What's News 11 April
Published on 11 April 2025
Director Corporate Services and Finance Resignation
Aaron Jones, Council’s Director Corporate Services and Finance, has resigned after 8 years at Council to pursue a new role in Bathurst.
With 35 years’ experience in the Local Government sector, Mr Jones has been unequivocally driven in his role and dedicated to his department. Under his direction, Council secured a fantastic 10-year extension to the contract with the Penrith Panthers, established excellent, annual motorsport events at Mount Panorama, brought World Cross Country to Australia, being the first time that this event has been held in the southern hemisphere, and he was instrumental in arranging Elton John’s unforgettable 2020 performance in Bathurst.
Aaron has been an asset to this organisation, and we wish him every success and all the best in his new role.
Notice of Proposed Hazard Reduction Burn | Hill End
Hazard Reduction Burning for bushfire risk management will be undertaken by the NSW Rural Fire Service between Saturday 12 to Monday 14 April 2025.
As the prescribed burn will generate smoke, hot embers and heat, it is important that you consider the following:
• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes;
• Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns;
• Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage;
• Remove washing from clotheslines;
• Ensure pets and other animals have a protected area;
• If you are driving a vehicle, slow down, keep windows up and turn headlights on; and
• If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities. If smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice;
• Be aware smoke may impact visibility on Wattys Rd, Andersons Rd, areas of the Hill End Common and the Glendora Campground.
Should any further information be required, please contact the District Office at Chifley Fire Control Centre on 1300 258 737 between 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays. You can also obtain additional information on prescribed burning and property preparedness by accessing the NSW Rural Fire Service website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
Looking After Old Buildings, Guided Tour
Looking After Old Buildings is a guided tour of Old Government Cottage, Bathurst, led by David Young, a specialist in building restoration. The one-hour tour will look at a range of problems that we commonly face – rising damp, salt decay of brickwork, the need for old walls to ‘breathe’, lime mortars and why cement is bad for old masonry, and traditional versus modern paints. The tour will be informal with plenty of opportunities for questions.
Dates: 12 and13 April, 11am and 2pm.
Book by calling the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre on 02 6332 1444 or book online by selecting the date via the following link: https://book.bookeasy.com/autumn-colours-tours/tours/96962?fbclid=IwY2xjawJlhcpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhlGxJYWYXwqJ5ig-HrpfH3o1ohPrbHDE3tHepkgb1judp2PN1xVxx0B9qnW_aem_z6cuIX_7Z3ZE2nuiFWL7EQ
Dr Stephen Gapps Book Launch at Bathurst Library
Bathurst Library is proud to host historian and author Dr Stephen Gapps for the official Bathurst launch of his latest book, Uprising: war in the colony of NSW 1838-1844.
The event will include an in-conversation session with Dr Gapps and an opportunity to ask questions and purchase copies of his books.
Easter Long Weekend | Council Closures
The Civic Centre will be closed from 4.45pm on Thursday 17 April and will reopen on Tuesday 22 April at 8.30am.
Waste collection services will continue as usual over the Easter break.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe Easter.
Health and Wellbeing Survey
Mayors across the NSW Central West are urging community members to participate in a health survey organised by the Central NSW Joint Organisation Board. This survey, a collaboration between the Western & Far Western Local Health Districts and the Western NSW Primary Health Network, will help shape future health programs. Your feedback will impact primary health care services and government-provided services.
Your Say | Seniors Festival Feedback
The NSW Seniors Festival is held annually and celebrates the valuable contribution seniors make to our community. For Seniors Festival 2025, more than 70 fantastic events were held around the Bathurst Region, and we would love to know what you thought about them.
Please provide your feedback in the survey below:
Feedback will close 4pm Monday 28 April 2025.
Youth Week 2025 | Fun Fest
Join Bathurst Regional Youth Council for their Youth Week Fun Fest on Wednesday 16 April from 5pm to 7.30pm at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC).
The event night will be filled with games such as Kahoot, musical bingo, giant games (connect 4 and Jenga) and more. There will be team and individual prizes as well as a free dinner of pizza and soft drinks provided.
A bus will also be running to and from BMEC for the event.
To book your seat, call 02 6333 6523
Community Tree Planting this Sunday
Join us this Sunday 13 April for our Community Tree Planting Day and lend a hand to help plant native plants for flying-fox habitat along the banks of the Macquarie Wambuul River.
Commencing at 10am off Morrisset Street and Zante Lane, downstream of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the event welcomes adults and kids alike to participate in planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses. The plantings will not only improve the health and function of this much-loved river but will help restore critical roosting habitat for the Little Red Flying-fox and threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox - seasonal visitors to our region!
Parking for vehicles is available at the Zante Lane end of the Wastewater Treatment Plant service lane accessed via Morrisset Street. Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles to the planting site is ONLY permissible for volunteers with a disability.
For more information, contact Council’s Community Environmental Engagement Programs Officer Bill Josh (Habitat Connect) on 0407 256 791 or Councils Recreation Section on 02 6333 6285.
Bathurst Sportsground | Temporary Closure
The Bathurst Sportsground will be temporarily closed to the general public whilst the field undergoes its annual preparation works for the 2025 winter sports season.
The annual rye seeding application was undertaken on 31 March and it is essential that there is no field use until the winter rye grass seed has germinated and established.
It is anticipated that the Sportsground will be opened to the public by 28 April 2025.
Library Closure 24 & 25 April
Bathurst Library will be closed on 24 April for Union Picnic Day and 25 April for the Anzac Day public holiday.
Normal hours will resume on Saturday 26 April, 10am-3pm.
Temporary Road Closure - Ribbon Gang Lane
Council advises that Ribbon Gang Lane will be closed from Thursday 20 March 2025 for a period of approximately 12 weeks. During this time access will be maintained for pedestrians and adjacent properties.
The temporary closure is for Scaffolding Works completed by DSL Construction with enquiries to be directed to 0400 096 505.
Any inconvenience is regretted.
Waste 2 Art Community Workshop
Fiona Howle, our own local, brilliant and passionate artist, will be hosting a FREE Waste 2 Art workshop on creating works of art from old toys. Open to ages 6+, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
BYO broken toys you want to recycle. All other craft materials and tools will be provided.
For bookings and enquiries, contact Fiona Howle on 0424 549 907.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer