Grenfell.  Welcome to the Henry Lawson Festival. The theme for the 2016 festival is 'THE ROARING DAYS; A Trip Through the Decades'. This theme is a nod to the celebrations being held throughout 2016 for Grenfell's Sesquicentenary. The festival kicks off on the Thursday evening with a special event at the Grenfell Art Gallery, and from there, through to the Monday a wide array of exhibitions, events and entertainment will be on show for all tastes and ages. Art and photography exhibitions, short story and verse competitions, a colourful street procession, children's rides, street entertainment including busking and live music, and car show are just a few of the wonderful events taking place over the festival weekend. If you've never been to the Henry Lawson Festival, or if you're looking for something different to do over the 2016 June long weekend in Central West NSW, then this might just be the perfect long weekend to come to Grenfell and experience all that the town and surrounding areas have to offer. If you are a regular festival patron, then we look forward to seeing you, your friends and family again this year. Visit www.henrylawsonfestival.com.au

Young. Young Harness Racing - Twilight Meeting - Saturday June 11. On track facilities: Dining room/canteen, bar, tote, covered stand, limited track side parking (only along back straight & home turn), ample float truck & car parking..

Dubbo. HD HR NATIONALS SHOW AND SHINE Hundreds of Holden enthusiasts from across Australia will travel to Dubbo for the long weekend in June to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the HD HR Nationals. A Show and shine featuring more than 100 cars will be held at Ollie Robbins Oval. For more information visit: hdhrholden.info/hd-hr-nationals-2016 call David Bates 0408 865 052 

Dubbo. Shannon Noll's everyday man appeal lies in his honesty, he strikes a chord with legions of music fans, tapping into a pure emotion that's both his own and instantly relatable. His rise to fame as the first runner-up of the initial Australian Idol series in 2003 changed his life from a farm hand in Condoblin forever. Since taking to the stage and commencing his successful recording career, Australia's favourite son "Nolsie" has gone on to receive acclaim with certified triple-platinum sales, number one hits, five top 10 albums, 17 platinum and three gold accreditations, and a reputation as the only Australian male artist in national chart history to have ever achieved ten consecutive top 10 singles. For more information: www.dubborsl.com.au

Orange Steam. Join the Canberra Railway Museum for some Steam Shuttles on Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th & Monday 13th June. Ride behind the largest operating steam locomotive in the Southern Hemisphere, Beyer-Garratt 6029! Shuttles depart from Orange Railway Station:Saturday 11th - 8.45am, 10.15am, 1.00pm & 2.45pm.Sunday 12th - 8.45am, 10.15am, 1.00pm & 2.45pm.Monday 13th - 8.45am, 10.45am, 1.00pm & 2.45pm.Tickets $30 for adults, $25 concession. Children from 3-16 $20.00. Family tickets are available (2 Adults + 2 Children) - $80.00. Child under 3 are free but must sit on parents lap.

Mudgee. Henry Lawson Heritage Festival returns to Gulgong with a long weekend packed with events to celebrate Henry's birthday with poetry, markets, food and wine, Grand Parade, live music and vintage displays. There will be a literary awards dinner and show, pilgrimage drive from Grenfell to Gulgong, heritage photos, pavement art, barrow or billy-cart races, photo competition and exhibition, historic bus trip or walk, food fair and wine tasting, country race meeting, and a poets or writers morning tea. For more information: www.gulgonghenrylawsonheritagefestival.com

Parkes Picnic Races Saturday 11 June 2016, Parkes. Come along and be a part of the fashions, fun and festivities that make the June long weekend in Parkes the social highlight of the year! 

The Lake Cargelligo Museum Open Weekend is on the June Long Weekend every year, and displays a museum full of local history, tractors and engines, as well as a unique 'must see' live...Lake Cargelligo Arts and Crafts Exhibition Saturday 11 June to Monday 13 June 2016, Lake Cargelligo

High Tea. Abercrombie House 311 Ophir Road 2.30pm. Enjoy a scrumptious savoury and sweet treats, tasting plates, varieties of leaf tea, plunger coffee and elegant live classical Celtic harp music. Main rooms and gardens are open to explore. Adults $49, Concession $45, Child u 14 $25, infants are free. Tickets 02 6331 4929 or Bathurst Visitors Centre.

Cowra. Celebrate Her Majesty's birthday with a huge bonfire and dazzling fireworks! Live entertainment from Josh Maynard, Luke Harveyson, and Ernie Burgers, jumping castle, hot food, beverages, the bonfire, glow sticks - all from 4pm and free to enjoy. Fireworks display after dark. Make it an all-day event with lawn bowls from 9:30am and golf from 10am (greens fees apply). Visit website or Facebook page for specific details. For more information: www.wyangalacountryclub.com.au

Cowra. Open day for Iandra Castle. Sunday June 12 from 10am - 4pm. $10 adults, $5 children (price only for Open Days). rking is onsite - drive in through the main gate, and you will be shown where to park. Bring your own picnic basket and have lunch on the lawn, under the trees, or on the verandah. Freshly-brewed, locally-produced coffee (Art of Espresso) is available on the day. Books and souvenirs are sold on Open Days. Locally-produced lavender products are also available. Heritage Museum Address: 870 Iandra Rd, Greenethorpe. Phone:0429 455 409. iandracastle.com.au/when.htm

Parkes. 11-13  June. This annual June Long Weekend event caters for all craft enthusiasts at the Peak Hill Arts and Craft Exhibition. See patchwork, cake decorating, art, folk art, pottery, spinning, tatting, candle wicking, precious metal clay and silver smithing as well as food stalls. Learn how to crochet and revamp all your old clothes and lots more. Come along and enjoy yourself at the Peak Hill Arts and Craft Exhibition. The exhibition is held at two venues right in the heart of the Peak Hill township. Refreshments of Devonshire Tea and soup are served daily. Peak Hill offers a variety of quality accommodation and dining venues, and antique shops for those wishing to explore the area during their visit.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, in conjunction with Relationships Australia, will be holding a public information forum next week. BCCC 29 William Street 5.30pm. No RSVP required. For further information, please contact the Community Engagement team at stakeholders@childabuseroyalcommision.gov.au or phone 8284 2412.

"Sing Australia Bathurst are hosting a "Come & Try Night" on Wednesday, 15th June. Anyone interested in exploring singing for fun is welcome to join us at the Bathurst Senior Citizens Centre, 176 Russel Street (Flanagan Lane) from 7.30pm- 9.30pm. No experience needed - All ages, men & women welcome. Contact Sally on 0407 011 179 for more information."

Muster - Graham Wilcox, "From Convicts to Constitution - The Story of a Colonial Family" Graham will tell us about the family of James Rutledge who arrived in New South Wales as a free settler from Ireland. Two years later he married Lucy Ann Field, a granddaughter of two convicts. James had decided to migrate to the Southern Colonies after the death of his father, the subsequent loss of his farm and the worsening conditions that were leading to the Great Potato Famine in Ireland.

It's on again. Biggest Morning Tea at Bathurst Golf Club. The Bathurst Lady Golfers will be holding a Biggest Morning Tea on Monday 20th June from 10 a.m. This event has been going for 5 years and many people have been asking when it is on. Please come and bring your friends. Plenty of parking and great raffle prizes. Entry By Donation. All Welcome.