 5pm AEST on Friday 1 October 2021.

There is still time to apply for the Emergency Water Rebate Scheme grant funding and I encourage you to apply! The rebate provides eligible primary producers with access to a 25% rebate, up to $25,000, on purchases and installation costs of water infrastructure. It can also cover transporation costs. For more information, and to apply, visit: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/grants/ewir

BATHURST ELECTORATE OFFICE 85 Keppel Street PO Box 54 Bathurst NSW 2795

(02) 6331 0524 andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au www.andrewgeemp.com.au

For regular updates and news, follow me on Facebook and Instagram @andrewgeecalare

Authorised by Andrew Gee, MP, National Party of Australia, Suite 1/179A Anson Street, Orange NSW 2800. Produced and printed using parliamentary entitlements.

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NEW ROAD USER RESEARCH REVEALS INCREASED REGIONAL ROAD RISK Australian Road Safety Foundation implores NSW drivers to be the change they want to see

ith two in three road deaths occurring on regional roads, new research from the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) has detailed why all New South Wales residents have a personal responsibility to take action. Released today, to mark the fourth annual Rural Road Safety Month, the research revealed that high risk rural roads are used by the vast majority (93%) of New South Wales residents at least once a year. In fact, almost half (47%) of the state’s drivers utilise regional roads multiple times across a week. The research confirmed that it is not just regional residents either, with personal travel confirmed as the number one reason (28%) for driving on the state’s regional roads. This was followed by visiting friends and family (25%), living in the area (25%) and rounded out by travelling for work (14%). Road authorities are concerned these risks may increase in the wake of Covid-19 flight fears. The report confirmed that more than half (54%) of the New South Wales population are more likely to drive longer trips this year. ARSF Founder and CEO Russell White said the research helped to explain the high disparity between the number of road deaths occurring on regional New South Wales roads compared to urban areas.

“We now have strong evidence that when it comes to preventing road trauma in regional areas, drivers from across greater Sydney and built up areas carry an equal responsibility to local residents,” Mr White said. The research showed that more than a quarter of New South Wales drivers (27%) are more likely to break a road rule when in regional areas. Most alarmingly, however, was the frequency of this high risk behaviour. The ARSF’s research found that a third (33%) of the state’s drivers break rules on a daily basis in regional areas, compared to 25 per cent in urban areas. Mr White said a key takeaway from the research, however, was that for the majority of New South Wales drivers the reasons for taking road risks in rural areas were all preventable, with distraction and belief of not being caught coming in as the top two reasons. “The risks being taken are choices. It just really goes to show that empowering more people to choose road safety is going to have the biggest impact on reducing the tragic loss of life and serious injury on our roads,” he said. As part of Rural Road Safety Month, the ARSF are imploring all New South Wales residents to help prevent further loss of life and trauma by choosing road safety. “The best place to start in terms of choosing road safety is to better improve road safety resilience - that is preparedness to face

“Two in three road fatalities in Australia take place on regional roads, which is why I’m backing Rural Road Safety Month to help address this often preventable loss of life.”

new, different and more dangerous driving conditions,’ Mr White said. The research showed 84 per cent of New South Wales residents have driven under extreme conditions such as heavy rain, fog, hail, flooding, bushfires, snow and cyclones. And while 96 per cent of the state’s drivers reported feeling unsafe for part or all of the experience, 64 per cent still don’t have a safety plan for these conditions in place. Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England Barnaby Joyce, in relation to Rural Road Safety Week, said “the most important thing we can all do for our families and community is help ensure we all get home safely.” “Two in three road fatalities in Australia take place on regional roads, which is why I’m backing Rural Road Safety Month to help address this often preventable loss of life.” “One life lost on Australian roads is one too many. Our Government is committed to

keeping our communities safe, that’s why the Coalition has committed $3 billion for the nationwide Road Safety Program.” “In the last twelve months more than one thousand Australians lost their lives on our roads.” “I ask every Aussie, rural or not, to do your part behind the wheel and help bring that number down to zero.” Backed by the Australian Government and long-time sponsor Suncorp, businesses, community groups and individuals are encouraged to choose road safety and get involved by hosting a local awareness raising event. The ARSF research was conducted by a third-party research company, Pure Profile, and was an online survey of more than 1,500 licenced Australians, nationally representative by gender, age and location. For more information or to find out how to get involved, visit arsf.com.au.

IT’S TIME TO PREPARE YOUR BUSH FIRE SURVIVAL PLAN Now is the time now to discuss with your family and prepare your Bush Fire Survival Plan. The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is urging residents to heed this important message as we fast approach the bush fire season. Please take the time to prepare, and ask questions from your local brigade.

work or away on holidays. Find out more about the steps you can take to Get Ready for bush fire at www. rfs.nsw.gov.au/getready

ANZAC COMMUNITY GRANTS HONOURING OUR VETERANS

It’s great to be able to announce that applications are now open for $2000 grants for projects supporting local veterans or boosting awareness of their role throughout Australia’s military history. I would urge local organisations to consider applying for funding under the Anzac Community Grants Program. Veterans past and present served to keep us safe and this is a great chance to recognise their sacrifices, while enriching our communities.

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PLAN HEAD: “Now is the time now to discuss with your family and prepare your Bush Fire Survival Plan”. We’re seeking projects that not only recognise the important service of our veterans but also educates future generations about their sacrifices. Grants cover four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events, arts and culture; and support to members of the

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NSW veteran community. Applications are open to individuals and not-for-profit organisations including local government authorities, nongovernment organisations, ex-service organisations and educational institutions. Applications can be submitted online until 5pm on 11 November 2021: veterans.nsw.gov.au/ commemoration/anzaccommunity-grants-program

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

TOOLE TIME

People can’t become complacent, so it’s vital that everyone takes the time to prepare and know what they will do in the event of a house, bush or grass fire. You dramatically improve the chances of you and your home surviving a devastating bush fire by doing a few simple things such as cleaning out your gutters, trimming overhanging branches and completing a Bush Fire Survival Plan. NSW RFS volunteers have been busy preparing for this season by undertaking hazard reduction burns, preparing emergency response plans and maintaining firefighting equipment. Our community is well protected by our emergency services, but we must assist them by taking the time to get prepared. Being aware and prepared is everyone’s responsibility, whether you’re at home, at

COVID-19 has affected all of us, but there is a way forward. It’s time to arm yourself by getting vaccinated. Protect yourself and the people you care about. The sooner we all do it, the sooner we’ll get through it. Book your vaccination today.

australia.gov.au 1800 020 080

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

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FRESH FOOD KIDS Central West Years 5 and 6 students can now experience Woolworths reimagined Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tours digital program

“Taking the Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tours online also enables teachers to bring the curriculum virtually to life, even if students are learning from home. Central West students can discover the importance of how their fresh food makes it into local stores, and helps them build a healthier relationship with fruits and vegetables.” Luciano Mesiti, CEO of Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) which supports teachers with Australian curriculum-led food and fibre teaching resources, said: “It is so important that Aussie students learn about the primary industries that support the fresh food that is produced. Having a program like this offers teachers high quality, realworld resources which provide context for students so that they can not only understand the positive impact of agriculture, but also build other skills including maths, science and technologies that drive sustainable solutions.” South Australian Tomato grower, Naresh Singh is featured in the new digital program and said: “I’m thrilled to be involved in the reimagined Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tour and that Central West students can virtually step onto our farms to learn about how fresh fruit and veggies grow. Knowing Aussie kids can learn more about how tomatoes like ours end up in Woolworths stores nationwide is extremely rewarding.” Teachers from schools in locations where home based learning programs are underway can also alter the program to suit their existing online programs. Similar to the in-store Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tours ‘book a tour’ program, Central West schools interested in participating in the new digital program can request a free classroom kit that contains all the materials and lesson plans required, along with access to a supporting Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tours app. The roll out of the new digital program will start with years 5 and 6 and be available to Kindergarten to Year 4 from early 2022. To find out more about Woolworths Fresh Food Kids Digital Discovery Tour program and how to request a classroom kit, visit www.woolworths.com.au/discoverytours.

“As Today’s Fresh Food People, we’re committed to helping Central West families make healthier and easier decisions when it comes to their lifestyles.”

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Walk4BrainCancer event will be used to support several new programs the Foundation is launching this year – including innovative clinical trials, fellowships to support young researchers, and programs to accelerate treatments from the lab into the clinic for patients with brain cancer. Kawaguchi added: “We are encouraging all Australians to get outside and Walk4BrainCancer on Sunday 26 September. Not only will you be backing world-class brain cancer research, advocacy and awareness, ultimately, you'll be helping to move us closer to a cure.” In 2020, Walk4BrainCancer was shifted to a virtual event for the first time due to COVID-19, and raised a massive $1.68 million. This year, there are a range of Walk4BrainCancer challenges for participants to choose from, including walking or running 5km, 10km or 20km in their local area. Individuals can set up their own fundraising page or join a team to raise donations. Launched in 2013, Walk4BrainCancer has funded projects across Australia and overseas, enabled collaborations between the best brain cancer researchers from around the globe, and brought ground-breaking clinical trials to Australia. Thanks to the event, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation has funded over $21 million dollars in world-class research projects, including over $3 million in clinical trials to help find a cure for the disease. This year, the organisation has reinstated a world-leading Scientific Advisory Committee and launched its first ever Global Ambassador Program. Find out more about Cure Brain cancer Foundation at curebraincancer.org. au and register to Walk4BrainCancer at walk4braincancer.com.au.

