Central West Village Voice - Issue 047

$629,000 2211

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 2211

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

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

$569,000 2211

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.

$639,000 321 NEW “JAMISON” VILLA

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.

221 NEW “KURRAJONG” VILLA

$579,000

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.

Drought Preparedness: Planning is the best defence against drought

Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) NSW said that with a prospect of El Niño returning in 2023, the time to plan for drought is now.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has updated its latest outlook, which suggests La Niña may be easing after three years. Whilst this is a welcome relief for primary producers across NSW who have suffered through excessive rainfall and extensive flooding, the BOM has indicated there is a chance of a hot and dry El Niño returning.

A hot and dry El Niño system could see an increase in the chance of drought, as well as ideal conditions for grass and bushfires. The best time to prepare is now, when dams, feed reserves and bank balances are ideally favourable.

RFCS NSW Executive Chair Anita Kemp said that with the impacts of 2022’s flood events on harvest yields, livestock production and market access resulting in reduced or delayed incomes, many business owners are feeling apprehensive about a return to drought conditions.

“Farmers in NSW are well aware of the challenges presented by droughts. As fodder runs low and the condition of stock deteriorates, ongoing access to working capital can cause significant financial stress,” Mrs Kemp said.

Country Cruisin' For Can Assist

“Compounding this financial stress is the devastating effect of drought-related stress that takes an enormous toll on mental health, physical wellbeing and relationships. Having a drought management plan in place now is a practical way you can prepare and respond, and build long-term resilience.”

Mrs Kemp said planning is the best defence against drought and your local Rural Financial Counsellor can work with you to develop a free drought management plan. RFCS NSW can help you to consider your drought-related risks and put in place an action plan to respond to drought-related triggers.

“RFCS NSW offer a free and confidential service specialised in agricultural and rural small business financial management.”

“Our local Rural Financial Counsellors are skilled in drought management plan preparation and can guide you through the preparation work to gain the clarity and confidence you require throughout the process. With RFCS NSW support and assistance this can be an insightful and positive process, giving you control of your financial future,” she said.

“RFCS NSW is a not-for-profit organisation with a primary purpose to strengthen communities by helping rural and regional businesses be prepared, responsive and sustainable.

“Call us anytime on 1800 319 458 and we can help get your financial future in place.”

Sunday 16 April will see up to 200 vehicles cruising down the highway from Bathurst to Portland as part of the annual Country Cruising for CanAssist.

The event was started in memory of Ashley James to raise funds for Can Assist Bathurst who provide assistance to ensure all people have access to cancer treatment and care.

Now in its fifth year, the event will head to The Foundations, where Ashley and his family spent a great deal of time working before the new owners took over the reactivation of the Old Cement Works.

"We will be leaving from the Rockabilly Cafe at 10am in a convoy, and heading to The Foundations in Portland and we look forward to seeing everyone at the end of the cruise to check out the show n’ shine and get involved in the raffles and silent auctions" said Josh James.

The event is a hit with locals and car enthusiasts alike with some amazing vehicles on display, all for a gold coin donation entry.

For more details visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/1664379293992005/

Pre-retirement Planning

Women with Altitude –Helping women in business reach new heights

Women with Altitude a social enterprise that supports and inspire professional women, (WWA) will launch an evening chapter of their network in the Lithgow Region on Tuesday 21st April, at The Annexe in Portland from 5.30pm-7.30pm Connecting women each month, the new chapter will provide an excellent opportunity for small business owners, startups, and professionals in the area to be inspired, establish support and create an environment for collaboration and connection.

Speaking at the launch event will be founder and mentor of women in business and leadership, Andrea Turner-Boys, to share how we want to amplify the stories and businesses of women in the region.

Twelve vibrant WWA networks already exist in Central West, Western Plains, Blue Mountains and Nepean Districts, connecting and supporting hundreds of professional women. The chapters are lead by members of the community and local entrepreneur Kellie Evans will lead this chapter,

Our events & workshops encourage women to promote their businesses, share their vision as well as their challenges.

We work to build alliances and partnerships, within an inspiring, supportive, inclusive forum for women.

A passionate advocate for women, Andrea is committed to supporting women to reach their full potential in their careers and business, and to develop flourishing talent.

“Our philosophy is simple. Women can achieve so more by supporting one another and building each other up, making real connections and helping one another.

We want to empower and help women do more of that in the Inner West region explains Andrea.

Pictured: Members of the Bathurst group at last years Altitude Awards

Music, Music, Music !!

The Festival of Bells this year has a big sound.

From its world premiere composition ‘Gently Does It’ duet for Carillon and change ringing bells in the nearby All Saints Cathedral belltower, to the finale, there is no shortage of hearing bells all over Bathurst on Saturday, 29 April.

All Saints Cathedral bellringers will be performing a variety of rounds and call changes while carillon recitals by Bathurst carillonists Denise Garland and Wendy Murphy will fill the air.

But wait, there’s more.

The Bathurst City and RSL Concert Band are performing for both the Last Post Ceremony on Friday 28 April and providing entertainment on Saturday afternoon including accompanying Mitchell Conservatorium Young Voices, VOX,

and All Saints Cathedral Choir. Together with carillon and Cathedral bells, the Concert Band will close the Festival with a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

Mitchell Conservatorium is fielding two new bands - their new Connections Big Band providing classic jazz and big band sounds, while the Conservatorium Concert Band will perform symphonic wind selections from their repertoire.

Scots All Saints College Pipes and Drums Band will provide solemnity for the Last Post Ceremony on Friday and entertain the community on Saturday performing marching and parade drills. They will also accompany the Scots All Saints Highland Dancers.

The Festival of Bells is an entirely free event, but you must register your attendance for the Last Post Ceremony, and for the performances on Saturday 29th of April at www.bathurstregion.com.au/festival-of-bells.

One-lap dash to the line

Jayden Ojeda and Simon Hodges have won an extraordinary Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour in their BMW M4, in a race that featured a record 12 safety cars and the event’s first ever red flag.

The race seemed destined to finish under safety car when it was called for the 12th and final time after Coleby Cowham and Paul Loiacano both found the wall at Murrays Corner and Forrests Elbow respectively with three minutes to go.

However, quick work by track officials allowed for a one lap trophy dash to decide the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour.

Ojeda held his nerve to claim a career-defining win closely followed by Drew Russell after another brilliant performance in the Go-Karts-Go BMW M3 he shared with father Wayne and brother Aaren.

The outright and Class X podiums were rounded out by the Anthony Soole/Adam Burgess/Anton De Pasquale BMW M4 after third on road Tyler Everingham was handed a 15 second penalty for passing De Pasquale under safety car conditions.

The Class A2 race went down to the final millimetres as Ryder Quinn beat Ryan Casha by 0.098s at the line to claim 7th outright and a remarkable victory.

Quinn shared his Ford Mustang Mach 1 with grandfather Tony Quinn and Grant Denyer, whilst Casha teamed up with Chris Delfsma and Rylan Grey in a Ford Mustang GT.

The second half of the race began with the sixth safety car period of the day, triggered by the Class D Mazda RX-8 driven by Kris Mackie that had made hefty contact with the inside wall on the exit of Hell Corner on lap 60.

The race was suspended on lap 66 when the Class B2 Holden SSV 6.0 of Michael Ferns suffered a catastrophic engine failure at The Chase, dumping oil from the kink to the left hander at turn 21.

Several cars fired off the track in the ensuing melee, though none made contact with each other or the wall, forcing race control to suspend the race to clean up the oil slick.

Following the 20 minute stoppage, the race resumed with just over two hours left on the clock, and all the leading contenders requiring two more compulsory pit stops.

The race was once again neutralised 10 minutes later when the Class A2 Lexus RC F driven by Keith Bensley hit the wall at McPhillamy Park after contact with the Class C HSV VXR driven by Ben McLeod.

