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KANDOS IS ABOUT TO GET WEIRD! Four days of art, ideas, people and plenty of surprises are heading to Kandos

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

Your Local Good N e - FREE!ws Bathurst News Page 10

Blayney News Page 14

Lithgow News Page 18

Oberon News Page 22

MILLPOND

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

SUNDAY

EST. 2021

13 SEPTEMBER 10AM-2PM

THE MILLPOND • PORTLAND • NSW

PORTLAND • NSW

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Central West News

We Can Help Your Business Reach More Local Readers Every Fortnight in Lithgow, Bathurst, Blayney and Oberon Central West Village Voice Publisher Kellie Evans on behalf of Central West Village Voice Pty Ltd Editor & Content: kellie@villagevoice.net. au Sales: sales@villagevoice.net.au ABN: 69 686 833 198 Office Details Call our office on 0429 001 918 Office: 32 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.

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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

Spring Has Sprung — And So Has Another Village Voice Editorial Opinion by Kellie Evans

What a weekend!

y the time you’re reading this, we’ll have celebrated two of the biggest nights on our regional business calendar, with the Oberon Business Awards on Friday night followed by the Bathurst Carillon Business Awards on Saturday. Two nights, two communities and a whole lot of frocks, trophies, applause and probably a few sore heads by Sunday morning. Awards nights are always great fun, but what I love most is seeing the people behind our local businesses recognised. The small business owners, their teams, the volunteers and the people who keep turning up, having a go and investing in their communities. Congratulations to every finalist, winner and organiser involved in both events. Then, of course, Sunday was Father’s Day — hopefully a slightly slower day for many of us and a chance to celebrate the dads, grandads and father figures who make our families what they are. And just like that, Spring is here. The next few weeks are absolutely packed with reasons to get out of the house. Daffodils, flower shows, open gardens, markets, festivals and community events are filling the calendar right across the region. This is one of my favourite times of year in the Central West. The days get a little longer, the countryside starts changing colour and suddenly a Sunday drive seems like a very good idea again. So get out there. Visit the gardens. Buy the coffee. Wander through the market. Stop for lunch. Take the scenic route home. Support the volunteers who have spent months organising these events and spend a few dollars with the businesses in the towns you visit. There really is so much to love about where we live. And speaking of loving regional communities, I have some pretty exciting news of my own to finally share. From Thursday, 24 September, I will officially launch the Mid West Village Voice — a new free community newspaper for the Mid-Western Regional Council area, including Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos, Rylstone and the surrounding villages. It will be built on the same model as the Central West Village

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Have you got a burning topic or something you would like to add to the conversation about Lithgow, Oberon, Blayney or Bathurst? Please keep in mind that we are focussed on telling the stories that are important to our communities in a respectful and constructive manner. We'd love to hear from you email us: editor@villagevoice.net.au

Voice: positive local news, community stories, events, sport, arts, business and, most importantly, a place where the people doing good things in their communities can have their stories told. For me, it feels like a natural next step. It also creates something I think is particularly exciting for our existing Central West business community. Our regions don’t operate in isolation. People travel between Bathurst, Lithgow, Oberon, Blayney, Mudgee, Kandos and Rylstone every day for work, shopping, services, events and weekends away. The launch of the Mid West Village Voice gives businesses here an opportunity to start a conversation with readers in another strong regional market — while giving Mid-West businesses the same opportunity in return. There is plenty more to share about that over the coming weeks, but for now I’m incredibly excited and proud to see the Village Voice family growing. What started with a simple idea about giving our communities more space for good local news has grown into something bigger than I could have imagined — and I can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings. Spring really does feel like the perfect time for something new. See you out and about — and perhaps a little further down the road.

Left: Kel & Karen at Oberon Business Awards; right: Kel at Bathurst Business Awards

SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS The Central West Village Voice is proudly supported by our valued sponsors, whose support and commitment make this publication possible. Their backing enables us to continue sharing local stories, promoting community events, and connecting people across our region. We extend our sincere thanks to each of our sponsors for their ongoing support of the Central West Village Voice and the communities we serve.

Keeping the Craft Alive in Portland Portland’s WallNuts welcomed plenty of visitors over the weekend for their Save the Art fundraiser, with locals and visitors alike getting behind this talented group of traditional signwriters. It was a great opportunity to visit WallNuts HQ, enjoy the atmosphere and, most importantly, show some support for the work being done to keep the traditional craft of signwriting alive in Portland. A huge thank you goes to everyone who stopped by, donated, shopped, shared the event or simply came along for a look. The fundraising effort isn’t over either. Those who would still like to contribute can head to the Portland WallNuts Facebook page www.facebook.com/portlandwallnuts for more information.

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There are not too many places where contemporary art can pop up in a paddock, a hall, a shopfront or somewhere you would never expect to find it. But then again, there aren't too many places quite like Kandos.

rom Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 September, CEMENTA26 will bring artists, visitors, locals, conversations, performances and a healthy dose of the unexpected together for four days in one of the Mid West's most distinctive communities. Cementa is an artist-centred and community-driven regional arts organisation based right here in Kandos on Wiradjuri Country. Since beginning in 2013, its biennial festival has grown into something much bigger than an exhibition or collection of artworks. Cementa takes contemporary art out of the traditional gallery setting and places it within the town, its landscape and its community. And that's where the fun begins.

CEMENTA26 will feature more than 30 artists and collaborations, with works exploring regional culture, community, Country, environmental change and the stories already sitting within the places around us. This year's curator, Sebastian Henry-Jones, has approached the festival with the idea that art can help people notice what is already there – local culture, creativity, history, stories, Wiradjuri culture and Country. It means visitors shouldn't arrive expecting a conventional trip to an art gallery. Instead, come prepared to wander. Come prepared to talk to people. And definitely come prepared to stumble across something that makes you stop and wonder exactly what

is going on. That's part of Cementa's charm. The festival has developed a reputation for socially-engaged and place-specific art – work that responds directly to communities and landscapes rather than simply being dropped into them. For Kandos, it also means welcoming people from across the region and further afield into town for four days – exploring the streets, meeting locals, visiting businesses and discovering a community with an extraordinary industrial, cultural and creative story. Cementa describes its 2026 festival as bringing the “wonder and weirdness” back to Kandos, and that might just be the best way to approach it. You don't need to understand

Central West News

KANDOS GETS CREATIVE - Four days. 30+ artists. One extraordinary little town.

contemporary art. You don't need to know the artists. You certainly don't need to stand quietly in front of something pretending you know what it means. Just turn up, have a look, ask questions and enjoy the ride. For locals who have never experienced Cementa before, this is the year to see what all the fuss is about. For returning visitors, there will once again be plenty to discover. For four days in September, Kandos becomes the gallery. And everyone is invited. CEMENTA26 | 17–20 September 2026 | Kandos! Full artist information and the festival program can be found through the Cementa website - cementa.com.au

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

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Central West News

Big Ideas, Big Opportunity for Regional Businesses Regional businesses with a great idea and a drive to innovate are being encouraged to put their hands up, with applications now open for the 2026 Innovate with nbn® Grants Program.

ow in its seventh year, the program is delivered by nbn in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute and celebrates businesses across regional Australia that are using connectivity and technology to work smarter, improve productivity and create positive outcomes in their communities. There is a very healthy $125,000 in grant funding available this year, spread across seven categories designed to recognise the diversity, creativity and ingenuity of regional business. Categories for 2026 include AgTech and Environment; Arts, Culture & Tourism; Education; First Nations Business; Health and Wellbeing; Women in Regional Business, along with the newly introduced Innovation for Productivity category. Each category winner will receive

$15,000, while one outstanding applicant will also be named the 2026 Innovate with nbn® Champion, receiving an additional $20,000. For businesses across the Central West and Mid-West, the program represents a fantastic opportunity to turn a good idea into something bigger. Regional businesses are often incredibly good at finding clever solutions to everyday challenges – whether that is improving the way they operate, reaching new customers, developing a new service or creating something that benefits their wider community. The grants program aims to recognise exactly that kind of thinking, supporting businesses using the nbn® network to drive innovation while delivering meaningful social and economic outcomes.

Importantly, businesses that have applied in previous years but were unsuccessful are encouraged to have another go. A previous application certainly doesn’t rule you out for 2026. Applications close at midnight on Monday, 12 October 2026, so there is plenty of time to get an application together – but, as always, it is probably best not to leave a great idea sitting in the drafts folder until the final night! For eligibility, category information and applications, visit the Innovate with nbn® Grants Program page on the nbn website. The application page is here: Innovate with nbn® Grants Program - www.nbnco.com.au/campaigns/ innovate-with-nbn-grantsprogram?utm_source=chatgpt.com

District Vets view - What we’ve been seeing Local Land Services update

Seasonal conditions are variable across the Central Tablelands at present – some areas have an abundance of feed, and others not so much. This has been reflected in some of the cases we are seeing.

regnancy toxaemia is seen in late gestation ewes when the energy demands of the foetus(es) are higher than the energy that the ewe can consume. Affected ewes stand off from the mob, have lowered awareness of their surroundings, and eventually become recumbent, at which point treatment is seldom successful. Ensuring ewes have a stable plane of nutrition and feeding single- and multiple-bearing ewes separately according to their different energy requirements, can help to reduce the risk of pregnancy toxaemia. Spontaneous vaginal rupture, on the other hand, occurs more commonly in over fat, late gestation ewes grazing lush pasture. The pregnant uterus stretches the vagina tightly across the pelvis, predisposing it to tearing. The intestines can then protrude out of the animal, leading to rapid death. The condition is relatively uncommon, but several cases have been reported recently. Bloat is another condition associated with an abundance of feed. Recent cases have occurred in cattle grazing lucerne and clover dominant pastures. The proteins in the legumes create a stable foam, that can’t be “burped up”, and the pressure in the abdomen stops blood returning to the heart. Reduce the risk of bloat by ensuring cattle do not get moved

onto high bloat-risk pastures (high lush legume content) when hungry and supplying a monensin-containing loose lick, bloat blocks, or bloat oil in water troughs. Unfortunately, we are also still seeing cases of malnutrition. Regular tracking of body condition (or weight, if possible), pasture availability and the quality and quantity of any supplementary feed given are the best ways to monitor the performance of the stock. The NSW DPIRD ‘Drought and Supplementary Feed Calculator’ is a great way to check whether the ration is sufficient for the class of stock

Your spring events guide for the Central Tablelands

What to look out for With the variable feed conditions, pulpy kidney is on our radar. This disease is caused by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, and affected animals are usually found dead. It tends to occur when livestock are moved from a dry, fibrous feed, to a lush high energy one. Prevention via vaccination is key - the 3in1, 5in1, 6in1 and 7in1 clostridial vaccines protect against pulpy kidney. Under high-risk conditions, vaccination within the last 3 months is recommended. With dry conditions forecast over summer, planning management and feeding strategies early may save time, money and heartache later on. Having a drought plan in place, with trigger points for selling certain classes of stock, confinement feeding and early weaning reduces the emotional toll of decisions when times are tough. The NSW DPIRD “Managing drought, fire and flood” guide is available online and at LLS offices. For more information contact your local district vet on 1300 795 299: • Bathurst – Bruce Watt, Elsa Glanville • Cowra - Emilee Johnstone • Molong/Orange - Amy Masters • Mudgee – Jess Cooke

Local Land Services From Biodiversity Month activities to practical farming workshops, discover events that support productive properties and healthy landscapes. Learn, connect and be inspired by local experts. Upcoming events include: Sep - Soil Health Workshop | Bathurst

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

Sep - Livestock Guardian Dogs Information Session | Bathurst & Mudgee Oct - Know what pasture plants are in your paddock | Mudgee & Carcoar Scan the QR code to explore upcoming events near you.

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This Halloween, audiences are invited to experience The Haunted Glass — an immersive, sensory performance by regional artist Gabrielle Bates, presented for two nights only at Kandos Kitchen.

nce a wine bar and now a beloved venue for dining, cabaret, and intimate performance, Kandos Kitchen provides a spooky setting for this uncanny, atmospheric work about wine over the Halloween weekend. Its history as a social gathering place makes it an ideal setting for a performance that blurs the line between storytelling, ritual, and shared sensory experience. The Haunted Glass invites participants to encounter wine as a living being — an entity composed of deep time, microbial activity, colonial histories, and future ecologies. Through guided tasting, collective listening, and seance-like summonings, audiences become “mediums” for the stories held within their glasses. The work has been noted for

its originality, playfulness, and its ability to transform familiar experiences into something otherworldly. The Haunted Glass is part of a growing wave of contemporary art emerging from regional NSW, bringing experimental performance into unexpected community spaces. Its presentation at Kandos Kitchen highlights the town’s evolving cultural identity and the role of small venues in hosting ambitious, place-based artistic work. Friday 30 October & Saturday 31 October – Kandos Kitchen, 79 Angus Avenue, Kandos. Tickets are strictly limited and available now through Humanitix. Search for “The Haunted Glass” to secure your place at the table: https://events. humanitix.com/the-haunted-glass

Denison College Students come to T.Arts

Central West News

Two Halloween Performances of The Haunted Glass

T.Arts is excited to present an exhibition of work by Denison College students.

t is awonderful opportunity for the gallery to display the work of the students and for the students to have their work displayed in a professional art gallery. As part of this collaboration our Tea and Talks at T.Arts for September will feature the students sharing their processes and influences. It will be an opportunity to share the early journey of our future creatives. The Tea and Talks at T.Arts will be 12th September 2.30 – 4.00 pm in T.Arts Gallery 75 Keppel St Bathurst. Please contact the Gallery to book a place and a small donation to assist with catering costs would be greatly appreciated. Email hello@ tartsgallery.com or come into the shop. Shared Visions 2026, is a vibrant and diverse exhibition celebrating the creativity of Visual Arts students from Kelso High and Bathurst High Campuses. This showcase brings together a collection of outstanding works from Years 7 to 11, offering a glimpse of the talent emerging across both schools. Spanning a wide range of mediums — including painting, drawing, photography, pastels, ceramics and printmaking — the exhibition reflects the unique voices and developing artistic practices of young creatives.

