Central West Village Voice - Issue 50

Image Credit: Craig Marshall

NEW “KURRAJONG”

$629,000 2 2 1 1

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 2 2 1 1

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.

2 2 1 1

$579,000

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

2 2 1 1

$569,000

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 3 2 1

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

$579,000 2 2 1

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.

VILLA

“JAMISON” VILLA

Iconic Zig Zag Railway Reopens This Weekend!

After years of restoration works and anticipation, the historic Zig Zag Railway in the NSW town of Lithgow will reopen to the public on the weekend of Saturday 27th May and 28th May.

Dozens of volunteers and staff have been working tirelessly to remodel and repaint train carriages, renovate the station building, install an on-site cafe and carry out safety checks to ensure the railway is ready to welcome back families and rail enthusiasts alike.

Zig Zag Railway Acting CEO Daniel Zolfel said the rebirth of the railway would not be possible without the volunteers behind it, along with the support of the local community and all levels of government.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to lead the Zig Zag Railway into the next chapter as a national icon,” said Mr Zolfel.

“Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of Zig Zag and one of the driving forces behind me getting involved initially as a volunteer was so that I could leave it behind for my own children,” he added.

Zig Zag Railway Chairman Lee Burton said it’s an exciting time for everyone involved.

“I’m immensely proud of the work all of our volunteers, the senior leadership team and our small number of staff have executed on behalf of the Zig Zag Railway board,” said Mr Burton.

“I can’t wait to once again share our historic railway with not only the people of Lithgow and NSW but from all over Australia and beyond,” he added.

The Railway first opened in the 1860s as the first rail link between Sydney and Western NSW, but closed in 1910 following a deviation of the main line to by-pass the inefficient ‘zig zag’. It was resurrected in the 1970s by volunteers who banded together to create the not-for-profit Zig Zag Railway Co-Op before closing in 2012.

Despite setbacks, including a horror run with bushfires in 2013 and 2019, coupled with floods, vandalism and recent storm damage, volunteers have been working tirelessly to return the railway to passenger services by restoring locomotives, carriages and kilometres of track. It’s now full steam ahead for Australia’s most iconic tourist railway.

“Passengers will be able to take in the experience onboard steam locomotive AC16 218, affectionately known as ‘The Yank’. Weighing in at 54,000 kilograms, it is one of two of the surviving class of 20 imported to Australia from the U.S. as part of the war effort in 1943,” said Mr Zolfel.

“We’ll be running three trips on Saturdays and Sundays every

fortnight, with passengers taking the 90 minute journey which traverses the seven-and-a-half kilometre track, travelling through tunnels and over the viaducts with two stops along the way,” he said.

“Passengers will get to see first-hand how locomotives used to operate during Australia’s steam train era, as a volunteer fireman shovels coal into the train’s red-hot firebox.”

Ticket prices will be $45 for adults, $27.50 for children (3- 12 yrs) and concession card holders, or $120 for a family of four.

The Zig Zag Railway is staffed by dozens of active volunteers who have all received extensive professional training as part of the railway’s completely revamped safety management systeman industry best-practice model that sees the Zig Zag return as one of the safest railways of its type in the world.

Zig Zag would like to thank all of its community and government partners for their support and funding over the years as we reopen.

For more information visit the Zig Zag Railway https://zigzagrailway.au

Image Credit: Craig Marshall

Pre-retirement Planning

Retirement Planning

De ned Bene ts Super

Daniel Crump Financial Planning can help you:

• prepare for retirement

• manage your money so that you don’t run out

• legally manage your tax and maximise your age pension entitlements.

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

SPECIAL DISASTER GRANTS NEEDED FOR BUSHFIRE-HIT COMMUNITIES

Independent Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee is calling on the NSW Government to activate the $75,000 Special Disaster Grants for primary producers in the areas devastated by the recent Alpha Road, Tambaroora bushfire.

“The damage following the Hill End area fires has been absolutely shocking,” said Mr Gee.

“Farmers have lost feed, stock and a huge amount of fencing. It’s going to take years to get them back on their feet. The outlook for the winter is dry and this makes their situation particularly concerning. The community has been amazing in donating hay, but there is still a whole lot of work that needs to be done.

“When Eugowra was hit by storms and floods, these vital grants were made available, and we need the same for the Hill End area.

“The funding for these grants is a joint state/federal

responsibility, and when I recently asked the Prime Minister about this in question time, he said he hadn’t received a request from the last NSW Government to get the ball rolling.

“While the previous NSW Government could have acted but basically forgot about Hill End in the lead up to the NSW election, the hurt and heartbreak in that district is still very real and continuing.

“I have therefore contacted the new NSW Premier and requested that these crucial grants be activated on the double.

“$75,000 can really help with new fencing materials and feed.

“On Monday, I made a speech to the House of Representatives calling for action again.

“With the weather only getting colder, my message to both the NSW and Australian governments is: Get cracking on these grants and get them moving,” said Mr Gee.

Editor's Message

There is a lot to be proud of in our regional community. In my town of Portland, we are working very hard to build the town in a sustainable and community minded manner with lots of groups working together to develop projects and places for the benefit of all.

Many countless hours are put in by volunteers and groups on these projects, however, when these things aren’t respected, by only small elements of our communities, it understandable people feel great frustration.This is not a regional NSW phenomenon however, it is a global one. People across all age groups, socio economic groups, and people of all backgrounds and beliefs have almost no respect for anything.

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

D Crump & Co Pty Ltd t/as Daniel Crump Financial Planning (ABN 83 642 812 904) is an authorised representative of Catalpa Pty Ltd AFSL 530665 ABN 57 648 557 340

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.

Fur ther Details

Email: macquarielions@gmail com facebook com/riversidemarketsbathurst

This problem is largely traceable to the advent of social media where everyone got a voice, which on one hand is a great thing, on the other the lack of accountability in these arenas has emboldened people beyond what we are prepared to accept socially in our communities.

The answer is not simple, but like everything we should be looking at the root cause, not dealing with the symptoms and trying to ‘make an example’ of people.

It starts at home, then our neighbours, then our communities. Lets work together and find a common goal we can all aim for.

The Bathurst Theatre Company presents

Just a Song at Twilight b y P h i l S a n d e r s

11, 12 and 13 May 2023

25 26 and 27 May 2023

Doors open 6:30pm

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.

RESPONSIBLE AND CREDIBLE BUDGET HAS MORE WORK TO DO

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, has welcomed the Federal Government’s budget measures that will help to ease the cost of doing business amid a turbulent economic environment.

The budget placed a clear focus on cost-of-living measures for Australians, but there is more to do to address the primary cost of doing business pressures.

A $20,000 instant asset write-off, energy bill relief and strong migration levels will give businesses some relief from the storm of high interest rates, rapid inflation and energy price rises.

Business NSW – Western NSW, Regional Director, Vicki Seccombe said Dr Chalmers should be commended for delivering a budget surplus.

“This budget shows there has been a responsible approach taken to economic management to control spending and target relief for small businesses,” Ms Seccombe said.

“While delivering the first surplus in 15 years is something to be commended, there will be much work required in the years ahead”

Key measures announced impacting Western NSW businesses include:

• A new $20,000 instant asset write-off for small business allowing those with aggregated annual turnover of less than $10 million to immediately deduct eligible depreciating assets costing less than $20,000.

• Introducing practical measures to guard small businesses against cyber threats through a $23.4 million program to help them train in-house cyber wardens.

• Almost all of NSW’s 840,000-plus small and medium businesses could be eligible for up to $20,000 in tax relief under the Small Business Energy Incentive.

• One million small businesses nationwide will get power bill rebates through the jointly funded Energy Bill Relief Fund with NSW businesses to receive $650 in relief from July 1.

• 300,000 new fee-free TAFE places to train Australians in critical and emerging sectors.

• A new focus on rent relief and unlocking additional funding to build 1 million new affordable homes.

• $2 billion in initiatives to simplify the interface between businesses and government services.

“Businesses are in desperate need of a break and these measures will provide welcome support for business hit hard by costs pressures,” Ms Seccombe said.

“Business NSW welcomes the Energy Price Relief Plan, which will offer $650 for 1 million eligible small business to save on their energy bill,”

“In the October Budget, the Federal Government announced that it would increase the 2022/23 permanent Migration Program planning level from 160,000 to 195,000.

“It has been revised down to 190,000 – which will still assist businesses being hit by an acute skills shortage.” said Ms Seccombe

“The Government will provide additional funding of $54.3 million over five years from 2022–23 to introduce what it is calling a ‘new non-financial support model for Australian Apprenticeships from 1 July 2024’.

“Business NSW will work closely with government to ensure enterprises are still able to access the workers and skills they need.

“There is a cost-of-living crisis which is being addressed, but there is a cost-of-doing-business crisis that needs more attention over the coming 12 months.”

Innovative program reduces pharmaceutical waste

Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is helping make healthcare more sustainable by reducing pharmaceutical waste, made possible through the NSW Health Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund.

Bathurst Health Service Director of Pharmacy and NSW Health Net Zero Pharmacy Lead Derek Kay is one of 17 recipients to receive the funding for his innovative medication blister pack recycling program.

