Central West Village Voice - #044

The Lithgow Regional Business and Lifestyle Expo 2023 is part of the Revive Regional Business in Lithgow project that has been funded under the Bush re Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

Image by Barbara Karrer, Feature Artist at the 47th Annual Portland Art Exhibition.

VILLA

Gorgeous villa with internal garage plus separate internal laundry. Features include high ceilings, living flame gas fire and a large rear garden.

The large lounge/dining room and master bedroom enjoy stunning views of the surrounding undulating hills with a lovely private courtyard area. The master bedroom also boasts an ensuite bathroom plus an entire wall of built-in wardrobes.

$629,000

This villa is something to behold. With 2 gorgeous bedrooms, each with private bathroom and the best in modern fixtures and fittings. The master bedroom is furnished with walk-in robes and has a private ensuite.

The single garage gives you direct access to the home which makes access a breeze. It has a natural living flame gas fire in the living area and zoned heating and air conditioning throughout.

$579,000 2211 VILLA

A refurbished freestanding villa with a private courtyard and attached garage, it boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a spacious living area and newly designed modern open kitchen. Reverse cycle air conditioning and flued gas heating are included.

You will love the private courtyard that is perfect for that mid-morning, relaxing coffee.

$569,000 2211 VILLA

The Megalong-style villa packs a huge range of features into its cleverly designed layout with the very best in modern fixtures and fittings. It boasts 2 large bedrooms, the master with walk-in robes and private ensuite. The second bathroom is perfect for guests. The single garage has easy access directly into the home, which has a living flame gas fire in the living area and zoned heating and air conditioning throughout.

$639,000

This stunning home has the best of open-plan living areas. Each bedroom has its own ensuite, essentially creating two separate private wings. The master bedroom has built-in wardrobes, and there is a cozy gas fire in the living area for those winter nights.

The kitchen is equipped with stone bench tops, dishwasher, oven and cooktop. The home has fully ducted and zoned air-conditioning throughout. The single garage is fitted with an automatic roller door.

NEW “KURRAJONG” VILLA

$579,000 221

This ingenious floor-plan offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an internal single garage. The master bedroom has walk-in wardrobes and its own ensuite. The second bedroom also has an ensuite, which creates two separate living quarters. The superb kitchen is equipped with stone benchtops, dishwasher, oven and cooktop.

The living room boasts a cosy living gas fire, and it has fully ducted and zoned heating and cooling throughout.

47th Annual Portland Art Exhibition this weekend

Over 320 artworks on display, all works are for sale

Theme section for the Portland Art Prize sponsored by The Foundations. This year the theme is “Clouds”

Feature Artist is Barbara Karrer, who has been a crowd favourite for many years at the exhibition

It’s back! Opening night returns for the 47th Annual Portland Art Show.

The 47th Annual Portland Art Exhibition is on again over the first weekend of March in the picturesque Central West town of Portland.

Artworks arrive on Wednesday morning, and the hard working committee transforms the iconic Crystal Theatre into a gallery space for the the weekend with lighting, a professional curation and display of works. This year there are just over 320 works entered in the exhibition, ranging from small drawings and water colours to larger works, with something to suit all budgets.

“One of the reasons artists love entering our show is the high rate of sales, with about 30% of entered works selling each year,” said Chairperson, Rich Evans.

This year the Opening night celebration returns after having

to be cancelled in recent years due to COVID restrictions, although the committee are very grateful the exhibition itself has been able to proceed in each of those years.

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to our opening night celebration, and hoping that after a hiatus over the last few years everyone will join us for a night full of great music, food and wine along with plenty of sales for our artists,” said Rich Evans.

The event will take place on the first weekend in March, with the opening night on Friday 3 March from 6pm, followed by a weekend long exhibition from 10am on both Saturday 4th March and Sunday 5th March.

For more details check out http://portlandartshow.net.au

Special Preview

Thursday 2 March 6pm-8pm

Opening Night

Friday 3 March 6pm – 9:30pm

General Exhibition

Saturday 4 March 10am – 5pm

Sunday 5 March 10am – 4pm

In the Crystal Theatre Portland

Pop up Sale Tables

Pre-retirement Planning

Retirement Planning

De ned Bene ts Super

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• prepare for retirement

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NO HIDDEN AGENDAS. We are not owned by any financial institutions or super funds who might want to bias our advice.

Free arts business and networking workshops for creatives

Appointments are now available in Lithgow and Bathurst. To book please call 0418 148 622 or visit danielcrumpfp.com.au for more information.

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The creative industries are big business, and business skills – from writing a business plan, to networking, to generating income, or setting your prices – are vital for regional creatives.

Arts OutWest invites artists, creative freelancers and arts organisations and businesses of all types to join then in four free workshops at the end of March in Lithgow and Bathurst. People can attend as many of the workshops as they like. Monica Davidson from Creative Plus Business will run the workshops and is known for her fun, informative presentation style and wealth of industry knowledge. Presented in partnership with Arts OutWest, these workshops are funded by the NSW Government through BusinessConnect.

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

The ‘Business Planning for Creatives’ workshop helps creative people and organisations create a much-needed business plan. The two-hour workshop will be held Thursday 23 March, 5.30pm at Lithgow Transformation Hub.

For those who hate networking ‘Networking tips for creatives’ (Friday 24 March, 4.30pm at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre) is for you.

“This in-person workshop is a surprisingly fun event designed to encourage creative people to get to know each other, while acknowledging the horror of networking, and sharing a few tips,” Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead said. “While networking is such a vital skill in the creative industries, many practitioners consider it to be the stuff of nightmares – we promise this one won’t be!”

The final two workshops are on topics Arts OutWest knows creatives, makers and artists struggle with often: How to price your time and your work, and how to diversify your creative income.

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, 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

‘Pricing for Creatives’ (Saturday 25 March 10.30am-12.30 at BMEC) is a practical workshop that covers the basics of figuring out the price point for creative work – be it time or products - including calculating costs and understanding what the market can bear.

“Working out what to charge for creative products and services can be a colossal challenge,” Ms Shead said. “The ‘Pricing for Creatives’ workshop is for anyone struggling to understand the value of their own work, and how to share that value with others.”

‘Diversify your creative income’ (Saturday 25 March 1.30.3.30pmm BMEC) discusses the various ways that creatives can make money - including services, goods and passive income - and includes practical exercises to help brainstorm those ideas. This workshop is tailored specifically to individuals and creative businesses who are (or want to be) self-employed, and the tips shared are relevant no matter what your profession – filmmakers, writers, musicians, designers, visual artists, performers – all are welcome.

All workshops are free but bookings are required. Book directly via BusinessConnect. Details at: www.artsoutwest.org.au

Creative Plus Business is an educational organisation with a focus on helping creative practitioners and arts organisations to develop and improve their entrepreneurial abilities, with a focus on small business, financial literacy, and marketing skills.

Image: Monica Davidson Ann Niddrie Photographer

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

Notice to all advertisers and contributors

The Village Voice accepts no responsibility for any advertisement, submitted article or feedback published. Any advertisement, submitted article or feedback is published at the risk of the contributor, who accepts liability for any intended publication. By contributing to this publication, you agree to indemnify the publisher and warrant that the material is to the best of your knowledge accurate and is neither deceptive or misleading, in breach of copyright, or in breach of any other laws and regulations.

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

Lithgow was an attractive proposition

Story and Photo: LEN ASHWORTH

FROM the time the first rickety creations wheezed into town, startling soon to be unemployed horses and terrifying neighborhood dogs, the automobile dealerships have been tightly held by a select number of leading Lithgow business families.

Over 120 years or so there were household names — the Leans, Tobins, Bennetts, Braceys, Gillards, Genders, Austen, Butta, Evans, Newhams, Allans — in the mix offering what became in later years an ever shrinking choice of manufacturers.

