Central West Village Voice - Issue 034

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Visual arts and music come together in FREE LONG WEEKEND CELEBRATION

at The Foundations, Portland

Visual arts and music come together in the opening of the ‘While the World Waits’ art exhibition and a free concert at The Foundations of Portland on Saturday 1 October, alongside the ever-popular Twilight Markets.

Arts OutWest invites you to see how visual artists responded to original songs by Central West musicians, then enjoy performances from three of the region’s finest acts: country-folk duo Smith & Jones, four-piece blues-soul band The Safety of Life at Sea, and folk singer-songwriter Nerida Cuddy. Visitors will also enjoy food, stalls and craft activities at the Foundations’ Twilight Markets.

The exhibition opens at 2pm. The concert starts at 6pm and the Foundations’ Twilight Markets run from 4-9pm.

“The last two years have been tough in the arts. Lockdowns and loss of work ran across all artforms. Live shows took a hammering. Arts OutWest wanted to help by creating opportunities for creatives in our region. That’s where the album of music then the exhibition of art came from,” said exhibition curator, Arts OutWest’s Steven Cavanagh.

“Supporting local musicians and the live music industry has also been the inspiration for our Live & Kicking music program across the region,” explains Arts OutWest’s music industry support officer Patrick Coomey.

At the exhibition opening Canowindra folk singer Nerida Cuddy will perform her song Virtual Folk Club from the While the World Waits album. This song features in a couple of the works in the exhibition. She'll also perform songs from her latest album Woven.

The 20 Central West visual artists with work in the exhibition includes celebrated Portland sculptor and Foundations artist-inresidence Harrie Fasher with ‘Untitled / silence’ which asks: ‘How do we maintain this quiet when the pace has already resumed?’ and Portland’s Robert Hirschmann who used the track from the album It’s Time by Amy Viola as inspiration for his painting.

“For the 6pm Live & Kicking concert we've picked Smith & Jones and The Safety of Life at Sea, two Central West bands whose music works well together with plenty of tunes for an audience to get up and move about, so it should be a lot of fun," Mr Coomey said. “These bands also featured on the While the World Waits album, so another special connection.”

The Foundations at Portland are gearing up for the event:

"The Arts OutWest team have been supportive of our project from the outset, and this series of events is the culmination of a partnership that will ensure that The Foundations is recognised as a leading arts and cultural precinct as our mission continues to showcase exciting regional artists to our growing audience,” said Foundations reactivation manager Rich Evans.

The Exhibition

The While the World Waits exhibition is open daily from September 24 to October 23 in The Annex at The Foundations

of Portland. It will be officially opened at 2pm on Saturday 1 October.

Last year Arts OutWest commissioned 15 Central West songwriters to write tracks reflecting their experiences of 2020. The compilation album of original music is titled While the World Waits. Arts OutWest then opened the conversation up to visual artists to see what they were feeling.

In 2022, 20 artists from across the Central West used the album of music as inspiration for new work. You will see painting, sculpture, drawing, weaving, ceramics, moving image, animation, photography, glass and textiles.

Artists: Gus Armstrong (Rylstone), Laura Baker (Blayney), Helen Carpenter (Grenfell), Steven Cavanagh (Hill End), Gemma Clipsham (Bathurst), Bev Coe (Condobolin) Heather Dunn (Bathurst), Lise Edwards (Lithgow), Harrie Fasher (Portland), Robert Hirschmann (Portland), Cate McCarthy (Yetholme), Hugh McKinnon (Orange), Christine McMillan (Kandos), Shani Nottingham (Cowra), Timothy Seager (Bathurst), Henry Simmons and the River Yarners (Bathurst), Bridget Thomas (Bathurst), Jane Tonks (Orange), Heather Vallance (Orange), Stephan de Wit (Parkes).

Portland is the sixth stop on a 12-venue exhibition tour. The While the World Waits exhibition will travel to galleries and venues across the Central West through to early 2023.

The Music

Smith & Jones forged from a friendship at a record store in Bathurst. Eight years and two albums later Abby Smith (piano) & Sophie Jones (guitar) are accomplished musicians who combine strong voices and beautiful original tunes, playing an undefinable mix of original country and folk.

Smith & Jones have toured extensively and most recently have provided support to Katie Noonan, Sam Buckingham, The Hussy Hicks and Amy Vee. They have appeared at festivals including Tamworth as well as Inland Sea of Sound. They have also worked as educators, community choir leaders, mentors to young artists and conducted workshops within the disability sector. They’ve even expanded their creative outlets as composers and performers in theatre and as part of visual art installations. Currently recording their third album, you’ll get to hear their current single Highrise.

The Safety of Life at Sea will perform in support of their latest album Let the River Go. Recorded at singer/pianist/ songwriter Kris Schubert’s Boatshed Studio in O’Connell, the album is a heady mix of original blues, soul, 60’s and 70’s rock and Americana and builds on the style and vibe of the band’s 2017’s release Foxy’s Farm.

The Safety of Life at Sea’s rhythm section of Lian Wong on bass and Tony Bibby on drums/percussion take a leaf out of the books of Motown and Stax. Stephen Helman on guitar throws in some pages from the book of southern blues left at the crossroads. Mix this up into a musical gumbo and you who have the sound of a band that went for a weekend in New Orleans and never quite came back.

Originally from Sydney Nerida Cuddy fled there as soon as she could for the open skies and space of western NSW, a stint in country Victoria, before finally stopping in Canowindra. Nerida is a songwriter whose songs have been connecting with people from all walks of life for over 25 years. Her stories-in-song are a well-balanced mix of bittersweet tales of life with tasty lashings of humour, generous and fun. Detailed guitar accompany her warm & passionate voice.

Nerida found a new audience during isolation by performing online to a UK based folk club, which gave rise to her song ‘Virtual Folk Club’, featured on the album ‘While The World Waits’.

Smith & Jones, The Safety of Life at Sea and Nerida Cuddy all contributed tracks to the 2021 While the World Waits album, which was produced by Kris Schubert (of The Safety of Life at Sea) in his O’Connell studio.

Arts OutWest’s Live & Kicking gigs have a region-wide focus on live, local, original music that also builds a touring circuit and engages live music venues. Live & Kicking is funded by the Australian Government’s Live Music Australia.

Saturday 1 October at The Foundations of Portland, Williwa St Portland

2pm - ‘While the World Waits’ exhibition opening in The Annexe

2.30pm - performance by Nerida Cuddy as part of the exhibition opening in The Annexe

From 4-9pm - Twilight Markets

6-pm - Smith & Jones followed by The Safety of Life at Sea perform

Harrie Fasher’s work ‘Untitled/ Silence’ in the exhibition when it was in Bathurst earlier this year

Heart of the Nation comes to Bathurst

Yellow Wiggle and former Cockroaches front man Greg Page, is visiting Bathurst on Tuesday, 11th October at Bathurst RSL for a ticketed event to talk about saving your life!

Greg is the founder of Heart of the Nation, a charity that he kicked off after suffering a near fatal heart attack at a performance. Greg said, “My life was saved because of bystanders who knew how to do CPR and the fact that there was an AED nearby when I went into cardiac arrestand people knew where it was. Having an AED within 3 minutes of someone can increase survival rates by 200-300%! By displaying a Heart of the Nation sticker, people will know where to find an AED when it is needed. Let the community know that you've got what it takes to try to save a life!”

Heart of the Nation Communities is a collaborative initiative that involves great organisations such as Industry Training and Assessment Services and Bathurst First Aid

Services. Up to 80% of sudden cardiac arrests occur in the home. And when it happens, you need to be prepared with the skills (CPR) and the tools (an AED) to respond to save a life. Heart of the Nation are all about helping to put the skills and tools required to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest into the hands of the community.

Local businessperson Kylie Johnston of Industry Training and Assessment has put together a lovely lunch at Bathurst RSL for only $30. Tickets can be purchased via the following link: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/93z1r/ greg_page__heart_of_the_nation.aspx

Kylie would like to invite the community to grab a ticket and learn more from an amazing survivor in Greg Page. To learn more about Heart of the nation, head to www.heartofthenation.com.au/itaas or contact Kylie on 0408 068 991.

