Central West Village Voice - Issue 056

WHY IS THE VOICE NECESSARY?

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

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

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

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

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

BUT DON’T WE ALREADY HAVE INDIGENOUS

PARLIAMENTARIANS?

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

IS THE VOICE LEGALLY AND CONSTITUTIONALLY SOUND?

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

• Former High Court Chief Justice Robert French

• Former High Court Justice Kenneth Hayne

• Leading constitutional law barrister Bret Walker SC

• Leading constitutional law professors

• The Solicitor General of Australia

• New South Wales Bar Association

• The Law Society of New South Wales

• The Law Council of Australia

• The University of Sydney Law School

• Flinders University Law school

• The University of New South Wales

• Adelaide Law School

• University of Queensland constitutional lawyers

• Gilbert & Tobin Lawyers

WILL

WILL THE VOICE HAVE THE POWER OF VETO OVER LEGISLATION?

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

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

WILL THE VOICE

BE A THIRD CHAMBER OF PARLIAMENT?

WHO WILL BE ON THE VOICE?

N

o. Myth Busted. The Voice can’t and won’t introduce bills or run programs. It will be subject to the rules set for it by Parliament.

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

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

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

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

1975 the Parliament set up the Family Court through legislation.

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

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

DOES THE VOICE GIVE ANYONE SPECIAL RIGHTS?

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

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

No. Not at all. Myth busted.

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

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

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

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

I’M SAYING YES!

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

What's That Skip

The Kangaroo holds a special place in our cultural psyche - from national emblem, a symbol of pride and economy to pop culture icon and totem animal of First Nations Australians - this native creature is celebrated internationally as the truest expression of Australia. However, a dichotomy has developed as the Kangaroo comes under increased threat, through loss of natural habitat, farming practices, encroaching urbanisation and climate crisis to illegal baiting, gun sport and an (unregulated) kangaroo meat industry that represents the largest single sustained massacre of land-based wildlife in the world.

Australia’s relationship with the Kangaroo alters from one of endearment and respect to one of intruder and pest. How can we celebrate this globally recognised fauna, the world’s largest marsupial, when it lays discarded, forgotten as roadkill across the land?

The reading of the Kangaroo in contemporary art is rich in both historical and social narrative. Satirical, absurdist, serious and thought provoking, What’s That Skip? collectively examines a number of representations ranging from the popular television series ‘Skippy the Bush Kangaroo’ to neglected, vulnerable creature; from (misplaced) nostalgia and tourist souvenir to the animal as social and political activist.

What’s That Skip? offers a range of media including painting, print work, sculpture, ceramics, installation, digital, video, textile, repurposed and found objects.

Featured Artists include Patti Abela, Brad Allen-Waters, Damien Castaldi & Solange Kershaw, Peter Cooley, Adrienne Doig, Blak Douglas, Maddison Gibbs, June Golland, Fiona Hall, Craig Handley, Gordon Hookey*, Michael Kempson, Fleur MacDonald, Noel McKenna*, Ian Milliss, Roger Law*, Mai Nguyen-Long, Chris O’Doherty (Reg Mombassa), Simon Reece, Reko Rennie*, Joan Ross, Jason Wing, Adeel uz Zafar* (*courtesy Cicada Press).

Artworks on show at WAYOUT Artspace, 71 Angus Ave, Kandos and KANDOS PROJECTS

0(windows), 18 Angus Ave, Kandos, New South Wales from 19 August – 1 October 2023.

Public Programs will also include the ‘Great Skippy Bake Off’, guest speakers and craft workshops.

For more information visit www.cementa.com.au

Pictured Front Page: Your one wild and precious life, Walgett, 2019. June Golland. Courtesy the artist.

Pictured Right: Girl with Kangaroo, Russell Road, Kandos, circa 1952 Courtesy Williamson family

Pictured Bottom Right: Fluffy the slightly pink Kangaroo. Chris O'Doherty (Reg Mombassa)

New exhibition opens in Kandos

Pre-retirement Planning

Retirement Planning

De ned Bene ts Super

Daniel Crump Financial Planning can help you:

• prepare for retirement

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

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

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

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

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

celebrating its centenary year with a series of events and initiatives to commemorate its invaluable service to the ex-servicemen and women and their families. As part of Legacy Week, which holds a special significance in this momentous year, Legacy is calling upon the public to join hands and support their noble cause.

week to donate. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on the lives of Legacy's families.

• Organise Fundraising Events: Rally your friends, colleagues, and community to organise fundraising events in support of Legacy. Whether it's a morning tea, a sports event, or a community gathering, your efforts will go a long way in ensuring the future wellbeing of our veterans' families.

Little badge Big impact

• Volunteer: Legacy welcomes volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of our veterans' families. Reach out to your local Legacy office to inquire about volunteering opportunities.

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

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

Further Details

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

Established in 1923, Legacy has been dedicated to providing care and support for the families of veterans who have given their lives or health in service to our nation. With a century of commitment, Legacy has become an integral part of Australia's cultural fabric, ensuring that veterans’ families are never forgotten.

• Spread the Word: Share Legacy's mission and initiatives on social media platforms, using the hashtags #LegacyWeek and #BigBadgeLittleImpact. Help raise awareness about Legacy's important work and encourage others to get involved.

Legacy's centenary year provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the past and secure a brighter future for our veterans' families. By supporting Legacy during Legacy Week, we can ensure that their legacy lives on.

legacyweek.com.au

This year, Legacy Week will take place from 27 August to 2 September 2023, and it promises to be an extraordinary opportunity for Australians to come together and show their gratitude.

Lithgow Legacy President, Warren Kennedy expressed gratitude for the unwavering support received over the past century and emphasised the importance of public support during this significant year. Warren Kennedy said, "Legacy's centenary year is a remarkable milestone, and it's a testament to the generosity and compassion of the Australian people. We call upon each and every individual to join us during Legacy Week and help us shape a better future for the families of our veterans."

Legacy Week offers various ways for the public to get involved and make a difference. Here are some ways to support Legacy during this significant centenary year:

• Buy a Badge: Look out for dedicated volunteers across the city who will be selling Legacy badges. By purchasing and proudly wearing a badge, you are showing your support and helping Legacy continue its vital work.

• Donate: Visit the Legacy website legacy.com.au/legacy-

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

Central West Media has consolidated its two previous publications into the new Central West Village Voice, Covering the entire Lithgow and Bathurst region, and distributed fortnightly on Thursdays.

If you are looking for a way to grow your business, speak to one of our friendly team and they will design a marketing plan that suits your budget and gets results.

Central West Village Voice

Publisher Rich Evans on behalf of Central West Media Pty Ltd

Emails: editor@villagevoice.net.au sales@villagevoice.net.au

Office Details

Call our office on (02) 6355 4258 Office: 30 Williwa Street, Portland NSW 2847

Postal Address: PO Box 227, Portland NSW 2847 Visit our website at www.villagevoice.net.au

Notice to all advertisers and contributors

The Village Voice accepts no responsibility for any advertisement, submitted article or feedback published. Any advertisement, submitted article or feedback is published at the risk of the contributor, who accepts liability for any intended publication.

By contributing to this publication, you agree to indemnify the publisher and warrant that the material is to the best of your knowledge accurate and is neither deceptive or misleading, in breach of copyright, or in breach of any other laws and regulations.

Our Legacy badges may be small, but the funds they raise make a big impact. Help us support the families of our veterans and buy a badge this Legacy Week.

Nominate a local dad to

be crowned Australia’s “Community Sports Dad of the Year” ahead of Father’s Day Nominations now open for the tenth annual Philips Community Sports Dad of the Year Award

Nominations are now open for the tenth annual Philips Community Sports Dad of the Year award, which acknowledges the contributions and positive impact that Australian dads have made to their families and community both on and off the sporting field.

Celebrating ten years of this prestigious award, dads across Australia have been acknowledged for their commitment to community sport - from coaching duties, painting lines on the pitch to raising funds for new equipment. This year, the hunt is on again for Australia’s Community Sports Dad of the Year with submissions now open until midnight AEST on Tuesday, 22 August 2023.

Damien Cook, Rabbitohs and NSW origin star who won the 2022 Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year award, knows first-hand the support he received from his own dad growing up and aspires to do the same with his kids, Willow and Jagger.

