Media releases

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.

City shopping never looked more inviting, with $1000 Dubbo Dollars up for grabs to local residents as part of the Lovin’ Dubbo Festival Lovin’ Business retail campaign.

Running from 17 to 25 October, the festival is set to be huge, with a range of fun activities for the whole family.

An added bonus of the event is the incentive to visit participating businesses for great discounts and special offers.

Lovin’ Dubbo Festival event manager, Dubbo City Council’s Lana Willetts said there would be excellent bargains available for shoppers.

“Every customer that spends $10 or more with a participating business between 17 and 23 October will go in the draw to win $1000 worth of Dubbo dollars,” she said.

 

“The winner will be required to spend the prize or parts thereof at participating businesses.”

 

Ms Willetts said business support for the promotion had been outstanding.

 

“More than a hundred businesses have come on board and are now proudly displaying their Lovin’ Dubbo stickers,” she said.

 

The retail offers runs for the duration of the Lovin’ Dubbo Festival which begins this Saturday, 17 October and ends on 23 October.

 

The campaign includes discounted and complimentary items at participating outlets.

 

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.

 

* Western Plains Cultural Centre party – 17 October *

‘Hey all you cool cats, big daddys, greasers, bobby-soxers and goofballs, get so hip it hurts at the WPCC’s real gone third birthday bash!’

A spectacular array of talent will be on display when the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) turns three on 17 October.

The birthday celebrations, which feature a Fabulous Fifties theme, will mark the launch of the Lovin’ Dubbo Festival, but there will be much, much more to enjoy on the day.

WPCC Coordinator Bronwyn Brown was excited about the entertainment lineup, which will be held across the entire centre and surrounding grounds.

“It will be a huge event,” Ms Brown said.

“The Dubbo Car Club will showcase cars from the ‘50s and kids can revisit the good old days by enjoying a “spider” from the Outlook Café Milk Bar or trying their skill at marbles, hopscotch and egg and spoon races.

“Members of the Macquarie Conservatorium will be playing throughout the Centre, there will be local singers and dancers on the main stage, along with a magic show, rock n’ roll performance, and entertainment by the talented students of Circus West.  Big W has generously supplied fabulous prizes for the Hula Hoop Competition, with our top performer of the day receiving a $100 voucher.”

Other items include the Spindians Jazz Band, free workshops for both Art and Folk Music and a great line up of choir talent in the Museum Space. 

“It will be a great day, with something for everyone,” Ms Brown said.

“You can hula, you can hoop, you can rock, you can roll, you can jive, bop, get creative kiddo or you can just sit back and get with it at the most happening place in the West.”

 “It’s going to be great.”

 

The birthday bash is a free community event for the whole family. It will be held from 5 to 8pm on 17 October. For more information, call WPCC on 6801 4444.

MEDIA CONTACT: Western Plains Cultural Centre Coordinator Bronwyn Brown, on (02) 6801 4444.

 

* National Water Week 18 – 24 October *

“Securing our Water Future”

With an emphasis on community participation to protect and preserve water supplies, this year’s National Water Week is set to be bigger than ever.

The annual event unites community, school, environmental and industry groups in the common goal of water conservation and education.

Dubbo City Council’s Director Technical Services Stewart McLeod said the nation-wide event would feature lots of activities across Australia.

“National Water Week 2009 will see hundreds of events take place on a local, regional and national scale. This year aims to be bigger than ever.”

Mr McLeod said the National Water Week theme – Securing our Water Future - drew attention to the importance of clean water to enable good health and quality of life.

Local events include a photo display, information stand, great giveaways and a chance to get bucket-loads of information about water conservation.

“National Water Week offers a great opportunity for our community to take actions that help protect and conserve our most precious resource – water,” Mr McLeod said.

National Water Commission CEO Ken Matthews also said it was a vital part of society.

“Managing our water more effectively is one of the most important and urgent challenges facing Australia,” he said.

“Drought, climate change and water shortages make water reform more necessary than ever.”

For further information, contact Council’s Customer Service on 6801 4000.

