The Brewarrina Shire has wrapped up a vibrant fortnight of cultural celebration, youth development and family activities, with the 2026 Winter School Holiday Program and NAIDOC Week bringing people together in a spirit of pride, connection and cultural strength.

Across the two weeks of the holidays, children, young people, families and Elders participated in a diverse mix of recreational, cultural and educational activities designed to celebrate Aboriginal culture while encouraging healthy lifestyles, creativity and community connection. The program built on long‑standing NAIDOC traditions while expanding opportunities for young people through new initiatives and partnerships.

The program featured dozens of activities across Brewarrina and Goodooga, with strong attendance at every event. The Family Fun Day at Memorial Park was a major highlight, attracting more than 200 community members — one of the largest holiday gatherings in recent years. Activities included weaving workshops, a rock-climbing wall, arts and crafts, bush medicines education, bush food tasting, laser tag, live entertainment and a popular colouring competition with prizes including iPads, scooters and a bubble machine.

The Elders Tent provided a welcoming space for Elders while giving young people the chance to demonstrate respect, responsibility and initiative — a powerful example of intergenerational connection in action.

Other standout activities included the Colour Run, supported by Fire and Rescue NSW and Orana Haven Rehabilitation Centre, and the skateboarding workshops with Songline Skateboarding, which blended skill‑building and wellbeing with outdoor recreation and creativity as participants designed artwork for their boards.

A milestone moment for the community was the first youth activity held at the brand‑new Goodooga Skate Park, with local young people taking part in the skateboarding workshops that introduced them to the new facility.

General Manager David Kirby said the Goodooga sessions marked the beginning of a new chapter for youth programming in the village.

“Seeing young people using the new Goodooga Skate Park for the first formalised activity was a real highlight. It’s a space they’ve been waiting for, and it’s already becoming a place of pride, confidence and connection,” said Mr Kirby.

“And this is just the start — Council is working towards building a regular schedule of youth activities in Goodooga so young people have ongoing opportunities to learn, grow and stay connected through a range of programs across the community.”

Throughout the holiday period, participants enjoyed traditional bush foods and learned about bush medicines, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from families and Elders. The program strengthened cultural pride and provided safe, inclusive spaces for young people to connect with culture and community.

Mr Kirby said the program reflected the strength and spirit of the region.

“The Winter School Holiday and NAIDOC Program brought our community together in a way that was vibrant, respectful and full of joy. It showed what can be achieved when culture leads the way and when young people are given opportunities to shine.”

“The success of the program was the result of strong collaboration across the community. There were so many people and organisations who contributed to this year’s program, and I want to sincerely thank and acknowledge those that helped us put on a cracking few weeks for our young people.

“Particularly, Doreen our Council Engagement Manager, Cameron our Council trainee, Fire and Rescue NSW, Yillabara, Headspace, the Brewarrina Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Orana Haven Rehabilitation Centre, Ducky Dennis, Storm Co, Bush Food Catering, Melissa Kirby and Aunty Linda Simpson — each played an important role in creating a safe, welcoming and culturally meaningful week for our young people and families.

“Their commitment, generosity and community spirit made a real difference.”

Brewarrina Council was also honoured to welcome the NSW Premier to the region during the holiday period. The Premier visited alongside Member for Barwon Roy Butler to see firsthand the important of youth development initiatives happening across the Brewarrina Shire. Additional funding provided by the Premier’s Department strengthened this year’s program and supported expanded cultural activities.