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__//What makes Bathurst unique?//__ Bathurst is a beautiful country community based on their heritage, culture, religion and government. Although they only have a small population of 30, 744 the town was established in 1815 and is the oldest European inland settlement in Australia. Not only have their heritage contributed to their establishment as a distinctive district, but their love for sports, cars and maintaining their culture categorized them as a unique community with interesting quirks. //__What contributes to Bathurst's sense of identity?__// A community’s sense of identity can be described through its community member’s most common interests. In Bathurst one of the most popular sites is Mount Panorama which is renowned for its contribution to V8 Motor car racing, hosting almost 300 events a year. Since its opening in 1938 Mount Panorama has become the home of Australia’s racing and with a length of approximately 6 kilometres is in the top three motor racing circuits in the world. As well as being home to a rifle range and sports such as archery and clay pigeon shooting Mount Panorama is also a residential area with homes inside and outside the circuit with an estimated number of 40 private residences.



Another factor that contributes to Bathurst's sense of identity is its historical history within the gold rush. In 1851 William Hargraves found gold in Bathurst which started the gold rush in Australia. After a week people from all around the world were digging for gold in Bathurst. Then after attracting over 2000 people between 1851 and 1861, Australia produced one third of the world's gold. Soon after the population began to grow the biggest golden nugget was found in Bathurst which was said to be approximately 134 pounds. This created controversy but today still contributes to Bathurst's identity. Today a reconstruction of a goldmining village is found in Bathurst and each year many people visit, especially students to experience the gold rush.



The last factor that contributes to Bathurst’s sense of identity is the Jenolan Caves which is 71km east of Bathurst. This world heritage listed site brings thousands of people to see its limestone tunnels and scenic archways each year and contributes to Bathurst’s sense of identity through its natural importance. When coming to Australia many tourists associate Bathurst with the Jenolan Caves and therefore it contributes to this community’s sense of identity.