What's News 29 August 2025
Published on 29 August 2025
Bathurst Library Tea & Talk: Raising Awareness About Gambling Harm
We invite the community to visit Bathurst Library on Thursday 4 September at 1pm for a special lunchtime event, Tea & Talk: Gamble Awareness. This catered session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from someone with lived experience of gambling harm, alongside a professional gambling counsellor.
Presented by the Gambling Impact Society NSW, the talk will explore the personal journey of addiction and recovery and provide valuable insights into the impact of gambling on individuals, families and communities. Attendees will learn about current statistics, practical ways to support those affected, and the range of services available.
Enjoy a cup of tea and light refreshments while engaging in this important conversation.
This program is proudly funded by the NSW Government. Free and confidential support is available at 1800 858 858, or online at gambleaware.nsw.gov.au and gisnsw.org.au.
Theo Barker Lecture
The 2025 Theo Barker Lecture, sponsored by Bathurst Regional Council and the Bathurst and District Historical Society, is being held on Thursday 18 September 2025. The lecture is in memory of Theo Barker, a much loved and respected member of the Bathurst community. Theo was Bathurst's historian, the author of many publications and a popular speaker on Bathurst’s history.
The 2025 Lecture is the eleventh lecture in the series, and we welcome Dr Robyn Russell as our guest lecturer. Dr Robyn Russell is a historian and museum specialist. Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Intangible heritage and Chair of UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Committee. Dr Russell will present “When the Royals came to Bathurst,” examining the royal visit phenomenon and its impact in Bathurst and across the nation.
What: Theo Barker Memorial Lecture
When: 6pm, Thursday 18 September
Where: Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC)
RSVP: 6333 6211, or email council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au
Bathurst Light Car Club – Mount Panorama Temporary Road Closure
The public is advised that part of the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit will be closed to traffic on Sunday 14 September 2025, between the hours of 7am and 5.30pm, to allow the Bathurst Light Car Club to conduct a Flying 1/5th.
Temporary road closures will be in place from the eastern side of McPhillamy Park gate to Conrod Straight at the intersection of Pit Straight and Conrod Straight (Murray’s Corner). Pit Straight will remain open.
All enquiries regarding the event should be directed to Bathurst Light Car Club’s Clerk of the Course, Mr David Robinson, on 0418 652 419. Any inconvenience is regretted.
The first rates instalment is due on Sunday 31 August. If you have a direct debit set up your payment will be processed on Monday 1 September, Council takes into account that these payments are processed on business days.
Join us for a range of events and activities this BizMonth!
Tuesday 2 September: Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) Round table. Upstairs Co-working space, 4pm to 6pm.
Saturday 13 September: 2025 Carillon Business Awards. Bathurst Goldfields, 6pm to Midnight.
Wednesday 17 September: Grant Writing Seminar: Bathurst Panthers, 3pm to 5pm.
Thursday 18 September: BizMonth Business Breakfast, Bathurst RSL, 7am to 9am.
Wednesday 24 September: In partnership with Regional Development Australia Central West, Council is hosting a Masterclass - Selling Online and Offline. Upstairs Co-working space, 6pm to 8:30pm.
For more information about these events, visit: bathurstliveinvest.com.au/events
Do you get to the Library and can't find your membership card? The team at Bathurst Library have launched their new app and it means you can store your Bathurst Library card on your phone. Simply download the ‘Spydus Library’ app from your app store, choose ‘Bathurst Library’ and log in with your library card number and password.
Electricity Outage, Victoria Park
Council advises that Essential Energy plans to temporarily interrupt power supply services to Victoria Park on Sunday 31 August from 9am to 4pm.
The planned power outage is necessary to enable Essential Energy crews to safely carry out improvements to the electricity network.
For more information about this power outage, please call Essential Energy on 13 20 80 or visit essentialenergy.com.au/outages.
Essential Energy aims to stick to the planned outage times, but actual start and end times may vary. If the outage date changes, they will notify you at least four business days in advance.
The Great Spring Clean Up
The Great Spring Clean Up, in partnership with Bupa, is back and happening nationwide in September & October. This initiative will tackle litter in our cities, streets, parks and waterways and improve our shared environment.
This event is particularly important at this time of the year before the severe summer weather season kicks into gear across different parts of the country. Now is the perfect time to get involved with your family, friends, school, local community or work colleagues and do your bit to help Clean Up!
Get your Clean Up crew together and register to host your own local event!
Public Exhibition - Draft Villages Strategy
Bathurst Regional Council is inviting community feedback on its Draft Villages Strategy, which is on public exhibition until Monday 1 September 2025. The Draft Villages Strategy outlines a long-term vision and key planning priorities for the future of our villages, encompassing the local economy, Council leadership and collaboration, sustainability, and a caring resilient community. Community input is crucial to ensure the Strategy accurately reflects local values and aspirations.
Online at: yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au
In person at: Bathurst Civic Centre, 158 Russell Street, Bathurst
You can submit your feedback: Online at Council’s YourSay portal
By email: council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au
Bathurst Regional Council
Submissions must be received by 4.30pm, Monday 1 September 2025.
For more information, contact Maree Neary from Council’s Strategic Planning team on (02) 6333 6547.
From Taboo to Zeitgeist: Menopause Is Not a Use by Date
Join Bathurst Library and Central West Women’s Health Centre on Saturday 30 August, 3-7pm for an empowering Women's Health Week event challenging outdated views on menopause.
Panel Conversation (3-5pm, $5pp)
Explore how menopause is finding its voice in comedy, literature, and beyond, with authors leading a lively discussion on aging, vitality, and visibility.
Writing Workshop (5-7pm, $5pp)
Reflect, write, and connect in a supportive space where every story matters. This is facilitated by the panel authors.
Bathurst Access Improvement Grants 2025/2026
Bathurst Regional Council provides grants to assist small businesses, and non-profit organisations to improve access and inclusion to their place of business/organisation.
Small businesses and non-profit organisations within the Bathurst Region may apply for funding of 50% of project costs, up to a maximum grant amount of $5,000.
Projects must be completed within the 2025/2026 financial year to be eligible to apply for a grant. Retrospective funding can be considered providing the project is completed in the current financial year.
For further details of this fund, please refer to Council’s website: www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or contact Council’s Community Services Department on 02 6333 6523. Applications close at 4pm on Friday 5 September 2025.
Manning Aquatic Centre Changeroom Upgrades
Upgrade works to the men’s changerooms at Manning Aquatic Centre commenced on 11 August. Works 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. Refurbishment is expected to be completed in time for the outdoor pool’s reopening ahead of the 2025 summer season.
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.
Animals for Adoption | BARC
Are you looking for a new furry friend to add to your family?
Bathurst Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC) cares for a range of pets that are looking for their forever homes, and there may be one waiting just for you! Have a look through the animals currently in Council's care via the link below and get in touch with the BARC team to organise a meet and greet with one or a few of their animals: https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/Services/Animals-for-Adoption
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer