Shop Local, Holiday Local
Strengthening Our Regional Communities this Christmas
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Central West News
Central West Village Voice
Publisher Rich Evans on behalf of Central West Media Pty Ltd
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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.
Community Independent enters “Calare’s most important election.”
The major parties are not listening and regional communities need a voice in Canberra, one who will push fearlessly for the action we need to build resilience and thrive.
This was the overwhelming finding of research conducted across Calare by community organisation Independent Calare (formerly Voices 4 Calare) via surveys and informal discussions known as kitchen table conversations.
The group is once again backing Kate Hook, community engagement consultant and long time Orange resident, as their community independent candidate for the 2025 Federal Election, after finding 87% of surveyed supporters agreed she should build on her achievement in 2022.
Ms Hook won 40 percent of the vote after preferences at the 2022 federal election, backed by over 600 volunteers who staffed campaign offices and campaigned for her in every town in the electorate.
“What we saw last time was the power of community to get behind a vision for the future and work together to make real change.
“The
first step to building a community-led campaign is to give people an opportunity to connect, learn about how it works, and to feel welcome to participate, and that’s what the launch event on was all about.
“My decision took some time. I don’t want to waste people’s time and donations if it’s not going to achieve the best outcome for our community, so we sought advice and analysis and have concluded that this election is winnable.”
“Calare knows the benefits of being represented by a genuine independent, with Peter Andren holding the seat from 1996 to 2007, and our consultations suggest voters would like another
MP who is willing to take a clear position on important issues, rather than wait to see what’s politically popular, and who has no ambition but to look after the best interests of our community, “This will be Calare’s most important election. We have some big decisions that we absolutely must get right. Our future wellbeing and regional economy depend on it, particularly with effective action on climate change and resilience, and the huge opportunity we have to develop clean, reliable and affordable renewable energy. “
“Australia has already switched 40% of the national grid to renewable energy, and this momentum presents huge opportunities for Calare, which has been assessed by ANU as one of the top two federal electorates out of 151 to benefit economically from the change to renewable energy.
“It would be crazy to squander this leading position and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to diversify incomes for
farmers (without reducing agricultural output), to provide high quality local careers for young people, to encourage new business and industry on the back of abundant, clean energy and to attract capital to communities to support their vision for the future. I have spent the last two years supporting communities to lead this process from a position of strength.
“When it’s done well, it can be the boost that regional communities need to thrive for decades into the future. I have worked with communities who have resolved housing shortages, lack of health, transport and aged care services, housing availability and cost of living challenges by harnessing this opportunity, with the community on the front foot. We can do that here, and so much more, together.”
“It’s time for evidence-based, community-led leadership in Calare.”
Shop Local, Holiday Local: Strengthening Our Regional Communities this Christmas
As the festive season approaches, there’s no better time to embrace the power of shopping local and holidaying at home. Supporting small, medium, and local retail businesses not only helps communities thrive but also ensures your dollars stay within the region, creating jobs, and strengthening local economies.
Shopping local is more than just ticking off your Christmas list—it’s a powerful driver of economic stability and growth in regional communities. When you spend money with local businesses, a significant portion of that money stays within the community, creating a “multiplier effect.” For every dollar spent at a local business, an average of 67 cents remains in the local economy, compared to only 43 cents when spent at non-local businesses. This retained wealth supports local jobs, services, and infrastructure.
Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Australia’s economy, employing nearly 7.5 million Australians as of 2023. In regional areas, these businesses often account for a larger share of employment, sometimes up to 80% of the workforce. By supporting them, you’re directly contributing to job security and even the creation of new roles.
Shopping local also strengthens community resilience. Regional areas in Australia often face economic challenges, such as the downturn of traditional industries like coal or agriculture. Supporting local businesses helps diversify the economic base, making communities more adaptable in times of change. When businesses thrive, they reinvest in the community, sponsor local events, and foster social cohesion. This goes beyond main street businesses also, including home based businesses and local markets.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, regional Australians spend an average of $28 billion annually on retail goods. Redirecting even a small portion of this spending to local businesses could inject millions into regional economies, boosting financial health and encouraging entrepreneurial innovation.
Holidaying at Home
This year, why not pair shopping local with holidaying local? Choosing to holiday within your own region offers numerous advantages. Not only do you save on travel costs, but you also contribute directly to the local tourism industry—a sector that plays a vital role in regional Australia’s economic health.
Tourism often accounts for a greater share of GDP and employment in regional areas than in capital cities. Whether it’s visiting nearby attractions, dining at local restaurants, or staying in regional accommodations, every dollar spent helps local businesses and their employees. After the challenges of recent years, your support can make a real difference in revitalizing this essential industry.
A Celebration of Community Spirit
Shopping local means more than just buying a product—it’s about connection. You’re engaging with real people, not just online couriers, discovering unique treasures, and fostering pride in your community. From handcrafted gifts to locally sourced produce, your purchases sustain the hard work and passion of small business owners.
This Christmas, The Central West Village Voice encourages everyone to explore their local shops, markets, and regional getaways. To make the season even brighter, Kellie will be visiting local businesses across the region. If you’d like Kellie to stop by and feature your business, reach out at kellie@villagevoice.net.au.
Let’s make this holiday season a celebration of community spirit by shopping local and holidaying at home. Together, we can strengthen our regional communities and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
The Government’s Limited Cash
“Mandate” Won’t Keep Cash King In Australia
Statement from Andrew Gee MP
Announcement by the Treasurer that the Australian Government is going to make cash transactions compulsory for essential services simply doesn’t go far enough and isn’t good enough.
It’s a second-rate approach that acknowledges that the community wants action to keep cash but it will not be effective.
It won’t stop businesses phasing out the use of cash and won’t keep cash king in Australia.
It will only end up applying to big businesses and while it may force the supermarket giants and big fuel companies to keep cash, it won’t go much further.
Australians around our nation who still want to use cash for everyday transactions will be disappointed by the government’s response to this issue.
In country areas there are many people who don’t buy their food and groceries from major supermarket chains and who use cash to buy a whole range of goods and services which won’t be caught by the government’s socalled mandate.
It’s a shame that there wasn’t more engagement from the Treasurer’s office on what they were planning because I think that they could have done a lot better than this.
In June, I introduced into the Parliament my Keeping Cash Transactions in Australia Bill 2024.
My Bill mandates that businesses operating in face-to-face settings, must accept cash for transactions that don’t exceed $10,000.
If the government is serious about keeping cash in Australia it should back in my Bill.
Australians should have the confidence to carry cash in their wallets, knowing that at any given moment they can use their legal tender to make a purchase anywhere at anytime.
Not everyone is able to use online banking services. Many people, including senior Australians, find managing accounts and cards online to be stressful and confusing.
Cash is often used in rural areas by people who do not have ready access to banking services or reliable internet access. Likewise, cash transactions are unaffected by digital failures. Cash is vital during outages or disasters.
Not to mention that using cards often means facing additional fees and surcharges, giving up your privacy, and dealing with the risk of fraud. And how can we teach our children about the value of money if they don’t know what it is?
I’m going to keep fighting to keep cash king in Australia and I urge the government to re-think its tame and timid approach and back my Bill.
Let’s Keep Cash King in Australia!
SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER
Andrew GEE MP INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE
Your Country Your Voice
SIGN THE RURAL DOCTORS SHORTAGE CRISIS PETITION
Our regional health services are in crisis. All around our area doctors are leaving and they’re not being replaced. From our smaller communities to our larger regional centres, the impacts of this crisis are devastating.
This crisis is just going to heap more pressure on already overstretched emergency departments in our regional communities. Change is urgently needed.
I’ve been meeting with local doctors and practice managers across the Central West to discuss this crisis.
CENTRAL WEST RAISED IN QUESTION TIME
Recently in Question Time I put a national spotlight on the rural doctor shortage crisis that is unfolding across our region and country Australia.
I asked the federal Health Minister when real and effective action was going to be taken to solve it:
“To The Health Minister, across the Central West doctors are leaving the bush. From smaller towns like Canowindra, Kandos and Gulgong to larger
On the 11th hour of the 11th month of 1918 the guns on the Western Front fell silent.
It was an honour to attend Lithgow’s Remembrance Day service last week and speak of the enormous service and sacrifice that Australians have made for our country through the generations.
In my address I spoke of Mary Callaghan who laid the foundation stone for the Lithgow War Memorial in 1917 having lost two sons (Horace and Stanley) on the Western Front in 1916. In October 1918 she unveiled the memorial having lost a third son, Walter, just a month before. Walter was killed two months before Armistice Day in 1918.
On Armistice Day 2024 we remembered all those who have served Australia and recommit ourselves as a community, region and nation to the ongoing care,
ones like Wellington and Mudgee our communities are being left without doctors and those that remain can’t cope. South Mudgee Surgery and Mudgee Medical Centre have closed their books to new patients. This crisis is a disgrace. When will your government take real and effective action to immediately fix this outrageous crisis and deliver more doctors to central western New South Wales and country Australia?”
Unfortunately, the Minister’s response was just not good enough.
CENTRAL WEST RAISED IN QUESTION TIME AGAIN
This week in Question Time I again specifically referred to Central West towns and asked the federal Health Minister what his government was doing to end this crisis and whether he would come to our region:
“The rural doctor shortage crisis is having devastating consequences for the health of our residents in Central Western New South Wales. Gulgong no longer has any doctors, practices in communities like Mudgee, Molong and Canowindra have closed their books to new patients, and it takes
two months to see a doctor in Wellington. What are you doing to fix this appalling situation, and will you personally visit our region and meet with local doctors and concerned residents to see the shocking effects this crisis is having?”
Disappointingly, the Minister did not commit to visiting this region, but I will keep fighting for real and effective action to end the rural doctor shortage crisis.
TO EASE THIS CRISIS THERE ARE THINGS THE GOVERNMENT CAN BE DOING STRAIGHT AWAY
• Beef up Medicare bulk billing patient payment rates and bulk billing incentive payments for country GPs.
• Reinstate country areas as a priority for overseas trained doctors. When overseas doctors came to Australia, it used to be a requirement that they had to practice in country areas for a few years. This is no longer the case. They can now come into Australia and setup a practice in the cities where they can make more money.
• Increase the number of medical students at our country medical schools like Charles
Sturt University at Orange. At the moment the government has limited medical student numbers to 37 per year. This needs to be at least doubled immediately.
• Better support country GPs in their practices including better incentives for them to work in the bush e.g. housing.
COUNTRY PEOPLE DESERVE BETTER
Our residents deserve the same access to medical treatment and services as people in the cities. It is an outrageous fact that the further away you live from a city, the lower your life expectancy is. This crisis is just putting more strain on our already overstretched emergency departments.
YOU CAN HELP, SIGN MY PETITION!
To keep the pressure on, I’ve started a petition to get more doctors to the bush. Almost 13,000 people have signed so far. You can too by searching our change. org petition called: End the Rural Doctor Shortage Crisis.
treatment and welfare of our ADF, veterans and their families.
The men and women who serve Australia give our country their best and they deserve nothing less than our best in return.
Lest we forget.
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 (Kate Hook) in the field for Calare backed by their big city money, which by the time we get to the election, will probably total hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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!
Everyone’s welcome to run 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.
So when you see all the slick ads on TV and social media – ask yourself: where’s the money coming from? And what strings are attached? And keep in mind that slick ads are no substitute for hard work on the ground. As the Beatles famously sang, money doesn't always buy you love!
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
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 giving his final speech in November, Mr Farraway has admitted that campaigning
LITHGOW SMALL ARMS MUSEUM
Irecently visited the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum which has remained closed after a break-in occurred in August.
The volunteer-run museum can’t re-open until security upgrade work (which has been requested by police) is approved by Thales, which owns the site. In the meantime the museum is forking out $3,000 a week to pay for security until the upgrades happen.
I have written to the CEO of Thales about this issue and really hope that it can be amicably and constructively sorted out soon, as this is a massive financial burden for the volunteers.
Ten thousand people visit the museum every year and it’s a key tourist drawcard for Lithgow.
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 hasn't actually named a resignation date.
By announcing in October that he was giving his final speech in November, but 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.
Lithgow Industrial Heritage Icon at Risk – Let’s Save It
The Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum (LSAFM), a cornerstone of Australia’s industrial heritage, is at risk of shutting down, and it urgently needs our help.
The museum, housed in the original factory buildings, preserves the history of high-precision manufacturing in Australia, showcasing not only firearms but also tools, sewing machines, and many other products that helped shape the nation.