OVERWHELMING SUPPORT CONTINUES FOR PAUL TOOLE AS THE MEMBER FOR BATHURST

IT’S an honour to have been elected to the Parliament of NSW as the Member for the Bathurst Electorate for a fourth consecutive term.

Over the next four years my aim is to continue the great work we’ve been able to achieve across the region with many important projects set to come to fruition.

There will also be a real focus on keeping the new government accountable and ensuring the bush still receives its fair share of funding to ensure economic prosperity for the regions.

And after being elected as the leader of the NSW National Party, it’s important our party works as a united team, ensuring our members are out and about in their communities to talk about the things that matter to residents so the right policies can be put in place.

Another of the key contenders dropped out at the same time, as the Grant Sherrin/Iain Sherrin BMW M4 in Class X was forced to retire with a broken rear subframe.

The tenth safety car of the day was deployed with an hour and ten minutes to go when the Class A2 HSV ClubSport R8 stopped at The Cutting with Paul Razum at the helm.

This resulted in all the front runners diving into the pit lane for their final stops, with Jayden Ojeda vaulting to the lead after making an untimed additional pit stop as opposed to those making their final timed compulsory stops.

The car that had dominated Class C all weekend, the Jake Camilleri/Scott Nicholas Mazda 3 MPS also ground to a halt during the safety car and dropped out of contention for the class win.

The race restarted on lap 89 with 56 minutes left on the clock, and the fastest car of the weekend, the Beric Lynton/Tim Leahey/ Will Davison BMW M3 in Class X, dropped out of contention with a punctured front left tyre.

With 37 minutes left on the clock, the safety car was once again called upon for the 11th time today when the Class D Honda Integra Type R driven by Jason Walsh expired on the exit of Hell Corner before the exciting finish.

Dean Campbell/Cameron Crick won Class A1 and finished 8th outright in their Mitsubishi Evo X after Crick passed Dylan O’Keeffe’s Mercedes-AMG A 45 inside the final 20 minutes.

Class B1 was taken out by the BMW 135i of Scott Turner/ Jordan Cox/Rob Rubis, who clinched a top ten outright result in 10th.

The Toyota 86 GTS of Murray Dowsett/Mitchell Maddren/ Lachlan Bloxsom took Class D honours with an impressive run to 11th outright.

Class C saw an extraordinary conclusion as the HSV VXR of Brock Giblin/Ben McLeod overcame a driveshaft failure in the final 30 minutes to claim victory in 15th outright after the HSV VRX of Chris Holdt/David Ling/Darren Jenkins lost the lead on the final lap.

Class E was clinched by the Mazda 3 SP25 of Andrew Jackman/Cameron Beller/Mark Taubitz in 19th outright.

Class B2 was won by the Holden SSV 6.0 of Brent Edwards/ Cody McKay/Bradley McDonald in 36th outright in what was a race of attrition.

CATEGORY

SATURDAY 29 APRIL

CARRINGTON PARK, BATHURST

GATES OPEN: 3PM | NRL KICK-OFF: 7.35PM

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT 123TIX.COM.AU

I know that my experience in Cabinet as the former Deputy Premier of NSW will be invaluable to the National Party as it ensures the new Labor government does go down the path of being totally “city-centric”.

One project that I intend to pursue and never give up on is the upgrade of the Great Western Highway over the Blue Mountains.

This has the potential to be a real game changer for the Central Tablelands and beyond and with an enormous amount of planning and community consultation already having taken place, both the business sector and residents really do want to see it not go in Labor’s too hard basket. Health services are firmly on my radar for my Electorate with a $200 million upgrade for the Bathurst Hospital as well as major improvements to Blayney Hospital.

At Oberon the local community hub has $3 million to deliver a whole range of new services to the district while millions are being invested in the new sports complex planned near the western gateway to the city.

Lithgow can look forward to having its iconic Zig Zag Railway back on track and with $2.7 million to reinvigorate the Glo Worm Tunnel, we continue to recognise the importance of tourism to the wider local economy.

Blayney has stage four of the Belubula River Walk being funded while more than a million dollars is being pumped into the continuing upgrade of King George Oval as the district’s premier sporting venue.

In the meantime, I look forward to continuing the hard work and platform we have been able to set for the Bathurst Electorate, knowing that we can never rest on our laurels to ensure it is the best place to work, live and raise a family.

TOOLE TIME

PRICE

Adult General Admission (16+) $40

Concession General Admission $25

Child General Admission (5-15 years)$25

Family General Admission $90

Grandstand - SOLD OUT $55

Corporate Box (18+) - SOLD OUT $250

Ultimate Footy Pass Four (4) Adult GA tickets, one (1) Hot Food Grazing Box to share and twelve (12) beverages plus express bar service.

BATHURSTNRL.COM.AU

@villagevoicelithgow

$420

04713

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

DONATE TO THE HILL END HAY DRIVE!

The devastating Alpha Road Tambaroora bushfire is finally out a month after the blaze begun.

Ignited by a lightning strike on March 5, the RFS announced the end of the worst blaze in NSW since the the Black Summer bushfires 27 days later.

The ferocious blaze razed about 18,000 hectares of farmland, destroyed 6 homes, and killed hundreds of livestock.

RFS crews from across the region and local landholders worked tirelessly in dangerous conditions and rugged country to get the bushfire under control.

Thank you to all who supported our area during the disaster. Farmers whose paddocks and grain stores have been devastated in the blaze need our help. If you would like to donate to help buy some hay or grain for farmers, this is how you can do it:

WHAT A LEGEND!

It was fantastic to meet Nedd Brockmann - the lad from the bush who ran all the way from Cottesloe Beach WA to Bondi... a whopping 4000km! He finished the incredible endeavour in 46 days, running about 80km each day despite some hellish injuriesnot a bad effort for someone who hates running!

Along the way, he raised a huge $2.5 million for charity, and he continues to inspire countless

communities across Australia with his daring, determination, and ‘just do it’ attitude.

It was great to also get the opportunity to meet Charlotte - my mentee in the TEN4TEN program this year. I look forward to the official launch of TEN4TEN soon!

A massive thank you to RDA Central West for putting on this event which profiled Nedd’s wild and wonderful story - what a legend!

Lions District 201N4 Fire & Flood Account

National Australia Bank

BSB 082 811

A/C 130 866 857

Mark it “Hill End Fire”

Once funds are received, the Lions Disaster Relief Co-ordinator, Anne Jones from the Geurie Lions Club, will organise the hay.

If you can spare any hay, please call Penny on 0417 629 708 who will liaise with local farmers in need.

While some support measures have been made available for our region’s devastated farmers, victims of the blaze are still unable to access the $75,000 Special Disaster Grants to support residents and farmers to recover from the impacts of the fires.

To do so, the NSW Government (through the Premier) would have to request the Special Disaster Grants. This request has not been made. What is the hold up?

LIONS STATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR IN BATHURST

Recently, t was fantastic to attend the Lions State Youth of the Year competition in Bathurst.

Hosted by the Lions Club of Mount Panorama, the state final brought candidates and their families from all over NSW to Bathurst.

I really enjoyed listening to the prepared speeches by the contestants, and their answers to the impromtu questions.

Hearing such talented young Australians reaffirms your faith in the future of your country. This year’s winner was Fred from Coonabarabran, who will now go onto compete in the National final.

Well done to Fred

REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY GRANTS NOW OPEN!

The Regional Connectivity Program grants are now open to deliver funding to improve digital connectivity across regional, rural and remote Australia.

Funding is available under two streams:

- A $100 million Regional Connectivity (Round 3) stream is open to solutions that deliver new or upgraded broadband services or upgraded mobile services in eligible locations across Australia. Council or community groups can lead an application for this grant, but a Grant Agreement can only be executed with a licensed telecommunications provider; and

- A $50 million Mobile Black Spot (Round 7) stream that delivers new and

and all of the other competitors! Fred has a local connection, as his grandmother lives in our region!

