Reconnecting events branded a success

30 January 2024

Last week a series of art workshops were held at the Platform Arts Hub hosted by Sidetrack Arts. These workshops were the final events which were 100% funded under the Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Event Program (RRNSW).

This program announced by the NSW Government in March 2022 provided Blayney Shire Council with $239,641 specifically to host a series of community events.

Over the last 15 months, there was a total of 16 events held, some of which were spread over multiple days or weeks, with approximately 9,000 people attending the various events.

Council partnered with 20 different community groups and businesses across the Shire to host the events, some of which have since been added to the annual events calendar.

Mayor Scott Ferguson said the mix of events ensured there was an event for everyone.

“There were skateboarding workshops and movie nights for kids, live music, art exhibitions, and gardening workshops for adults as well as specific seniors morning tea and choir.”

“This funding allowed us to partner with various community groups to trial a series of different events, see what appeals to local residents and in many cases encouraged the volunteer organisers to themselves make it an annual event.”

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said he was glad to see the funding had been used effectively.

“Community events are what keep people together in regional centres like Blayney and these event have had such a positive impact on the community,” Mr Toole said.

“These events gave locals something to look forward to all year and gave everyone a chance to socialise and participate in the community.”

Events included;

• A Night in Neville, Movie Night and Markets – February and October 2023

• Blayney Harness Racing Family Fun Day – February 2023

• Blayney in the 80s – March 2023

• Blayney Twilight Shopping – December 2023

• Celebrate @ Centrepoint – December 2023

• Country Music Month Muster, Mandurama – October 2022

• Lyndhurst Village Fair – March 2023

• Millfest – February 2023

• Millthorpe Garden Guru Workshop – February 2023

• Millthorpe Skate Skills Workshop – January 2023

• Platform Arts Hub Exhibitions and Workshops – January 2024

• School Holiday Fun @ CentrePoint – October 2023

• Seniors Week Morning Tea and Choir – February 2023

• Spring into Art at Newbridge – October 2022 and 2023 (on again in 2024!)

• The Working Dog Challenge Trial & Sale at CTLX – October 2022

• Waste to Art Exhibition – July & August 2023

Stay up to date with community events here, or register a community event for promotion here.