Central West Village Voice - Issue 84

Central West News

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

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Office: 30 Williwa Street, Portland NSW 2847

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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.

Millthorpe Annual Garden Ramble Celebration

On Friday 25th October, the Millthorpe School of Arts was filled with laughter and gratitude as community members gathered to thank the dedicated garden owners and volunteers who make the annual Millthorpe Garden Ramble a beloved event. The ramble event took place November 2-3, and showcased the stunning gardens that have become a hallmark of the region.

The thank-you event featured heartfelt speeches, local entertainment, and a showcase of the breathtaking gardens that participants could explore the following weekend. Organisers expressed their appreciation for the hard work and passion of garden owners who open their gates to the public, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and creativity of their outdoor spaces.

This year’s Garden Ramble is expected to attract garden lovers and families alike, eager to enjoy the vibrant displays and learn about gardening techniques. Visitors will have the chance to tour multiple gardens, participate in workshops, and enjoy local produce.

As the community gears up for this much-anticipated event, excitement is in the air. The Millthorpe Garden Ramble promises to be a weekend of inspiration, beauty, and community spirit.

Photos clockwise from above: Bruce Reynolds, Jane Johnson, John Taylor, Robert Johnson; Jean Baldwin, Sophie Reynolds; Basil Baldwin, Mark Dicker, Jean Baldwin; Mark Logan, Tim Kelly. Photos supplied.

WORK OF ART SHOWCASE AND FORUM IN ORANGE, NSW

Creatives from across NSW will gather in Orange in Central NSW on the 14th and 15th of November for the Work of Art Showcase and Forum, organised by Regional Arts NSW (RANSW).

The showcase will feature the work of over sixty talented women arts practitioners, each bringing their own unique practices to the forefront. Work of Art not only celebrates these regional artists but also sparks important conversations about the future of regional arts.

Hosted across multiple venues in and around the Orange Cultural Precinct and presented in collaboration with partners including Theatre Network NSW, Creative Plus Business and Arts OutWest, the program includes a variety of performances, art exhibits and dynamic discussion. Prominent mentors such as musician Fanny Lumsden, former Archibald Prize winner Cherry Hood and film and television producer Lois Randall will share their insights as regional women in the arts and all those attending the forum will be invited into these discussions covering issues of sustainability, inclusion and regional identity in the arts and creative industries.

The event marks the culmination of an 18-month women’s business development program funded by Women NSW and supported by the Regional Arts Fund.

The event is ticketed at a reasonable cost (from $30 for a single day attendance), offering the chance to talk, network and meet with industry representatives. Those more interested in active art-making can choose across seven workshops ranging from weaving to woodworking as meditative practice.

Additionally there will be opportunities for the community to get involved through free exhibitions at the 2nd Orange Scout Hall, the CWA Hall Orange and the Hotel Canobolas. Theatre performances will take place in the late afternoon at the Uniting

RANSW CEO, Dr Tracey Callinan OAM, said “I am a firm believer that regional NSW is the most dynamic and exciting place to be in the Australian arts industry, and this showcase and forum event is our way of demonstrating that”. This will be a much-needed opportunity for the industry to gather in celebration of the incredible work happening in the regions and

RESILIENT HOMES PACKAGE POSITIVE FOR SOME – BUT MORE PEOPLE COULD AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN HELPED

After a near two-year wait, residents devastated by the storm and floods of November 2022 are finally able to apply for the Resilient Homes Program. This $40 million program is part of $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience package.

The package enables home buybacks, home raising and home retrofitting/ flood-proofing.

Independent Federal Member for Calare Andrew said that while the Resilient Homes Program is a positive step forward, more funding and flexibility is needed in the eligibility criteria.

“I fought long and hard for this package to help our region rebuild after the destructive floods of November 2022, and while this is a positive step forward, I am concerned that it is not going to help as many people as it could and should and that a lot of people are going to miss out.”

As we near the two-year anniversary of the floods, residents have been battling away to rebuild their homes and businesses with little to no help from government or insurers.

“I called on the State and Federal Governments to expand and broaden the criteria for the $40m Resilient Homes Program but they haven’t budged at all.

“While more dollars are needed, it’s not just about the level of funding,” said Mr Gee. “It’s also the restrictions they’ve placed on the support.”

“The retrofitting funding is only for flood-proofing works and won’t cover more general building work that residents need help with such as painting, flooring, plaster boarding and electricals.”

“General rebuilding work like this needs to be included with retrospective claims allowed.

“The criteria for the package is so tight that the only thing many residents will get is just a house inspection and a report by

Central West News

plot the best way forward for regional arts practitioners in times of change.

Tickets for the Work of Art Showcase and Forum, made possible with funding from Women NSW and the Regional Arts Fund, are on sale now. For purchases and full programming, please visit https://events. humanitix.com/work-of-art-showcase-and-forum

someone who will tell them how they can flood-proof their home in the future.

“We are now two years on from the disaster, and many people have already carried out building work which did not include flood-proofing because this package wasn’t available then and it’s too late to incorporate it into work now.

“I was disappointed that there wasn’t any support for expanded eligibility in the local Leadership Forum which was set up to advise the government on the program’s guidelines.

“It’s a democracy and everyone’s entitled to have their point of view. But it is a missed opportunity.

“I fought as hard as I could to get this package right and I really believed that we needed to rock the boat on this, rather than just going with the government flow.

“While the program will help some people, sadly a lot of residents are ineligible for support and will be left disappointed.

“This is very frustrating because while the package is a good thing, it could actually be more effective, and we could help more people if there was not only more money, but crucially, more flexible eligibility guidelines,” said Mr Gee.

Church in Anson Street and live music can be heard in the Cultural Precinct and at Badlands Brewery.

Pictured: Andrew Gee, Member for Calare, speaks with locals during the 2022 floods

Andrew GEE MP INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE

I’M A TRUE COUNTRY INDEPENDENT

I’m a genuine and true country Independent, and I value and treasure that independence.

I’m not going to be owned by anyone and that’s why I’ve been very determined to maintain my independence, both in the Parliament and out of it.

The National Party is backed by big city corporates like big tobacco and big insurance companies that caused so much misery across our region in the floods of 2022.

Climate 200 is backed by a big city billionaire in Simon Holmes a Court.

They’ve now put a Teal candidate in the field for Calare

Your Country Your Voice

backed by hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s a bit odd that they apparently don’t like being called Teal!

But why the coyness about who you are and who’s backing you? Let’s talk frankly, it’s a de facto political party – the Teal Party. To me, that’s not true independence!

I don’t begrudge anyone running for office and I believe we have an obligation to protect our environment for future generations and that includes tackling issues like global warming.

But I’ve now seen all major parties like the National Party and special interest groups like Climate 200/Teal party up

close and believe me, they’re all the same. They’re all political operators. They may wear different uniforms but they’re just different sides of the same political coin, using big money to gain and expand political power, influence and empires.

Together they will spend millions campaigning for this seat. And to my way of thinking, we need more true Independents in parliament that aren’t going to be wholly owned subsidiaries of anyone.

As the only true country Independent in the race, I know I won’t be.

NATIONALS CONTINUE TO GAME THE SYSTEM THE GEE TREE CHALLENGE IS ON!

National Party Upper House parliamentarian Sam Farraway should resign from his New South Wales Parliamentary position immediately.

Campaigning for a federal seat while you’re being paid $242,716 a year ($20,226 per month) by the New South Wales taxpayer has always been totally untenable.

It saves the National Party having to pay him a salary while he’s on the campaign trail but amounts to a major political party gaming the system.

The situation turned farcical recently when at a press conference Mr Farraway denied he was campaigning but at the same press conference, the Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud confirmed they were.

Mr Farraway originally said that he would resign from the New South Wales Parliament when the Prime Minister called an election.

By now saying he’ll give his final speech in

November, Mr Farraway has admitted that campaigning for a federal seat while on the NSW taxpayer’s payroll, is wrong.

There is no reason to delay. He should resign immediately. No ifs, no buts.

Mr Farraway’s statement doesn’t actually name a resignation date.

By delaying his resignation until the 9th December he gets paid almost another $41,000 and the money train keeps delivering him another $4,654 each and every week until he finally goes.

Not only should Mr Farraway resign now, but the National Party should repay to the New South Wales Parliament the tens of thousands of dollars it has cost-shifted onto the New South Wales taxpayer by letting Mr Farraway campaign for a federal seat while being paid to do a full-time job for the people of this state.

Under the National Party of old, this would never have been allowed to happen. Those days are long gone.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! LOWEEN!

Lithgow launched into the spooky spirit recently with Lithgow Halloween 2024!

From vampires and skeletons to pirates and princesses, Halloween goers young and old from all over the country took over the streets of Lithgow for a night of scary-good fun!

If you missed me at the event, I’m not sure how! I was dressed to the nines… literally!

I wore a near nine-foot-tall dinosaur costume!

The Gee-osaurus spent the evening handing out treats to the kids and joining in the Halloween fun!

Congratulations to Lithgow City Council on another outstanding Halloween event. It just gets bigger and better every year!

Calling all visionaries! If you’ve got a community garden or planting project makeover idea for a school or not-for-profit group, this challenge is for you.

The Gee Tree Challenge will support a garden makeover in a community space.

I’m encouraging schools, clubs, charities, preschools and community groups to enter this competition.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Design a garden or planting project makeover that includes 24 native Australian trees

• Email your proposal to me before 3pm on November 18

• The winner will receive 24 native Australian trees, and Team Gee will help you plant them!

To be a part of the Gee Tree Challenge, email your design to: andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au

• Lending a hand in my electorate offices in Bathurst, Orange and Mudgee

I’m pleased to announce that volunteer registrations to join Team Gee are now open!

Volunteering is a fantastic way to engage in community events, support causes you care about and make a difference.

By joining Team Gee you will:

• Be part of a dedicated and supportive team

• Gain new skills and experiences

• Make meaningful connections

• See the direct impact of your work in the community

As a volunteer with Team Gee there’s lots of ways that you’ll be able to help us out by:

• Engaging with and supporting our constituents

• Attending and supporting me and my team at community events

• Supporting my team in coordinating community events and projects

If you’d like to join our team, please contact my office and ask for Sandii or scan the QR code.

I look forward to you joining Team Gee as we work together to aspire for a brighter future for the Central West!

PEEL JAM 2024

Eight hours of music in a laid-back village setting PLUS the Annual Art Exhibition

The famous annual Peel Jam and Art Exhibition is on again this Saturday 9 November as the fund-raising event for the Peel Recreation Reserve and the historic Old School House which serves as a community hall.

Now in its 13th consecutive year, the Peel Jam presents extremely talented Bathurst region musicians performing a range of musical styles in a beautiful laid-back rural village setting at the Peel Recreation Reserve, 8 West Street, off Dempsey St, Peel.

The wide range of music genres include Folk, World, Jazz, Funk, Indy, Acoustic punk, Folkgrass, Pop, Rock, Blues, Rockabilly, and Groove.

Principal organiser of the Peel Jam, Christine Butler, said the 2024 Peel Jam hosts a range of performers from school students through to established singer-songwriters and some very hip combos.

“We have around 60 musicians performing this year, with ages from 10 years-old to those who could have attended Woodstock, even if they didn’t,” Christine said.

“It’s wonderful that so many talented local Bathurst musicians are willing to donate their talents to the Peel Jam, and provide a great afternoon of music.

“We have scheduled a solid eight hours or more of music starting at 12pm, with each set running between 30 to 45 minutes, until sunset-twilght.”

The lineup includes notable acts the Academy of Music Stage Band, Felix Albert and the Gentlemanly Two (rockabilly), original singer-songwriters Andy Nelson and Jon Wilby (poignant folky goodness), Liquid Culture (psychedelic groove), and the Shot Rollers (original rock).

The Peel Jam will again host a concurrent art exhibition (12pm to 6pm) with works by talented regional artists for sale.

“In a change of format, this year four artists will present their works, including sculpture, and all sales contribute to the upkeep of the Reserve’s Hall in which they are displayed,” Christine said.