But it’s more than a collection—it’s a living museum that tells the stories of the people who worked there. Visitors can see the original machinery in action, explore rare records and artifacts, and connect with an essential part of our shared history. Recognized on the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World register, the museum draws visitors and researchers from across the globe. Yet now, it’s fighting to survive.
To rally support and raise funds, the museum is hosting a free Community Day and Concert at its historic site on 69 Methven Street, Lithgow. Everyone is invited to reconnect with the museum and see how it’s working to preserve our industrial heritage.
The Museum will be open on Saturday 23 November from 10 am to 2:30 pm.
There will be a Solo Violin Concert by Jonathon Glonek: 3 pm in the historic General Machine Shop.
Informal Tours: See the damage from the recent break-in and learn about the restoration plans.
Talks on Rare and Unusual Firearms: A pistol designed for triangular cartridges; A WWII-era German belt buckle pistol; A pistol that fires
There will also be onsite Family History Connections: Chat with Deb about our records of past factory employees and uncover your family’s links to the factory.
Museum Shop Open: Find unique gifts for the holidays
Sizzle, Cakes, and Drinks: Available all day.
Come along to support the museum, enjoy the community spirit, and experience the incredible heritage we’re working to protect. All events a free but donations are gratefully accepted.
The future of the museum
The museum has been closed since a break-in on 25 August, which left it needing major security upgrades to protect its firearms collection. These upgrades are essential to keep its firearms permits. Without them, the collection could be confiscated, and the museum would have to close.
Volunteers have worked tirelessly to meet the requirements set by building owner Thales Group, but approvals for repairs and upgrades are still pending. In the meantime, the museum is spending $5,000 a week on night security guards, draining its finances. The delays are also preventing the museum from reopening and earning income.
For over seven years, the museum has been working to purchase the site for a nominal price. It has already invested $800,000 in improvements and $3.8 million worth of volunteer labor, but the sale has stalled. Without ownership, the museum is left in limbo, unable to move forward with much-needed repairs.
Heritage experts, including Dr. Bronwyn Hanna, have applied for an interim heritage order to protect the site, but no decision has been made.
The Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum isn’t just about Lithgow— it’s about all of us. It’s a unique part of Australia’s history, showcasing the skills and ingenuity that helped build the nation. Losing it would be a devastating blow to our heritage.
By joining the Community Day and donating, you can help ensure this vital institution remains a part of Australia’s story for generations to come.
Let’s come together to preserve this incredible piece of history. We can’t wait to see you on the 23rd of November!
mini-rockets; A walking stick gun—and more!
Sausage
NRMA Insurance launches ‘The Summer of Community Cricket’
NRMA Insurance, A Help Company, has launched its 2024 Community Cricket Club Grants Program, to help local clubs build community connection.
NRMA Insurance, now in its third year of partnership with Cricket Australia, is celebrating the important role that grass roots cricket plays in building community connection and resilience right across the country.
On the eve of what is expected to be a blockbuster summer test series, NRMA Insurance is offering twelve $5,000 grants to local cricket clubs, encouraging winners to use the funds to further bring their community together, and to foster and strengthen connection - through events, gala days or family days.
Australian test cricketing great Nathan Lyon, speaking at a recent community cricket event, highlighted the importance of community cricket clubs in his life and the contribution they make to local communities across the country.
“Community cricket is where I planted my roots, I learnt so much in those years playing for my local clubs in country New South Wales and Canberra, especially the importance of teamwork and enjoying the game. I made some great friends, and we were a close-knit community who supported each other through the wins and losses, both on and off the cricket field.
“My passion for the game started in those early days, so I’m proud to support this NRMA Insurance initiative and can’t wait to see local clubs across the country celebrate with their communities and celebrate the sport we all love,” he added.
NRMA Insurance Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Michelle Klein said “Helping our customers and their communities is at the heart of A Help Company. It is wonderful to have another opportunity to see first-hand the positive impact our Cricket Grants can have to further support local cricket clubs and communities.
“Since 2021 NRMA Insurance has been thrilled to award Cricket Grants to local clubs that pride themselves on fostering community spirit, celebrating their love of the sport and developing young talent who will shape the future of Australian cricket."
"Local cricket is at the heart of the community, and we’re excited to see how this year’s Grants will be enjoyed by local clubs and communities across the nation. Our goal is to help communities be closer connected, stronger and more resilient, which is particularly important during extreme weather events. That’s what A Help company would do.”
NRMA Insurance invites local clubs across the country to apply for their Community Cricket Club Grants Program from 9am on Friday 15 November by visiting: www.nrma.com.au/cricket/community-grant.
Applications close 31 January 2025.
Casual speeding is the biggest cause of trauma on NSW roads
ANZ Seeds of Renewal grants $250,000
to rural and regional communities
ANZ and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) have awarded $250,000 in grants to 22 community groups and not-for-profit organisations through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal program.
Now in its 22nd year, the program provides grants to community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia. The awarded funds will support projects that align with one of four key areas: improving access to housing; increasing financial wellbeing; advancing environmental sustainability; or helping communities to thrive.
ANZ Head of Agribusiness, Mark Bennett said: “For over two decades, Seeds of Renewal has provided more than $6 million to approximately 930 projects, helping around 870 communities in remote and regional Australia build their resilience, sustainability and vibrancy.
“We are proud to provide funding for a diverse mix of projects that will support lasting economic and social growth for rural communities. These targeted and well-informed grants allow local organisations to implement initiatives that will have a meaningful impact and ensure the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia.”
FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton said: “Across remote, rural and regional Australia, not-for-profit organisations play a vital role in helping address the critical environmental, financial, housing or wellbeing needs of their communities.
“Through partnerships, such as our longstanding association with ANZ, we can support and fund these groups to lead local initiatives and continue to strive for, and celebrate, the liveability, sustainability and vibrancy of Australia's remote, rural and regional communities,” Ms Egleton said.
In the Central West two programs were funded under the grants:
PlusCommunity Limited in Orange, received $15,000 for the Wirree Crisis Refuge Laundry Upgrade Project to upgrade community facilities to ensure a clean and functional space that supports the alleviation of homelessness in a regional community.
Regional Counselling Limited in Bathurst received $15,000 for their Redefine Your Future Porgram.
This program aims to enhance financial wellbeing of young adults by delivering workshops focussed on improving financial literacy, management and independence.
LAUNCH OF VISION 20/50:
Imagining the Arts of the Future
Step into the future with the launch of the Vision 20/50 Festival, a groundbreaking speculative arts event that envisions the creative possibilities of the year 2050. Hosted in the Central West, this unique Festival positions artists as architects of an optimistic and flourishing future.
In 2024, nine talented regional artists were challenged to dream big—imagining artworks that could only be realised in the year 2050 and the world in which those creations could exist. The result is a visionary program that reflects on the power of imagination and the role of art in shaping our collective future.
The Vision 20/50 Festival program unveils nine original hypothetical artworks, including cosmic-immersive installations, inter-species collaborative performances, and textile-genetics as a wellbeing practice. Each concept invites audiences to consider how creativity can respond to challenges and opportunities of the next few decades.
The launch event promises to be more than just an unveiling—it’s a celebration of regional art, a glimpse into an ambitious future, and a chance to connect with the community. Tickets are just $15 and include delicious nibbles.
Don’t miss this inspiring and thought-provoking evening to round out a monumental year for the arts in the Central West. Book now at https://events.humanitix.com/vision-20-50-an-impossible-festival-launch.
This is your opportunity to experience the future of art, today!
About FRRR: The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal - FRRR - is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring the social and economic strength of remote, rural and regional communities. FRRR's unique model connects common purposes and investment with locally prioritised needs, to create communities that are vital and resilient. Since FRRR's start in 2000, it has delivered more than $200 million to more than 15,000 projects.
FARRAWAY UNVEILS PLAN TO ADDRESS DOCTOR
SHORTAGE
The Nationals Candidate for Calare Sam Farraway has blasted the dire healthcare situation across the Central West, calling for immediate action and stronger incentives to attract and retain GPs for the Central West.
Mr Farraway said with locals from the Mudgee & Gulgong regions forced to drive hours to Bathurst, Orange, or even Sydney for basic care, it’s beyond time for an overhaul in how regional healthcare is prioritised.
“It’s disgraceful that families across Central West NSW are traveling hundreds of kilometres just to see a GP. Recently, a couple had to drive all the way to Sydney for help with a nosebleed—that’s not just inconvenient, it’s appalling,” Mr Farraway said.
“For these families, driving hours for care is a bitter pill to swallow—we need local solutions, not long commutes.
“Labor forgets about the bush when it comes to healthcare. But if I’m elected, I’ll be fighting tooth and nail to bring doctors back to our communities. This is non-negotiable. The Central West deserves real healthcare access, close to home.”
“My prescription for change is attracting more GPs to the Central West. I’ll be pushing for better incentives to bring more doctors, whether that’s in the Nats party room, the Coalition party room or on the floor of the Australian Parliament.”
The four key initiatives to address the rural doctor shortage are:
• Expand CSU's Murray Darling Medical School and train more doctors in the bush, for the bush—keeping graduates in regional communities to support local families.
• Wipe HECS debts for rural GPs who commit to more than three years in the country, breaking down financial barriers and boosting rural healthcare.
• Rural loadings for country GPs in high-need areas, like Mudgee, Gulgong, Wellington, Canowindra and Carcoar so their essential work is properly recognised and supported.
• Investing in train and retain in the bush to develop GPs locally and keep them here longterm, securing stable healthcare access.
• Ensuring that regional areas get a fair share of overseas doctors moving to Australia.
“This plan puts people first. It’s unacceptable that regional families are left high and dry while city communities get the care they need,” Mr Farraway said.
“Healthcare reform for the bush is a top priority. No more excuses, no more petitions, no more protests and no more talk. Our rural communities deserve a fair go—it’s time to bring doctors back to the Central West of NSW.”
End-of-Year Business After Hours Event
Announced
The Bathurst Business Chamber, Bathurst Young Professionals, and Bathurst Regional Council are coming together to host an exciting end-ofyear Business After Hours event on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Set against the backdrop of the impressive Central Tablelands Collection Facility at 20 Leena Street, Bathurst, this event is an opportunity for local professionals to network, celebrate the year’s achievements, and look ahead to 2025.
Guests will enjoy light refreshments as they explore the state-of-the-art facility, which plays a key role in waste management and sustainability for the region. The event offers a relaxed atmosphere for building connections with other professionals and learning more about the innovative practices at the Collection Facility.
The Business After Hours series is a cornerstone of the Bathurst business community, fostering collaboration and supporting professional growth. This final session of the year promises to be both informative and enjoyable, making it a must-attend for local business leaders and aspiring professionals alike.
Mark your calendars and join the celebration. Don’t miss this chance to network, celebrate, and engage with the Bathurst business community as 2024 comes to a close. To RSVP, go to the Chamber’s website at www.bathurstbusiness.com.au/events/
Bathurst Gears Up for NYE Party in the Park
The Bathurst Business Chamber is thrilled to announce the return of the NYE Party in the Park, a vibrant celebration to ring in the new year on Sunday, 31 December 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Adventure Playground.
This family-friendly event will feature live music from popular bands Time to be Frank and K’nOath, setting the stage for an evening of entertainment. A dazzling fireworks display will light up the night, while a Best Dressed Competition with exciting prizes adds an extra spark to the festivities.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic or purchase meals from the Rotary Club of Bathurst, which will be on-site with food and refreshments. Local businesses offering catering, picnic hampers, takeaway meals, or similar services are encouraged to register with the Bathurst Business Chamber to have their offerings included in a community list promoted on the Chamber’s social media and website.
This fully accessible event includes an accessible viewing area and Marverloo Bathurst facilities, ensuring a welcoming experience for all.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the end of 2024 with live music, great food, and community spirit in the heart of Bathurst!
For businesses wishing to register or for more event details, visit www.bathurstbusiness.com.au/events/
NSW SES AWARD CEREMONY
The NSW SES recently held the Central West Command Awards Ceremony acknowledging the dedicated volunteers who make up our local SES Units and those who have completed 10-35 years of service.
Members from the Western Zone, Lithgow and Portland were presented National Emergency Medals and Clasps for their support in the 2019-2020 bushfire emergency.
Blayney, Sofala and Oberon Unit were acknowledged for their assistance in responding to the COVID 19 pandemic and playing a crucial role in supporting and protecting communities of NSW.
Their tireless efforts, bravery, and commitment to helping communities in need are truly commendable.
Congratulations to the SES volunteers for their unwavering dedication and years of selfless service in responding to natural disasters. Thank you for your invaluable contributions, ensuring the safety and well-being of so many. Your service makes a lasting difference.