NEW GUIDES TO BOLSTER NATURAL DISASTER RESILIENCE IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY The NSW Government today launched a set of new guides to bolster tourism businesses resilience to bush fires and other natural disasters. The three guides provide information on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters. They have been developed by Destination NSW, in collaboration with Resilience NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service, in response to recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW First Quick Tips for Tourism Businesses ‘tourism resilience’ guides would be an invaluable resource for regional operators. “The advice in these guides comes from three NSW Government agencies that have extensive knowledge of emergency response, overcoming adversity and the visitor economy,” Mr Ayres said. “Given the complex landscape of managing visitors on site, incoming visitors, staff

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and suppliers, the guides provide straight forward and practical advice to help tourism businesses keep everyone safe and informed. “With NSW responding so positively to the call to get vaccinated, we’re hopeful for a bumper summer of visitation across the State, so we encourage businesses to use this time now to prepare before guests arrive.” Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said these guides demonstrate another step taken to address r ecommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry following the devastating ‘Black Summer’ of bush fires in 2019-20. “Bush fires, floods and other extreme weather events are a part of our landscape, particularly in areas where most of us enjoy our holidays. “Our emergency services stand ready to respond, but individuals, businesses and communities alike have a responsibility to have a clear plan” Mr Elliott said. To access the guides, go to www. destinationnsw.com.au/NSWFirst.

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

oolworths has gone digital with its popular Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tours, with a new look to the education program set to provide more opportunities for Central West students to learn where their fresh food comes from. Years 5 and 6 primary school students across Central West can now be the first to experience the digital program. Woolworths Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tour was the first national program of its kind when it began in 2018, and to date more than 260,000 Australian school and early learning centre students have participated in the in-store experience. Now with a top to bottom redesign of the program, Central West students will now be able to use immersive AR and VR activities to take a virtual tour of a Woolworths store, as well as get closer to the farm, to help educate and inspire conversation about fresh fruit and vegetables. Designed in collaboration with educators, food scientists and nutritionists, the program also allows Central West students the ability to virtually step onto an Australian farm to learn how fresh food is grown and meet some of the farmers who supply fruit and vegetable to their Woolworths stores. The redesign comes as new Woolworths research shows that less than half of the children in NSW and ACT surveyed aged 6-14 could correctly identify a leek, apricot or a beetroot1.It also highlighted a lack of understanding on where fresh food originates with many kids having never visited a crop farm. Woolworths Bathurst and Woolworths Bathurst City Centre Group Manager, Angela Nicholls said: “As Today’s Fresh Food People, we’re committed to helping Central West families make healthier and easier decisions when it comes to their lifestyles. “A big way we can do that is by educating younger Aussies about where food comes from, the food production process, Aussie suppliers and growers, and the need to support a sustainable future. Our new Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tour achieves all this using technology to create a fun learning experience.

Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, the leading charity for brain cancer research, awareness and advocacy in Australia, has announced its annual flagship Walk4BrainCancer event will be taking place virtually this year. The organisation is encouraging communities around Australia and New Zealand to Walk4BrainCancer on Sunday 26 September, with the record-breaking goal of raising $2,100,000. Brain cancer kills more children than any other disease, and more people under 40 than any other cancer. The financial cost of the disease – to both patients and society – is the highest of all cancers. Cure Brain Cancer Foundation’s goal is to increase brain cancer survival rates and improve the quality of life for people living with the disease. CEO of Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, Lance Kawaguchi said: “Over the years, the success of Walk4BrainCancer has enabled record levels of brain cancer research, which is integral for increasing survival rates and improving the quality of life for people living with the disease.” “Although we can’t have our in-person walks in New South Wales this year, we’re excited to be able to go ahead with a virtual event so everyone can get involved, no matter where you live.” Brain cancer survival rates are low and have hardly changed for 30 years, despite significant increases in survival for other types of cancer. For instance, the five-year survival rate of prostate cancer has increased from 60% to over 90%, and breast cancer has increased 72% to over 90%. The survival rate for brain cancer has increased from 21.2% in 1986, to only 22.3% today. Funds raised from this year’s

News

Cure Brain Cancer Foundation aims to break fundraising record with $2.1M goal for virtual Walk4BrainCancer event

Bathurst News

BATHURST CRIME WRITERS FESTIVAL International bestselling crime authors zoom in for crime writing festival, and you get the chance to tune in!

overs of crime fiction will rejoice this month as Bathurst Library teams up with BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival to offer 10 free passes to multiple events for BAD September International: a one-month online program of bestselling crime authors from around the world. Featuring huge names such as Paula Hawkins, Val McDermid, Karin Slaughter and Ann Cleeves, a limited number of passes for each author event will be made available to those who register with the Bathurst Library. Starting on Wednesday 8 September, watch conversation partner Suzanne Leal chat to Paula Hawkins (pictured below), author of the No.1 bestseller and No.1 box office hit film The Girl on the Train, about her latest bestseller A Slow Fire Burning, in which long-

smoldering secrets finally burst into flame and result in murder. Full program: Wednesday 8 September – Paula Hawkins Wednesday 15 September – Val McDermid Wednesday 22 September – Karin Slaughter Wednesday 29 September – Ann Cleeves All events are held online on Wednesday nights at 6pm for the duration of September. The free passes will be made available on a first in first served basis. You must register for a pass via the Bathurst Library Eventbrite page. Registration for the free passes will be made available for a week prior to each event. Tickets can also be purchased for $10 per event via the website www.badsydney.com. For more information and registration details you can call the library on 6333 6281.

Upgrading footpaths in central business district Council is continuing to improve footpaths around the central business district as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund round two thanks to the Federal Government. Around $300,000 will be spent upgrading the following footpaths: • Kings Parade in George Street. • William Street from the Eddy Hotel to the corner of Russell Street • Russell Street from William Street to Aldi • Bentinck Street from Keppel Street to Heaths Lane • Bentinck Street from No 185 to No 191 to connect two previous sections of replaced footpath • William Street in front of the Pearl Petrol Station

• William Street in front of Cobb & Co Cellars • William Street from the corner shop at Lambert Street to Piper Street • Keppel Street – section in front of The Hub Mayor Ian North said ensuring the city’s footpaths were maintained was one of his priorities. “Upgrading our city’s footpaths is important as it not only improves the streetscape around the central business district, it also improves accessibility,” he said. The works are in addition to $350,000 of footpath upgrades completed earlier this year around Machattie Park, Russell Street, William St and Keppel St. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

COUNCIL COUNCIL NEWS NEWS RATE PAYMENT OPTIONS

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

CAREERS @ COUNCIL

Cash - payments can be made at the Commonwealth Bank you will need your rate notice with you Cheques - mail to PMB 17 Bathurst NSW 2795 Phone Payments - (cards) call 1300 407 843 (automated service) Your reference number is the Bpay reference number , or 6333 6132 (Rates Only - customer service) Internet banking Bpay via your ﬁnancial institution.

COUNCIL HAS RECEIVED A DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Working for Council is a stimulating and rewarding career option, providing the opportunity to be part of a team contributing to shaping the success and future of our Region. Current career opportunities are listed below:

NOTICE OF MEETING COUNCIL MEETING An Ordinary Meeting of Bathurst Regional Council will be held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Bathurst, next Wednesday, 22 September 2021 at 6.00pm. Due to COVID-19, there is no opportunity for public attendance. The Council meeting can be viewed on Council’s YouTube channel.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS & COMPLYING DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATES

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Council now publishes the Development Applications & Complying Development Certiﬁcates to Council’s website weekly. A link to the notices can be found on the front page of Council’s website.

WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE The Waste Management Centre has now reopened to the public. Council encourages residents to delay their visit if they can to reduce queueing. When attending the Centre residents will be required to QR code check in, wear a mask and observe social distancing.

Development application no: 2021/440 Lot: 102 DP: 1010287, Lot: 101 DP: 1010287 36 Stanley Street, Bathurst Demolition and construction of new dwelling and shed Exhibition period: Monday, 13 September 2021 to Monday, 27 September 2021. Please use the following link masterview.bathurst. nsw.gov.au to view plans. Any submissions may be included without alteration in public reports, on Council’s website and to the applicant for comment.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES PRINCE STREET BETWEEN BATHURST STREET AND ROCKLEY STREET, PERTHVILLE A section of Prince Street between Bathurst Street and Rockley Street, Perthville will be closed to trafﬁc on Monday 13 September 2021 for approximately 8 weeks. Access will be provided and maintained for residents adjacent to the closed area and detours will be in place around the works which will include the widening of this section of Prince Street and installing kerb and guttering.

GEORGE STREET BETWEEN RUSSELL STREET AND HOWICK STREET A section of George Street between Russell Street and Howick Street, will be closed at night between the hours of 6.30pm and 6.30am on Wednesday, 15 and Thursday 16, September 2021 weather permitting. The Temporary road closure is necessary to enable road proﬁling and resurfacing works, in the sagest possible manner with regard to both the traveling public and staff carrying out the works.

www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

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RELIEF GATEHOUSE CASHIER - PART TIME

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PARKS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR - FULL TIME

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GANGER MOWING CREW - FULL TIME

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MANAGER CORPORATE GOVERNANCE - FULL TIME Council only accepts online applications. Visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/careers for further information and to apply. Public computer access is available at Bathurst Library.

COUNCIL EVENTS GARAGE SALE TRAIL 13-14 AND 20-21 NOVEMBER Register at www.garagesaletrail.com.au or visit’s Council’s website for more information.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL Council has establishing an online database to help locals know who is still operating and how. To be listed in the online database head to bathurstregion.com.au and ﬁll in the registration form, or give Council’s Events Team a call on 6333 6111.

KID’S SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ACTIVITY PACKS Council has you covered to keep the kids entertained these school holidays with their free Spring School Holidays Activity Packs ﬁlled with fun, exciting and hands on covid-safe projectsand activities for children of all ages. Head to bathurstregion.com.au to register to receive your free Spring School Holidays Activity Packs.