Local Lions Youth of the Year legend Zoe Peters chaired the judging panel. Thank you to all of the Lions at Mount Panorama for putting on such an important event for our region and state.

expanded handheld mobile coverage to rural, regional and remote locations across Australia.

Applications for the Regional Connectivity stream and the Mobile Blackspot stream are open until Wednesday 31 May 2023 (5:00pm AEST).

To learn more or submit an application, visit www.grants.gov.au and search for the Regional Connectivity Program Round 3.

If you need assistance with an application or would like a letter of support for an application you are submitting, you can contact my office on andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au.

Andrew with Wattle Flat-Sofala Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade members

Hay bought and delivered to in-need farmers in the Hill End region thanks to a $19,000 donation by Bathurst RSL Club.

TEN4TEN mentee Charlotte Roach

Nedd sharing his wild story

Andrew with State Youth of the Year contestants Fred, Alex, Elizabeth, Jaslyn, and Hugh

Andrew with Lions State Youth of the Year winner, Fred Kearney

Andrew with Lions Club of Mount Panorama members, and 2021 winner Zoe Peters

VALE MAX HAZELTON

CAN YOU HELP?

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

The news of the passing of aviation trailblazer, Max Hazelton AM OB, is extraordinarily sad for our region.

Max was a pioneer in bringing badly needed air services to the regions.

Max and his wife Laurel founded Hazelton Airlines, which was to become part of Ansett Australia, and then Regional Express (Rex). Based in Cudal, it was truly a country airline.

He had an adventurous spirit. He famously crashed a plane in rugged bushland around the Coxs River in 1954 and miraculously emerged from the bush almost a week later.

The famous “lasso landing” where Max freed the landing gear of a moving/landing plane using a rope held between two moving cars on the runway at Orange is

the stuff of legend. There were many other adventures in a life lived extraordinarily well.

In bringing air services to the bush, he helped set the regions up for the growth they enjoy today. When folks needed help getting to medical assistance, he was there as well.

He was a warm-hearted, generous man with a wonderfully quirky sense of humour. The photo of him riding his bicycle backwards on a local airfield always made me smile.

Max was a one-off. An outside of the box thinker who dreamt big and made those dreams come true. He was a great Australian. Max was 95 years old.

Our sincere condolences to Laurel and Max’s family and friends.

TALKING SMALL BUSINESS IN BATHURST

It was great to catch up with Leanne and Andrew from local Bathurst business Get Hemmed to talk about the issues facing our local small businesses. Of the 2.6 million businesses

in Australia, 98% are small and medium businesses, so it’s really important that governments make sure small businesses are as healthy as possible. Thanks for the chat, team Get Hemmed!

Geoff and Judy Foreman had their home destroyed in the storm and floods that hit Eugowra in November last year. While initially given hope by their insurer, that door was cruelly slammed shut on them in circumstances that does great discredit to the insurance industry (and which is being followed up separately).

While the Back Home grant has allowed some work to be carried out, it’s been a hard slog and the house has a long way to go before it’s liveable again.

To get things moving at Geoff and Judy’s place, they could really

use a hand getting a kitchen. They had one measured up - but the insurer has pulled the pin. If you are able to help with a kitchen, or you know someone who can, please give Judy a call on 0427 663 331.

Thank you very much to everyone who has given so generously to help Eugowra to date.

It’s vital that no-one gets left behind during this rebuilding and reconstruction process and any assistance with a kitchen would make a real difference and be very much appreciated.

REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY GRANTS NOW OPEN!

The Regional Connectivity Program grants are now open to deliver funding to improve digital connectivity across regional, rural and remote Australia.

Funding is available under two streams:

- A $100 million Regional Connectivity (Round 3) stream is open to solutions that deliver new or upgraded broadband services or upgraded mobile services in eligible locations across Australia. Council or community groups can lead an application for this grant, but a Grant Agreement can only be executed with a licensed telecommunications provider; and

- A $50 million Mobile Black Spot

(Round 7) stream that delivers new and expanded handheld mobile coverage to rural, regional and remote locations across Australia.

Applications for the Regional Connectivity stream and the Mobile Blackspot stream are open until Wednesday 31 May 2023 (5:00pm AEST).

To learn more or submit an application, visit www.grants.gov. au and search for the Regional Connectivity Program Round 3.

If you need assistance with an application or would like a letter of support for an application you are submitting, you can contact my office at andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au.

VOICE INFO NIGHT

It was great to see a strong turnout at the recent Together Yes info session at BMEC.

While the date of the referendum is yet to be announced, it should happen sometime between October and December, so starting these conversations now will help people be confident in their choice come referendum-day. You can learn more about the Voice to Parliament here: www.reconciliation.org.au/ reconciliation/support-a-voice-toparliament/

√ $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 with Eugowra local resident Geoff Foreman

Andrew with Max Hazelton and his family

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

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

Office Details

Call our office on (02) 6355 4258

Office: 30 Williwa 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.

LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR QUEST STATE FINAL

Mount Panorama Lions Club recently played host to the State Final of Lions Youth of the Year Quest at Panthers Bathurst.

In front of a great gathering, which included Lions from all over the State, friends and family and guests Andrew Gee, MP for Calare and Cr. Ben Fry, Deputy Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council, the five contestants impressed all with their public speaking and academic achievements, making it very difficult for the five judges to select the winners.

Frederick Kearney from the Armidale Dumaresq District was judged the to be the Overall Winner, enabling him to compete in the National Final which will be held on the Gold Coast next month.

Alexander McGavin (Terrigal Wamberal) won the Public Speaking Award, while Elisabeth Hall (Young), Hugh Brogden (Manly) and Jaslyn Mackenzie (Wollongong) also received Participation Certificates and State Final trophies.

A small team of workers from the Mount Panorama Lions Club put a great deal of effort into organising and setting up the room for the night's event, ably assisted by the staff of Panthers Bathurst. Our Lions Club was honoured to host the event, and extends thanks to all the participants and judges for making this such a great Quest. The Club also extends its best wishes to Frederick in the upcoming National Final.

Pictured: Successful State Final YOTY candidates Frederick Kearney & Alexander McGavin

BATHURST

HERITAGE TRADES TRAIL TO

PRESENTS The Victoriana Tenor

“A wonderful collaboration of community and Council”

Well, you can bring your objects to the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail and our conservation team will be happy to advise you about your precious memories and treasures.

The group is led by the recipient of the 2016 Bathurst Macquarie Heritage Medal, Professor Robyn Sloggett AM, who has been described by her peers as a contemporary hero of understanding and protecting cultural heritage both in Australia and internationally.

Robyn’s team of students from the Grimwade Centre for Conservation at Melbourne University will visit Bathurst and run demonstrations of heritage conservation techniques at the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail on 15 & 16 April 2023 at the Bathurst Showground. Robyn said “everyone is welcome to bring along their objects needing restoration for free help and advice”.

The visit has been made possible by funding from Bathurst Heritage Matters Inc., Bathurst National Trust, a private donor, and the Experience Heritage Bathurst program at the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre, with in kind support from Council, demonstrating a remarkable community collaboration.

WHERE?

A Premiere Performance!

The Urbane, Uptown, Upstairs, Anglo/Australian tenor...

WILLIAM AMER

...variously described as “The violin of mature male voices, like a cool mountain stream falling freely and singing as it goes along.” Ms T. L.

The Recital Hall, Raglan Community Centre, 34 Frome Street (between Eugenie and Locke), Raglan, Bathurst 2795

WHEN?

•Saturday night, 29th April 2023, 7pm

•Sunday afternoon, 30th April 2023, 2pm

ADMISSION?

• $25pp (Exact change please, payable on the door on arrival. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the performances.)

