Blue Mountains News
Local Blue Mountains news updated throughout the day. Featuring news, sport, entertainment, media releases, lifestyle blog stories and more. You can also receive daily updates by subscribing to Fresh Air Daily.
Archive - June 2018
30 Jun 2018
Applications for Water Safety Grants Open
Stuart Ayres MP, Minister for Sport is encouraging local organisations with water safety initiatives to apply for state government funding to help prevent drowning deaths in the community.30 Jun 2018
Lithgow Blast Furnace Lights Up
With the completion of the final stage of lighting and amenities works, Blast Furnace is now open by night!29 Jun 2018
Australian Bushfire Building Conference Receives NSW Government Funding Boost
Member of the Legislative Council and Blue Mountains resident Shayne Mallard MP yesterday announced that the Australian Bushfire Building Conference is one of the first regional conferences to receive funds under the NSW Government’s Regional Conferencing Development Grants Program.29 Jun 2018
Support for the Q Theatre’s Long Table
Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith visited Penrith Performing & Visual Arts joining Nick Atkins, Director, New Work and Emele Ugavule, Associate Producer to announce funding support of $48,074 towards the Long Table.29 Jun 2018
Council to Explore Defence-Allied Industries After Meeting with Minister for Defence
Lithgow’s Mayor Stephen Lesslie, Deputy Mayor Wayne McAndrew and Cr Ray Thompson met with the Hon Marise Payne MP Minister for Defence on the 18th June 2018 in Canberra.28 Jun 2018
Mayor Responds to Minister’s Announcement of Public Inquiry
Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, has responded to the announcement today by the Minister for Local Government, Gabrielle Upton MP, to conduct a public inquiry into Blue Mountains City Council investigating allegations relating to asbestos management and organisational governance.28 Jun 2018
Mayor Welcomes Further Consideration by Local Government Minister
The proceedings commenced by the Council against the Minister for Local Government, Gabrielle Upton MP, were the subject of a short directions hearing on Tuesday, before the NSW Land and Environment Court.28 Jun 2018
Nominations Now Open for NSW Grandparent of the Year
Local residents are encouraged to celebrate the grandparents and older people in their lives ahead of Grandparents Day this October, by nominating them for an award or getting involved in local events in the community.27 Jun 2018
Blue Mountains In Bloom With All New Arts Funding From Create NSW
Member of the Legislative Council Shayne Mallard and Minister for the Arts Don Harwin yesterday announced that the Blue Mountains City Council will receive $25,789 to bring an innovative and creative arts and cultural project to the Blue Mountains community.27 Jun 2018
Learn to Swim Program at JM Robson Aquatic Centre
Term 2 of Council’s Learn to Swim Program at JM Robson Aquatic Centre is coming to an end and limited enrollments are available for Term 3.26 Jun 2018
Council Gives Thumbs Up to Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy
Blue Mountains City Council has endorsed the Draft Western Sydney Regional Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy that is expected to increase recycling and combat illegal dumping across the Western Sydney region.26 Jun 2018
Lithgow CBD Revitalisation Stage 1
The bulk of construction work being undertaken on the Lithgow CBD Revitalisation Project was completed last week allowing vehicular and pedestrian traffic to return to normal on Main Street and Eskbank Street.25 Jun 2018
Blue Mountains Tour Company Trip to WA
Towering waterfalls, rugged outback landscapes, ancient Aboriginal art and abundant wildlife. Discover the remarkable Kimberley Coast on the Christian Fellowship Tours (CFT) cruise of the West Australia area run by a local Blue Mountains tour company.25 Jun 2018
Ruby Productions Presents Arsenic and Old Lace
Arsenic and Old Lace, one of the finest comedies of multiple murder, was the play that put black comedy well and truly back on the theatrical map. It tells the story of two charming and gentle old ladies who poison their poor, orphan lodgers to save them from the sorrows of this world.25 Jun 2018
Can You Go Plastic Free This July?