“My dad did this all while working full time and then worked overtime just to earn the extra time off to be able to get me to and from my commitments and be there to support me. I’ll always be grateful for that.”

Every athlete, no matter grassroots or professional, has their story of who has supported them over the years. In many cases this has been a parent who has committed to championing community sports from the sidelines or behind the scenes. The Philips Community Sports Dad of the Year Award was created as an opportunity to come together and collectively say thanks ahead of Father’s Day.

Nominations are now open and close midnight AEST on 22 August 2023.

To nominate a community sports dad, submit 100 words on why they should win via www.sportsdads.com.au/community.

NEW NSW MINISTERS MUST HELP THOSE WHO FORMER GOVERNMENT FAILED

On Wednesday the State Member for Orange, Phil Donato and I met with NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib and NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Paul Scully, in Eugowra.

The day before, we met with Minister Scully in Molong and Cudal.

I was very keen to meet with the Ministers because the NSW Government is responsible for activating joint state/federal disaster funding.

Unfortunately, the State Government has still not activated the same level of funding that Lismore and the Northern Rivers has received.

This was a failure of the National Party and the previous NSW Government and it is a failure of the current Government as well.

It’s outrageous and unjust that some parts of NSW are being prioritised for disaster relief over others.

The heartbreak and trauma in our communities runs very deep and is being made much worse by pennypinching governments.

Our residents were treated as second class citizens by the previous NSW government and unfortunately this neglect is continuing. This disgraceful situation must not be allowed to stand.

The relief that other communities have received and which we have not includes:

The Resilient Homes Program, which enables home buybacks, home raising and home retrofits.

The Community Assets Program, which helps local councils to rebuild their storm and flood-hit towns and villages.

The Northern Rivers Commercial Property – Return to Business Support Grant, which assists commercial property owners to help get their tenants back in business quicker.

The $75,000 Special Disaster Grants for our fire-hit farmers in the Hill End region, which would assist in covering the costs of re-fencing, restocking and buying feed.

Phil and I received a positive hearing, and I think it helped that

the Ministers saw for themselves the damage this disaster caused, and got to speak to our local residents to hear their experiences first-hand.

I was also heartened that Minister Dib said he would re-examine the previous NSW Government’s decision not to extend the $75,000 Special Disaster Grants to farmers in the bushfire-hit Hill End area.

The devastation in that area is undeniable and I will not give up the fight to get this vital support for our farmers who lost stock, fencing and feed in the blaze.

The winner will be notified prior to Father’s Day, Sunday, 3 September, with the prize pack including a Philips male grooming pack valued at over $1,000 RRP, as well as a $5,000 Rebel Sports voucher to purchase new clothing or sporting equipment for the community sports club of choice. Those who nominate the successful dad will also have the chance to win a Philips OneBlade Pro ahead of Father’s Day.

To find out further information and/or to submit a dad who deserves to be recognised, visit www.sportsdads.com.au

Pictured above: Bradley Benjamin, Community Sports Dad of the Year

Pictured left: Damien Cook, 2022 Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year

“Speaking from experience with my own dad when I was younger, community dads are so important with the roles they cover - from being a coach, setting up fields, refereeing and driving us to and from training and on game days.

The residents of our region deserve the vital support that their fellow Australians have received and I’m determined to get it for them.

TOOLE TIME

GENERATION VAPE

There is rising concern for amount of e-cigarette use specifically in our young people.

I recently met with the Cancer Council NSW to discuss new data that shows a drastic increase in 16- to 24-year-olds trying e-cigarettes or vapes.

Over 18% of people aged over 16 have tried vapes but the impact of even one taste inhaling the vapour these devices produce can result in poising, seizures, burns and lung disease. In NSW, e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine are legal but since 1 October 2021 e-cigarettes and e-liquids containing nicotine are available only with a valid prescription. Adults can buy and use e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine. However, under the NSW Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008, it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes or e-cigarette accessories to a person under 18 years of age.

The research conducted by Cancer Council NSW found young people were accessing addictive nicotine vapes via friends dealing them in the school playground and retail stockists illegally selling nicotine or non-nicotine vapes to under aged children.

Cancer Council NSW know all to well the devastating consequences of using these products and have been advocating for stronger action towards to reduce smoking and vaping. The effects of vaping on the lungs are irreversible and will create even more of a burden on our health system as young people present to hospitals and GPs unable to breathe.

I urge the NSW Government to consider implementing more of the Cancer Council’s recommendations to deter young people from vaping and ban all single use, disposable vapes.

Central Tablelands Collections Facility wins multiple awards

The Central Tablelands Collections Facility has added to its growing collection of awards by winning the Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award Division B recently.

Mayor Robert Taylor said the facility was opened in September 2022 and is a large-scale 2,500 square metre repository and learning space.

“This facility provides state of the art collection storage with climate control, specialised racking, equipment, pest management and security for regional collections,” he said.

Awards received:

The Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award Division B – Population 30,000 – 70,000. Received on 3 August, this award recognises councils that have excelled in strategic policy, planning, delivery and evaluation in arts and culture.

NSW National Trust Heritage Award

The facility was awarded a Highly Commended in the Conservation – Interiors and Objects Category on 12 May. These awards acknowledge the full spectrum of heritage excellence with projects demonstrating excellence in the conservation, protection, and interpretation of Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage.

Australian Museums and Galleries Association MAGNA Award

The MAGNA award for sustainability was awarded to the Central Tablelands Collections Facility at the AMAGA conference on 16 May. These National Awards recognise the excellent work undertaken by museums and galleries across Australia in the categories of exhibitions, public programs, and sustainability projects.

Local Government Professionals Australia Award

The Central Tablelands Collections Facility won the Special Project Initiative on 1 June. This award recognises leadership where an individual, team or Council has developed a concept or practice that significantly improves the business in which they work through the development of processes or practices that has had a major impact on the organisation or its customers; demonstrates responsiveness to community, workplace or industry needs; and presents an aspirational model for NSW local government.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

QUOTES

MACQUARIE WAMBUUL RIVER FLYING-FOX

HABITAT REVEGETATION

Bathurst Regional Council is seeking quotations from suitably qualified companies to undertake a flying-fox habitat revegetation project along approximately 700m / 4.46ha of the Macquarie Wambuul River in Bathurst.

DOBELL DRAWING PRICE #23

Free - 2 September - 5 November 2023

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

please contact Hynash Constructions Pty Ltd on 0451 952 826 or 0439 686 096

2023/2024 BATHURST CCTV FUNDING

PROGRAM

Bathurst Regional Council is providing funding to assist local businesses improve security and community safety.

For further information, please contact Council’s Cultural & Community Services Department on 6333 6523 or Council’s Website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close 4pm Friday 18 August 2023.

DRAFT AMENDMENTTO BATHURST REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN

Council has prepared an amendment to the Bathurst Regional Development Control Plan 2014 (DCP).

The purpose of the DCP amendment is to provide detailed guidance and planning controls for secondary dwellings and detached studio developments to ensure consistency with other forms of residential development and to preserve existing amenity.

The draft DCP is on exhibition from 7 August 2023 to 4 September 2023 and is available for download from Council’s website https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/ DCPAmendments

Interested parties are required to register via the E-Tendering Portal, www.tenderlink.com/bathurst to download the Quote document at no charge. If you experience difficulties accessing the above website, please call the Tenderlink Helpdesk on 1800 233 533. All electronic quotes must be submitted in the format specified in the quote document. Failure to do so will result in the quote not being considered by Council.

Submissions close 10am on Tuesday, 5 September 2023

Council Policy is that the lobbying or liaison with Councillors prior to the consideration of a quote by Council will lead to the rejection of the quote.

TENDERS

VARIOUS SPORTSFIELD RENOVATION

TREATMENTS BATHURST

Bathurst Regional Council is seeking tenders from suitably qualified and experienced sports field renovation contractors to undertake sand slit drainage and sand grooving treatments to a number of sports fields within Bathurst.

Interested parties are required to register via the E-tendering Portal www.tenderlink.com/bathurst to download the tender document at no charge. If you experience difficulties accessing the above website, please call the Tenderlink Helpdesk on 1800 233 533 All electronic tenders shall be submitted in the format specified in the tender document. Failure to do so will result in the tender not being considered by Council.

Submissions close 10am on Tuesday, 5 September 2023. Council Policy is that the lobbying or liaison with Councillors prior to the consideration of a Tender by Council will lead to the rejection of the Tender.

