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

Draft 2024/2025 Budget on Public Display. Bulky Waste Services Undergoing a 12-Month Trial. DREAM EOI Reopened. Solar Canopy Proposed at the Airport Carpark. Pre-Election Guide Released for Councils.

Richard Mutton Filling in as Guest Host While Regular Host Mark Barnes Is Away. 
Anzac Day Events Held across the LGA during the Week. 
Meeting Held with the Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads. 
Council’s Engagement Platform Fosters Community Connections. 
Upcoming Night for New Residents. 
Update on the Mechanics at Dubbo Regional Council. 
Leader Life Providing Services at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets. 
Grant Application Being Submitted for a Solar Canopy at the Airport Carpark. 
OLG Has Released a Pre-Election Guide for Councils. 
The Draft 2024/2025 Budget, Operational Plan and Associated Documents are on Display. 
Proposed Lease of 139 Darling Street to the Macquarie Conservatorium Update. 
Bulky Waste Service to Community Undergoing a Change for a 12-Month Trial. 
Expressions of Interest Reopened for the DREAM Festival. 
Limerick of the Week. 

What Was Discussed with the Hon David Littleproud MP and the Hon. Tara Moriarty, MLC This Week? When Is the Next Evening for New Residents? Who Is Speaking at the WPCC on Anzac Day This Year?

Richard Mutton Filling in as Guest Host While Regular Host Mark Barnes Is Overseas. 
This Week I Had a Meeting with the Hon David Littleproud MP, Leader of the Nationals This Week. 
This Week I Met with the Hon. Tara Moriarty, MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales, and Minister for Western New South Wales. 
Met with a Group Undertaking an Evaluation of the Murray Darling Medical Schools Network. 
The Reject Shop Opened Their 385th Store in the Nation This Week – in Wellington. 
Councillors Held a Budget Workshop on Thursday Night. 
Aussie FMX Put on a Motorcross Stunt Show as Part of Youth Activities This Week. 
New Residents Night Will Be Held on 22 May at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre. 
Australian War Memorial’s Michael Bell to Deliver Anzac Day Address at WPCC. 
The EOI Is Now Open for Parties Interested in Leasing or Buying the Livestock Markets. 
An Update on the Blueridge Link Road Progress. 
DRC Is Submitting a Bid for a Second Triple J ‘One Night Stand.’ 
Early Stages of a Proposal for a Hydrogen Service Station. 
Limerick of the Week. 

What Is Happening with Land Deals between the RSL Club and Council? What Funding Has the REACT Centre Received? What Is Council Discussing with Cabonne Shire Council?

New Guest Host While Regular Host Mark Barnes Is Overseas. 
Update on Funding Application for the Flood Damaged Culvert Crossing Mitchell Creek on Saxa Road. 
Shared Pathway Official Opening. 
Elston Water Park Is an Asset at the End of Its Life. 
RSL Club Negotiations with Land in Keswick and Land in Wingewarra Street. 
Update on the Macquarie Conservatorium of Music Peppercorn Lease of a Council Building. 
Annual Report on Our Drinking Water Management System. 
Update on the Growing Homeless Camp at Regand Park. 
Closing Date for the DREAM Festival EOIs Fast Approaching. 
Cleaning of Public Amenities in Dubbo. 
REACT Centre in Wellington Has Received Funding for a Feasibility Study. 
Discussions with Cabonne Shire Council to Discuss a Boundary Adjustment and a Wind Farm. 
Repairs Needed for the Old Dubbo Gaol. 
Limerick of the Week. 

$2.8 Million Successful Grant Application for Comobella Crossing, Skin Rash Allegations with Dubbo Water, Update on PCYC Sports Hub and Mayor in Japan Leading an Official Dubbo Delegation.

