Last weekend, the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail proved its enduring popularity with a record 3,500 patrons attending the Bathurst Showground over the 2-day trail. This family-friendly event showcased over 100 traditional artisans, with skilled craftspeople from across the country demonstrating time-honoured trades such as blacksmithing, dry-stone walling, coopering, and furniture making, alongside impressive lace making, delicate embroidery, and traditional Aboriginal tools and weaponry. There was also great local live music, catering from local organisations and a lively marketplace of artisan goods. This event continues to grow year on year, and it’s easy to see why! It’s hands-on, it’s fascinating, and it connects people with the roots of heritage craftsmanship and culture.
At Council’s Ordinary Meeting this Wednesday, the Budget Documentation and draft Community Strategic Plan (CSP) were approved for a 28-day public exhibition for community review and comment. I want to thank the community for your valuable input in the CSP, these comments provided tremendous insight and also helped inform the structure of our budget which has been prepared with regard to Council's tight financial circumstances. Council has already made some very tough decisions in light of our cost pressures, including cancelling the 2025 Winter Festival, however further actions are being considered to return our unrestricted cash balance to a sustainable figure. The community will have a chance to provide feedback on these financial plans, and I encourage residents to take the opportunity to review these once Council places them on exhibition.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour is taking place at Mount Panorama this Sunday. This race is one of the premier international endurance challenges in the racing calendar and has been taking place for close to 10 years. This year, we have the strongest ever on track line up with a record 72 cars contesting the win! I’m looking forward to seeing The Mount roar to life on Sunday morning.
And importantly, for those who are going out of town this long weekend, please make sure you travel responsibly on the roads. Enjoy the Easter break and stay safe.
Robert Taylor
Mayor of Bathurst