Celebrating McHappy Day and raising funds for sick kids last weekend.
Tablelands Physiotherapy in Lithgow celebrates 20 years in business.
Locals came to NSW Parliament to participate in the Ozy Youth Choir honouring defence services.
Community Invited to Tree Planting Day on Queen Charlotte’s
Vale Creek
Bathurst residents are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and join a Community Tree Planting Day on Sunday, 24 November 2024, starting at 10:00 AM. This family-friendly event, hosted by Bathurst Regional Council, aims to restore the banks of Queen Charlotte’s Vale Creek by planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses.
The planting will take place off Russell Street near Torpys Bridge, with the goal of improving habitat for local wildlife and enhancing the health of this important urban waterway. Participants of all ages are welcome, and no prior experience is required.
Council will provide all plants and equipment, but attendees are reminded to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, suitable shoes, and outdoor clothing. For hygiene and safety, participants should bring their own gardening gloves, though hand-washing facilities will be available. Light rain won’t stop the event, so a raincoat is advised in case of showers.
If you’re unable to make this date, a further Tree Planting Day has been scheduled for Sunday 8th December as well as more dates in 2025.
After the planting activities, volunteers can enjoy a free BBQ lunch provided by the Council as a token of appreciation.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Bill Josh from Habitat Connect at 0407 256 791 or the Environmental Programs Coordinator at 02 6333 6233.
Victorian Christmas at Miss Traill’s House: A Night to Remember
Step back in time and celebrate the holiday season at Miss Traill’s Traditional Night of Christmas, a family-friendly event filled with festive cheer. The event will take place on Friday, 13 December, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, at the historic Miss Traill’s House in Bathurst.
This historic home, managed by National Trust NSW, offers a unique glimpse into Bathurst’s rich history. Originally built for Reverend Thomas Sharpe and later owned by Miss Ida Traill, the house is an exquisite example of Victorian-era design. It boasts a fascinating collection of furniture, ceramics, horse racing memorabilia, and artwork. Run by volunteers since 1976, Miss Traill’s House is a cherished community landmark.
The heritage gardens will be transformed into a sparkling Christmas wonderland, providing a magical setting for the evening’s activities. Visitors can enjoy live Christmas carols, fun children’s activities, and the excitement of a monster raffle with fantastic prizes. A BBQ and drinks will be available for purchase, and the highlight for younger guests will be a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Guests are invited to tour the historic house to learn more about its significance, then relax in the gardens for a picnic under the stars. The event is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season while supporting a valuable local treasure.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the ongoing maintenance of Miss Traill’s House, helping to preserve its legacy for future generations. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the charm of a Victorian Christmas and support one of Bathurst’s historic gems. Gather your family and friends, and join the community in making this festive season truly memorable. Image Credit: www.bathurstregion.com.au
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.
Bathurst Business Chamber to Hold Annual General Meeting
The Bathurst Business Chamber has announced its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Majellan Bowling Club, located at 136 Keppel Street, Bathurst.
The AGM provides an opportunity for members and the wider community to come together, review the Chamber’s achievements over the past year, and discuss plans for the future. While the event is open to both members and non-members, only financial members will have voting rights during the meeting.
The Chamber encourages anyone interested in supporting and shaping the business landscape of Bathurst to attend. It’s a chance to connect with other local business leaders, contribute to discussions, and stay informed about initiatives that affect the region’s economic development.
Attendees are asked to RSVP by visiting the Chamber’s website at www.bathurstbusiness.com. au/events/.
The Bathurst Business Chamber plays a vital role in advocating for the local business community, and the AGM is a key event to ensure that members’ voices are heard. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the Chamber and support the growth of Bathurst’s vibrant business ecosystem.
A Point of View - by
Stuart Pearson
Developing the villages
The population growth of the Bathurst Local Government Area has been impressive over the past twenty years, but growth has not been evenly spread across the entire council area. The city of Bathurst and its suburbs has attracted the lion’s share of the estimated 14,000 new residents over the last two decades.
Meanwhile the rural villages close by, such as Perthville, Peel, Yetholme, Brewongle, O’Connell, The Lagoon and George’s Plain have struggled to attract newcomers at the same rate, and some villages even further away (but still within the Bathurst council area) have declined.
Economists call this the ‘sponge effect’ where a major regional city grows faster than the smaller towns and settlements around it. Compared to Bathurst city the percentage of people living in the surrounding villages has declined from 13% to 11% of the total population of the Bathurst council area.
Bathurst city should not grow at the expense of the villages around it. The answer lies in making the nearby towns, villages and settlements within the region so attractive that new residents would rather live there, than in Bathurst or one of its suburbs. Land and transport are the keys.
Bathurst Regional Council could set aside sufficient land in these rural locations for potential new residents to purchase residential blocks at a much lower price, relative to Bathurst. At the same time, roads connecting these locations to and from Bathurst city should be significantly improved so that any journey is fast, efficient and safe. People wishing to move here from Sydney and elsewhere would then have a strong financial incentive to live in one of the many bucolic, charming villages and towns within the region.
This will have the added benefit of spreading the population density across the Local Government Area and allowing Bathurst some much-needed breathing space in coping with the on-going rush of people moving into the area.
BATHURST UNITES FOR STEP UP FOR RESPECT EVENT
Event aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect and equality.
The Bathurst community is gearing up for an impactful evening with the "Step Up For Respect" event, to be held at Kings Parade on Friday, 29 November 2024. Kicking off at 4:00 pm.
The event is organised by local groups dedicated to addressing gender-based violence, with support from the Plus Community, who are incorporating their popular "Going Nuts in the Bush" celebration into the evening. Their involvement adds a lively and inclusive element, blending advocacy with celebration.
The evening will feature a range of engaging activities. A community march will symbolise solidarity and commitment to change, followed by energising drumming performances by local artists. A keynote speaker will deliver an inspiring address, sharing insights on fostering respect and addressing the pressing issue of gender-based violence.
At 5:30 pm, the Plus Community will lead the Nut Bush Dance at Kings Parade, providing a fun and unifying highlight of the evening. This interactive activity aims to bring the community together, reinforcing the event’s core messages of unity and collective action.
Organisers are calling on Bathurst residents to join in and show their support. They emphasise that community participation is crucial to driving meaningful change and encourage attendees to wear orange, the colour symbolising the fight against gender-based violence.
"Step Up For Respect" is part of a broader movement to address this critical issue through education and community engagement. By blending advocacy with accessible and inclusive activities, the event promises to be both significant and enjoyable for all who attend.
The event is open to people of all ages, with no prior registration required. Residents are encouraged to come together, stand in solidarity, and take part in the march, performances, and, of course, the dance. It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while connecting with others who share a vision for respect and equality.
For further details, interested individuals can contact local community centres or visit the Bathurst Regional Council’s website.
450 CHALLENGE BATHURST COMPETITORS READY TO CONQUER THE MOUNTAIN
Mount Panorama is set to roar to life once again as Challenge Bathurst returns from November 21-24 2024, welcoming 450 competitors including former Formula 1 driver Tiago Montessori from Portugal.
Celebrating its ninth year, this grassroots motorsport event continues to solidify its reputation as one of the most soughtafter experiences for motorsport enthusiasts across Australia and New Zealand.
Greg Evans, Event Organiser, describes the event as a rare opportunity for motorsport competitors, performance car enthusiasts and everyday drivers to put their passion to the test on Australia’s most challenging racetrack.
“While Challenge Bathurst might not have the profile of the Bathurst 1000 or 12 Hour Race, its significance lies in its inclusivity and its mission to make the dream of driving on the Mount Panorama Racing Circuit a reality for participants.
“Our tagline ‘Conquer the Mountain’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s a call to action for anyone who has ever imagined the thrill of navigating this world-famous circuit” Evans said.
The event relies on the collaboration of over 200 dedicated officials and the support of Motorsport Australia and Bathurst Regional Council.
“Being the final of three Bathurst events in six weeks, we are immensely grateful for the loyalty of so many officials. And when it comes to driving excitement, there’s nothing like Bathurst,” Evans concluded.
Driving Growth in Motorsport Participation
Sunil Vohra, CEO of Motorsport Australia and a former Challenge Bathurst competitor, emphasised the event’s critical role in fostering motorsport participation at the grassroots level.
“Events like Challenge Bathurst are vital to growing the sport and achieving our strategic goals of increasing accessibility and inclusivity.
“As a lifelong motorsport enthusiast, I’ve seen firsthand how events like these inspire new drivers to test their skills and explore their potential. It starts with a love for performance cars and grows into a desire to test yourself in a competitive environment. Challenge Bathurst offers that stepping stone” Vohra stated.
Supersprint and Regularity Events Highlight a Thrilling Four-Day Schedule
The heart of Challenge Bathurst is its four-day Supersprint and Regularity competition, showcasing 450 high-performance
HERITAGE MATTERS
Mrs Heritage and I went on a jaunt recently, as we do, to Everglades House at Leura, just to see how art deco should be done, and to see the beautiful spring gardens.
BTW, when I told my mate Mick, the sage of Wiseman’s Creek, he said “the origin of the word “jaunt” probably is Irish. Up on The Plateau we have a strong Irish heritage, and there is even a locality called Jaunter there. The Irish had what they called a “Jaunting Cart”, in which the passenger seats or benches faced outwards to the side, so when you went on an excursion (a jaunt) you could see the countryside better.” Funny what Mick knows.
Anyway, all garden lovers know Everglades, but the house, the house, the house – just a fabulous genuine 1935 art deco masterpiece restored and maintained stunningly by the National Trust, including perfect period furniture and fittings and genuine paint finishes – mainly a striking tobacco, and a tea room hostess dressed in exactly the right uniform. And a terrific tourist drawcard. The only things missing were the sleek deco automobile in the driveway, and the gorgeous girl (although Mrs H. was pretty impressive on the day).
Art Deco buildings are an important part of Bathurst’s heritage too. There is a building in George Street, a gem, with its five vertical ziggurats and classic deco façade. It is not grand, mercifully the signage on it is reasonably subdued like some others including its art deco neighbour, and it is lovely to have as part of our heritage commercial streetscapes– well done to the owner.
vehicles across nine groups.
November 21-22: Supersprint participants kick off the event with 150 competitors aiming to achieve their fastest lap times in seven 15–25-minute sessions. 50 first-time Regularity competitors will also take to the track, cutting their initial laps on the mountain.
November 23-24: The Regularity format will see 250 drivers attempting to achieve consistent lap times over six 20-minute sessions, adding a unique element of precision to the competition.
This diverse lineup ensures an electrifying experience for participants and spectators alike, blending speed, skill and strategy.
Bathurst Regional Council remains a key supporter of Challenge Bathurst, recognising its significant contribution to the local economy and community.
Bathurst Mayor, Cr Robert Taylor, reflected on the findings of an independent study on the 2023 event, which confirmed its substantial economic impact.
“Challenge Bathurst brought 5,500 attendees to our city last year, resulting in over 8,000 overnight stays and generating $2 million in direct economic benefits. It’s not just a win for motorsport fans; it brings valuable tourism to our region and is a boost for our local businesses during challenging economic times,"
“Many first-time visitors are introduced to the charm of our
An Art Deco Jaunt
brilliant city through events like Challenge Bathurst, and we know they’ll come back for more.
“The fact that this event is free for spectators makes it an affordable, family-friendly way to experience some memorable racing, on Australia’s most iconic track” Mayor Taylor said.
This year, the popular post-event days tally up to an impressive 8-day total of 937 drivers behind the wheel, with another 327 passengers experiencing the ride of a lifetime. The program culminates with two thrilling experiences:
Fastrack V8 Race Experience (November 25-26): As a gesture of appreciation, 70 Challenge Bathurst officials will enjoy complimentary ride laps in high-performance V8 Mustangs and Holdens. This unique event featuring John Bowe, the only twotime winner of both the 1000 and the 12 Hour, gives anyone with a driver’s license the chance to live the dream of driving a V8 racecar at Bathurst.
Driving Solutions Track Days (November 27-28):
High-performance road and track car drivers will close the event with two days of track sessions, drawing another 100 drivers to Mount Panorama.
Challenge Bathurst continues to grow in stature, attracting more participants and solidifying its place as a premier event in the motorsport calendar. A tenth event in 2025 has already been confirmed for November 20-27, promising to continue building on this year’s success.
Thought of the week …
some
colours.”
