Dubbo Region New Resident Guide 2019/2020

TO T H E

Join our growing community of over 53,240 people

Find the job for you, the Dubbo Region has only a 2% unemployment rate and strong industry growth (March 2019)

Dubbo Median house price $372,500

Dubbo Median weekly rent $330*

Explore the great outdoors at 24 local parks

Find your team at over 100 local sporting clubs

Wellington Median house price $160,000

Wellington Median weekly rent $240*

Become one of the game’s greats at our 22 sportsgrounds

Practice your swing at 2 golf clubs

Enjoy a day at the races at 2 race courses

Make a splash at 3 public swimming pools

Shop til you drop at our 3 shopping malls and 5 neighbourhood shopping precincts

Find your faith at 43 places of worship

Fuel your learning at our 57 educational facilities

Ignite your creativity with over 30 arts and culture groups

(July 2019)*

(July 2019)*

CONTENTS We l c o m e t o o u r h o m e M e e t t h e Ta y l o r s Where we live Where we learn How we connect How we keep healthy Where we work How we are growing

* Data via Core Logic

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

THIS NEW RESIDENT GUIDE I S P R O U D LY P R O D U C E D B Y

Doing business Where we play Hometown heroes Where we shop Our Council Our villages Events in our Region

18 20 22 24 26 28 29

WELCOME TO OUR

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We a r e d e l i g h t e d t o w e l c o m e y o u into our thriving and dynamic community where you are free to choose the per fect lifestyle for you. The Dubbo Region outshines the big cities in both affordability a n d l i v e a b i l i t y, w i t h a n i m p re s s i v e range of housing options, health and education services and little to no work commute – your quality of life is second to none.

DUBBO Relish the vibrant atmosphere of Dubbo, a regional city with room to live, work and grow. In Dubbo you can forge a career or study for that long awaited university degree, all while spending quality time with your family. The real heart of New South Wales, Dubbo is a dynamic, regional centre that offers the dual benefits of relaxation and space with the amenities of a major city. Dubbo is home to ever expanding business and community sectors. Enjoy convenient access to all the services you need as well as efficient transport throughout the state and beyond. Dubbo is truly the hub of the Region, connecting and servicing a broad catchment population of 120,000 people in the Orana Region.

WELLINGTON Enjoy the peaceful pace of life in Wellington where unique history and striking natural features combine to create the idyllic country vibe you have been dreaming of. Life in Wellington is your chance to escape the hustle and bustle. This proud and engaged community is nestled in a picturesque valley and is a bona fide nature lover’s paradise enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

VILLAGES If it is a chance to really sit back and enjoy life, perhaps village life is for you. Our charming, close-knit village communities each have their own special story and identity contributing to the multifaceted makeup of our vibrant Region.

Let us be your guide to life in your new home, explore all that the Dubbo Region has to offer through these pages or find more information and inspiration at dubbo.com.au.

HOW’S THE Average

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Max

°C

33

32

30

25

20

16

15

17

21

25

30

32

Min

°C

18

18

15

11

7

4

3

4

6

10

13

16

61

53

47

45

47

50

44

44

43

49

52

50

Rainfall mm

THE DUBBO REGION NEW RESIDENT GUIDE

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MEET THE

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How many times have you made your daily commute to and from work, day dreaming of a life without traffic, delays and hours spent travelling each morning and night? How many times have you wished you could follow your career ambitions whilst not compromising on your life balance?

M a t t a n d S a n d y Ta y l o r w e r e t w o p e o p l e w h o h a d those dreams, and decided to chase them over the sandstone cur tain from Sydney to the Dubbo Region.

The Taylors, together with their 4 year old daughter Emma, relocated to Dubbo in 2018 after Matt accepted a role with Dubbo Regional Council. Matt, who grew up in regional New Zealand before moving to Sydney in 2005, said that “a main motivation was (and is) to help contribute to the community my family will grow up in, to see positive outcomes from the work I do, to have a sense of ownership, which I never felt I had in Sydney – due to not living and working in the same Council area.”

Sandy, who had grown up in Sydney and loved her secure and rewarding job in a major tertiary hospital, was sceptical about making the move to a regional area but saw the appeal in leaving the bustle of the city behind. Sandy said “I was exhausted with the travel and constant demands of city life. We hoped that moving to a regional setting would provide a better balance for us as a family.”

When considering making the move, Matt and Sandy knew there were several ‘must-haves’ for their new home. Number one on the list was employment, there had to be jobs that met the Taylor’s requirements now, as well as opportunity for progression. Second was access to a good range of essential services including quality education, health care, a major hospital and professional services. Third was an airport with services to Sydney. And finally, their new home had to have things to do, especially recreational activities. Matt expressed that “Dubbo ticks all these boxes.”

Sandy has been enjoying the opportunities that a career at Dubbo Hospital has opened up for her.