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.

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NEW ERA FOR WALLERAWANG POWER STATION

The old Wallerawang power station site is buzzing with activity as the area is prepared for its next era of use.

Greenspot, a privately owned NSW company, purchased the 620-hectare site two years ago. Since then, there has been an enormous amount of activity on the site as it transitions away from a coal-fired power station with the potential to become a circular economy and sustainable energy hub for industrial businesses and a range of other uses.

Greenspot has almost completed the large-scale partial demolition of the former 1-Gigawatt coal-fired station. Strategic pieces of infrastructure have been retained to be repurposed into industrial facilities which will replace jobs lost when the power station closed in 2014.

Greenspot CEO Brett Hawkins said upwards of 95% of demolition waste will be recycled. “35,000t of an estimated 45,000t of ferrous scrap metal has already been processed on site and sent to NSW steel mills to be turned into new industrial products,” said Mr Hawkins.

“As a first step in our repurposing efforts, we have secured approval for a 500MW/1,000MWh grid-scale battery, which is one of the largest approved batteries in the world. We believe that Wallerawang and the Lithgow area can lead the way in identifying

and maximising opportunities as the economy decarbonises.”

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said much of the existing infrastructure will be able to be repurposed. “This battery will connect directly to the NSW electricity grid and significantly contribute to reliable electricity supply to the State,” said Mr Toole.

“Attracting major investment to the region like this will help to diversify and build resilience in the Lithgow economy which has traditionally relied and continues to rely heavily on coal-based industry. Providing support to communities like Lithgow, through the Royalties for Rejuvenation Fund and other targeted programs, is a major strategic priority of the NSW Government as our economy transitions.”

Lions Club of Mount Panorama is seeking additional stallholders for future market days.

First Saturday of each month at Lions Berry Park, Bathurst Come and be part of the markets.

Further Details

Email: macquarielions@gmail.com facebook.com/riversidemarketsbathurst

We NEED Volunteers to answer calls for Lifeline Orange

Do you have a spare 3 hrs per week?

Is it time for you to give back?

Do YOU have what it takes?

Nationally recognised Virtual Training for Phase 1 is over a six week period of two evenings per week commencing Monday, 24th Oct

Virtual INFORMATION Evening Session Monday 10th Oct @ 6pm

Artist concept of battery positioning on the site.`

STUDENTS EMBARK ON PREMIER’S ANZAC MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP TOUR

Two students from the Bathurst electorate have embarked on a two-week study tour throughout NSW, the ACT and Darwin as part of the 2022 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship.

The Scholarships provided students with an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of Australians at war.

This trip is a wonderful opportunity for the Scholarship recipients to learn about the military history of New South Wales and our nation, as well as the important

contributions made by Australians who served in our defence forces and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

This year we had a fantastic response from some very enthusiastic students with more than 125 submissions from 103 NSW high schools from across the State,” Mr Elliott said.

A senior Historian and Curator from the Anzac Memorial will accompany the tour group to teach students about our nation’s military past and help them understand the importance of commemoration.

A highlight of the tour will be a trip to Darwin to visit historic sites associated with the Second World War, particularly relevant this year as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin in 1942.

The group will also visit the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum in Goulburn, the Lithgow Small Arms Factory, and the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, the Japanese War Cemetery in Cowra, the Sydney Jewish Museum and Garden Island Naval Heritage Centre during the tour which runs from Friday 23 September to 6 October 2022. More information on the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship is available here.

NEW FIRE DANGER RATING SYSTEM

Fire Danger Ratings are being simplified from 1 September.

The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System has been developed using the latest

HELP US SUPPORT OTHERS IN CRISIS

Call Astrid or Greg to find out more 1300 798 258 training@lifelinecentralwest.org.au Lifeline Australia RTO 88036

science to be more accurate and relevant to where you live.

The new system will be used across the country, so whether you’re at home or traveling, you will see the same system being used.

The new Fire Danger Ratings have four levels instead of six:

o Moderate; o High; o Extreme; and o Catastrophic.

When there is minimal risk, such as when it's raining, 'No Rating' will be used. This is the white wedge sitting under Moderate.

There’ll be actions for each level, so you’ll know what to do to protect your life, family and property.

You can check the daily fire danger rating on the RFS website, in the Fires Near Me app, or look out for the roadside signs.

HISTORY TOUR: Member for Bathurst Paul Toole with scholarship recipients Blainey Heath and Scarlett Hall.

Pictured: Greenspot CEO Brett Hawkins, Member for Bathurst Paul Toole and Greenspot Development Manager Malcolm Macleod on the site for the new grid-scale battery.

BIMC planning proposal submitted

APlanning Proposal has been submitted to Council to insert a site-specific planning control in the Bathurst Local Environment Plan (LEP) to facilitate the proposal for a six storey Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre (BIMC) and a fourstorey carpark. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has now authorised Council to formally commence community consultation.

Mayor Robert Taylor said the Planning Proposal does not approve the BIMC or the carpark as it remains state significant development.

“It only seeks to amend the planning controls for a new height and floor space ratio because the current planning controls do not permit the proposed development,” he said.

“The site-specific controls proposed in the planning proposal would first need to be in place before a development application for the proposed BIMC and carpark can be determined by the Department.”

The Planning Proposal will be on public exhibition for 28 days from 5 October to 2 November. A public information session will be held during the exhibition period.

A submission hearing will also be held at the end of the public exhibition period whereby those who have lodged a written submission with Council will be invited to attend.

Feedback can be made on YourSay Bathurst from 5 October.

Centennial Park Tender Approved

Council has accepted the tender of Kingsline Pty Ltd to construct stage one of Centennial Park Landscape upgrade.

The works that will commence soon at Centennial Park are part of an upgrade of a large open space park within the Bathurst CBD.

In 2019 Council completed a landscape design masterplan of the proposed upgrade of Centennial Park, with the final adopted design having been guided by extensive studies and community input into the future look of this important community space, including consultation and input from the Friends of Centennial Park.

Mayor Robert Taylor said he had a lot of fond memories of Centennial Park and is committed to making this space a vibrant area for the community to enjoy.

“Centennial Park is part of our city’s history, and we want to preserve and improve this space for future generations to enjoy,” he said.

“The upgrade of Centennial Park will provide the necessary park infrastructure and services for the community and most importantly maintain and enhance

the tree canopy cover that already exists.”

The works to be undertaken for the first stage of the Centennial Park landscape upgrade include:-

• Minor earth works / site leveling.

• Formalisation of the main cross paths with a concrete path network with stamped unit paving edging treatments.

• The installation of a formal avenue of trees along the cross path network

• Irrigation system for avenue trees

• Installation of new park lighting to the cross path network

• Park seating within the central axis of the cross paths.

Other works that are included within the master plan design, which will be undertake in future stages as funding permits, include additional tree plantings throughout the park, development of active and passive spaces, installation of an inclusive playground and picnic area, a car park and a fitness circuit. The project cost for stage one of the Centennial Park landscape upgrade is estimated to cost approximately $1M.

COMMUNITY SAFETY PLAN SURVEY

MARKET STALLS

Race

VILLAGE MEETING

Council

OF

Bathurst Regional Council Events team are seeking Expressions of Interest from market stall holders for their upcoming events. To be involved visit bathurst.nsw.gov.au/be-involved

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES - RFQ 37.00803

Council is seeking the services of a suitably qualified consultant to create a corporate image library featuring council staff and facilities.

A copy of the RFQ can be downloaded from Council’s website bathurst.nsw.gov.au/ Closing time and date for lodgement of quotations: 10am Tuesday 4 October 2022.

TENDERS

7am on Thursday 6 October until Sunday 9 October 2022.

Traffic Management Plan: Traffic will be controlled on Panorama Avenue, Havannah Street and Lloyds Road from approximately 5am on Thursday 6 October until 2pm Monday 10 October 2022.