National Water Week is an annual event highlighting the importance of water conservation. It unites community, school, environmental and industry groups across the nation.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Dubbo City Council's Water & Sewerage Client Services Co-Ordinator Sharnie Attwood, on (02) 6801 4000.

Newcomers to Dubbo will be treated to a good old Aussie barbecue brekky and City tour as part of the upcoming Lovin’ Dubbo Festival celebrations running from 17 to 25 October. They’ll also have the chance to enjoy a bacon and egg roll or croissant with special guest So you think you can dance! star Charlie Bartley.

Lovin’ Dubbo Festival event manager, Dubbo City Council’s Lana Willetts, said the welcome breakfast on October 18 was aimed specifically at new residents.

“The success of the New Residents’ Night earlier in the year was an inspiration to organise another event,” she said.

“We had some really positive feedback last time so this time around, the RSL Club will host the gathering on the Terrace and it will be followed by a tour of the City on the Big Red Party Bus.”

Ms Willetts said the function is an ideal way to meet new people if you are new to town yourself.

“It’s an opportunity to mix and mingle in a fun social setting. Meeting others can be hard to do in a new place.”

Ms Willetts said the goal was to connect new members of the community.

“It’s about introducing them to each other and also letting them know about all the exciting things our vibrant City has to offer.”

So if you or someone you know has moved to Dubbo in the past 12 months, why not take some Dubbo Time to meet some new friends and get to know this great City.

“Become a part of the Lovin’ Dubbo festivities, learn some Dubbo secrets and rub shoulders with some of our local celebrities!” Ms Willetts said.

Where:  Dubbo RSL Club, Rooftop Terrace, Darling Street

When:  Sunday 18 October

The breakfast and City Tour on the Big Red Party Bus are free of charge, however RSVPs are essential for catering purposes.

For bookings or more information, contact the City Information Centre on 6801 4450.

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

 

Dubbo City Council has been named Indigenous Council of the Year at the 2009 Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference held in Gosford from 7-9 October.

At the same event, Dubbo won the bid to host the 2011 conference, Deputy Mayor Cr Rod Towney was named Indigenous Councillor of the Year and Cr Towney was also elected president of the NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network.

Dubbo Mayor Allan Smith proudly made the announcement on Friday.

“Dubbo is a City of many cultures but its indigenous heritage is the backbone of the local community,” he said.

“To win two awards, hosting rights for the 2011 conference, and to see Cr Towney elected President of the Network is a very meaningful achievement for both Council and Cr Towney.”

The criteria for the Indigenous Council of the Year Award is that the organisation has worked with the Aboriginal community on a project or projects that have made a significant change in employment, economic opportunities, law and order or cultural heritage revival.

In this regard, Dubbo City Council has established an Aboriginal apprenticeship scheme, forged strong cultural links with the local indigenous community and promotes racial harmony through funding events such as the annual Multicultural and Red Ochre festivals.

Cr Towney was ‘over the moon’ when the four accolades were received.

“It was a very proud moment, both for me personally and for the City. I was extremely excited,” he said.

Cr Towney is a proud Wiradjuri man who has been a Dubbo City councillor since 2004. He became Deputy Mayor in 2008. He is also Vice President Country of the NSW Local Government Executive Committee and sits on the Joint Committee of the Local Government and Shires Association.

The 2009 Local Government Aboriginal Network conference was the 22nd annual event and featured the theme ‘Land. Community. Future.’ Dubbo’s bid for the 2011 event was supported by its ideal location in the heart of NSW and its cultural diversity. It is expected to attract up to 150 delegates to the City.

The NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network (LGAN) has been operating since 1988 to provide an information exchange and forum for discussion on local government issues relating to Aboriginal communities, businesses and the wider community. The aim of the conference is to provide a forum for enhancing the profile of Aboriginal communities, their skills and culture. The conference also provides an opportunity for

Local Government professionals and elected representatives to discuss current issues affecting Aboriginal communities including health, education and employment strategies, enterprise and cultural development.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Dubbo Mayor Allan Smith, on (02) 6801 4101 and Clr Rod Towney 0418 611 572.

