Central West Village Voice - Issue 035

Village

Look for the Yellow... HEART OF THE NATION

was a very vibrant day for the Bathurst community as the original Yellow Wiggle, Greg Page came to town to talk about his not-for-profit organisation called Heart of the Nation. Heart of the Nation is hoping to help to save lives by bringing awareness in our region on how readily available AED’s (automated external defibrillators) can reduce the startling statistics of Aussies that suffer from a sudden cardiac arrest each year.

It

Greg visited a few locations in Bathurst to talk about the AED’s that Heart of the Nation can provide and discuss their point of difference by explaining how their bright yellow AED’s can be extremely visible, how their signage stands out and doesn’t get confused with a first aid kit and how their app can assist a bystander can be an effect first responder in the chain of survival for a person suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. The Heart of the Nation app will tracks the AED pack and will advise of the closest AED available in the case of a medical emergency.

Greg said, “My life was saved in 2019 because a bystander who new how to perform CPR was there and also because there was an AED nearby. Having an AED used within 3 minutes increases the chance of survival by more than 200%. By displaying a highly visible Heart of the Nation sticker with an AED will help the community know there is one available when it’s needed. We have to bring awareness to this national issue!”

Kylie Johnston, owner of local first aid training business, Industry Training and Assessment Services, was instrumental in getting Greg to the region and toured Bathurst with him to ensure AED devices had their yellow sticker in place.

For more information on securing an AED for your business or home, go to www.heartofthenation.com.au. If you would like to understand how you could be better equipped in the case of an emergency, contact Kylie from Industry Training & Assessment Services on 0408 068 991, who has a range of amazing first aid courses available.

VERTO deepens its commitment to Indigenous Australians

Not-for-profit education, training and apprenticeships provider VERTO has launched its 2022-2024 Innovate Reconciliation Australia Plan (RAP), continuing its commitment to maximising outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the plan fosters culturally-inclusive behaviours and commercial decisions across the organisation to increase outcomes for Australia’s Indigenous communities.

VERTO launched its inaugural RAP in 2020, and CEO Ron Maxwell said continuing this commitment into 2024 is an important step in the organisation’s mission to positively impact individuals and communities.

“As an education and training provider, VERTO plays an important role in creating a brighter future for all Australians, and our RAP seeks to ensure we are considering an Indigenous perspective in everything we do,” he said.

VERTO has a proud history of delivering outcomes for Indigenous Australians through its programs and services,

including the landmark Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program, which supports youth in the Central West to celebrate their culture while walking in two worlds.

“We support more than 1,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through our frontline programs and services each year, and we continue to set ambitious goals to maximise our impact. The RAP is a core component of our internal commitment and organisational culture,” Mr Maxwell said.

The current plan will be in place until August 2024, and will ensure the organisation maintains mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous stakeholders, promotes reconciliation through its sphere of influence and continues to support positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies.

Story by Kellie Evans, Photos by Greer Films

SECRET CREEK SANCTUARY PROJECT

The Mountain Pygmy Possum Breeding Centre has officially opened with the first family of possums including four new babies taking up residence.

Part of a $1.3 million development at Lithgow’s Secret Creek Sanctuary from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) Fund this is the first of multiple projects at the venue to be completed.

Originating from the Victorian Alps, the 14 possums are thriving in the new habitat created and they’ve now had 4 possum babies since moving in.

The breeding centre comprises of thermally stable outdoor and indoor enclosures with insulated rock walls and nest boxes deep inside. The breeding centre is complete with a research & observation room, office area, quarantine rooms, storage room and food preparation area.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole met with the Secret Creek’s team to officially open the centre.

“The Breeding Centre will help endangered species like the Mountain Pygmy Possum return to their previous population numbers,” he said.

“This is an important step in securing the future of the species and returning normality to our delicate ecosystem.”

Mr Toole said the planned wildlife rescue and rehabilitation hospital will be a great addition to the breeding centre and will provide a venue for the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native animals, with the 1000-acre Newnes Plateau serving as a release site.

“Funding for the projects at the Secret Creek Sanctuary are

part of the recovery journey of the Lithgow region following the bushfires and helps us to continue repairing the social and economic fabric of our local community,” he said.

In operation since 2001 and with a vegan café established on site, Secret Creek Sanctuary is shaping up to be Lithgow’s next popular tourist attraction. The facility is also playing an integral role in saving endangered native species, especially since the disastrous 2019/2020 bushfire season.

Founder and owner for Secret Creek Sanctuary Trevor Evans said the breeding facility is a big step forward for the sanctuary and the possum breed.

“This facility has been decades in the making with a lot of research and hard work to get to us to where we stand today,” said Mr Evans.

“Next on the agenda is to complete construction of a Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, Cultural and Visitor Centre

plus restoring the 1.2 km Sanctuary walking track, which was destroyed in the 2019/2020 bushfires.”

Pictured: Founder of Secret Creek Sanctuary Trevor Evans holding a pygmy possum with Member for Bathurst Paul Toole.

STEAMworks will be hosting an exciting community event on Sunday 23 October at The Millpond.

The Ecology Picnic is a one-of-a-kind event, designed to bring The Millpond area at The Foundations, Portland, to life with activities, music, food, short talks and more!

With free entry, STEAMworks are inviting the community you to join them down by the ‘pond’ for a quiet picnic or for a stroll along the stalls or to take part in a curious activity - there’ll be so much to do and see..

Fly-Fishing lessons with internationally renowned flyfisherman, Juan Del Carmen from Advanced Fly Fishing School Australia and the talented team at Wallerawang CAS!

Turtle activity + stall + talk with Dr Ricky Spencer from 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program with Lithgow Transformation Hub & Western Sydney University Live Music from local musicians with Lithgow Live & Local Create a floral daisy-chain activity with Wildflower Co Flowers & Gifts

Short talks: 'How to Grow Your Own Mushrooms' with Lithgow Valley Mushrooms, 'Edible Native Local Food's' with Killinbinin Native Nursery, 'Being a Beekeeper' with Blue Mountains Honey

'Meet the Water-bug' Activity with Lithgow Environment Group Inc.

'Plein Air' sketching with local artist-educator lindahineart 'Bee's and Bug's' activity with Amelie Ecology Delicious BBQ with Portland Rural Fire Brigade

WHAT TO BRING: Picnic rug or camping chairs. There will be some delicious food and drink options available to purchase at The Millpond and nearby at The Annexe, however, visitors are

Ecology Picnic

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

also welcome to bring their own.

FURTHER INFORMATION: If you have any questions, please contact us via email on steamworkslithgowsciencehub@gmail.com.

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.

If you are looking for a way to grow your business in 2021, speak to one of our friendly team and they will design a marketing plan that suits your budget and gets results.

Central West Village Voice

Publisher Rich Evans on behalf of Central West Media Pty Ltd Emails: editor@villagevoice.net.au sales@villagevoice.net.au

PLEASE NOTE: In the event of stormy wet weather, the event will be postponed. Please follow our STEAMworks Facebook page for event updates.

