Hundreds of thousands of spectators will flock to the iconic Mountain over the four days of the event, starting this Thursday and culminating with the Great Race on Sunday.

Importantly for the Central West, this is a time when the wider regional economy receives a massive tourism boost.

I should note that this year there's a new experience waiting for motorsport fans when they come to town.

It was only last month that I had the pleasure of opening the new Immersive Room in the National Motor Racing Museum.

Bathurst Regional Council and the NSW Government each contributed $50,000 to make the Immersive Room - which features three large screens which play an 11-minute video on a loop, featuring a combination of historic footage from Mount Panorama dating back to the 1960s - a reality.

THE Cost of Living initiative continues to be a success story in the making.

Launched in July 2018, it makes it easier for residents to access a range of NSW Government rebates and savings in one location.

Free one-hour appointments with a Cost of Living Specialist are available at most Service NSW Centres across the state by calling 13 77 88.

After feedback from the community, there is now a "Home" category of rebates and savings, including council rate rebates, private rental assistance, rent choice, First Home Owners Grant and First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme.

Other Cost of Living initiatives such as the Active Kids and CTP refunds prompted the NSW Government to ensure people are aware of another 40 or more rebates and savings from various government agencies, including Family Energy Rebate, Low Income Household Rebate, NSW Gas Rebate, referrals to the Energy Made Easy website and NSW Spectacles Rebate.

Visit www.service.nsw.gov.au