Jana Pittman to Headline Balranald Women’s Lunch & Women of the Murray-Darling Dinner

Jana Pittman to Headline Balranald Women’s Lunch & Women of the Murray-Darling Dinner

Olympian, World Champion and Doctor Jana Pittman will visit the Balranald and Wentworth regions on Friday 7 November 2025 to headline two major community events designed to bring women together for connection, collaboration and shared learning.

The Balranald Women’s Lunch and Women of the Murray-Darling Dinner will feature Jana’s presentation on resilience, adaptability and leadership, alongside opportunities for women to network and strengthen community ties.

The events are supported by Balranald Shire Council, Wentworth Shire Council, Community Bank Wentworth & District (Bendigo Bank) and RZ Resources through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

The Balranald Women’s Lunch will run from 12pm to 3pm at the Theatre Royal, 90 Market Street, Balranald. Presented in collaboration between Wentworth Shire Council and Balranald Shire Council, the event includes a catered lunch and entertainment by DJ Ash with proceeds supporting a local sporting or community group in the Balranald Shire.

That evening, the Women of the Murray-Darling Dinner will be held from 7pm to 11pm (doors open 6.30pm) at the Wentworth Conference Room, upstairs at the Wentworth Visitor Information Centre, 61 Darling Street, Wentworth. Guests will enjoy a catered dinner, entertainment by DJ Ash and networking opportunities. Proceeds will support the activities of the newly formed Women of the Murray-Darling network.

Jana Pittman is one of Australia’s most accomplished athletes, winning two World Championships and four Commonwealth Games gold medals in athletics before switching to bobsledding, where she became the first Australian woman to compete in both a Summer (2000, 2004) and Winter (2014) Olympic Games. After sport, she completed a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (First Class Honours and University Medal) at Western Sydney University, a Masters of Reproductive Medicine at the University of New South Wales, and is now undertaking a PhD in Obstetrics, focusing on uterus transplantation. She works as a doctor in Women’s Health and is an ambassador for the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation.

The Women of the Murray-Darling is a new community-led group dedicated to connecting women across the region, supporting personal and professional growth, and strengthening local networks.

“Both the Women of the Murray-Darling Dinner in Wentworth Shire and the Balranald Women’s Lunch provide valuable opportunities for connection and collaboration,” said Mayor Daniel Linklater, Mayor for Wentworth Shire Council. “Jana Pittman’s involvement will bring a depth of experience and practical insights that will resonate with women across the region.”

Tickets are $25 per person and available at the following links:

Have your say: Help shape the future of transport in the Far West

Have your say: Help shape the future of transport in the Far West

Transport in the Far West is entering an important new phase. Transport for New South Wales is developing a Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) for the Far West, to be finalised in early 2026.

Before drafting the Plan, feedback is being sought from communities across the region. Whether it is daily travel, access to essential services, freight movements or connectivity to neighbouring towns — community experience is vital.

Why input matters

  • Ensures the Plan reflects real needs, challenges and opportunities in the region
  • Helps guide where infrastructure and transport services should be prioritised
  • Provides the region with a voice in shaping future transport investments

How to contribute

  1. Visit the Have Your Say – Far West portal to drop a pin on the interactive map, comment on issues, or make a formal submission.
  2. To be involved in engagement activities (such as local workshops or briefings), email: engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au.
  3. Subscribe on the portal to receive updates as the Plan progresses.

Key dates and process

  • Currently: Open for submissions and community input
  • Next phases: Reviewing submissions, drafting the Plan, public exhibition, and reporting back on what was heard

Residents, businesses, community groups and service providers across Wentworth Shire and the wider Far West are encouraged to contribute. This is an important opportunity to help ensure transport networks support connectivity, economic growth and community wellbeing.


Wentworth Shire celebrates six new Australian Citizens

Wentworth Shire has welcomed six new Australian Citizens as part of Australian Citizenship Day celebrations, with a formal ceremony held on Wednesday 17 September 2025 in the Wentworth Conference Room overlooking the Darling River.

The new Citizens are Ms Megan Jackson (United Kingdom), Ms Antonia Antonova (Bulgaria), Mr Hsi-Jung Chen (Taiwan), Mr Abraham Cronje (South Africa), Mrs Mercedita Kemp (Philippines), and Mrs Thi Thuy Diem Sheehan (Vietnam).

To mark the occasion, each conferee was presented with a native Australian plant from Wentworth Shire Council and a 2025 Australian Citizenship Commemorative Coin.

Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Daniel Linklater said, “Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian. To welcome these six individuals as Australian Citizens in Wentworth Shire is a great honour. On behalf of Council and our community, we wish them every success in their future endeavours.”

Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for individuals, schools and community organisations to reflect on the contributions of all citizens, new and old, to their local communities.

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day, Australian citizenship (including eligibility criteria and application process), and our shared values, visit www.citizenship.gov.au.



New $1.2 Million Compactor Prepares Buronga Landfill for Future Expansion

New $1.2 Million Compactor Prepares Buronga Landfill for Future Expansion

Wentworth Shire Council has invested $1.2 million in a new state-of-the-art landfill compactor for the Buronga Landfill, ensuring the facility is well positioned to meet the demands of its planned long-term expansion.