The Dobell Drawing Prize #23 touring exhibition showcases over 45 finalist artworks that respond to the Prize’s fundamental question: what is drawing?

The answers are compelling, challenging, and exhilarating, in an astonishing array of mediums and materials, from traditional pencil and graphite on paper to salt, staples and rust; from resin, fibreglass, enamel and wood to intricate three-dimensional wire objects; bodily video performance to sculptural forms built with tea bags and bamboo.

Opening Friday 1 September 2023, 6pm

CAREERS AT COUNCIL

Working for Council is a stimulating and rewarding career option, providing the opportunity to be part of a team contributing to shaping the success and future of our Region. Please visit www. bathurst.nsw.gov.au/careers for a full list of current vacancies. Bookings Essential – Ph 6333 6281

BRAGS Art Fair Registrations are Now Open

Council to seek endorsement for community consultation on special rate variation

A report going to the Council meeting on Wednesday, 16 August will seek the endorsement for community consultation on a potential application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a permanent Special Rate Variation (SRV).

The report recommends an SRV which consists of 43.5 per cent in 2024-25 (including the forecasted rate peg of 3.5 per cent) and 17.5 per cent in 2025-26 (including the forecasted rate peg of 2.5 per cent), representing a cumulative Special Variation of 68.6 per cent over two years, which is Option 2 in the draft Long Term Financial Plan.

General Manager David Sherley said Council has supported a steadily growing population and maintained its infrastructure and services within the scope of its revenue growth, in line with the rate peg increases established by the NSW Government.

Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) invites artists from the Bathurst Regional Council district and surrounding areas including the Blue Mountains, Lithgow, Oberon, Blayney, Cowra, Orange, and Mudgee to enter in the 2023 BRAGS Art Fair, to be held 18 November – 3 December 2023, both in the gallery and online.

An initiative of the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery Society Inc. (BRAGS Inc.), the Bathurst Art Fair is a fundraising exhibition for the gallery’s artistic programming and collection, featuring artworks for sale from both established artists and emerging talents. The BRAGS Art Fair invites artworks in all mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, and more.

The BRAGS Art Fair will open on Friday 17 November 2023 at 6pm, where sales will open and voting for the People’s Choice Awards will launch. Join your local community in celebrating our regional artists with a night of art, music, drinks, canapes, and more!

Funds raised by BRAGS Inc. from the Art Fair will be used to support BRAG, its programs, and our broader artistic community. Previous iterations of the fair have sold over $18,000 worth of locally produced artwork priced up

to $3,500.

Duration will be new this year, with the fair running for two full weeks to raise crucial funds to support your local gallery, and importantly to support local artists.

The Bathurst Regional Art Gallery Society, affectionately known as BRAGS, aims to foster, promote and encourage membership of the Gallery and to further the development of the arts in Bathurst. The Society provides funding support in the acquisition of new works for the collection, and of the Gallery’s artistic, educational, and public programs.

Exhibition: 18 November – 3 December 2023

Opening: Friday 17 November 2023, 6pm, to be opened by Mayor Robert Taylor

Entries close Sunday 10 September 2023, midnight

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

“In recent years, however, this has become increasingly difficult: the recent COVID-19 pandemic; the impacts of recent weather events on local infrastructure; and the current highly volatile inflationary environment, which has increased Council’s costs faster than its revenue growth, have all placed considerable stress on Council’s budget,” he said.

“With costs out-stripping revenue, resulting in operating deficits, Council has needed to utilise its cash reserves and reduce infrastructure renewal and maintenance to ensure a balanced budget. Council has introduced a large range of efficiency measures to reduce operating expenses, and in some areas, has also been able to utilise State and Federal Grants to fund infrastructure renewal and operations. However, with unrestricted cash balances dwindling and State and Federal budgeting constraints reducing the likelihood of future substantial grants; Council must consider increasing rates revenue to adequately fund its current services and infrastructure needs.”

Council voted to proceed with community engagement, at their August 16 meeting. There will be a range of information available to the community including dedicated information sessions and opportunities to provide feedback.

Council targets illegal dumping

Council has received funding of $117,000 from the NSW Government’s Environmental Protection Authority to target illegal dumping in the region.

Mayor Robert Stumpy Taylor said the project will increase community awareness, education, and focus on prevention strategies for a growing community.

“Illegal dumping is a problem that continues to occur in and around our region and poses significant hazards to human health and the natural environment,” he said.

“Mobile surveillance camera units will also be used at isolated locations and dumping hotspots,”.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said illegal dumping was significantly contributing to pollution in the area.

“Our waterways and recreational grounds are an important asset for the Bathurst area, we want to see them looked after and not polluted by illegal dumping.”

“This funding will focus on 18 known dumping sites around rivers and camping grounds that seem to be frequented by disrespectful people doing the wrong thing with their waste.”

Council spends significant amounts of time and money responding to illegal dumping investigation, clean-up, and disposal although incidents in the Bathurst region have been decreasing. In 2021 incidents decreased by 20.4 per cent (127) and 50.65 per cent in 2022 (75) off the back of council's work with the NSW EPA.

Community acknowledges the hard work of Mrs Fudeko Reekie.

United Riders MC raise funds for Anglicare Emergency Relief in Bathurst

and Orange with a Dice Run on 9 September

United Riders MC is supporting Anglicare NSW South, NSW West & ACT with a dice run on 9 September 2023 to raise funds for Anglicare’s Emergency Relief service in the Central West.

A dice run is an organised event where riders follow a designated route and stop at

predetermined locations to give a roll of the dice. Scores are recorded and tallied, leading to prizes for high scorers. Riders involved in the September fundraising event will pay a fee to participate and local businesses are being approached to provide sponsorships and donations of prizes. Raffles will take place

BATHURST HISTORIC CAR CLUB - SWAP MEET THIS WEEKEND

throughout the day. United Riders and Anglicare are hopeful that local businesses will continue to sign on to help support local vulnerable community members.

Dallas Holmes, Emergency Relief Coordinator for Anglicare NSW West, said the fundraiser could not have come at a better time. “There has been a dramatic increase in need among people seeking assistance due to various factors including the extremely high cost of living, homelessness, disability, trauma, mental health, domestic and family violence and addiction.”

Anglicare operates Emergency Relief services, in a number of NSW west locations including Bathurst, Dubbo,

UNITED RIDERS AUSTRALIA ANNUAL DICE RUN SPONSORSHIP PROPOSAL

The Bathurst Swap Meet will return on Saturday 20th August at an exciting new venue, Mount Panorama Wahluu. This will be a great opportunity for everyone to buy, swap or sell –or just check out what all the vendors have on offer. The iconic event is brought to you by the Bathurst Historic Car Club.

ANGLICARE Orange & Bathurst – Emergency Relief Service .

Enthusiasts from far and wide are busy getting together bits and pieces of older cars, motorcycles and machinery that they can sell. Others are working on shopping lists of the rare items that they need to finish their favourite projects. In addition there could well be complete cars, motorbikes, machinery, tools and lots more for sale.

Supporting Businesses receive:

A display of vintage, heritage and classic cars and motorbikes is also planned for the day.

• Recognition on official sponsorship to media.

Local service clubs will have their barbecues fired up on site to provide tasty food and coffee carts expect to do a brisk trade. Entry will be from 6am and will cost just $5, children will have free entry and seller’s sites will also be free so come along on 20th August to buy, swap or sell – or just to have a look.

• Appreciation of support certificate.

• Ability to present single donations of over $500 on the Day.

Mr Holmes. “He had a profound impact on many local riders and United Riders want to support the program Baz was running as a commemoration of their friend and as a way to address needs in the community.”

Businesses interested in supporting the dice run can contact United Riders MC at united.social.13@gmail. com or by phoning 0428 032 033.

To learn more about Anglicare Emergency Relief services in Central West NSW call 02 6324 119 or visit www.anglicare.com.au

Contact: united.social13@gmail.com // 0428 032 033 // 0448 912 361

For more information visit www.bathursthistoriccarclub.com or call Lee-Ann on 0400 751668 or Paul on 0403 559955

I pledge ……………………………………….. on behalf of ……………………………………………………………

To be used as part of the prize pool for the United Riders Dice Run 9th September 2023.

