Shelving, furniture and selected books will be put to good use to build a library in Africa.

The supplier of the shelving, Abax Kingfisher, offers a lifecycle policy and proposed the used items be donated.

The donated items will help build a university library in Freetown, the capital and largest city of Sierra Leone, West Africa.

The donation will be co-ordinated by the Madiba Project, a charity that helps communities and young people fight poverty by focusing on educational redevelopment.

Christmas message

CHRISTMAS is a very special time of year. For many it’s an important religious occasion and for others it’s a time to be with family and friends.

I encourage everyone to please consider those around you who may not have the fortune of being around loved ones.

Take the time to check in with your neighbours, the elderly or those who live alone.

If you are travelling during the holidays, please take care on the roads.

On behalf of my fellow councillors and staff, my wife Frances and I would like to wish everyone in our community a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

IN the lead-up to the busiest time of year on the state’s roads, I’m urging motorists to rethink their on-road behaviour with the launch of the NSW Government’s latest enforcement campaign: “Stop it … Or cop it.” 

Designed to deter motorists from taking risks and encourage them to take greater responsibility for their on-road behaviour, the new campaign comes as the state’s largest high visibility road safety police operation, Safe Arrival, is underway. 

The silly season isn’t an excuse to be silly.

Stop and have a break if you’re too tired to drive, share the driving, make sure you have a Plan B, always wear a seatbelt and leave your phone alone! 

While we don’t want to charge people, if you choose to put yourself or others at risk by breaking the road rules or being reckless, you will face the penalties. 

Summer safety

AS the temperature rises, workers (particularly those outdoors) are being reminded to take care in the extreme heat. 

With temperatures in the mid to high 30s this week, businesses need to have systems in place to protect workers from heat-related illness and exposure to ultra-violet (UV) radiation. 

Working in extreme heat shouldn’t be taken lightly, as it can reduce concentration and the ability to recognise risks, and this can result in serious injury or even death. 

Visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au 

Join the SES

THERE’S never been a better time to become an SES volunteer. 

Volunteers play a vital role in communities, building resilience prior to disasters and responding to residents affected by floods and storms. 

You can use your skills to help your community. 

Visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au

More time

TIME has been extended to nominate for the 2018 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

These awards are a great opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic contributions of women across the Bathurst electorate.

Nominations now close on January 7, 2018. Visit www.women.nsw.gov.au

And finally

WHETHER it’s in the sun, around the water or travelling, please keep safe. 

Enjoy the break and I look forward to catching up in 2018.

Merry Christmas!