Central West Village Voice - Issue 78 by Village Voice Newspaper

Central West News

Lions Club of Mount Panorama is seeking additional stallholders for future market days.

First Saturday of each month at Lions Berry Park, Bathurst Come and be part of the markets.

Further Details

Email: macquarielions@gmail.com facebook.com/riversidemarketsbathurst

EnergyAustralia Mt Piper announce successful Lithgow recipients of Community Grants

EnergyAustralia Mt Piper has announced the recipients of its community grants program, which will be distributed within the Lithgow community.

Blinky Bill Early Learning, Lithgow Cares Committee, Lithgow High School, Oakey Park Resident’s Association and Portland Central School will benefit from nearly $30,000 in grants this round.

The total amount invested by EnergyAustralia into community grants and localised sponsorships within Lithgow now equates to more than $465,000.

EnergyAustralia Head of Mt Piper Steve Marshall said these grants are an important way for our team to give back to the community, that has provided us with so much over the years.

“This round of grants are going towards Blinky Bill Early Learning having Wiradjuri Elder Uncle Brett deliver First Nationals art and cultural classes with teachers and students. The Lithgow Cares Community will be holding a family funday event as a result of this funding.

“The Lithgow High School aim to purchase materials for the students to participate in the Schools Solar and Engineering Challenge.

“There will be a 50-seat structure installed at Oakey Park that will form a central focus for local activities and events. Plus, the Portland Central School will be able to purchase STEM robot building kits to assist students with programming education. We might see a new crop of mechanical and electrical engineers as a result of these programs. Energyaustralia.com.au/grants for more information.

CENTRAL WEST RESPONDERS

SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDAL

Independent Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee has called on the Australian Government to recognise Central West area emergency responders, volunteers, and community workers who courageously saved lives and property during the storms and floods of November 2022.

“The Australian Government recently announced that emergency responders, volunteers and community workers involved in the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland floods of February/March 2022 are now rightly eligible for the National Emergency Medal,” Mr Gee said.

“While I certainly support their eligibility, the Central Western NSW floods of November 2022 saw extraordinary acts of courage and service across our communities, including the biggest helicopter rescue in Australia’s history at Eugowra.

“It defies belief that the courageous residents of our area have been excluded from being nominated for a National Emergency Medal.

“That’s why on Tuesday in Question Time, I asked the Prime Minister whether he would support the National Emergency Medal being extended to those who served with such distinction in the Central West in November 2022.

“The Prime Minister answered briefly before the responsible Minister stated that after I’d written to the Prime Minister about this, the Australian Government now asked the National Emergency Medal Committee to reconsider the decision to exclude our area’s residents from National Emergency Medal eligibility.

“I was heartened by the Australian Government’s response, and answer to my question.

“In November 2022 I saw extraordinary acts of kindness and heroism that defied belief.

“Nobody who acted at that time did so seeking awards or medals. But it is only fair and just that, given residents in other parts of Australia are eligible for this medal, that our community members are as well.

“I will keep pressure on the government to expand National Emergency Medal eligibility to our area, and I’ve also started a Change.org petition which I would encourage everyone in our region to sign,” said Mr Gee.

Pay What You Like seems to work

A message from Rich Evans

The Pay What You Like Initiative we launched a couple of issues ago has been supported by a number of readers and we are humbled by your support.

As I said when we launched this initiative - free papers are not free - and we felt this was a fair way for people to show their support if they like what we do.

Each issue since we have received a number of donations, small and large and for each of those we are grateful for your continuing support.

In that same article I promised to update you on my health challenge in an upcoming issue, which I will do soon. I have some tests at the end of this week where everything will be clear (as clear as it can be) and I will be in a position to share information that is accurate and correct.

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.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, the Wiradjuri and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

Bathurst Winter Festival Opening Night

The Bathurst Winter Festival is set to get underway this weekend and there is plenty of free and affordable fun for the whole family to enjoy these school holidays. It all kicks off with the Spectacular Opening Night on Saturday 6 July.

After such a huge success in 2023, the Bowman Dental All Schools Stage returns to the Bathurst Winter Festival line-up on the Festival’s spectacular Opening Night on Saturday 6 July.

Don’t miss an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance as the Bowman Dental All Schools Stage showcases the extraordinary musical talent from Bathurst's renowned high schools, including Mackillop College, St Stanislaus’ College, Scots All Saints College and Kelso High School.

Bowman Dental All Schools Stage Line-up

4pm | Kelso High School Concert Band from Kelso High School

4:40pm | Jaime from Mackillop College

5:10pm | Audrey from Mackillop College

6:15pm | Hannah & Sarah from MacKillop College

6:50pm | Nate Boylan Duo from St Stanislaus’ College

7:25pm | Da Ramma Jammas from St Stanislaus’ College & Mackillop College

8pm | The Invisible Bees from Scots All Saints College

Supported by sponsor, Bowman Dental, students who have the opportunity to perform on the All Schools Stage will not only get the invaluable experience of performing in front of a crowd at a major festival, they’ll also receive dinner vouchers and ride tickets. Bowman Dental a huge supporters young musicians and performers having been a key sponsor of the Bathurst Winter Festival’s various young musicians programs since 2017. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the very best of Bathurst’s student talent in a mesmerising display of musical artistry.

Off the stage, there is plenty to keep you warm with food

trucks galore, delicious mulled wine and craft beers, ice skating performances, stilt walkers, roving performers, circus performers, jumping castles, and of the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink! Plus, the two-storey carousel returns, back by popular demand, along with double the rides for double the fun this Winter Festival, with the giant Ferris wheel, tea cups and sizzler providing all the thrills for the full 16 days of the Festival and school holidays.

The Bathurst Winter Festival will run from Saturday 6 to Sunday 21 July, with the Winter Playground open from 9am to 9pm daily.

The full festival program is available at www. bathurstwinterfestival.com.au

FIND YOUR OH AT LEAN & BENNETT TOYOTA

Central West News

OBERON RSL BOWLED OVER WITH FUNDING NEWS

The lawn bowling facilities at Oberon RSL are set for a boost thanks to an announcement made this week by Member for Bathurst Paul Toole.

Mr Toole visited the popular local venue to deliver the news that a NSW Government Community Building Partnership (CBP) grant of $12,251 would be heading their way.

A popular activity for many members and visitors to Oberon RSL, the sport of bowls in the township also received major support from Mr Toole who delivered a $160,000 grant to the Oberon RSL Club to allow a brand new synthetic green to be installed.

“It’s great to have been able to once again meet with members at Oberon RSL to inform them of the CBP grant,” he said.

“The funding will be used for the purchase, replacement, and installation of six seats situation around the bowls green. It also means the club will be able to put in seven new scoreboards around the playing surface which will also help give the area a facelift.”

Mr Toole said that bowling brings members of the Oberon district together for social and competition play which is great for all those involved.

“Bowling is an inclusive sport that encourages improved fitness, greater well-being and social interaction,” he said.

The Community Building Partnership fund is a NSW Government initiative which awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

TOOLE TIME

BUCKLE UP

As of 1 July 2024, existing mobile and stationary cameras positioned across NSW will be able to detect drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

Motorists and their passengers are reminded to buckle up or face the consequences, with mobile phone detection cameras to begin enforcing seatbelt offences from Monday, July 1.

While the vast majority of the 6.9 million drivers in NSW and their passengers buckle up properly every trip, a small percentage still refuse to obey the law. Not wearing a seatbelt has been shown to double the risk of death if involved in a crash.

Drivers are reminded there will be no grace period of warning letters for seatbelt offences, with fines in place from day one as the NSW Government continues to add new measures to combat road fatalities.

Fines of up to $410 and at least three demerit points will be issued to the driver if they or their passenger are caught by camera not wearing their seatbelt or not wearing it correctly. Every dollar raised by seatbelt cameras will go back into road safety.

COERCIVE CONTROL BECOMES A CRIME

Also from 1 July 2024, coercive control has become a criminal offence in NSW. Coercive control is when a person uses abusive behaviours towards a current or former intimate partner with the intention to coerce or control them. The criminal offence captures repeated patterns of physical or non-physical abuse used to hurt, scare, intimidate, threaten or control someone.

Coercive control is a huge red flag but one that is not easy to spot. It can be linked to a pattern of behaviour that may include financial and emotional abuse, violence and intimidation, threats against pets or loved ones, tracking someone's movements, or isolating them from family and friends. This is now a crime punishable by up to seven years' imprisonment. Domestic violence of any form has no place in our society, yet it is alarming to see 97 per cent of domestic violence murder victims had been subject to coercive control prior to their deaths.

I am pleased to see these historic new laws, which were passed by the former Liberals and Nationals NSW Government, come into effect this week.

This life-saving reform has been three years in the making with careful consideration of its implementation and thorough consultation with victim-survivors of their lived-experience as well as the expertise of domestic violence support services. Our communities have continued to grieve for innocent victims of domestic violence. The criminalisation of coercive control is bringing NSW another step closer to stamping out domestic violence from society.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero (000). You can call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect. org.au for confidential advice, counselling support and referrals.

PICTURED: Shadow Minister for Police and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said there are two new enforcements in NSW as of 1 July 2024

Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness Training

Join us for an empowering day of training with refreshments, breaks and immersive activites. Providing you with chance to invest in your mental health and connect with your community, whilst obtaining a Mental Health First Aid certification.

SUNDAY 21 JULY

Bathurst Rugby Club, 27 Hereford St, Kelso NSW 9AM - 5PM

For more information or if you have any

Central West News

Returns to Kandos for Four Days and Nights of Contemporary

with Kandos and its regional context. This year will highlight the fusion of work and play as a core theme, celebrating Country, community, connection, and conversation.

Cementa Festival Returns to Kandos for Four Days and Nights of Contemporary Art and Culture

Cementa Festival is set to return to Kandos for another vibrant edition of contemporary art and culture from 19–22 September 2024. Celebrated as one of Australia’s most beloved regional art meccas, Cementa promises an exciting and unforgettable experience under the curatorial leadership of Dr Daniel Mudie Cunningham and First Nations curator Jo Albany.