* Lovin' Dubbo Festival 17-25 October *

Local residents are urged to embrace the City they live in and love, at the third annual Lovin’ Dubbo celebration kicking off this weekend.

Running from 17 to 25 October, the festival is set to be huge, with a range of fun activities for the whole family.

Lovin’ Dubbo Festival event manager, Dubbo City Council’s Lana Willetts, said the Festival is expected to be bigger than ever.

“It’s not only a showcase of local and regional talent, food, produce and entertainment but a chance for the community to get together and celebrate our great City and unique lifestyle,” she said.

Ms Willetts said community support for the event had been overwhelming.

“From the immense sponsorship of Westpac for the Family Fun Day, to the response from local businesses and organisations, it has been absolutely fantastic.”

Ms Willetts said the Festival had started from humble beginnings but was now a celebration everything Dubbo.

“The birth of the ‘I love Dubbo’ t-shirt in February 2006 initiated the creation of an ‘I love Dubbo Day’ and last year’s Lovin’ Dubbo Weekend celebration,” she said.

“Due to its popularity, the event has transformed into what we now have - the Lovin’ Dubbo Festival.”

Nine days of non-stop fun is assured with activities including the Macquarie Food and Wine Fed Up and Wined Down, New Residents Barbecue Breakfast and Coach Tour sponsored by Dubbo RSL, Westpac Family Fun Day and lots, lots more.

For further information, contact the City Information Centre on 6801 4450 or visit www.dubbo.com.au for an event program. Or check out www.facebook.com/lovindubbo or www.facebook.com/dubby.dubbo

The Lovin’ Dubbo Festival Family Fun Day is proudly sponsored by Westpac.

MEDIA CONTACT: Dubbo City Council’s City Image Branch Campaign Specialist Lana Willetts on (02) 6801 4451.  

* National Water Week 18 – 24 October *

“Securing our Water Future”

Winners of the 2009 savewater! Awards were announced in Sydney at a gala dinner on Friday, 9 October.

 

The prestigious awards, an initiative of the savewater! Alliance and proudly supported by Dubbo City Council, have emerged as the leading water sustainability event in Australia as a way to reward the practice of water saving.

Categories included water conservation innovations, educational programs, water saving construction projects and photography from community, government, business, regional and education participants.

A panel of 21 industry experts selected 31 finalists from 700 entries received from across the nation.

Council’s Client Services Co-ordinator Sharnie Attwood said the photography category of the savewater! Awards featured a water conservation theme.

It attracted some 43 local entries which automatically became eligible for the Dubbo Water Photo Challenge.

Ms Attwood said Dubbo Water Photo Challenge winners would be announced during National Water Week, which runs from 18 to 24 October 2009.

National Water Week is an annual event highlighting the importance of water conservation. It unites community, school, environmental and industry groups across the nation.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Dubbo City Council's Water and Sewerage Client Services Co-ordinator Sharnie Attwood, on (02) 6801 4000.

An Extraordinary Council Meeting was held today to consider a notice of motion to rescind Council’s decision to allow Odessey Ice Sports to establish a temporary ice rink in Dubbo throughout November 2009 to January 2010.

At the September Monthly Council meeting, Council resolved to adopt the proposal, however a rescission motion was lodged at that meeting.

The notice of motion of rescission was lost at today’s Extraordinary Council Meeting of Council. Accordingly, the resolution of Council of 28 September 2009 stands as follows:

“That the following motion regarding Odessey Ice Sports Pty Ltd – licence agreements:

1. That a licence for rental of the Centennial Pavilion at the Dubbo Showground by Odessey Ice Sports Pt Ltd be offered for a period of three months from 1 November 2009 to 31 January 2010 in the following terms:

• Commercial rental at $6000 (excluding GST) per month
• Occupational after 31 January 2010 be at a commercial rental of $6000 (excluding GST) per month of part thereof
• Cost of electricity usage be charged to the licensee at a rate of cost plus five per cent.

That any necessary documentation be executed under the Common Seal of the Council.’’

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Mayor Allan Smith, phone (02) 6801 4101