The book, Bathurst – My City, will be officially launched at a special mayoral reception tomorrow. 

It was compiled by Fudeko Reekie, who recently celebrated 40 years of living in Bathurst. She felt confident in creating the publication after receiving positive feedback from friends about her memoir published in 2013, in Japanese, and in 2015, in English.

“Bathurst is such a fascinating town and a wonderful city,” Ms Reekie said. “I love it so much that I wanted to write about it.”

Her book is not merely a guide to the city, but  also an artistic representation of Bathurst’s historic buildings, landmarks and landscapes, alongside interesting information about the area. 

Artworks in the book were created over the past five months by Ms Reekie, who has been painting since she was a child.

Bathurst – My City has been published in both English and Japanese. 

“I have been 40 years in Bathurst and all this time I’ve been showing Japanese people around, and I always felt I need a book to tell them all about the place,” Ms Reekie explained.

“I’ve always wanted it, for over 30 years, but finally I have done it.”

Included in the book are photos of Kings Parade, Bathurst Court House, the Ben Chifley Home in Busby Street and the Macquarie River, alongside Ms Reekie’s painted replicas.

“The photograph is very true to the building, but painting it gives it a personal touch, my view,” Ms Reekie said. 

It also includes photos and paintings of Bathurst landscapes, the Bathurst 200 celebrations, last year’s Okhuma sister city visit and flowers, insects and birds found locally. 

Ms Reekie said Bathurst Regional Council and BooksPlus have both been supportive of her ambition to create the book.

Visitors to the city will be able to get a copy of Bathurst – My City through either organisation, as well as at the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre following the launch.