It was great to spend time with members of the Bathurst and District Vietnam Veterans last Sunday where we not only paid tribute to the men, women and families that were a part of the Vietnam War, but also officially opened the parks new recreation facilities.

The memorial park and gardens pay tribute to the 60,000 men and women who fought in the Vietnam War and provide a place for people to reflect and remember those people.

The popular park is also a great rest stop for tourists and accommodates a large number of campers throughout the V8 race week. 

The new facilities will aid the fundraising efforts of the group who volunteer their own time to raise funds for the continued growth and maintenance of the park, with all monies raised going back into the community.

The Bathurst Courthouse is one of four landmark sandstone buildings in NSW to benefit from $2 million in funding as a part of the NSW Government’s Stone program.

Sandstone buildings are part of early Australian history and this program will ensure that these significant sites are not only maintained and protected, but also ensure work will continue with recruitment, training and development of apprentice stonemasons across the state.

This is great news for these unique buildings and also for the continuation of such a specialised trade.

Applications are now open for the popular ClubGrant funding and eligible groups can apply for grants between $500,000 and $1 million for new or upgraded sport and recreation infrastructure projects.

I encourage all eligible groups to consider submitting an application for a project that will make a real difference to their community and their organisation. P

articular emphasis in this round will be placed on projects that benefit disadvantaged and regional communities.

During this term of government, around $50 million in ClubGRANTS will be provided to local communities across NSW to support three categories of infrastructure: sport and recreation, arts and culture and emergency relief facilities.

To find out more, visit www.liquorandgaming.justice.nsw.gov.au with expressions of interest closing on Friday 16 September 2016. 

Hard to believe it’s that time of year again. 

In its 71st year, the Bathurst Eisteddfod kicks off this Sunday with competition for all ages in speech and drama, instrumental and vocal music, and dance.

There are sure to be some busy families over the next couple of weeks and I wish all entrants the best of luck.

A big thank you to the local volunteers who make this wonderful event happen each year. To find out more or to view the program, visit www.bathursteisteddfod.org.au

This week we celebrate Book Week – acknowledging the amazing gift of literature and the many places a book can take us.

This year’s theme “Australia! Story Country” will pay tribute to our many wonderful Australian authors and illustrators, and I’m sure many books will be shared in homes, schools and libraries this week. To find out more visit www.cbca.org.au/book-week-2016