The beautifully produced guide features businesses from Dubbo, Wellington, Gilgandra, Mudgee, Narromine, Nyngan, Warren and the Warrumbungles and was created through a collaboration of seven local government areas. Our region has a wealth of people who are passionate about producing quality products and the Regional Platters Guide is an excellent way to showcase the work they are doing to a wider audience. It was wonderful to see many of the producers featured in the guide at the launch showcasing their goods to executive staff and councillors from many of the LGAs involved. The guide will be available at Visitor Information Centres for group tours and is also available to be viewed online at dubbo.com.au.

Dubbo Regional Council has been working on renewing playgrounds in Dubbo so we can provide better recreational spaces for families in the community. We have already replaced the equipment at Lunar Park, Elston Park and Spears Drive Park, next up is Daphne Park and we want the community to choose the design for the new equipment. Council has narrowed down the selection to two options for play equipment, both designs meet council’s requirements for play value, durability, visual appeal and accessibility so now it’s up to the community to pick their favourite. A poll is being run on Dubbo Regional Council’s website from March 7 to 17 and a paper-based poll also being run at Dubbo District Preschool asking people to choose either option A or option B.

To pick the design you prefer, go to www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au.

The Western Plains Cultural Centre is celebrating its 10th birthday on Saturday with a huge array of things to do and see. The fun for the all the family starts from 4pm, when you can find something special at the handmade art markets, get entertained by Pooka the Clown and take part in one of the kid friendly art and museum tours.

There’s also face painting, art drop-ins and music and food. You can even be in the audience for the very first performance of the Black Box Creatives, Dubbo’s newest youth theatre group and don’t miss the giant cake cutting either. For those who want to stay later, from 6pm there will be live music from some of Dubbo’s premiere performers, as well as the best of the One Eye Film Festival from Dubbo short film makers, a chance to get your hands dirty on a cooperative art piece, short and sharp art gallery tours, spoken word pieces from the Outback Writers plus a cash bar with a special WPCC commemorative beer as well as local wine and food.

Congratulations to Gwendolin Chislett who was named Dubbo’s Senior Citizen of the Year during a special Seniors’ Week event at the RSL last week. Gwen is truly a community-minded person who never hesitates to lend a hand and it was my honour to present her with the award.

Congratulations to Wellington Race Club on the successful weekend of racing culminating in the Boot.