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Published on 04 April 2025
Early this week I was pleased to attend the Bathurst and District Bridge Club for the club's presentation of a cheque to our region’s local Meals on Wheels organisation. The Bridge Club, which hosts over 140 members, held a sausage sizzle to raise funds and awareness for the club and has donated all earnings to Meals on Wheels. This kind donation will go a long way, enabling them to continue their great service in the Bathurst community and beyond.
On Wednesday, Council held its April Policy Meeting, as well as an Extraordinary Meeting focused on the sustainability of Council’s finances. The Financial Sustainability report presented on the night was reviewed and adopted by Council, approving the net variations of $2,086,300 to the 2024/2025 budget. The report was prepared to address the negative unrestricted cash position of Council’s General Fund, as disclosed at Council’s 19 March 2025 meeting. The efficiencies and adjustments detailed in the report were not selected lightly. They have been identified as necessary actions to remedy the situation and return Council’s unrestricted cash position back to positive by the end of the financial year.
Looking ahead to next week, Tuesday features Council’s Business After Hours session, hosted in partnership with Bathurst Business Chamber and the UK's Cirencester Chamber of Commerce. Head to the Bathurst Business Hub webpage to register for an evening of exploring international partnership opportunities to benefit the local businesses and regional economies of both our cities. Plus, next Saturday, our award-winning Heritage Trades Trail will commence at Bathurst Showground. Held annually since 2017, the Trades Trail is an extraordinary celebration of rare trades and bespoke craftsmanship. Attracting over 2,100 attendees last year, it is acknowledged as the foremost heritage event on the Bathurst Region calendar. This has aptly been recognised on a wider industry level, with the Heritage Trades Trail receiving Bronze at the 2024 NSW Tourism Awards, as well as the President’s Award at the 2024 NSW National Trust Heritage Awards. Make sure you purchase tickets for this great event – I'll see you there!
Robert Taylor
Mayor of Bathurst