Funding for local art and culture events

Attention Cobar organisations and community groups who are looking to secure funding to get their exciting local art and culture projects off the ground!

The 2023 Country Arts Support Program (CASP) funding applications are now open!

The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is an annual small grants program administered by Outback Arts and funded by Create NSW to support a creative and vibrant regional NSW.

Grants of up to $3,000 are available for each application for projects occurring between May and December this year.

Eligible activities include workshops, exhibitions, performances, artist-in-residence programs, and public art and design projects.

The 2022 CASP funding for the Outback Arts region totalled $17,000, involving eight projects from Cobar, Warren, Gulargambone, Nyngan, Burren Junction and Brewarrina.

The projects supported included music festivals, performance development and presentation, creative skill workshops in painting, how to work with resin, public artwork and local history being captured in artistic displays.

Outback Arts Executive Director Jamie-Lea Trindall said the long-running funding program is all about giving regional people access to a diverse range of cultural programs each year and bringing opportunities that may otherwise not be available.

“CASP is a significant annual investment directly into our region.

“This year we are hoping to see exciting new projects that celebrate and engage our remote communities,” Ms Trindall said. The process is an online application, and applicants are required to discuss their proposals with the team at Outback Arts before submission.

See ad Page 4 for more information.

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A SHARED AUDIT RISK AND IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE

The Far North West Joint Organisation (FNWJO), comprising the Councils of Bourke, Cobar and Walgett, along with Castlereagh Macquarie County Council, is seeking submissions from appropriately qualified and experienced persons interested in undertaking the above roles.

The Far North West Joint Organisation (FNWJO) is facilitating the formation of the shared committee which will service all five (5) organisations.

An information pack is available to prospective applicants.

Enquiries in relation to the roles can be directed to the Executive Officer of the FNWJO, Ross Earl on 0409 362 307 or eo@farnorthwestjo.nsw.gov.au

Applications close at midday, Friday March 17, 2023.

RossEarl ExecutiveOfficer

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Locals concerned about dead ducks

Numerous sightings of deceased or unwell ducks have recently been observed around town which has been a cause for concern among residents.

Locals have reported finding ducks in garden beds and on the side of the road with the waterbirds displaying symptoms of paralysis, lethargy and are unable to fly.

Local veterinarian Lauren Leicester said they have received a number of reports at the Kidman Way Veterinary Surgery of sick and dead ducks.

“We currently have two live ducks in isolation, however we have received numerous calls regarding other animals in town that people are concerned about where they have been found,” Lauren said.

“Be cautious when handling dead or alive animals as we are not certain what the cause of deaths/illness is yet.”

Local Land Services District Veterinary Officer Zi Yi Lim told The Cobar Weekly they have also been made aware of the situation.

“There have been reports of several dead ducks in Cobar,” Zi said.

“These have followed on from an earlier ongoing investigation into duck deaths in the past fortnight.

“NSW Local Land Services has been investigating these, with assistance from the Department of Primary Industries.

“Several samples have been sent for laboratory analysis at the Registry of Australian Wildlife at Taronga Zoo in Sydney and the EPA has been contacted.”

He said Local Land Services has also been in contact with Cobar Shire Council, WIRES and the Kidman Way Veterinary Surgery, to see what they have found.

“We await results,” he said.

“In the meantime, the general public is advised to contact WIRES if sick birds are found and to report numbers/locations of dead birds to Local Land Services to help understand which areas are most affected.

“General precautions, such as wearing gloves, washing hands, and keeping pets away from dead birds should be observed.

“Double bagging when disposing of dead birds is advised.”

Lauren also advises if you find a sick or injured duck take them to the vet clinic or call WIRES.

“Please do not take them to the Newey or Res.

“The cause of these deaths is still under investigation,” she said. 2pm

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