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

REACT Centre Gaining Momentum; Update on the Aquatic Leisure Centres; Christmas Closure Times of Various Council Facilities; The Mayor Attends a CLAIR Seminar in Japan.

REACT Centre (Renewable Energy Awareness and Career Training Centre) Business Case Is Garnering Significant Interest from Various Stakeholders. 
Latest Update on the Situation with Belgravia Leisure and the Aquatic Leisure Centres. 
Squadron Energy Will Be Releasing Their Environmental Impact Statement Submission Responses This Week and DRC Will Be Mentioned in Them. 
The Last Ordinary Council Meeting for the Year Will Be Held on Thursday 14 December. 
Be Aware of Christmas Closures of Various Council Facilities. 
One Step Closer to a Southern Distributor as Council Has Completed the Purchase of the Required Corridor. 
A Century of Mayoral Memos. 
Aus/NZ Delegation Led by the Mayor Attended a Seminar in Japan Arranged by CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations). 
Comparison of Similarities and Differences Between Local Government in Japan and Australia. 
Overview of Some of the Locations Visited on the CLAIR Seminar. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Why Is the Mayor Currently in Japan? Is the Tracker Riley Cycleway Being Upgraded to Help the Mayor’s parkrun Times? Do You Have Someone You Can Nominate for an Australia Day Award?

Who Is Paying for the Mayor to Lead a Delegation of Local Government Representatives from Australia and NZ on a Trip to Japan? 
How Many Conferees Were at the Latest Citizenship Ceremony in Dubbo? 
Have You Seen the New Designs on the Crash of Rhinos? 
What Numbers Were Revealed at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Year in Review Event? 
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? 
When Do Nominations Close for the 2024 Australia Day Awards? 
Why Did the Mayor Meet with the Hon. Penny Sharpe, MLC, Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage? 
What Amount of Money for Roads Was Discussed with the Hon. Jenny Aitchison, MP, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads? 
What Was Discussed in the Meeting with the Hon. Ron Hoenig, MP, Minister for Local Government? 
Which Organisations Presented to the Latest Meeting of Regional Cities NSW? 
Limerick of the Week.

Hijack Plane Alert at the Airport, Discussions on Rate Rises at the Latest Council Meeting, Dubbo Day Award Recipients, the Future of E-Scooters in Dubbo and Australia Day Award Nominations Open.

Grant Recipients for Community Services Fund; Destination Events Fund and Community Events Fund. 
Recipients of the Dubbo Day Awards. 
Nominations Now Open for Australia Day Awards. 
Latest Meeting of the Country Mayors Association. 
Latest ‘Meet Your Community Leaders’ Forum Held in Wellington. 
A Change to the Rhino Sculpture in Wellington. 
Hijack Plane Alert at Dubbo Regional Airport. 
Council Meeting in Wellington Discusses Rate Rises. 
More Discussion on E-Scooters. 
Stage 2 of Wheelers Lane Rehabilitation Set to Start. 
Latest Citizenship Ceremony Being Held This Week. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Mark Barnes Returns as Host This Week, Councillors Attend LGNSW Conference, Shop Local This Christmas, Check What You Flush and Dubbo Day on 23 November.

Another Successful New Resident Evening Was Held This Week. 
Shop Local This Christmas Campaign Launched. 
Check When You Flush That You Are Only Flushing the Three Ps. 
White Ribbon Day in Dubbo. 
Councillors Attend the Annual Local Government NSW Conference. 
Held a Regular Meeting with the Police This Week. 
CEO 12-Month Performance Review and Targets for the Next 12 Months. 
Poetry at Bracken House This Week. 
Wellington Hosts the Next ‘Meet Your Community Leaders’ Meeting on Saturday 25 November. 
Dubbo Day Being Held This Week on 23 November. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Rate Increases on the Table, Another McDonald’s Restaurant Coming to Dubbo, New Resident Evening This Week, LGNSW Conference and Remembrance Day Poem.

