A Minute With Mayor McKibbin - 5 June 2025
Published on 05 June 2025
The Central NSW Joint organisation is an organisation that supports 11 Councils in the Central West including Oberon, Lithgow, Blayney and Bathurst and 2 County Councils being Central Tablelands Water and Central Tablelands Weeds Authority. The lobbying and purchasing power that this organisation has developed provides significant benefit to all member Councils. It is the most active and successful amongst any of the Joint organisations in NSW. This has largely been due to the dedication and commitment of its Executive Officer Jenny Bennett who has worked for the organisation and its predecessor Centroc for over 20 years. Jenny is retiring in June and Oberon at its meeting on 20 May passed a resolution thanking Jenny for her outstanding service and wishing her all the best in her retirement.
Councillor Robbie Lee was inaugurated as a new Councillor at the 20 May meeting, following the Countback election process that was undertaken to fill the vacancy left by Councillor Michael Crye. The new Oberon Sports Complex is due for completion in June and Council has established a subcommittee to consider the management and operation of the facility. Oberon needs to ensure this facility provides a true benefit to the community and its sporting organisations including Rugby League, but it also needs to be operated efficiently and at minimal cost to Council. Council will launch an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify qualified individuals or organisations (such as Oberon Rugby Leagues Club) to operate the licensed club facilities at the Sports Complex. The EOI will assess applicants on experience, financial management, community engagement, legal compliance and alignment with Council policies [AM1] . Authority to manage this process has been delegated to the General Manager and Working Party.
An investigation into revenue Council has foregone by allowing the use of its facilities (such as sports and community venues) free of charge, or by providing in-kind support through labour and services. The aim is to fully understand the value of Council’s contributions to organisations and to more fairly assess any cash contributions made through Section 356 Grants. This will also inform decisions about whether any fees should be introduced. Council has agreed that this strictly economic analysis must be balanced with an understanding of the financial, psychological, physical, and social benefits that community members gain from activities run by these organisations.
Council is applying for a grant to install solar panels on 3 facilities and a battery in one of those facilities. Council is required to contribute 50%. Council previously requested greater detail on the payback period with a worst, median and best-case scenario provided. Despite the payback period on review being approximately 4.5 yrs for the median, the grant application has been submitted.
NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, has recently undertaken an investigation of Rural Fire Service (RFS) Assets on Council asset register. Councils have argued these assets should be owned by RFS not Councils. The investigation upheld Councils position. Whilst not improving the cash position of Councils it does mean the total depreciation allowance in Councils expenses is reduced allowing councils to make a profit or reduce their loss.
Council’s Integrated Planning & Reporting (IP&R) document suite remain on Public Exhibition until Friday 20 June. These documents outline key elements of Council’s direction for the years ahead, particularly the next financial year, including the annual budget projection, waste strategy and operations, proposed changes to fees and charges, the 2025/26 rating structure and planned major projects. Community members are encouraged to review the documents and provide feedback via Council’s engagement portal at www.haveyoursay.oberon.nsw.gov.au
Upcoming events
- Waste to Art 2025. Everyone from local schools and the wider community is invited to take part in the Waste to Art exhibition. This year's theme is "Year of Toys" – create art from broken or discarded toys. Entry forms are available at Oberon Library, Visitor Centre, and Council Chambers. Alternatively make a request library@oberon.nsw.gov.au
- Free Cyber Awareness Workshops for seniors delivered with support from NBN, NSW Police, Bendigo Bank, and Financial Counsellor Glen Stewart. Covers online safety, scams, fraud prevention, and general tech help.
Dates & Locations:
- Wednesday, 18 June – Black Springs Hall
- 4–6pm: Tech Help
- 6–8:30pm: Cyber Awareness Workshop
- Thursday, 19 June – Oberon Library
- Day session:
- 9–11am: Tech Help
- 11:30am–2pm: Cyber Awareness Workshop
- Evening session:
- 3–5pm: Tech Help
- 6–8:30pm: Cyber Awareness Workshop
- Contact: Oberon Council Community Services Team on 02 6329 8156 for details or to book
- Bonfire & Fireworks Night at Oberon Golf Club
Sunday, 8 June 2025 – gates open from 4:30pm
Fireworks show at 8:00pm
Enjoy live music from local band Time to Be Frank
Clubhouse open till late for food, drinks, and entertainment
Tickets: $10 per adult, kids under 18 free
A great night out for the whole community – don’t miss it!
- Oberon Outreach Hub June 2025 helps isolated communities access vital services and support including health nurses, financial counsellors, and the mobile library.
Dates & Locations:
- Black Springs – Wednesday, 11 June
10am–2pm at the Community Hall
Health checks, support services, and community connection
Flu & COVID shots, shingles (65+), pneumonia (70+) from 10–11am
Morning tea provided.
- Burraga – Saturday, 14 June
11am–2pm at the Sports Club
Health services, library access, and rural support
Flu, COVID, shingles (65+), and pneumonia (70+) from 1:30pm
Morning tea provided.
For info, contact Sonia Cox – 0448 125 676.
- Christmas in July Dinner – Black Springs
Join the Black Springs Community Association Inc. for a cozy Christmas in July Dinner on Friday, 19th July, kicking off at 6 PM for a 6:30 PM start.
Enjoy a three-course feast featuring:
Starters: Cheese, nibbles, pâté, and dips
Main: Traditional roasts with all the trimmings
Desserts: Sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce, plum pudding with custard, and trifle
Plus, there’ll be trivia and music/karaoke to keep the festive spirit alive!
Tickets are just $40 for adults, $20 for kids, or $100 for a family.
All proceeds go to support the Black Springs Community Association.
For bookings or more info, email blackspringsca@outlook.com or call 0400 621 908