On Thursday, June 19, Councillors, Council staff, and I had the honour of welcoming the NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, and the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, to Brewarrina.
I was immensely proud to hear the commendations from Minister Hoenig for our Shire and General Manager, David Kirby. Among his generous remarks, he stated that Brewarrina Shire Council is a “shining example” of how local government can uplift a community. He added, “They don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk.”
Minister Hoenig does his research, and it was apparent he doesn’t say that to everyone he meets with. In my 10 years at Council, and countless Minister meetings, it’s the most positive, glowing endorsement I’ve heard.
Our Council is focused on driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, and building a promising future. It is gratifying to see our efforts acknowledged.
We extend our gratitude to Minister Hoenig and Minister Butler for taking the time to meet with us. This engagement with Ministers, along with the support of state bodies and grant providers, is invaluable in helping us to achieve our objectives.
It is with great pleasure that we formally welcomed Councillor Isaac Gordon back to Council at our meeting last week. He was officially sworn in for his second term after his election was declared by the NSW Electoral Commission in a countback earlier in the month.
After the election held in September last year, it was decided at our first Ordinary Meeting that any vacancies would be filled through a countback election.
Councillor Gordon returns to fill the position vacated due to the passing of longstanding Councillor Angelo Pippos in December 2024.
I am confident Councillor Gordon’s return will further strengthen our team as we continue our efforts for the benefit of the region.
The passing of Councillor Angelo Pippos was a substantial loss, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication that will always be remembered. While no one can entirely replace him, Councillor Gordon’s commitment to our shared vision will honour that legacy and ensure the continued progress of our community.
I look forward to collaborating with Councillor Gordon and all members of Council as we continue to strive for progress, always prioritizing the best interests of our community.
Councillor Gordon, it’s good to have you back.
After the adoption of our 2025/26 Operational Plan at our May 27 Ordinary Meeting, we resolved at the June meeting, in accordance with Section 535 of the Local Government Act 1993, to make and levy the rates and charges for all ordinary rates, water charges, sewer charges, and waste charges for the financial year commencing on July 1, 2025.
All residents will receive notices by the end of July outlining final rates and charges for the 2025/26 financial year. The new rates and charges can also be found on our website.
Our existing land fill site in Brewarrina has reached its capacity. So it was welcome news to hear from the Utilities Manager that Council had been successful in a funding application for a new landfill facility from the Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvements (LCEI) program.
A request for tender for all associated works for this project, including the construction of the new waste cell and closure of the existing cell, is open until 2pm on Friday July 18, 2025.
Tender documents and any questions relating to the tender can be made via Brewarrina Shire Council’s Tenderlink profile: portal.tenderlink.com/Brewarrina
Goodooga Road shoulder maintenance past the Weilmoringle turn off, towards Goodooga Township was recently completed under the Block Grant. Maintenance included 1.2km full width road construction. A further almost 2kms of widening from 5m to 8m with 2.4m shoulders each side, commenced last month.
Council is currently in the process for developing a guide for the Unsealed Road Grading Maintenance works and a grading program to allow for each unsealed road in the shire to be graded throughout the year. The program will provide our residents with assurance that all roads will be graded to consistent standards. As part of this, a training program is being organised for the grader drivers to further develop their knowledge and train more team members in this vital skill.
Maintenance grading has recently been carried out on the Yarrawin Road, Twin Rivers Road, Black Box Road, Narran Lake Road, Narran Plains Road, Fingerpost Road, Charlton Road, Monkey Bridge Road and Nidgery Byrock Road.
The team have also been busy completing emergency works after recent flooding, including pothole patching on the Goodooga/Hebel Road, Bangate Road, bridge near Narran Lake Road at Goodooga, and the bridge on Jobs Gate Road.
Maintenance grading is also planned for Cowga Road, West Culgoa Road and Brenda–Bukkulla Road.
It was fantastic to hear from the Economic Development Manager about the ongoing success of the Goodooga Bore Baths. They continue to be a significant attraction for both local residents and visitors.
In May, visitor feedback across various platforms remained overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the facility’s cleanliness, accessibility, and the therapeutic benefits of its mineral-rich waters. The bore baths hold a 4.5-star rating on Google with comments including:
The bore baths have significantly contributed to local tourism, with upwards of 60 caravans and campers per night in May and we expect those numbers to increase over the coming cooler months. This influx supports local businesses and fosters community vibrancy.
I am very much looking forward to hitting the ice next week for the third annual Brewarrina Blizzard. Running all week long, from Monday July 7 to Sunday July 13, this free community event offers locals and visitors the chance to ice skate on a real ice rink, play in ‘snow’ and enjoy a range of different food and drink vendors in a fun atmosphere.
The team have been busy preparing, with lights and signage already up and ready to go. The ice rink itself arrives on a number of semitrailers on Wednesday. It’s a huge effort from all involved and it’s set to be a successful and memorable experience for our community.
Online bookings are available via 123tix.com.au. The 123tix team advised us last week that there will be NO online booking fees – so a big thank you to them for supporting us and helping us ensure that everyone has access to this incredible experience, regardless of financial situation. So head online now to secure your spot. Limited tickets also available on the door, until sold out.
Elected to Council – 2024
Elected to Council – 2024
Elected to Council – 2024
Committees – Roads and Maritime Services Regional Consultative Committee & Western Regional Weeds Committee
Elected to Council – 2021
Elected to Council – 2021
Committee – Tourism & Cultural Committee
Elected to Council – 2021
Committees – Murray Darling Association, Big Sky Library, Brewarrina General Cemetery Committee, Water Users & Tourism & Culture Committee.
Elected to Council – 2021
Committees – Aged Care, Brewarrina General Cemetery Committee & Heritage Committee.
Elected to Council – 2008
Email- markbrown2839@gmail.com
Committees- Aged Care Committee, Big Sky Library & Traffic Committee.
Elected to Council – 2008
Committees – Brewarrina General Cemetery, Tourism & Cultural Committee.
Elected to Council 2017
