Blacksmithing, saddlery, dry stone walling, whip making and cracking, glass artistry, lace making, tapestry, embroidery, carpentry and joinery, cigar box guitar making and violin making are among many unique talents to be demonstrated by local and guest artisans.

The two-day event will allow the community to visit sites that are not always open to the public, including the Agricultural Research Station, Uniting Church Hall, Country Women's Association Hall and Walshaw Hall.

Tickets cost only $15 per person for unlimited entry over the two days and children under 16 years are free. To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.bathurstregion.com.au/bathurstheritagetradestrail

Students from the Grimwade Centre in Melbourne will also be at the Heritage Trades Trail this weekend. They will be in the Uniting Church Hall providing demonstrations on metal cleaning, textile care and other conservation.

While they are in Bathurst, the students will provide a presentation on a project they have been working on called the RE-ORG Project at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery on Friday, May 17 at 10.30am. In addition, the students will provide a demonstration on how to care for textiles at Chifley Home on Monday, 20 May at 2.00pm. For more information phone BRAG on 6333 6555.

The students from Melbourne University's Grimwade Centre have been visiting Bathurst regularly since Prof. Robyn Sloggett AM won the Macquarie Heritage Medal in 2016 for her work in heritage conservation.

The awards ceremony for the 2BS Tidy Town House of the Year was held this week at Council Chambers. These awards encourage and reward residents for beautifying their homes and gardens. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Hundreds of fire stations across the state are set to open their doors to the community on Saturday for Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Open Day, and they're inviting people to learn more about the organisation.

The Open Day is a chance for locals to gain a better understanding of the work firefighters do every day to protect the community. I'd like to encourage families across Bathurst to head down to their local fire station to have a chat to their local firefighters, learn how to be fire-safe, and say thank you for their bravery.

A range of free activities will be on display, including firefighting demonstrations, station tours and safety presentations. Families will also have the opportunity to get up close with firefighters, firetrucks and special equipment while learning about the critical work they do to protect the community.

The Open Day is also a chance to thank local firies for their commitment to protecting life and property.

The brave men and women of Fire and Rescue NSW put their lives on the line to keep the community safe so these events are a great opportunity to time to thank these heroes for the work they do every day.

Since January 1, a total of 34,175 Baby Bundles have been distributed across NSW.

The Baby Bundle meets Australian safety standards and contains a number of items including a sleeping bag, first aid kit, play and change mats, and resources on child development and parental wellbeing.

Parents will receive the Baby Bundle before being discharged from hospital, or after registering their child with NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages in instances where the birth does not occur in a hospital.

The Baby Bundle is part of the NSW Government's $157 million parenting package including more midwives and family health nurses, investment in testing and treatments for children's diseases, and practical and emotional support to parents.

Thousands of primary school-aged children across Australia are lacing up their walking shoes and preparing for National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, May 17.

The event aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for the long term well-being of our children. Head to www.walk.com.au/WSTSD/ for more information on this wonderful initiative.