Even Finleys, of Finleys Fine Furniture fame, were selling Buicks at one stage.

Only two remained serving the Lithgow district, both held (until now) by long term family interests.

So when one dealership changes hands with a new arrival in town it’s big news for those who love to keep up to date with their business community.

Which brings us to the big news of the week with the disappearance of the D and J Ford and Kia signage that has been part of our streetscape for over 50 years.

The new guys on the block are Hugo Machado and John Drakoulis who although new to Lithgow have a combined 47 years experience in the motor trade with a Toyota dealership at Quirindi and Isuzu outlet at Sutherland.

So what brought them to Lithgow apart from the obvious attraction of a well established and well regarded dealership?

“We like regional centres,” says dealer principal Hugo Machado, who also has extended family connections here.

“The sense of community is important to us and we find people in regional centres are more appreciative of face to face service requirements.

This is Kia.

“Lithgow is a well established town and D and J Ford was a good business with well established brands so a no brainer really.”

Mr Machado said he wants the dealership to become active in the community and will be involved with local business councils and the like.

Previous owner Kevin Doonan had his last day on the job this week and now plans to catch up on travel.

Dave Doonan and then business partner Joe Pilotta

purchased the Ford dealership from the Genders family more than 50 years ago when the dealership operated from premises now occupied by Bike Stop and Brake Pro at the Main/Lithgow Street intersection.

Later Dave’s family bought complete control but retained the D and J logo and moved to new premises in Chifley Road in the 1970s.

NEW TO TOWN but not to the industry, dealer principal Hugo Machado with sales manager Jonare Amos and sales consultant Angie Cambourne.

PAINTERS IN THE PADDOCK

Attention painters! From The Paddock farm market and cafe in the Capertee Valley are hosting a free Plein Air Painting Day at 10am on Saturday, April 1st, 2023. Bring your kits and easels to spend the morning painting the magnificent escarpments of the Wollemi National Park. Work your magic and who knows? You might even sell a painting. When you're ready for a break, the lovely ladies at the cafe will be ready to serve you coffee, cool drinks, snacks and light meals from their new menu. From The Paddock is located at 4590 Glen Alice Road, Glen Alice. For further information check out and follow From The Paddock's Facebook page or @fromthepaddock_caperteevalley on Instagram.

International Women’s Day

A joyous, community celebration has been planned in the Bathurst City Hall and Courtyard on Wednesday March 8 from 11am - 2pm and everyone is welcome to attend.

Mayor Robert Taylor said the event has been observed since the early 1900s - a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialised world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

“The significance of International Women's Day is increasing each year as is the respect, appreciation and care for women in our community and society,” he said.

Councillors Kirralee Burke and Margaret Hogan have been given the opportunity to create this year’s International Women’s Day event for Bathurst Regional Council.

“Our aim is to provide an opportunity for the wider community to connect and celebrate International Women’s Day at a relaxed and happy event. So far, we’ve had enthusiastic support from all sorts of groups and businesses wanting to be involved and if any other groups would like to take part, please don't hesitate to get in touch in with us,” said Councillor Burke.

This year’s theme is “Embrace Equity” which is something quite different to equality.

EQUALITY means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.

EQUITY recognises that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.

“Our guest speaker this year is Julie Fairley, the Client Innovation Centre Leader at IBM in Bathurst. Julie’s story is incredibly inspiring. She has overcome adversity and made her way to a top role with IBM,” said Councillor Hogan.

Smith and Jones and Harriet Fahey will be performing. Local photographer Julia Strang and members of the Youth Council will be running a free photo booth. The CWA are taking care of the free sausage sizzle and purple cupcakes, there’ll be a free ice cream cart from Annies and good coffee on hand. All the businesses and community groups who have so far agreed to take part will be providing interactive art and craft activities.

“It was very important to both Kirralee and myself that we built an event that gave people a genuine opportunity to connect. If people come along and leave feeling a little more connected and uplifted that’ll be a great outcome.” said Councillor Hogan.

“We are extremely grateful to Charles Sturt University for their support and to all the businesses and community groups who have embraced the event.”

It’s All About Women at Bathurst Library

In support of the 2023 International Women’s Day campaign #EmbraceEquity, Bathurst Library will host a special live screening for a discussion panel about autism.

Called Actually Autistic, the live broadcast is part of the Sydney Opera House’s “All About Women 2023” festival and will feature 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, disability activist and author of Different, not less, Chloe Hayden, and research psychologist and autistic activist, Dr Jac den Houting, in conversation with academic and author, Dr Amy Thunig.

Bathurst Library is a regional satellite for the event to be held on Sunday March 12. Nearly 80 per cent of autistic women are misor undiagnosed and the panel will explore strategies to cope with ableist systems and stereotypes, how it feels to be misdiagnosed for years and whether a greater public awareness leads to acceptance and inclusion when it comes to socialising. This panel of actually autistic high achievers will tell us about their own lives, on their own terms.

Manager Library Services Patou Clerc said she is delighted Bathurst Library can bring this important panel discussion to regional residents.

“We live in a society that is only just beginning to

recognise neurodivergence in women and non-binary people,” Ms Clerc said. “This live broadcast is an essential session exploring how everyone can play a part in creating a world that is inclusive, accessible and supportive.”

The free live broadcast will be held at Bathurst Library, 70-78 Keppel Street, and will start at 3pm. Places are limited and bookings are recommended. Call the library on 6333 6281 to secure your spot.

Photo credit Kerrie Cooke

160 years of Baptists in Bathurst

On Saturday March 18th the Bathurst Baptist Church will celebrate its 160th anniversary.

The church had its beginnings in 1862 when several Baptist pastors travelled from Sydney and held services in the old court house. In March 1863 the Bathurst Baptist Church was formed.

In those early years the Bathurst Baptist pastor would ride on horseback around a large area holding services at places such as Spring Hill, Orange, Eglinton, Kings Plains, Wentworth (Lucknow) and Kelloshiel.

A school room was built at 100 Keppel Street in 1862-63 and in 1870 a church was built in front of that. This served the congregation for over a hundred years until a new church was built in Stewart Street in 1974.

Within a few years this building proved inadequate for the growing church and a twohectare site was bought beside the Eglinton Road. There were farm paddocks all around. A complex of a chapel, hall, offices, and meeting rooms was built – with much of the work being done by volunteers from the church family. This was opened in November 1988. Today the church is surrounded by hundreds of houses.

The 160th Anniversary will be celebrated at a special event on Saturday March 18th at 2pm in the church at 188 Eglinton Road.

Included in the event will be the booklaunch of the church history book – “Scattering the Good Seed ~ 160 Years of Baptists in Bathurst”.

For further information phone 6332 2345 or email reception@bathurstbaptist.org.au

Works underway at Windy 1100

Works are underway at the next stage of Council’s land release, the Windy 1100, a residential subdivision in Windradyne.

Positioned at the western gateway to Bathurst, the Windy 1100 consists of 205-lots ranging from 1150m2 to 550m2, including 43 duplex lots.

Works have commenced with construction of roads, kerb and guttering, stormwater drainage, sewer reticulation, potable water reticulation, electrical services, telecommunications, landscaping and associated utilities trenching.

Mayor Robert Taylor said this was the second stage of the land release in Windradyne after the release of the Windy 1000 in 2015.

BATHURST RIVERSIDE MARKETS

Once again, the Riverside Markets will be operating this coming Saturday, March 4 at Lions Berry Park in Bathurst.

Following on from a successful start to the year last month, over 50 varied stalls are expected to be in attendance, so a great day out is assured. Fresh coffee and snacks are also available, and the Mount Panorama Lions catering van will be present.

