Dear 2009 Conference Attendee,

On behalf of Bathurst Regional Council, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our city as a delegate attending the 2009 Revenue Professionals Conference.

Bathurst is Australia's oldest inland settlement, declared a town site in 1815 and a city in 1885 and as such was an important regional centre and gateway for much of the exploration and development that took place in inland New South Wales.  This process was accelerated in 1851 by the discovery in the region of Australia's first payable gold.  As a result, the city has a strong heritage reinforced by a rich culture with both historic and contemporary components.

Bathurst has had a long association with motor racing, for both cards and motorcycles. Speedway style racing commenced in 1931 on what was known as the Value Circuit.  This continued until 1937, when the newly-built at Mount Panorama was completed.  The first race was held there in March 1938.  Today, the city of Bathurst is virtually synonymous with motor racing, known throughout the world because of its challenging and picturesque motor racing circuit.

I trust you will enjoy your stay in Bathurst, and return safely to your destination, well informed and motivated from your experience gained from your annual conference.

Yours faithfully

P L Toole
Mayor