Council Update

Conversation with the GM

Top Tourism Town Awards 2026

Millthorpe is in the running for the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards in the Tiny Town category, with public voting now open. Local and visitors alike are encouraged to show their support and vote for the historic village.

Vote now: https://nswtourismassoc.kartra.com/survey/anmWRKOLCr9c

 Positions Vacant

Council currently has the following positions available:

• Cleaner (Casual). Applications close 12 April 2026.
• Parks and Recreation Operator. Applications close 12 April 2026.

Please refer to Council’s website for an Information Package and details on how to apply for these positions.

Council Meeting

The April Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held in the Chambers, Blayney Shire Community Centre, on Tuesday 28 April 2026, commencing at 6.00pm. Members of the community are welcome to attend. A copy of the Business Paper will be available on Council’s website prior to the meeting.

You can also tune in live at https://www.blayney.nsw.gov.au/council/council-meetings

Sculptures by the Bush

Sculptures by the Bush 2026 is currently underway! Explore the wonderful Hay Bale Art, Farm Art and Scarecrows dotted across the Blayney Shire landscape! This year, there are some ‘on the trail’ experiences that are taking place during the exhibition period. We encourage people, whilst out and about, to explore our towns and villages, go out for lunch, do some shopping or enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Blayney Shire.

The display period in on now and runs until Sunday 26 April 2026.

Visit our website for more information, maps and suggested trails. https://sculpturesbythebush.com/

Textures of One Art Exhibition

The Textures of One Art Prize 2026 is here, and this year’s motif — Nowhere / Somewhere — invites artists to explore landscapes real and imagined. From the places we call home to those we leave behind, long for, or dream into being, this year’s theme is full of possibility.

Whether you work in painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, digital art, or another medium, they would love to see your interpretation.

Key Dates:
Entries close: 11.59pm, Friday 17 April 2026
Opening and winner announcement: Friday 24 April 2026, 6pm to 8pm
Exhibition: 25 April to 10 May 2026

The 2026 exhibition will be held at Millthorpe School of Arts.

Prizes include the $1,000 Blayney Shire Council Acquisitive Prize and the $250 Loretta Kervin Encouragement Award for first time entrants.

Enter now: https://www.sidetrackarts.com.au/too-2026

Council Update

It is time to check your fire and smoke alarm With the end of daylight savings, it is a timely reminder to check your smoke alarm, because working smoke alarms help save lives.

NSW Fire and Rescue have developed a great ‘winter fire safety’ information page which includes a number of helpful check lists and videos, regarding; smoke alarms, escape plans, fireplaces and chimneys, heaters and electric blankets.

Did you know;

· Every winter in NSW, there are over 1,100 home fires resulting in 100 fire-related injuries?
· Many smoke alarms installed before or in the couple of years since 2014 are now starting to reach the end of their 10-year working life. Test your batteries and replace them if needed.
· You must have at least one working smoke alarm on each level of the home placed between bedrooms and living areas, it’s the law.

Carbon monoxide alarm

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, tasteless and colourless gas that cannot be smelled by humans. CO levels will rise in a home where a wood-fired heater is used.

A CO alarm is not a mandatory requirement; however given they can cost as little as $30 from hardware shops it would be well worth considering installing one.

Woodfire tips

Wood is a natural material, however when burned it produces particle pollution that can be harmful. You need to make sure your fire has enough air and is not left to smoulder overnight.

Here are some tips to keep your wood fire working efficiently and cleanly:

· Never burn household rubbish, driftwood or painted wood. Most old painted wood is likely to contain lead-based paint, and when burnt can produce poisonous gases;
· Ensure your wood is dry. Green or unseasoned wood contains up to 70% water, which causes smoke and costs you money;
· In winter, the highest concentrations of fine particles in the air occur after midnight caused by smouldering heaters overnight;
· Creosote can build up in the flue, resulting in inefficient burning and increasing the risk of a chimney fire so make sure you clean your chimney regularly.

We hope these simple tips will help you stay warm and safe this winter.