The Markets also coincide with Lions Awareness Day, which is held to promote the activities and objectives of Lions International, as well as appealing for new members.

Lions Clubs are non denominational groups where individuals join together to donate some of their valuable time and effort in aiding their communities and meeting humanitarian needs in a sociable environment.

The Lions Club of Mount Panorama will have an information stall for those wishing to obtain further details, or if you can’t make the markets, search online at:

Mount Panorama Lions Club - Lions e-Clubhouse or the MountPanoramaLionsBathurst facebook page.

The Riverside Markets run from 8am until 1pm.

“The subdivision is ideally located with access to the Mitchell Highway, Westpoint shopping centre and several schools” he said.

“The blocks will suit a variety of people wanting take advantage of housing opportunities in a thriving region.”

The tender was awarded to Devcon Civil to undertake the works to construct the new subdivision in October last year. Works are expected to be completed in 2024.

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

NRL tickets

Tickets will go on sale on Thursday, 23 February for the round 9 NRL Telstra Premiership at Carrington Park between Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers, to be played at Carrington Park on Saturday 29 April.

Mayor Robert Taylor said he looked forward to the city hosting another action-packed NRL clash.

“The event builds on our city’s strong reputation as a destination for major sporting events and we have invested in our sporting facilities to ensure they attract premium events such as the NRL” he said.

A pre-sale for Panthers members will be available 24 hours prior to the general public on sale. Tickets options include General Admission, Grandstand, Corporate Hospitality and the all new Ultimate Footy Pass.

Tickets are available at bathurstnrl.com.au

BATHURST GIANTS PAVING THE WAY

Bathurst’s AFL club the Giants are set to benefit from $6,000 in funding thanks to the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the club plans to construct accessible pathways at George Park 1 with the funding.

“It is so important we continue supporting our local sporting clubs. They are the life-blood of our communities and key to ensuring our kids live a healthy and happy lifestyle,” Mr Toole said.

“The new footpaths will mean better access in and around the playing fields and amenities so that everyone can pariticpate.”

Giants Club President Kathy Sloan said this is a win for the AFL community.

“The new pathways will significantly improve the facilitites and make it easier for everyone to get around,” Mrs Sloan said.

“The club is very grateful for this funding and the support from Paul Toole.”

Grants of between $2,000 and $10,000 per project were available with up to $50,000 available in each electorate.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the program will encourage people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.

“This funding will provide a cash injection to help improve sport facilities, enhance accessibility and hold new and exciting events and development programs,” Mr Henskens

said.

“No government has invested in community sport like the Liberal and Nationals, and

this program is another example of the more than $1 billion we’ve pumped into grassroots community facilities and infrastructure.”

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

NOTICE OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION NO 2023/38 Lot 161 DP750357, Lot 2 Sec 118

Exhibition period: 27 February to 13 March 2023

Plans and documentation submitted with this application can be viewed on Council’s online DA tracking system (http:// masterview. bathurst.nsw.gov.au) or at the Civic Centre during business hours. Any submissions may be included without alteration in public reports, on Council’s website and to the applicant for comment.

EVENTS

LIBRARY

Author Talk - Mawunyo Gbogbo Saturday

HERITAGE ASSISTANCE GRANT FUNDS

2023/24

Applications are now invited for small grants, under Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, under Council’s Heritage Assistance Funds. Applications for funding must be made on Council’s application form which is available on at: https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/heritage-assistance-funds

Applications close Friday 9 June 2023.

For further information or assistance contact Council’s Strategic Planning Section, on 6333 6211.

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS’ DAY

eastern side of McPhillamy Park entrance on Skyline. Alternate access to the top of Mount Panorama will be via Barry Gurdon Drive.

All enquiries please phone Bathurst Light Car Club’s Clerk of the Course, Mr David Robinson, on 0418 652 419.

DRAFT COUNCIL POLICIES

Council resolved at its meeting held 15 February 2023 to place the following Policies on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

- Draft Mount Panorama – Resident Access Policy

- Draft Council-Related Development Application Conflict of Interest Policy

The draft Policies are on public exhibition for 28 days from Monday 20 February until Monday 20 March 2023 and can be found at https:// yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/draftpolicies

11 March at 3pm Join ex CSU Bathurst student and current ABC journalist Mawunyo Gbogbo for a talk about her 2022 memoir Hip Hop & Hymns. Hear about Mawunyo’s experience growing up in the sleepy coal mining town of Muswellbrook, NSW and how her love of storytelling, and budding journalism career took her to New York City, and back home to the ABC.

Bookings Essential: Contact 6333 6281

ART GALLERY

Archie100: A Centenary of the Archibald Prize

26 January – 26 March The exhibition at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery includes the work of Australia’s most famous artists including William Dobell,Wendy Sharpe, Ben Quilty and Vincent Namatjira – the first Indigenous artist to win the Archibald Prize in its history in 2020.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING EXPO APPLICATIONS OPEN

Applications are now open for anyone wishing to be an exhibitor, market stall or hold a second-hand sale at the 2023 Bathurst Sustainable Living Expo. The Expo will be held on Saturday 25 March from 8am – 12pm at the Bathurst Showground. To apply, visit Council’s website.

Join us to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023 on Wednesday 8 March from 11am to 2pm at Bathurst City Hall and Courtyard BMEC Bathurst.

- 11.30am Dindima - Aunty Gloria Rogers, A warming to country

- 11.45am Guest speaker, Julie Fairley, IBM

- 12pm Smith & Jones

- 1pm Harriet Fahey

There will be a free barbecue, coffee cart, ice-cream cart and photo booth, as well as interactive arts and crafts activities.

For more information visit Council’s website.

2022/2023 BATHURST CCTV FUNDING PROGRAM

Council is providing funding to assist local businesses improve security and community safety. Businesses may apply for funding up to a maximum of $500 on a dollar-for-dollar basis, under the criteria of the Bathurst CCTV Funding Program.

For further information, contact Council’s Cultural & Community Services Department on 6333 6523 or Council’s website www. bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close 4pm Friday 17 March 2023.

Pictured: Ben Halvorson, Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, Reuben Canpiao and Connor Hobby.

Celebrate the Autumn Colours Festival

Bathurst will celebrate its position as Australia’s oldest European inland settlement this autumn with the ‘Autumn Colours Heritage Festival’, the highly anticipated return of the Bathurst Heritage Trades trail on 15-16 April, the Festival of Bells on 28-29 April and an extended Heritage Week period from 30 April - 8 May culminating with Proclamation Day.

This year’s program includes such diverse activities as walking tours of Rockley or the St Joseph’s convent at Perthville, tours of the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon or the Bathurst Pit Complex, delving into the diverse events that have shaped life on Keppel Street or a Sunday drive to Mount David Village.

The program of all heritage tours and activities is now available online and as a printed booklet from the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre and select Bathurst retailers. Tickets for all tours and for the Heritage Trades Trail can be booked online at bathurstregion.com.au.

150th BIRTHDAY OF RAGLAN STATION THIS WEEK

The 4th of March 2023 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the “first” railway station at Raglan, 8kms from Bathurst.

The Raglan Station Restoration Committee is pleased to announce an important milestone for this State heritage listed gem, and encourages everyone to visit the site firsthand. An informative information brochure is obtainable at the Bathurst Rail Museum and the Bathurst Visitors Centre.

The building of the railway line from Sydney had reached Raglan on 4th March 1873, with the first station at the end of Elephant Street, now called Locke Street. The structure was a temporary building of brick and timber and was used until 1890. Raglan’s first Station was the terminus of the Great Western Line

from its opening until March 1876 when the Bathurst station was opened.

The Raglan Railway Station, which we see today, opened 20th October, 1890 and closed on 18th April, 1988.

