We take a very proactive role in the continued economic development of the Bathurst region. 

Council acts as an advocate, facilitator, co-ordinator and service provider to lead and enable continued economic prosperity, innovation, investment, job generation, residential relocation, business attraction and new enterprise development.

Council is continuing investment in economic programs that grow and support our local businesses. Initiatives such as Evocities, the Bathurst Jobs Expo, Buy Local Campaign and the Smart Cities initiative are a few that come to mind.

BizMonth involves a series of events for businesses and members of the community to gain insights, ideas and connections. One of the highlights of the program will be the BizMonth Business Lunch featuring David Koch.

The lunch, sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank, gives business representatives the opportunity to network and gain insights on business and financial issues.

The lunch will be held at BMEC on Wednesday, September 26 at noon. Tickets are $65 and are available now via www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

BizMonth is a partnership between Bathurst Regional Council, Bathurst Business Chamber, Western Advocate, Central NSW Business HQ, Bathurst City Life, CenWest Innovate, Regional Development Australia Central West and 99.3 B-Rock FM.

With spring upon us, Kings Parade is looking spectacular. Sitting at the heart of our city, the garden beds are brimming with colourful flowers. 

They are meticulously taken care of by our dedicated parks and gardens staff. Well done team.

SEPTEMBER 1 saw a new rule rolled out across NSW which requires motor vehicles to slow down to 40 kilometres per hour when passing emergency service vehicles displaying blue and red lights. 

I was a proud supporter of this new legislation and believe it will create a safer working environment for all our dedicated police, paramedics and firefighting officers working around our region and the state. 

Our emergency service workers are out there every day keeping us safe. 

Our police, firefighters, ambulance officers, emergency and rescue volunteers do difficult and dangerous work for our community. 

In addition to slowing to 40km/h, motorists will be required to give way to any person on foot in the immediate area of the emergency vehicle and not increase their speed until they are at a sufficient distance past the vehicle. 

A community education and communication campaign has been rolled out across NSW. 

The campaign includes television, radio and social media advertising and will continue after the roll-out to reinforce driver awareness. 

The new rule provides certainty for drivers about how they should behave when emergency vehicles are stationary on the road and displaying blue and red flashing lights.

Fee-free study

APPRENTICES undertaking their training in Bathurst are already benefiting from the NSW Government’s fee-free apprenticeship package only two months after its launch. 

Fee-free apprenticeships will allow 100,000 apprentices throughout NSW to study and train for a fulfilling career while also addressing the state’s skills shortages. 

These apprenticeships benefit students and employers and I encourage anyone thinking about learning new skills or starting a new career to consider their options under the program with TAFE NSW.