My priority as mayor of Bathurst is to keep our community safe during these uncertain times and I would like to remind everyone to practise good hygiene, QR code in and out of venues, wear face masks and social distance when out and about.

If you even have the mildest of symptoms, please go and get tested and stay at home until you get the results.

Testing sites are currently located at Bathurst Base Hospital, Bathurst Respiratory Clinic at Ochre Health CSU and a drive-through clinic located at Mount Panorama.

For more information, visit health.nsw.gov.au

Waste 2 Art

THIS year's Regional Waste 2 Art Exhibition opened on Saturday, July 17, with winners announced at an opening ceremony hosted by Coonamble Shire Council.

The exhibition will run until September 3 at the Outback Arts Creative Arts Centre in Coonamble.

Entries came from 12 councils from NSW from across the Central West and Far Western areas.

Bathurst entries picked up seven wins and six highly commended.

This is the best result for our city in the history of running the local exhibition and I would like to congratulate all the participants.

Winners and highly commended are:

Missing person billboard

I ATTENDED the unveiling of the missing person billboard on Saturday at Carrington Park.

The billboard features the images of Jessica Small, Andrew Russell and Janine Vaughan and was put together with local donations.

I would like to thank our community for your support of this important initiative.

Smart benches

SMART benches have been installed at the Bathurst Rail Museum, Bathurst Regional Art Gallery/Library forecourt and at Bathurst Visitor Information Centre.

They enable wireless charging of smart devices and increase WiFi connectivity.

They are part of the Smart Communities initiative aimed at keeping people and tourists in our CBD for longer periods.

SMALL businesses affected by the current COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions are encouraged to seek free-of-charge advice from the NSW Government's business advisory service Business Connect.

Business Connect has advisers across the state who are ready to help businesses navigate the current situation.

We know many small businesses across NSW are doing it tough at the moment.

While some businesses have had to shut their doors to comply with the Public Health Orders, others are experiencing reduced foot traffic and challenges with cash flow, paying rent and wages.

However, government support is available, including Business Connect.

All of the advisers have previously owned small businesses and they can advise business owners on ways to make it through this health pandemic and plan for the future.

There are new webinar topics addressing problems being faced by business owners during this difficult period, including dealing with disputes, starting your own online store, cash flow essentials and building a more resilient business.

The webinars are a great way for all small business owners to get new skills and learn from experts. Other key day-to-day topics include cyber security and social media marketing.

In addition to helping small businesses, Business Connect can assist medium enterprises and, in some circumstances, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations, if eligible.

For more on Business Connect, visit www.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect

For more information on the support measures for businesses, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-businesses

Applications open for youth projects

YOUNG people have the chance to develop the skills and knowledge they need to support future employment, education and training opportunities through a NSW Government grant program which opens this week.

Local not-for-profits, community groups and councils are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $50,000 as part of the NSW Government's Youth Opportunities program.

The Youth Opportunities grants provide one-off, time-limited grants between $10,000 and $50,000 for programs targeting children and young people aged 12 to 24.

Since the program began in 2012, Youth Opportunities has provided $13.3 million to 282 projects across NSW.

The focus this year will be on organisations delivering programs that build tangible skills or qualifications that will help with future job opportunities.

The program is all about helping young people reach their full potential.

This program has engaged young people across regional NSW for almost a decade and a focus on jobs and skills this year will equip them with the tools they need for many years to come.

For more information, or to apply, visit www.youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-opportunities/.