What's News 18 September 2026
Published on 18 September 2026
Safer Cities, Her Way – CBD Research
If you're out and about in the Bathurst CBD this weekend or early next week (between Saturday 19 September and Tuesday 22 September) you may be asked about safety in the CBD or see a team of researchers capturing information about how people move through the area as part of our Safer Cities, Her Way project.
Bathurst Regional Council has secured funding of $1.15M through the NSW Government’s Safer Cities: Her Way 2 program to improve perceptions of safety and accessibility for women, girls and gender-diverse people in the Bathurst CBD. This work is part of our early information gathering phase and capturing information from the community about experiences with the places that feel safe, uncomfortable and the practical changes such as lighting, clear views across public space, public art, signage, updated seating or events that would make Bathurst feel more welcoming and inclusive - particularly after dark.
For more information about the Safer Cities, Her Way project visit: https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/safer-cities
Army Training This Weekend
Australian Army personnel will be conducting training in public areas across the Bathurst Region between Friday 18 September and Saturday 20 September 2026. There will be up to 100 Australian Army personnel carrying blank loaded weapons and 14 armoured and light vehicles throughout the region, including the Bathurst CBD, Mount Panorama, George Park and major road networks.
More detail can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HpQ2RxzUZ/
NSW Youth Summit | Applications Closing this Sunday
The NSW Youth Summit 2026 brings together young people from across NSW to talk about the issues that matter most to them. You'll hear directly from decisionmakers, connect with other young people and contribute to conversations that help shape the future of NSW. You'll also have access to an expo, interactive workshops and live music.
The event takes place in Liverpool on 1 December 2026. Don't miss your chance at this free opportunity! Young people aged 12 to 25 who live in NSW can apply to attend before this Sunday 20 September. Apply now: nsw.gov.au/youth-summit
Have your Say | Draft Active Transport Strategy
The draft Bathurst Region Active Transport Strategy (BRATS) is on public exhibition and Council wants to hear from the community.
The Strategy will guide actions for planning and building our active transport network, footpaths, shared paths, cycleways and associated infrastructure.
BRATS has also recommends Council start a speed limit review in the CBD so the exhibition also includes a draft Bathurst Urban Road Network Plan which looks at future 30km/hour speed limits in the Bathurst CBD.
To find out more and to have your say visit https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/active-transport...
Submissions must be made by this Monday 21 September 2026.
Ground Swell Litter Lab is coming to Bathurst
Take 3 for the Sea’s award-winning 'Ground Swell Litter Lab' is coming to Bathurst next Wednesday 23 September, with two online Zoom sessions available at 10am and 12:30pm.
The free, one-hour workshop is designed specifically for tourism businesses, event organisers and visitor economy organisations. It’s a chance to learn more about litter prevention and discover simple, practical actions you can take through your own business to help reduce litter in the places visitors love. You’ll be introduced to the Ground Swell Litter Prevention Toolkit and Action Plan, with ideas that can be adapted to suit your business and local area.
Choose & register for the online session that suits you:
• 10am–11am 23 September: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../P5fRbrQHQimXXufaNqJsHw...
• 12:30pm–1:30pm 23 September: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../XAkfFBU1TemJ1yUZqQdciQ...
Whether you’re an events organiser or run accommodation, food and beverage, attractions, tours or another tourism business in town, this is a great opportunity to pick up practical ideas and be part of creating a cleaner, more sustainable visitor experience for Bathurst. Places are limited, so register via the links above for your preferred session.
Dementia Action Week at Bathurst Library
Next week is Dementia Action Week, a national initiative to change the narrative around dementia. In line with this year’s theme “It’s time to talk about dementia”, Council has partnered with the Bathurst Dementia Alliance to host a Pop-Up 'D Caf Dementia Café' at Bathurst Library.
Our pop-up D Caf cafe provides an opportunity to:
• Learn more about Bathurst’s 'D Caf' held at The Neighbourhood Centre
• Hear from representatives of the Bathurst Dementia Alliance
• Explore ‘Mind Alive Dementia Kits’ in the library
• Meet others in a friendly, supportive setting.
