Super Cheap Auto 1000 Bathurst 2005 Off-Track Events

Here you can find all the things happening off-track (in and around Bathurst) for the 6 days leading to the Bathurst 1000, includes gig guide and council events…

Tuesday 4 October
Thoroughbred Race Meeting
1.00pm – 5.30pm – Tyers Park

Wednesday 5 October
Free BBQ Breakfast
7.30am – 9.30am – Morse Park

B-Rock BBQ With The Stars
5.00pm – 7.00pm – King’s Parade
Get your favourite driver’s autograph, enjoy the free sausage sizzle and local band Metropolis.

Fetish (band) – 8pm Knickerbocker Hotel, crn William & Russell Sts.
Lloyd Speigel (band) – 9pm Oxford Hotel, crn William & Piper Sts.
Meet The Drivers, Daytona Challenge – Bathurst Panthers Club, Piper St.

Thursday 6 October

Fetish (band) – 8pm Knickerbocker Hotel, crn William & Russell Sts.
Lloyd Speigel (band) – 9pm Oxford Hotel, crn William & Piper Sts.
KARAOKE – Park Hotel, crn George & Keppell Sts.
The VB Challenge, Den Hanrahan (band), 8.30 Shanahans Family Hotel, crn Russell & Bentick Sts.
Fashion Parade, Daytona Challenge – Bathurst Panthers Club, Piper St.
Heath Wayans (band) – RSL Club, Rankin St.

Friday 7 October
Reliance Credit Union V8 Ball
Contact Bathurst Florist on 02 6332 1844 for tickets

Fetish (band) – 8pm Knickerbocker Hotel, crn William & Russell Sts.
Kyle Manning & Pat O’Donnell (band), 9pm – Ben McGarrety (band), 10pm , Free Giant Beer Tent Party- Oxford Hotel, crn William & Piper Sts.
Motorsync (band) – 9pm Park Hotel, crn George & Keppell Sts.
Fridge Magnets (band) – 8.30pm Shanahans Family Hotel, crn Russell & Bentick Sts.
Blue Suede Dudes (band), Daytona Challenge, Jelly Wrestling, DJ’s – Bathurst Panthers Club, Piper St.
Sharon Benjamin (band) – RSL Club, Rankin St.
The Reason Being (band) – St Pats Sporting Club, Gilmour St, Kelso.

Saturday 8 October
V8 Street Party
10.00am – 4.00pm – King’s Parade
Art and Craft stalls, bands, entertainment and games for the kids, amusement rides, snake man, camel rides and much,much more.

Bathurst Uniting Church Race Weekend Celebration
6.00pm – 140 William Street
Live band & sausage sizzle.

Fetish (band) – 8pm Knickerbocker Hotel, crn William & Russell Sts.
Kyle Manning & Pat O’Donnell (band), 9pm – Ben McGarrety (band), 10pm , Free Giant Beer Tent Party – Oxford Hotel, crn William & Piper Sts.
Pygs Of Men (band) – 9pm Park Hotel, crn George & Keppell Sts.
Pig Iron Bob (band) – 8.30pm Shanahans Family Hotel, crn Russell & Bentick Sts.
XBOX CHALLENGE plus much more – Bathurst Panthers Club, Piper St.
Ragged Edge (band) – RSL Club, Rankin St.
Ripple Splash 60’s 70’s Rock (band), 8pm – Bridge Hotel, Perthville

Sunday 9 October
Super Cheap Auto Bathurst 1000

Den Hanrahan (band), 7pm – Free Giant Beer Tent Party – Oxford Hotel, crn William & Piper Sts.
Daytona Challenge, AFTER PARTY, Pete Riley (band) – Bathurst Panthers Club, Piper St.

Drama a plenty at Mount Panorama

MEDIA RELEASE – The magic of Mount Panorama proved its true power this weekend when even the dark clouds and the bitter wind could not keep fans away from Australia’s premier motor sport event, the Super Cheap Auto 1000 at Bathurst.
Crowds of 166,840 attended the four days of racing with 48 679 fans coming through the gates for today’s big event.

