Doorknocking local businesses and contacting groups has been a key task for Greghamstown local Paula Dell-McCumstie in her role as community relations officer with CVO.

She's a crucial part of the 'Making it Happen in Blayney' Committee which is spearheading the community event.

Blayney Shire groups and businesses have until 31 August to confirm their support - whether it be as a stall holder or local group giving a free half hour 'how to' demonstration for a 'community corner' section of the event.

The cost for stall holders is free.

The end of the month is when Cadia will start work on a brochure to be distributed in hard copy and online form to help lure the more than 2,500 people expected to attend the mine's open day.

Tickets for the tours will go on sale on 1 October.

What's your role with Cadia in a nutshell?

As a community relations officer, my focus is on people - particularly those in the local community. I gave up geology because rocks don't talk back. I love interacting with people. My role involves running site tours for schools, local interest and small groups and assisting with community relations activities in the local area.

What has been your role in a nutshell with regard to the open day?

This year the CVO Open Day is only one part of something much bigger- The Blayney Fest. The festival includes an art competition, local stall holders showcasing their goods, a community corner where local groups can showcase their club or group. My role is to ensure all local Blayney Shire businesses and groups have the opportunity to be part of the day and help organise the running of the Spring Festival.

Which towns/villages have you visited so far?

I have visited most of the businesses in Blayney, Millthorpe and Carcoar. I am to speak to all businesses within the Blayney Shire, and then move on to surrounding towns. We would like to make this big for Blayney.

What's been your pitch/message thus far?

My vision for the Blayney Fest is that it will be an opportunity to showcase the variety and quality of goods, arts, crafts and talents here in our own shire. There will be a large number of stalls situated around CentrePoint, a community corner where community groups can show what they do, a creative corner where local artists will be teaching people techniques, local bands playing in the park and hopefully some street entertainment to top off the carnival atmosphere. This is what I have been inviting people to be a part of.

What kind of reactions are you getting?

Everyone has been really positive about the event and have really jumped at the opportunity to showcase the Blayney Shire. They can see the community and business opportunities drawn from the CVO Open day - bringing about 2,500 people to the town for the day.

What do you think will be the highlight of CVO's display at Blayney's CentrePoint?

The festival idea began as CVO wanted to host its annual community open day from Blayney. CVO will host a massive display centre from the dry courts at CentrePoint - complete with interactive displays and giveaways. This will certainly be a drawcard for visitors from across the central west, and further afield. I think the highlight will be visitors having the opportunity to chat with employees from all areas of the mine. It is such a good opportunity learn what we do at Cadia Valley and offer a better understanding of the mining industry in general. I also think a highlight will be seeing the Blayney community come together.

Tell us about yourself.

I am married to Mitchell, we have four children and live on 23 acres on Greghamstown Road. We cannot class ourselves as true locals yet as we have only been here for 11 years. My sister and parents also live in Blayney.

What do you think is the best-kept secret about Blayney shire?

What I love about living in the Blayney Shire is the people. Most people have time to learn your name and say hello or stop for a yarn.