The wet weather forced some roads, bridges and pedestrian walkways to be closed and affected the progress of some capital works projects. Otherwise it seems the region survived unscathed and for the first time in many years, the Burrendong Dam is full which is terrific for river health and irrigators.

The inclement weather certainly had no impact on the success of the Arts and Sculpture Festival at  Hermitage Hill with people enjoying the festival. Being relocated to the Civic Hall had no impact on the James Morrison concert with the audience hanging on every note throughout the performance.

Spring has definitely arrived and the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre (DALC) will open for the 2016 swim season this Saturday with a change to the opening hours of 5.30am Monday to Saturday and 10am on Sundays.

The centre will close at 6.30pm Monday to Sunday for September and October and will stay open until 8.30pm from November to the end of March when the weather is at its warmest.

Lots of work was done during the off season and there’s no doubt users will appreciate the  fresh, modern new look to the men’s and women’s amenities and change rooms as well as a new look family room and a combined accessible toilet/change room.

As in previous years, the Wellington Olympic Swimming Pool and the Geurie Memorial Pool will be open in late October and early November respectively.

In other sporting news the Dubbo Sports Council, the Federal Member for Parkes, Mr Mark Coulton MP and the Federal Member for Calare, Mr Andrew Gee MP are joining forces to recognise the sports people of Dubbo and Wellington through its annual Sports Awards night.

The awards are in their 14th year and will also recognise for the first time the outstanding achievements of Wellington’s most talented sports people.

These awards also give us a chance to celebrate the important people behind the scenes: the coaches, the canteen workers and the volunteers that keep sport alive in our communities.

I encourage Dubbo and Wellington sporting clubs, individuals and the broader communities to submit nominations for the following categories:

Individual or Team Achievement such as national or state team selection, NSW country/state/national competition success, or high‐level single performance, (eg Australian or state record).

Individual Contribution to sport by an individual including coaches, referees/umpires and administrators with a minimum of five years service.

Community Contribution to sport by organisations, (eg Lions, Rotary, Apex), media organisations, or sponsors to a particular sporting event, facility or for continuous support over a minimum of five years will also be recognised.

Nomination forms are available from Tracey Whillock Manager Recreation Planning and Programs, Western Plains Regional Council 02 6801 4000.

And lastly, I would like to remind residents that Local Government elections will be held for the new Western Plains Regional Council will be held on September 9, 2017

Local Government elections being held this Saturday only apply to councils not affected by amalgamation.

Areas included in the Western Plains Local Government Area that are not required to vote include the whole of Dubbo and Wellington plus Brocklehurst, , Ballimore, Euchareena, Eumungerie, Geurie, Mumbil, Stuart Town and Wongarbon.

Neighbouring councils that will not be conducting elections include Orange and Cabonne. Councils that will have elections include Narromine, Gilgandra, Mid-Western and Parkes. If unsure where you are enrolled visit www.votensw.info to confirm your enrolment and confirm if your council is holding an election.