Media releases

Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) has taken out a prestigious award for Education and Public Engagement at the Museums & Galleries NSW Imagine Awards.

Now in their second year, the Imagine Awards celebrate the achievements of both the professional and volunteer-run museums and galleries in NSW and the ACT and those who work in them.

WPCC manager Brigette Leece said the award; presented at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney was especially important given the competition.

"Our centre was recognised for its work in education and engagement with its patrons ahead of institutions including the Powerhouse Museum, the Australian Museum, the Australian War Memorial and other major state and national museums and galleries," said Ms Leece.

"The people of our region can be justifiably proud of the WPCC and this Imagine award caps a very successful year for the Centre."

The WPCC was awarded for instituting a number of education programmes that increase accessibility and add value to the WPCC experience.

This was achieved by establishing innovative partnerships with the education sector, employing new technologies, providing professional skills to volunteer guides and packaging the collection for regional touring.

"This award, considering who we were up against, is a real feather in the WPCC cap and another win for Dubbo."

MEDIA CONTACT: WPCC manager Brigette Leece, on (02) 6801 4444.

Crafty creations turn from trash to treasure and snapshots go on the road

From the tip to the roadtrip, a photographic display of artworks from the 2008-2009 Regional Waste to Art competition will be on display at Dubbo’s Macquarie Regional Library until 27 November 2009.

More than 150 artworks made from recycled materials were originally displayed at a regional exhibition in May. Some 68 of these artworks were photographed and are now being taken around the NetWaste region.

Dubbo City Council’s Director Technical Services Stewart McLeod said the exhibition gave people a chance to see almost half of the artworks featured in the annual competition.

"The photographs will be travelling around the NetWaste region so that communities can see the incredible work that has been created using materials that no one wants anymore," he said.

Mr McLeod said the Sims Metal Waste to Art project is held annually to let budding artists and community members turn trash into treasure.

"Every year, Australia continues to create mountains of waste. This competition provides an outlet to reuse and recycle some of the waste that is generated across the region through arts and crafts," he said.

Mr McLeod urged members of the public to visit the exhibition.

"Take time to call in and have a look at the incredible work that people from our communities have created using materials that no one wants anymore. It’s amazing," he said.

For more information about the Dubbo Waste to Art Competition, contact local Waste to Art coordinator Lee Cooper on (02) 6884 3498 or Council’s Asset Systems Engineer Michael McCulloch on (02) 6801 4000.

NetWaste consists of 28 councils in Central and Western NSW and this year 19 of those councils participated in the Waste to Art competition. The winning artworks from each of the local competitions were transported to a regional exhibition that was held in Gilgandra during May 2009.

MEDIA CONTACT: For further information, please contact Council’s Civil Infrastructure and Solid Waste Asset Systems Engineer Michael McCulloch on (02) 6801 4000.

Water: a ubiquitous chemical substance that is composed of hydrogen and oxygen and is essential for all known forms of life.

Smart water usage in Dubbo City Council’s Parks and Landcare Services has resulted in a 43 per cent reduction and an award nomination.

Council’s Director Parks and Landcare Services Ken Rogers said the division had been named as a finalist in the Local Government and Shires Association Excellence in Environment Awards for its water-saving initiatives.

“We are thrilled with this nomination for work which included installation of an intelligent irrigation control system, irrigation auditing, a move towards more efficient sprinklers and replacement of inefficient irrigation systems,” he said.

“Over four years, it has achieved a 43% reduction - 356ML - in the volume of water applied to parks and sporting facilities without negatively impacting quality of the turf surfaces.”

Other measures included trialling of a new turf species and use of soil wetting agents.

The changes in water usage are in line with Council’s 2009-2013 environmental sustainability plan, Dubbo ALIVE – A Living Initiative for a Vibrant Environment.

“We’ve actually exceeded the targets identified in Council’s sustainability plan,” Mr Rogers said.

“The award nomination is a bonus and shows that we are succeeding in what we do.”

Parks and Landcare Services have also installed stormwater harvesting at Apex Oval with a view to expanding the system to other venues throughout the City.

By 2013, Council aims to reduce household consumption and water usage across all Council operations by 10 per cent.

* DUBBO ALIVE – A Living Initiative for a Vibrant Environment *Covering six major themes: Biodiversity, Pollution, Water, Waste, Salinity, Energy

Covering six major themes: Biodiversity, Pollution, Water, Waste, Salinity, Energy

 

MEDIA CONTACT: For further information, please contact Council’s Director Parks and Landcare Services Ken Rogers, on (02) 6801 4000.

Dubbo Mayor Allan Smith today advised that Council had missed out on obtaining the Local Government Association (LGA) Conference in Dubbo in 2011 despite a “brilliant” campaign.

The 600 delegates to this year’s conference in Tamworth voted for Shoalhaven to host the event in two years time.

Cr Allan Smith said the Dubbo councillors and staff did an excellent job of promoting the City but Shoalhaven won out on the day.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in our bid, it was an excellent effort and we received very positive feedback, so much so that we may try again,” Cr Smith said.

“Our stand was very popular with hundreds of council executives from across NSW, and the entertainment and the Dubby pies gave us a point of difference.”

