Archive for year: 2026
Wentworth Flood Rally (70 Years On)
Wentworth Shire Council has announced the official details for the Wentworth Flood Rally (70 Years On), a three-day celebration to commemorate seventy years since the historic 1956 Murray–Darling Flood. The event will include an attempt to break the Australian record for the largest assembly of Ferguson TEA20 (“Little Grey Fergie”) tractors.
The rally, to be held over the King’s Birthday Long Weekend from Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June 2026, will honour the extraordinary resilience of the Wentworth community, who famously used the Little Grey Fergies around the clock to build levee banks and protect the town during the biggest flood in recorded history.
The Wentworth Flood Rally is expected to attract more than 3,000 visitors from most states and over 250 registered vintage vehicles dated pre-1956.
Roll in Tractor Trek, Friday 5 June 2026
Participants of the Flood rally will trek from Red Cliffs to Wentworth, marking the beginning of the weekend program.
70km Tractor Trek, Saturday 6 June 2026
A 70km trek through Wentworth and the surrounding region will celebrate the spirit of the 1956 flood response, showcasing an impressive convoy of vintage machinery travelling through areas where flood waters once marked the district.
Australian Record Attempt, Street Parade, Historic Displays and Market, Sunday 7 June 2026 A standout moment of the commemorative celebrations will take place on Sunday 7 June, when enthusiasts will unite for an Australian record attempt to gather the largest assembly of Ferguson TEA20 tractors. Owners of Little Grey Fergies and other eligible machinery are invited to register for this historic occasion.
The day will include a major street parade featuring vintage vehicles, machinery displays and living history presentations. Personal stories and interviews will reflect on the 1956 flood and the community’s resilience. The parade will conclude in Darling Street, where the record attempt will be held.
Local markets at the wharf precinct, along with shopping and dining options across the township, will offer visitors a vibrant showcase of regional produce, culture and tourism.
Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Daniel Linklater said, “The Wentworth Flood Rally is more than tractors – it is a living monument to the Wentworth community and Australian ingenuity. We are calling on every Little Grey Fergie and other vintage machinery owners to join us for the 70km Trek and help make history. Come and celebrate the saving of the Wentworth township during the iconic 1956 flood and bring its story back to life.”
How to Get Involved
- Vintage Vehicle Owners
- Registrations for the Australian Record Attempt and the 70km Trek are now open
- Visit www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/flood-rally for further details and registration forms. Register your tractor by emailing tractor@wentworth.nsw.gov.au
- Stallholders
- Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are open for food vendors, local producers and specialised trade stalls. EOI submissions will close Friday 1 May 2026. Apply to events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au
General Attendees
With limited accommodation available in Wentworth, visitors are encouraged to make bookings early. Full event details, local attractions and accommodation links are available at experiencewentworth.com.au
Council invites the community to take part in the weekend’s program of festivities and discover more of Wentworth and Surrounds. Visitors will also be able to experience the region’s newest attraction, Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO).
Opening in April 2026, this immersive installation by artist Bruce Munro will feature eighty illuminated columns synchronised to an original orchestral score by British composer Nainita Desai. Together with Trail of Lights, FOSO will offer a distinctive multi-day cultural experience that enriches the wider visitor journey.
About the Wentworth Flood Rally (70 Years On)
The Wentworth Flood Rally marks seventy years since the 1956 Murray–Darling Flood, when the Wentworth community united to save their town by building levee banks with the help of Ferguson TEA20 tractors. The rally honours this legacy and showcases the enduring spirit of the region through a major regional tourism event supported by Wentworth Shire Council.
How to stay safe during a heatwave
The following is shared from the NSW Ambulance website.
Heatwaves are periods of unusually high temperatures that can last for several days. They may pose serious risks to your health.
Tips to cope with the heat:
- Stay cool: use fans, air conditioning or seek cool spaces such as your home, libraries and shopping centres or community facilities.
- Drink plenty of water: stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or sugary drinks.
- Limit outdoor activities: avoid the hottest parts of the day and take regular breaks in the shade.
- Check on others: look after elderly relatives, neighbours and all those who might need extra help.
- Manage your medication: follow your doctor’s advice and store medicines in a cool place.
Where to find reliable information
- Stay updated with official weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology ( BOM)
- Follow the advice from NSW Ambulance
- Visit Beat the Heat from NSW Health for additional tips and resources
When to call Triple Zero (000)
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if someone shows signs of heatstroke, including:
- Nausea
- Confusion or unconsciousness
- Lack of sweating
- High body temperatures (above 40°C)
Heatstroke is a medical emergency – act quickly.
Early Landfill Closure this week
Due to extreme heat conditions this week. The Buronga Landfill will be closing early at 1.00pm on Wed 7th, Thu 8th and Fri 9th of January. If you need to visit the landfill, please ensure you get in by 12.00pm to allow staff to compact and cover the loads.