Articles published in October 2026

First piles drilled in major milestone for Victoria Pass reinstatement
October 1, 2026 in General News

Someone was whining on Facebook a few days ago, complaining that no work was being done to reopen Victoria Pass. He was wrong, of course, but attempts to educate him failed. Here is the latest report from Transport for NSW, with a video showing that a lot is really happening.
Read the media release here and look at the moving pictures.

RFS recognises years of service
October 1, 2026 in People

The Rural Fire Service had ceremonies on September 26 to recognise the service that its members have provided over the years. Members from Oberon and surrounds figured prominently.
See the awards here 

We like it when firefighters just play cards all day
October 1, 2026 in Community

Everyone likes to keep busy, but there are some occupations which we all wish never had to do any work at all. One of these is Fire and Rescue. Last week, the firefighters in Oberon had almost too much work to do with two house fires only days apart.
See the story here

They Say They're Saving a Forest. They're Really Saving Coal.
October 1, 2026 in Opinion and General News

There's that old saying: "Follow the money". Social commentator Frackman Project has done a bit of research into what is going on around Oberon. It's worth a read.
Read the article here

Mayoral Message: Request for Respectful Debate
October 1, 2026 in Community and Opinion

The investigation into the feasibility of constructing and operating The Pines Wind Farm is a highly significant issue that has generated strong and differing views across our community. Mayor Andrew McKibbin asks for politeness and restraint.
See the Mayor's comment here

Year 12 students might feel anxious as exams approach. Here's what can help
October 1, 2026 in Schools

With final exams coming up, students might (probably will) be anxious about their results and what those results mean for the rest of their lives. This article from The Conversation might help with that anxiety.
See the article here

Schools settle down for the holidays. And the HSC.
October 1, 2026 in Schools

The week before the holidays and everyone is looking forward to a few days away from education. Except for Year 12, of course, who are looking forward with trepidation to the HSC exams. Good luck to all (although you probably don't need it).
See what happened here

Sport winds down for the season
October 1, 2026 in Sport

With almost all the sports reaching the end of their seasons, it was a week of presentations and looking back to 2026 and forward to 2027.
You can see some of the fun here

Another place to eat in Oberon
October 8, 2026 in Business

Have you ever got back to Oberon late in the evening (and even later now with Victoria Pass closed) and wanted to buy some food but everything seems to be closed? Well, now there's an answer because Emma Leggo has opened Emma's Takeaway, It's in the BP service station on Albion Street and it's open at the following times:

• Monday - Thursday: 6pm - 6am
• Friday: 6pm - Midnight
• Saturday: 10am - 1pm
• Sunday: CLOSED

And what about the food? Oberon Matters test drove a bacon and egg roll and some chips and the reviewer kept mumbling "Excellent!" through mouthfuls of bun. But you need to go there to see for yourself. Find out more at Emma's Facebook page.

While you're here, Emma lost her house in one of the fires a few days ago. You can help by going to https://gofund.me/f53b941d1 and throwing a few dollars into the collection bucket.

Excitement in the forests is coming to Oberon
October 8, 2026 in Sport

Forest rallying returns to Oberon with events on October 31 and November 14. On October 31, the Australian Motor Sport Action Group (AMSAG) will be holding a rally based on Black Springs. The service park will be the Avoca Reserve and the action will take place in Vulcan and Essington State Forests. The roads in these forests provide excellent action for both competitors and spectators. Two weeks later the Rally Car Club will be running the final round of the NSW Rally Championship. The service park and rally HQ will be at the Oberon Sports Complex with competition happening in Jenolan and Hampton State Forests.

If you want to get even closer to the action, both events require officials and you don't  have to have any specialised knowledge. Officials are always needed for road closures, timing control points and spectator control.

For more details contact AMSAG or the Rally Car Club. Better still, contact both of them.

Remembering the goodest dog
October 8, 2026 in General News

This week marks the tenth anniversary of the death of Cody, who was my best friend in the world when I moved to Oberon. This is something I wrote for the Oberon Writers' Workshop in 2019.
Read the story here

When most sport stops, the golfers don't
October 8, 2026 in Sport

Almost all sports have finished their seasons and celebrated with presentations, but the golfers just keep getting back out there doing a whatever it is that golfers do.
See the week's results here