Dubbo has many strings to its bow but there is no doubt the constant visitation to our city is a major contributor to our economy. We are gaining an excellent reputation as a city that can host events from small to large. With accommodation variety and numbers; cafes and restaurants; superb attractions; the intersection of three highways and 168 flights per week direct to five different destinations, it is hard to argue against the logic of holding an event in Dubbo.
This weekend the 45th annual NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout will be held in Dubbo. With up to 15,000 players; coaches; ancillary staff and spectators coming to Dubbo for an average of three nights, our average calculation of $148 per person per night will result in approximately $6.66 million being injected into our economy over the weekend. Events of this scale are not only good for the economy but, with extensive coverage on NITV, it will again expose Dubbo to the nation. Success breeds success and we have more major events planned for next year where Dubbo will be the focus of the nation.
On a much smaller scale this weekend will be the Dubbo South High School 1985 Year 12 reunion being held at the Commercial Hotel. This was my year so I am looking forward to catching up with school friends from yesteryear – in the days when the lack of social media meant a lot less pressure on students.
This Sunday will see the final episode of the Evocities MTB Series coverage. Tune in to SBS ONE at 4pm to see the 1 hour highlights package. As one cycling event finishes, another is just beginning. On Monday, the biennial Toyota Tour de OROC will start from Wellington on the first stage of a 1,200km 6-day event. Robbie McEwen will be joining the ride for this stage so keep an eye out for him as we ride through Dubbo on the way to Warren.
A formal farewell to the University of Sydney School of Rural Health 2015 cohort. Their final exams were held last Thursday and I had the opportunity to say goodbye to them at a function on Thursday night. This group acquitted themselves particularly well and took on board my request to involve themselves in the community as much as they could. I hope the next students are as involved as this group.
I will post a few photos and videos to social media next week. Follow the MayorOfDubbo to view them.
Councillor Mathew Dickerson
Mayor of the City of Dubbo