Local news for local people
This week's Minute with Mayor McKibbin
March 26, 2026
Published on 26 March 2026
The Burraga Seniors Lunch was held at the Burraga Sport and
Recreation Club on Saturday 14 March 2026. The Burraga
Agricultural Bureau provides a free lunch for seniors. The lunch
is an opportunity for seniors living in Burraga to attend and
catch up with many seniors who return to Burraga for this lunch
as they were raised or born in the area. Dr Stella from Oberon
Medical service provided a presentation on the health issues
affecting seniors and how to prevent some of these afflictions.
Glenn Stewart gave a presentation on cybercrime and scams and
how to avoid being scammed or criminally infiltrated.
On Sunday 15 March 2026 the 100yr Commemoration of the O'Connell ANZAC Memorial Avenue of Desert Ash trees occurred. The commemoration commenced with a formal march from the O’Connell Hotel to the Recreation ground. The march was led by a light horse reenactment with Lieutenant Colonel Scott Ferguson, Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Luke Dancey, serving defence personnel, cadets and veterans following. A service was held at the war memorial at the corner of the O’Connell Recreation Ground. The service included a Catafalque and Colour Party, the unveiling of a bronze plaque on a pink granite rock, the planting of a Desert Ash tree, the Honour Roll being called by students of the O’Connell Public School, the Bathurst City & RSL Concert Band performing, a bugle tribute, wreath laying, blessing of the memorial rock and a Tiger Moth aircraft fly-past performing two loops over the Recreation Ground, and two passes over the Avenue of Trees. Commanding Officer of 1/19 RNSW Regiment LTCOL Scott Ferguson provided an overview of memorials throughout the country erected by families remembering the fallen from WW1. WW1 saw more deaths and casualties for Australia than any other war since. Paul Toole gave a history of the avenue and the families who it commemorated. Andrew Gee provided a history of the meaning of ANZAC day and how O’Connell’s Avenue of Trees was unique. Archdeacon Tim St Quinton blessed the memorial rock and plaque.
I am pleased to advise that Council’s Section 356 Donation Program is now open, with applications invited for the 20206/27 financial year. This program provides important support to local community groups, sporting groups and non-for-profit organisations and initiatives that deliver positive outcomes for our community. I strongly encourage eligible organisations to consider applying and take advantage of this opportunity to seek assistance for projects, events or activities that benefit the Oberon Local Government Area. For further information and the application form: Section 356 Financial Assistance Donation Program - Applications Open Oberon Council
I’d also like to remind you that Council’s 2026 community survey is currently open, and I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to have their say. Community feedback plays in important role in shaping Council’s priorities and future planning, and every response helps ensure decisions reflect the needs and expectations of our community. You can complete the survey here: Community Survey 2026 | Have Your Say Oberon.
Andrew McKibbin
Mayor
