NEWS
Issue 284 - 1 November 2019
Letter to the Editor I refer to the Village Voice article ‘Lithgow Icon Highlighted at Local Government Conference’ (25th October). Let me set your readers straight – the Museum is not about to go up in smoke, we are not closing and have no intention of closing. There is a lot happening at the Museum and our Management Committee is hell-bent on growing and expanding the facility and providing the excellent experience our visitors have become accustomed to. The Firearms Regulation applying to museums has an exemption provision which was enacted in late August. We have submitted our exemption application to the Government and are awaiting their response. We led the charge on behalf of other museums in the State in opposing the Government’s ill-conceived Firearms Regulation. We see the need for like-minded museums to come together and in that vein, we are setting up a Museums Alliance where we can share and help one another across many fronts, such as training, legislative knowledge, archiving and advocacy. There are 63 Museum Permits in the State. Regards,
BACK TO HARTLEY CELEBRATED BY HUNDREDS OF LOCALS AND VISITORS
Crowd enjoyed the dancers, pipe band and market stalls. Story submitted by Dennis Limbert
Last Sunday saw hundreds of people flock to the Hartley Historic Village for the annual Back to Hartley Celebration. Opened by Lithgow City Mayor Ray Thompson under a magnificent clear blue sky a dedicated group of locals dressed in period costume and the Lithgow Living History group demonstrated the finer points of colonial rifles with a muzzle loading demonstration and firing. There was a good deal of entertainment on the day including the Lithgow Thistle Highland Dancers, the
Valley School of Highland Dancing, the Lithgow Highland Pipe Band and the St George Brass Band. Dancers from the Sally-Anne School of Dance also strutted their stuff. Kids were entertained with the jumping castle, face painting and the reptile show. Mums and dads were catered for with a variety of market stalls and food trucks. The 1st Blackheath Scout Group raised much needed funds with their sausage sizzle trailer. The vintage motor cycle display at Corney’s Garage was very popular as was viewing the inside of the 1830’s Hartley Court House. Many energetic people made use of the KewY-Ahn Bell Rock Heritage Walk, the Sculpture Walk and the Rowson’s River Walk, although the River Lett had a muchreduced flow as expected. Nevertheless, the walks are highly recommended when visiting Hartley Historic Village.
Renzo Benedet President & Secretary Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum
Notice to all advertisers and contributors The Village Voice accepts no responsibility for any advertisement, submitted article or feedback published. Any advertisement, submitted article or feedback is published at the risk of the contributor, who accepts liability for any intended publication. By contributing to this publication, you agree to indemnify the publisher and warrant that the material is to the best of your knowledge accurate and is neither deceptive or misleading, in breach of copyright, or in breach of any other laws and regulations.
The Village Voice Publisher Rich Evans on behalf of Central West Media Pty Ltd, TA Lithgow Village Voice Emails: editor@villagevoice.net.au, sales@villagevoice.net.au, design@villagevoice.net.au
Office Details
Call our office on (02) 6355 4258 Office: 41A Williwa Street, Portland NSW 2847 Postal Address: PO Box 227 Portland NSW 2847 Visit our website at www.villagevoice.net.au
Photo: Ian Rufus, Kristen Howarth from NPWS, Cr. Cass Coleman, Mick Sims from NSW Marine Corps, Vicki Hartley and Hon Andrew Gee. Photo by Lithgow Living History Group
HAVE YOUR SAY ON PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE ONE OF NSW’S OLDEST TIMBER TRUSS BRIDGES
The community is invited to have their say on a proposal to upgrade and restore McKanes Bridge in South Bowenfels near Lithgow. Minister for Regional Roads and Transport and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the NSW Government is providing $10 million for the project to ensure the beautiful timber-truss bridge continues to serve the community and maintain its heritage appearance. “I know the community of Lithgow loves this bridge and wants to see it restored properly for generations to come. That’s why we’re going out to the community for
follow us on facebook.com/thevillagevoicecentralwest
their feedback on the proposed upgrade, so that they can be a part of this project,” Mr Toole said. “McKanes Bridge was built in 1893 and is one of only four remaining McDonald timber truss bridges in NSW. Its restoration would ensure one of the oldest examples of a McDonald timber truss bridge in NSW is conserved. “The bridge also provides a vital link between Jenolan Caves Road and the Great Western Highway for both locals and tourists. As the local Member and the Minister responsible, I’m really happy that we’re delivering this project for the community of Lithgow.” Transport for NSW has prepared a review of environmental factors (REF) to determine the environmental and social impacts for the restoration work, which is now on display for community information and comment. Mr Toole said the REF is on display at Lithgow City Council and Hampton Halfway Hotel Motel between 30 October and 20 November and explains the proposed restoration work involved and how it would be done. “I encourage the community to get down to their local display, take a look and give us their feedback,” Mr Toole said. To facilitate the upgrade of the bridge it is proposed McKanes Falls Road would be closed to traffic for about 12 months, with a detour in place via Jenolan Caves Road and the Great Western Highway. The detour is expected to add five minutes extra travel time. Members of the project team will be available to answer community questions about the REF and receive feedback during a drop-in session at Lithgow Plaza on Thursday 7 November between 12pm and 2pm and 4pm and 7pm, and at Old Hartley School Hall on Wednesday 13 November between 4pm and 7pm. Information about the REF is also available on the project website at rms.work/mckanesbridge Feedback on the REF and design will be considered and a submissions report will be published. Once the REF is determined Transport for NSW will complete the final design and prepare for major work.
3