Central West Village Voice - Issue 057

Immerse Yourself in Daffodil Delight at Rydal!

Step into the world of Daffodils at Rydal, a celebration of nature's golden beauties nestled in the heart of Rydal, NSW. This charming village draws its name from Rydal, England, once the cherished abode of William Wordsworth, the esteemed Poet Laureate who penned the renowned verses dedicated to these dainty blooms.

note that while Eftpos can be used for ticket purchases, some stalls and vendors might require cash transactions.

Indulge in Gastronomic Delights

Throughout the day, savor a delectable array of treats including tea, coffee, cakes, and slices. As you explore Rydal's offerings, take advantage of various picnic spots both within the village and the expansive country gardens.

Exploration Made Easy

Explore a Symphony of Sights and Sounds

Embrace the allure of thousands of daffodils as they grace Rydal's landscapes. With an entry ticket priced at $10, you'll gain access to a harmonious ensemble of experiences. The enchantment extends to gardens, music, heritage buildings, a sculpture exhibition, and an art show. Families are invited to bring their young ones, as children under 16 enjoy free admission.

Your Journey Begins

Obtain your entry tickets and programs conveniently at the Rydal Showground, where Eftpos facilities are available. Kindly

Ample free parking awaits you at the Rydal Showground, your gateway to the festival. For seamless exploration, a complimentary hop-on, hop-off bus service ferries ticket holders to the village gardens. Beyond the village confines, expansive country gardens also invite you to wander.

A Cause to Celebrate

Daffodils at Rydal isn't just a festival—it's a force for good. By participating, you're supporting charitable endeavors within the Lithgow district.

For further details about Rydal and the festival, visit our website: www.rydal.com.au

NSW residents face hefty fines for careless burning practices

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging landholders and property managers in the Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon Local Government Areas to exercise caution and adhere to rules when conducting burns on their properties.

Since August 1, firefighters across the state have attended more than 600 fires caused by escaped burns.

Operational Officer Scott Hoy said while landholders are encouraged to proactively reduce fuel loads on their property, the primary concern should always be safety.

“Every landholder has a responsibility to prevent fire from spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences for people who light fires and leave them unattended Operational Officer Scott Hoy said.

“Heavy fines apply for the unsafe use of fire or if a fire escapes - landholders who fail to notify firefighters and neighbours face fines of up to $5,500 and/or 12 months jail while escaped fires attract penalties of up to $110,000 and/or five years prison and even more on days of Total Fire Ban.

“History has shown that problems occur when people do not adequately supervise fires and an escaped hazard reduction can be very difficult for firefighters to contain.”

“You may have been using fire on your property for years, but it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re using fire safely.

“Fire permits are needed during the Bush Fire Danger Period, which starts in the Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon Local Government Area on October 1. They’re free and easy to get from your local Fire Control Centre or FRNSW fire station.

“If you’re burning, check conditions and don’t light up unless it’s safe.

Operational Officer Scott Hoy said heavy fines apply for the unsafe use of fire or if your fire escapes your property.

“Residents must take current conditions and weather forecasts into consideration before starting a burn,” Operational Officer Scott Hoy said.

“There are also alternatives to burning, including hand clearing, mowing, or slashing areas around key assets on the property.”

You must notify your neighbours and local fire authority 24 hours before lighting up. You can notify the RFS at www.rfs.nsw. gov.au/fire-information/BFDP/burn-notifications.

RFS members can provide advice about fire permits, hazard reduction certificates, environmental approvals, weather forecasts and how best to prepare and conduct a burn. You can also find more information on the NSW RFS website at www. rfs.nsw.gov.au/safeburning.

"Fluttering and dancing in the breeze, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils..."

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.

Protecting Oberon community from wind tower companies Legal and Financial Workshop to be held for local residents

The Oberon Against Wind Towers (OAWT) community group is hosting a Legal and Financial Workshop for local landholders and homeowners who wish to protect their property and financial future from wind tower companies.

The President of OAWT, Robert Snoch, says the workshop will help the Oberon community gain a better understanding of the financial, legal and social implications of dealing with the wind tower company appointed by Forestry Corporation.

Speaking at the conference will be Mr Brian Mockler, who is a solicitor and farmer from Mendooran in NSW.

“Brian is currently advising many rural landowners in their negotiations with renewable energy companies,” Mr Snoch said.

“He spoke at our initial community meeting in Oberon during which he presented a brief outline of some of the matters property owners need to understand when assessing wind tower contracts.

“This Workshop will enable Brian to expand on these issues, including telling us more about the promotional tactics that are used to persuade landowners to sign access and lease agreements.

Details of the conference are as follows:

Legal and Financial Workshop – Renewable Energy

Thursday, 7 September 2023, 6.00pm Private Room, Oberon RSL

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

“He will also explain the binding obligations and property use restrictions that are usually contained in the legal documentation put forward by wind tower companies.”

Mr Snoch said the fact that over 500 residents from Oberon and surrounding regions attended the initial community meeting hosted by OAWT shows the level of concern and anxiety that surround Forestry Corporation’s wind tower plans.

“We are well aware from our initial community meeting that local residents are concerned about how wind towers will affect the value of their property,” he said.

“It is also fair to say that many local residents are anxious about how their way of life will change should we just allow Forestry Corporation and their appointed renewable energy company to waltz into our community and blow up our lives with hundreds of giant wind towers.

“This Workshop will help arm local landholders and homeowners with the information necessary to reject any land access proposals that are presented from this point onwards.”

RSVP: Simply text your name to 0420 602 306 - please also indicate in the text how many members of your family will be attending.

On being a father

By Rich Evans

Of all the things I do in this world, professionally and personally there is one role that defines me more than most - father.

It is an identity that I never knew I wanted, but one that I treasure every day. Many of you in our community know me well after the last 10 years of running this publication, and I would assume that it comes as no surprise that I am a family man who adores his children.

As my kids are growing up, every new stage of their lives presents different challenges, and as all of us know, there is no handbook to parenting. I just try to do the best I can at each step, sometimes it’s enough, sometimes I know I have come up woefully short.

It’s no secret I work a lot, and that is probably the thing that I struggle with the most, do I spend enough time with them.

I console myself with the fact that when I do spend time with them, I am present, and engaging in the things that they love the most. Thankfully those things are things I enjoyed in my childhood too. I must admit I have a feeling of parenting

done right when my 12 year old wants to watch a Star Wars marathon.

Being a father is a privilege I don’t take for granted. My parenting style is to 100% support them in what they do, believe in them, and help them learn how to be decent human beings.

They will be their own people, but hopefully they will learn some of those key lessons about community, justice and the pursuit of wisdom by me living my life in alignment to these values.

The most important one however is to hopefully let them see how much I love their mother and the value of life long relationships.

I know my experience of fatherhood is not the same as everyones. There are many different ways to be a father, so however it works for you and your family you,

Happy Fathers Day.

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.

Community information sessions on proposed special rate variation

Council will host a series of information sessions for the community to discuss and learn more about the proposed special rate variation.

General Manager David Sherley said the information sessions will be held at various locations and times to enable the community to attend.

“If you have any questions regarding the process or would like to provide feedback, I encourage you to register,” he said.

Monday 18 September

2pm – Panorama Room, Panthers Bathurst

6.30pm - Panorama Room, Panthers Bathurst - Business community

Tuesday 19 September

2024 APPRENTICESHIP JOB OPPORTUNITIES MOUNT PIPER POWER STATION

A copy of the presentation on the SRV options will be available on YourSay Bathurst for those unable to attend in person. To register or for more information visit YourSay Bathurst.

EPA to undertake water testing around the Turon River

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will conduct water sampling in the Turon River and its tributaries in the State’s Central Tablelands to provide the community with information about the water quality in the area.

This follows claims that pollutants may have spread from the old Sunny Corner mine into the surrounding waterways.

Testing will take place in the coming weeks at recreational spots near Daylight Creek and Turon River.

The Department of Regional NSW has invested over $1.2 million on remediation work at Sunny Corner Mine which included earthworks aimed at reducing the generation of acid mine drainage that discharges from the underground workings.