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

•Phone 0421 871 348 (Leave a message to receive a confirming call.)

•Email bookings to: infowillamer@gmail.com

•Limited door sales available

LIBRARY EVENTS

YOGA FOR TEENS

Tuesday 18 April 2023, 1.30pm till 2.15pm

Ages 12-18yrs

Cost: Free

Join Yoga teacher and mum, Miao Li, in a special Yoga session for teens. Learn ways to calm and stretch the body for an overall feeling of Zen. BYO mat or towel, but not essential. For bookings please phone 6333 6281.

HISTORY TALK: A DIGGER’S STORY

Thursday 13 April, 6pm

Cost: Free

Author Anne Hutchison is back with a new book and fresh insights into researching and writing about historical lives.

TRANSPORT FORUM BATHURST BYPASS COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

In her latest book, Private CRL Smith, Anne tells the wartime story of a young Aussie on the Western Front during World War 1. Anne will talk about the research process of collecting memorabilia and anecdotes of her family member and how she brought everything together into a cohesive story.

This event will be held at Bathurst Library, 70-78 Keppel Street. To register please phone 6333 6281.

EVENTS

YOUTH

VILLAGE MEETINGS - 2023

Council will be holding its next round of meetings with residents in rural areas during April, May and June 2023.

You are invited to attend and meet with Councillors and Council’s Senior Staff to discuss projects Council is currently undertaking and any other matters of interest to you.

Each meeting will be held at the following locations:

• Rockley, Sportsground Hall – 18 April 2023 at 6.00pm

• Perthville, Community Hall – 9 May 2023 at 6.00pm

• Trunkey Creek, Community Hall – 22 May 2023 at 6.00pm

• Sunny Corner, Community Hall – 29 May 2023 at 6.00pm

• Wattle Flat, Recreation Hall – 30 May 2023 at 6.00pm

• Hill End, ‘Hosies’, 23 Clarke Street – 13 June 2023 at 5.00pm

If you have any enquiries, please contact Council on 6333 6111.

2023 CLUBGRANTS SCHEME CATEGORY 1

RSVP

Council’s

CAREERS AT COUNCIL

Planning

Building Services Department. Phone 6333 6211 or email council@bathurst. nsw.gov.au to RSVP and to find out how to book an appointment for a one-on-one discussion on 26, 27 or 28 April with Egis Oceania representatives.

Working for Council is a stimulating and rewarding career option, providing the opportunity to be part of a team contributing to shaping the success and future of our Region. Please visit www. bathurst.nsw.gov.au/careers for a full list of current vacancies.

ART GALLERY

Danelle Bergstrom: Afterglow

1 April - 11 June

Acclaimed Australian-Swedish painter Danelle Bergstrom works in landscape and portraiture as vessels to navigate human emotion. Afterglow, is the artist’s first career survey and traces the interiorscapes of Bergstrom’s own life as they are reflected in the overtures and undertones of her subjects both in landscape and portrait.

Bathurst Regional Council invites community organisations to apply for funding from the 2023 ClubGRANTS Scheme, under CATEGORY 1 criteria.

Applications close on Friday 21 April 2023.

All applications are required to be completed via ClubGRANTS

Online. No manual applications can be received.

For further information and a link to ClubGRANTS online visit:Council’s website: www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or

- ClubsNSW website www.clubsnsw.com.au, or - contact Cultural & Community Services on 6333 6523.

Have you ever wondered how to clean great aunt Annie’s beautiful but stained lace tablecloth? Tried to unstick photos from an old album but risk tearing them? Chipped your favourite tea cup and wanted to see if someone can mend it?

Bathurst Bypass Community Consultation

Bathurst Regional Council has engaged consultants, Egis Oceania Pty Ltd to investigate the economic and social benefits of a future city bypass or distributor road network for the city of Bathurst.

Mayor Robert Taylor said this is a great opportunity for the community to have their say about the possibility of a bypass and how this may affect them.

“I encourage residents, road users and business owners to come along to hear more about the Bathurst Bypass concept and provide their input.”

“There will also be a chance to have a discussion with the consultants one-on-one if you would like to discuss the concept

As part of these investigation Egis Oceania Pty Ltd will be undertaking community consultation in Bathurst to obtain the community’s views on:

• Heavy vehicle traffic through Bathurst

• How the traffic impacts the community

• Benefits of diverting traffic

One-on-one discussions

Community members will have the opportunity to book oneon-one discussions with Egis Oceania Pty Ltd. Appointments will be available on 26, 27 and 28 April for members of the community who would like to discuss their views in more detail. Too book a time, please email:

Sam Rabagliati – Sam.Rabagliati@egis-oceania.com.au

Public forum

Date: Thursday 27 April 2023

Time: 5.30pm – 7pm

Venue: Council Chambers, First Floor, Civic Centre, Bathurst Regional Council

RSVP: Bookings for the public forum are essential and can be made by calling Council on 6333 6211 or email council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

CONNECT WITH VERTO

1300 483 786

verto.org.au

Teen Yoga with Miao Li

The Bathurst Library April Holiday Program is offering Teen Yoga. Join yoga teacher, Miao Li in a special session for teens. Learn ways to calm and stretch the body for an overall feeling of Zen. BYO met or towel, but not essential. Note – yoga is best before eating, so save your lunch for afterwards. Visit the Library or call 6333 6281 to reserve your place.

Marang Connections Art Workshop

As part of the Marang Connections Program, an Art Workshop will be facilitated by Aboriginal Artist, Josh Sly this school holidays. The Art Workshop will be held on Wednesday 12 April from 10am – 3pm at the Kelso Community Hub. Lunch will be available. The workshop is suited for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous young people aged 8-16 years. Following the workshop, Josh will paint a mural using the participants designs and story lines.

A night of adventure

ANight of Adventure with Luke Tyburski will be an evening of inspiring adventure stories, insightful real life experiences, and an opportunity to experience an internationally recognised motivational speaker who was born and bred in Bathurst.

Luke Tyburski grew up in in Bathurst. Leaving the Central West as a teenager to pursue his career as a professional soccer player, Luke played in the USA, Belgium, and the UK before injuries cut his career short.

Luke was lost when he retired, and his mental health suffered badly. He hid his battle with depression, an eating disorder, and insomnia for many years.

Throwing himself into the world of ultra-endurance challenges, Luke has took on and completed some of the world’s toughest adventures.

From a world first 2000km in 12 day Ultimate Triathlon from Morocco to Monaco, running the infamous 250km Marathon des Sables through the Sahara desert as his first race, and even running down Mt Everest in the world’s highest ultra-marathon.

Over the past decade, Luke has shared his inspiring, impactful, and adventurous personal story on stages (including TEDx) in 15 countries all across the globe. He will be live on stage for one night only, and for the very first time in Bathurst, on Saturday 22nd April at Bathurst Panthers. The evening will be hosted by local MC Craig Townsend, who will also be conducting a Q&A with Luke.

You’ll also have a chance to ask Luke your own questions about his inspirational sporting career, and journey in life, before the raffles prizes are drawn, and silent auction concludes.

After the talk and Q&A, you’ll have a chance for photos with Luke and to buy a signed copy of his Autobiography Chasing Extreme.

Tickets are on sale now from Sportsco Bathurst, or online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/anight-of-adventure-tickets-588375405677

yOUR 4 pAge lifT OUT gUide Bring it with you on the Trail!

rE discoVE r 15-16 ApRil 2023 10Am - 4pm

jOiN US ON THe TRAil

Bathurst will celebrate its rich history, paying homage to the trades and traditions that have helped shape the region, at the sixth annual Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April.

Rare and ‘lost’ trades and crafts will be showcased over one weekend at Australia’s oldest inland European settlement. Blacksmithing, saddlery, dry stone walling, whip cracking and making, candle wicking, soap making, beekeeping and violin making and Aboriginal tool and wepaon making are among many unique talents being demonstrated by local and visiting artisans.