While there was plenty of drama on the track, Bathurst’s newly completed $24 Million Pit Complex set the scene for one of the biggest Bathurst 1000 events ever.

Bathurst Mayor Cr Norm Mann said the now completed works of the Mount Panorama Redevelopment were put to the test and passed with flying colours.

“Today is significant not only because of the action taking place on the track, but because Bathurst has the opportunity to showcase our impressive new look circuit to the world – in all its glory.

“The standard of the new complex and upgrades made right around the circuit have had a significant impact on the crowds at this years event with very few and only minor incidents with spectators that once characterised the event.

“We have created a world class facility worthy of the very high standard event that has been run by AVESCO Events this week.

“While the major facelift at Mount Panorama is now complete, we will continue to maintain the facility to this high standard and can now move forward on pursuing new initiatives with all levels of Government and the corporate sector to continue to build on this significant investment in the local economy,” Cr Mann said.

Cr Mann said the State and Federal Government who each contributed $10 Million towards the project, Council engineering staff, project managers Kellog Brown and Root and architects Allan Jack+Cottier should all feel proud of a job well done.

“The staging of such a successful Super Cheap 1000 this year is proof that when you build a world class facility you can run a world class event.

“The icon of Australian motor racing truly lived up to its reputation today and with reception to over 853 million households in 130 countries watching us this weekend, Mount Panorama has proven it really is magic.”

Project background

The main features of the Stage 2 works include;

* A new 6 x33 metre two way pedestrian bridge over Pit Straight allowing four times the traffic through than the old bridge
* New medical centre and race timing rooms which will be the reception building for the new complex
* New level 2 corporate suits doubling the available corporate space in the complex
* Two new access roads into the Pit Paddock
* Extension of Pit Paddock and improved drainage
* Powered buildings in paddock for use by the NRMA Smash Repair team at the race
* Additional amenities block on core 4 for Pit Paddock ticket holders
* Upgraded pit garages including additional amenities and water connection
* New spectator mound inside the track on Caltex Chase
* Upgrades to the Support Paddock
* Additional weather covers for officials around the circuit
* Landscaping, weather sheds and new playground at McPhillamy Park
* Upgrades to lap scorer on Pit Bridge

Project background

* Redevelopment total budget of $24 million- $10 million from Sate Government, $10 Million Commonwealth Government and $4 million Council funds.
* State Government $10 Million announced November 2002
* Federal Government $10 Million announced May 2004
* Stage 1 Construction began in December 2003
* Stage 2 Construction began in May 2005
* Pit Complex design by Allen Jack+Cottier
* Stage 1 Project managed by Kellog Brown and Root (KBR) and who also completed the Mount Panorama Regional Tourism and Recreation Strategy in 2003
* Construction by Arenco.

Main features completed in Stage 1

* New pit complex approx with 36 bays four times size of old pit bays. Features three phase power, communications, secured back and front, new amenities
* Second level corporate suites with sloped windows, outside viewing areas.
* Third level rooftop additional corporate viewing/hospitality.
* Unique 4 storey race control and admin tower 20 m high
* 400 new campsites created in Pit Paddock
* Upgraded paddock area to provide transporter access directly to the rear of the pits
* New spectator mounds in The Chase, Hell Corner, McPhillamy Park Sulman & Reid Parks and Pit Straight to provide better viewing of the race action.
* Wider pit lane by 3m

Future development plans include:

* Continuing upgrades to the top of the mount to provide year round tourist facilities and new amenities for race goers
* Commencement of preliminary stages of drawcard tourist attraction development on top of mount (will enable involvement by private sector)
* Commencement of preliminary stages of Harris Park and grandstand, function room redevelopment, (will enable involvement by private sector)

City area plans up for discussion at public meeting

As part of the most comprehensive review of planning strategies ever undertaken in the history of the area, residents in the city and urban areas of the region are invited to have their say at a public meeting on Thursday 13 November at 7pm in the Council Chamber.