The bid, which was titled 'Come Dance With Me In Dubbo In 2011’ included an appearance by Charlie Bartley whose reality television debut this year saw him gain Australia-wide exposure.

Cr Smith said he was very pleased with the campaign, which was prepared by Council’s City Image Branch and had the support of an online marketing campaign.

“The bid was an exciting reflection of our City and as well as showcasing attractions such as Old Dubbo Gaol, Taronga Western Plains Zoo and our Indigenous heritage it impressed the LGA delegates that Dubbo was a great place to be,” he said.

Cr Smith described the in-house bid to attract the 2011 conference as very worthwhile and cost effective.

“It had the possibility of attracting big money to the City if we were successful, so it was more than justified,” he said.

MEDIA CONTACT: For further information, please contact Dubbo Mayor Cr Allan Smith on 0418 639 053.

Using the art form that made Dubbo’s Charlie Bartley a household name, Dubbo City Council will take its bid to host the 2011 NSW Local Government Association (LGA) Conference to the 2009 event in Tamworth from 26 to 28 October.

The bid, which is titled 'Come Dance With Me In Dubbo In 2011’ will include an appearance by Charlie Bartley whose reality television debut this year saw him soar to national stardom.

Dubbo Mayor Cr Allan Smith was impressed with the bid, which was prepared by Council’s City Image Branch and included an online marketing campaign.

“It’s fun, it’s fresh, it’s a really unique way to capitalise on the image of Dubbo as a great place to be,” he said.

If successful, Dubbo’s bid will bring upward of 700 delegates to the City for the NSW LGA Conference in October 2011.

Cr Smith described the boost in terms of its economic value.

“It has the potential to pour more than half a million dollars into Dubbo which is absolutely fantastic,” he said.

Dubbo City Council is one of three finalists bidding for the right to host the 2011 conference, along with Shoalhaven and Orange.

The City’s unique bid showcases local attractions such as Old Dubbo Gaol, Taronga Western Plains Zoo and our Indigenous heritage.

 

The proposed theme is Celebrating our Past, Present and Future.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: For further information, please contact Dubbo Mayor Cr Allan Smith on (02) 6801 4101 or 0418 639 053.

New campaign set to target the devils on local roads and improve urban road safety
The deadly sins of Dubbo drivers are the focus of a new road safety campaign, with speed labelled as the key contributing factor in urban crashes in the City.

Launched by Dubbo City Council this week, the ‘Deadly Sins of Driving in Dubbo’ campaign will address the poor driving habits of local motorists which include impatience, ignorance and distraction.

Council’s Road Safety Officer Kristine Long said the campaign, which would run until December, aimed to build on the success of the 2007/2008 Seven Deadly Sins urban crash project.

“Deadly Sins will address speed as a key urban issue, urging drivers to slow down,“ Ms Long said.

“Speed is a major contributor to Dubbo's most common car accidents - rear end and intersection crashes.”

Ms Long said poor behaviour, ignorance of the current road rules, distraction, impatience and poor driving skills were also contributing factors to crashes in the City.

“19.5 per cent of Dubbo’s urban accidents are rear end crashes while 17.6 per cent of crashes occur at intersections.”

Ms Long said the campaign targeted both male and female drivers in the age groups of 17-20, 30-39 and 40-49, who were most ‘at risk’ of crashing. She said most crashes occur during peak times on weekdays and at 8am and between 2 and 7pm on Thursdays and Fridays. In 2007, men were involved in 62 per cent of all Dubbo crashes and women 35 per cent.

THE FACTS

Between 2003 and 2007:

• 71 per cent of drivers involved in crashes were locals
• 43.3 per cent of crashes in Dubbo occurred at intersections
• 72 per cent of crashes occurred in 50kmh and 60kmh zones
• 13 per cent of all crashes in Dubbo noted speeding as a contributing factor
• In 2007 alone, there were 28 crashes resulting in 29 casualties; mostly serious injuries

MEDIA CONTACT: For further information, please contact Council’s Road Safety Officer Kristine Long on (02) 6801 4931 or 0417 667 984.

 

Finance and Policy Committee Meeting

With construction of the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre nearing completion a logo has been designed for what is expected to be the leading theatre complex in regional NSW.

Council’s City Image Branch has designed an identifier for the centre and has market-tested the design with community members.

Prior to market testing many variations were developed and considered by staff before the design, with wording of Dubbo Regional Theatre Convention Centre, set at an angle of forty five degrees to represent the theatre’s seating, settled on.

It is also recommended that a marketing ‘catch-phrase’ be developed for the centre.

Finance and Policy Committee Chairman Cr Richard Mutton said the striking design had been shown to community members and had met with critical acclaim.

“The logo design is fresh, crisp and vibrant and the colours of ruby red, aqua blue and lime green were preferred by those researched to an alternative.”

“It is critical that a logo be adopted at this early stage so that it can be incorporated into all documents and material produced by the centre including website, season subscription brochure and insignia/signage on the front and inside of the building,” Cr

Mutton said.