Rare and lost trades and crafts will be showcased over one weekend at australia’s oldest inland european settlement.

The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail offers visitors from near and far a cultural and educational experience.

This is a real celebration of the town’s heritage and is an incredible oncea-year opportunity to discover and learn about historic trades and crafts and their contribution to our modern world.

“This is a rare chance to see folk doing the very special skills they have spent many years perfecting. This is human activity in reality and well worth watching.” Robin

Wills

• Be amazed at the work of more than 100 artisans

• Chat with the artisans

• enter the ‘selfie’ Competition

• Get hands on and join in with praCtiCal demonstrations

• ride a CoBB & Co CoaCh

• Be inspired!

• have lots of fun!

• explore the heritaGe trail on our free shuttle Bus

“What a fabulous collection of historical trades and talents. Such an interesting day and full of hands on experiences.”

Vicki Hartley

Bathurst Branch

tickets AVAiLABLe NOW

$25 each ($20 early bird on line), accompanied under 16s free. covers both days.

BOOk NOW AND sAVe 25% @ www.bathurstregion.com.au/bathurst-heritage-trades-trail/ and on the day at:

Bathurst Visitor information centre

• Bathurst showground

TO gO iN TO THe dRAW for a fantastiC prize!

TAKe THe

‘heritaGe trail’ AROUNd BATHURST ON OUR fRee SHUTTle BUS

antique maChinery

BASKeT WeAviNg

BeAdiNg, jeWelleRy mAKiNg, lApidARy diSplAyS BeeS

BlaCksmith BOdgeR

BUTTON mAKeR Chairmaker

CiGar Box Guitars

CoBB & Co CoaCh rides

Coffee van Conservators demonstrations and adviCe

Costume makinG and sewinG demonstrations

Costumed strollers

dRy STONe WAlliNg

dulCimer maker

eleCtriC Guitar maker

emBROideRy eNAmelleRS

felTiNg demONSTRATiONS fiRST Aid

fletCher and Bow maker fOOd

fURNiTURe ReSTORATiON

HANd pApeR pRiNTiNg KidS gAmeS

artisans demonstratinG their Craft and trade inCludinG (But not limited to):

so muCh to see & dO

knittinG, CroChetinG, jam, CandlewiCkinG laCe CroChetinG

laCemakinG demonstrations

loCal Craft BrewinG

loG Cutter maChine

mASTeR jOiNeR

mOvie pROpS mAKeR paper makinG, sCrapBookinG plANT SAleS ANd diSplAyS

qUilTiNg

SAddle mAKeR

Selfie WiTH A Kelpie

SOAp mAKiNg demONSTRATiONS ANd SAleS

SpiNNiNg, WeAviNg demONSTRATiONS ANd sales, and Coloured sheep

stone Carver

STONemASON

UpHOlSTeReR

viCtorian and edwardian furniture CaninG vintaGe motor Bikes and raCe Car

viOliNS

whip CraCker

WHip mAKiNg demONSTRATiONS

WiNe, gRApe STOmpiNg

WOOd demONSTRATiONS, TOOl diSplAyS

WOOd pOKeR ART

wooden Box makinG

WOOdeN SpOON mAKeR

WOOdWORKiNg demONSTRATiONS ANd diSplAy

Book now and save @ www.bathurstregion.com.au/bathurst-heritage-trades-trail/ and on the day at:

Bathurst Visitor information centre

• Bathurst showground

rE discoVE r

BOOK ONliNe NOW bathurstregion.com.au save 20%!

15-16 ApRil 2023

10Am - 4pm

TAKe

hands on aCtivities

Grape stomping soap making whip Cracking

Conservators

demonstrations & advice

grape stoMping

selfie with a kelpie

Woodworking

Aboriginal traditional tool and weapon making by milan dhiiyaan

Cwa food stall

soap making

whip cracking

AboriginAl trAditionAl tool & weApon mAking Cobb & Co rides

grimwade conservators

selfie with a kelpie

Community in a desperate bid to secure safe and permanent access road!

As the dust settles from the recent NSW State elections and following a recent funding announcement by Lithgow City Council, local community group the Wolgan Valley Association, has teamed up with Australian director Matt Bird in producing a short film that highlights the conditions of access into Wolgan Valley.

Located 30 minutes north of Lithgow on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, the short film features the beauty of Wolgan Valley contrasted to the adversity that the community has experienced over several years and more recently with the closure of Wolgan Road Wolgan Gap in November 2022, due to a series of major landslips.

Since December 2022, Lithgow City Council and NSW Public Works with local Contractor Gracey’s Earthmoving have built an alternate temporary access road into Wolgan Valley called the Donkey Steps, however it’s incredibly steep, can only be used during daylight hours and is vulnerable to closure during inclement weather.

With the permanent road solution still not designed and up to several years away, the Wolgan Valley community and valley businesses are calling on all levels of government to commit in the interim to a safe and accessible all-weather road for residents and businesses.

Transport infrastructure, notably safe and regularly maintained road networks, are critical for Wolgan Valley and the Greater Lithgow region. But the long-term viability of the regions tourism industry under the Seven Valleys branding is on the line, even with a $50M investment by the NSW Government for the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area which surrounds Wolgan Valley.

Without good road infrastructure, access to all possible tourism markets for the sustainable development of Wolgan Valley and the Seven Valleys destination is severey impacted.

According to Lithgow City Council’s 'Lithgow Regional Economic Development Strategy 2018-2022', a document that visually features Wolgan Valley throughout, the

Mayoral Message

The National Trust Heritage Festival will be held at Eskbank House Museum. This Exhibition will be held from 12 April to 4 June 2023. This year’s theme is shared stories. Eskbank House Museum has developed an exhibition of textile related collection, objects including samplers and embroidery, underwear and handbags, blankets and quilts, tools and machinery. During the festival the Museum will explore the textile industry history of Lithgow. Last month I attended Eskbank House Museum for the unveiling of the Sutton/Leake crazy patchwork quilt which will also be featured during the National Trust Heritage Festival.

On a less cheery note, I was very disappointed that the arrangements that the Council made with its waste contractor for extra garbage services at the city’s tourism hotspots over the easter break were not delivered. The Council staff intervened as soon as this problem was identified but by then some bins were overflowing. Venues like Lake Wallace are much loved and visited by locals and tourists. They help to build a good impression of Lithgow. It is extremely frustrating that the contractor let us down and, as a result, some people may have been left with a poor experience from their visit.

Farmers Creek Shared Pathway Survey

tourism industry contributes 8.4% of employment and 5.9% or $62M of gross value add to the Lithgow regional economy. It is also this strategy that identifies investment in local road infrastructure to help drive local business capability and inward business investment.

Currently, dozens of businesses that are reliant on agriculture and tourism for their livelihoods are temporarily closed due to the failure of Wolgan Gap. Whilst the opening of the newly constructed Donkey Steps may enable some of the valley’s larger businesses to operate, albeit in a limited capacity, several other locally owned and operated businesses cannot.

Access limitations for Donkey Steps notably limited hours of access, four-wheel drive only restricted vehicle access, limited heavy vehicle movement, and the escorting by property holders of visitors and supplies into the valley, is impractical for many businesses to fully operate.

This is further compounded by NSW National Park closures since November due to the closure of Wolgan Road at Wolgan Gap by Lithgow City Council.

With the release of the film, the Wolgan Valley community and valley businesses are encouraging the wider Lithgow Region and beyond in particular those that love ‘the Wolgan’ to get behind the campaign to support a long-term solution – a sealed, all weather, safe and accessible road for everyone. A #WolganRdForEveryone!