Mayor Podcast Brought to You Solo This Week as Mark Barnes Is Away and the Mayor Is in Japan. 
Easter Monday Media Release. 
Successful Federal Grant Application for Comobella Crossing. 
Air Force Flying Training around Dubbo during April. 
Allegations of Skin Rash from Dubbo Water. 
Temporary Water Restrictions in Wellington. 
EOI for Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets. 
Dubbo and Wellington Sewerage Rehabilitation Underway. 
Update on PCYC Sports Hub. 
Mayor Currently in Minokamo, Japan, Leading a Delegation of Dubbo Delegates on a Self-Funded Official Visit. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Future of Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets, EOI Process Underway for DREAM Festival, Crypto Causes Temporary Closure of Pool and Mayor Currently in South Korea Leading an Official Dubbo Delegation.

Mayor Podcast Brought to You Solo This Week as Mark Barnes Is Away and the Mayor Is Overseas. 
Major Announcement Being Made at 7am on Easter Monday. 
Discussions Started about the Future of the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets. 
Council’s Biennial Survey Is Underway. 
DREAM Expression of Interest Process in Underway. 
Crypto Forces the Temporary Closure of the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre. 
Red Alert Blue-Green Algae Warning Lifted at Burrendong Dam. 
Flushing of Water Mains Is Currently Occurring in Parts of the LGA. 
Accessibility Trial Currently Underway across Six Council Web Sites. 
Mayor Currently in South Korea Leading a Delegation of Dubbo Delegates on a Self-Funded Official Visit. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets Will Have an EOI Process for Lease or Sale, DREAM Festival EOI Process Is Open, Waste Facilities to Go Cashless and Recipients of Community Funds.

Tour de OROC Successfully Completed. 
EOI Process to Determine the Organisation to Run the DREAM Festival. 
Council Eagerly Awaits the Result of the Funding Application for the Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Facility. 
Narromine Narwonah Waste-to-Energy Plant Discussion at the Latest Council Meeting. 
Forest Glen Solar Farm Planning Agreement Ready to Proceed to Next Step. 
Successful Applicants to the Latest Round of the Community Services Fund. 
Latest Recipients of the Bodangora Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. 
Change to Bid for the Former Dubbo City Bowling Club Site. 
EOI Process for the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets Lease or Sale. 
DRC’s Waste Facilities to Go Cashless from 1 July 2024. 
Major Announcement with the ASM – Dubbo Project at Toongi. 
Council Delegation to Visit South Korea and Japan. 
Lane Cove Council in Sydney Removes Public Forum from Council Meetings. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Major Events Being Held in Dubbo, BOCSAR Releases the Latest Crime Statistics, Alliance of Western Councils Meet and an Update on Belgravia Leisure.

Bowls NSW State Championships and Golf NSW Regional Qualifiers in Dubbo. 
Hon. Justine Elliot MP in Dubbo to Announce Fifteen New Safe Places and Escaping Violence Payments. 
Met with the Hon. Jihad DIB, MP, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice. 
Discussion on the Latest Crime Statistics Released by BOCSAR and the Discussion on the John Laws Show. 
First Councillor Workshop to Discuss the 2024/2025 Budget. 
Alliance of Western Councils Latest Board Meeting. 
BBQ Cooking Skills on Display at the Wellington Senior Citizen Club. 
Another Discussion on Parking Infringements and a Change in the Process for Notifying of a Fine. 
The Latest Update on the Workplace Hub in Dubbo. 
Latest Update on the Progress of Belgravia Leisure in Managing Our Aquatic Leisure Centres. 
Benolong Road Bridge Update. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Results of Trials for Parking Enforcement. Expressions of Interest May Be Opened up for a Community Group to Run DREAM. SPARC Grant Funding Now Open. Fluoride Dosing System Project Update.