Bathurst Celebrates Local

I acknowledge this donation will be provided no later than one month before the event.

Signed Name Email

In this current issue, we chatted to Robyn Wray from Lavish Nutrition! Robyn and the team serve up delicious loaded tea’s and smoothies and other drinks to quench your thirst.

When did Lavish Nutrition begin and what was the reason behind its inception?

We opened the doors in October 2021, after COVID.

What has been the biggest win over the last few years?

Soon after I opened Lavish, I was asked what is it that I feel I would like to bring with my business. The word that came to mind was Connection. During covid, we experienced a lot of disconnection and isolation, so I would like to make sure that people know that they have a friend and someone who cares for

them. So my biggest win in the past 2 years has been building community and meeting some incredible people and journeying with them through the ups and downs of their life.

What has been the biggest challenge over the last few years?

I wish I had more hours in my day. Being a small business and having a family, we sometimes feel like there is just so much to get done and not enough time to do it!

What was the best business advise you’ve ever been given?

The success of your business will not be because of your business. The success of your business will be because of you.

What’s your favourite thing about Bathurst?

The best thing about Bathurst is definitely its people. We are so lucky to have some incredible people who live in our community.

Final thoughts…

I really love supporting local, including the businesses, charities and support services as well as our sporting clubs.

Be sure to stop by and say hi to Robyn and get your delicious Iced Tea! Lavish Nutrition is located at Shop 4/149 Howick Street in Bathurst or call 0455 751 597 to pre-order your order. Opening times are Monday to Wednesday 8:30am to 4:00pm. Thursday & Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm. Closed on Sundays. Workplace TEA deliveries available 8:30am to 12pm.

Celebrate Local - Nominate your Business

In partnership with Central West Village Voice, we want to celebrate the stories and successes of our local Bathurst Region businesses. From our local retailers and foodies through to our industrial and construction firms, we are looking to celebrate the wide variety of businesses that make up our strong, diverse economy.

CONGRATULATIONS,

LEAN & BENNETT TOYOTA LOCAL NAME, NATIONALLY AWARDED

The Toyota President’s Award for Excellence is our way of recognising outstanding service across every facet of a dealership, especially customer satisfaction. Very few Toyota Dealers receive this prestigious award, so we are exceptionally pleased to present it to Rhys Bennett and his team for a third year. Congratulations and thank you for helping Toyota remain Australia’s favourite automotive brand.

RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR BATHURST AND LITHGOW √ $1.65 million for the Zig Zag Railway √ Free MRI scans at Bathurst Hospital. Lithgow got its MRI licence in 2019 √$12.5 million for Bathurst’s second racetrack √ $2 billion for Great Western Highway upgrade √ 24 hour rescue helicopter for our region √ $380,000 for a new laundry building at Glenray Industries following fire √ Millions in Federal funding to keep Lithgow Aged Care open √ $5.3 million

for production line upgrades and more jobs at Allied Timber Mill, Bathurst

√ $3.3 million for improvements at Bathurst Airport

√ $3.083 million for an expansion and improvements at Three Tree Lodge

√ $2.235 million for Lithgow’s Blast Furnace Park

√ $3.2 million for the Lithgow CBD revitalisation

√ $1.1 million for the upgrade of Glen Davis Road

√ $625,554 for playground equipment in Bathurst

√ $954,250 for construction of Bathurst Rail Museum

√ $650,000 for replacing footpaths in Bathurst

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

√ $205,000 for upgrades to Machattie Park

GIANT TREES ARBORETUM GROWING STRONGER

It was an honour to attend the official opening of the brand new Southern Hemisphere garden at the Barton Park Giant Trees Arboretum on the banks of Lake Wallace near Wallerawang.

The new garden was made possible with a $20,000 grant from the Queens Jubilee Tree Planting Program, and the results are incredible!

Through the hard work of volunteers, it’s estimated that 1650 trees have been planted and it’s turning the Arboretum into a spectacular gem of the Central West.

Last weekend we unveiled the plaque and checked out the brand new garden.

I also got to buy one of my all time favourite trees, a giant sequoia.

I would like to thank John Zeni, Bruce Ryan, Mark Watchorn, and all of the volunteers known as the Friends of the Giants for their countless hours of hard work.

They are leaving a wonderful legacy for future generations and we are all very grateful!

The

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones confirmed this in Question Time, saying that it was through visiting our region, and listening to the stories of our disaster-hit residents and business owners, that made him see that a broader scope for the inquiry was needed.

This inquiry must be a pivotal moment in the way insurers deal with disasterhit policyholders. Their cruelty, in denying claim after claim in our devastated communities, must be brought to light. Change needs to come from this.

It’s interesting that just as I have been pushing for this inquiry the Insurance

BATHURST VOICE INFORMATION SESSION

Thursday 17th August there will be an information session on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament in Bathurst.

On

Guest speaker Dr Elizabeth Barrett, who was recently awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her contribution to rural and remote medicine, will share

INSURANCE INQUIRY UPDATE

Andrew with John Zeni and Bruce Ryan

I am glad that the experiences of our storm and flood-hit residents, who faced horrific torrents of water only to be hung out to dry by their insurance companies, will be heard.Council of Australia has hired consulting firm Deloitte to do its own “review”. They were apparently in Cabonne recently. The Deloitte review is totally separate from the parliamentary inquiry and the two should not be confused. People are obviously free to make up their own minds but I’m not having anything to do with the Insurance Council of Australia/Deloitte review. To me it’s the big end of town reviewing the big end of town. And I don’t represent the big end of town.

If I thought their review would result in anything meaningful to help our storm and flood hit residents I would support it. But it looks to me like a box ticking exercise for the insurance industry. How about less conversation and more action on approving claims.

I’m hoping to get the actual parliamentary inquiry out to our areas to take evidence soon.

MINISTERIAL VISITS TO CALARE

her experience of working in Aboriginal communities. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the Voice, find out where it came from, and what it all means.

Run by Bathurst For Yes, the session will aim to answer all your questions about the upcoming referendum.When: Thursday 17th August, 5.15-6.30pm

Where: Main Lecture Theatre, Building 1292, Level 2, Charles Sturt University. Use carpark BP07.

GRANTS! GRANTS! GRANTS!

he 2023-24 Volunteer Grants are now open, with grants between $1,000 and $5,000 being offered to community organisations to help support the efforts of our hardworking volunteers. Grants must go towards items that are of direct benefit to the work of volunteers. To submit your expression of interest (EOI), please contact my office for an EOI form at andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au.

T

Last week we welcomed two NSW Ministers to the storm and flood-hit areas of Eugowra, Molong and Cudal.

Jihad Dib is the Minister for Emergency Services, and Paul Scully is the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. Member for Orange Phil Donato and I wanted to get the Ministers into our area because we want to see the same level of storm and flood support for the Central West that other parts of NSW have received.

It doesn’t seem right that an area that has been devastated as much as ours has not received equality in funding. I think they got a good sense of the devastation and the destruction, and how hard recovery has been.

I was heartened that Minister Dib said he would re-examine the previous NSW Government’s decision not to extend the $75,000 Special Disaster Grants to farmers in the bushfire-hit Hill End area.

The devastation in that area is undeniable and I will not give up the fight to get this vital support for our farmers who lost stock, fencing and feed in the blaze.

The School Student Broadband Initiative is also now available, providing 12-months of free internet to families with schoolaged children. To check your eligibility, contact my office at andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au.The residents of our region deserve the vital support that their fellow Australians have received and I’m determined to get it for them.

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

During the visit, one highlight was meeting up with Grace Katon who was turning 83! Grace is a Eugowra resident who was living in a pod, but whose house has now been renovated. One of Grace’s unfulfilled wishes was to go on a ride on a Harley Davidson motorcycle, so while we were inside doing the formalities, Eugowra-local Tim turned up with his Harley to take Grace on a birthday ride!

Grace also collects green garden ornament frogs. She had hundreds and many of them got washed away last November. Since then, the frog population has been slowly rebuilding. If you have any nice looking green frogs to spare, drop them at my office and they will find their way to Grace’s place very quickly and be much appreciated!

Thank you for hosting us Grace, and happy birthday!

Happy Birthday Grace!

Your Country Your (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

GEE MP

NEW

FUNDING

WELCOME,

Iwelcome the visit to our region recently by NSW Minister Kate Washington to discuss a state/federal funding package for disaster-hit communities. It is important for her to see what our residents are going through.

