walgett shire
TRANSCRIPT
WALGETT SHIRE
Winter 2019
‘Rivers, Plains and Opals’
WALGETT SHOW SOCIETY:
SERVICE AWARDS PRESENTATION
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.
‘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
weekends with many locals and visitors escaping the
heat and enjoying recreating in the cool spaces.
Social interaction across all our communities, we are
grateful of the funding support from Western NSW
Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN).
Council were very encouraged to see many families
use this opportunity to connect with their friends and
family members at the pools for the day free of charge.
Mental Health and Well Being Initiatives: Council
rolled these out in the first week of May with classes
near fully booked in three communities.
The Mental Health and First Aid training gave
residents an opportunity to undertake an accredited
Mental Health First Aid course with costs associated,
meals and resources free of charge. Walgett Shire
General Manager Mr. Greg Ingham said,” this has
been a great opportunity for our residents to
participate in activities and positive social interaction
across all our communities, we are grateful of the
funding support from the Primary Health Network.
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FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
General Manager - Greg Ingham
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Communities Engaged 1
From the General Manager 2
Council Meetings 2
Contact Council 2
From the Mayor 3
Your Councillors 3
ANZAC Day 2019 3
NAIDOC Week 2019 3
Swimming Pool Safety 4
Community Assistance Scheme 4
Harmony Day 5
School to Work Program 5
Walgett Shire Youth Council 5
Pets in Public Places 6
Library Services 6
Customer Action Request (CAR) 6
Activ8 the Night 6
What’s On 7
Community Litter Grants 7
Ranger News 7
Council Facilities and Services 8
In this issue...
Residents of the Walgett Shire are invited to attend Council’s monthly
meetings which are usually held on the third Tuesday of each month.
A copy of Council’s Business Papers and Meeting Minutes can be
downloaded from our website: www.walgett.nsw.gov.au or a hard copy
can be viewed at Walgett Shire Council’s Office located at 77 Fox Street,
Walgett.
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
Public Forum’ forms are available at Council’s main office or can be
downloaded from the website www.walgett.nsw.gov.au
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS
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Date Time Venue
30 July 2019 10.00am Lightning Ridge Bowling Club
27 August 2019 10.00am Walgett Shire Council Chambers
24 September 2019 10.00am Carinda Hall
22 October 2019 10.00am Walgett Shire Council Chambers
Council Office & Chambers:
77 Fox Street Walgett NSW
OPENING HOURS
(8.30am—4.30pm Mon-Fri)
POSTAL ADDRESS
PO Box 31, Walgett NSW 2832
@walgettshire
WEBSITE
www.walgett.nsw.gov.au
Contact Details
Welcome to the new and refreshed
community newsletter! For those of you
that I haven’t met I am the Walgett
Shire Council GM and have been in the
role since December 2018. It is a
privilege for me to serve the Walgett
Shire community.
I have a passion for regional living and
all that that encompasses. My wife and
I reside in Walgett and in due course
I’m hoping we will get to meet you. In
my relatively short time living and working
here I have had many pleasant
experiences meeting and talking to
people in our community. I have
heard consistent positive messages
about bettering our community,
about collaboration and clearly there
is a willingness to always strive to be
better.
In this edition you will read positive
stories of community programs and
initiatives. Council is community and I
will lead an organisation that is truly
engaged with the community.
Together we can achieve.
It is our intention to strengthen and
build on the vibrant community we
have the mandate to serve not forgetting
Walgett Shire Councils vision statement –
‘that the community utilize the
opportunities that arise from our
environment to improve their quality
of life whilst embracing its ethnic and
social diversity, for the benefit of all’
This newsletter will be produced
quarterly autumn (this edition), winter,
spring and summer and will include
topical issues covering community
programs, infrastructure projects and
news of upcoming events amongst
other matters.
Greg Ingham
General Manager
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FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor—Manuel Martinez
WALGETT SHIRE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER | 3
Deputy Mayor
Cr Ian Woodcock
ANZAC Day 2019
NAIDOC Week 2019 will be celebrated and acknowledged across the
Walgett Shire from July 7th – 14th with local NAIDOC committees planning a
full week of events and recognition ceremonies throughout the community.
