As we head into the second half of the year, Council continues to focus on the projects, plans and community initiatives that strengthen our Shire and support the wellbeing of our residents. From long‑term strategic planning and heritage protection to youth programs, animal welfare and inclusive community development, there is a great deal of positive work underway. I’m pleased to share an update on the key actions and decisions shaping the months ahead after our recent May Ordinary meeting.
Council has developed a new Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2025–2029, setting out our commitments for improving accessibility and inclusion across the Shire.
Inclusion happens in everyday moments, from getting to the shops safely, accessing information easily, and feeling welcome in community spaces. Our new DIAP, now available for review, sets out the practical steps to make these everyday moments easier for everyone in the Brewarrina Shire.
Shaped by community voices, the Plan focuses on real improvements that make a difference. Actions include enhancing public infrastructure, embedding accessibility into future projects, improving communication, strengthening inclusive employment practices and supporting coordination between service providers.
The community is invited to take a look at the plan and share your feedback. The Plan can be viewed in person at Council’s Offices or on Council’s website: https://brewarrina.nsw.gov.au/public-exhibition-draft-disability-inclusion-action-plan-diap-2025-2029/
Submissions close 4pm, Tuesday June 23, 2026, and can be made by email to breshire@brewarrina.nsw.gov.au, mailed to PO Box 125, Brewarrina NSW 2839 or delivered in person Council Offices at 57 Bathurst Street.
Council is pleased to share that the full refurbishment of the Senior Citizens Room has now been completed, delivering a modern, comfortable and flexible space for our community.
This project was a complete transformation, with everything except the walls receiving an upgrade. Works included a new air‑conditioning system, structural repairs to the roof, new flooring, fresh paint, a fully installed kitchen, new lighting, curtains, foldable tables and chairs, and a suite of technology upgrades, including video‑conferencing capability to support remote programs, meetings and telehealth-style connections.
A special shout out goes to Council’s own maintenance team, who completed the majotrity of work. Their skill and dedication have delivered a high‑quality result that the whole community can be proud of.
To support a wider range of activities, Council has also purchased removable gym‑style floor matting, allowing the space to also be used safely for floor‑based exercise, wellbeing programs and other community sessions.
The refurbished Senior Citizens Room is now a welcoming, accessible and multi‑purpose facility that will support social connection, lifelong learning and community participation for years to come. Bookings for the room are now open, and can be made by contacting Council on 68 305100 or emailing breshire@brewarrina.nsw.gov.au
Council’s new Community Engagement Manager is busy preparing a vibrant and inclusive Winter School Holiday Program, designed to coincide with NAIDOC Week and support positive youth engagement.
The program is still being finalised, but we are excited to host and support a range of activities, including Family Fun Day, laser tag, cultural and traditional activities and workshops, music and entertainment, and sport and recreation.
These activities have been developed to provide safe, supervised and culturally respectful opportunities for young people and families, with additional funding support from the NSW Premier’s Department. Council is working closely with youth workers, community organisations, Elders and service providers to ensure the program reflects local culture, identity and community priorities.
Following the successfully securing funding last year from the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) under the Australian Heritage Grants Program, Council has commenced important heritage planning work for Baiame’s Ngunnhu (Brewarrina Fish Traps).
The project is being delivered in partnership with Extent Heritage, specialists in archaeology, heritage management and digital mapping. Two key documents are now in development:
The CMP will guide the long‑term protection and conservation of the Ngunnhu, including detailed site recording using contemporary geospatial and digital technologies such as LiDAR. The HIP will explore how the stories, cultural values and significance of the Ngunnhu, and connected places such as the Brewarrina Aboriginal Mission, Four Mile and Hospital Creek, can be shared respectfully with visitors and the broader community.
Initial engagement sessions with Elders, Traditional Owners and local knowledge holders has begun, ensuring cultural protocols, community priorities and local expertise shape every stage of the project. This work represents an important opportunity to strengthen the protection, documentation and interpretation of one of Australia’s most significant cultural heritage sites while supporting future tourism, education and community outcomes.
RSPCA NSW is currently delivering two free desexing programs through Kidman Way Vets for our residents:
These programs are already making a meaningful difference by reducing unwanted litters, improving animal welfare and supporting safer, healthier communities. To book, contact Kidman Way Vets on 68 701 488.
Council has also identified the need to develop an updated Animal Management Plan/Strategy. This work will help us take a coordinated approach to animal control, desexing programs, community education and compliance activities. Importantly, the strategy will align with recent RSPCA survey findings and extend beyond companion animals to include the management of feral goats, pigs and horses across the Shire.
At our May meeting Council formally adopted our Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035, Delivery Program 2026–2030, Operational Plan 2026–2027, and the 2026–2027 Annual Budget following the completion of all compulsory public exhibition periods.
These documents form the foundation of Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Framework and set out the community’s long‑term vision, Council’s four‑year commitments, and the specific actions and investments to be delivered over the next financial year.
The adoption of these documents provides a clear and coordinated roadmap for the Shire’s future, guiding investment in essential infrastructure, community services, economic development, cultural initiatives, environmental management and organisational sustainability.
With the adoption of the Operational Plan and Budget, Council now formally makes and levies the rates and charges for the financial year commencing 1 July 2026. This includes ordinary rates, water charges, sewer charges and waste management charges.
These charges support Council’s financial sustainability and ensure the continued delivery of essential services and infrastructure.
All endorsed planning documents, along with the 2026–2027 Rates and Charges, are now available on Council’s website.
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
