Straight from the Mayor’s Mouth with Mathew Dickerson from Dubbo Regional Council

100th and Final Episode for This Term of Council, Cheques Handed over to Various Community Groups, Spoke at the Better Futures Forum in Canberra and Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Regular Meeting with State MP, Dugald Saunders during the Week. 
Latest Regular Meeting with Orana Mid-Western Police District. 
Community Cheque Presentations Held This Week. 
Spoke at the Better Futures Forum in Canberra. 
Official Opening of the Gindaymanha Sports Complex at Dubbo College South Campus. 
Thank You to Councillors, Staff and the Community. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Are You THAT Driver? What Were the Mayoral Metrics for This Council Term? Is the Mayor Being Paid to Speak at a Conference in Canberra? Will the Application for an $11.25M REACT Grant Be Successful?

Royal Far West Are Organising Two Events in Dubbo Next Year to Celebrate 100 Years. 
Australian Road Safety Foundation Promoting Don’t Be THAT Driver. 
RFBI Aged Care Employee Day Morning Tea and Awards. 
Season Opening of the Aquatic Leisure Centres. 
Extraordinary Council Meeting to Refer Our Financial Statements to the Auditor. 
Extraordinary Council Meeting to Consider a DA. 
$11.25 Million Application for the REACT Centre from the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone – Legacy Infrastructure Fund. 
Mayoral Metrics from Mayoral Memo 138. 
Speaking at the Better Futures Forum in Canberra This Week. 
Limerick of the Week.

Citizenship Conferred on 420 People during This Term of Council, Independent Planning Commission Held a Meeting in Dunedoo and Feasibility Study for the REACT Centre Is Progressing.

Another Successful Dubbo Stampede Held. 
Met with the Hon. Steve Whan, MP, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education. 
Briefing on Feasibility Study for REACT Centre for a Mayoral Minute at the Last Council Meeting. 
Waved off a Group of Cyclists Going to Newcastle. 
The 420th Citizenship Was Conferred upon a Citizen at the Last Citizenship Ceremony for This Term of Council. 
Federal Government Released a White Paper on Aviation during the Week. 
Discussions about the Cost of Regional Living for the Bush Summit. 
Travelled to Dunedoo to Deliver a Presentation at the NSW Government Independent Planning Commission in Relation to the Spicers Creek Wind Farm. 
Vinnies Community Sleep Out Held during the Week. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Did Council Waive a $659K Debt Owed by Rex Airlines? Why Was the Mayor in a Cell at Old Dubbo Gaol? What Exactly Are the Limitations on Council in Caretaker Mode?

Dubbo Stampede Being Run on Sunday. 
Why Was the Mayor in a Cell at Old Dubbo Gaol? 
Opening Event Held for a New Building for Int College. 
DRTCC Wins Impact Award for Saturday Night Social. 
Book Week at West Dubbo Public School. 
Poetry Recitals at Bracken House. 
Did Council Waive a $659K Debt Owed by Rex Airlines? 
The Water Filtration Plant Is Currently Undergoing a Major Filter Replacement. 
What Exactly Are the Limitations on Council in Caretaker Mode? 
Upcoming Citizenship Ceremony on Friday 30 August. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Almost the Last Meeting of Council, Rex Debt Discussed at the Council Meeting, Council Applying to the State Government to Fund the REACT Centre and the Mayor Is Going behind Bars This Week.

Regional Capitals Australia Travelled to Canberra for Various Meetings. 
Council Meeting on Thursday Night Which Was Almost the Meeting of This Council. 
The Debt Owed by Rex to Council Was Discussed at the Council Meeting. 
Development Application Approved for a 145 Lot Subdivision – the First in the North-West Precinct. 
Council Funds Distributed to Community Organisations. 
Council Submitting an Application to the State Government to Fund the REACT Centre. 
Australian Local Government Association National Local Government Housing Summit in Adelaide. 
Eds Big, Big, Big Walk for Little Kids Raising Money for Camp Quality. 
This Thursday the Mayor Will Be Put behind Bars to Raise Money for the Orana Support Service. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Regional Aviation on the Agenda This Week, Meeting with the Premier to Discuss Regional Issues, Dubbo Leading the State with 3D Housing Solutions and One Million Patrons Visit the DRTCC.