Plastic Free July - by making some simple changes, we can make a difference.24 Jun 2018
Slow Down in My Street Campaign Keeps Local Roads Safe
Council is encouraging drivers travelling on Blue Mountains roads to Slow Down in My Street and make our local roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.24 Jun 2018
Council meets Minister and Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Local Government in Canberra
Lithgow’s Mayor Stephen Lesslie, Deputy Mayor Wayne McAndrew and Cr Ray Thompson met with the Hon. Dr. John McVeigh MP Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government and the Hon. Stephen Jones MP Shadow Minister in Canberra on Monday to discuss a range of matters common to the Lithgow LGA and Regional NSW.24 Jun 2018
These School Holidays Get the Kids Out of the House and Let Them Unleash Their Creativity!
Digital animation, charcoal drawing, clay modelling and hanging mobiles are all on offer these July School Holidays at Penrith Regional Gallery.23 Jun 2018
Local Hospitality Apprentices Wanted
Would-be hospitality workers can receive 5-star training in the region’s top hotels for free after the State Government scrapped TAFE fees for 100,000 apprentices, saving students about $2000 per course in order to combat the national trades drought.23 Jun 2018
TEMPORARY TRACK CLOSURE: Council Cleans Up Illegally Dumped Asbestos - Yondell Ave Fire Trail & Wiggins Track, Springwood
Council is responding to a find of asbestos containing material at this location in accordance with its Asbestos Management Plan and procedures and SafeWork NSW requirements as a priority.23 Jun 2018
Court Of Appeal: More Changes To Come
Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said, “The Court of Appeal has ordered a 7 day stay on the lifting of the injunction restraining the Minister for Local Government, Gabrielle Upton MP, from suspending the Council.22 Jun 2018
Lila Falls Bridge at Leura is Closed Until Further Notice
Lila Falls Bridge is closed from Thursday 21st June due to risk of collapse. Urgent repairs will commence.22 Jun 2018
NSW State Government Adds $775,000 to Council's Union Theatre Project
Mayor Stephen Lesslie welcomed the surprise announcement this week that the NSW State Government had contributed $775,000 towards the Union Theatre in Lithgow, adding to the $400,000 contributed by Lithgow ratepayers.21 Jun 2018
Hartley Vale Road Bridge Reconstruction
As part of the 2017/18 Timber Bridge Inspections program, a bridge on Hartley Vale Road, just outside the township of Hartley Vale has been identified as requiring urgent reconstruction to its failed sandstone abutments.21 Jun 2018
Council and Community Roll Out Dog Waste Bag Dispensers Across City
Blue Mountains City Council is working with the community to install dog waste dispenser bags in dog off leash areas, sportsgrounds and parks, one of the key actions and recommendations of the Dogs in Public Spaces Strategic Plan (DIPS).21 Jun 2018
Support for Local Project to Tackle Youth Unemployment
Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith on Monday announced that Wentworth Community Housing of Penrith had progressed to the second stage of a $10 million NSW Government funding program to help tackle youth unemployment in the region.20 Jun 2018
Mallard Welcomes Court of Appeals Decision on Blue Mountains City Council
The Court of Appeal this morning has ruled an injunction sought by Blue Mountains City Council restraining Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton from acting on her Notice of Intention to suspend the council over the asbestos management issue should not have been granted. Government Member of the Legislative Council and Blue Mountains resident Shayne Mallard MP said that the court of appeal ruling is an embarrassing loss for Blue Mountains City Council.20 Jun 2018
Blue Mountains Benefit from NSW Budget
The NSW Liberal Government released the 2018/19 Budget with a record $3.9 billion surplus and no net debt. Included in the budget is record investment in families, communities as well as infrastructure.20 Jun 2018
World-Renowned Mountaineer Conrad Anker Visits Australia for Speaker Series
The North Face announces The North Face Speaker Series Australia, welcoming Conrad Anker, Captain of The North Face Global Athlete Team, on his first visit to Australia to present an inspiring presentation in Sydney and Melbourne – Conrad Anker: A Life in Adventure.20 Jun 2018
Free to Roam Exhibition Opening – Natasha Daniloff and Raewyn Proctor
“Have you been to Hill End?”“No.”
