In The Community: Winter 2025

Happy Birthday to Country Universities Centre Mudgee Region!

More than 50 guests attended the first anniversary celebration of CUC Mudgee Region.  Students, staff, sponsors and supporters, Mayor Des Kennedy, CUC COO Isabelle Gillespie, our amazing corporate sponsors Glencore Mining, Peabody Energy and ACEN Renewables. 

There was cake and inspirational speeches by Chairman of the Board Brad Cam, Centre Manager Kim Edwards, Student Ambassador Jess Dryburgh, and outstanding student Thomas Ballard.  From the very first day one year ago, the support from the local community has been overwhelming and the CUC has engaged directly with over 50 local businesses, every level of government, and dozens of community groups. 

The local art community has also captured the vision of the centre, and CUC now regularly hosts art exhibitions of original art from over 40 local and regional artists.  Currently, CUC supports over 185 students from every area of the Mudgee Region, studying courses and programs from over 40 different universities and institutions across Australia. 

In the past year, 18 students have already graduated and are now fulfilling career goals. Thank you everyone who has been part of the extraordinary first year of CUC Mudgee Region!!

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Learn more about CUC Mudgee Region by visiting: cucmudgeeregion.org.au

Supporting Our Community, One Biscuit at a Time

Each ANZAC Day, the Mudgee Evening Branch of the CWA proudly raises funds for Mudgee Legacy by selling homemade ANZAC biscuits and hand-knitted poppies - a heartfelt tradition that reflects their enduring commitment to community service.

Formed in 2004 to suit women juggling busy work and family lives, the Evening Branch continues to bring together members aged from their 40s to late 70s. Meetings are held at 6pm on the second Monday of each month at the CWA Rooms on Market Street, offering a space for connection, discussion and action. Through regular fundraising - including market stalls, tea rooms at the Small Farm Field Days, and room hire - they support a wide range of local causes such as Riding for the Disabled, Can Assist, and local youth programs.

Driven by friendship and purpose, the CWA Evening Branch proves that community spirit thrives when women come together with a shared heart for helping others.

Gulgong Hosts First Big Event for 2GETHER WE GIVE

In the face of hardship, it’s often the strength of community that makes all the difference. That’s the belief behind 2GETHER WE GIVE, a grassroots working group formed by passionate locals committed to uplifting families in need across the Mid-Western Region. From unexpected tragedies to urgent medical support, the group’s mission is to raise readily available funds so that help is there when it’s needed most - without the scramble.

Though still in its early stages, the group has already begun making an impact. They recently partnered with the Gulgong Terriers, running the gate at two home games and hosting a local firewood raffle, with proceeds helping kickstart their fundraising efforts. The support from the community has been humbling, and already, 2GETHER WE GIVE has been able to assist a local family facing sudden tragedy - a powerful reminder of why their work matters.

With a vision for inclusive, ongoing fundraising events catering to all ages, the group is planning its first major event in Gulgong on Saturday 7th June 2025. It’s the beginning of what promises to be a strong and compassionate presence in our region - driven by locals, for locals. Keep an eye out for future events and opportunities to get involved.

Bringing the World of Art to Mudgee

Part of a respected Australia-wide network, ArtsNational is a volunteer-led organisation that brings internationally renowned art lecturers to regional towns across the country. Their mission? To make world-class arts education accessible, inspiring, and enjoyable for all.

In Mudgee, the group currently hosts monthly lectures at Cudgegong Valley Public School, covering a captivating range of topics such as painting, ceramics, photography, calligraphy, theatre, and music. From 2026, sessions will shift to Mondays, offering a new rhythm for regular attendees. 

Each year, the Mudgee branch welcomes six overseas lecturers and two Australian speakers - each a highly regarded expert in their field. Presentations run for 60 minutes and are followed by the chance to meet the speaker and mingle with fellow attendees over complimentary light refreshments. 

It’s not just about art - it’s about community. These gatherings offer locals a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, learn something new, and explore the stories and techniques behind the world’s most fascinating art forms.

Upcoming Lectures in 2025:

• 6 June: Cathedrals, Abbeys and Minsters of England and Wales with John Swainston, a celebrated photographer, writer, and broadcaster.
• 4 July: How to Get Down from a Yak with Chris Aslan, exploring the nomadic textile cultures of Central Asia.
• 1 August: The Imperial Easter Eggs of Carl Fabergé with historian Toby Faber.
• 29 August: Vermeer & Music - The Art of Love and Leisure with Lydia Bauman.
• 10 October: Land of the Monkey God - The Art & Architecture of Sri Lanka.

To explore more or get involved, visit: artsnational.au/societies/mudgee

Lifeline Central West Launches New Mudgee Hub

A new chapter in mental health support is beginning for our region, with the official opening of the Lifeline Central West Mudgee Hub. This dedicated space, housed within Council’s Cultural Centre, marks the first time a 13 11 14 crisis call will be answered locally - a powerful milestone for community-based support.

Thanks to the backing of Mid-Western Regional Council and generous support from Club Mudgee, Moolarben Coal, Glencore, MP Dugald Saunders and RDA Orana, the hub aims to provide crisis care, volunteer training, and vital wellbeing services including EAP support for businesses. It also builds on the success of Lifeline’s Growth Rooms for Men program, offering a safe space to talk and heal.

The official open day on Thursday 24th July offers an opportunity for locals to learn more about the essential services Lifeline will deliver from the Mudgee Hub, and how community members can get involved - particularly through crisis support volunteer training. Volunteers play a critical role in Lifeline’s mission to reduce suicide and offer hope, one phone call at a time. 

As Lifeline strengthens its presence in Mudgee, community involvement will be key. The new hub offers locals a chance to contribute meaningfully - by volunteering, attending events, or helping shape the future of mental health care in our region.

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