Civic Centre 158 Russell Street Private Mail Bag 17 Phone 6333 6111 Bathurst NSW 2795 Bathurst NSW 2795 Email council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

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BATHURST STATION RESTORATION A NOD TO YESTERYEAR Bathurst Station’s historic sandstone façade has been restored to help preserve one of the state’s most significant historical railway stations.

quarried in the Southern Highlands, and a local apiarist who relocated a beehive from inside one of the chimneys. “Bathurst residents have immense pride in their historical buildings, so it’s exciting to see the upgrade of one of our town’s greatest landmarks cross the finish line,” he said. Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said railway heritage and restoring local landmark to their former glory was important to Sydney Trains. “Across NSW, we have restored and preserved historic railway buildings to help celebrate the history of the railways and attract visitors to our services and the communities we serve,” Mr Longland said. NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Pete

Allaway welcomed the completion of the upgrade. “Railway buildings have historically played a major role in the communities we serve, often taking pride of place in towns big and small,” Mr Allaway said. “We’re delighted to see this restoration complete and I know our customers and staff will also be impressed by this work.” The work was funded through a $790,000 investment from the NSW Government, through the Sydney Trains Major Periodical Maintenance Program. Bathurst is a central hub on the NSW TrainLink network, with multiple train and coach services per day to destinations across the state.

“The project has restored the charm of yesteryear, and has been delivered with great skill and expertise.”

Images: David Roma

inister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said work included the repair of the sandstone exterior of the station building and platforms. “The sandstone was lime washed while the existing ochre coloured wall paint was cleaned and moss was also removed from the roof. Custom-made lead flashing was also used to protect the parapet and window sills,” he said. “As well, the station’s original chimneys were replicated in keeping with this original heritage-listed building that opened in 1876. “The project has restored the charm of yesteryear, and has been delivered with great skill and expertise.” Mr Toole said specialist local trades have been carrying out the work since last December, including a heritage architect, structural engineer, stonemasons using sandstone

Mayor of Bathurst Ian North has endorsed a new walk-in vaccination centre, established by NSW Health, at the Kelso Community Hub which was announced by MP Paul Toole. “It is important that we give all sections of our community a chance to easily access vaccinations,” he said. “If you haven’t had the chance to get the jab yet, this is another opportunity for our residents and their families.” Pfizer vaccines will be available for eligible people and the hub will run from Monday 12.00pm - 4.00pm and Tuesday – Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm. Currently 67 per cent of the LGA have received their first dose and 35 per cent have received their second dose out of the 35 111 people that reside in the Bathurst LGA.

Bathurst News

Vaccinations to be available at Kelso Community hub

Congrats Jack! Congratulations to St Stanisluas' College Year 12 student Jack Morrison on his selection in the 2021 Australian Schoolboys President’s Team. The title of Australian Schoolboy is synonymous with players of high rugby skill and outstanding personal character. The ASRU Selection Committee met on several occasions and reviewed the teams and selected them based on matches played throughout the 2021 season. Stannies also acknowledges the hundreds of players who provided the chance for the successfully selected players to be named by participating in trial days and selection matches held all over the country during the year.

doors are closed but we are open

open for you from 8am to 2pm Mon-Fri 9am to 12pm Sat

thank you for all your support!

*For purchases over $20 Drinks cannot be delivered

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Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Shop 2/76 George St Bathurst Phone: 02 63245422 cu@baketableandtea.com.au www.baketableandtea.com.au

Don't forget you can shop all of your favourite brands online with click & collect available. Free Home Delivery to anywhere in the 2795 postcode*

Downsize without compromise The prospect of downsizing is often coupled with the notion of sacrifice, trading off one aspect of your lifestyle in order to benefit from others, but at an Oak Tree retirement village, there’s simply no need to compromise. The perfect fit

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

While leaving the familiar comfort of a family home might seem daunting, the intuitive design of our villages will not leave you lacking.

facilities, our villages are designed to support independent living. While we take care of all general maintenance and repairs, you have even more time to focus on the things you love.

Each villa strikes the ideal balance between function and floor space. Ample storage, full size kitchens, spacious living and covered outdoor patios are a key consideration of each design.

We actively encourage you to make the most of your retirement years: spend quality time with family and friends, indulge in your hobbies like travel and cooking, we even welcome friends of the furry variety!

Coupled with purpose-built recreation facilities for the exclusive use of residents and guests, there’s no shortage of space to do all the things you want to do.

Our village communities offer access to facilities, activities and events that help you connect with like-minded people and satisfy your desire to stay active and healthy.

Your life, your way

Retirement is well and truly the time to live your life, your way. Unlike aged care

Love your location

Having the lifestyle you desire and the

ideal home would still fall short if it wasn’t located where you want to be. At Oak Tree, we know that location is key. That’s why we have a strong regional focus with our villages, allowing you to retire happily in the areas that are familiar, where you’ve put down roots and where you feel most comfortable. Add in the convenient proximity to medical facilities and other amenities, you’ll have everything you need within easy reach of your village location. Oak Tree have 31 village locations in Australia. To learn more about retiring with certainty, contact our local team today.

105 Stanley Street, Bathurst Call 1300 367 155

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The Youth Council dressed trees in Machattie Park in yellow to promote awareness of RU OK? Day. The day is dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is a day to ask, ‘Are you ok?’ and start a conversation that could change a life and help those struggling with everyday life ups and downs. Mayor Ian North said the initiative encourages people to check in with their family and friends.

Bathurst News

Youth Council recognises R U OK? Day “Now is more important than ever to keep in touch and help your friends and family who might be struggling. One question might change their lives, he said.” The display were on display in Machattie Park from 8 – 12 September. For more information visit www. bathurst.nsw.gov.au Photo: Bathurst Regional Council

NEW TEMPORARY E-MEMBERSHIP AT BATHURST LIBRARY Not a member of Bathurst Library? Residents in the Bathurst region can now become temporary eMembers for three months.

T STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE Balance Early Education celebrates an amazing five finalists in the NSW Excellence in early childhood education awards!

he team at Balance Early Education in Windradyne couldn’t have been more proud when they received notification this week that 5 of their outstanding team have been selected as finalists in the NSW Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards. “The team at Balance Early Education – Bathurst has shown an inspiring dedication, a great sense of energy, creativity and a sense of community”, Steven Loe Manager Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards wrote in the announcement letter. Balance Early Education congratulate the following 2021 Excellence in Early Childhood Education Award Finalists: • Trainee of the Year Awards (Certificate III) finalist - Madison Jolly • Trainee of the Year Awards (Diploma) finalist – Paris Medhurst-Howell • Regional Female Educator Excellence Award finalist – Briarly Frisby • Regional Female Educator Excellence

he library’s free eLibrary will prove invaluable to residents during this time as it offers thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines that can be downloaded to your smartphone, tablet or computer. Temporary eMembers will have access to extensive online collections, including eLibrary apps, Kanopy film streaming, eResearch resources (such as Encyclopedia Britannica and National Geographic Virtual Library) and Kids Online that includes Story Box Library, online learning games, coding and more. Current Bathurst Library members can already access these resources with their

membership number and password. However, a new eMembership has been introduced so more people can join the library and obtain access to this wide range of eResources. “Simply go to our website to join up and we will email you a member confirmation and details on how to get started with the eLibrary,” says Patou Clerc, Manager Library Services. “This will be a temporary membership but it can be easily transferred to a permanent membership when the library doors open again.” For more information you can visit www. bathurst.nsw.gov.au/library or call the library on 6333 6281.

Award finalist – Madison Hatch • Male Educator Excellence Award finalist – Kayne Knott “Our entire team have an incredible focus on families and children, and we are proud of every one of them, to have 5 selected as finalists is a significant achievement. There were apparently a large number of entries and we notice that a majority of finalists are from the Sydney area so we are proud to be flying the flag for regional services”, Darlene Wadham, owner shared. “During the recent restrictions, all of our team have rallied together with home learning packs and videos to share with children who are missing their friends and eductors. It is times like this that we feel the real bond with our families.” She said. The service were also finalists in 2019 in two categories. The Winners will be announced at the Official Awards Presentation Gala Night held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Sydney on Saturday 26 March 2022.

We support the

Madison Jolly, Paris Medhurst-Howell, Briarly Frisby, Madison Hatch, Kayne Knott

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Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Do you have an NDIS plan?

Lithgow News

Lithgow Halloween Smartphone Film Competition August 13 at 8:00 am - October 13 at 5:00 pm Lithgow Tourism and Events team is partnering with SF3 for the third year to hold the Smartphone film competition. SF3 are the organisers of the SmartFone Flick Fest, Australia’s international smartphone film festival and Lithgow Tourism and Events is delighted to be partnering with SF3 again to create the Lithgow Halloween Smartphone Film Competition in 2021.

The competition requires short suspense horror genre, up to a maximum of 10 minutes duration with a G-rating, to be shot on a mobile phone or tablet. Films will be judged in 4 category areas: • Most Creative • Best Performance and • Best Youth Film. There will also be a People’s Choice award and great prizes will be on offer. Entries close 13 October

“Click & Collect” at Your Library

Marina Prior & David Hobson September 19 at 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm After 3 back to back years of selling out 100+ shows and over 75,000 tickets solds around the country, Soprano and Tenor powerhouse legends of Musical Theatre and Opera, Marina Prior and David Hobson embark on their Encore Tour, ‘The 2 Of Us’ in up close and personal mode for 2020. Brand new songs, back-stage and life stories, including the classics from their vast

repertoire spanning 35 years. Accompanied by pianist David Cameron, in a 2 hour performance, Marina and David will perform their classics from productions such as The Phantom of The Opera, Cats, Evita, Les Miserables, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and La Boheme, as well as favourites from their award-winning albums.