A full week of opportunities is planned for Walgett, Collarenebri &
Lightning Ridge and events for ALL of community to engage.
The week will begin with an official opening ceremony on the Council
Chamber lawns featuring guest speakers, PCYC Aboriginal Dance group
performances, cake cutting and entertainment.
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.”
NAIDOC WEEK 2019
Councillors
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
price so that future generations
would live in peace.
By the time you read this Council
will be well underway with Community
budget sessions and the adoption
of the 2019/20 budget. There is a
significant infrastructure program
planned with an ongoing focus
on road improvements and water
security.
Manuel Martinez
Cr Tanya Cameron
Cr Jane Keir Cr Bill Murray
Cr Kelly Smith Cr Michael Taylor
Cr Robbie Turnbull Cr Lawrence Walford
Please contact Walgett Shire
Councils Aboriginal Liaison and
Community Development Officer
Mr Steve Ruttley on
or 68286134 /
Manager Community Development,
Mr George McCormick
or 0268286107.
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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.
Are you the owner or manager of a swimming
pool? Drowning remains the leading cause of
accidental death in young children in NSW. With
over 300,000 backyard swimming pools in NSW
and upwards of 150 swimming pools in the Shire,
swimming pool safety is a vital issue that affects
the whole community.
Between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2015, 128 children
aged under five years drowned in NSW. Of these,
83 (64.8%) occurred in private swimming pools.
The ten- year average is 6 drowning deaths per
year in private swimming pools, with a 10 year
average fatal drowning rate of 1.36 drowning
deaths per 100,000 people.
It is a timely reminder to also ensure that your
swimming pool meets the current safety requirements
in order to prevent accidental drowning.
In NSW the Swimming Pools Act 1992 requires that
all swimming pools have an appropriate child
resistant barrier separating the swimming pool
from any residential building or place adjoining
the premises and a warning/resuscitation sign
displayed.
Is Your Backyard Swimming Pool Safe?
4 | WALGETT SHIRE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
Of major concern are the inflatable and portable
swimming pools which are becoming increasingly
popular. One point that people may not realise
is that any pool that is capable of being filled
with water to a depth of 300mm or more, may
be subject to pool fencing laws. It is also
important to note that pools greater than 2,000L
in capacity may also require prior Council
approval before installation.
Council staff will commence swimming pool
compliance inspections across the Shire. The
campaign is a coordinated response to the NSW
State Government’s introduction of the NSW
Swimming Pool register. Council’s compliance
officers will also be keeping a vigilant eye out for
any inflatable pools which do not appear to be
appropriately fenced. Penalties may apply for
unfenced pools or for those pools which do not
have the appropriate consent where required.
Further information on backyard swimming pools
can be found at: www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au
or contact our Walgett Shire Council office and
speak to one of our staff.
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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
WALGETT SHIRE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER | 5
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.
Councils youth team continue to
promote and engage young people
attending school with options in
relation to the School 2 Work Program.
The program has experienced a
renewed interest across the schools
with community development staff
carrying out information and
presentations to the school children
early in the year. Areas of work in
which youth are engaged are
libraries, youth centers, finance,
outdoor staff visitor Information
centers and community
development. Currently there are
(4) four students engaged in the
program.
For further information contact:
Miss Sandra Bladen,
Youth Development Officer (02)
6828 6126 or email
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Our library services currently have 1600 members shire
wide. Our libraries offer a range of materials that you
can access free, including books, newspapers and
magazines, DVD’s and audio books, eBooks, e-Audio
and e-Magazines.
Also available are free programs and resources ranging
from early childhood, community interest, education, literacy,
and recreational programs that cover a multitude of
interests and topics suitable for everyone.
We have free Wi-Fi and computers to access the internet
and Microsoft Office, plus printing and scanning facilities.
To become a library member, all you require is identification
showing your residential address. Patrons under the age
of 18 years require a signature from their parent or
guardian.
