Mayor's Column

Published on 18 July 2025

Girrawaa Art Exhibition
 At the end of last week, I was pleased to be joined by Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, to announce Council’s funding success for the restoration of Old Government Cottage on Stanley Street. The cottage is currently experiencing rising damp issues and salt attacks. Fortunately, our $15,000 grant funding will enable stormwater drainage improvements, repainting of windows and doors, reinstating pavers and brick flooring, as well as some gardening and signage improvements. Bathurst Regional Council also received an additional $25,000 for our local heritage program. This grant will support our engagement of a Heritage Advisor, Council’s small grants Heritage Assistance fund program, and other heritage management studies and implementation projects as needed.  

 

Additionally, over the weekend I was delighted to attend the Girrawaa Art Exhibition at Bathurst Correctional Centre. The Girrawaa team, led by Operations Manager Anthony Tait and Senior Overseer Dave Williams, did outstanding work pulling it together. Their dedication fosters creativity, healing, and cultural reconnection within the Bathurst Correctional Centre. The men involved proudly shared with us pieces inspired by their Dreaming, their families, and their communities. 

 

This week, it was terrific to officially re-open Crago Fountain in Machattie Park alongside our Federal Member, Andrew Gee MP. Thank you to the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program for the full funding to enable this project’s completion. Full credit to Carters Engineering and Council’s works crew for the magnificent restoration work. The last full restoration was back in 1998!  So, this year’s restoration will preserve it for future generations to come. Plus, coming up next week I am very excited that Bathurst is the host destination for the 2025 Women's Masters Field Hockey State Championships. This thrilling event will see countless teams and supporters flock to our town – a great opportunity to put Bathurst on the map as a sporting hub of NSW Central West. Best of luck to all involved. 

 

Robert Taylor 

Mayor of Bathurst 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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