What's News 18 July
Published on 18 July 2025
Spark Curiosity with New STEM Discovery Kits at Bathurst Library
Bathurst Library is igniting curiosity and creativity with the launch of Spark! Discover Boxes – exciting hands-on Science, Engineering, Math and Technology kits for curious minds of all ages. Each Spark! Box has high-quality, age-appropriate scientific tools for ages eight and up. The kits also feature activity guides to point learners in the direction of additional resources and activities to encourage at home learning.
The kits are now ready for borrowing.
Not a member of the library? You can join online at library.bathurst.nsw.go.au.
The Regional Songwriting Contest | BMEC Local Stages
Join us as we unearth new and exciting talent from the Central West!
The annual ‘Regional Songwriting Contest – Finalist Showcase,’ is a fabulous night of live entertainment, showcasing incredible local talent, and the 12 finalists have just been announced!
When: Saturday 9 August, 7:30pm
Where: BMEC Showroom, 105 William St, Bathurst
Tickets are general admission and available via the BMEC website, here: Regional Songwriting Contest 2025 — Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.
Denison Street Road Closure | Sofala
Council advises that Denison Street between Bowen and Davis Streets will be under traffic control on Tuesday 22 July from 10am to 5pm. A full road closure will take place on Wednesday 23 July from 8am to 10pm. The closure is for filming organised by The Veritas Group Pty Ltd.
Big Oaky Creek Bridge Sofala | Upgrade
Works commenced on Thursday 17 July to complete the road approaches of the newly constructed Big Oaky Creek Bridge. The work will involve the construction of new road to both sides of the bridge including new bitumen spray seal, and the removal and site remediation of the current temporary bypass road.
Works will be conducted Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm, Saturday work may be required subject to weather conditions or delays. Minor traffic delays may be in place.
Works are anticipated to be completed by 30 September 2025, weather dependent.
Mount Panorama Temporary Circuit Closure
The Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit will be subject to temporary closures throughout Thursday 31 July and Friday 1 August to non-residents.
The temporary closure is for filming being undertaken by Sedona Pty Limited.
Russell Street Bridge Maintenance Works
UGLRL (UGL Regional Linx) will commence scheduled maintenance work on the bridge at Russell Street, Bathurst from 16 July to 20 July, between 7am and 5pm, with weekend work required on Saturday 19 July and Sunday 20 July, between 7am and 5pm.
During this work a detour will be available via Havannah Street, Rocket Street and Alpha Street. Pedestrian access will be available upon request to the traffic control team.
If you have any questions or are likely to be impacted by this work, please contact the UGLRL Communications Team and provide the asset number: LCW00363A. Phone: 1300 661 390 / Email: enquiry@uglregionallinx.com.au
Mind Alive Chair Yoga
Thinking about trying yoga but not sure where to start? Why not try chair yoga! It’s a gentle, beginner-friendly way to move your body—all from the comfort of a chair. No need to get down on the floor!
Join Mind Alive Chair Yoga at Bathurst Library, 10:30am on Monday, 4 August and strengthen your connections. Run by instructors from Studio Benefit, this FREE session is the perfect way to see if chair yoga is for you.
After the class, enjoy a cuppa and chat with local organisations about other ways to stay stay moving, connected, and mindful as you age. Bookings essential—visit Bathurst Library or call 6333 6281.
Heritage Assistance Grants
Council’s Heritage Assistance Grants are now open for the 2025/26 period. The program offers up to $5,000 on a dollar-for-dollar basis toward heritage conservation and interpretation projects. For more information, and to access the application form, please navigate to Council’s Heritage Assistance Funds YourSay Page https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/heritage-assistance-funds
Applications close on Friday 25 July 2025.
Rural Cemeteries Meeting
Following the 21 May 2025 resolution, Council has scheduled a Village Association meeting to discuss the future of the region’s rural cemeteries. The meeting focusing on the future of our rural cemeteries will take place on Tuesday 19 August from 2-4pm at BMEC.
Invitations and an agenda are being sent to the various Village Associations, each of whom are requested to send two representatives to attend the meeting.
