Mayor's Column

Bathurst stands a little taller today; Mrs Fudeko Reekie has been awarded an OAM for three decades of building a living bridge between Bathurst and our Japanese sister city, Ohkuma. From 35 years teaching Japanese at All Saints’ to helping found our Sister City Committee, Mrs Reekie has woven culture, language, and friendship into the city’s fabric. Her medal honours her, and honours Bathurst too. 

Saturday’s reopening of the Indoor Sports Centre showed why partnerships matter; a new floor, roof, amenities and ventilation keep sport humming year-round. The first baskets were netted at an under-16 tournament drawing teams from up and down the coast - cash in local tills and pride for our local indoor stadium operator. A great example of what can be achieved across governments - thanks to Paul Toole MP and Andrew Gee MP for their government’s contribution. 

Our interim Director of Corporate Services and Finance, Peter Smith, started Wednesday. After a first briefing with Acting GM Neil Southorn and I, he is already mapping quick wins. Peter’s mandate is clear: steady cash flow; tighten the budget; hand the GM and councillors candid options. 

In Orange I represented Bathurst at the Country Mayors Regional Roads and Transport meeting. In candid talks with the Minister we settled on three essentials; look after the roads we already have, push for our fair share of funding, and keep freight, commuters and visitors moving safely. 

Council has stepped back from running the Winter Festival for sound fiscal reasons with local businesses stepping up. July school holidays will still sparkle with markets, music, lantern walks, and more. Check the ‘Winter in Bathurst’ web page, book early, back local business. 

Ben Fry 

Acting Bathurst Mayor