The invited artists Karen James, Jane Patterson, Kerri Twigg and Louise Ranshaw will be exhibiting their work, with all

artworks for sale. Karen and Jane will also be demonstrating their artistic talents and skills in the main room of the Hall.

The annual Peel Jam and Art Exhibition is a fund-raising event for the Peel Recreation Reserve. Entry is $10 for individuals and $20 for families; cash and card payment accepted.

Patrons can bring a picnic if they choose, plus folding chairs or a rug to spread on the lawn, hats, sunscreen and all-weather gear as weather can vary.

Several market-style stalls and food and beverage vendors will also be on site. These include Renzaglia Wines, Cosmo Brewing, Robi’s Kitchen spicy Sri Lankan food, and the Peel Volunteer Rural Fire Service will sell BBQ sausage sandwiches and pulled

Kpork buns (cash only).

Other merchandise will be on sale, including for the first time ‘Peel Jam’ earrings, and the popular limited edition Peel Jam T-shirts. Bring your spending money! Peel RFS BBQ is cash only. A mild sunny day is forecast but it could turn cool in the evening so come prepared, bring your woollies. But please don’t bring your dogs or pets.

Find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/peeljam/ https://www.bathurstregion.com.au/event/peel-jam-2023/

Supermarkets win, farmers/consumers lose

Crossbench MPs call for real competition over coalition’s soft reforms

AP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, together with Independent Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, have condemned the Coalition’s supermarket legislation combo introduced into Parliament today as being a dud and nothing more than a “lawyers’ picnic”.

Mr Katter, who introduced the Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill 2024 in February this year said the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Tougher Penalties for Supermarket and Hardware Businesses) Bill 2024 and the Food and Grocery (Mandatory) Code of Conduct Bill 2024 fail to provide direct, immediate relief to both farmers and consumers and was akin to a “slap on the wrist with a wet lettuce” for the giants.

"These Bills do absolutely nothing to address the real issue: Coles and Woolworths paying our farmers a pittance while charging consumers through the nose," Mr Katter said.

"In any other country, this wouldn’t be tolerated. But in Australia, as long as people keep voting for the major parties, they’re going to keep paying 30 to 40 per cent more for their groceries than they should be. They talk about affordability, yet here we are — no action on food, no action on fuel."

Mr Katter stressed that the dominance of the supermarket giants has left Australian consumers and farmers with one of the most unequal playing fields in the world.

“Coles and Woolies are more powerful than the Government, money-wise. Even if someone were bold enough to challenge them, they could drag you through the courts for 30 to 40 years without breaking a sweat. Our farmers are among the most poorly paid in the world, while Australian grocery prices sit in the middle range globally, meaning everyone’s losing except for the big chains and their CEOs, who pocket obscene sums every year. These profits don’t drive competition — they kill it.”

Mr Gee echoed Mr Katter’s stance on the proposed legislation,

saying that it could amount to nothing but empty promises.

“After all the ballyhoo and hype that the Coalition has put out about their divestiture policy, the legislation put forward by them today amounts to a disappointing fizzer,” said Mr Gee.

“As drafted, the divestiture powers are highly unlikely to be ever used, and if they are, will just amount to a lawyers’ picnic that will last for years and which will do nothing to stop the rampant price gouging in a cost of living crisis that’s occurring right now.”

Mr Gee said that the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct doesn’t just need amending as the Coalition is suggesting, it should be torn up and thrown out altogether.

The Hon. Bob Katter MP The Hon. Andrew Gee MP

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Independent Federal Member for Calare

“The Coalition is spruiking that the Code will now be mandatory but that’s hardly a win. The major supermarkets signed up to it a long time ago and it hasn’t stopped farmers and consumers being stung by them for years.

“When the Independents put our Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill into the House, all MPs were given the chance to vote on a law that would take real action to immediately wind back the power of the supermarket giants, but disappointingly none of the major parties supported it,” Mr Gee said.

“I don’t believe that the Coalition’s legislation will lead to any relief for farmers who are being price gouged at the farm gate or consumers who are being ripped off at the checkout. It’s all just smoke, mirrors and hype before an election that will deliver nothing more than false hope and a press release.”

Mr Katter went on to say that these proposed laws, which claim to curb monopolistic behaviour, fall far short of what's actually needed:

• forced and mandatory divestiture;

• maximum 100% mark-up on produce;

• powerful and proven law enforcement body; and

• scrapping of the Code of Conduct and "agent" vendor numbers used by supermarkets to regulate and control farmers.

“They’re talking about ‘testing the waters’ and saying they might divest if things don’t improve — but it’s been 30 years, and all we’ve seen is talk,” he said.

“The ACCC suing the supermarkets? That’s barely a line item on the supermarkets’ balance sheets. It’s a charade, a waste of taxpayer dollars, and frankly, an insult to farmers and consumers.”

In closing, Mr Katter called on Australians to demand real action and stop propping up major parties who prioritise the interests of corporate giants over working families and farmers.

THE UTE

Authorised by Senator Ross Cadell, 28-30 Bolton Street, Newcastle, 2300, NSW

Senator Ross CADELL SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY A PRIORITY

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole and members of the NSW Police Force are urging every motorist, including motorcycle riders, to take extra care on our roads.

New data has shown motorcycle road incidents have hit a 10year high and young male motorcycle riders are dying at almost twice the rate of other groups.

Motorcycles make up just 3.8 per cent of registered vehicles in NSW but have accounted for 19.4 per cent of deaths so far this year.

The NSW Government has reported over the past 10 years there were 142 riders aged between 20 and 29 who died in motorcycle crashes – 63 more fatalities than the next age bracket of those aged 30-39. The skew is heavily towards young males. Of the 142 rider fatalities aged 20-29 years-old, 138 were males and four were females.

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said safety is the number one priority.

“The rate of road incidents involving a motorcycle are highly concerning,” Mr Toole said.

“This is a stark reminder to our young men that no-one is invincible and there is never enough protection between a rider and the road when it comes to a crash.

“Speeding remains the biggest killer on our roads no matter the mode of transport and many of these traumatic incidents could have been avoided.

“Road safety is everybody’s responsibility, but it is also important to look twice for motorcyclists as they are hard to see.

“A third of the deaths in the 20-29 years age bracket were riders on a Learner or Provisional licence. That’s why programs like Stay Upright are so important to instil foundational skills in new riders.”

Stay Upright is a registered training organisation accredited to provide training and testing services in NSW, Victoria, ACT and Queensland.

They are Australia’s most trusted motorcycle training school providing motorcycle learner courses designed to give riders the skills and knowledge they need to operate a motorcycle safely.

Bathurst Stay Upright Instructor Geoffrey Garment explained the process of obtaining a motorcycle license involves completing two skill-based courses.

“Each individual must competently complete skills-

based training before gaining a learner or provisional license. Motorcyclists can continue to upskill with a range of classes including off road riding and riding in heavily populated areas,” Mr Garment said.

“The courses are based around learning the basics of handling a motorcycle and keeping safe on the roads. As riders we must protect our own safety by riding with caution and working with the assumption that cars don’t see us.”

NSW CELEBRATES THE ‘ACADEMY AWARDS OF BUSINESS’

The Business NSW Awards have recognised the state’s most creative and forward-thinking businesses.

Finalists from a diverse range of sectors — from construction in Ulladulla to a winery in Berry and a tourism company in Jindabyne — gathered at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Wednesday night.

They were joined by Premier Chris Minns, Small Business Minister Steve Kamper, Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and the who’s who from the state’s business community.

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said the awards were more than just a celebration of success; they highlighted the incredible resilience of businesses navigating a challenging landscape.

“In the face of adversity, our finalists have demonstrated that resilience and innovation go hand in hand,” he said.

“2024 has tested our businesses with rising costs, staff shortages, red tape, and high interest rates. Yet, our winners are not just surviving; they are thriving and setting new benchmarks in excellence.

“The Business NSW Awards really are the Oscars of Business, so it is only very fitting that the best of the best in business get to stroll the red carpet and enjoy the spotlight on them.”

This year’s coveted Business of the Year award went to Whitely Manufacturing Facility in the Hunter, which was also recognised for its Excellence in International Business.

Other standout winners included:

• Cumulus Visual Effects in Ballina for Excellence in Large Business

• Ladbroken Distilling Co in Tumbarumba for Excellence in Micro Business, and

• SAPHI Engineering in Mayfield West for Excellence in Small Business.

Mr Hunter praised the incredible talent found in the state’s regional areas.

“The resilience of our state’s 865,000-plus businesses is especially commendable as they tackle rising insurance costs, energy challenges, and the complexities of the housing crisis,” Mr Hunter said.

“This year’s awards highlight that, despite challenges, innovation is alive and well throughout NSW.”

What a night, celebrating all our region's finalists at the 2024 State Business Awards!

Marathon Health (Bathurst) won the Outstanding Community Organisation Award.

Business NSW, Regional Director – Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe said this win was fantastic for Marathon Health, the region and the communities they assist.

“Marathon Health has gone above and beyond in respect to innovation, sustainability and leadership. Their clarity in understanding the drivers of their organisation is outstanding and their ability to think outside the square when it comes to building and retaining their workforce is second to none.”

“This is Marathon Health’s second win at the State Business Awards, having won Employer of Choice in 2017. They should feel incredibly proud to be named amongst the State’s leading businesses and organisations for 2024 and this win truly highlights the strength of the Western NSW business community,” said Ms Seccombe.

Marathon Health is a not-for-profit organisation, delivering high-quality health and wellbeing services to people across rural and regional NSW.

Pictured: Stay Upright Motorcycle Course Instructor Geoffrey Garment with Shadow Minister for Police and Local Member Paul Toole.

RFS Open Day

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Chifley Lithgow Operational Support Brigade will be conducting their Open Day this Saturday, November 9th at the Chifley Fire Control Centre at 27 Hampden Park Rd, Kelso. The Fire Control Centre will be open from 9am, with all members of the community welcome.

District Manager Superintendent John Bennett said the Chifley Operational Support brigade performs a vital role across the District by completing the important tasks to effectively support the firefighting operations.

NSW RFS Operational Officer George Nicholls advised that the Chifley Fire Control Centre will be open from 9am, with a range of information, static displays and presentations planned throughout the day. “There will be a number of our current Support Brigade members in attendance to provide valuable information and insights into the roles that the Support brigade undertake”.

Some of the vehicles that will be on display during the Open Day will be the District Operational Command Vehicle, Logistics Pantech, District Bus as well as a number of the support trailers that the district utilises including the Bushfire Information Point trailer.

“We know there are a number of community members that would like to volunteer with organisations such as the NSW RFS, but don’t necessarily wish to be frontline firefighters. Open days like this on Saturday give those community members the opportunity to see what behind the scenes roles are available” District Manager Superintendent John Bennett said.

“We welcome all members of the community to visit the Chifley Fire Control Centre during the Open Day to interact with the members in attendance and explore the roles available for those wishing to volunteer with the NSW RFS” Superintendent Bennett stated.

There will also be Bushfire Preparedness information available for community members as we enter this year’s bushfire season, including Bushfire Survival Plans which the NSW RFS advises all households should have completed.

“For more information, please contact the Rural Fire Service Chifley/Lithgow Team on 1300 258 737 during office hours – 8.30am - 4.30pm. Information can be found on the NSW Rural Fire Service website at www.rfs.nsw.gov. au or download the Hazards Near Me app, available for Apple or Android.”

Countback Election Timeline

The NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) has set the date for Bathurst Regional Council’s Countback Election as Tuesday 26 November.

Bathurst Regional Council General Manager David Sherley has confirmed that no further voting is required; the process is conducted entirely by the NSWEC.

“There is no requirement for Bathurst residents to vote again. The existing ballot papers from September’s election will be used by the NSW Electoral Commission to complete the countback and fill Council’s vacancy” he said.