Art and Culture

Cementa24 warmly invites friends and strangers, supporters, relatives, and newcomers to join over 50 artists for four days and nights of immersive art in the post-industrial town of Kandos on Wiradjuri Country. Attendees will experience a diverse murmuration of artworks, including video, performance, installation, sound art, photography, painting, and sculpture. These works will be showcased in unique venues such as backyards, shop fronts, empty paddocks, and school halls, each piece responding to the culture, history, environment, and community of Kandos and its regional setting.

KANDOS, AUSTRALIA — Cementa Festival is set to return to Kandos for another vibrant edition of contemporary art and culture from 19–22 September 2024. Celebrated as one of Australia’s most beloved regional art meccas, Cementa promises an exciting and unforgettable experience under the curatorial leadership of Dr Daniel Mudie Cunningham and First Nations curator Jo Albany.

Cementa24 is thrilled to present new works by artists from across Australia, all of whom have created pieces that resonate with Kandos and its regional context. This year will highlight the fusion of work and play as a core theme, celebrating Country, community, connection, and conversation.

Performances and Events Include:

• Opening Night Extravaganza: A series of dynamic performances by regional and urban artists curated by Performance Space, culminating in a high-energy performance by the psycho-blues-a-billy band White Knuckle Fever.

• Art Scrum by Gabrielle Bates: An engaging participatory performance exploring the dynamics of collaboration and risk.

‘Coming Out’ Debutante Ball: Led by artist Georgia Banks, this event promises an inclusive and celebratory experience.

• Immersive Sound Evening: Regional collective Noise Xhurch will transform the local golf course into an auditory landscape.

• ‘Colour Fields’ Aura Photography with Kate Mitchell: Have your portrait created through the enchanting process of aura photography.

A Picnic Among Friends: Victoria Spence will host this special event in honour of our loved ancestors.

• Branch Nebula’s New Work: Featuring Latai Taumoepeau, this performance explores human vulnerability, endurance, and resilience in an unstable world.

• Kandos School of Cultural Adaptation: Interactive works and performances in an empty paddock will examine our relationships with plants, the landscape, and each other.

• Closing Ceremony: Led by the Kandos Aboriginal community, bringing the festival to a meaningful close.

Cementa24 is a celebration of the unique spirit of Kandos and the vibrant creativity that defines this extraordinary festival. Join us for an unforgettable journey through contemporary art and culture in the heart of regional Australia.

Artists:

Cementa24

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tully Arnot, Laura Baker, Georgia Banks, Gabrielle Bates, Vanessa Berry, Jude Bowler, Branch Nebula, Nick Breedon, Michael Bourke, Alisa Burlington, Willowa Carter, Josie Cavallaro, Dominique Chen & Caitlin Franzmann, Jo Clancy, Kathryn Cowen & Gareth Jenkins, Kate Dorrough, Cherine Fahd, Ellen Ferrier, Maddison Gibbs, Emma Maye Gibson, June Golland, Doug Heslop, Linda Jackson, Kandos School of Cultural Adaptation, Adrienne Kenafake, David Lawrey & Jaki Middleton, Noelene Lucas, Tara Marynowsky, Catherine McGuinness & Diane Pirotta, Tommy Misa, Kate Mitchell, Danny Morse, Judy Anne Moule, Djon Mundine, Noise Xhurxh, Shani Nottingham, Jacqui O’Reilly, Venessa Possum, Damian Showyin, Victoria Spence, Lauren Swain, Peter Swain, The Useless Assembly, White Knuckle Fever, Marcus Whale, Miriam Williamson & Brad Allen-Waters

Cementa Festival Returns to Kandos for Four Days and Nights of Contemporary Art and Culture

Cementa:

Cementa Inc. is an artist-led and community-embedded regional arts organisation based in Kandos in Central New South Wales (NSW), on Wiradjuri Country. Our annual program develops and presents contemporary arts culture that relates to our regional context, inviting both regional and urban artists to make work that addresses the realities and concerns of people and living in rural NSW. Cementa works with our First Nations community to support and platform the development of Aboriginal culture. Cementa’s vision connects regional arts communities with peers across Australia, through an annual program of residencies, exhibitions, partnerships and special projects, culminating in a flagship biennial festival which attracts thousands of people to the small town of Kandos, located three hours from Sydney, between Mudgee and Lithgow.

Launched in 2013, Cementa became one of the only artist-run organisations to own its own building in 2022, and celebrated its tenth birthday in 2023.

Alan Schacher, BLACK ST.REAMER, Cementa22. Photo: Ian Hobbs

About

NEWBRIDGE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL

Glorious winter weather greeted visitors to Newbridge on Saturday for the annual winter solstice festival. Thanks to generous funding from the NSW Government Open Streets Program and Orange360 Newmont Regional Event Tourism Fund, the festival - which began some years ago as a backyard barbecue - was bigger than ever before.

Starting with the inaugural mediaeval banquet on Friday night, guests were treated to a four-course meal, music from The Scotsman and performances by Suzy Spindoll and the Vikings. A specially commissioned souvenir mead cup was taken home by each guest.

On Saturday, the festival activities stretched from the showground - with displays of Viking battles and Skills at Arms demonstrations - through a mediaeval tent village to the market stalls on Trunkey Street. A full program of dance performances,

battles and live music entertained visitors, who strolled the markets and stopped in at the Olde Bridge Gallery, Stringybark Crafts & Collectibles, and The Gladstone Hotel.

At 2pm performers and costumed visitors, led by the Canobolas Highland Pipe Band, paraded down Trunkey Street with the magnificent team from Riding with Sticks bringing up the rear. After that it was time for jousting, more music and, of course, the lighting of the wickerman bonfire on Gladstone Green.

The Newbridge Progress Association volunteers have been working for twelve months on the preparations for the event, which was also generously supported by Blayney Shire Council, Regis Resources, The Gladstone Hotel in Newbridge and Hill & Crofts. Other Blayney businesses: Blayney Botanicals, Magic Comb Hairdresser, Tattersalls Hotel, Royal Hotel, Odd

Central West News

Sock Gallery, Café 125, Ampol Garage, Miskell Electrical and Hutchisons/Akehurst Bakery kindly donated costume prizes. Grateful thanks go also to the teams at 2BS and the Central West Village Voice, who have been longstanding and much-appreciated community supporters of all Newbridge events.

The Newbridge Winter Solstice Festival will be back on Saturday June 21, 2025. Before that, there’s Spring into Art at Newbridge on October 18-20 and the Newbridge Swap Meet on February 9, 2025, so visitors can be living history at Newbridge all year round.

Image 1: The banquet was almost full immersion into mediaeval life

Image 2: Black Joak Morris Dancers are always popular

Image 3: New in 2024 was a display of jousting by Riding with Sticks

Bathurst News

12-HOUR ORGANISING TEAM VISITS WORLD'S LARGEST GT RACE

AN International fact-finding mission to the world’s biggest GT3 race has Bathurst 12 Hour organisers excited about the continued growth of Australia’s International Enduro.

Bathurst 12 Hour Event Director Shane Rudzis and Supercars Head of Broadcast Nathan Prendergast attended the Centenary running of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa Francorchamps at the weekend, both to fly the flag for Australia’s biggest GT enduro while also learning from an event now in its 100th year.

While Rudzis attended the event last year, 2024 marked Prendergast’s first visit to the iconic Spa Francorchamps circuit in the Belgian Ardennes.

Both spent time with both the event organisers SRO (Stephane Ratel Organisation) as well as manufacturers, teams and drivers throughout the 67-strong field – many of whom already count a Bathurst 12 Hour start to their credit.

Australia’s International Enduro was again confirmed as the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge for 2025 as part of an expanded five-event calendar, announced at SRO’s annual ‘state of the nation’ press conference prior to the race.

Bathurst will be joined by iconic races including Spa’s 24 Hour, the Nürburgring 24 Hour and Indianapolis 8-Hour, while the iconic 1000km of Suzuka will make a welcome return to the calendar next year.

Aston Martin team Comtoyou Racing won a dramatic race taking the lead in the final hour after a delay at pit entry hindered the then-leading Ferrari 296GT3.

Bathurst 12 Hour polesitters BMW Team WRT finished third with Sheldon van der Linde, Charles Weerts and Dries Vanthoor and also claimed Intercontinental GT Challenge honours for BMW.

Local teams and drivers had a typically up-and-down 24-Hour race, 12-Hour winner Matt Campbell best of the Aussies in eighth position in a quiet race for Porsche.

Triple Eight JMR were out early in the race following a heavy crash while Brad Schumacher’s Audi was a non-finisher with mechanical issues.

Several cars in action at Spa will become eligible for the 12-Hour for the first time in 2025, including the Ferrari 296 GT3, Ford Mustang GT3 and latest Aston Martin Vantage GT3.

The 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour will be held at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit between January 31-February 2 next year.

Tickets, camping and hospitality will go on sale later this year.

Shane Rudzis – Event Director, Bathurst 12 Hour

“It has been a very fruitful event with engagement from all vehicle brands to discuss current GT programs and the opportunities to come to Bathurst for 2025,” Rudzis said.

“Of course, there is lots to work through regarding schedules, logistics and budgets but the timing is perfect for these face-to-face discussions. There is no doubting that we are on the agendas of many key brands and teams who want to be part of Australia’s International Enduro.

“The affection from race team personal, drivers and fans of the Bathurst 12 Hour is mindblowing. To have so many fans talk about getting up in the middle of the night from Europe or North America to tune into the 12 Hour race start to watch our sensational broadcast of the iconic sunrise is something we’re very proud of.

“We are currently working through our Sporting and Technical regulations, and it has been fantastic to get feedback from the teams and other parties to plan the 2025 event. Our goal is to have these finalised in July for race entries to open.

“There have also been many discussions of what other activities we can have at the event, from Support Categories to demonstrations to unique vehicles on display, the possibilities are very exciting.

“Having Nathan here to observe the biggest GT event on the planet, executed so wonderfully by Stephane and his SRO team, has been an extremely worthwhile exercise. While understanding that we do a lot of things from a Bathurst 12 Hour & Supercars perspective that are already world class, we have also taken on plenty of learnings to bring home with us that we can use to continue to grow and evolve what we do ‘down under’.