The 2 year review program will establish the guidelines for land management in the rural and urban areas of the Region and will ask some of the big questions about what the Bathurst region may look like into the future.

Around 31 meetings with rural and city dwelling residents, interest groups and government agencies are being held in October in the community consultation part of the review.

Bathurst Mayor Cr Norm Mann encourages the community to participate and have a say in the future of the region.

“This major review is not something the Council will undertake again for at least 10 years so now is the time to take an active part in shaping the future of the local region.”

The review of existing strategic plans will include discussion about issues like what is the impact of the development of the Bells Line Motorway? Should residential density in former flood areas be encouraged? Is urban sprawl a problem? What is the impact of the ‘tree change’ push that will see a significant growth in population in the regional areas over the next 10 years?

“This is a huge job for the Council but one that is necessary to ensure that the future of the region is well planned and that the needs of residents well into the future are planned for,” Cr Mann said.

A letterbox drop with meetings times and dates and information on the review has been delivered to all residents of the Region and a discussion paper on each of the strategies is available on the Council website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au with an online feedback form attached. Hard copies are available from Council’s Department of Environment, Planning and Building Services.

“I encourage the community, State and Federal government agencies, community groups and individuals to be a part of this important project, if you care about the quality of life future generations of residents will have then have your say now”, Cr Mann said.

WPS Rally Bathurst a success first time around

EDIA RELEASE – Strong support from spectators on Friday night and Saturday boosted final crowd numbers despite heavy rain on Sunday at the inaugural WPS Rally Bathurst.

Attendance for the three days of rally action in both the Sunny Corner Forest and Mount Panorama stages drew 10,125 people to the event with the biggest crowd through the gates for Saturday night?s Super Special Stage at Mount Panorama.

Event Director James O?Brien said this was a very pleasing result for the inaugural event.

“The facilities at Mount Panorama have been a draw card for competitors and spectators alike with many agreeing the service park set up in the pit paddock assisted in the smooth running of the event.

“Combined with the action of the forest stages, basing the service park and rally headquarters at Mount Panorama added something unique to this event and gave the rally fans who have followed the Globalstar Australian Rally Championship Series right around the country, a very different experience,” O’Brien said.

“The torrential rain that came down today certainly put a dampner on what would have been a spectacular day of entertainment but luckily the warm dry conditions for Friday and Saturday gave us a great head start into the event.”

WPS Rally Bathurst was the sixth and final round of the Globalstar Australian Rally Championship Series, that ended successfully for Subaru team mates Cody Crocker and Dale Moscatt who took out first place honours in the event and the championship. They were followed by fellow Subaru team mates Dean Herridge and Bill Hayes with the Toyota team of Simon and Sue Evans coming in third place outright.

Bathurst Mayor Cr Norm Mann said the event was a great success for Council as promoter providing a major boost to the local economy and national exposure for the region.

“The people of the Bathurst region along with the State and Federal Governments have made a significant investment in the Redevelopment at Mount Panorama to be able to continue to stage major events like this that bring enormous benefit to the local economy.”

In the period between 9am and 11.30am, 27.2mm of rain fell across the Bathurst region which caused the cancellation of the Tindales 1, Bobs Creek 2, Egans 2, Tindales 2 and Macabees 2 forest stages.

With these stages cancelled, competitors were only able to compete in three stages in the Sunny Corner Forest.

A shortened Super Special Stage at Mount Panorama was run despite the wet conditions allowing the ARC entrants to complete the 50 per cent of the total course distance to ensure the event was valid.

For a full list of results go www.rallybathurst.com.au.

