The event will be held from 12 - 14 March and will see the introduction of the Bathurst Tour, which offers a combined entry for the Hill Climb, Criterium and B2B (Bathurst to Bathurst) 100km road race.

Participants will accrue points relevant to their performance in each of the disciplines with prizes valued at over $15,000.

The Bathurst Cycling Classic includes three days of cycling action, with the Hill Climb to be held for the first time on Mount Panorama starting from Pit Straight to McPhillamy Park.

The Criterium will be held on Saturday, March and 13 the B2B on Sunday, March 14 with only the long (100km) course being offered for next year's event which will start in the Bathurst CBD. Long course participants will complete a lap of Mount Panorama before heading out to the course. The 2021 event is not UCI sanctioned.

The Bathurst Cycling Classic will be a COVID safe event and adhere to the NSW Health guidelines. Tickets are now available at www.bathurstcyclingclassic.com.au

School visit

THIS week a few students from Carenne School visited the council chambers.

The students received an overview about the roles and responsibilities of Local Government. I would like to thank the staff and students for coming along.

WHILE we all wait for the COVID-19 vaccine to arrive, the NSW Government is determined to treat the economic symptoms of the pandemic by saving and creating as many jobs as possible.

The NSW Government will turbocharge stimulus measures to combat unemployment and help NSW shake off the economic shackles of COVID-19.

We project that 270,000 people will be back in work by 2024.

Measures in the budget this week included a payroll tax threshold increase from $1 million to $1.2 million, which will deliver a tax cut for thousands of businesses and further support for jobs in NSW.

Our targeted stimulus measures aim to return the economy to a positive footing after the challenges of COVID-19.

The strong budget position has allowed us to weather the most severe economic storm in a generation, and we will continue to lead the way in job creation and supporting business through the 2020-21 Budget.

Leading women back to workforce

WOMEN across the state will have access to grants of up to $5000 through the NSW Government's new $10 million Return to Work program.

These grants will help women whose employment has been affected by COVID-19 to overcome some of the obstacles in returning to the workforce.

The program will provide women with financial assistance and targeted support, including mentoring, advice and training to help them return to the workforce.

We know that many part-time or casual positions and female-dominated industries were severely impacted by COVID-19, so we are looking to empower as many women as possible to be able to get back into paid employment.

It is estimated that women make up 53 per cent of directly affected industries and 65 per cent of secondary industries impacted by the pandemic. These include accommodation and food services, retail, arts and professional services.

There are so many costs involved in starting up again, so it is great that women looking to return to work will be able to use these grants towards things like training and education, office supplies, or whatever it is they need to get back into a job.

Go to www.service.nsw.gov.au/register-interest-return-workprogram