Rehabilitation requirements for mines that have ceased operating are generally set out in the planning approval, and monitoring of rehabilitation is primarily overseen by the Resources Regulator, within the Department of Regional NSW.

The EPA will be working with the Department of Regional NSW to conduct sampling of the

We are seeking applications for Mechanical Fitting and Electrical Apprentices to commence 4 year Apprenticeships in December 2023 at Mt. Piper Power Station, Portland NSW. We encourage people from all backgrounds and ages to join us. For Health & Safety reasons Applicants must reside within approximately 1 hour travel to Mt Piper.

For Further Information and To Apply www.EnergyAustralia.com.au/aboutus/careers/careers-energyaustralia

Applications close 11th September 2023

waterways to increase understanding of the water quality to inform any further remediation works that need to occur.

Sunny

Corner, located on Crown Land, was first mined in the mid-1800s and was abandoned in 1967.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Application to Modify Development Consent Airly Coal Mine SSD – 5581 (MOD 5)

Centennial Airly Limited (Airly) has made an application to modify Development Consents SSD – 5581, under Section 4.55(1A) of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979. Under Part 3, Division 1, Section 23 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation 2021, Airly notify that the applications to modify the development consent has been made.

Project Description: Airly is seeking to modify development consent

SSD_5581 (MOD 5) to allow for:

• Increase in employees by 35 personnel, an increase from the currently approved 155 to 190;

• An administrative change to the rehabilitation management and reporting requirements wording associated with Condition 27, Schedule 4(i)(x), and Condition 7, Schedule 3 to align with the recent updates regulatory requirements that commenced as part of the Rehabilitation Reforms under the Mining Act; and

• A new condition requiring a Rehabilitation Strategy that is generally consistent with the Environmental Impact Statement and Modification Reports supporting SSD 5581.

The proposed modification is a minor change to operations, would be of minimal environmental impact, would be substantially the same development as the development for which the consent was originally granted and can be modified under Section 4.55(1A) of the EP&A Act.

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

WELDING CHAMPION TAKES GOLD MEDAL

Bathurst’s Harrison Field has walked away with the top award at the World Skills Australian Championships 2023.

The local 20-year-old has won World Skills 2023 Champion Welder.

Harrison completed a TAFE course in fabrication and his talent was recognised his teacher and employer A OK metal fabrication who encouraged him to compete in the skills-based competition.

home the championship title and gold medal.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole met Harrison and his employers to congratulate him on his achievement.

“This is no means feat, Harrison now holds the title of the best welder in Australia,” Mr Toole said.

“It is great to see highly talented and highly skilled tradesmen and women coming out of our very own backyard.”

facebook.com/thevillagevoicecentralwest

FIRE SEASON

After winning the regional competition that was held in Orange, Harrison travelled to Melbourne to compete in a 15-hour welding challenge where he had to make a functioning pressure vessel that required many different welding techniques to complete. The vessel was stress tested and all welds investigated, ultimately Harrison beat 13 other regional winners from across Australia to take

On September 1 much of the state will be entering the Bush Fire Danger Period ahead of the official date of the 1st October.

Once a Bushfire Danger Period commences landholders in these LGAs need to apply for a permit to burn off and notify their neighbours and local fire authorities 24 hours before lighting up. Free permits are available by contacting your local Fire Control Centre.

Since August 1, firefighters across the state have attended more than 600 fires caused by escaped burns. The RFS is urging landholders to exercise caution and adhere to rules when conducting burns on their properties prior to the Bush Fire Danger Period coming into effect.

Heavy fines apply for the unsafe use of fire or if a fire escapes - landholders who fail to notify firefighters and neighbours face fines of up to $5,500 and/or 12 months jail while escaped fires attract penalties of up to $110,000 and/or five years prison and even more on days of Total Fire Ban.

Up next for Harrison will be a trip to France in the new year to take on the best of the best from across the world.

“I got into welding just because I liked making things, and then when I heard about the competition I thought I would give it a shot.” Mr Field said.

“I never thought it would lead to this and I’m just really excited that something I just love doing has led to this opportunity.”

TOOLE TIME

Some good news before this potentially dangerous bushfire season is that more than 200 digital fire warning signs are being rolled out to upgrade the current signs which RFS volunteers manually change daily.

The signs, which are powered by solar panels, are automatically updated each day in line with fire danger ratings on the RFS website. The ratings are informed by data

from the Bureau of Meteorology. The signs use the revised Australian Fire Danger Rating System, which includes four categories for fire danger: Moderate (green), High (yellow), Extreme (orange) and Catastrophic (red), with simple actions for the community to take at each level. On days when there is minimal risk, ‘no rating’ is used.

Get ready to get your STEAM on this November at The Foundations

The inaugural STEAMworks STEAM Fair provides a platform for leading contemporary thinkers from the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths and Medicine (STEAM) to connect and collaborate with the local community of the Central West region. The STEAM Fair will be a multi-day, interactive showcase of exhibitions, performances, tours, presentations, as well as career and training opportunities, and is aimed at engaging audiences of all ages with an interest in STEAM subjects and a desire to build new connections, knowledge and skills.

In 2022, The Foundations launched STEAMworks, a not-for-profit community education hub, created to inspire and

upskill young people in the Lithgow and Central West region with a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths and Medicine. Events run by STEAMworks have included Indigenous Astronomy Night, Bee Hotel Workshops, Ecology Picnic, Science shows, Coding and Robotics Workshops.

The STEAM Fair will be held in November 2023 at the spectacular, re-articulated, historic site of The Foundations, Portland, NSW. Delivered in partnership with local community groups, businesses, producers, Scientists, Artists, First Nations representatives, Universities and educational providers, the STEAM Fair will be a unique fusion of ideas, innovation and fun.

A STEAM extravaganza extending over three days, the STEAM Fair program will offer a variety of workshops, talks, tours, art installations and performances, suitable for all ages and levels of interest. Local employers and educational institutions will be invited to exhibit at the EXPO providing opportunities for job seekers and people wanting to upskill. The proposed program of events is in design phase and STEAMworks welcomes expressions of interest from interested parties.

The STEAM Fair is being supported by RDA Central West, Australian Government through Black Summer Bushfire Resilience Funding and The Foundations.

POTENTIAL SPECIAL RATE VARIATION

Council at the meeting on 16 August voted to start a conversation with the community about a potential special rate variation.

Community consultation began on Wednesday 23 August 2023 with information available on: yoursay.bathurst. nsw.gov.au/srv

A series of community information sessions will also be held, with dates and locations to be advertised soon.

VILLAGE MEETINGS

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

• Sofala, Sofala Community Hall – 7 September 2023 at 6.00pm

• Eglinton, War Memorial Hall – 14 September 2023 at 6.00pm

• Yetholme, Community Hall – 25 September 2023 at 6.00pm

• Raglan, Community Hall – 19 October 2023 at 6.00pm

• Peel, Peel Schoolhouse – 30 October 2023 at 6.00pm

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

TENDER

Tender.

NAMING OF ROADS ACT 1993

Notice is hereby given that Bathurst Regional Council, in pursuance of Section 162 of the abovementioned Act, proposes to name the roads shown hereunder:

PROPOSED NAME Bunyan Drive, Emmett Drive, Foskett Drive, and Tanner Drive LOCATION: The new roads created by the subdivision of Lot 401, DP 1285473 (off Graham Drive, Kelso).

PROPOSED NAME

Doyle Street, Gregory Street, Parry Street and Wilton Drive

LOCATION: The new roads created by the subdivision of Lot 116, DP 1273373 (off Lawrence Drive, Kelso).

The proposed road names are on exhibition from Monday 28 August 2023 to Monday 25 September 2023. For more information and to lodge a submission please visit Council’s YourSay website https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/ roadnaming.

Authorised by resolution of the Council on 16 August 2023.

Super

Spring Book Sale will support Indigenous Literacy Day

Bathurst Library will donate the proceeds from its September book sale to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation in support of Indigenous Literacy Day.

