What's News 15 March 2024

Published on 15 March 2024

What's News

Autumn Colours festival 

The annual Autumn Colours festival starts this weekend, 16-17 March with the first of 36 tours over a nine-week period.  The program has run annually since 1998 and provides residents and visitors with an opportunity to explore the rich and fascinating heritage of Bathurst and surrounding villages.  

This year's tours and activities include:   

  • Perthville Convent Heritage Centre
  • Tours of the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon
  • Abercrombie House heritage and events
  • Bathurst District Historical Society Museum – Seniors Week special entry
  • Cemetery Wanders
  • Motoring Heritage
  • ‘My Block’ tours
  • Bus tour of Sofala and Hill End – ‘Treasures of the Goldfields’

A program of all heritage tours is now available online at https://www.bathurstregion.com.au/autumn-colours/   and as a printed booklet available from the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre and numerous local businesses. 

Cuppa with a Youth Councillor

Bathurst Regional Youth Council are hosting “Cuppa with a Youth Councillor” as part of the Seniors Festival. Come and have a ‘Cuppa with a Youth Councillor’, an event for all to enjoy a relaxed conversation with Bathurst Regional Youth Councillors.  For further information please contact Council’s Community Services Section on (02) 63336523 

Venue: Bathurst Rail Museum 126 Havannah Street, Bathurst 

Date: Monday 18 March 2024 

Time: 9am – 10am 

Cost: Free 

Begonia House

The annual begonia display in Machattie Park’s Begonia House will open to the public on Tuesday 19 March 2024.  The Begonia House is open 9am to 4pm weekdays and 11am to 3pm weekends (closed Good Friday). This stunning display is expected to run through until the end of April. 

National Close the Gap Day

National Close the Gap Day will be observed across Australia on Thursday 21 March 2024. National Close the Gap Day advocates for health equity of Australia’s First Nations people, raises awareness of the Indigenous health crisis and supports First Nations people to access health services.  

Council has partnered with Moodie’s Pharmacy Bathurst to deliver health information and provide health checks, including blood pressure checks and blood glucose testing. For more information, please contact Council on 6333 6523.

Date: Tuesday 19 March 2024 

Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm (no bookings required) 

Location: Kelso Community Hub, 24 Bonnor Street, Kelso 

Harmony Week

Harmony Week is an opportunity to acknowledge diversity while demonstrating our commitment to living together harmoniously as Australians.  The theme of Harmony Week is “Everyone Belongs”.   

Council will be holding an event on Saturday 23 March. The celebration will include multicultural food, entertainment, and craft activities. For further information phone 6333 6523. 

Where: Bathurst Library/Art Gallery Forecourt, Keppel Street 

When: Saturday 23 March 10am to 12noon 

ClubGRANTS applications

Council invites community organisations to apply for funding through the ClubGRANTS Scheme, under CATEGORY 1 criteria. Applications close on Friday 31 May 2024. All applications are required to be completed via ClubGRANTS Online. Further information and a link to ClubGRANTS online can be accessed from Council’s website: www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or the ClubsNSW website www.clubsnsw.com.au, or call 6333 6523. 

Welcome lunch

The welcome lunch is a great opportunity to meet other new residents.  Come along to Morse Park, near the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre, on 24 March from 11.30am to 1.30pm. For more information or to register, visit bathurstliveinvest.com.au 

Village Meetings

Rockley, School of Arts Building 30 April 6pm 
Perthville, Community Hall 7 May 6pm 
Trunkey Creek, Community Hall 13 May 6pm 
Sunny Corner, Community Hall 21 May 6pm 
Wattle Flat, Recreation Hall 28 May 6pm  
Hill End, Hosie’s 23 Clarke Street, 6 June 6pm 

History Talk @ the Library

The Bathurst Sportsground  

Join Mark Windsor for a presentation on the development of this historic landmark and how its sporting events provide an insight into the character and spirit of Bathurst. Celebrate 100 years of the old Grandstand in the lead up to the NSW Heritage Festival. Mark is Chair of the Cycling NSW Heritage Commission. 

When: Tuesday 9 April, 6pm 

Where: Bathurst Library, 70-78 Keppel Street 

Bookings essential phone 6333 6281. 

Photography competition 

The Bathurst Visitor Information Centre (BVIC) is celebrating the exceptional natural beauty of our region this autumn with a photography competition. The competition is open to all, with entries closing Saturday, 24 May.  

Two winners will be selected, one by the BVIC tourism team and the other by a public vote from a shortlist compiled by BVIC from all submissions received. Public voting will be open in the final week of autumn from 24 to 31 May. Winners will be announced on Saturday the 1 June. Winners will receive a $250 Buy Local Gift Card.  For more information, terms and conditions, or to submit an entry visit www.bathurstregion.com.au 

Media contact: Corinne Boer Media & Communications Officer P: 6333 6179 
M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au