Any injection of funding into our devastated region is a positive development. However, the $9.1 million will go towards multiple disaster-hit areas, so it will be spread pretty thin. More funding is needed for our area, and we will be pushing for it.

In Parliament recently, I again called for key disaster recovery funding programs for our region that other disaster-hit areas are benefitting from.

Many months after being hit by storm, flood and fire disasters, residents of our region are being held back from moving on because they’re locked out of key disaster recovery funding programs. Successive state governments have failed to activate this joint state and federal support.

I called on the NSW and Australian Governments to answer these questions:

WHY does the northern rivers area have access to the home buy-back and retrofit scheme and not the storm and flood-hit areas of the Central West?

WHY is it that other Local Government Areas have access to the Community Assets Program to help rebuild their towns and villages - but councils in our

BUT WHERE’S THE REST?

region do not?

WHY hasn’t a grant program similar to the Northern Rivers Commercial Property – Return to Business Support Grant been announced for our storm and flood-hit areas?

WHY is travelling on our bridges and roads still like a war zone? The Nyrang Creek Bridge, and the road between Wellington and Dunedoo are still closed. How can it be that in 2023, we are closing roads instead of fixing them?

WHY are residents of the Hill End region STILL excluded from the $75,000 Special Disaster Grants to help the area bounce back from the recent devastating Hill End bushfires?

It’s deeply shocking that these grants have still not been made available to our farmers.

There is a fundamental injustice and inequality going on here with respect to disaster assistance provided by the state and federal governments.

Our residents pay their taxes just like everyone else, yet they’re being treated like second-class citizens. This is as appalling as it is inexcusable.

NEW CARILLONISTS IN BATHURST!

Carillons are very rare.

There are only 3 in Australia… and one of them is Bathurst War Memorial Carillon. It officially opened in 1933 to honour the men and women from the Bathurst region who served Australia in the First World War.

The carillon’s bells are played by an instrument called the clavier. The clavier at Bathurst recently received a major upgrade with the assistance of a $182,000 grant from the previous federal government.

It was wonderful to attend an informal graduation ceremony in Bathurst recently to celebrate the achievements of Bathurst’s newly qualified carillonists, Jennifer Roberts, Wendy Murphy, and Denise Garland.

Thanks to their efforts, the future of the wonderful music provided by the Carillon’s bells is assured.

Congratulations to Australia’s newest carillonists, and a big thank you also to the Friends of the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon for their work

in promoting this unique musical instrument that Bathurst loves and will increasingly enjoy with upcoming recitals.

Our new carillonists are even taking song requests! I can’t wait for the next musical chapter of the Carillon.

ADA BANKS OFF TO FINLAND!

Abig congratulations to Bathurst High’s Ada Banks who is off to Finland on a Rotary Youth Exchange next year!

Ada will be an excellent ambassador for Denison College, our region and our country! Well done!

RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR BATHURST AND LITHGOW

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

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

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

√ $398,500 for crisis accommodation in Bathurst

√ $1.2 million for CCTV in Bathurst and Calare communities

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

√ $480,000 for Wallerawang Community & Sports Club

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

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

√ $925,000 for the Bathurst Animal Rehoming Centre

LITHGOW GIRL GUIDES GAIN BADEN-POWELL AWARDS

The Junior BP (Baden-Powell) and BP Awards are peak achievement awards for Guides and it was an honour to attend the BP presentation awards for Lithgow Guides last weekend.

These awards are attained through hard work, dedication and commitment.

Congratulations to June-Maree on the outstanding achievement of her BP Award and also Junior BP Award recipients Alena, Victoria and Mia. They have all done themselves, their families and their community proud. Future leaders!

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

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

√ $125,000 for canteen facilities at Bathurst

Sportsground

√ New headspace service for Lithgow

√ 47 mobile phone towers and base stations for Calare

√ $54 million for the CSU Medical School

Future Jobs & Investment Authorities

Lithgow City Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcements – made in the lead-up to the 2023 state elections and repeated this week - that they will establish Future Jobs & Investment Authorities in coal-producing regions.

There will be an authority for the Central West’s coal mining local government areas of Lithgow City and Mid-Western Regional (Mudgee), as well as other coal mining regions.

The authorities will be tasked to create jobs, advance economic diversification and, where necessary, re-skill workers. The authorities will also work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and communities to seize transformational opportunities.

Mayor Statham said, “Lithgow City Council welcomes the Government’s continued commitment to establishing an authority in Lithgow to support our regional economy as it transforms into the future. We know the coal sector is changing. In Lithgow’s case, the same is also the case for the power sector. In Lithgow, these activities are dependent on each other and together account for around 43% of the City’s economy. It will not be an easy task to offset this value, but the best chance we have of doing so is by starting now.”

Mayor Statham added, “Historically, in Australia and world-wide, governments have tried to address the great challenge of diversifying coal community economies too late, when the industries have closed. We must ensure this failed approach isn’t followed for Lithgow.

For that purpose, the State Government and Lithgow City Council commissioned and have now received a blueprint for what needs to be done and when. The Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan (LEEP) has tangible actions - some of which need to be implemented by as early as January next year. We also have a coalition of key local actors ready to partner with Council and other levels of government. There have been positive discussions with the major companies (Centennial Coal and EnergyAustralia), Western Sydney University, other private sector businesses, local schools and the community. All these actors are ready and raring to play their part in our City’s economic journey.”

“We have responded to the strong mandate from the community to ensure that Lithgow grows and thrives into the future, even as our local mining and power generation industries experience change.

Minister Penny Sharpe is right when she acknowledges, on behalf of the NSW Government, that it is vital to take action now to ensure these communities continue to grow and prosper. So, we need more than roundtable discussions. These discussions already occurred during the development of the State Government’s Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan. It’s time we all started getting to work. The NSW Government’s September budget provides a great opportunity for the NSW Government to turn these statements of commitment into real action.”

Need to know more about the Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan - https://www.leep.lithgow.com/

Lean & Bennett Toyota support National Tree Day

Over 26 million trees have been planted by volunteers since 1996 as part of National Tree Day and Lean & Bennett Toyota have been proud sponsors of this initiative since its beginning.

Lean & Bennett Toyota has supplied trees every year to our local schools to encourage them to dig in and do something good for both their playgrounds and the environment.

“National Tree Day is a great opportunity to give back to our community and getting school kids involved is literally getting our youngest residents to start at grass roots level” said Rhys Bennett, Dealer Principal of Lean & Bennett Toyota. “It’s a legacy that will be enjoyed for generations and gives kids something to be proud when they think of their school play grounds in the future”.

Paintings by Rebecca Wilson

Come and join us to celebrate the launch of Rebecca Wilson’s new narrative collection: Woman.

Rebecca takes a humorous but sharp look at language, beauty, ageing, mental health, feminism and the history of women artists. Referencing Virginia Woolf's 'My Own Point of View", these paintings are a personal expression of the artist's female experience and voice.

Exhibition: AUGUST 17 – SEPTEMBER 17

Gallery: 206 Main St, Lithgow

Find out more at GGGallery.com.au

Schools Tree Day and National Tree Day are Australia’s largest annual tree-planting and nature care events, with plantings taking place across the country on the last weekend of July. Each year, around 300,000 people volunteer their time to engage in activities that encourage greater understanding of the natural world and how we can protect it.

“Our research clearly shows the many benefits that time outdoors in nature has for our physical and mental health, our children’s development, the liveability of our communities and the robustness of local ecosystems,” said Planet Ark coCEO Rebecca Gilling.

“With the simple action of planting a tree you can help cool the climate, provide homes for native wildlife and make your local community a happier and healthier place to live.”

Opening Event 2pm Saturday 19 August 2023

Join host Jenny Barry, author Kim Kelly and artist Rebecca Wilson for a fun and engaging chat about all things Woman.

Book your tickets here

REMOVING ROADBLOCKS TO HOUSING SUPPLY

Remediation of Kerosene Vale Ash Repository Site

COMMUNITY CONSULATION GROUP MEMBERS REQUIRED

APPLICATIONSCLOSINGSOON

clunky process that takes at least three times as long to process a development application,” said Mayor Statham.

“Since Covid and changes to the way Australian’s work, there has been an increased take-up of relocation to the regions,” said Lithgow Mayor, Maree Statham.