From expressive still life works to evocative responses to the local landscape, each artwork reveals the curiosity, experimentation and dedication students bring to their craft. Please join us at the Opening Celebration Friday 11 September. The exhibition will continue till 27 September 2026

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

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Central West News

BX After Dark set to bring Bathurst alive after sunset as Heritage & Laneways tickets go on sale Elevate, representing a collective of businesses across Bathurst, officially launched BX After Dark on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, unveiling an ambitious new initiative designed to strengthen Bathurst’s night-time economy and create compelling new reasons to experience the city after sunset.

he launch also marked the release of tickets for the first signature experience, BX After Dark: Heritage & Laneways – The Wandering Table, to be held on 13 and 14 November 2026. BX After Dark will transform Bathurst’s heritage precincts, laneways and public spaces through a series of signature experiences celebrating the city’s history, hospitality, culture and creativity. The initiative will be officially launched at Reckless Brewing Co. from 5.00pm to 6.30pm, with local businesses, community members, government representatives, tourism operators and media invited to discover what lies ahead. Elevate CEO Rhonda Taylor said BX After Dark represented an exciting new chapter for Bathurst and an opportunity to see the city through a different lens. “Bathurst has an incredible combination of heritage, hospitality, creativity and community spirit. BX After Dark will bring these elements together to create experiences that are distinctly Bathurst and encourage people to explore, connect and experience the city in a new way,” Ms Taylor said. “This is about more than staging events. It is about strengthening collaboration, supporting local businesses and creating a more vibrant night-time economy that benefits our entire community.”

Three Signature Experiences The launch provided the first look at three signature BX After Dark experiences planned across Bathurst CBD: BX After Dark: Heritage & Laneways – The Wandering Table - 13 and 14 November 2026 A celebration of Bathurst’s historic buildings, laneways, stories and hospitality, inviting audiences to discover familiar parts of the city in an entirely new light. Through food, storytelling, heritage and unexpected encounters, The Wandering

Table will invite guests to wander through the heart of Bathurst and experience the city after dark. BX After Dark: Where the World Comes to Celebrate - 11–14 February 2027 Bathurst 12 Hour Global Festival is a new visitor activation proposed for delivery alongside the Bathurst 12 Hour race weekend. Distinct from the existing motorsport event and its current programming, this initiative will establish a multinight cultural and entertainment festival within Bathurst’s CBD, creating a new experience that extends visitor engagement beyond Mount Panorama/Wahluu and into the city centre. The Global Festival will transform themed venues, laneways, courtyards and rooftops into immersive international precincts inspired by iconic racing nations from around the world. Running from day into late night, the activation will feature curated food and beverage experiences, live music, DJs, cultural performances and interactive hospitality offerings designed specifically for this new festival concept. BX After Dark: Harvest After Dark - 15 May 2027 A celebration of the region’s producers, seasonal food, beverages and creative talent, showcasing the people and products that make the Bathurst region distinctive. “Each experience will have its own personality, but they will all share the same ambition: to create memorable moments that connect people with Bathurst, its businesses and its stories,” Ms Taylor said. “We want residents to feel proud of their city, visitors to discover something unexpected, and local businesses to see genuine opportunities to participate and benefit.”

Supporting Bathurst’s night-time economy Bathurst is one of 10 regional centres across New South Wales selected to participate in the NSW Government’s Regional

Night-time Economy Program, delivered through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner. Elevate prepared the successful application on behalf of a Bathurst Business Collective representing hospitality, accommodation, tourism, beverage production and major events. The initiative has been supported by Bathurst Regional Council, Bathurst Business Chamber, Destination Network Central West, Supercars and Wiradjuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation, trading as Wambuul and Wahluu. BX After Dark also aligns with Elevates broader work to strengthen Bathurst’s visitor economy, support local enterprise, and position the region as a vibrant place to live, visit, work and invest. A thriving night-time economy can generate benefits well beyond hospitality and events, creating opportunities for retailers, creatives, producers, accommodation providers, tourism operators, suppliers and local workers. “Strong regional economies are built through collaboration,” Ms Taylor said. “BX After Dark provides a platform to test new ideas, build stronger connections and help shape the future of Bathurst after dark.” For further information, visit: https:// bathurstandbackroads.com.au/bx-after-dark/

All-New RAV4

New Model Rav 4 Hybrid stock available for immediate delivery, from $49,990 driveaway

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

Plug-in Hybrid variants now available

Lean & Bennett Toyota 255 Main Street, Lithgow T: 02 6352 2211 DL: 5232 leanandbennetttoyota.com.au

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Spring will be putting on one of its prettiest shows in the Hartley Valley this October, with the Hartley Valley Garden Festival & Plant Fair returning for a colourful weekend of gardens, plants, food and plenty of inspiration.

eld on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October from 10am to 4pm, four spectacular privately owned acreage gardens will throw open their gates – Gory’u Japanese Gardens, 85 Baaners Lane; Hartvale, Sunray Avenue; Highfields, John Grant Drive; and Wild Meadows, Coxs River Road. And this is much more than simply a chance to peek over the garden fence! Visitors can make a day – or even a weekend – of it, wandering through four completely different garden styles while browsing plant and artisan stalls, with fresh flowers, basket weaving and garden sculpture among the attractions. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop and refuel too, with morning and afternoon teas, sausage sizzles and BBQ options, or pack a picnic and find yourself a beautiful spot amongst the flowers and spectacular Hartley Valley views.

For those looking for a proper coffee or café-style lunch along the way, the popular Postmistress Cafe and Store at Hartley Historic Village will also be open across the weekend, making another great stop to add to the itinerary. The four gardens each offer something completely different – from the tranquillity of Gory’u Japanese Gardens and the naturalistic planting of Wild Meadows, to Hartvale’s colourful cottage-style garden and the impressive Highfields. Best of all, the gardens are located within around a five to ten-minute drive of each other, making it easy to explore all four. Entry is $15 per person, per garden, with children under 16 free. No bookings are required – simply pay at each garden gate. Grab your gardening mates, leave some room in the boot for a few new plants and enjoy a blooming great spring weekend in Hartley!

A pleasure to attend both the Oberon Business Awards and Bathurst Carillon Business Awards to celebrate locals excelling in all aspects of business.

Supporting the Bathurst Men’s Walk and Talk group at their Father’s Day BBQ at Moodie’s Pharmacy.

There is so much to celebrate in our local business community and the recent awards nights helped to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible people behind our region’s businesses. Running a small business takes enormous commitment, resilience and sacrifice. Behind every success is a story of early mornings, late nights, tough decisions, uncertainty and countless hours dedicated to customers, employees and the wider community. It is no small achievement.

Portland CWA celebrating Fiji at their annual International Day celebration.

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Local tradies from across the region building an additional 30 rooms at Black Gold Motel.

Authorised by Member for Bathurst Paul Toole. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.

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Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

That is why nights like these matter. They provide an opportunity to pause, step away from the day-to-day demands of business and recognise the hard work that so often happens behind the scenes. More importantly, events like this give our local business owners and their teams a chance to relax, celebrate their achievements and enjoy each other’s company. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. Your success is a reflection of the strength, spirit and determination of our local communities.

Central West News

Stop and Smell the Roses at Hartley!

Andrew GEE MP INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE

Your True Country Independent

GOVERNMENT “FIRE SALE” OF HISTORIC BATHURST BARRACKS OPPOSED

RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR LITHGOW BATHURST & OBERON

CELEBRATING BATHURST’S BEST AT THE CARILLON BUSINESS AWARDS

9 Introduced Bill into

Parliament to ban foreign buying of residential property for two years. All major parties voted against it and then Coalition announced it as their policy!

9 $200 million for an extra lane and convict bridge upgrade on the Great Western Highway.

9 Backed Independents’ Bill

to reduce dominance of big supermarkets. All major parties voted against it and then Coalition announced it as their policy!

9 Introduced Bill to keep cash transactions in Australia. Lets Keep Cash King!

9 Successfully fought for

Parliamentary Inquiry into behaviour of insurers.

9 $4.8 million for upgrades to Campbell’s River Road

9 $1.65 million for the Zig Zag Railway.

9 Free MRI scans at Bathurst Hospital. Lithgow got its MRI licence in 2019.

9 $12.5 million for Bathurst’s second racetrack.

9 24-hour rescue helicopter for our region.

9 $4.8 million for Oberon’s

new Sports and Community complex.

9 Millions in Federal funding

to keep Lithgow Aged Care open.

9 $5.3 million for production line upgrades and more jobs at Allied Timber Mill, Bathurst.

9 $3.3 million for

improvements at Bathurst Airport.

9 $3.083 million for

an expansion and improvements at Three Tree Lodge.

9 $2.235 million for Lithgow’s Blast Furnace Park.

9 $3.2 million for the Lithgow CBD revitalisation.

9 $1.1 million for the upgrade of Glen Davis Road.

9 $625,554 for playground equipment in Bathurst.

9 $954,250 for construction of Bathurst Rail Museum.

9 $300,000 for upgrades

to the Civic Ballroom at Lithgow for use as an evacuation centre.

I am totally opposed to the fire sale of Racecourse Barracks, Bathurst. Our veterans don’t support it, our Australian Defence Force personnel don’t support it, and I don’t support it either. It’s a very shortsighted move that must be reversed. Racecourse Barracks in Bathurst is home to our local Army Reserve unit, the 1/19th, also known as the ‘Bushmen’s Rifles’. It’s got a very long and proud history. While the Bushmen’s Rifles is drawn from across Western New South Wales, selling off our Bathurst barracks will effectively lock out local residents from serving. At a time when our Army Reserve is crying out for recruits, the government’s actually making it harder for members of the Bushmen’s Rifles to attend training. We should be building our reserve forces up, not knocking them down and selling off the essential local infrastructure they rely on. You cannot expect to grow our regional defence forces while stripping away the very infrastructure that makes serving possible. This decision is also fundamentally wrongheaded from a practical perspective. During World War II, Racecourse Barracks served as an armoured vehicle repair depot. Local veterans have informed me that there’s all sorts of contaminated material buried on that site, so the government isn’t going to be making a big return on it anyway.

...WE SHOULD BE BUILDING OUR RESERVE FORCES UP, NOT KNOCKING THEM DOWN AND SELLING OFF... of housing sites, but the contamination means there’s no motser to be made here. And if they had just consulted with our local veterans, they would have known that. If a conflict ever breaks out in the future, we’re going to need this site. The facility already boasts first-rate accommodation for about 80 people, lecture rooms, and a first-class, modern armoury.

Congratulations to all of Bathurst’s outstanding businesses who were finalists and winners of the 2026 Carillon Business Awards! It was an honour to present Joel Benkoe with his award for Outstanding Young Business Leader! Joel certainly has a very bright future in business! The amazing team at not-for-profit organisation Glenray took home the Business of the Year Award. And a special congrats to my friend and national radio legend Kerry Peck who was among three inductees to the inaugural Carillon Business Hall of Fame. It was a richly deserved honour. It’s a huge job to organise these awards and Bathurst Business Chamber and all of the sponsors deserve our sincere thanks for a night to remember!

SUPPORTING LITHGOW QUOTA CLUB!

On a broader scale, our veterans are furious that the government is also selling Victoria Barracks in Sydney, trading away our military history and infrastructure for a relatively small return. If we want units like the Bushmen’s Rifles to stay strong, you have to invest in our bases and make it easy for people to train together.

It’s baffling that we would decimate our local reserve units just to save on some lawnmowing fees.

My message to the federal government and the Defence bean counters is crystal clear: this is a very poor decision, and the government needs to change course on this immediately.

On paper, the Canberra bean counters may see 23 hectares

They’re going to be hearing a lot more from me until they do.

It was a privilege to join members and guests for the Quota Lithgow changeover and installation in Wallerawang, and to witness the remarkable contribution this dedicated group continues to make throughout our region. From local health and aged care services like the Lithgow Community Private Hospital, Three Tree Lodge, and CareFlight, to supporting local schools and community projects, Quota Lithgow does extraordinary work raising vital funds for our community. Congratulations to incoming President Jennie Lovett and the 2026-2027 executive team, and a massive thank you to all members for your tirelessness, generosity, and community spirit!

BATHURST ELECTORATE OFFICE 107 George Street PO Box 54 Bathurst NSW 2795

(02) 6331 0524 andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au www.andrewgeemp.com.au

For regular updates and news, follow me on Facebook and Instagram @andrewgeecalare

Authorised by Andrew Gee MP, Suite 1/179A Anson Street Orange NSW 2800

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Andrew GEE MP

Your True Country Independent

INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE

Standing in Solidarity with Nepal It was profoundly moving to see well over 200 members of our community gather at Kings Parade in Bathurst recently for a candlelight vigil.

INTERNATIONAL DAY AT PORTLAND CWA

The magnitude of the recent tragedy in Nepal and Tibet is difficult to grasp, with thousands of lives lost or missing and so many families suffering. When a disaster of this scale happens, it’s easy to feel helpless - but by coming together, we show our local Nepalese community that they do not stand alone. Thank you to everyone who came out to light a candle, offer a prayer, and extend their love, fellowship, and support to our Nepalese friends and neighbours during this heartbreaking time.

SKILLSET HONOURS LOCAL ACHIEVERS DURING NATIONAL SKILLS WEEK!

It was a privilege to attend the annual Skillset Training Awards and celebrate the incredible apprentices, trainees and businesses helping drive regional NSW forward.

It was terrific to join the members of Portland CWA for their International Day luncheon held recently! It was a wonderful community gathering with the CWA members traveling from as far away as the Blue Mountains and beyond. The highlight was the presentations by students from St Joseph’s Catholic School Portland NSW and Portland Central School, who showcased their research on Fiji. There was an amazing amount of work put into those presentations and with incredible students like these, I know Australia’s future is in safe hands.

Congratulations to all of this year’s outstanding award recipients, whose hard work, dedication and commitment continue to strengthen our communities and industries across the region.

Thank you, Portland CWA, for a memorable lunch and for your vital work advocating for and supporting country communities.

NATIONAL MEALS ON WHEELS DAY!

I had the honour of presenting the Joyce Hawkes Trainee of the Year Award to Christine Sims, a proud Kamilaroi woman hosted by the Regional Investment Corporation in Orange. Christine completed her qualification well ahead of schedule while balancing work, study, family commitments and representing NSW Country Rugby Union. Special congratulations also to James Davidson of Oberon, hosted by B Moore Constructions, who was named the Gordon Hawkes Apprentice of the Year. What an outstanding showcase of talent, determination and achievement across regional NSW.

It’s Show Time at Burraga! The Burraga Sheep Show and Country Fair was a tremendous success, with Burraga Ag Bureau President Ann Milbank and her team doing an outstanding job hosting one of the biggest shows the event has ever seen! The Ute show was going off (great work Crusty and the ute team!).

Had a blast joining the legendary Meals on Wheels team recently at Meals on Wheels in Bathurst!

Now in its 66th year, the Burraga Show brings the community together for a terrific celebration of Burraga, agriculture, and how lucky we are to be living in such a wonderful part of Australia!