Pictured is the Trocadero in George Street. Firmly in the art deco period with its distinctive two storey façade. by a humble heritage advocate – November 2024 column #311
“Come on Bathurst, we have
good art deco, let’s celebrate it by getting the commercial signage off the facades, and painting it in authentic art deco
Pictured: Local entrant in the 2023 Challenge Bathurst. Photo supplied by Warren Hawkless
The Australian Government has been urged to provide immediate clarity on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 declaration (the s10 declaration) which directly impacts part of the Blayney Shire Council road network.
This simple amendment proposed by Council would have resolved the uncertainty surrounding the current declaration by making it clear the s10 declaration does not apply to Dungeon Road.
On 23 October 2024, Councils legal advisor received a very brief and general response from the law firm Clayton Utz, on behalf of the Minister.
Following receipt of this response, Council is still in limbo and has no certainty it can carry out its functions as the Roads Authority, in accordance with New South Wales Roads Act 1993.
Council has been advised that the Minister “is preparing guidance material” which will assist Council and other interested parties “in understanding the scope and impact of the declaration”.
Whilst Council notes guidance material in any matter is beneficial, legislation is legislation and unless the current s10 declaration is amended, through the addition of 3 words “excluding Dungeon Road”, Council remains at a very high risk of contravening the s10 declaration (now and at any time into the future).
Council shouldn’t be placed into a situation where it is at risk of contravening a federal declaration, which could result in potential prosecution (and $156k penalty) for merely undertaking its statutory obligations as the Roads Authority, on a long-standing public road.
On 31 October 2024, Council via email sought indication when the Ministers ‘guidance material’ would likely be ready. No response to that email has been received.
Council shouldn’t have to continue spending significant amounts of money on lawyers playing tennis back and forth, to remove uncertainty in a federal declaration, which was not Councils doing and we are now collateral damage, noting the matter can be clarified through a very minor 3-word amendment.
Council calls on Minister Plibersek to urgently amend the s10 declaration, noting Council had planned to undertake maintenance works on Dungeon Road in November 2024.
Dungeon Road currently remains open; however, this position will constantly be reviewed and is solely contingent on Council being able to undertake its functions as the Roads Authority, in accordance with the New South Wales Roads Act 1993 and without any risk of breaching the s10 declaration.
Blayney Rotary Club Volunteers Set for Nepal Mission
This November, three dedicated members of the Blayney Rotary Club are embarking on an inspiring journey to Nepal for a three-week volunteering mission.
Rohan Hoadley, President of the Blayney Rotary Club, along with Heather Ferguson and Sally Ryan, will join a group of passionate volunteers as part of the RAWCS program (Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd).
The initiative highlights Rotary’s global impact beyond local projects like the popular Toy Library. The team, including Rotarians from across NSW, Queensland, and the ACT, will be joined by enthusiastic James Sheehan High School graduates. Together, they’ll roll up their sleeves for vital community projects in Nepal.
Their work includes distributing hygiene packs, many lovingly assembled by Blayney High School students, undertaking maintenance at local schools, and training teachers in English teaching strategies. These efforts aim to create lasting positive change in the lives of Nepalese communities.
Rotary is always on the lookout for more helping hands. Senior students interested in overseas volunteering opportunities for 2025 or those curious about Rotary’s leadership activities and local initiatives are encouraged to get involved.
For more information, email rcblayney@gmail.com and discover how you can make a difference, whether in your community or across the globe.
As these three volunteers prepare for their journey, they carry not only hygiene packs and tools but also the spirit of Blayney, demonstrating the power of teamwork, compassion, and global citizenship.
FORTNIGHTLY FEATURE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Mark Dicker General Manager
Community Strategic Plan 2025 - 2035
Blayney Shire Council is in the process of reviewing and updating the Community Strategic Plan (CSP).
The CSP is a community document that identifies priorities and aspirations for the future of the Shire, covering a period of at least 10 years.
The CSP is developed by the community, endorsed by Council and must address civic leadership, social environmental and economic issues. It forms an important reference point for State agencies preparing their plans and programs for our region.
This document then feeds into our Delivery Program (completed every 4 years) and Operational Plan (completed every 12 months).
The Community Strategic Plan will be drafted by: reviewing the current Community Strategic Plan 2022 – 2032, the State of the Shire Report 2021 - 2024 and through engagement with key stakeholders and the broader community including the online survey below.
By completing the survey, you can go in the draw to win one of 3 x $100 vouchers to a Blayney Shire Business of your choice.
They survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and closes Thursday 12 December 2024.
Call for Nominations – Council Committees
Community Engagement Steps
• November / December - Community Survey – closing 12 December 2024
• November / December - Stakeholder Consultation Survey with Community Groups
• February / March - Community Presentations of Draft CSP (Dates TBD)
• April – Final Draft CSP (and supporting docs) on Public Exhibition following Council Meeting
• May / June - Plans Endorsed at Council Meeting
Community Survey Now Open
The community survey which is currently open provides you with the opportunity to have your say on what you want the Blayney Shire to look like and aim towards for 2035 and beyond.
You can complete the survey: online at blayney.nsw.gov.au/csp scan the QR code below left or pick up a hardcopy survey at the following locations.
• Bernardis Blayney
• Blayney Library
• Blayney Newsagency
• Blayney Shire Council Office
• Carcoar Post Office
• CentrePoint Sport and Leisure Centre
• Gladstone Hotel, Newbridge
Council News
Council is currently calling for nominations for community representative for the following committees:
• Blayney Shire Financial Assistance Program Committee
• Disability Inclusion Working Group
Please see Council’s website for the nomination form and further information on the role of these committees.
https://www.blayney.nsw.gov.au/council/council-meetings/committees-of-council
Nominations close 4 December 2024
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 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.
Contact Us:
Council Office: 6368 2104
• Greens Mandurama
• Lyndhurst Roadhouse
• Mandurama Post Office
• Millthorpe IGA
• Millthorpe Providore
• Rustic Nature Café, Neville
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.
Please refer to Council’s website for an Information Package and details on how to apply for these positions.
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
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: 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
Positions Vacant
Join us for our grand opening
Laura Baker • Denise Barry • Stephen Cramb • Michael D’Antonio
• Fiona Howle • Sara McLean • Peter O’Meagher • John Palmer • Ruth Stone • Hank Spirek • Felicity Wells
2pm - 5pm to Saturday 7th December, 2024
Exhibition runs 7/12/24 to 22/12/24 • Gallery hours: Thurs – Sun: 10am – 3pm
Be part of the story
Exhibition runs 7/12/24 to 22/12/24 • Gallery hours: Thurs – Sun: 10am – 3pm Scan this QR code to let us know you’ll join us and to find out more about the exhibition
Blayney Gets Festive with Twilight Shopping Event
The holiday season is upon us, and Blayney is ready to light up with festive cheer! Mark your calendars for Friday, December 6 from 5pm till 9pm, as the Blayney Shire Council hosts the muchloved annual Twilight Shopping event.
Shoppers, families, and holiday enthusiasts are invited to enjoy an enchanting evening, with local stores staying open until 8 pm. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore Blayney’s unique shops, support the local community, and find special gifts for loved ones—or a treat for yourself!
But that’s not all—this year’s Twilight Shopping event promises even more festive fun. Attendees can look forward to an array of market stalls, offering everything from handmade crafts to holiday goodies, as well as the diverse array of retail stores. Kids will be delighted by entertainment tailored just for them, while live music will fill the air with holiday tunes, adding a merry soundtrack to the night.
Food lovers, rejoice! Blayney’s beloved local eateries will be serving up delicious treats, so don’t miss the chance to indulge in some holiday favourites. Whether it’s a casual dinner, a quick bite, or a celebratory drink, there’s something for everyone.
Local businesses and creatives are encouraged to join the fun. Applications for market stalls are now open on the Council’s website, and businesses interested in showcasing special activations can email events@blayney.nsw.gov.au for more details.
Get ready to celebrate the season, Blayney-style. Gather your family and friends, and join us for an unforgettable evening of shopping, entertainment, and community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there!
A Thousand Words Gallery: A New Destination for Visual Storytelling
Art lovers, storytellers, and curious locals, mark your calendars! A Thousand Words Gallery is set to open its doors in the heart of Blayney, NSW, on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 2 PM to 5 PM. This vibrant new art space, just a short drive from Orange or Bathurst, promises to be a haven where stories come alive through the language of art.
The gallery's inaugural exhibition, Here We Are, sets the tone for this exciting new space—a celebration of the environment, our times, and the narratives that shape us. The opening event offers visitors the chance to meet the talented artists behind the works, enjoy live music, and savor refreshments while exploring this inspiring venue.
Located at 68 Adelaide Street, Blayney, the grand opening is an invitation to gather as a community and embrace a shared appreciation for art and storytelling.
Here We Are: Stories Told Through Art
The debut exhibition, Here We Are, presents the works of 11 contemporary Australian artists, each weaving unique stories through their chosen mediums. From the tactile warmth of wood to the movement of wool and feathers, the pieces explore transient moments, deep connections, and bold expressions. These works invite visitors to journey through sparkling tales, unfinished business, and reflections on our shared times.
Artists such as Laura Baker, Denise Barry, Stephen Cramb, Michael D’Antonio, Fiona Howle, Sara McLean, Peter O’Meagher, John Palmer, Ruth Stone, Hank Spirek, and Felicity Wells offer a compelling glimpse into the diverse narratives shaping Australian art today.
The exhibition will be open from December 7 to December 22, with regular hours from Thursday to Sunday, 10 AM to 3 PM. Private viewings can also be arranged by calling Felicity on 0414 550 223.
The gallery’s upcoming exhibitions for 2025 promise to build on the energy of its debut, offering a series of engaging and thoughtprovoking showcases. February will feature One View. Two Visions, exploring contrasting artistic perspectives. In March, Stories Shared will delve into communal narratives. April brings Fish Tales, combining a captivating exhibition with an interactive workshop. By May, PostStories will close the first half of the year with an innovative exploration of storytelling through art.
These exhibitions ensure there’s always something new and exciting to discover, making the gallery a destination for exploration and inspiration.
A Thousand Words Gallery is more than an art venue—it’s a place where stories flourish, connections are made, and creativity finds a voice. Whether you’re an avid art lover, a curious visitor, or someone seeking fresh perspectives, this gallery promises an experience that resonates.
For more information, visit athousandwords.gallery or stop by to see for yourself.
Orange and Cadia Districts air cleaner than “most urban Australian sites” according to latest ANSTO study
A newly released two-year study conducted by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has reaffirmed the good air quality around the Cadia district, including areas surrounding Newmont Cadia mine.
The independent ANSTO Cadia Valley Operations (Cadia) PM2.5 Study was initiated to address community concerns about potential dust from Cadia mine affecting local residents. The study was aimed to determine the source of particulate matter in the regional airshed and whether dust from the mine was affecting air quality.
From February 2022 to February 2024, ANSTO measured air quality across four locations – Panuara, Millthorpe, Mandurama, and Orange. They analysed air particles and determined seven distinct "fingerprints," including windblown soil, smoke, salt, secondary sulphate, industrial nitrate, and auto-related particles (linked to both vehicles and heavy machinery).
Of the 823 air filters analysed over the 24 months, only two instances of the daily National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) PM2.5 standard of 25 μg/m³ were exceeded – both in Orange in June 2022 – with no exceedances recorded at the three locations closer to the mine (Panuara, Millthorpe, and Mandurama).
ANSTO's analysis revealed no significant contribution from Cadia mine to PM2.5 levels in the region, stating: “The results showed a consistently low PM2.5 mass concentration at all sites, with no annual NEPM exceedances recorded and no significant contribution from the mine to the measured PM2.5 levels.”
Additionally, none of the four sites exceeded the annual NEPM PM2.5 standard of 8 μg/m³.
Cadia’s Manager Environment and Social Performance, David Coe, welcomed the study’s findings and said the results are consistent with recent testing by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), which also confirmed the air quality in the Cadia district is well below national standards.
“Cadia respects the independent agencies conducting these studies, and we acknowledge and accept their findings.
“It is reassuring for our neighbours and the wider community to know that particulate matter in our air comes from various
sources and remains well below national limits.
“Cadia will continue to work to minimise our impact on the environment and will support continued analysis in line with our commitment to transparency,” Mr Coe said.
Better alternatives to nuclear reactors to be discussed at Portland and Lithgow energy forums
Community energy forums in Portland and Lithgow next week will bring together experts from the region and across Australia to answer questions about the economic and ecological risks of nuclear reactors.
The federal Liberal National Coalition has proposed building a nuclear reactor at the Mt Piper power station. Experts argue the plan is slow, expensive and won’t provide jobs for the Lithgow and Portland communities until decades in the future, if the reactors are ever built. There are a range of risks like the storage and disposal of radioactive waste and threats to water health and scarcity.