“If you add to that the significant construction activity in Central NSW and Lithgow’s proximity to Sydney the need for more housing is particularly acute,”

“As a member of the Country Mayors Association, I totally support their call for the Building Country Homes Program to be part of the September State Budget,”

Councils across regional NSW are short staffed while struggling with a complex regulatory framework as they try to fast track development applications and building certificates.

“We know we need to move faster, but it so very hard when wading through red tape.”

“The State has gone completely silent on its mandatory Planning Portal. Everyone struggles with this in regional NSW. Developers loathe it and Council has had to put on more staff, where we can find them, to help manage this

“As a result of managing problems like the State Planning Portal and the State Biodiversity Offset Scheme, we actually need more staff. However, planning staff are hard to find. There is a Flying Squad set up by the Department of Planning to help with these shortages and process development applications– it needs to open its door wider to the needs of Councils including diversifying their assistance to other complex developments to keep up with the continuing development pressure,”

A particular concern in Central NSW is the need for more health and building surveyors.

“We are asking the NSW Government to extend the type of programs they have to grow and support a larger workforce of planners and building surveyors. This includes funded and supported training pathways,” said Mayor Statham.

The Mayor concluded, “I agree with my peers on the Country Mayors Association when they encourage the NSW Government to give serious thought to streamlining development approval processes and filling the gaps in workforce shortages. In this way, regional councils will be able to do so much more in times of crisis and into the future to support good development and growth.”

Generator Property Management (GPM) is the current land owner and manager of the Ash Storage Dams and stockpiles in Kerosene Vale Ash Repository (KVAR) area at Lidsdale - an area of approximately 528ha, formerly part of the now-closed Wallerawang Power Station. The KVAR site was declared as significantly contaminated land on 22 August 2022, under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997. This enables the EPA to regulate the management and rehabilitation works to be completed by GPM, and to continue regulating the land into the future.

GPM invites interested locals to be part of a Community Consultation Group (CCG) which will provide a forum for discussion between GPM and stakeholder groups, local council and the local communities of Kerosene Vale, Lidsdale and Wallerawang. It is envisaged that discussions will revolve around the ongoing works within Kerosene Vale, how they affect the local community and the development of plans to remediate the site, including futureproofing for the generations to come. It is expected the CCG will continue throughout the completion of the works.

To apply for a position on the CCG, please go to https://gpmco.com.au/kerosene-vale-ccg to view and complete the application and read the CCG guidelines. Closing date for applications is Friday, 25th August 2023

RSVP: phone (02) 8843 2500 or email enquiries@catholiccarewsbm.org.au

Councils across Central NSW are calling for roadblocks to housing supply to be removed and better enablement to fast-track development in the region.

2023 LITHGOW ARTS TRAIL

Released yesterday, Anglicare’s Essential Workers Report (a companion to their annual Rental Affordability Snapshot) shows that essential workers including nurses, aged care workers and early childhood educators are struggling to find affordable rental properties in the NSW West region, leading to worker shortages in those industries.

While April’s Rental Affordability Snapshot showed that housing affordability in the region is worse than ever for those relying on government supports or earning minimum wage, this new report shows that endlessly rising rents are making it tough for essential workers to afford housing near where they work.

“Essential workers are the backbone of our communities, yet they cannot afford to rent. Our Snapshot shows that more and more essential workers are being pushed into serious rental stress,” said Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers.

On the Snapshot weekend of 17 March, only 2% of the properties listed as available in the NSW West region were found to be affordable and appropriate for a full-time aged care worker or early childhood educator, while just 3% were affordable for a full-time nurse.

The report assessed affordability for 16 categories of essential workers including nurses, teachers, firefighters and ambulance officers.

“These workers are absolutely vital to the daily operation, the safety and the liveability of our communities,” said Anglicare NSW South, NSW West and ACT CEO, Brandon Howard. “We rely on the important contribution of these individuals and the roles they play in our communities. We must do more to make sure they can continue to live in the places in which they serve.”

Unfortunately, the depth of the current rental crisis has already altered the workforce landscape in regional areas. “So many essential industries are facing workforce shortages with workers unable to afford to stay or move to parts of the country where these shortages are at their worst, said Ms. Chambers. “These numbers help explain why.”

While not for profits like Anglicare continue to provide support for those in need—including emergency food relief to a growing number of fully-employed individuals who are straining under high rental rates—the severity of the current housing crisis will require meaningful solutions from local and federal governments.

“We know that housing ministers are meeting this week”, said Mr Howard, “and we ask that they consider all the options available to them to address the current housing crisis. Anglicare stands ready to partner with Government to ensure everyone has access to safe and affordable housing”.

Come and discover the vibrant Lithgow Arts Trail, an exciting event happening from November 4th to November 12th. Join us in exploring the artistic talents of the Hartley, Kanimbla, Lithgow, and Portland communities. This unique two-weekend celebration showcases the creativity of local artists and artisans who open their studios just once a year. From blacksmiths to textile artists, painters to sketchers, you'll witness a diverse range of creators in action. Immerse yourself in the world of art and experience two days filled with eclectic creativity. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to join the Lithgow Arts Trail and uncover the hidden treasures of our region.

If you are an artist in the Seven Valleys, you can register your art studio to be a part of the Lithgow Arts Trail. Discover the community of creatives out west and become a part of this incredible network. Lithgow arts trail is part of the Greater Blue Mountains Creative Arts Network. Connecting creatives across the Greater Blue Mountains, Darug, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri country.

We are looking forward to seeing you in our November Arts Trail as we showcase the best the Seven Valleys has to offer in art and culture.

To find out about becoming part of the trail contact Annie Joseph at annie.joseph@bigpond.com.

Essential workers with nowhere to live

Anglicare special report shows worker shortages caused by a lack of affordable housing in the NSW West region.

Lake Pillans Upgrades

Lithgow City Council is seeking public comment on plans for the upgrade of Lake Pillans Wetlands.

Today, Lake Pillans Wetlands is enjoyed by many members of the community for walking, cycling, fishing and for picnics. Sitting adjacent to the Blast Furnace industrial heritage ruins, Lake Pillans forms part of the Farmers Creek recreational precinct shared path network that extends from Lake Pillans west for approximately 6 kilometres.

Proposed works include:

• Constructing two asphalt pavement carparks with parking for 20 vehicles including 4 accessible carparking spaces to prevent vehicle access into the reserve.

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

• Pathway gradient improvements for accessibility.

• Landscaping works.

• Solar powered lighting.

There is currently unrestricted vehicle access to Lake Pillans wetlands and no accessible parking. Vehicles are regularly driven into the wetlands reserve causing damage and making it unsafe for other users.

Construction of accessible pathways from the new carpark will improve access for older people and people with disabilities to enjoy the wetlands.

Widening of pathways to pedestrian/cycle path standard will connect the Farmers Creek shared pathway network to Blast Furnace via Lake Pillans.

Smart solar powered lighting will open the wetlands for night visitation. Designed to minimize light pollution and disturbance to wildlife, the lighting will default to autonomous dimming mode throughout the night and will switch to illumination mode only during the approach and departure of a pedestrian.

Construction of the new carparks and associated works to prevent vehicle entry, make the area safer and more accessible for visitors. The works also aim to reduce anti-social night time behaviour.

Plans are available for viewing at: https://council.lithgow.com/lake-pillans-upgrades/

Please forward your written comments by email to Council at council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au by Friday 15 September 2023.

Portland Central News

12A Wolgan St, Portland NSW 2847 Phone: (02) 6355 5233

FROM THE PRINCIPAL:

Thanks to everyone who celebrated Education Week 2023. Our school hosted some great activities that provided students with rich learning experiences. We have hosted our transition evening for Kindy students enrolling in 2024 where families had a chance to meet staff and hear about expectations when starting school. It was our third week of the Ready Set School transition program happening all term.

We welcome to Miss Bonnie Goodsell, from Charles Sturt University, who is completing her fourth year placement in the Year 1-2 classroom. Miss Goodsell will be at our school for a 6-week placement – we are lucky to have her skills in the school.

A warning about COVID - there have been a number of COVID cases identified in the school so please be mindful of symptoms and contact us with explained absences within 3 days.