“It has been an excellent trip and showcases the fantastic relationship we have with the SRO team and the global GT community, as part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge.”

Nathan Prendergast – Head of Broadcast, Supercars

“It’s been my first time to Spa Francorchamps and it is everything you expect and more,” Prendergast said.

“There’s amazing elevation and it’s beautifully prepared and surrounded by stunning forest. It’s got similarities with Bathurst with a nearby small town and an epic track. It’s been a fantastic experience.

“We have been treated extremely well by SRO and have been really impressed by their professionalism and attention to detail in putting on the event as a whole and the race itself.

“I’ve certainly been inspired with ideas for both Supercars and the 12 hour and I’d like to believe that we can adopt some of the learnings from this trip.”

FUNDING BOOST FOR BATHURST PCYC

Bathurst MP Paul Toole has delivered some great news to the hard-working team at the local PCYC.

Mr Toole announced Bathurst PCYC will receive a NSW Government Community Building Partnership (CBP) grant of $7,000.

The funding boost will allow the club to complete work repairing activity rooms as well as purchase some new technology for the meeting room.

“The Bathurst PCYC does a great job nurturing young people in our community and I can’t think of a more deserving organisation for this support,” Mr Toole said.

“Locally, you’ll find Bathurst’s best gymnastic facility as well as an Olympic standard boxing ring. They are also home to outstanding boxing training, as well as a range of other sporting activities.

“And for those who like to keep active with Parkour, they also have a purpose-built Parkcour and obstacle training facility.

“Bathurst PCYC is also proud to run one of the largest school holiday sports programs in the state which helps keep children active when they get a break from school.”

The Community Building Partnership fund is a NSW Government initiative which awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

Holiday Hot Tip

Check out the National Motor Racing Museum’s newest exhibit Mount Hondarama. The custom built LEGO display is based on our famous Mount Panorama and features all things Honda, from the Honda Civic Type-R to historic Hondas like the first generation Civics.

There’s also a few other products sprinkled around the track including motorcycles, lawnmowers and whipper-snippers. There’s even the odd helmet wearing sheep and a motorised Eskie or two. The display has been donated to the Museum by Honda. In total, there’s more than 150,000 LEGO pieces in the display.

Mount Hondarama was built by the brickman, Ryan McNaught in 2020 for the Honda Australia-LEGO Masters Australia partnership.

It is now on permanent display at the National Motor Racing Museum.

2024 Bathurst Careers Expo

The annual Bathurst Careers Expo provides the chance for job-seekers and schoolleavers to explore their career prospects with over 80 exhibitors in attendance, ranging from educational institutions to large and small businesses based in the Central West.

When: Wednesday 31 July 2024

Time: 9am – 3pm

Location: Charles Sturt University Gymnasium

Interested in being an exhibitor?

BIMC Council Update

Bathurst Regional Council and the Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre (BIMC) have been unable to reach agreement on the provision of carparking spaces and their cost.

Mayor of Bathurst Cr Jess Jennings said Council, at its meeting on 19 June, considered a further request from BIMC to finalise funding for the carpark.

“This request from BIMC was unanimously rejected by Council because of: the increased financial cost implications to ratepayers, and inadequate parking spaces for the Bathurst community.

“Council opted not to depart from our adopted Statement of Intent in relation to the proposed carpark, primarily because the latest proposal has insufficient parking provided to meet community requirements, including Bathurst RSL and their patrons.

“Council has made every effort to support the BIMC project, noting Council was:

• providing the land area necessary for the car park at no cost to the developer but valued conservatively at over $3 million,

• paying $5 million cash of ratepayer’s funds towards car park construction,

• had already amended height restrictions for BIMC, which conservatively amounts to a commercial real estate gain over $10 million for 3 extra floors.

“Councillors could not agree to bringing significantly more cars, patients and customers to the CBD without adequate parking and ultimately expects developers to provide sufficient parking to meet the demands created by any new development.

“The final offer from BIMC would have seen Council retaining certainty over only 240 of the already existing 325 spaces (a reduction of 85 spaces), and a grand total of only 580 spaces for a $70m development. This cemented Council’s unanimous decision.

“Council acknowledges and appreciates the significant time and effort BIMC has invested in getting the project this far, and the community involvement in Council amending the LEP.

“Ultimately this is a commercial decision for the private sector based on their expected return on investment, and while Council was generous despite financial circumstances the impacts of COVID cost escalations cannot be ignored.” Cr Jennings said.

Save the Date

Bathurst Gardeners’ Club Spring Spectacular 2024

Winner of Bathurst Regional Council’s Community Event of the Year for 2023

26TH & 27TH OCTOBER, 2024

Beautiful Open Gardens to explore in the Bathurst area.

For more information see our Web and Facebook pages

bathurstgardenclub.org.au

The Bathurst Gardeners’ Club Spring Spectacular Larraine Griffin - larrieg20a@gmail.com 0435786485

Charles Sturt proudly sponsors ‘Brew and Bite’ at the 2024 Bathurst Winter Festival

Charles Sturt University is again the proud sponsor of the popular ‘Brew and Bite’ event at the 2024 Bathurst Winter Festival.

The annual festival is an exciting initiative by Bathurst Regional Council and this year runs from Saturday 6 to Sunday 21 July.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement (Orange and Bathurst) Ms Julia Andrews said the University’s staff, students and alumni are proud members of the Bathurst community and are delighted to support this major community event to showcase the best of Bathurst.

“The University is an enthusiastic supporter of Bathurst events and urges locals and visitors to rug up and brave the winter chill to enjoy a range of seasonal attractions,” she said.

“We’re very pleased to again be the major brand sponsor of the Charles Sturt Brew and Bite event at the Bathurst Winter Festival.

“The Brew and Bite is a lot of fun and showcases our region’s produce on Friday 12 July from 4pm to 9pm and on Saturday 13 July from 12 noon to 9pm.

“It features delicious international food stalls as well as mulled wines, spiced ciders, local gins and craft ales from some of the region’s best vignerons, brewers and distillers.”

This year Charles Sturt will have a merchandise stall at the Brew and Bite offering free popcorn. The University’s mascot ‘Charlie the Cockatoo’ will be at the stall for photos, and community radio station 2MCE will broadcast live from the event.

The University is also hosting an ice-skating session for current students, staff and alumni on Thursday July 11 from 7pm to 7.40pm.

“Our students and staff love being part of the Bathurst Winter Festival,” Ms Andrews said. “It makes us very proud to belong to the Charles Sturt University family and to live in such a vibrant community.”

COMMUNITY BUILDS OFF FUNDING FOR BATHURST NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

The Bathurst Neighbourhood Centre is a well-known and respected organisation that has been serving the local region for nearly five decades.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole knows more than anyone the organisation’s importance to the wider Bathurst community and is pleased to be able to announce it will receive funding of $5000 from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) fund.

He said the support will allow The Neighbourhood Centre to purchase a smartboard for its meeting room which is used for a variety of different purposes, not only its members but also by local groups and members of the community.

“The aim of The Neighbourhood Centre is to inform and educate members of the community by enabling them to connect people, resources and ideas to support individuals and strengthen their communities,” Mr Toole said.

“A new smartboard will really help user groups who use the meeting rooms for their gatherings and help bring the Centre’s resources into the digital era.”

The Neighbourhood Centre has meeting room hire options including its reception/welcome area (maximum 20 people), community room (maximum 20 people), meeting room (maximum 14 people) and interview room ( maximum two people).

The Community Building Partnership is a NSW Government initiative which awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

Brewongle School

The Neighbourhood Centre provides services and supports to disadvantaged members of the community. Programs are provided with the support of volunteers and include: Learner Driver program, school holiday workshops, Homework Club, Adult Literacy, English Tuition, free legal advice clinic, DeCaf for

Just a few kms up the Tarana Road lies the hamlet of Brewongle – formerly called Macquarie Plains. Named by explorer George Evans in 1813 after the man who shaped New South Wales, Governor Lachlan Macquarie. We have talked previously about this historic and very attractive former village with so much history

Mrs Heritage says the old schoolhouse at Brewongle was built in 1872 out of slab timbers with a bark roof, as a response to the needs of the new railway workers children. It burnt down. Then, in 1876, the new Brewongle Public School, was built – this time of out of brick, perhaps having learned the lessons of the three little pigs like so many of these early rural schools, or perhaps as public education took hold. It still stands handsomely as a private residence (pictured) with its wooden school bench on the front verandah.

Jimmy Dowler, a long time resident of Locksley up the road, told me that when the Locksley school was closed every now and then, in the 1940/50’s he and his brother were doubled up on a horse by their insistent mother, and rode the seven kms to Brewongle school so they didn’t miss out, and returned home by the same method after school to check the line of rabbit traps they had set early that morning.

Thought of the week … “keep on keeping our precious little rural schoolhouses and their stories.” by a humble heritage advocate – July 2024

$1,000 grant assists disengaged boys in Bathurst

Charles Sturt University is assisting disengaged boys in the Bathurst area through $1,000 in funding awarded to the Boys to the Bush program through its annual Community University Partnerships (CUP) Grants Program.

Boys to the Bush is an early intervention program, assisting to reconnect disengaged boys. The charity operates in 13 locations across NSW and Victoria and is helping many families in the Bathurst area.

The $1,000 grant will support the charity’s work of providing a fresh, hearty breakfast to course participants each day, with products purchased locally through family-owned businesses that already provide support to the charity.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement (Orange and Bathurst) Ms Julia Andrews, said the CUP Grant program is a small grants program designed to support the development of the University’s regions through contributions to cultural, economic, sporting and related activities.

“CUP grants also build higher education aspiration and awareness particularly among young people in rural and regional communities,” Ms Andrews said.

“The University recently announced CUP grants for ten applicants including the ‘Boys to the Bush’ program, and the opportunity to support such a worthwhile program is what the fund is all about.”

Boys to the Bush (Bathurst) Manager Mr Kurt Hancock was appreciative of the funding.

“What we do is all about community,” said Mr Kurt Hancock.