Residents: Under direction from the Clerk of the Course, access for residents will be facilitated through Murray’s Corner at specific breaks during the racing schedule. Correspondence outlining all access arrangements will be distributed to residents directly.

NSW ELECTORAL COMMISSION RECRUITMENT

download the tender document at no charge.

The Election Manager is responsible for the conduct of

election within a specific state electorate district. The Election Manager co-ordinates and manages a

timeframes to meet

The role is a temporary full-time position from

to

May 2023.You

February

There is a mandatory site meeting to be held on: Tuesday11 October 2022 at 10:30 am at Bathurst Waste Water Treatment Works 205 Morrisset Street West Bathurst NSW 2795.

Tenderers who do not attend will NOT be considered further.

If you experience difficulties accessing the above website, please call the Tenderlink Helpdesk on 1800 233 533

The closing time and date for submissions is: 10am Tuesday18 October 2022

Printed copies are located at

Civic Centre and Bathurst Library.

Maryellen thriving in a new career path thanks to VERTO and ParentsNext

HomeCare Disability Support Worker

SpiritAbility are looking for con dent, reliable and passionate individuals to join our team in Orange and Bathurst – Urgent supports required – Immediate start for those with the appropriate checks.

Our carers must love what they do and want to make a di erence to someone’s quality of life.

To be suitable for this role you will need:

• A genuine desire to support a high quality of life that is inclusive, fun and works towards our clients goals and life choices.

• Good interpersonal and verbal communication skills

• Current driver’s License

• Current First Aid certi cate with CPR (mandatory) or willingness to obtain (we will provide this)

• Current NDISWSC (mandatory)

• Show up being energetic and passionate of what the day brings

• Work as part of a team whilst also working alone at times and working within the clients family

• Be a thinker, a motivator, problem solver, show self-drive and initiation and have

• Outstanding level of common sense

Responsibilities include:

• Range of Movement Exercises

• Personal care: showering, dressing, grooming and medication assistance

• Domestic assistance: light housework (cleaning, laundry and meal preparation)

• Implementation of daily therapy programs

• Assist with social outings and therapy sessions

• Respite and over night support

• Assist with transfers from bed – chairs etc using sling and manual hoist

Looking for multiple sta to cover a client who requires 24/7 care that includes sleepovers and active overnight shifts daily.

Email your resume today!

sandra@spiritability.com.au

In 2020, Ms Larsen commenced ParentsNext, an Australian Government initiative that supports parents with children under six to build the skills and confidence to return to the workforce. She had recently moved from Taree to Bathurst with her young daughter and was looking for a new career path.

Ms Larsen’s last employment was in 2018 in the aged care sector, but the field no longer suited her life circumstances.

“I wanted to find something that wasn’t as physically and emotionally demanding. I had worked in aged care in Bathurst before, and I could have gone back to my old job, but the hours were not family-friendly, and, as a single mum, I needed to be there for my daughter,” she said.

With the support of VERTO ParentsNext Mentor Antoinette Burrell, Ms Larsen quickly identified that a return to administration would suit her goals and life circumstances. She already had some of the skills from previous roles in the industry but was keen to update them.

VERTO secured a fully funded place for Ms Larsen in an administration course and worked with her to increase her job readiness. Ms Larsen says this was critical as she had lost confidence. She had attended several interviews but did not receive a callback and recalls this as a blow to her usually positive attitude.

“It was hard to keep getting knocked back when I was desperate to return to work. It was also hard not to take it personally, and I was losing my positivity,” Ms Larsen said.

VERTO’s Antoinette Burrell says lack of confidence is not uncommon when returning to the workforce after a break.

“If you have been out of the workforce for some time, as many parents have, it can be hard to find your way back in. We helped Maryellen with all the elements that help someone secure and thrive in a new role,” she said.

“This included support to update her resume, write an application, put her best foot forward in an interview and build her self-confidence. We also helped Maryellen explore wage subsidies that could help her with rising living costs to take some of the pressure off.”

Ms Larsen said VERTO was a fantastic source of support as she navigated her employment journey.

“VERTO was fantastic. Antoinette actually listened to me. I felt she understood where I was at and where I wanted to go. She helped me get my positive attitude back and find a job that worked for me,” she said.

In September 2021, Ms Larsen secured a role as Medical Receptionist at a small general doctor’s practice in Wallerawang, Dr S. Kamalaharan and Associates Surgery.

“It’s great to be putting my training into practice and also have some financial security,” Ms Larsen said.

“I was raised to do an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, and I am so happy to be earning an income again.

“I’m also learning new skills all the time, and it’s provided an outlet away from home, which is great as a single mum,” Ms Larsen said.

VERTO CEO, Ron Maxwell, said Ms Larsen’s story is an inspiration to all job seekers looking to return to work after a career break.

“The skill development, encouragement and moral support she received throughout the program and her tenacity have given Maryellen the foundations to achieve her goals.

“We wish Maryellen all the very best as she graduates from the ParentsNext program this month,” Mr Maxwell said.

Or apply online www.spiritability.com.au

facebook.com/thevillagevoicecentralwest

Parking enforcement to escalate

Director Environmental, Planning and Building Services Neil Southorn said Council had been focusing on high priority safety issues.

“The focus of enforcement activities was on issues that represented a genuine safety risk such as parking in no stopping zones or in bus zones near schools and use of disabled parking space without authorisation that have received PINs,” he said.

Enforcement practice will include restrictions in school zones, loading zones, bus zones, no parking areas and time restrictions in the carparks and on the streets.

For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

In September 2022, Maryellen Larsen will graduate from the ParentsNext Program with VERTO.

She’ll not only walk away with job-ready skills and renewed confidence but also a new career path in medical administration

Council will begin to escalate enforcement practice to ensure fair and equitable access to parking for all members of the community.

“It was hard to keep getting knocked back when I was desperate to return to work. It was also hard not to take it personally, and I was losing my positivity,”

RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR BATHURST AND LITHGOW

√ Free MRI scans at Bathurst Hospital.

Lithgow got its MRI licence in 2019

√$12.5 million for Bathurst’s second racetrack

√ $2 billion for Great Western Highway upgrade

√ 24 hour rescue helicopter for our region

√ $380,000 for a new laundry building at Glenray Industries following fire

√ Millions in Federal funding to keep Lithgow Aged Care open

√ $5.3 million for production line upgrades and more jobs at Allied Timber Mill, Bathurst

√ $3.3 million for improvements at Bathurst Airport

√ $3.083 million for an expansion and improvements at Three Tree Lodge

√ $2.235 million for Lithgow’s Blast Furnace Park

√ $3.2 million for the Lithgow CBD revitalisation

√ $1.1 million for the upgrade of Glen Davis Road

√ $625,554 for playground equipment in Bathurst

√ $954,250 for construction of Bathurst Rail Museum

√ $650,000 for replacing footpaths in Bathurst

√ $300,000 for upgrades to the Civic Ballroom at Lithgow for use as an evacuation centre

√ $205,000 for upgrades to Machattie Park

√ $54 million for the CSU Medical School

FAREWELL TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II - CONDOLENCE BOOKS STILL OPEN

It was an honour to represent our electorate at the National Memorial Service for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the Great Hall at Parliament House last Thursday.

As part of the floral tribute, I placed a sprig of wattle on the memorial wreath on behalf of everyone in our part of Australia (pictured left).

Then, on Friday, I spoke on behalf of the people of Calare on the Motion of Condolence. I reminisced about the Queen’s long connection with our region, her three visits to the area, and the infamous Lithgow railway assassination plot.

Her Majesty touched the lives of so many in country Australia, including those like Douglas Brooks who wrote in the condolence book in the Orange office ‘In others’ tribulations, your loyalty held sway. We honour and salute you, and bid farewell today’.

Queen Elizabeth was simply exceptional. May she Rest in Peace.