This event is made possible thanks to the generosity of Inspiring NSW and EnergyAustralia, in conjunction with The Foundations, Portland.

Office Details

Call our office on (02) 6355 4258

Office: 35 Wolgan Street, Portland NSW 2847

Postal Address: PO Box 227, Portland NSW 2847

Visit our website at www.villagevoice.net.au

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BATHURST BECOMES FIRST REGIONAL CENTRE IN DIGITAL TWIN

Bathurst has become the first major regional centre in NSW to be added to the Live NSW Spatial Digital Twin, with the entire city captured into a 3D model.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said with Bathurst plugging into the Spatial Digital Twin, it will be part of a State-wide digital grid with tools to plan for future infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and roads.

“The Bathurst town centre is one of the oldest in Australia and has been captured for the first time with 3D imagery, using the latest technology available,” Mr Toole said. “Council, planners and the local community will be able to use this to make more informed planning decisions, visualise buildings and ensure a development is sensitive to the surrounding environment - from the shadows a building is likely to create or changes to the traffic volumes before construction even begins. “Integrating it into the Spatial Digital Twin is a big win for the local community, ensuring development doesn’t impact on the unique character and beauty of our city.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the Spatial Digital Twin for Bathurst was the most comprehensive model of a regional centre in Australia and the next step in a State-wide rollout.

“People will be able to see the entire city in a 3D model and

BUSH FIRE DANGER PERIOD BEGINS WITH GREATER GRASS FIRE RISK

Communities across NSW are being warned of a greater risk of grass fires after recent wet weather with the official bush fire season beginning this week.

While a focus remains on flooding which has been ongoing in parts of the State for more than 12 months, it’s important we also stay prepared for bush and grass fires.

The rain has triggered rapid vegetation growth which is going to become a threat as it dries out. All it takes is a few days of hot, dry and windy weather for fire conditions to deteriorate.

can view and explore existing infrastructure, including schools, hospital, parking and roads, as well as important future projects and their impact on the city, including shading, canopies and building heights,” Mr Dominello said.

“Plugging into the Digital Twin will help to future-proof planning because you can see it in the context of the current world and the future world.

“Seeing how infrastructure, data and building plans fit together in 3D will enable better, long-term planning of cities as NSW continues to evolve and expand.”

The NSW Spatial Digital Twin is expected to provide significant opportunities for local councils and the NSW Government to realise benefits across the entire development and infrastructure lifecycle.

It is being tested for faster approvals for development applications, which is expected to deliver $256 million in savings across 10 years and help customers to engage with development in their area. The Digital Twin is the workbench for a SmartNSW as it can present data gathered in smart places spatially and in time show trends, allowing for faster future forecasting. Smart Places projects could deliver $448 million in savings across the same amount of time. To see the Bathurst model on the Spatial Digital Twin visit: Bathurst Spatial Digital Twin Project.

Grass fires move at three times the speed of a bush fire which is why communities need to be aware of the risks and ready to respond.

Recent rain has led to good grass and crop growth across the State especially in western areas of NSW and we have already seen more than 1,000 grass fires across the State since July.

It is important if you work, live or visit bush fire prone areas that you update and discuss your bush fire survival plan and know what you and your family will do if threatened by fire this season.

Before travelling, check the weather and fire danger ratings for that area and make a plan to leave should a grass or bush fire take hold.

We urge people to remain vigilant. While firefighters and emergency agencies will do everything they can to keep the community safe, protection is a shared responsibility and everybody needs to play their part to be fire safe.

Landholders who want to light a fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period are required to obtain a permit, in addition to notifying their local fire authority and neighbours 24 hours in advance.

On days where a Total Fire Ban is in place, all fire permits are automatically revoked.

Information about fire permits, required notifications and hazard reduction burning is available at: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP.

To make a bush fire survival plan, visit: www. myfireplan.com.au.

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

HELP US SUPPORT OTHERS IN CRISIS

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

Australia

88036

SUMMER SPORT LOOKING GOOD WITH ACTIVE KIDS AND FIRST LAP VOUCHERS UP FOR GRABS

With summer sport registrations officially open and swimming season here, families are being encouraged to take advantage of the enormously successful Active Kids and First Lap Voucher programs, helping kids keep healthy and having fun without breaking the family budget.

Families can use these NSW Government cost-saving measures for summer sport and swimming lessons.

Getting kids out of the house to be active is important for health and wellbeing.

Signing your child up for sports allows for them to make new friends, learn important skills and stay healthy.

Now is the perfect time to download your vouchers for the kids and have some fun in in the sun.

School-enrolled children in NSW can access two $100 Active Kids vouchers each year towards the cost of sport and active recreation fees.

The First Lap program provides families of eligible NSW children aged 3-6, not enrolled in school, with one $100 voucher to offset the costs of swimming lessons.

Whether it’s dancing, cricket or learning how to swim, our Active Kids and First Lap vouchers make it easier for young kids all over NSW to have access to even more ways to stay happy and healthy.

I encourage NSW families to head to the Service NSW website or app and create their child’s vouchers today.

More information on Active Kids and First Lap is available here.

PARENT SAVINGS: Member for Bathurst Paul Toole is encouraging parents to visit Services NSW to access Active Kids and First Lap vouchers.

Pre-retirement

Retirement Planning

Bene

Super

October History Talk at Bathurst Library

Of all the major events in bushranging history, the Bathurst Rebellion led by the Ribbon Gang is one of the most significant, yet least talked about.

In 1830 a convict uprising around Bathurst rocked the fledgling colony. The Ribbon Boys, named after the Irish secret society, the Ribbon Men, roved the countryside liberating prisoners as they went and leading them inland towards freedom.

Who were the Ribbon Boys? To find out more, join author Jeanette M Thompson at Bathurst Library for the History Talk: On the Trail of the Ribbon Boys, where she will discuss her book Bone and Beauty: The Ribbon Boys Rebellion.

Rich with detail, Bone and Beauty fuses archival evidence and narrative technique to tell the gripping story of the Ribbon Boys and their reputed leader Ralph Entwistle. For the first time, the influence of Irish secret societies, the

scale of oppression and corruption, and the complex web of criminal and family relationships behind these events are revealed.

Until now, this story has not been thoroughly documented. “These men are not the victors of history, or people who had the power to write their own histories.

Their stories have now been revisited and brought back to life” says Manager Library Services, Patou Clerc.

Bone and Beauty grew out of Jeanette’s research into Australian colonial history and creative nonfiction writing. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

This free event is on Friday 28 October 6pm at Bathurst Library, 70-78 Keppel Street. Spaces are limited. Call Bathurst Library on 6333 6281 or email library@bathurst.nsw.gov.au to book a spot.