Sandy shared “I was successful in securing an educator’s position and I have been encouraged to see a number of my skills utilised and developed further since starting. I have met a number of other nurses who have also commenced recently after moving from Sydney and it is encouraging to see the new opportunities available as the hospital site continues to grow and develop. It has surprised me how quickly I have come to feel like I am part of the team at work and that I now have more time and energy before and after work to enjoy family time.”

Matt is excited about the future potential, “In my time living in Dubbo I have noticed there’s a buzz about the city and so much going on with new businesses and industries choosing to base themselves in Dubbo, major investment projects underway with more in the pipeline, and attractions to enjoy.”

When you ask the Taylors what they believe is the biggest positive their move has afforded their family, the unanimous answer is time! Sandy said “we are no longer exhausted by the time the weekend comes as the work/life balance is much better we can enjoy the weekends and find ourselves out and about more often with plenty of activities for the family.”

THE DUBBO REGION NEW RESIDENT GUIDE

And Matt agreed “without a doubt the main benefit to living in Dubbo is the amount of time I get back each day to enjoy life. I used to have a daily three hour round trip to work but now I get to work in under 10 minutes which means more quality time with my family, more time to exercise and more time to socialise. And even Emma approves, declaring there is more “time for babyccino’s!”

. . .w i t h o u t a d o u b t the main benefit to living in Dubbo is the amount of time I get back each day to enjoy life.

“Dubbo is such a friendly and welcoming city. New work colleagues, neighbours, even families we meet at the local park have all been so friendly and genuine. This has made settling into Dubbo less daunting, especially after leaving the security of family and friends in Sydney and to our complete surprise there are so many good quality food options and cuisines offered in Dubbo. Be it cafes, restaurants or pubs using locally sourced produce and great coffee too. It’s hard to beat a fresh bacon and egg roll and a coffee at the local farmers market after the Saturday morning Dubbo parkrun!

Residents of Dubbo enjoy so many benefits like ample free parking, a venue of choice for major touring events in the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, and even discounted entry for locals to exciting tourist attractions like Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Old Dubbo Gaol, just to name a few. When asked what the future looks like for the Taylors – the family says “down the track will see us settled in our house, veggie patch, chooks and busy with school activities and sport. We think Dubbo has what we want to feel comfortable and really has all that we need for our family.”

Matt, Sandy and Emma have not looked back since joining the community of Dubbo and have expanded their family, with baby Sophie arriving in 2019!

Matt encourages anyone who is “tired of the traffic, transport delays, the crowds, the queues, and the high cost of living to give regional NSW (especially Dubbo) a go to see there is another way of life.

You’ll be surprised at what you find beyond the Blue Mountains…we were.”

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WHERE WE

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Yo u w i l l i m m e d i a t e l y f e e l w e l c o m e in the ver y hear t of regional N e w S o u t h Wa l e s . F i n d y o u r i d e a l h o m e in a Region where the great Australian dream of a family home with a big backyard is within your reach.

ROOM TO GROW The perfect home is waiting for you in the Dubbo Region. Whether you want to leave tiny apartments with large mortgages behind, trading up to a four bedder with room for a dog or you’re considering down-sizing, our real estate market has a variety of choice to cater for all ages, tastes, styles and budgets. Our community enjoys the very best of both worlds.

Dubbo’s new and modern estates are ever expanding with affordable house and land packages available – giving you the perfect space to design and build.

BUILD YOUR DREAM Picture perfect life is within reach in Dubbo, with idyllic estates featuring manicured open spaces, sparkling lakes and gently winding waterways.

Our modern estates are designed to complement any lifestyle, with enviable locations within minutes of the CBD, major shopping centres, sporting facilities and schools.

MORE THAN A HOUSE If you yearn for a premium lifestyle in the heart of the country there are estates with large lifestyle blocks offering plenty of open space to enjoy. Designed to make the most of the great outdoors with cycleways, waterways and easy access to parks, sporting ovals or golf courses – these premium properties have everything you need in one picturesque place. Live the luxurious life you are dreaming of in modern, gated estates enjoying secure resort style living within a tight-knit community.

LIVE THE LAID BACK LIFE Wellington offers you the opportunity to achieve the ultimate tree change that you have been yearning for, without the big price tag! The township of Wellington features magnificent heritage homes, some tastefully restored with all the modern conveniences, others ready and waiting for the keen renovator to truly make it their home.

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY Wellington has acres of land to enjoy, there are enticing opportunities offering value, position and potential. With properties boasting elevated views across stunning rural vistas located only minutes from town, you don’t need to look far for your own slice of paradise. The Wellington valley’s rich soil is home to a thriving and diverse agricultural industry, with established farmland offering an enviable lifestyle overlooking the rivers and rolling hills of the Region.

Find not only a house, but a home in the Dubbo Region’s welcoming community.

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WHERE WE

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In the Dubbo Region you are spoilt for choice with the freedom to pursue quality education or achieve that desired degree.

TOTS TO TERTIARY The Dubbo Region is home to a high quality education network comprising of a mix of early childhood, public, independent and tertiary institutions. Whether you are looking for the perfect school for the kids or need to upskill for that next career move, you can discover a world of knowledge in your own backyard in the Dubbo Region.