The Annual Jewellery Sale

Date: 12 Nov 2005 to 13 Nov 2005
Location: Country Comfort, corner of Brilliant & Stewart Street.
Time: 09:00 to 19:00
Cost: Gold Coin Donation to The Daffodil Cottage

Silver Harmoni is a wholesale jewellery business supplying to more than 20 businesses along the Australian east coast

Some of the jewellery is made by the owner with the rest of the peices being sourced from locations around the globe. Emphasis is on quality & unusual pieces. The majority of the pieces are made from 925 sterling silver or 22 carat gold.
Some pieces are sourced from villages in improverished nations in which training programs have been implemented to educated village women, providing them with income. These pieces use predominately semi precious stones such as jade, turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, amethyst etc.
A jewellery exhibition is held annually in November for the residents of Bathurst. This offers an opportunity to purchase unusual & unique jewellery at up to 50% off recomended retail prices.

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For example: If you’re a Race fan, you could write about the races and the drivers, and what they are up to. If you like cooking, you could write about it and write recipes for your articles. If you’re a muso with knowledge about music and theory, you could write lessons for us air-guitarists and hairbrush-singers.

It’s up to you. The Sky is the limit.

If you Enjoy writing and can contribute fairly good content about once a week – once a fortnight or so, then you should contact the Webmaster and tell him you want to contribute.

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All are welcome to apply, no matter what you wish to write about – as long as it is half decent….

BIG DAY OUT ANNOUNCES FINAL ADDITIONS FOR A SUPER-SIZED, STAR-SPANGLED SUMMER FESTIVAL

PRESS RELEASE – Since the first announcement of stellar artists performing at this year’s BIG DAY OUT, tickets have been snapped up at record speed, so (they)’ve decided to treat you to all the final BIG DAY OUT additions in one mega-supasize-announcement. Below you’ll find the next round of international acts and Australian touring artists who will take to the stage at each BIG DAY OUT.

BIG DAY OUT-ers beware! 2006 heralds the return of the the fantastically frightening MUDVAYNE (USA) with their visceral, unrelenting, and inventive sound. (ALL SHOWS).

Taking messed-up samples, drums, deft lyrical skills and an array of instruments that goes from banjo to melodica, THE GO! TEAM (UK) make an aural cacophony that makes Bollywood soundtracks seem mundane. (ALL SHOWS)

British kids, THE SUBWAYS (UK) are a teen dream rapidly mutating into a rock heavyweight – an energetic, songwriting tour-de-force. Live, they’re a hybrid of punk, fuzzy rock and chaotic soul, making a monster sound well beyond their years. (ALL SHOWS)

Direct from Scotland, get swept up in MYLO’s (UK) infectious grooves. His track Drop the Pressure is still nothing less than an anthem, encapsulating the 21st century electronic melee of disco, electro and house. (ALL SHOWS)

Founder of DFA Records and frontman of LCD Soundsystem, DJ JAMES MURPHY’s (USA) beats and riffs will chain you to the dancefloor at the BDO. (ALL SHOWS)

From Cincinnati to BIG DAY OUT come THE GREENHORNES (USA), an authentic rock’n’roll trio with harmonies that drip honey, psychedelic leanings to sweep you off your feet and a stomping good dose of garage rockin’ blues. (ALL SHOWS)

Warrior of metal disco VITALIC (aka Pascal Arbez) storms the BIG DAY OUT with his revenge of the synths. Making rock’n’roll for the dancefloor VITALIC will build it up, break it down at BIG DAY OUT 06. (ALL AUS SHOWS)

Philadelphia’s COMMON (USA) has weaved hip hop in and out of poetry, social commentary, jazz and straight-up head-nodding beats. COMMON gets the hands in the air and moves the feet. (NZ & EAST COAST SHOWS)

If you took The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and forced it to breed with a copy of Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique, you’d end up with Boston rapper EDAN (USA). (NZ & EAST COAST SHOWS)

In a world where bling and booty are part of the rap-pop bandwagon, JEAN GRAE (USA) throws a well-deserved spanner in the works. The New York-based MC takes to the female rap stereotype with a hammer, knocking it out with smooth rhymes and a soulful conscience. (NZ & EAST COAST SHOWS)