Big thanks to Elisa and Tina for the tour and letting me have a crack at preparing some dessert packages.

It’s an awesome start to the show season!

On this National Meals on Wheels day, we celebrate the volunteers providing nourishment, care, and a friendly face to keep our seniors living independently.

After unsuccessfully vetting to tame the mechanical bull, I took the opportunity to raise a new Aussie flag at the War Memorial in the park - just to keep Old Bluey flying high! Well done Ann and the Ag Bureau team!

And I gotta be honest - nothing beats a Meals on Wheels brownie!

With the high cost of living, this local lifeline needs our support now more than ever. Get involved, volunteer, or lend a hand to keep this vital service moving! Call: 02 6331 8231 to see how you can help.

You just can’t beat a country show!

BATHURST ELECTORATE OFFICE 107 George Street PO Box 54 Bathurst NSW 2795

(02) 6331 0524 andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au www.andrewgeemp.com.au

For regular updates and news, follow me on Facebook and Instagram @andrewgeecalare

Authorised by Andrew Gee MP, Suite 1/179A Anson Street Orange NSW 2800

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Bathurst News

Remembering Peter Brock, King of the Mountain Newly open at the National Motor Racing Museum is a special exhibition celebrating one of motorsport’s most iconic figures

Truth, Reality and AI Cory Alpert and Jac Underwood: What is Truth?

n an era dominated by conversations about misinformation and disinformation, the central question remains: What is truth? Truth has become

plural, elusive, and at times inaccessible. The way we think about and engage with information has shifted dramatically, with artificial intelligence supercharging these changes. AI has blurred the lines between what is real and what is true, forcing us to interrogate whether there is a difference to begin with. Art and political information alike have become impressionistic—less about logic and more about evoking emotion, challenging us to navigate a world of competing realities. Misinformation is not new; it stretches back to

wenty years ago, Australian motorsport lost one

sport, particularly at Mount Panorama, the location of so

the Roman Empire. Yet, AI adds a fresh layer of complexity.

of its most iconic figures, with the death of Peter

many of his most notable achievements. The exhibition

Bathurst Library will be hosting sociologist Cory

Brock in a tarmac rally event in Western Australia.

remembers a legend of the sport, and a hero to so many race

Alpert for a conversation on AI, Truth and Reality. The

Over a distinguished career, Brock had become a household

fans across the country.

talk will be facilitated by Jac Underwood whose skills and

name throughout Australia, and even in 2026, is still one of

Peter Brock: King of the Mountain is now on at the

background in journalism position her well to lead this

the best-known drivers in Australian motorsport history.

National Motor Racing Museum, 400 Panorama

conversation.

Avenue Mount Panorama. Open 9am-4.30pm, 6 days,

6pm, Monday 21 September 2026 | Bathurst Library

closed Tuesdays.

Bookings: 6333 6281

This exhibition celebrates Peter Brock’s career and incredible influence on the history of Australian motor

Celebrate Twice: I Can’t Believe It’s Not Father’s Day!

Send dad on a ride around the Mount this weekend

s your dad worth two celebrations? Then head to the National Motor Racing Museum this weekend for the ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not Father’s Day’ event taking

place on Sunday 13 September. Visitors can look forward to all the usual Father’s Day activities, including free entry for dads and father figures to the museum, passenger laps in the museum’s replica cars and a sausage sizzle by the Bathurst Girl Guides. Rides will be in a choice of the museum’s Monaro GTS327, XR Falcon GT, Mini Cooper S, Ford Cortina GT or Pepsi Falcon Supercar, starting from $15. Sunday 13 September | Ride bookings: 6333 1872

BX After Dark Bathurst comes alive when the sun goes down

X After Dark brings together food, music, culture, illumination and immersive experiences

WHAT’S ON AT

across Bathurst’s heritage buildings, laneways,

hospitality venues and creative spaces and tickets are now on sale for Heritage & Laneways – The Wandering Table. Taking place on 13 and 14 November, the event invites locals and visitors to explore Bathurst’s historic heart and Keppel Street precinct through food, storytelling, heritage, hospitality and unexpected encounters. Coordinated by Elevate, BX After Dark is designed to strengthen Bathurst’s night-time economy and create new reasons to stay, explore and experience the city and is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner and Destination NSW. Tickets for The Wandering Table are on sale now. Visit Bathurst & Backroads to find out more and book:

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

https://bathurstandbackroads.com.au/bx-after-dark/ For more events like this visit bathurstregion.com.au/ annual-events/ 2025 HALL OF FAME

www.bmec.com.au Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show Join Bluey and her family in their first live theatre show. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. Wednesday 16 September, 9.30am, 12.30pm & 3.30pm

Karisha and the Funkaars A world music band hailing from Canberra offering a unique blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions. A live and interactive show, the band showcases a diverse range of instruments and multilingual vocals. Saturday 19 September, 7.30pm

Bombshells Singing, dancing comedy and the joys of sheer honesty. This play is a journey from crisis to hilarity. Sunday 27 September, 2pm

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Bathurst race fans will have another reason to stick around after the chequered flag falls this October, with a $185,000 NSW Government grant set to extend the city’s race week celebrations beyond Sunday.

he funding will allow Bathurst Regional Council to host a special CBD event on the Monday following the Repco Bathurst 1000, encouraging visitors to stay another night, enjoy more of Bathurst and make the trip home on Tuesday instead. It’s a win for local businesses, a bonus for race fans – and an important initiative to help spread traffic movements following one of the biggest weekends on the Bathurst calendar. With the Great Western Highway closure at Victoria Pass already impacting travel between the Central West and Sydney, encouraging even a portion of the thousands of racegoers to extend their stay could help reduce the traditional Monday exodus. Council thanked the NSW Government for the funding, with special acknowledgement to Ministers Jenny Aitchison, Steve Kamper and Janelle Saffin for

their support. The new Monday event will build on Bathurst’s regular race week festivities, with further announcements about exactly what is planned still to come. Transport for NSW will also have additional measures in place across the Repco Bathurst 1000 weekend, including extra transport management crews, tow trucks and drones along key routes. Enhanced network monitoring and a dedicated operational response will focus on keeping traffic moving as safely and efficiently as possible. For race fans, though, the message might be much simpler: why rush home? Stay another day, enjoy a little more of Bathurst, support the local businesses that throw out the welcome mat every race week – and tackle the trip home after the crowds have cleared. Sounds like a pretty good Monday to me!

Applications for the 2027 Living Legends and Citizen of the Year Awards open this Monday 31 August, joining nomination opportunities for the Youth Arts Award, Youth Service Award and Event of the Year Awards as part of the 2027 Australia Day Awards Ceremony.

ayor Robert Taylor noted the annual Citizen of the Year and Living Legends awards are a highly regarded accolade for exceptional members of the Bathurst community. "Since 2005, Councils across the state have recognised one remarkable citizen each year at the annual Australia Day ceremonies. This prestigious award honours a deserving member of Bathurst and recognises their outstanding contribution to our local community. "The Living Legends Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and their capacity as a proven leader amongst their peers and for possessing a drive to help make our region a great place to live and visit. Every year, each of our Living Legends are honoured with a tree planted in the Living Legends Avenue of trees on Bradwardine Road, marking their legacy within our community. "If you know an exceptional individual who has made great contributions to our Bathurst Region, this is a fantastic opportunity for their unsung efforts to be aptly recognised at our Australia Day Ceremony this coming January," said Mayor Taylor. Nominations for these two awards open Monday 31 August and close Friday 6 November 2026. All awards will be presented at the Australia Day Ceremony on Tuesday 26 January 2027.

Bathurst News

Applications Opening for 2027 Living Legends and Citizen of the Year Awards

Stay Another Day: $185,000 Boost for Bathurst Race Week

For more information and to make a nomination, please head to Council’s YourSay webpage: https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/australia-day-awards

A Folk Music Star Heads to Bathurst

Bathurst Folk Club is preparing for a very special evening of music this September, welcoming acclaimed singer-songwriter Kavisha Mazzella AM to Jack Duggans Pub on Wednesday 16th September.

Bathurst Farmers Market is proudly managed by the Lions community projects.

UPCOMING MARKET

September 26th

Markets are held in the historic Bathurst Showgrounds from 8am - 12pm, on the 4th Saturday of each month

for a performance that really needs to be experienced in person. At just $20 entry, this promises to be an incredible night of live music and one well worth putting in the diary. There will be no floor spots on the evening, with the focus firmly on two very special performances. Spread the word, bring some friends and settle in for another great night of music at Bathurst Folk.

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Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

aking to the stage from 7.30pm, Kavisha brings with her an extraordinary musical career shaped by culture, storytelling and a lifelong love of folk music. Born in the UK to Italian and Anglo-Burmese parents before migrating to Australia at an early age, Kavisha’s music reflects her rich cultural heritage and her deep appreciation for the diversity of the Australian story. A former Port Fairy Folk Festival Artist of the Year and ARIA Award winner, Kavisha has been a much-loved part of Australia’s folk music scene since the 1990s. In 2024, she was recognised with the Australian Folk Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award, adding to an impressive list of honours which also includes being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. Warm, thoughtful and wonderfully engaging, Kavisha is known for drawing audiences into her performances – perfectly captured by her motto, “Sing For No One, Sing For Everyone!”. To hear music from Kavisha, head to https://kavishamazzella.bandcamp. com/. Supporting Kavisha on the night will be The Skinks, returning to Bathurst Folk after making quite an impression on their previous visit. The duo brings something genuinely different to the stage, combining Eastern musical influences with clever improvisation

Bathurst News

A Fresh Season for You, Your Skin & Your Wellbeing Beauty with Karla - Macquarie Medi Spa

Spring is my favourite season of the year, and beautiful Bathurst is already putting on a show. The blossoms are out, the days are getting longer and there’s that wonderful feeling of a fresh season ahead.

hile we often think about cleaning out our homes and wardrobes at this time of year, don’t forget your bathroom cupboards, skincare and makeup drawers too. Skincare has an expiry date (just like food!), particularly active products and, importantly, sunscreen. Check expiry dates and take a good look at anything that’s been sitting around too long. Once opened, products can oxidise and

become less effective, so use them while they’re fresh rather than saving them for “one day”. Makeup doesn’t last forever either. If you’ve had something for two or three years, it’s time to say goodbye! Mascaras should ideally be replaced every three to four months, while older lipsticks and other products can change texture or develop a noticeable smell. Spring is also the perfect excuse to get outside. We’re incredibly lucky in

the Central West with our beautiful river walks, walking tracks and the Blue Mountains not far away. Getting outdoors and moving can do wonders for our wellbeing. Be sun smart, snake smart and, if you’re wearing headphones, stay aware of where you’re stepping. September also brings R U OK? Day, although I believe checking in should happen every day. Check on a friend, neighbour or loved one. Organise a walk, barbecue or catch-up and reconnect. And then comes Pinktober! You’ll see Macquarie Medi Spa turning pink as we once again help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer charities. So, here’s to getting outside, getting social and enjoying everything this beautiful Central West spring has to offer! Macquarie Medi Spa is located at 169 Howick Street, Bathurst. Call the team on 6332 2062

Skillset Land Works Opens Native Nursery to Grow Community, Environment and Learning Opportunities A new native nursery opened by Skillset Land Works is set to create environmental, educational and employment opportunities for the Bathurst community while supporting the propagation of locally endemic plants for revegetation and environmental restoration projects across the region.

O 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.

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

Further Details Email: mt.panoramalions@gmail.com facebook.com/riversidemarketsbathurst

NEXT MARKET IS SAT 3 OCT 2026 AT LIONS BERRY PARK, BATHURST

fficially opened on Wednesday 26 August by The Hon. Paul Toole MP, Member for Bathurst, the nursery will provide a practical space for students, volunteers and community members to learn about native plant propagation, environmental stewardship and pathways into outdoor and conservation careers. Skillset Senior College students were onsite to view the nursery's first native plantings for future propagation and environmental projects. The nursery was established with an $11,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Community Building Partnership 2025 Program. Funding supported the installation of a commercial nursery poly tunnel, irrigation components and plant stands at the Skillset Land Works depot in Mitchell. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, Skillset Land Works delivers environmental services including tree planting, weed management and grounds maintenance while creating opportunities for practical skills development and pathways to employment. The nursery will strengthen this approach by providing locally grown native plants for regional projects while creating additional opportunities for people to gain hands-on skills and experience. Works to establish the nursery are already underway, with native species being propagated for future revegetation and habitat restoration projects. As the nursery becomes fully operational, it will also support partnerships with schools, community groups and volunteers interested in learning more about environmental management and native plant conservation. Skillset Land Works Manager Russell Meadley

said the nursery would provide long-term value for both Land Works projects and the wider community. “This nursery gives our team a dedicated space to grow locally appropriate native plants and better prepare for revegetation and restoration projects across the region," Mr Meadley said. "It will also allow us to create more hands-on learning opportunities for students and community members through workshops and work experience. We want the nursery to be a practical place where people can learn about propagation, environmental care and the types of skills used in outdoor and conservation work." "The support provided through the Community Building Partnership Program has helped us establish an asset that can continue to benefit local environmental projects and community partnerships for years to come." Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said this funding has been put to good use. “This grassroots funding has helped create an expanded facility that will allow Skillset Land Works to continue their vital work looking after our environment,” Mr Toole said. “It’s projects such as this that make a real difference for organisations in the area and give locals and students of Skillset Senior College more opportunities to learn and develop skills.” The full environmental, educational and social benefits of the project will continue to develop as native plants are propagated and used in regional projects, helping to strengthen both local landscapes and community connections to the environment.

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With thousands of race fans preparing to descend on Bathurst for the 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000, local businesses are being encouraged to get involved, have some fun and make the most of one of the biggest weeks on the Bathurst calendar.

athurst Regional Council has launched four simple ways for businesses to tap into the Race Week excitement, increase their visibility and encourage visitors to shop, eat, drink and spend locally. First up is the ‘Turbocharge Your Business’ Window Display Competition, with businesses invited to decorate their shopfront around a driver or team competing in this year’s Great Race. There are some terrific incentives to get involved. Every registered business will receive four four-day General Admission passes to the Bathurst 1000, courtesy of Repco, a decoration starter pack, radio and social media promotion, inclusion on an interactive Window Display map and a listing on Council’s Bathurst 1000 webpage. Businesses need to register by Sunday 20 September at https://bit.ly/4xqbwYG. Also returning is the Bathurst Bargain Book – Revved Up Race Week Offers, giving businesses the opportunity to provide an exclusive offer or discount to visiting racegoers. Importantly, the booklet will be distributed to visitors including the more than 25,000 campers at Mount Panorama – a pretty impressive potential customer base! Offers can be submitted by Tuesday 22 September at https://bit.ly/26BargainBook. Businesses can also put themselves directly in front of Race Week crowds by donating a prize, voucher or experience for the Fan-Fest

Tuesday giveaways in King’s Parade. And with off-track events bringing thousands of people into the CBD between 3pm and 8pm on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October, businesses are being encouraged to consider late-night trading. Those extending their hours can advise Council’s Events Team and be included in Race Week promotion. Race Week brings an enormous amount of energy – and people – into Bathurst. These initiatives are a great way to turn that excitement into genuine opportunities for our local business community. For Fan-Fest giveaways or late-night trading, contact the Events Team on (02) 6333 6111.