“With around 27 per cent of 12- to19-year-olds skipping breakfast each day, it’s a focus many schools and charities have across the state.

“It’s important for these young fellas to start the day right, and we all know that’s hard on an empty stomach, but if we can also spend the funds locally with the businesses that already support us, then there is a much wider benefit.

“Most of the kids we work with arrive without breakfast and maybe even without dinner the night before. They not only learn to cook for themselves, but also how the budgeting and purchasing process works to ensure we cover an entire term of meals.”

Member for Bathurst The Hon. Mr Paul Toole, MP, said it was great to see two key local organisations working together to help create change.

In 2023 Charles Sturt University CUP Grants disbursed $64,650 to 66 projects in five grant categories across seven regional locations and communities. Grant categories include Arts and Culture, Sports Development, Education Development, Health and Wellbeing, and Environmental Sustainability.

Visit www.boystothebush.org.au for more information about Boys to the Bush programs, or to get involved.

seniors with memory loss and their carers, meeting room spaces and information and referral.

Pictured: Member for Bathurst Paul Toole with Jean Fell and Terisa Ashworth from The Neighbourhood Centre.

Dark Side of the Moon.

Pink Floyd’s masterpiece, exploring the passage of time and our inability to control it. Money, greed, conflict, losing touch with reality. Death. The fourth highest selling album of all time is all about me, you, us and them.

On the back of sell-out shows in 2022-23, seven-piece band Run Like Hell meticulously recreate the album from start to finish, taking you back to when you first heard it and marvelled at the sonic experimentation, exceptional production, and the visceral feelings evoked by the lyrics and lush melodies. After leaving you spellbound, Run Like Hell will return to the stage with a second set of classics including “Echoes”, “Comfortably Numb”, and “Another Brick in the Wall”.

Complete with searing guitar solos, sassy saxophone, backing vocalists, video montage and a laser light show, Run Like Hell are a Floydian experience not to be missed.

NOTE: theatrical haze, strobing lights and laser will be used throughout the concert.

Have your say in Bathurst’s new Destination Management Plan

Bathurst Regional Council is commencing public consultation on a new Destination Management Plan. The Plan will provide a five-year strategic guide to make planning, capacity building, marketing and financial decisions about tourism in the region and to build upon the achievements of recent years.

Tourism is an important part of the Bathurst region with more than 1.2 million visitors in the last financial year contributing more than $400 million in local spending. The Bathurst region is an evolving destination that has moved from being a stopover point and a city almost exclusively associated in visitors’ minds with the Mount Panorama racing circuit, to offering a diverse range of experiences based around events, heritage, arts & culture and outdoors activities, supported by a developing foodie scene. The region has seen strong growth as a destination of choice for families, particularly from Western Sydney, and has worked collaboratively with neighbouring LGAs to build the profile of the Central West.

Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council, Councillor Jess Jennings, said that the development of a new Destination Management Plan was an important project for Council, and encouraged local businesses and community members to have their say.

“Visitors and service providers impact and are impacted by tourism within the Bathurst Region in different ways. We want to determine how tourism in the Bathurst region can be improved now and grow further into the future. Understanding the range of stakeholder priorities and expectations will help us prioritise and plan for the future of tourism in the Bathurst Region.”

“Working with a specialist communications agency, Council will be engaging through workshops, online forums, direct contact with businesses of the visitor economy and online surveys for businesses as well as locals and visitors to the region. We want to hear from as wide a group as possible, understanding that tourism is significant to our local economy and local employment. It has the potential to continue to be a strong growth area for us, so it is important that a new plan captures the priorities of industry and the community,” Cr Jennings said.

Community consultation runs through until Sunday 21 July 2024 and Council encourages all interested stakeholders to provide feedback by joining a face-to-face or online forum, completing the online survey, or emailing or calling the project team.

For more information on how you can be involved, visit www.yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 147 611.

Public Consultation Forums

• Wednesday 3 July 6pm – 8pm. Bathurst Visitor Information Centre, 1 Kendall Ave Bathurst

• Friday 5 July 2pm – 4pm. Central Tablelands Collections Facility, 20 Leena Street Bathurst

• Saturday 6 July 2pm – 4pm. National Motor Racing Museum, 400 Panorama Avenue Bathurst Industry Consultation Workshops

• Thursday 4 July 10am – 12noon. Central Tablelands Collections Facility, 20 Leena Street Bathurst

• Thursday 4 July 6pm – 8pm. Bathurst Visitor Information Centre, 1 Kendall Ave Bathurst

• Saturday 6 July 11am – 1pm. National Motor Racing Museum, 400 Panorama Avenue Bathurst Online Forums

• Monday 8 July 10am – 11.30am

• Tuesday 9 July 6pm – 7.30pm

RSVP at tourism@bathurst.nsw.gov.au and information on how to access the online forums.

What to do when you retire?

A number of people have asked me what clubs or organisations they should join after they retire. There are so many that I would not be able to list them all, but I will mention a few of my favourites.

If you are a sporting enthusiast, you can join and support one of the four football codes (Soccer, AFL, Rugby League and Rugby Union), Netball, Basketball, Hockey, Tennis, Cricket, Swimming, Walking groups and Golf.

If a hobby group is more to your liking, then there are organisations for many activities and interests such as gardening, singing, protecting the environment, history and family research, even weaving.

If community activities are something that may interest you, there are several clubs that you may be interested in, such as Art Societies, Lions, Rotary, View, Probus, U3A, and Quota. I should declare that I am a member of Bathurst Combined Probus Club, and President of Bathurst U3A, with almost 400 members.

Whatever you interest or hobby, you should pursue it after you retire. Retirement is not a time when you should leave the world behind, simply because you have left work. It is an opportunity to follow those activities you have been promising to do for decades. Get out there and see the world, do new and different things, make new friends. More importantly have fun, enjoy life and thrive!

A Point of View - by Stuart Pearson

Andrew GEE MP INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE

Your Country Your Voice

Two weeks ago, the Coalition announced that a nuclear power plant will be built at Mt Piper near Lithgow if they win the next election.

INFORMATION NEEDED ASAP

News reports of a press conference held by Peter Dutton and David Littleproud in Sydney was the first that local residents and community leaders had heard of the plan.

Folks in Lithgow-area communities were really surprised by this.

That’s because there’s been no consultation with the local community, no details provided about the project, and no opportunity offered for residents to ask questions about what this’ll mean for them.

No matter where you stand on this issue, if someone proposed to put a nuclear reactor in your backyard, you’d probably have a few questions too.

NOBODY CONSULTING THE COMMUNITY, SO I AM

That’s why in the past fortnight I have held two informal community consultations at both Lithgow and Portland — with a third in the works.

They’ve been good opportunities for residents to have a chat with me about their thoughts on the topic.

While there is some strong division between those supporting a reactor and those opposing it, what I’ve found is that there are a whole lot of people who want more information and details in order to make up their minds. And that’s fair enough.

The community can’t be expected to make an informed choice on this issue if there’s no information, consultation or facts.

MY POSITION ON NUCLEAR POWER

As I’ve said in a statement issued to all local media outlets, in columns published in newspapers across our region, and in statements on my Facebook and Instagram pages, I am not against nuclear power and never have been. I have had the benefit of nuclear medicine scans, and continue to support the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program.

Getting the details and questions answered on a nuclear reactor at Mt Piper is vital so that we can have a respectful and informed community discussion, and all make up our minds.

This is exactly what Lithgow City Council has called for and

It was terrific to attend the official opening of the newly upgraded Glow Worm Tunnel precinct at Wollemi National Park recently.

As the name suggests the tunnel is home to a thriving community of glow worms which are truly spectacular. With their tunnel upgrade complete, the glow worms are once again ready to put on a show for visitors!

The Glow Worm Tunnel precinct upgrade was jointly funded by the Federal and NSW Governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund totalling $4.3 million.

I was joined at the opening by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, Aunty Helen Riley, Lithgow Mayor Maree Stratham, and Councillor Darryl Goodwin plus several of the hardworking folks who made it all happen.

The Black Summer bushfires in the region were devastating but with the completion of wonderful projects like this, the recovery continues.

Up to 50,000 visitors are drawn to the Newnes Plateau site each year.

The glow worms are one of our truly unique regional attractions so put a visit to them on your ‘things to see’ list!

STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED NUCLEAR REACTOR AT Mt PIPER

also the state Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole who said, “the announcement lacks detail and has raised more questions than answers”. He also asked: “is it reality or is it fiction?”

If National Party MPs who are insiders are not on-board with the policy because they don’t have the necessary information, how can anyone else be expected to be?

The statement from the Deputy Leader of the Nationals Perin Davey that “if a community is absolutely adamant [against a reactor] then we will not proceed” which was then contradicted by David Littleproud who said “no she’s not correct” has only added to confusion.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud really needs to front the people of the Lithgow area, explain his policy and answer legitimate community questions. It’s not too much to ask.

The two main arguments raised in favour of a reactor in the Central West are jobs and cheaper power.

QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE COMMUNITY:

Questions which community members have raised with me so far include:

1. Why weren’t Lithgow-area communities consulted before this announcement was made?

2. Why weren’t Lithgow-area communities given the respect of making this announcement in Lithgow rather than doing it in Sydney?

3. How do we know it’s safe?

4. Can community safety be guaranteed in the event of a natural disaster, terrorist attack or armed conflict?

5. Where in Lithgow will the highly toxic radioactive waste be stored?

6. Have the owners of the Mt Piper power station been consulted? (Answer: No.)

7. What will happen to real estate prices in Lithgow and other communities of the Central West?

8. How much will this project cost and what is the timeline?

9. Given the cost, how do we know it will lead to cheaper power?

10. Where will the huge amounts of water required for the reactor come from?

11. After the Lithgow area was “volunteered” by the previous NSW

Government for a waste incinerator that Western Sydney didn’t want, why has it now been volunteered for this without the community having a say?

12. Two state Central West National Party MPs recently flew to Europe and apparently met with representatives of nuclear power companies. Who did they meet, and what was discussed?