The meetings will be facilitated by Ian Gaillard, former coordinator of Gasfield Free Northern Rivers, with Dr Jim Green PhD from Nuclear Consulting Group providing expert insights into the impacts of nuclear reactors on both our economy and ecology. Local renewable energy and community engagement expert Kate Hook will address the benefits to jobs and climate of the transition to renewable energy and former CMEU State Secretary WA Bill
Ethel will share his experiences representing workers facing a proposed nuclear reactor in Western Australia.
“Our communities have a proud history of producing the electricity to power our state. But we know that the coal power stations are closing,” says Kate Hook.
“We already get 40% of our electricity from sun and wind energy sources, backed up by storage like large-scale batteries. People already have jobs in the renewable industry, and the industry is growing fast. We can’t put all that on hold for an uneconomical pipedream like nuclear reactors.”
“The ongoing development of renewable energy sources offers a reliable energy pathway that is cheaper, quicker and safer than nuclear reactors and enjoys community support. Australia’s energy future is renewable, not radioactive,” said Dr Jim Green.
The forums have been coordinated by Solutions for Climate Australia, with the support of Lithgow Community Power Project and Lithgow Environment Group.
Community Energy Forums
Better Alternatives to Nuclear Reactors
Martin Doherty, Leigh Birkett and Simon Watts in concert at the Lithgow Workies
A chance to catch Martin in the ideal concert space – the Lithgow Workies Club Showroom. An intimate concert supported by a pair of musicians who understand how to help illuminate the rich storytelling and powerful lyrical journeys that Martin will inevitably take you on as he draws from his unparalleled library of songs. These songs range from the defiant songs of an Ireland long calling out for freedom, to tales of characters and events from the region, whether from the early days of Australia or of people encountered along the way, who have quietly impacted the world around them.
Those who know Martin, know his storytelling ability, whether engaging with the audience or with pen in hand, and while much of the repertoire will be well known,
some of the most powerful songs have been penned by Martin himself, his wife Lyn or local storytelling master, Jim Low.
This trio of musicians have a long and rich history. Leigh has been accompanying and collaborating with Martin for the last 20 years spanning 5 albums. Simon and Martin go back even further; to the wild Sydney days of the 1970s and 1980s and bands like Roisin, a household name in the Sydney music scene. Both Leigh and Simon are highly accomplished and in demand for their understanding of the art of accompaniment.
Inevitably, there will be some tunes and audience favourites dotted amongst the stories to make complete what will be an unforgettable evening of storytelling in song.
Martin Doherty, Leigh Birkett and Simon Watts in concert at the Lithgow Workies
29th November 2024
Tickets $30 available at Club reception
Doors open 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start
Road Works
Rehabilitation works have been completed; resealing of the road is expected to commence next week on the following roads:
Martins Road
• Blackmans Creek Road
Hampton Road, Hampton The road is being rehabilitated prior to resealing with Council working stabilise the road to improve the longevity of the resealed road. Jetpatchers will be moving on to Hampton Road after completing Sodwalls and Magpie Hollow Roads.
Coxs River Road, Hartley Road sealing works are currently progressing with over half of the works expected to be completed by the end of November.
Glen Davis Road Jetpatching on Glen Davis Road has been completed up to Glen Alice Road.
Patching and grading have also been completed in preparation of resealing works on sections of road to Torbane Road pending contractor availability.
Glen Alice Road Heavy patching has been completed by Council contractors.
Maintenance works
Heavy patching has been completed on Pipers Flat Road and John Mackey Drive.
Sunny Corner Road has been resealed.
Council’s jetpatchers have been on Range Road and Old Bathurst Road this week and are expected to move to Curley Dick Road, Hazelgrove Road and Tarana Road in the coming week.
Road grading is ongoing in the Glen Davis township. Resheeting works have been completed on Genowlan, Huntington and Biddy Pinch Roads.
Council contractors have completed re-laying asphalt on Hill Street, Muskat Parade, Lithgow Street, Kremer Crescent.
Drainage and vegetation works have commenced on Limestone Creek Road this week and are ongoing on Wolgan Road Lidsdale.
Note: Expected completion dates are dependent upon weather and contractor availablity.
Scan here to keep up to date with all key projects
Current Tenders
The Council currently has a number of Tenders open for submission. The current tenders avaialbe are:
• TEN16/24 Detailed Design & Construction of South Bowenfels Sewage Pumping Station
• TEN22/24 echnical Subject Matter Experts Wolgan Road Reconstruction Project
• TEN20/24 Portland/Sunny Corner Road Bus Stop & Related Civil Works
Scan here to view current Tenders
Burton Street Bridge Naming 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 hours.
Draft Amendment to Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) for Strathlone Estates Lithgow City Council is publicly notifying draft amendments to two Voluntary Planning Agreements that relate to development applications DA66/05 and DA67/05, being the remaining stages of Strathlone Estates.
From Monday 28 October to Monday 25 November 2024 any person may make a written submission quoting Council’s reference DA66/05 and DA67/05. All submissions received during this period, will be taken into consideration prior to Council resolving to make the amendments.
Scan here for more information.
Expression of Interest: Recycled Bridge Timbers Charles Street Bridge
The Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from the community for the acquisition and repurposing of the timber generated from the demolition of the Charles Street bridge. Expressions of interest can be made to the Council in writing Delivered to Council’s Tender Box located in the foyer of Council’s Chambers at 180 Mort Street, Lithgow NSW 279 or emailed to council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au with the subject: ‘EOI – Recycled Bridge Timbers.
Scan here to download an EOI application form
Featured Artist - November
Adrian Symes
Throughout November, the walls of the Lithgow Library will be adorned with an epic hand drawn artwork that tells the story of a journey through the Underworld. After a life threatening calamity, the protagonist is reborn and discovers a hidden world beneath his town. His personal struggle and the mythic characters that he encounters will be portrayed on long scrolls of paper in graphic novel form.
On Friday November 22nd at 4pm the library is also hosting an artist talk with Adrian Symes, which will include a short video on the making of the artwork. Entry is free and anyone interested in finding out more about this massive undertaking is urged to attend.
Scan here to find out more about the what you can do to be a part of the Libraries
Events @ The Union Theatre
The Lithgow Musical Society Production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid 7-30th November 2024
Dive into the magic of the ocean and with Lithgow Musical Society’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid this November! Featuring a talented local cast, this beloved story will be brought to life on stage with music, heart, and plenty of underwater fun. Book online early for the best seats, or grab tickets at the door on show night.
Scan here for tickets and more information
Nomintations for NSW local Citizen of the Year Awards now open.
Do you know somebody in our community that deserves recognition for their achivements? Council is now accepting nominations for the 2025 NSW local Citizen of the Year Awards which will be announced on Australia Day 2025. nominations forms can be downloaded from the Council website. Nomintations close Friday 13 December 2024.
Scan here to download a nomination form
Scan here for more information or to apply
Reduced Staff due to Union Picnic Day
The Union Picnic Day will be held on Friday 22nd of November. The Council will be open on the day with a reduced workforce. We ask residents to be patient as there will be minimal staff on duty across all areas of Council on this day which may result in some delays. The JM Robson Aquatic Centre and Lithgow Council Library branches will be operating as normal. The Council appreciates your patience for our staff who will be working on the day.
Andrew Evetts Takes the Plunge for Lithgow Community Private
Lithgow Community Private (LCP), a vital not-for-profit Day Surgery and Specialist Centre, has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Lithgow, the Blue Mountains, and the Central West for over two decades. However, like many community services, LCP faces financial challenges. To ensure the hospital continues to provide top-quality care, Andrew Evetts, LCP board member, is diving into action—literally.
On Friday, December 6, 2024, Andrew will take on a 10km marathon swim at the Lithgow Aquatic Centre. This feat aims to raise much-needed funds for LCP, allowing the hospital to sustain its services for the community. “I can swim, but I’ve never swum this far!” Andrew admits. His determination reflects the dedication of the entire LCP team to keep healthcare local and accessible.
LCP plays a critical role in Lithgow, offering essential day surgeries and specialist medical services to the region. Without it, residents would face lengthy travel times and added stress to access similar care elsewhere. Community-owned and not-for-profit, LCP relies on public support to maintain its operations and keep vital services within reach for everyone.
Your support can make a difference. Donations will directly fund LCP’s ongoing efforts to deliver exceptional patient care. Attend the swim on December 6 to cheer Andrew on, or contribute directly to the cause. Every dollar helps ensure that Lithgow Community Private remains a lifeline for the region.
Let’s rally behind Andrew and LCP to ensure that Lithgow continues to have access to the high-quality healthcare it deserves.
To donate or learn more, scan the QR Code or for more information contact LCP at 02 6350 2560 or email admin@lcprivate.com.au.
ABCD Inc’s AGM and Community Lunch
The ABCD Inc’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is coming up on Saturday, 23rd November, at 10 am, held at the Clarence Dargan RFS Shed. This is a great opportunity for residents of Clarence, Dargan, Bell, and Newnes Junction villages to connect, stay informed, and have their say in community matters.
Following the AGM, everyone is invited to a community lunch, providing a relaxed setting to mingle with neighbours and discuss ideas for the area’s future. Please ensure you RSVP to secretary@abcdinc.org.au to assist with catering preparations.
While the meeting is open to all residents, voting rights are reserved for paid-up members of the association. If you’re not yet a member, joining is easy! Membership is a great way to support your community. The application fee is a one-off $5, and annual membership costs just $5. To join, visit www.abcdinc.org.au/join or contact Kevin McCusker at 0428 305 120 for assistance.
POWER STATION WORKERS HONOURED IN A TIMELY SOCIAL HISTORY
A book that captures the history of Lithgow’s power stations through the eyes of its workers was launched at the base of the majestic cooling tower at the old Wallerawang Power Station last week.
Wallerawang was among the first large coal-fired power stations built by the state government in the 1950s to power the grid and the first to close in 2014. The remains of its turbine hall, the hyperboloid-shaped cooling tower, and heritage-listed chimney stack could still be clearly seen from the Great Western Highway near Lithgow. Greenspot hosted the media launch, providing photo opportunities of this fascinating architectural structure, a pillar of the fossil fuel industry, as the region transitioned to a renewable energy future.
The author, Marje Prior, had established a social history reference group of current and retired power station workers in 2006 as part of her research for the book, which was initially planned for release to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2007. “The retirees didn’t give up in their efforts to see the book published to recognise the generations of workers who spent most of their lives working in the Lithgow and Wallerawang power stations,” she said.
“In particular, Maurice Poole, who was the longest-serving control room operator and a union representative at the station. His determination to see this important part of Lithgow’s history published was what brought this to fruition. He never gave up
hope that I would one day publish their stories.”
“This was a much-loved power station. Unfortunately, many of the workers who contributed to this social history project have since passed, but their voices remain in their oral history recordings and throughout the pages of this unique book.”
Greenspot, a company investing in real estate opportunities with a particular focus on disused fossil fuel industry sites with the potential to be repurposed, purchased the power station site from Energy Australia in 2020. It sponsored the launch at the Wallerawang Bowling Club, where Lithgow City Council Mayor Cassandra Coleman launched the book to the many retirees and their families who attended.
Pictured left: Author Marje Prior addresses the launch.
Pictured above: Marje Prior with Power Station workers
Lithgow Community Private Hospital and Specialist Medical Centre (LCPH) and Nepean Blue Mountains Health District (NBMLHD) entered into a new agreement that sets out the commercial and operational arrangements between LCPH and NBMLHD that will provide greater certainty for the delivery of health services for the Lithgow area.
LCPH has been operating from the Lithgow Health Service premises since it started operations 25 years ago. LCPH provides private day surgery services as well as specialist medical centre with over 25 visiting medical specialists that provide around 10,000 local specialist medical appointments each year.
LCP Chair, Robert Swinton said “This is great news for the community because it allows us to continue to provide medical services locally, meaning less travel for patients. We’ve had a long standing collaborative relationship with the health district and this agreement formalises and extends that into the future.”
“LCPH was created by our community and remains a not-for profit community service provider. I urge all people in the area to use our services where they can so we can keep them in the community” he said.
NBMLHD Chief Executive, Lee Gregory said. “The signing provides certainty for all parties and allows the District and Lithgow Community Private to focus on continuing to provide the highest quality health care to the community.
