Wentworth Shire Council is sharing an important update from the NSW Government’s Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) regarding water compliance for local irrigators and growers. As permanent plantings continue to expand in the lower Murray, NRAR is implementing an early-intervention approach to help licence holders manage challenges during dry periods.
Summary of the Update To prevent non-compliance when water availability tightens and prices increase, NRAR will be actively monitoring the region using satellite technology. The regulator is taking a low-tolerance approach to water-take offences but is providing fair warning, with plans to contact more than 300 licence holders with high-water-needs crops. Local growers are urged to review their water management obligations, prepare for adverse conditions, and ensure their accounts, orders, and meters are compliant.
https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/NRAR-Steps-Up-Monitoring-in-the-Lower-Murray.jpg17541754Marketing & Communicationshttps://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wsc-logo-180.pngMarketing & Communications2026-02-26 16:29:232026-02-26 16:29:24NRAR steps up efforts to prevent water law breaches in the lower Murray
RAMJO appoints specialist consultant for 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review submission
Wentworth Shire Council is a proud member of the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO). As part of our ongoing commitment to advocating for our region’s water security and future, we are sharing RAMJO’s latest update regarding the 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review.
Summary of the Media Release
RAMJO has appointed Claire Miller Consulting to provide expert research, analysis, and drafting support as the organisation prepares its formal response to the 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review. This appointment aims to ensure RAMJO delivers a rigorous, evidence-based submission that reflects the priorities and socio-economic realities of Riverina and Murray communities. Working between February and April 2026, the consultant will assist member councils with policy issue mapping, stakeholder identification, and comprehensive socio-economic and environmental analysis.
Read the full media release below for more details.
Wentworth Shire Council is proud to support the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, hosted by The Centre for Volunteering – one of the largest annual celebrations of volunteering in Australia.
These Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams across New South Wales.
There are 7 categories for the Awards. These include:
Young Volunteer of the Year
24 years and under
Adult Volunteer of the Year
25 to 64 years
Senior Volunteer of the Year
65 years and over
Volunteer Team of the Year
Two individuals or over
Emergency Volunteer of the Year
An individual or teams volunteering in emergency prevention, preparation, response, or recovery efforts.
Volunteer Leader of the Year
A designated volunteer manager, a team of volunteer managers or a registered not-for-profit organisation
Not-for-Profit Voluntary Governance Award
An unpaid board of directors or individual board member, who exemplifies excellence in governance
The nomination form allows for two types of recognition for the volunteers of NSW.
Nomination for Recognition
This is the simplest way to acknowledge volunteers. These nominations will not be judged; however, the nominee will be invited to their local regional ceremony (if their personal email address is provided, not the organisation’s or nominator’s email address). The nominee will be presented with a certificate to acknowledge their contribution to the community. This nomination requires you to complete four parts of the nomination form only.
Nomination for Judging
These nominees will be judged for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards in their appropriate category. This nomination requires nominators to complete six parts (parts 1 to 6), all of which must be completed to be accepted by the judging committee. To be included in Judging, the nominee’s personal email address MUST be provided (ie. not the organisation’s or nominator’s email address). If this is not provided, the nomination will be moved into the Recognition section of the Awards.
Wentworth Shire Council invites residents and visitors to participate in the upcoming Junction Junk sale. Whether you are looking to declutter your property or find unique local items, this community event offers a fantastic opportunity to get involved this Easter weekend.
Information for Sellers
It is time to clean out your cupboards and sheds. Residents wishing to host a garage sale are encouraged to register their site to be included on the official event map.
To register a Junction Junk site, or for further information, please contact the Wentworth Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5027 5080 by 5pm, Friday 27 March 2026.
To ensure a successful day, Council recommends stallholders consider the following tips:
Price items appropriately and make signage clear.
Clean and organise all items for sale.
Ask your neighbours to register a site to create a larger neighbourhood draw.
Ensure your sale is easy to navigate and use tables where possible.
Open on time and ensure you have sufficient change for buyers.
Be prepared for bad weather.
Information for Buyers
Those looking to explore the sales can collect an official site map on the day. Maps will be available from 8:00am at Ruby’s Cargo Arts & Crafts, located at the corner of Sandwych and Adams Street, Wentworth.
Thank you to our event supporters for their ongoing contribution to the Wentworth community:
Ruby’s Cargo
Community Bank Wentworth & District (Bendigo Bank)
https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Junction-Junk-2026-Social-Date.jpg22502250Marketing & Communicationshttps://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wsc-logo-180.pngMarketing & Communications2026-02-25 11:48:402026-02-25 11:48:41Registrations Open for Junction Junk 2026
Project Update: Dawn Avenue Open Space Upgrade Completed – Feedback Requested
Wentworth Shire Council is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Dawn Avenue Open Space and Public Shared Way in Gol Gol.
This project was delivered with the support of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions (Round 9) programme. Since 2012, this initiative has provided vital infrastructure to regional communities, and the Dawn Avenue project represents a significant investment in the social and economic prosperity of the Gol Gol area.