The “new” Raglan Station is an interesting site as it is nonstandard and built at a time when the railway administration was radically changing and the first use of standard buildings was being introduced. It is important, illustrating the change of design and policy. The station building is the last remaining Type 9 in NSW. It is a non-standard timber building with brackets and a tin roof. The station has an island platform made from brick. Raglan railway station was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

On 26 March 2019 a community meeting was called with all

stakeholders attending, including John Holland Rail, Bathurst Regional Council, The National Trust, railway groups and Raglan residents. The concern was that the station building was rapidly deteriorating, in danger of demolition by neglect, and was becoming an eyesore.

Issues were discussed and identified, and the community’s wishes were recorded. An activation committee was established. An internet facebook group with over 300 members was also established, enabling views to be further expressed, and many historic and current photos to be published.

A Strategic Plan has been prepared to define strategies and actions for the development of projects, policies, procedures, programs and other initiatives that will contribute to preserving and enhancing Raglan’s historic heritage.

Image: rare-gallery.com

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

WORLD CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS COME TO OUR REGION

The stars of world athletics descended on our region for the World Cross Country Championships. It was great to see our region host a major international sporting event - this time in Bathurst!

This was the first World Athletics Series event to be held in Australia in 25 years.

In fact, this was the first time the Cross Country Championships were held in Australia, and only the second time

they were held in Oceania, following the 1988 edition in Auckland, New Zealand. It was bronze for the Aussies in the mixed relay with all of our athletes doing our country proud!

Benjamin Limo, Kenya’s 5000m world champion in Helsinki in 2005 was loving his stay in our region and Australia’s own Linden Hall (Tokyo Olympic finalist with a PB) was very generous with her time, chatting to her many fans who were undoubtedly inspired by her presence in our area.

Congratulations to all the athletes and everyone who made the Championships such an outstanding success, including the hundreds of hardworking volunteers!

BATHURST HEALTH SERVICES NEED PROPER FUNDING

The decision by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians to withdraw medical registrar training accreditation (and four medical registrars) at Bathurst Hospital is deeply concerning.

Sadly, it’s the latest symptom of a problem that residents have been trying to call out for years: the chronic underfunding of Bathurst area health services. When the College of Physicians starts pulling its doctors out, you know things are very serious.

At Bathurst Hospital it’s been a lack of funding for enough beds, doctors, nurses and allied health staff.

How could a city that’s growing as fast as Bathurst have one of the worst performing emergency departments in the region? Answer? Lack of funding. The hardworking staff there need more support.

It’s also very disappointing that community nursing services have been downgraded at Wattle Flat, Sofala and Hill End.

A good way to get more nurses is to pay them better.

The College of Physicians has called it out. It’s a mess that needs sorting out on the double.

COFFEE TO GO AT DOPPIO

It was great to stop in and grab a cuppa at Doppio at Tremains Mill in Bathurst on the weekend. Enterprising Harry also owns the Railway Museum Cafe in Havannah Street. It was very informative to discuss small business and the challenges facing this vitally important sector.

TELSTRA CONNECTED COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM

Telstra has announced the Connected Communities Grant Program, supporting Australia’s remote, rural, and regional communities with $600,000 to foster inclusion and resilience over the next three years.

In partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, grants of up to $10,000 are available to not-for-profits to help them build resilient, sustainable, and liveable communities. If you know of a community group or not-for-profit organisation that could use a hand – the Connected Communities Grant Program might be for them!

The program has three themes:

• Resilient communities that are well prepared and socially connected, with the ability to renew and recover together when disaster strikes;

• Sustainable communities that are diverse and inclusive, through planning for the health, wellbeing and prosperity of their people and planet;

• Liveable communities that have digital capability, helping to equip people with the skills to live, learn and work in a digital society.

Funds will be available for new or existing not-for-profit programs to help them scale their impact to help more Australians in rural and regional areas become better connected.

Applications for the 2023 Telstra Connected Communities grant round will open at 9am on Wednesday 1st of March 2023 and will close at 5pm on Thursday 30th of March 2023. This first round will make $200,000 available for applications of up to $10,000 each. Successful grants will be announced in June 2023 and successful applicants will have 12 months to complete funded projects.

For more details, visit https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/telstra-connected-communities-program/ There is also a webinar for grantseekers on Monday 6 March from 12pm. To attend, visit https://events.humanitix.com/telstra-connected-communities-grantsprogram-2023-workshop.

Andrew with World Champ Benjamin Limo

And they’re off!

Go team Australia!

OBERON RODEO

Ahuge crowd, world class riding, country music, and cold ones on the hill! The Oberon Rodeo had it all! It was a great day of rodeo action followed by a great night of music.

Congratulations Bree Rowlandson and the Oberon Rodeo Association committee on a job very well done!

The Oberon Rodeo is now a major regional attraction and a huge boost for Oberon!

SOFALA SHOW SHINES

46 years of the Sofala Show is certainly something to celebrate!

The show started in the late 70s and continues to go from strength to strength, supporting agriculture and bringing the community together.

And while my scones sadly didn’t catch the judge’s eye this time around, I got some excellent tips from CWA legend Jenny Nott and the craft team for the next one (putting two scone trays in the oven at the same time was a big rookie mistake!). We were joined by Jac Underwood from 2bs 95.1 FM - perhaps she’ll enter a plate in ‘24!

Thank you very much show Prez and scone appreciator David Murray, the team of committee members and volunteers and the whole community for your hard work and hospitality.

You just can’t beat a country show!

√ $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

√ 47 mobile phone towers and base stations for Calare

Andrew at the Bullen & Co tent

Andrew and Oberon Rodeo Association’s Bree Rowlandson display some of the prize belt buckles

Lithgow Women's Engagement Group Celebrate International Women's Day

#embraceequity guest speakers live music canapes

We

International Women's Day, 8th March will be hosted by Lithgow Women's Engagement Group. We are a group of women from various backgrounds, who live in Lithgow and have united together to celebrate and champion the cause of International Women's Day. We have recognised the importance of meeting together, sharing stories, and holding space for Lithgow women in our community, and would like to host this event as a way to give back to our community.

We would like to invite all women to come along and celebrate with local women, learn about embracing equity, and 'cracking the code to gender equality'. We know that many barriers still exist to gender equality, but we believe that every woman can be empowered to know their rights, in whatever sphere or season of life they find themselves in.

Hosted at Secret Creek Cafe and Restaurant, we invite you to come along for canapés, entertainment, and to hear from our guest speakers. It will be a night to remember! Optional donations will be collected upon entry, and all proceeds will go towards LINC's Safe

Haven Project.

One of the speakers on the night will be Karina Sijabat Dodd is a Lithgow born and raised woman, and is a wife and mother of two young children. She is a Registered Nurse/Midwife with a Master of Nursing and Master of Public Health. She currently works as a MS nurse and is the lead investigator on a research project exploring how to increase access to education and support for people with MS in the Central West of NSW. She was the recipient of the Research and Innovation Award and Best Newcomer Award at the MSNA Conference 2022 for this research, and will be one of the night's guest speakers

To RSVP and secure your ticket (limited places available), go to the Facebook event page and click the link https://fb.me/e/2MTTyRJGe or go straight to the Eventbrite booking link here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/internationalwomens-day-celebration-tickets-560096783557

Secret Creek Cafe & Restaurant is located at 35 Crane Rd, Lithgow.

join us as we celebrate all women in the greater lithgow community for

International Women's Day

Wednesday 8th march 6-8pm at secret creek restaurant 35 crane road, lithgow

all are welcome

Reopening of Gang Gang Gallery for 2023

The Gang Gang Gallery, Lithgow are thrilled to announce the opening date for 2023.

Friday the 3rd of March will be the big day, after a new timber floor replaced the damaged floor from the 2022 floods in Main Street Lithgow.

