There are only a few weeks to go until the 2016 Artlands conference starts in Dubbo. Artlands is the largest arts-based gathering held in Australia. Starting on 27 October the four-day event will be jam-packed full of activity, discussion, debate and inspiration. Hosting the event is an exciting opportunity for Dubbo and will promote our vibrant and culture-rich city. Organisers are expecting 1000 people to attend the conference which will give the city a huge economic boost. 

While we didn’t get the flood-producing rainfalls that were predicted over the weekend the Macquarie River is still expected to rise with flows from the Burrendong Dam after months of rain. When these kind of consecutive weather events take place it is important to keep in mind that even when it stops raining, flooding can still occur due to floodwater making its way through the river system. For information on closures at www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au.

With the amount of rainfall we have had over the last few months some of the roads in the region are in need of repair. There is a long list of clean-up and repairs that need to be done and work is expected to take many months. This work will proceed on a prioritised basis so I ask the community to bear with us and have patience while we make the repairs. Be aware of the condition of the roads and take care so you arrive where you’re going safely.

Some great news for Wellington and Geurie with upgrades and repairs to the swimming pools in those towns. At Wellington $50,000 will be spent on renewal and upgrades to the pump and filtration system, fixing a wall in the men’s toilets, stabilising the 50m pool wall and making the walkways safe. The pool at Wellington was found to have a substantial leak and an independent engineering assessment has shown the pool will need to be replaced in the near future. Geurie will get a new chlorination system which will bring it into line with current standards and at the end of the season the 25m pool will be resurfaced. This work is being carried out so both pools will be ready to open in time for the summer season. At Wellington the pool will open on 29 October and the Geurie pool will open on 12 November. This work just goes to show how the newly formed Dubbo Regional Council is working hard to deliver results for the community.

Congratulations to Old Dubbo Gaol for being named a finalist in the 2016 NSW Tourism Awards, along with Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Manera Heights Apartments. There is still time left these school holidays to visit the Gaol and experience a piece of history. There are guided tours, characters in authentic period costumes and theatrical performances, and a special family twilight tour. Or if you are feeling brave you could go on the Beyond the Grave Tour run at night.

The sun came out for the annual Blackwattle Fair at Mumbil. Best known for the hotly contested Chuck Akubra competition the event was a huge success thanks to the tireless work of organisers and volunteers.