Council Update.

We don’t call it "the friendly west" for nothing!

So, if you’ve recently made the (wise) move to the Dubbo region, you’re graciously invited to attend a New Resident Night on Tuesday, September 16, at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.

Hosted twice a year by council, these events are designed to help people who are new to the region feel “informed, supported and part of the local community”.

Craig Shannon and his family moved to Dubbo in November 2024 and attended the New Resident Night in March this year and recommends it for all new chums to town.

“Going to the New Resident Night made us feel right at home. Meeting friendly faces and hearing local stories gave us a real sense of the community’s support and how we can get involved,” Mr Shannon said.

“The night made us feel even more confident and excited about our move to the Dubbo region,” he added.

As well as council bods, representatives from community groups, service providers, sporting clubs and volunteer organisations attend to answer questions and highlight how people can get involved in the community.

“If you’re new to the region, I encourage you to come along,” Mayor Josh Black said. “This night is a great way to get to know the community and see what’s out there.”

This is the second event for 2025, he revealed, after the success of the first showing earlier in the year.

“At the last New Resident night in March, a bunch of people came up to me just to say how much they appreciated having an event like this. It really helped them feel welcomed and a bit more settled,” Cr Black said. “It’s those conversations that make these nights such a highlight. I love hearing people’s stories and seeing how excited they are to be here.”

The event is family-friendly and offers a relaxed and informal setting, is free to attend, with registrations required for catering purposes as light refreshments are served on the night.

Council also provides a New Resident Guide for arrivals “packed with essential information to help residents settle into their new region and connect with the local community”.

Local businesses, sporting groups, schools and community organisations are also encouraged to register a stall, providing a great opportunity to showcase what they offer and connect directly with new residents.

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Call-out to accountants: new reps wanted for Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

It may not be the most exciting offer you’ve ever had, but those with strong accounting backgrounds are now being sought to help oversee council’s financial good standing, proper accountability and probity.

Council is calling for nominations from “interested and qualified persons” to be independent members of their Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

This committee receives reports from staff and provides independent assurance to the council by monitoring, reviewing and providing advice about council’s governance processes, compliance, risk management and control frameworks, external accountability obligations and overall performance.

While it may not be quite as enticing as being invited on the first SpaceX flight to Mars, there are some small financial compensations for those who sign up.

“Current remuneration rates are $1331 per meeting for the Committee Chairperson, and $1100 per meeting for the remaining independent members,” council revealed, with three independent reps being sought, one of whom will be selected as the Chair.

The successful committee members are to have a strong background in public sector governance as well as the ability to critically assess complex information, communicate effectively, and engage constructively with committees, executives and auditors.

They will, ideally, also have experience serving on boards with financial oversight and know-how to "ask the right questions to ensure accountability".

Membership is on a two-year term from November 2026 until October 2027, with the committee meeting at least five times per year. Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Thursday, September 11.