Our friendly library staff will assist you with your application and
issue you with your membership card, the entire process
takes only a few minutes and you can enjoy all the
benefits the library provides immediately.
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
a competent person if the person has more than 4 dogs
under his or her control.
If you fail to comply with this requirement, you, or if you are
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
$1,100 or $11,000 in the case of a restricted dog, dangerous
or menacing dog.
This requirement does not apply to a dog:
in an off-leash area (but only if the total number of
dogs of which its owner has control does not exceed
4) or
a dog engaged in droving, tending or working of
stock or
a dog being exhibited for show purposes or
a dog participating in an obedience class, trial or
exhibition or
a police dog or
a corrective services dog or
a dog secured in a cage or vehicle or tethered to a
fixed object or structure.
If you have any questions and enquiries, please contact
Council’s friendly Ranger on 0418 684 710.
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
infrastructure, facilities and assets. Staff can’t be
available every hour of the day to identify issues,
particularly those caused by storms, flooding and
hazards on the roads.
Residents are urged to make use of the CAR system to
assist the Walgett Shire Council in addressing
matters of concern quickly.
'Activ8 The Night' is a partnership between The Royal
Flying Doctor Service & technology provider
Activ8me.
Collarenebri airstrip is the first of its kind to receive the
technology which aims to make the airstrip more
accessible with real time weather reports for RFDS
pilots, airstrip lighting and emergency phone and Wi-Fi
connectivity for RFDS clinics.
ACTIV8 THE NIGHT
PETS IN PUBLIC PLACES
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WHAT’S ON?
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
permanent identification only. You will receive papers
explaining this in the mail, it is then your responsibility
to register your pet with your local Council. If you
neglect to complete the process, you may be fined.
Registration required from 6 months of age
(1) A companion animal must be registered under
this act from the time the animal is 6 months
old. The owner of the animal is guilty of an
offence it if is not registered.
Companion Animal Act 1998
Companion Animal (other) not registered as
prescribed-first offence: $330
Registration Cost;
Pensioner Concession (de-sexed animal only): $24
We look forward to running this program again next
year bigger and better. We have other animal
welfare programs to take place later in the year.
RANGER NEWS
28th June 2019 St Joey’s 2019 Trivia Night
30th June 2019 Walgett Mud Trials
20th July 2019 Carinda Races
24th - 27th July 2019 Lightning Ridge Opal Festival
16th August 2019 Bulldust to Bitumen Street Parade
17 & 18th August 2019 Walgett Charity Bushman’s Carnival Rodeo
& Campdraft
14th September Collarenebri Horse Races
28th September 2019 Come By Chance Picnic Races
4-6th October 2019 Let’s Dance Carinda
7th—12th October 2019 Toyota Tour de OROC
FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT: WWW.WALGETT.NSW.GOV.AU
Selling or Giving Away a Cat or Dog?
The rules have changed.
From 1 July 2019, if you are selling or giving away
kittens, cats, puppies or dogs, you will need to include
an identification number in any advertisements.
The identification number can be either:
a microchip number
a breeder identification number, OR
a rehoming organisation number.
This new rule applies regardless of:
the age of the animal
the place you plan to advertise
whether you are a hobby or professional breeder;
or your cat or dog has had an accidental or one-off
litter
whether or not you bred the animal
whether or not the animal you are selling or rehoming
has been born yet.
To find out more about the changes, visit
wwwdpi.nsw.gov.au/companion-animals
$1.1 million is available to community
groups to deliver local litter prevention
projects. A panel of litter prevention
experts is now available to support
local community groups design
and deliver their projects. All funded
projects must include direct community
participation in the development
of litter prevention activities. For
more information, or to submit and
an Expression Of Interest, visit:
https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-
together/grants/litter-program/community-
litter-grants
COMMUNITY LITTER GRANTS
WALGETT SHIRE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER | 7
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COUNCIL FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Collarenebri Agency
Wilson Street
Monday - Friday, 9am - 1pm & 1:30pm
- 5pm
Phone: (02) 6756 2104
Services: Post, CountryLink, rate
payments, town hall bookings, dog
registrations, visitor information.