The building c-1908 has had a new internal coat of paint, and it is looking like a light filled Gallery space opening for the very first time. You'll be impressed with a few internal changes as well.

A soft launch dedicated to some of our favourite artists with some striking art will run from Friday March 3 - Sunday March 26.

To help with the celebrations, there will be entertainment by local musicians in the Main Gallery Saturday March 4.

The Opening of Gang Gang Gallery coincides with the Annual Portland Art Show, so if you are passing through Lithgow, it is well worth a visit on your way.

ALL WELCOME

Opening hours - Thursday to Sunday. 10.30am to 4.30pm

For more information visit - gggallery.com.au

would like to invite all women to come along and celebrate with local women

A CRACKING EXPO SESSION AT THE ANNEXE, PORTLAND

It was a beautiful balmy night at the Annexe, Portland last night, a perfect evening to do a walk through the Foundations with Rich Evans, Manager of the site, to introduce people to the location of the Lithgow Business & Lifestyle Expo to be held at the Foundations on 6 & 7 May.

A good crowd attended the Chamber Meet Up and Expo Information Session where local graphic designer, Carol Cropper from Portland gave a presentation on ‘How to create a cracking display booth’ for the Expo.

BLER Director and Chamber Vice-President Steve Ring said ‘We really want our business community to get behind this Expo!’. The Expo will attract up to 5000 people from the Greater Sydney and Regional NSW areas and we want to showcase our businesses and lifestyle groups in the best light we can to the rest of NSW.

‘This is possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of an Expo of this scale. It’s the biggest business event to ever be held in the Lithgow LGA. The Expo is the activation event to launch our new website to attract new residents to come live, work and play in our Lithgow region. This new website will be the major promotional asset of the Chamber’s ongoing campaign to attract new businesses and residents to the region.

Steve said ‘Lithgow region is playing catch up in the ‘attracting people who are looking for a lifestyle change’ stakes, but that doesn’t mean that we’ve missed the boat. Real estate site Domain’s statistics showed in July 2022 that Lithgow was number three in the top ten of regional NSW house price increases, so this means that a lot of people are already buying in the region’.

‘The lifestyle change trend was supercharged by the Covid pandemic allowing many employees to work from a homebased office. This works in our favour. Apart from housing affordability, Lithgow region has the bonus drawcard of being in relatively close proximity to the Sydney CBD and on the train line. This can attract singles, couples and young families to the region, but still gives them the ability to work in Greater Sydney in hybrid work roles’, he said.

The Chamber is encouraging all Lithgow LGA residents to assist their community in attracting new businesses and residents to live, work and play in the Lithgow region.

The Chamber is doing an extensive marketing campaign to attract people, initially as visitors, to the region, but the Expo will give them a taste of what the business and lifestyle opportunities are in Lithgow region.

Steve says ‘Don’t’ wait to book your Expo exhibition booth’. They’re booking out fast!

Visit the Chamber website to book your booth – lithgow.org.au

The presentation ‘How to create a cracking display booth’ will be uploaded to the Chamber website in the next few days.

The Lithgow Regional Business and Lifestyle Expo 2023 is part of the Revive Regional Business in Lithgow project that has been funded under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

On Exhibition

Council is inviting you to have your say on the following:

• Proposed Road Naming - Carriers Arms Close and Ostler Place, Lidsdale

• Policy 8.1 Excessive Water Usage Allowance for Breakages

• Community land

The following Leases and Licence Agreement are on public exhibition from 15 February to 15 March 2023.

Lease

Premises:Red Cross House, Queen Elizabeth Park, Main Street, Lithgow (part Lot 45 in Deposited Plan 1096536)

Tenant:Australian Red Cross Society (ABN 50 169 561 394)

Lease term:5 years from the date of lease commencement

Permitted use:Activities undertaken by or on behalf of Australian Red Cross Society

Rent: On commencement rent is $528.89 pa + GST to be reviewed on 1 July each year by CPI

Lease

Premises:South Littleton Hall, East Street, Lithgow (part Lot 114 in Deposited Plan 28254)

Tenant:Members of Lithgow Chapter No. 39 Order of the Eastern Star

Lease terms:3 years + 2 years commencing 22 April 2023

Permitted use:Meeting room together with associated activities of a non-profit nature

Rent On commencement rent is $525 pa + GST to be reviewed on 22 April each year by CPI

Lease

Premises:Part Crown Reserve 590046, Men’s Shed building, Tony Luchetti – Crown Reserve 590046, Geordie Street, Lithgow (Part Lot 1 in Deposited Plan 1123449)

Tenant:Lithgow District Men’s Shed Association Inc.

Lease term:5 years from the date of commencement

Permitted use:Activities of Lithgow District Men’s Shed Association Inc. including meetings and functions and building and construction activities that do not interfere with the amenity of the surrounding area.

Rent: On commencement the licence fee is $597.10 pa + GST to be reviewed on 1 July each year by CPI

• Proposed Licence of Community Land

The following Licence Agreement is on public exhibition from 28 February to 28 March 2023.

Licence Agreement

Premises:Part of Lot 1 in DP433264 located off Inch Street, Lithgow and comprising railway infrastructure

Licensee:C.O.C. Limited

Licece term:12 months commencing 1 April 2023

Permitted use:Access and movement of locomotives

Licence fee:On commencement the licence fee is $565.80 pa + GST

Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Council on 6354 9999.

These documents will be available on council’s website and at the Council’s Administration Building during the exhibition period.

Submissions can be made either by letter or via email to council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au

REQUEST will apply.

Scan here for more information or to register

Scan here for more information or to register

Residents can register via Council’s website www.council. lithgow.com or alternatively phone Council before 12.00pm FRIDAY 31st March 2023. Join

Above: Steve Ring and Johan Nilsson. Below: Chadd Hunter and Carol Cropper

International Women’s Day Exhibition

In celebration of International Women’s Day an exhibition called Guyulgang Yinaagirbang (Strong women) will open at the Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Art Gallery at Hartley Historic Site.

The exhibition of artworks celebrates the strength and diversity of female Aboriginal artists from the Central West.

The exhibition opens as a special International Women’s Day event at 11am on Wednesday 8 March to be opened by Cr Maree Statham, Mayor Lithgow City Council and Aleshia Lonsdale, Aboriginal Arts Development Officer, Arts OutWest.

Work will range from weaving, painting and jewellery to sound and digital artworks.

The Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Art Gallery is located in the National Parks and Wildlife Service Building at 50 Old Great Western Highway, Hartley (10 minutes east of Lithgow). The gallery is a partnership between Arts OutWest, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage.

The gallery is open Tuesdays-Sundays and receives more than

8000 visitors a year. Work by local Aboriginal painters, weavers, designers, jewellers and photographers from across the NSW Central West is shown and for sale in rotating exhibitions in the gallery space.

Live and Local program announces a

new curator and new name.

Same purpose and aim, but different curator and name are the big announcements for the Live and Local program bringing artists and venues together.

The Live and Local program is a collaboration between Lithgow City Council and the Office of Live Music and has been running since July 2022. The aim of the program reconnects local artists with venues right across the local government area.

The program is also focused on professional development and has so far resulted in many performances by local artists in local venues and community events. The Live and Local program has supported the Readiness Rally, Portland Community Fun Day, Arts Trail and the shop local event in November 2022.

As the program is aimed at our entire local government area, the program will now be known as the Seven Valleys Live and Local program.

Until recently, Live and Local has been ably curated by

Kylie Blakemore of Wombat Marketing who has built solid relationships with local artists and venues. Following a change of circumstances, local musical artist Sam ‘Bucca’ Williams will now take on the organising of Live and Local. Sam’s connection to the area and to his musical peers and venue hosts makes him the ideal person to see the Seven Valleys Live and Local program through to its conclusion.