“This project aims to develop a pharmaceutical waste program for hospitals in the District, which will have both environmental and financial benefits, through the utilisation of waste segregation and recycling of materials,” Mr Kay said.

“The benefits will be less waste going into the pharmaceutical waste bins being sent for incineration, with some waste recycled, which will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the NSW health system.

“Currently, each pharmaceutical waste bin that is incinerated has carbon emissions similar to driving a car for around 60 kilometres from Bathurst to Orange, as well as a financial cost to the hospital.”

According to recent estimates, pharmaceutical waste, which includes medicines such as tablets, injections, and their packaging, accounts for more than eight per cent of a hospital's carbon footprint.

Mr Kay said the first stage of the program will involve increasing staff knowledge and awareness to encourage increased recycling of pharmaceutical waste, particularly medication blister strips.

“The initial aim is to develop and trial workflows and resources to optimise the segregation of pharmaceutical waste, particularly medication blister strips within hospital pharmacy departments,” Mr Kay said.

Electorate Officer (EOB)

Hon Andrew Gee MP

Private Advertiser

Government - Federal (Government & Defence)

Full time $69,170 – $80,757 per year

Applications are invited for the ongoing full-time position of Electorate Officer (EOB) to fill a new staffing allocation in the Office of the Hon Andrew Gee MP, based in the Member’s Calare Electorate Office in Orange, NSW.

The responsibilities of the role are, but are not limited to:

• Assisting and responding to constituent matters across the electorate of Calare.

• Liaising with relevant Departments, Agencies and Opposition Offices on behalf of constituents regarding matters relating to the responsibilities of the Federal Government.

• Preparing representations on behalf of the Member.

• Data entry and database management.

• Attending community events in the Electorate as required.

• General administrative tasks within the Electorate Office.

• Occasional travel within the Electorate of Calare and interstate travel to Canberra during Parliamentary sitting weeks.

• Other duties as required.

Applicants should possess the following skills and experience:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and experience in producing targeted communications for a variety of audiences.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and record keeping.

• Ability to self-manage and delegate.

• Well-developed organisational ability and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and cohesively as part of a small team.

• An understanding of the Australian system of government and parliamentary processes.

• Well-developed IT skills including Microsoft Office.

• Preparedness to work overtime and on weekends when required.

Job details:

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-23.

• A commencing salary between $69,170 and $80,757 will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills.

• An optional additional allowance may be considered in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work.

• Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).

• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

A probationary period of three months will apply and may be subject to extension.

Applications should be forwarded to  andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au and include a resume with the names of two referees and a cover letter addressing the relevant skills and experience required for the role.

Applications close on Friday 30 June 2023. For further information please contact  andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au.

LOCAL BUSINESS MAKES TV DEBUT

Australian Property Staging and Interior Stylist Company

Duo Studio, a property staging and interior stylist company run by Lisa Gibson and Nikita Williams, has caught the attention of Foxtel’s hit television show, Selling Houses Australia. The two entrepreneur women from the Central West town of Bathurst were headhunted by the show’s build manager late last year after showcasing their impressive and unique style on social media to style on this week's episode.

The episode will air on Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channel, Wednesday 17 May at 7:30pm.

This is a significant achievement for the new and upcoming team who are already making waves in the industry with their creative and innovative style presenting houses from the Blue Mountains through to Orange. Lisa and Nikita have been collaborating on projects with Airbnb owners, builders, homeowners and real-estate agents for almost 3 years bringing their unique styles and expertise to create stunning interior spaces.

Their passion for styling and their ability to work cohesively has led them to this incredible opportunity on

Duo Studio partners with Foxtel’s Selling Houses Australia

Selling Houses Australia. Lisa and Nikita are thrilled to have the chance to showcase their skills and help transform house Ep 9 TERRIGAL NSW on the show.

“We were beyond excited to be a part of Selling Houses Australia and to work alongside the incredible team, Wendy Moore, Andrew Winter, Dennis Scott as well as the extensive behind the scenes team. It’s a dream come true for us to showcase our style on such a well-loved and known program.” said Lisa Gibson, Co-Founder of Duo Studio.

Nikita Williams, Co-Founder of Duo Studio, added, “We feel so fortunate to be recognized for our work and to have the chance to share our passion with a wider audience.”

With this significant accomplishment, Duo Studio is set to embed themselves as the leaders of the industry in the Central West and take on new and exciting projects. Watch this space for more updates on their journey.

For more information on Duo Studio, visit their website at www.duostudio.com.au.

Becoming Emboldened with Belinda

Alexandra, international bestselling author

Belinda Alexandra is loved around the world for her bestselling historical fiction. In June, she will visit Bathurst Library for a talk on her exquisitely written blend of memoir and historical non-fiction, Emboldened.

To be held on Saturday 3 June, 12pm the event will see Belinda share incredible stories of resilience from women in history who helped her find the fire to keep going when everything in her own life seemed lost. How do you begin your life again when you’ve lost everything you have worked for, and your dreams have been shattered? This is the question Belinda asked herself one night when she ran from home in terror.

To recover from the devastating emotional and psychological aftermath, the cause of which cannot be specified here for legal reasons, Belinda turned to the real-life women who had inspired her bestselling historical fiction, starting with someone very close to her heart: her own mother. Copies of the book will be available for purchase on the day from Books Plus and Belinda will be available for signing. To book a seat, call the library on 6333 6281.

For further information about this event or any other upcoming events visit www. bathurst.nsw.gov.au/library.html

SAVE OUR ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS

The Active Kids program provides a $100 voucher per school-enrolled child to use towards sport and recreation costs each year. The current vouchers, released on 1 January 2023, are valid until Friday 30 June 2023. It is understood the Minns government is planning to end the Active Kids program next month rather than extend the program as promised.

To save the voucher programs, I have set up a petition on my website for concerned members of the public to share their support in urging NSW Labor to continue the program.

Many people have already signed the petition and here is what some of them have said.

Leisa said “It gives us the opportunity to let our daughter do sport we otherwise wouldn't be able to afford for her.”

Lyndal said “At a very expensive time for

families, with interest rates rising, and the cost of living blowing out, at least our kids can have some joy from playing a sport! Help the parents out, keep the vouchers please!”

Maree said “Personally it helps pay fees for my children's sport. Professionally, my business would suffer. Active kids are a life saver in allowing kids to have swimming lessons.”

As of March this year, 7 million vouchers had been downloaded and redeemed saving families over $694 million. In the Bathurst Electorate alone, over 44,000 vouchers have been redeemed since 2018.

If this program is cut, Labor will be ridding kids of the opportunity to do more of the things they love the most. Families are already doing it tough enough with cost-of-living pressures and removing this program will only add to this burden. Please help to save this vital program by signing the petition. To sign the petition please visit: www.paultoolemp.com.au/petition

COMMUNITY AND PLACE FUNDING TO DELIVER FOR LOCAL ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS

History buffs treated to exclusive opportunity as part of local festival

One of Australia’s leading battlefield historians and media presenters, Mat McLachlan will feature at an exclusive book event as part of the upcoming Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival in May.

Mat will be In Conversation with ex-serviceman and history buff Brett Kenworthy on Saturday 27 May 1pm to discuss his book The Cowra Breakout, a riveting read that brings to life the missing piece of Australia’s World War Two history - the story of the only battle of that war to be fought on Australian soil.

This compelling and fascinating book vividly traces the full story of the Breakout. It is a tale of proud warriors and misfit Australian soldiers. Of negligence and complacency, and of authorities too slow to recognise danger before it occurred – and too quick to cover it up when it was too late. But mostly it is a story about raw human emotions, and the extremes that people will go to when they feel all hope is lost.

Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council has received $100,000 towards community projects for Bathurst through the NSW Government’s inaugural Community and Place funding program Member for Bathurst Paul Toole MP has announced.

The first round of the landmark Community and Place Grants Program will provide $20.5 million in funding across the State to solutions-focused projects that immediately engage and benefit Aboriginal communities.

Bathurst’s community projects will see the development of a culturally safe space at Bathurst Hospital for Aboriginal people to sit and connect with culture. The area will include seating, Totem poles and native plants.

The projects also include the refurbishment of the Barracks Men’s Shelter and a Graffiti Workshops to incorporate the dual naming of Wambuul along the river, providing an opportunity for community to engage with other families and youth.

Bathurst LALC will also facilitate a Cultural Camp for youth to learn valuable skills and cultural experiences.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the funding will deliver real benefits to the Bathurst community.

“I’m delighted that Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council can now bring these projects to life,” Mr Toole said.

“This is a terrific and unique program designed by the previous government that will put important funding in the hands of Aboriginal groups who best know how to bring about improvements and opportunities for their community.

“The safe space at Bathurst Hospital will be a welcomed addition to the site’s $200 million redevelopment and the graffiti workshop will bring the youth together in a supportive environment.”

For more information on the Community and Place grant program and to view the list of successful grant applications, visit the Aboriginal Affairs NSW website.

Mat is the author of four history books as well as a regular on TV, radio and in print. His Living History podcast reaches more than 5 million Australian history enthusiasts each week, and he produces the Battle Walks and Pete and Gary’s Military History podcasts. Mat is visiting Bathurst exclusively to discuss his latest book to local audiences.