Held on Wednesday 6 September 2023, Indigenous Literacy Day is an annual national day of advocacy where schools and organisations are encourage to acknowledge, explore and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, languages and cultures.

To mark this day, Bathurst Library will be streaming a series of First Nations stories read by well-known storytellers after its regular children’s programs on Tuesday 5th of September, and Wednesday 6th September from 11am.

In addition, the proceeds from the library’s monthly book sale in September will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) under its Great Book Swap program. The ILF supports sustainable positive change in Indigenous literacy through the supply of books to many of the remote communities in Australia that do not have access to libraries and bookstores.

“We’re conducing a big spring clean and filling the booksale with lots of books and DVDs covering a wide range of subjects,” said Library Manager Patou Clerc. “It’s a great opportunity to pick up some preloved books while supporting literacy in remote Australian communities.”

The September book sale will run from 1 – 3 of September during library opening hours. The community is invited to come and check out the selection of books for sale, with prices starting at 50 cents. For more information, call the library on 6333 6281.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

DURHAM STREET NIGHTWORKS

Council advises that Durham Street between Stewart Street and Peel Street, and Patna Street to Macquarie Street will be partially closed from Sunday 3 September 2023 to Friday 8 September 2023 for nightworks, from 6pm to 6am. This closure is for patching (weather permitting).

HOWICK STREET NIGHTWORKS

Howick St will be closed between William St and George St on Monday 28 August 2023 to Thursday 31 August 2023 for nightworks, from 6pm to 6am (weather permitting)

MOUNT PANORAMA

Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit will be closed to traffic on Sunday 10 September 2023, between the hours of 7am and 6pm, to allow the Bathurst Light Car Club to conduct an Esses Hillclimb.

Temporary road closures will be in place from the high side of Bathurst Goldfields’ gates on Conrod Straight up to and including McPhillamy Park gates on Skyline. Alternate access to McPhillamy Park will be via Barry Gurdon Drive.

All enquiries regarding the Event should be directed to the Bathurst Light Car Club’s Clerk of the Course, Mr David Robinson, on 0418 652 419.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION NO 2023/262

LOT 4, LOT 5 & LOT 6 DP38448 93, 95 & 97 DURHAM STREET, BATHURST “DEMOLITION OF EXISTING DWELLING (93 DURHAM STREET), CONSTRUCTION OF 8 SERVICED APARTMENTS, CARPORT AND 3 LOT SUBDIVISION”

Exhibition Period: 28 August 2023 to 11 September 2023

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

Image: STEAMWorks Ecology Picnic in 2022

Experience the exhilarating energy of the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Young Symphonists in Concert

Village Meetings

You are invited to attend and meet with Councillors and 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:

• Sofala, Sofala Community Hall

7 September at 6.00pm

• Eglinton, War Memorial Hall

14 September at 6.00pm

• Yetholme, Community Hall

25 September at 6.00pm

• Raglan, Community Hall

19 October at 6.00pm

• Peel, Peel Schoolhouse

30 October at 6.00pm

For enquiries, please phone 6333 6111.

The Australian Youth Orchestra’s Young Symphonists will showcase their vivacious energy and incredible skill in a must-see performance at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre on Saturday 30 September at 7.30pm.

Lead by Simon Hewett, the orchestra is made up of 60 musicians between the ages of 13 and 18, who play with musical sensitivity beyond their years. The program will open with Queensland-based composer Sam Dickenson’s Across the Years, followed by Britten’s beloved Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. This work uses a sweeping theme by Purcell to showcase the different corners of the orchestra, giving every instrument a chance to shine.

The concert will culminate with Rachmaninov’s Symphony No.2. Rachmaninov’s ability to craft beautiful, heart-wrenching melodies is on full display in this symphony. The work unfolds over the course of an hour with cascading waves of rich orchestral colour.

AYO Young Symphonists is many musicians’ first step onto the

AYO pathway. The intensive week-long program provides musicians with the opportunity to ignite their musical imagination and perform exhilarating works for a live audience.

Tickets for this concert are free, however bookings will incur an associated booking fee from BMEC. https://www.bmec.com.au/ whats-on/ayo-young-symphonists-in-concert/

Follow on social media for more information @ AustralianYouthOrchestra on Instagram and Facebook.

Event details:

AYO Young Symphonists in Concert

Saturday 30 September 7:30PM

Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre

105 William Street, Bathurst, NSW

QBE Foundation opens applications for $360,000 in local grants

The QBE Foundation has today opened applications for its annual local grants program, offering charities and community organisations working in both climate resilience and inclusion, the opportunity to receive up to $40,000 in grants.

Nine grants of $40,000 each will be provided to high impact community initiatives operating in Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific for a total of $360,000 in support for community organisations.

Jon Fox, QBE Foundation Co-Chair, said the grants are a key way for QBE to supports charities who are working to make a difference in areas of need.

“At QBE, addressing climate resilience and inclusion are integral to our purpose of enabling a more resilient future, so being able to support community organisations that align with our core values is tremendous.

“We’ve seen great positive impacts from past grant recipients and look forward to contributing towards further change through this year’s program.”

ActionAid, a global women’s rights organisation and one of nine recipients of last year’s grants, have been supporting women in Vanuatu to learn about the impacts of climate change, strengthen their leadership in climate change decision-making and build long-term solutions for their communities.

In partnership with the Women I TokTok Tugeta (WITTT) network, ActionAid held a two day training workshop for 17 women leaders from the WITTT network to share traditional knowledge and gain new scientific knowledge on climate change, and build skills to develop inclusive, community-led adaptation

Father’s Day at the National Motor Racing Museum

Sunday 3 September sees the return of the very popular Father’s Day event at the National Motor Racing Museum. There will be free entry for all Dads on the day, as well as the chance to take a lap of Mount Panorama in one of our awesome replica race cars. This year will feature the Cortina, Mini Cooper S, Falcon GT, Monaro GTS or the Pepsi Falcon Supercar, and every lap booked for Father’s Day goes into the draw for some awesome prizes, including a grid walk at the Bathurst 1000, thanks to Supercars.

Call the museum on 6332 1872 to book your lap.

and preparedness plans.

“One of the goals of this workshop was to bring together women from the islands of Malo and Malekula,” said Michelle Higelin, CEO of ActionAid Australia, “to share knowledge on climate change and create roadmaps for implementing disaster preparedness plans in their communities, and replicate the training with more women in the community.”

“In six months, we aim to equip 500 diverse women across all localities with tools and skills to help make their communities more resilient during climate emergencies. They will be able to manage their community preparedness plans to ensure food stocks, clean water, personal documentation storage and timely relocation to evacuation centres in the event of an emergency, which wouldn’t have been possible without this grant,” said Ms. Higelin.

For eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit the QBE Foundation website: https://www.qbe.com/au/about/sponsorshipcommunity/the-qbe-foundation/local-grants

QBE is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and headquartered in Sydney. We employ more than 12,000 people in 27 countries. QBE is a general insurance and reinsurance company. Across our operations we offer commercial, personal and specialty products and risk management solutions to our customers. Our purpose is to enable a more resilient future.

Applications will be accepted from 29 August to 29 September (9am AEST), with the recipients to be announced late this year, subject to change.

Image Credited: AYO https://ayo.com.au/

Get ready to celebrate the best of Australian drawing as the Dobell Drawing Prize #23

This Friday, 1 September 2023, BRAG is hosting a night of live art, music, drinks, and canapés to open the Dobell Drawing Prize #23 + Laura Baker's Corrugated Town. On the night, observe a modern-day master. Luke Thurgate, recreating his Dobell Drawing Prize #23 finalist work, I believe in you, 2023, in the gallery. This is a free community event, all welcome.

Open to the public from 2 September5 November 2023, the program includes a selection of curated events, tours and drawing masterclasses designed for all age groups. Educational visits are available for all schools.

The Dobell Drawing Prize is Australia's leading prize for drawing, an unparalleled celebration of technique, innovation, and expanded approaches to drawing by acclaimed and emerging practitioners.

