‘Rivers, Plains and Opals’ Winter 2019 ‘Communities Engaged’

BUSTING THE DUST: DROUGHT BREAKER INITIATIVES

Local Government is about community engagement. Walgett Shire Council is committed to community development and continues to work collaboratively with other local services to offer a series of initiatives throughout the Shire.

Recently “Bustin’ the Dust” Festivals were rolled out at the local pools in Walgett, Collarenebri and Lightning Ridge and community BBQs staged in the smaller villages. The “BTD” afternoons featured a live band, live performances, free entry, free food and drink, service provider info stalls, jumping castle, and an afternoon of social connection for all.

All the pools were free to enter on successive Mental Health and Well Being Initiatives: Council weekends with many locals and visitors escaping the rolled these out in the first week of May with classes heat and enjoying recreating in the cool spaces. near fully booked in three communities. Social interaction across all our communities, we are grateful of the funding support from Western NSW The Mental Health and First Aid training gave Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN). residents an opportunity to undertake an accredited Mental Health First Aid course with costs associated, Council were very encouraged to see many families meals and resources free of charge. Walgett Shire use this opportunity to connect with their friends and General Manager Mr. Greg Ingham said,” this has family members at the pools for the day free of charge. been a great opportunity for our residents to participate in activities and positive social interaction

WALGETT SHOW SOCIETY: across all our communities, we are grateful of the SERVICE AWARDS PRESENTATION funding support from the Primary Health Network.

Walgett Show Society presented Mr Des Hall and Mr Shane Watts, from Walgett Shire Council, with a Walgett Show Society Service Award. These awards were presented to Des and Shane (pictured with Johnny Wheaton, Walgett Show Society Life Member) in appreciation of their dedication to the upkeep of Walgett Showground.

Despite the drought, Walgett Showground was a sea of green, which uplifted the spirits of all who attended. This huge effort was greatly appreciated by Walgett Show Society and once again thank you Des and Shane. 1

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FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER In this issue...

people in our community. I have Communities Engaged 1 heard consistent positive messages From the General Manager 2 about bettering our community, Council Meetings 2 Contact Council 2 about collaboration and clearly there From the Mayor 3 is a willingness to always strive to be Your Councillors 3 better. ANZAC Day 2019 3

NAIDOC Week 2019 3 In this edition you will read positive Swimming Pool Safety 4 stories of community programs and Community Assistance Scheme 4 initiatives. Council is community and I Harmony Day 5 will lead an organisation that is truly School to Work Program 5 engaged with the community. Walgett Shire Youth Council 5 Together we can achieve. Pets in Public Places 6 Library Services 6 General Manager - Greg Ingham It is our intention to strengthen and Customer Action Request (CAR) 6 Welcome to the new and refreshed build on the vibrant community we Activ8 the Night 6 What’s On 7 community newsletter! For those of you have the mandate to serve not forgetting Community Litter Grants 7 that I haven’t met I am the Walgett Walgett Shire Councils vision statement – Ranger News 7 ‘that the community utilize the Shire Council GM and have been in the Council Facilities and Services 8 role since December 2018. It is a opportunities that arise from our privilege for me to serve the Walgett environment to improve their quality news of upcoming events amongst Shire community. of life whilst embracing its ethnic and other matters. I have a passion for regional living and social diversity, for the benefit of all’ all that that encompasses. My wife and Greg Ingham This newsletter will be produced I reside in Walgett and in due course General Manager quarterly autumn (this edition), winter, I’m hoping we will get to meet you. In spring and summer and will include my relatively short time living and working topical issues covering community here I have had many pleasant programs, infrastructure projects and experiences meeting and talking to COUNCIL MEETINGS Contact Details

Residents of the Walgett Shire are invited to attend Council’s monthly Council Office & Chambers: meetings which are usually held on the third Tuesday of each month. 77 Fox Street Walgett NSW

A copy of Council’s Business Papers and Meeting Minutes can be OPENING HOURS downloaded from our website: www.walgett.nsw.gov.au or a hard copy (8.30am—4.30pm Mon-Fri) can be viewed at Walgett Shire Council’s Office located at 77 Fox Street, Walgett. POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 31, Walgett NSW 2832 Local Government issues and matters that wish to be addressed at a Council Meeting need to be in writing and ‘Request to Address Council in EMAIL Public Forum’ forms are available at Council’s main office or can be [email protected] downloaded from the website www.walgett.nsw.gov.au FACEBOOK UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS @walgettshire

Date Time Venue WEBSITE www.walgett.nsw.gov.au 30 July 2019 10.00am Lightning Ridge Bowling Club

27 August 2019 10.00am Walgett Shire Council Chambers

24 September 2019 10.00am Hall

22 October 2019 10.00am Walgett Shire Council Chambers

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FROM THE MAYOR Councillors

ANZAC Day 2019

Deputy Mayor Cr Tanya Cameron Cr Ian Woodcock

Mayor—Manuel Martinez

Cr Jane Keir Cr Bill Murray It was a privilege for me to attend the dawn ANZAC day service in Lightning Ridge, and also to officiate at the Walgett service later in the morning.