Few have blown away the world urban music scene over the past year like Sri-Lankan born M.I.A (UK). Part bhangra, part hip hop and all soul, M.I.A.’s music smashes the border between Sri Lanka and West London. (SYD THROUGH TO PERTH SHOWS)

Dance innovators CAGEDBABY have been hailed the missing link between the Balearic electric dream-pop of Mylo and the cinematic, transcendent electronica of Röyksopp. At BDO 06 CAGEDBABY will deliver blissful summer thrills with their chemically-altered disco, rogue funk and saucy electronica. (EAST COAST SHOWS)

Call her an unruly electro punk, sonic marauder or what you will, but do not miss MU working you over with her hi-mutant discoid punk performance art at the BDO. (EAST COAST SHOWS)

See what the inside of Dr Dre’s drum machine might look like with AFRA AND THE INCREDIBLE BEATBOX BAND (JAPAN). Author of the incredible “Digital Breath” album, AFRA is one of the most influential and revered beatboxers to emerge from Japan. Get set for a whirlwind of beats, breaks and imaginative loops created with the sole aid of AFRA’S thorax. (SYD, MELB SHOWS)

NZ hard rockers SHIHAD have returned to their roots and are back in black, ready to RAWK! (ALL SHOWS)

Erskineville kings WOLFMOTHER are on a path to rock superstardom both in Oz and abroad. Channeling the Sabbath (but much less wasted) and various other 70s influences (take it or leave it) WOLFMOTHER make monster psych rock for the masses. (ALL SHOWS)

Shimmy over to the Boiler Room at the BDO to catch the formidable team of KID KENOBI and MC SHURESHOCK as they fill the dancefloor with their fun-tastic breaks and MC-ing this summer. (ALL SHOWS)

At the forefront of Oz hip hop, THE HILLTOP HOODS have become festival favourites with their explosive live shows, so come on down and fall in love with the HOODIES from the front row at the BIG DAY OUT. (ALL AUS SHOWS)

Fans of Australian rock take note, COG are boarding the bus and coming to a BIG DAY OUT stage near you. A busy touring schedule has seen the band develop flawless live performances of their progressive mesmerising rock. (ALL AUS SHOWS)

The BEASTS OF BOURBON – grand overlords of the Australian pub rock scene. The malignant rock menace of Tex Perkins has fronted the BEASTS since their debut album The Axeman’s Jazz…and the BEASTS OF BOURBON bring their dirty, sweaty rock ‘n’ roll to the BIG DAY OUT. (ALL AUS SHOWS)

After eleven years of big dance music, big fun and the formation of a cult following, Oz music festival darlings SONICANIMATION will join the BIG DAY OUT for their last shout. (ALL AUS SHOWS)

Treading the path between melancholy indie pop and atmospheric rock, SARAH BLASKO’s live performances are intimate, energetic and ethereal and carried off with style, soul and grace. Don’t miss SARAH BLASKO lighting up the BIG DAY OUT in 2006. (ALL AUS SHOWS)

Club crowd darling, DJ AJAX is Australia’s prince of deck-ness and will be spinning up a storm on the BIG DAY OUT. Mixing the cheese with the sleaze, he’s one of Sydney’s best party DJs. (ALL AUS SHOWS)

Melbourne’s Master of Bass DJ JASON MIDRO hit the decks in 1986 and has never looked back. A fixture in the Australian dance scene with main stage performances at some of the biggest dance party events JASON MIDRO will take you on a trip through the Sound of Now. (ALL AUS SHOWS)

If you’ve been in search of a no BS rock’n’roll absolute, search no longer as the BIG DAY OUT presents Warrnambool’s own AIRBOURNE. Be prepared for these rock monsters to serve up a shirts-off, no-inhibitions, rambunctious rock’n’roll extravaganza. (ALL AUS SHOWS)

Want some dirty rock that you just gotta dance to? Then step right up to experience THE PRESETS. Their live electro caperings have developed a reputation throughout Oz for busting moves between rockin’-out and dance fury, making for one hellava sweaty BDO party. (ALL AUS SHOWS)