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT Get your kids involved in their new community and watch them thrive at one of our 25 primary or secondary schools. If you’re looking for childcare close to home, there is a range of preschool, long and occasional day care, after-school and vacation care services across our neighbourhoods. The Region has a high quality education network of over 57 facilities, there is sure to be a caregiver, school, university or college to meet the needs of you and your family.

LEARNING LIBRARIES Dubbo and Wellington have branches of the Macquarie Regional library located within the CBD area giving residents access to a wide range of engaging and informative resources.

With Rhymetime, Storytime, School Holidays and youth activities on offer – there is plenty of entertainment and stimulation for the young minds of the Region.

SEEK OUT HIGHER LEARNING The Dubbo Region provides ample opportunities to pursue that desired degree or upskill your way, with a variety of institutions and education styles to choose from.

CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY – DUBBO CAMPUS With courses available in Education, Nursing and Social Work, the Charles Sturt University Campus in Dubbo has been providing the community with tertiary education for over 25 years.

The Dubbo Campus offers a range of study options including full time, part time, on campus and online. With excellent facilities including a networked library, both a clinical and nursing laboratory, as well as the architectural prize-winning Interactive Learning Centre featuring a state-of-the-art computing laboratory.

UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY – SCHOOL OF RURAL HEALTH Students in years 3 or 4 of the Sydney medical program can experience what it is like to live and work in rural and regional New South Wales for at least one year. This gives students an amazing hands-on opportunity to get amongst the community and learn valuable skills whilst continuing their studies.

TAFE WESTERN – DUBBO AND WELLINGTON CAMPUS You have every opportunity to upskill or learn something entirely new at TAFE Western with an extensive range of courses and programs available including; agriculture, heavy and light vehicles, hairdressing, beauty therapy, construction, nursing, general education, building and construction, business, fine arts, hospitality, automotive, metal fabrication, welding, aged care, children’s services, welfare, health, animal studies, conservation, land management, horticulture and wool classing. TAFE Western also provides specialised Aboriginal programs such as performing arts and languages.

WESTERN COLLEGE – DUBBO Western College, a division of VERTO, is a not-for-profit community organisation that offers courses designed to help you get the skills you need to start a job, progress in your career or go on to higher education. Western College offers education with a difference, designed to focus on the needs of an individual student away from the traditional institutional environment.

The College also provides guidance and contacts for both education and work options beyond year 10, such as senior school, tertiary education, apprenticeships, traineeships and potential employment.

Old Dubbo Gaol THE DUBBO REGION NEW RESIDENT GUIDE

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HOW WE

Our family moved from Lakemba in Sydney, we easily sold our old 2 bedroom unit and traded up to something much larger here in Dubbo and we are living much more comfortably as a family. I was convinced that this move was the right choice for us when I saw the career opportunities and affordable housing options we had to choose from in Dubbo. We have settled in great, we find we can get our errands done quickly and spend lots of quality time taking the kids to swimming lessons, karate, the park or even just relaxing together at home.

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Our warm and welcoming community will help you connect with your favourite passion, pursuit or pastime. The Dubbo Region opens its arms and invites you in.

The Dubbo Region’s people are what really make this such a special place to live.

MEET AND MINGLE You have so many opportunities to connect and get involved in our vibrant community, with an abundance of clubs and groups ready to welcome you.

Meet new people, hone new skills or support the community you now call home. Our Region is proud to play host to a medley of faiths and places of worship giving you an opportunity to follow and practice your chosen faith.

GET INVOLVED There are groups for all stages of life, from youth support to senior citizens clubs, catering to all interests from gaming, to knitting, art and agriculture.

Take a peek into the fascinating past and rich culture of your new home by joining one of our historical societies or many multicultural groups. Whether you are looking for a support network, a way to influence change or even just meet like-minded residents there is a great choice of engaging groups to join.

GIVE BACK Join a club committed to making the world a better place, or unite and strive towards a common purpose. If you are looking to give back to the community we have a number of volunteer and charitable organisations to choose from.

From assisting the aged, disabled or less fortunate, to helping build and run some of our biggest events – there is something for everyone.

GROW TOGETHER Don’t forget the kids, there are so many opportunities for them to join a group, learn a new skill or just get out and have fun in the Dubbo Region. We have everything from guides and scouts, to circus troops and army cadets.

SPORTING STARS AND BUDDING BEGINNERS Whether you play professionally, passionately or just for social fun – there is a sport in the Dubbo Region for you. We are proud of our strong sporting culture and fantastic facilities, with a variety of social and competitive clubs available in our city, town and villages. The Dubbo Region has everything from camp draft to cycling, dance to disc golf, soccer to softball and so many more! Our clubs and community are well catered for, with excellent fields and playing surfaces, as well as top notch swimming facilities throughout the Region.

AVID ADVENTURERS Or for those seeking an adrenaline rush, the unique features of the Wellington landscape make it the ideal destination for niche and extreme sports.

