Lachie Cosser who is the principal of the Outback Show, which has been a feature at the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre over the past few months, has finished for the season and is heading down to Melbourne to perform at the city’s show. Negotiations are in place to have Lachie return to Bourke next year and he will add to the ability of the town to retain tourists for the extra day so and in turn increase the economic input.

Most operators of tourist-related facilities in town have reported good numbers over the past few months as Bourke continues to establish itself as a tourist destination, capitalising not only on its iconic status but also the attractions and facilities it is able to provide. Tourism is a growing and important part of our economy and there are benefits to all sections of the community and in particular the hospitality sector.

Graffiti. The 2017 Graffiti Removal Day is scheduled for October 29. The shire will be working with Bourke Rotary Club in co-ordinating the day, which is a state-wide initiative and has attracted a great deal of corporate sponsorship including the supply of graffiti removal kits free of charge so all that is needed is manpower. The shire will also dedicate resources to the day and in the week leading up and it is hoped other groups will consider joining to help rid the town of this unsightly vandalism. Enquires can be directed to council offices.

LGA elections. I note in the recent local government elections in Dubbo some of the wards experienced an informal vote of over 15 per cent -- which is huge. Such a high level of informal votes can have a significant impact on the outcome of results. By comparison in the Bourke Shire elections last year the informal vote was only 3.6 per cent.

Jobs strategy. Applications have been called for the new position of senior project manager for the Bourke Aboriginal Employment Prosperity Strategy aimed at increasing employment opportunities in the shire. Funding for the role has been made available by the NSW Government for an initial two-year period. The role will be within council. Details including the position description and selection criteria are available at www.bourke.nsw.gov.au