NATIONAL SORRY DAY 2023

National Sorry Day is observed annually on 26 May, to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.

To commemorate National Sorry Day 2023, a morning tea will be held on Friday 26 May 2023, in the PJ Moodie Courtyard (adjacent to Council’s Civic Centre, in Court House Lane), from 10.30am – 11.30am, where a native hibiscus plant & plaque have been installed during previous commemorations. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, wider community and any interested parties are invited to attend.

Kindly RSVP for catering purposes to Council’s Community Services Section on 6333 6523.

VILLAGE MEETINGS

Council will be holding its next round of meetings with residents in rural areas during 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:

• Sunny Corner, Community Hall – 29 May 2023 at 6pm

• Wattle Flat, Recreation Hall – 30 May 2023 at 6pm

• Hill End, ‘Hosies’, 23 Clarke Street – 13 June 2023 at 5pm

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

TENDER

TENDER NO 36.00817: DESIGN OF A SIGNALISED INTERSECTION AT GILMOUR STREET, HEREFORD STREET AND MARSDEN LANE, KELSO

Bathurst Regional Council is seeking tenders from suitably qualified and experienced consultants for the design of a signalised intersection at Gilmour Street, Hereford Street and Marsden Lane, Kelso. The successful consultant will investigate, develop, deliver and obtain construction approval of a multi- disciplinary set of design documents including road and drainage, traffic signals, utility relocations, street lighting, power supply and telecommunications servicing.

Interested parties are required to register via the E-tendering Portal www.tenderlink.com/bathurst to download the tender document at no charge. If you experience difficulties accessing the above website, please call the Tenderlink Helpdesk on 1800 233 533.

All electronic tenders shall be submitted in the format specified in the tender document. Failure to do so will result in the tender not being considered by Council.

Submission close 10am on Tuesday 13 June 2023.

TENDER NO 36.00816: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PUBLIC AMENITIES INCLUIDNG AN ADULT CHANGING FACILITY AT MACQUARIE PLAYGROUND PARK

Bathurst Regional Council is seeking tenders from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for the design and construction of a new public amenities block including a “Changing Places” accessible toilet with shower, at Macquarie River Bicentennial Park. Ancillary works include two new accessible parking spots on William Street, and associated footpath links.

Interested parties are required to register via the E-tendering Portal www.tenderlink.com/bathurst to download the tender document at no charge. If you experience difficulties accessing the above website, please call the Tenderlink Helpdesk on 1800 233 533.

All electronic tenders shall be submitted in the format specified in the tender document. Failure to do so will result in the tender not being considered by Council.

Submissions close 10am on Tuesday 13 June 2023.

LIBRARY EVENTS

BATHURST WRITER’S & READER’S FESTIVAL 2023

The Bathurst Writers’ & Readers’ Festival is an annual literary event presented by BMEC in association with Bathurst Library, Arts OutWest and Books Plus, Bathurst.

The festival includes a number of live streamed events from Sydney Writers’ Festival.

The 2023 festival takes place from Thursday 25 May until Sunday 28 May at both BMEC and Bathurst Library.

DRAFT LONG TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2023-2033

(LTFP) 2023-2033 is a ten- year view of Council’s finances and has been developed under the NSW Government’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP & R) Framework. For more information and to make a submission visit yoursay. bathurst.nsw.gov.au. We welcome your feedback before 4.45pm on Wednesday 14 June 2023.

National Simultaneous Storytime

National Simultaneous Storytime is on Wednesday, 24 May 2023 at 10.50am. Day cares, preschools and families of young children are invited to attend the reading of The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young at the library. This year’s guest reader will be local BMX champion, Olympic Coach and exercise physiologist Adam Carey. The event will start at 11.00am sharp.

For more information, please phone the library on 6333 6282.

Active Ageing Week

Council is providing a free program of events for people aged 50 years and older from May 22 - 28 to promote the benefits of staying active.

Visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/activeageing for more information.

Dino-Time

On Wednesday, 31 May from 10.00am to 1.00pm the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum is offering a sensory friendly session with reduced lights and sounds and sensory zones. The museum will be closed to the public during this time. Admission charges apply however caregivers will be given free entry.

For more information or for group bookings please phone 6338 2860.

Writers’ and Readers’ Festival

The Bathurst Writers’ & Readers’ Festival is an annual literary event presented by BMEC in association with Bathurst Library, Arts OutWest and Books Plus, Bathurst. The festival includes a number of live streamed events from Sydney Writers’ Festival. The festival takes place from Thursday 25 May until Sunday 28 May at both BMEC and Bathurst Library.

For more information and bookings visit https://bit.ly/40LMi6u or contact BMEC Box Office.

PROBUS CLUBS SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

Recently, Bathurst Combined Probus Club and Probus Club of Bathurst Plains collaborated to travel around the Bathurst region to familiarise their members with the wonderful food, wine, gin, and whiskey offerings.

Members from both clubs boarded a 25-seater bus driven by Brian Hanrahan of Probus Club of Bathurst Plains, mingling, and chatting on the way to the first stop on the trip.

Vigneron Gerard Woods of Vale Creek Wines hosted the tasting and explained the grape varieties used behind their wines including the original Italian regions the grapevines came from. He also led members to the cellar and explained the wine making process.

Next, members boarded the bus for Rockley for a personal tour and account of the village where Brian Hanrahan grew up. It was followed by a hearty country pub lunch at The Rockley Pub owned by famous chef and local, Matt Moran.

The Grange Distillery and its 1830 historic convict-built homestead was the last stop on the tour, with those attending

most interested in the history of the homestead besides learning about and trying out the various gins and whiskeys offered for tasting.

Bathurst Combined Probus Club acknowledges the contribution made by Brian Hanrahan, President of Probus Club of Bathurst Plains, not only as a driver but also for his insights into life in Rockley some decades ago. Collaboration with his club has made it possible to conduct this tour. Our Clubs support our region’s local businesses whenever they can as part of our trips and outings agenda this year. We meet each month at Panthers Bathurst, 132 Piper Street, Bathurst.

Bathurst Combined Probus Club meets at 10.30am on every third Tuesday.

Probus Club of Bathurst Plains (Men’s) meets at 10.30am on every second Wednesday.

New voice for Music in the Central West

MusicNSW is delighted to announce the appointment of five regional-based team members. The regional MusicNSW team will work collaboratively to lead regional music development across the state, with Bathurst-based, Sophie Jones focusing across the Central West, Outback and West Darling regions.

Following a search that began in November 2022, five music professionals now join the MusicNSW team with a remit to deliver development opportunities and work to expand touring circuits across regional NSW. The newlycreated roles have been made possible thanks to Create NSW following a landmark four-year funding commitment.

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Sophie is a musician, mentor and music teacher who grew up in Tamworth NSW before moving to Bathurst to complete her B.A Communications (Theatre/Media). Sophie has been actively involved in the Bathurst community and surrounds through touring and performing with her band Smith & Jones, running community choirs and workshops, event management and bookings such as The End Festival in Hill End and the Local Emerging Artists Program (as part of the Inland Sea of Sound Festival), running her own business teaching guitar and singing.

Emily Collins, MusicNSW Managing Director said:

“We are so excited to have these new team members to strengthen all things music in the regions. The regional music community has so much rich talent and deserves all the support that the big cities are exposed to. The regional music professionals selected to represent their communities will deliver on-the-ground support to provide regionallydriven professional development, grant support, and touring resources, culminating each year with five tours across regional NSW.”

John Graham, NSW Minister for Arts, Night Time Economy and Music, said: “MusicNSW has been leading nationally on regional music development, and the NSW Government is proud to fund these new roles. MusicNSW’s newly appointed regional team will help artists hit the road, build regional music networks and expand NSW’s profile as an ideal destination for regional touring.”

Dr Tracey Callinan, CEO, Regional Arts NSW, said:

“These new positions are crucial for the development of the music industry in regional NSW. We welcome MusicNSW's strategic approach to embed support to ensure that our regional musicians, venues and tech staff are able to thrive.”

Pictured: Sophie Jones

Photo by: Georgia Jane Griffiths

Local students given the advantage with first early entry offers for 2024 courses

Charles Sturt University is the first university to make large group offers for early entry to prospective students for 2024

More than 2,000 Year 12 students nationwide can take the next steps in career planning after being made an offer for early entry into a course at Charles Sturt University in 2024 under Round One of the Charles Sturt Advantage program.

Charles Sturt is the first Australian university to make early offers to large groups of prospective students through Charles Sturt Advantage (CSA).

One hundred and four Year 12 students from around Bathurst were among those to receive offers.

The CSA program is a pathway into university before Year 12 students take their final exams, securing their place to study in 2024.

The program preferences personal attributes such as communication, empathy, resilience and motivation, and takes into consideration a student’s academic aptitude, including Year 11 results, to determine their success as a student and in the workforce.

Charles Sturt Associate Director of Admissions Mr Peter Greening said the popularity of the early entry program is strong and provides Year 12 students with a sense of well-being as they go through an otherwise stressful final year of school.

“Students are encouraged to apply for early entry, to take away some of the pressure that inevitably comes with Year 12 and exams,” Mr Greening said.

“The Charles Sturt Advantage program gives students a clear understanding of what studying at Charles Sturt University is really like.”