Help Preserve Bathurst’s Community History – Nominate a Pillar of Bathurst
Do you know someone who made a lasting impact on the Bathurst Region? You can help honour their legacy by nominating them as a Pillar of Bathurst, with nominations for the 2025 Pillars now open. The Pillars of Bathurst project celebrates individuals who have made meaningful contributions to our community, offering inspiration to current and future generations. Bathurst Library is proud to preserve these stories as part of our shared local history.
To learn more or to submit a nomination, visit Bathurst Library in person at 70-78 Keppel Street, or online at https://library.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/Research-History/Pillars-of-Bathurst
Nominations can be made up until 1 August 2025.
Ready for an adventure? Take on the Winter Quest this July!
With over 40 tasks capturing what’s iconic to the Bathurst Region including Museums, parks and gardens, villages and historic buildings, the Quest encourages visitors and locals to get out and about and discover Bathurst this winter.
Grab your friends or the whole family, crack the clues to earn points into the prize draw for the chance to win 1 of 6 $50 Buy Local gift cards.
- Every point you earn gives you an entry into the draw
- The more tasks you complete, the more chances you have to win!
- You can complete as many or as few tasks as you like.
- Save your progress and come back anytime to continue your quest, just make sure to hit submit once you’re done!
Think you’ve got what it takes? Start your Winter Quest at https://bit.ly/WinterQuest25
Entries open until midnight, Thursday 31 July 2025.
Frosty Finds Window Hunt
Council is inviting local businesses to join our Frosty Finds Window Hunt—a winter inspired activity designed to bring fun, excitement, and increased foot traffic to our Bathurst businesses! Running throughout the school holidays from 4 - 20 July.
Here’s how it works:
- Dress your window in a winter-themed display
- Hide one unusual or silly object in your display (e.g. a beach ball in a blizzard!)
- We’ll add your business to our official Frosty Finds Window Hunt map & checklist
Families and visitors will hunt for the odd object in each window for their chance to win a buy local gift card– it’s a fun way to increase foot traffic, visibility, and community involvement in town!
Register here https://bathurstliveinvest.com.au/.../frosty-finds-window...
Winter in Bathurst - Road Closures
Council advises of the following closures:
• Elizabeth Street from the corner of William Street to the Manning Aquatic Centre Driveway from 1 July through to 23 July 2025.
• William Street between Elizabeth and Durham Streets will be closed for the opening and closing weekend events held on Friday 4 July to Saturday 5 July 2025 & Friday 18 July to Saturday 19 July 2025.
The temporary road closures are for holding ‘Winter in Bathurst’ which is organised by the Greens on William.
Winter In Bathurst
While Bathurst Regional Council has taken a step back from running the Bathurst Winter Festival due to its financial sustainability, local businesses have collaborated to create a fresh, community-driven winter experience. A range of exciting events will take place across Bathurst during the winter school holidays, 4-20 July, showcasing the spirit and creativity of the region.
Visitors can look forward to a magical new take on winter in Bathurst, with unique events and activations spread across the city. A full program of events has just been announced and is available on the Visit Bathurst Region website, here: https://www.bathurstregion.com.au/winter-in-bathurst/
Tickets for the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink are on sale now: https://tickets.thegreensonwilliam.com.au/events
Manning Aquatic Centre Changeroom Upgrades
Contractors are scheduled to commence the upgrade of the women’s changeroom facility at Manning Aquatic Centre on Monday 16 June and anticipate the completion of works by September this year. Works are to include the replacement of shower and toilet partitioning, installation of new shower heads & taps, basins, waterproofing, new toilets, wall tiling, and a new floor surfacing treatment.
Changes will be in place during the upgrade works in order to ensure that changeroom options are provided to all pool patrons utilising the Centre. Signage detailing temporary alternative changerooms will be displayed throughout the Centre.
Bathurst Careers Expo
Don’t miss the chance to explore your career prospects with over 80 exhibitors in attendance, ranging from educational institutions to large and small businesses based in the Central West.
Join us on Wednesday 30 July, 9am – 3pm at the Charles Sturt University Gymnasium.
Interested in being an exhibitor at the Bathurst Careers Expo?
The Bathurst Careers Expo attracts over 1000 jobseekers and school-leavers. It is an excellent opportunity to showcase career opportunities to a vast audience free of charge.
Download the 2025 Bathurst Careers Expo Exhibitor Info Pack
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer
P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: genevieve.green@bathurst.nsw.gov.au