Bathurst Turns Pink for a Cause

Bathurst’s Riverside Market is getting a colourful makeover this October, with the community encouraged to Pink Up and help raise funds for a very worthy cause.

he Lions Club of Mount Panorama Inc is warmly inviting locals to pull out their best pink shirts, hats, frocks – or perhaps even a full head-to-toe pink ensemble – and head along to the Riverside Market at Berry Park, Lions Drive, Bathurst on Saturday 3 October. It promises to be another great day at the popular community market, but this time with an important splash of pink and a fundraising focus. 100 per cent of donations received at the entrance will be donated to the McGrath Foundation, giving everyone who comes through the gates an opportunity to contribute while enjoying everything the Riverside Market has to offer. “The members of the Lions Club of Mount Panorama Inc warmly invite the Bathurst community to join us at the October Riverside

Market,” the Club said. “Come along dressed in pink and help us support this wonderful cause while enjoying a great day at the markets. Together we can make a difference.” The Pink Up Riverside Market is another wonderful example of local community groups using an already popular event to bring people together while supporting something bigger. So, mark Saturday 3 October on the calendar, gather the family and friends and start planning your pinkest possible outfit. Whether it is a subtle pink accessory or something that can be spotted from the other side of Berry Park, every splash of colour will help show support. Head along, enjoy a day at the Riverside Market, make a donation at the entrance and help Bathurst Pink Up for a cause!

Bathurst News

Rev Up Your Business for Bathurst Race Week

For all Race Week information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/ Events/Repco-Bathurst-1000.

Weaving refugee advocacy into literature Charles Sturt University is proud to host a free public lecture by the Bathurst Refugee Support Group. Hear from Mij Tanith, who has over four decades experience as a playwright and refugee advocate. Mij has written plays, short stories, poetry and articles or a number of magazines and online publications, and her talk will focus on the power of networking and advocacy, and how her real-life work with refugees shaped her latest book, ‘Laila’s Story’. Mij Tanith began her literary career as a playwright in 1985, when Sydney’s Griffin Theatre Company staged Blind Circumstance, a play about the Vietnam war and intercountry adoption. This was followed by a handful of other plays commissioned by theatre companies in South Australia, each

with a strong focus on social justice. Issues explored included adult literacy, the fragile environment of Antarctica, the ethics of advertising, and violence in the schoolyard. Throughout the 1990s she taught creative writing in TAFE, and in other areas, notably focussing on women, immigrants and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. When: Wednesday 21 October 2026 Time: 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start Where: Building 1292, Room 205, Charles Sturt University. Panorama Avenue, Bathurst Light refreshments will be served afterwards. Register now- https://events. humanitix.com/bathurstrefugeesupport-group-public-lecture-2026

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

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FORTNIGHTLY FEATURE Can Assist Blayney: Volunteers Supporting Local Families When It Matters Most

Behind every fundraiser, helping hand and act of kindness is a dedicated team of local volunteers making a meaningful difference for families across Blayney Shire. Can Assist Blayney recently brought the community together at its annual Community Cuppa morning tea at the Blayney Community Centre. Homemade treats, raffles and entertainment created a welcoming morning while raising funds for local people affected by cancer. Run entirely by volunteers, the branch provides practical and financial assistance to help ease the costs of cancer treatment, including travel, accommodation and medical expenses. This support is available across the Shire—from Blayney and its villages to surrounding rural communities—so local families do not have to face the journey alone. Much of this work happens quietly behind the scenes. Volunteers raise funds, coordinate assistance and respond with compassion when families need it most. Their generosity reflects the spirit of a community that looks after its own. Can Assist Blayney relies on continued local support. By attending an event, donating or volunteering, residents can help ensure this valuable service remains available. Every contribution, large or small, helps local people focus on treatment and family, knowing their community is standing beside them.

Keeping Your Yard Tidy Just Got Easier

Keeping a yard neat and safe can be difficult for older residents, people living with disability and those with busy schedules. Birrang Enterprise Development Company Limited now offers mowing and lawn maintenance services across Blayney Shire to help make the task easier. Available to NDIS participants and the wider community, the service provides regular mowing, occasional assistance and ongoing yard upkeep. Birrang’s team can work with residents to find an option suited to their individual needs. A well-maintained outdoor area can improve a property’s appearance, reduce hazards and support residents to maintain independence and pride in their homes. To learn more or discuss assistance, contact Birrang on (02) 6361 9511 or visit its website for further information.

Supporting a Worthy Cause with Global Impact

The Inner Wheel Club of Blayney is inviting the community to support a special luncheon and fashion parade on Tuesday, 22 September, with all proceeds helping to fund Operation Toilets Australia. This important international project works to build toilets in secondary schools across India, Nepal and Ethiopia, providing safe and accessible sanitation facilities for students. Access to proper toilet facilities can make a life-changing difference for teenage girls, helping them stay in school and continue their education with dignity. By attending this local fundraising event, community members can play a part in creating better educational opportunities for young people in disadvantaged communities around the world. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of fashion, friendship and community spirit while supporting a practical initiative that delivers lasting benefits where they are needed most.

Youth Voices Wanted for NSW Summit

Young people across Blayney Shire can share their ideas at the free NSW Youth Summit 2026, connecting participants with government decision-makers, services and community organisations. Open to NSW residents aged 12–25, the summit will be held in Liverpool on Tuesday, 1 December, from 8.30am–5pm. The youth-led program features panels, workshops, information sessions, an expo, entertainment and networking. Participants can raise important issues, share lived experiences and help shape NSW priorities. Travel support may be available for rural or remote applicants, while those under 18 require parent or caregiver consent. Applications close 5pm Sunday, 20 September 2026. Apply via the summit website.

NSW YOUTH — SUmMiT 2026 THE FUTURE WON’T WAIT Are you interested in a chance to attend the 2026 NSW Youth Summit in December? Applications are open to young people between the ages of 12–25. ąêȋ¶ĬŠŚąȋ ŠĤĤĉŚȋĉŒȌÃĥȋĬňňĬŋŚŠĥĉŚŽȋ to ask big questions in direct conversations ŷĉŚąȌ_ °Ȍ^ĉĥĉŒŚêŋŒȋÃĥåȋêżňêŋŚŒǢ Be heard, make connections and get practical support. (ĥĘĬŽȋÃȋŽĬŠŚąȋêżňĬǣȋÿĬĬåȋŚŋŠßěŒȋ and live music too.

Apply now ⮧ nsw.gov.au/youth-summit

Council News Council Meeting The September Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held in the Chambers, Blayney Shire Community Centre, on Tuesday 22 September 2026, commencing at 6.00pm. Members of the community are welcome to attend. A copy of the Business Paper will be available on Council’s website prior to the meeting. You can also tune in live at https://www.blayney.nsw.gov.au/council/council-meetings Position Vacant Council currently has the following position available: • Asset Systems Officer (Infrastructure) Applications close on 30 September 2026. Please refer to Council’s website for an Information Package and details on how to apply for this position. Service NSW Mobile Service Centre Visit – Blayney The Service NSW Mobile Centre will be in Blayney on Thursday 8 October 2026 located in the carpark at the rear of the Blayney Shire Community Centre from 9.00am to 3.00pm. This Mobile Service delivers access to essential NSW Government services, including: • Driver licences, proof of identity documents and photo card applications • Driver Knowledge Tests • Working With Children Checks • NDIS Worker Check • Applying for birth, death and marriage certificates • Access more than 70 NSW Government rebates and savings. For more information, please visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/msc Development Proposal Issued under Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Schedule 1 Proposed Development: Electronic Signage Development Site: Lot 491 DP708497 - 92 Adelaide Street, Blayney Applicant: CEO DESIGN & CONSULT PTY LTD Consent Authority: Blayney Shire Council

Council Office: 91 Adelaide Street, Blayney, NSW 2799 9:30am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday

Blayney Shire Council is in receipt of a Development Application proposing Electronic Signage. The proposal is to be located at Lot 491 DP708497, 92 Adelaide Street, Blayney. The proposal is classified as Integrated Development under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, as it requires approval from Heritage NSW (DCA). The consent authority for the proposed development is Blayney Shire Council. Development Application 2026/0076 and associated documentation can be viewed at https://www.blayney.nsw.gov.au/development/da-tracker or by visiting Council’s Administration Building, 91 Adelaide Street Blayney, weekdays between 9.30am and 4pm. Any person wishing to make a submission must do so in writing, stating the grounds for any objection, by 5pm, Thursday 24 September 2026. Submissions must be made in writing and must clearly indicate the following: Name and address of the person making the submission, including phone and email address. The submission should relate directly to the proposed development and if the submission is by the way of objection, it must state the reasons for objection. Any submissions that you make to this proposal may be made available to the applicant for comment during consideration of the development application, names withheld. Correspondence can be sent to: The General Manager, Blayney Shire Council, PO Box 62, BLAYNEY NSW 2799 or via email: council@blayney.nsw.gov.au Desexing/Microchipping Program Did you know Council assists Blayney Shire residents with the cost of microchipping and/or de-sexing companion animals? The microchipping and de-sexing program includes: • Free microchipping • $50 towards the cost of de-sexing of companion animals • Max two companion animals per person • Applicants must provide proof of residency within the Blayney Shire The program runs from now until all program funds are expended and can only be undertaken at the Blayney Vets. To book your pet in, please contact Blayney Vets at (02) 6368 2264.

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The Federal Government’s decision to extend the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) until June 2029 was rightly welcomed by Blayney Meals on Wheels – but Service Manager Leeanne Wright says the announcement should not be mistaken for the end of the conversation.

ast issue, Village Voice reported that Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler had confirmed CHSP would remain a standalone program through to 2029, providing much-needed certainty for providers, volunteers and the older Australians who rely on entrylevel support to remain independent at home. For Blayney Meals on Wheels, that certainty matters. “The extension to 2029 is an important and very welcome stabilising moment for our service,” Ms Wright said. “It means our funding continues, our volunteer-supported model remains intact, and our clients can rely on the same affordable, preventative services they receive today.” The Government has since made its longer-term intention clearer, saying it believes CHSP should remain separate from Support at Home. However, consultation will now determine what the redesigned program looks like, including funding arrangements, client contributions and the future role of block funding. For Ms Wright, those details are critical. Under the current CHSP model, Blayney Meals on Wheels receives block funding which allows the organisation to provide considerably more than simply a meal. Clients currently pay between $7 and $12 for a meal, depending on their menu choice. Delivery by a volunteer, a friendly welfare check, fridge and pantry safety checks, home safety observations and care plan reviews when required are supported through the broader service model. It is the difference between looking at Meals on Wheels as a food delivery service and recognising it as preventative care. “This model works because CHSP is designed as early-intervention care, not transactional care,” Ms Wright said. “It keeps people well, connected and independent before they need more intensive support.” Her concern is what could happen if

future funding arrangements move too far towards a fee-for-service structure. Ms Wright estimates that, without the protections of the existing model, a meal itself could cost between $15 and $18, with delivery potentially adding $15 to $25 and a wellbeing and safety check adding another $20. What is currently an affordable meal and visit could potentially become a service costing upwards of $50 – and in some circumstances approaching $68. For an older person living on a fixed income, that could mean making the decision to simply go without. Ms Wright fears the consequences would reach far beyond missing a meal. Reduced access could mean increased social isolation, declining health and older people requiring more intensive aged care or hospital services earlier – exactly the outcomes CHSP’s earlyintervention approach aims to prevent. The Government has acknowledged the importance of this model. Almost 40 per cent of CHSP clients live outside major cities, while around 1,300 organisations currently provide CHSP services across Australia, including councils, not-for-profits and community organisations. The next three years will therefore be

important. Blayney Meals on Wheels wants the redesigned CHSP to retain block funding for rural and regional providers, provide growth funding as demand and costs increase, protect volunteer-supported services and keep client contributions affordable. It also wants safeguards for rural communities and “thin markets”, where there may simply be no alternative provider available. Ms Wright said councils, MPs, regional Meals on Wheels organisations and the community all have a role to play during the consultation period – from advocating for appropriate funding to volunteering, donating and sharing the stories of people who depend on these services. “We have won the first stage – keeping CHSP separate from Support at Home,” she said. “But now we must ensure the redesigned CHSP continues to protect rural communities like Blayney.” For Blayney Meals on Wheels, 2029 provides breathing room. The challenge now is making sure what comes next preserves the community-based service that has made Meals on Wheels about much more than the meal.

Blayney News

Meals on Wheels: Certainty to 2029, But the Fight Isn’t Over

Concert tickets include entry to the Newbridge Art Show opening night

OPENING NIGHT CONCERT The Great American Songbook Simon Tedeschi and George Washingmachine with special guest Clare O’Meara follow us on

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Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

16 OCTOBER 2026

Blayney News

Compareo performance class expands to Blayney A popular weekly performing arts program is looking to expand to Blayney.

ompareo is for adults with disabilities who have a strong interest in drama, dance or the performing arts. The program currently runs weekly in Bathurst and Orange. Creator of Compareo Catherine McNamara has a long history of facilitating performing arts programs for and with people with disabilities. A major highlight was the premiere of her children’s theatre play ViV! in Bathurst in last year, where members of Bathurst’s Compareo program helped prepare, plan and take part in the professional performance. “The weekly classes aim to improve confidence, communication, fitness, and team work,” Ms McNamara said. “‘Compareo’ is Latin for ‘be visible, be present’, and these workshops are an empowering and skills-based way to build self-expression and share your

creative flair.” Participants can attend with support workers, who are encouraged to get involved in the activities too. “We hope we can get enough interest in the Blayney area to offer this amazing group locally,” Ms McNamara said. The Blayney Compareo program is proposed for Thursdays in term blocks of 10 weeks. Enquiries via Kristie at Arts OutWest kcoles@csu.edu.au or 02 6338 4193. Or complete the expression of interest form at: https://artsoutwest.org.au/ compareo-expression-of-interest/ This program aligns with NDIS participants’ core funding, under Assistance with Social, Economic, and Community Participation. Arts OutWest coordinates the Bathurst Compareo program.