“The valley means so much to so many people. Those childhood memories of camping at Newnes or being blown away by your first glimpse of the red sandstone cliffs at sunrise, they stick with people for life.” said Mr Krogh. “We want more than anything to see people back here in the valley to continue those traditions and experience those moments. We want to see the Wolgan accessible to everyone again”.

Check out the film via the Wolgan Valley Associations Facebook page at https://fb.watch/jKmRKNAXpe/

Portland Soundtrail Launch

The small town of Portland is leading the way with a cutting edge tourism experience following the launch of their very own Soundtrail.

Commissioned by the Portland Business Association following a private funding grant, the immersive sound walk, that takes you deep into the history, the hearts and minds of the locals.

Covering the unique history of the “town that built Sydney”, there are surprising stories as you explore the laneways and spaces of this old industrial town.

“Being able to hear stories first hand from surviving locals who worked at the cement works and remember the town as it was in its hey day was amazing,” said Portland Business Association President, Kellie Evans.

The tour includes way finding signage and takes in the main sites around the heritage precinct of The Foundations as well as the laneways and main attractions of the town.

“There are so many stories to tell about Portland and we hope this is just the beginning," Kellie continued.

For more information on the Soundtrail and what else the town has to offer visit the website https://www.visitportlandnsw.com.au

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

On Exhibition

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

The following proposed Licence Agreement is on public exhibition from 29 March to 28 April 2023. Please contact Council or visit Council’s website for further information, including how to make a submission.

Licence Agreement

Premises:Part Wallerawang Memorial Hall, Tweedie Street, Wallerawang Being part Lot 1 in DP15683

Licensee:Wallerawang Kids Club Inc. Anglican Parish of Lithgow

Licece term:5 years from the commencing date

Permitted use:Kids club (Tue – Sat) Church gatherings and associated services (Sun – Mon)

Licence fee:On commencement the licence fee is $543.56 pa + GST to be reviewed on 1 July each year by CPI

School Holiday Fun

Looking for fun school holiday activities for the kids? We have some great actvities for the kids and teens from the 11 April to 22 April.

Smoke Testing

Lithgow City Council has engaged the services of FITT Resources to conduct smoke testing of over 250 properties in the Lithgow area laneways between Academy Street and Ferro Street. Smoke testing is carried out to locate defects in the public sewage network and in house service lines. These defects can result in storm-water run off entering the sewer system, resulting in additional load to the system. The smoke testing will be undertaken from a 4 week period commencing on 3rd April 2023.

Ensuring the sewerage capacity of the region for sustainable growth and development has been identified as measure to enhance the natural environment in the Community Strategic Plan 2035.

Waste2Art

Lithgow City Council is calling for entries for the 2023 Waste 2 Art Exhibition.

Lithgow City Council is asking the community to complete a short survey on the works undertaken over the past 2 years along Farmers Creek as well as providing ideas for future expansion of the Farmers Creek shared pathway network.

Scan here to fill out the survey

Scan here to download the school holiday calendar

This community art exhibition and competition aims to educate, inform and challenge the way we look at Waste, and is an initiative of Netwaste.

Entries close 4.00pm on 9th May 2023 and should be sent to Community & Cultural Development Co-Ordinator, PO Box 19, Lithgow NSW or emailed to council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au.

Scan here for more information or to download the entry form

www.council.lithgow.com

POSITION VACANT

NDIS Plan Management Role

NDIS Plan Management role PPT up to 50 hrs per fortnight with flexibility for days and hours to allow meeting with participants, and compilation of NDIS billing data, and claiming payments from NDIS portal.

High attention to detail to implement financial management practices using PRODA and MYOB. Empathy, confidentiality, and knowledge of local providers and ability to communicate with a range of disadvantaged people to explore NDIS funding options.

Closing date Friday 14th April 2023.

Email application to: People, Culture Coordinator pccoordinator@linc.org.au

Family fun at the Dargan Autumn markets

Come and explore an untapped part of the Greater Blue Mountains at the Dargan Artisan, Growers and Makers Community Market, to be held on Saturday, April 22nd.

The markets are a collaboration between the Association of Bell Clarence and Dargan (ABCD Inc) and the Monkey Creek Café and Pantry, and have been supported by the NSW Government under the Department of Regional NSW Reconnecting Regional NSW –Community Events Program.

ABCD Inc President, Kat Boehringer said the event will support local growers, makers and entertainers, and increase connection in the local villages of Bell, Clarence and Dargan, which were severely affected by the 2019 bushfires.

“The devastation of the 2019 fires rocked our small community, and our recovery was hampered by the Covid pandemic. Events which bring our community together support not only our economic recovery but also our social recovery,” Ms Boehringer said.

“The event features stalls, food, music, activities for the kids, and preparedness information. It’s a great way to have a fun day out with the family, celebrate the wonderful makers, growers and entertainers from

the Lithgow and Blue

held at the Monkey Creek Café and Pantry, 227 Chifley Rd, Dargan on Saturday 22nd April from 9am until 2pm.

Lifestyle expo to lure new blood to Lithgow

Lithgow District Chamber of Commerce hopes to lure a host of new families and empty nesters to the town to help fill the gap created by the exiting coal and thermal power generation industries.

Its Lithgow Business & Lifestyle Expo will be held on May 6 and 7.

Chamber vice-president Steve Ring said: ``Lithgow is known as the cradle of industrial Australia, with a long history of coal mining, cement production, iron, steel and more, and we’re very proud of that.

"But that era is coming to a close and we need to reinvent ourselves and be ready for a vibrant new future.

"Part of that future is in tourism.’’

Lithgow has vast tracts of land ready for new clean industries such as tourism attractions and hotels, and all the services and facilities businesses and residents need.

With plenty of space, leisure activities, national parks and state forests, Lithgow is a desirable location to live, work and play.

Upgrades to the Great Western Highway have cut road travel time to Lithgow from Sydney CBD to less than 2.5 hours, with further upgrades to the highway and the Bells Line of Road, along with other road infrastructure planned, while trains run direct from Central.

"Then there’s the $30 billion Western Sydney International

Airport that will bring Lithgow even closer to Australia’s newest global gateway and reduce transport costs further,’’ Mr Ring said.

"We need to take advantage of these opportunities and control our own future or risk others doing it for us.’’

Several major projects that would further revitalise the Lithgow economy and help attract newcomers to the area include the $50 million-dollar National Parks & Wildlife Service Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area project and The Portland Foundations heritage reactivation and subdivision of the former cement factory.

There are significant plans being prepared to repurpose the former Wallerawang thermal power station by Greenspot.

Mr Ring encouraged locals to also visit the expo on May 6 and 7 to learn about businesses, services and attractions they may not know about and "welcome prospective friends and family considering making the treechange to Lithgow’’.

Lithgow Business & Lifestyle Expo will be held at The Foundations Portland, Williwa St, Portland, on May 6 and 7. Details: https://www.escapetothehighcountry.au/.

This event is made possible under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government.

Mt Piper power station welcomes seven new apprentices

EnergyAustralia has welcomed seven new apprentices from the local Lithgow and Bathurst area to its Mt Piper power station.

Head of Mt Piper, Steve Marshall, said this is double the number of apprentices that the power station – which provides electricity to over a million New South Wales homes – usually takes on.

“Bringing on apprentices is a great way for us to build up our future workforce.

“We have workers who have enjoyed long careers at Mt Piper and they’re now thinking about retirement. They’re looking forward to mentoring new talent, some of whom are coming straight from high school and others older.

“These new apprentices will get the benefit of learning from people with decades of experience, and as these workers retire, we’re hoping the apprentices will help fill the void.

“Once the seven apprentices complete their four years of training, they’ll be fully qualified tradespeople with long and rewarding careers ahead of them.

“EnergyAustralia is always looking for enthusiastic apprentices. We’d encourage anyone interested in starting their career at Mt Piper to look out for our local newspaper

POSITION

Team Leader

Team Leader Accommodation Role, PPT role up to 63 hrs per fortnight with a mix of support shifts and admin shifts.