“I’d like to thank Lithgow Community Private for their cooperation and the valuable role their clinicians and staff play in supporting health services in the region,” says Mr Gregory. “By working together and taking a collaborative approach to health care delivery, both organisations will be better equipped to serve the community, bringing tangible benefits to the patients we care for and improving their health outcomes.”
There will be no change to CLP operations, the same specialists will continue to travel to Lithgow to see patients, and LCP will continue to seek new specialists to see patients in Lithgow.
855 Chifley
Thursday November 28th 2024 9:30am to 11:30am
Contact Lithgow Cares Co-Chairs Sue cyfc@linc org au P: 6352 2077 | Erin dvspecialist@lcpinc org P: 6351 2230 Dee manager@lcpinc org
The Lithgow Cares Interagency Committee is a network of local services dedicated to improving family safety and connection We are exc ted & honoured to host Matt & Sarah Brown who have generously agreed to include Lithgow on their SINYR Australian Tour
For more information:
www sheisnotyourrehab com #myfathersbarber
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-strong-families-matt-sarah-brown-keynote-sinyr-tickets-1014260639877
Tickets: $10 Community Members | $30 Organisation and service staff Free: Secondary students & accompanying support staff RSVP cyfc@linc.org.au or dvspecialist@lcpinc.org.au for school bookings & enquiries
Tickets: $10 Community Members $30 Organisation and service staf Free: Secondary students & accompa support staff RSVP cyfc@linc org au dvspecialist@lcpinc org au for schoo bookings & inquiries
TRANSFORMATION HUB, LITHGOW WIRADJURI COUNTRY
Pictured from left to right: NBMLHD Chief Executive Lee Gregory, LCPH Administration Manager Natalie Kinniburgh, NBMLHD Acting General Manager Graham Miller, LCPH General Manager Evonne Flynn, NBMLHD Director Planning, Redevelopment and Strategic Office Vanessa Clements and, LCP Chair Robert Swinton.
As we approach the Advent season and prepare for the celebration of Christmas, the community at St Joseph's School Portland would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us throughout 2024.
Advent is a time of anticipation, hope, and reflection, and it’s also a moment to recognise the many blessings we’ve received. This year, our school has been able to continue fostering a spirit of faith, learning, and community—all thanks to the unwavering support of our families, staff, alumni, the Portland community and our friends.
In 2024 every act of kindness has made a lasting impact on our students and the entire school community. As we reflect on this season of giving, we are reminded of the importance of love, joy, peace, and hope—the very values that guide us in our mission.
Over the past number of weeks, we have been thrilled to welcome our new students and families who will be joining St. Joseph's Kindergarten class in 2025. This period is always a special time, filled with excitement and anticipation as we begin forming connections that will support each child’s journey through their early school years.
During orientation, students had the opportunity to explore their new surroundings, meet our dedicated staff, and engage in activities designed to ease their transition to school. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were delightful, and it was clear that each of them is ready to embark on this new adventure.
At St. Joseph’s, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for our students. Our staff is committed to ensuring a welcoming and supportive start for each child as they join our school community. We look forward to fostering each child’s love of learning and growth as we prepare for a wonderful year ahead.
Upcoming Mass Times
St Vincent’s Church Portland
St Joseph’s End of Year Graduation Mass –
11th December 9:30am
La Salle Academy has had yet another wonderful year of providing amazing opportunities for our students. Some could be mistaken, thinking that because we are a small school, that students might miss out on all the educational, sporting and cultural experiences that exist in school settings. But this is a myth, our calendar is jam packed with events and activities that engage our students all year around.
Just some of our 2024 experience include: Science & Engineering Challenge; Da Vinci Decathlon; UNSW STEM Challenges; CSIRO STEM Challenges; Poetry in Action; Bathurst and Orange Dance Eisteddfods; Musical Attendance in Sydney; Diocesan Music Festival; UNSW Computing Workshop; Macquarie University Study guides; Social Justice visits and experiences; Basketball Gala Day; State Catholic Basketball Championship; Hockey Gala Day; Touch Football Gala Day; Tag Rugby Gala Day; Netball Gala Day;
Wellbeing is our core business at St Patrick’s School Lithgow as we believe children learn best when they feel safe and secure in an environment that nurtures their social/emotional development. We offer a school-wide wellbeing program called Grow Your Mind and this allows all in our school community to build their mental health literacy and develop life-long strategies that will allow them to take care of their own mental health and wellbeing. We have school-wide systems and strategies in place that are designed to create a safe, settled environment for all in which our students can fully focus on their learning. We also offer specifically designed social/emotional
Football Gala Day; Small Schools Rugby League Championships; Full School Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Championships; Equestrian Events; Atlassian Corporate Immersion; Careers Fair; CSU Facts Day; CSU Explore Day; HSC & Careers Expo (Sydney); Work Experience (2 Weeks); GRIP Leadership conferences; PCYC Fit for Life; Headspace programs; Year 7 Camp; Year 9 Camp; Year 11 Retreat (3 Days); Single Day Spirituality retreats for each year level.
There are many benefits of attending a small school where students are known, personal connections made, greater inter year level engagement and a strong community feel. Couple this with an array of experiences, activities and excursions; why would you go anywhere else?
Come and see the La Salle Academy difference for yourself.
interventions and our Hub Program for students who may need additional supports in order to fully engage and thrive in the classroom. St Pat’s is a great place to grow and learn.
We are very excited for all of the events coming up at the end of the year here at St Patrick’s School. Year 5 are currently engaging in activities focused on leadership as they prepare for school captain voting. Year 6 are abuzz with excitement as they approach the end of their primary school years and all of the memorable moments that come with that - Graduation Mass, Graduation Dinner and, of course, the Year 6 “Big Day Out”. Our annual Prizegiving Ceremony and Infants Certificate Ceremonies will recognise the wonderful achievements of so many of our students. We also await the results of the P&F’s 12 Days of Christmas Mega Raffle! We are so grateful to have had such a wonderfully productive year at St Patrick’s School and hope that all in our parent community can join us in celebrating the end of year events.
SHOP LOCAL OBERON
Look out for the new Think Local, Shop Local, Support
Local posters which will soon appear in the shop front windows of Oberon’s main street businesses.
The Oberon Business and Tourism Association (OBTA) recently ran a competition to design a poster to promote “supporting local”. The two winning designs are currently being printed. Members of the association will be the first to receive the posters. Other main street businesses will be invited to purchase a poster, once the first round is on display.
With Christmas coming up, OBTA is also sponsoring a shop local Christmas promotion, which will see $3000 in Shop Local Vouchers won by people who shopped in Oberon from December 1 until December 7, when the docket draw will take place at the End of Year Spectacular.
“Supporting Local” is a way of thinking that is being encouraged by many towns across our region and further. Moving in this direction makes a huge difference to the viability of our towns and our whole community.
Saddle Up for the 2025 Oberon Rodeo!
The countdown is on for the 2025 Oberon Rodeo, a thrilling day of action-packed fun set to hit the Oberon Showground on Saturday, 22nd February. Gates swing open at 7 am, and the excitement won’t stop until the last cowboy rides at 7 pm.
Rodeo fans are in for a treat with the Elders Emms Mooney Invitational Mighty Match Up, featuring $2000 prizes for the Champion Bull Rider and Champion Bull. And not to mention the 18 other “rides” with a prize pool of over $23,000! Plus, competitors in all memorial events will be vying for prestigious Bob Berg Trophy Buckles, a symbol of grit and glory in the rodeo world.
Got the skills to saddle up? Entries are open from 10 am, Tuesday 4th February, to noon, Monday 19th February, through abcra.icompete.net. Don’t wait—spots are hotter than a branding iron!
For businesses looking to join the excitement, sponsorship opportunities are now available. But hurry, these packages are as scarce as a cowboy without a hat! Email oberonrodeoassoc@hotmail. com today to secure your chance to shine.
Whether you’re a bull-riding aficionado, a local looking for a great day out, or a business aiming to rope in some attention, the Oberon Rodeo has something for everyone. Mark your calendars and dust off those boots—it’s going to be a buckin’ good time!
Oberon Mayor’s Column
Oberon Council hosted the Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Sunday 17 November between 10am-2pm at the Oberon Library and Community Centre. There was plenty of fun for children with old school games, face painting, story time, craft and meeting all the special teddies. The event was a great hit with the children, parents and grandparents who attended. Thanks to the staff from the Oberon Visitor Information Centre who coordinated the day.
The General Manager and I attended the Central NSW Joint Organisation Board Meeting in Sydney on Wednesday 13 November and Thursday 14 November. The representatives from across the Joint Organisation met with Ministers on Thursday 14 November to discuss areas of regional importance. Specifically issues of major importance to Oberon were:
Pest Control
The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) has published an interim report on Pest and Weeds Biosecurity in NSW recommending governments consideration of bringing the two biosecurity functions, Pest animals and Weeds, much closer together. Concurrently Dr. Marion Healy, the newly appointed Biosecurity Commissioner in NSW has commenced a review of the Governance function for Invasive species in NSW focused on Pests and Weeds. The Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said it was not planned at this stage to have the Pest function transferred to Local Councils/County Councils. The report is interim, and she expects many substantive submissions on it. Dr Healy is meeting with Central Tablelands Weeds Authority on Wednesday 20 November to seek input for her review into weed control processes and methodologies in NSW.
I thanked the NSW Government for the extra $13 million that had been allocated by the State Government for wild pig control but noted the problem was in plague proportions throughout the State. The Minister acknowledged the issue. Mayor of Lachlan, John Medcalfe suggested a snout bounty be introduced to encourage shooters to kill pigs and in particular to shoot pigs of all sizes not just large ones.
Contribution by State Government to Renewable Energy Zones (REZs)
The NSW Government has indicated it will contribute $128 million to REZs for upgrading roads and compensating communities for the dislocation caused by Renewable Energy projects. I asked Stephen Lawrence, the Labour MLC responsible for the Central West, why Councils where the State Government had directed Forestry Corporation to investigate constructing windfarms should not be treated similarly with State Government funding for roads and community dislocation?
Connectivity to Sydney
The perpetual issue of connectivity for passenger and freight to Sydney via rail and road was raised including the issues with the rail freight curfew during the day. Landslides blocking the Great Western Highway (GWH) and western rail line were also discussed. It was suggested a long-term vision for a solution was required. The Premier indicated its current projects in Sydney for rail were well over budget and close to double the original price, so this was hampering any future plans for the Blue Mountains. There has also been a significant redistribution of GST revenue which has substantially reduced NSW share and therefore the state was hampered without Federal Govt funding for any solution. Minister Atchison stated a white paper is coming out next year for consultation with all stakeholders including Blue Mountains residents on future strategies for the GWH.
Jenolan Caves
The issue of the closure of Jenolan Caves was raised with Minister Atchison, the Minister for Regional Roads, and its effect on Oberon Tourist businesses. The Edith Road connection to the Caves is currently scheduled for reopening to tourist traffic in March 2026. Even then the available carparks at Jenolan Caves will not be nearly sufficient for the potential though put of visitors to the Caves upon reopening. The Minister was asked to consider additional strategies for access to the Caves to ensure that both Jenolan Caves and Oberon could benefit from increased daily numbers of tourists to this facility. She indicated some strategies had been suggested and were being investigated.
I remind everyone that the Oberon Chamber Music Festival will be held from Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 November. Thie festival will include several free community and school concerts on the festival's opening day. On Friday, November 22, the Malachi will host a special educational concert, Music Colours Your World, for 270 students and teachers from local schools: St. Joseph’s Primary, Oberon Public School, and Oberon High School. The event will also include an invitation to Columbia Aged Care Residents, an outing that promises to lift their spirits. Later that day, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm a Community Gala Concert will be held at the Malachi. The festival continues through Saturday and Sunday, November 23–24, with four ticketed concerts. Under the artistic direction of Oberon local Emma Jardine, the weekend concerts feature renowned Australian Chamber musicians.
The Oberon Redfin Roundup will be held on 30 November and 1 December and welcomes anglers of all ages and skill levels to Lake Oberon. Expect an array of prizes for the largest catch, biggest bag, age categories, and lucky door prizes. Demonstrations from participating sponsors, BBQ and refreshments available all weekend. Camping is free.
Other events coming up as part of the Outdoor Festival are:
• 21 – 24 November Oberon Chamber Music Festival
• 23 November Spring Lunch onboard vintage dining car OTHR
• 22-24 November Oberon Campdraft
• 24 November Tarana Market
• 30 November Skoberon Art Competition
• 30 November – 1 December Oberon Redfin Roundup
Andrew McKibbin, Mayor
Oberon Chamber Music Festival to Bring World-Class Performances to Historic Malachi Gilmore Hall
Driving along the main street of Oberon, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a just another quiet country town nestled in the Central Tablelands of NSW. But this November, if you’re passing through, you may be able to pick up the sounds of something unexpected.