The community came together to pay their respects to the men and women who paid the ultimate Cr Kelly Smith Cr Michael Taylor price so that future generations would live in peace.

By the time you read this Council will be well underway with Community planned with an ongoing focus budget sessions and the adoption on road improvements and water of the 2019/20 budget. There is a security. significant infrastructure program Manuel Martinez Cr Robbie Turnbull Cr Lawrence Walford

NAIDOC WEEK 2019

NAIDOC Week 2019 will be celebrated and acknowledged across the Please contact Walgett Shire Walgett Shire from July 7th – 14th with local NAIDOC committees planning a Councils Aboriginal Liaison and full week of events and recognition ceremonies throughout the community. Community Development Officer A full week of opportunities is planned for Walgett, Collarenebri & Mr Steve Ruttley on Lightning Ridge and events for ALL of community to engage. [email protected] or 68286134 / The week will begin with an official opening ceremony on the Council Manager Community Development, Chamber lawns featuring guest speakers, PCYC Aboriginal Dance group Mr George McCormick performances, cake cutting and entertainment. [email protected] or 0268286107. Councils Community Development team member, Mr Steve Ruttley said, “It’s positive to see organisations continue working together for a collaborative program delivery and expects that the diverse range of events on offer to community across the Shire to be well attended.” 3

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Is Your Backyard Swimming Pool Safe?

Are you the owner or manager of a swimming Of major concern are the inflatable and portable pool? Drowning remains the leading cause of swimming pools which are becoming increasingly accidental death in young children in NSW. With popular. One point that people may not realise over 300,000 backyard swimming pools in NSW is that any pool that is capable of being filled and upwards of 150 swimming pools in the Shire, with water to a depth of 300mm or more, may swimming pool safety is a vital issue that affects be subject to pool fencing laws. It is also the whole community. important to note that pools greater than 2,000L in capacity may also require prior Council Between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2015, 128 children approval before installation. aged under five years drowned in NSW. Of these, 83 (64.8%) occurred in private swimming pools. Council staff will commence swimming pool The ten- year average is 6 drowning deaths per compliance inspections across the Shire. The year in private swimming pools, with a 10 year campaign is a coordinated response to the NSW average fatal drowning rate of 1.36 drowning State Government’s introduction of the NSW deaths per 100,000 people. Swimming Pool register. Council’s compliance officers will also be keeping a vigilant eye out for It is a timely reminder to also ensure that your any inflatable pools which do not appear to be swimming pool meets the current safety requirements appropriately fenced. Penalties may apply for in order to prevent accidental drowning. unfenced pools or for those pools which do not have the appropriate consent where required. In NSW the Swimming Pools Act 1992 requires that all swimming pools have an appropriate child Further information on backyard swimming pools resistant barrier separating the swimming pool can be found at: www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au from any residential building or place adjoining or contact our Walgett Shire Council office and the premises and a warning/resuscitation sign speak to one of our staff. displayed.

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME Under section 356 of the Local Government Act Walgett Shire Council provides funding with the aim of assisting Shire organisations and groups to undertake projects and activities that enhance Community Capacity building and development.

Applications for the second round of financial assistance for 2019-2020 are now invited from non-profit community groups and/or organisations. Submissions must be completed on the application form, which is available from Council’s Administration building or by visiting Council’s website at www.walgett.nsw.gov.au

Submissions must be received by 5.00pm on Wednesday, 31st July 2019. 4

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Harmony day was celebrated and recognized in style this year with events taking place right across our Shire. School performances by Walgett High and Primary schools and also St Joseph’s ensured entertainment was at a high with many locals and service providers’ onsite to celebrate living in Harmony. Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri also staged huge events and engaged community members with BBQ, entertainment, and refreshments and guest speakers. As a Shire we are lucky to be so diverse, and so unique… this is our strength.

SCHOOL TO WORK PROGRAM

Councils youth team continue to libraries, youth centers, finance, promote and engage young people outdoor staff visitor Information attending school with options in centers and community relation to the School 2 Work Program. development. Currently there are (4) four students engaged in the The program has experienced a program. renewed interest across the schools with community development staff For further information contact: carrying out information and Miss Sandra Bladen, presentations to the school children Youth Development Officer (02) early in the year. Areas of work in 6828 6126 or email which youth are engaged are [email protected]

WALGETT SHIRE YOUTH COUNCIL

The Walgett Shire Youth Council recently staged its Annual General Meeting with 25 youth representing all three larger communities attending.