Project Outcomes
The upgrade has transformed the area into a functional, natural landscape, featuring:
A professionally landscaped drainage basin.
New grassed areas for community recreation.
A public shared way designed for safe, inclusive access.
Your Feedback is Required
To fulfil our government reporting obligations and evaluate the success of this project, Council is seeking immediate feedback from residents. Your input is essential in helping us understand how the space is utilised and will inform future strategic land planning and subdivision developments in the region.
Due to strict project completion and reporting deadlines, Council apologises for the short consultation period and greatly appreciates your assistance in meeting these requirements.
Submissions Close: Friday 27 February 2026, at 4:00 pm.
Transport for NSW and Austroads have introduced new arrangements for transitioning overseas driver and motorcycle rider licences to Australian licences.
What has changed?
As of 1 February 2026, the arrangements for converting licences from certain countries have changed.
List A (Recognised Countries): If you hold a valid car or rider licence from a “Recognised Country” (such as the UK, USA, New Zealand, or Canada), you generally do not need to pass a knowledge or driving test to convert your licence, provided your licence is current or expired within the last 5 years.
List B (Formerly Experienced Driver Recognition): Drivers from jurisdictions on “List B” must now pass the Rider/Driver Knowledge Test and the Rider/Driving Test to obtain a NSW driver licence. The previous exemptions for experienced drivers from these countries have ceased.
Timelines for moving to NSW
Permanent Residents: You must get a NSW driver licence within 3 months of living in NSW to continue driving or riding.
Temporary Visitors: You must get a temporary NSW driver licence within 6 months of living in NSW to continue driving or riding.
Check your eligibility
Because the list of recognised countries and testing requirements has changed, we urge all overseas licence holders to check their specific status on the Service NSW website.
[Button/Link: Check Licence Eligibility at Service NSW]
Wentworth Shire Council is encouraging local primary producers to register with Rural Aid to ensure they are prepared for future challenges.
Rural Aid provides critical support to rural communities during times of storm, bushfire, flood, and drought. While many in the region may already be connected with the organisation, Rural Aid is urging those who are not yet registered to do so now.
Registering ahead of time ensures faster access to support for farmers and their families when disaster strikes. It also strengthens the collective voice of the farming community, allowing Rural Aid to advocate for greater assistance.
Services available to registered farmers include direct assistance, recovery programs, and mental health and wellbeing support.
https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Register_withRA_A5_Oct25-002.jpg24811749Marketing & Communicationshttps://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wsc-logo-180.pngMarketing & Communications2026-02-12 10:48:302026-02-12 10:49:57Be Prepared: Rural Aid encourages farmers to register for support
Wentworth Shire Council advises that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has commenced recruitment for the 2026 Census, which will take place on Tuesday 11 August 2026.
The ABS is hiring over 30,000 people for temporary positions. These roles range in duration from a few weeks to six months or longer, offering flexible hours to fit your schedule.
Current Vacancies (Open Now):
Field Manager: Leads Census work in the local area, recruiting and training Field Officers.
Mobile Field Representative: Travels within the state or interstate to support field teams, distribute forms, and promote online participation.
Local Engagement Officer: Manages a small team and coordinates information hubs to support diverse population groups.
Census Engagement Manager: Works with community groups to develop positive relationships and maximise participation.
Upcoming Opportunities:
Remote Area Management Team Leader & Member: Opens 23 February 2026. These roles focus on managing Census collection in remote regions, including mining camps and farming properties.
Field Officer: Opens 20 April 2026. Field Officers deliver and collect forms and follow up with households.
Community Field Officer: Opens 11 May 2026. These officers engage with the local community to support people who may face barriers to completing the Census.
Key Information for Applicants:
Experience: More than half of the jobs available do not require any prior experience.
Checks: A national police check may be required. A criminal history does not necessarily exclude you from employment.
Support: A Recruitment Support Line is available at 1300 100 557.
How to Apply: To view full position descriptions and submit an application, please visit the Census careers page: https://info.census.abs.gov.au/careers
https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Social-media-tile-–-Field-Manager-1.jpg10801080Marketing & Communicationshttps://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wsc-logo-180.pngMarketing & Communications2026-02-12 10:34:342026-02-12 10:34:35Recruitment Now Open for 2026 Census Roles
https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Is-this-your-dog-12-Feb-2026.jpg17541754Marketing & Communicationshttps://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wsc-logo-180.pngMarketing & Communications2026-02-12 10:21:232026-02-12 10:21:2412 February – Is this your dog?
Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children.
You must slow down to 40km/h when overtaking or passing a bus displaying flashing lights, unless a lower speed limit applies.
You can help keep children safe by: 🏫 Sticking to the speed limit and following the road rules in school zones 🚌 Slowing down to 40km/h when bus lights are flashing, unless a lower speed limit applies 🚸 Looking out for children crossing the road near bus stops, in school zones or along bus routes ⤴️ Giving way to buses when they merge back into traffic.
https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Flashing-Lights.png10801080Marketing & Communicationshttps://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wsc-logo-180.pngMarketing & Communications2026-02-10 10:00:002026-02-03 16:05:21Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children