• Enjoy live music and free coffee.
Event details:
When: 10am until 12noon Thursday 24 September 2026
Where: Bathurst Library forecourt
Who: Everyone is welcome to attend
RSVP: Contact the Community Services Team on 02 6333 6523 or talk to staff at Bathurst Library. Come join us and let’s talk about dementia.
Market stall applications open for Race Week
Applications are open for the twilight markets to feature at Fan-Fest Tuesday powered by Repco during Race Week.
-Tuesday 6 October
-3pm - 8pm
-Kings Parade, Bathurst
To apply to be a market stall holder, visit: https://bit.ly/3JdELKy
Host a Toyo student in 2027 - Registrations Open Now!
Open your home to a student from Japan’s Toyo High School for just 3 nights, 26 February to 1 March 2027, and give them a Bathurst experience they’ll never forget.
Become a host family today!
-Register or find out more: bathurstregion.com.au/homestay-hub/
-1800 681 000
Road Pavement Repairs – Rankin St
Road pavement repairs will be undertaken in Rankin St, between Russell St and Keppel St, as part of Council's Resurfacing Program for 2026/27. Council’s Bitumen crews are scheduled to commence repair works on Tuesday 22 September.
The repair works are expected to take approximately 2-3 weeks, weather permitting, and will involve multiple asphalt pavement repairs to restore the roadway to a safe condition.
During the repair period, traffic control will be in place daily between 7am and 4pm. Motorists may experience delays and temporary changes to traffic conditions.
For further information or enquiries regarding these works, please contact Council’s Department of Engineering Services on (02) 6333 6100.
Bathurst 1000 Business Activation Opportunities
Race Week is fast approaching, and Council invites local businesses to participate in several high impact promotional opportunities to boost visibility and drive foot traffic:
• Window Display Competition:
Dress your shopfront for a chance to win GA passes, promo shoutouts, and the major prize of 2 Corporate Box tickets plus merch and advertising packages. Participating businesses will receive 4 x 4 Day GA Passes courtesy of Repco! Registrations close Sunday 20 September.
• Bathurst Bargain Book:
Submit a special offer to be featured for free in the coupon book distributed to visitors and campers throughout Race Week. Registrations close Tuesday 22 September.
• Late Night Trading:
Extend your hours on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October, when thousands of fans will be in the CBD for off track events.
• Fan Fest Tuesday Giveaways:
Donate a prize to be featured on stage in front of a huge crowd during the mega giveaway. Registrations close Tuesday 29 September.
For more details, contact Council’s Events Team on 6333 6111 or sign up online: https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/Events/Bathurst-1000
Take on The Mount Panorama Punish
Hundreds of participants. One shared challenge: The Mount Panorama Punish!
The Punish is tough, but you won’t be doing it alone! Register today to take on this epic running challenge.
-Sunday 25 October, 2026
Enter now at www.panoramapunish.com
Kaleidoscope Festival - Request for Vendors
Bathurst has been successful in receiving funding from Multicultural NSW which will be used to deliver a new event for Bathurst ‘The Kaleidoscope Festival,’ to be held 7 November at Victoria Park.
To bring the event to life, Council is seeking a vibrant mix of food vendors, market stalls, performers and workshop facilitators that reflect the many cultures represented in our community.
To get involved visit https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/.../Events.../Be-Involved or email events@bathurst.nsw.gov.au
Australia Day Awards | Nominate Today!
Nominations are open for the 2027 Australia Day Awards. Categories include Citizen of the Year, Living Legends, Youth Arts, Youth Service, and Event of the Year, covering Destination Event, Community Event, and Most Outstanding New Event.
Living Legends, Citizen of the Year, Youth Arts and Youth Service nominations close Friday 6 November 2026. Event of the Year nominations close Friday 8 January 2027.
Apply at yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer
P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: genevieve.green@bathurst.nsw.gov.au