Regional Cities NSW (RCNSW) Visit to Albury and Wagga. 
Replacement of Fluoride Dosing System at John Gilbert Water Treatment Plant Project Update. 
Results of Inground Parking Sensor and License Plate Recognition Camera Trials. 
Reclassification and Rezoning of Alexander Bell Memorial Park. 
DREAM Festival 2024 and Beyond. 
Council EOI Bid for the Former Dubbo City Bowling Club. 
Dubbo Women's Festival Held at the WPCC. 
SPARC (Shaping Plans to Advance Regional Culture) Grant Program Round 2 Funding Now Open. 
Tamworth Street Road Reconstruction – Stage 1. 
Events This Week Include Golf NSW Regional Qualifiers; Bowls NSW State Championships and Black Dog Ride. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Is the DREAM Going to Become a Nightmare? When Can Council Remove an Unattended Vehicle? How Many Staff Are at Council Compared to before the Amalgamation? What Recent Meetings Were Held in Canberra?

CSU Welcome Event for New Cohort of Students at Dubbo Campus. 
Attended the Bathurst 500 at Mount Panorama. 
DREAM Discussions to Look at the Path Forward for DREAM. 
Met with Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Education and Assistant Minister for Regional Development. 
Met with Minister Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. 
Met with Both Assistant Minister Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Minister Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and the Territories. 
Met with Staff from Chris Bowen’s Office. 
What Are the Legal Timelines for Council to Remove Unattended and Damaged Vehicles. 
Roadworks Soon to Begin in Tamworth Street. 
Carpark at the Bottom of Church Street Will Be Closing Temporarily. 
Staff Number Comparison in Dubbo and Wellington before and after the Amalgamation. 
Bracken House Celebrates 35 Years. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Touch Footy Brings the Masses to Dubbo, Potential Reforms to Slots at Sydney Airport, Councillor Workshop Dives Deep, Entries Still Open for both Waste 2 Art and Minokamo, and Much More…

NSW Touch Junior State Cup Northern Conference Brings 9,000 People to Dubbo. 
Discussions with NBN with Changes Occurring in the Local Infrastructure. 
Regular Meeting with the Dubbo Business Chamber. 
Met with Representatives from Qantaslink. 
Regional Cities NSW Discussing Potential Reforms to Slots at Sydney Airport. 
Barden Park Athletics Centre of Excellence to Undergo Resurfacing. 
Several Journalists Discussing Renewables around Dubbo. 
Councillor Workshop Discussed Three Major Items. 
Telehealth Takes Another Step Forward at an Aged Care Facility in Dubbo. 
Wheelers Lane Stage 2 Reconstruction Requires Changed Traffic Conditions. 
Entries Still Open for Waste 2 Art and Minokamo Exchange. 
Limerick of the Week. 

What Decision Did Councillors Make on a Toilet Policy? What Progress Has Been Made on the Fluoride Dosing System? What Is Happening with the Homeless Camp at Regand Park? And Much More…

Official Opening of the Platypus Rescue HQ at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. 
Developers Looking at Producing More 3D Printed Housing in Dubbo. 
Progress Being Made on a Potential Boundary Alteration with North Yeoval. 
Investigating Further Options for Changes to the Toilets at Cameron Park in Wellington. 
Councillors Decide Not to Proceed with the Development of a Public Toilet Policy. 
A Report Will Come Back to Council with Further Details on the Contract with Belgravia Leisure. 
The DRC Renewable Energy Benefit Framework Has Been Amended for Large Scale Batteries. 
The Spicers Creek Wind Farm Planning Agreement Has Been Endorsed by Council. 
Councillors Set the Direction for a Policy on Overgrown Blocks in the LGA. 
Council Is Progressing to Lease Part of Council-Owned Land for a Major Housing Project. 
An Update on the Progress of the Fluoride Dosing Unit Project at the John Gilbert Water Treatment Plant. 
Update on the Homeless Campers Living at Regand Park. 
Waste 2 Art Competition Is Now Open for Entries. 
Limerick of the Week. 

DFAT Discussions Involving Our Sister Cities, Demerger Discussions, Kerrs Creek Wind Farm Meeting and Welcome to School of Rural Health Year 1 Students.