Rex and the Future of Regional Aviation. 
Qantaslink CEO in Dubbo for the First of the ASX200 CEO Series Breakfasts. 
Bodangora Fire Station Officially Opened. 
Councillors Inspect New Dubbo Bridge. 
GP Registrar Night to Help Retain Doctors. 
Dubbo Leads the State with 3D Housing. 
One Million Patrons through the DRTCC. 
Regional Cities NSW Meeting Held in Sydney. 
Homes NSW Met with RCNSW. 
RCNSW Met with Various Ministers and Police Deputy Commissioner. 
Meeting with the Premier to Discuss Regional Issues. 
Limerick of the Week. 

End of Term Report for 2021-2024. As This Council Term Draws to a Close, the Local Government Act Dictates That Council Must Deliver an End of Term Report. This Episode Has a Summary of This Term.

End of Term Report Sections:
Local Government Act Section 428 Part (2). 
Start at the Tumultuous Beginning. 
Rebuilding Community Trust. 
Building Relationships. 
Trust Allows for More Innovation. 
Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. 
Events. 
Infrastructure. 
Drought Resilience. 
Housing Solutions. 
Additional Items of Significance. 
The Numbers. 
Other Highlights. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Dates for Australia Day Ceremonies in 2025, Maximum Pet Numbers per Home Discussed, Dubbo Regional Council Leads the Way in DA Times and Some Water Meters Are Not Currently Recording Water Usage.

Dates Decided for Australia Day Ceremonies in 2025. 
Voluntary Planning Agreement Discussions Continue with the Maryvale Solar Farm. 
Councillors Make a Decision on the Request for an Interest Free Loan for Macquarie Home Stay. 
Councillors Discuss the Limit on the Number of Pets a Resident Can Keep. 
Council Is Aware Some Water Meters Are Not Currently Recording Water Usage. 
Update on the Upgrade of Water Mains at the Tamworth Street / Darling Street Roundabout. 
Old Dubbo Gaol to Host Dubbo Community Sleepout on Friday 30 August. 
Dubbo Regional Council a Leader in Development Application Processing Times. 
The End of Term Report Delivered by Council This Week. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Minister Penny Sharpe Visited Dubbo and Wellington for a $70 Million Announcement, More Graduates from the RFS Training Academy, Councillors on a Field Trip and yet Another Grant Received by Council.

Minister Penny Sharpe Visited Dubbo and Wellington to Make a Major REZ Announcement. 
Operational Officer Level 2 Graduation Ceremony at the Rural Fire Service Training Academy. 
Councillor Workshop Discussed Rolling up Events and Community Funds into One Fund. 
Councillors Had an ASM and Alkane Field Trip to Toongi and Tomingley. 
Voting Is Now Open for the Official Name of the Shared Pathway. 
Additional Funding Received for Our Libraries. 
Clean Energy Council Australian Clean Energy Summit. 
Mayoral Memo Number 132 Discussed Controversy and Australia Day. 
Next Council Meeting on Thursday 25 July. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Australia Day Event Dates for 2025 Being Discussed, $1.26 Million from the Australian Government to Support Housing, $521,059 for Teamsters Park Tennis Courts and League Table for DA Approvals.

9th Anniversary Celebration for Dubbo parkrun. 
Potential Dates for Australia Day Events in 2025. 
Business Continuity Exercise Undertaken by Senior Executive Staff. 
Citizenship Ceremony Held during the Week with 17 New Aussies Conferred. 
BOOTS Graduation Ceremony Congratulated 8 Women Who Are Now Trade Ready. 
Transport for NSW Meeting to Discuss the RCNSW Pinch Point Program. 
Meeting Held with the Western Plains Trefoil Guild. 
$1.26 Million Received from the Australian Government’s Housing Support Program. 
$521,059 for New Tennis Courts and Playground at Teamsters Park. 
League Table for DA Approvals across the State. 
Upcoming Information Sessions for Kerrs Creek Wind Farm. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Applications Now Open for Council Grants, Feedback Requested on New Toilets for Victoria Park, Changes to Waste Services for Residents and Upcoming Citizenship Ceremony.

Applications Now Open for Three Separate Council Grant Programs. 
Councils Have to Be Innovative with Pursuing Funding Streams. 
Feedback Requested on the Fence Constructed around Cameron Park Playground. 
The Purpose of Performing Radio Interviews across the Region. 
Feedback Requested on the New Toilets Set for Victoria Park with $403,486 from the NSW Government. 
Changes to Waste Services for Residents. 
Conferences Attended by Mayors and Councillors and CEOs – Necessary or Junkets? 
Several Conferences Held in Canberra Last Week. 
Highlights of the Canberra Conferences from Last Week. 
Another Citizenship Ceremony Being Held This Week. 
Dubbo parkrun Celebrates a Special Milestone on Saturday 13 July. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets to Undergo Operational Changes, Councillors Debate the Existence of a Shy Squirrel Glider, $180 Million Budget Approval and Join Councillors in Donating Blood.

