Following its closure for nearly a month after the accidental death of a Council employee on Wednesday, July 2, Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre is again fully operational.

The tragedy involved a 61-year-old falling from a height after a performance of the Australian Ballet’s production of sections of the Nutcracker suite and other productions at the venue.

The worker is said to have suffered serious arm and leg injuries, and died following transportation to Dubbo hospital.

The site of the accident, however, has now been cleared for operation by Safe Work NSW, with Council thanking locals for their support and understanding.

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Simplified community funding now open

Featuring streamlined grant opportunities and one simple application system, Council’s new Community Funding Program is now open for applications.

The new process will allow organisations to apply for financial assistance for events, projects, programs or activities that deliver community benefit outcomes for residents in the Dubbo Local Government Area.

It replaces a plethora of previous programs which included the Community Services Fund, the Event Assistance Program, and the SPARC Support Grant Program.

“Council’s funding channels have been combined into one program to make it easier for the community to apply for funding,” Mayor Josh Black explained.

“The Community Funding Program is an opportunity to apply for financial assistance to secure resources, deliver services and coordinate programs for the betterment of our community.”

Applications must be submitted by Monday, September 1, to be considered for the first assessment period. Applications are accepted throughout the year, however, with two assessment periods annually.

“Community groups and organisations who have projects or programs starting before May 2026 should apply. These projects will be prioritised in the first assessment period," Cr Black explained.

"I encourage community groups and organisations to look at any upcoming projects and programs they may wish to seek financial assistance for. These projects should aim to help create, enhance or build community wellbeing and amenity,” Cr Black said.

The Bodangora Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund will still operate as a separate fund.

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Blocks in place as Theresa Maliphant “carpark” now closed

Drivers are creatures of habit, and that goes for finding any useful patch of ground for a convenient “car park”.

Council has had enough, however, and is installing sandstone block barriers at the Theresa Maliphant Park near Dubbo Base Hospital to prevent further vehicular access to the site and to allow the grass to eventually recover.

During the redevelopment of the Dubbo Base Hospital, car-parking space was reduced, with the park a convenient replacement for many drivers, Council explained.

As one might expect, this damaged both the lawn and associated irrigation works at the park which has now become muddy and slippery after rain or irrigation.

Drivers should not despair however, as the Hospital now has almost 1000 parking spaces available across the site with the Park no longer required for cars.