Students in regional NSW led the way in securing their spot at Charles Sturt in 2023, with the highest number of offers made to students from schools in Bathurst, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga and Orange.

Most popular disciplines students have elected to pursue at Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie in 2024 under Round One include courses in nursing, education (K-12), and paramedicine.

University-wide popular courses include occupational therapy, nursing, education (K12), paramedicine, health and medical science, pharmacy, animal science, agriculture, criminal

Bathurst Writers Festival

Award winning radio announcer, author, and social media sensation set to feature at Bathurst Festival.

justice, psychology and laws.

For online students the most popular courses include criminal justice, nursing, psychology, and laws.

Applications were received from students from more than 1,000 schools from every state and territory.

Students will be invited to an upcoming Open Day to collect their merchandise pack and meet other participants. They will also have access to the student portal, can attend an event on campus and interact with current students and peers to determine if Charles Sturt is the right university for them.

In addition, Charles Sturt Advantage students enjoy early access to securing oncampus accommodation and applying for scholarships, including scholarships specific to the Charles Sturt Advantage program.

Mr Greening said that early access to Charles Sturt campuses, resources, current students and staff gave prospective students the edge on what a university education at Australia’s leading university for graduate employment could be like.

“Through exploring the University’s services and campus facilities, we hope this engagement will demonstrate to them that Charles Sturt is the right university for them.

“The Advantage program is a great way to secure a place at the University before final exams, ensuring students have a pathway into tertiary education.”

He noted the importance of Year 12 students continuing to strive to meet their Higher School Certificate (HSC) goals and that Charles Sturt Advantage was another successful pillar in their journey in pursuing their chosen career.

“Our data tells us that students coming to us via Charles Sturt Advantage are just as successful as those coming to us through UAC which is based on their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR),” he said.

Mr Greening said that Charles Sturt’s approach would continue to support students to perform at their best during their HSC.

“Charles Sturt continues to focus on the strengths of the CSA program.

“We understand that the HSC remains the primary focus of any student who gets a Charles Sturt Advantage offer. To this end, we support them through this time with HSC study days along with monthly study tips.”

Round Two applications are now open and close on Friday 30 June.

Past Charles Sturt University student and now multimedia force Tanya Hennessy is set to visit Bathurst for two events as part of the upcoming Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival.

With over 2.3 million social media followers, Tanya Hennessy’s success as a comedian, podcaster and author makes her appearance at the local festival a highlight of the weekend. Tanya will first appear at the Bathurst Library on Saturday 27 May 11am, to meet and greet children and families for a Q&A about her middle grade fiction series Stevie Louise.

Drum Roll Please…It’s Stevie Louise, the first book in her children’s series, is a hilarious, warm, and relatable story about 12-year-old entrepreneur Stevie Louise and her group of friends who are hard up for cash. Kids and adults alike can come and hear Tanya speak about her writing, inspirations, and her hilarious characters. Copies of the books will be available for purchase and signing on the day.

Tanya’s second event for the weekend will start at 3pm on Saturday 27 at City Hall in the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre. Am I Doing This Right? Tanya Hennessy on Multimedia Success will see local radio announcer Jac Underwood interview Tanya about her time as a student at Bathurst CSU, her success across multiple platforms and her writing for different audiences.

The Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ festival is an annual literary event presented by BMEC Local Stages Program in collaboration with Bathurst Library, Arts OutWest and Books Plus Bathurst.

To find out more about the Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival and to book for any of the events you can visit bmec.com.au or phone the Box Office on 6333 6161.

million for the upgrade of Glen Davis Road

√ $625,554 for playground equipment in Bathurst

√ $954,250 for construction of Bathurst Rail Museum

√ $650,000 for replacing footpaths in Bathurst

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

√ $205,000 for upgrades to Machattie Park

ALL ABOARD THE ZIG ZAG RAILWAY!

This weekend the Zig Zag Railway at Clarence officially opens again!

It’s been a long haul for the iconic Zig Zag after bushfires and many years of rebuilding.

I recently caught up with Zig Zag’s Acting CEO, Daniel Zolfel, who not only highlighted all the hard work that has gone into the exciting return of this much loved institution but also the exciting plans for the future.

As we announced during the last term of government, the Australian Government has contributed $1.65 million to the railway in the form of a Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant for a new multi-purpose function and community resilience centre including a museum and cafe.

Dan and his team have been busy! They’ve done an outstanding job and there’s much more to come!

Well done Dan and the team and welcome back Zig Zag!

Ithoughtthis year’s federal budget was a mixed bag for the Central West.

On the positive side, the budget is back in black for the first time in 15 years with a $4 billion surplus for this financial year. Unfortunately, we then go into deficit for the next four years.

There were some positives in there for costof-living relief, including the $500 energy rebates. That will help a lot of people, however I’m concerned that a lot of working families will not qualify for that assistance.

I was disappointed that there was no specific road funding for our area. While all of the existing funding programs have remained in place, which is positive, I was really looking for a big dollop of money to help our local councils clear their massive road repair backlog.

Whilst there was funding for the Bells Line of Road (to honour a $100 million commitment the government has made which is positive) there was no funding for Dixons Long Point, and no word on what is happening to the Great Western Highway.

There was $845 million for increased biosecurity measures but I don’t believe that farmers should have been slugged $153 million to help pay for it. Biosecurity is the

BUDGET WRAP UP VOLUNTEER WEEK 2023

responsibility of all Australians, and I don’t see why farmers have to carry the can on this for the rest of the country.

I thought the $3.5 billion to help GPs do more bulk billing for pensioners, concession card holders and those under 16 was a welcome initiative, although I remain concerned that the budget doesn’t do enough to help ease the country GP shortage.

The funding for flood warning infrastructure of $236 million over 10 years will be welcomed by the communities of our region, as will the $7.2 million over the next year to extend mental health services in communities affected by disasters. It’s really important to keep supporting our communities that are dealing with the devastating impacts of floods, fires and other disasters.

Similarly, I thought the $55.3 billion over four years for more childcare subsidies was good news, but I am concerned that there is not enough in the budget to increase the number of early childhood educators.

All in all, credit where it is due to the government on the positives, but there’s still a lot more work that needs to be done to turn around some of the negatives for country communities.

SUPPORT FOR HILL END NEEDED

In March of this year, the region of Hill End area was devastated by bushfire.

18,000 hectares of land was burnt, several homes were lost, livestock and native species tragically perished.

Farmers have lost feed, stock, and a huge amount of fencing. It’s going to take years to get them back on their feet.

The outlook for the winter is dry and this makes their situation particularly concerning. The community has been amazing in donating hay, and people like Pyramul farmer Penny Hundy and Geurie Lions Club member Anne Jones were incredible in coordinating donations and relief, but there is still a whole lot of work that needs to be done.

While this event has been declared a natural disaster and some assistance has been made available, the joint NSW and Federal Government $75,000

Special Disaster Grants have still not been activated.

I recently asked the Prime Minister about this in question time he said he hadn’t received a request from the last NSW Government to get the ball rolling.

While the previous NSW Government could have activated this support but basically forgot about Hill End in the leadup to the NSW election, the hurt and heartbreak in that district is still very real and continuing.

I have contacted the new NSW Premier and requested that these crucial grants be activated. With the weather only getting colder, my message to the NSW and Australian governments is: Get the support moving!

I recently gave a speech in Parliament calling for this support to be delivered. You can see it on my Facebook page.

Last week was National Volunteer Week, which recognises the vital support that the millions of volunteers in our country provide to their communities.

I recently caught up with Ian Bennett, Sally Wilds, and Nathan Mas-Stephens from from Lithgow (VRA) Rescue Squad where I got a real insight into their vital work. Volunteer Rescue Squad members are often first on the scene of major accidents and other rescues. When lives are in the balance, the VRA is there.

For example, in his forty-plus years as a volunteer, Ian has saved too many lives to count.

But we sure do ask a lot of the men and women who serve in the VRA across our region.

They regularly come across scenes of devastating heartbreak and tragic loss. Except perhaps for a line or two in a media report, the public rarely hears much about what they do. But they are out there, every day and night, serving with compassion and commitment.

We thank all the unsung volunteer heroes like those of the VRA who selflessly give up their time to help others and make our community, country and world a better place.

Last week we also celebrated Wear Orange Wednesday - a day to don bright orangecoloured clothes, and say a massive thank you to our dedicated SES volunteers!

Andrew with members from the Lithgow Volunteer Rescue Squad

The wonderful men and women of the State Emergency Service support our communities all year round, protecting lives and properties no matter the emergency. After an especially tough year, with many areas battered by severe rainfall and floods, we can’t thank you enough for stepping forward to give communities a hand.

It’s the true Aussie spirit and we couldn’t be prouder of you all.

Andrew with Zig Zag’s Acting CEO Daniel Zolfel

LITHGLOW 2023!

It was wonderful to visit this year’s LithGlow event!

Held at Lithgow’s famous Blast Furnace, LithGlow celebrates Lithgow’s industrial past with dazzling event that looks very much to the future with spectacular light shows, music markets and a big increase in tourism to the area.

Simon, Sam and the events team at Lithgow City Council have done outstanding work to bring this special event alive and bring the community together. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a triumph!