Stop and Smell the Daffodils

Blayney’s Spring Flower Show is blooming this Saturday!

pring has officially arrived, and this Saturday there’s one very colourful reason to get out and enjoy it! The Blayney Daffodil & Spring Flower Show returns on Saturday, 12 September, bringing a beautiful burst of colour, community spirit and good old-fashioned country show tradition to Blayney. Presented by the Blayney Agricultural and Pastoral Association Inc, the annual show is a celebration of the very best of the season, with daffodils and spring flowers taking centre stage. Whether you’re a keen gardener, a flower lover, looking for a little inspiration for your own backyard or simply want to enjoy a lovely community day out, this is one local event well worth putting on the calendar. And you certainly don’t need to know

your trumpet daffodil from your jonquil to appreciate the displays! The show is another wonderful example of the volunteers and community organisations who continue to keep these much-loved local traditions going. Behind every display, entry and carefully organised section are many hours of preparation by the Blayney A&P Association committee and volunteers. So this Saturday, make the time to pop in, wander through the displays and enjoy a little bit of Spring in full bloom. Better still, bring a friend, the family, Mum, Nan or your gardenloving neighbour and make an outing of it. The Blayney Daffodil & Spring Flower Show is on Saturday, 12 September. Come along, support a great local event and celebrate Spring — one beautiful bloom at a time.

Spring In To Art

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

After the great success of last year’s concert, Simon Tedeschi and George Washingmachine return to the little village of Newbridge to perform on the opening night of the Newbridge Art Show.

his year they bring special guest Clare O’Meara for an evening of outstanding jazz and Latin songs of the 20th Century - The Great American Songbook - in the glorious surroundings of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. Those who came to last year’s concert, Gershwin & More, have been clamouring for a reprise, and the performers themselves were keen to revisit what was - for everybody - a truly special experience. As a reminder, the evening starts with the Newbridge Art Show opening night at the Newbridge Showground from 6pm, then there’s a short trip to the other side of the village to be immersed in a musical experience which soars to the vaulted ceilings and beyond. The Spring into Art events don’t end there, though. Art workshops are running on October 15 & 16, a special Concepts of Stagecraft for Musicians on October 17, a portrait photography workshop on October 17 and a beginners photography workshop on October 18. Big bands will perform free of charge at The Gladstone Hotel on Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes and there will be other free performances throughout the village. The Great American Songbook tickets are $95 which includes payment fee, entry to the Newbridge Art Show opening night, first drink

free, parking at the art show and the shuttle bus to and from the concert venue. The venue is not huge, so numbers are limited. For all bookings and to submit art show entries go to www.newbridgeartshow.com Top image: Simon Tedeschi and George Washingmachine at Newbridge Image above: George Washingmachine

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Blayney News

Students put tree protection plan into action at Blayney Eco Hub By Karen Purser

Students helped mark a new chapter in caring for the environment at Blayney Eco Hub this week, planting trees following the launch of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst’s Tree Protection Plan.

ishop Michael McKenna launched the plan on Tuesday, 1 September, coinciding with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Described by the Diocese as the first of its kind in Australia, the initiative combines protection for existing trees with a commitment to increase tree cover. Community members, students from regional Catholic schools, federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee and members of the diocesan Laudato Si’ group gathered for the occasion. Following the launch, students planted trees at the Eco Hub, giving the day’s message a practical expression and contributing to the future greenery of the Blayney site. The plan covers trees on land in the Diocese’s care, including schools, parishes, presbyteries and cemeteries. It aims to prevent unnecessary removal and inappropriate pruning, helping trees remain healthy for years to come. It also sets a target of increasing tree canopy cover across diocesan land to 30 per cent. The Diocese says greater canopy cover will help build

resilience to environmental challenges, including drought, flooding and a changing climate. For communities across the region, the policy brings environmental care into familiar places, from school playgrounds and parish gardens to the grounds surrounding churches and cemeteries. The diocesan Laudato Si’ group developed the plan in consultation with Catholic Education and other stakeholders, drawing inspiration from a similar initiative established by the Irish Bishops’ Conference in 2023. Bishop McKenna emphasised that caring for our common home requires practical action wherever the Church has responsibility and an opportunity to make a difference. Bishop McKenna was clear that good intentions were most useful when the first step was taken, no matter how small. The Blayney Eco Hub was a fitting setting for the launch. Based at the St James’ Parish presbytery, it is a diocesan project focused on ecological education, spirituality and advocacy.

Many Hands Make Light Work for Blayney School Fete

The countdown is on to the Blayney Public School Community Fete, and organisers are putting the call out for volunteers to help make this much-loved community day a huge success.

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be part of the team. The school is also calling for donations of baked goods, plants and books to help stock the fete stalls and make them something special. Whether you can give an hour, a few hours or roll up your sleeves for the whole day, every extra pair of hands will help create a fantastic day for Blayney Public School students and their families. Volunteers can sign up online here: https://signup.com/go/wNndzRX A QR code is also available on the fete poster for quick registration. For questions or further information, email fundraising.blayneypspandc@gmail. com. So Blayney, if you’ve got a little time to give, this is a great chance to pitch in, meet some people and help make a brilliant community day happen for our kids.

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Village Voice

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

oice Free

Help us keep the Village V

he fete will take over King George Oval, Blayney, on Saturday 17 October from 10am to 3pm, bringing the school community together for a fun-filled day for local kids and families. But, as anyone who has ever helped organise a community event knows, these wonderful days don’t just happen — they take plenty of helping hands behind the scenes! Volunteers are needed across the day, and there are jobs big and small to suit however much time people can spare. Helpers are needed for set-up before the gates open, collecting entry fees, running carnival activity stalls and lending a hand at the cake, plant and book swap stalls. There are also plenty of general duties throughout the day, followed by the all-important pack down and clean-up afterwards. Can’t volunteer on the day? You can still

Next Ordinary Council Meeting

28 September 2026 at 6:00pm In the Council Chambers, 180 Mort Street, Lithgow

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.lithgow.com/addressing-council. Copies of the agenda can be found on the website.

COUNCIL COLUMN

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Items on Exhibition •

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Development Proposal - DA114/25 Proposed manufactured dwelling - Lot 370 DP 751651 - Castlereagh Highway Blackmans Flat NSW 2790 Development Proposal - DA121/26 Proposed club room (manufactured building) and retaining walls Lot 10 DP 847542; Part Lot 1 DP 332058; Part Lot 45 DP 1096536 - 2C Lithgow Street, Lithgow NSW 2790

Join the Conversation - Help shape Lithgow towards 2050 Share your ideas on how we can make the Lithgow LGA and our Seven Valleys an even better place to live, work and play. We’ve developed a series of discussion papers and invite your feedback. Your input will help Council understand what matters most to the community and inform the development of the Towards 2050 Community Strategic Plan. Discussion Papers • Planning for Growth • Our Economic Future • Tourism, Events and a Vibrant Nighttime Economy • Community Wellbeing; A Healthy, Connected and Resilient Lithgow • A Fair Go: Addressing Place Based Disadvantage • Transport, Access and Movement • Sport, Recreation and Open Spaces • Waste and Resource Recovery • Water and Sewer Services • Companion Animals and Responsible Pet Ownership • Sustainable Environment Safer Cities Lithgow 2026 How comfortable, confident and welcome do you feel walking between Lithgow Railway Station and Main Street during the day? What about after dark? We’re inviting the community, particularly women, girls and gender diverse people, to help identify opportunities to improve perceptions of safety, lighting, wayfinding, accessibility, public spaces and overall comfort throughout the town centre. You can get involved by: • Completing the community survey • Adding ideas to the online pinboard • Joining a day or night community walkshop

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Events @ the Libraries

Once you install the app Select Lithgow City Council as your Council area and then add your residential address to get information on your bin collection service. You can also enable notifications on the app so that you stay up to date with any changes or information about your service you can even set up bin-day

Portland Fibre Arts Group Join the friendly Portland Fibre Arts Group and enjoy a relaxed session of creativity and connection. Bring along your knitting, crochet, stitching or other fibre projects and share skills, ideas and inspiration with others. The Fibre Arts Group will be meeting from 10:00am every Tuesday at Portland library.

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Lithgow City Council has a number of facilities available for hire around the LGA. ranging from small community halls, parks, reserves and even our iconic Union Theatre in Lithgow and Crystal Theatre in Portland. With community rates available why not consider a Council Facility for your next event. We have an online booking portal at www.lithgow.bookable.net.au or by speaking with our friendly staff.

Pencil Case Decorating Let your creativity shine by decorating your own pencil case to take home. This fun school holiday activity will be held at Lithgow Library (29 September), Portland Library (30 September) and Wallerawang Library (1 October), with all sessions starting at 10:30am. Bookings are essential.

Careers at Council Council is currently seeking applications for the following positions:

☑ Resource Recovery Site Officer ☑ Senior Finance Officer - Directorate Budgets ☑ Senior Tourism Officer (Term Contract 2 Years Part Time) ☑ Asset Inspection Officer To apply click on Find a Job to learn about the available positions at Lithgow City Council.

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Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.15pm Cashier 8.30am - 4.00pm

Storytime Bring the little ones along for Storytime, a fun and engaging session designed to encourage a love of books, stories and reading. Children and their carers can enjoy stories, songs and activities in a welcoming library environment. Storytime is held Wendesays from 10:30am to 11:00am at Lithgow and Portland Libraries, and from 10:30am to 11:30am on Tuesday mornings at Wallerawang Library.

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Tea and Tolkien Join fellow Tolkien fans for a cosy evening of tea and storytelling at Wallerawang Library. Listen to The Lord of the Rings audiobook, enjoy a cuppa, and connect with others who share a love of Middle-earth. Tea and Tolkien meets from 5:30pm to 6:30pm on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at Wallerawang Library.

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scan here & Let’s talk... PO Box 19, Lithgow NSW 2790 180 Mort Street, Lithgow NSW 2790

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Telephone: (02) 6354 9999 Facsimile: (02) 6351 4259 Email: council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au

If you see a problem, report it! Many items of council business can be completed on our website including providing feedback, Click on the “Report a Problem” link on our homepage. Alternatively, speak to one of our friendly Customer Service Team by phoning 02 6354 9999. By using our feedback form or calling us direct and providing all of the relevant details we are able to investigate the issue and, where possible, resolve it.

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Lithgow News

Rydal Is Ready To Bloom

This weekend, follow the daffodils to one of our region’s prettiest spring events

f there was ever a weekend to take a drive to Rydal, this is it! Daffodils at Rydal returns this Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, with the historic village throwing open its gates for two glorious days of gardens, flowers, art, food and country hospitality. Running from 10am to 4pm both days, this much-loved spring tradition will feature nine beautiful village and country gardens, each offering something

a little different to explore. And there’s plenty more than daffodils! Visitors can enjoy artisan stalls, food, coffee, live music, plant sales and local makers, while the popular Kimbri Art & Sculpture Show will once again showcase the talents of regional artists. Pioneer Park will provide another spectacular stop, filled with daffodils and sculptures and offering the perfect place to

slow down and soak up the atmosphere. A $10 ticket gives visitors access to all open gardens as well as the Art & Sculpture Show, with a map provided to help plan your wander. Parking is available at the Rydal Showground, with a shuttle bus helping visitors reach the outer gardens. There’s even something special for train lovers, with a heritage train arriving at Rydal Station at 11am on Saturday. Best of all, enjoying a beautiful day out also supports a great cause, with half of this year’s proceeds supporting Lithgow charity Nanna’s Touch, while remaining funds help the Rydal Village Association continue its work caring for and beautifying the village. So grab the family, bring your gardenloving friends — and even the dog on a lead — and make a day of it. The daffodils are blooming, the gardens are ready and Rydal is waiting!

A New Direction For The Glen Museum

A community meeting was held on Sunday, 30 August, 2026, to discuss the future of the Glen Museum and the important question of how Portland’s history and memories can be preserved for future generations. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the Museum’s future, the significance of the Charlie Pinch Collection and the need to ensure that the work undertaken over recent years is carried forward. The Glen has evolved considerably over the past decade. What began as Charlie Pinch’s remarkable private collection has developed into a professionally presented community museum, with cataloguing of its extensive collection underway, increasing organised group visitation and growing recognition of its significance. After an association with the Glen extending over almost ten years, including what will then be nine years as President, Stephen Graham will step down as President on 30 June 2027. The Museum will now seek a suitably qualified and experienced Museum Director to provide professional leadership, maintain the momentum already established and develop a sustainable operating

and succession model for the Glen’s future. As part of this next stage, the Museum also proposes a different approach to public access. Rather than relying principally upon regular weekend opening, the Glen will concentrate increasingly upon organised group visits, visits by arrangement and a program of special exhibitions. These exhibitions will run for defined periods and draw upon the Glen’s extensive collection to tell particular stories from Portland’s history. Community members will be encouraged to contribute to individual exhibitions according to their interests, knowledge and available time, working as part of an Exhibition Project Team rather than having to make an ongoing commitment to a regular volunteer roster. It is proposed that the first special exhibition will explore the history of the Portland Band, bringing together musical instruments, photographs, memorabilia and, importantly, the memories and stories of those who have been associated with Portland’s musical life. Expressions of interest are now invited from anyone who would like to become involved in developing the Portland Band exhibition. No particular museum experience is required as training will be provided. We would particularly like to hear from people with knowledge of the Band or Portland’s musical history, those who may have photographs, memorabilia or stories to contribute, and anyone interested in helping research, organise or present the exhibition. The Portland Band exhibition will be the first in a proposed series of special exhibitions drawing upon both the Glen’s collection and the knowledge and memories of the Portland community. The Glen’s purpose is not simply to preserve old objects. Those objects provide the evidence of Portland’s memories; of the people who worked here, raised families here, improvised, created,

celebrated and built a community. The challenge now is to ensure that both the objects and the stories attached to them are carried forward. The Glen Museum has reached a point of transition, but also one of considerable opportunity. The task over the coming months will be to establish a model capable of carrying that momentum into the future and ensuring that the Glen continues to contribute to Portland and its community. Anyone interested in contributing to the proposed Portland Band exhibition is invited to contact: The Glen Museum | 0407 001 464 | glen.museum@ yahoo.com

SPRING SPECIALS!