“Then we must do a painting trip there. You’ll love it!’
20 Jun 2018
Don’t Miss the Katoomba Solstice Celebration
Join us at our Katoomba Solstice Celebration on Saturday, 23 June 2018. The FREE multi-venue family-friendly celebration is on in the Katoomba CBD from 11am to 5pm.19 Jun 2018
Blue Mountains Family Business Ushers in New Era for Sydney Harbour Bridge
Hammons Holdings, which operates Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, has won the bid to operate tourism activities on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, consolidating the local family-owned business’ position as a leader in the Australian tourism landscape.19 Jun 2018
Nepean Blue Mountains Service Providers Share in $159 Million Health Grants Program
Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the news that two non-government organisations (NGOs) who provide important health services for the Nepean Blue Mountains community will receive a share of the $159 million NSW Government health grants program.18 Jun 2018
Update: Temporary Closure - Fern Bower Walking Track - Blue Mountains National Park, Leura
Temporary closure for walking track repairs.Wednesday 30th May – Saturday 23rd June 2018.
18 Jun 2018
Poetry Slam At Katoomba Library
Get set for another night of spoken word excitement at the Blue Mountains Heat of the ‘2018 Australian National Poetry Slam’.17 Jun 2018
Support for Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Football Club
Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith joined Peter Foster, President and Alan Harding, Vice President of the Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Football Club to announce a grant of $10,000.16 Jun 2018
NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize Back For 2018
The Parliament of NSW encourages all artists to enter this landscape painting prize, with finalists and semi-finalists exhibited at the Parliament of NSW, Sydney in October 2018.16 Jun 2018
Caravan Rego Reductions on the Way for Motorists
Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith is encouraging grey nomads, families and adventurers to take advantage of a 40 per cent reduction in their caravan or camper trailers registration, following the NSW Government’s decision to ease travel costs for caravanners.15 Jun 2018
Local Youth Organisations Encouraged to Apply for NSW Government Funding
Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith is urging local youth organisations to apply for a share of $1.5 million Youth Opportunities grant funding.15 Jun 2018
Hello Tut Tut + Special Guests Devil on the Rooftop in Concert at The Metropole Guesthouse
Hello Tut Tut are dynamic and daring when it comes to creating original music. Tapping into their European roots, the band has a fresh take on the Klezmer, Balkan, Gypsy and Latin musical traditions.14 Jun 2018
Floodplain Management Grant for Blue Mountains Council
Member of the Legislative Council and Blue Mountains resident Shayne Mallard MP yesterday announced Blue Mountains Council has received $29,333.33 for local floodplain management through the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management grants program.14 Jun 2018
The June 2018 Arts Trail is Almost Here!
Artists from Woodford to Mount Victoria in the Blue Mountains will open their studio doors to the public for the Blue Mountains Arts Trail on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June 2018.13 Jun 2018
Expressions of Interest Invited for Lithgow Halloween 18
Plans are currently underway to make Lithgow Halloween 18 the best Halloween yet and Lithgow Tourism would like you to be involved.12 Jun 2018
Slow Food Blue Mountains Ask You to Raise Your Fork Against Climate Change
Slow Food Blue Mountains (SFBM) invites our dynamic Blue Mountains community to get involved with their Creating Solutions Campaign around the central theme… LET’S GET MEAT OFF CENTRE PLATE!12 Jun 2018
Rusty Metal, Nuts and Bolts Sculpture Exhibition by Lyn Doherty at Lithgow Library
A lifetime passion for antiques, junk and digging old tips for bottles and artifacts has evolved into a creative endeavour for local artist and musician Lyn Doherty. The quirky sculptures that are the result of Lyn’s ideas will be on display at Lithgow Library from 2 to 31 July 2018.11 Jun 2018
Art Borne From the Night Skies!