Whether you are a keen runner, mountain biker or water sports enthusiast – you will find the perfect playground in the Dubbo Region.

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HOW WE KEEP

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The Dubbo Region is a hub for health and medical ser vices, where major public, private and allied health ser vices are conveniently located and accessible.

HELP IS HERE 24/7 The Dubbo Region is the envy of regional New South Wales offering a broad range of medical and allied health services and facilities. The Dubbo Hospital serves as a base for the Orana Region (an area greater than one third the size of New South Wales) and offers emergency and acute medical, surgical, obstetric and paediatric care. The Hospital is currently undertaking a $150 million redevelopment which will result in a new emergency department, a new renal dialysis unit, a new critical care floor and the expansion of the oncology unit.

YOUR LOCAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL Residents of the Region have ready access to general practitioners, specialists and diagnostic services, as well as an extensive primary and community health network. The Region’s hospitals are licensed to provide a variety of services including surgery, medicine, and rehabilitation, obstetric and neonatal care. The Region has scores of dentists, orthodontists, physiotherapists and other professionals providing general and specialised care within offices and surgeries in the city, town and villages.

MIND, BODY AND SOUL For those seeking alternative health options the Dubbo Region has an impressive selection of massage therapists, reiki and meditation masters and naturopaths. Be sure to slap on the sunscreen, strap on your walking shoes and enjoy the great outdoors on one of our Region’s cycleways or bush walking tracks.

RELAXATION AND RETIREMENT The Dubbo Region plays an important role in servicing the needs of aged care and retirees. The Region has experienced an upsurge in the development of accommodation for the over 55s; with villages, hostels and specialised care available in Dubbo and Wellington. There are many options for those entering retirement and seeking ‘community style’ living with estates studded with quality apartments nestled in modern housing estates. These estates are home to social and recreational programs, and frequent catch-ups over a shared cheese platter by the pool!

ENJOY YOUR TWILIGHT YEARS For the treasured aged members of our community, the Region offers a number of retirement villages and facilities offering clinical care and a high level of safety and comfort.

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WHERE WE

I had really enjoyed past regional work placements so when an opportunity arose I suggested to my boss that I try Wellington for a term, it has been 2 years and I haven’t looked back. I thought I led a busy life in Sydney, but it now looks quite limited compared to the one that I have made for myself here in Wellington. I think being in a country town, locals make more of an effort to ensure that you feel included and valued. I could not believe my luck when I found out that Wellington had an amateur theatre company (WATS) and I was quick to join up as soon as I arrived!

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Whether you are growing your profession, star ting your own business, or making that big career shift – ours is a Region of o p p o r t u n i t y. W i t h a p ro s p e ro u s economy and attractive prospects for both big and small business, you can find your per fect niche in the Dubbo Region.

LIVE BIG In our Region you have the freedom and available options to choose the work and life balance that is right for you. You will find that opportunities abound in the Dubbo Region with a range of industries working together to create a strong and stable economy and an unemployment rate consistently below the New South Wales average.

LIVE BROAD With a diverse, strong economy the Dubbo Region has a broad business base. The main industries we work in are: health, retail, education, government services, tourism, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, business services and transport. The surrounding Region is also well positioned as an expanding mining services centre with both established and emerging mining and exploration projects.

LIVE CENTRAL Dubbo enjoys a prime position in the Region, located at the intersection of major routes for road, rail and air transport. Dubbo plays a vital role in providing a vibrant service centre to the wider Region that is supported by a thriving retail sector and over 4,800 registered businesses across the Local Government Area.

LIVE LOCAL Wellington is the quintessential charming country town, with a laid-back lifestyle, small business and agriculture as the town’s lifeblood. Wellington is the perfect place to run your small business and carve out your own niche, or make your mark working for one of the many government agencies and large employers.

Whether you choose the city-change of Dubbo, or tree-change of Wellington, your opportunities for work mean that your career or business can grow, but never at the expense of family time.

WHERE WE WORK Public administration and safety 1,892

TOP 5 INDUSTRIES (OUTPUT*) $M Health care and social assistance 3,777

Retail and trade 2,598

Rental, hiring and real estate services $677.624 M

Machinery operators and drivers 1,341

Managers 2,867

Professionals 3,913

Sales workers 2,362 Clerical and administrative workers 2,874 Manufacturing $888.31 M

*Output represents the gross revenue generated by businesses in each sector.

THE DUBBO REGION NEW RESIDENT GUIDE

Labourers 2,441

Construction $1,037 M

Health care and social assistance $506.669 M

Construction 2,135

Education and training 2,207

Public administration and safety $369.988 M

OCCUPATIONS IN THE DUBBO REGION

Community and personal service workers 2,823

Technicians and trade workers 3,142 Not stated 123 PAGE 15

HOW WE ARE

Ours is a Region on the rise. Major developments in private i n d u s t r y, h o u s i n g , m i n i n g a n d re n e w a b l e e n e rg y, c o u p l e d w i t h the current construction boom mean that the Dubbo Region is not slowing down on growth any time soon!