Email: sales@good-earth.com.au Phone: (02) 6355 1937 Website: goodearthlandscapeandbuildingsupplies.com

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Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

Our new trading days are: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-5pm

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Fishing rods at the ready – there are some seriously big fish heading for Lake Wallace, with Gone Fishing Day set to return on Sunday 18th October for what promises to be a fantastic day on and around the water.

he Wallerawang Acclimatisation Society (WAS) is gearing up for the community event, with support from the NSW Government, EnergyAustralia, GPM and Seven Valleys Tourism. Adding some extra excitement this year, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will support the event with a special release of approximately 250–300 grown-out trout into Lake Wallace. And these aren’t little fingerlings. The release will include Tiger trout weighing around 3–4kg and rainbow trout tipping the scales at an impressive 4–5kg – giving local and visiting anglers the chance to hook into some very serious fish. Gone Fishing Day will feature a fishing competition, information talks and plenty of great prizes, with every registered fisher also going into the draw for additional prizes. WAS President Ray Tang said the event was about much more than simply landing the biggest fish.

“Gone Fishing Day is about getting people out to Lake Wallace, enjoying a day together and hopefully introducing a few new people to fishing along the way,” Ray said. “We’re incredibly grateful to DPIRD for this special release and to all of our sponsors and supporters who have helped make the day possible. Events like this don’t happen without people and organisations getting behind them, and we really appreciate that support.” With Lake Wallace providing a spectacular backdrop, the event is shaping up as a great day out for experienced anglers, families and those keen to cast a line for the first time. And with hundreds of hefty Tiger and rainbow trout joining the Lake Wallace population ahead of the event, there could be some impressive catches – and even better fishing stories – by the end of the day. Gone Fishing Day – Tigers on the Loose will be held at Lake Wallace on Sunday 18th October. Bring the family, bring the fishing gear and get ready to see what’s biting!

Lithgow News

Hooked! Gone Fishing Day Returns to Lake Wallace

Local filmmakers in the spotlight as Halloween Film Festival goes global By Karen Purser

Young people across Lithgow have the chance to turn a spooky idea into a short film, as the 4th annual Lithgow Halloween Smartphone Horror Film Festival brings international talent and local creativity together.

art of the broader Lithgow Halloween event, the festival has already attracted nearly 300 submissions from 15 countries. Organisers say the standard is exceptionally high, promising an impressive selection for the October screening. But alongside its international reach, the festival has an important local ambition: supporting filmmaking as an emerging creative practice in Lithgow. “We have talented local filmmakers, storytellers, performers and young people with ideas to share,” festival spokesperson Karen Purser said. “We hope the festival and workshop will help develop their skills, build their confidence and create more opportunities for filmmaking to grow in our region.” A free workshop at Lithgow High School on Saturday 12 September will give young people aged 12 to 24 practical help to get started. Running from 10am to 4pm, the workshop will be led by three experienced local filmmakers, including a previous winner of the Lithgow Smartphone Halloween Film Competition. Participants will explore storytelling, filming and postproduction, with encouragement to bring their phone and a film idea. Transport can be arranged from Portland or Wallerawang if required. “The workshop is a valuable opportunity for young people

to learn directly from experienced local filmmakers and discover that they don’t need expensive cameras or equipment to tell a compelling story,” Ms Purser said. The workshop also offers a chance to connect with other young creatives and experienced practitioners, helping strengthen the local networks that can support future filmmaking projects. Entries remain open until 15 October for Halloween-themed smartphone films of up to 10 minutes. Excellent cash prizes are available for Most Creative, Best Performance, Best Youth Film, Best Local Film, Best Local Youth Film and People’s Choice, giving local talent opportunities for recognition alongside international entrants. Shortlisted films will feature at the family-friendly Fright Night Film Screening and Awards Night on Friday 30 October, at 7pm at Lithgow Valley Cinema, 16 Main Street. Live music by the Spice Ghouls, spooky snacks and refreshments, prize presentations and Halloween dress-ups will add to the celebrations. Support from Lithgow City Council, FilmFreeway, SF Films and the Lithgow Valley Film Society means film entry, the workshop and admission to Fright Night are all free. “Keeping the festival free is very important to us,” Ms Purser said. “It means that cost is not a barrier to creating a film, learning

new skills or coming along to enjoy the shortlisted films on the big screen.” Fright Night bookings are essential. For aspiring local filmmakers, the invitation is simple: bring your phone, share your ideas and give filmmaking a go.

ARE YOU OUR NEW VENUE MANAGER? The Venue Manager is responsible for the day-to-day running, atmosphere and performance of Zig Zag Brewery. This is a hands-on role focused on creating a fun, welcoming venue that people want to return to, while maintaining strong operational standards and growing visitation and sales.

The successful person will treat the venue as if it were their own business — taking responsibility, showing initiative and constantly looking for ways to make Zig Zag Brewery better. Attractive salary based on experience.

If this sounds like a role for you, Contact Kevin Udell on kevin@theoldzigzagbrewery.com.au for a confidential conversation. follow us on

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Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

What Success Looks Like The Venue Manager should help make Zig Zag Brewery: Fun to visit • Great to work at • Active on social media • Well run • Increasingly busy and profitable

Key Responsibilities • Manage the day-to-day operation of the brewery venue. • Lead, roster and motivate the venue team. • Maintain a positive, fun and inclusive staff culture. • Deliver excellent customer service and engage with customers. • Maintain high standards of venue presentation, cleanliness and safety. • Manage stock, wastage and labour costs. • Ensure RSA, WHS and liquor licence compliance. • Work closely with brewery and food operations. • Help organise and promote live music, events, beer launches and special activities. • Maintain an active Zig Zag Brewery presence on Facebook and Instagram, including photos, stories, reels and event promotion. • Capture the real personality and atmosphere of the brewery through social media. • Develop relationships with local businesses, tourism operators and community groups. • Actively bring forward new ideas to increase visitation, sales and customer enjoyment.

OBERON COUNCIL UPDATE FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK The Burraga Sheep Show and Fair was held on Saturday 29th August. The traditional rural activities of shearing, wool judging, sheep judging and sheepdog trials were on display with a good attendance. Major winners in the Sheep judging were Dr Ross Wilson and Brendan Miller. The wool category was dominated by Neil Francis. Sandra Stapelton and Ann Milbanks were the major winners in the craft and cooking areas. Oberon Tigers Men’s team won the 2026 Woodbridge Cup First Grade Grand Final defeating the Blayney Bears 28-20 at Sid Kallas Oval in Cowra on Sunday, August 30, 2026. This is the second year in succession they have been premiers. Our congratulations go to the team. The Oberon 2026 Business Awards were held at the Oberon RSL Club at 6pm on Friday 4 September. The event was sold out and there were a record number of nominations for each of the Business Categories. Dallas Booth was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening with our local State Member Paul Toole and his wife Jo attending and handing out prizes. The major Category winners were: • Silver Bells Wedding Events • Milbrey Kitchen and Store • Oberon Pharmacy • Waldara • Mayfield Garden • Oberon Skin & Beauty • Outstanding Community Organisation; Black Springs Community Assoc • Hayley Byrom • Tatiana from IGA Oberon

Café Oberon Outstanding Community Contribution Award; Wayne Barker

The Opposition leader, Kellie Sloane indicated a coalition Government would have a stand alone Minister for Local Government.

On the 27th August I attended a dinner hosted by Country Mayors Association (CMA) in Sydney with the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister outlined his Government’s commitment and support for regional Australia. The Federal Compact with State and Local government is intended to provide some increased impetus to financial sustainability for local government. The president of CMA stated this was appreciated however the detail and the final terms of the Compact are crucial for regional Local Government sustainability. The Mayor of Parkes, Neil Westcott, sang and played the National Anthem and the song “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda” to the applause and stunned admiration of mayors and general managers present.

The Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson announced that the State Government will have built 300 homes for essential workers by the end of the year. In addition, all types of modern methods of construction were being investigated for fast and economical construction and for expedited planning approval processes. Minister Jackson emphasised the need for collaboration across the 3 tiers of government in response to the housing crisis. She also spoke of how homelessness is now evident in regional communities, and in some cases, for the first time.

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On Friday 28th August I attended CMA presentations with a core theme of Housing. Housing is one of the priority concerns of CMAs 89 Member Councils the following guest speakers presented: • Ms Kellie Sloane MP – NSW Opposition Leader • The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC – NSW Housing Minister • Mr Anthony Wing – New IPART Chairman • Ms Rebecca Pinkstone – Homes NSW CEO • Ms Linda Scott – NSW Grants Commission Chair • Mr Brett Whitworth PSM – NSW Office of Local Government Deputy Secretary • The Hon. Chris Rath MLC – NSW Shadow Housing Minister • Ms Carolyn Doherty – Argyle Housing CEO

On Tuesday 8 September I will be appearing before the Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Emergency Services Funding (ESL) Reform. The Central West Joint organisation and Oberon Council both made submissions in relation to the ESL reform and the proposed changes in how it is determined and how it is collected. The ESL is currently collected as a levy on insurance policies, but this is intended to change as many people do not take out insurance. The issue is that assessing this levy on Land Value as determined by the Valuer General risks placing rural and regional communities at a significant disadvantage and takes no account of the value of physical assets and their location that is likely to be protected by the Rural Fire Service and Emergency Services. Andrew McKibbin, Mayor

UPCOMING EVENTS 12 & 13 September • Country Dancehall Project. Saturday 12th, 5pm-9.00pm at The Malachi Gilmore Hall • Rockley 175th Celebration • Daffodils at Rydal; Gardens Open Arts & Sculpture exhibition & Heritage Walk 25 September • Spring Ambrose at Oberon Golf Club; check in 8.45am must be pre-registered. 26th September • Inner Wheel High Tea. 12.30pm at the Library & Community Centre • Amber Lawrence – Cowgirl To Me Tour at the RSL Club from 7:00pm August to December 2026 - High tea at Mayfield. Bookings are essential.

Oberon Council 137 - 139 Oberon Street Oberon, NSW 2787 T (02) 63298100 E council@oberon.nsw.gov.au ABN 13 632 416 736

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Hi there Oberon and Districts! “Padre” John Healey here writing in the first person with a personal take on the Country Dancehall Project. I started in bush bands at the age of 16 at Old Sydney Town Woolshed. In fact, my first paid job was as a minstrel at Old Sydney Town itself! It was at the Woolshed I started learning the trade: the “dark art” of bush dance calling…. Fast forward to June 2025 and during a long, long road trip to and from Thargomindah in Western Queensland my co-driver, Mr Luke O’Shea (with his 15 Golden Guitars and golden undies to match) pointed out that I may well be amongst the youngest bush dance callers going around. If this were the case, the long-term future of this beloved part of Aussie culture would be a bit bleak. “You’re the keeper of the flame,” Luke famously quipped but it set some wheels in motion that have turned into the Country Dancehall Project. First and foremost, the CDP needs to be a vehicle for teaching others how to call some dances. This has led to our first apprentice dance caller, Kelly Winning getting involved. Kelly is a country singer-songwriter in her own right. She had a bush dance herself for a significant birthday milestone recently, so Kelly knew from the outset the fun and community connection these events can generate.

Secondly, it was apparent that bush dancing needs to get exposure with a younger audience to keep it alive long-term. This is where the current revival in Country Music with the 18–25-yearolds comes into it, especially 90’s Country … So just by combining these two thoughts: bush dancing and Country music (instead of songs about sheep and convicts which I grew up on in the woolshed circles) the Country Dancehall Project was born. Next, what about the venues? Australia is littered with a magnificent collection of town and municipal halls which were built for the very purpose of hosting dances and serving as the hub for bringing communities together, meeting life partners and generally having a good time! This project aims to bring not only venues to life but reignite some of the values, community spirit and benefit that has surrounded these halls in past years. A dance night is not just for the youngens! They are a great family event, and I have always loved seeing the dances bridge generations; grandparents and grandkids spinning each other around the floor. What a joy! Next, and almost accidentally, the Project discovered along the way that it can serve as a training ground for musicians to learn how to be in a dancehall-type of band. These events are a bit of a different proposition to a pub gig or concert. We are very pleased to have Zach and Keelan Ruston-Walkom on board for the upcoming night at Oberon. At just 14 and 16 years of age these Bathurst brothers are getting the same opportunity I had a 16. They are both a lot more talented than I ever have been so expect them to go a lot further in the industry than me, I hope carrying with them the dancehall spirit along the way. However, this is not just for young up and comers; there are plenty of very experienced musicians who have never played a bush dance and perhaps not even in a dance band in a country hall. The next Country Dancehall Project dance will be held at Malachi Gilmore Memorial Hall in Oberon on Saturday, September 12. Tickets and event information are available through Humantix: Adults $28.50 | Over 65’s $23.75 | School-age kids $9.50 | Family (2A 3C) $66.50

Oberon Men's Shed Suicide Prevention, Depression and Anxiety Event Suicide is a word you'll hear often at the Oberon Men's Shed Suicide Prevention, Depression and Anxiety Event coming up on 26th November 2026.

hat did I miss?" That's a question often asked in the event of a suicide. Well, most

likely nothing. You'll find out why at this event presented by the Australian Men's Sheds Association (AMSA) and Talk2MeBro. Beth Gow, representing AMSA joined with Oberon Men's Shed yesterday to start to bring all the threads together that will make one the most informative and important talks in Oberon in the past couple of decades. Suicide is confronting yet you'll learn plenty of tips on what to do and say to someone that maybe a friend or even a close relative. You'll learn what happens in the aftermath and the services available in such a tragic occurrence. The discussion will be heavy, but uplifting at the same time. There will be at least four speakers; two locals and one each from AMSA and Talk2MeBro respectively discussing the prevention of suicide and what support is available should a tragic suicide occur. There will be no sugarcoating the subject of suicide because you can't. A variety of health stands are being put together, and they will be disclosed as they are confirmed. To everyone reading this article, please put aside three to four hours of the 26th of November and come along to possibly the most important discussion you'll hear in Oberon for a long time. You don't have to be a member of the Oberon community but can be from anywhere you can reasonably travel from

World-Class Chamber Music Returns to Oberon

OBERON CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Oberon is set to welcome some of Australia’s finest musicians this spring, with the fourth Oberon Chamber Music Festival offering a wonderful weekend of music in some of the region’s most beautiful venues.

from highly regarded string players Julian Smiles, Dimity Hall and James Wannan, and leading pianist Ying Ho. “Chamber music is about listening... to the musicians around you, to the space you’re in, and to what is happening in the moment,” Emma said. “That close connection between performers and audience is what makes chamber music so special, and it’s at the heart of this festival.” The Oberon Chamber Music Festival is also a wonderful excuse to make a weekend of it! With beautiful countryside, gardens, local food and plenty to explore, visitors are encouraged to stay a little longer and enjoy everything Oberon has to offer. Tickets are now available, with full festival information, concert details and ideas to help plan your stay available through the Oberon Chamber Music Festival website www. oberonchambermusicfestival.com.au.