The Youth Council executive have been praised for their input during the past year and demonstrated positive role modelling for the younger people across the Shire.

Walgett Shire Council wishes the new executive elect of the Youth Council all the best for 2019. 5

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PETS IN PUBLIC PLACES LIBRARY SERVICES

Pets in public places – from the Office of Local Government With the weather cooling down and more and more people walking outside for leisure and exercise, it is important that those walking with dogs ensure the safety of themselves and others when out and about.

Your dog must, unless it is exempt from this requirement, be under the effective control of a competent person at all times when out in public. This means that it must be on a leash and under the control of someone capable of restraining it. A small child, for example, may not be able to control a large dog. Under these circumstances, an adult capable of restraining the dog, should walk the dog.

A dog is not considered to be under the effective control of Our library services currently have 1600 members shire a competent person if the person has more than 4 dogs wide. Our libraries offer a range of materials that you under his or her control. can access free, including books, newspapers and magazines, DVD’s and audio books, eBooks, e-Audio If you fail to comply with this requirement, you, or if you are and e-Magazines. not present, the person in control of your dog, if s/he is aged 16 or over, may be liable for a maximum penalty of Also available are free programs and resources ranging $1,100 or $11,000 in the case of a restricted dog, dangerous from early childhood, community interest, education, literacy, or menacing dog. and recreational programs that cover a multitude of interests and topics suitable for everyone. This requirement does not apply to a dog:

 in an off-leash area (but only if the total number of We have free Wi-Fi and computers to access the internet dogs of which its owner has control does not exceed and Microsoft Office, plus printing and scanning facilities. 4) or

 a dog engaged in droving, tending or working of To become a library member, all you require is identification stock or showing your residential address. Patrons under the age  a dog being exhibited for show purposes or of 18 years require a signature from their parent or  a dog participating in an obedience class, trial or guardian. exhibition or

 a police dog or Our friendly library staff will assist you with your application and  a corrective services dog or issue you with your membership card, the entire process  a dog secured in a cage or vehicle or tethered to a takes only a few minutes and you can enjoy all the fixed object or structure. benefits the library provides immediately. If you have any questions and enquiries, please contact Council’s friendly Ranger on 0418 684 710.

ACTIV8 THE NIGHT CUSTOMER ACTION REQUEST (CAR)

Want to inform Council of an issue, complaint or suggestion about it’s roads, water, footpaths, sewer, street lights etc?

Then visit the homepage on the Walgett Shire Council website www.walgett.nsw.gov.au to report matters directly to the customer services section using the new CAR system.

Council has a rigorous inspection program of it’s 'Activ8 The Night' is a partnership between The Royal infrastructure, facilities and assets. Staff can’t be Flying Doctor Service & technology provider available every hour of the day to identify issues, Activ8me. particularly those caused by storms, flooding and hazards on the roads. Collarenebri airstrip is the first of its kind to receive the technology which aims to make the airstrip more Residents are urged to make use of the CAR system to accessible with real time weather reports for RFDS assist the Walgett Shire Council in addressing pilots, airstrip lighting and emergency phone and Wi-Fi matters of concern quickly. connectivity for RFDS clinics. 6

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WHAT’S ON? COMMUNITY LITTER GRANTS 28th June 2019 St Joey’s 2019 Trivia Night

30th June 2019 Walgett Mud Trials $1.1 million is available to community 20th July 2019 Carinda Races groups to deliver local litter prevention projects. A panel of litter prevention 24th - 27th July 2019 Lightning Ridge Opal Festival experts is now available to support 16th August 2019 Bulldust to Bitumen Street Parade local community groups design 17 & 18th August 2019 Walgett Charity Bushman’s Carnival Rodeo and deliver their projects. All funded & Campdraft projects must include direct community 14th September Collarenebri Horse Races participation in the development of litter prevention activities. For 28th September 2019 Come By Chance Picnic Races more information, or to submit and th 4-6 October 2019 Let’s Dance Carinda an Expression Of Interest, visit: 7th—12th October 2019 Toyota Tour de OROC https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working- together/grants/litter-program/community- FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT: WWW.WALGETT.NSW.GOV.AU litter-grants

RANGER NEWS

Walgett Shire Council in conjunction with North West Vets has been conducting the subsidised de-sexing program. This year has been another great success with numbers increasing from last year.