CAREERS @ COUNCIL

BATHURST

STUDENTS REV UP THEIR SKILLS AT BATHURST 1000

pit crews

a taste of

year’s

Member for Bathurst and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said students from TAFE NSW Bathurst, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga are spending race week learning the ropes, including wheel and tyre changes, diagnosis and repairs, and specialist workshop maintenance.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for students to not only get a close look at the Supercar legends in action, but to learn new skills, motorsports operations and the automotive trades with the pinnacle of the Australian motorsports industry,” Mr Toole said.

“The practical experience at the iconic event allows students to train under real-world conditions on some of Australia's fastest cars in the nation's most famous race.

“Students will also provide a workshop service to assist competitors, including Triple Eight Racing, Tickford Racing, Grove Racing, and Matt Stone Racing and their vehicles at the TAFE NSW Repair Centre at Mount Panorama.”

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said

the partnership between TAFE NSW and Bathurst 1000 is preparing students for sought-after for jobs in the industry, which will help grow the economy and secure a brighter future for NSW.

“There has never been a better time to study at TAFE. The unique experience of working in the pits at the Bathurst 1000 means automotive students are getting the real-world, industry-specific skills they need to make a roaring start to their careers,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Government is delivering more opportunities than ever before to help people get the skills they need for the jobs they want, and this partnership is another great example of that.

“We’ve seen the success of this industry partnership for many years, with students starting their career in motorsport by leveraging their training and the skills learned under real pressure at the event.”

LAUNCH OF 2022 BATHURST SPRING SPECTACULAR

Alaunch

of the 2022 Bathurst Spring Spectacular will take place on Sunday 23rd October at Abercrombie House from 4.00pm to twilight. The launch will give the community the opportunity to thank the garden owners for opening their gardens and acknowledge their preparation in getting their gardens ready for the Bathurst Spring Spectacular. Tickets for the launch are $30.00 per person and can be purchased by contacting Judy Bayliss by 14th October on 0409710055 or email jcbayliss@bigpond.com.

The Bathurst Spring Spectacular will be held on the weekend of, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October. Ten (10) beautiful and diverse gardens will be open including the magnificent garden at “The Glen”.

The garden at “The Glen” commenced in 2015 as a project to enhance the garden surrounding the main homestead, and quickly became entirely out of control with the planting of more than 6,000 plants over a period of four years. The Garden at “The Glen” is an area of approximately four acres with formal and informal plantings and multiple sculptures. It is surrounded by the natural beauty of roughly 400 acres of undulating bushland purchased by Simon and Jayne Beverly in the winter of 2014.

Despite rocky terrain the landscaping has incorporated deciduous trees, mass plantings of rosemary hedges, lavender rows, roses and photinias. Native grasses, bottle brushes, roses, camelias, azaleas, grass lawns and much more have been added to create a beautiful and lush oasis. The garden is a magical place to spend time in the outdoors.

To help plan your visit to the gardens we invite you to check the map on the Bathurst Gardeners’ Club website https:// bathurstgardenclub.org.au/bathurst-spring-spectacular/ While there you can purchase your tickets online at $20.00 per person for both days. Tickets are also available at the Bathurst Visitor’s Information Centre in Kendall Avenue, Bathurst or at any of the gardens over the weekend of the event. Those visitors who only wish to visit one garden will pay $5.00 at the desk at the garden of their choice.

Local musicians including students from Mitchell Conservatorium will perform in a few gardens, refreshments will also be available in some gardens

The Bathurst Gardeners’ Club Monster Plant sale will take place on Saturday 29th October only, from at 9.30am-3.00pm in the park adjacent to the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre.

Tickets in the Bathurst Spring Spectacular Raffle are currently being sold by members of the Bathurst Gardeners’ Club for $2.00 each and will be available for purchase from the desk at each garden. The raffle will be drawn at the conclusion of the Bathurst Spring Spectacular.

All money raised from the Spring Spectacular will be donated to local charities. Details on charities and sponsors are available at https://bathurstgardenclub.org.au/bathurst-springspectacular/

Mark your calendar for 29th and 30th October for 2022 Bathurst Spring Spectacular. Two (2) weeks to go.

RACING: TAFE NSW Light Auto Mechanics Teacher John Ewing, Member for Bathurst Paul Toole and TAFE student Saul Foster.

RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR BATHURST AND LITHGOW

Hospital.

ANOTHER YEAR AND ANOTHER GREAT RACE IN BATHURST!

The 2022 Great Race has wrapped up, with Red Bull Ampol Racing raising the Peter Brock trophy this year!

Congratulations to Shane van Gisbergen and co-driver Garth Tander on their second win in three years.

The duo delivered a Holden victory in the manufacturer’s last battle in the Bathurst 1000. Sadly, this is the last year of the Holdens, as the curtain comes down on the great rivalry with Ford. The Commodore will be replaced by the Chevrolet Camaro next year.

It was a wet start and there were plenty of thrills and spills, with six safety car deployments in the first 57 laps, and another two safety cars in the closing stages of the rally.

rescue

region

laundry

in

funding

Lithgow

Care

at

Timber Mill,

million

Airport

Tree Lodge

million

Lithgow’s Blast

Park

million for

Lithgow CBD

million for the upgrade of Glen Davis Road

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

Well done to all the very hard working staff at Bathurst Regional Council for being outstanding hosts and organisers! It was a great day of racing and made a mighty contribution to the economy of Bathurst and the whole region!

NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY

Every year on 29 September we pause to acknowledge National Police Remembrance Day to honour and remember all police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

I attended a very moving Service of Remembrance at All Saints Cathedral in Bathurst.

It is disappointing that despite fuel prices remaining at eye-watering levels, the new Federal Government has binned the fuel excise holiday. This means that Australians are now paying 25 cents more per litre of fuel. Drivers are forking out an additional $15 more for a full tank than they’ve been paying in recent months.

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

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.

Prices here are some of the highest 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 reintroduction of this fuel tax relief is vital, and that’s why I am once again calling on the current government to recommence the fuel excise holiday.

Pictured: Above left - Andrew with Professor Renée Leon and Percy Raveneau. Above right - Andrew with Cr Andrew “Struthy” Smith. Below left - Bathurst City Council staff Robyn Doig, Wendy McDougall and Tess Merlino. Bottom middle - Central West Triple M radio presenter, Neil Gill and Cr Graeme Hanger. Above right - Blayney Council General Manager Mark Dicker, Frances Hanger and Paul Jones.

We must never forget the enormous sacrifice of the men and women who have given so much to keep our communities safe. We owe them an immense debt of gratitude.

“So stand behind this thin blue line and have faith, for you are in the shadow of my shield and protected by this sword.”

MORE

BLUES

THE BUSH AS GOVERNMENT BRINGS BACK FUEL TAX

** BEST OF LUCK FOR THE HSC **

The HSC kicks off this week, and I’d like to wish all students sitting the exams the very best of luck. You’re almost there and we are with you!