For three days between 22-24 November, the town is set to host the Oberon Chamber Music Festival in the recently restored Malachi Gilmore Hall.
The festival will showcase some of Australia’s finest chamber musicians, with five captivating concerts throughout the weekend. Each performance will bring the masterpieces of chamber music to life, highlighting the extraordinary talent of these performers.
The internationally acclaimed Streeton Trio—featuring Bernadette Harvey on piano, Emma Jardine on violin, and Rachel Siu on cello—will perform a concert of Mozart and Brahms piano trios on Saturday afternoon. They will be joined by Oberon’s own Peter Jenkin on clarinet and then, along with Sydney Symphony Orchestra principal players Tobias Breider on viola and Kees Boersma on double bass, perform an evening concert titled All About That Bass, celebrating the extraordinary double bass.
The festival will also feature world-renowned mezzo-soprano Ashlyn Tymms, accompanied by piano and strings for a late Sunday morning recital. Sydney musicians Katherine Lukey (violin) and Paul Ghica (cello) will join the ensemble for both Sunday concerts. A festival highlight, the Twin Celli concert on Sunday afternoon, will showcase two exquisite double-cello quintets, including the Australian premiere of a newly unearthed quintet by Brahms.
Artistic director Emma Jardine sees Oberon as a natural choice for a chamber music festival. “It’s such a beautiful part of the country – rolling hills, beautiful scenery, and now that the Malachi has been restored, it’s the perfect spot to hold a chamber music festival.”
The town is no stranger to chamber music. Between 1997 to 2007 it was home to the Kowmung Music Festival. Organisers were keen to use the art-deco Malachi as a venue, but the building was being used as a warehouse at the time.
Built in 1937 by the Catholic church for the people of Oberon, the Malachi Gilmore Hall is one of the most striking examples of inter-war architecture in Australia. Its thirteen flat rooves make for an eye-catching silhouette on the main street.
For 45 years it faithfully served the community as a dance hall, cinema and rollerskating rink. In 1982, it went the way of many regional dance halls and picture theatres and was forced to close its doors. Locals successfully campaigned to have the Hall listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.
In 2018 the building was purchased by Lucy and Johnny East. While art deco theatres elsewhere were being reimagined as apartments or offices, Lucy East was determined to revive the building as a multi-use arts space, serving the community as it was originally intended.
With its superb acoustics, enhanced by the original unpainted caneite ceiling, it is an ideal venue for chamber music. “The musicians are off the stage, down with the audience surrounding them,” explains East. “Suddenly you’re right inside, you can see the music on the music stand, and you can feel the energy and the intelligence and the musicality flying out of the musicians.”
Violinist Emma Jardine understands the important role of the audience to a create an unforgettable performance. “One thing I love about performing chamber music in an intimate venue is how much we can feed off the energy of the audience,” Jardine says. “Audience members bring energy to the performance as much as the musicians do. And a venue like the Malachi makes such a difference – it can turn a good performance into something absolutely magical.”
“The audience will, I hope, come along on the ride, get involved in the concert, and be moved by it.”
East hopes that the immersive qualities of chamber music will entice as many locals as visitors to the performances. The program includes a free twilight Community Gala concert on Friday 22 November. 5.30pm and a schools’ performance for the local primary, high school and the nursing home. Music specialist and animateur Andy Bromberger will also feature over the weekend, giving pre-concert talks at the Malachi.
The free events are generously sponsored by Oberon Council and the festival is supported by the Oberon Business and Tourism Association.
With celebrated works by Schubert to the premiere of newly discovered music by Brahms, Oberon Chamber Music Festival promises magical performances at a unique venue, for locals and visitors alike.
OBERON CHILDCARE EXTENSION STARTS CONSTRUCTION
Expanding the childcare services in the Oberon district is playing a vital part of ensuring the local workforce can make a real commitment to remaining in the district on the longer term.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole has been playing an instrumental role in ensuring the need for first class childcare facilities is being addressed.
He is pleased to see major progress being made on extensions to the Oberon Children’s Centre, made possible thanks to the ongoing support from the NSW Government.
Mr Toole obtained funding of more than $1.6 million for the important project which is forging ahead on a block of land right next door to the current facility on the corner of North and King Streets in the township.
A dwelling on that parcel of land has already been demolished to make way for the expansion with the construction phase now well underway.
“The slab has been poured and it’s great to see work underway on the new building which will include a multipurpose community building with therapy rooms, a kitchen, a children's play space, and a play area for children aged 3 to 5 years,” Mr Toole said.
“I know that Oberon Children’s Centre director Karina Evans and her team are elated to see the project progressing so well, as are the parents and families of the youngsters who spend time there during these all important formative years in an environment which helps ensure they have the very best start to learning the basics of an education which in turn creates the ideal learning platform to set them up for life.”
Mr Toole said it’s important for a town such as Oberon to be able to offer its residents childcare facilities that are second to none.
“It means you can raise a family in the district knowing that when you do have children they can be on a level playing field with other larger regional cities when it comes to being able to get an education while mum and dad can earn an income without the
and
Pictured above: The Streeton Trio, featured artists at the Oberon Chamber Music Festival (Image - Lucy East)
worry of finding placements for the kids,” he said.
The expansion of Oberon Children's Centre project is jointly funded by the Australian
NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
Pictured: Member for Bathurst Paul Toole with Centre Director Karina Evans and children.
Learning from Global Transitions: How Coal-Dependent Regions Have Successfully Shifted to Renewable Energy
By Rich Evans
As Australia navigates its energy transition, the experiences of other coal-dependent regions provide a wealth of insight.
By incorporating economic diversification strategies, these regions have not only embraced renewable energy but also revitalised their local economies through industries like tourism, arts, and advanced manufacturing. This article examines the transformations of Germany's Ruhr Valley, Spain's coal phaseout, and South Australia's renewable revolution, highlighting how these regions leveraged alternative industries to support their transitions.
Germany's Ruhr Valley, once a powerhouse of coal and steel, exemplifies how an industrial region can reinvent itself.
At its peak in the 1950s, over 500,000 people worked in the coal sector, but as mining declined, the region faced an economic and social crisis. The solution lay in diversifying its economy.
For example, the Zollverein Coal Mine in Essen, a former coal facility, was transformed into a UNESCO World Heritage site and cultural centre. Today, it hosts museums, galleries, and events, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually and generating significant revenue for the local economy. Additionally, the Ruhr region invested in education and research, establishing institutions like the Ruhr University Bochum, which fosters innovation in fields such as advanced manufacturing and green technology. These initiatives not only provided new job opportunities but also reshaped the region’s identity from an industrial hub to a centre of culture, tourism, and technological advancement.
Spain’s coal phase-out offers another compelling example of how diversified investments can ease the socio-economic impact of a rapid energy transition. In 2018, Spain closed most of its coal mines, but it paired this decision with a €250 million package to support affected communities. Part of this funding was directed towards promoting tourism and sustainable development in former mining areas. In Asturias, a region once heavily reliant on
coal, old mining towns like Langreo have been revitalised through eco-tourism initiatives, hiking trails, and cultural heritage projects. These efforts have drawn visitors to the region and created new employment opportunities. Spain also encouraged the growth of renewable energy manufacturing, with regions like Aragón becoming hubs for wind turbine production, leveraging their industrial expertise and geographic advantages to create a new economic base.
South Australia’s transition from coal to renewables further highlights the role of alternative industries in a successful transformation. After the state’s last coal-fired power station closed in 2016, investments in wind and solar energy helped drive economic growth.
At the same time, South Australia embraced tourism and the arts to diversify its economy. Adelaide, for instance, has become known for its vibrant arts scene, hosting globally renowned events such as the Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide. These festivals contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy each year and provide a growing source of employment. The state also capitalised on its agricultural strengths, developing a strong export market for premium wine and food products, which have become synonymous with the region’s brand.
Across all three regions, manufacturing has played a significant role in the transition. In Germany, the Ruhr Valley
shifted its industrial focus towards producing renewable energy components, such as wind turbines and solar panels. Similarly, Spain used its industrial expertise to support the growth of renewable energy manufacturing, creating jobs in high-value sectors. South Australia has embraced advanced manufacturing as well, including the development of batteries and other energy storage technologies. These efforts demonstrate that manufacturing can serve as both a bridge from traditional industries and a foundation for future economic growth.
The lessons from these transitions are clear. Long-term planning is essential, as evidenced by the Ruhr Valley’s multidecade shift from coal to a diversified economy. Economic diversification is crucial, with tourism, arts, and manufacturing providing new employment opportunities and revitalising communities. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities ensures that transitions are inclusive, addressing the needs of those most affected. Finally, targeted investment in alternative industries, coupled with clear policy frameworks, provides the stability and resources needed to foster growth.
For Australia, these examples underscore the importance of looking beyond energy generation. Coal-dependent regions such as Lithgow can explore opportunities in eco-tourism, leveraging their natural landscapes and industrial heritage. Investments in cultural projects, like festivals and museums, can foster community identity and attract visitors. Advanced manufacturing, particularly for renewable energy components, offers a pathway to retain and repurpose industrial expertise.
By drawing on the experiences of the Ruhr Valley, Spain, and South Australia, Australia can shape a transition that not only addresses energy needs but also lays the groundwork for vibrant, resilient regional economies. These global examples prove that a well-planned transition can create new opportunities, ensuring that no community is left behind in the journey toward a renewable future.
The future of energy
Pictured top: Coking plant Zollverein at night with red illumination Photo from shutterstock.com/nohab
Pictured left: the demolition of chimney stacks at Greenspot in Wallerawang paves the way for future industry and development.
CHRISTMAS MAKERS MARKET
Get ready to experience the joy of shopping local at the Christmas Makers Market! This festive event is the perfect opportunity to discover unique, high-quality, handmade gifts just in time for the holiday season. Mark your calendars for Saturday, 14 December 2024, and prepare to be enchanted by a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind creations by local artists and makers.
Located at the Lithgow Union Theatre, the market will be open from 10 AM to 2 PM, offering shoppers a chance to find meaningful gifts that celebrate craftsmanship and creativity. From intricate jewellery to beautiful homeware and festive decorations, there’s something for everyone on your list. Let’s make this holiday season special by choosing thoughtful, locally made treasures over mass-produced items.
Calling All Artists and Makers! Are you a talented local artist or maker crafting exceptional goods that would make the perfect Christmas gift? Be part of the Christmas Makers Market and showcase your work to the vibrant Lithgow and Central West communities. Spots are limited so to register visit the event page at https://artsoutwest.org.au/call-for-artisans-christmas-makersmarket-lithgow/.
Jonathan from Creative Galah invites the community to celebrate the incredible talent in the Lithgow area and beyond. This market is a chance to connect with local artisans, support small businesses, and spread holiday cheer through thoughtful giving.
For more information, contact Jono at 0415 163 417 or email jonathan@creativegalah.com.au.
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Have you tried a Portland Pie yet?
Selling out every day has to be a good sign that the pies are good at the recently opened Portland Bakery. Located next door to the library on Williwa Street, Portland.
With hundreds of pies, sausage rolls and other baked goods constantly rolling out the door, the long wait has been worth it for both the town of Portland and owners Mark, Lyn and Mel Ward.
“We can’t get over the amazing response we have had since opening our doors. Every day we are more and more proud of what we have achieved and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Portland bakery,” said Mark.
The early success took them by surprise over the first week, with pies being sold out in much quicker times than they anticipated, but after a few weeks, they have worked out the busy times and now have plenty of pies on hand for hungry visitors and locals.
Check out their Facebook page for the latest opening hours and next time you are in Portland make sure you give them a try.
https://www.facebook.com/portlandnswbakery
Lithgow Table Tennis Update
Spinners have claimed the Minor Premiership of the Lithgow Table Tennis Association Summer Competition after defeating Charolais and leapfrogging them into first place when the final regular season round was played at the La Salle Academy Sports Hall.
Charolais got off to a good start against Spinners when they took the opening rubber 2-0. That would be the only joy for them on the night though, as an 8-0 run from Spinners put them ahead 8-2. Charolais threatened a comeback, narrowing the gap to 8-6, but Spinners won the last two singles by four games to one to claim the match, and top spot on the ladder, 12-7.
No one stood out in a consistent team effort for Spinners, as Riza Wiradi and Kevin Wright both scored 4-2 and Pauline Wellfare 4-3.