Virtual Gallery experience September 1 - December 31 Everybody is talking about Gang Gang Gallery and their NEW Virtual Gallery experience! You can still visit your favorite gallery during the lockdown and enjoy the latest exhibition – SOUL. You can see the artworks, get an idea of their actual size since all works

are to scale and then click on the info button to click through and purchase. Watch our video to get an idea of how it works and then click through to the gallery itself at https:// gggallery.com.au/virtual-gallery-soul/ Gallery produced by BradDiedrich.com To enquire contact brad@braddiedrich. com

Following recent public health order changes, Lithgow Library is pleased to offer the community a next day “Click & Collect” service for library items.

he “Click & Collect” service will operate Monday to Friday from Lithgow Library and Tuesday to Friday from the Portland and Wallerawang branch libraries. Items can be reserved from the online library catalogue at anytime for collection during these opening hours. As there are limited staff working in the libraries the following steps need to be followed to access library items; Step 1 - log in to your library account via the Catalogue link on the library webpage or phone the library on 6352 9100. Step 2 - reserve items you wish to borrow, or ask staff to reserve for you. Step 3 - (No earlier than 24 hours), contact the library on 6352 9100 to check

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE:

REQUESTS FOR TENDERS Portland Watermains Construction & Renewal TEN 13/21

Lithgow City Council is seeking submissions from appropriately qualified and experienced Tenderers for the procurement of water mains construction throughout the Portland village including the construction of a new main to service the Foundations site and renewal of mains in the east Portland area. Documentation containing further information in relation to this Tender can only be obtained from Council’s electronic tendering website www.tenderlink.com/lithgow Documentation will be available from 30 August 2021 and submissions will be received up until 12:00pm 30 September 2021 Submissions are to be delivered by the means described in the documents and must be received by the specified closing time. Late submissions will not be accepted. For further information, please contact Matthew Trapp, on (02) 6354 9999.

Wallerawang SPS No.1 Replacement TEN 10/21

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Lithgow City Council invites submissions from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for the design and construction a new sewerage pumping station at Wallerawang. Documentation containing further information in relation to this Tender can only be obtained free of charge from Council’s electronic tendering website www.tenderlink.com/lithgow Documentation will be available from 7 September 2021 and submissions will be received up until 4 pm Monday 4 October 2021 Submissions are to be delivered by the means described in the documents and must be received by the specified closing time. Late submissions will not be accepted. For further information, please contact Council’s Projects Engineer, Samuel Lenkaak, on (02) 6354 9999. Contacting Councillors or Council staff other than the designated contact person directly will result in disqualification from the tender process.

sto Hi

PUBLIC FORUM

d un ro S ur

Monday 27 September 2021 at 7pm in the Council Chambers, 180 Mort Street, Lithgow.

ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL

Due the current Covid-19 pandemic, Council is abundantly cautious about protecting the community’s health. As such, public attendance at this Council meeting is NOT permitted. The meeting will be live streamed at council.lithgow.com/live-stream

items are ready for pick up and nominate a pick up time. Step 4 - arrive at back door of Lithgow Library (front door of branch libraries) at nominated time, check in, ring doorbell and step back from the door. Step 5 - staff will bring your items out to you. Next day collect is only available for items held at your library branch. Items from other branches will take longer. You must wear a mask and check in when collecting items. For more information on “Click & Collect” contact Lithgow Library on 6352 9100. To access the Library catalogue head to the library webpage https://library.lithgow.com/ and follow the catalogue link.

by ed Nat ur e S te ep

Due to the current lockdown restrictions the Customer Service Centre will remain closed for face-to-face service.

CONTACT DETAILS:

PO Box 19, Lithgow NSW 2790 or 180 Mort Street, Lithgow NSW 2790

GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

Telephone: (02) 6354 9999 Email: council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au Website: www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au

PUBLIC EXHIBITION NOTICE

PROPOSED LICENCE TO AUSTRALIAN CARAVAN CLUB LIMITED

AMENDMENT 1 LITHGOW DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN 2021- CHAPTER 9 “POTTERY ESTATE” PRECINCT

At the ordinary meeting of Council on 28 June 2021 Council resolved to exhibit its intention to enter into a Licence Agreement with Australian Caravan Club Limited regarding its use of Tony Luchetti Showground, Geordie Street, Lithgow for the2022 National Caravan Muster, from 12 October 2022 to 24 October 2022. The Licence Agreement will be publicly exhibited from Monday 23 August 2021 to Tuesday 21 September 2021 (inclusive) in accordance with section 47A(2)(a) and 47 of the Local Government Act, 1993. The draft Licence Agreement will be available on Council’s website. Written submissions marked "Submission - proposed Licence Agreement to Australian Caravan Club Ltd" must be received by Council no later than 4pm on Wednesday 22 September 2021.

POSITIONS VACANT Council is currently seeking applications for the following positions; Position

Position Number Close Date

Directorate LCCNSW3630 Management Accountant (Contract)

Thursday 16 September 2021 Closing Soon!

Development and LCCNSW3632 Compliance Engineer

Friday 24 September 2021

Aquatic Centre Duty Officer

LCCNSW3634

Wednesday 29 September 2021

Electrician

LCCNSW3635

Wednesday 29 September 2021

Casual Learn to Swim Instructor

LCCNSW3636

Friday 12 November 2021

Casual Lifeguard

LCCNSW3637

Friday 12 November 2021

For further information on any of these positions and to apply, go to the Council's website. Applications must be received by the advertised close date.

Lithgow City Council invites public review and comment on the first amendment to Lithgow Development Control Plan (DCP) 2021. This amendment seeks to insert the first of its Locality Specific Precincts - Chapter 9 “Pottery Estate” Precinct. Chapter 9 “Pottery Estate” Precinct provides site specific development controls and guidelines that apply to future development in “Pottery Estate” located off Silcock St and Valley Drive Lithgow, in addition to Lithgow DCP 2021. The document and supporting exhibition materials are on public exhibition from 2 September 2021 to 3 October 2021 and are available for viewing on Council’s website ‘On Exhibition.’ Subject to current Covid 19 response restrictions, the documents will not be able to be viewed at the three town libraries or Council’s Administration Centre in hard copy form. If you experience any difficulty in accessing the documents on public exhibition online, please contact Council’s Strategic Planning Team for assistance. Should any person or group wish to make a submission on the DCP amendment, it should be in writing and be received by 4.30pm on 3 October 2021. Submissions should be addressed to Lithgow City Council, quoting reference LDCP 2021 A1 or by email. Submissions can also be made on council’s website.

PUBLIC EXHIBITION NOTICE Council Policies 10.2 & 10.8

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council held 28 June & 26 July 2021, Council resolved to publicly exhibit the following policies for 28 days: Policy 10.2 – Chain of Responsibility Policy 10.8 – Sport and Recreation Facilities LGA The community is invited to make written submissions on these proposals by 4pm Tuesday 21 September 2021. Copies of the policies are available for download from Council’s website. Following the exhibition period and the receipt of public comments, these policies will be returned to Council for final adoption.

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Normal trading hours Mon-Fri, 9am - 5.30pM Saturday, 9am - 5pm Sunday, 10am - 4pm

we are still trading through lockdown! We also do online sales & orders via the phone for the essential items and all the non-essential items we stock. We can also provide a contactless delivery service if required.

SOME ESSENTIAL ITEMS ON OFFER DURING LOCKDOWN ARE:

STUDENT AND OFFICE CHAIRS STUDENT AND OFFICE DESKS

ERGONOMIC TILT CHAIRS

ERGONOMIC LIFT BEDS & ADJUSTABLE BASES AND MATTRESSES

NSW Government QR protocol states we must implement a no browsing policy within the shop

Conditions apply. Limited Time Only. Phone Lithgow Furniture & Bedding for more details.

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Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

PLEASE NOTE:

Lithgow News

Lithgow Halloween Smartphone Film making Workshops with SF3

September 22 at 6:30 pm 8:30 pm Free Online Smartphone Film making Workshops with SF3 Open to all ages, the experts from SF3 – Australia’s premiere International smartphone film festival – will teach you how to make a Hollywood style film using just your phone or tablet and your imagination. Whether you want to be the next Spielberg or Campion, or you want to make videos that go viral, come and learn all you need to make this happen. The free online workshop will run for approximately two hours over two days, Wednesday 22 and Wednesday 29 September at 6.30pm, and will culminate in a screening

of the films we shoot in the workshop online and then we will show you how to enter the Lithgow Halloween Smartphone Film Competition. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the team at SF3, who have been at the forefront of the smartphone filmmaking revolution since their inception 7 years ago. This class will be full of fun and hands on learning so that you can go away and utilise these technologies to make incredible content that really stands out from the crowd. To see more information on Smartphone Film making and SF3 go to https://youtu.be/ nlu_S0iTh0s To register your interest go to https://tourism.lithgow.com/ lithgowhalloween2021

Lithgow Halloween Best Dressed Photo Competition September 10 - October 30 The Lithgow Halloween Best Dressed Photo Competition returns to Lithgow Halloween Digital 2021 with over $4,500 in prizes to be won. There will be multiple

categories and plenty of prizes. Entries opening soon. Entries will close midnight, October 30, 2021, judged by an independent panel, with winners announced in the first week of November 2021.

NEW AUSSIES TO BE WELCOMED ON AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP DAY Lithgow City Council will welcome 15 new citizens at an online Australian Citizenship Ceremony on 17 September 2021, as part of Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.

he conferees from eight countries including, Italy, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Ireland, Cambodia and New Zealand, will become Australian citizens as part of an online ceremony. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Australian Citizenship Day. Lithgow City Council’s Mayor,

Ray Thompson said “Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians in their community, whether by birth or choice, to pause and reflect and celebrate what’s great to be Australian.” Mayor Thompson added, “Covid lockdowns and restrictions have resulted in fewer face to face

“I encourage residents in the Lithgow region to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship on 17 September as we welcome our newest citizens.”

LINC Commonwealth Home Support Program We are just over four weeks into the current COVID restrictions, and we know it’s been a challenging time for everyone in our community. You may be aware that most of our services have been placed on hold except for our Meals on Wheels service. If you need assistance with Meals on Wheels, please call our reception number 02 6352 2077. (You must be over 65 and registered with My Aged Care). Our on-site kitchen is

in high demand with our hardworking team producing quality meals for the Lithgow LGA. We couldn't do it without the help of our wonderful volunteers who are still delivering meals 5 days a week. As soon as lockdown and restrictions are lifted, we will resume all our services. We look forward to getting you back to socialising, assisting you with home maintenance and modifications and your weekly shopping.

ceremonies this year, however we still want to mark this important occasion and welcome new Australians to our community. “I encourage residents in the Lithgow region to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship on 17 September as we welcome our newest citizens.” For more information about Australian Citizenship Day and Australian citizenship visit www. citizenship.gov.au.

