It was a pleasure to be at the unveiling of the new designs for the rhino sculptures at the entrances to Dubbo. The four new designs came out of a competition run for high school students. The four winners were Zoe Monaro, Belle Lordan, Will Hazzard and Jessica Betts.

The talent that these four students show is amazing. As part of the competition they worked with the mentoring of artist Jack Randell to make their designs a reality. Joining me at the unveiling was NSW Regional Arts CEO Elizabeth Rogers who was highly impressed with the art on show.

The unveiling of this sculptures just days before the beginning of the Artlands Conference is perfect timing as it gives delegates arriving for Artlands a taste of the depth of artistic talent we have here in Dubbo.

The community has the chance to have their say on the play equipment they would like to see in Lunar Park. A poll is currently being run online at dubbo.nsw.gov.au and in schools near Lunar Park and at Apollo House with two options for new play equipment designs.

Council is also offering a prize for one of the lucky contestants with a family pass for the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre up for grabs.

The new play equipment is part of larger plans for Lunar Park. After consultation with Apollo House and Aboriginal Elder Frank Doolan an Aboriginal meeting place will be installed around the existing steel structure at the park.

This meeting place will include a semi-circled mounded grass area with seating which will create a meeting place for the community which can be used for all occasions. Council will also be installing solar lighting within the park to improve visibility in the park and surrounding streets. The poll runs until  November 13 so get in and have your say.

Motorcycle awareness comes to the forefront in late October when the Motorcycle Council of New South Wales and the Dubbo and Western Plains Ulysses Group hold their Two Wheels to Wellington event on October 30. The event at Cameron Park, Wellington from 10am will include hundreds of impressive motorcycles, displays, refreshments and road safety tips.

Two Wheels to Wellington is always well attended and is a great way to promote motorcycle awareness and safety. With warmer temperatures on the way, it is highly likely there will be more motorcyclists on the road and we urge motorists to be vigilant and Check Twice for Bikes. This campaign is all about prompting drivers to be vigilant and respectful other road users so everyone arrives where they are going safely.

Wellington Pool will be opening for the season this Saturday. A lot of work has gone into ensuring the pool would open on time in the best condition. Council spent $50,000 on maintenance and repairs including the renewal of the circulation pump, the relining of the filtration system return pipes, the removal of a section of wall in the men’s toilets, the stabilisation of the main wall of the 50 metre pool and concrete grinding to remove trip hazards on the concourse. Open every day except Christmas Day for early morning and day sessions so there’s plenty of time to take a dip.