Big plans are afoot for the culmination of the program with a ‘Seven Valleys Live and Local’ micro-festival coming up in April 2023. More details will be forthcoming.

If you would like more information on the Seven Valleys Live and Local program or would like to contact Sam, please visit the Seven Valleys Live and Local website at www.sevenvalleys.com.au/member/live-and-local/

’ s advertising campaign was first class and exceeded my expectations.

quick sale resulted and my wife and I were very happy with the whole experience.

IMAGE: Baskets by Tirikee. Photo Carolyn Hide.

Readying Lithgow for the Future – Lithgow’s EV strategy

Lithgow City Council recently took another step to ready the city for the future when it endorsed an Electric Vehicle Strategy. The strategy, which is leading edge for a small regional council, was developed by community-based group, the Lithgow Community Power Project. It provides guidance on how the council can plan to support the public’s rapid take-up of electric vehicles.

Transport is undergoing a big change. This is being pushed by motorists looking for alternatives to combustion engines, because of the cost of fuel and an increasing awareness of the impacts on the environment. Governments, manufacturers and technology companies are all working to move the automotive industry towards an electric and automated future.

Lithgow City Council’s Mayor, Councillor Maree Statham said, “Lithgow must prepare for this low-emission future. This strategy recognises the economic benefits of innovation and applies thinking and standards adopted by our European peers.”

Mayor Statham added, “This strategy document is grounded

in its authorship by local experts. By linking destination charging concepts to upcoming projects like Gardens of Stone and the Great Western Highway upgrade, we hope to pull more people from the highway and into the city’s businesses.

Mayor Statham added, “We need to get our head around the fact that, increasingly, people will need to move around this city in electric vehicles. While the Lithgow city centre might pilot the program and host the first suite of chargers, we are also seeking discussion and support of local Progress Associations to upgrade infrastructure and attract visitors to the villages and valleys.”

Lithgow’s EV strategy can be downloaded from Council’s website, at https://council.lithgow.com/ download/121616/?tmstv=1677128836. Council strongly encourages all those interested to review the document.

Should the community have any questions, please contact the administration on (02) 6354 9999 or council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au

Council Successful in Receiving Funding from Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program

Lithgow City Council recently applied for funding via the Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program and has been successful in securing $180,102 in funding to undertake repair and improvement work at two sites.

$45,212 has been secured to undertake stormwater upgrade works in and around the gatehouse at the Tony Luchetti Showground in Lithgow. These works will prevent stormwater flowing into the rear of the Civic Ballroom during flood events.

$134,890 will be used to repair the two retaining walls at Kremer Park, Portland. These retaining walls have been in place for half a century and have been eroded during recent

rain events. This funding will be combined with $100,000 allocated under the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, to fund a combined project valued at $234,890.

“Works are currently in the planning stage and it is likely that site works will commence in late-2023, said Lithgow City Council’s Mayor, Councillor Maree Statham. “Council looks forward to delivering these valuable projects on behalf of the community. On behalf of the Council, I thank the NSW Government for making these funds available under the Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program.”

Innovative new technology introduced at Lithgow Solid Waste Facility

Lithgow Council recently introduced an innovative new system for covering waste at Lithgow Solid Waste Facility.

The system, known as the Jaylon Tarp Deployment System, uses large special purpose tarpaulins to cover landfilled waste at the end of each day.

“Lithgow City Council is constantly looking for innovative and cost saving solutions for our operations,” said Lithgow Council Mayor, Councillor Maree Statham. “The new Tarp Deployment System at Lithgow landfill is an excellent example of innovation that will deliver significant savings in Council operations whilst improving performance of the landfill”.

These tarpaulin covers replace the previous system of using soil each day to cover waste. Covering waste at the end of each day is necessary to minimise odour, litter and water infiltration. When using soil, much of the soil remains within the waste

Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) Bin

Lithgow City Council has commenced community consultation on the introduction of a new ‘green bin’. The green bin is a new kerbside wheelie bin, with a green lid, for the collection of household food organics and garden organics waste.

This green bin is known as a ‘FOGO’ bin. ‘FOGO’ stands for ‘food organics and garden organics’.

The FOGO bin will take the waste organic material from households such as food scraps, garden cuttings, grass clippings and prunings. This organic material will be converted to compost and recycled, for use in agriculture and landscaping, instead of being sent to landfill.

Removing organic waste from landfill helps save landfill space. Keeping organic waste out of landfill also helps to reduce emissions of methane which, as a greenhouse gas, is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The compost and soil conditioner produced by recycling organic material also helps to improve soil, making it a valuable resource for use on farms, sports fields and gardens.

Residents of the Lithgow LGA are invited to read the FOGO Proposal and complete a survey to take part in the conversation on this proposed FOGO service.

Lithgow City Council’s Mayor Maree Stratham said, “This proposal for a new green bin, to collect food organics and garden organics, is an exciting opportunity for improved waste management in the Lithgow LGA. The proposed FOGO service will increase service levels for our community and offer considerable environmental benefits. I encourage everyone to get involved in the consultation process.”

The community consultation process will run from Monday, 20 February to Monday, 20 March 2023. Residents are encouraged to read the FOGO Proposal for more information about the proposed service and they are invited to complete the FOGO survey to make submissions.

thereby consuming landfill volume and requiring a constant source of suitable soil. The advantage of the new system is that the covers can be easily removed at the start of each day prior to commencement of landfilling.

The Council’s purchase of the Tarp Deployment System was fully funded under the EPA Bushfire Recovery Program for Council Landfills. The Council acknowledged the support of the NSW Environment Protection Authority in providing the funding following the 2019/2020 bushfires.

It is estimated the new system will save 12,000m3 each year in soil thereby preserving this volume of landfill space for waste placement. Further, if the Council had to purchase and transport soil to use as cover material from a quarry it would cost in the order of $250,000 each year.

The FOGO Proposal and FOGO Survey are available online through Council’s website. Copies of the FOGO Proposal and FOGO Survey are also available at Council’s Administration Building and at Council’s library branches at Lithgow, Portland and Wallerawang.

The FOGO survey must be submitted no later than 4pm on Monday, 20 March 2023.

Following the exhibition period, all survey responses on the proposed FOGO bin will be reviewed. A finalised version of the FOGO Proposal, incorporating and addressing the responses from the public, will then be put to Council. A decision will be made on adoption of the FOGO service at this time.

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

NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS LITHGOW’S STATE MINE HERITAGE PARK

Lithgow’s State Mine Heritage Park is one of nine cultural centres across the state to receive funding through round 2 of the NSW Government’s Volunteer Museum Small Grants.

Member for Bathurst said the Volunteer Museum Small Grants funding will support heritage experts and enable Lithgow’s mining history to be shared to a wider audience.

The $2000 grant will be used to purchase new horizontal plan cabinets that will provide proper, conservation standard storage of the museum’s large collection of historical mine plans.

“Local museums and galleries play an important part in sharing regional stories, and I am thrilled that Lithgow’s history, and our dedicated historians and volunteers are being supported by this funding,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the Volunteer Museum Small Grants Round 2 will support greater access and engagement with history projects across NSW and create opportunities for professionals in the field.

“These grants for regional galleries and museums are targeted to create opportunities for historians and volunteers and preserve NSW’s rich history for local communities and visitors from across the state,” Mr Franklin said.

Grant recipient, John Zeni from Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park Museum said that the Volunteer Museums Small Grants were an important way to support NSW museums.

“The grants distributed to NSW’s museums and galleries are a terrific program that makes a difference to our volunteers and volunteer run museums and we’re incredibly grateful for the support of the NSW Government and Museums and Galleries NSW,” Mr Zeni said.