The final exam period can be a difficult and stressful time for students, parents and carers, so I hope everyone has as smooth a run as possible over the next few weeks.

The reality is that, in this day and age, there are many ways to get into

course or line of work that you are aiming for, and lots of time to figure it out.

It’s important to remember that while the HSC is a milestone, it’s not the be-all and end-all, or a defining moment of life.

Hang in there and stay calm. You’ve got this and we look forward to celebrating with you all on the other side!

MORE FUNDING NEEDED TO FIX RAIN-BOMBED ROADS!

After months of wild wet weather, roads across Calare are pock-marked with potholes and it’s only set to get worse!

Not only are potholes an incredibly dangerous issue that need to be tackled immediately, the road damage is also hitting our back pockets by puncturing tyres and bending wheel rims, and creating a roads funding crisis for many local council areas.

The impact of the relentless rainfall is particularly being felt in country areas like ours, where local councils manage extremely large road networks. There is simply no way local councils can afford the costs of the road repairs, nor do they have the capacity in their workforce to do so. They need urgent help and it should be provided by both State and Federal Governments.

I think the upcoming Federal Budget is the place to do it as there’s no

better time for the government to step up with more funding.

It’s not just a question of costs and economics. Damaged roads put lives at stake, which makes this issue urgent. We have a wet summer forecast, so this issue is only going to get more acute.

State governments across Australia also have a vital role to play in assisting local governments deal with this issue. Their help is needed too.

The road crews of many of our local councils are stretched and exhausted. Patching is the best many councils can do right now, but this is not sustainable. Funding is urgently needed to make these roads safe again. This needs to be a national priority that crosses party lines. I call on the Federal Government to lead the way and commit to greater roads funding for the safety of road users around Australia. Our local councils need immediate assistance!

CELEBRATING DASHAIN AND DIWALI AT THE BATHURST HINDU FESTIVAL

It was wonderful to join the Bathurst Nepalese community’s Hindu Festival in Eglinton to celebrate Dashain and Diwali. Well done to the organising team headed by Prajesh Khadka!

The Nepalese community in Bathurst has grown rapidly in recent years, and I was honoured to take part in the recent celebrations which featured a football match, basketball, music, dancing (I even got a dance lesson) and great Nepalese food!

The community recently came together to donate blood to the Blood Bank, which was greatly appreciated! I took the opportunity to thank the community for its warm hospitality and its very significant contribution to Bathurst and our region.

The Saluting Their Service Program provides

the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service

conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for community-based commemorative projects and activities, while Major Grants of up to $150,000 are available

initiatives that are significant from a national, state,

regional perspective.

further

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN VISIT MT PIPER POWER STATION?

We’re due for a wet summer, so if you’re looking for an interesting indoor activity, how about visiting the Energy Expo at the Mt Piper Power Station!

Open from 9am - 4pm daily, the popular exhibit has recently been revamped and features amazing interactive displays alongside fascinating exhibits, models, displays, photos and videos.

A cultural space has also been developed

displaying tools and artefacts discovered on and around the site. On sunny days, visitors can enjoy the picnic area with BBQs and a children’s playground.

Tourists can take a walk through the Power Plant, and visit various areas of the operation. I had the chance to explore the site recently, and it’s certainly something to see!

Entry and tours are free, but be sure to book!

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

40 mobile phone towers and base stations for Calare

Stuart Pearson

BRAGS

ART EXPERIENCE

The New South Wales Government is convinced that consolidating private and public health services into one location (known as a “precinct”), results in significant economic, social and health benefits to the community. Masterplans for precincts have already been implemented or are in the process of being planned, across many locations in NSW, such as Dubbo, Randwick, Illawarra, Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Westmead.

In 2018, a precinct plan was prepared for Bathurst by respected strategic advisers Destravis Group, titled “Bathurst Health and Knowledge Precinct Plan”. It was commissioned by NSW Planning, Industry and Environment, in collaboration with Bathurst Regional Council, Western NSW Local Health District and Charles Sturt University.

The final precinct plan has yet to be made public, but if it follows all the other health precinct plans conducted elsewhere in NSW, then it will call for private and public health services to be co-located in a two-block radius around Bathurst public hospital.

Bathurst Regional Council has already committed to defining a health precinct and co-locating as many allied medical services into that area as possible (Vision Bathurst 2040: Bathurst Region Local Strategic Planning Statement).

In accordance with this strategic direction,

the NSW Ambulance service recently relocated its Bathurst station from the CBD to the proposed Bathurst Health Precinct. Further, in the past few years, a major Physiotherapy practice has also moved its facilities to within a block of Bathurst Hospital and less than a month ago a major medical practice opened its doors only 500 metres from the public hospital.

Experience has shown If public and private medical facilities are co-located, patients can be transferred easily on a mobile hospital bed, accompanied by appropriate medical staff. Similarly, nurses, medical staff and ancillary personnel can move easily and quickly between each facility, often by a short walk. Finally, Doctors and Specialists can save time and money by moving between private and public clinics, as well as patients in either facility, without the need for a car journey.

Bathurst should follow the preferred model of health precincts that the NSW Government has adopted almost everywhere else in NSW. Specifically, private and public medical facilities should be co-located into one precinct, not scattered across a city at random. Co-location can save lives. A fragmented health service jeopardises them.

Stuart Pearson Kelso

Be inspired on this BRAGS bus trip to see the Sculptures in the Garden at Rosby and explore the new Mudgee Arts Precinct. Explore the artistic and cultural experiences of Mudgee including the Rosby Sculptures in the Garden and the new Mudgee Arts Precinct. Kay Norton-Knight of Rosby will introduce you to the Sculptures in the Garden display, featuring over 100 artists and 200 sculptures.

Following a wander through the estate, visit the Mudgee Arts Precinct, where Aleshia Lonsdale, curator of the current exhibition Sacred Country, will give you an insight into the exhibition.

When and where Wednesday, 19 October 2022 Bathurst Regional Art Gallery Bus will leave Bathurst Regional Art Gallery carpark at 9am sharp and return 5pm.

TICKETS from www.eventbrite.com.au

Cost: BRAGS member $64.39 incl. $4.39 booking fee, Non-member $74.94 incl. $4.94 booking fee, Includes entry fee to Rosby Estate.

Food, wine, and coffee is available to purchase at Rosby at own cost.

The purpose of BRAGS (friends of the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery) is to foster, promote, encourage, and support, as well as raise funds for the development of Bathurst Regional Art Gallery. This enjoyable and informative day is one such fund-raising activity to support the enhancement of our Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.

All funds raised are used to purchase further art works for Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.

For further information, please contact Jo Dicksen at BRAG on 02 6333 6555. Alternatively, see www.bathurstregion.com.au

Towards a better future for health services in Bathurst: The case for colocation of medical facilities in the Bathurst Health Precinct

Readiness Rally Launches Emergency Document Wallet

Having an emergency kit is crucial to Get Ready for natural disasters.

food and water, an

should include

in case you may need to

The Lithgow Readiness Rally is offering residents the chance to collect a FREE Emergency Document Wallet to start preparing for disaster.

