Classical ballet, but not as you know it; the search starts for Dubbo’s revived position of general manager; residents being offered a free flight if they contribute to future plans for Dubbo Airport; and the Victor Chang School Science Awards is heading west; are among the latest news from local government in the Orana region.

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Comic “Duck Pond” take on Swan Lake

Feathers – Council’s media release promises – will (figuratively) fly in an “exuberant take” on the classic ballet Swan Lake at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC) in November.

From the comic performance group, Circa, “Duck Pond” is a circus-inspired reimagining of Swan Lake. The show “takes ballet’s most-beloved classic and flips it on its head…Duck Pond is a high-octane fusion of beauty, comedy, and jaw-dropping skill.”

Featuring 10 performers and a blend of acrobatics, contemporary dance, and aerial artistry, the production is “full of Circa’s physicality blended with some cheeky humour and contemporary energy”.

“The acrobatics in Duck Pond are just amazing and we really look forward to bringing this show to our audience,” DRTCC Performing Arts and Venue Coordinator Tiffany Rowland said.

“It’s such a large complex show and our team have worked closely with the producer and their staff to ensure the show was suitable for our theatre,” she added.

Tickets are now on sale for the Saturday, November 1 show.

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Recruitment underway for new-old of general manager position

Many locals would remember Dubbo’s first and only general manager, Tony Kelly, who held the position from 1994 until his retirement in late 2004.

With the position later recreated as that of CEO (Chief Executive Officer), Council has gone back to the past, under a requirement to the Local Government Act, to now seek a new General Manager to replace leaving CEO, Murray Wood.

Wood will soon head to the sunny north coast to lead the administration of Coffs Harbour Council, finishing up here in late November.

The recruitment panel for the new position will consist of Mayor Josh Black; councillors Kate Richardson, Pam Wells, and Matt Wright; and an “external independent”.

The Mayor told locals that the recruitment process would ensure shortlisted candidates are of the highest calibre.

“It’s a really exciting time for our community and we are looking for a person who is able lead our staff into the future,” Cr Black enthused.

“As a council we represent a wide area with our strength in the diversity of our people, our culture and our aspirations,” he added.

Cr Black confirmed that the decision to revert to the position of General Manager rather than CEO was made by councillors to align the role to the Local Government Act 1993.

“We are seeking someone who can build on the strong processes already in place,” His Worship said.

“Someone who can provide a strategic clear direction and work in partnership with our many stakeholders, ensuring our organisation continues to perform at its best,” Cr Black concluded.

Applications for the General Manager position will close on Monday, November 3 with the position expected to be determined by the end of the year.

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Free flight prize for local’s airport comments

Dubbo Regional Airport (DRA) is inviting the community to provide feedback into airport operations in its biennial community survey, with a prize for one lucky local.

The feedback gathered in the survey, Council’s media release states, “will be used to optimise the passenger experience at the airport, and ensure the services and facilities offered continue to meet the needs of the Dubbo Region community and visitors”.

Ratepayers and residents who complete the survey, will also go into the draw to win a $500 flight voucher. “If you’ve recently used the airport, we’d love to hear from you,” Mayor Josh Black said.

“Your feedback is important to us, and with the chance to win a Flight Centre gift card, there’s no reason not to have your say,” he added.

For those who think that airports are simply places that planes land and take off from, DRA Manager Matthew Linsley-Noakes said that, no, they need to “constantly evolve to meet the changing transit needs of residents and visitors”.

“Checking in with the community every two years allows us to gather critical passenger insights into our operations at the airport,” Linsley-Noakes said in an apparent unintended pun.

“These insights allow us to continue delivering service excellence, and pinpoint areas for further optimisation to make your journey even better,” he added.

The survey closes in mid-December with the data collected to remain anonymous.

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Victor Chang School Science Awards go west

One of our State’s most beloved surgeons – before his untimely death in 1991 – Victor Chang is commemorated locally with the Victor Chang School Science Awards.

In good news for our western brethren, Council’s most recent Standing Committee meeting agreed to expand the program by inviting schools in both Narromine and Gilgandra Local Government Areas to participate in the program from 2026.

The statewide awards recognise outstanding Year 11 STEM scholars from local schools, and seek to celebrate exceptional student achievements in the field.