New citizens welcomed at Wentworth Shire
Four Wentworth Shire residents were conferred as our newest Australian citizens at Council’s chambers on 17 August.
Ratana Ponham (Thailand), Ranie Medaglia (Philippines), Maeva Lopez (Spain) and Vinicius Leao (Brazil) were granted their Citizenships at the ceremony held before the August Ordinary Council Meeting.
To mark the special occasion the four were gifted a Native Australian plant and a commemorative citizenship coin by Wentworth Shire Council.
“It is a great honour to welcome Ratana, Ranie, Maeva and Vinicius as citizens of this great nation,” Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Tim Elstone said.
“We wish them well for their futures here in Australia and the Wentworth Shire.”
National Tree Day
One hundred new trees were planted on the Silver City Highway near the Wentworth Aerodrome as part of this year’s National Tree Day celebrations on Thursday.
While National Tree Day is traditionally the last Sunday in July, and Schools Tree Day the last Friday in July, Pomona and Wentworth public schools got an early start this year.
The day was coordinated by Western Landcare NSW Local Landcare Coordinator – Wentworth Vanessa Anderson with the assistance of Wentworth Shire Council’s Parks and Gardens team.
“I think the day went extremely well, the weather was perfect and the children were really engaged,” Mrs Anderson said.
“They really did enjoy it, being outside, getting their hands dirty which is what it was all about.”
The planting was also attended by Wentworth Shire Councillor Brian Beaumont and Local Land Services Biosecurity Officer Lynda Watson.
Mrs Anderson said she planned to make the tree planting an annual event, involving other schools in the district and other parts of the Shire.
Declaration of Councillor Election count back result
The New South Wales Electoral Commission has announced Jane MacAllister as the successful candidate in the count back to fill the vacancy created following Councillor Greg Evans’ resignation in June.
Cr MacAllister previously served on Council between 2016-2021.
“On behalf of my fellow Councillors and staff we look forward to working with Jane to continue representing our community and delivering positive outcomes for the residents of Wentworth Shire,” Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Tim Elstone said.
Willow Bend Caravan Park update
Underground asset services are ready to be undertaken at the Willow Bend Caravan Park site in readiness for the much-anticipated project to move forward.
Following internal Council resources completing the earthwork for the park’s foundation a local contractor in Wall Constructions has been engaged to help progress the major infrastructure upgrade.
In conjunction with contractors, internal council resources will construct retaining walls and install concrete RV pads and footpaths throughout as well as road infrastructure.
Works are scheduled to commence in August to be completed in early 2023 in preparation for the Caravan Park to be operational at Easter that year.
Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Tim Elstone said the prospect of a completed Willow Bend Caravan Park was exciting for the entire Shire.
“Having an accommodation site of that size reopened and able to catch the many visitors who pass through is going to help boost the economy of our entire Shire,” he said.
“I look forward to the local contractors being able to deliver a spectacular Caravan Park in conjunction with Council’s Works teams that will continue to be a focal point for our tourism industry.”
Wentworth Long Day Care Centre update
Construction works are continuing at the site of the Wentworth Long Day Care Centre and Preschool in Murray Street, Wentworth.
The project is a major revamp of the existing Preschool which will further expand its services to meet the community’s needs, accommodating a new entrance and foyer, office, two daycare rooms, staff room and amenities.
Windows and plasterboard have been installed, with the brickwork nearing completion in preparation for rendering.
“To see the building finally coming together is a realisation of a significant amount of hard work across the local community,” Wentworth Preschool staff and the Wentworth Preschool and Long Day Care committees said in a joint statement.
“From those early committee members lobbying to get the idea for the centre going to the period now of transitioning to operations the combined effort of all involved has been significant. The benefit the centre will have not only for the younger children and their parents of Wentworth and District, but also the added structural support for the great team already operating the preschool is incredibly exciting”
Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Tim Elstone toured the facility last week to inspect the progress and was looking forward to its expected impact on the local community.
“When this centre is completed it will provide great benefit to parents who have had to take their children out of town for care while they work,” Mayor Elstone said.
The extension of the existing Wentworth Preschool site is anticipated to be finished in September and is being conducted by CPM Building Contractors, with funding from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, Wentworth and District Bendigo Bank and major contributions from the Wentworth Shire Council, David and Liz Dawes, Bob Jolley and the Wentworth community.
The Preschool’s Facebook page has up to date information or please contact the Preschool on 5027 3067 for all Enrolment Expressions of Interests or by email to wentypre@bigpond.net.au.
Come along to the Wentworth Winter Art Festival
Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Tim Elstone encourages all to come along to the Wentworth Winter Art Fest on Sunday 31 July.
The festival will run from 10:00am until 3:00pm and see Darling Street transformed into a hive of activity for the occasion, with kids art classes, fantastic demonstrations, market stalls, food vans and live entertainment.
“Wentworth has a terrific local arts scene and it will be great to showcase that to the public,” Mayor Elstone said.
“After missing out on a lot of events in the past two years this is the chance to get out and enjoy a day with friends and family.”
Please note Darling Street, Wentworth, will be closed between Sandwych Street and Adelaide Street for the Wentworth Winter Art Fest on Sunday 31 July. The closure will be between 9:00am-3:30pm, with detours in place.