If you would like to pay your respects to the Queen, Books of Condolences are currently available to sign at our Orange and Bathurst electorate offices. These condolence books will be sent to Canberra on Friday 30 September, before being mailed to Buckingham Palace. Condolences can also be left online by visiting www.pmc. gov.au

Pictured bottom right - Leaving a tribute in our Book of Condolence.

BLACK SUMMER BUSHFIRE RECOVERY CONTINUES

Rick and Bev Anderson lost their home near Cherry Tree Hill when the inferno tore through the Ilford and Running Stream area in the devastating 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires.

Rick and Bev were lucky to escape - it was a very close call. The community kindly came together to help them rebuild. It’s been a long, hard road.

I recently dropped in to say g’day to the Andersons and

check out the progress of their new verandah. The wind and rain haven’t helped it’s progress but it’s getting there and looking great! The build has been a lot of hard work but the new house has become a home!

Rick’s been a firie for many years and still attends callouts to help others in need. Hopefully they will both soon slow down and enjoy their new home for a moment or two!

REGIONS NERVOUS ABOUT FUNDING CUTS - FIGHTING FOR THE BATHURST CBD CARPARK

The new Federal Government is about to hand down its first Budget.

Our local councils and community groups are nervously awaiting the news on the fate of key regional projects and grants programs that are vital to the future of country communities.

The Building Better Regions Fund has made possible a huge range of worthwhile projects across our region but its future is in doubt. These include $3.2 million for Lithgow streetscape upgrade and $12.5 million for Bathurst’s second racetrack. Bathurst Regional Council also has a $10 million application in under the fund for the new CBD car park that will support Bathurst RSL Club, the new private hospital and local businesses (Andrew at the site of the proposed new Bathurst CBD carpark).

There was also an election commitment of $15 million for the project funded in the last Federal Budget from the previous Coalition Government under the Community Development Grants program

I recently raised the issue of funding for the car park with the new Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. The answer was that we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. The situation will no doubt become clearer with the upcoming Federal Budget. There are many councils and community groups nervously waiting to see whether there will be cuts to regional funding and projects.

While the government has changed hands, it’s absolutely vital that funding for our regional communities continues.

** BEST OF LUCK YEAR 12! **

Our Year 12 students have completed their final week of school and graduation ceremonies have been held across the region. I hope they were a fitting celebration to mark all the years of hard work!

The students of 2022 have showed such resilience to get this far. With COVID-19 interrupting almost two years of study, I think they are now ready to take on anything!

GREAT TO CATCH UP!

While I was in Lithgow for a terrific citizenship ceremony, I took the opportunity to catch up with my good mate Neville Delaney at Oaky Park.

I first met Neville at the height of the bushfires. With the inferno raging just over the hill from Oaky Park, Neville called me over to discuss some issues he was having with Medicare! That’s cool under pressure!

Neville’s going well, and sends a big g’day to his many friends out there. He’s not on social media but has a good chuckle when people tell him they’ve seen him on it! We’re on for lunch at Lithgow Workies Club soon Neville!

I wish all Year 12 students the best of luck with the HSC, and all future endeavours. With a new chapter in your lives about to commence, congratulations on reaching this significant milestone!

A huge thank you also to all the teachers, staff, parents and carers who have worked so hard to give these students an incredible foundation.

GOOD LUCK AND WELL DONE YEAR 12!

MORE BOWSER BLUES FOR THE BUSH AS GOVERNMENT BRINGS BACK FUEL TAX

It is disappointing that despite fuel prices remaining at eyewatering levels, the new Federal Government has binned the fuel excise holiday. This means Australians will be forced to pay 25 cents more per litre of fuel –forcing drivers to fork out more than $15 extra for a full tank than they paid last week.

Getting from A to B shouldn’t break the bank. That’s why earlier this year, in an effort to ease fuelcost fears, the previous Federal Government halved the fuel excise by 22 cents per litre.

For the past 6 months, with household bills building, interest rates rocketing, and lettuce prices lifting off, Aussies have saved hundreds of dollars in fuel costs at a time they needed to most.

While fuel prices have slightly decreased, the cost for a litre is still extremely high. This cost is most keenly felt by country communities, where residents have to run through more kilometres, and have less access to public transport, compared to their city cousins.

When residents in the Central West need to fill up they face some of the highest fuel prices in the country, with a number of petrol stations in our region charging just shy of $2 for a litre of U91 – that’s more than any petrol station in Sydney at the time of writing.

I believe a continuation of this fuel tax relief is vital, and why I am once again calling on the current government to continue the fuel excise holiday beyond the 28th of September.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CITIZENS

I would like to extend a massive congratulations to some of our region’s newest Aussies who made their pledge in Lithgow on Friday!

It was great to meet the seven fantastic Lithgow residents who now officially call Australia home.

Held at Eskbank House Museum, the historic Lithgow house was a lovely spot to welcome Kevin Mason, Joanne McClellandPhillips, Deborah Rayner, Rajeev Mittal, Seema Mittal, Dhruv Mittal, and Krisha Mittal on their first day as Australians.

May you find all the happiness and success as you start this new chapter as Australian citizens!

to

for

other opportunities: www.cef.org.au

RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR BATHURST AND LITHGOW

$14 million for highway upgrades between Lithgow, Bathurst and Orange

$181,818 for Bathurst’s War Memorial Carillon

$11.4 million for expanding and supporting aged care facilities in Lithgow

$398,500 for crisis accommodation in Bathurst

$1.2 million for CCTV in Bathurst and Calare communities

$200,000 for new synthetic courts at Wattle Flat Recreation Ground

$480,000 for Wallerawang Community & Sports Club

$19.75 million in federal funding for bushfire recovery projects in Lithgow and Calare communities

More than $1.6 million for supporting childcare centres in Calare, including Bathurst Family Day Care

$925,000 for the Bathurst Animal Rehoming Centre

$60 million for drought and COVID-19 recovery to our local councils for local projects

Record Australian Government funding for hospitals, schools, childcare and the NDIS

$125,000 for canteen facilities at Bathurst Sportsground

New headspace service for Lithgow

degree.

mobile phone towers and base stations for Calare

Bathurst

GENERATION DEFINING MUSICAL TRIBUTE HITS BATHURST!

Since kicking off its tour of major Queensland regional venues late in 2020, Good Morning Vietnam, Music from the Vietnam War Era - Live in Concert! has been winning rave reviews from audiences for its energetic, heart-felt nostalgia and the standout performances of its cast of singers and musicians.

Simon Gardner is the show’s Musical Director and Guitarist, and he can hardly wait to bring the show to The Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre. “It's a celebration of beautiful rock music but there is also a sense of melancholy, sadness, and the tragedy that war inflicts on peoples’ lives,” says Gardner. “All

great music not only transcends an era but also defines it, and the rock music created during the Vietnam War period was ground-breaking in that it reflected immense unrest as well as the greatest powers of all – peace and love.

Good Morning Vietnam, Music from the Vietnam War Era - Live in Concert! reimagines the psychedelic pop, soul, folk music and stirring rock anthems of the 1960s and 70s.

There are fab renditions of songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jimi Hendrix, Buffalo Springfield, Steppenwolf, The Moody Blues, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, The Animals, The Doors, James Brown, The Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye, Three Dog Night and others. A

The show proudly supports Guitars

sold going

Australia,

from every

program.

DATE: Saturday October 1 TIME: 7:30pm VENUE: Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre

TICKETS: Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (bmec.com.au) Ph: (02) 6333 6161

projection design backdrop adds compelling storytelling and scenescape elements; depicting the mind-altering grooviness of the flower power movement as well as images of the despair, protest and resistance that was flaring in the city streets of America and here in Australia during one of the most tumultuous events of the 20th century.

“I’m first and foremost a guitarist and I

absolutely love playing these songs,” Gardner says. “But I also see this as an opportunity to pay tribute, in the best way I can, to those who fought and died for us. It is an honour to be able to do this.”

Good Morning Vietnam, Music from the Vietnam War Era - Live in Concert! pays tribute to those who served with music that shaped an era and defined a generation.