The Emergency Document Wallet is waterproof and used to store important documents such as passports, insurance policies and birth certificates all in one place should residents need to grab them in the event of an emergency.

a

numbers (family, neighbors and GP). Each wallet also contains information from SES, RFS, Australian Red Cross and helpful guides.

Residents can collect their FREE Emergency Document Wallet at the Lithgow Readiness Rally on Saturday, 15th October 2022 between 9am and 3pm at the Lithgow Union Theatre. The wallet is limited to one per household for the first 300 attendees.

Bligh Park Community Services will be assisting residents on the day to be prepared by keeping important documents for yourself and your family safe by scanning documentation and providing free USBs.

You can find the Readiness Rally program and more information on the website at www.readinessrally.com. au, Facebook or Instagram @ lithgowreadinessrally.

The project delivered by Lithgow City Council and Community Resilience Network aims to educate people about emergency preparedness and the value of having a plan for property, pets and/or livestock.

The wallet features general emergency contact numbers and can be written on to include your own important phone

Find out more about preparing an Emergency Kit or Ready to Go by visiting the Australian Red Cross and Bligh Park Community Services booths at the Lithgow Readiness Rally. This is a Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund project through the joint Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

NATURAL DISASTER DECLARED FOR LITHGOW

A state of natural disaster has been declared for the Lithgow local government area following further rainfall today.

Deputy Premier and local member Paul Toole said the natural disaster declaration was an important first step in offering support for local communities under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which are jointly funded by the NSW Government and Commonwealth Government.

“This means assistance is available to vulnerable people whose homes or essential household items have been destroyed or damaged, and for business owners and primary producers who have suffered direct damage,” Mr Toole said.

“Assistance is also available to Lithgow City Council to restore essential public assets like local roads.

“I am urging any local homeowner, business owner or primary producer that suffered direct damage from flooding or storms to investigate what support might be available to them”.

Assistance available under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for Lithgow may include:

Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply);

Support for local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets; Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations; and Freight subsidies for primary producers.

For more information, go to: https://www.nsw.gov. au/disaster-recovery/natural-disaster-declarations and www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

To apply for a concessional loan, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

Drop into the office to arrange a viewing of your new dream

Gala Awards Night Tickets go on sale!

The Chamber is delighted to announce that tickets are on sale for the EnergyAustralia Black Rose Excellence in Business Awards Gala Awards Night 2022.

The Awards night is a cocktail dress event that will be night of entertainment, networking, music, dancing and festivities with special guest MC, Peter Watson from 2LT.

This is the first Awards night that the Lithgow region has hosted for over 15 years. Chamber Vice-President and Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) program Director Steve Ring said, ‘The re-introduction of Business Awards for the Lithgow LGA has been made possible by both the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Funding and by our generous sponsors: Energy Australia, Centennial Coal, Greenspot, Westfund, Family First and Ferrero Australia.’

‘The Awards have been developed in conjunction with Business NSW and most of the winners of Awards will automatically progress to the Regional Awards. In addition, the judges have been

sourced by Business NSW from outside of the Lithgow LGA,’ he said.

‘We don’t see the Awards as businesses competing with one another, rather we see it as businesses sharing their stories, sharing ideas and their innovative and or resilience practises. It’s about celebrating what we’ve been through together as a community and where possible, being inspired by each other.’

Entries officially closed Friday 7 October at midnight, with the Chamber receiving 44 entries in eight categories.

According to Vicki Seccombe, Regional Manager Western NSW at Business NSW, who manages the Business Awards entry site, the Chamber should be very pleased with this outcome, considering it’s the Lithgow Chamber’s first year back in over 15 years and with a new online application process.

‘For this first year, we’ve decided that all Award entrants will be finalists in the Awards, meaning that everyone will be featured in our Awards program and will be announced at the Gala Awards Night’, said Mr Ring.

‘We strongly encourage all Award entrants to be part of the festivities. It’s their night and a night for all businesses in the Lithgow region to celebrate. This will be a night to remember so all business people and community members should join in the celebrations! With continued funding from our sponsors from this year, and with support from the business community we want to develop the awards as a major annual event. An event that’s up there with the Highland Ball and the Catholic Ball. We want this to be the Lithgow regions’ business event of the year’, he said.

TICKETS CAN BE BOOKED THROUGH THE CHAMBER WEBSITE – LITHGOW.ORG.AU

WHEN 26 November 2022

WHERE Lithgow Workies, Tank St, Lithgow TIME 6.30-11.00pm

COST $100 General admission $80 Members

Included in the price is dinner, samples of local produce, local alcoholic tasters, live musicians and performers. It will be a night of feasting and festivities.

The Black Rose Excellence in Business Awards 2022 is part of the Lithgow Region Business Revival project that has been funded under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

The Chamber is also grateful to EnergyAustralia, the naming rights sponsor for 2022-2024, and other local sponsors Centennial, Ferrero, Greenspot, Westfund and Family First.

Further details email events@lithgow. org.au or call 0403 397 645.

Have Your Say on the Draft Waste Management & Resource Recovery Strategy

Residents of the Lithgow LGA are invited to get involved and have their say on the draft Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy 2022-2026.

The draft Strategy is on exhibition for community comment from Monday, 10 October 2022 to Friday, 11 November 2022. Copies of the draft strategy can be viewed on Council’s website, at the Council Administration building and at the Lithgow City Libraries at Lithgow, Portland and Wallerawang.

The draft Strategy sets out Council’s plan to continuously improve waste management and resource recovery services and facilities in our local government area and to provide solutions, consistent with the local community’s priorities, to local waste challenges.

Written submissions marked “Submission – Draft Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy 2022-2026” must be received by Council no later than 4pm on Friday, 11 November 2022.

Following the exhibition period, all submissions on the strategy will be reviewed. A finalised version of the strategy will be put to Council in January 2023, incorporating, or addressing the responses from the public received during the exhibition period.

Should you require further information, please contact Council on 6354 9999.

Book Fair at

Lithgow Library!

Find a treasure at the Lithgow Library Book Fair, starting 9am Monday 10th October 2022 until Saturday 22nd October 2022. The library will be selling all sorts of ex-library and donated materials at ridiculously cheap prices.

There will be a large variety of non-fiction, adult and junior fiction books, and DVDs available. Older model car manuals will be a highlight of the sale. Get in early to score these gems!!!

Sale items will be added to the tables each day, so stop and shop often. Prices start from just $1.00 per item with car manuals going for $20.00 each. Payment can only be made via EFTPOS, no cash sales are available. Please bring your own bags or boxes.

The sale will only be available during library opening hours Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm.

SOCIAL HOUSING BOOST FOR LITHGOW

The NSW Government is sustaining its delivery of affordable social housing in regional NSW. Regional NSW had an average 12% increase in median rents. This combined with critically low vacancy rates has seen a strain on housing availability.