High level knowledge and experience with leading a team, training and day-to-day supervision.

The role will involve rostering, brokerage agreements, and other expenditure monitoring to align budgets for each house.

Monitor and action all client specific documentation, including data collection and file notes as directed.

Closing date Friday 14th April 2023.

ads in June.

“We also hold apprenticeship information afternoons, with the next one scheduled for September. It’s a great opportunity to come to Mt Piper, tour the power station and learn what it’s like to be an apprentice here. We also engage with local schools, offering interested students work experience on site,” said Steve.

National Trust Heritage Festival Exhibition 2023

Titled Shared Stories – Textiles of Lithgow: Handmade

to Factory Industries

To celebrate the Shared Stories theme of this year’s National Trust Heritage Festival, Eskbank House Museum has developed an exhibition of textile related collection objects including samplers and embroidery, underwear and handbags, blankets and quilts, tools and machinery.

The exhibition will run from 11 April to 4 June 2023 and feature the nationally significant Sutton/Leake Crazy Patchwork Quilt, handmade c.1893 by members of the Leake family in Pennsylvania, USA and brought to Australia by David Leake in 1924, for his daughter Emma Sutton (nee Leake) to celebrate the birth of her first child, Jean Hutchinson (nee Sutton), b.1921.

Other objects relating to Emma Sutton and the family on display include hand embroidered pillow cases, a handmade evening bag and another beautiful evening bag with a tortoiseshell handle. Also on exhibition is a sewing sampler by Sarah Wildgoose, aged 8 in 1852. Usually hung in the Eskbank House child’s bedroom, this framed needlework will be displayed in the courtyard gallery area for up close inspection by visitors. Continuing the textile theme are many objects from the Lithgow Woollen Mills, including Andrew Brown inscribed books presented to school children, corsetry from the Berlei textile factory and many handmade and repaired items of clothing.

During the festival Eskbank House Museum will also explore the textile industry history of Lithgow by asking the community to come forward with shared stories, memorabilia and photographs not currently represented

in the Museum collection. On 24 April 1947 the Lithgow Mercury reported on six new industries opening and a major expansion of the Lithgow Woollen Mills, with the headlines ‘History is Made In And By Lithgow (and) Decentralisation Is Key To Australian Progress’, the article mentions Berlei, Jeldi, Gladis Grieve. Lithgow Box Service, Lithgow Woollen Mills, Lithgow Shirt Manufacturing Co. and Connelly’s (ladies lingerie factory). These industries were drawn to Lithgow for ‘….particularly female labour.’ potential (LM 24 Apr. 1947 p.6).

Visit Lithgow City Council, Eskbank House Museum and Seven Valleys Tourism websites for information and details of specific Textile Workshops and Shared Stories guest speaker events happening during the festival and Eskbank House Museum Facebook page for ongoing highlights of the exhibition.

Pictured: Conservator Tegan Anthes, Lithgow City Council’s Museums Advisor, and Volunteer Sandra Hutchison preparing to display the Nationally significant Sutton/Leake Quilt

Endeavour Energy Powering Communities Grants Program

Lithgow Council is encouraging local community groups, schools and charities to participate in Endeavour Energy’s Powering Communities grants program.

This new community grants program will support community groups to deliver positive and sustainable outcomes for the community –and to help these communities thrive.

The grants program offers one-off grants of $2,000 to $10,000 to support community groups such as not-for-profit organisations, registered charities, schools and community groups. The grants are open across four categories:

• Education: Creating learning and development opportunities

• Health & wellbeing: Programs that support the health and wellbeing of our community

• Environment: Programs that help the community to participate in renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint, programs that restore areas after a flood, fire or storm or help communities plan for a weather event

• Social inclusion: Programs that support inclusiveness, equity and diversity or increase energy literacy amongst the community.

Applications are open until Sunday 21 May 2023. For more information on the program and to apply visit www. endeavourenergy.com.au/grants.

APRIL COMMUNITY UPDATE

A SUMMARY OF BUSINESS FROM THE MARCH COUNCIL MEETING

Lithgow City Council’s 2018 Sale of land in Barton Avenue, Wallerawang

The Council has addressed matters raised about the 2018 sale of 16.8ha of Council land at Barton Avenue, Wallerawang.

At the time of the sale, the Council was guided by legal advice about the sale process. They also:

• Determined that there was not a case for holding the land because no public purpose was identified and the Council did not, at the time, undertake land development.

• Obtained independent valuation for the land and ensured that the value was achieved.

• Determined that the remaining 44ha of Council land south of the site retains a significant land bank for future development and continues to provide Council ownership around the current Wallerawang Indoor Sports Centre. The purchaser’s concept (in 2017) included a school as well as residential lots. But that was a concept, and the Council did not resolve for the contract to require that the concept, including a school, be delivered in full.

The funds from the sale of the site were held for re-investment and have been reinvested into Council’s acquisition of a strategic site at South Bowenfels (at the rear of Lithgow Hospital) which is currently the subject of a DA by Lithgow Council for residential Subdivision. Reports about this matter (from 2017 and March 2023). can be viewed on the Council’s website.

Scan here for Council meeting reports

Detailed Design and Construction of the West Bowenfels Sewerage Pumping Station Tender

Lithgow Council continues to deliver local infrastructure to support the city’s growth.

The South Bowenfels area of Lithgow has been planned by Council as an area for future residential development. The Council currently has several sewerage pumping stations (SPS) throughout this area that service the existing residential land, however, the likely increase in population will require upgrades to the current systems. The Council has

undertaken a concept study and design for three sewerage pumping stations in the area based on anticipated loadings from future developments.

The new West Bowenfels SPS will need to cope with flows from the existing developed areas, such as the Hillcrest and Landa Street developments, and the new developments to be completed in the West Bowenfels area in future with trunk mains connecting the areas to the new SPS. Following a competitive tender process, the Council resolved to accept the tender for Keane Civic & Construction Pty Ltd for the detailed design and construction of the West Bowenfels Sewerage Pumping Station.

Lithgow Community Private Hospital Update

Lithgow Council was pleased to receive a report from the Lithgow Community Private (LCP) Hospital detailing recent progress in its negotiations with the local health district on a long-term sustainable arrangement, noting that LCP is continuing to operate as usual and day surgery activities are closer to pre-COVID levels. In March, LCP commenced dermatological consultations and several new specialties are planned for coming months. While LCP has just received $66,000 State Government funding towards the replacement of its lung function machine it is acknowledged that there is a need to continue to push for funding for the replenishment of working funds lost during the COVID period. The Council has maintained its current position to advocate for a long-term and viable working arrangement between the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and Lithgow Community Private (LCP) Hospital to ensure its continuing operation. The council will also make representations to the incoming NSW Health Minister to request financial assistance to support LCP to return to precovid levels of available working funds.

Wolgan Valley Access Update

Since the closure of Wolgan Gap in November 2022, residents of the Wolgan Valley have had limited, often precarious and at times no access in or out of the Valley. Council, its contractors and consultants have worked tirelessly round the clock to provide a serviceable access for residents and business to the Valley. The Donkey Steps detour is almost complete with some final slope retention and creek crossing realignment works outstanding. However, once re-opened this detour will be strictly limited to local residents

and business use only – any other type of access, including sightseeing and tourist traffic will be denied

The Council and residents of the Wolgan Valley have welcomed the announcement that considerable funding (current estimates are at least $30m is required) has been made available under the Natural Disaster Recovery Arrangements for an alternate access alignment to the Wolgan Valley. This includes investigation, design and construction of a permanent alternate route suitable for all users. This will be a project that will take several years to complete.

Details of the access strategy can be found on Council’s website.