The Dobell Drawing Prize #23 touring exhibition showcases over 45 finalist artworks that respond to the Prize's fundamental question: what is drawing?The answers are compelling, challenging, and exhilarating, in an astonishing array of mediums and materials, from traditional pencil and graphite on paper to sculptural forms built with tea bags and bamboo. The exhibition is a vital tribute to the human ingenuity and imagination that arises from the simple act of making a mark and represents a singular gauge for the breadth and dynamism of current drawing practices in Australia.

Laura Baker's Corrugated Town also opens in our Foyer Space. Baker is an Australian visual artist working in the medium of paper cutting to explore the qualities, detail, and shape of the

kicks off its regional tour in Bathurst!

A National Art School Touring Exhibition

Australian landscape. Forms appear from the paper's negative space as images are 'drawn' with the artist's blade. This reflective process both imitates the larger, devastating cuts by human hand to the environment, and restores the humble product of such exploitation, the piece of paper, back to a remnant of what once was. The final pieces are as much as about the paper imagery as the emptiness and the faint shadows cast beyond the work.

For further information visit bathurstart.com. au, our lnstagram @bathurstregionalartgallery, our Facebook page, or call 02 6333 6555

2023 BATHURST GARDENERS’ CLUB SPRING SPECTACULAR

The bulbs are beginning to flower, the blossoms are out, and our thoughts of Spring and warmer weather are enticing us back to the garden. It is time to mark your calendar to keep the last weekend of October, Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October free for the 2023 Bathurst Gardeners’ Club Spring Spectacular.

Visitors to the Bathurst Gardeners Club Spring Spectacular gardens will not only enjoy the diversity of the open gardens but also enjoy the music provided by local musicians and students from the Mitchell Conservatorium. Refreshments will be available in some gardens as well as the occasional stall.

Among the ten beautiful gardens to welcome visitors is the magnificent St Anthony’s Creek which has grown and changed since the owners moved there over 30 years ago.

The front garden had steps that led down to a lawn surrounded by trees, roses and bulbs. There was an English oak planted in the 1960s in the paddock alongside, now in the garden, several different prunus trees and an ornamental grapevine that entirely encircled the house and coloured brilliantly every autumn. Shrubs included japonicas, may bushes and a beauty bush (Kolkwitzia) with pink and white flowers in November.

This original garden had been designed to complement the early-settler’s style homestead, so I kept what was here and just kept going, moving out the fences, making new garden areas to surround the extended house and planting as I went along. Writing

the weekly gardening column for The Land is a wonderful excuse to experiment with design and to try new plants.

We had a vision of a garden with yearround interest that complemented the house and linked it with the surrounding small buildings and sheds. On the whole the garden has grown over the years to fulfil that vision.

With Spring fast approaching our thoughts of enhancing our gardens with a plant or two or more can be fulfilled with a visit to the ever-popular Monster Plant Stall on Saturday 28th October only between 9.00am until 4.30pm. The Plant Stall will be located adjacent to the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre.

Tickets will be $25.00 per person and will be available online from early September, from Bathurst Visitor Information Centre leading up to the event and from all gardens on the event weekend. For more information on tickets, supported local charities and a list of sponsors check the Bathurst Gardeners’ Club Spring Spectacular website at: https://bathurstgardenclub. org.au/bathurst-spring-spectacular/. Stay up to date with the latest news by following Bathurst Spring Spectacular on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ BathurstSpringSpectacular.

Image: Dobell Drawing Prize #23 Opening at National Art School, artworks by lluwanti Ken (back left) and Joanna Gambotto (front right). Photo: Peter Morgan.

Visit the 2023 Bathurst Gardeners’ Club Spring Spectacular the last weekend in October 28-29 October to enjoy the open gardens of the Bathurst area.

WHAT IS THE VOICE?

Later this year Australians will be asked to have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. The Voice would give advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect the lives of Indigenous Australians.

WHY IS THE VOICE NECESSARY?

VOICE Q&A

WILL THE VOICE HAVE THE POWER OF VETO OVER LEGISLATION?

WILL THE VOICE “GUM UP” THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITH COURT CHALLENGES AND STOP BUDGETS,

It’s

hard to believe, but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not recognised in our nation’s founding document. This wrong must be made right. The Voice provides that recognition in a meaningful way.

The aim of the Voice is to get better outcomes for Indigenous Australians by ensuring they have a say on issues that affect them. For example in housing, education, health and jobs.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have lower life expectancy, higher suicide rates, higher infant mortality rates, and worse educational outcomes than non-Indigenous Australians. The gap isn’t closing, and despite well-intentioned governments, the current approach isn’t working.

In the modern, prosperous Australia of 2023, how can this be acceptable?

We need to change it up. The Voice is about listening and getting positive, tangible outcomes in communities around Australia.

BUT DON’T WE ALREADY HAVE INDIGENOUS PARLIAMENTARIANS?

We do, but like governments, individual parliamentarians come and go, and they represent parties. The Voice would be independent and be above partisan party politics. Having it in the Constitution provides independence, consistency, and continuity.

IS THE VOICE LEGALLY AND CONSTITUTIONALLY SOUND?

Yes. A host of constitutional law experts and organisations have given the Voice the tick of approval as being legally and constitutionally sound, including:

• Former High Court Chief Justice Robert French

• Former High Court Justice Kenneth Hayne

• Leading constitutional law barrister Bret Walker SC

• Leading constitutional law professors

• The Solicitor General of Australia

• New South Wales Bar Association

• The Law Society of New South Wales

• The Law Council of Australia

• The University of Sydney Law School

• Flinders University Law school

• The University of New South Wales

• Adelaide Law School

• University of Queensland constitutional lawyers

• Gilbert & Tobin Lawyers

No.Myth busted. There is no veto. This means it would have no power to overrule Parliament, and any advice it gives would be non-binding.

WILL THE VOICE BE A THIRD CHAMBER OF PARLIAMENT?

No. Myth Busted. The Voice can’t and won’t introduce bills or run programs. It will be subject to the rules set for it by Parliament.

No. Myth busted. Leading constitutional law barrister Bret Walker SC has described claims the Voice would lead to endless court challenges and the “gumming up” of the wheels of government as “nonsense” and “too silly for words”. It’s an advisory body that will be subject to the rules Parliament makes for it. It won’t have the power to ban anything. These wild claims are ludicrous.

WHO WILL BE ON THE VOICE?

Members of the Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and serve for a fixed period. It will include Indigenous Australians from every state and territory, the Torres Strait Islands and representatives from the regions and remote communities. It will be subject to the rules made for it by Parliament.

WHY CAN’T WE PUT THE RULES OF THE VOICE IN THE CONSTITUTION?

Because our Constitution provides the broad framework for governing our country and we leave it to our elected representatives via the Parliament to pass legislation about details such as rules.

For example, in 1901 the Constitution gave the Australian Government the power to set up a High Court and other courts. It wasn’t until 1903 that Parliament established the High Court through legislation. Then in

1975 the Parliament set up the Family Court through legislation.

Another example is that in 1901 the Constitution gave the Commonwealth the power over currency but left it to the Parliament to work out things like what the notes are and what they look like. In 1910 a law about notes was passed. Banknotes finally got issued in 1913.

The Voice will be set up by the Parliament and subject to its rules.

DOES THE VOICE GIVE ANYONE SPECIAL RIGHTS?

No. Myth busted. The Voice does not give any group any special rights. It’s an advisory body that doesn’t give any rights to anyone. This has been confirmed by eminent constitutional lawyers and former High Court judges.

ISN’T THE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS AGENCY (NIAA) THE SAME AS THE VOICE?

No. Not at all. Myth busted.

Unlike the proposed Voice, the NIAA is not independent of government, it’s part of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Only 22% of its staff are Indigenous. It can be abolished at the stroke of a pen. It can’t give advice to the Parliament.

Oh and the NIAA doesn’t have a $30 billion budget (another myth busted there on the way through).

WOULD THE VOICE STOP ME DIGGING A HOLE IN MY GARDEN OR ON MY FARM?

No. Another whacky myth busted. It’s an advisory body folks! The Voice would not be able to force the Parliament to do anything it doesn’t want to do. The veggie garden is quite safe.