PRIMARY: Education Week

It was wonderful to have parents join us for our Education Week assembly. A huge thank you to Maddison Weekes and her guitar teacher Brendan Coleman, who entertained the audience by playing guitar and singing two songs.

Book Week is also just around the corner. We look forward to seeing all students K-6 dress up as their favourite book character, or in a costume that matches this year’s theme: ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’. Get creative! We look forward to seeing your amazing costumes during the

SECONDARY: Designing school shirts with Rick Slaven

Recently, Aboriginal student leaders and SRC representatives workshopped designs foran Indigenous performance shirt and a school shirt with local artist Rick Slaven.

Rick isa Lithgow-based contemporary Indigenous artist and a well-known Wiradjuri-Mowgeeman whose artworks are uniquely vibrant. Rick and the students discussed important connections local to Portland, and stories and totems that would be suitable for a design unique to Portland Central School.

• Last week representatives from Telstra, NBN and the Regional Tech Hub (providers of independent free advice about telecommunications services) held meetings in Lithgow and Capertee as part of a Regional Telco Roadshow.

While they were here, I took the opportunity to meet with them about upcoming improvements to the network, available technology and better connectivity across the LGA. We have had reassurance that Lithgow area is a priority area and is at the top of the list to have better connectivity throughout the region. Some of the improvements already being made include:

1. Telstra’s partnership with Starlink to deliver Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity to provide voice and fixed broadband services in remote and hard to reach placescoming towards the end of 2023.

2. NBN’s upgrade of its fixed wireless network increasing burst speed times, faster download speeds and increased reach distance from towers such as Sunny Corner with an increased coverage of 29km from 14km.

• The Council has joined with Councils across Central NSW to lobby the NSW State Government to remove roadblocks to housing supply, better enable fast-track development in the region and support the Building Country Homes Program as part of the September Budget.

Following 7 separate disaster events in recent years, the Council is calling upon the NSW Government to provide funding up-front for the major works required to repair roads and other public assets damaged by disaster events.

I know, the community is pleased for governments directing significant public money to disaster recovery. But the system of

payment needs to be changed because it is greatly delaying the delivery of much-needed roadworks. A simple change like payment of 50% of the funding up-front would allow works to be delivered much more quickly.

In a normal year the Council will undertake around $13 million of major capital works. But Lithgow Council will undertake more than $10 million of additional major disaster recovery works both this year and next year.

• I was honoured to attend the Lithgow Girl Guide Junior Baden Powell & Baden Powell Presentation Day on Sunday 13 August. These awards are special and involve a high level of effort to be able to achieve.

Three young ladies were presented with their Junior Baden Powell awards (last presented in 2020) and one received her Baden Powell Award (last presented in the 1990’s). This was a very special day for the girls and I was humbled by their dedication, commitment and enthusiasm for Guiding.

Request for tender

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

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

au.

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

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

Green Waste Collection

A Green Waste collection will be provided on 25 September 2023.

Residents are reminded that a SERVICE BY REQUEST will apply.

Residents can register before 12.00pm FRIDAY 22 September 2023. Phone Council on 02 6354 9999 or www.coucil.lithgow.com/waste-recycling/waste-greenwaste

Household Chemical Clean Out

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

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

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

The following items will be accepted:

• From your home: Solvents & household cleaners, floor care products, ammonia based cleaners, fluorescent globes & tubes.

• From your car: Batteries, motor oils & fluids.

• From the garage: Paint, pesticides, herbicides, poisons, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, pool chemicals, acids & alkalis.

For more information visit www.cleanout.com.au

The household chemical cleanout is held in conjunction with the NSW EPA and NetWaste.

NEW FOR BOOK CHAT AND MOVIE APPRECIATION GROUP AT WALLERAWANG

LIBRARY

The book chat and movie appreciation group held at the Wallerawang Branch of Lithgow City Council Library service, has been revamped and will now be held monthly, on the last Friday of every month.

Everyone is welcome to come along, enjoy a tea or coffee, and discuss all things book or movie related. This isn’t a book club. You don’t have to read the same book, or watch the same movie. However, every month you will find a new Reading Challenge prompt, on the library catalogue homepage. You can read, or watch, one of the suggested titles in preparation for the monthly get together, although it is not a requirement to do so.

This month, the Reading Challenge prompt will be: ‘Read the book or watch the movie’. You can find the list of titles on the library homepage, calling the library or dropping in to your closest branch, where staff can help you access the list.

Sharing your thoughts with others may just inspire them to pick up that favoured book, or watch that beloved movie. You may be inspired by someone else to try a new genre or revisit old favourites.

Book and movie appreciation chat will take place on the last Friday of each month, commencing Friday 25 August at Wallerawang Library from 3.00pm until approximately 4.30pm. No bookings are required.

Magical violinist calls Kanimbla home

even though she continues to sing. In 1985 she acquired an exquisite Andrea Castagneri violin, made in Paris in 1741. “It’s not a huge sounding instrument,” says Rebecca, “but throughout my career the sweet, emotive sound has drawn compliments that it’s almost voice-like.”

led by Walkley Award-winning writer John Shand, who delivers assorted poetry and prose and plays drums, joined by guitarist Leigh Birkett. “It's a completely different performance experience to anything else I've done,” she says, “and takes the audience on quite an emotional journey.”

But if Rebecca Daniel’s future as a musician was almost inevitable, her career’s extraordinary diversity was not.

The brilliant violinist variously has recorded with INXS, performed with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, accompanied major musicals and played in Carnegie Hall.

Rebecca, who lives in Kanimbla Valley on the Blue Mountains’ western fringe, studied at the Royal Academy of Music, and was coached by the finest players and conductors, including the Amadeus String Quartet and Sir Colin Davis.

“My first professional job was at the age of nine,” she recalls, “singing the role of a cupid in John Blow’s opera Venus and Adonis, touring England and Germany. My second job was also in an opera. This time a much larger role, in the Benjamin Britten opera The Turn of the Screw, directed by Sir Nicholas Hytner, and conducted by Sir Roger Norrington. I was the first child to perform the role at the age of 12.”

But her career would focus on her violin rather than voice,

When she was invited to join the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Sydney in 1988, she jumped at the chance, having family connections in Australia. She spent two years with the ACO, before marrying and going freelance, including with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and accompanying Pavarotti, Barbra Streisand and Shirley Bassey.

“I discovered that I loved working in a recording studio,” she says, “and did many sessions and concerts with, among others, John Farnham, Anthony Warlow and Olivia Newton-John, INXS, Men at Work, James Galway and the Chieftains, Bread and Tommy Emmanuel. An absolute highlight was touring in a string quartet with John Denver. He was a true chamber musician, and a complete joy to watch perform.”

Thereafter she began working in musical theatre, including being Orchestra Leader for Phantom of the Opera 929 times, before she and her husband moved to Kanimbla. “We wanted to bring up our children in this stunning area,” she says. Since living there, she’s diversified into Celtic music, and has also begun composing and arranging, and will be performing her Suite for String Quartet with The Kanimbla Quartet in Springwood and Canberra in March.

Rebecca also plays and sings with Dreams of Falling, the trio

Dreams of Falling: Gang Gang Gallery, 206 Main St, Lithgow, Sunday September 10, 4:30pm.

https://www.stickytickets.com.au/5fsw7/dreams_ of_falling_trio_with_john_shand_rebecca_daniel_ and_leigh_birkett__liveatthegallery.aspx

She learned to read music before she could read words, was born a stone’s throw from London’s famed Abbey Road studios, and saw Mozart’s opera The Marriage of figaro at the age of four (her father being artistic director of Kent Opera).

Eskbank House Museum has Lithgow City Council Acquisitive Artworks on display.

As an addition to the very successful Selections: Highlights from Lithgow City Council's Acquisitive Art Collection exhibition currently on display at the Seven Valley's Visitor Centre, Eskbank House Museum has brought more art works out of storage for the community to enjoy.

Included in the exhibition are a variety of works featuring the Eskbank House, the Blast Furnace, Hassans Walls, Cooerwull Academy and the Woollen Mills. Local well-known contemporary artists include Mary Hailstone, Walter Brunner, Tim Johnman, E J McKenzie, Stanley Ballard, K Ballard, T.G. Moyle and Reg Campbell. Heliodore Hawthorne

The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. The exhibition is free OR combine with a Museum tour for $5 or $2.50 concession.