Here is a snapshot of just some of the completed and ongoing p ro j e c t s c o n t r i b u t i n g t o t h e g ro w t h i n i n d u s t r y, s e r v i c e s a n d oppor tunities for employment in the Dubbo Region, with over 3,000 new jobs expected to be created by 2020.

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in gross regional revenue from the construction industry

300+ apartments being developed in the Dubbo CBD across 3 projects

60,904

3,247

Dubbo + Wellington projected population by 2036

Dwellings to be built in the next two decades

Inland Rail project construction being undertaken between Parkes and Narrabri

Dubbo Solar Hub (90 hectares) Bodangora Wind Farm (33 turbines) Nyngan Solar Plant (250 hectares)

Alkane’s Toongi Rare Earth and Metals Mine

Re-development of the Dubbo Base Hospital

(construction ready, subject to financing)

Momentum Trains regional rail maintenance facility under construction in Dubbo

2019

2025

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DOING

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Our Region’s business communit y is strong and suppor tive.

With oppor tunities abounding for operations both big and s m a l l , o u r c i t y, t o w n a n d v i l l a g e s a re t h e p r i m e l o c a t i o n f o r y o u to build and grow your business dreams. The Dubbo Region h a s a s t ro n g a n d s u p p o r t i v e b u s i n e s s c o m m u n i t y, p e r f e c t f o r growing your career or establishing a new business and car ving out your own individual niche, with the resources, connectivity and time you need to establish and grow your business.

KEY BUSINESS NETWORKS Business networking and collaboration is a staple of the Dubbo Region’s community, with a range of networks available to join and cooperate with, from chambers of commerce through to young professional’s networks, there is a group for everyone to meet and mingle. Take the opportunity to seek out specialty peak organisations and like-minded individuals to help settle your business in our Region.

DESTINATION PARTNERSHIPS Our business community and Council work collaboratively to deliver destination marketing initiatives to attract visitors, new residents and events to our Region. Each year this partnership drives the Destination Partnership Program, which includes development of printed and digital guides like this one.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP Dubbo Regional Council is pleased to welcome you into our business community and we are available to provide a range of assistance to help you get established in our Region

or expand your existing business. If you are looking for investment and industry insights, community profile data, or need some help to relocate your business to the Region, make your transition seamless by contacting Council’s Economic Development and Marketing Branch. We can introduce you to local business networks, provide support for business and product development or provide you with contacts to assist with the development application process.

EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS NEAR AND FAR In the Dubbo Region the fantastic transport services and infrastructure available give you an amazing opportunity to build and grow a global business from home. Dubbo’s convenient position in the Region at the intersection of major routes for road, rail and air transport offers boundless opportunities for commerce and business travel. The Dubbo City Regional Airport is only 7km from Dubbo’s CBD and offers more than 200 direct flights per week. It has never been easier to connect your business to others throughout Australia and beyond, as Dubbo is within a one hour direct flight of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle and the far West of New South Wales.

CONNECTIVITY

SERVICE

WORKFORCE

GROWTH

INVESTMENT

NBN, road, rail, air, electricity and communication lines

Well established service centre, extensive serviceable area - approximately one third of New South Wales

Low unemployment, highly educated and skilled

Strong and stable population growth, current construction boom

Strong investment returns across the Region for residential and commercial property

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WHERE WE

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The Dubbo Region is the ultimate playground! With stunning natural features and wide open spaces, there is no better place to get out, about and stay active.

GET BACK TO NATURE Ours is a community that loves to get outdoors and explore! With a Region rich in sporting fields, attractive parks, reserves and natural attractions there is so much to discover in your own backyard. With both Dubbo and Wellington situated on the banks of the Macquarie River, nature is a way of life in the Dubbo Region.

PICTURESQUE PARKS Wellington’s Cameron Park has been described as one of the prettiest parks in New South Wales, offering you shady trees to relax under and wile away the day, stroll along the banks of the river or just enjoy the peace and quiet in the well-maintained gardens. Dubbo’s picturesque Victoria Park is a popular gathering place for locals. Located in the heart of the city, it features several play areas including Livvi’s Place which caters for children of all ages and abilities. Many other parks dot our Region, including several dog friendly and leash-free areas for your four legged friends!

PLENTIFUL PLAYGROUNDS Your kids will go wild at the Dubbo Regional Adventure Playground, with around 40 play elements to explore. Soar on the flying fox, speed down the giant slide and fly high on the basket swing! Experience a taste of Japanese culture at Wellington’s Osawano Garden, featuring tranquil waterways, stunning flowers and plants native to Japan. Enliven your senses and explore four distinctive garden spaces at the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden.

WIDE OPEN SPACES If you are looking to explore the great outdoors there is no better place than your new home.

With opportunities for bushwalking and bird watching on our peaceful reserves, gentle strolls along the fertile riverbanks or even the popular Dubbo Parkrun for the fitness enthusiast. If you are a keen cyclist the Dubbo Region has you covered, with well-maintained cycleways in both Dubbo and Wellington or for the more adventurous among us there are downhill mountain bike tracks throughout the Mount Arthur Reserve.

