Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) is pleased to be reopening its community facilities following imposed closures due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The majority of facilities will be open from Monday 1 June 2020 with appropriate adaptations to ensure the safety of our community.
The following will apply to each facility:
Macquarie Regional Library (MRL) – Dubbo
The opening hours will be limited in the first two weeks as follows: 11 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday. Reopening will be a staged program, ensuring customer and staff safety. This allows for risk mitigation measures. Standard loans and returns service will be on offer with new memberships, and continue with virtual programing and Book Express. MRL will be deferring cash payments such as item reservations, at this time. To ensure a safe customer environment, public computers, printing and photocopying, magazines newspapers, and the meeting rooms will not be available at this time.
Please note the Wellington branch is scheduled to open on Tuesday 9 June 2020. The opening hours will vary. Refer to Council’s website for information. Library hours will be assessed on a weekly basis, and in accordance with public health advice. Library opening hours will be progressively increased until full services are again in operation. To browse the online library visit http://www.mrl.nsw.gov.au/
Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) and Community Arts Centre
The Western Plains Cultural Centre will be reopening to the public on 1 June 2020, and includes the reopening of the café at the WPCC. Strict social distancing will apply at the café and within the exhibition space, including the museum. Opening hours are the same. The Community Arts Centre remains closed to the public with exceptions only for groups with lease arrangements.
Old Dubbo Gaol & Wellington Caves
Both the Old Dubbo Gaol and Wellington Caves will reopen to the public on 1 June 2020; however, as there are still restrictions on guided tours, unfortunately it won’t be possible for people to go underground at the Wellington Caves. However, the café and Visitor Experience Centre will be open. Meanwhile, visitors to the Old Dubbo Gaol will still be able to visit the site and go on a self-guided tour and learn about the prisoners and history of the Gaol.
Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DTCC)
The DRTCC will remain closed to the public, as there are still restrictions around large gatherings. Many shows at the DRTCC have been rescheduled for later in the year, and patrons can still contact DRTCC staff for ticket refunds or changes to their shows.
Visitor Information Centres
Both the Dubbo and Wellington Visitor Information Centres will reopen to the public on 1 June 2020, with special stickers on the floor as a guide around social distancing. The information centres will also be able to assist any travellers with information about changed facility operating hours, and the sale of local produce.
Customer Experience Centres
The Customer Experience Centres in both Wellington and Dubbo will also reopen to the public from 1 June 2020; however, our staff ask for your patience as there are renovations currently underway at the Dubbo branch. DRC is adhering to strict social distancing, so please be patient as we work through this together.
Source: DRC
Image caption: Stickers like this will be used in our Visitor Information Centres to help people identify where is a safe place to stand when maintaining social distancing.