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY IN BATHURST

Congratulations and a very warm welcome to the 31 Aussies who became our newest citizens in Bathurst this week!

It was wonderful to see the group, from 14 nations across the globe, make their pledge to the green and gold at BMEC.

A big thank you to the amazing Bathurst Panorama Chorus for proudly leading us in singing the Australian anthem! It made the evening such a special occasion for all who attended.

I wish all our new citizens a lifetime of happiness and success!

A SUCCESSFUL LIFELINE BOOK FAIR!

The Lifeline Central West Mega Book Fair at Bathurst Showground last weekend was huge!

A whopping $58,000 was raised!

When I stopped by there were book lovers from all over the region stocking up on some great reads from a massive range of titles.

Lifeline Central West Chair Bill Miller and CEO Stephanie Robinson were very happy with the support when I caught up with them at the book fair! And the adorable Honey Crumpet looked pretty happy as well, she loves the camera!

Thank you to all who supported the Fair through books, purchases or volunteering. And above all, thank you to all the staff and volunteers at Lifeline CentralWest who unfailingly support our communities 24/7 in so many ways. We really appreciate everything you do!

BUSHFIRE RECOVERY IN RUNNING STREAM

It was a real honour to visit Running Stream recently for a community celebration and opening of the new playground at Running Stream Hall.

The Ilford-Running Stream communities were devastated by the Black Summer bushfires and the recovery process is ongoing.

With the help of a bushfire recovery grant, a host of worthwhile projects have been funded through almost $855,000 of funding including upgrades to the Runnjng Stream hall, a new playground and lots of others.

The plaques were unexpected and extremely touching.

Many businesses and community members have come together to bring these projects to life but a special shout out to project co-ordinators Denise Sim and Kellie Lilley, Claudia Wythes from Watershed Landcare who oversaw the application and helped deliver the projects with the community, and also my staff members who worked so hard to make sure our area got the support it needed.

Through the heartbreak and tragedy of Black Summer, this remarkable the community has united and achieved remarkable things. I will always be grateful for the friendships made during that traumatic time.

And I tried out the slippery dip and it’s a winner!

2023 CATHOLIC BALL

Congratulations to all the debutantes who who made their debuts at the 2023 Lithgow Catholic Ball last weekend!

And well done to their partners too, who brushed up very impressively and did a superb job!

RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR BATHURST AND LITHGOW

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

√ $181,818 for Bathurst’s War Memorial Carillon

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

√ $398,500 for crisis accommodation in Bathurst

√ $1.2 million for CCTV in Bathurst and Calare communities

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

√ $480,000 for Wallerawang Community & Sports Club

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

Our deb balls are a great country institution that brings friends, family and the community together to celebrate an import milestone in a young woman’s life.

It was a terrific night.

Long live our country deb balls!

√ 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

√ $54 million for the CSU Medical

Andrew with Claudia Wythes from Watershed Landcare and project cocoordinator Denise Sim

Andrew with Lifeline Central West Chair Bill Miller and CEO Stephanie Robinson

LITHGOW BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE EXPO

The Lithgow Business & Lifestyle Expo held on 6 & 7 May at The Foundations Portland was a great success despite the rain, sleet and winds on the Sunday. The Chamber estimated the number of visitors at around 3000 over the weekend, with Saturday being a busier day due to the warmer weather.

The original plan for the Expo was to attract local businesses to the Expo to showcase our region’s products and services to residents of the region. It was also to work as a collaborative networking exercise so that local businesses could support each other and avail of each other’s products and services. The brief for the Expo expanded however when the Chamber realised it had funds enough in the BLER budget to expand the reach of the Expo and conduct a Greater Sydney marketing campaign to attract visitors and potential new residents and small businesses to the region.

The need to attract new residents to live. Work. Play in the Lithgow LGA region has been a major theme that has been touted as a must for the region since it was announced that coal was being phased out over 10 years ago.

The live. Work. Play campaign conducted through Sydney metro trains, buses, Nine Now streaming Tv and Smooth FM radio did work and attracted a number of visitors from the Blue Mountains, Penrith, inner Western Sydney and Wollongong areas. A lady from Newtown said her friend from the local dog park had heard the Expo live. work. Play advertisement on Smooth FM and shared the information with her about the Expo.

Since the live. Work. Play campaign started on the 22 March, with the creation of the Escape to the high country website, the website has attracted 17,000 engagements on the site with 3,800 unique visitors meaning people are engaging with the site a number of times.

Steve Ring, BLER Director and Vice President said, “The Expo proved there are two things that are vitally important for our community.

1. We need events like the Expo to bring our businesses community together to network with each other and to promote their services and products to the Lithgow Seven Valleys community and to outside visitors.

2. Now that we’ve started the live. Work. Play campaign and the Escape to the high country website, we need to ensure that both the campaign and the website stay updated and relevant so that potential new residents can be up to date with what is happening in the region in terms of lifestyle, job opportunities and business opportunities. Both these initiatives require support from the business community and from government funders or sponsors to keep them going.” said Mr Ring

The Expo was the first large-scale drawcard to be held in the

new small businesses and new residents to the area.

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.

Lithgow Seven Valleys region to bring the local LGA business community together in the one spot and to attract

Pictured Above: Josh Udell from Zig Zag Brewery

Pictured Above: Darryl Macauley from Family First Bank

National Simultaneous Storytime

Lithgow City Council Libraries will be joining libraries all over the country for National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 24 May 2023.

Since its inception, the aim of National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) has been to promote the value and fun of books, reading, and community storytime activities, as well as the work of the featured author and illustrator.

Lithgow Library is excited to announce that this year’s featured book is “The Speedy Sloth” by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie. The Library encourages all children and

their parents to attend an exciting sloth themed storytime at your local branch. This will include storytelling, songs and craft.

Lithgow Library will hold NSS in conjunction with its regular Storytime activities on Wednesday 24 May from 10.30am. Portland and Wallerawang Libraries are holding special Storytime sessions at 11.00am. No bookings are required.

Lithgow Library service hopes to see you all there. Keep an eye out on the Lithgow City Council Library Facebook page for more information, alternatively you can contact the Lithgow Library on: (02) 6352 9100.

POSITION VACANT

People Culture Manager

An exciting opportunity for a seasoned HR professional to join LINC.

The role has responsibility for the end-to-end responsibility for IR & Legislation/Awards, WHS, Performance, Recruitment, Policy/Procedures, L&D and HR Admin.

This role provides operational support to all areas on more complex IR and HR matters.

A strong all-round generalist role.

A competitive salary commensurate with capability and experience, with access to salary packaging.

Closing date:

5.00pm Friday 2nd June 2023

Email application to: General Manager gm@linc.org.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.

Mayoral Message

It was sad news for the Council and the community last week with the announcement that Cr. Deanna Goodsell would be resigning her position as a councillor. Deanna has put her heart and soul into being a councillor and always took time to research matters big or small with the communities best interest at heart. On behalf of Council and the Councillors we wish Deanna all the best with her future endeavors.

The General Manager and I will be attending meetings of the Country Mayor’s Association and Central NSW Joint Organisation this week. These meetings are a great opportunity to network with likeminded Councils as well as lobby state and federal ministers with the networks and independently. These events are very beneficial to have Lithgow’s voice heard in the broader political arena bringing our cause to the fore when governments are making decisions affecting our region.

Scan here to report a problem or phone

6354 9999 - 24/7

Council is dedicated to working with our local business and industry. If you are a local business owner and would like to be kept informed of opportunities scan the QR Code to subscribe to our Monthly Lithgow Business and Tourism Matters eNewsletter.

Have your say

The Draft Operational Plan is a high-level plan that identifies the projects, community programs and services Council will be undertaking in the 2023/24 financial year.

The Draft Operational Plan and Fees & Charges will be on exhibition until Wednesday, 24 May

Anyone wishing to make a submission may do so: By completing the feedback form on council’s website www.ourplaceourfuture.lithgow.com/ipr/

• In writing quoting internal reference no. IPR22-26: Via email ipr@lithgow.nsw.gov.au

Lithgow City Council, PO Box 19, Lithgow 2790.

Expression of interest

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from the community for the acquisition and repurposing of the timber generated from the demolition of the three Glen Davis Road bridges. The three timber bridges, located at the Crown, Airly and Coco Creek crossings have been demolished and are being replaced with reinforced concrete structures, using funding from the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program. The timber generated from this demolition is currently being stockpiled.

To lodge your Expression of Interest, please complete the form available on Council’s website under https://council. lithgow.com/glen-davis-road-bridge-project/ This form provides further details on the process and the method of lodgment. Expressions of Interest will be received up until 5:00pm, Friday 2nd June 2023.

Council is committed to keeping the community informed. If you would like to be kept up to date scan the QR Code subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter, Council Connections.

What’s on at the Libraries

Baby Bounce:

Every Monday from 10:30am - 11:30am at Lithgow Library

Learning Centre

Story

Time:

Wallerawang Library every Tuesday at 10:30am - 11:30am

Portland Library every Tuesday at 10:30am - 11:30am

Lithgow Library Learning Centre every Wednesday at 10:30am - 11:30am

Learn a new skill:

Sewing Group at Wallerawang Library on every Wednesday from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Knitting Group at the Lithgow Library Learning Centre on every Thursday from 10:00am to 12:00pm

Reminder

4th Instalment of Council Rates due soon!