University of Sydney School of Rural Health Welcome Event for Year 1 Students. 
Night to Welcome the GP Registrars to the Region. 
EnergyCo Community and Employment Benefit Program Workshop. 
Demerger Discussions in Parliament. 
Bring Your Bills Day in Dubbo and Wellington. 
Meeting with Charles Sturt University. 
National Gallery of Australia Touring Exhibition - Ceremony: 4th Indigenous Art Triennial. 
Update on the Homeless River Camp at Regand Park. 
Workshop Held to Elevate Your Grant Applications. 
Future of Wujiang Exchange and Sister City Relationships Involving DFAT. 
Meeting Being Held in Molong to Discuss Kerrs Creek Wind Farm. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Next Round of Funding Applications Now Open, Wind Farm Public Meeting Well Attended, Council Looking to Move to Cashless Payments and Pickleball Courts Open.

Belgravia Leisure State Manager Met with Council Last Week. 
Public Meeting Held at Euchareena to Discuss the Kerr’s Creek Wind Farm. 
First Councillor Workshop Held for the Year Discussing Overgrown Blocks and DREAM. 
Squadron Energy Further Exploring the Concept of the REACT Centre. 
Update on the Conservatorium of Music Lease Situation. 
The Star Club Had an Open Day on Their First Day of Operations in Dubbo. 
Waste and Recycling Centres Going Cashless from 1 July 2024. 
The Anglican Church in Dubbo Has Just Commissioned a New Minister. 
Applications Now Open for the Next Round of the Community Services Fund and the Bodangora Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. 
Pickleball Courts at Elston Park Now Officially Open. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Summary of Australia Day Events and Award Winners, Junior Sporting Events in Dubbo This Week, There's Gold in Them Thar Hills and Virgin Australia Makes an Announcement about Flights in Dubbo.

Summary of Australia Day Events in Wellington and Dubbo. 
U15 Girls State Cricket Carnival Held in Dubbo This Week. 
NSW Rugby Waratahs Women in the Region and U16 and U14 Rugby Girls in Dubbo. 
VRA Looking to Expand Emergency Services Precinct at the Airport. 
ABC 7:30 Report in Dubbo to Talk about Renewables. 
Alkane Drilling for Gold in the Comobella-Bodangora Area. 
Code Share Arrangement between Virgin Australia and Link Airways. 
Wellington’s Fowler Steam Engine Update. 
Tracker Riley Has Received a Further Concrete Extension. 
Shared Pathway Construction Update. 
Community Meeting Being Held in Euchareena to Discuss the Kerrs Creek Windfarm. 
Dubbo Mayor Attending the Toyota Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Updated Details for Australia Day Events, December 2023 Tourism Market Report, Uungula Wind Farm Contact Details and Review of the Regional Development Act 2004.

Makar Sankranti Kite Flying Festival Held in Dubbo. 
Contact Details for Enquiries in Relation to the Uungula Wind Farm. 
December 2023 Tourism Market Report. 
Regional Development Act 2004. 
Lease for Macquarie Conservatorium of Music. 
Funding Applications Update. 
Biennial Community Needs Survey. 
University of the Third Age Open Day. 
Australia Day Celebration Details. 
Tamworth Country Music Festival. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Uungula Wind Farm Sod Turn, More 3D Printed Infrastructure Coming to Dubbo, Safety Incident at the Pool and Limerick of the Week Featuring Anniversary Wishes.

Fireworks at the Dubbo Showground for New Year Celebrations. 
Uungula Wind Farm Sod Turning Attended by Andrew Forrest AO and the Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy. 
Safety Incident at Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre. 
Council Shutdown over Christmas Impacted Cemeteries. 
Pressure on Rental Prices in Dubbo. 
Potential for More 3D Printed Housing in Dubbo This Year. 
Deliberations for Australia Day Awards Held in Wellington and Dubbo. 
Significant Upcoming Events and Projects for 2024. 
Makar Sankranti Kite Flying Festival. 
Limerick of the Week – Happy Anniversary Katrina. 

The Best Stories from 2023 to Launch Season 3.