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orld class musicians weekend in late spring concerts

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Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

orn from the revival of the historic Malachi Gilmore Hall and the presence of nationally recognised classical musicians in the Oberon area, the festival also draws inspiration from the much-loved Kowmung Music Festival, held in and around Oberon during the late 1990s and early 2000s. This year’s festival will feature six concerts across three beautiful and very different Oberon venues – Malachi Gilmore Hall, St Barnabas Church and the stunning stone chapel at Mayfield Garden. Artistic Director Emma Jardine said the festival was delighted to welcome an outstanding line-up of musicians in 2026. Returning performers include superstar mezzo-soprano Ashlyn Tymms, French harpist and Principal Harp of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Louisic Dulbecco, and cellist Paul Ghica. Award-winning Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp will make her first festival appearance, alongside festival debuts

in the Central Tablelands/Central West. If you would like to offer support to the event, please contact the Oberon Men's Shed via this Facebook post. It'll cost you nothing and all we ask in return that you spread the word in your communities. You can be an association, a business or even a sole trader. Many thanks to the supporters so far, who are: • Andrew Gee, Independent Member for Calare. • Hon Rose Jackson, State Minister for Mental Health. • Hon Stephen Lawrence MLC. • Paul Toole, State Member for Bathurst and Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads. • Oberon Council. • Oberon Neighbourhood Centre. • Oberon Multi-Purpose Service Community Health. • Oberon Pharmacy. • Oberon Post Office. • Oberon Headquarters RFS. • NSW SES Oberon Unit. • Oberon Business and Tourism Association. • Columbia Aged Care Service - Oberon Village. • Oberon Medical Centre. • Inner Wheel Oberon.

Oberon News

Country Dancehall Project: what’s it all about then?

Oberon News

Early Spring in the Garden, a delicious muffin recipe, and an invitation to dinner! By Simmone Logue

A monthly note from my kitchen table

ear friends, There is something so hopeful about these early spring days. The mornings still ask for a jumper, but by lunchtime the garden is full of that soft, silvery light that makes everything look as though it has been freshly washed. I walk outside with my tea and suddenly there are tiny green shoots where yesterday there was only bare earth, blossom beginning to blush on the fruit trees, and birds carrying on as if they have a very important list of things to do.

In the vegetable garden, the soil is beginning to loosen and breathe again. I am watching the herbs wake up, the mint pushing bravely forward, the parsley looking a little more perky, and the first tender leaves of greens promising all sorts of simple spring lunches. It is the season for tidying, feeding, planting and dreaming. I find myself making little plans as I weed: where the tomatoes will go, which corner needs more flowers, and how many zucchini plants is too many zucchini plants. The answer, of course, is usually one less than I have planted, but that’s a whole other conversation for another day.

Celebrating spring with Winburdale winery and Essington Park I am so excited to announce our latest collaborative dinner to celebrate spring with our friends at Winburndale winery. It’s going to be such a great night here in our shearing shed feasting on produce from our own veggie garden, local producers and of course delicious wine pairings from Winburdale winery. This is the menu I am planning, and I hope you jump onto the Essington Park website and head to the workshop and events page and book your ticket or you can just reach out to us on hello@essingtonpark.com and we will organise your seat.

Celebrating spring with Essington Park and Winburndale Winery Dinner Saturday 14th November Essington Park sourdough Smoked local trout - Kipfler – cress – spring herb vinaigrette Golden Gully Pinot Gris Riesling -------Slow braised organic chicken – asparagus – leek - tarragon cream Baby potatoes- mint Essington salad leaves – Dijon dressing Little Wonder Chardonnay --------Chocolate and almond tart – marigold – double cream Remnant Shiraz

So that is what is happening here this month: a little lighter, a little greener, and the oven on just long enough to fill the house with something fruity and delicious. I hope you find a quiet moment to bake a batch, wander into the garden while they cool, and notice the small miracles of spring beginning all around you. See you at the dinner. With love and gratitude, Simmone x

Fruity light and the joy of muffins This is the time of year when I start craving food that is bright and light but still comforting. A bowl of citrus on the bench, a handful of berries folded through batter, a spoonful of passionfruit over yoghurt, the last of the winter apples grated into something warm from the oven. Fruit seems to catch the spring light beautifully, and muffins are one of the simplest, happiest ways to celebrate it. I love a good base recipe because once you have that, the options really are endless. Muffins are forgiving little things. They do not ask you to be too perfect. In fact, they prefer a gentle hand, a few lumps in the batter, and a generous heart when it comes to adding fruit, spice, nuts or a crunchy top.

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

My endlessly adaptable fruit muffin base Makes: 10–12 muffins Ingredients: • 2 cups self-raising flour • ¾ cup caster sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or mixed spice, optional • 1 cup milk, buttermilk or plain yoghurt thinned with a little milk • ½ cup light olive oil or melted butter • 2 free-range eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1½ cups fruit, fresh or frozen • A little raw sugar, oats or chopped nuts for the top

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a muffin tin with paper cases. 2. Place the flour, sugar and spice, if using, in a large bowl and stir to combine. 3. In a jug, whisk together the milk, oil or butter, eggs and vanilla. 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold together gently. Do not overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. 5. Fold through the fruit, then spoon the batter into the muffin cases. 6. Scatter the tops with raw sugar, oats or nuts. 7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch. 8. Cool slightly, then eat warm, preferably with a cup of tea and the kitchen door open to the garden. Lovely spring variations • Blueberry, lemon and yoghurt: Add the zest of 1 lemon and use blueberries with yoghurt in the batter. • Apple, cinnamon and walnut: Grate 1 apple, dice another, and fold through with chopped walnuts. • Raspberry and white chocolate: A cheerful one for lunchboxes and afternoon tea. • Pear, ginger and oat: Add a pinch of ground ginger and finish with oats on top.

• Banana, passionfruit and coconut: Mash 1 ripe banana into the wet ingredients and swirl passionfruit through before baking.

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Burraga Puts on a Cracking Country Show

Oberon News

Andrew Gee & Volunteers - image by Andrew Gee

There was plenty of country spirit, a few shiny utes and no shortage of good old-fashioned fun when Burraga hosted its Sheep Show and inaugural Ute Muster last Saturday.

he community turned out to support the event, with the traditional Sheep Show sitting comfortably alongside the new Ute Muster – bringing together everything from agriculture and livestock to polished rigs and proud rev-heads. It was a great day for families, locals and visitors, and another reminder that some of the best events are found in our smaller villages, where everyone pitches in and has a go. Of course, days like this simply don’t happen without volunteers. A huge thank you must go to the Burraga Sheep Show committee and the many volunteers who gave their time before, during and after the event. From organising entries and setting up, to cooking, serving, cleaning, answering questions and tackling the hundred little jobs that nobody sees – your efforts made the day possible. Thanks also to the competitors, exhibitors, sponsors, stallholders and everyone who made the trip to Burraga and supported the event. The inaugural Ute Muster certainly added a bit of extra horsepower to proceedings – and judging by Saturday’s effort, Burraga knows how to put on a cracking country day!

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

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Community/Sport/Art

Cullen Bullen Raceway Season kicks off! With less than three weeks to go, Portland District Motor Sports Club is proud to announce the opening date of 26/27 Cullen Bullen Speedway Season.

ircle Saturday 26th September 2026 on your calendar as the season gets underway under lights at Cullen Bullen Raceway. This opening race programme features the cream of the Racing Sedans Australia Divisions. The first meeting co-incides with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with the club joining the Prostate Cancer foundation to promote awareness of this terrible disease. The Fast Fours will be racing in honour of Portland 27 Driver John Spicer who, is currently fighting his own battle with the condition. Fast Fours feature last years club champion Loghan Whalan, South Coast 4’s club champion Michael Barton, John Swadling in his new Honda, Stuart Bennett Honda Civic and returning to the fast fours for a one-off appearance is former junior sedan champion, previous NSW fast four and super production champion Jaiden Healey. There will be current drivers in new cars and a few new drivers dipping their toes into speedway sedans for the first time. PDMSC is planning for a big turn out of drivers from other clubs to support the cause, follow Cullen Bullen Raceway Facebook for latest nominations. In addition to the Fast 4’s the night also features: Junior Sedans – 4 Cylinder unmodified sedans driven by 10 to 16 year olds destined to

be the stars of the future The Holden vs Ford Street Stockers club champion and Brian Callaghan Memorial Winner Jake Clarke will be onboard in his V6 commodore and is looking for another big season in both the Street Stockers and Super Production Divisions. The Super Fast and Super Exciting no holds barred Super Production division is also racing with the first round of their club championship. Get up close to these cars and you can see pure racing machines: lift the bonnet and witness super charged, turbo charged, carburettor ed or fuel injected race engines running on methanol fuel these beasts are the fastest things with doors around the 400m clay/granite Cullen Bullen Bullring. To complete the line up of the opening night the RSA fender benders will be racing. The only division where contact racing and spinning out your fellow competitors is not only allowed but encouraged, drivers with pseudonyms like Wonder Women, Batman and Captain America do not disappoint. Always entertaining and with big numbers these 6 cylinder monsters will put on a great show,

Spring into Music with Lithgow City Orchestra Spring is in the air, the days are getting warmer and Lithgow City Orchestra is ready to welcome the new season with an afternoon of beautiful live music The Orchestra will present its Spring Concert on Sunday, 20 September at 2pm, offering the community the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy a wonderfully varied program – completely free of charge. Held at Notre Dame University, near Lithgow Hospital, the concert will bring together familiar favourites, classical masterpieces and much-loved music from the big screen. The program has something for just about every musical taste, including the haunting Love Theme from The Godfather, Holst’s magnificent Jupiter from The Planets, Elgar’s beautiful Nimrod and the unforgettable My Heart Will Go On from Titanic. There will also be some well-known favourites including A Whiter Shade of Pale

and California Dreamin’, along with plenty more to enjoy throughout the afternoon. Lithgow City Orchestra’s Spring Concert is about much more than the music. It is a celebration of local talent, creativity and the simple pleasure of coming together as a community to enjoy a live performance. And there is no need to rush off once the final note has been played. Refreshments will be served following the concert, giving audience members the opportunity to meet the musicians, catch up with friends and mingle with fellow music lovers. With free entry, a comfortable professional concert setting and a terrific selection of music, it is an easy way to spend a Spring Sunday afternoon. Lithgow City Orchestra’s Spring Concert will be held Sunday, 20 September at 2pm at Notre Dame University, near Lithgow Hospital. Everyone is welcome.

Cullen Bullen Raceway information: https://cullenbullenraceway. com/information-about-us

COME AND PLAY CRICKET!

NEW PLAYERS WANTED connection and a season to remember!

WHY PLAY CRICKET? Competitive & Social games Training, Growth & development Team bonding, Friendship Sunday, 13 September 2026

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

Saville Park Portland NSW Arrive at 9:30 am for a 10:00 am start Free BBQ on the day Bring your gear if you have it—if not, we’ll sort you out for the day.

GET READY FOR THE SEASON OF A LIFETIME! INTERESTED? CONTACT US: Carmel 0434154725

Hosted by Western Wildfires Masters Cricket, Hartley & Hampton Cricket Clubs Supported by Portland Bowling Club

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Spring is here, bringing warmer weather, longer days and plenty more activity throughout the natural world. By Stef Lesser, Wild Woofers Snake Catching

fter the colder months, wildlife begins moving around more as animals search for food, shelter and, for many species, a mate. It’s a beautiful time to get outdoors, but it’s also an important time to remember that we share our environment with plenty of wildlife – including snakes. As temperatures rise, reptiles become more active after spending much of winter sheltering from the cold. Snakes rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature, so those lovely warm spring days encourage them to emerge and start moving through their habitat. That means we’re more likely to encounter snakes in gardens, paddocks, sheds, woodpiles and around our homes. Spring is also an important breeding season for many Australian snake species. Snakes can travel further than usual while

searching for a mate, and it isn’t uncommon to see more than one snake in an area. Males in particular may be quite active as they move around looking for females. One thing I always want people to remember is that snakes do not set out to encounter people or pets. Like most wildlife, they would much rather avoid us. A snake may become defensive if it feels threatened, cornered or unable to escape. If you see one, the safest thing you can do is keep your distance, move children and pets away from the area and contact a licensed snake catcher if necessary. Never attempt to catch, kill or handle a snake yourself. Of course, snakes aren’t the only ones enjoying spring. Birds are nesting, possums and other native mammals are becoming more visible, and lizards can often be spotted

Celebrate 50 Years of Deadly at Wiradjuri Cultural Festival Bathurst is set to celebrate culture, community and connection with the Wiradjuri Cultural Festival – 50 Years of Deadly, being held as part of this year’s NAIDOC celebrations. The festival will take place on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, from 10am to 2pm at the Charles Sturt University Gym, bringing the community together for a special celebration of Wiradjuri culture and 50 years of NAIDOC Week. Organisers are now calling for stallholders who would like to be part of the day and help

make the festival a vibrant and welcoming community event. Stallholders will need to bring their own trestle table and stall set-up. Anyone interested in securing a stallholder space is encouraged to get in touch with Julie Hall, Community Programs Facilitator at Centacare Central West & Orana, by emailing at julie.hall@centacarecwo.org.au or phoning 02 6331 8944. It’s shaping up to be a wonderful day celebrating culture, connection and community.

basking in the sunshine. Unfortunately, all this extra movement also means an increased risk of wildlife being injured on our roads. Slowing down and taking a little extra care, particularly around dawn and dusk, can make a huge difference. There are also some simple things you can do around home to reduce unwanted wildlife encounters. Keep grass and gardens maintained, remove rubbish and unnecessary clutter, and be mindful of piles of timber, sheets of metal and other materials that can provide great hiding places for animals – particularly snakes. Spring is a wonderful reminder of just how much wildlife we have around us. Not every animal is fluffy or cuddly, but every species has an important role to play. Snakes, for example, help control rodent populations and are an important part of

Australia’s natural environment. So, as we head into the warmer months, enjoy everything spring has to offer while respecting the wildlife sharing it with us. Stay alert, give animals space, slow down on the roads and make sure children know what to do if they encounter wildlife. A little knowledge and respect can go a long way towards making spring safer for both people and animals. If you encounter wildlife that needs help, please contact WIRES or contact me directly on 0477 997 361. – Stef

Eco-News | El Niño – should we be worried?