I’M SAYING YES!

Want to add your face to our Voice feature? Email andrew.gee.mp@ aph.gov.au

CHANGE ANZAC DAY, TAKE LAND, BAN FISHING, STOP NUCLEAR-POWERED SUBMARINE CONTRACTS OR CREATE A SEPARATE STATE?

I’m Rebecca Welsh from Tarana, and I’m supporting an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

√ $1.1 million for the upgrade of Glen Davis Road

√ $625,554 for playground equipment in Bathurst

√ $954,250 for construction of Bathurst Rail Museum

√ $650,000 for replacing footpaths in Bathurst

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

√ $205,000 for upgrades to Machattie Park

VIETNAM VETERANS’ DAY 2023

Werecently commemorated the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest military engagement of the 20th century, with over 60,000 Australian personnel serving over more than a decade.

3,000 were wounded, and 523 Australians were killed.

If you look up the meaning of patriot, it will tell you that a patriot is a person who strongly supports their country and is prepared to defend it against its enemies or detractors.

When you think about it, the truest form of patriotism must then surely be a willingness to give one’s own life for one’s country.

Whether it was Regular or Nasho, Army, Navy or Air Force, our Vietnam veterans personify the truest form of patriotism.

Australian troops in Vietnam served with distinction in the finest traditions of those who’d worn the slouch hat, Navy whites or Air Force wings before them. Earning the respect of our allies but also our enemies.

It still troubles me to think that the love our Vietnam veterans showed our country was not reciprocated at the time by some of our fellow Australians.

I am often privileged to talk with many of our Vietnam veterans and it is very clear that some of the wounds that have proven hardest to heal were those inflicted back home.

We have much to be proud of in this country. I firmly believe it is the greatest country on this earth. But one of the few things I am not proud of, one of the few things that is still a source of shame to many in this country is the appalling way in which our veterans were treated when they got back to our shores.

The trauma of war was in many cases made much worse for our Vietnam veterans and their families by that undeserved and shameful episode in our national history. It seems unthinkable now.

But it happened.

I like to think that through the years our country has

A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

matured with a quiet resolve to never let that indifference and those injustices and indignities happen to our sons and daughters in uniform again.

On behalf of our communities, I offer all of our Vietnam veterans, their familes and their loved ones, a heartfelt apology for that treatment and also a heartfelt thanks for all you have done for Australia.

As we gathered for the 50th anniversary, we remembered those young Australians who gave everything to our nation, and the enduring impact their loss has had on their families and our communities.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day is held on the anniversary of one of the most well-known and costly battles Australians participated in – the battle of Long Tan. But there were many, many other places where Australians fought, which most have never heard of, including Coral and Balmoral, Binh Bah and Long Khanh.

On Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2023, we expressed our gratitude to all of the men and women who served and sacrificed so much for Australia in that conflict.

We hope that you are as proud of your service as your country is now so proud of you. And on this 50th anniversary of the end of our involvement in the Vietnam conflict, let us repay the debt that our country owes you by recommitting our nation to the care and welfare of our veterans and their families and to never, ever forget what our Vietnam veterans have done for us.

May our Vietnam vets always stand tall and proud.

Lest We Forget.

HILL END BUSHFIRE SUPPORT UPDATE

The fight for the $75,000 Special Disaster Grants for bushfire-hit Hill End area farmers continues.

Following his recent visit to the Central West, NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, has agreed to re-open the previously closed book on this vital support.

In response to my calls to get these grants to our fire-hit farmers, Minister Dib recently said that he has asked the NSW Reconstruction Authority to review data and the decision to deny our residents this funding. Our farmers have been through a lot.

So it’s fingers crossed that we can get this crucial disaster assistance rolling soon.

Our disaster-hit communities often feel forgotten and we need to make sure nobody is left behind.

199TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF MARTIAL LAW

On Monday August 14, I attended a commemoration of the 199th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in Bathurst. The gathering was held at Burbung Ngurrum - Ceremonial Place at the Circle of Stones at Peace Park in Bathurst.

The order, made on 14 August 1824 by British Governor Thomas Brisbane, overrode the protections for Aboriginal people under British law.

The decree set off a wave of violence across the region.

For the Wiradjuri it was simply devastating. It led to the widespread killing of Wiradjuri people across our area, including through poisonings and massacres.

We will never know how many people lost their lives during that violent and bloody time, and at this ceremony the loss on both sides of the conflict were acknowledged and remembered. It’s a part of our history that is still uncomfortable and painful to talk about. But in order to heal the wounds that still run deep today, it’s a conversation that we need to have. It’s about moving forward, together.

Avery happy 80th birthday to Aunty Helen Riley!

It was a huge crowd at Lithgow on Saturday night as Aunty Helen’s family and friends came from all over the region and country for a wonderful night of celebrations!

Thank you so much for all that you do for our communities Aunty Helen!

The Vietnam Veterans’ Day service in Bathurst

Andrew with Aunty Helen Riley, Uncle Ralph Naden and Sharon Riley

GEE MP

SES AWARDS PRESENTATION

Iwas very privileged to recently attend the NSW State Emergency Service Central and Mid West Command Awards Presentation in Orange.

The ceremony brought SES volunteers from around our region together to receive extraordinarily well deserved recognition.

During the recent storm and flood disaster across Cabonne, I saw firsthand the professionalism of SES members and the lifesaving work they carried out.

Our SES volunteers and their families sacrifice so much to keep our communities safe, and we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients from Bathurst and surrounding Units, including:

Marina Gray - Bathurst Unit

NSW SES Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for operations support provided during the Northern Zone Floods on 5-6 July 2022.

Chief Inspector Craig Ronan - Western Zone

NSW SES Long Service Award - 35 years

Reg Rendall - Local Commander Panorama Cluster

NSW SES Long Service Clasp - 30 years

Patrick Gennari - Portland Unit

NSW SES Long Service Award - 10 years

TEN MONTHS LATE AND TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS SHORT

It was interesting to see that the Shadow Minister for Emergency Management and Deputy Leader of the National Party, Senator Perin Davey, was in Eugowra and Cabonne this week.

The storms and floods hit the Cabonne Shire and Wellington on the 13th and 14th of November 2022. It’s now September 2023. That’s almost ten months later. So I ask the question, why?

Why has it taken the Shadow Cabinet Minister tasked with the opposition’s disaster response and recovery policy almost ten months to set foot in these disaster-hit communities?

Why didn’t the NSW National Partywhich Senator Davey is a member of - and her NSW Ministerial colleagues activate the same level of support the Northern Rivers received for disaster-hit areas in the Central West when they were in government, and had the chance to do so?

Ironically, now that the NSW Nationals are in opposition, they think it should be activated! You can’t make this up.

RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR BATHURST AND LITHGOW

To all of our SES volunteers, a heartfelt thanks from the community for all that you do.

P.S - the SES is always looking for helpers. As a community we can’t take it for granted that volunteers will just be there when disaster strikes. Our volunteer organisations like the SES need the community to step up and join up to help them in their lifesaving work. Please consider joining!

√ $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

Congratulations!

HONOURING OUR SCOUTS AND GUIDES

Of course it should be activated. They are the very party that should have done so!

No wonder people are cynical about the major parties.

After that dark day in November, we saw press conference after press conference, and concerned street walk after street walk by National Party members, yet a Northern Rivers-level of support was never activated for our region.

As our disaster-hit residents struggled through loss and tragedy, the NSW Nationals and their Ministers dangled disaster relief packages in front of them like a bag of cash on a fishing pole - then cruelly reefed it away, never delivering it.

The NSW Nationals promised a lot and spent up big in Sydney in the lead up to the election, but they never properly funded disaster relief for the country people they say they represent.

Sadly, Senator Davey’s visit to our disasterhit towns is a case of ten months late, and tens of millions of dollars short.

GRANTS! GRANTS! GRANTS!

The School Student Broadband Initiative provides 12-months of free internet to families with school-aged children. To check your eligibility, contact my office at andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au.