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

Wallerawang Doctor, Dr Haran, is calling on the community to assist with volunteering in his drive to get the entire community vaccinated as soon as possible. The community vaccine rollout is in need of more volunteers to assist the medical and administration personnel in some of the data and processing tasks that are part of the day to day routines. If you have any spare time that you offer to this very important community project, please leave your name and number at the front desk of Dr Haran’s Wallerawang surgery and they will be in touch. “A few hours of your time would be much appreciated and help keep our community safe,” said a representative from the COVID19 Community Team.

Kind Words “Both Brian and I would like to thank you and your team for the outstanding job you did selling our Lithgow property. Your team made it an easy and pleasant process, and ensured we achieved our asking price. We would also like to thank you for your professional handling of our property management while it was leased out. We would have no hesitation in using Richardson & Wrench in the future and recommend this agency to anyone looking for outstanding service, communication delivery and integrity.” John & Brian - Vendors - 17 Hayley Street, Lithgow

We have qualiﬁed buyers looking to purchase in Lithgow, Wallerawang Portland & surrounds Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

If you are thinking of going to Market in the next 1-6 months please give us a call for an obligation free appraisal. Our results speak for themselves. lithgow.randw.com.au Graham Hodson | 0447 127 900 Proudly Richardson & Wrench Lithgow

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After considering a report on potential flood impacts, Lithgow City Council has decided to temporarily remove the pedestrian-cycle bridge over Farmers Creek near Burton Street. The bridge was installed in early 2021 as part of the Farmers Creek Masterplan enhancement works to provide a pedestrian and cycle link along Farmers Creek. Following concerns that the bridge might worsen localised flooding, Council sought advice about flooding in the locality. This advice drew from flood modelling that was not available when the bridge was approved. It was found that in less frequent 1 in 50-year and 1 in 100-year rainfall events, this bridge may cause higher flood levels and impact some local properties. “Because of the modelling that Council has undertaken for this water body, we now have more understanding about flooding for a range of more extensive storm events. Having received the advice, Council is being pro-active to protect the community by temporarily removing the bridge and quickly resolving the issue.” said Mayor Ray Thompson. “Council understands that there will be some inconvenience for people who have taken to using this bridge however our first concern was to make sure that surrounding properties and people are not impacted, no matter how small the risk.” “It is our intention to explore with the flood and engineering experts, changes to the bridge height and balustrade design. We will also consider if re-shaping of the surrounding creek could eliminate flooding impact. Once the re-design is complete, Council will meet with local residents before it is re-installed.” “The bridge will be removed in the next few days. A firm timeline will for re-installation will be known shortly, but Council certainly commits to the works being a priority. “

Residents of the Greater Lithgow region rushed to get their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at the ADF pop-up vaccination clinic in Lithgow.

n ADF Vaccination Outreach Team began administering COVID-19 vaccines on Sunday, 12 September, with 513 people receiving the vaccine on the first day of the clinic. The following day, 552 people rolled up their sleeves to get the jab. On the third and final day of the first dose clinic, 566 people walked through the doors to get a COVID-19 vaccine. In total, 1631 got their jab at the Lithgow ADF pop-up clinic. Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, said it was wonderful to see the Lithgow community embrace the opportunity to attend an ADF clinic. “The people of Lithgow pulled out all the stops to make sure an ADF Vaccination Team landed in Lithgow,” said Minister Gee. “At first, Lithgow was left off a list of dozens of Western NSW locations chosen to host an ADF pop-up vaccination hub. “The people of Lithgow persisted in

their calls for a pop-up clinic, mounting a campaign to have the ADF assist with the vaccine rollout throughout the gateway of the golden west. “Just as the people of Lithgow banded together to secure a local ADF-run clinic, they have come out in droves to fight the virus, with 1651 people rolling up their sleeves to receive a jab at the clinic!” “It was people power that brought the clinic to Lithgow, and this week residents have proved they’re determined to shield themselves, their loved ones, and their community from the Delta strain. “It’s been exciting to watch residents in Greater Lithgow take the opportunity to get a COVID-19 vaccine at an ADF clinic, boosting the region’s protection from the virus. With hundreds of people

“The people of Lithgow pulled out all the stops to make sure an ADF Vaccination Team landed in Lithgow,” said Minister Gee.

Dr. Anisa Malahoff Registered

WRITING RESILIENCE WORKSHOP SERIES

Chiropractor & Acupuncturist Homeopath

1 Cypress Place WALLERAWANG NSW 2845 Ph: 02 6355 7773 or 0408976233

Clinic

opening hours

Monday: 09:00am-7pm Tuesday: 09:00am-7pm Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 09:00am-7pm Friday: 09:00am-7pm Saturday: 08:00am-2pm

W r i t i n g R e s i l i e n c e : S t o r i e s o f B us h f i r e R e c o v e r y Writing and sharing our stories can be a powerful way to understand and process experiences of difficulty and trauma. This series of online and community workshops will guide Lithgow regional community members to begin thinking about how creative writing might become a useful tool in bushfire recovery. Publishing authors will guide community members in beginning to write their experiences – for example, via memoir, poetry or creative fiction – in ways that encourage community reflection and understanding. 3 x 2-hour sessions presented by Western Sydney University. Participants will have the option to publish their work In PDF format.

About Dr Malahoff

“I have over 40 years’ experience in Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Homeopathy. In Chiropractic I use the following techniques: Gonstead and Sacro exercise: Feldenkrais and Hatha Yoga.”

Services

DATE

(Session 1) - Saturday 25 September 2021 - via Zoom (Session 2) - Saturday 23 October 2021 - via Zoom (Session 3)– Saturday 20th November (planned as Face to Face – COVID dependent)

TIME

11:00am - 1:0 0pm

COST

FREE

VENUE

Maldhan Ngurr Ngurra Lithgow Transformation Hub 154 Mort Street Lithgow NSW 2790

RSVP

lithgowtransformation@westernsydney.edu.au by 20 September 2021 Please contact Deb Bardon, Manager Maldhan Ngurr Ngurra Lithgow Transformation Hub on 0428 890 595 should you require any further information Zoom details will be provided after registration.

A MEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING ASSOCIATIONS:

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@villagevoicelithgow

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

A wide range of conditions are treated, including Asthma, migraines headaches, sore backs, sore necks, headaches, sports injuries, joint pain, leg pain, knee pain, shoulder and arm pain, sciatica, hip pain. Children and pregnant women are also treated. If you have private health insurance you may be eligible to receive a private health insurance rebate.

expected to attend the walk-in clinic on the final day, the city’s vaccination rate is set to skyrocket. “The clinic will return in about 3 weeks to administer the second dose of the vaccine. “Across the Lithgow region, there are many clinics, GPs and pharmacies also offering the jab. “The faster we all get vaccinated, the sooner we can put lockdowns in the rearview mirror. “The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has strongly recommended anyone aged 18 years and above to get any available vaccine, and all children aged 12 years old and up can now book to receive the Pfizer vaccine. “Across Australia, some 23 million vaccine doses have now been administered, and we are now delivering more than 1 million doses into arms every few days,” said Mr Gee.

Lithgow News

LITHGOW ADF VACCINATION CLINIC A ROARING SUCCESS

Temporary removal of bridge over Farmers Creek

Community

Better Business Column by Steve Semmens, The Persuader

Creating momentum! Marketing will get you through! “Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make but about the stories you tell.” – Seth Godin

Yes, we are in another lock down. It is frustrating and annoying, and yet another hurdle, albeit a huge hurdle to your business being successful and sustainable. Now is not the time to give up! Lift your chin, hold your head high and market, market, market! Every business and every Business Owner has a story to tell and now is the time to broadcast your story to the world. The best way to do that is through your marketing strategy. While things are quiet for you instead of catching up on your paperwork such as accounts and administration, focus on updating or developing a marketing plan with an emphasis on your digital strategy. Look towards the future of when you can open up your business again and have the best marketing campaign you have ever designed ready to go. Plan a quarter in advance as if we will be out of lock down and engage with as many clients as you can. Review and identify who your target market is. Do you have more than one marketing segment as you will need to change your marketing to communicate your message to each market segment differently. Create a newsletter and ask each client you interact with if it is okay to add them to your email list? In your first newsletter tell your story. Talk about why you are in business and how you can help people. Articulate your vision through social media and create as many posts as you can and then schedule them over a period of time. Try to focus on two social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram or LinkedIn depending on your target market. Don’t be a perfectionist try different posts and see what response you get. If it is not a good response take it down and try another. Social Media marketing is very inexpensive and levels the playing field against larger competitors. Marketing online increases your opportunities to find new clients locally, nationally, and globally. However, never post anything negative or potentially offensive. Otherwise you may get the wrong sort of attention. Consider comarketing with a company that has complementary products or services and promote each other’s products or services. This strategy works extremely well as long as they are the same clients you are after. Create a marketing monthly theme for twelve months and use it to promote a product or service. For example, Fathers Day. Many retailers have ideas and specials to engage children to buy a great gift for Dad. You are only limited by your imagination. In tough times most businesses cut their marketing budgets. This is a major mistake and is often the death nell of a business. In tough times be brave, take a risk, and increase your marketing activity. A digital marketing strategy is well worth your investment. Create the momentum. Market, market, market!

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Steve Semmens is an experienced Business Coach who works with senior and mid-level executives, managers, and business owners at all levels of leadership throughout the Central West of NSW. The Persuader coaching process is designed to focus on the individuals core strengths and capabilities to maximise their effectiveness, as well as identifying any gaps or challenges they may have, and then we help to close them. Steve has a Diploma of Executive Coaching, a Bachelor of Business (Honours), and is a Member of International Coach Federation. He has a strong interest in the development and growth of entrepreneurial leaders, especially in regional areas. Steve currently consults with a variety of organisations, helping them to implement effective and successful change management strategies, so they can reach their full potential and achieve the desired outcomes according to their set vision.