Remembrance Day Held on Saturday 11 November. 
The DA Has Been Approved for Dubbo to Have a 4th McDonald’s Restaurant. 
Councillors Currently Attending the LGNSW Conference. 
New Resident Evening Being Held on Wednesday 15 November. 
Naming the New Dubbo Bridge. 
Latest Building Summary. 
Returning Exchange Students Report to Council. 
SPARC Grant Assessment Report. 
Public Memorials and Donation of Furniture and Trees Policy. 
Regular Meeting with Acting District Commander Tim Chinn Being Held This Week. 
Report on the Independent Financial Sustainability Review (or Do We Need to Put up Rates). 
Remembrance Day Poem. 

Tourism Surging in the Dubbo Region, Download the Water Portal App to Monitor Your Water Usage, Latest Update on the REACT Project and Marketing Keswick Estate.

Tourism Surges to Levels Higher Than before COVID-19. 
Water Portal App Is Now Available to Monitor Your Water Usage. 
Update on the REACT Project. 
Renewable Energy Battery Projects Coming to Wellington. 
Wellington Waste Facility Update Following the Fire. 
Keswick Estate Developments. 
Expression of Interest Updates for 154 Talbragar Street. 
Latest Updates on the Swimming Pools across the LGA with Belgravia Leisure. 
The NSW Electoral Commission Is Discussing the Period of Pre-Polling before the September 2024 Local Government Elections. 
Applications Closing Soon for Returning Officer Positions for 2024 Local Government Elections. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Is the 3D Printed Toilet about to Collapse? What Is the REACT Centre? Does Dubbo Now Have a New Tree Preservation Order? Do You Want to Be on an Australia Day 2024 Event Committee?

Formal Councillor Group Photo. 
Community Services Fund Allocations. 
Tree Planting Opportunities. 
Concepts for Dubbo Indoor Aquatic Centre. 
Renewable Energy Awareness and Career Training (REACT) Centre. 
Letters to the Police Minister. 
Tree Preservation Order and the Next Potential Steps. 
Approach Road to New Dubbo Bridge Intersection. 
Review of Council Community Consultative Committees. 
Expressions of Interest for Australia Day 2024 Event Committees. 
Fluoride Update for Wellington and Dubbo. 
Bodangora Runway Reseal. 
Lions Park West 3D Printed Amenity Block Update. 
Limerick of the Week. 

$128 Million from the State Government for Our REZ, Update on Belgravia Leisure Pool Management, Launch of the Dubbo Visitor Guide, Michael Durrant Fossil Exhibition May Be Heading to Wellington.

The Hon. Ben Franklin, MLC, President of the Legislative Council of NSW Was in Dubbo This Week. 
‘Be Kind to the Environment’ World Ocean Day 30x30 Goals Workshop Held in Dubbo. 
Met with Angel Flight out at the Airport to Help Them Promote Their Raffle. 
Attended My Regular Meeting with Dubbo Business Chamber. 
NSW Government Regional Teacher Incentives. 
Held a Discussion with the Western Sydney Wanderers CEO. 
Ironbark Arts Residency. 
Launch of the New Dubbo Visitor Guide. 
Discussed Tourism with the Sunday Telegraph. 
Workshop on Financial Sustainability Review and the Possibility of a Special Rate Variation. 
$128 Million for Central West Orana REZ. 
Dubbo Business Chamber 27th Rhino Awards. 
Holland Open Garden and Memory Makers Art Prize. 
Michael Durrant Fossil Exhibition Could Be Heading to the Wellington Caves. 
Progress Report on the Management of Our Pools by Belgravia Leisure. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Guest Host This Week Filling in for Mark Barnes, Upcoming Service Review of Community Committees, Standing Committees Held Elections This Week and Recommendations for Community Funding.