MAKE A SPLASH Our Region’s waterways are plentiful and peaceful, with winding river trails offering the perfect escape for an afternoon as you explore by canoe or kayak. The Dubbo and Wellington Aquatic Leisure Centres offer you the ultimate summer escapes, with sparkling waters and facilities for the whole family and all ability levels.

STAY ACTIVE YOUR WAY Our active and enthusiastic residents enjoy access to numerous gyms and fitness centres around the Region. Offering everything from crossfit to pilates, yoga and group fitness classes. The young and the young at heart relish the challenge of tackling the Dubbo and Wellington skate parks. The Dubbo Skate Park caters for all wheel sports and skill levels from beginner to advanced. For those looking to get outdoors and enjoy something a little different, Dubbo boasts one of the best disc golf courses in New South Wales, as well as an exciting paintball facility, and an indoor multi sports centre home to basketball, indoor netball and indoor cricket.

SUPERSTARS AND SPECTATORS Dubbo’s international-standard athletic facility and its all-weather sand-based football arena lure sporting events of state and national significance.

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WE’RE HOMETOWN

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When friends and family visit the Dubbo Region we love to be h o m e t o w n h e r o e s ! Yo u c a n g e t i n v o l v e d a n d s h a r e t h e g r e a t treasure trove of local gems on offer – from the wide open spaces o f Ta r o n g a We s t e r n P l a i n s Z o o t o t h e u n d e r g r o u n d w o n d e r l a n d o f t h e We l l i n g t o n C a v e s , a w e a l t h o f a d v e n t u r e i s w a i t i n g .

A number of attractions and activities are ready to reward you for being a home town ambassador and showcasing our Region to your visiting friends and family by offering local residents free or discounted entry.

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Explore Taronga Western Plains Zoo, home to hundreds of animals from around the world, with a 6km circuit that you can drive, cycle, run or walk through natural bushland and around large open style exhibits.

DISCOVER AN UNDERGROUND WONDERLAND

The Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mine will transport you back millions of years in time, as you journey through two limestone show caves and the beautifully preserved mine.

MAKE A DARING PRISON BREAK The history buffs among us love the Old Dubbo Gaol, a state heritage listed must see. This remarkably complete and intact gaol operated for 119 years from 1847 to 1966 and is still nestled in the main street of Dubbo.

UNEARTH OUR HISTORY Explorer John Oxley passed through the Region during his 1817 and 1818 expeditions and noted the rich potential for grazing and agriculture. You can almost step back through time in the Dubbo Region, with many fine examples of heritage architecture including the National Trust’s

Dundullimal Homestead, built in the early 1840s and believed to be Australia’s oldest timber slab homestead and Dubbo’s oldest building open to the public.

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVE SOUL Enjoy world-class touring and in-house exhibitions at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, the largest gallery space west of the Blue Mountains and one of the few regional galleries to regularly host the Archibald.

You will love getting lost in the beauty of nature at Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum, which houses one of the largest collections of Australian plants in cultivation. Over 50,000 flowering plants, shrubs and trees from more than 2,000 species are growing on 164 hectares overlooking the beautiful Lake Burrendong. A favourite of many residents is the lush simulated rainforest known as Fern Gully.

Thrill seekers and leisure lovers alike flock to Lake Burrendong just outside of Mumbil. With a capacity three times that of Sydney Harbour this picturesque water playground is a haven for fishing, water sports, camping and relaxation year round.

Wellington offers a passionate community and a thriving arts scene. The annual Arts and Sculpture Festival, Fong Lees Lane and other events provide loads of opportunities to be involved in rich and diverse cultural pursuits. Sit back and relax as you watch the latest international touring show in one of our theatres; or take in a local pub gig or warm up those pipes for one of the Region’s regular ‘muso’s nights’.

Cultivate your own creative talents and join one of the Region’s cultural organisations. There is a diverse range of hobby groups to suit all tastes including writers groups, theatre companies, dance troupes, arts and crafts societies, music bands and more.

We love rewarding our local residents for their support of our amazing local attractions, so some of the best of the best have special deals for residents of the Dubbo Local Government Area*.

OLD DUBBO GAOL

Pay nothing and head straight to Gaol! If you are a local then your admission into the Gaol during the day is free! *

WELLINGTON CAVES

Enjoy 50% off all tour ticket prices for the two stunning show caves or the unmissable Phosphate Mine if you are a local resident.

TARONGA WESTERN PLAINS ZOO As a local resident, you can access discounted Taronga Western Plains Zoo entry or if you plan to visit more regularly invest in a Zoo Friends annual pass.

Photo ID with valid postcode is required to access special rates.

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My family moved to Dubbo from Sydney South West and the first thing that impressed me was the incredible sunrises in the morning while walking my dogs, plus the unbelievable amount of stars you can see at night without the city lights getting in the way! The sense of community in our neighbourhood is wonderful. My daughter has her school friends living nearby and we know all our neighbours. Work is only 7 minutes from my home and it’s wonderful being able to drop off kids at school and still be at work within 10 minutes.