The 4th Instalment of Council rates are due for payment on 31 May 2023.

Lithgow City Council offers several options to make rates payments easier:

• Sign up to receive the Rates and Water notices electronically. Visit https://lithgow.enotices.com.au/ Make direct debit payments by either bank account or credit card. Visit https://council.lithgow.com/directdebits/ to register.

• Pay by one-off online payments. Visit https://council. lithgow.com/online-payments/ (have the account available to quote the reference number).

Contact the friendly Customer Service team at Council on 6354 9999 for payment over the phone or to discuss different options.

Council can also help with tailored payment arrangements if a person is experiencing difficulty paying rates or water accounts.

www.council.lithgow.com

JM Robson Aquatic Centre Community Engagement Survey

Lithgow City Council is committed to continuous improvement and organisational efficiency. The JM Robson Aquatic Centre is a key service which the Council objectively and regularly reviews to ensure the best possible service is provided.

“Lithgow City Council has engaged the services of a local consultant to deep dive into the operations of the Aquatic Centre,” said Lithgow City Council’s Mayor, Councillor Maree Statham. “Our objective is to develop a contemporary business plan for the facility, to ensure our centre is running to the best of its capabilities and to ensure we are providing high levels of service for the community and user groups to enjoy.”

The best people to help us to meet our service commitment objective are those who regularly use the facility. Council welcomes all ideas on where we could improve, considering both the services we already provide and those which we could provide in the future to make the facility the best it can be.

Lithgow City Council encourages those who use the facility to complete a short survey. Please use the link or scan the QR code below and complete the questionnaire to help the Council to achieve its goal of providing the best service possible at the J M Robson Aquatic Centre. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/

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Lithgow Council acknowledges Deanna Goodsell

Lithgow City Council councillor, Deanna Goodsell has resigned.

A Council spokesperson said, “The role of a councillor is very demanding. The workload in the current Council has been especially busy because of the increased focus on positioning the city for the future. Deanna Goodsell made a wonderful contribution as a councillor over a period of six years, strongly representing the community’s views and actively contributing to the positions taken by the Council on complex and challenging matters. We thank Deanna for this.”

The Council has previously taken a decision that in the event of a vacancy occurring amongst the councillors that this be filled by a countback from the results of the 2021 election. This will avoid the need for a by-election. The countback will be conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission.

Artist Mei Zhao, winner of the 2022 The Foundations Artist Residency Prize awarded to a National Art School Masters graduate, is running 2 workshops over the coming weekends to produce a collaborative community art work.

Mei Zhao, a Chinese-born and Sydney-based artist. She graduated from the National Art School last year with a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting. Her art practice explores multi-perspectives of Australian landscapes, focusing on Chinese market gardens in Sydney and regional NSW.

“What is your name? An insight into the migrant experience of becoming familiar with your name in another language.” is the title Mei has selected for the duo of workshops she will hold for the community and to express her gratitude to The Foundations for her residency. She is teaching the basics of monoprinting and text-art.

"The idea for this workshop comes from my trip to Riverina to research early Chinese market gardens and gardeners of 1850-1930, who lost identities during early settlement in the areas because language barriers. For example, from the local government records, Ah became the common first name of Chinese, such as Ah Xin, Ah Xiang, and Ah Hua. Xin, Xiang, and Hua, their first names, became their family names and their real surnames or family names were lost, " said Mei.

" I would like to use this opportunity to share these migrant experiences, including my own, through a fun art-making workshop. We will explore everyone’s new identity through a different language and then create a text-based drawing on paper. We will explore

different mark-making methods, including colour pencil and pen combined with monoprint techniques. The purpose of the monoprint and drawing is to create a text-artwork of your ‘new’ name in a beautiful but foreign base-image. In short: from the lost meaning process, we will focus on creating balanced imagery in a paper space, integrating monoprint marks and pencil/pen gestures." said Mei.

Participants will be asked to monoprint their name in English and then paint or draw their name in a different language over top.

The workshops will take place on Saturday May 27 and Saturday June 3, both from 11 – 1.30, in the Annexe.

The workshops will be free and participants will have an artwork of their own to take home and a work will also be created that will hang in The Annexe as part of the growing Squatters Residency collection.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Thanks all round

I hope that all mothers in our school community had a relaxing Mother’s Day and enjoyed their gifts from the Mother’s Day stall. Thanks to Kelly Evans and the team for organising this and also thanks to all the people who help with the breakfast club program, including the local CWA, parents and staff. And finally a bit thanks to all the students who attended the athletics carnival! It was a great opportunity to both compete and support the school community.

PRIMARY: Life Education

All students K-6 had a wonderful time catching up with Healthy Harold and Maree in the Life Education van. They learnt how to make positive and healthy choices as well as how to be a great friend. We are extremely grateful to Energy Australia, Mount Piper, for sponsoring the cost of every student to attend.

SECONDARY: Worplace Learning

Elsey Cavill-Low completed her work placement for VET Primary Industries and VET Animal Studies at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Elsey was lucky enough to work with elephants, giraffes, meerkats and peacocks, and learned fantastic animal handling and care skills.

A number of students currently completing workplace learning, and we would like to thank our local businesses for supporting our School to Work Program: Lush Hair Studio Portland, Coles Lithgow, Service Stream Maintenance & Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

ALL OF SCHOOL: Athletics Carnival

On Friday 5 May, students participated in the annual school Athletics Carnival. It was a beautiful day for a bit of friendly competition between the houses. It was great to see students have a go at all events. The day concluded with whole-school novelty events, with students getting the opportunity to cheer on their houses. The Athletics Carnival is a day focused on fun and participation, as well as house spirit, but also acts as a qualifying event for the district and Western carnivals.

A Fast Five with Flynny

Lithgow is set to become a mountain-bike mecca with the recent announcement of a $3.5 million grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund. I interviewed one of the driving forces behind this grant: Craig Flynn, (a.k.a Flynny- President of the Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club (CTMBC)) to find out a bit more.

The Lithgow local government area encompasses a land mass bigger than the Australian Capital Territory, offering locations that are not only diverse and challenging for riders, but stunningly beautiful. While the 25km of trail to be constructed at State Mine Gully under the grant will be new, mountain-biking has a long history in Lithgow. Like any decent trail, this history has had many twists and turns, as landowners, community expectations and the nature of riders and the sport itself changes. The CTMBC has been a part of this “ride” since 1984.

I got in touch with Flynny and asked him how his club had managed to attract this funding. He’s a busy guy between canyoning and riding and going to work –he says he’s happy to help. So here it is: a fast five with Flynny.

What are you and the club trying to achieve with the grant?

The club have a clear vision: sustainable mountain biking.,

Sustainability is one of those words you hear everywhere, but I’m never sure what is meant. Environmentally, economically, energy-use? As a bushwalker, and sometimes rider, I feel like I have seen plenty of mountain bike trails, but I don’t really know what a “sustainable” trail is? So my next question is:

Just what is sustainable mountain biking?

Sustainability begins on the trail with good design and maintenance. In the early days, mountain biking trails simply followed old animal or foot pads or even motorbike trails. It doesn’t take much to realise a trail built straight down a hill tends to erode. But besides that, trails that use the contours to weave down the hill are a lot more fun to ride so there was a natural tendency to create those sorts of trails. Most riders just want to ride, they don’t want to have to repair the trail every couple of weeks to keep it ridable.

As mountain biking matured, there was a fair bit of science put into how to create sustainable trails. Organisations such as the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) began to produce guides to sustainable trail building. A lot of it was common sense, as Tony Boon of IMBA states: It's only dirt, keep wheels on it and water off it and the trail will last.

Keeping the water off is the key. Creating run off zones, grade reversals and drains to prevent water laying on the trail or, worse, running down the trail is what will make the trail sustainable. Once you have that concept, then visualising how to position the trail to use the natural terrain to achieve that becomes a major part of the build process.

You also have to consider what happens to the water once it runs off the track. Having little rock gardens at the drain outlets to slow and dissipate the water as it re-enters the virgin bush and little things like if you are going to rake leaf litter off the trail, rake it to the downhill side, again it makes sense as it’s not just going to fall back down onto the trail but it’s also going to act to disperse the water runoff and prevent the outside of the trail from eroding. How effective this has approach has been, and if there are any successes, he and the CTMBC want to promote.

He remarks on the praise the CTMBC cross-country trail in Lidsdale State Forest received from riders at Australian Solo 24hr championships in December 2022.

The trails were constructed around ten years ago, when the Forestry Corporation of NSW (Forestry) announced they would be logging the pine forest that housed some of the club’s original trails. Forestry was very supportive of finding a new home for crosscountry racing in the Lidsdale State Forest (near Rydal). Building the trail to be sustainable was the club’s focus. The original work held up for around eight years with minimal maintenance, hosting several large races as well as weekly club races, until the prolonged wet of 2020-22. The club put in another big effort to make the trail even more sustainable. The result of all this work was the ability to host the championship.

Riders, who are aware of how much damage the wild wet spell of 2020-2022 had taken elsewhere, were impressed commenting the trail was the best it has ever been.

