Community News - Page 6

There are Community News stories in the archives.

Pieces about things happening in and around Oberon that involve or are of interest to the whole area.

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Media Release: The Pines Wind Farm to deliver long-term affordable housing for Oberon March 12, 2026 in Community One legitimate concern raised about the proposed wind farm near Oberon is the effect on housing when construction starts. There is already a shortage which affects employment at local businesses and an influx of a large number of workers for several years could put a severe strain on the market (and rental prices). See a proposal to address this problem here (and comments from the  Clean Energy Council and the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner)

International Women's Day March 12, 2026 in Community March 8 each year is International Women's Day, and this year Oberon celebrated with an afternoon tea at the Community Centre instead of the traditional formal dinner. See more about the day here

Fire safety fun for the young ones March 12, 2026 in Community On Wednesday, March 4, Oberon Emergency Services were invited to Circle Early Learning Oberon for "Local Heroes Morning Tea". It was a fantastic chance to answer some questions, help with arts and crafts and play some games. Everyone is looking forward to May for the Junior FireEd presentations for 2026. Circle Early Leaning had this to say: Thank you Fire and Rescue NSW Station 411 Oberon for attending our "Local Hero's Morning Tea" We truly appreciate your team taking the time to visit our service. The children loved asking questions, getting involved with the arts and crafts, and playing games with our real-life heroes!

The craft shop moves and having moved, sells on March 12, 2026 in Business and Community Updated May 21, 2026 There's been a shop selling local crafts and produce in a space now taken over by the Saddlery store. This has never been a perfect situation, and the crafts have now moved to a new home (and a new name - Crafters & Collectors @ 104) in the old Anglican Rectory at 104 Oberon Street. See a preview of the range here

2026 Oberon Shakespeare Festival - The Play's The Thing April 2, 2026 in Community and Entertainment You can't really have a Shakespeare Festival without a performance of one of his plays, and this year the 2026 Rotary Oberon Shakespeare Festival brought us Romeo and Juliet at the Malachi. A great performance of a great play and a fitting finale to a fine Festival. It will all be back next year, but in the meantime you can relive the night through some pictures. See the story of the night here

O'Connell's ANZAC Memorial Avenue Celebrates Its Centennial Anniversary March 5, 2026 in Community March 15 is a date that has to go in your diary, because that's the day that the Centenary of the O'Connell ANZAC Memorial Avenue will be celebrated. See the full story about the day's activities here

Diversity Day March 5, 2026 in Community Well, the weather wasn't great and the event had to compete with the Rodeo across the road for customers but Oberon's first Diversity Day was a success, highlighting the differences across the town that bring us all together and unite us. Read more and see some pictures here

The Autumn Garden Showcase is coming
February 26, 2026 in Community

It's coming up to that time of year again when some of Oberon's best gardens are opened to the public. Each year new gardens are added, because there's no shortage of places around the town to relax and admire the surroundings. This year the Festival is on April 18 and 19, so mark the dates in your diary. You can keep up to date at the Oberon & District Garden Club's Facebook page.

To whet your anticipation, have a look at last year's pleasures.

February 2026 Oberon Council Meeting February 19, 2026 in Community Updated February 26, 2026 February Oberon Council meeting. See a report on the meeting here

A new wave of romance scams is washing across the internet - here's how to stay safe
February 19, 2026 in Community and People

Scam warnings aren't a rarity here at Oberon Matters but this one is important. An Oberon resident is facing homelessness and bankruptcy because she has become the victim of a romance scam. The "lover" in question claims to be a major star in a big US TV series but she has to keep sending him money to cover some debts and to pay for his air ticket to Australia. Of course he always has an excuse for why he missed the plane. Friends have tried to intervene but she will not be convinced and even tries to find ways to get around caveats that helpers have had placed to prevent her selling her possessions.

This article from The Conversation puts the case for extreme caution and even more extreme skepticism.
See the article here

More information can be found at the Australian Government's Scamwatch site and from the Australian Federal Police.

126th Oberon Show February 19, 2026 in Community Oberon didn't turn on its best weather for the 126th running of the Oberon Show, with cloudy skies and the constant threat (and sometimes delivery) of rain. That didn't keep the crowds away and everyone there looked like they were having a good time. See lots of photos here

Celebrate the Avenue of Trees
February 12, 2026 in Community

Nobody who lives in or around Oberon could be unaware of the Memorial Avenue of Trees in O'Connell. 2026 marks the centenary of the planting of the first of these trees as a memorial to the local residents who served and the some who died in the First World War. The avenue has been maintained over the century with regular pruning and replacement of trees that have died, but there are still many of the original trees there.

On March 15 there will be a ceremony to celebrate the hundred years since the planting of the first tree and to remember those who went to war and never came back.

The ceremony will start at 10am with a walk along the avenue from the O'Connell Hotel. O'Connell Road will be closed to traffic between Beaconsfield Road and the hotel. The ceremony will include

• Attendance by a Notable Military Dignitary
• A Tiger Moth aircraft fly-past
• A stirring Light Horse re-enactment
• Planting of a Desert Ash tree, grown from original 100-year-old rootstock
• Unveiling of a commemorative plaque mounted on locally sourced pink granite
• Bathurst Air Cadet Group participation and Catafalque Party
• Bathurst City & RSL Concert Band performance
• A hauntingly poignant bugle tribute

This is the sort of thing that you really need to be there for.

A gentle reminder
February 12, 2026 in Community and Entertainment

New faces at the Fire Station February 12, 2026 in Community and People Fire and Rescue Station 411 at Oberon is always looking for new firefighters and a couple have come on board. Find the details here

There's a new club in town
February 5, 2026 in Community

Oberon has a new Probus Club (new because there was one here in the 1990s). The aims of the club are set out below.

Our Probus Club exists to bring together retired and semi-retired members of our community in a spirit of friendship, fellowship and fun. We provide opportunities to stay socially connected, mentally stimulated, and actively engaged in life after work. Through regular meetings, guest speakers, outings, and special interest groups, we foster companionship, encourage lifelong learning, and celebrate the joy of shared experiences. Our goal is simple: to enrich retirement by creating a welcoming space where friendships flourish and every member feels valued.

You can find out all you need to know about Probus Oberon at their web site.

Australia Day in Oberon, 2026 January 29, 2026 in Community and People It's that one day of the year again. Go here to see all the winners

First Edith Seasonal Markets for 2026 January 29, 2026 in Community There are lots of markets to choose from around the area, but a new one is one that has a bright future. The first Edith Seasonal Markets were held on a hot and windy January 10. See some more about this here

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