Work is in progress at Mount Panorama preparing the circuit for the racing teams and motorsport fans who will arrive at the iconic track for all the action and exhilaration that motor racing brings.

To complement the great race, there will be a range of off-track events to keep visitors and residents entertained.

On Wednesday, October 3, a transporter and driver parade will be held in the city centre. Supercars transporters and drivers will make a spectacular entrance.

Take advantage of seeing these giant machines up close as they make their way along William Street from the highway to Mount Panorama.

The day will also feature the stars of the Supercars Championship at the official drivers’ signing sessions in Kings Parade.

The occasion is a family affair with jumping castles, face painting, a barbecue and so much more.

There’s also the opportunity to listen to legends of the great race as they relive some of their historical and most memorable moments on Mount Panorama with the Legendary Moments Dinner on Thursday, October 4 at 6.30pm at Rydges.

On Saturday, October 6 from 10am to 4pm, the street fair will feature market stalls and a variety of entertainment by local artists.

Highlights of the event will include the $2 rides for children and the new LEGO play zone, which will feature exciting challenges from the LEGO speed champions sets.

For more information, visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au. I encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere in the heart of our city centre.

I recently attended the Diocesan Christmas Art Show Exhibition opening.

The event involved an estimated 2000 children from 29 schools participating in the competition to create Christmas story artworks.

I would like to congratulate Georgia Payne from Cathedral Catholic Primary School who was awarded a Year 6 Mayor's Award.

BUSHFIRE brigades opened their doors to the community last weekend to help citizens be aware and prepare for bushfire risks this summer.

With the entire state in drought and the warm weather starting, it’s more important than ever for residents to be vigilant.

We’re fortunate to have some of the most experienced and skilled firefighters in the world here in NSW, but they’re facing a potentially long and protracted bushfire season. We all need to do our part in the community to be as prepared as possible.

Get Ready Weekend was a great opportunity for families to get to know their local firefighters and find out about the fire risk in their area. We’ve already seen during August how quickly fires can develop and threaten homes and lives.

The top four tips for getting ready for bushfire season are:

If you missed the Get Ready Day in your area on the weekend, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/get-ready2018.

Love food, hate waste

Every year, almost a million tonnes of food waste ends up in landfill in NSW. 

For information and tips to avoid food waste, visit the Love Food, Hate Waste website: https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au/.