HQ, (Fitzroy

Everglades,

No.1.

submit your stories and read more at villagevoice.net.au

Popular crime author Petronella McGovern

home-town visit to Bathurst

JOB OPPORTUNITY

crime fiction author and ex Bathurst local, Petronella McGovern, will visit her hometown next month to launch her new book, The Liars.

Best-selling

This exciting in-conversation event will be held on Tuesday 11 October at 6pm, hosted by local radio personality Jac Underwood. Bathurst readers will have the opportunity to hear about Petronella’s experience as a writer and editor for 30 years and how this, and her childhood growing up on a farm just outside of Bathurst, may have influenced her writing.

The Liars is a cocktail of family secrets, sinister unsolved disappearances, and

a community at war with itself. Two of Petronella’s previous books - The Good Teacher and Six Minutes - have been longlisted or shortlisted for various prestigious writing awards. Six Minutes, her debut book, also reached the Australian best-seller list in 2019.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing on the night. To secure your seat, call the library on 6333 6281.

For more information about this and other upcoming events, visit the library website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/library

MOUNT PIPER POWER STATION PORTLAND NSW

Warehouse O cer 12 Month Traineeship

Provides opportunity for participant to gain warehousing skills, experience, and a Certi cate Level 3 in Supply Chain Operations (Warehousing Operations)

We encourage people from all backgrounds and ages to join us.

For Health & Safety reasons

Applicant must reside within approximately 1 hour travel to Mt Piper.

For Further Information & To Apply www.EnergyAustralia.com.au/about-us/ careers/careers-energyaustralia

Applications close 21st October 2022

2023

APPRENTICESHIP JOB OPPORTUNITIES

MOUNT PIPER POWER STATION

We are seeking applications for Mechanical Fitting, Electrical & Boilermaker Apprentices

to commence 4 year Apprenticeships in January 2023 at Mt. Piper Power Station, Portland NSW

We encourage people from all backgrounds and ages to join us. For Health & Safety reasons applicant must reside within approximately 1 hour travel to Mt Piper.

For Further Information and to Apply www.EnergyAustralia.com.au/about-us/careers/careers-energyaustralia

Applications close 28th October 2022

BE AWARE AND PREPARE – LITHGOW READINESS RALLY

How well do you know your area? Do you know your risk or have a plan for emergencies? Mark your calendar and save the date for this year’s Lithgow Readiness Rally on Saturday 15 October 2022.

Are you looking for information on how to prepare for emergencies? Perhaps you’re interested in volunteering with our emergency services?

The Lithgow Readiness Rally is a free community event to be aware and prepare for Natural Disaster.

The Lithgow Readiness Rally is a free community event where you’ll find:

• Trucks and other vehicles that support our community during times of crisis

• Information on how to prepare your property for flooding, storms and fire

• An expo of trades and local services

• First responders and Emergency service volunteers who can help you get involved locally

• Wellbeing and art activities / exhibition (for all ages) and more!

“Disasters are unforeseeable. Whether it’s

the season for floods and storms or bushfires, it helps if you have a plan in place and know exactly what to do,” said Lithgow City Council Mayor Maree Statham.

“You may even want to get involved yourself.”

The Readiness Rally is hosted by Lithgow City Council in partnership with the State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue, VRA, Rapid Relief Team, and NSW Police.

This is a Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund project through the joint Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The Event

What: Lithgow Readiness Rally

When: Saturday, 15 October 2022, between 9am - 3pm.

Where: Union Theatre & Maldhan Ngurr Ngurra Lithgow Transformation Hub (Corner of Bridge & Mort Streets, Lithgow)

For full details of the event please visit the Readiness Rally website: www.readinessrally.com.au or Facebook or Instagram @lithgowreadinessrally.

#TESTIMONIAL

Graham was so easy to deal with! Graham ' s experience & knowledge of real estate is outstanding but more than that he was completely honest about the transaction. I would highly recommend Graham to buy or sell my property!

Tom H

"For me, real estate truly is about building relationships rather than making a quick buck.”

Graham Hodson

“Stop by the expo, speak to local emergency services and access everything this event has to offer so that you, and your family and neighbours, know what to do when the time comes.”

NEW PARK FOR PORTLAND

Story & Photo supplied

Portland Tidy Towns NSW, in conjunction with Lithgow City Council, are very pleased to announce the construction of a playground in Saville Park, Williwa St, Portland NSW.

Lithgow City Council allocated the site in Saville Park for the placement of the playground, and after much time by Portland Tidy Towns, applying for grants and funding, from numerous sources, Tidy Towns were able to raise the required funds needed to commence construction by A-Space Australia P/L, with construction due early December 2022.

Portland Tidy Towns secretary, Carolynne Davis, said “The playground will facilitate the needs of most age groups and abilities, with seating for parents and carers. Equipment will include, swings, slides, climbing structures, G-Pod spinner and Tic-tac-toe wall. The complete base will be rubber wet pour surface and also be fully enclosed by child safe fencing

with gates.

These playgrounds don’t come cheap, and this project has taken Portland Tidy Towns 12-18 months to acquire our funding to make our plans become reality for our community.

We would like to acknowledge the following benefactors, that generously donated to this project, Portland Pensioners Society, Portland Community Group, Portland Development Group, Anonymous Benefactor, Lithgow City Council and ourselves Portland Tidy Towns.

Thanks also to David Anderson, Lithgow City Council with whom we have the great pleasure of working with on this project, and who kindly helped us with allocation of a site when we approached council with our plans. Also, Trish Haines and her crew, from Lithgow City Council for all their help and ongoing assistance during this and associated projects.

Portland Tidy Towns NSW, are a community volunteer group, and feel this project will be an asset to the health and wellbeing of our community, also visitors to our town.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Application to Modify Development Consents

Clarence DA 504-00 – MOD 9

Lidsdale Siding MP 08_0223 – MOD 4

Centennial Coal Company Limited and Ivanhoe Coal Pty Limited (together “Centennial”), have made applications to modify Development Consents DA 504-00 and MP 08_0223 respectively, under Section 4.55(1A) of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

Under Part 3, Division 1, Section 23 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation 2021, Centennial notify that the applications to modify these consents has been made.

Project Description: Centennial is seeking a modification to DA 504-00 for Clarence (MOD 9) to allow for a temporary increase of the total volume of product coal (until December 2023) that can be transported;

• by road, from the currently approved total of 200,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) to a total of 300,000 tpa;

• to the west of Clarence from the currently approved 100,000 tpa to 200,000 tpa using public roads; and

• to either the Mt Piper Power Station (MPPS) and/or the Lidsdale Siding for blending and dispatch to MPPS

Centennial is also seeking a modification to MP 08_0223 for Lidsdale Siding (MOD 4) to allow for the acceptance of 200,000tpa of coal from Clarence until December 2023. Coal at the Lidsdale Siding will be blended with other coal before being conveyed to the MPPS.

The modifications aim to improve the availability and delivery of coal to the MPPS to alleviate the risk of an energy shortfall up until December 2023.

Contact Details: Edwina White (Group Manager - Approvals) – (02) 9266 2754

Lithgow

Mayoral Message

Over the past eight weeks Council has been consulting on the two options for a sustainable future. We have conducted a number of community information sessions across the local government area and had many conversations with residents and ratepayers wanting to know more about Council and the proposed special rate variation.

During the first week of October, Micromex will be contacting a random selection of residents across the local government area (LGA). This survey will seek your level of support for the proposed special rate variation and validate your priorities for the future of the LGA.

Micromex is a respected research and consulting firm who has undertaken a number of telephone surveys for Council previously. The most recent being a Community Visioning Survey in December for the Community Strategic Plan. This survey identified economic development, upgrading/ maintaining roads and services for children/youth as the community’s priority issues for the next 10 years. To meet your expectations, Council is planning for the future development of the Lithgow region.

All of your submissions will be collated and the results of the telephone survey will be reported to Council in November. Throughout this process my fellow councilors and I have listened and will consider your thoughts and concerns carefully when making our decision on the proposal to apply for a special rate variation.