Artesian Bore Baths
Burren Junction
Kamilaroi Highway
Walgett
Cnr Fox & Montkeila Street
Lightning Ridge
Pandora Street
Depot - Collarenebri
Narran Street
Monday - Friday, 7am to 4pm
Phone: (02) 6756 2052
Fax: (02) 6756 2052
Depot - Lightning Ridge
Butterfly Avenue
Monday - Friday, 7am to 4pm
Phone: (02) 6829 0629
Fax: (02) 6829 0629
Depot - Walgett
Euroka Street
Monday - Friday, 7am to 4pm
Phone: (02) 6828 6174
Fax: (02) 6828 3362
Garbage Collection
Residential Collection
Tuesday: Walgett, Gingie and Namoi
Reserves
Wednesday: Lightning Ridge and Cumborah
Thursday: Collarenebri,
Merrywinebone, Walli Mission,
Pokataroo, Rowena, Burren Junction
Friday: Carinda
Industrial Collection
Tuesday: Walgett
Wednesday: Lightning Ridge
Thursday: Collarenebri, Rowena, Burren
Junction
Friday: Walgett and Carinda
Library - Lightning Ridge
Tuesday, 9am - 2pm
Wednesday, 1:30pm - 5:30pm
Thursday, 1:30pm - 5:30pm
Friday, 9am - 1pm
Saturday, 9:30am - 1:30pm
Children’s Programs
Tuesday & Friday , 11am - 12pm
Wednesday & Thursday - After school
Library - Walgett
Open Monday to Friday 9am—5pm
Adult Workshops
Tuesday Knitting 10am –2pm
Thursday Art Group 10am-2pm
Contact library for details (02) 6828
6103
Children’s Programs
Mon, Wed & Fri, 3pm - 5pm
Libraries - Carinda, Burren Junction
and Collarenebri
Book Exchanges
Books are exchanged every two months.
Deposit Station Locations:
Burren Junction - Post Office
Collarenebri - CWA rooms
Swimming Pool - Burren Junction
Alma Street
Visit the Post Office for keys Mon -Thurs
Phone: (02) 6796 1331
Open: October - March
Swimming Pool - Carinda
McNamara Street
Visit the Service Station/Australia Post
for keys
Phone: (02) 6823 2354
Open: October - March
Swimming Pool - Collarenebri
Narran Street
Phone: (02) 6756 2380
Open: October - March
Swimming Pool - Walgett
Montkeila Street
Phone: (02) 6828 3196
Open: October - March
Visitor Information Centre - Lightning
Ridge
Lions Park, Morilla Street
Open: 7 days a week, 9am - 5pm
Phone (02) 6829 1670
Email: [email protected]
Visitor Information Centre - Walgett
88 Fox Street
Open: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Phone: (02) 6828 6139
Email: [email protected]
Walgett Shire Council Youth Centres -
Collarenebri Youth Centre
Earl Street
Open: Monday - Friday, 3pm - 6pm
Phone: 0427 823 662
Lightning Ridge Youth Centre
Pandora Street
Open: Monday - Friday, 3pm - 6pm
Phone: (02) 6829 1511
Walgett Youth Centre
Pitt Street
Open: Monday - Friday, 3:30pm -
6:30pm
Phone (02) 6828 1245
Vacation Care Services
Vacation Care is conducted during
school holidays.
For further information contact
Council’s Youth Development Officer
Sandra Bladen 0437 273 706 or
au
Waste Management Centres -
Lightning Ridge
Access off Wooloroo Road
Open: 7 days a week
8am - 11am, 2pm - 5pm
Walgett
Access off Arthur Street
Open: 7 days a week
8am - 11am, 2pm - 5pm
Collarenebri
Access off the Ridge Road
Burren Junction
Access off Bugilbone Road
Carinda
Access off Shakespeare Street
Rowena
Access off Rowena Road
For more information on any of
these facilities or services, please
contact the Walgett Shire Council’s
Administration Office on (02) 6828 1399
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