This year’s Museums & Galleries of NSW Volunteer Museum Small Grants Fund rounds one and two have supported 18 organisations across the State. All round two recipients are from regional NSW.

Pictured: John Zeni from Lithgow State Mine Museum and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole.

Winners of Summer Reading Bingo

Lithgow City Council Libraries were kept busy over the Christmas/New Year holidays when they held their first ever “Book Bingo”.

Once bingo sheets were completed, they were then placed into a box, where participants were in for a chance to win some great prizes.

Two of the winners were Jye and Logan. The boys were certainly busy as they have lots of prizes for their efforts – Well done boys!

Keep an eye out for the library’s next reading challenge in the school holidays where members can participate in “Readopoly”!!

Clinic

Dr. Anisa Malahoff

Chiropractor & Acupuncturist Homeopath

1 Cypress Place WALLERAWANG NSW 2845 Ph: 02 6355 7773 or 0408976233

hours

As we do each year, Mt Piper staff will attend the event and purchase some art that will then reside on the walls at the Power Station for all staff to enjoy.

We wish the Portland Art Purchase Society all the very best in what should be a great event.

www.energyaustralia.com.au

Monday: 09:00am-7pm

Tuesday: 09:00am-7pm

Thursday: 09:00am-7pm Friday: 09:00am-7pm Saturday: 08:00am-2pm EnergyAustralia Supporting Local Events. Portland Art Show 2023

About Dr Malahoff

“I have over 40 years’ experience in Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Homeopathy. In Chiropractic I use the following techniques: Gonstead and Sacro

exercise: Feldenkrais and Hatha Yoga.”

Services

A wide range of conditions are treated, includingAsthma, migraines headaches, sore backs, sore necks, headaches, sports injuries, joint pain, leg pain, knee pain, shoulder and arm pain, sciatica, hip pain.

Children and pregnant women are also treated.

If you have private health insurance you may be eligible to receive a private health insurance rebate.

Members young and old were encouraged to call into any of the libraries and pick up a bingo sheet. They then had to complete some fun reading tasks on the Book Bingo sheet such as reading in bed, reading to their pet, reading outside and reading a book with a red cover.

FEBRUARY COMMUNITY UPDATE

A SUMMARY OF BUSINESS FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING

Major development approvals

Council approved the following major development proposals:

DA084/22 – Warehouse 140 Mort Street, Lithgow – New Council Store building replacing the building damaged by a major storm in 2019 with a new 500m2 warehouse. A new internal driveway and parking area will be constructed with improved one-way traffic flow. The entrance to the site will be from Mort Street exiting via Gas Works Lane.

DA137/22 Proposed Hardware & Building

Supplies – Bunnings The 6020m2 building will comprise a retail warehouse area, trade area and nursery, typical of other Bunnings developments in regional NSW. Parking for 114 vehicles including 5 accessible spaces and 6 trailer bays is proposed.

A new road will be constructed from Valley Drive which will ultimately be connected to Silcock Street and Hill Street in accordance with the Pottery Estate Indicative Structure Plan (Chapter 9 – Lithgow Development Control Plan).

Lithgow Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan endorsed for public exhibition

Council endorsed public exhibition of the Draft Lithgow Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (FRMSP) for a period of 28 days. The Lithgow FRMSP takes in the Farmers Creek and Marrangaroo Creek catchments and identifies 659 residential, 52 commercial/industrial and 5 public properties that will be flood affected in the 1 in 100-year flood event. It also identifies that in the event of a Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) event 1,984 residential, 152 commercial/residential and 18 public properties will be affected.

The total estimated cost to implement the Lithgow FRMSP 2023 is $36.55 Million, exclusive of Council, NSW SES and Bureau of Meteorology staff costs. However, the action plan provides a

list of recommendations and order for measures to be undertaken and completed. Council would be eligible for assistance for funding measures in the Lithgow FRMSP from Commonwealth and State funded floodplain management programs currently administered by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

$9.5m Rural Road Rehabilitation Program

- Tenders awarded - some to local contractors.

As a result of the significant rainfall throughout 2022, many of Lithgow’s roads have fallen into disrepair with the required works to restore them ranging from minor patching to extensive rehabilitation.

While Council continues to maintain and patch the rural road network it is understood that these works will only offer short term relief. In many cases, the surface damage reflects the underlying pavement saturation and permanent damage. To implement long-term repair in these areas, the pavement requires removal, stabilisation, reconstruction and reseal.

The initial package of work includes the following locations inclusive of any intersecting roads damaged after extensive rain events:

1. 28km of works including reinstatement of pavement, and sealing to complete reconstructed sections of Portland -Sunny Corner Road, Range Road, Pipers Flat Road.

2. 45km of works including patching, pavement rehabilitation and shoulder reinstatement to Glen Davis Road and Glen Alice Road.

3. 34km of works including reinstatement, patching and pavement rectification on Wolgan Road, Hampton Road.

4. 26km of works including rectification of road defects, pavement & drainage re-instatment to Sodwalls Road, Magpie Hollow Road.

MAJOR WORKS UPDATE

Main Street CBD Consultation - Due to a minor delay while additional information was sought for inclusion in the plans for the CBD upgrade, community consultation will commence soon.

March Roads Program

Sealing Program

• Bathurst Street Lane, Wallerawang,

• Read Avenue Lane, Lithgow

• Marjorie Jackson Sports fields - carpark.

Resealing Program

• The reseal of Clwydd Street, Vale of Clwydd, will be undertaken. Weather permitting works will be completed by mid March.

Rural roads grading Council will have 3 of its own grading teams and 5 contract grading teams will be working across the LGA to restore and repair roads.

Kerb & Gutter

Multiple kerb and gutter repairs and drainage works will be on going across the urban areas as a part of Councils maintenance program.

Pothole patching - $1.67m NSW Governments

Regional & Local Roads Repair Program

Up to 3 pothole patching teams will be working each day in various locations repairing pothole sites while awaiting permanent repair works to be undertaken under the $9.5m Rural Road Rehabilitation Program. Works will commence as contractors become available.

Donkey Steps and Wolgan Gap update

The works on the Donkey Steps track at Wolgan Gap have continued with concrete matting being laid to improve the resilience of the track against wet weather.

Grant Funding Announcements

• $2,355,180 - NSW Fixing Local Roads Progam for Resealing and linemarking of 4.8km of Hampton Road, from Norman Lee Road (South) to Norman Lee Road (North).

• $45,212 _ Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program to undertake stormwater upgrade works in and around the gatehouse at the Tony Luchetti Showground in Lithgow.

5. 18.4km of extensive stabilisation works with reinstated areas to be resealed to Browns Gap Road, Hartley Vale Road and Mid-Hartley Road, Fields Road.

6. 24km of extensive works in sections with reinstatement of pavement to Coxs River Road, Ganbenang Road, Lowther Siding Road.

The tenders have been awarded to multiple contractors, some local, to enable the projects to commence and run simultaneously reducing the time taken to repair our rural roads.

Delivering a long-term water security solution for the Lithgow LGA

The Clarence to Wallerawang Pipeline project is a highly complex project that is being undertaken by Council with Centennial Coal and their contractor to deliver a Feasibility Study, design and full tender package for the construction of a 23km pipeline from the Clarence area through Lithgow to Wallerawang. This project represents a convergence between Centennial Coal’s requirement to cease discharging underground mine water to the Wollangambe River and the need for secure water resources for the city into the future.

The Feasibility Study is jointly funded by Council and Centennial Coal and considers options for land ownership, geotechnical aspects, surveys, construction methods, pipeline and pumping requirements. Council has endorsed a budget variation from the Water Reserve to cover the additional costs incurred (based on expert advice). This will fund further investigation and regulatory requirements to undertake an indepth survey of the local mine subsidence and geotechnical works from the Newnes Plateau to Wallerawang which will reduce the risk of unexpected issues that could occur during construction of the 23km pipeline.