During the consultation process, Council’s Rates and Revenue Team have met many ratepayers who are eligible for a Pensioner Concession on their Ordinary Rates, Domestic Waste Management Service and Water & Sewer Charges but have not applied. If you are a holder of one of the following cards, I encourage you to apply for the rebate concessions:

• Pensioner Concession Card (PCC).

• Gold card embossed with ‘TPI’ (Totally Permanently

Incapacitated).

Copies of the agenda can be found on the website.

• Gold card embossed with MRCA (Military Rehabilitation Compensation Act).

• Gold card embossed with ‘EDA’ (Extreme Disablement Adjustment).

• War widow or widower or wholly dependent partner entitled to the DVA income support supplement.

Phone council on 6354 9999 for more information.

Proposed road naming Martindale Place, Portland

Council has received a submission on the proposed naming of “Martindale Place” for the new road created as part of DA162/18, off Portland / Cullen Bullen Road, Portland.

The proposed name complies with the Geographical Names Board criteria for road naming, and is acceptable for gazettal by the Geographical Names Board if approved by Council.

Location – Lot 22 DP 1275269, off Portland / Cullen Bullen Road, Portland.

Proposed Road Name – This name has been proposed to reflect the original name of the property being subdivided, Martindale, which has resulted in the creation of the new road.

Council will accept written submissions on the proposed name up until 4.00pm on Friday, 14th October 2022. Further information may be obtained by contacting Miss Leanne Kearney on (02) 6354 9999.

On Exhibition

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council held 22 August 2022, Council resolved to publicly exhibit the following protocol for 60 days:

• Draft Lithgow Community Cultural Protocol

Copies of the protocol are available for download from Council’s website.

Join our team

Watch Live Stream

Council is currently seeking applications for the following position/s:

• Casual Learn to Swim Instructors closes 30 Sept

• Community & Cultural Development Coordinator closes 30 Sept

• Team Leader Development closes 30 Sept

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator closes 7 Oct

• Apprentice Plumber closes 7 Oct

• Cleaner - Hygiene Truck Operator closes 7 Oct

Applications must be received by the advertised close date.

For further information on any of these positions and to apply, go to the Council’s website.

School Holiday Activities

Lithgow City Council has organised a range of diverse activities during the spring school holidays for teens. Find out more about the events on council’s website - Scan here

The Libraries also have a great program of activities for young ones. There are some fun projects with a space them, halloween craft and retro games. Find out more about the events on the Library website - Scan here

Next Ordinary Council Meeting

Monday, 31 October at 7pm In the Council Chambers, 180 Mort Street, Lithgow

Members of the community wishing to address the Council meeting are required to register by midday on the day of the meeting. Register online at: www.council.lithgowcom/addressing-council.

Two Options for a Sustainable Lithgow Community Update

Thank you for your submissions to the proposed Special Rate Variation

Council understands that it is a difficult consideration to increase land rates. The impact has been carefully studied and guided the proposal for rating increases across all rate categories.

OPTION 1 - Maintain service levels - Special Rate Variation + rate peg

COUNCIL is considering applying for a single year permanent overall increase to its land rating revenue of 44.5%, including an assumed rate peg of 2.5%. Council is committed to limiting the land rates increase, however, to 26.5% for the residential, business and farm rating categories. Mines, quarries and power generators would have rates increases above 26.5%. Any additional rating would apply from 1 July 2023.

This Option would provide $6m additional revenue annually and would be allocated to addressing modelled and anticipated future deficits as follows:

• Transport maintenance and renewal - $3.2m

• Buildings maintenance and renewal - $1.2m

• Stormwater drainage maintenance and renewal - $566,000

• Economic transition - $500,000

• Governance and strategy capacity - $250,000

• Capacity building - improve productivity - $250,000

• Contingency for financial shocks - $250,000.

OPTION 2 - Reduce service levels - rate peg only

22/2323/24 +26.5% 2.5% 24/25 +2.5%

Another option being considered would see Council develop a plan to reduce funding of non-essential services. This option involves no increase beyond the amount permitted each year to preserve Council’s overall rating in real terms. Council anticipates this increase will be around 2.5%.

As this option does not deliver the additional funding required to meet existing service levels, including overcoming future modeled deficits AND addressing an infrastructure backlog to maintain / renew roads and other infrastructure sustainably into the future, there will be the need to REDUCE service levels. A current gap of approximately $4.7M per year will grow in future periods. This option will require extensive community consultation to shape how to reduce infrastructure and services to match available revenues.

Under this option Council will recommend the maintenance of essential services over more discretionary services. The reductions would occur for non-essential services. This plan would be developed and finalised with extensive community consultation.

What are the next steps?

In early October, Micromex Consulting will be conducting a random telephone survey of a broad cross section of the community. We encourage you to take the time to tell us your thoughts on the two options for a sustainable future.

Have you Tried our Online Rates Calculator? REMEMBER its on your land value only.

Council meeting 28 November

IF Option 1 is the preferred Option

IPART notified of intention to apply in December

Application reported to Council for endorsement - January

Application submitted to IPART - February

IPART - notification of outcome - May

Special Rate Variation to be applied from 1 July 2023

IF Option 2 is the preferred Option

Council to develop a plan to reduce funding of non-essential services

Community consultation to commence February 2023

Want to know more?

here

www.ourplaceourfuture.lithgow.com

submit your stories and read more at

Local Musicians turn out in support of Lithgow Live and Local Program

EnergyAustralia Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Community drop-in information sessions

EnergyAustralia are currently investigating a Pumped Hydro project at Lake Lyell near Lithgow. EnergyAustralia proposes to use Lake Lyell as a lower reservoir with a new upper reservoir built on the southern ank of the adjacent Mt Walker.

The site could accommodate a facility capable of producing up to 335 megawatts (MW) of electricity with around eight hours of storage. This is enough to power over 150,000 households during peak periods.

Geotechnical investigations are about to commence and are a necessary measure to assess the physical properties of the site.

Come along and meet the team: We are holding drop-in information sessions in the Lithgow region next week to share information about the Geotechnical investigation works and to gather feedback on the overall project proposal.

Representatives of EnergyAustralia will be present to answer your questions.

Lithgow

An awesome gathering of over 40 Lithgow Music industry representatives, were given an update about the Lithgow Live and Local program at the Maldhann Ngurr Ngurra Lithgow Transformation Hub.

The program is fully funded by the Australian Federal Government as part of the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant Program.Lithgow City Council is partnering with the office of Live Music and aims to reconnect local musicians with venues. The program has been successfully run in several local government areas.

Following the meeting a sensational live music showcase of local musicians was headed by the legendary Sam Bucca to give a taste of the full range and power of the new sound system at the Union Theatre.

Mayor Maree Statham said “The Lithgow Live and Local program is going to be very beneficial to the local

music industry and will result in a marked increase in the number of live performances throughout Lithgow. The flow on benefit to the venues will be appreciated.”

Visit the Seven Valleys Tourism website for more exciting news & live music events coming soon.

Lithgow delivers innovation, while sustainably recovering from disaster

The Lithgow region continues to suffer the effects of several natural disasters, with this comes opportunity. However, in collaboration with the Australian Government, Downer EDI and All Pavement Solutions, Lithgow Council is delivering innovative infrastructure to benefit our community today, and those of the future.

It is without doubt that the effects of recent natural disasters have been significant and widespread. Recovering from these disasters in an environment characterised by continued rain, material shortages, and a lack of labour resources has been a headache for the Council and its community.

“While this is a very difficult time, this is a chance for us to step back and consider opportunities to innovate and achieve broader measures of success other than just rehabilitation,” said Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Jonathon Edgecombe. “Recent road renewals at Hassans Walls Road and Methven Street, are a good example. These projects have used a unique blend of 60% recycled materials by incorporating reclaimed asphalt pavements, crushed glass, soft plastics and printer toners. Not only does the final result comply with or exceed performance specifications, through reduced reliance on imported bitumen we are also decarbonizing our operations, consuming fewer natural resources, and lowering project costs.”