The key dates in the timeline are as follows:

• Monday 11 November: Candidate applications open

• Thursday 21 November, 12noon: Candidate applications close and roll closes

• Monday 25 November, 10am: Eligible candidates declared

• Tuesday, 26 November: Election Day; count starts at 10am, results published same day

For further information, please visit: https:// www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/Council/About-Council/ Council-Elections

National Recycling Week 2024

Bathurst Regional Council and Planet Ark are encouraging Bathurst residents to discover new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle during National Recycling Week 2024.

The campaign’s call to action, Join the Cycle, urges councils, workplaces, schools and individuals to engage in improving their recycling knowledge and building better recycling practices, such as repairing and reusing what we already have.

Running from 11-17 November, National Recycling Week provides an opportunity for residents and workplaces to learn simple methods of reducing their environmental footprint and preventing waste.

National Recycling Week was founded in 1996 as an opportunity for Australians to take waste and recycling into their own hands and better their habits. Since then, the annual recycling rate in Australia has increased from just 7 per cent of all disposed materials to more than 60 per cent.

Current Planet Ark research reveals however that most Australians aren’t aware of recycling options beyond their kerbside yellow bin - this is where the present challenge lies.

“Planet Ark is asking Australians to pause and think this National Recycling Week about what they are currently sending to landfill” said Planet Ark CEO Rebecca Gilling.

Mayor Cr Robert Taylor encouraged Bathurst residents to use the week to discover ways to reduce their waste and revisit Council’s waste management options to ensure they aren’t disposing of items that can be easily recycled.

“Municipal waste is such a high contributor to overall waste levels - the fact of the matter is that we need to do more. This National Recycling Week, we all need to look closely at our recycling habits to see what more we can do.

“Don’t forget that even though some things can’t go in our household recycling, like paint tins or batteries, Council has simple services set up just for this.

The Waste Management Centre on College Rd offers a multitude of disposal options for items including gas bottles, light bulbs and motor oils, as well as all matters of E-Waste. Remember that your old mobile phones can be recycled in the Civic Centre foyer too” he said.

To learn more or get involved in National Recycling Week, visit: https://recyclingnearyou. com.au/nationalrecyclingweek/

For a refresh on Council’s recycling services, visit: https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/files/ assets/public/v/1/services/waste-recycling/ community_recycling_centre.pdf

Bathurst Innovation Hub Powers Regional Startup Growth with Major Investor Event

Central West Entrepreneurs Connect with Angel Investors in Pioneering Initiative

Bathurst's Upstairs Coworking and Startup Hub has delivered a significant boost to regional economic development, hosting a transformative event that connected Central West entrepreneurs with angel investors in the area and, digitally, across Australia. The initiative demonstrates how regional innovation hubs can create pathways to investment that traditionally have been limited to metropolitan areas.

Demonstrating the hub's commitment to nurturing regional entrepreneurship, the carefully curated day unfolded across two distinctive Central West locations. The morning session at Upstairs Coworking's Bathurst headquarters focused on founder preparation and investment readiness, while the afternoon at Redground Truffle Farm in Oberon provided a unique setting for pitches and investor networking.

Four innovative regional businesses presented their ventures to attending angel investors:

• Pairtree (Hamish Munro)

- Revolutionising farm management through collaborative data collection

• Straightshooter (Michael Middleton) - Transforming golf training with a flexible lead-arm guide

• Fearless Fox (Isabel Fox)Pioneering age-appropriate consent education through innovative app technology

• Platypus Vision (Rob Martin) - Advancing agriculture with AI-powered grain sorting solutions

This showcase of regional innovation highlights the growing sophistication of rural entrepreneurship, where local founders are developing solutions with national and global potential. For regional startups, access to angel investment can mean the difference between remaining a small local operation and scaling to create significant employment and economic opportunities for their communities.

The event drew significant regional leadership attendance, including the Hon. Paul Toole, Member for Bathurst, representatives from NSW and local government, and members of the Upstairs Board, including Chair Linda Breen. Also present was Alvaro Marques, Economic Development Manager for Western NSW from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

The event exemplifies how regional innovation hubs like Upstairs are crucial in building sustainable economic growth outside major cities. By connecting local entrepreneurs with investment opportunities, these initiatives help create high-value jobs and retain talented professionals in regional areas.

Gerarda Mader, Lead Mentor at Upstairs Coworking and Startup Hub, highlighted the importance of building strong regional investment networks: "The ability to bring such high calibre workshops to the Central West and support Regional businesses with the opportunity to get investment ready and attract investment is so important to the local economy."

RAIN Founder and CEO Sam Almaliki, who facilitated the workshops, praised the initiative: "It is wonderful to have provided founders from Bathurst and surrounding regions with access to capital, counsel and connections. The collaboration with Upstairs has created valuable opportunities for regional entrepreneurs."

The event is part of Upstairs Coworking's ongoing commitment to fostering regional innovation, supported by NSW Government funding, which has enabled the hub to expand its startup support programs throughout 2023-24.

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.

Bathurst Farmers Market is proudly managed by the Lions Club of Bathurst Inc. Entry is by gold coin donation to Bathurst Lions Club Inc., proceeds are utilised for local community projects.

MARKET DAYS FOR 2024 23rd November 21st December

Markets are held in the historic Bathurst Showgrounds from 8am - 12pm, on the 4th Saturday of each month with excepti on of the December Market which will be held on the 21st December.

L to R: Abbie Borg, Angus Edwards, Hon. Paul Toole, Linda Breen, Sam Almaliki, Gerarda Mader, Ricky Puata

Isabel Fox from Fearless Fox

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

The Supercheap Auto Bathurst International will take place from 8-10 November.

The off-track component, ‘Circuit to City,’ will feature as part of this event on 7 November.

Cars competing at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International will be driven from Mount Panorama to Russell Street and be on show in the city for the public to enjoy.

Driver signings will take place around the cars.

Mayor Cr Robert Taylor encourages families to attend the race and head into town for the Circuit to City event.

“Make sure you come along to the Bathurst International, it’s one of the last races in the 2024 calendar.

All residents living in the Bathurst 2795 postcode have free access to the race on the Friday too, so why not make a day of it with the whole family.

“The Circuit to City really brings Kings Parade to life, you don’t want to miss it” he said.

VIEW CLUB URGES COMMUNITY TO EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

VIEW Clubs around the Central West are calling on the community to embrace the festive season spirit of giving and help raise funds for The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal, to ensure thousands of students experiencing disadvantage can be supported in their education in 2025.

The charity aims to raise $4.91 million nationally through the appeal, which will provide more than 11,700 children with access to critical learning and mentoring programs to help them stay engaged and motivated at school.

This includes programs like student2student, which pairs younger students with young reading buddies, and after-school Learning Clubs, where students get support with their homework from trained volunteers – many of whom are VIEW Club members.

Bathurst VIEW Club president, Wendy Hands said this work is more important than ever as families face the ongoing effect of cost-of-living increases.

“Today in Australia, one in six children are growing up in poverty, limiting their ability to make the most of their education. Everyone is feeling the on-going effects of the cost-of-living crisis, but it is not felt equally.”

“For families who were already doing it tough, the higher cost-of-living means having to make tough choices between everyday bills and being able to support their children’s education.”

“All funds raised through donations to the Christmas Appeal will ensure students can take part in The Smith Family’s evidence-based numeracy, literacy, tutoring, digital and mentoring programs to help them catch up and keep up at school,” she said.

Nationally VIEW Clubs currently support more than 1,785 students on the charity’s flagship Learning for Life program, which provides educational, personal and financial support.

“We love hearing about how well our students are doing on the program and receive several letters a year which detail their achievements, hopes, and dreams. We are so proud of the young people we support, and there’s no better time than Christmas to show them our generosity.”

VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a national women’s organisation and support network, bringing together women to enjoy social activities, develop skills, and make connections – all while supporting Australian children experiencing disadvantage.

For those who are interested to find out more about VIEW or who would like to join visit view. org.au or email direct to bathurstviewclub@yahoo.com.au or call Wendy on 0428 518 450.

For more information on the appeal, go to www.thesmithfamily.com.au or call 1800 024 069

To find out more about joining VIEW, visit view.org.au or call 1800 805 366.

Keystone’s “Fright Night” Brings Halloween Haunts

to Bathurst!

This Halloween, Keystone 1889 in Bathurst transformed into a haunted mansion of thrills with “Fright Night,” a spooky cabaret hosted by Broken Banjo Productions. The Thursday night event was kicked off with a special Halloween Bingo featuring the ever-entertaining Betty Confetti, who brought plenty of laughs and Halloween cheer to attendees.

The evening was a spellbinding showcase of Halloween-inspired performances. A cast of witches, ghosts, and ghouls took the stage to present a thrilling medley of songs from iconic musicals like Wicked, The Rocky Horror Show, Hocus Pocus, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Phantom of the Opera. The Fright Night lineup captivated audiences of all ages, who came dressed in their spookiest costumes to celebrate the night.

Special thanks went to Sam English, whose jaw-dropping costumes brought each character to life, and Molly Gould, whose choreography added a magical touch to the evening’s spooky ambiance. Keystone’s “Fright Night” delivered Halloween fun for all, creating an unforgettable night of music, dance, and frightful festivities in Bathurst.

Bathurst Gardeners’ Club Spring Spectacular Draws Crowds with Blossoms,

Music, and Local Flair

The Bathurst Gardeners’ Club Spring Spectacular, held on October 26th and 27th, proved to be a resounding success as garden enthusiasts and locals alike visited eight beautiful open gardens around Bathurst. Showcasing an impressive range of vibrant blooms, live music, and artisan stalls, the event offered visitors a weekend of visual delight and entertainment.

Highlights included “The Rocks” at Abercrombie, where the Saxinets and Ukecons played against a backdrop of lush landscapes. Visitors found unique plant selections from Natural Elements Design and fused glass artwork from Springside Glass. Over at “Jeff’s Surprise Garden” in Windradyne, solo artists from the Bathurst Academy of Music serenaded visitors, while stalls featured botanical art by Wendy Stroeve and Mazzart, plus native plants from Central Tablelands Landcare Nursery.

In Peel Street, Nan’s Garden charmed guests with harp music by Paris Masters and keyboard tunes from Charlie Croaker, while Michele & Ian’s Garden hosted harpist Caitlyn Thew. Kelso’s “Willara Gardens” drew music lovers with Lost Alley Katz and U3A Recorders, and food lovers enjoyed treats from the CWA Evening Group.

O’Connell’s Grange Estate was a lively hub with music, metal garden art, and refreshing drinks from the Grange Distillery. Nearby, Euarra’s Concert Band and harpists enchanted guests. The event wrapped up at Mt Tamar in Gormans Hill, where the RSL Youth Band and Wing It Jazz added a festive note. Visitors left inspired, already looking forward to next year’s spring celebration.

School, Convent, Church and Coffee

The race for the hearts and minds (and souls) of the children was on.

Bishop Quinn built fifteen Catholic schools in the Fish River district alone in the late 1860’s. The Anglicans attached schools to their church monopoly and the Presbyterians struggled to do likewise. Parents started secular provisional public schools. Nothing like a bit of competition says Mrs Heritage.

At Locksley an RC school was built in 1869 out of weatherboards to compete with the nearby new provisional school. When the railway finished there in 1872, demand dropped and the RC school closed in 1874. Secular mixed religion education then prevailed at the remaining school at

Locksley – the Willow Bank Provisional School - under 32 year old Donald McDonald, the industrious Presbyterian teacher with a withered arm, who found managing the religious divides difficult and tedious amongst the 23 pupils and their mostly RC parents, and so it closed.

Bishop Quinn decided the vacant Locksley RC school building was too good, and wanted his RC children back in the fold, and so it was arranged to be cut into sections and carried by bullock wagon down to O’Connell to be a new school standing next to the convent and St Francis church –“asset recycling”. It still stands (enlarged), now as a private residence, as part of the beautiful heritage RC precinct opposite the café there.

Steph now owns the convent as a B&B and wedding venue and invited me on a tour last weekend. Beautifully done, and the early cemetery behind contains some great history, including the grave of Danuel Kinna a local farmer who died at the age of 100.

Coffee afterwards at Sarah’s café was just right.