The NSW Government’s Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF) program expects to deliver 12 dwellings in Lithgow by the end of March 2023. The dwellings are under construction with some nearing completion.

Deputy Premier and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the NSW Government is

focused on affordable social housing.

“The NSW Government’s Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF) program is providing secure and affordable rental housing for people on low incomes with housing needs homes for locals,” Mr Toole said.

“People west of the Blue Mountains are feeling the housing squeeze just as much as those in the city and on the coast. That’s why we are committed to increasing long-term affordable accommodation options right across the state.

“By working with specialist homelessness

services to build affordable housing options, we are determined to ease cost of living pressures and make a real difference to the lives of those who need it most.”

There are currently 14 general Community Housing Leasing Program (CHLP) leaseholds in the Lithgow LGA managed by Link Wentworth Housing Limited.

The CHLP provides funding to registered community housing providers (CHPs) to head-lease properties from the private rental market to provide social, crisis and transitional housing.

Beehive returns for Term 4

Beehive returns for Term 4 with registration on Tuesday, 11th October 2022, and classes commencing the following Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Brochures are available at 43 Bridge Street, Lithgow.

If you’ve recently retired or moved to the area, you’ll find Beehive is a great way meet new people and be welcomed into the community.

Beehive is open to everyone and is a friendly, fun place to be and multiple classes can be taken for the tuition fee of $30.00 per term.

The three books for the Book Club are The Henna Artist by Hal Josh, We Come with this Place by Debra Dank and Nimble Foot by Robert Drewe. If you enjoy reading and discussing books, this class meets on Thursday.

A new class this term is Vegetarian Cooking with a Twist. This is an opportunity to try a few different ways to prepare meals in your home. Maybe a chance to experiment with something you’ve wanted to make but haven’t gotten around to. Everything is low budget, ingredients and equipment included. We are open to adding or removing meat from recipes and including other dietary needs. Getting ideas from each other is welcome. You will have a portion to

take home on the day for an additional class expense of $5.00 per session.

Tablelands Physiotherapy will be running a group exercise program for people living with Type Two Diabetes! Ask your GP whether you are eligible to participate in this program and they will complete the referral form for you. It’s required to book an initial consultation with Tablelands Physiotherapy beforehand. This class will improve blood glucose control, increase physical activities and be an opportunity to socialise in a group setting.

If you would like to be part of this friendly environment but are not crafty, why not

consider helping in the kitchen, preparing lunches and morning teas. Free lunch and coffee are given to these volunteers in appreciation of their assistance.

The garden party returns this year on Friday 2nd November. Come along and enjoy a light lunch and morning tea in the beautiful Hoskins surroundings – maybe take a tour of the Sorensen Gardens or alternatively just relax and enjoy the company of others.

Life, the Universe, and Stories: a new social group for Lithgow Library

Life the Universe and Stories (LTUAS) is a new kind of social group that uses great stories as a starting point to have meaningful discussions about life, the universe and everything. You can join your local LTUAS group at Lithgow Library on Thursday afternoons from 2-4pm.

A facilitator leads the group, bringing a different, compelling story to each session. The facilitator then reads the story aloud, so that group participants can relax and immerse themselves in the story.

Christopher Smith CEO of Shared Reading NSW says: “The idea is to give people a place where they can just be, without the demands of day-to-day life. Stories provide a fantastic way to relax and forget the world for a while.”

Groups take place in community settings such as libraries and Neighbourhood Centres, and because of a generous grant by NSW Government, are free to join.

Mr Smith says that people are thirsty for opportunities to connect after events of the last few years. “The Blue

Mountains and Lithgow have been hit by successive disasters with bushfires, floods and COVID. Our groups are a gentle way to rebuild and find connection with others. When you come to our groups, you don’t need to talk or read or anything. You can just come and listen to the stories. It is a way you can be social without any pressure on you.

LTUAS harnesses the deep need for storytelling, which is a fundamental part of the human experience. Mr Smith says: “Sharing stories is something we have always done to learn, to connect and to heal. People have a need to feel part of something bigger than themselves, and through stories they are connected to the way people have felt across cultures and over time.

For more information on library programs contact the library on 6352 9100 or head to the library webpage at library.lithgow.com.

JOB

MOUNT PIPER

For Further

Mayoral Message

Council teams worked throughout the weekend assessing and closing flooded and flood damaged roads to keep our community safe. The rainfall we have experienced in recent times is the most significant rain event since records began in the 1800’s causing major damage to existing and newly constructed roads. Both the sustained rainfall and intensity of these single events are contributing to completely saturated water tables and erosion.

I acknowledge the frustration, anger and feeling of isolation that is experienced by members of our community, particularly those in our rural, remote areas.

Flooding, once again, resulted in restricted access to the Glen Davis Village. I wish to reassure residents of Glen Davis that Council is working on a tender to construct alternative emergency access for you and we hope to commence work on this project shortly.

As many people are aware, flooding has caused major damage to the Wolgan Road. We are monitoring the Wolgan Gap closely to ensure safe travel for residents and workers in the Valley. Council has reached out to Transport for NSW, Public Works Advisory and the State Government for direct assistance in managing this disaster event.

Council continues to work closely with landowners, the private sector and government to adequately respond to this and previous disasters. Council’s Infrastructure Services Team is continually monitoring our 975km road network. Unfortunately, the unprecedented ongoing rain is delaying road works and causing significant damage, not only to our road network, but to all roads across NSW. Over the weekend we saw the Castlereagh Highway at Pearson’s Lookout, Kangaroo Valley Road and the Oxley Highway experience major landslips.

NSW 2790

To view these policies scan here

Green Waste Collection

A Green Waste collection will be provided on 7th November 2022.

Residents are reminded that a SERVICE BY REQUEST will apply.

Residents can register via Council’s website or alternatively phone Council before 12.00pm FRIDAY 4th November 2022

Halloween

Lithgow Halloween Saturday 29 October Street and Car park closures Event times 4.00pm-9.00pm

This year’s theme is ‘Lithgow Halloween on Main Street’ and all the great elements of the past years will return including Live Music, Street Parade, Market Stalls and Amusement rides. The popular Best Dressed Competition and the Lithgow Halloween Smartphone Film Competition will also return with great prizes to be won.

There will be street entertainment including two live music stages, dancing and theatrical performances from late afternoon into the evening Street Closures

Saturday 29 October

• Eskbank between Main and Railway Parade from 6.00am-12 Midnight

• Main Street from Bridge Street through to Gray Street 12 noon 12 Midnight Car parking

• The two top sections of Eskbank Street carpark will be closed off from 8.00pm Friday 28 October to allow for addition amusement rides to be set-up from Saturday morning 29 October.

For more information contact Seven Valleys Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6352 9130.

BLUE SKIES FOR GONE FISHING DAY

Despite

a deluge the night before, last Sunday 9 October saw close to 200 participants take part in the annual gone fishing day at Lake Wallace.