“This Council’s commitment to this community goes beyond just roads, rates and rubbish,” said Lithgow City Council’s Mayor, Councillor Maree Statham. “We continue to innovate, to be the best we can be. In this instance, Council has delivered a project that is a first in the state. The Council administration really is such a small team, and I am very proud of what maybe achieved with dedication and passion.”

“This project also highlights to me circular economy and environmental sustainability” continued Mayor Statham. “We must reprocess by-products from carbon-reliant industry, and reuse spoil from construction projects and household waste. This is one step in the right direction.”

“Lithgow’s recovery from these disasters continues,” noted Mayor Statham. “A tender was published last week requesting contractor responses for the reconstruction of lengths of Coxs River Road, Magpie Hollow Road, Glen Davis Road, Lowther Siding Road, among many others. I encourage all our local contractors to submit a response. Should any resident have questions regarding Council’s disaster recovery, please feel free to contact the administration at any time.”

This work is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, delivered in collaboration with Downer EDI and All Pavement Solutions.

Wallerawang – Tuesday 4th October 2022 1:00 pm4:00 pm Wallerawang Library, 40 Main Street

Portland – Wednesday 5th October 2022 9:00 am12:00 pm The Annexe, 30 Williwa Street

Rydal – Wednesday 5th October 2022 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Rydal Showground, Market Street

Lithgow – Thursday 6th October 2022 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Lithgow Library, 157 Main Street

Can’t make it to a session?

Further information on the Project is available on our website at energyaustralia.com.au

You can also get in touch with us to discuss the project by emailing community@energyaustralia.com.au

Social Impact Assessment – Community Survey

As part of the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) process, a community survey is available to understand potential project impacts and bene ts.

Printed copies of the community survey will be made available at our community drop-in sessions.

The survey can also be completed online by scanning the QR code or accessed from www.surveymonkey.com/r/DN6DFY8

The survey is available until 21 October 2022.

& Union

Ngurra Lithgow

EAT THE PADDOCK

From the Paddock farm, market and café in the Capertee Valley is about to turn one, and to celebrate it is hosting an inspiring event that reflects it’s regenerative farming and grazing ethos.

“Our farm’s mission is to enhance soil using regenerative pastural methods that produce clean, nutrient dense meat,” says Terrie Wallace, who runs the farm, market and café with her husband, Stuart Knox. Stuart’s family are fifth generation farmers, while Terrie is a 'newcomer' after over a decade in the valley. Together they are transforming the landscape using holistic farming techniques.

From the Paddock is nestled between the Capertee River and the breathtaking escarpments of the Wollemi National Park. It’s birthday festivities kick off at 11am on Sunday, 30 October with a weed foraging walk by the weedy one himself, Diego Bonetto.

Diego has expert foraging knowledge and loves teaching people about delicious wild food while starting conversations around belonging, sustainability and agency. He’ll also be signing

copies of his new book ‘Eat Weeds’ and the café will be offering tasty Weedy Picnic Hampers for participants to enjoy.

WHAT: Eat Weeds workshop and book signing

WHEN: 11.00am, Sunday, 30 October 2022

WHERE: From the Paddock, 4590 Glen Alice Rd, Glen Alice NSW 2849

For further information and to purchase tickets for ‘Eat Weeds’, visit www.fromthepaddock.com.au, email info@fromthepaddock.com.au or follow on Instagram @fromthepaddock_capterteevalley.

You can follow Diego Bonetto on Instagram @theweedyone

Ecology Picnic

MONDAY

Bingo

TUESDAY

Bingo

Williwa

THURSDAY

Twilight

FRIDAY

Meat

SATURDAY

Fishing

SUNDAY

Meat Raffles 1pm

Housie 2pm

SPRING COLOUR NOW AVAILABLE IN STORE!

There isn’t much more beautiful than an Azalea in full spring bloom. They are an evergreen, frost hardy plant that do really well in our cold climate.

When in bloom the owers cover the entire bush. They come in lots of di erent, striking colours and are a beautiful addition to any garden.

However, they don’t like wet feet or full sun, so plant somewhere that is well drained with part shade, or they do well in pots.

From the Paddock Farm Market and Café, Terrie Wallace and Diego Bonetto with his new book 'Eat Weeds' Photo by Gabrielle Bates

A Positive Mindset is essential to Business success and sustainability!

The

In November this Year, The Persuader will be 19 years old, and considering the challenges we have experienced over that period of time I was thinking recently why and how we have managed to survive so long?

- 3pm

Local makers and producers at the Micro Market every weekend, Popup Simply Soup Café, Information on The Foundations development, Art and Sculpture on display and many other exciting events.

Located at the intersection of Williwa and Wolgan Streets, Portland NSW

We have survived the GFC, 3 heart episodes, moving to a different State, poor telecommunications and internet issues, and continual Government policy changes that impedes small business success. My customer base has been impacted by rising energy costs, transport costs, payroll tax, changes to technology, and the drought!

Enough trauma for most normal people to want to give up. Of course, as entrepreneurs we are not normal! So how do we dig so deep to keep going and stay focused to achieve our goals?

1. Passion - I absolutely love what I do and enjoy every day when I am training, speaking, coaching, and most of all helping my clients and their staff be better versions of themselves.

2. Resilience - As things are thrown at me, I see

them as opportunities rather than issues and work up strategies to get around them, over them, under them, and sometimes I barrel straight through them. My vision for my future is powerful and I never let anything get in the way of it.

3. Why? I know my why without question and when times are tough my why rises to the surface every time. My why is to create mindful leaders that can communicate, collaborate, and innovate so they can make a positive impact on themselves, their staff, and their communities.

4. Sales and marketing ability - Though I have made several elementary mistakes in business some of which should have sent me under, my ability to sell has always dug me out of deep holes financially, especially in my early days of business.

5. Collaboration - Connecting each and every day with my amazing clients is a major contributor to my sustainable success. Their support and feedback keeps me motivated and ready to serve my clients anyway that I can. My clients feedback enables me to develop new products and services

HERITAGE MATTERS

so that we continually meet their needs as they change and as required.

6. A positive mindset - Yes, I am an optimist. I constantly look for the good or lesson to learn in any difficult situation. I always seek win win situations and that 'the pie' can be made bigger so everyone can get their fair share. Having a positive mindset helps me not only get through the day but reignites my passion and my reason why on a regular basis, and that is the main reason for my success.

I love the following quote.

Joyce Meyer

How is your attitude today?

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. Find out more at https://thepersuader.com.au

Heritage – a marketable product?

Well, the Great Race is looming for yet another year with all the festivities kicking off next week. It will be full of drama and controversy as ever no doubt. The Race itself is truly a heritage item now, as is the Mt Panorama name and circuit. They are an integral part of Bathurst’s being.

Mrs Heritage took some Big Smoke visitors around for a preview of the big event. These boys (these days MAMIL’s – leather not lycra) have been coming here for yonks, initially to camp on Mt P. for the bikes at Easter, and nowadays to camp at Hill End on the Turon to ride their Triumphs and Bugatti’s around the bush up there. As Mrs Heritage tagged along for the bike races and the camping for many years, she could be regarded as a Bikies Moll. Although her cred was damaged the year she ensconced herself at

the Hill End Royal Hotel (built 1872) because of the better abluting options!

Motor bikes have been a big part of Bathurst since the early days – with long rough race circuits through Sunny Corner and KirkConnell amongst them. The first races around the Mt P circuit, in 1938, were bike races.

But this year the boys camp was washed out, so a heritage tour was organised by Mrs H. The boys were blown away by the Courthouse, and then again by all the built heritage and streetscapes. And the trick was to get off the motor bikes and out of the cars, and walk, and look inside.

Bathurst is a marvelously walkable heritage city, and walking tours are one way to leverage our heritage into a marketable, saleable product. We already do it very well in our retail

sector – have you ever noticed how many of Bathurst’s best hospitality businesses are located in heritage buildings, including every one of the pubs. People like eating and drinking in interesting buildings.