Thought of the week … “great job by the owners of the RC precinct at O’Connell” by a humble heritage advocate – November 2024 column #310

Can Assist Melbourne Cup Day

A near capacity crowd attended Blayney Can Assist’s Melbourne Cup Luncheon to help raise funds for Cancer sufferers in the local area. Guests joined in the “Fashions on the Floor” parades and supported the raffle. Raffle winners were: Kate Goodacre (1st Prize- Gumboot painting), Gail Finn (2nd Prize: 1Hour Facial donated by Fringe – The Art of Hair) and Denis Ferson (3rd Prize: $100 Bernardi Market Place Voucher). Winners of the Fashions on the Floor categories were presented with flowers (courtesy of Blayney Botanicals), chocolates, and a bottle of wine (donated by the Tattersalls Hotel and Bernardi’s Market Place). Blayney Can Assist would like to thank all those who attended our luncheon, businesses within our local community and our valued members, volunteers and cooks. If you are aware of any member of the Blayney Shire who is suffering from cancer and could benefit from our assistance, please put them in touch with Blayney Can Assist. All money raised in our local area, stays in our local community.

A Thousand Words Gallery – A Place Where Stories Will

Be Told

A Thousand Words Gallery, a dynamic new art space dedicated to showcasing the power of visual storytelling, is thrilled to announce its grand opening on Saturday, December 7th 2024, from 2 PM to 5 PM.

Situated in the heart of Blayney NSW, only 30 mins from Orange or Bathurst, A Thousand Words Gallery aims to be a place where stories will be told through the language of art, offering an immersive experience to all visitors.

The gallery launches with Here We Are, the exhibition represents the physical emergence of A Thousand Words Gallery, the environment we live in and the times we are experiencing.

Here We Are: What stories will be told here?

The story of the warmth of wood, the power of paper, the movement of wool and feathers. The story of hanging golden threads and unfinished business. Sparkling, joyous tales of unending intrigue, the story of two sisters, the verses of movement through our land. Stories of transient moments, of travels through our times, and the tale of two reds. Stories that are constructed and conscious, and stories that are vulnerable and brave.

Here We Are brings together 11 contemporary

Spirek • Felicity Wells

Australian artists from near and far. Some have been sharing their narratives for many moons, others are just beginning to discover their plots.

All represent the powerful story of Australian art today.

Participating Artists: Laura Baker • Denise Barry

• Stephen Cramb • Michael D’Antonio • Fiona Howle

• Sara McLean • Peter O’Meagher • John Palmer • Ruth Stone • Hank Spirek • Felicity Wells

Grand Opening Event Details

Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2PM to 5PM

Location: 68 Adelaide Street, Blayney NSW 2799

Event Highlights: Meet the artists, live music, refreshments will be served.

Exhibition Dates:

Here We Are will be on display from Saturday 7th

December to Sunday 22nd December 2024 Regular gallery hours are Thursday to Sunday 10am - 3pm Or call Felicity on 0414 550 223 to view by appointment.

For more information, visit athousandwords.gallery

Newmont supports The Orchard and The White Tie Ball

Newmont Cadia (Cadia) is proud to once again support the annual White Tie Ball, which was held in Orange on Saturday night.

More than 300 guests attended the sold-out event, hosted by Housing Plus, Orange.

Cadia has been a keen supporter of The Orchard since 2017, when the White Tie Ball concept was developed as the annual fundraiser for the local women’s refuge, and have supported it every year since.

This year, the event was made extra special, with the auction including the final limited edition Cadia 25-year anniversary gold coin, which added an extra $5,000 to funds raised on the night. Congratulations to the purchaser, Jane Merchant.

Congratulations to the White Tie Ball’s organising committee on another successful night of fundraising for such a worthy cause.

Laura Baker • Denise Barry • Stephen Cramb • Michael D’Antonio • Fiona Howle • Sara McLean • Peter O’Meagher • John Palmer • Ruth Stone • Hank

FORTNIGHTLY FEATURE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Mark Dicker General Manager

Call for community member nominations – Council committees

At the October Council meeting, Council appointed Council delegates to a number of committees and organisations which Council is involved and associated with. We are now seeking community nominations to join the following committees:

Blayney Shire Financial Assistance Program Committee

Role: Undertake the assessment of applications received against the program guidelines, including reviewing the recurrent Annual Donations Schedule and provide recommendations to Council for consideration. This program provides financial assistance for local community organisations enabling Council and the community to work together to help make Blayney Shire a great place to live.

Composition: Councillor Rebecca Scott (chair) and Councillor Karl Hutchings are the 2 Council appointed representatives with a minimum of 5 community members is sought.

Time commitment: A minimum of 2 meetings per annum (additional as required).

Meetings would on average go for approximately 1.5 hours (with approximately 60 mins of meeting preparation required before the meeting).

Disability Inclusion Working Group

Role: Monitor and develop strategies to maintain Council’s commitment to improve access for all community members to a range of services through implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

Composition: Councillor Rebecca Scott (chair) and Councillor Karl Hutchings (alternate) are the Council appointed representatives. A minimum of 5 community members is sought.

Time Commitment: Generally, 2 meetings per annum (additional as required). Meetings would on average go for approximately 1.5 hours (with approximately 60 mins of meeting preparation required before the meeting).

So, if you (or someone you know) has a general interest in your community, specifically consideration of providing financial assistance to various not for profit organsiations, or an interest regarding wider disability inclusion, we want you!

Further information and nomination forms can be obtained from Councils website https://www.blayney.nsw.gov.au/council/council-meetings/committees-of-council Nominations close 4 December 2024.

If you have any questions and/or would like to discuss either committee, please contact Council on 6368 2104 and ask to speak to the General Manager, Mr. Mark Dicker or Councils Director Corporate Services Mr. Anton Franze.

Council News

2025 Australia Day Awards

Members of the Blayney Shire community are invited to nominate persons whom they consider worthy of a 2025 Australia Day Award. There will be six categories which include:

• Citizen of the Year Award

• Young Citizen of the Year Award

• Sporting Achievement Award

• Community Event of the Year Award

• Volunteer of the Year Award

• Appreciation Award

Please visit Council’s website www.blayney.nsw.gov.au to submit your nomination online.

Nominations close Monday 25 November 2024.

Blayney Shire Music Scholarship 2025

Blayney Shire Council in conjunction with Mitchell Conservatorium, Bathurst and Orange Regional Conservatorium are offering music tuition scholarships and encouragement awards for students aged between 7 and 18 years who live in the Blayney Shire and wish to further their music studies.

Application forms are available from Blayney Shire Council or can be downloaded from Council’s website: www.blayney.nsw.gov.au

The form must be returned fully completed by 22 November 2024. Applications attract a non-refundable entry fee of $11.00. Late applications will NOT be accepted.

Tourism Development Program

The Tourism Development Program provides support to both not-for-profit entities and local businesses to host events, produce marketing projects and create tourist attractions aimed to promote and grow the visitor economy in the Blayney Shire.

$10,000 of funding has been allocated to the program for the 2024/25 financial year with applications now open until all funds are expended.

Visit our website to download the guidelines and application form.

Blayney Twilight Shopping

The Blayney Twilight Shopping event will be held on Friday 6 December 2024 from 5.00pm to 8.00pm along Adelaide Street, Blayney (from the train station to the Post Office). This is an evening of late-night shopping, handmade markets, food stalls and live music.

Applications are now open for stallholders wishing to attend. Applications close on Monday 25 November 2024.

Visit Council’s website for more information.

Positions Vacant

Council currently has the following positions available:

Works Operators / Casual Works Operators. There is no set closing date for these positions and applications will be considered as they are received.

Senior Assets Officer. Applications close 8.00am on Monday 18 November 2024. Please refer to Council’s website for an Information Package and details on how to apply for these positions.

The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre will be visiting Blayney on Monday 18 November 2024.

The Mobile Centre will be located in the carpark at the rear of the Blayney Shire Community Centre from 9.00am to 4.00pm.

Visit the Mobile Service Centre to find out about Australian Government payments and services for rural families, older Australians, students, job seekers, people with disability, carers, farmers and self-employed people.

Information about Department of Veterans’ Affairs programs and support services for veterans and their families will also be available.

Staff can also help you create a myGov account.

For more information visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/mobileoffice

Service NSW Mobile Service Centre Visit – Blayney and Millthorpe

The Service NSW Mobile Service Centre will be visiting both Blayney and Millthorpe.

The Mobile Centre will be in Blayney on Tuesday 26 November 2024 located in the carpark at the rear of the Blayney Shire Community Centre from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

The Mobile Centre will be in Millthorpe on Wednesday 27 November 2024 located at Redmond Oval from 10.00am 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

Rates Notices

The second instalment of Rates Notices will be due 30 November 2024. Council reminds anyone that is experiencing financial difficulties, to please call Council and speak to our team who are here to assist you.

Fire + Rescue Recruitment Information Sessions

Fire + Rescue are hosting a series of Recruitment Information Sessions in Blayney where potential candidates can learn more about the role, the recruitment process, and the benefits of becoming an on-call firefighter with FRNSW.

Recruitment Information Sessions:

Saturday 16th November 2024, 8am to 12pm, Outside Blayney IGA

Friday 6th December 2024, 5pm to 8pm, Blayney CBD, Adelaide Street Blayney

Coffee with a Firefighter:

Saturday 30th November 2024, 9am to 11am, Ironbark Espresso Bar

Council Meeting

The November Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held in the Chambers, Blayney Shire Community Centre, on Tuesday 26 November 2024, 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

Blayney Shire Council

Australian Government Mobile Service Centre

Carcoar Show Celebrates 140 Years of Community Spirit and Fun

The Carcoar Show celebrated its rich legacy on Saturday 26 October, marking over 140 years of tradition with a classic agricultural show that drew crowds from near and far. The showgrounds were bustling with favourite events like horse and dog competitions, thrilling wood chop events, and a highly anticipated prime lamb judging.

Inside the packed Pavilion, a wide array of displays showcased the best of Carcoar’s creative talents, from the unique Blokes' Chocolate Cake competition to breathtaking flower arrangements, striking photography, arts and crafts, and even an imaginative Gum Leaf competition. Local crafters and bakers went all out, filling the pavilion with creativity, colour, and delicious aromas.

“The music from Wicks & Watts was fantastic,” commented one attendee, while another praised the "beyond helpful" volunteers who organised the pavilion’s craft section. "Too many favourite things to choose, but the atmosphere was great," another visitor shared, applauding the dedication of the hardworking committee and volunteers.

Free rides for kids and a crowd-pleasing reptile show kept families entertained, adding to the lively atmosphere that defines the Carcoar Show. Long-time fans and newcomers alike celebrated the community spirit that has made the event an enduring favourite.

Millthorpe Garden Ramble

The Millthorpe Garden Ramble celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 2nd and 3rd, 2024, drawing gardening enthusiasts to the historic village of Millthorpe.

This award-winning event showcased ten unique gardens, each reflecting the creativity and dedication of local gardeners.

The Ramble's success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of garden owners, volunteers, business owners, and the organising committee. The village's businesses embraced the event, offering visitors a warm welcome and encouraging them to explore and support local enterprises. A highlight of the weekend was the recognition of Gwen Webster, whose contributions have been instrumental in the Ramble's success over the years. Her dedication exemplifies the community spirit that defines Millthorpe. The event also featured special activities, including a display of historic gardening tools at the Golden Memories Museum and an art sale by Millthorpe Creative Arts. Workshops on dahlias and truffles provided educational opportunities for attendees.

The Millthorpe Garden Ramble has a history of resilience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person events were canceled, the committee produced two virtual rambles, ensuring

the tradition continued and the community remained engaged.

Funds raised from the Ramble support community enhancement projects, such as street plantings and maintenance of Mill Green, and contribute to the Country Education Foundation, assisting local students in furthering their education. As the event concluded, organisers expressed gratitude to all participants and volunteers. Photos from the weekend will be shared in the coming weeks, capturing the beauty and community spirit that define the Millthorpe Garden Ramble.

