Moving on: Three kickstart initiatives for Bilby

Refugee Resettlement

Bilby has been chosen for a refugee resettlement scheme, which will see the town welcome 20 families from Sudan. Federal government funding will provide for health, welfare and education support, as well as funding for the construction of permanent housing.

Renewable Energy

International wind energy provider, TrustWind, has recently relocated its Pacific Headquarters here in Bilby. TrustWind is looking to establish a 21-turbine wind farm on the outskirts of the town, in addition, the company will develop a tourist and education eco-centre that will provide workshops and tours of the facility.

Autumn Festival

The annual Autumn Festival has received a major boost with sponsorship from TrustWind, and a range of new diversity-focused workshops and events to celebrate Billby’s developing cultural diversity. In addition to the Green theme, sponsored by TrustWind, the Autumn Festival will showcase Bilby’s very own multicultural choir.

Mayor Kyle-Kennedy’s announcement here >>

Transcript of the Mayor’s speech here >>

 

Grassroots Communication back in Bilby

Helen Dimitriadis to get Streetlife jumping in Main St
The local community can look forward to some grassroots communication with Helen Dimitriadis back in Bilby. She has promised to get our Main Street jumping — a Streetlife Carnival each week from August to October.
Helen has worked before with the Bilby Business Association members, when she helped build up a BBA Strategic Plan for the next five years. This time, she will be running two workshops, one with business owners and one with the general community. Continue reading

Family Fitness First for Bilby

New leisure centre proposal
The family that plays together gets fitter — and that’s the purpose of our proposed new leisure centre.
It’s more than a leisure centre. This will become the heart of our active community. Bilby prides itself on the outdoor sports held at the Sporting Spot, this new leisure centre will enable our young athletes to get themselves fit out of season as well!
But it’s not just for the young ones. There will be programs for all ages, and competitive memberships to encourage the whole family to participate. Continue reading

Museum Upgrade

History on the March
Yes it’s true — history is coming alive at the Bilby Museum on Spellman Street. And some of your favorite TV characters from City Stresses Country Pleasures are going to be captured in this interactive exhibition.
Come along to the opening, it’s going to have everything. There’ll be some of the actors from the show, who have promised an entertaining historical reconstruction of Ben Travers and his capture by the local police. They are getting into the spirit of our Bilby Autumn Gold Festival running at the same time. Continue reading

New Regional Hospital for Bilby

Upgrading and updating to face the issues
It has come at last — the proposal has gone through and Bilby is getting a brand new state-of-the-art hospital.
Although Bendalong also put up a possible location, replacing its slightly dated current hospital, the Bilby proposal has been preferred. This will involve the development of a regional hospital, with a focus on specialist regional medical issues. Continue reading

Tidy Town Again?

…let’s clean up together
Bilby last won the Tidy Town award in 2003, and it’s about time we threw out the challenge to other towns again. So let’s take pride in our wonderful community, join one of the working bees and get involved.
What do we win?
Not only is there a framed certificate and official notice on our town’s sign, there’s also a cash incentive. This year the Tidy Town award includes a $2000 bonus to go towards the local event or monument of our choice. Any ideas? Continue reading

Daly Downs Provides Relief

Drought relief funds obtained by Bilby
It’s a great day for the farmers. The Minister for Infrastructure, Daly Downs, announced yesterday that the Bilby/Bendalong region is now eligible to apply for drought relief.
This has come after intensive lobbying by the mayors of both Bilby and Bendalong, and the presentation of figures indicating that a seven year drought has decimated the larger grazing properties.
Local farmer Sally Flattley indicated her concern. ‘I’ve been trying to get this relief over the last three years. Couldn’t sell my cattle, couldn’t feed them. Now there’s a chance I can stay on my family farm.’ Continue reading