Small Grants 2023 are also now available, providing funding for various short-term,

operational projects for museums, art galleries and cultural facilities. These projects could include, for example, exhibition development, conservation of significant objects and community liaison projects. Applications for grants of up to $2,000 close on Sunday 10 September. 2023.

One of the things I really enjoyed growing up was being a part of the Scout movement. I’m still proud to say that I achieved my Scouting green cord! It was therefore a privilege to attend All Saints Cathedral recently to honour our Scouts and Guides and to unveil a plaque acknowledging the original founders of 3rd Bathurst (All Saints Cathedral) Scout Group and Rover Scout Unit, the Right Reverend Edward John Davidson and Canon Clifford Ussher. They were both veterans of World War 1 and World War 2. Few people would be aware but in the infamous Changi prison during the Second World War, there was an active Rover group. The gathering also acknowledged the group’s

90 years of service to the community!

Congratulations to all of the award recipients, including Alex Jolliffe, Skye Veech, Melissa Jones, Bathurst Combined Cathedrals Choir, Lorraine Fry, Barb Murray, David Murray, Bathurst RFS Brigade, David McInroy, Liz Reibelt, Paul Hennessy, Nancy Pickup, Barry Pickup, Greg Ingersole, Ellen Sutton, John Sutton, Jacinta Heaton, Steven Fry, Gary Jonassen, Uncle Bill and Aunty Lennia.

A big shout out to Rover Scout Justin Laver who was awarded his Queen Scout Award which is Scouting’s peak award!

Thank you to all of the Scout leaders who work so hard to give our young people the wonderful opportunities that Guides and Scouts offer.

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

√ $480,000 for Wallerawang Community & Sports Club

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

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

√ $925,000 for the Bathurst Animal Rehoming Centre

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

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

√ $125,000 for canteen facilities at Bathurst Sportsground

√ New headspace service for Lithgow

√ 47 mobile phone towers and base stations for Calare

√ $54 million for the CSU Medical School

Run The Trails in Portland NSW

Trail Running returns to the small Central West township of Portland this October Long Weekend.

The annual ANT Fitness Born To Run Festival is fast approaching with runners encouraged to get their entry early to avoid missing out on participating on race daySaturday 30th September.

The small running festival provides participants with the opportunity to run on the trails inside The Foundations – the old historic Portland Cement Works site. Runners get to admire the stunning scenery and wildlife while being challenged by the trails underfoot as they transverse around The Millpond, Limestone Lake and Twin Lakes.

The Born To Run Festival has four races on offer: 2k Kids Race (12 and under); 5k Trails,10k

Trails and the inaugural Half Marathon.

Event Race Director and ANT Fitness owner, Andrew Neville is excited to be able to offer the Half Marathon distance in Portland, “Like trail running itself, the Half Marathon distance has definitely grown in popularity over the last few years and I’ve always been keen to have it included in our running festival. Hopefully, it will bring even more runners to our small country town”.

Entries are now open to the Born To Run Festival and are limited to a total of 200 runners across all four events so runners are encouraged to be quick to get their spot on the start line.

“We hope that being a regular fixture on the Long Weekend, we can encourage people to come and race on the Saturday and then stay and take the opportunity to explore Portland and the Central West. It should be a great weekend for Portland.”

For more information, runners can visit the website: www.borntorunfestival.com.au or enter directly via https://raceroster.com/events/2023/75884/ant-fitness-born-to-run-festival

Author talk by Susan Ackroyd

Did you know that many nursery rhymes have interesting stories behind them? Lithgow Library is delighted to welcome Blue Mountains author Susan Ackroyd to speak about her book “Rhyme and Reason: English History Through Nursery Rhymes”, on Saturday 2 September from 10.00am to 11.00am.

During her travels through Europe, Susan gained an understanding of the history of nursery rhymes and has chosen 20 favourites to explore further in her book. Susan will talk about and explain where these nursery rhymes originated and why they are still recited today.

Have you ever wondered who Georgie Porgie was? Why the 3 blind mice got chased and who and what Humpty Dumpty is? If you answered YES to any of the above, then make sure you attend this free event. It will be a fascinating talk.

Light refreshments will be available, and you will also have the opportunity to purchase the book from the author. RSVP’s are not necessary, just turn up, enjoy the surroundings and listen to Susan enlighten us all.

For more information contact the Library on 6352 9100 or head to the library webpage https://library.lithgow.com/

Lithgow City Council Successful Application for a 20232025 Caring for State Heritage Grant

Lithgow City Council has been successful in its application for a Caring for State Heritage Grant from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment of $120,000 to undertake much needed maintenance and repair works at Eskbank House & Museum. Eskbank House, established in c.1841, was deeded in trust to Lithgow City Council in 1948, then developed as a period house Museum by Mr Eric Bracey and the Lithgow and District Historical Society. Eskbank House opened as a Museum in 1966 and came into the care and control of Lithgow City Council in 2003. The Museum is operated by Council with the support of volunteers as a heritage tourism attraction and local community space.

In 2018 Eskbank House Museum gained a listing on the State Heritage Register, a milestone that has made the Museum eligible for funding for its ongoing care. This grant represents a significant contribution to the cost of Council’s planned Eskbank House Museum Capital Works program.

Lithgow Mayor Maree Statham said, “This funding recognises the significance and importance of our State Heritage listed Museum. Caring for heritage, benefits the community by promoting tourism. The sites are also local community event spaces. Council is matching the grant, which means there will be $240,000 avaiable for these works.”

The Eskbank House Museum Capital Works project will prioritise roofing replacement and repairs to a number of buildings, improved drainage, replacement of a timber balustrade to the loft above the stables, repair of timber doors, an upgrade of non-compliant toilets, improved accessibility, and protection of sandstone flagging.

Works to commence on the community hall at

Clarence

The communities of Clarence, Dargan

Bell

celebrate

month with commencement of works on their new community hall.

Since the 2019 bushfires, community residents from the Association of Bell, Clarence, and Dargan (ABCD Inc) have rallied together to advocate and raise funds for a new community hall.

This hall will be a first of its kind for the village. Once complete, it will be the only building in the area large enough to fit a community gathering or event.

Funding for the project has been provided through the Rotary Australia World Community Service and the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program. The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Rotary clubs from across the Blue Mountains, Centennial Clarence Colliery, Hanson’s Clarence Quarry, and Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network have also contributed to the project, with the total combined funding being around $706,000.

Lithgow City Council Mayor Maree Statham said, “The new community hall will be an important place for residents to come together and connect as a community.”

“It is essential that the communities of Bell, Clarence and Dargan have a place to meet and plan for their future.”

“The new hall has been a community-driven project. Lithgow Council acknowledges the hard work of the community members including the Association of Bell, Clarence and Dargan, and the support of Rotary, the State Government and others who have turned this community dream into a reality. We look forward to seeing the hall completed.”

Mayoral Message

Last week I met in Sydney with other Mayors from across the Central West for a meeting of the Joint Organisation. The meeting is an annual event at which we also come together with a range of politicians from the Government and the Opposition. By collaborating with other councils we have a greater chance of being heard when we speak about the important issues for this region –

• preparation for the potential upcoming drought - especially ensuring town water security;

better funding responsiveness for natural disaster where Councils are having to carry debts affecting their sustainability;

• the housing crisis - a live issue for regions as well as cities;

• the cumulative impacts of rewiring the nation which seems to bear down more on the regional communities who host the infrastructure;

• the need for a safe, swift and secure road link between Central NSW and Sydney, and

• the financial vulnerability of all councils because of underfunding and cost shifting from other levels of government.

On Saturday 26 August I attended a meeting in the Capertee Valley with the local progress association, together with the Deputy Mayor, Councillors OConnor and Ring, and the General Manager. There was good attendance by many of the people from the valley. These meetings are a wonderful opportunity for feedback from the community about their priorities. They also offer the opportunity for the Council to explain some of the challenges faced in providing a broad range of services across a vast area, with a very small budget. Most of the discussion dealt with the issue of roadworks and maintenance. I was pleased to be able to advise that the General Manager and I had been involved in hastily convened meetings with Ministers in the NSW Parliament House in the preceding week. In these meetings we explained that Council requires funding upfront so that the more than $25 million of disaster recovery roadworks can be delivered sooner. The Council has assigned a high priority to the works in Glen Alice Road and is looking forward to commencing those in the near future.