Pictured clockwise from left: offerings in the pavillion; Most successful exhibitor award went to Libby Pickett; Andrew Gee joins the band for an Elvis number..

The Bay Tree Nursery

855 Chifley Road, Clarence 2790

Open 5 days, 10am-4pm Closed Monday & Tuesday

Ph: 0400 347 694 williamgrattan@gmail.com

Lithgow is set to become the home of Christmas festivities in 2024 with the Lithgow Christmas Concert announced for 7 December at Tony Luchetti Sports Ground.

The inaugural Lithgow Christmas Concert will feature live performances from headline artists Paulini, Hugh Sheridan and Chris Sebastian. The band of Guy Sebastian will provide backing for the artists, and local talent will prominently feature during the two-hour festive event.

The Lithgow Christmas Concert will feature a selection of 'sing and dance along' classic songs and your favourite Christmas carols, fireworks sponsored by Energy Australia, and something extra special for the children - ‘Lamb-plona’ our local version of the Spanish 'running of the Bulls', retitled ‘running of the wools’.

Lithgow Mayor Cassandra Coleman said “The community asked, and we have listened. The Lithgow Christmas Concert is a welcome addition to the local events calendar and gives the community an opportunity to get together and relax to great music and performers on stage”.

Community feedback has highlighted a desire for a festive event to bring families and friends together in a feel-good format close to Christmas.

Entry is free and activities begin at 6pm and conclude with fireworks at 9pm on Saturday 7 December 2024.

COUNCIL COLUMN

Events @ the Library Road Works

Capital Works

Martins Road drainage works are continuing with grading and road works to be completed next week.

Blackmans Creek Road works are ongoing with expencted completion in two weeks.

Hampton Road, Hampton Works have started on Hampton Road between Norman Lee Road north and South. It is planned to build up the shoulder in places, remove the old seal where needed and restore and prepare various sections of road. Once this has been completed, the road will be resealed for 4.8 kilometres.

Coxs River Road, Hartley The section of works near Dudewarra Bridge is due to be sealed on Wednesday 6 November, works are currently progressing to prepare the area for sealing.

Maintenance works

Councils maintenance grading team have almost finished grading Genowlan Road, Glen Alice and will soon be moving to the township of Glen Davis.

Road Patching works are continuing on Glen Alice Road, around Lithgow township and Hartley. Road patching will be moving onto Sodwalls Road, Range Road and Hampton Road in the week to come.

Council roads team will be clearing the drains on roads in the Hartley area in the weeks ahead.

Note: Expected completion dates are dependent upon weather and contractor availablity.

Scan here to keep up to date with all key projects

Financial Assistance Applications

Deadline Extended

Lithgow City Council is extending the closing date for applications to the financial assistance program to Thursday 14 November 2024. Submit your application to council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au or by post to 180 Mort St Lithgow 2790. Applications for Round 2 now close on Thursday 14 November 2024.

Scan here to download a copy of the application form

Jobs at council

Council is currently seeking applications for the following positions:

• Casual Learn to Swim Instructors

• Casual Lifeguards

• Manager Community & Culture

• Ranger (6 month Term Contract)

• Senior Property Officer

Scan here for more information or to apply

Book Launch: The Green in Front of Me

When: November 16th, 10:00am

Launch of Dianne Bucholtz’s debut book, reflecting on her life experiences in Lithgow. Hosted in conjuction with Little Loft Publishing.

Featured Artist - November: Adrian Symes

When: November

Under Lithgow is an epic hand-drawn artwork depicting a journey through the Underworld. Adrian Symes will also be doing an artist talk on November 22nd at 4:00pm.

Proposed Naming of Burton Street

Pedestrian Bridge – “George Pearce Memorial Crossing”

Council is seeking public comments on the proposed name change of the Burton Street Pedestrian Bridge to the “George Pearce Memorial Crossing” Written submissions are being accepted by Council up until 5.00pm on Tuesday, 3rd December 2024.

Please send any submissions to PO Box 19, Lithgow NSW 2790, or email council@lithgow.nsw. gov.au. Further information may be obtained by contacting Council’s Infrastructure and Economy Department on (02) 6354 9999 during business

Scan here to view the proposal on the Council website

Principal Thanks!

Our Principal Matt Quirk would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the staff and students who volunteered at the BBQ during the recent Portland Swap Meet. Their hard work and teamwork made the event a success, serving the community and representing our school with pride. Great job, everyone!

Whole School for Halloween!

Our school reached the latest SWE (Student Well-being and Engagement) point target, rewarding students with a special lunchtime outdoor disco on Thursday—perfectly timed with Halloween! Students arrived in spooky costumes, filling the school grounds with witches, ghosts, and skeletons. The festive music and Halloween spirit created a lively atmosphere, giving everyone a well-deserved break and chance to celebrate their hard work. The disco was a huge success, with students dancing and enjoying Halloween treats. The whole school joined in the fun, making this SWE reward a memorable event. Congratulations to everyone on reaching the SWE goal!

Secondary Sports Legends!

Congratulations to our secondary students who participated in the mixed sports gala day at Oberon High School! Students enthusiastically took on various sports, including touch football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The day was filled with energy and teamwork, as everyone gave their best effort. We saw some impressive results and tremendous improvement across all events, showcasing the students' dedication and sportsmanship. With this positive experience, our students are already looking forward to next year’s competition. Well done to all participants for representing our school with pride and enthusiasm!

Visit our website for more information https://portland-c.schools.nsw.gov.au

AUSTRALIAN POLLINATOR WEEK

At Maldhan Ngurr Ngurra, Lithgow Transformation Hub

Saturday 9th November to Friday 17th November

Australian Pollinator Week was founded by Dr Megan Halcroft, of Bees Business in November 2015. Internationally, pollinator week celebrates and acknowledges the important role pollinators play in the environment. In Australia, the week also celebrates the uniqueness of pollinating insects and other pollinators in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Lithgow Transformation Hub is celebrating Australia Pollinator Week with several, free, community events.

Meet the Pollinators

Thursday 14th November 6pm – 8pm

Meet the Pollinators is an opportunity to meet and learn more about the pollinators that live in the Lithgow local area. From butterflies to birds to bees and beyond, there are countless pollinators who are critical to our environment.

During this event, three guest speakers will share their knowledge:

• Christine Bailey will speak on butterflies

• Sean Moore will speak on the lesser known pollinators

• Dr Megan Halcroft will speak on bees and pollinator week.

A light dinner will be provided from 6pm – 6.30 pm. Guest speakers will begin at 6.30pm followed by a panel discussion to close the evening.

This event has been made possible by a collaboration between Central Tablelands Local Land Services, Lithgow City Council, Lithgow and Oberon Landcare Association and Maldhan Ngurr Ngurra, Lithgow Transformation Hub. Bookings are essential and can be made at: https://events.humanitix.com/meet-the-pollinators

Make a Pollinator

Tuesday 12th November 9.30am – 11.30am

Danielle Carey of Wild Ground Creative Adventures has created a very special pollinator experience for pre-school aged children. During this drop in session, young people will be able to unleash their creativity whilst investigating the relationship between pollinators and flowers at “Make a Pollinator”. Danielle recently lead the highly successful Beetles Learning Hub as part of Beatlesfest.

Citizen Scientists

Citizen Scientists may wish to participate in the Australian Pollinator Count or celebrate pollinators with a Pollinator Picnic. More details on Australian Pollinator Week can be found at: https://www.australianpollinatorweek.org.au/

"Nup to the Cup" hits the Central West!

The Annexe in Portland, part of The Foundations precinct, recently hosted the "Nup to the Cup" event, providing an ethical and exciting alternative to the traditional Melbourne Cup celebrations. Held as a stand against horse racing and its associated concerns, the event raised funds to support the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, a group dedicated to the welfare of retired and rescued racehorses.

Guests were treated to a delightful atmosphere, thanks to Kellie from The Annexe and a memorable vegan dining experience, thanks to the culinary expertise of Tenille Evans from Secret Creek Cafe. The grazing table spread was crafted with a delicious, plant-based menu that emphasised sustainable and compassionate choices, reflecting the event’s spirit. Her dishes were met with high praise, adding a unique flavour to the occasion.

The Annexe buzzed with fun and laughter, a couple of fund-raising activities, and lively conversations on animal welfare and ethical choices—not only toward animals but also in our treatment of one another. The event encouraged community members to consider how we can all contribute to a more compassionate world, whether through ethical celebrations or acts of kindness.

Kellie and Tenille both expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from the community, whose contributions will aid the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses in its continued efforts to safeguard former racehorses. The "Nup to the Cup" proved the Central West’s dedication to both animal and human rights, making a positive impact on all fronts.

Your Energy Efficient Home

The amount of power we use to heat or cool our homes effects how energy efficient we are. Energy efficiency also has a serious effect on our health and wellbeing, with studies showing that death rates during the cold months are 20% - 30% higher than in summer. Additionally, energy efficient homes also have a lower environmental impact.

Making your home more energy efficient and protecting your health doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Learn how you can implement simple, cost-effective measures to create an energy efficient home, in this free event, hosted by Maldhan Ngurr Ngurra, Lithgow Transformation Hub.

Keynote speaker, Tim Forcey, author of My Efficient Electric Home Handbook will speak on how you can make your home more energy efficient and protect your health, whilst saving the planet at the same time.

You will also hear from Lithgow residents who have used Powerpals and thermal cameras to investigate how energy efficient their homes are. They will talk about their discoveries and what they have done to make their homes more energy efficient.

A light lunch and book signing will take place after the speakers.

Event will be held Wed, 20 Nov, 12pm - 2pm at Maldhan Ngurr Ngurra Lithgow Transformation Hub

Bookings are essential and can be made at: https://events.humanitix.com/your-energy-efficient-home

Small Arms Factory Rugby League Annual Reunion

Sunday 24th November at 11:30am Lansdowne Hotel, Main Street Lithgow

Celebrate 58 years of “Factory” football over a pub lunch, a cold beer and the telling of stories. This event is open to all members of any other district club.

It would be fantastic to see as many original members as possible.

$30 Organisation and service staf Free: Secondary students & accompa support staff RSVP cyfc@linc.org.au dvspecialist@lcpinc.org.au for schoo bookings & inquiries

Above: Organisers of the Inaugural Nup to the Cup, Tenille Evans from Secret Creek and Kellie Evans owner of Central West Village Voice. Below: entrants in the best dressed competition.

LITHGOW HALLOWEEN 24

Australia’s Biggest Dress-Up Party Thrills Again

Lithgow’s annual Halloween event once again transformed the town into Australia’s biggest Halloween dress-up party, with thousands of visitors and locals donning their spookiest, most creative costumes. The streets were filled with ghouls, superheroes, mythical creatures, and an array of imaginative outfits that turned Main Street into a lively and eerie spectacle.

The success of this year's Halloween festival owes much to the hard work of the Lithgow City Council and the local community. Mayor Cassandra Coleman expressed her gratitude, saying, “A big thank you to the Lithgow City Council staff and the wider community who have made this year's event bigger and better than ever.” The festival, which has grown in popularity each year, continues to draw crowds eager to experience Lithgow’s unique Halloween charm.

Following the festivities, Mayor Coleman and Councillor Tom Evangelidis spent Wednesday morning visiting Main Street businesses that played a key role in supporting the event. They personally thanked local businesses, including Lost Souls Bookshop, KISS Designs, Mythika Studios, LithGeek Gaming Computers, Ellie Kats, Smart Dollar, Naturally by Nature, Blue Bird Cafe, McGrath Lithgow, Westfund, and Logan Signs. Their contributions helped create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that enhanced the experience for everyone.

The continued success of Lithgow’s Halloween event highlights the community's strong spirit and collaboration, making it a standout celebration in Australia. The town looks forward to next year's event, promising even more fun, frights, and fantastical costumes for all.

Year 6 Students Head Off to Broken Bay Camp!

“And they’re off!” Early this morning, our excited Stage 3 students departed for the biannual Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Camp, ready for three days of adventure and learning. A big thank you to parents and caregivers who helped with luggage and ensured a smooth send-off. These memorable excursions require countless hours of planning, and we’re grateful to our the scenes.