13. What are the environmental impacts?

14. Who will manage the reactor?

15. Can they be trusted?

16. Will construction start before Mt Piper’s scheduled closure in 2040?

17. As Energy Australia hasn’t been consulted and has no plans to build a reactor, when will the site be nationalised as per Coalition policy?

18. How will radioactive waste by transported safely?

19. How many jobs will it actually create?

If you have any questions or comments on the nuclear reactor proposal I’d like your opinion, so please email my office at andrew. gee.mp@aph.gov.au

Last Council Meeting for General Manager charts a course for next financial year.

At the last Council meeting before the end of the financial year, a number of important matters were discussed and resolved. The meeting was also the last that will be attended by outgoing General Manager Craig Butler. In her Mayoral minute Mayor Maree Statham took the opportunity to thank Mr. Butler for his four years of dedicated service to Council.

A significant item on the agenda was the Council's Operational Plan for 2024/25. This plan outlines a comprehensive Capital Works program which totals at $29M. Key projects that will be funded through this program include the second stage of the Main Street CBD revitalisation, and road works on Glen Davis Road and Hartley Valley Road. The Operational Plan also outlines $7M in allocations from the Special Rate Variation which will fund projects including sealed road preventative maintenance, the purchase of a new grader and JetPatcher for additional road maintenance, capacity building across a number of Council departments and funding for the Lithgow Emerging Economies Plan (LEEP). The 24/25 Operations Plan was adopted by Council and can be viewed on the Council website.

Council authorised the submission of the application to the NSW Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the construction of a new access road to the Wolgan Valley to replace the destroyed section of the existing Wolgan Road. With a value of more than $325 million, the project is by far the most significant ever to be undertaken by the council.

The council approved a budget variation of $738,476 for the West Bowenfels Sewerage Pumping Station. The variation resulted from additional cost incurred by the contractor, Keane Civil Construction Pty Ltd., for excavating extensive unforeseen hard rock material. The work also required under boring to avoid a site of cultural heritage value during construction. An additional $250,000 as part of the Council’s Capital Works program was also approved which would be used to complete the rising mains construction from the new sewerage pumping station to Tweed Mills Sewerage Pumping Station. The additional funding will be offset by cost savings achieved from other recent Council water and waste water projects.

The Council reviewed changes to the onsite sewerage management policy which will be placed on public exhibition. The policy would see the approach to the management and regulation of onsite sewerage systems streamlined. This continues the Council’s commitment to improving the delivery

of water and wastewater services residents.

A motion was put forward that would see part of Council’s existing lease of land at Lake Lyell returned to Energy Australia to allow for the study of a temporary worker village to house employees hired for a pumped hydro, if this proposal was to be advanced and approved. There comments from the public gallery against the matter. After carefully considering the submission made by Energy Australia and residents in the public gallery, the council approved the motion.

The Council agreed to the proposed rates and charges for the coming financial year. A full breakdown of the updated rates and charges for 2024/25 is available on the Council website. The Council also agreed to placing an updated Debt Management and Hardship Policy on public exhibition.

The Council approved a motion that would see a minor increase in remuneration for both the positions of Mayor and of Councillors. This increase was proposed in line with the Local

Government Tribunal’s categorisation of the Lithgow LGA as a Regional Rual Council. The remuneration is set to fairly compensate Councillors and Mayors for the work that they are expected to do as elected officials. The Lithgow Council’s remuneration fees are historically low compared to other regional rural councils. The debate canvassed the importance of ensuring that remuneration is fair in order to encourage and recognise skilled councillors for the work they do, while also encouraging other members of the community to consider undertaking the role of councillor in future.

Pictured L-R: Outgoing General Manager Craig Butler, Deputy Mayor Darryl Goodwin, Mayor Maree Statham, new General Manager Ross Gurney

The Council meeting can be viewed, and the full reports accessed, online at www.council.lithgow.com

What a (delightful) load of rubbish. A review of Waste2Art.

by Jessica Ann Leffley (Bird Girl Creations)

The Waste2Art exhibition opened Friday 7th of June at the Union Theatre Gallery, to a bustling and delighted crowd of punters braving the dreary weather, to immerse themselves in the artistic spectacle of the Lithgow region.

Do not be fooled, this tiny package of a gallery is abundant with clever, thoughtful, and truly spectacular recycled creations that respond to the Net Wastes 2024 theme “year of packaging” considerately curated by Verity Brookes. Winners were indeed grinners, delivering personable and informative acceptance speeches. Of note was Michael Green’s catch of the day No where to go, inspired by his daughter's research into microplastics.

Zig Zag Public School’s cardboard Locomotive, is a project of skill and determination led by clever Kindy teacher Samantha Dudley. Kitty Litter by Clare McAdams, a clowder of shape and colour, utilising, you guessed it… no not actually kitty litter but litter left from products she used when fostering kittens. Sarah Mitchell’s, Enlightenment was a small sculptural piece hard to be matched, tiny, bold and brilliant.

We had self-proclaimed “artistic rookie” Olivia Geraghty placed first AND second in two separate categories with Water Rights and Sail Away, created with the rubbish she had kept under her house, sending a clear message of the impacts of packaging in our waterways. The Plastic Fly door curtain by Kathy Argoulas! Wow! There was crowd favourite Prue Mogg with her glorious tactile piece Tribal Whispers, responding to workshops she’d participated in in the Lithgow region, yet again dazzling us with another intricate masterpiece. Fiona Russell, took away the first prize for the 3D open category with her magical sculpture Autumn Solace, expressing to the crowd her gratefulness at the

warm reception her new creative business Mythika has received by the Lithgow community.

I’m writing this piece to highlight a winner, not able to attend, 39-year-old Bethany Fairbairn whose family I have known since childhood. Bethany was announced as the 2nd prize winner of the 3D community prize with her artwork

A bit of everything. My heart was filled with joy and absolute pride as the crowd cheered. I risked a faux pas and immediately text her mother, shortly after commanding the crowd (yes quite intently) to CHEER FOR BETHANY! On the count of three, two, one… and they did.

Thursday morning on the June Long weekend of 2007, Bethany was in a car accident that changed her life completely. Since then, she has shone through adversity, through disability, become independent, and is now a recognised artist. I’ll pause to note that I called Bethany and discussed this article, her artwork, if it was OK for me to write this, and what the prize meant to her. To which she said “this year is the best one”, “Why’s that?” I asked to which Bethany retorted, “Because I’ve entered every year and this year I won a prize!”.

The 17th anniversary of Bethany’s accident was today, 8th of

June, a mere 6 hours after Bethany learned that she’d won. Congratulations Bethany, we are so proud of you.

Waste 2 Art is a Regional NSW community art exhibition and competition open to all residents of the NetWaste region. The NetWaste region has 26 member Councils, including Lithgow, and covers approximately 40% of NSW.

The Regional Waste 2 Art exhibition will be held in Parkes Shire Library, 25 Bogan St, Parkes NSW 2870 from 10 August 2024.

Image: Bethany Fairbairn with her piece A bit of everything

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.

COUNCIL COLUMN

Community Update Works Update

Review of properties that have Farmland Rating Category

Lithgow Council has hit pause on a matter which has concerned some rural landowners across the city. The issue was caused by a recent Council mail-out to the landowners asking them to confirm that their land was being used as farmland.

The Council’s General Manager, Craig Butler explained, “This council is immensely supportive of farming. For this reason, when the dominant use of land is for farming, the rates paid to the council are lowered. It is important, however, that only farming businesses receive this benefit because other ratepayers experience higher rates as a result of this policy approach.”

“The reality is that the rural parts of this city are seeing growth in non-farming uses of the land. This includes short-stay tourism accommodation and lifestyle housing. When those are the dominant use of the land, it is not appropriate to reduce the rates.”

“Periodically, the council will identify properties that do not appear to be used for farming. In this situation, the council will ask the landowner to establish what the dominant use of the land is.”

“There are approximately 1200 properties across the city that have been rated as farmland. The council has written to the owners of about 700 properties which did not appear to be used for farming. Already, many of those landowners have acknowledged that, today, their land is not used for farming. But it has also become apparent that some people will require more time to gather the required information to show that they operate a farm. The process will be slowed to allow these people to properly assemble their information. The council will closely review all submissions and then consult further with any person who is affected by a proposed change.”

There will be no rating category change for properties currently categorised as farmland for the 2024/25 year. It is proposed to recommence the review of properties currently rated as farmland later in the year.

It is likely that farmers impacted by natural disasters, such as Wolgan Valley landowners, will be excluded from the review of farmland rating.

Scan here for more information or to apply

Join Lithgow City Council in celebrating NAIDOC Week 2024 with a special flag-raising ceremony and morning tea. This event is a significant occasion for us to honour and pay our respects to the Wiradjuri nation, the original custodians of the land on which the Lithgow community resides, and to extend our respect to their neighbouring nations.

Date: Monday, 8 July

Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Venue: Lithgow City Council

National NAIDOC Week celebrations acknowledge the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and

Water & Wastewater Request for Tender

Lithgow Council invites submissions from suitably qualified and experienced contractors to submit a tender for Lithgow Sewage Treatment Plant Inlet Works – Stage 2. Documentation containing further information in relation to this Tender can be obtained free of charge from: www.vendorpanel.com.au/marketplace.aspx

Documentation will be available from Monday 17th June and submissions will be received up until 5:00 pm on Sunday 7th July 2024.

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.

Smoke testing

On behalf of Council, Interflow Pty Ltd will be conducting smoke testing of sewer infrastructure in areas of Lithgow for a 4-week period commencing on 8th July 2024.

Over 250 properties in the Lithgow area along Main Street, Landa Street and Extension Estate will be tested. The purpose of these works will be to locate defects in the public sewage network and in house service lines. These defects can result in storm-water run off entering the sewer system, resulting in additional load to the system.

Scan here for more information on smoke testing.

Planned Interruption to Service Water Supply Lidsdale

Council will be undertaking planned repairs to water mains on the reticulation network that services Wolgan Road, Skelly Road, Duncan Street, Maddox Lane, Neubeck Street, and Ian Holt Drive, Lidsdale on Wednesday 10th of July. Residents in this area of Lidsdale may experience a reduction in water pressure or no water.