Community/Sport/Art

Warmer Days Mean More Wildlife on the Move

By David Ashton - member of Bathurst Community Climate Action Network. One of the first columns I wrote for Eco-News was just as the 2018-2019 drought broke. I wrote: “I went out in my shorts to check my rain gauge, loving the caress of the raindrops running down my back.” It was the first meaningful rain we’d had for months. I lost some mature trees in that drought and with the talk of a severe El Niño developing, I’m wondering if we are in for a repeat of that time. It seems timely to recap the influences of the El Niño and other influences on our climate. The El Niño is one extreme of what meteorologists call the El Niño - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Index which tracks the difference in ocean temperatures between the waters near Australia, and those near Peru. During El Niño, sea surface temperatures near Peru are warmer, and those nearer Australia are cooler, and the ENSO index is negative. When these conditions are reversed, it’s known as La Niña, and the ENSO index is positive. It’s actually a lot more complex than this, and meteorologists now divide this area of ocean into different zones, as they have different influences on our climate, but broadly if the ENSO index is more than 7 out from its mean value, an El Niño or La Niña will be declared. El Niño conditions generally mean less rain for most of Australia. During the 2018-2019 drought the index was around -10. But during 2023-2024, which generally was not as bad a drought, it got down to -18. Recently it was at about -30, and has been described as “supersized”

and a “one in a thousand years” event. However, it is on its way up again. So should we be very afraid? Not so fast – there’s more to this. One of the most important influences is the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Similar to the ENSO, it tracks differences in tropical Indian Ocean sea temperatures between the western (near Africa) and eastern (near the top of Australia). If it’s warmer near Africa, it’s positive, if warmer near Australia, it’s negative. A positive IOD will reinforce the effects of an El Niño. At the moment, it’s relatively neutral. The Southern Annular Mode (SAM) measures where the westerly winds to the south of Australia are blowing. When they contract towards Antarctica, rain-bearing cold fronts don’t penetrate as far into southern Australia. When they blow further north, we get more rain. Again, right now they’re about normal, though they can change quickly. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) considers all these factors (and more) in compiling its longterm forecasts, and they are for a hotter and drier spring than in the past, but mitigating towards the end of the year. At this stage, it seems we are in for a horror spring with high temperatures, low rainfall, and high bushfire danger. The BOM has excellent resources on its website, including extensive information and graphs, it’s well worth a visit if the vagaries of our weather interest you.

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

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Puzzles

ACROSS 1. Crowd-puller 5. Faultlessly 11. Speaking lazily 15. Xmas ... 16. Before (poetic) 17. Mozambique’s neighbour 19. Carried 21. Fissures 23. Fractures 25. Bus base 27. Heating bar 28. Rumba-like dance 30. Forearm bone 31. Approached 32. Expel (barrister) 33. Iconic Japanese peak 34. Ne’er-do-well (2-5) 35. Proposed job-holder 36. Expressed verbally 38. Crustacean 40. Eat to slim 42. Steep rugged rock 44. West Indies’ Puerto ... 45. Telecommunications company 46. Absent 48. Made snug home 49. European defence pact 50. Stone fruit 51. Amble 52. Hulking Himalayan 53. Want 54. Muslim chieftain 55. Young society entrants 56. Contemptible (2-4) 58. Female hormone 59. Breakfast dish 61. Weakens (of courage) 63. Religious sister 64. Approximate hour of arrival (1,1,1) 65. Computer memory units 67. Origami bird of peace 69. Abnormality 71. Tripoli is there 73. Atonement actress, ... Knightley 74. Moves furtively 76. Glittery festive decoration 78. Rib playfully 80. Zodiac crossover 82. ... & nays 83. Totals (5,2) 85. Surfing areas 89. Probing (interview) (2-5) 91. Halfway 93. Caviar 94. Drop by (4,2) 96. Shaft of natural light 98. Fulfilled (demand) 99. Spoil 100. Goaded (5,2) 102. Erupting mountain 103. Placate 104. Assuaged 105. Abdominal muscles 106. Scamp 107. Washington port 108. Second longest river 110. Treat (cow hide) 112. Racial 114. Apply for (patent) (4,3) 117. Spikes 120. Army toilet 123. Terrible tsar 125. Epic story 127. Curtain 128. Frozen cover 131. Repelled, ... off 133. Apportion 134. Landed estate

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

135. Maritime 136. New Testament Messiah 137. Rink 140. Pelvic joint 141. Brazil’s ... Paulo 142. Senior 145. Blue dye 147. Sinews 148. Familiar with (4,2) 150. Pull heavily 151. Norway’s capital 152. Be useful, ... one’s keep 153. Bawls 154. Most monumental 156. Remove (cap) 158. Grizzly beast 160. Mafia, Cosa ... 162. Hither 163. Dwelt 164. Burial vault 165. Open-mouthed 166. Actor, ... Penn 167. Immerses 168. Painter, Vincent Van ... 170. Excessive utilisation 172. Sniff noisily 173. Thank goodness!

10. Servile flatterer (3,3) 11. Judge 12. Gave reasons (for) 13. Olympic Games body (1,1,1) 14. Inhaling sharply 18. Forsaking 20. Polished (style) 22. Introductory 24. Pretentiously 26. Lack of objectivity (3-9) 29. Fragrantly 37. Allure 38. Overlooked (offence) 39. Rocket motors 40. Ambassador 41. Meekness 43. Farmable DOWN 44. Nevada gambling resort 1. Chinese appetisers (3,4) 47. Olden times, days of ... 2. Afflict 57. Academy Awards 3. At ship’s centre 4. Pirates Of The Caribbean actor, 60. Died down Johnny ... 62. Fundamental truth 5. Improved 66. Vagabond 6. Showy flower 68. Overnight shelter 7. Finished 69. Church fair 8. Miscalculated 70. Wind-borne toy 9. Filters 72. Flight seating category (8,5) 174. Grounds (electrical circuit) 177. Pointed stake 179. Tibet’s Dalai ... 180. Gather 182. Heathland shrub 183. Awake 185. Interrupts (4,2) 187. Be 188. Smell 189. Hurled 191. Spanish coast, Costa del ... 192. Geological age 193. Wide Mexican hat 194. Evaded 195. Impartial

73. Turned on (motorbike) (4-7) 75. Apple Inc device 77. Lord 79. Beautification 81. Sergeant (1,1,1) 84. Hug 85. Mourns 86. Entertainer 87. Lower edge of skirt 88. Scuffs (shoes) 90. Voter 92. Russian villa 95. Sleep late (3,2) 97. Hymn, ... Maria 101. ... whiz! 109. Brass metal 111. Daunt 113. Watering tube 115. Jack 116. Sole performer, ... band (3-3) 118. Ruler, Genghis ... 119. Unfeigned 121. Crockery service (3,3) 122. Ran in neutral 124. Cabin crew members (3,9) 126. Postponements

129. Detonates 130. Kerosene 131. H2O-filled mattress 132. Sweet courses 138. Eager, ... to go 139. Negligees 143. California’s City of Angels (3,7) 144. Receding 146. Wow! 149. Snooty person 155. Resentment 157. Bolts (of lightning) 159. Enlightened 161. Eye for an eye (3,3,3) 165. Features 169. Stockpiled 171. Blackboard stands 172. Scorched 175. Bronze medal position 176. Overfills 177. Cordless or mobile 178. Child’s coughing condition 181. Besides 184. Frog relative 186. Folk tale hero, ... Thumb 190. Mi, fah, ..., lah

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Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

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Out & About

Oberon’s Best Celebrated at Business Awards

Oberon’s business and community stars were celebrated on Friday night at the Oberon Business & Tourism Association Business Awards, recognising the people, businesses and organisations that help make the region tick.

mployer of Choice was won by Oberon Pharmacy, from finalists AKD Oberon, Circle Early Learning Oberon, Elders Emms Mooney, Mayfield Garden and Oberon Veterinary Hospital. Small Business winner The Milbrey Kitchen & Store was joined by finalists Bailey Homes & Construction, Highlands Motor Inn, Oberon Children’s Centre, Oberon Farm Meats and Oberon Veterinary Hospital. Silver Bells Events took out Micro Business, from Active Living OT, Burns Planning and Development, Helpful Computer Solutions, Mountain Lumber, Kringle Cottage, MTW Live Music, My Sassy Business, Winky Donkey Day Care and Seasonal Threads. Mayfield Garden was named Large Business winner, alongside finalists AKD, Columbia Aged Care, Elders Emms Mooney, Oberon Pharmacy and Oberon RSL. Waldara Farm won Outstanding Visitor Experience, with Bindo Creek, Malachi Gilmore Hall, Mayfield Garden, Oberon Chamber Music and Redground Australia also finalists. Black Springs Community Association Inc took out Outstanding Community Organisation, from Columbia Aged Care, Malachi Gilmore Hall, Oberon Junior Hockey Association, Oberon Matters and Oberon

Men’s Shed Inc. Oberon Skin & Beauty was named Outstanding New Business, alongside Arabian Eats, Dwyers Construction, Garden of Wire, Oberon Saddlery and Wok Chef at Oberon RSL. The hotly contested People’s Choice awards again attracted plenty of community support. Tatiana from IGA won Service with a Smile, from finalists Ashleigh Hotham, Dallas Booth, Hayley Byrom, Heidi Ballas, Lisa Richards, Michael from MTW Live Music, Olivia Martin, Shaqyra Quinn and Wayne Barker. Cafe Oberon was voted Favourite Hospitality Venue, ahead of Long Arm Corner Store, Pick of the Bunch, Royal Hotel Oberon and The Milbrey. And Hayley Byrom from Oberon Skin and Beauty Clinic took out Favourite Tradie, alongside finalists Billy Walsh, Cleanthi McGrath, Dwyer Constructions, Nicko from Wills Tyres and Zane Wilkinson. Congratulations to every winner and finalist — and to OBTA and the many sponsors, volunteers and supporters behind another wonderful celebration of Oberon business and community. Photos courtesy of: Maddi Lee's Photography

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

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Image credit - Paul Toole MP

A Big Night for Bathurst Business

Bathurst’s business community celebrated in style on Saturday night at the 2026 Carillon Business Awards, electrified by major sponsor Kelso Electrical, recognising an impressive field of businesses, employees and community organisations.

Image credit - Paul Toole MP

Image credit - Chezzi Denyer

ustomer Service winners were Goodlet Rural in Agribusiness, ahead of Town & Country Rural Supplies; Macquarie Medi Spa in Hair & Beauty, from Pretty Healthy, Beauty 4 U, Lavish Nutrition Bathurst and The Pretty Palette; and Café Viva in Hospitality, Food & Beverage, alongside Country Coffee, Boxgrove Country Retreat, Village Bakehouse and Pantano’s Angus Bar & Grill. Cleary Fairbrother Property Bathurst won Real Estate from Professionals Bathurst, Raine & Horne Bathurst and Elders Nicoll & Ireland. Vanessa Pringle Floral Designs took Retail ahead of SOS Phone Repairs & Accessories Bathurst, Enids Emporium, Total Tools Bathurst and Macquarie Medi Spa, while Little Moments Photography won Trade, Service & Motor Industry from Stomac Plumbing Solutions, Bathurst Plumbing & Gas Fitting, Bathurst Windscreens, Bathurst Wheelie Bins Cleaning, Bell Conveyancing and Central West First Aid Training Specialists. Vivability Ltd claimed Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion, from Dancin Divas Pole Studio, Town & Country Rural Supplies and Glenray, while Bell Conveyancing won Innovation from SOS Phone Repairs & Accessories Bathurst, NEXGEN Mattresses, Macquarie Medi Spa, Colton Computer Technologies and Glenray. Business category winners were Village Bakehouse Bathurst for Medium Business,

alongside Glenray Lifestyle & Learning Centre; Cleary Fairbrother Property Bathurst for Micro Business, from Bathurst Wheelie Bin Cleaning, Tranquil Minds Counselling Services, SOS Phone Repairs & Accessories Bathurst, Enids Emporium, Vanessa Pringle Floral Designs and Goodlet Rural; and Bell Conveyancing for Small Business, from Promenade Dance School, Pantano’s Angus Bar & Grill, Central West First Aid Training Specialists, Macquarie Medi Spa and TNT Mining & Civil Group. Employer of Choice finalists were Kenny Spring Solicitors, Vivability Ltd, Colton Computer Technologies, Glenray and Bell Conveyancing and the winner was Glenray. Individual honours went to Beatrice Patterson, Kenny Spring Solicitors, as Outstanding Employee, from Molly Thorpe, Kathleen Worswick, Shirley Mason, Vic Giuliano and Nick Price. Joel Benkoe, SOS Phone Repairs & Accessories, won Outstanding Young Business Leader from Louise Beath, Kevin Walker, Ryan Sargeant, Kathryn Garton and Sheyon Trek, while Kristy Bell, Bell Conveyancing, was Outstanding Business Leader, from Nick Packham, Vanessa Pringle, Pnina Smith, Karla McDiarmid and Fiona Miller. Glenray won Outstanding Community Organisation, from Vivability Ltd, Upstairs Co Working, Bathurst Early Childhood Intervention Service and Bathurst Showground

Out & About

Image credit - Andrew Gee MP

Land Manager, while Regional AI Co. was Outstanding New Business, from The Coven, Positive Powder Coating, Collins Office Choice, Southern Cross Welding & Fabrication and Executive Suites on Howick. People’s Choice honours went to Grant Maskill-Dowton, Raine & Horne Bathurst, Favourite Agent; Joel Benkoe, Favourite Apprentice or Tradie; Cityfit Fitness Club, Bathurst’s Favourite Business; and Jess Wilson, Healthworld Bathurst, Health, Fitness & Wellness Employee. Their fellow People’s Choice finalists were George Doueihi, Kurt Waterford, Caitlin Kelly, Mitchell Bestwick, Sue Sargent, Lee Farrant, Charlie Pincott, Adrian Perry, Shaun Moffat, Justin Loxley, Wild Woofers, Wavelength Hairdressers, Macquarie Medi Spa, Bathurst Plumbing & Gasfitting, Lavish Nutrition Bathurst, Café Viva, Meredith Photography, Village Bakehouse Bathurst, Glenray, Beck Hackett, Robyn Wray, the Wavelength team, Marcelle Rawlings and Matty Power. A special moment was the inaugural Carillon Bathurst Business Hall of Fame, with Peter Rogers, Frances Hickson and Kerry ‘Pecky’ Peck its first inductees. Congratulations to every winner and finalist, and to the Bathurst Business Chamber, Kelso Electrical, sponsors and supporters behind another wonderful celebration of Bathurst business. Image credit - Brad Schumacher

Issue 133 - 10 September 2026

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