What’s News 15 May 2026
Published on 15 May 2026
Council is pleased to advise that 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.
Road Pavement Repairs | William St
Council’s Bitumen crews are scheduled to commence repair works on Monday 11 May along William St, between Piper St and Rocket St. 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 7:00am and 4:00pm
• Motorists may experience delays and temporary changes to traffic conditions
• Road users are asked to follow all signage and comply with directions from traffic controllers at all times
For further information or enquiries regarding these works, please contact Council’s Department of Engineering Services on (02) 6333 6100.
National Reconciliation Week 2026 | Colouring in Display
National Reconciliation Week is held annually from 27 May - 3 June and is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is ALL IN, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. Council invites the community to take part in our National Reconciliation Week colouring in display. Collect your colouring in sheets from the Bathurst Library or download them from Council’s website: https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/.../nrw2026-them-w...
Return your finished sheet by Friday 22 May 2026 to have it included in our community colouring display. All participants who submit a completed sheet will receive a National Reconciliation Week sticker.
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.
Bathurst Regional Art Gallery will be hosting a launch event on the evening of Friday 15 May for the opening of their three new May-August exhibitions.
Launching in the Main Gallery you will find a major solo exhibition ‘The Fragility of Goodness: The Prison on the Landscape and Other Stories,’ the Foyer Gallery will feature ‘Found’ by Central West NSW textile artist Heather Dunn and Beyond the Gallery walls, BRAG will showcase ‘Made by You’ – a digital display of visitor-made artworks on the OUT THERE Digital Platforms | Forecourt Projector & TAFE Screens. Visit the link below for more information on these exhibitions, and RSVP to attend their launch in May: https://bathurstart.com.au/exhibitions-events/upcoming-exhibitions/
Opening // BRAG May-August Exhibitions
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.
2026 Mount Panorama Punish
Early bird entries for the 2026 Mount Panorama Punish are officially open!
Your chance to run one hot lap of Australia's most iconic racetrack is here. Get ready to secure your ticket and start training for the ultimate uphill challenge.
Race Day: Sunday 25 October 2026
Location: Mount Panorama Circuit, Bathurst NSW
2026 CLUBGRANTS SCHEME (Category 1)
Bathurst Regional Council invites community organisations to apply for funding from the 2026 ClubGRANTS Scheme, under CATEGORY 1 criteria.
Applications close on Sunday 31 May 2026.
All applications are required to be completed by ClubGRANTS Online. No manual applications can be received.
Further information and a link to ClubGRANTS online can be accessed from Council’s website: www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or the ClubsNSW website www.clubsnsw.com.au or by contacting the Cultural & Community Services team on 02 6333 6523.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer