Bathurst's new Living Legends were Lachlan Rendall, Geoff Porter, Jane Rawlings, Arthur Davis, Dr Martha Gelin, George Gaal and David Pennells.

"Bathurst's seven new Living Legends are all worthy inductees," Cr Bourke said.

"While we aren't able to acknowledge their achievements in person this year, we will be back next year to recognise them alongside the 2021 inductees."

The 14 Pillars of Bathurst inductees are George and Mary Basha, Haydn Larnach, Patric O'Brien, Arthur Budden, Ivan Cranston, Judy Webb, Harry and Brian Hodge, William Browne, Leslie Beavis, Reginald Pollard, PJ Moodie and Leo Grant.

FAMILY man, community man, gentleman: Lou Shehade was many things to many people and following his death on May 20, those who knew him well remembered him as one of the best.

His son David described him as "a wonderful family man" who was heavily involved not only in his children's lives as they grew up, but also those of his grandchildren.

"Whatever we were doing, he was always extremely proud of us."

David said his father was heavily involved in many community groups.

"He was proud to be part of the community, but he was especially proud of his involvement in the Edgell Jog and Chifley Village.

"They were ones closest to his heart."

Tributes for Mr Shehade - who was also known as a talented squash player, former general manager of the Western Advocate and original committee member of the Edgell Jog - poured in as news of his passing became known.

BATHURST MP Paul Toole demanded an assurance from Charles Sturt University that it would not downgrade the Bathurst campus in response to a plummeting financial position.

Mr Toole said he had written a series of letters to the CSU board of directors in recent weeks outlining concerns over the university's falling revenues, imminent course restructures and possible staff cuts.

"It's clear. CSU needs to be more transparent in explaining to the public the reasons for the alarming decline in operating results over the past four annual reports, going from a positive result of $38 million in 2015 to a reported $80 million [fall in revenue] in 2020," Mr Toole said.

As CSU embarked on a bold building program art other campuses, including a new medical school in Orange, Mr Toole was seeking assurances over the future of the Bathurst campus.

"I have been contacted by various members of the local community over the past six months who have raised issues relating to potential job losses or local courses being cut or downgraded," he said.

A DRIVE-IN cinema was set to be one of the key attractions of this year's revised Bathurst Winter Festival, with the event to proceed in July under a different format.

Illuminations were to feature once again this year, on the court house and at new sites on George and Keppel Street, and people are encouraged to view the illuminations from their own car.

Bathurst residents were also encouraged to have their own light show, with prizes on offer for the best and brightest displays.

Markets stall were the main feature of the festival, such as Brew and Bite but in 2020 they will be held online, with the online markets to showcase some of the region's finest wares.

ALSO MAKING NEWS IN MAY:

FIRST it was Orange and then on May 16 the Western Advocate reported that fast-food chain Oporto had set its sights on opening a restaurant in Bathurst.

The sales and leasing agent for The Gateway in Kelso, Steve Burke, confirmed discussions had been occurring with Oporto regarding a site within the commercial development.

"There has been discussions with Oporto, but nothing has been confirmed yet," he said.

"I spoke with Oporto Monday. They're still talking with potential franchisees."

While nothing had been confirmed, Mr Burke said there was definite interest on the part of Oporto and that the developer was also keen to have the fast-food restaurant as part of The Gateway.

"It would be great, it's great for the area," he told the Western Advocate.