Council cannot advise a time for the completion of repairs but will aim to minimize the period of disruption.

Upon return to normal service, residents may experience dirty water for a period. Council will endeavour to minimise this by flushing the mains.

Before using the water for domestic purposes, residents are advised to run the first tap that services their property to ensure the water is clean and any dirt released into the system has been flushed before running internal taps.

If you continue to experience issues of dirty water, please contact Council on 6354 9999.

Scan here to receive water alerts in your area.

Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week offers an opportunity for all Australians to engage with and learn about the oldest, continuous living cultures on Earth.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “Blak, Loud and Proud,” reflects a powerful commitment to amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples and celebrating their unyielding spirit. The theme highlights the resilience and vitality of our Aboriginal cultures, symbolised by the enduring fire that connects communities to the land, to each other, and to their traditions. This flame represents the pride and unity that continue to inspire the preservation and sharing of our cultural heritage.

“Blak, Loud and Proud” also emphasises the importance

Upgrades to Blast Furance Park and Lake Pillans

The following works are being undertaken at Blast Furnace and Lake Pillans Wetlands:

• addition of a projection lighting system that will light up the ruins.

• Constructing an asphalt pavement carpark with parking for 11 vehicles including 2 accessible carparking spaces

• Vehicle bollards to prevent vehicle access to the reserve

• Widening existing pathways to pedestrian/cycle path standard where achievable.

• Pathway gradient improvements for accessibility.

• Landscaping works.

The works are expected to be completed in October. there will still be access between Blast Furnace and Lake Pillans. The Blast Furnace access road and carpark will remain open.

The public is asked to not enter fenced areas and to observe any warning signage.

Burton Street Causeway Crossing

Work will commence on the 8 July on the installation of a causeway crossing over Farmers Creek near Burton Street.

This work will see the reinstatement of the missing link in the Farmers Creek shared pathway network that will enable runners, walkers and cyclists a safe and uninterrupted path from Lake Pillans and Blast Furnace to Chivers Close in the west.

The causeway crossing will resolve stormwater flow issues that were identified following installation of the previous bridge crossing. This new box culvert design is designed to be inundated during heavy rain, but includes specialised handrails for community safety, and which will not have a negative impact on flood levels for adjacent properties during periods of heavy rainfall.

It will be a dual box culvert design, including associated wingwalls, concrete aprons, embankment stabilisation and guardrails.

Scan here to keep up to date on key projects in your area.

Proposed road naming - Yesteryears Lane and Casino Way, Portland (The Foundations)

Two (2) new roads have been created as part of Subdivision DA15/22 (The Foundations). In compliance with development consent conditions, the Developer has proposed for these roads to be named Yesteryears Lane and Casino Way.

Yesteryears Lane will run parallel with Williwa Street from the (proposed name) Casino Way to the end (Quarry Lake). Casino Way will run from Williwa Street also parallel to Williwa Street, in an easterly direction from the intersection.

Council is seeking public comments on the proposed names, with written submissions being accepted by Council up until 5.00pm on Thursday, 11th July 2024. Please send any submissions to PO Box 19, Lithgow NSW 2790, or email council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Council’s Infrastructure and Economy Department on (02) 6354 9999 during business hours.

of reclaiming and amplifying Indigenous narratives, fostering a more equitable society where the wisdom and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are fully respected and valued. It encourages all Australians to engage in thoughtful dialogue and participate in activities that promote understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures.

This NAIDOC Week, we invite you to join us in recognising and honouring the Wiradjuri Elders, the traditional owners of our land, and to take part in a variety of events and activities celebrating the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures. By coming together, we can deepen our understanding and strengthen our commitment to supporting and uplifting our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

NAIDOC Week 2024 - Embracing ‘Blak, Loud and Proud’ - Morning Tea and Flag Raising Ceremony

Winter Holiday Guide

Lithgow Library

Monday 8 July, 3pm

DIY Wood chimes - Using a variety of different materials, you are given creative range to create your own wind chime to take home.

Balloon Cars - Using a selection of recycled materials, we will construct our own cars. Then power them up by blowing into the balloon and seeing what happens.

Tuesday 9 July, 10am

“Wobbly House” - enjoy an art workshop hosted by Sandra Conway-Powel’s and Geoff Bretherton. (bookings essential)

Wednesday 10 July, 10.30am

NAIDOC Storytime with BarrinangThere will be entertainment, craft, stories, refreshments and much more!

This year the theme for NAIDOC week is “Keep the fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud”

Thursday 11 July, 11am

Build a LEGO Snowman - put your creative skills to the test and use a variety of different LEGO pieces to create your own snowman.

Monday 15 July, 2.30pm

Snowflake Slime and Ice PaintingExplore your creativity and experiment with these fun sensory experiences as we explore winter and have lots of messy fun!

Portland Library

Thursday 11 July, 2.30pm

3D Salt Snowflakes- Come down to Portland Library and enjoy this crafty experiment as we use salt to create our own magical 3D Salt snowflakes.

Experiment with different colours to create your own piece of winter wonderland.

Lithgow Library

Wednesday 17 July, 10.30am

Teddy bear’s picnic and sleepoverEnjoy a teddy themed Storytime with stories, craft and of course songs.

Everyone is encouraged to bring their own picnic blanket and packed snacks and after Storytime we will enjoy a family movie. Children are then welcome to leave their teddies at the Library for a teddy bear sleepover!

The teddies will be entertained and their activities will be documented through the Lithgow Library Facebook page. This year will be bigger and better and you won’t want to miss out!

Thursday 18 July, 10.30am

Teddy bear pick up - Come and pick up your Teddy bears from the Library from 10.30am, giving them time to have their breakfast before going home.

Friday 19 July, 2pm

Games afternoon - Games with friends, what could be better in winter?

Enjoy challenging your friends to a variety of indoor games. We will also have ping pong set up and ready to go!

Wallerawang Library

Tuesday 16 July, 10.30am

Snowball Pom Poms - Enjoy creating your own snowball pom poms using wool and imagination, we will also have DIY snowmen for you to build.

Wednesday 17 July, 2.30pm

LEGO City - Come to Portland Library and enjoy using your creative skills to build your own winter city using LEGO! Prizes will be awarded.

Eskbank House Museum

Pay a visit to Eskbank House Museum, the Lithgow districts regional museum. Set within a historic estate, the museum aims to collect, preserve and interpret the histories associated with the early settlement and development of the region. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds and take in the current exhibition; Smart Inventions: Technology before the Smartphone

Smart inventions: technology before the Smartphone ….. how did we meet up with our friends? Catch the 7:25 train? Listen to music? Share a photo memory? Share our ideas?

On exhibition at the museum are clocks and watches, gramophones and radios, cameras and photo albums, telephones, film and slide projectors, typewriters and adding machines.

Open: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm.

Museum entry fees apply $5 and $2.50 concession, children under 6 are free.

JM Robson Aquatic Centre

Come down and have a splash in the heated indoor pool. Contact our friendly team on 6352 9160 for more info.

Saturday 20 July, 9.30am

Potato Stamps - Feeling creative? Come to Portland Library and learn a new skill, creating potato stamps! Create your patterns and then test out your stamps.

Lithgow Council makes significant investment to submit for Wolgan Road Replacement Funding

The permanent closure of the Wolgan Road in 2022 is one of the biggest challenges faced by Lithgow City Council. From day one of the original road failure, Lithgow Council has been working to support the community in the Wolgan Valley providing resources and support to ensure resident access and wellbeing.

After a massive effort by the Council’s administration, an application was submitted at the end of June to the NSW Government for $326 Million in funding for the construction of a new access road into the Wolgan Valley.

The size and complexity of the Wolgan Road project cannot be over-stated. Allowing for all the risks and the sheer scale of the earthworks, the project is estimated to cost $326 million. Lithgow City Council generally delivers $25 Million in construction works per year, positioning this project as the largest ever to be undertaken by Lithgow City Council, or any regional Council within NSW.

The application, which took considerable Council resources to complete, is immensely comprehensive to fully capture the

extent of the works and the complexity of constructing a new road on a brand-new alignment in a remote location. Council has invested significantly in geotechnical engineering assessments, cost planning and quantity surveying reviews, civil engineering design considerations and option evaluations by external technical experts to inform the final proposal detailed in the application to Government.

Lithgow City Council Mayor Maree Statham stated, “I hope that this project funding will be quickly approved so that the Council can move to finalise the detailed construction design, environmental and cultural assessments. This will be a project that will take years to deliver but I am confident that Council will achieve that, and we remain committed to ensuring that this critical road is built.”

It is anticipated that the detailed planning and construction of the new road will take around six to seven years, during which time the Council will continue to support the community in the Wolgan Valley.

Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro project given Critical State Significant Infrastructure status

EnergyAustralia’s proposed Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project, near Lithgow in New South Wales, has been declared as Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

CSSI projects are high-priority infrastructure initiatives that are essential to the state for economic, social, or environmental reasons.

EnergyAustralia’s Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project Director, Mike de Vink, said, “We’re pleased that the project has been recognised for its crucial contribution to the state’s development and ongoing energy security.

“The pumped hydro project will provide essential energy storage for New South Wales, helping keep the lights on as we transition to renewables to reduce carbon emissions. We thank the NSW Government for recognising Lake Lyell’s important role as part of the transition.

“Having CSSI status does not reduce the amount of investigative work or technical studies required. EnergyAustralia will keep releasing more information on the project as we progress environmental and other studies as part of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

“We will continue to work closely with the Lithgow community, including Traditional Owners, to ensure the successful development of the project.

“We will also continue work on benefits sharing with the community. This will involve identifying specific areas for investment that can deliver meaningful economic and social benefits to the region if the Lake Lyell project proceeds.”

The Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro project is in the feasibility stage with a decision on proceeding likely in the second half of 2025. The project would be built entirely on EnergyAustralia owned-land and will not require any new transmission lines to be built.

FUNDING BOOST FOR LITHGOW PCYC

Gymnastics are one of the key activities provided by the Lithgow PCYC as the sport promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole has been a longtime supporter of the organisation and recognises the important role it plays in the wider local community.