A little bit of rain in the morning gave way to blue skies as the keen fishing crowd descended on the site to try their luck at landing the big one for the day. The family fun fishing day was supported by a NSW Government Gone Fishing grant of $2000. The community event included fishing for redfin eradication, introduction to fly-fishing for trout and free fly-casting lessons.

The event returned after a 2 year COVID enforced hiatus and organisers were pleased with the results despite t he weather and other regional events, such as the Bathurst 1000, having an impact on numbers in relation to previous years.

There was a great representation of youth fishers on the day, with 2 young locals taking home the major prizes on the day.

Oscar Gordon, a 19 year old Wallerawang local reeled in a 66cm Rainbow Trout to take out first place. 13 year old Abby Long bought in a 37cm Brown Trout to win her prize.

“Numbers were down a little this year, but we encouraged by the number of youths that enjoyed the day,” Ben Lane, President Wallerawang CAS.

The organisers would like to thank all their sponsors for their ongoing support and generosity:

DPI NSW Fisheries, NSW Aquatic Biosecurity, Energy Australia, Westfund, Lithgow City Council, Harvey Norman Lithgow, Central Tablelands Local Land Services, Ozfish Unlimited, Kayaks2Fish, CW Printing, Diawa, SHIMANO, Berkley Fishing Products, Abu Garcia, Plano, Aussie Fly Fisher, LOOP Tackle, Advanced Fly Fishing School, Club Lithgow Fishing Club, Coates Hire, Giggles Party Hire, Lean & Bennett Toyota, Erin’s Quality Outdoor Power Centrre, Supercheap Auto Lithgow, Lithgow Mercury, Eves Creations, Mad Hueys, Oakley, Dragon Sunglasses, Peter Morse (Sage Fly Fishing)

Ferrero, Bunnings Lithgow, McKinnon Scaffolding and Rigging P/L, R & K Gas, Radio 2LT & Move FM, Sydney Fly Outfitters, Timberfix Lithgow, Wallerawang Bakery, Wallerawang Bowling Club, Wallerawang Public School

Money raised on the day will be used to enhance local fishing facilities in the Lithgow region.

Pictured RIght: Winners with Lithgow Mayor, Maree Statham and Ray Tang from Wallerawang CAS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR SPRING GARDEN!

time to get your garden ready

the spring.

have everything you need to improve the soil in

garden beds to get the best

possible.

huge

juicy tomato

Community

something

-

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

Better Business Column by Steve Semmens, The Persuader

Winning at the end of theGreat Race of Business!

After watching the Bathurst 1000 yesterday and seeing the strategies that the drivers and their teams use to take every advantage they can to beat the competition, it occurred to me how similar it is to our great race of business. We create our business models and develop and implement strategies to win. We face all sorts of challenges and plan for a successful exit. Shane Van Gisbergen and Garth Tander could have lost at any stage yesterday with at least eight safety car stoppages which allowed their top competition to get close to them. With determination and resilience they once again conquered the mountain, winners!

Have you planned to win your great race of business? What is your exit strategy? Do you have one? Are you looking to sell? As a solopreneur it is difficult to have a successful exit plan but not impossible. For example, many individual Financial Planners can sell their book to someone else when they decide to exit the race. It should be easier for larger companies but due to poor succession planning

the move by the owners to exit is fraught with danger and often ends with the owners walking away and closing the business down even when it has been very successful.

Successful family businesses should be easy for one generation to exit the great race of business and pass it on to the next generation but I have come across several incidents where this is not the case. The young ones want to change with the times and the old ones want to hang on to their successful formula and don’t see the point of changing. Just recently I came across and organisation that had a change of guard and then rehired the father as a consultant to the business. The son is planning the future and implementing the changes necessary to take them successfully into the future but the Fathers experience is always taken into account before making any final decisions. It is working well.

So when do you start planning your exit strategy? Generally I recommend at the start of the business. What is the purpose of the

Financial Planning Column by Daniel Crump

business? Are you seeking to build it up to a certain successful point and then sell it? Or perhaps you continue in it until you die. If you are enjoying what you are doing that could be a great exit strategy?

To have a successful exit strategy to the great race of business you need to have a current succession plan not only for the owners but also for any key positions. One of the best strategies is for the owner to have a reasonable amount of equity in the business but hirer someone capable to run it. It is harder than it sounds but if you get the right person on board with the view of making them an equity partner your legacy will go on successfully and you can happily fully exit knowing your business is in great hands!

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

With the property market cooling, Australians have finally stopped talking about real estate prices. At dinner parties everywhere, there’s a new conversation.

The bad news? The new conversation is about the rising costs of living. It’s understandable. In the year to July 2022, the costs of consumer goods and services rose 7 per cent.

While the media focus has been on the plight of young families with mortgages, rising inflation presents unique challenges and risks to retirees as well. Especially in low growth economic conditions.

But there are things retirees can do to manage inflation risk and make sure their money lasts.

Interest rate squeeze

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is increasing interest rates faster than anyone expected. It’s clear that the rising costs of living caught the RBA off guard.

Now they’re scrambling to keep inflation in check by raising interest rates each month.

Inflation or stagflation?

For retirees, the return of inflation means it’s

much harder to make the money last. It makes it even more complicated when the economy isn’t growing, and the market outlook is uncertain.

The last time we had high inflation during a recession was 50 years ago. It’s called ‘stagflation’; combining ‘stagnation’ with ‘inflation’.

Usually inflation is caused by overheating, booming economies. But that’s not the case this time. The global growth outlook is worsening by the day, especially in Europe and the United States. There, recession is becoming more of a probability than a possibility.

In Australia, economic growth is slowing and there is a tightrope the RBA must walk. The RBA wants to reduce inflation to between 2 and 3 per cent by increasing interest rates, but it needs to be careful not to constrain growth and trigger a recession.

Managing retirement risks

Retirees must manage several risks all at the same time; short-term risks such as the risk of a share market or property crash (market risk), as well as long-term risks such as outliving your savings (longevity risk) and losing purchasing power (inflation risk).

The different risks require different strategies to manage them. At Daniel Crump Financial Planning, we find the best way to achieve this is to segment your money according to its purpose and the risks you’re managing. We typically segment your money in one of three ways: when you expect to spend it (bucketing); what you’re spending on (income layering); or a combination of these two approaches.

Bucketing allows you to balance your shortterm risks while still enabling you to manage your long-term risks with high quality growth assets like shares and property. Income layering provides you with cashflow to fund the lifestyle you desire in the different phases of retirement. We call them the ‘go-go’, ‘go-slow’ and ‘no-go’ years.

This framework for retirement investing will give you the confidence to spend no matter the market conditions. If you would like to learn more, give us a call.

Daniel Crump is the founder of Daniel Crump Financial Planning. This article is general and does not consider your personal circumstances. If you would like advice specific to you, give us a call on 0418 148 622.

how I like it. Some highlights of the trip were when my mum and I went out to a Chinese restaurant they had a great menu and the food was delicious.