Final Decision Made on the Future of the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets. 
Councillors Debate the Existence of a Shy Squirrel Glider. 
Changes in the Sale Process for Land in Keswick Stage 5, Release 2. 
Progress Being Made on the Scabbing Flat Bridge at Geurie. 
$180 Million Budget Approved by Councillors for 2024/2025. 
Moorambilla Voices Perform at Government House. 
Early Childhood Education Careers Forum Held in Dubbo. 
Joint Presidents Announced at the Changeover Dinner for the Rotary Club of Dubbo West. 
Councillors Give Blood as Part of a Blood Drive. 
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Performs in Dubbo. 
Limerick of the Week. 

$3.6 Million Given to Council by Squadron Energy to Upgrade Our Sewage Treatment Plant, Mayoral Developers Forum to Encourage Development in Dubbo and Join Councillors in Donating Blood.

$3.6 Million from Squadron Energy to Improve Our Sewage Treatment Facilities. 
Squadron Energy Opened up a New Office in Wellington. 
Mayoral Developers Forum Hosted during the Week. 
Councillor Workshop during the Week Discussed the Budget and Belgravia. 
Another Hypothetical Posed in the Latest Mayoral Memo. 
Latest Dubbo Business Chamber Meeting Discussing Dubbo’s Economy. 
Toyota Tour De OROC Cheque Presentation. 
$10,000 Given to Five Organisations via the SPARC Program. 
Wellington Senior Citizens Hosted a Biggest Morning Tea Event. 
Councillors Giving Blood and Encouraging the Community to Donate. 
Location of the June Council Meeting Changed to the DRTCC. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Squirrel Gliders Discussed at Council Last Week, Keswick Estate Sales Methodology Potentially Changing, Mayoral Developers Forum Being Held This Week and New Animal Shelter Underway.

Council Having Detailed Discussions on a Squirrel Glider. 
Potential Changes to Sales Methodology at Keswick Estate. 
Section 226 Part D of the Local Government Act Was Recently Utilised. 
Western Division Councils NSW Conference Held in Cobar. 
Mayoral Developers Forum Being Held This Coming Wednesday. 
Philippine Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony Held in Dubbo. 
2024 NSW Rugby Junior State Championships Held in Dubbo. 
Sod Is Turned on New Animal Shelter. 
Latest Meeting with Commander of the Orana Mid-Western Police District. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Cashless Transactions Start from 1 July at DRC’s Waste Facilities, Latest News on the Saleyards Progress, Standing Committee Meetings Being Held This Week and Discussions at Roads Congress on EVs.

Congratulations to Dubbo parkrun on Their 400th Event on Saturday. 
Barden Park Athletics Track Resurfacing Completed. 
Cashless Transactions Will Start from 1 July at DRC’s Waste Facilities. 
Roads Congress Discussed the Use of AI to Detect Road Conditions. 
Roads Congress Discussed the Progression of EVs onto Our Roads and the Implications. 
Latest News about the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets. 
Latest News about the Wellington Caves. 
Dubbo May Host the World Shearing and Wool Handling Championships. 
Dubbo Support Centre Held a Senior Digital Literacy Program. 
Standing Committee Meetings Being Held This Week. 
St Johns College Year 10 Class of 1983 Reunion Being Held This Saturday Night. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Waste2Art Exhibition Now Open at the WPCC, 34 New Wayfinding Signs along Tracker-Riley, NRMA Looking to Install More EV Chargers in Dubbo and CSU Graduation Ceremony Held This Week.

CSU Graduation Ceremony Held This Week. 
CSU Dubbo Regional Consultative Committee Met This Week. 
Changes in the Homeless Camp at Regand Park along Tracker-Riley Cycleway. 
Tracker-Riley Now Has 34 New Wayfinding Signs around the 13.65 Kilometre Shared Pathway. 
REACT Centre Consultants Met with Stakeholders This Week. 
Barden Park Athletics Track Has Now Been Resurfaced with Thanks to a Grant from the State Government. 
NRMA Wants to Install More EV Chargers in Dubbo. 
Waste2Art Opened in Dubbo This Week. 
ICAC Handed down Findings about Corrupt Behaviour in a Sydney Council. 
What Are the Discussions Occurring with Housing Providers. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Public Art Strategy Now Has Access to $950K. Councillors Will Be Paid $27,050 from 1 July This Year. Large Crowd Gathered at the Council Meeting This Week. Duke of Wellington Now Open for Pedestrians.