FAST CREW are NZ newest hip hop stars. For an eclectic mix of hip hop, pop, funk, underground styles , MC–ing, infectious rhymes and sing-a-long choruses catch the hip hop train that stops all stations with FAST CREW at the BIG DAY OUT 2006. So Addictive. (NZ and EAST COAST SHOWS)

Art-rock meets jangly pop with a desperate edge, BIT BY BATS will thrill BDO audiences with their rockin’ tripped out 80s sounds. (SYD, MEL, ADEL SHOWS)

DRAG, Darren Middleton from Powderfinger’s foray into solo performance, was heralded with their debut album The Way Out. Filled with luscious melodies, rolling rhythms and an Abbey Road sound, DRAG’s soft rock is perfect for that sunny road trip up north. (SYD, MELB SHOWS)

The new acts above join the already announced

THE WHITE STRIPES, THE LIVING END, IGGY & THE STOOGES, GERLING, FRANZ FERDINAND, DEI HAMO, KINGS OF LEON, MAGIC DIRT, THE MARS VOLTA, CUT COPY, AFI, END OF FASHION, SLEATER-KINNEY, FAKER, THE GRATES, THE MAGIC NUMBERS, YOUTHGROUP, SOULWAX, WOLF & CUB, 2MANYDJs

Bathurst Saleyards upgrade on track

MEDIA RELEASE – Livestock agents operating at Bathurst Saleyards are looking forward to reviewing detailed design plans for the Bathurst Saleyards upgrade before Christmas and seeing tenders called on the first stage of construction soon to follow, President of the Bathurst Selling Agents Association, Grant Lynch, said today.

‘Council has secured a firm commitment from consultants Maunsell Australia to provide the preliminary detail design plans in the next month.

‘Agent and producer representatives of the Saleyards Committee will have an opportunity to review and comment upon the detailed plans before they are finalised early in the New Year’, said Mr Lynch.

Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council and Chair of the Council’s Saleyards Committee, Cr Norm Mann, said that much has been happening on the project behind the scenes.

‘Plans for the new site entrance from Vale Road have been reviewed with the RTA, and a crucial geotechnical survey has been recently completed, together with further fine tuning of the innovative layout for the new cattle yards,’ Cr Mann said.

‘Following on from its successes with the $24m upgrade of the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, Council’s Engineering Services Department is gearing up to take on the project management of the construction of the Saleyards Upgrade.

‘Given the number of large infrastructure projects Council is managing at the present ? the Upfold Street levee, the Aquatic Centre, and the Bathurst Saleyards upgrade ? we have set up a dedicated team to manage the Saleyards construction’, he added.

Cr Mann said it is expected that the first stage of the Bathurst Saleyards upgrade likely to be well under way by the middle of the year.

Bathurst Regional Council meeting news

MEDIA RELEASE – Stage 1 DA approved for new hospital

Initial work will begin on the construction of the new Bathurst Base Hospital with Bathurst Regional Council giving its approval for enabling works to commence at the
Howick Street
site.

The first stage in the redevelopment will include the partial demolition of the existing hospital building, relocation of the heli-pad, re-design of on site car parking, new access points for pedestrian and service facilities and installation of security fencing. Approval has also been given for the works by the NSW Heritage Office as the hospital is within Council?s Conservation Area and is listed as a Heritage Item. A development application for stage 2 of the works which features the detailed design of the new hospital will go on public exhibition from Monday February 6 until March 8. Details will also be available on Council?s website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au. Council will prepare the report for the Stage 2 application and pass it on to the Minister for Planning for final approval.

Keppel Street
car park gets new lighting

Patrons to the Bathurst Art Gallery and Library complex and shoppers and business owners in
Keppel Street
will benefit from a significant upgrade to lighting in the rear car park of the facility in coming months. Bathurst Regional Council will spend $60,000 installing 10 steel columns and high pressure sodium lights in the car park that will improve security in area and access to and from vehicles.

