BATHURST Regional Council's Cultural and Community Services department has put a lot of work into keeping facilities running in some capacity during COVID-19 restrictions.
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A report by the department head, Alan Cattermole, was presented to the last council meeting to detail the actions taken since the physical closure of most cultural facilities.
Most facilities closed at 12pm on March 23, in line with restrictions handed down by the state and federal governments.
The library was one of these, but since then it has continued to operate the Mobile Library Service, its eLibrary and moved some of its programs online via live Facebook streams.
A call and collect service was also introduced on May 4.
"Data on uptake in the first four days (including soft launch) is 110 bundles collected so far. This has been very well received by the public already," Mr Cattermole said.
Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) has developed online programs that are focused on providing platforms for engagements with artists and the community.
Staff are also planning exhibitions for reopening, and an audit is being done of all BRAG documents.
All of Bathurst's museums also had to close and, to keep people engaged, online programs have been rolled out on social media.
They include behind the scenes presentations, stories of the collections technical information, staff favourites, animations and children's science activities.
"Museums Bathurst is also developing a range of additional programs and resources for schools to be accessed via the website and online platforms," Mr Cattermole said.
At Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC), theatre can't be brought to audiences in the same way, however there is still entertainment being offered.
This includes the delivery of Quarantunes with Local Emerging Artists Program (LEAP) performers, play readings and an online version of the Bathurst Writers' and Readers' Festival.
Staff continue to be present at a number of facilities, including the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre and the library, to respond to inquires from the community.
Council hasn't said when its facilities will reopen, however the state's restrictions relating to libraries, galleries and museums will ease on June 1.