With this in mind, Mr Toole has this week announced Lithgow PCYC will receive a NSW Government Community Building Partnership (CBP) grant of $5973.

“The funding means the PCYC can now afford to replace its old and damaged gymnastic equipment,” Mr Toole said.

“The PCYC is a charity empowering young people to survive, and thrive, in partnership with the Police and the community. Its Lithgow headquarters in Hoskins Street is at the heart of the community and located right near the train station, offering a range of activities suited to young people.”

The Community Building Partnership is a NSW Government initiative which awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

The project has a proposed capacity of 335 megawatts for up to eight hours, with flexible capacity of more than 400 megawatts for a shorter duration, providing energy for at least 150,000 homes.

Our Week 8 whole school assembly was held and attended by our wonderful school community. The assembly was facilitated by our school leaders Charlotte Della-Bosca and Cooper Law. Wilson Zorz presented his Acknowledgement of Country to begin the assembly.

Mr Campling presented Golden Gotcha awards and Mrs Brown presented the honour awards in Mrs Lamborn’s absence. Mrs Fraser presented the academic awards. Lots of lovely, good news stories about growth and achievement were shared with the community!

The PBL class awards were presented to Charlotte and Cooper and were well received by the happy student recipients.

Our assembly was delighted with 2/3 Purple’s assembly item. The students spoke about the meaning and process of making their amazing boomerang art with the school and community.

The Wangaroo Paw Patrol award was presented for the fortnight by Niko Korab and Sienna Wright. Chloe Hunter was welcomed to our school and received her welcome certiﬁcate. Chloe and James have settled in very well making lots of new friends in the classroom and on the playground. James will receive his welcome certiﬁcate at our next assembly.

36-33 and we wish Cooerwull the best of luck for their next round.

Mrs

Mrs Mobbs had the pleasure of presenting the Wangaroo Star Class award for the fortnight to 5/6 Blue. They were very excited to be acknowledged in this way.

PSSA Basketball: Today our basketball team played against Cooerwull PS. Although we didn’t walk away with a win everyone should be very proud of their impressive game play and team spirit. It was a narrow loss of

Bennett - proud basketball coach

NANA’S TOUCH GIVEN A HELPING HAND

A Lithgow-based organisation run entirely by volunteers for the benefit of the wider community is set to receive a NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole has announced that Nanna’s Touch Community Connects Inc will benefit from funding of almost $8000 ($7965) to improve and expand its soup kitchen and hamper heaven programs.

Mr Toole said the support for Nanna’s Touch will allow for the upgrade of the demountable used for hamper and soup kitchen supplies storage with new floor coverings, screens, shelving, security measures and exterior painting.

“Nanna’s Touch community soup kitchen delivers over 70 meals a week to vulnerable locals who without this volunteer service would go hungry,” he said.

“It’s more than just a meal, Nana’s Touch offers a friendly face, a conversation and a warm place to sit whilst enjoying a hearty meal.

“They also offer a limited number of weekly hampers with fruit, vegies, bread and meat for $5 which are available every Friday from noon.”

Mr Toole said Nanna’s Touch was established in 2013 to help carers’ and families needing support and assistance in areas of disability, including mental health, loneliness and disadvantage.

It has since expanded to become a whole-of-community support network for anyone in Lithgow and surrounding areas, needing a helping hand or social connection.

The great work at Nanna’s Touch does in the Lithgow district was acknowledged when the organisation won the 2023 NSW Mental Health Commissioners Champion Award.

Nanna’s Touch community soup kitchen operates out of ‘The Old School’ building at 5 Alert Street of a Wednesday from 5.30pm.

LEO,

ROVING

REPORTER

Report from: My Desk Story filed: Holidays, yay

Hi folks, nothing special today, only I'm really excited because as some of you may already know, some schools (mine included) are now on holidays otherwise known as a short break in between school terms and I'm loving it. I'm hoping this holiday doesn't just fly by and I'm at school again before I know it, because I've got plans and things to do. I would like to muck around but not do too much however I do have some big events in the holidays. I have some bagpipe practices this week in preparation for going up to the Aberdeen Highland Games pipe competition in the Hunter Valley (not Scotland sadly), I'm very excited for that to say the least. Another thing to add about Aberdeen is that it's an overnight trip as it runs for a couple of days. All I'm saying is it's going to be fun. Apart from Aberdeen, I have another Sydney Youth Orchestra music camp in the last week of the holidays and that's that for events in the holidays. From me to you I hope you enjoy your holiday, break, weekend or days off, I certainly will.

Until next time

Leo Roving Reporter

Foodbank Fresh Produce Pop-up Event

Lithgow City Council is pleased to announce its support to the upcoming "Joblink Plus Fresh Produce Pop-up" which provides free distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables to those in need. The pop-up is taking place at Tony Luchetti Sportsground on Thursday, 4 July at 8:30am. Just bring your reusable shopping bags to collect a choice of fruits and vegetables.

Joblink Plus has partnered with Foodbank to organise pop-up events across their operational area, ensuring accessibility to nutritious food for community members facing food insecurity and supporting local communities.

The "Joblink Plus Fresh Produce Pop-up" event addresses immediate food needs and ties into broader community welfare and economic concerns, such as the cost of living. By providing free fresh produce to those in need, this type of initiative directly supports individuals and families facing food insecurity, helping to alleviate financial pressures associated with purchasing nutritious food.

This initiative highlights Joblink Plus's commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. Council welcomes and supports initiatives like this pop-up that not only meet immediate needs but also promote long-term community well-being and sustainability.

Winner of Bathurst Regional Council’s Community Event of the Year for 2023

26TH & 27TH OCTOBER, 2024

Beautiful Open Gardens to explore in the Bathurst area.

Pictured: Member for Bathurst Paul Toole with President Sue Murdoch and Volunteer Olga Ronney.

Lithgow Table Tennis

Photos and text supplied by John Cox

Spinners are Champions of the Lithgow Table Tennis Association Winter Competition after an ultimately comfortable Grand Final victory over Minor Premiers Grippers in what was likely to be the last match played at the Old Trades Hall.

Grippers looked set to continue their recent dominance over Spinners when they won the opening two rubbers, both by 2-1 margins, for an early 4-2 edge. Spinners turned the match on its head from there though, and wouldn’t lose another rubber the rest of the way. A 4-0 burst to go up 6-4 was followed by three straight 2-1 decisions to see Spinners with one hand on the trophy at 12-7. It ended in the next rubber, with Spinners taking it 2-0 to clinch the title, 14-7.

Peter Jaccoud was the hero for Spinners with an impressive 6-1 result, while Kevin Wright and Shane Eagle gave solid support with 5-3 and 3-3 respectively.

Riza Wiradi was the only Gripper to break even with a 3-3 mark, as Pauline Wellfare (2-5) and Lou Kappos (2-6) were both below their best.

Due to circumstances beyond their control, the Association will now play their Competitions and Round Robins at the La Salle Academy Sports Hall in Rabaul Street.The Summer competition is set to commence in late July. Interested players should contact Pauline Wellfare (0432265624) for more information.

Full Results: (Spinners players mentioned first)

S Eagle (Handicap 0) lost to P Wellfare (0) 9-11, 11-3, 10-12. K Wright (-25) lost to R Wiradi (-15) 11-6, 10-12, 1-11. P Jaccoud (-10) def L Kappos (-20) 11-6, 11-1.

K Wright (-25) def P Wellfare (0) 11-7, 11-6. S Eagle (0) def L Kappos (-20) 11-(-6), 7-11, 11-3. P Jaccoud (-10) def R Wiradi (-15) 11-3, 3-11, 11-3.

K Wright (-25) def L Kappos (-20) 11-8, 5-11, 11-9. P Jaccoud (-10) def P Wellfare (0) 14-12, 11-

DAL-SANTO CLAIMS KHANACROSS LAURELS

Sydney driver Shaun Dal Santo took the outright victory of the Wallerawang Community & Sports Club Khanacross recently at the Yvonne Martyn Memorial Motorsport Park Portland hosted by the Lithgow District Car Club.

Twenty one year old Hunter Sydenham of Newcastle was a very close second also driving a Subaru with local competitor Matt Pryor a few seconds in arrears for third spot outright.

Liam Murray took out the Junior Class followed by young Bathurst lad Curtis Davies in his Ford Escort with Abby Bromfield of Yetholme third and Melissa McInerney a slit second behind for fourth place just ahead of Samuel Dal-Santo.

Shaun Dal-Santo claimed the 4WD Modified Production Class from Sydenham and Pryor while Callum Furner won the 2WD Modified Production Class under Two Litre from Curtis Davies and Abby Bromfield who was also the fastest female.

Melissa McInerney took home the McDonalds Lithgow Encouragement Award.

Four fast,free flowing courses were contested with two runs of each recorded on the timing sheets.

A huge thank you goes out to all our volunteers and officials plus our amazing sponsors and supporters.

The next event at the Yvonne Martyn Memorial Motorsport Park is a motorkhana on Sunday July 28th.

Pictured top: Champions Spinners (L

R); Peter Jaccoud, Kevin Wright, Shane Eagle.

Pictured bottom: Runners-Up Grippers: (L to R); Lou Kappos, Pauline Wellfare, Riza Wiradi.

Photo and story supplied by Les Taylor

OBERON'S WIN ELEVATES TIGERS INTO GROUP OF EIGHT

With two wins from their last two outings Oberon Tigers have regained a spot among the top eight Woodbridge Cup clubs.

Before the previous week's 12-point success over Blayney it had been seven weeks since Oberon's last win over Orange United in round three, but during their run of outs were beaten by just a few points by two title-contending sides.

Last weekend's round-11 game was not one of them when the Tigers kept Cargo scoreless, winning 48-0.

The Cargo Blue Heelers, second from the bottom, even with a full set of reserve players, were unable to overcome Oberon whose side resembled something like their best team.

The game began with Greg Behan returning the ball from the kickoff with a determination to personally put a dent in the Cargo defence.

Behan was like a man sent on a mission to singlehandedly destroy the opposition forwards when he had taken the ball up a half dozen times in the first minutes of the game.

