Wild Oats Music Festival 2009

The Wild Oats Music Festival has been confirmed for Saturday 13th March 2010. Bernard Park will come to life with live Australian bands, featuring local Northam lads ‘The Novocaines’ and Western Australian heavyweights ‘Jebediah’ as the feature acts. The headlining act is still to be announced so watch this space!

Northam Wins Tidy Towns Community Action Award

In the recent Central Wheatbelt Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards, Northam was awarded joint winner in the Community Action award, along with Westonia. Westonia was the overall Regional winner, and will go on to compete for the Tidy Towns State Title.

The Tidy Towns judges commented positively on the many organisations and volunteer groups in Northam that make a difference in the community. Judge Glenys Anderson, OAM noted in her report, “What impressed me most with Northam is the extensive network of community groups that are currently doing some great work in a number of environmental, heritage and cultural areas…What did stand out is that these community groups of volunteers seem to work together and where projects involve different aspects, they will call in one of the other community groups for their expertise”.
 
Northam Recreation Facilities Receive $3.2 million boost

The Shire of Northam has secured a $3.2 million dollar grant to progress a new Recreation Facility. The money was received as a result of a successful grant application with the Commonwealth Government under their Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program - Strategic Projects. The funding will ensure this project becomes a reality, and a new facility with three indoor courts, large activity rooms, crèche, hospitality area and hydrotherapy pool is developed. New outdoor courts and high quality oval lighting is also planned as part of the development. Earthworks are expected to begin in late 2009 and the Shire is hoping to have a facility constructed by late 2010.
 
Grant Received for New Dual Use Path from Northam Caravan Park

A $133,324 grant has been secured from the Commonwealth Government's Jobs Fund program to construct a dual use bicycle path between the Northam Caravan Park and the Jubilee Recreation grounds. This new path will join with an existing path, thereby safely connecting the outskirts of the community with the central business district. This project will involve some Northam employees who have not previously worked on construction projects and as a result, provide them with new skills that will assist them to gain further future employment.