Packed House for First Term 4 Whole School Assembly

Our first whole school assembly of Term 4 was a lively and well-attended event, showcasing student achievements and school spirit. School leaders Emily Warner and Niko Korab led the assembly, with Karma Spence giving a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country to start the proceedings.

Principal Mrs. Lamborn presented the Golden Gotcha, Academic, and Attendance awards, celebrating stories of student growth and dedication. New students Jake and William were warmly welcomed to WPS, receiving welcome certificates. Emily and Niko presented the PBL class awards, while Ruby and Cooper delighted the audience by awarding the Paw Patrol prize.

A highlight of the assembly was a touching PowerPoint presentation organized by Mrs. Lamborn, with the support of staff and students, honoring classroom teachers for World Teachers Day. Students shared thoughtful words about their teachers, creating a warm and appreciative atmosphere.

Adding to the excitement, 5/6 Gold entertained everyone with a comedic drama skit about suggested events for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Mrs. Fraser had the pleasure of awarding the Wangaroo Star Class honor to 5/6 Blue for the fortnight.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our school community and look forward to welcoming you to our next assembly!

Business Forum judged a success

About twenty people came along to hear some of Oberon’s major business owners talk about Our Town, Our Future, which was the business forum hosted by the Oberon Business and Tourism Association, held on October 24. There were five guest speakers.

Zac Rowlandson, who is one of the directors of Oberon Earthmoving, talked about the family owned group of businesses, which also includes Oberon Concrete, Middle Creek Quarry and Super Natural Farms.

Zac talked about the many projects around Oberon that the group of companies is involved with, while also making the point that their priority is to employ local people, rather than importing staff.

Andrew LeLievre, who is Director of the Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust, described what is happening in and around Jenolan Caves, after “an almost 100 year hiatus.” Apart from a huge renovation of Caves House, which is seeing nearly 100 contractors staying in the local area, there is also a lot of scientific work going on while the caves are closed.

Andrew was keen to make the point that local businesses need to work together to create multi day experiences to keep visitors in our area. Jenolan Caves is already working with Destination NSW to build packages and services to offer overseas groups of visitors.

Alex Muldoon, who “basically grew up here”, gave the gathering a run down on the history of Mayfield Garden before talking about the future plans. Alex said that “Mayfield is still a young tourism destination”, with currently around 80,000 visitors each year and employing 50 locals. Alex said that Mayfield is targeting travelling groups who can come during the week, working with Oberon Council and Destination NSW to achieve this.

Becoming a Certified Botanic Garden is one of Alex’s aspirations for the future, which will help elevate the garden’s profile as a horticultural destination. Alex also mentioned plans to develop educational programmes for children.

Matt Armstrong from NBN Co talked about upgrades around Oberon and what is planned for the future. He is a point of contact and a resource for anyone wishing to discuss connectivity in the Oberon area. Matt said that “connectivity is only going to increase and that AI is coming at us in a rush.” Currently, Matt said that nbn is trying to move more businesses to fibre to the premises, however, fibre to the node is sufficient for those who don’t have a high demand for fast upload speeds. Matt said that from September 2025, customers will be able to upgrade their service for additional speed and reliability. Matt also mentioned cyber security, recommending people go to www.cyber.gov.au to see the threats that small businesses are currently facing through the supply chain.

Trent Geddes from the Regional Tech Hub said he is happy to support people while they change technologies. He works as a conduit between the consumer and the tech company. The Regional Tech Hub provides practical, straightforward advice tailored one-on-one to address specific needs or resolve issues facing consumers.

“Our regionally based team understands the challenges faced by residents in rural, regional and remote areas. Regional Tech Hub is funded by the Australian Government and run by the National Farmers’ Federation, ensuring our advice is completely free and independent”, Trent said.

The forum provided a great deal of information for business owners, as well as interested residents. The format is one that OBTA intends repeating, as Oberon’s wealth of successful businesses often “fly under the radar”.

Story Supplied by OBTA

Supporting local businesses means ensuring your town’s future

The Oberon Business and Tourism Association launched a campaign recently to encourage locals to support their local businesses, organisations and cultural events. The message applies to all our towns. We are stronger when we work together.

When you shop locally, you support more than just a business, you’re investing in your entire community. By choosing to shop local, you are contributing to your town’s sustainability.

Create Local Jobs

Local businesses are the backbone of our community, providing essential jobs for residents. When you choose to shop locally, you help create and sustain these jobs. This not only benefits the employees and their families but also contributes to the overall economic stability of your town. Local businesses often tend to hire locally, which means your purchase directly supports your neighbours and friends.

Strengthen the Local Economy

The money spent at local businesses stays within the community, circulating through local purchases, salaries, and services. This reinvestment in the local economy helps to create a robust and resilient economic environment. Studies have shown that for every dollar spent at a local business, a significant portion is reinvested into the community, compared with the minimal local reinvestment from chain stores. This cycle of reinvestment fosters economic growth and sustainability.

Foster a Sense of Community

Local businesses are owned and operated by community members who are invested in the wellbeing of your town. They participate in local events, support community projects and contribute to the unique character of your town. By frequenting these businesses, you help to maintain a vibrant and diverse community where people know and support each other. This sense of community is irreplaceable and enriches the lives of all residents.

Support Schools and Community Projects

Many local businesses are committed to giving back to the community. They sponsor local schools, sports teams and community projects, providing vital funding and support. When you shop locally, you indirectly contribute to these

Oberon Mayor’s Column

The Oberon Outdoor Festival has kicked off with the first of many events for the month of November.

The Black Springs Community Association hosted a movie night on Saturday 2 November 2024 at the Black Springs Hall. An enthusiastic group of community members, young and old, attended a showing of “Despicable Me 4”. The inaugural event was a great success.

The O’Connell community was a hive of activity over the weekend with the O’Connell Cricket Club hosting the first official match at the O’Connell Recreation Ground on Sunday 3 November 2024 between rivals O’Connell and Tarana. A big congratulations to the O’Connell Team which won the first Fish River Cup competition at the new O’Connell Recreational Ground . The new amenities building will be completed by the end of the year and this facility will be an asset to the O’Connell Community and to future games to be played. Thanks go to the Council Outdoor Crew for their hard work in preparing the grounds, ready for the first match. The O’Connell Artisan Markets were held at the same time as the match at the St Thomas Anglican Church with the crowd able to move easily between the two events.

During October, Oberon turned pink in support of the McGrath Foundation, raising an impressive $2,298.23 through community-wide events and activities!

PinkUp Our Schools: $796.40 - Lolly guessing competitions held at Black Springs Public School, Oberon Public School, and St Joseph’s Catholic School brought smiles to many. The magic number was 282, with lucky winners Mrs. Blackburn, Tessa, Hannah, and Kyson taking home the sweet prizes. Oberon Public and St Joseph’s also hosted pinkthemed mufti days and canteens, adding to their fundraising efforts.

PinkUp our Shops: $225.50 - Over 30 shops across Oberon joined the campaign, displaying pink posters with QR codes for direct donations. Additional donations came from collection boxes placed at the Council Administration Building, Library, and Visitor Information Centre.

Pink Skies Photography: $351.78 - Our “Pink Skies” Photo Competition drew over 30 stunning entries featuring vibrant sunrises, sunsets, auroras, and fireworks. Congratulations to our winners, Maddie, Sarah, and Janet, for their captivating shots!

initiatives, helping to improve education and community facilities. This support fosters a better environment for future generations and enhances the quality of life in your town.

Encourage a Vibrant, Thriving Town

Shopping locally helps to create a bustling, lively town atmosphere. Thriving local businesses attract visitors and new residents, contributing to the growth and development of your town. A vibrant town centre with diverse shops, cafes and attractions becomes a focal point for community activity, enhancing the overall appeal of living in your town. This vibrancy is essential for sustaining a dynamic and engaging community life.

Environmental Benefits

Local businesses often source their products locally, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. By shopping locally, you support businesses that are more likely to use sustainable practices and reduce waste. This not only benefits the environment but also promotes healthier living within the community. Every local purchase helps to mitigate the environmental impact, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Personalised Service

Local business owners are passionate about their products and services. They offer personalised customer service, tailored to meet the unique needs of their customers. This level of care and attention cannot be matched by larger chain stores. When you shop locally, you build relationships with business owners who take the time to understand your preferences and cater to your needs, creating a more satisfying shopping experience.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Local businesses are a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. They bring new ideas and products to the market, contributing to the dynamic and evolving landscape of your town’s economy. By supporting these businesses, you encourage creativity and innovation, driving economic progress and development. Local entrepreneurs are more likely to take risks and invest in new ventures, further stimulating growth.

Building a Resilient Community

Pink is the Colour of Fun: $750.00 - Local artist Madison Ryan hosted a popular “Paint it Pink” Afternoon Tea, with a special guest speaker, Kathy Packham from the Women’s Health Clinic, who highlighted the importance of breast self-examinations and health awareness.

Pink is the Colour of Action: $70.00 - Although lightly attended, the Women’s Wellbeing Workshop received wonderful feedback from attendees and provided an intimate space for discussion and learning.

Pink is the Colour of Care: $104.55 - Oberon Council staff enjoyed a donation morning tea with refreshments, offering a warm close to Pink Up October.

A heartfelt thanks to the Finance and Community Services Teams for organising the largest Pink Up Oberon effort in recent history, and to everyone in the Oberon community who participated. Your contributions have truly made a difference in supporting breast cancer awareness and care, and to The McGrath Foundation.

A reminder of outdoor festival activities coming up:

7 Nov - Botanical Printing Workshop at Essington Park 9 Nov - Guided Hike to Box Creek Falls in Kanangra Boyd National Park Sat 17 Nov - Teddy Bear’s Picnic 10am-2pm

Your Council will be meeting on 7 November to review Council policies and then to formally meet to appoint delegates to Committees and external organisations.

In times of economic uncertainty or crisis, local businesses provide stability and resilience. They are more adaptable and responsive to the needs of the community, offering support and resources when needed. A community with a strong local economy is better equipped to withstand challenges and recover more quickly from setbacks. By shopping locally, you contribute to building a resilient and self-sufficient community.

Conclusion

Your dollars stay right here, helping your town grow and flourish! Let’s continue building a stronger community together—one local purchase at a time. By choosing to shop locally, you support local jobs, strengthen the economy, foster a sense of community, and promote a vibrant, thriving town. The benefits are far-reaching, impacting every aspect of life in your town. So next time you make a purchase, consider the positive ripple effects of shopping locally and invest in the future of our community.

Sunday Nov 17 2:00 PM

Friday Nov 22 7:30 PM

Saturday Nov 23 7:30 PM

Sunday Nov 24 2:00 PM

Friday Nov 29 7:30 PM Saturday Nov 30 7:30

NSW's Renewable Future: Long-Duration Storage & The Role of Pumped Hydro and Battery Solutions

As New South Wales accelerates its transition to renewable energy, long-duration energy storage has emerged as a critical component to ensure a stable power grid.

In May 2024, the NSW government launched its biggestever energy storage tender, aiming to solidify a foundation for renewable power. With a recent commitment to nearly double long-duration storage capacity, targeting 28 gigawatt-hours by 2034, NSW is setting ambitious goals to support its renewable energy targets. This push includes a focus on both pumped hydro storage projects and grid-scale batteries. Each has its own strengths and challenges, making it essential to evaluate how they can work in tandem to create a reliable, renewable energy landscape.

Long-duration energy storage is defined by the NSW government as the ability to dispatch electricity over an eighthour period. This storage duration is particularly beneficial for balancing the variability of renewable sources like wind and solar. Energy Minister Penny Sharpe emphasised that longduration storage will play a pivotal role in helping NSW meet its energy needs, especially as coal-fired plants retire. Achieving

reliable long-duration storage means the state can store excess energy generated during high-output periods and release it during peak demand, enhancing grid stability.

The Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project, located near Lithgow, NSW, is an important component of the state’s renewable transition strategy. If this project goes ahead, it aims to deliver up to eight hours of storage capacity. This project involves repurposing existing water infrastructure to create a pumped hydro storage system capable of providing a substantial energy buffer to the grid.

Lake Lyell’s planned capacity aligns well with the government’s long-duration storage goals. By using water from an upper and lower reservoir, the system can store energy in the form of potential energy when excess renewable power is available. When demand peaks, this energy is released by allowing water to flow down, generating electricity through turbines. Projects like Lake Lyell offer a natural, time-tested solution for energy storage, with lifespans that can extend well beyond 50 years, providing NSW with a long-term infrastructure solution.

Despite the project’s classification as Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) by the NSW Government, the Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project has encountered local opposition. At its October meeting, Lithgow City Council voted against supporting the project, reflecting concerns around potential environmental

impacts, cultural site disturbance, and effects on local recreational activities. Community apprehensions emphasise the need to carefully manage environmental and cultural sensitivities in the development process. EnergyAustralia has acknowledged these concerns, relocating the upper reservoir to reduce its visual impact as a response to feedback. The project remains in its feasibility stage, with a final decision expected by mid-2025, and EnergyAustralia has committed to ongoing community engagement.

Battery storage has also been identified as a crucial piece of NSW’s renewable puzzle. Unlike pumped hydro, batteries can be deployed more quickly and at smaller scales, which allows them to support renewable energy projects on a granular level. Batteries can also respond instantaneously to grid demands, offering a fast solution for managing short-term fluctuations in power supply and demand.

Grid-scale battery storage solutions have a more flexible installation process and can be integrated at various locations, enhancing energy distribution efficiency. Battery installations can also be deployed near urban centres where they can alleviate demand surges. As battery technology continues to improve, costs are expected to decrease, making it an increasingly competitive option for supporting renewable energy transitions globally and within NSW.

Comparing Pumped Hydro and Battery Storage: A Look at Pros and Cons

Both pumped hydro and battery storage solutions offer unique benefits, but they also come with their own sets of challenges.

Pros of Pumped Hydro Storage

1. Longevity and Reliability: Pumped hydro storage systems, such as the Lake Lyell project, can have operational lifespans exceeding 50 years. This longevity makes them highly cost-effective over time.

2. High Capacity for Long-Duration Storage: Pumped hydro can offer energy storage durations of up to 8 hours or more, which is beneficial for covering prolonged demand periods.

3. Lower Operational Costs: Once constructed, pumped hydro projects have relatively low maintenance and operational costs compared to batteries.

4. Environmentally Friendly: Pumped hydro storage uses natural water cycles and produces zero emissions during operation, making it a green solution compatible with renewable energy.

Cons of Pumped Hydro Storage

1. High Initial Cost and Long Development Timeline: Projects like Lake Lyell require significant upfront capital and can take several years to develop due to environmental assessments, land acquisition, and complex construction needs.

2. Geographic Limitations: Pumped hydro storage depends on suitable topography, requiring two reservoirs at different elevations. This limits its deployment to specific locations.

3. Environmental Impact on Local Ecosystems: Despite its environmental benefits in terms of emissions, pumped hydro can disrupt local ecosystems and water cycles if not carefully managed.

Working Together for a Renewable Future

Both pumped hydro and battery storage will play essential roles in NSW's renewable energy strategy. The flexibility of battery storage is ideal for stabilising the grid in the short term, responding to fluctuations in supply and demand. In contrast, pumped hydro projects like Lake Lyell offer long-term, highcapacity solutions that can provide consistent energy over prolonged periods.

As NSW continues its ambitious push to establish 28 GWh of long-duration storage by 2034, a diversified approach that includes both pumped hydro and battery storage will be key. Each technology addresses different needs within the grid, and together they can mitigate some of the variability inherent in renewable energy sources.

With pumped hydro projects and increased deployment of battery storage, NSW is well on its way to creating a robust, renewable-powered grid. The state’s commitment to expanding long-duration storage capacity by nearly double showcases its

Pros of Battery Storage

1. Flexibility and Scalability: Batteries can be installed at a variety of scales, from small, distributed systems to large, centralised grid storage solutions, and can be sited in urban and remote areas alike.

2. Rapid Deployment: Battery projects can be implemented in a matter of months, compared to the years required for pumped hydro, allowing them to quickly support the grid.

3. Instantaneous Response: Batteries can respond to grid demand almost instantly, which is beneficial for managing shortterm power fluctuations and frequency regulation.

4. Decreasing Costs: As lithium-ion and other advanced battery technologies develop, costs have been steadily dropping, making battery storage more affordable.

dedication to a sustainable future. By integrating both pumped hydro and battery technologies, NSW can achieve a balanced and reliable energy infrastructure, providing a model for other regions to follow in the global shift toward renewable energy.

There is a sense among some in the community that Lithgow has done its fair share of providing for the state and now we should just enjoy cherry picked projects that are in a alignment with a best case view of the world, however the other side of the same coin is we are uniquely positioned and able to be a significant player in the energy transition of our nation and we need a seat at the table to do that.

The journey to a renewable future is complex and challenging, but strategic investments in long-duration storage will pave the way for a resilient and sustainable energy landscape. It is essential that the Central West remains part of this plan going forward and investigates all options on the table to achieve this goal.

Cons of Battery Storage

1. Shorter Lifespan and Replacement Costs: Most batteries have a lifespan of 10–15 years, requiring replacement and recycling at a higher frequency than pumped hydro facilities.

2. Higher Operational and Maintenance Costs: Compared to pumped hydro, batteries typically incur more operational costs due to regular maintenance and eventual cell degradation.

3. Environmental Concerns with Materials: The production and disposal of batteries involve environmentally sensitive materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. These materials are not only limited but also pose environmental risks if not recycled properly.

4. Limited Duration: While excellent for short-term storage, current battery technology generally doesn’t support durations as long as pumped hydro, making it less suitable for long-duration storage needs.

An old technology, styill relevant today

Some of the first innovations that used water for power were conceived in China during the Han Dynasty between 202 BC and 9 AD. Trip hammers powered by a vertical-set water wheel were used to pound and hull grain, break ore, and in early paper making.

The availability of water power has long been closely associated with kick-starting economic growth.

When Richard Arkwright set up Cromford Mill in England’s Derwent valley in 1771 to spin cotton and create one of the world’s first factory systems, hydropower was the energy source he used

Source: www.hydropower.org.

Do you know what A1AD is?

November is Alpha-1 Awareness Month, a 30-day initiative that encourages the Alpha-1 community to share stories and resources and raise funds to support the search for a cure.

By Rich Evans

In Australia, it's estimated that around 4,000 people have the ZZ genotype for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD)

This year’s theme is “The Power to Connect,” highlighting the importance of connecting with your fellow Alphas through Alpha-1 Support Groups, Alpha-1 specialists and your local community to raise #Alpha1Awareness.

As many of you know, this is the cause of my current health issues, and I would like to share with you some information about how the Alpha 1 condition can affect the liver, as it is more commonly seen as a lung issue.

Normally, the liver makes a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), which then travels through the bloodstream to help protect the lungs and other parts of the body.

In people with Alpha-1, larger than usual amounts of AAT are made in the liver, and this protein is made in a different shape than usual. In people with Alpha-1, almost 85 percent of this protein builds up in the liver and is unable to get to the lungs and other organs.

If the liver cannot break down the abnormal protein, the liver gradually gets damaged and scarred, resulting in a condition called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can result in intestinal bleeding, fluid in the belly (ascites), and other health problems.

Not everyone with Alpha-1 develops liver disease. Researchers are working on discovering other factors that may contribute to the development of liver disease in some Alphas.

Although Alpha-1 cannot be cured, there are ways to prevent or reduce health problems related to Alpha-1, including liver disease.

The best ways to prevent liver problems in someone with Alpha-1 include:

• Avoid drinking alcohol and using tobacco (including smoking and vaping)

• Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight

• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A (hep A) and Hepatitis B (hep B), which can lead to liver damage

• See a doctor for regular checkups and recommended screenings, which may include blood tests, ultrasounds, X-rays, or CT scans

• Talk to a doctor before using any herb, vitamin, or other therapy; some of these items may cause liver damage

As

per my condition though, it is very hard to outrun, I have not had a drink for 24 years, and ate a plant based diet for the last 8 years, and am now on the list for a liver transplant.

Some symptoms of liver disease caused by Alpha-1 can be treated with medications. These include jaundice, internal bleeding, itchiness, and a buildup of fluid in the abdomen.

In people with severe scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) caused by Alpha-1, a liver transplant may be necessary. A liver transplant involves surgery to remove the diseased liver and replace it with a healthy one that has been donated by another person. A healthy liver should make normal AAT.

It’s easy to do a test for Alpha 1 in a blood test, the more people that are aware of this condition the more chance we have of finding medical treatment and potentially cures.

For more information about A1AD or to donate to our local Australian Charity visit https://www.a1oa.org.au/

facebook.com/thevillagevoicecentralwest

Have you been keeping up with Where's Kel?

Daily updates from around the region with Kellie as she travels all over the region.

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Purcell-ebration

ALLEGRI CONCERTS

Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November

Four brilliant soloists will join the Allegri Singers in their final concerts for 2024.Under the concert title Purcell-ebration, William Moxey will direct the ensemble as they perform some of the most sublime music from across five centuries, including two of Henry Purcell’s best- known works. Come Ye Sons of Art is the principal item in the program. It is scored for chorus and orchestra, with vocal solos from one soprano, two counter-tenors, and one bass.

This is a joyful work, composed for the celebration of the birthday of Queen Mary, a devoted patron of the arts, and of Purcell in particular. Orchestral accompaniment will be by the Allegri Players, who will also perform additional works by Purcell and Handel.

Bathurst’s very own Bethany Carter-Sherlock will perform the soprano solo. Bethany is a highly qualified and gifted performer of harp, piano and voice. She has been a chorister and soloist with Allegri Singers in numerous productions, including Handel’s Messiah and Vivaldi’s Gloria. Three more soloists will join the ensemble. Counter-tenors Paul Tenorio and Robert Shlemon Adam, and bass Jesse van Proctor, bring a wealth of experience in solo and ensemble performances in Australia and overseas.

Here is an opportunity to hear some brilliant emerging and established singers, as they join the choir to sing the praises of Queen Mary, on her birthday (in 1694!).

The remainder of the program contains beautiful orchestral and choral music by Purcell, Handel, Bruckner, Rachmaninov, Josquin des Prez and Carissimi.

Two afternoons of musical bliss!

Saturday November 16 at 3pm at the Hoskins Memorial Uniting Church, Lithgow.

Sunday November 17 at 3pm at All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral, Bathurst. Tickets. $45. Concession $40. From BooksPlus Bathurst (cash only)

Leo, Roving Reporter Report from: The music room Story filed: In the navy

Hey there, I'm going to be heading off to work experience in about a day's time. It will last about a week and it's in Sydney so my mother and I will be going down staying with an Aunty for the first night and then we'll be staying in other accommodation for the rest of the week.

I'll be doing my work experience with the Royal Australian Navy Band. The study course consists of me and three other guys, we're the only students doing it. We'll be arriving every day around eight thirty and we'll be rehearsing along with different bands each day; wind orchestra one day and a jazz band the next.

I think we might get some sort of tour of a ship as well, maybe the fourth day. I thought our taxpayer dollars might have provided food, and we might eat in the mess hall but no, we gotta bring our own packed lunch! It's like another SYO music camp but instead of hanging out with other kids my age it will be just us students with a bunch of 'adult' musos.

I'll probably write about how it went in my next column, so if you're interested in reading how it went then stick around for the next iteration of this column.

Until next time

Leo Roving Reporter

Two Arts OutWest exhibitions put local artists on a pedestal

Arts OutWest is quite literally putting the work of artists on pedestals with a two touring exhibition programs on in Bathurst this month.

The Plinth Show featuring Amanda Agustin is at Bathurst Visitor Information Centre throughout November; the photograph exhibition Behind the Lens is at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre to the 27 November.

