What's News 29 May
Published on 29 May 2026
2026 CLUBGRANTS SCHEME (Category 1)
Bathurst Regional Council invites community organisations to apply for funding from the 2026 ClubGRANTS Scheme, under CATEGORY 1 criteria. Get in quick as applications close this Sunday 31 May 2026.
All applications are required to be completed by ClubGRANTS Online. No manual applications can be received.
Celebrate 150 Years of Rail in Style at the Steam Social
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of rail connection in Bathurst, alongside the highly anticipated visit by the 3526 Steam Locomotive, the Bathurst Rail Museum is inviting the community to dance the night away with the Mitchell Conservatorium’s CONnections Big Band at the Steam Social this June long weekend.
Date: Saturday 6 June 2026, 6pm-9pm
Venue: Bathurst Rail Museum, 126 Havannah Street Bathurst
Tickets: $30 general admission / $25 museum members plus booking fee
Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Bathurst Rail Museum.
Bookings are soon to open for the next desexing program, commencing 1 June 2026. This program is run with the support of the NSW RSPCA and local veterinary practices. Low-income healthcare card holders and pensioners are eligible for subsidised desexing of their dog or cat. Bookings can be made by contacting Bathurst Central Animal Hospital on 6332 5800 or Stewart Street Veterinary Hospital on 6331 1222. Places are limited so book your place today!
Pet Microchipping Program
Council is hosting a free pet microchipping day at the Kelso Community Hub on Thursday 4 June from 10am - 1pm. Microchipping is free for Bathurst residents with a valid photo ID.
All microchips will be implanted by a qualified, authorised identifier.
Explore your future at the Bathurst Careers Expo! Connect with employers, education providers and industry representatives to discover career and study pathways. With 80+ exhibitors from across the Central West, it’s all happening in one place.
-Charles Sturt University Gymnasium
Reach over 1,000 job seekers and school leavers and promote career and employment opportunities — free of charge.
For more information and to register as an exhibitor, visit:
Help shape the future of tourism and events in the Bathurst Region
Council is currently developing the Bathurst Region Destination Management Plan and Event Strategy 2026-2030 to shape the future of tourism and events across our region. This strategy will provide a clear roadmap for long-term growth by building on our local strengths, supporting businesses and reflecting the unique character of our city and region.
post your feedback to: Bathurst Regional Council, Private Mail Bag 17, Bathurst NSW 2795
Submissions close 4pm Friday 5 June 2026.
Have your say | NSW’s new Strategic Plan for Children and Young People
The Office for Youth, led by the Advocate for Children and Young People is developing a statewide, whole-of-government plan to improve outcomes for children and young people aged 0 to 24 years. The Plan will focus on systemic issues impacting children and young people and make sure that their voices are included in decision-making.
You can provide feedback in any of the following ways:
• Complete the short online survey.
• Make a written submission.
• Register for an online workshop if you are aged 14 to 24 years old.
Bathurst Employment Lands Strategy | Have Your Say
Council is inviting community feedback on the Bathurst Employment Lands Strategy to inform future updates to Vision Bathurst 2040 - the Bathurst Region Local Strategic Planning Statement (2020).
post your feedback to: Bathurst Regional Council, Private Mail Bag 17, Bathurst NSW 2795
All feedback needs to be lodged with Council by 4pm on Friday 12 June 2026.
Safety Barrier Installation – Sofala Road
Transport for NSW is carrying out essential safety upgrades on Sofala Road, north of Bathurst. Work will commence Monday 20 April, taking place 7am-6pm, Monday to Friday and is expected to take six weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Rigbys Lane – Temporary Closure
Council advises that Rigbys Lane will be temporarily closed from Monday 20 April 2026 for a period of approximately five weeks. The temporary closure is for building works. Please contact Stone Restorations Pty Ltd for more information on 0478 737 522.
Great Western Highway closed in both directions between Little Hartley and Mount Victoria
Transport for NSW will be running temporary additional train services and free coach services to support communities like ours impacted by the disruption of the Great Western Highway closure at Victoria Pass.
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. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time. School buses will be diverting away from the area.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer