This week's Minute with Mayor McKibbin

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

On Friday 9th May I had the pleasure of launching the Oberon Museums "More Oberon Treasures" publication event. A committee from the museum interviewed 20 senior citizens about their life experiences and the changes in Oberon throughout their life.

These interviews are on the Oberon Museum website and are fascinating. Most of these "Oberon Treasures" were on hand for the launch with an overall attendance of over 90 people. Brian Dellow in his documented interview gave a humorous and entertaining history of his life as a vet in Oberon, with many unique experiences operating and treating animals under the eye of their owners. Ian Gordon's sporting prowess and his thespian talents came to the fore in his history. Pat Dwyer spoke of her life with her husband running a service station and funeral business. Norma Brien talked about how dairying and peas were important industries in Oberon. She worked for Jenolan Caves for a large part of her life. Kevin Webb provided insight into the history of Sydmouth Valley, his historic house, and his equestrian adventures.

The Oberon Land Use Study consultation period came to an end on Friday 16 May with considerable feedback from interactive community meetings across the local Government area. The last being O'Connell on 6 May where there was a well-attended session with considerable constructive feedback. The information gleaned from community meetings and online submissions will be presented to Council so that it can be used to design the future community planning controls in our villages and town.

During the week the Central West Joint organisation held a Teams meeting for Mayors and General Managers to share their experiences with renewable energy companies and to learn from other Councils experiences. The erection of windfarms in Forestry corporation managed softwood forests is divisive in the community. More consultation on a more unified approach to dealing with renewable companies in forests and on private land is to be coordinated.

The new Delivery Plan and Operational Plan will go on public exhibition following the Oberon Council meeting on 20 May 2025. I encourage members of the Oberon community to review the documents and provide input to Council. These plans set the strategic direction for Council for the next four years hence it is important members of the community contribute to the plans.

Upcoming events

Waste 2 Art entries open on May 16th. This year's theme is: Year of the toys.

lnner Wheel are holding a Trivia and Dance night at the Oberon Showground Hall on Sat 31 May. Tickets $40 per person includes dinner and entertainment from Clancy Pye with all funds raised going to Angelman’s Syndrome.

Clr Andrew McKibbin

Mayor

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