Stone cottage demolition on hold

The fate of the old stone cottage at the top of Mount Panorama is yet to be determined following a decision by Bathurst Regional Council to defer an option to demolish the building. Located in McPhillamy Park, the cottage was a residence when the area at the top of the Mountain belonged to a local farming family. Further investigation into the heritage value of the building and its impact on future tourism redevelopment at the top of Mount Panorama is being sought by Council before a decision is made as to whether the cottage will be demolished. Council?s Mount Panorama Redevelopment Master Plan and Regional Tourism and Recreational Strategy identify as a priority the establishing magnet attractions around the circuit including a Sky Tower and Sky Park concept for the top of the Mountain.

Council joins water conservation alliance

While Bathurst residents continue to enjoy plentiful water supply, Council has made a positive move towards encouraging water conservation with a decision to sign up to the Savewater Alliance. The Alliance is an independent non-profit organisation whose aim is to increase the effectiveness of water conservation activities and provide consistent and credible public education on the issue. Through information provided mainly over the website savewater.com.au Council will be able to offer more detailed and up to date information to the community about water saving tips and products and access to information from a range of government agencies, industry associations, manufacturers and research institutions. Membership to the Alliance will cost Council around 54 cents per rate paying resident.

New residential land opens up

Residential land in the west of the city has opened up with the release of a 51 lot subdivision by Bathurst Regional Council. Construction work on the blocks in Avonlea Stage 5 at Llanarth has been completed and the blocks are ready for sale. The new blocks will range in price between $115,000 to $135,000. Development applications have been made for the designation of four duplex sites within the estate. The lots will be released to the public on Monday 6 February at 9am.

Youth Festival gets Council go ahead

Youth talent from around the Central West will have the chance to be unearthed in the regional music festival Rock Up 2006. Young musicians from Bathurst, Orange, Lithgow, Dubbo and surrounding areas will have the chance to participate in heats in each of these cities before the final to be held in Orange on June 3. Bathurst Council will contribute $5,500 in financial and in-kind support towards the event that has already received $12000 of grant funding from Indent (Music NSW) and the support of Bathurst Panthers Rugby Leagues Club. The event is being expanded on the 2005 Rock Up event that was attended by over 3,000 young people.

What’s News at Bathurst Regional Council

MEDIA RELEASE – Community funds available

Bathurst Regional Council is offering the opportunity to community groups, sporting associations and individuals are encouraged to make an application under its annual Section 356 Funding Program. In 205/06 Council gave around $200,000 to a broad range of community organisations. Application forms are available from the Civic Centre office and are open until 17 March 2006.

Tree replacement program underway

Council will soon begin a five to 10 year staged removal of the large Elm trees growing in lower Havannah Street. The first stage of the works, expected to start mid February, will involve extensive crown thinning and pruning of the existing trees. The pruning will further reveal if some trees require immediate removal, depending upon their condition. The necessary works are a result of inspections by Council’s qualified staff, and an independent assessment revealing that, despite their visual appearance, the poor condition of the trees may now pose an unacceptable public safety risk. The staging process will allow, Council to begin a replanting program, planting species between the existing trees to enable the re-establishment of a tree-lined streetscape, prior to the eventual removal of the existing trees. The new tree species to be chosen for Havannah Street will be consisent with a type suitable for the Heritage Conservation Area.

Pit Complex Open to all

Over 30 stallholders are lining up to sell their wares at the annual Pit Complex Open Day and Community Garage Sale this Saturday February 11 at Mount Panorama. Recycle and Reuse is the theme for the day with the event an opportunity to promote responsible waste management. There will be a jumping castle and entertainment for the kids, a BBQ and Cappuccino stand running for the morning. Take the chance to have a guided tour of the recently completed Pit Complex or have a photo taken on the winners podium, take a guided bus tour around the circuit and find out more about the history of the Mountain.