This week's Minute with Mayor McKibbin

October 24, 2024

Council has commenced its new term with the first meeting held on Tuesday 15 October 2024. Councillors are being inducted and trained on Council procedures, meeting etiquette and the code of meeting practice and this will continue through

On Friday 18 October Oberon and Tarana Heritage Railway (OTHR) celebrated the completion of the laying of rail tracks to Hazelgrove funded with a Federal Government grant. The Federal member, Andrew Gee, and State member, Paul Toole were both present. OTHR is progressing with meeting all the regulatory requirements to operate its trains.

Last Saturday the community celebrated the opening of the Yarning Circle at the Common with an aboriginal smoking ceremony and aboriginal dancing. Council made the land available under a memorandum of understanding with the Pejar local Aboriginal Land Council and funding was provided by the Australian Government National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). Gary Moran of Oberon was engaged by Pejar to carry out the work.

The Yarning Circle is a place for reflecting, chatting through problems, telling stories, relaxing, and as a place for celebrations of Indigenous importance. It a shared space for all community members to use and enjoy. The nine sandstone blocks feature carvings of animals significant to the local area. Interpretive signage, which is to be installed soon, will explain the meaning behind each of the animal carvings.

Oberon Rodeo Association held its Bull Futurity event last Saturday at the Oberon Showground. A large crowd attended and there was plenty of action for the spectators. Music and dancing continued late into the night. There were some riders injured but I am happy to say they are all recovering well.

Oberon Tourist and Business Association (OBTA) will be hosting a forum at the Oberon RSL Club, commencing at 6pm on Thursday 24 October. The event is titled Our Town, Our Future Business Forum. Zac Rowlandson of Oberon Earthmoving will be providing a presentation on his business and Matt Armstrong from NBN Co will be talking about future proposed upgrades in the Oberon area.

The Oberon Outdoor Festival will commence on 2 November and go through to the beginning of December with a large number of proposed activities. The festival is a collaboration between Oberon Council and local stakeholders, featuring a variety of experiences for both visitors and locals. From family-friendly events like fishing competitions and outdoor movie nights, to more intimate activities such as historical tours, there's something for everyone to enjoy. For full details, head to the website: visitoberon.com

The Oberon Outdoor Festival activities occurring in the first half of November include:

• 2 Nov - FREE Movie at Black Springs Community Hall- Despicable Me 4.
• 2 Nov - Oberon Markets, Rover Car Club display, Sourdough Workshop at Essington Park
• 3 Nov - O’Connell Artisan Market
• 7 Nov - Botanical Printing Workshop at Essington Park
• 9 Nov - Guided Hike to Box Creek Falls in Kanangra Boyd National Park Sat
• 16 Nov - Villages Historic Tour of Black Springs, Burraga and Mount David region
• 17 Nov - Teddy Bear’s Picnic 10am-2pm

A reminder that any member of the Community can meet with me about issues concerning them in our Council area.

Andrew McKibbin
Mayor

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