“The design was recommended for adoption by Council at the monthly meeting of the Finance and Policy Committee this week and will now go to a full meeting.”

If approved, the logo will soon be featured on all communication material produced for the new complex.

Cr Richard Mutton
Chairman, Finance & Policy Committee
Phone: 0428 228 209

Register now for StreetWise skateboarding clinics and experience a world of kickflips, ollies and shuvits in the specialised two day coaching program hosted by Dubbo City Council and Skateboarding Australia.

The StreetWise interactive coaching sessions are led by some of Australia’s best freestyle sporting athletes and will be dropping in at Dubbo Skate Park from the 14th of November.

Thanks to Council, Dubbo City Youth Council, NSW Sport & Recreation and Dubbo RSL Club its $10.00 for four hours of coaching workshops over two days; but places are limited so be sure to register and secure your spot.

Participants are grouped in the coaching sessions according to their ability, these sessions cater for Beginner, All Girls & Intermediate. (All StreetWise participants are required to wear a helmet at all times).

Council’s Youth Development Officer Paul Hennock said it’s the first time that Streetwise has run an all girl group.

“Often girls will stand and watch, but they should be in there showing the boys what they can do and learning from the experts,” Paul said.

“The program will be teaching the participants new tricks and manoeuvrers but with a big emphasis on respect and safety, hence the helmet requirement,”

“It is great to bring to Dubbo skaters who compete overseas and have them pass on their skills.”

All StreetWise clinic participants will receive 2009 membership with Skateboarding Australia, personal accident insurance coverage, Slam skateboarding magazine, mania magazine, StreetWise school ruler, lots of stickers and more.

Register for one of the StreetWise sessions at the Dubbo City Council Civic Administration Building or visit www.skateboardingaustralia.org.au.

MEDIA CONTACT: For further information, please contact Council’s Youth Development Officer Paul Hennock on (02) 6801 4000 or 0419 627786.

Dubbo City Council is alerting all road users to Motorcycle Awareness Week, 24 October - 1 November, the week features several initiatives to raise awareness of motorcycle safety on our roads.

Road Safety Officer, Kristine Long said between 2004 -2008, 27 people were killed and 646 injured in crashes involving motorcycles in Western Region. Severe head and brain injuries often occur in motorcycle crashes, and motorcyclists are 20 times more likely to be killed in a road accident than car occupants.

Major contributing factors for these crashes in our region are speed and fatigue. In fact, Western NSW was above the State average for speed related motorcycle crashes and almost double the number relating to fatigue.

“Motor vehicle drivers involved in motorcycle casualty crashes often report that they looked for, but did not see, the motorcycle. This can partly be due to the relative size of motorcycles and how they appear to drivers in the traffic stream,” Ms Long said.

“Motorcycle Awareness Week reminds motorists to be conscious of motorcyclists, always checking blind spots at intersections and when changing lanes,”

“Motorcyclists are encouraged to look out for themselves by lane positioning and wearing conspicuous protective clothing,” Ms Long said, “Learning skills such as scanning, setting up and buffering in traffic as well as safe cornering can save your life. More than 50 per cent of motorcycle rider deaths in Western Region occur on bends.”

“All road users are reminded to take regular breaks and keep your speed below the limit and to suit conditions.”

To support Motorcycle Awareness Week, the ‘Meet you in Molong’ ride on Sunday 25 October is a major event in the region’s motorcycle calendar. If you are travelling this weekend, and particularly if you are using roads leading to Molong, look out for extra motorcyclists.

MEDIA CONTACT: For further information, please contact Council’s Road Safety Officer Kristine Long on (02) 6801 4931 or 0417 667 984.

$500 up for grabs to amateur performers in Lovin’ Talent show

A flurry of talent will be let loose on the City with the start of the Lovin’ Talent in Dubbo promotion in the CBD.

The entertainment lineup is part of the 2009 Lovin’ Dubbo Festival and will feature amateur buskers performing in the Cyril Flood Rotunda from 19-23 October.

Lovin’ Dubbo Festival event manager, Dubbo City Council’s Lana Willetts said the promotion was an extra incentive for the community to come out and proclaim their love for Dubbo.

“Lovin’ Talent in Dubbo will showcase the talents of our local amateur performers, many of whom get their big break from events like this,” she said.

Ms Willetts highlighted performers such as Charlie Bartley who became a household name after appearing in reality television show So you think you can dance!

“Everyone deserves a starting point for their career in the Performing Arts so this is a great way for people like Charlie to follow their dreams.”

A bonus for potential entertainers is the offer of $500 cash prizemoney, proudly sponsored by Western College.

The college’s CEO, Ron Maxwell said the training institution was proud to be a supporter of the Lovin’ Dubbo Festival.

“For us, it’s about supporting local projects and the local community. Western College wants to encourage development in all areas of our community and economy,” Mr Maxwell said.

“The Arts and culture is an integral part of regional development and this is a logical way to contribute.”

Local singing groups and schools have already signed up as entertainers but some places are still available. For further information, contact the City Information Centre on 6801 4450.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lovin’ Dubbo Festival event manager, Dubbo City Council’s Lana Willetts on (02) 6801 4450.