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Shop big or shop small, the Dubbo Region has it all. From locally made lovelies to one-of-a-kind finds, or even that per fect piece to complete your latest look. Shop small and make a big difference to the local businesses in our community and delight in the variety available at major retailers. The Dubbo Region is a shopping beacon for more than 200,000 people drawn from an area one third the size o f N e w S o u t h Wa l e s .

SEE YOU IN THE CBD Whether you prefer to enjoy the hustle and bustle of vibrant city streets or slow down, take a breath, check out local artworks, history trails and unwind as you meander through boutiques and cafes, the CBDs of Dubbo and Wellington are your destinations of choice for shopping, dining and entertainment.

GRABBING THE GROCERIES The Dubbo Region enjoys the ultimate in shopping choice. Whether you want to hit the independent grocer, or head to a major chain our CBDs and local shopping strips have you covered. You can even stock up on your preferred health foods in specialty stores or drop in on the international grocers for that hard to find ingredient.

SEARCH FOR THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL Grab your style squad and scratch that retail itch in one of our eclectic and sassy boutiques or check out the main stream brands you know and love, whatever your taste, shop local. Experience the warm and friendly customer service that is famous in the Region, along with the great coffee and homemade treats we’re proud of.

MORE THAN JUST STORES A forever changing canvas, the Region’s CBDs are also home to a diverse blend of cultural and entertainment options. Explore the laneways and discover the BOOM Art Trail in Dubbo or the talent of local artists along the iconic Fong Lees Lane, Wellington. Delve into the past by following the Dubbo History Trail or go to the dark-side with a family-friendly Twilight Tour or the adults-only Beyond the Grave Tour at the Old Dubbo Gaol.

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU Home grown events are a plenty, so take a stroll down town and get involved in the local fare in Wellington’s Cameron

Park, Fong Lees Lane or ‘The Plaza’ and in Dubbo, check out the Church Street Rotunda, Macquarie Lions Park or the many parks and ovals along the Macquarie River and the Tracker Riley Cycleway. If you want to just take it all in, be entertained and take in a show, there is a forever changing feature of international and home-grown acts at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre or catch the latest blockbuster at the cinema. Busking is popular in the Dubbo Region so keep an eye out for that next big name in music!

MEET ME AT THE MARKETS If you are looking to immerse yourself in your new community there is ample opportunity at one of our markets held in the CBD of Dubbo, Wellington or in the villages. There are markets held every month, so check the event calendar for details and make a date to catch up with family and friends whilst enjoying the freshest produce and most unique products that the Region has to offer.

SHOP LOCAL Support your new community and buy local with the myDubbo Region card. Take the hassle out of shopping or gift buying with this local shopping card, redeemable at over 130 Dubbo and Wellington stores. The shopping card is an EFTPOS based gift card that works like any other gift card or voucher based system, the only difference is the money can only be spent in Dubbo or Wellington at participating businesses. Simply visit a load up store to collect a card and decide how much money to load onto it. You can then use the card to purchase goods and services at any participating business. The cards cannot be redeemed outside of the participating store network.

Whether you’re soaking up Dubbo’s cosmopolitan vibe or indulging in Wellington’s country hospitality, it’s all at your fingertips with over 1,550 free car parking spaces all within comfortable walking distance of our CBDs.

I moved from Bathurst to take a step up in my career with a job in Wellington, and found a home in Dubbo. Something that I was impressed with once I had lived here was how easy it actually was to settle! There is a great sense of community with a lot of services and opportunities for people to embrace. Meeting new people through sports and similar interests was one of my first priorities, and luckily there’s plenty of sporting spirit in the Region.

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Our Council is passionate about ser ving our community and c r e a t i n g a g r e a t p l a c e f o r a l l r e s i d e n t s t o l i v e . We s t r i v e to be open, honest and approachable for anyone seeking suppor t or assistance.

Your first point of call for any enquiry is Council’s Customer Experience Centre on (02) 6801 4000.

Dubbo Regional Council is committed to making our community a great place to live, work and play. Council is dedicated to providing first-rate support to the wider community via economic, environmental and social services.

1. How are my rates calculated?

Council determines the combination of rates, charges, fees and pricing policies needed to fund the services it provides to the community. This is called a revenue policy. The revenue policy contains a rating structure that determines which rates and charges you have to pay and how they will be calculated. You can view the Revenue Policy on Council’s website.

2. When are Council meetings?

Council generally meets on a monthly cycle on Mondays (except January). Extraordinary meetings are called when needed. Council meetings start at 5.30pm in the Civic Administration Building, Church Street, Dubbo and live streamed at webcast.dubbo.nsw.gov.au.