More information https://eskbank.lithgow.com/ https://council.lithgow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar

Image 1 – Near O'Connell number 19 : Oil landscape painting of near O'Connell by Reg Campbell, looking down into a valley, large eucalypt in left foreground and stags/ dead eucalypts in right foreground. Use of blues, greens and pinks.

Image 2 – Eskbank House : Watercolour painting of Eskbank House by K. Ballard in a wooden frame.

Image 3 - Blast Furnace Park : Watercolour Painting by E J McKenzie, c 1958 Showing Blast Furnace Ruins standing in Landscaped Park

Lithgow City Orchestra Spring Concert Series

Spring is a delightful time in Lithgow - trees begin to bud, flowers bloom, animals awaken from hibernation, warmer days and hope of a fresh start.

Why not welcome in this season listening to Lithgow City Orchestra presenting their Spring Concert on Sunday 3 September 3pm. LCO will present music by Grieg, Dvorak, Michel Legrand, Jerry Amaldev, Jamie Briton and more.

Special guests the Lounge Room Piano Trio will perform original music from the pen of Andrew Wilson (piano). He will be joined by Nicky Wilson (cello) and Peter Avery (violin). This free concert at Notre Dame concert hall, near Lithgow Hospital, will be followed by refreshments.

Two more LCO concerts will be held at Bark Ridge on the Rydal-Hampton Road on Sundays 10th and 17th September for the Rydal Daffodil Festival. The performances will take place in an old barn from 1-3 pm on both Sundays. Enjoy wandering through the gardens as well as listening to the music.

Welcome in Spring at one of LCO's concerts.

Spring into Art at Newbridge

Spring into Art at Newbridge is a weekend about art and a weekend about spring. As well as the art show and artisan markets, the beautiful gardens of Newbridge are open for your enjoyment.

In 2023 come along to see what’s new at the gardens which were open last year: Rustic Cottage, Hog Bristle Native Garden and Barthaven. There are some more gardens to inspect – more information to come - and a new initiative, the village garden walk, where exquisite and intriguing front gardens will be flagged for you to enjoy from over the garden fence. Take inspiration, purchase plants and enjoy the ambience of these gardens as they showcase the best of springtime in the Central Tablelands.

A reminder that entries for all sections of the Back Creek Art Show are now open, and close on October 8. Entry forms can be found at www.newbridgensw.com.au. The Art Show opening night is Friday, October 20.

SKI Club

Why it is losing its members

Spending the Kids’ Inheritance (SKI). Every retiree jokes about it. But in our recent experience, Australian retirees are turning their minds to helping family members financially. They are more concerned about the impact of the rising cost of living on their families than themselves.

Young families are doing it tough right now. Escalating house prices and rentals, combined with the highest inflation in decades, and unprecedented increases in interestrates are causing young families to experience financial stress.

Financial stress destroys lives

Financial stress is bad news for families and the community. Research has shown that when we experience financial stress we drink more, sleep less, and we are more likely to experience conflict and be involved in abusive personal relationships.

And that’s why some of our retiree clients are investigating gifting some money to children and grandchildren.

More to life than money

Most of us approach retirement feeling anxious, concerned about not having saved enough. We worry about the money running out prematurely.

But a few years into retirement, a funny thing happens to most of us. We settle into our lifestyles and start to get confidence that we will be okay. We learn that our life satisfaction in retirement doesn’t depend on how much money we have or spend. Instead, we’re happiest when we are spending time with the people we care about most and when we are working on the causes we are passionate about. We learn that we have enough.

But remember the turkey illusion

So, many of us may be considering helping our children or grandchildren with their finances. Typically, this may be a deposit into their bank account, payment of a substantial once-off purchase, like a new refrigerator, or payments of a regular expense, like school fees.

But don’t be like the Christmas turkey which is most confident that it will be fed and cared for again the next day on the night before it dies.

When you’re deciding how much to gift, keep in mind that retirement is long and the costs in the later years are uncertain. Sometimes the last two years of life are the most expensive. Unexpected expenses may include healthcare, home-care and aged care.

And don’t expect substantial age pension increases within five years. While you can give away as much as you like, there are limits on how much you can give away and increase your age pension entitlement. You can gift up to $10,000 each financial year, subject to a maximum gift of $30,000 over five financial years. If you exceed these limits, the amounts gifted in excess will be counted under both the assets and income test.

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

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

Density OK? Maybe, BUT

Mrs Heritage and I just got back from a few days in Canberra checking up on Anto and Dutto. Loads of traffic but excellent roads, and now a big city. The last few blocks as you enter along Northborne Ave to Civic are lined with wall to wall cramped up five and six and more storey hotels, apartments and offices, as is much of Braddon and surrounding districts. Architecturally speaking the buildings are all bland big shoe boxes. The concrete canyons are saved by the foresight of the city fathers to plant lots and lots of very big trees which soften unbridled commerce.

But gone is the big country town I remembered. The classic heritage buildings at Civic which defined Canberra are still there, but now are swamped into insignificance. The parliamentary triangle is still evocative with those massive public and brutalist government buildings surrounded and separated by huge swathes of open space, parkland, big trees and the lake.

The idea of Bathurst becoming the fledgling nation’s capital engendered great optimism when it was hotly debated at the 1896 Peoples Federation Convention on the corner of Howick and William Streets (check out The Chair). Imagine if those 220 good men had been successful and we now lived in a jungle like Canberra where there is no free parking but there is great food.

My mate Mick says he likes the big country town feel of our city. And he really likes the Federation Convention Chair in front of the headmasters House in Howick Street. Mick says it’s very “blokey” – see if you can find any women on the list in front of it.

Thought of the day……. “A visionary called Walter Burley Griffin created Canberra, and a visionary called Lachlan Macquarie created Bathurst. What would each do now to update their visions for a better city tomorrow?”

by a humble heritage advocate – August 2023 column #282

MIDWEST SIDES STUMBLE BEFORE WOODBRIDGE CUP GRAND FINALS

One week before the Woodbridge Cup grand finals all four remaining Midwest sides have been eliminated after the second round of finals games.

The three competing Midwest clubs had four teams involved, Orange United in first grade and leaguetag, Oberon in first grade, and CSU’s leaguetag.

In last weekend’s first grade semi-finals Manildra advanced to the next round with their 30-12 win over Orange, as did Condobolin with a 40-36 scoreline against Oberon.

All four season-long frontrunner will now meet in this week’s preliminary finals, Trundle will host Condobolin on Saturday at 3 pm, and Canowindra are at home to Manildra on Sunday at 2 pm. Winners of these games will meet next week in the grand final.

The venue will be determined by results in this week’s penultimate round of finals games and will be announced afterwards.

In leaguetag semi-finals CSU were beaten 24-20 by Condobolin, and Midwest compatriots Orange went down 28-10 to Molong.

This weekend’s leaguetag preliminary finals match-ups are Cargo against Molong, with Manildra to meet Condobolin.

Pictured: Players from two of this week’s preliminary finals clubs, Canowindra and Manildra

LITHGOW VALLEY FILM SOCIETY

16 MAIN STREET LITHGOW

Sunday 20th of Aug 2:00PM

RECENT RELEASE 2022

THE FABELMANS.

Loosely based on Spielberg’s childhood growing up in post World War 2 era Arizona, from age seven to eighteen, a young man named Sammy Fabelman discovers a shattering family secret, and explores how the power of movies help us to see the truth about each other and ourselves.

CAST: MICHELLE WILLIAMS, PAUL DANO, SETH ROGEN, GABRIEL LABELLE

Sunday 27th Aug 2:00PM

ART SUNDAY SPECIAL PROGRAM

I LOVE MY DAD

WRITTEN BY, DIRECTED BY AND STARING James Morosini, it’s based on something that actually happened between the film maker and his father. During a period of estrangement, Morosini’s dad set up a fake social media account posing as a attractive young women and struck up an online friendship with Morosini.

CAST: JAMES MOROSINE, AMY LANDECKER, PATTON OSWALT, RACHEL DRATCH, LIL REL HOWERY, RICKY VELEZ

MIXED LEAGUE TAG MIXED LEAGUE TAG MIXED LEAGUE TAG

MIXED

Youth Youth Youth Activation Activation Activation Program Program Program

LITHGOW LITHGOW LITHGOW

will commence on Thursday 17th August 2023

SUDOKU Last week's solutions