Easy to do Business program
We will partner in Service NSW’s Easy to do Business program for those opening or expanding a small business, to streamline the process. The program will enable a business to register, obtain an ABN and provide guidance in relation to necessary Council approvals. For example, those looking to start up a café, restaurant or small bar will be able to:
Attain a unique digital profile that helps fast track the approval process across all levels of government.
Receive the support of a dedicated Business Concierge who can answer questions, liaise with Council and review applications to ensure they are ‘decision ready’.
Receive step-by-step guidance through the application process, and
Know upfront the time, fees and effort involved in starting a business.
Outstanding citizens recognised
We recognised local citizens for their outstanding contribution to the community on Australia Day. Citizen of the Year was awarded to George Winston, who is a founding member of the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group. He works tirelessly to provide emotional and practical support for refugees, and to campaign for justice and human rights for refugees in Australia. Adisen Wright was awarded Young Citizen of the Year. In 2017, he was an integral part of the Vote Yes campaign for the LGBTQI marriage equality survey, where he encouraged those in his community to participate in democracy and to make their vote count. Also, Community Achievement of the Year was awarded to Blackheath Community Op Shop, led by David O’Brien and run by volunteers. Award recipients are pictured with Australia Day ambassador Graham Ross and Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill. Get more information
Library Lovers’ Day
Blue Mountains Library is inviting book lovers to celebrate Library Lovers' Day on 14 February by visiting a local Library branch. Free heart-shaped chocolates will be on offer and enter this years’ Library Lovers’ Flash Fiction Competition for your chance to win a book-pack. We had over 450,000 visitors through the doors of our library branches in 2017/18 and the Library held over 560 programs throughout the year. So, visit your local Blue Mountains Library branch on Library Lovers’ Day and take advantage of the huge range of resources, information and welcoming spaces our branches offer. Get more information
Celebrating our seniors
We’re celebrating older people in the Blue Mountains in February, with a month-long program of activities. The theme for 2019 focuses on ‘Love your life’. It is about promoting inclusive communities by providing a range of opportunities for seniors to make new friends, get together with old friends and try new things. The annual Blue Mountains Seniors Recognition Awards, to be held on 26 February, are also an important part of the annual festival. The awards acknowledge the contribution that individuals and organisations have made to seniors in our community.
Nominate someone today! Get more information Download the Seniors Festival Program
Targeting illegal dumping
Council has joined the Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squad to strengthen its focus on illegal dumping. There is approximately 600 illegal dumping incidents in the Blue Mountains every year with an average clean-up cost of over $269,000 annually. The dedicated team of professional investigators from the RID Squad have expanded their operations into the Blue Mountains as of 1 January 2019. Residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping to Council on 4780 5000 or the RID Squad on 131 555. Get more information