Household Chemical Clean Out

The Household Chemical Clean out is scheduled for Sunday 3rd September 2023.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this once-a-year service to present their household chemicals.

Council is providing a free chemical cleanout with the service open to the public between 9am – 12pm at Lithgow Solid Waste Facility, 68 Geordie Street, Lithgow.

For more information visit www.cleanout.com.au

Request for tender

Design & Construction of Maddox Lane, Sewerage Pumping Station at Lidsdale Lithgow City Council invites submissions from suitably qualified and experienced contractors to submit a tender for Design & Construction of New Sewerage Pumping Station at Lidsdale.

Documentation containing further information in relation to this Tender can be obtained free of charge from www.vendorpanel.com.au.

Documentation will be available from 4th August 2023 and submissions will be received up until 5:00 pm on 4th September 2023. Submissions are to be delivered by the means described in the documents and must be received by the specified closing time. Late submissions will not be accepted.

For further information, please contact Council’s Projects Engineer –Water and Wastewater, Samuel Lenkaak, on (02) 6354 9999. Contacting Councillors or Council staff other than the designated contact person directly will result in disqualification from the tender process.

Have your say

Help make Lithgow More Accessible and Inclusive for Everyone

This survey is part of the community consultation that will inform Lithgow City Council’s new Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). The Plan will define the actions Council will take to reduce barriers for people with disability so they can better participate in all areas of community life. The new plan will guide Council’s work over the next 4 years.

We want to hear your voice if:

You have a disability

• Someone in your family has a disability

• You are a carer for someone with a disability

You are a disability service provider

You have ideas for making Lithgow a better place for people with disabilities

Scan here to fill out the survey

Lithgow Library will be undergoing an internal refurbishment over the next few months following receipt of grant funding from the State Library of NSW. As part of planning the refurbishment, Library customers are being asked for comment on the relocation of several key zones within the building.

The refurbishment will include mobile shelving, updated furnishings, meeting pods and audiovisual technology. The improvements will bring a more flexible, functional space that allows for quiet study, large events, children’s activities, as well as traditional library functions such as books and research.

Library customers are asked to provide feedback in writing on the layout changes by Friday 15 September 2023. Responses can be emailed to council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au, dropped into any of the library branches or customer service at Lithgow City Council. Please mark to the attention of the Library Coordinator.

Scan here to view the proposed floor plan zone changes

and

will

a milestone this

Have Your Say on a New Library Layout!

Lithgow Library will be undergoing an internal refurbishment over the next few months following receipt of grant funding from the State Library of NSW. As part of planning the refurbishment, Library customers are being asked for comment on the relocation of several key zones within the building.

Community surveys in 2021 and 2022 highlighted the need to provide more event space, a larger children’s area, better access to local history and quieter places to read and study. These responses formed part of the successful grant application and the subsequent planning stages of the project.

The refurbishment will include mobile shelving, updated furnishings, meeting pods and audiovisual technology. The improvements will bring a more flexible, functional space that allows for quiet study, large events, children’s activities, as well as traditional library functions such as books and research.

Zone changes that the Library would like feedback on are a multipurpose event and children’s space and moving the Local History collection to the front of the Library near the service desk.

Relocating the local history collection to the front of the Library into Zone 1 (see diagram) aims to provide better access to the Local History collection and to highlight the importance of our unique Local History resources. Current Local History open hours are restricted to 10.00am to 12.00pm Monday to Friday or by appointment. Moving Local History to near the service desk will allow for enquiries during normal Lithgow Library opening hours, and will also allow staff to guide customers through the

Seven Valleys

Tourism invites local tourism industry to stakeholder engagement workshops.

beginnings of their research journey. Appointments will still be available for those requiring more in-depth assistance.

The second major change to the Library floor plan will be moving the children’s area into Zone 3 in the heart of the Library. Children’s events at the Library are very popular and this new zone will provide a larger space to hold children’s activities.

Anyone who has attended a large event at the Library knows that the current event space near the front doors can become overwhelmed by the numbers of people attending.

The proposed children’s space in Zone 3 will also double as a large event space which will allow for better setup for events such as book launches, history talks and live music.

Furniture and shelving in the children’s area can be easily moved to allow for more space when needed. The addition of a fixed projector and screen with inbuilt sound system will provide a better experience during presentations and to run movies and other streaming presentations.

With Local History moving to Zone 1, the mezzanine space (Zone 5) will become a lounge/study area. This area is the best

place in the Library away from some of the day-to-day hubbub of Library operations. A flexible furniture layout conducive to group and individual study will be a feature of this space.

Library customers are asked to provide feedback in writing on the layout changes by Friday 15 September 2023. Responses can be emailed to council@lithgow. nsw.gov.au, dropped into any of the library branches or customer service at Lithgow City Council. Please mark to the attention of the Library Coordinator.

Completion of Civic Ballroom Upgrade Works

Lithgow City Council is developing a new Seven Valleys Destination Action Plan (DAP). The DAP will set the City’s destination management agenda, direction, and priorities to sustainably grow the visitor economy over the next five years. More specifically, it will consider supply, demand, and enablers for implementation.

Critical to the success of the project will be the insights gathered from the local tourism industry, and the community to inform the shape the DAP.

If you have an interest in tourism, the Council welcomes your participation in one of the consultation sessions to discuss the opportunities and priorities for the Seven Valleys.

There will be three workshops for the tourism industry across the city.

In addition to the three general industry sessions, another nine workshops will be held with other stakeholders, varying from government agencies to business associations.

Mayor Maree Statham said “to front this is an exciting opportunity, to canvas the views of the tourism industry and community groups to benefit local tourism. There is a comprehensive list of tourism stakeholders being consulted, and this is an opportunity for everyone to have their say”.

The links to book your place and participate in the Stakeholder workshops are as follows:

• Lithgow – Maldhan Ngurr Nurra Lithgow Transformation Hub –Tuesday 5th September 2.30pm – 5.00pm https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/705111867577?aff=oddtdtcreator

• Portland – The Annex at The Foundations Portland – Wednesday 6th September – 1.30pm – 4.00pm https://www.eventbrite.com. au/e/705167012517?aff=oddtdtcreator

• Wallerawang – Barton Centre at Black Gold Motel – Thursday 7th September – 9.00am – 11.30am https://www.eventbrite.com.au/ e/705115187507?aff=oddtdtcreator

Refreshments will be provided. Please register quickly to avoid disappointment.

Lithgow’s Civic Ballroom Building, located within the Tony Luchetti Showground Precinct, has been upgraded to ensure its ongoing safety, and to support its use as an evacuation centre in times of emergency.

The Council received $300,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s Bushfire Community Recovery & Resilience Fund to partly fund the project.

The works included structural and drainage rectifications to the building, as well as replacement of the roof, upgraded lighting to LED and renovation of the western bathrooms.

The installation of a water tank, an electrical connection

for a generator, a fire alarm system, defibrillator, and satellite Wi-Fi connectivity will also ensure the building’s suitability as an evacuation centre, during times of emergency.

“The Civic Ballroom is a muchloved community asset, which is used by a number of associations for different events” said Mayor of Lithgow, Councillor Maree Statham.

“Upgrading the building to ensure its suitability as an evacuation centre will place Lithgow in a better position to provide emergency accommodation and cooking facilities in times of crisis, such as during the 2019 bushfire event” continued the Mayor.

“The Civic Ballroom is a much-loved community asset, which is used by a number of associations for different events” said Mayor of Lithgow, Councillor Maree Statham.

History Week at the Library

In search of Helen Cochrane: Adventures in Historical Research

Lithgow Library is pleased to present Vaughan Bryers as guest speaker for a History Week talk on Saturday 9 September 2023, at 10.00am. Vaughan will be speaking about his 15-year journey with family history research on Helen Lavinia Cochrane, an English water colourist and her husband Percy.