Sandy Beach Sand Movements Being Discussed with NSW Fisheries. 
Why Is Dubbo Letting Surrounding Areas Snare the Big Football and Cricket Matches? 
Wellington Residents and Dubbo Residents Are Still Paying Different Amounts for Water and Sewer Seven Years after the Amalgamation. Is It Time to Fix This? 
News from the Latest Developers’ Forum. 
The Macquarie River Master Plan Will Be Considered at the Council Meeting This Week. 
A Report Has Been Completed That Analyses Short-Term Worker Accommodation Requirements. 
World’s First DNA Database to Combat Littering – or Is It Just a Joke? 
Council Has Made a Final Decision on Supporting the Macquarie Conservatorium of Music. 
Controversy Surrounding the Macquarie Lions Park Amenities Block Being Demolished. 
Ten Years for the CATO Vision to Be Realised. 
Official Opening of the Archibald Finalists Exhibition at the WPCC. 
Dubbo to Host NSW Touch Junior State Cup (Northern Conference) for the Next Three Years. 
Latest Mayoral Memo Article Focuses on Section 226 of the Local Government Act. 
3D Printing Becomes a Spectator Sport in Dubbo. 
Parkinson’s Law of Triviality Pops up in Discussions This Week. 
New Council Chamber Officially Opened. 
International Aerial Firefighting Conference Held in Dubbo. 
Expansion Announced for the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. 
Job Description for Councillors and Mayors. 
Bowls NSW Met with Dubbo Clubs to Start Planning the State Championships for 2024. 
Details of All Current and Planned Renewable Projects in the Region. 
Mayoral Developers’ Forum. 
Official Opening of the 3D Printed Amenities Block. 
Rescission of Land Swap Deal with the Dubbo RSL Memorial Club. 
Unique Community Leaders’ Meeting Well Attended. 
Launch of the New Dubbo Visitor Guide. 
Renewable Energy Awareness and Career Training (REACT) Centre. 
Another Successful New Resident Evening Was Held This Week. 
Is It True That the Mayor Is Trying to Improve His parkrun Times with 510m of New Concrete Pathway? 
Are the 3D Printed Toilets in Danger of Being Deemed Structurally Unsound? 
REACT Centre (Renewable Energy Awareness and Career Training Centre) Business Case Is Garnering Significant Interest from Various Stakeholders. 
Official Opening of the RFS Aviation Centre of Excellence. 
New Exhibits at the Old Dubbo Gaol. 
Questions Asked about the 3D Printed Toilets at Macquarie Lions Park West. 

A Lyrical Look-Back, a Limerick Ledger, a Listening Luncheon of All the Limericks Delivered as Part of the Podcast Each Week in 2023.

Each Weekly Podcast Features a Limerick of the Week. This Episode Features All of Those Limericks Wrapped up in One Episode. 

Dubbo Regional Council 2023 Year in Review with Deputy Mayor Richard Ivey and Mayor Mathew Dickerson

Infrastructure Year in Review. 
Events Year in Review. 
Community Year in Review. 
Tourism and Visitation Year in Review. 
Sporting Events Year in Review. 
Culture and Environment Year in Review. 
Review of Other Items. 

Questions Asked About the 3D Printed Toilets. Funding Strategy for the Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Centre. RFS Aviation Centre of Excellence Officially Opened. Old Dubbo Gaol Launches New Exhibits.

Official Opening of the RFS Aviation Centre of Excellence. 
Launch of New Vehicles for the VRA NSW. 
New Exhibits at the Old Dubbo Gaol. 
Council Meets with Rio Tinto. 
Councillors Visit the University of Sydney School of Rural Health. 
Council Settles on a Funding Strategy for the Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Centre. 
Questions Asked about the 3D Printed Toilets at Macquarie Lions Park West. 
Council’s Code of Conduct Quarterly Report. 
Dubbo Regional Sports Council Playing Field Improvement Fund. 
Submission Being Made to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal. 
Council Bidding for the Former Dubbo City Bowling Club. 
Limerick of the Week.