VIRTUAL TAFE NSW COURSES LAUNCH HSC STUDENTS INTO THE JOB MARKET High school students will gain skills to seize job opportunities in the growing health and aged care sectors, thanks to new virtual TAFE NSW courses on offer as part of the HSC in 2022.

ith the Australian Aged Care sector expected to grow to one million workers by 2050, the NSW Government is delivering in-demand skills training to Year 11 and 12 students with courses in Care in Ageing, Health Administration, and Allied Health. Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the virtual Schools Launchpad courses are designed to build the sector’s future workforce and allow students to step straight into jobs after school. “The new virtual courses give students an opportunity to complete their HSC with highly relevant and real-world skills that employers are looking for,” Mr Lee said. “Students will finish high school with a head start in their career, as they will be qualified to work in a variety of in-demand roles including as a Personal Care Worker, Allied Health Assistant, and Medical Records Officer.” Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the TAFE Launchpad courses are an important part of school curriculum reforms. “The new curriculum is about ensuring students are prepared for indemand jobs, including in growing

“The new virtual courses give students an opportunity to complete their HSC with highly relevant and real-world skills that employers are looking for,” Mr Lee said. industries like health,” Ms Mitchell said. “Our curriculum will truly be world leading, and importantly create incredible opportunities for all our students to achieve their best and have rewarding careers in their future.” TAFE NSW Head of Health, Wellbeing and Community Services Skills Team Anne Barrow said students studying the virtual Care in Ageing course will learn workplace communication skills, WHS, infection control policies, and the practices of person-centred support. “They’ll also gain a First Aid Certificate and learn how to provide individualised support to clients with diverse needs, including people with dementia.” Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Care (NSW and ACT) Helen

H E R I TAG E

Emmerson said the courses connect students with a range of career opportunities in the sector. "These virtual courses give local high school students the chance to learn about the career paths available for carers in aged care in their local communities,” Ms Emmerson said. “It’s such a rewarding industry with so many job opportunities.” Students who complete the virtual courses will graduate with a nationally recognised VET qualification that forms part of their HSC and contributes to an ATAR. Expressions of Interest are now open for all Schools Launchpad courses. Students can express their interest via their school Career Counsellors. For more information, visit www. tafensw.edu.au/launchpad.

M ATT E R S -

Greek Myths and all That By a humble heritage advocate – September 2021 Lockdown has been a trial for everyone, so Mrs Heritage and I decided to brush up on our Greek mythology – you remember, all those Titans, Gods, Furies, Gorgons, Nymphs, Hydra’s, Aphrodite, Poseidon etc. The whole scene is not an unreasonable explanation of how humankind came into being. My favourite is Kronos. He was one of the twelve Titans who were the children of Gaia (earth) and Uranos (sky). Kronos ate his first five children because he thought they would put a curse on him, because his father had cursed him when he cut off dad’s testicles at the behest of his mother (who was his father’s sister, also a Titan) in order to rule the world – a New World Order if you like! Krono’s last child was Zeus, king of the gods, and hurler of lightning bolts.

Rhea, Kronos’ wife, substituted a stone when Kronos tried to eat him too, and later regurgitated it along with the five children he had previously swallowed, all of whom then became gods (but not the stone). One of those children was Ares, the god of war, a bit dim, but a real warrior. Anyway, later on the Greek warrior state of Sparta was established (in modern day Laconia). You remember, the Spartans left their children out on

the mountainside, and those that didn’t perish became the best warriors. On the corner of Bentinck and Keppel Streets in Bathurst is the Sparta Building, now beautifully repainted (with the help of a small grant from Council). It has been a long and difficult process, a bit like the ten labours of Hercules, but the result is striking, and Sparta now stands proud as part of Bathurst built heritage.

Thought of the week “It’s all Greek to me”

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AUSTRALIAN RACING GROUP CATEGORIES TO COMPETE IN HUGE SIX DAY BATHURST EVENT Australian Racing Group (ARG) is pleased to confirm all six of its racing categories will compete as part of a massive motorsport event at Bathurst later this year.

midst the Coronavirus pandemic which has significantly disrupted the Australian motorsport calendar for a second year, ARG, Supercars and Bathurst Regional Council have agreed to bring the sport’s leading racing categories together for a consolidated major event on the Mount Panorama circuit. ARG’s categories, headlined by the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, will now close out the 2021 season as part of an expanded Bathurst 1000 event from Tuesday, November 30 through to Sunday, December 5. In a win for Australian motorsport fans, an unprecedented line-up of 10 racing categories will feature across a six-day festival of motorsport on the nation’s greatest racing circuit. The development means that the inaugural running of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International - originally scheduled for November 26-28 - has been cancelled. Anyone who purchased a ticket or campsite to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International will receive a full refund. Refunds will be processed by event ticketing providers within 14 days. With COVID-19 restrictions on state borders and mass gatherings continuing late into 2021, the consolidated event allows 10 categories to race at Mount Panorama over a date which is expected to offer the best prospect of spectator attendance and reduced or removed restrictions on interstate travel.

In addition to the season finale of the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, the new date will mark the long-awaited Bathurst debut of the V8-powered S5000 open wheel formula. The maiden Bathurst appearance for S5000 will mark the second of two rounds forming the prestigious Tasman Series which has been revived for 2021. “This major event at Bathurst is going to be one of the biggest spectacles ever seen in Australian motorsport, and it is a credit to all parties for putting the sport first,” said Matt Braid, CEO, Australian Racing Group. “There’s no doubt these are difficult times we live in, so to have this come together with the cooperation of Supercars to benefit all our competitors, commercial partners and most importantly, the fans, it’s a huge win for all,” said Mr Braid. “And there’s no better place to hold the grandest of finales to the 2021 motorsport season than at Mount Panorama,” said Mr Braid. Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS, the National Trans Am Series and Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters each return to the legendary Mountain for a second event this year. ARG’s categories will share the Mount

Panorama circuit over six days with the Repco Supercars Championship competing for the Repco Bathurst 1000, along with the Dunlop Super2 and Super3 Series, Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Series and the Haltech V8 SuperUtes Series. “ARG would like to thank Benjamin Ward and his team at Supercheap Auto for their flexibility, as well as the Bathurst Regional Council for their ongoing support and desire to make this event happen.” “Supercheap Auto is pleased to work with the stakeholders that will see an unparalleled number of classes competing at Bathurst,” said Benjamin Ward, Managing Director, Supercheap Auto. “We understand the challenges the motorsport community have faced this year and a spectacle like this brings all categories together and is great for the sport and fan base,” “Supercheap Auto have a proud history at Bathurst and we look forward to reuniting with our fans at the mountain and crowning our 2021 Supercheap Auto TCR Series champion.” The popular S5000 category will make its racing debut at the famous Mount Panorama circuit as part of the huge Bathurst 1000 event.

“This major event at Bathurst is going to be one of the biggest spectacles ever seen in Australian motorsport, and it is a credit to all parties for putting the sport first”

Two young leaders from rural New South Wales have won Country to Canberra’s prestigious annual Leadership Competition, for their exceptional entries on how women and girls can empower each other and their communities in times of change. Elora Guirguis of Wagga Wagga and Jorja O’Brien of Young will represent NSW at this year’s virtual program, C2C On Screen. This year, there are 15 winners in total. "The entries this year were of exceptional quality, and many shared stories of the unique hardships and triumphs of rural life during the COVID-19 pandemic” Country to Canberra CEO Han Worsley said. “Elora and Jorja will get to represent their communities and state, in this once-ina-lifetime leadership opportunity”, Worsley said. Traditionally an all-expenses-paid trip to Canberra, this year’s Power Trip has been cancelled due to Covid-19. Instead, the winners will take part in C2C On Screen. For the second year running, winners will participate in a multi-day virtual program, which will play host to a series of events including leadership workshops, meetings with state and federal politicians, and mentorship opportunities. “C2COS saw an incredibly successful inaugural year in 2020, and we are proud to announce the return of this innovative program. In the face of the challenges of the past two years, this program provides opportunity and excitement to our rural and remote winners, and we are thrilled to build on the success of 2020 to deliver a memorable experience”, added Worsley. Jorja O’Brien of Young is excited for the opportunity to be a part of the highly competitive program. “I am proud to be representing my school, and NSW. It’s going to be wonderful to be part of this virtual program for young people in regional, rural, and remote Australia” Ms O’Brien said. Elora Guirguis of Wagga Wagga shares a similar sentiment "I'm thrilled to meet other winners and to represent New South Wales when participating in the virtual workshops" she said.

Community

Young Women from rural NSW win Leadership Opportunity

Goodearth Landscape & Building Supplies 879 Castlereagh Hwy, Lidsdale 2790

Your one-stop garden, landscape & building centre! Amazing gift shop inside - unusual pieces, quirky pots, furniture and seasonal plants

Email: sales@good-earth.com.au

Website: goodearthlandscapeandbuildingsupplies.com

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Phone: (02) 6355 1937

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Open 6 Days: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm

Yes, we are trading during lockdown! All COVID safety measures are being followed on our premises. We also have an online store now available through our website (see below). So if you are not confident travelling out during lockdown, try our online shop and enjoy contactless delivery to your door.

