As we wrap up June, there’s a lot of good news and steady progress to share from our recent Ordinary Meeting. From major project milestones and a huge school holiday program, to supporting regional events and strengthening inclusion, it’s been a busy month with plenty happening on the ground. Here are some of the key updates shaping the weeks and months ahead.
In good news for our community, the landmark Brewarrina Multipurpose Complex is now close to completing the development approval process. Earlier this month, the General Manager and Council’s Building Certifier met with the Western Regional Planning Panel to walk through the project. The Panel was pleased with the overall design, recommending only two small adjustments relating to parking and lot boundaries. These have now been addressed, and the Panel is expected to meet this week to consider the final Development Application.
Once we have the green light, Council will move straight into the next stage — finalising detailed construction documents and securing the Construction Certificate. When that certificate is issued and all pre‑construction requirements are met, Council can begin procurement and prepare for construction. This is an exciting milestone, and the project team continues to work hard to keep everything on schedule.
The Brewarrina Shire is set for a huge fortnight of culture, family fun and youth activities from 6–17 July, with this year’s Winter School Holiday Program proudly aligning with NAIDOC Week.
In Brewarrina, week one features a big Family Fun Day at Memorial Park with live music, Ngemba dances, weaving, bush foods, arts and crafts, laser tag and more — plus a Colour Run, Storm Co activities, heaps of Youth Centre activities and a Traditional Games day.
The annual NAIDOC Opening and community March will kick off at 10.30am on Monday July 6, with the Cultural Museum hosting music, weaving, boomerang painting and a community lunch.
Week two keeps the energy going with cooking sessions, PlayStation challenges, indoor sports, board games, park games and more.
In Goodooga, I’m excited to share the well-regarded team from Songlines Skateboarding with be coming to town on Thursday July 9 to host a workshop at our new Skate Park. There will be lessons, games and challenges, demonstrations, skateboarding art and building, wellbeing talks, great prizes and giveaways. Skateboards, helmets and lunch will be provided.
All activities are free, supervised and open to all families, with thanks to additional support from the NSW Premier’s Department.
Keep up to date with everything happening across the Shire these school holidays by following Council on social media.
Council has formally endorsed our new Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2025–2029, a key document that will guide how we improve accessibility, inclusion and everyday participation across the Shire.
Shaped by community voices, the Plan sets out practical actions to make it easier for people to move around safely, access information, feel welcome in public spaces and participate fully in community life.
Importantly, having an endorsed DIAP means Council can now embed these commitments into projects, services and decision‑making, so accessibility is considered in everything we do. It also strengthens Council’s ability to secure future funding opportunities, ensuring we can deliver meaningful accessibility upgrades and inclusive programs over the coming years.
Council is proud to continue its strong support for the upcoming Goodooga Games. Held each year in term three, the much‑loved regional event brings together up to 1,000 staff, students and spectators from around 20 schools for a day of cultural sport, connection and community pride. The Games play an important role in encouraging youth engagement, school participation, confidence building and positive community experiences — all priorities for Council.
This year, Council will again be contributing staff support, resources and community engagement activities. Council’s Community Engagement Manager will attend the event, reinforcing our commitment to the Goodooga community and the ongoing success of the Games. Council values Goodooga as a strong, welcoming community and remains committed to supporting initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for young people, families and schools across the region.
Earlier this year, I wrote to the Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, the Hon. Tara Moriarty, regarding drought conditions and fuel supply pressures. I’m pleased to report that we received a detailed reply this month, and I thank the Minister for acknowledging and addressing our concerns.
In her reply, Ms Moriarty highlighted some important drought assistance measures to help manage risk, protect livestock and address short-term cashflow pressures. Thankfully the recent rain has pressed pause on the dry pressures for now, but it’s important everyone is aware of the help that is available, if and should it be needed, including:
For further information, producers should visit droughthub.nsw.gov.au
You can read Minister Moriarty’s full reply in the June business papers on our website.
At our Economic Development Committee Meeting, we were pleased to see a sneak peek of the brand-new Visit Brewarrina region tourism website. Building on the Visitor Guide launched last year, this new hub will give visitors (and locals!) everything they need to explore our region, from attractions, events, accommodation and local businesses. The new site will be launched soon, so keep an eye 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