Vaughan’s research journey has been far from boring. He will speak about the remarkable events, people, places, travel and experiences he has experienced during his ten journeys to the Ligurian Coast of Italy, the French Riviera and England. This illustrates how historical research is far from being a boring occupation.

History week events are always popular at the Library and this is one not to be missed if you are undertaking family history research. The talk is free and no bookings are required. For more information on this event and other library events head to the library website at https://library.lithgow.com/ or follow Lithgow City Council Libraries on Facebook.

Pictured: Helen Lavinia Cochrane: Villa Rezzola (um 1900)

www.vaughanbryers.com/helen-lavinia-cochrane

STEAM FAIR

10-12 November ‘23

The Foundations, Portland NSW

Financial Planning Column

by Daniel Crump

What the future holds

It’s a shame money doesn’t buy happiness, because from a financial perspective the future looks bright.

Treasury released its latest intergenerational report this month and it makes for fascinating reading. With the luxury of a 40-year outlook, the report lifts above the distraction of day-to-day noise. Instead, it analyses the macrotrends that will drive the economy and the retirement income system in the long-term.

Robust growth outlook

Australia has enjoyed an extraordinary period of prosperity in recent years. Like most other advanced economies, the growth outlook for the next 40 years is slower than what we’ve experienced in the past 40. That said, the economy is still expected to grow by an average of 2.2% per year after inflation. By 2063 real incomes are projected to be 50% higher and the economy is projected to be around 2 ½ times larger than today.

Super to play a bigger role

The Australian super system is already the fourth largest in the world, and it hasn’t even reach maturity yet. In about 20 years people facing retirement will have contributed 9% or more every year of their careers. As the super system matures, reliance on the age pension will reduce and it will behave as a supplement to maintain standards of living where required.

With the super guarantee increasing to 12% per annum, we expect to see the super system continue to grow for decades. By 2063 it is expected to grow from 116% of Australian economic output to 218%. That will make it difficult to find quality Australian assets to invest in, so super funds will increasingly be looking at opportunities abroad.

Homeownership and retirement

The falling rates of homeownership amongst Generation Y will have long-term impacts on the retirement system and change the nature of how money is withdrawn. Owning our home outright in retirement provides much-needed stability, security and peace of mind. We expect that more Australians will retire with active mortgages and they will access more of their super to extinguish them.

The Easterlin paradox

In the past 70 years real incomes in the United States have tripled. Yet economist Richard Easterlin found that the trend in happiness has been flat or even slightly negative over that same period.

The fact is that people get used to having more income and higher living standards over time. Slowly getting richer with everyone else doesn’t make you happy.

At Daniel Crump Financial Planning we can reduce your financial stress and improve your financial well-being. But better still, we can help you use your money to stay connected with the people you care about most and engaged in the activities and causes you’re most passionate about.

And that’s where happiness lies.

Daniel Crump is the founder of Daniel Crump Financial Planning. This article is general and does not consider your personal circumstances.

If you would like advice specific to you, give us a call on 0418 148 622.

Green Waste Collection

Lithgow Council’s third Green Waste Collection of the year is scheduled for the 25 September 2023.

Council will pick up:

• Garden prunings no longer than 2 metres and not thicker than 200mm, tied in bundles.

• A weight limit of 16 kilograms for each bundle or box applies.

• Quantity of one cubic metre, which is equivalent to about 4 wheelie bins allowed per premises.

• Grass clippings are no longer accepted as bagged grass clippings reduce options for beneficial re-use of green waste.

To take advantage of this service register by midday on Friday the 22 September 2023 by either contacting Council’s Customer Service Office on 6354 9999 or completing an online form on Council’s website at https://council.lithgow.com/waste-recycling/wastegreenwaste/

Remember to place your green waste on the kerb ready for collection the day before.

More than just buildings

We were having a cuppa after planting the lucerne the other day, and my mate Mick asked “well, wot is it, wot’s this heritage you keep banging on about?” Mrs Heritage said “ it’s Things From the Past Which We Value, Mick” which is not a bad summary. So Mick says “you mean my old combine harvester is a heritage item?” Well it could be.

I said to both of them that I like to explain Heritage as falling into these descriptions… Buildings and Places

Objects and Their Stories

People and Their Stories

The Natural Environment

Value indeed is a real key, but where does the value lie? Heritage has strong social value as it reminds us who we are and where we have come from. Heritage also is a very strong partner in cultural affairs – the two go very well together e.g. art, music, museums.

BUT, heritage has enormous economic value too – it is a real economic asset, particularly for Bathurst, and particularly as a visitor attraction. Weave all four elements of Heritage into the stories we tell visitors about Bathurst, give them a heritage experience, and they will stay longer, spend more money, will tell their friends, and will come back. This means more sales and profits for businesses, and more jobs for Bathurstians.

The challenge is to turn these assets into heritage experiences that the visitor can enjoy.

by a humble heritage advocate – September 2023 column #282

Thought of the day …“Bathurst’s heritage assets can be a key strategic economic driver in our tourism economy”

MANILDRA TAKE OUT WOODBRIDGE CUP PREMIERSHIP IN CLOSE CONTEST

Story and photos by John Fitzgerald

This year’s Woodbridge Cup grand final venue was the Manildra sports centre, the Manildra Rhinos rugby league club this season’s success story, taking all the glory on offer on grand final day.

Manildra first grade side backed up last year’s title with their second in a row – and back-to-back premierships.

Testament to the strength of their rivals – and the competition itself – Manildra won the title from Trundle after an epic contest by just two points, an 18-16 premiership win.

Trundle are old adversaries – they were the last three premiership winners before the two covidinterrupted seasons in 2020 and 2021 – and it has been 10 years since neither club were involved in a Woodbridge Cup grand final.

The worthy foes went toe to toe, the halftime score locked up at 6-all, and the Rhinos prevailed 18-16 at the final whistle.

In the leaguetag decider Manildra Rhinettes, runners-up last year, began the day’s football with the first of the two nail-biters, their 10-6 win over Cargo to set the tone for the men’s game afterwards.

Pictured Top: Victorious Manildra Rhinos first grade and leaguetag teams

Pictured Below: Manildra Rhinettes

Pictured Bottom Left: Manildra’s Luke Petrie with ball

Pictured Bottom Right: Manildra leagutag’s Holly Petrie

LITHGOW VALLEY FILM SOCIETY

16 MAIN STREET LITHGOW

Sunday 3rd September 2:00PM - FATHER'S DAY

RECENT RELEASE 2022

THE ROAD DANCE (M)

A 2022 MOVIE based on the BEST SELLING NOVEL and inspired by true events. THE ROAD DANCE is set in a small crofting community in the Scottish Outer Hebrides on the Isle of Lewis during the gathering storm of WW1. Kirsty Macleod (Hermione Corfield), the ra- diant local beauty of the staunchly Calvinist village lives with her widowed Mother Mari (Morven Christie) and her younger sister Annie (Ali Fumiko Whitney) Mari is keen to make a match for Kirsty with a local farming lad. Ian ( Tom Byrne ) but secretly Kirsty wishes to es- cape over seas to find a larger life in America.

CAST: HERMIONE CORFIELD, WILL FLETCHER, MARK GATIS, KIRSTY MACLEOD, MORVEN CHRISTIE

Sunday 10th September 2:00PM

BLACK & WHITE BRITISH COMEDY

YOU MUST BE JOKING (G)

Major Foskett, a British Army psychologist, assembles four soldiers for a testing task: Ser- geant Major McGregor (complete with kilt and bear skin), Captain Tabasco, Sergeant Clegg (a father of9), Staff Sergeant Mansfield and United States Air Force Lieutenant Morton. They have their initiative tested in a scavenger hunt. Which allows for 24 otherwise some- what unconnected comedy vignettes, which jointly creates the story line. The items (pur- portedly representing British identify) include flying ducks for the wall, an English rose, the Spirit of Ecstasy from a Rolls -Royce car, an electric hare from a greyhound race and the Lu- tine Bell (Columbia)

CASTE: MICHAEL CALLAN LIONEL JEFFRIES DENHOLM ELLIOTT

SUDOKU Last week's solutions