Leo, Roving Reporter Report from: My desk Story filed: cello and fun

Hi ya folks, hope you're well. I just got back from a Susokie cello camp in Sydney. We arrived at our grandma's house which acted as our accommodation.

We would drive back and forth from the venu to my grandma's house, most of the trip was driving around.

The cello camp went from Thursday to Saturday, you would turn up, go to your group classes and go home when the day was done, there was a lot of cello playing just

Another was when I visited some of my Aunts that was nice but the best highly for me was getting to see my aunt and uncle Michel and Sharen. It was awesome to see them I but the best part was that I got to hang out with my cousin Tomo ( who is the son of My Aunt and Uncle) I love Tomo, he's one of the best ( there are many one of the best in my family) he took me out to dinner and the arcade.

We had lots of fun playing

games, there shooter games and racing games, he set a high score on a punching game it measures how hard you punch and on our way out we saw a bunch of guys trying to beat his high score, they did even come close, we nearly won a nintendo switch it was so close but we did not succeed.

After a really fun night out we drove back to his place, where my mum, Sharen and Michel were still talking soon mum and I headed back to our place.

Overall I had a great time. It was a good holiday but now get ready for school, the fun's over.

"Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else." – Fred Rogers

Going to Sydney by plane again (what about that jet above the great race?), I just love the entry sign at Bathurst Aerodrome. Much better an Aerodrome than a Regional Airport don’t you think, Mick?

My mate Mick, the Sage of Wiseman’s Creek, said recently “what is it about Bathurst and plains anyway?” Puzzled, but the penny finally dropped – we are surrounded by plains. So, this article is mainly about plains, not planes.

Our heritage landscape is littered with plains and it is all down to our discoverer George Evans and his confreres. George started off on his journey of discovery at Emu Plains, and having crossed the Great Divide, George named O’Connell Plains in 1813 (good to see the name living on in the Road name), then

Macquarie Plains, and Bathurst Plains. Then along came, you guessed it, Evans Plains, followed by Georges Plains (Evans or the King, or perhaps Boy?), and then Kings Plains (just to clarify things). Cripes! Have I missed any?

Mick says our plains are pretty squidgy by world standards though – think Great Plains in North America, Nullarbor Plains, Khuzistan Plains, Canterbury Plains in NZ, Eurasian Steppe, Pampas and Bushveld - these are some of the world's major plains. He says ours are really just little depressions filled with small lumpy hillocks. Mick explained - plains are flat regions that exist as either lowlands or plateaus. Funny what Mick knows.

Anyway, the point is that, to us, our plains are great plains – they are part of the heritage of our European discovery and of Bathurst’s

aboriginal culture, and importantly are large elements of our natural heritage landscape. They contain diverse native flora and fauna, and some wonderful early colonial farm buildings, many of which deserve greater recognition and better protection as precious heritage assets. thought of the week……. “built from the earth of the plains, we are losing our pise and wattle & duab buildings monthly, and we have only one sod building left”

by a humble heritage advocate – October 2022, column #261

LITHGOW VALLEY

FILM SOCIETY

16 Main Street, Lithgow

Sunday 16th October, 2.00pm

New Release 2021- M OPERATION MINCEMEAT

The story of Operation Mincemeat deception is that a dead body was left at sea in a strong current, off the Spanish Andalusian port of Huelva , where it was none it would wash up on the coast. The body was supposedly that of a Royal Marine Major, whose plain had crashed in Spanish waters. On his person were a series of private documents and mementos that created a false identity for the Major. And handcuffed to his arm was a briefcase containing fake letters to commanders in North Africa telling them about plans to invade Greece.

STARRING: COLIN FIRTH, MATHEW MACFADYEN

KELLY MACDONALD, PENELOPY WILTON, JONNY FLYNN, JASON ISAACS

Sunday 23rd October, 2.00pm

Recent Release M QUEEN OF THE DESERT

The film opens around 1900, with a youngish Gertrude (Nicole Kidman) demoaning the teadium life of life in England. Gertrude persuades her Father to finance a trip to Tehran, where she immediately falls in love with both the desert and British diplomat Henry Cadogan (James Franco).

STARRING: NICOLE KIDMAN, JAMES FRANCO ROBERT PATTINSON.

The Bay

A large group of sulkies waiting outside Bathurst railway station c1910. These would either be waiting for fares or friends and the assumption is that it would be the daily train from Sydney they were there for.

Bathurst railway station opened in 1876 and is still largely unchanged from that year. The importance of Bathurst getting a train line cannot be overestimated. Prior to rail travel, a journey across the full expanse of the Great Dividing Range could take several days. There was also a physical risk involved in such travel.

Steam trains made the trip easier as they moved both people and goods back and forth from the coast. Estimates give a general figure of maybe 5 hours for the one-way trip in the late 19th century. This included the Zig Zag section east of Lithgow.

The base time of nearly 5 hours could vary greatly depending on the nature of the train. Some mail trains into last century

were about as quick as today’s service but others that stopped at each station could take much longer. Mail trains tended to leave at horrendously early hours of the morning.

It seems that a major limiting factor on the decrease in travel times is the physical environment the train needs to pass through and the curves it needs to negotiate. Line straightening late last century between Tarana and Wallerawang took a bit of time off the overall trip.

The main line west was electrified as far as Lithgow in the 1950s. In fact the inter-urban electrics went as far as Bowenfels but were cut back to Lithgow terminus being a little more logical.

Passengers waited on the station for the steam train to be brought up. The refreshment rooms were open but even so, Lithgow station was a cold place to be for those minutes.

Lithgow Library Garden Group

Doyou love gardening and want to connect with likeminded people?

Then why not come along to Lithgow Library’s new gardening social group?

Every Monday Lithgow City Council’s very own Horticulturist – Chantelle Cambridge, will be hosting a morning tea for all local garden enthusiasts with a new topic every week. The first topic will be on indoor plant care. Who doesn’t have a sad plant in the corner they are unsure what to do with?

Tea, coffee and cake will be provided, and all attendees are welcome to bring along some cuttings to swap with others at the morning tea. Or just take a photo of your plants and let Chantelle work her magic.

Chantelle is employed by Lithgow City Council on the Parks and Garden team. She is very passionate about Gardening and yard maintenance with extensive knowledge about the local climate, frost tolerant plants, as well as indoor plant care and organic alternatives to pesticides and herbicides.

Chantelle has and continues to self-educate and has gained extensive knowledge from working alongside some of Australia’s top horticulturists including Better Homes and Gardens presenter Graham Ross.

Chantelle is a volunteer in several community groups as well as starting, Lithgow Garden Social Club which is going strong and has been a great benefit to the local community. Gardening has greatly helped Chantelle through tough times in her life and she would love the opportunity to help others overcome anything they are going through, with the power of Gardening.

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