What's News 24 July
Published on 24 July 2026
Bathurst Careers Expo
Explore your future at the Bathurst Careers Expo next week! Connect with 80+ employers, education providers and industry representatives from across the Central West to discover career and study pathways.
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
9.00am – 2.00pm
Charles Sturt University Gymnasium
For more information visit: https://bathurstliveinvest.com.au/.../2026-bathurst.../
Bathurst Library Van Pop Up
To celebrate Library and Information Week (27 July - 2 August) the mobile library van is popping up around town. If you haven't found the time to pop down to the library on Keppel Street, now is your chance to come see the staff and learn about the thousands of benefits to being a library member.
Pop Up Schedule: Monday 27 July
1. Trinity Heights Shopping Centre - 9.30am-10.30am
2. Bathurst Visitor Information Centre - 11.00am-12.00pm
3. Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre - 1.30pm-2.30pm
4. Westpoint Shopping Centre - 3.00pm-4.00pm
For more info on what is happing during the week - visit the library’s What’s On Page. https://library.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/.../Its-Library-and...
AusAlert
A national test of AusAlert is happening on Monday 27 July at around 2pm AEST. During the test, all compatible mobile devices in Australia will receive an alert at about the same time. The alert will be a vibration and sire-like sound for about ten seconds; you’ll receive it even if your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
AusAlert messages share important information, but they could make hidden safety devices easier to find. If it’s not safe to receive the AusAlert test on your devices:
- Turn them off or put them in aeroplane mode at least one hour before the test.
- Keep them off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours after the test.
Following the national test, if it’s not safe to receive AusAlerts on your hidden devices at any time, keep them turned off or in aeroplane mode until you need to use them.
If you’re concerned about your immediate safety, call 000.
If you have concerns for your safety and would like further advice or support, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander services, call 13YARN (13 92 76).
Kaleidoscope Festival
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 pelase visit https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/.../Events.../Be-Involved or email events@bathurst.nsw.gov.au
Public Consultation to Commence on Bathurst Flood Study Update
Council, with the support of the NSW Government, is currently undertaking a Flood Study Update for the Macquarie Wambuul River floodplain in the Bathurst area.
Council invites written submissions in relation to the draft Bathurst flood study update. Any submission needs to be lodged with Council by 4pm on Friday 28 August 2026 and must include your name and address. Any submission that you make may be included without alteration (including names and addresses) in reports that are available to the public in Council business papers.
Written submissions can be lodged through Council’s Yoursay page.
https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/bathurst-flood-study...
Road Pavement Repairs – Howick St
Council’s Bitumen crews are scheduled to commence road repair works in Howick St, between Rankin St and Stewart St, on Monday 3 August.
The repair works are expected to take 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 7:00am and 4:00pm
For further information or enquiries regarding these works, please contact Council’s Department of Engineering Services on (02) 6333 6100.
Water Main Replacement Works – Bradwardine Road
Water main replacement works on Bradwardine Road, between Suttor Street and the Mitchell Highway, will commence on Tuesday 4 August and are expected to take 5 to 6 weeks to complete, subject to weather conditions. The works will involve the excavation, trenching and installation of a new 375mm cast iron water main along the western side of Bradwardine Road.
Construction activities will generally be undertaken between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. No weekend works are currently anticipated, however, they may be required should unforeseen circumstances arise. Traffic control will be in place throughout the works, and motorists are requested to obey all signage and directions from traffic controllers and drive to the changed road conditions.
For further information, please contact Council's Engineering Department during business hours on (02) 6333 6100.
2025/2026 Waste vouchers
The 2025/2026 waste vouchers will expire later this month on 31 July. It's not too late to get the most out of your vouchers!
A maximum of four vouchers (600 kg total) can be used in a single transaction. Standard fees will apply to any weight above the voucher allowance. Credit is not issued, and vouchers must be presented at the time of disposal.
The 2026/2027 waste vouchers will be included in the July rates notice.
For more information, visit- https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/.../Waste-Management-Centre
Household Chemical Cleanout Event
On 2 August, Council will once again be hosting its annual Household Chemical Cleanout to provide residents with a safe and free way to dispose of a wide range of household hazardous materials. Eligible items for disposal include household cleaning fluids, garden and pool chemicals, batteries, paint, motor oil, fire extinguishers, gas bottles and smoke detectors.
This event is a safe and convenient way to protect our communities and public health. Items can be brought to Harris Park, Mount Panorama on Sunday 2 August from 11am-2pm for free disposal. Please ensure when transporting any chemicals that all containers are sealed, sat upright and aren’t leaking.
Have Your Say on Accessibility and Inclusion
Council is developing the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2027-2031 and we want to hear from you. Share your thoughts on how we can make our city more accessible for everyone. Whether you're a person with disability, a carer, service provider, local businesses or community member, your voice matters.
You can have your say online by visiting https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/diap
Hard copies of the survey are also available at the Bathurst Library and Bathurst Civic Centre, including an Easy Read version.
Your feedback will help shape Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2027-2031.
Everyone who provides feedback will go into the draw to win a $50 Buy Local gift card, terms and conditions apply.
If you need help with the survey, please call 02 6333 6523. Additional assistance is available through the Voice Relay: 1300 555 727 or the TTY (Teletypewriter): 133 677.
Survey closes Wednesday 5 August 2026.
Code of Meeting Practice
Council resolved at its meeting on 17 June 2026 to place the previously adopted 2025 Code of Meeting Practice back on public exhibition for public comment after a disallowance motion was passed in the NSW Legislative Council, meaning the adopted Code was no longer valid.
Council resolved to retain a number of changes introduced under the previously adopted 2025 Code of Meeting Practice. To retain those provisions, an amendment to the Code is required.
You can submit your feedback on the draft Code via the online submission form https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/code-of-meeting-practice, via email to council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au or in writing to The General Manager, PMB 17, Bathurst NSW 2795.
Submissions must be lodged by 4pm on Monday 10 August 2026.
Great Western Highway closed in both directions between Little Hartley and Mount Victoria
Traffic on the Great Western Highway is being diverted at Lithgow to travel along Main Street, Chifley Road and the Darling Causeway before rejoining the highway at Mount Victoria due to cracks discovered at Victoria Pass in March 2026. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time. School buses will be diverting away from the area.
Announced late June 2026, Seymour Whyte has been awarded the construction contract. Major works are expected to begin in July 2026, with the current reopening timeline set for mid-2027. The engineering solution will be a new bridge structure built over Mitchells Causeway, supported by deep piling into stable bedrock, with the heritage causeway being stabilised at the same time.
Transport for NSW will be running temporary additional train services and free coach services to support communities like ours impacted by this disruption.
Find out more about the additional TrainLink booked coaches and XPT services between Sydney and the Central West at: transportnsw.info/regional-travel
And, for the latest information on the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass, including TrainLink extra service timetables visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/gwhvictoriapass
Australia Day Awards | Nominations now open
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Australia Day Awards. Categories include Youth Arts, Youth Service, and Event of the Year, covering Destination Event, Community Event, and Most Outstanding New Event.
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