These works will prevent stormwater flowing into the rear of the Civic Ballroom during flood events.

• $234,890 - Combined funding - Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program & Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program to repair the two retaining walls at Kremer Park, Portland.

• Round 5 of the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund

$415k to construct a permanent performance stage and install lighting at Blast Furnace Park creating an outdoor entertainment venue.

$656,902 for upgrades to the Lake Pillans Wetlands Nature Reserve.

Art Deco It Is

It was an era of great innovative design at its height in the 1930’s. You know, suave, sophisticated, elegant and sexy. Think beautiful ladies in slinky dresses smoking from long cigarette holders, and guys in tuxes or hand crafted tailored suits with cocktails at the ready. Think long streamlined autos lathered in crome. Think cutting edge architecture never seen before, not a style revival, but a brand new look. Think speed lines, zig zags and ziggurats.

If you are a fan you probably will have been to Napier in New Zealand – the Art Deco capital of the world, where the city fathers and merchants have capitalised on an earthquake, and a wonderful job promoted by their Art Deco Trust. Or perhaps to Katoomba where the main street is solid Art Deco and all the above awning commercial signage has been removed to reveal the glory. The paint jobs there have been started, and will be stunning once all the buildings have been done.

And yes, somehow Deco architecture made it to country Bathurst, and amazingly still remains. We have a superb example in the Carillon, and nearby in the Knickerbocker Hotel – not just outside, but also the internal foyer and stairwell. Think also the former Regency Jewellers on the corner of William and Howick, which started life as a bank, where the

paint job and signage is so much better than before. Around the corner in George Street are two excellent small examples, one with ziggurats.

My mate Mick, the sage of Wisemans Creek, informs me that ziggurats were a form of temple common to the Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians of ancient Mesopotamia.The earliest examples of the ziggurat date from the end of the third millennium BC and the latest date from the 6th century BC. Funny what Mick knows.

But the building I think is best is the former St Mary’s School in William Street (now Centrecare). Its façade is pure Stripped

Financial Planning Column

by Daniel Crump

Classical Deco style – have a close look at the detail.

Thought of the week …

“what if Bathurst’s best rendered Art Deco commercial facades were stripped of their above awing signage and repainted in true Art Deco colours”

by a humble heritage advocate March 2023 column #271

Bad medicine: Why the RBA is right to increase rates

In February the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased official interest rates again, this time another 25 basis points. The official interest rates are now 3.35% pa, up from 0.1% pa in May last year, an increase that is sure to be causing mortgage stress and rental increases amongst the most vulnerable.

But, as bad as high interest rates are, they are better than the alternative; high long-term inflation. That’s why the RBA is right to keep increasing interest rates.

Inflation is the increase in pricing levels of goods and services over time. It is important that inflation is in control, and price increases sustainable. Governments can control inflation through fiscal policy, and central banks via monetary policy.

The RBA has a target inflation rate of between 2% and 3% per annum. In the December quarter, Australia’s inflation rate increased to the highest it’s been in three decades; 8% a year.

The problem with high inflation

Rising interest rates cause pain for people with a mortgage; about one-third of adult Australians. But high inflation is bad for everyone in the community, particularly the

vulnerable and those who are retired.

Because inflation causes the reduction in purchasing power of savings, it reduces the standard of living in the community. But worse than that, high inflation causes uncertainty, which destabilises markets, which in turn leads to a reduction in investment and economic output. Compounding this, rising domestic prices make our exports more expensive relative to other countries, making them less competitive in the international markets.

A stitch in time

The December inflation figure of 8% pa surprised most economists and the RBA, although the causes are well-known. Global supply chain problems stemming from Covid shutdowns; the energy crisis in Europe, and now the pent-up demand as economies reopen, have caused high inflation in several economies. But now the RBA is in a race against time. It is important that the December figures are perceived as temporary, an aberration. If they are perceived as a new normal, then it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy. With employees demanding higher wages and businesses hiking up prices prematurely, high inflation can become embedded.

Inflation and your retirement

At Daniel Crump Financial Planning, we are specialist retirement planners. We understand that inflation is the number one risk in retirement, and that retirees are both long-term and short-term investors.

We also understand that volatility, while a normal part of investing, should be actively managed. As independent retirement planners, we are free to choose investments that are fit-forpurpose for retirees.

And we will give you the confidence you need to spend today, knowing you are being responsible for the future. If you would like to know 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 independent advice specific to you, give us a call on 0418 148 622.

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

Western Wildfires on a Roll

For the first time, the Wildfires have won 3 games in a row. The Wildfires scored over 200 for the first time for a few years against Qurindi and were able to keep the opposition to just under 200 in Mudgee.

In the first of the more recent matches, the Wildfires just edged out Port Jackson at home in Lithgow.

The Wildfires batted first and were all out for 145 in the 39th over. The stand out was a well compiled 43 by newcomer Mick McCormack. He was well supported by Tony Boyling (19), and Steve Walsh and Chris Cox both with15.

In reply and with a tense finish, Port Jackson were dismissed in the 38th over for 141. The pick of the bowlers were Glen Campbell 2/26 and Mick Byrne 2/23. Good fielding by the Wildfires led to 4 run-outs, with 3 of these being 3 of the last 4 wickets to fall, giving victory to the Wildfires by 4 runs.

Last week, the Wildfires took on Hunter/ Newcastle and in a high scoring match, the Wildfires took out the match by 20 runs.

Again the Wildfires batted first making a very good 5/215 with Chris Cox top scoring with 39. He was well supported by Mick Byrne, Clive White, Kim Taylor and Steve Walsh all making scores in the 20s. The match also saw Graham Ford make his debut and he was unconquered on 5no.

Even though, Hunter batted well, they finished on 5/195. The wickets were shared with Hicks, Walsh, Castle, Fitzgerald and Byrne each taking a wicket. However, Steve Walsh with figures of 1/13 coupled with his 20no was deserved Man of the Match.

With 3 games left for the season, the team is looking to see if the winning streak can continue.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lithgow Red Cross Branch Market Day

Saturday 18th March - 9am - 2pm

Red Cross Hall 225 Main St, Lithgow (Next to Queen Elizabeth Park)

Home baked cakes, Hand Made goods, 2nd hand goods (crockery, books, homewares, bric a brac etc), BBQ

Proceeds from the day for RED CROSS CALLING

LITHGOW VALLEY FILM SOCIETY

Celebrating 21st Anniversary

Sunday 5th March 2.00pm

SINGIN IN THE RAIN CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD MOVIE

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN is a 1952 American musical romantic comedy film directed and choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, starring Kelley,Donald O’Conner and Debbie Reynolds and featuring Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell and Cyd Charisse . It offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s,with the three stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to “talkies”

STARRING: GENE KELLEY, DONALD O’CONNER, DEBBIE REYNOLDS

Sunday 12th March 2.00pm

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

New production of one of the most beloved works of writer and playwright Oscar Wilde, projected live to cinemas from the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End. In it four characters (Jack, Algy, Gwendolyn, and Cecily) discover how to face love while Lady Bracknell makes sure that good manners are never lost.

STARRING: SOPHIE THOMSAN, JEREMY SWIFT, FIONA BUTTON, PIPA NIXON, STELLA GONET

16 Main Street, Lithgow

1.

Doorbell trigger

As a gamble, on ...

Acute anxiety

Flight staff

Established practice

Scratches out

Solid ground, ... firma

At an angle

Misplacing

Include

Last week's solutions

Paul TOOLE Vote

Authorised by J Lundy, National Party of Australia – NSW, Level 2, 107 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000