Arts OutWest’s Plinth Show displays work of a different artist, on portable plinths, at a different public place or visitor information centre around the Central West each month for 12 months.

Bathurst artist Amanda Agustin will show a series of miniature paintings including a trio of garden critters. The T.Arts member artist finds endless inspiration in the natural world:

“I find endless inspiration in the natural world, looking in close to capture detail. My hope is that the viewer may take pause to see otherwise unseen details or intricacies and share my wonder,” Amanda Agustin said.

"I live in Bathurst and find many ‘muses’ in our natural environment and the cycles of our four definite seasons. Often my pieces are in a specimen illustration style, on a plan background,” Amanda Agustin said.

Behind the Lens features photographs by Arts OutWest media associates Gus Armstrong (Kandos), Helen Carpenter (Grenfell), Carolyn Hide (Blackheath), Neil Hide (Blackheath), Adam Kerezsy (Lake Cargelligo, Zenio Lapka (Blayney), Kathy Parnaby (Condobolin), Alan Sadleir (Bathurst), Judi Unger (Peak Hill) and Dean Whiting (Bathurst). These are personal, creative images from the team of photographers and digital storytellers from across the Central West employed by Arts OutWest to capture arts events and activities. The exhibition previously showed in Forbes in June and will move to Peak Hill in December.

The plinth Show is open during Bathurst Visitor Information Centre opening hours, 9.30am-4.30pm. Behind the Lens is open 10am to 4om Monday to Friday and during shows at BMEC

Both exhibitions are curated by Arts OutWest’s Steven Cavanagh.

Lithgow Table Tennis Update

Supplied Story

Round 10

Close matches were the highlight of Round Ten of the Lithgow Table Tennis Association Summer Competition played at the La Salle Sports Hall and, as a result, Spinners and Charolais have locked up the top two spots.

Charolais and The Boys, who were playing a man short, went virtually game-for-game the whole way, with The Boys holding early 5-4 and 7-6 leads. However, Charolais tied it up at 10-all at the completion of the singles. Unfortunately for The Boys, after they took the first doubles 2-1 to go up 12-11, they were forced to forfeit the second 2-0 to hand Charolais the victory, 13-12.

A solid team effort from Charolais was just enough to secure the win, as Linda Kappos scored 4-2, Shane Eagle 4-4 and Sean Jenkins 2-4.

The Boys team members had to play extra rubbers and just fell short, with Mick Wagner doing all he could in posting a perfect 8-0, while Mark McAulay struggled at 2-10.

The other match between Spinners and Grippers was a topsyturvy affair, which saw the teams locked together at 5-all and then 9-all, before Grippers entered the doubles with a slender 11-10 edge. Spinners won the first doubles 2-0 to go ahead 12-11 but Grippers snatched the second 2-1 to force a 13-all tie.

Leon Rust led the way for Grippers with 6-2, as Lou Kappos finished 3-4 and Sharnie Roberts 2-4.

For Spinners, Kevin Wright produced the best record at 5-2, followed by Riza Wiradi (4-3) and Pauline Wellfare (1-6)

Pointscore: Charolais 27, Spinners 29, Sharnie’s Boys 17, Grippers 12.

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• Detached garage

• Rear lane access to The Millpond parkland and trout

• Easy maintenance yard and landscaping included.

• Brand new home with heritage appeal in one of the Central West’s fastest evolving towns.

Western Region Dragon Boat Regatta 2024

Story: Laurence Outim - Photo by Robbie Beet

Bathurst Pan Dragons enjoyed an exciting day of dragon boat racing at Lake Canobolas, Orange on 3 Nov 2024 for the annual Western Region Regatta. This event was attended by 15 clubs, including two from Sydney for the 200m racing. Some clubs combined their crews like the Western Waratahs Mens (Bathurst, Narrabri, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains) which were needed to fill the boats fitting up to 20 paddlers.

The Bathurst mixed team made it to the final but missed out on a podium position. Our Bathurst womens team not only made it to the final but finished 2nd earning silver medals which was a fantastic achievement. Head coach Deb Clarke was proud of all our efforts, "A big shout out to our club members who raced in the Western Region Regatta. Really strong deep starts and solid racing. Two finals - mixed and women. Silver medal ... go girls. Thanks to all who contributed to making today a success".

For anyone interested in giving dragon boating a go, membership is available for men, women & children 10 years and older. The first 5 sessions are at no cost. Training is at Chifley Dam. We cater for competitive and social/fitness paddling. For more information go to www.bathurstpandragons.org

BLACKCATS WIN 12th MIDWEST RUGBY LEAGUE TITLE

Story

and photos by John Fitzgerald

With their 20-0 grand final win over Carcoar Crows the Blackheath Blackcats won back-to-back titles at Blackheath’s Don Bradman Oval – and overall their 12th Midwest premiership.

Three extra clubs were welcomed back to the competition this year including Rockley, Wallerawang and Woodstock, the Woodstock club having famously won the 1983 Midwest premiership over Blackheath with former Parramatta Eels’ international Bob O’Reilly in the side.

The Blackcats, with one of their strongest-ever sides, have been the dominant side over this year’s short season, showing their intent in the first round with a 52-6 win over Wallerawang but Carcoar, also undefeated with a bye in round three, were worthy grand final opponents.

The Blackheath leaguetag team shared premiership honours with Rockley after a marathon extra-time golden-point period where neither side were able to score the winning game-breaker, the final score 10-all.

PLATYPI LOOM AS DANGER SIDE IN WWRL

Story by John Fitzgerald and Paige Gallagher, Photos by John Fitzgerald

The final premiership round of the Western Women’s Rugby League resulted in wins to Goannas and Vipers, with Bathurst Platypi having the bye.

Goannas and Vipers, as in previous seasons, are once again, with Platypi, the most consistent sides going into the finals, with the Bathurst team looming again as the danger club.

With just the one early hiccup, a loss to old rivals Goannas in round 2, Platypi has won every game since then to bounce back into premiership contention, finishing as minor premiers with a massive 88-point differential over nearest rivals Vipers.

In their previous round 6 game against Mudgee the Platypi were decisive winners on the scoreboard but were unhappy with their completion rate.

Of that game, won 28-0, coach Kevin Grimshaw said “To keep a team scoreless was a massive effort. Moving forward we have to eliminate our unforced errors to give ourselves every opportunity in coming weeks.

“The fact we’re gunning for a fourth consecutive premiership is incredible,” he said.

Platypi’s under-18 side, undefeated minor premiers under coach, former NRLW player Cheynoah Amone, are also looking a big threat in their competition.

The senior Platypi side will begin the defence of their title in this week’s first finals game at their Bathurst headquarters.

The combined leaguetag grand final rivals, Blackheath and Rockley

The successful Blackheath premiership side

Pictured:   Kate Gullifer in an earlier game

1. Degree ceremony

6. Crazed

10. Stockpile

15. Primary

18. Document attachments

19. Feminists, women’s ...

20. Clay lump

22. Economise, ... & save

23. Spiritualist meetings

24. Refine

25. For the time being, pro ...

26. Pursuit

28. Diner

30. Octopus fluid

31. Lightweight timber

32. Nicholas or Ivan

33. Sunbeams

34. Demand as right

35. October stone

37. Famed London gallery

39. Wedding promise (1,2)

40. Properly positioned, in ...

42. Sheet of glass

45. Unscrambled (secret message)

48. Space flight agency

49. The N of NB

50. Disbelief in deities

53. Unit of resistance

54. Hang on

56. Try to vomit

59. Natives of Inverness or Aberdeen

61. Globe

62. Address to king

63. Coal by-product

64. Charged atom

65. Restore to health

66. Musket or pistol

68. Dithering

69. Gallivant (about)

70. Miss alarm call

71. Examiners

72. Offshoot

73. Distributed (6,3)

74. Liqueur, ... Maria

76. Traditional (3-4)

78. Eludes

80. Follower of Brahma

81. Reworked (script)

84. Wolves’ homes

85. Mariner

87. Exemplify

89. Haute cuisine exponent

92. Breadwinners

94. Tyrant

96. Take full advantage of

97. Fermented

98. Seem to pass slowly

100. Verbal repetition

101. Tide movements, ... & flows

104. Guillotine

105. Country singer, ... Nelson

107. Pastoral

108. Electrician or mechanic

112. Cries in pain

113. Uncertain

115. Vienna is there

117. Couple

118. Dampener

120. “No” vote

121. Filling (bag) again

123. Quick (response) (5-4)

125. Knack

126. Organiser

127. Offensive youth

129. Leaning Tower of ...

130. Mob crime boss

131. Hairpiece

133. Sweetly appealing

134. Scold persistently

136. Human trunk

137. Setting

140. Mediterranean republic isle

141. Tell falsehood

142. Get rid

146. Jazz legend, ... Fitzgerald

147. Horse colour

148. Begrudges

152. Household dirt

154. Jog

155. Thou shalt ... steal

156. Week divisions

157. Streak in cheese

159. Milk-bottle container

160. Chimed

162. Robust

164. Dices

165. Phooey!

167. Throat growth

169. Oregon & Wyoming’s neighbour

171. Bar bill

173. Give way

174. Female warriors

175. Sculpted figure

177. Fleur-de-lis

178. Moronic

179. Postural exercise regime

180. Pong

181. Withdraws (troops)

182. Removed errors from 183. Collided with flank

1. Fitness clubs

2. Burning out of control

3. City known as the Riviera of Mexico

4. Signify

5. Ninjutsu fighter

6. Prejudices

7. Send back to homeland

8. Covert spying, ... surveillance

9. Actor, ... Grammer

10. Monastery superior

11. Well-defined (5-3)

12. Lose

13. Inclusive of costs (3-2)

14. Swirl

16. Misbehave (3,2)

17. Agile

20. Forms into ridges

21. Emergency contact, next ... (2,3)

27. Typist

29. Murdered by hit man

35. 4-sided shape

36. Father of Cain & Abel

38. Concede

41. Hawk’s claw

43. Slugs

44. Small earphone

46. Cone bearing

47. Dead

51. Covers up (6,2)

52. Notoriously

55. Centre of church

56. Held royal office

57. Veil netting

58. Dash, ... it

60. Toothed wheels

67. Aspirant

69. Skimpy underwear (1-6)

72. For a specific purpose (2,3)

75. Supermarket lane

77. Lifeless (object)

79. Namby-pambies

82. Engrossed

83. Stringed instruments

86. Foolish

88. Principle

90. The H of HMS

91. Low cloud

92. Stroke gently

93. Furtive

94. Lyrical poem

95. Burgle

98. Challenged (to)

99. Plane-travel complex

102. Cajoling talk

103. Coward

104. Draughtsman’s detailed sketches

106. Abnormal thinness

108. Maths branch

109. Holds fast (to)

110. Sewer gas

111. Parochial (6-6)

114. Crested parrot

116. Extremists

119. New wife

122. Corporals,

sergeants etc. (1,1,2)

124. La Scala highlight

125. Ex-California governor, ... Schwarzenegger

128. Spool

130. Laundry machine

132. Excessively sunny 135. Divinities

138. Shifting

139. Heading for Arctic

141. Combine 143. Tickles 144. Braiding

145. Accelerating, ... up 149. Guided

150. Moulds in relief

151. Mini-series lead (1,1,4)

153. Brown pigment

158. Instil 161. Geronimo’s tribe 163. Spoke with

SUDOKU Last week's solutions

Kate Hook Campaign Launch Party

Community Independent Candidate for Calare

Kate Hook Campaign Launch Party

Robertson Park, Summer St, Orange Saturday, 9th November | 2pm - 4pm

Enjoy live music entertainment by Pat & Kel O’Donnell, grab yourself a democracy sausage, have the kids' faces painted and pick up a campaign shirt or hat.

Hear from Kate and guest speakers about how Kate will work for us to bring about the change we want to see for communities across Calare.

Connect with community, friends and supporters ahead of the 2025 Federal election.

Authorised by Jason Vials, 1 Bathurst Road, Orange NSW 2800