We need more tangible ways to develop direct economic benefit from our heritagethoughts please.

Thought of the week

by a humble heritage advocate – September 2022, Column #260

LITHGOW VALLEY FILM SOCIETY, 16 Main Street, Lithgow

Sunday 9th October 2.00pm Ealing studios Classic 1948 G Saraband.

Sophie Dorothea (greenwood ) seeks solace from dashing Count Philip Konigsmark (Granger) when her husband Prince George (Bul) ,later to become King George 1st wants nothing to do with her .The lovers are brought down buy a jealous Countess Platen (Robson). Granger considered it to be one of his best films. STARS.

ANTHONY QUAYLE

CHRISTOPHER LEE

FLORA ROBSON

JOAN GREENWOOD

MICHAEL GOUGH

STEWART GRANGER

submit your stories and read more at villagevoice.net.au

“why not integrate heritage into Bathurst’s Economic Strategy?”

“What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficult, and every difficulty has an opportunity.” – J. Sidlow Baxter

Better Business Column by Steve Semmens, The Persuader

There IS always something happening at

"A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you.”

Rehearsals for Allegri Singers forthcoming concerts are now well advanced. While content and program format are pretty well in place, the perennial question of a concert title has been subjected to the usual brainstorming among the choir’s committee members.

Adventageous, offered in a somewhat lighthearted spirit, was immediately (and wisely) rejected, but at least served to activate the collective brain-power.

Those who are familiar with the Christian calendar will note the concert dates are a couple of weeks ahead of Advent, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. No doubt various retailers’ promotion of Christmas will be even further ahead than the choir.

The final part of the concert will be quite ‘Christmassy’, with a mix of Australian songs and traditional favourites, some of which are given a more contemporary treatment.

The preceding portion of the program will comprise a range of ‘non-Christmassy’ sacred and secular British, European and American songs, from 16th to 21st centuries. Choral works will be interspersed with vocal and instrumental solos by talented local musicians. So, something for everyone, indeed!

Now, the title? The challenge was to give audiences an indication of content, with a bit of an enticing, emotional hook.

So…‘Songs of mystery, love and wonder’...? All true, but a bit wordy. After further deliberation, we settled on Almost Christmas, which applies to both the timing and content of the show. There will be some beautifully emotional pieces, giving the choir and soloists the opportunity to move the audience, with some easy listening numbers for light relief.

Musical director, William Moxey has always sought out excellent musical compositions, whether serious or light, and under his inspiring direction, the ensemble is sure to

delight audiences.

The choice of venues is the COVID-delayed fulfilment of promises made: to the Uniting Church in acknowledgment of their kindness in allowing the choir to rehearse in their openair carpark, during COVID restrictions; to St. Raphael’s, a promise to return, following a successful concert there in May 2021, when we all thought we were emerging from the pandemic!

Times and venues:

Sunday, 13 November, 2.00 pm at the Uniting Church, Bathurst.

Saturday, 19 November, 2.00 pm at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Cowra.

Tickets: Adult $35, Concession $30. Children accompanied by

an adult free of charge.

Tickets online for both performances via trybooking.com or at the door.

For the Bathurst performance only, from BooksPlus, cash only.

12A Wolgan St, Portland NSW

Year 12

6355 5233

Good Luck in your Post-School Endeavours

Over the last 2 years, our students have been met with a large amount of adversity and have shown determination, resilience and a sense of humour during this time. Our school provides significant opportunities for students and prepares them well for the challenges presented in the years to come.

It was nice to spend time with families at the Year 12 lunch then follow up with student achievement at the graduation. Good luck with exams and we will see you at the formal celebration at Black Gold on Tuesday 8 November

Infants: Glen Museum

Primary: One Million Turtles Community Conservation Project

Year 5-6 ventured over to the Millpond at The Foundations this week to begin gathering data for the One Million Turtles Community Conservation Project. Students worked with Matthew Dobson to set up fake turtle nests to participate in the National Nest Predation Survey. Small holes were dug to hide chicken eggs to see the level of foxes in the area which will greatly impact the nesting of turtles. 5-6 look forward to seeing the data and making plans for turtle season next term.

As part of this term’s K-1-2 ‘Past and Present History’ unit, students visited The Glen Museum in Portland. During the excursion, students explored the different rooms of the museum and examined the many different artifacts. They particularly enjoyed seeing the kitchen and laundry and comparing it to

Lithgow

Lithgow Garden Club would like to advise all the garden-minded people out there that meetings are now being held at the Lithgow Bowling club on the first Monday of the month at 2.00 pm. We invite all garden-lovers come along and see what we're about!

FIVE FABULOUS AND COLOURFUL GARDENS ALL LOCATED IN THE BEAUTIFUL HARTLEY VALLEY

The brainchild of Horticulturist, nurseryman and avid plant collector David Kennedy, the Central Tablelands Garden Trail is in its second year and features five stunning, diverse and spectacularly colourful gardens. All located in the beautiful Hartley Valley, only 15 minutes from Blackheath or Lithgow, the gardens of Highfields, Hartvale, Harp Of Erin, Wild Meadows and Gory'u offer something for all garden lovers.

The collection showcases cottage gardens filled with a riot of colour, Japanese gardens, prairie gardens, beautiful water features and rare plants, extensive perennial borders, rock walls, loads of great ideas for the home gardener plus historic buildings and truly spectacular views. Spring is exceptional in Hartley and these gardens keep getting better and better each year. Richer soil, sunny days and wide open spaces support a greater variety of plants to flourish in this climate promoting an explosion of colour, texture and movement. Four out of the five gardens have been featured on Better Homes and Gardens TV

show.

Food, drinks and plants will be for sale with the gardens showcasing various Hartley cottage industries; Hartvale will be offering artwork by Jennifer Edwards and metalart by renowned sculptor Henryk Topolnicki of Gallery H, Harp of Erin will offer the metalart of Scott Leonard and other local artisans.

Gory'u Japanese Gardens will have all manner of cold climate trees for sale. Horticulturists David Kennedy from Highfields and Steven Vella from Wild Meadows will be selling rare plants and both have a wealth of knowledge about gardening.

If you would like to experience music in the garden, Highfields have tickets on sale through their website www.cloverhillrareplants. com to experience the Kanimbla String Quartet, champagne & canapes from 4:30pm on Saturday 29th. Bookings essential. Call David on 0419 133 154 for more details.

Picnics are welcome, so bring your friends and family and experience what it's like to be surrounded by the wonderful spring flowers and creativity of the Hartley Valley.

Search Central Tablelands Garden Trail for more information.

COST: $15 per person per garden (Hartvale $12 Harp of Erin free of charge)

Children under 16 free of charge

10am - 4pm each day

Search Central Tablelands Garden Trail for more information.

Church of United Spiritualism of Australia in Lithgow

The Church of United Spiritualism of Australia holds services on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at the Red Cross Hall, 225 Main Street Lithgow at 10.30 am. For further information please ring Cheryl on 0414 188 599.

6351 4266

Call 0451 966 966 1300 285

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SPRING INTO ART AT NEWBRIDGE

Do you love art? Are you keen to find an original piece for your home or for a milestone gift? The inaugural Back Creek Art Show is part of the Spring into Art festival at Newbridge.

Included in the art show are pieces in contention for the Eutick Memorial Still Life Award, established in 2007 by Newbridge property owner Dr Mal Eutick. It is the only art award in Australia dedicated to still life painting, so this show represents a unique chance to see, here in Newbridge, works by the top still life artists in the country.

As well as these artworks there will be photography, ceramics and pieces in any medium representing images sourced within 10km of Newbridge. This is your opportunity to not only find that special piece with local significance but also enjoy a day out browsing markets, enjoying live music and marvelling at local open gardens as well.

Entries for all art show sections close on September 23. Special call-out to photographers to get your entries in! Entry forms can be found at www.newbridgensw.com.au. Opening night is Friday, October 21 in the Newbridge Hall.

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