His one-man softening up process was completed by the seventh minute when Dallas Booth scampered across for his side's first try, but unconverted, the Tigers led 4-0.

Two minutes later the Tigers were across for their second, but again unconverted, the score was only 8-0.

It was then a procession to the Cargo line, despite some enthusiastic tackling by the Heelers, for a 22-0 halftime score.

After the break it again was only two minutes before the Tigers scored the first of the second half's five tries, and by the 80-minute mark with Lochie Gilmour's try and 10th for the game, Oberon ran out 48-point winners.

The Cargo players played as well as they could and never gave up trying, but with the Tigers getting closer to their best side it was always going to be difficult for a side in 12th position on the ladder.

As hard as it was for Cargo in their match at Oberon, it was as big a hurdle for CSU in their round-11 game against high-flying Trundle just three points behind premiership front-runners Cowra, Trundle defeating the students 4410.

In leaguetag Oberon had a second consecutive win also. CSU Mungals were beaten 20-6 by Trundle, and both Midwest sides sit outside the top eight teams.

This weekend CSU, one point out of the top eight, will host Peak Hill, and Oberon will visit cellar dwellers Grenfell.

Story and photos by John Fitzgerald

Pictured top: Oberon leaguetag's Katie Sutherland with ball Pictured below: Oberon's Dallas Booth running the ball out against Cargo

Western Region Academy of Sport 2024 Presentation Night

The Western Region Academy of Sport (WRAS) held its annual presentation evening at Panthers Bathurst on Saturday 29th June 2024. Over 300 guests attended a night that recognised and celebrated the numerous sporting achievements over the past 12 months of the graduating athletes from the 2023/24 WRAS programs.

The WRAS award categories for the presentation evening included; Strength & Conditioning, Coach’s Award, Outstanding Achievement by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Chairman’s Nominees for Excellence and the Squad Athlete of the Year for each program.

Athletes nominated for the Chairman’s Award would be considered for the 2024 WRAS Chairman’s Award for Excellence. Each sport program's athlete of the year would be in contention for the most prestigious WRAS award; 2024 WRAS Athlete of the Year.

Ella Penman (High Performance – Athletics) of Dubbo was awarded the 2024 WRAS Athlete of the Year.

Ella had a stellar 12 months which included winning three medals at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships. She won gold as a member of the U18W NSW 4x400m relay team and won two individual silver medals in the U18W 400m & 800m. At the U20s National Athletics Championships, she ran national qualifying times in the 4x400m relay and individual 400m race winning silver in the relay. Ella’s success has culminated in her selection for the U20 World Athletics Championships as a member of the 4x400m Australian relay team.

Zac Harding (Para-Sports – Athletics) of Dubbo was announced as the 2024 WRAS Athlete of the Year runner-up.

Zac had an incredible 2023/24 athletics season which was highlighted by his selection for the Australian Para-Athletics team which competed at the Oceania Championships. He qualified for Oceania following his strong performances at the

U17M Australian Athletics Championships which included gold in the U17M Ambulant javelin and bronze in the U17M Ambulant discus. He was also a constant present on the podium at the NSW Junior Athletics Championships winning six medals including gold in the javelin, three silvers in 200m, discus and long jump plus two bronze medals in the 100m and 400m (all in U17M ambulant category). Zac also broke all Australian Records for his classification (T/F36) in the 100m, 200m, 400m, discus, javelin, long jump and shot put across the season.

The Chairman’s Award for Excellence was presented to Basketball’s, Mia Richardson of Dubbo. Mia has been a significant presence in the Dubbo community umpiring Friday night basketball and volunteering at the junior rugby league canteen. She has also shaved her head twice in the past year which included raising $14,000 for sarcoma research reflecting her ambition to help the community. Mia also balanced a significant sporting and school workload having been selected in the U15 Basketball NSW Shootout and D-League programs whilst scoring well in her studies at St Johns College Dubbo.

Jazzy Gordon and Tully Pickering (both Basketball) were announced as joint winners of the 2024 WRAS Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Award. This award is presented to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander athlete/s within the WRAS sports programs who demonstrated outstanding sporting achievement and success within their sport.

Jazzy Gordon and Tully Pickering had an incredible 12 months both being named in the U16 NSW Country side to compete at the 2024 National Junior Championships in July. Earlier this year the pair also represented U16 NSW Country at the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup. Jazzy was selected in the 2024 U16 NSW CCC basketball team while Tully won a gold medal and was named MVP in the gold medal match of the 2023 U15 NBA Basketball School Australia Abu Dhabi tournament.

A list of the Bathurst award winners and nominees can be found below:

Cycling Squad Athlete of the Year: Jenna Gallagher (Perthville)

Golf Squad Athlete of the Year: Rory Elphick

Basketball Graduate Squad Coach’s Award: Riley George

Cycling Coach’s Award: Charlotte Lovett

Hockey Coach’s Award: Morgan Still

Athletics Nominee for Chairman’s Award for Excellence: Will Curtin

Golf Nominee for Chairman’s Award for Excellence: Cooper Starkey

Hockey Nominee for Chairman’s Award for Excellence: Charlotte Ortiger

Strength and Conditioning Award: Beau Blattman

Pictured: Back Row L-R: The Hon. Stephen Lawrence, Marley Aplin (Netball), Halle Potter (Triathlon), Tully Pickering (Basketball), Ella Penman (High Performance - Athletics), Adelaide Pittis (Athletics); Front Row L-R Ellie Parker (Hockey), Rory Elphick (Golf), Jazzy Gordon (Basketball), Zac Harding (Athletes with Disability - Athletics), Jenna Gallagher (Cycling)

Puzzles

1. Record of court proceedings

6. Incandescent

10. John & ... Kennedy

15. Smug moralist

18. Trace

19. Prickled

20. Profoundly wise

22. Become independent

23. Acrobat’s apparatus

24. One of a pair

25. Wealthy LA suburb, ... Air

26. Crawled

28. Gulf

30. Director, ... Howard

31. French farewell

32. Sit in relaxed way

33. Indication

34. Singer, ... Minogue

35. Off-key

37. Roster

39. Therapeutic water tub

40. Match before final

42. As soon as

45. Strengthen

48. Data

49. Jolt

50. Church service fragrance

53. Deciduous tree

54. Switzerland’s currency

56. Euphoric drug

59. Grain husks

61. Sticky coal by-product

62. Hand-make (jumper)

63. Khmer Rouge tyrant, ... Pot

64. Roman X

65. Plane’s wing brake

66. Litigate

68. Ridiculous

69. Spy writer, ... Fleming

70. Hush-hush (3-6)

71. Explained

72. Buck’s mate

73. Unorthodox

74. I have (1’2)

76. Commuter treadmill (3,4)

78. Harmful look (4,3)

80. Diversity

81. Shielded

84. Wood-turning machine

85. Hung loosely

87. Swift

89. Basic kitchen condiment

92. Utter (3-3-3)

94. Delivered unreturnable serve

96. Intermittently (3,3,2)

97. Sprang (from)

98. Movement

100. Or else

101. Pudding starch

104. Besieges

105. Radio interference

107. Preamble

108. 100-to-1 chances

112. Ethiopia’s Addis ...

113. Cheapens

115. Peculiarity

117. Him or ...

118. Violent intimidation

120. Some

121. Staying power

123. Altitude

125. Embroider

126. Cocktail party titbit (4,1’6)

127. Drink brand, ... Maria

129. Wind instrument

130. Gullible mug

131. Sink in middle

133. Tapering fruit

134. Queen’s counsels (1,2)

136. Egypt’s capital

137. Stage setting 140. Fourth month

141. Man’s best friend

142. Wrinkles

146. Greek liquor

147. Exchange for money

148. Abated (5,2)

152. Deceased

154. ... & nays

155. Rugby score

156. Narrate

157. Whistle balls

159. Spike

160. Desire

162. Nudge (in ribs)

164. Of the moon

165. Be humiliated, eat humble ...

167. Noosed rope

169. Actor, ... Murphy

171. Dietary fibre, ... bran 173. Tiny community

174. Nasal opening

175. Kicked out

177. Snow-capped mountains

178. Frozen shipping hazard

179. King Charles canine

180. Well-organised

181. Moodiness

182. Enthusiastically 183. Established laws

DOWN

1. Rubbish dumps 2. Aussie city, ... Springs 3. Envying 4. Vulnerable 5. Thick string

Slum area 7. Beef broth (6,4) 8. Faultless 9. Rich cream cake 10. Female donkey

Fine leather 12. Form the basis of

NW US state

Always

Nonconformist

Italian dairy dessert

Scatters 21. Aladdin’s lamp servant

27. Civvies (5,7) 29. Wearing glasses 35. Old-fashioned people 36. Nuclear weapon, ... bomb

38. Readily available (2,3)

41. La Scala city

43. Qualifying race 44. Nerve cell 46. Mundane

47. Most sizable 51. Beverage stimulant

52. Pessimistically 55. Zilch

56. Rapid rise 57. Grape variety, ... noir

Train coach 60. Lucifer’s lair

Perpetual 69. Silly

72. Mends with needle 75. Edit (text)

Yarns

79. Surgically inserted 82. Moccasin-like shoes 83. Bequeathed

86. Sinn Fein leader, Gerry ... 88. Decree

90. Entirely

91. Draw along behind 92. Or near offer (1,1,1)

93. Golf mound

94. Commercial breaks

95. Savings, nest ... 98. Trust

99. Got too big for 102. Emphatic

103. Reproductive gland

104. Stand-in (4,6)

106. Chastised

108. Brittle bone disorder

109. Pushes forcibly

110. Bon vivant

111. Spun (of gymnast)

114. Army quarters

116. Role models

119. Stratosphere layer

Scorch

Pounce

Follow-up book

Quarrels

Namby-pamby

Thin porridge

Religious splinter group

Con

Laundry clip (7,3) 139. Busybody (4,6)

Rebuffs 144. Acceptance (of policy)

Keen sight (5,3) 149. Claiming 150. Raises to the peerage

Remove from homeland

Deeply shock

Performed

Language

Actor, ... Grammer

Urge into motion

Gushes

Speak slowly

At an angle

Cured joints of pork

Altered colour of