Attended the Bathurst 1000 Race at the Invitation of the Bathurst Mayor. 
Council Hosted a Panel to Discuss the Referendum. 
Met with the CEO of Squadron Energy in Dubbo. 
Dubbo Hosted the VCNSW 60s State Championships. 
Upcoming Service Review of Community Committees. 
Legacy Shared Pathway Project on Track for March 2024. 
DRTCC’s 2023 Season Finishes with a Laugh. 
Standing Committees Held on Thursday Night. 
Standing Committees Elected 3 People to Chair These Three Committees. 
Draft Net Zero Framework Back from Public Exhibition. 
Building Summary for the Year so Far with September a Little Quieter. 
Recommendations for Funding from the 2023/2024 Community Services Fund Round 1. 
Recommendations for Funding from the Event Assistance Program. 
Dubbo Business Chamber Holds Its Annual Rhino Awards on Friday Night. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Regand Park Walk-through, Sheraton Road Upgrades, the Voice Community Panel, Unique Community Leaders’ Meeting and Community Batteries May Be Coming to Dubbo.

Unique Community Leaders’ Meeting Well Attended. 
Roundtable Discussion with Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner. 
Meeting with Steph Cooke, MP, Shadow Minister for Water. 
Interrelate Dubbo Open Day. 
Discussions Continue on the Possibility of Community Batteries in Dubbo. 
Meeting with CEO of NSW Ports. 
Regand Park Walk-through with Residents. 
Sheraton Road Upgrades Completed. 
The Voice Community Panel Event on Tuesday 10 October. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Mayoral Election for the Remainder of the Term, 50th Episode of this Podcast, Rescission of Land Swap Deal with the RSL Club, Update on the Dubbo Workplace Hub, DRTCC LED Lighting Upgrade.

50th Episode of ‘Straight from the Mayor’s Mouth’. 
Mayoral Election for the Remainder of the Council Term. 
Determination of the Number of Councillors for the 2028-2032 Period. 
Rescission of Land Swap Deal with the Dubbo RSL Memorial Club. 
Adoption of the North-West Urban Release Area Development Control Plan. 
Draft Blueridge Precinct Development Control Plan Adopted for Public Exhibition. 
Farewell to Dubbo Students Who Travelled to Minokamo. 
LED Lighting Upgrade at DRTCC Worth over a Million Dollars. 
New Bus Routes to Begin in Dubbo. 
Orana Regional Volunteer of the Year Award Ceremony. 
Update on the Dubbo Workplace Hub. 
Annual Medical Students vs Hospital Charity Cricket Match. 
Limerick of the Week. 

GP Registrars Being Wooed to Stay in Dubbo, Dubbo Support Centre Helps Newcomers to Dubbo and with a Mayoral Election This Week, a Summary of the First 21 Months of This Council.

GP Registrars Encouraged to Stay on in Dubbo. 
$6.5 Million Research Project at the University of Sydney School of Rural Health. 
RDA South Australia’s Rural Summit Hears about Dubbo. 
Dubbo Support Centre Opens with Support by the Indian Support Centre in Sydney. 
Another Successful Cross-Cultural Carnivale Facilitated by ORISCON. 
Dubbo Exchange Students on Their Way to Minokamo in Japan. 
Rex Reduces Services to Eight Locations in NSW. 
Elections Being Held This Week for Mayor and Deputy Mayor. 
Summary of the First 21 Months of This Council. 
Limerick of the Week. 

South Dubbo Bridge Strategic Concepts, Call for EOIs for the Voice Referendum Panel, Local Shop and Shopkeeper Photos Requested and Summary of the Latest Building Approval Numbers.

Council Building Summary. 
Mayoral Developers Forum. 
Duke of Wellington Bridge Update. 
South Dubbo Bridge Strategic Concepts. 
Audit of Signs across the Urban Areas of the LGA. 
Drought Security Projects. 
Official Opening of the 3D Printed Amenities Block. 
Call for EOIs for the Voice Referendum Panel. 
Community Information Sessions with Consideration of a New Tree Preservation Order. 
Call out for Local Shop and Shopkeeper Photos. 
Art in Schools Collaboration. 
Maintaining the Status Quo. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Road Works Soon to Commence on Sheraton Road, Mayoral Developers Forum Being Held This Week, Consultation on Blueridge Link Road, Roads Congress Held in Canberra and Dubbo Day Award Nominations Open.

Yet Another Citizenship Ceremony Held in Dubbo. 
Mayoral Visit to Orana Heights Public School to Discuss Local Government and School Uniforms. 
National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress Held in Canberra. 
Discussion With Ministers at Congress. 
Latest Board Meeting of the Alliance of Western Councils. 
Met With the Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads. 
Road Surface Treatment Works on Sheraton Road and Consultation on Blueridge Link Road. 
Next Mayoral Developers Forum Being Held This Week. 
Latest Kerbside Bulky Waste Collection to Commence Soon. 
Nominations Being Accepted for Dubbo Day Awards. 
Launch of the 2023 Dubbo Writers’ Festival. 
DREAM Festival and DREAM Lantern Parade Held on Saturday Night. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Will We See a Special Rate Variation Next Year? Do You Have Someone to Nominate for a Dubbo Day Award? What Happened to the Dubbo Workplace Hub? Do You Want to Partner With Council at Christmas?

A Quick Wrap From the Dubbo Stampede With 1,304 Finishers Overall. 
Councillor Workshop to Look at the Financial Sustainability of Council. 
Benolong Bridge Temporary Load Limit Now Lifted. 
EOIs Invited From Businesses to Partner With Council for Christmas Activities. 
Traditional Staff Excellence Awards Along With Training and Long Service Awards. 
Belgravia Leisure Opened the Three Swimming Pools on Saturday. 
Update on the Your Say Platform. 
Next Citizenship Ceremony This Tuesday and the Public Is Invited. 
Dubbo Day Award Nominations Now Open. 
September Is the Month to DREAM. 
Change in Scope for the Dubbo Workplace Hub. 
Marcia Hines in Dubbo. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Australia Day Ceremony Dates for 2024, Latest Update on the AOD Rehab Facility, Meeting With Superintendent of Orana Mid-Western Police District and Discussions With the CBA About Branch Closures.

Community Members Slept Out at the Old Dubbo Gaol as Part of the Vinnies Sleepout. To Donate: https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/vinnies-Community-Sleepouts/drc-Councillors
Discussions With the Commonwealth Bank About the Wellington Branch of the CBA. 
Sod Turning of the Legacy Shared Pathway Project Along Bligh Street. 
Regular Meeting With Superintendent Tim Chinn, Commander of the Orana Mid-Western Police District. 
Options to Repair the Crossing at Comobella Crossing on Saxa Road. 
Australia Day Planning for the Dates of the 2024 Ceremonies. 
Suggested Changes to the Code of Conduct Complaint System. 
The Voice to Parliament and Local Education and Information. 
Potential Compulsory Acquisition of Land by Council for Two Separate Locations. 
Proposed EOI for the Sale or Lease of Council Owned Land. 
Notice of Motion of Rescission in Relation to the AOD Rehab Facility. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Duke of Wellington Bridge Update, Details of Renewable Energy Projects, Express Your Opinion on Updating the Tree Preservation Order and Donate to Vinnies as Part of Councillors Sleeping Rough.

Correction for an Error Made in Episode 43 of the Podcast (Last Week). 
Orana Mid-Western Police District Awards Presentation Ceremony. 
CSU Portfolio Plan and Campus Master Plan. 
International Nursing Launch at the Dubbo Campus of CSU. 
Bowls NSW Met With Dubbo Clubs to Start Planning the State Championships for 2024. 
Latest Update on the Status of the Duke of Wellington Bridge. 
Councillors Attend a Refresher Training Course on Code of Conduct. 
Details of All Current and Planned Renewable Projects in the Region. 
Monthly Catchup With the Dubbo Business Chamber. 
Burrabadine Brigade’s 75th Anniversary and Medals Presentation. 
Call for Residents to Express Their Opinions on a New Tree Preservation Order. 
Applications Soon Closing for the Community Services Fund. 
Councillors Sleeping Overnight at the Old Dubbo Gaol as Part of the Vinnies Community Sleepout. 
To Donate: https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/vinnies-Community-Sleepouts/drc-Councillors 
Last Chance for Entries in the Dubbo Stampede as It Will Be Run on Sunday 27 August. 
Limerick of the Week. 