On the back of this success and the recent funding, I ask Flynny about his vision for mountain biking in the Lithgow region:

Lithgow once held a reputation as a bit of a mountain bike mecca. The trails were wild and diverse and challenging. But with the advent of purpose-built trails and promotion, it has lost its spot as one of the must visit areas. Racers still love coming here but they make up a tiny proportion of the riding community.

This could all change. The National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) Gardens of Stone N.P. had proposed a Management Plan

that included a 75 km network in the Gardens of Stone conservation area, aimed at families, weekend warriors and mountain bike tourists.

We are hoping to add to that with funding to create another 25km of trail that will connect the Gardens of Stone network down into Lithgow.

Lithgow City Council are still working their way through a mountain bike strategy for Hassans Walls recreation reserve which will hopefully cater for more advanced “Gravity” trails (riding that relies mostly on gravity to propel you downhill encompassing both endurance riding and free riding).

Combine those with our cross-country network at Rydal, the plethora of adventure/bikepacking/gravel riding options in our area as well as our proximity to Sydney, and Lithgow should become seen as the most diverse and engaging mountain bike destination in NSW.

Flynny’s vision and passion for his sport is clear, but there are always others with a different vision and I ask him, how he might respond to those who don’t share his vision

"People love mountain biking. The blanket bans some land managers tried in the eighties and nineties led to uncontrolled trail building. By working with mountain bike groups to provide sustainable networks that appeal to the diverse needs of riders, from beginner to advanced, land managers ensure they have eyes and influence on what is happening."

The CTMBC are clearly proud of the work they are doing, both for their sport, and for the health of the trails and the people that use them. Their focus on sustainability, combined with consultation and collaboration with other parties that own, use, and enjoy the natural environment of the Lithgow region has enabled them to not only attract funding, but also the peoplepower necessary to create, care and educate others about their sport.

If you would like to know more about the CTMBC, they have regular weekly rides at Rydal on Tuesday evenings, also host events you can go and watch. Their events can be found via Facebook: Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club, and the site also allows messaging, should you want to get in touch.

Story supplied by Tracie McMahon who is a writer for Lithgow Local Area News. More of her stories can be found at https://lithgowlocalnews.com/: a communications platform dedicated to strengthening community, healing Country, and restoring the health of our planet.

3 generous-sized bedrooms, walk-in & ensuite to main Well-equipped kitchen with walk-in pantry Cosmetic updates to both bathrooms Stunning Merbau deck Gas central heating and split-system heating and cooling

A SUMMARY OF BUSINESS FROM THE MAY COUNCIL MEETING

Exciting projects for Portland

Council was pleased to receive reports on two exciting projects for Portland that will improve the well-being of the community providing improved open space and recreational facilities, future housing, and preservation of heritage infrastructure. See more detail below:

Exhibition of The Foundations Portland – Draft Development Control Plan

Council has endorsed the exhibition of the Draft Development Control Plan for The Foundations, Portland for a period of 28 days.

The Foundations site is an industrial legacy site (being the former Portland Cement Works). Since taking control of the site in 2014, the owners of the site have been working to activate and plan for the repurposing and re-development of the site.

It was rezoned in April 2022 to a mix of employment, residential and recreational zoning and was designated as an Urban Release Area.

The owners engaged specialist consultants to prepare the Foundations Draft Development Control Plan (DCP) to guide the form of the development. The Draft DCP includes a Public Domain Masterplan and Conservation Management Plan.

The documents will be placed on public exhibition for a period of no less than 28 days with hardcopies of the plan available for viewing at the Council Administration Centre and Lithgow, Wallerawang, and Portland Libraries.

All submissions received will be considered and the outcomes reported back to Council following the end of the exhibition period. After considering any submissions, Council may:

• Approve the plan as exhibited.

• Approve the plan with amendments, or

• Decide not to proceed with the plan. Should Council decide not to proceed with the plan, Council must include their reasons in the required notice to be published on its website.

Community BBQ for Saville Park Council approved a development application from the Portland Touch Football Association for a Community BBQ with picnic table seating and shelter to be constructed at Saville Park adjoining the Clubhouse.

Saville Park is a popular spot for large community events including the Nick Way Memorial Cup and Portland Spring Fair. This facility will be of great benefit to both the Touch Football Association and the wider community.

Lithgow Community Private Hospital Update

The Council received a report about the Lithgow Community Private (LCP) Hospital detailing recent progress in its negotiations with the Local Health District on a long-term sustainable arrangement. LCP is offering the full range of specialist medical services and day surgery to the

community, however day surgery levels at LCP have not yet returned to pre-Covid levels. LCP commissioned its new lung function machine in May and the respiratory physician is very pleased with its operation and results. All patients using the service are bulk billed and can have consultation and diagnostic testing done in the same appointment.

Whilst this is a pleasing result, there are two matters which are still outstanding:

• Development of a service agreement, and,

• Funding to support recovery from the impacts of the responses to Covid.

The council is committed to ensuring the longterm future of LCP in the Lithgow community.

The Mayor wrote to the newly appointed Minister for Health in April 2023 requesting his support for early attention being given to these two matters by the new Government.

An invitation was also made for the Minister to visit the city to view the innovative model of specialist medical service delivery that LCP provides in a regional setting, and to hear about the health needs of the Lithgow community.

LCP have also confirmed that they are continuing to work with the new State Government to request financial support to assist with recovery from the impact of the Covid response.

Mayor calls for restoration of the Emergency Services Levy

Mayor Statham called upon the Council to make representations to the Treasurer, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Local Government, Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, IPART and the President of LGNSW regarding the NSW Government’s last-minute decision to impose an enormous Emergency Services Levy (ESL) cost increase on Councils for 2023/24 by scrapping the ESL subsidy.

“Cost shifting such as this places a significant burden on our community. The Government’s decision will lead to a reduction in important local services and/or the cancellation of necessary infrastructure projects”. Advised Mayor Statham

“The ESL is a cost imposed on Councils and insurance policy holders to fund the emergency services budget in NSW. The majority is paid as part of insurance premiums, with a further 11.7% funded by Councils and 14.6% by the NSW Government,” said Mayor Statham.

“As a consequence of the late announcement of a 73% increase in the State Emergency Service budget and an 18% increase in the Fire and Rescue NSW budget, Council’s 3.7% rate peg increase to provide essential community services and infrastructure has been significantly eroded”. Continued the Mayor.

For Lithgow Council, the minimum increase in the ESL for 2023/24 is around $200K. This

amounts to 35% of the expected rate peg increase for 2023/24. Since 2018/19 there has been a massive 65% increase in the ESL.

Local Government NSW has raised the serious concerns of the local government sector with the NSW Government and is seeking the support of Councils across NSW in amplifying this advocacy. The Council will be taking immediate action to support LGNSW and lobby for:

• Restoration of the ESL subsidy,

• The ESL to be decoupled from the rate peg to enable Councils to recover the full cost, and

• Development of a fairer, more transparent, and financially sustainable method of funding critically important emergency services. Furthermore, the council will also be writing to IPART advising of the financial sustainability impacts on the Emergency Services Levy.

MAJOR WORKS UPDATE

Sealing Program

The following roads are awaiting sealing, due to the time of year, sealing contractors are very busy and scheduling of sealing can be a bit longer than other times of year:

• Bathurst Street Lane

• Ridge Street, Portland

• Kimbri and Sandalls Drives, Rydal

• Hassans Walls Lookout

• Braceys Lookout

Grading works

• Crown Station Road- Due to start next week,

• Old Bindo Road, Hampton- clearing of vegetation from the road verge will begin this week along with the grading of the road.

• Hassans Walls Road-maintenance grading

• Sloggets Lane, Portland- maintenance grading

Sealed road works

• Baaners Lane, Hartley - works have commenced on road failures with the removal of some trees to allow drainage works to occur.

• Cranbrook Park Road- Remediation and grading is currently happening with the road to be sealed once grading has occurred.

• Kimbri and Sandalls Drive- grading works are complete. Awaiting sealing dates

Pothole patching

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

Note: All work is dependent upon weather conditions and contractor availability.

Greater Lithgow Arts Council recognises Jan

Kinney

Congratulations to Jan Kinney for the May 2023 nomination. Jan has been well admired for her beading work which she showed at the recent Lithgow Show. Jan’s beautiful colour work won her a prize. Jan does Diamond Dots of 850,000 beads, her art is outstanding!

Over the years, Jan has given her time and talent in many ways. Jan has accompanied many performances, being a very important contributor to the success of many High School productions. Fantastic outstanding work Jan!

RETIREES SOCIAL GROUP

Lithgow Probus Club meets twice a month, 3rd Wednesday 10 am at Lithgow Workmen's Club and 4th Thursday 12midday in various locations.

For more information phone Patsy on 6352 1948

Waste 2 Art Community Recycled Textiles Competition and Exhibition

Change of key dates and exciting new venue

The 2023 Lithgow Waste 2 Art competition and public exhibition has found an exciting venue to showcase our local creations at Lithgow Library and Learning Centre, 157 Main Street Lithgow, and will start a little earlier than previously stated with all welcome to a special opening event on Wednesday 31 May from 5.00pm -7.00pm.