The new machine, a Bomag BC 773 RB-5, has been purpose-built for landfill operations. Equipped with advanced engineering and GPS-enabled technology, the compactor will increase waste management efficiency, extend the life of landfill cells and provide accurate reporting to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

Key features of the Bomag BC 773 RB-5 include:

  • An articulated and oscillating design to maintain four-wheel ground contact for maximum compaction.
  • Offset polygonal steel wheels with 55 cast-iron teeth each, delivering optimal crushing and compacting.
  • Scrapers and wire cutters to prevent waste build-up and entanglements.
  • A Cummins X-15 turbo diesel engine with hydrostatic drive, offering proven performance, fuel efficiency and reduced wear.
  • Operator safety features including rollover protection (ROPS) and a positive-pressure cabin.
  • Trimble GPS system to monitor compaction rates and landfill cell design, supporting accurate EPA reporting and compliance with filling plans.

Council’s investment in the Bomag compactor ensures the Buronga Landfill is equipped with the right technology to manage future demand, minimise operating costs and deliver long-term environmental and financial benefits for the community.


Applications now open: 2026 National Youth Parliament

The Australian House of Representatives and Y Australia are inviting young Australians aged 16–17 to take part in the 2026 National Youth Parliament – a free program designed to develop leadership, policy, and civic engagement skills.

One young person will be selected from every federal electorate across the country, with all flights, transport, accommodation, food, and activities fully covered.

Applications close Thursday 21 November 2025. To be eligible, students should currently be aged 15–16 years.

Learn more and apply: https://nyp.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au/

Unsealed Road Condition Update

Road conditions have changed following recent wet weather. Some roads are accessible under caution, while others remain closed.

For the latest information, please check the Road Condition Report on Council’s website before travelling:
https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/infrastructure/engineering-services/roads-and-traffic/road-safety/

Nominate now for the 2026 Australia Day Awards

Construction is officially underway on Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO)

Wentworth Shire Council is thrilled to announce that construction is officially underway on Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO).

A spectacular immersive art installation by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, the project will complete Munro’s vision for dual immersive art installations, Trail of Lights+FOSO in our region.

Mildura-based commercial builders Jointly have been appointed head contractor and will begin preparing the Log Bridge Road site this month. The artist’s UK-based studio team is scheduled to arrive in February 2026 to complete the installation.
Set to open in April 2026, FOSO is a unique experience that will feature 80 columns of light created from cylindrical arrays of fibre optic cables. This stunning visual display will be synchronised with an original orchestral score from renowned British composer Nainita Desai.

Wentworth Shire Council is delivering the project in a significant cross-border collaboration with Mildura Rural City Council. Wentworth Shire Council is leading the project’s delivery and operational ownership, with Mildura Rural City Council providing valued strategic and technical support.

Wentworth Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Linklater said, “the start of construction is a proud moment for the Shire.
Wentworth Shire is incredibly proud to lead this landmark project, which demonstrates what can be achieved through a strong and cooperative partnership with our neighbours at Mildura Rural City Council.”

“This is collaboration in action. FOSO will offer a spectacular visual and aural experience set against our iconic Perry Sandhills, creating a complementary experience to the contemplative journey of Trail of Lights. Together, these two installations create an unmissable multi-day attraction that will encourage longer stays and amplify the economic benefits for the entire region.”

Mildura Mayor, Cr Helen Healy, celebrated the project’s commencement and the partnership between Councils.
“We are delighted to support Wentworth Shire Council on this visionary project,” Cr Healy said. “By combining our strengths, we are helping to build a cultural tourism offering that is exceptional and will draw visitors from across the country and the globe, benefiting our entire regional economy.”

FOSO is supported by funding from the New South Wales Government.

Expressions of interest are currently open for local wineries, accommodation providers, tour operators, transportation services, and hospitality businesses to partner with FOSO to elevate the visitor experience. For further details, visit https://mildura.com/lights/foso-partnerships/

Tickets for FOSO, including combination passes for Trail of Lights, are expected to go on sale in the coming months.


Have your say: Buronga Riverfront public toilet

Have your say: Buronga Riverfront public toilet
Wentworth Shire Council is seeking feedback on the newly installed public toilet at the Buronga Riverfront. Your input will help Council apply for future grant funding and guide any improvements.

The short survey asks about how often you use the facility, which features matter most to you — such as accessibility, safety, cleanliness, lighting and amenities — your overall satisfaction, and any suggestions for improvement.

Complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LZ9LVQM

Thank you for helping Council improve local facilities.

Road Safety in Wentworth Shire

Thank you for your interest in this form.

Wentworth Shire Council would like to know your thoughts or concerns on road safety within the Shire.

Are there any road safety related events or training you wish to see? Any upgrades to infrastructure?

Have your say in the freeform box below.

Want to learn more about Road Safety?

If you wish to discuss any matters regarding Road Safety, please contact Barnaby Bates, Community Road Safety Officer on (03) 5027 5027 or barnaby.bates@wentworth.nsw.gov.au

Visit the Road Safety section on the Council website: Road Safety

Contact Details

Please include your contact details if you wish to receive a response or discuss further.