The universe is commonly described as beautiful by astronomers and gazed upon in wonder by many. From the smallest subatomic particles to the largest clusters of galaxies, the universe is both a hostile and beautiful masterpiece.11 Jun 2018
Blaxland TAFE NSW Student Wins Silver at Worldskills
Blaxland TAFE NSW student, Mark Blewden was awarded with a Silver medal in front of hundreds of his peers from across the country, at the WorldSkills Australia 2018 National Championships Closing Ceremony in Sydney on June 5.10 Jun 2018
‘The Long Road From a Broken Heart’ Author Talk by Jeremy Scott at Lithgow Library
An author talk with a difference is coming to Lithgow Library on 4 July 2018 at 11am. ‘The Long Road From a Broken Heart’, tells the story of Jeremy Scott as he undertook a bicycle ride from London to New Zealand.10 Jun 2018
Letters to Lindy - One of the Most Compelling Legal and Human Dramas of Our Time
Filled with humour and heartbreak, this stunning work, Letters to Lindy, by award-winning playwright Alana Valentine (Parramatta Girls, Head Full of Love) explores the public's relationship with Lindy Chamberlain - one of 20th century Australia's most iconic figures.9 Jun 2018
Council Scores Well in Community Satisfaction Research
Blue Mountains City Council received a positive report card from its 2018 Community Survey which indicates a high level of community satisfaction with the performance of Council.9 Jun 2018
Hazelbrook Station Set to Benefit from $133 Million Transport Investment
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance have announced NSW Budget 2018 includes a further $133 million in the next financial year for the Transport Access Program.8 Jun 2018
$1.5 Million in Grants to Improve Heritage Buildings’ Energy Efficiency
Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has announced applications for $1.5 million in grants to make the State’s heritage items more energy efficient open today, Friday, 8 June 2018.8 Jun 2018
Event Management Scholarship Awarded to a Blue Mountains Local
Member of the Legislative Council and Blue Mountains resident Shayne Mallard MP announced that Maddie Dean from Leura is the successful recipient of a scholarship in a Diploma of Event Management, funded by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.7 Jun 2018
Closing Soon – 2018 Community Building Partnership Grants
Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today reminds community groups to apply for the 2018 Community Building Partnership program.7 Jun 2018
Local Artists Exhibit at Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest
Winter is here and it is time to find more indoor activities to nurture our soul during the colder months.6 Jun 2018
Planning for Return of Winter Magic Festival in 2019
Blue Mountains Economic Enterprise (BMEE) is set to work with the Winter Magic Festival Committee, after Blue Mountains City Council outlaid $80,000 to ensure the future of the event.6 Jun 2018
Penrith Home For NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Senator for Western Sydney and Minister for Defence Marise Payne today joined Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan in Penrith for the official opening of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission.5 Jun 2018
Winter Wonders For Kids And Their Adults!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and The 78-Storey Treehouse4 Jun 2018
Rollout of LED Streetlighting
Lithgow City Council resolves to replace the Local Government Area’s 1,490 Mercury Vapour Street Lamps with LED technology.3 Jun 2018
NDIS Open House Workshop to be held in Lawson and Lithgow
The NDIS Open House Workshop is designed to help people with a disability, as well as their support networks get ready for their First Plan Conversation, understand how to implement their NDIS plan and learn how to prepare for their schedule review.2 Jun 2018
Council Response to Independent Asbestos Investigation
The Council endorsed its preliminary response to the independent asbestos investigation and the release of information from the final investigation report at this week’s Council meeting.2 Jun 2018
Portland’s Silo Artwork Completed
Artist Guido Van Helten has put the finishing touches on his silo artworks in the historic town of Portland.1 Jun 2018
Mayor Leads Opposition to NSW Government Housing Code
Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill is leading the Council’s efforts to seek an exemption to the NSW Government’s new Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code to protect the residential character of the Blue Mountains.1 Jun 2018
Stop All Domestic Violence Art Exhibition at Lithgow Library
The work of Domestic Violence advocate Sue Day Banham will be on display at Lithgow Library from 2 to 31 July 2018.1 Jun 2018