The exhibition will be open to the public for free from Thursday 1 June to Saturday 8 July during regular Library opening hours from 9.00am – 6.00pm Monday – Friday and 9.00am – 12.00 noon Saturday.

There’s still time to enter the competition, but please hurry as entry forms must be submitted by 4.00pm on Tuesday 23 May, either by email, post or in person. Forms are available on Council’s website, or in person at Lithgow Library and Lithgow Council Customer Service Centre.

Once submissions have been approved, participating artworks need to be delivered to Lithgow Library between 9.00am – 6.00pm Friday 26 May, or 9.00am – 12.00 noon Saturday 27 May.

There will be prizes and certificates for the winners from each category and an opportunity for everyone to vote for the People’s Choice Awards. So be sure to tell your family and friends to see the exhibition and vote for their favourite entry, before the exhibition closes on Saturday 8 July.

The Waste 2 Art Community Art Exhibition and competition, sponsored by NetWaste and Lithgow City Council, is free to enter for all residents of the Lithgow Local Government Area to enter and gives aspiring and professional artists the chance to explore and share their waste reduction messages while showcasing their artistic ability.

The winning artworks from the local competition will be transported to the regional competition and exhibition in

Blayney, to represent Lithgow and compete for major prizes.

“The Waste 2 Art competition is unique to our region and is open to all ages to get involved in creating an artwork – and have fun producing creative and innovative ways to reuse, repurpose and upcycle materials that might otherwise end up in landfill,” said the Mayor Maree Statham.

“I am thrilled to be part of the 2023 Waste 2 Art competition judging panel and look forward to seeing all the wonderful local creations on display and open to the public to enjoy in our beautiful Lithgow Library and Learning Centre,” concluded the Mayor.

Mother's Day promo winner

Congratulations to Jodie our Mother’s Day Pamper Pack Giveaway winner.

Thank you to everyone who shopped locally this Mother’s Day your support is appreciated. As local businesses, we joined forces to bring you a diverse array of products, services, and experiences that reflect the unique character of our community. By choosing to support us, you have contributed to the vitality and growth of our local economy ongoing.

With thanks to The Flower Bar , Wildflower Co, Naturally by Nature, Twig , Pish Posh, Avery Cosmetics, The Blue Fox, Gang Gang Gallery

NSW REGIONAL SKILLED MIGRATION Business Information Session

For any businesses in the Blue Mountains region that are grappling with workforce shortages and the significant economic impacts as a result, this free event is your chance to learn about the importance of skilled migration to the region and how visa programs can help your business.

Hear from key officials from the Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) from the Department of Home Affairs, Migration Institute of Australia, Regional Development Australia Sydney, Blue Mountains City Council and RDA Central West.

Attendees can expect to engage in meaningful Q&A around the challenges and opportunities in Australia’s regional migration and industry support programs, and the NSW Regional Skilled Migration Program.

Wednesday 31st May 5pm - 7pm

Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, Katoomba

Free registration essential

Book launch: Friends: A Maxi and Friends Playful Adventure.

Here is the story of how these books came about:

“When lockdown restricted us moving about Not seeing our loved ones made us all pout. Good reasons to travel were quite flimsy, But Kay is an artist, so she painted a world full of whimsy.

In this new world, all her loved ones were close… But all of these paintings wouldn’t fit in the post!

So, Kay wrote a story, then made it a book, She asked Nina her thoughts… Could she have a look?

With lots of giggles, and quite a few rhymes, They had two books ready, in hardly any time. With materials and effort, There was a bit of cost… They decided to sell them So, their whimsy wouldn’t be lost. For those who are curious and just want a look, You can go to the library and borrow these books! For those who want more than just a peek, buy the books. Then they’re yours to keep.”

A new children’s picture book that uses rhyme and whimsy paintings to create characters that are lovable and unique. The story teaches an important lesson about the value of true friendship.

Lithgow artist Kay Booker launches her second children’s book, ‘Friends’, a collaboration with writer Nina Nyitrai, on Saturday May 27 at Lithgow Library.

Kay’s first children’s picture book ‘Music is Fun’ was created during Covid lockdowns as a way of staying connected to her grandchildren living in Japan.

Nina Nyitrai has joined her for this second book, weaving the text into rhyme. Kay’s whimsical illustrations

in watercolour tell the story of Maxi the elephant introducing his friends, no matter if they are chubby, tall, slim or small, friends are true and there for you. The books are aimed at an early childhood audience.

‘Friends’ written by Kay Booker and Nina Nyitrai and illustrated by Kay Booker will be launched a 10am to 1pm on Saturday 27 May at Lithgow Library and Learning Centre. RSVP to Lithgow Library on 6353 9100.

Copies of the book can be purchased on the day for $25 through Amazon for $22.50.

I’ve been hanging around police stations recently. In particular the cells. My mate Mick, the sage of Wiseman’s Creek, says my past has finally caught up with me, but in fact my interest has been piqued while travelling around NSW and noticing the similarity in the architecture between many of the cell blocks attached to 19th century country town police stations.

Koorawatha police station and Blayney court house for example, both still in use, and closer to home the former Kelso station next to the 7 Eleven, and the former Milltown station at 8 Piper Street. From the outside you can see at the side a curved protruding section of masonry in each of them. The old Bathurst police station in Durham Street was the same, but it was demolished in the 1990’s so that we could eat more chicken and less porridge … pity really as the creative possibilities could have been much greater.

Milltown police station (pictured) and cells is a wonderful example of adaptive re-use, as a B&B (BTW so is O’Connell police station). Beautifully restored with all the heritage features treasured down to the minutest detail

Leo, Roving Reporter

including the poignant message etched by hand into a glass window, visitors staying there just love it.

But what was the “hutch” or niche used for? Well, turns out, it was the prisoners dunny. In some stations like Milltown it is a single, and in others like Kelso it is a double.

And why the similarity between all these police station cells? They were all built under the orders and to the design of that great colonial government architect, James Barnet. In fact he was responsible for designing 155 police stations including our Milltown, and 110 lockups. He also did Bathurst Gaol and our courthouse. James had a bit of a law and order fetish.

Thought of the week

“police station cells have always been bed and breakfast, but these days some at least can be worth staying in” by a humble heritage advocate May 2023 - column # 276

Report from: The Cinema Story filed: The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3

Hi there folks, Leo here. Recently I went to the movies to see the new Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 movie and it blew away my expectations. My expectations were already pretty high as I've seen the first movie (unfortunately I haven't seen the second movie but I've heard it was just as good as #1 and it's on my 'to watch' list) and I really liked the first movie.

I also really like the Guardians of the Galaxy as characters, they're my favorite Marvel characters and franchise. I don't want to say much about the plot or anything as I don't want to give away any spoilers to anyone. I will say that it's a must watch for anyone, fan or not. It's a good mix of funny and sad. It had me laughing and not crying, but emotional.

The music choice is great, all the songs in the movie fit incredibly well with the imaginary world and storyline. Out of all the three Guardians of the Galaxy movies I think this one is my favourite. As the series progressed, the movies gradually got even better until, wham! They hit you with this. So, if you're in town and maybe thinking of going to the movies I highly recommend this one. Until next time.

Leo Roving Reporter

OBERON TIGERS JOIN ORANGE UNITED IN FOURTH PLACE

Story by John Fitzgerald

After five rounds of the Woodbridge Cup only two clubs remain undefeated, Condobolin Rams and last year’s premiers Manildra Rhinos.

The highest-placed Midwest clubs are Oberon Tigers and Orange United among four clubs in equal fourth on 6 points, behind Canowindra in outright third spot.

Oberon moved up the ladder with their 56-10 win over last-placed Molong, and sit alongside the Orange side after their loss on the weekend to the Rhinos 30-16.

CSU, in rebuilding mode, were beaten 80-22 in the round-5 game by Condobolin, one of the early premiership favourites, and sit in ninth position on the ladder.

This week, in round 6, will be the first time in five weeks that all Midwest clubs have home games after playing away to other teams for more than a month.

Oberon will host premiership contender Canowindra on Saturday, CSU will play Molong at Bathurst on Sunday, and Orange will be at home to Condobolin.

In leaguetag CSU Mungals held previously-unbeaten ladder-topping Condobolin to a meritorious 20-20 draw allowing Orange United to maintain third place despite their 40-6 loss to Manildra.

Oberon succumbed to Molong’s home-ground advantage, beaten 444, and remain on 2 competition points.

This week’s round-6 match-up between second and third placed sides Condobolin and Orange United at Orange’s home ground, will be the highlight game of the weekend.

CSU have the opportunity to move closer to the top couple of teams if they win their home game against Molong who are only one point ahead of the Mungals.

Below: Orange United  v Eugowra Leaguetag photo courtesy Emma Tadros Photography.

Above: Orange United v Eugowra first grade photo courtesy Dark Horse Photography

Cash points (1,1,2)

Tripe, liver, etc

Angry

Nautical greeting

Parched

Company’s twelvemonthly forum (1,1,1)

Pose (question)

Preceding day

Carried out

Bereavements

More sacred

Loch ... Monster

Unhouse

Pale furniture wood

Early anaesthetic

Arabian land

Lodge deeply

Hilltop spine 187. Mother sheep

Xmas period