With the news that the current sponsorship will continue for another three years, in addition to ongoing work to see the delivery of Velocity park, this is a great economic boost for the the city of Bathurst and greater central west.

What a great place we live in, what a great week we host as a community and what a fantastic event that takes centre stage world wide. Go Holden!

From December 1 the NSW Government’s ten cent container deposit scheme ‘Return and Earn’ will roll out. People will get a ten cent refund for every eligible drink container returned with Woolworths being announced as the schemes first retail partner.

This agreement will make the scheme easy and accessible with participating Woolworths store locations being finalised in the coming weeks.

From 1 December there will be up to 180 reverse vending machines at Woolworths supermarkets with more to come early next year, and are just one of several ways people will be able to access the scheme.

The NSW Government expects Tomra Cleanaway, the Network Operator, to partner will other retailers in the future. Return and Earn is the biggest litter reduction initiative in this state's history - it will mean a massive reduction in drink container litter.  Visit: www.returnadnearn.org.au

With high to very high fire danger forecast across most of the state, the NSW Government and fire agencies are urging everyone to be aware of the bush fire risk. I am encouraging all residents to prepare for the fire season and create or update their bush fire survival plans.

The warmer weather is a great reason to fire up the BBQ, but given the prevailing hot and dry conditions, it is important that everyone BBQ safely and responsibly. Since July 1 our NSW fire fighters have already attended more than 5,000 fires across the states that have burnt more than 93,000 hectares.

October 1st is the start of the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period and this means that anyone wishing to light a fire must obtain a free permit from their local Fire Control Centre. I implore everyone to be aware of the risks and to take all necessary precautions to keep lives, land and property safe, remembering that preparation is the key.

Know the risk and what you will do if faced with a fire. Have a bush fire survival plan. Keep informed during the warmer, drier months by checking the Fires Near Me app and listening to local radio. Further details about the Bush Fire Danger Period, how to get a Fire Permit, cigarette tossing fines and Total Fire Bans are available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

October is Safe Work Month, and I’m asking everyone to get involved by taking time to refocus on safety in the workplace. 

There are many simple ways to improve safety, take some time this month to make sure you’re doing your best to keep safe at work. SafeWork NSW has a calendar of events and you can download or order your free Toolkit by visiting www.safework.nsw.gov.au.

Announced yesterday the statewide launch of the digital learner driver logbook as an alternative to the outdated paper version. This move is about bringing the logbook experience into the digital age. Any parent or learner would agree it’s time for a system that taps into the latest technology to become more user-friendly.