What Date Will Council Hold Australia Day Ceremonies in 2024? Is the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone About to Grow in Size? What Was the Outcome of the Meeting With the Hon Catherine King MP?

Judging Finalised for the New Rhino Designs. 
Expansion Announced for the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. 
The 22nd NSW Biennial Weeds Conference Held in Dubbo. 
An Update on the Comobella Crossing Across Mitchell Creek. 
Latest Meeting of the Aquatics Working Party With Belgravia Leisure in Attendance. 
Council Plans the Day of the Ceremony for Australia Day in 2024. 
Job Description for Councillors and Mayors. 
Attended the Regional Capitals Australia Board Meeting in Canberra. 
Met With Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy. 
Met With Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. 
Met With Staff of the Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories in Addition to Staff From the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. 
Random Meetings in Parliament House: Alan Joyce; Vanessa Hudson; Hon David Littleproud MP and Hon Mark Coulton MP. 
Limerick of the Week. 

International Aerial Firefighting Conference, Community Services Fund Is Now Open for Applications, Permanently Removing Fluoride From Our Water and Japanese Students Return to Minokamo.

Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever. 
International Aerial Firefighting Conference Held in Dubbo. 
Meeting Held With Schools in Sheraton Road to Discuss Progress. 
Farewell to the Japanese Students Returning to Minokamo. 
Parliament House Meeting: Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. 
Parliament House Meeting: Hon. Daniel Mookhey, MLC, Treasurer. 
Parliament House Meeting: Hon. Rose Jackson, MLC, Minister for Water, Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Youth, and Minister for the North Coast. 
Parliament House Meeting: Janelle Saffin, MP, Member for Lismore. 
Parliament House Meeting: Wendy Tuckerman, MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government and Shadow Minister for Small Business. 
RCNSW Board Meeting: 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. 
RCNSW Board Meeting: Hon. Tara Moriarty, MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales, and Minister for Western New South Wales. 
RCNSW Board Meeting: Business Case Update for the Regional Transport Pinch Point Program. 
Country Mayors Meeting: Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage. 
Country Mayors Meeting: Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales, and Minister for Western New South Wales. 
Country Mayors Meeting: Dugald Saunders MP, Leader of the Nationals, Shadow Minister for Regional NSW, and Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Natural Resources. 
Country Mayors Meeting: Wendy Tuckerman MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government and Shadow Minister for Small Business. 
Community Services Fund Is Now Open for Applications. 
Some Residents Would Like to Permanently Remove Fluoride From Our Water. 
Listener Question: Highway Entrances. 
Limerick of the Week. 

Destination Dubbo Funding Changes Explained, Tree Preservation Order Update, Community Services Funding Changes, Outcomes From Drug Rehab Facility Discussion and Wheelers Lane Stage One Opened.

New Council Chamber Officially Opened. 
Local Police Renew Their Commitment to Project Walwaay. 
Citizenship Ceremony Held in Wellington. 
SEGRA Conference Held in Toowoomba. 
Wellington Correctional Centre Visit for NAIDOC 2023. 
Official Opening of the Mumbil Public School Yarning Circle. 
Wheelers Lane Stage 1 Opened for Traffic. 
Circus Promotion Signage and Compliance Requirements. 
Council Meeting: Tree Preservation Order Community Consultation. 
Council Meeting: Community Services Funding Changes. 
Council Meeting: Funding Changes for Three Major Destination Dubbo Projects. 
Council Meeting: Matters for Consideration Around Provision of Land to NSW Health for AOD Rehab. 
Council Meeting: Forward Budget for Lions Park West Amenities Block Discussed. 
Limerick of the Week.