Scan here for details of the Wolgan Road Disaster Response & Access Strategy

MAJOR WORKS UPDATE

Sealing Program

• Bathurst Street Lane, Rydal Preparation works complete. Awaiting sealing dates from contractor.

• Read Avenue Lane, Lithgow Preparation works are complete. Awaiting sealing dates from contractor.

• Stewart Street, LIthgow

Sealing works are due be undertaken between 17-20 April.

• Ridge Street, Portland Preparation works complete. Awaiting dates for sealing.

Rural grading works

• Dunville Loop, Capertee Valley Grading works will continue.

• Turon Road - Works expected to be completed by the end of April/early May.

• Red Hill Rd - works expected to be completed by end of April.

Sealed road works

• Baaners Lane, Hartley - works will commence on road failures.

• Coxs River Road, Hartley - works will continue on Coxs River Road with some remedial works occurring in Cranbrook Park Road.

Pothole patching

• Pothole works will continue with as many teams as available utilising the NSW Governments Pothole Grant.

Browns Gap- Mines Subsidence works are due to commence. Further assessments on rectification works to be undertaken.

Note: All works are dependent upon weather conditions and contractor availability.

The other day I caught up with Roy the Bodger again. A top bloke. I didn’t know much about bodgering so I looked in the Oxford dictionary where it is defined as “a person who makes or repairs something badly or clumsily”. Which I suppose is where the term “bodgey”, as in “I’ll bodgey something up” or “that’s a bodgey job”, comes from.

I should’ve asked my mate Mick earlier. Mick, the Sage of Wiseman’s Creek, says bodgers were skilled itinerant wood-turners, who worked in the beech woods on the chalk hills of the Chilterns in England. They cut timber and converted it into chair legs by turning it on a pole lathe, an ancient and very simple tool that uses the spring of a bent sapling to help run it. A lot of very early Bathurst would have been built by bodgers. Funny what Mick knows. Up on the Oberon plateau where I lived for a while they have badgers.

Up there the early settlors were Irish who got the poor land, while the English got the good land down here. The Irishmen only knew badgers, not wombats, and the terminology is still in common use up there today, just as it is in Tasmania.

Anyway our picture is of Roy the Bodger

carrying out his heritage trade making wooden spoons and all sorts of other interesting stuff out of wood, and with many others keeping our heritage alive.

On 15 & 16 April you can see Roy and his pole lathe in action by being part of the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail. Best not miss it – tickets at BVIC or Visitbathurst.com.au.

Lessons from history

A quarter of a century ago, two growing cities in the Central West desperately needed new and bigger public hospitals. They were Bathurst and Orange. Up to that time, Bathurst had for over a century been the preeminent centre for public health in the region and naturally felt that any upgrade to their hospital would maintain its superior position.

How wrong Bathurst was.

Due to a combination of haste, controversy over the new hospital’s location, and compounded by poor design decisions, Bathurst never got the hospital it deserved and needed. A few years later, when it was the turn for a new hospital in Orange, NSW Health decided to build it on a greenfield site that offered room for expansion for the next 100 years or more. NSW Health took time to get the planning right and the result was that from the moment the new public hospital in Orange opened its doors, it overtook Bathurst as the leading public health facility in the Central West.

Thought of the week

“anyone can do a bodgey job, but it takes a skilled tradesman to be a bodger” by a humble heritage advocate April 2023 - column # 274

To underscore how much things have changed, Orange is now rated as a Category B hospital (second-highest classification), with an operating budget in 2022 of $151m; whereas Bathurst is only a Category C hospital, with fewer doctors, nurses and specialists and an operating budget of just $95.5m. Yet, Bathurst and Orange hospitals both serve similar populations and Bathurst continues to have huge numbers of patients presenting at its emergency department.

In Business Schools they preach, “Organisations don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan”. True, especially about Bathurst hospital in the past. But the reason for writing about this topic is that the NSW Government has decided to spend $200m on capital works, to correct (some of) the mistakes of the past. It will hopefully update and upgrade facilities to make Bathurst public hospital more suitable to deliver quality health care for a growing population in the 21st Century.

But it will depend on good planning !

A Point of View - by Stuart Pearson

2023 – BATHURST CSU’s 50th

RUGBY LEAGUE YEAR

Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, the Charles Sturt University rugby league club hopes to perform well enough to add another trophy to their collection.

CSU has a new committee which has, as its prime target, a premiership title in its second year in the Woodbridge Cup competition, to add to its impressive list of achievements.

A new set of coaches has been selected this year, Blake Armstrong to guide the men’s team, and Joe Fixter and Ike Eggleton to conjunctively mentor the leaguetag side.

The club, in its former guise as Mitchell College, won its first premiership during its first foray in the Midwest premiership, a grand final win over Portland Colts in 1975, in a competition previously dominated by powerful combinations from Carcoar, Blackheath and Kandos.

Later, still as Mitchell College, the university team won premierships in 1998 and 2009 in the Bill Buckley Memorial Trophy tertiary competition against all major NSW university teams.

(The Bill Buckley Memorial Trophy was named after the former chairman of the Australian Rugby League during the 1960s.)

Readmitted to the Midwest competition in 2012 with two sides under the auspices of the renamed Charles Sturt University, the CSU Blue team had immediate success, winning the title in its first attempt, a grand final defeat of the reigning premiers Lithgow Bears.

Teams from CSU then won premierships in 2014, 2019 and 2021

The women’s Mungals leaguetag side after their first appearance in the initial Midwest leaguetag competition in 2014 added more rugby league premierships to the club in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021.

The 2023 Woodbridge Cup competition commences on Saturday, with CSU to meet old Midwest foes Oberon Tigers at Oberon in the first-up Rivalry round, these two clubs the final premier teams in the last two seasons before the three remaining Midwest clubs’ admission to Woodbridge last year.

With no early form, but with both sides competitive in 2022, the result of this firstround game will be a toss up.

During their 2023 anniversary year, CSU will hold its Old Boys Day on the day of one of their home games, yet to be announced.

LITHGOW VALLEY FILM SOCIETY

TUE 25TH OF APRIL ANZAC DAY 2.00 pm HOPE and GLORY

The film begins on 3rd September 1939 the day Britain declared war on Germany. It tells the story of the Ronan family, who live in a suburb of London. Seen through the eyes 10-year old Billy, the (the fire works) provided by the Blitz (September1940 – May 1941) every night are as exciting as they are terrifying and the ruins they leave behind are a fascinating play playground for Billy and other boys his age, who are largely unsupervised.

STARRING: SARAH MILES, DAVID HAYMEN, DERRICK O’CONNER, SUSAN

WOOD BRIDGE, SAMMI DAVIS, IAN BANNEN, SEBASTIAN RICE EDWARDS

Sunday 16th of April 2.00-PM

THE LOST KING NEW RELEASE

THE LOST KING is a 2022 British comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Frears and written by Stephen Coogan and Jeff Pope, based on the 2013 book The King’s Grave: The search for Richard !!! by Philippa Langley and Michael Jones. It is a dramatization of the story of Philippa Langley, the women who initiated the search to find King Richard !!!”s remains under a car park in Leicester, and her treatment by the University of Leicester in the claiming of credit for the discovery.

STARRING: SALLY HAWKINS, STEPHEN COOGAN, HARRY LLOYD

16 Main Street, Lithgow

Story and photo by John Fitzgerald

122. Legendary gold city (2,6)

Little bit

Evocative of mood

Expression of rebuke

Limited in magnitude

Votes into office

Gossamer snare 138. Fat-reduction surgery 140. Avouched 141. Socially adept 143. Peaceful 145. Distasteful 150. Aggravating 153. Tidies up 154. Constructed 156. Recluses 157. Genetic aberrations 158. Endowed with talent 160. Regrets 161. Single entity 163. Ballroom performer 166. Slimy matter 167. Tidings

Last week's solutions

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