This week the city celebrates 200 years since Governor Lachlan Macquarie first raised the Union Jack on the banks of the Macquarie River on May 7, 1815, proclaiming the settlement of Bathurst, and to mark the occasion a week of celebrations is planned.
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As Bathurst200's Heritage Week celebrations got underway yesterday with the official opening of Peoplescape by Bathurst mayor Gary Rush, there are still bigger things ahead.
Macquarie's modern day counterpart, His Excellency General, The Honourable David Hurley, Governor of New South Wales, will be in Bathurst to celebrate, with the reinstatement of the city's flag staff to be a highlight.
Following the opening of Peoplescape yesterday, Cr Rush said there was a "massive week ahead".
"The week that is planned, I really can't do it justice, what we have ahead," he said.
"Not forgetting we have the colonial fair on Thursday and Illuminating Bathurst, which is where I think the people of Bathurst will really get a sense of the party mood," he said.
"It's a great celebration for everyone to enjoy. It will really shine the light on Bathurst."
Cr Rush said on Thursday night the inaugural Bathurst Macquarie Heritage Medal Dinner would mark the official anniversary of the city's proclamation.
He said it was his hope that the award would become the legacy event, which would continue long after the bicentenary celebrations.
"I hope it will be an award of national significance, recognised by all Australians," he said.
Cr Rush said celebrating 200 years was an opportunity to bring people together and reflect on the city's achievements.
"As we re-tell our shared history, honour our unique heritage and showcase our story to the nation, we can celebrate, be proud of our achievements and create an exciting future together," he said.