3. Where do I take stray animals?

The Dubbo City Animal Shelter is located on Boothenba Road and can be contacted on (02) 6801 4640. The Shelter is a safe haven for lost and stray cats and dogs, keeping them protected until their owner (or a new owner) can be found. Fees apply for the release of impounded animals. Suitable unclaimed animals are re-homed through sales at the shelter. The Wellington Pound is located at the rear of the Wellington Works Depot on Amaroo Drive, and is also available to provide refuge to lost or stray animals. The Pound is not manned on a continuous basis. If access is required please call the Ranger on (02) 6801 4000 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday.

4. What do I do if I think there is a leak on my property?

Take a reading after the last person has gone to the toilet or brushed their teeth at night. Take a second reading before anyone uses any water in the morning.

If no one has used any water overnight and the reading has changed, then you know there is a leak. Contact a plumber to locate and repair the leak.

5. What do I do if my water supply is interrupted?

Council provides a 24-hour emergency after hours service. For water pressure, breaks and repairs call Council’s Customer Experience Centre on (02) 6801 4000. Residents will be connected to Council’s after hours service provider. The operator will ask questions such as the nature of the problem and the address to expedite dispatch of a service crew as soon as possible.

6. Is recycling available?

For households within the kerbside collection area, your green waste and general waste bins are serviced weekly and your recycling bins are serviced fortnightly on the same day of the week. A map of collection days and a list of recyclables and green waste can be viewed on Council’s website. Recyclable drop-off centres where you can leave your recyclables free of charge are also

available at; Whylandra Waste and Recycling Centre, JR Richards and Sons in North Dubbo as well as transfer stations in the villages of Wongarbon, Ballimore and Eumungerie.

7. What do I do if I miss bin collection?

You can drop domestic waste at the Whylandra Waste and Recycling Centre on Cooba Road for a charge per utility or small trailer. The Centre operates 8.00am to 5.00pm weekdays and 9.00am to 5.00pm on weekends and can be contacted on (02) 6801 4900.

8. Who do I contact if a tree needs to be maintained on my street or a park needs to be mowed?

Council protects and maintains thousands of street trees in the Region’s urban areas and manages hundreds of hectares of parkland throughout Dubbo and Wellington.

If you have a request for mowing, planting, pruning or removal of trees on Council lands contact Council’s Customer Experience Centre. The area will be assessed and any necessary work will be carried out by staff.

9. What do I do if there is a sewage overflow?

Council maintains and repairs the treatment plants, pipes and pumping stations that supply water to and take sewage from households in the urban areas of Dubbo and Wellington. Council is responsible for the sewage pipes up to the first pipe joint within your property. If you notice a sewage overflow contact Council’s Customer Experience Centre.

10. Who do I report road, footpath and cycleway repairs to?

For road, footpath and cycleway maintenance repairs please contact Council’s Customer Experience Centre. To report street lighting outages or faults contact Essential Energy on 13 20 80 or for traffic light faults contact Roads and Maritime Services Transport Management Centre on 131 700.

11. Who do I report pollution to?

Concerns about pollution should be reported to Council’s Customer Experience Centre, or in the case of an emergency the Fire Brigade on 000.

12. Is Council responsible for inspecting public premises?

Council is responsible for ensuring food outlets, beauty salons, pools and other registered public premises comply with statutory requirements to ensure health and safety standards are upheld at all times. For further information visit Council’s website.

13. What about lodging a development application?

For comprehensive information on the process of lodging a development application and whether a DA is required visit Council’s website or contact Council’s Duty Planner between 1.00pm to 5.00pm via Council’s Customer Experience Centre.

14. How do I get the latest news and updates from Council?

News, information and updates are regularly made available on Council’s website dubbo.nsw.gov.au, as well as in regular Council columns in the local newspaper.

(02) 6801 4000 Corner of Church and Darling Streets, Dubbo Corner of Nanima Crescent and Warne Street, Wellington PO BOX 81, Dubbo NSW 2830 dubbo.nsw.gov.au THE DUBBO REGION NEW RESIDENT GUIDE

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If it is an escape to the country you are seeking, look no fur ther than one of our unique village communities.

With rolling vistas and unbelievable sunsets Ballimore is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle and instead, make a home where you can unwind and enjoy. Brocklehurst gives you the best of village living and an ideal tree change destination right on the doorstep of a major regional centre.

Elong Elong is surrounded in a rich variety of farming enterprises including organics, seeds, various studs and even pistachio nuts. Surrounded by spectacular Australian landscapes, Euchareena offers its residents a beautiful country escape.

Eumungerie is beloved by nature enthusiasts, with the nearby Coolbaggie Nature Reserve abundant in distinctive species of flora and fauna, the village is resplendent in furry and feathered visitors. Geurie boasts Australia’s biggest Fuzzy Box Tree (Eucalyptus Conica) standing at an imposing 15.5 metres high!

The name ‘Mumbil’ comes from the Aboriginal word for black wattle which was once abundant in the area. This has inspired the name of Mumbil’s major event, The Black Wattle Fair. Stuart Town was home to many hoping to find their fortune during the days of the New South Wales gold rush.

The village of Wongarbon is located only 15km east of Dubbo. Residents of this small centre relish the laid back country lifestyle, with only a short drive to Dubbo for all major services and amenities.

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