The facility was officially opened by Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with members of the Stock and Station Agents Association in attendance also.

The Livestock Markets are the jewel in the economic crown for the region and it is wonderful to see the expansion and upgrades to the cattle selling facility, made possible by the $3.29M contribution from the National Stronger Regions Fund, nearing completion.

The National Stronger Regions Funds is another example of the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in regional areas. The Markets facilitates a direct injection of $75.6M into the local economy.

With the additional capacity for improved cattle management the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets will continue to accommodate high cattle numbers with greater ease, with between 5000 and 7000 head passing through the facility each sale day.

The upgrade will facilitate quicker and safer loading and unloading, ease congestion and improve efficiencies at the Markets in order to continue to accommodate these high numbers.

I would like to thank all the staff for the tremendous efforts in bringing this project to completion, and I would also like to express my gratitude to the Stock Agents Association for their input, collaboration and patience.

Nominations for candidates for Dubbo Regional Council election have now opened. There is still plenty of time for those considering throwing their hat in the ring as a candidate with nominations closing at 12 noon on Wednesday, August 9.

The election of a new council is a wonderful opportunity for those wishing to represent their community to step forward and nominate as a candidate. As a new organisation it would be great to see a diverse range of candidates.

It would be ideal to see the Councillors represent the diversity of the community they represent with a mix of both fresh faces and those with previous experience, and above all a passion for and willingness to serve the community they are the voice for.

If you are uncertain about whether to nominate, there are still a good five weeks to get a campaign up and running for the September 9 poll. There is information for candidates available on council’s website.

The Bicentenary celebrations are fast approaching with a range of historic activities planned.

Tickets are now on sale for the Bicentenary Welcome Dinner on Friday, August 18  at the historic Hermitage Hill which offers a perfect opportunity to get into the swing of the celebrations.

Tickets are $100 which includes a four-course meal and a beer or wine on arrival. For more information about the celebrations and the dinner contact the Wellington Visitors Information Centre.

Then on Saturday, August 19 Cameron Park will host a re-enactment of John Oxley’s entry to Wellington and an array of activities including Cobb & Co rides, carousel, jumping castle and free bus tours to Wellington Caves.

Burrendong Dam is also celebrating the 50th anniversary since its official opening. Free bus tours will depart at regular intervals from Cameron Park.

A special exhibition, which runs from August 11 to September 1 at both the Dubbo Library and Wellington Library, includes a series of historical photographs relating to the construction of the Dam.

On Wednesday, August 16 from 11am at the Wellington Library, members of the public will be able to enjoy presentations from a number of guest speakers, including representatives from WaterNSW.