Community

DUCK RACE POSTPONED TO 31 OCTOBER In the hopes of having an event where the public may be able to attend, the Rotary Club of Bathurst has now been postponed to Sunday October 31. There are only a few chances left for businesses to get a duck in the race, and if the public can attend it will be a great family day out for all! The Rotary Club of Bathurst Great Corporate Duck Race is now in its 5th year raising much needed funds for local causes. The winning Corporate Top Duck will receive $1000 advertising in the Central West Village Voice, $1000 radio advertising on 2BS Gold, $2000 worth

of coaching from The Persuader, and an awesome trophy. Defending Champion Devro have already got their duck secured looking to make it two in a row! Other businesses jumping on board to support this years race are Bathurst Chiropractic, Tablelands Builders, Exceltech Industrial Electrics, Boxgrove Weddings and Events, Access All Loans, Central West Foot and Ankle, Bathurst Batteries, Verto, Swift Business Solutions, Dawson Removals, Westfund, Inland Digital, Bathurst Regional Council, Moneyquest Bathurst, Reliance Bank, BRS Technical, BRS Manpower,

Fenix IT/Phones4Business, Automate Car Servicing, Regis Resources 1, Regis Resources 2, Frank Smith Work Clothing and Shoe Repairs, Vivability, Brett Moulds Design and Drafting, Kelso Electrical, Kenny Spring Solicitors, Choices By Bright, Macquarie Medi Spa, Pear Tree Wholefoods, Bathurst Real Estate, Bathurst RSL, Hobson Plumping and Roofing, Integrity Realty, IGA Westpoint, Andy’s Livestock Transport Rockley, Oliver Shoemark Tree Services P/L, Clancy Motors, Dawson Removals Duck 2, Sureway Employment Training, JBC Concreting, Eco Roads, Large Solar Installs, Changing Places Excavation.

CERTAINTY FOR COMMUNITY AND INDUSTRY ON ENERGY FROM WASTE The NSW Government has today released the Energy From Waste Infrastructure Plan, providing certainty for communities and investors and creating opportunities for NSW to lead the way in the delivery of world-class alternative energy projects. Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister responsible for Resources John Barilaro said the Plan outlines how the NSW Government will support innovative ways of managing waste, drive investment into the bush and provide certainty for communities. “The NSW Government is delivering waste to energy facilities to help power a manufacturing renaissance and bring jobs to regional NSW,” Mr Barilaro said. “These modern facilities will be located strategically to service the whole state,

aimed at driving waste out of landfill and into the circular economy, using state-ofthe-art technology to maximise regional economic and employment benefits.” The Plan makes clear where new thermal waste to energy facilities can and cannot proceed, identifing the West Lithgow Precinct, Parkes Special Activation Precinct, Richmond Valley Regional Jobs Precinct and Southern Goulburn-Mulwaree Precinct as priority locations to host these operations. Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said the plan is the final piece of the waste management puzzle and builds on the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy and Plastics Plan released earlier this year. “This is about getting the balance right between supporting investment in NSW, driving a circular economy and reducing

carbon emissions, while also respecting the concerns of local communities,” Mr Kean said. “The Plan ensures new thermal waste to energy projects are co-located with transport links and complimentary industries, and kept away from high density residential areas. “It also allows proposals which involve existing industrial facilities switching to more environmentally friendly wastederived fuels.” Under the Plan, operators of energy from waste projects will be required to make emissions data available to the community in real time online, to boost community confidence and transparency. The Infrastructure Plan builds on the existing Energy from Waste Policy Statement that was informed by advice from the NSW

The Bay Tree Nursery Specialising in the more unusual Cool Climate Trees, Shrubs and Perennials.

Qualified Horticulturist on site!

Pre-retirement Planning Retirement Planning Defined Benefits Super

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Daniel Crump Financial Planning can help you: • prepare for retirement • manage your money so that you don’t run out • legally manage your tax and maximise your age pension entitlements. NO HIDDEN AGENDAS. We are not owned by any financial institutions or super funds who might want to bias our advice.

Bill Grattan, Horticulturist

855 Chifley Road, Clarence 2790 Open 5 days, 10am-4pm. Closed Monday & Tuesday Ph: 0400 347 694 williamgrattan@gmail.com

Appointments are now available in Lithgow and Bathurst. To book please call 0418 148 622 or visit danielcrumpfp.com.au for more information. D Crump & Co Pty Ltd t/as Daniel Crump Financial Planning (ABN 83 642 812 904) is an authorised representative of Catalpa Pty Ltd AFSL 530665 ABN 57 648 557 340

A corporate duck costs $300 and you can secure one for your business by contraction Steve Semmens on 0412 522 771.

Financial Planning Column by Daniel Crump

Hope is not an investment strategy With local and International share markets at record highs, now might be the time to check in on your investments. A lot of good news is being priced into the markets at the moment. And there are plenty of emerging risks that could end the boom. So, what should retirees be doing? Is now the time to be complacent and hope our super balance will continue to rise, or should we be more active and review our investments in light of the emerging risks? A golden run In the past 12 months the US share market has increased by 29% and it is currently sitting at record highs. Locally, the Australian market increased more than 23% during the same period. These returns have been fueled by Government stimulus, record low interest rates and the global rollout of the Covid vaccines. Worldwide, the recession was shorter and the economic recovery faster than expected. Here in Australia, the level of employment and economic output have both recovered beyond their prepandemic levels. But there are emerging risks to this golden run. Know when to hold ‘em, when to fold ‘em In Australia the Delta strain of Covid appears to have taken hold, with the previous ‘zero Covid’ approach no longer achievable. The plan now appears to be to drop restrictions once a threshold of adults are vaccinated, but that may not be achievable for months. Until then, Australia’s economy will continue to suffer from the lockdown, and that will place the projected recovery at real risk. There are political risks as well. Taliban rule has returned following the collapse of the Afghan government. Further terrorist attacks are a real possibility, and they will negatively impact on trust and confidence in the Biden administration. Worse still, all of this may reignite a 20-year war we thought was over. No time for complacency That’s why there is no time for complacency. Now is the time to check on your financial progress. It is likely that your financial plan is tracking ahead of your expectations. If that’s the case, you have options. You could start spending more day-to-day, sell down some assets to lock in profits, or even reduce the risk profile of your investments. Retirement planning is not a ‘set and forget’ exercise and hope is not an investment strategy. At Daniel Crump Financial Planning we’re continuing to operate during the lockdown, and we’re accessible via phone and video conference. Daniel Crump is the founder of Daniel Crump Financial Planning. This article is general and does not consider your personal circumstances. If you would like advice specific to you, please visit www.danielcrumpfp.com.au or give us a call on 0418 148 622.

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The Ferrero Group is proud to announce a new eco-designed box for its iconic Ferrero Rocher range, as part of its commitment to making 100% of its packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.

Pets: The Best Medicine

errero will begin to introduce the new eco-designed boxes in a phased roll out around the world starting from September 2021, starting with its best-selling products; the Ferrero Rocher 30-piece which will arrive in Australia and New Zealand before Christmas 2021, and the 16-piece which will be on local shelves in 2022. The new Ferrero Rocher eco-designed boxes will be made from polypropylene (PP), which enables easier recycling globally. In addition to being easier to recycle, the new innovation will reduce the use of plastic and the impact on the climate. The new boxes use 40% less plastic for the 16-piece and 38% less plastic for the 30-piece.

Thanks to the new eco-designed boxes, Ferrero Rocher will save approximately 2,000 tonnes of plastics globally in the first year from introduction in September 2021. Once the implementation of the new eco-designed boxes is complete across the entire Ferrero Rocher box portfolio, the full impact of the project is estimated at approximately 10,000 tonnes less plastic used. The new 16-piece and 30-piece boxes also

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have at least 30% lower carbon footprint. Additionally, when a box is recycled, it has an even lower climate impact – reaching a 70% lower carbon footprint versus the previous box. To create the new box, the R&D team at Ferrero worked to develop and trial over 29 different plastic resins working with leading materials expert - Milliken. The result is a new eco-designed box which will progressively reduce the use of plastic and impact on the climate, while maintaining the iconic box’s transparency, and guaranteeing the same highquality product that our consumers know and love. Jerome Gray, President Global Marketing Premium Chocolate of The Ferrero Group, said, “For nearly 40 years, Ferrero Rocher has been helping our consumers to celebrate life’s golden moments. Today, our new ecodesigned box enriches those experiences further by making them more sustainable. So, our consumers can enjoy and savour Ferrero Rocher with their loved ones, while being confident that we are doing our part to reduce the impact of our packaging.” Fabio Mora, Global Packaging Director of The Ferrero Group, said, “The Ferrero Rocher eco-designed box is a clear example of our dedication to enhancing packaging circularity. We worked in close partnership with Milliken who brought their innovative and critical thinking to help reduce the environmental impact through the use of a new polypropylene material for the Ferrero Rocher box.” The new eco-designed Ferrero Rocher box is an important first step on the brand’s journey towards more sustainable packaging. All box formats and packaging components will evolve towards more sustainable packaging by 2025, in accordance with the Ferrero company commitment.

ROVING LEO REPORTER

in the holidays I can see if all my cameras still work. Sadly the film required for old film cameras is very expensive, so that’s something that I’m going to have to save up for. The first camera is a bit worse for wear as it’s a bit rusty, the lenses are dirty, the front covering is missing but we do have the back covering which has come off. but we can fix all that. The back covering says it was made in Rochester, New York. The second camera has that classic box brownie look and is in

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better condition than the first. It also came with a camera case with a leather strap. It’s a Japanese made Kodak camera and it’s really cool. Until next time, Leo Roving Reporter

According to RSPCA Australia, our country has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world! Statistics show we have over 29 million pets with 61% of households owning at least one. Our canine companions are the most common pet at 40% and our kitty-cat friends come in at 27%. Fish at 12%, pip birds at the post at 8%, then come smaller mammals at 3% followed by reptiles at 2%. 60% of dog and cat owner’s view their pets as members of the family and they say two thirds of us speak to them in conversation – yep! Are you one of the 61% and are you fully aware of the many benefits respectfully sharing life with another consciousness has to offer? It is highly rewarding and good for your health! Pets provide unconditional respect, affection and companionship which improves human life as they bring joy, pleasure, fun and the teaching of ‘just being’. This in turn increases mental health and overall wellbeing. At any time, but particularly at this time of uncertainty and overwhelm, our pets are possibly the only things in our life that are consistent and reliable: • They give us purpose, where we may not be feeling so valuable – we are the most important and valuable thing to them– they rely on us to love, feed and provide for them. • They keep us healthy by helping us move through our emotions and moods – their peaceful presence and calming heartbeat has a physical and beneficial effect on us, decreasing stress and anxiety. • They’re very generous – when they get what they need from us they then give back including the act of absorbing energetic influences that may be negatively affecting us, process it, then pop outside or to the litter box to eliminate it for us! • Their needs for stimulation and exercise encourage our own needs for the same – the very act of providing for them, directly nourishes ourselves – going for a simple walk with the dog or playing ‘mouse’ with the cat takes us out of heads which allows our body’s natural abilities to heal and reset itself. If you can’t own a pet I highly encourage you to spend time with an animal, even if it’s just sitting it the garden or park chatting with the bees – because without them – there is no us!