New Resident Welcome Night. 
National Simultaneous Storytime. 
Clontarf Foundation 2024 Central West NSW Employment Forum. 
CSU Foundation Scholarship Presentation. 
Large Crowd Gathered for the Council Meeting during the Week. 
Final Decision Made on the Funding for the Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Centre. 
Councillor Fees Are Going up by 3.75 per Cent to $27,050. 
Councillors Make a Decision on Delegating Authority to Committees for DAs. 
Council Proposing to Lease Land to Squadron Energy for Worker Accommodation. 
The Public Art Strategy Will Receive a $950K Boost from Squadron Energy. 
The Duke of Wellington Bridge Now Has Pedestrian Access. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Announcement of the Largest Ever Federal Grant for Dubbo, Announcement of the Dubbo ASX200 CEO Series, Social Housing Solutions with 3D Printed Housing and New Resident Night on 22 May.

This Week Sees the Return of Regular Host, Mark Barnes. 
Poor Reporting in Relation to an Incident at the Dubbo Show. 
The Dubbo ASX200 CEO Series Has Been Launched. 
An AUKUS Forum Was Held in Dubbo for Business Opportunities. 
Chinese Trade Delegation Visits Dubbo. 
Social Housing Solutions Coming to Dubbo in the Form of 3D Printed Housing. 
Mark Coulton Brought a New Zealand Political Delegation to Meet with Council. 
Largest Ever Federal Grant Received by Dubbo with the $7.2 Million for the Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Centre. 
Service Review Being Undertaken of the Location and Services of the Visitor Information Centres. 
Repairs Being Undertaken at the Victoria Park Fountain. 
Local Libraries Celebrate National Simultaneous Storytime. 
New Resident Night Being Held This Week. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Has the DREAM Turned to a Nightmare? Why Are There Goats around the Wellington Caves? Has Council Entered into a PPP? Does the Saleyards Have $23M in the Bank? Why Is the Tracker-Riley Cycleway Dark?

Last Week for Richard Mutton to Fill in for Mark Barnes. 
Has Council Voted to Continue with the DREAM Festival? 
What Agreement Was Reached with the Dubbo Firming Power Station? 
What Is the Result of the Federal Government Grant Application for the Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Centre? 
Why Are There Goats around the Wellington Caves? 
When Will the Lights Be Repaired on the Tracker-Riley Cycleway? 
Has Council Entered into a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for Advanced Wastewater Treatment? 
When Will Council Upgrade the Scabbing Flat Bridge at Geurie? 
What Happened with the Meeting with the Standing Committee on State Development in Relation to Their Inquiry on the Ability of Local Governments to Fund Infrastructure and Services? 
What Discussion Did You Have with the Hon. Jenny Aitchison, MP, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads When You Met with Her at Parliament House? 
What Discussion Did You Have with the Hon. Paul Scully, MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces When You Met with Him at Parliament House? 
What Discussion Did You Have with the Hon. John Graham, MLC, Special Minister of State, Minister for Roads, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism When You Met with Him at Parliament House? 
What Did IPART and the Audit Office Mention in Their Presentations at Country Mayors? 
What Is the Latest in the EOI Process for the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets and Is There $23 Million Sitting in a Bank Account? 
What Rumours Are Being Discussed in Relation to Candidature for the Parkes Electorate? 
Limerick of the Week. 

Update on Obley Road Upgrades by ASM. Draft 2024/2025 Budget Now on Public Display. RSL Club Accusations about Alleged Contamination. BOCSAR Rep in Dubbo to Speak with Council.

Richard Mutton Filling in as Guest Host While Regular Host Mark Barnes Is Away. 
Met up with Wataru Koketsu, Former Minokamo Exchange Student Who Visited Dubbo in 1991. 
News from the Latest Meeting of the Renewables Regional Leaders Network Meeting. 
Met with ASM for an Update on the Road Upgrades along Obley Road. 
Opened the French Corner Apartments in Bourke Street. 
Attended a Yarn-up with the Yindyamarra Healing Men’s Group in Wellington. 
Council Hosting Pre-Candidate Information Sessions Ahead of Upcoming Elections. 
Have Your Say on Council’s Draft 2024/2025 Budget. 
An Update on the Opening Date of the New Benolong Bridge. 
The Latest Status of the Unofficial Homeless Camp in Regand Park. 
RSL Club Making Accusations That Council Knew about Alleged Contamination before a Land Swap Deal in September 2020. 
Council Hosted a Workshop with a Representative from BOCSAR. 
Limerick of the Week.