Charolais couldn’t make anything happen on the night, with John Cox going 3-4, and Shane Eagle and Sean Jenkins returning a pair of 2-4 results.
The Boys took the first two rubbers in their battle with Grippers for a 4-0 break, but Grippers fought back, and late in the match The Boys held a shaky 9-8 edge. The Boys kicked away from there however, winning the last two singles and the only doubles by a combined six games to two to come away with a 15-10 victory.
Peter Jaccoud had the best record for The Boys, producing a round-best 6-1, just pipping Mick Wagner at 6-2, while Mark McAulay struggled to 1-6.
Wooden-spooners Grippers have fought hard all season but haven’t been able to win the vital games. This match was no different, as Leon Rust finished 4-5, Sharnie Roberts 3-4 and Lou Kappos 2-4.
Final Pointscore: Spinners 34, Charolais 31, The Boys 25, Grippers 12.
Wallerawang Sailing Club Holds Annual Regatta
Wallerawang Sailing Club recently held its highly anticipated annual regatta, set to take place on Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10. The event saw two days of thrilling races on the picturesque waters of Lake Wallace and attracted competitors from across the region and beyond.
The 2-day regatta kicked off on Saturday 9th November, with organisers holding three to four races throughout each day. On Sunday, the action resumed at 10 a.m., with a further two races held before the final whistle.
This year’s fleet featured an impressive mix of mostly catamarans, including five Taipan 4.9s, two Nacra 5.8s, a handful of Mari Cats, and a variety of monohulls. Competitors travelled from sailing clubs and towns as far afield as Tanilba Bay, Mannerings Park, Kurnell, Katoomba, Lithgow, Bathurst, and Orange to participate in the friendly yet fiercely competitive event.
Spectators enjoyed the events as well as the delightful Spring weather, while supporting their favourite sailors. The regatta is the highlight of the local sailing calendar and was a great way to experience the vibrant community spirit of Wallerawang.
For more information about Wallerawang Sailing Club or how you can get involved with this great sport, contact Steven Ramsden via the Facebook page or calling 0400 636 407.
Philosophy should be taught in schools, but which parts?
With 2024 UNESCO World Philosophy Day on Thursday 21 November a Charles Sturt University philosopher supports the proposition that philosophy should be taught in schools, but questions ‘which parts?’.
By Dr William Tuckwell, Lecturer
in Philosophy in the Charles Sturt School of Social Work and Arts in the Faculty of Arts and Education.
One of the goals of the annual UNESCO World Philosophy Day is to encourage the teaching of philosophy. With this in mind, the question was put to me, ‘should philosophy be taught in schools?’.
There are many arguments for teaching philosophy in schools: that it can contribute to the development of students’ critical thinking which can then be applied to other academic areas, that it can contribute to the development of students’ communication skills by encouraging them to develop clear and coherent arguments and that it can form part of students’ moral education when they engage with moral philosophy.
But philosophy encompasses many different philosophical subdisciplines. If philosophy is to be taught in schools, decisions will need to be made about which areas of philosophy should be taught.
Last year I was invited to give a presentation to a group of Victorian philosophy high school teachers. The topic was teaching social epistemology to high school students.
Epistemology is the area of philosophy that investigates knowledge and justified belief. Social epistemology is the area of epistemology that investigates the effects of social interactions and social systems on knowledge and justified belief.
More concretely, social epistemologists are interested in testimony. A lot, perhaps most, of our beliefs are based upon what other people say. So, it’s important to ask, under what circumstance are we justified in trusting what other people tell us?
Social epistemologists are also interested in expertise. If there is anybody’s word that we can trust, surely it is the word of experts. But what is expertise? How do non-experts identify experts? And who should we believe when experts disagree?
Perhaps most pertinent to our current moment, social epistemologists are interested in the epistemology of the internet – questions about mis- and disinformation, about conspiracy theories, and about online free speech.
I was invited to present on this topic because a unit on social epistemology is soon to be added to the Victorian high school philosophy curriculum.
Of all the philosophical subdisciplines that could’ve been added, social epistemology is a great choice.
Social epistemology is one of the most, if not the most, exciting areas of philosophy right now. I am somewhat biased in making this claim, but I think there’s some truth to it.
There is an explosion of interest in social epistemology. Philosophers have been turning their attention to topics that haven’t previously had much of a philosophical look in. Topics include mis- and disinformation, conspiracy theories, fake news, deepfakes, and political disagreement and polarisation.
What better way to get high school students interested in philosophy than by introducing them to some of its most exciting recent developments?
Studying social epistemology in school can give students knowledge and skills that are useful for understanding and forming views on important contemporary debates that matter for them.
Numerous important current debates have social epistemological elements. In Australia, there is a heated debate over the mis/disinformation bill that is currently before the Australian parliament, the newly proposed Communications Legislation Amendment (Combating Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024.
The bill aims to keep Australians safe from the harms of mis/ disinformation, but there are serious concerns over how what counts as harmful mis/disinformation will be decided and over the potential negative consequences for free speech.
There is also a debate over the government’s proposed social media ban for under 16s. The ban aims to improve the safety of children online, including their epistemic safety.
The government is concerned that social media is exposing children to information that leads to problematic beliefs and actions, such as boys being exposed to misogynistic material.
This is all before we step outside of Australia to begin thinking about whether and to what extent mis/disinformation explains President-elect Trump’s recent election success.
So, there is indeed good reasons to teach philosophy in schools, and for social epistemology to be among the philosophical topics that are taught.
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• Nor th facing alfesco area.
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• Brand new home with heritage appeal in one of the Central West’s fastest evolving towns.
PANORAMA PLATYPI WIN FOURTH PREMIERSHIP
Another magnificent grand final effort by Bathurst’s Panorama Platypi resulted in their record fourth-straight WWRL premiership
Platypi made their way to this year’s decider with just one loss, to grand final rivals Goannas in round 2, but the Dubbo side themselves had their own hiccup with a four-point loss to Orange Vipers.
With both title aspirants having a loss each, Platypi proceeded over the next five rounds to exhibit their overall superiority, scoring 88 more points than nearest side Vipers over just seven regular competition games.
At the conclusion of the premiership rounds Goannas defeated Vipers in their semi-final to progress to the grand final while the Bathurst side disposed of the Woodbridge club 56-0. Quietly confident after their season’s achievements to advance
to another season decider, Platypi opened the grand final scoring after five minutes with a try to Sarah Colman following through a fifth-tackle kick rebound off a goalpost to score between the posts for an easy conversion and a 6-0 lead.
Forward Molly Kennedy who, alongside Nicole Schneider and Kate Gullifer, was demonstrating stoic brick-wall defence against Goannas’ powerful pack, scored next in the 13th minute, Colman adding the extras, for a 12-point lead.
Three minutes later, an attack from 50 metres and the ball travelling from Kennedy and Tiana Anderson to Meredith Jones, saw Jones across for the third try, again converted by the ultrareliable Colman, for an 18-0 scoreline.
Difficult to accept being behind by 18 points, Goannas lifted intensity and scored their first points, an unconverted try to Maia Wake, but found themselves on the back foot again five
minutes later after Anderson, seeking the ball on her own side of the field, sliced through the defence from 70 metres to score for Colman to again convert, for 24-4, just before halftime.
In the second half Goannas gave their supporters some hope with two tries, in the first and eighth minutes, but poor goalkicking left them 12 points behind and Platypi looking more like premiers with a converted try to Jones and a successful penalty kick by Colman for a 32-12 scoreline and time rapidly running out for a brave Goannas side.
A last-minute Goannas converted try was too little and too late, and a final 32-18 score stamped Platypi as champions for a fourth straight year.
All the forwards, from both sides, covered themselves in uncompromised glory, and Tiana Anderson was again nominated as best player of the grand final.
Story and photos by John Fitzgerald
Pictured: Victorious Platypi players celebrate their fourth premiership
Player of the match Tiana Anderson
Platypi forward Molly Kennedy wholeheartedly defending centrefield
Puzzles
1. Record of court proceedings
6. Incandescent
10. John & ... Kennedy
15. Smug moralist
18. Trace
19. Prickled
20. Profoundly wise
22. Become independent
23. Acrobat’s apparatus
24. One of a pair
25. Wealthy LA suburb, ... Air
26. Crawled
28. Gulf
30. Director, ... Howard
31. French farewell
32. Sit in relaxed way
33. Indication
34. Singer, ... Minogue
35. Off-key
37. Roster
39. Therapeutic water tub
40. Match before final
42. As soon as
45. Strengthen
48. Data
49. Jolt
50. Church service fragrance
53. Deciduous tree
54. Switzerland’s currency
56. Euphoric drug
59. Grain husks
61. Sticky coal by-product
62. Hand-make (jumper)
63. Khmer Rouge tyrant, ... Pot
64. Roman X
65. Plane’s wing brake
66. Litigate
68. Ridiculous
69. Spy writer, ... Fleming
70. Hush-hush (3-6)
71. Explained
72. Buck’s mate
73. Unorthodox
74. I have (1’2)
76. Commuter treadmill (3,4)
78. Harmful look (4,3)
80. Diversity
81. Shielded
84. Wood-turning machine
85. Hung loosely
87. Swift
89. Basic kitchen condiment
92. Utter (3-3-3)
94. Delivered unreturnable serve
96. Intermittently (3,3,2)
97. Sprang (from)
98. Movement
100. Or else
101. Pudding starch
104. Besieges
105. Radio interference
107. Preamble
108. 100-to-1 chances
112. Ethiopia’s Addis ...
113. Cheapens
115. Peculiarity
117. Him or ...
118. Violent intimidation
120. Some
121. Staying power
123. Altitude
125. Embroider
126. Cocktail party titbit (4,1’6)
127. Drink brand, ... Maria
129. Wind instrument
130. Gullible mug
131. Sink in middle
133. Tapering fruit
134. Queen’s counsels (1,2)
136. Egypt’s capital
137. Stage setting
140. Fourth month
141. Man’s best friend
142. Wrinkles
146. Greek liquor
147. Exchange for money
148. Abated (5,2)
152. Deceased
154. ... & nays
155. Rugby score
156. Narrate
157. Whistle balls
159. Spike
160. Desire
162. Nudge (in ribs)
164. Of the moon
165. Be humiliated, eat humble ...
167. Noosed rope
169. Actor, ... Murphy
171. Dietary fibre, ... bran
173. Tiny community
174. Nasal opening
175. Kicked out
177. Snow-capped mountains
178. Frozen shipping hazard
179. King Charles canine
180. Well-organised
181. Moodiness
182. Enthusiastically 183. Established laws
DOWN
1. Rubbish dumps 2. Aussie city, ... Springs 3. Envying 4. Vulnerable 5. Thick string
Slum area 7. Beef broth (6,4) 8. Faultless 9. Rich cream cake 10. Female donkey 11. Fine leather 12. Form the basis of
NW US state
Always
Nonconformist 17. Italian dairy dessert
Scatters
21. Aladdin’s lamp servant
27. Civvies (5,7)
29. Wearing glasses
35. Old-fashioned people 36. Nuclear weapon, ... bomb
38. Readily available (2,3)
41. La Scala city
43. Qualifying race 44. Nerve cell 46. Mundane
47. Most sizable 51. Beverage stimulant
52. Pessimistically 55. Zilch
56. Rapid rise 57. Grape variety, ... noir 58. Train coach 60. Lucifer’s lair
Perpetual
Silly
72. Mends with needle 75. Edit (text) 77. Yarns
79. Surgically inserted 82. Moccasin-like shoes 83. Bequeathed
86. Sinn Fein leader, Gerry ... 88. Decree
90. Entirely
91. Draw along behind 92. Or near offer (1,1,1)
93. Golf mound
94. Commercial breaks
95. Savings, nest ... 98. Trust
99. Got too big for 102. Emphatic
103. Reproductive gland
104. Stand-in (4,6)
106. Chastised
108. Brittle bone disorder
109. Pushes forcibly
110. Bon vivant
111. Spun (of gymnast)
114. Army quarters
116. Role models
119. Stratosphere layer
Scorch
Pounce
Follow-up book
Quarrels
Namby-pamby
Thin porridge
Religious splinter group
Laundry clip (7,3)
139. Busybody (4,6)
141. Con 143. Rebuffs
144. Acceptance (of policy)
145. Keen sight (5,3)
149. Claiming
150. Raises to the peerage
151. Remove from homeland 153. Deeply shock
158. Performed
161. Language
163. Actor, ... Grammer 166. Urge into motion 168. Gushes
170. Speak slowly 172. At an angle 173. Cured joints of pork 176. Altered colour of