Mardi Williams from Creature Speak is a therapist assisting animals and their people with past experiences, internal balancing, pain, transition into new environments and life in general! She is also a certified BodyTalk Practitioner.

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Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Hi people, it’s Leo here. Wow, it’s the last week of the school term already. Is it just me or is this year going by quickly? I’m really excited for the school holidays, a time to just sit back and relax. On the weekend my mum and I bought two old box brownie cameras. They’re super cool, a bit under the weather age-wise but they look like they might still work (I’m hoping that they do). One of them even came with a camera case. Now I can add them to my small but interesting collection of old cameras. Maybe

Creature Talk Column by Mardi Williams from Creature Speak

Community

FERRERO GROUP INTRODUCES NEW RECYCLABLE BOX FOR ICONIC FERRERO ROCHER RANGE

Puzzles

ACROSS 1. Promontory 5. ... went up the hill (4,3,4) 11. Spell of hot weather (4,4) 15. I am, ... are 16. Meadow (poetic) 17. Confederacy 19. Lolls 21. Formerly Ceylon, Sri ... 23. Very well-off 25. Half-diameters 27. Electrical pressure 28. Rumba-like dance 30. Had to repay 31. Hold in high estimation 32. Common 33. Carnival 34. Preschool play area 35. Nuisance emailer 36. Roman dress 38. Wound crust 40. Compassionate 42. Historical ages 44. Interrupting cough 45. Potters’ ovens 46. Terrible tsar 48. Painting supports 49. Portent 50. Congers 51. Moistens (meat) 52. Equitable 53. Brazil’s neighbour 54. Ooze 55. Satisfactory 56. Law-abiding 58. Small letters (5,4) 59. Wobble (on brink) 61. Lustre 63. Actor, ... Danson 64. Chinese callisthenics, t’ai ... 65. Capri & Wight 67. Hoisting machine 69. Unsuitable 71. Wall graph 73. Diva, ... donna 74. Keen for action, ... to go 76. Midday sleep 78. Mounds 80. Figure (out) 82. Misfortunes 83. Coronation insignia 85. Feigned 89. Dictators 91. Winter or spring 93. Compete 94. Affection 96. Choux pastries, chocolate ... 98. Period before, ... of 99. Forensic ID check, ... test (1,1,1) 100. Willingly accept (new theory) 102. Substantial 103. Rowing championships 104. Absorbs (5,2) 105. Drilling platform 106. Broadcasting frequency (1,1,1) 107. Mosquito & bee 108. Side building 110. Deciduous tree 112. Strangely alluring 114. Firearm report 117. Unoccupied 120. Sneeze sound (1-6) 123. Curved-bill bird 125. Begin voyage, set ... 127. Paltry 128. Stockings 131. Marina craft 133. Pacifies 134. Rationale 135. Archfiend

Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

136. Approval (3-2) 137. Out of style 140. Marriage vow (1,2) 141. Pair 142. Old Testament prophet 145. Famous gift, ... Horse 147. TV charity appeals 148. Felonies 150. Classic portrait, ... Lisa 151. Obsolete VCR format 152. Three-piece combo 153. Rip 154. Neater 156. Chamber 158. District 160. More plentiful 162. Territory 163. Anorak 164. The N of NB 165. Babbles 166. Noticed 167. Skim swiftly 168. Cipher 170. Heavy-duty farm vehicle 172. Buried Italian city 173. WWII fascist 174. Confused assortment 177. Doorbell trigger

179. As a gamble, on ... 180. Acute anxiety 182. Flight staff 183. Established practice 185. Scratches out 187. Solid ground, ... firma 188. At an angle 189. Misplacing 191. Untrue statement 192. Compass direction (1,1,1) 193. Authorised 194. Rumpled 195. Sets of documents DOWN 1. Assist (4,3) 2. Fashionable, ... mode (1,2) 3. Attention 4. Changed fabric colour 5. Romeo’s lover 6. Want badly 7. Cinema gangway 8. Welsh poet, ... Thomas 9. Intimate (thoughts) 10. S American animals 11. Damage 12. Allocation

13. Include 14. On end 18. British anthem, ... Queen (3,4,3) 20. Renounce 22. Suffer (over) 24. Fight instigators 26. Long-haired hunting dogs (5,7) 29. In ABC order 37. Headlong surge 38. Burn slowly 39. Overeating 40. Patellas 41. Analyses 43. Oxygenate (water) 44. Snowy peaks 47. Back of neck 57. Contactable (2,4) 60. One or the other 62. Scraping by, ... out a living 66. Gain knowledge 68. Slaying 69. 12th of foot 70. Ocean’s flow 72. Artistically (pleasing) 73. Interest rate units 75. Quizzes

77. Cake layer 79. Temporary debarments 81. CD brand (1,1,1) 84. Showy flowers 85. Smiled mockingly 86. Retaliates for 87. Spiritualists 88. Towered over 90. Stifling 92. Once more 95. Intended 97. Keyboard operator’s complaint (1,1,1) 101. Gent 109. No trouble 111. Carry 113. Kick out 115. Moves closer to 116. Shout 118. Charged atoms 119. Panache 121. Hard-earned cash 122. Stops 124. Furnaces 126. Organisations 129. Gym garments 130. Commercial traveller 131. Veils 132. Cap & coat rack (3,5)

138. Single-celled organism 139. Numerical records 143. Isolates 144. Shirked 146. Cain’s biblical brother 149. Tomato variety 155. Information banks 157. Alfresco (4-3) 159. Tennis bat 161. Shipboard emergency floats (4,5) 165. Socially refined 169. Confines 171. Betrayed, ... on 172. Sulked 175. Livestock sheds 176. Hymn, Amazing ... 177. Overalls, bib & ... 178. Diagonal weave 181. Cover with gold 184. Discontinued (project) 186. South African political party (1,1,1) 190. I have (1’2)

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Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

KITCHENS, BATHROOM & LAUNDRY RENOVATIONS

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Community

BLUE TREES BRANCHING OUT FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH From Broken Hill to Inverell, Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) staff across the state have been whittling, welding and painting blue trees in the name of mental health awareness.

inister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts said 50 blue trees have been unveiled at CSNSW workplaces as part of the Blue Tree Project. CSNSW met its target to create 50 trees by World Suicide Prevention Day. “The idea of the Blue Tree Project is not only a symbol of hope but one of resilience and strength – that no matter how tough things get, there is always someone you can turn to and that should never be forgotten,” he said. “We hope these blue trees will promote conversations among staff, and encourage those who might be suffering and speak up.” Staff and inmates have been involved in creating their distinctive blue trees – from murals and collages to welded sculptures and painted tree trunks. Acting Commissioner Kevin Corcoran PSM said Hunter Correctional Centrebased manager Vicki Rivett lost her son Luke Watson last year and inspired CSNSW to take part in the project. “It’s no secret our staff work in a difficult and challenging environment and now, more so than ever, we need to make the effort to look out for one

another,” he said. “Vicki isn’t alone in her loss – mental health can be a silent killer. It is an issue that affects the lives of millions, can be greatly misunderstood and, in some cases, can end so tragically.” CSNSW wellbeing and resilience project officer Jane Cox said the Blue Tree Project is one of several wellbeing initiatives staff can take part in. Another is Stand TALR, a specialised course to help reduce the stigma and increase understanding of mental illness. “If people get to a point where they are impacted by mental health it doesn’t just affect their work life, it affects their home life and their relationships,” she said. “CSNSW is focused on assisting staff, not only through specialised programs, but with peer support officers and dedicated staff welfare officers.” The Blue Tree Project was launched in WA in 2018 by a woman in memory of her brother, who had taken his life. The project involves creating or painting a dead tree blue either in memory of a person who has taken their life, or to spark difficult conversations and raise general awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.

Central West is Best Photography Competition Closing Soon Applications are closing soon for Regional Development Australia Central West’s (RDA Central West) annual photography competition. The theme for 2021 is ‘there’s no place like home’ and applicants are encouraged to capture the essence of their hometown before Friday, 24 September 2021. Chair of RDA Central West, Ruth Fagan, said the competition is a wonderful platform to highlight everything that is special about our region. “There truly is no place like home and the ‘Central West is Best’ photography competition is a great way to capture what you love most about your community,” said Mrs Fagan. “The Central West is a great place to live and we want to see entries that highlight why there is

no place like it – this could be a place, person or an event – and entries also don’t need to be current.” “We’ve all spent a lot of time at home due to COVID-19 but I think it has led to a deeper appreciation for the Central West so I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s entries and celebrating our region!” Entry into the 2021 Central West is Best Photography Competition is free and open to all ages and photographic abilities. Photos entered into the competition are not required to be taken during the competition timeframe. Entries close 5pm AEST Friday, 24 September 2021. For the full terms and conditions, and more information including how to enter, visit the RDA Central West website at www. rdacentralwest.org.au

ABOVE: Bathurst CC inmates painting tree Courtesy CSNSW - TAKEN PRIOR TO COVID RESTRICTIONSABOVE LEFT: Blue Tree Project - Lithgow - Courtesy CSNSW - TAKEN PRIOR TO COVID RESTRICTIONS

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Issue 008 - 16 September 2021

Les Harry Tiling

No complete job over $5000 can taken

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Central West Village Voice - Issue 008

Articles inside

Blue Trees highlight Mental Health

Vaccination clinic in Lithgow a success