Free microchipping was also conducted on all animals that went through the program; this is Selling or Giving Away a Cat or Dog? permanent identification only. You will receive papers The rules have changed. explaining this in the mail, it is then your responsibility to register your pet with your local Council. If you From 1 July 2019, if you are selling or giving away kittens, cats, puppies or dogs, you will need to include neglect to complete the process, you may be fined. an identification number in any advertisements. The identification number can be either: Registration required from 6 months of age a microchip number (1) A companion animal must be registered under a breeder identification number, OR a rehoming organisation number. this act from the time the animal is 6 months

old. The owner of the animal is guilty of an This new rule applies regardless of: offence it if is not registered. the age of the animal Companion Animal Act 1998 the place you plan to advertise whether you are a hobby or professional breeder; Companion Animal (other) not registered as or your cat or dog has had an accidental or one-off prescribed-first offence: $330 litter Registration Cost; whether or not you bred the animal Pensioner Concession (de-sexed animal only): $24 whether or not the animal you are selling or rehoming has been born yet.

We look forward to running this program again next To find out more about the changes, visit year bigger and better. We have other animal wwwdpi.nsw.gov.au/companion-animals welfare programs to take place later in the year. 7

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COUNCIL FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Collarenebri Agency Library - Walgett Lightning Ridge Youth Centre Wilson Street Open Monday to Friday 9am—5pm Pandora Street Monday - Friday, 9am - 1pm & 1:30pm Open: Monday - Friday, 3pm - 6pm - 5pm Adult Workshops Phone: (02) 6829 1511 Phone: (02) 6756 2104 Tuesday Knitting 10am –2pm Services: Post, CountryLink, rate Thursday Art Group 10am-2pm Walgett Youth Centre payments, town hall bookings, dog Contact library for details (02) 6828 Pitt Street registrations, visitor information. 6103 Open: Monday - Friday, 3:30pm - 6:30pm Artesian Bore Baths Children’s Programs Phone (02) 6828 1245 Mon, Wed & Fri, 3pm - 5pm Vacation Care Services Libraries - Carinda, Burren Junction Vacation Care is conducted during Walgett and Collarenebri school holidays. Cnr Fox & Montkeila Street Book Exchanges For further information contact Books are exchanged every two months. Council’s Youth Development Officer Lightning Ridge Sandra Bladen 0437 273 706 or Pandora Street Deposit Station Locations: [email protected]. Burren Junction - Post Office au Depot - Collarenebri Collarenebri - CWA rooms Narran Street Waste Management Centres - Monday - Friday, 7am to 4pm Swimming Pool - Burren Junction Phone: (02) 6756 2052 Alma Street Lightning Ridge Fax: (02) 6756 2052 Visit the Post Office for keys Mon -Thurs Access off Wooloroo Road Phone: (02) 6796 1331 Open: 7 days a week Depot - Lightning Ridge Open: October - March 8am - 11am, 2pm - 5pm Butterfly Avenue Monday - Friday, 7am to 4pm Swimming Pool - Carinda Walgett Phone: (02) 6829 0629 McNamara Street Access off Arthur Street Fax: (02) 6829 0629 Visit the Service Station/Australia Post Open: 7 days a week for keys 8am - 11am, 2pm - 5pm Depot - Walgett Phone: (02) 6823 2354 Euroka Street Open: October - March Collarenebri Monday - Friday, 7am to 4pm Access off the Ridge Road Phone: (02) 6828 6174 Swimming Pool - Collarenebri Fax: (02) 6828 3362 Narran Street Burren Junction Phone: (02) 6756 2380 Access off Bugilbone Road Garbage Collection Open: October - March Residential Collection Carinda Tuesday: Walgett, Gingie and Namoi Swimming Pool - Walgett Access off Shakespeare Street Reserves Montkeila Street Wednesday: Lightning Ridge and Phone: (02) 6828 3196 Rowena Thursday: Collarenebri, Open: October - March Access off Rowena Road Merrywinebone, Walli Mission, , Rowena, Burren Junction Visitor Information Centre - Lightning For more information on any of Friday: Carinda Ridge these facilities or services, please Lions Park, Morilla Street contact the Walgett Shire Council’s Industrial Collection Open: 7 days a week, 9am - 5pm Administration Office on (02) 6828 1399 Tuesday: Walgett Phone (02) 6829 1670 or [email protected] Wednesday: Lightning Ridge Email: [email protected] Thursday: Collarenebri, Rowena, Burren Junction Visitor Information Centre - Walgett Friday: Walgett and Carinda 88 Fox Street Open: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm Library - Lightning Ridge Phone: (02) 6828 6139 Tuesday, 9am - 2pm Email: [email protected] Wednesday, 1:30pm - 5:30pm Thursday, 1:30pm - 5:30pm Walgett Shire Council Youth Centres - Friday, 9am - 1pm Saturday, 9:30am - 1:30pm Collarenebri Youth Centre Earl Street Children’s Programs Open: Monday - Friday, 3pm - 6pm Tuesday & Friday , 11am - 12pm Phone: 0427 823 662 Wednesday & Thursday - After school

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