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.
Due to a staff shortage, we will be unable to open the Ellerslie Transfer Station this coming Saturday (27th December 2025). We apologise for the inconvenience.
New Trail of Lights ticketing model launched ahead of the FOSO opening
A new, combined Trail of Lights (TOL) and Fibre Optic Symphony Orchestra (FOSO) ticketing model is officially live following valuable community and visitor feedback.
The new ticket model aims to provide a balance between affordability and the long-term viability of these world-class experiences by internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro.
Mildura Rural City Council Councillor for Events and Tourism Rebecca Crossling said feedback from the community, visitors and staff had been vital in finalising the fresh ticketing approach.
“With FOSO tickets now available ahead of a 2026 launch, the time was right to revisit our ticketing model, ensuring residents and visitors were in the best position to visit both installations in an affordable and sustainable way,” Cr Crossling said.
“It was always our intention to revisit ticket options as the launch of FOSO drew closer, and we believe we have landed on a position that provides the best opportunity for financial sustainability, while driving higher visitation to these world-class attractions.
“Our locals’ prices also mean tickets are more accessible to residents, empowering them to promote TOL and FOSO to their visiting families and friends, amplifying reach and building community ownership of the experience.
“And with FOSO open in time for Easter – it’s also a great gift idea for visiting relatives and friends!”
New Ticketing Options
Tickets for both installations are now available, with options designed to encourage visitation across both attractions:
Local Residents:
General Admission:
“What’s really exciting about the new model for residents is our reduced family tickets, with two adults and two children now able to visit either installation for $60 separately, or $90 when purchasing a combination ticket for both installations,” Cr Crossling said.
Wentworth Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Linklater said, “FOSO is more than an attraction; it is a unique cultural experience that highlights the beauty of Wentworth Shire and invites visitors to explore our region. Early ticketing provides an opportunity for families and friends to plan a visit and experience both FOSO and Trail of Lights during the Easter period.
“These installations are opportunities to showcase our region, increase visitation and length of stay, and encourage visitors to spend widely across our region,” Cr Linklater said.
Since opening in April 2025, thousands of people have visited Trail of Lights, while also enjoying the revamped Rio Vista Park, featuring Jessica Rabbit Café and the TOL Bar.
Local and general admission tickets and combination packages, and gift vouchers for TOL and FOSO are available now by visiting www.mildura.com/lights/tickets
About Trail of Lights
Created by internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro, Trail of Lights is an enchanting fusion of art and nature, integrating 12,500 firefly lights and 22 Gone Fishing sculptures with the natural beauty of the island and the river.
It is a quiet and contemplative experience, immersed within the art, one removed from the rush and stress of our daily lives, and has attracted more than 12,000 visitors since opening in April 2025.
Fibre Optic Symphony Orchestra – A Major New Attraction in Wentworth
FOSO will open in April 2026 between Perry Sandhills and Thegoa Lagoon, Wentworth, providing an immersive artistic experience that combines quintessential Australian landscapes with cutting-edge fibre optic installations. An original orchestral score composed by internationally acclaimed British composer Nainita Desai accompanies the installation, creating a fully immersive visitor experience.
Planning Your Visit
With construction works for FOSO progressing and Bruce Munro’s team scheduled to return in February 2026 for the next stage of development, both Councils encourage visitors to plan their visits early. The joint approach highlights the Mildura-Wentworth region as a key destination for artistic and cultural experiences.
Plan your trip to Wentworth & Surrounds: https://experiencewentworth.com.au
Plan your trip to Tropical North Victoria:
https://mildura.com/plan/plan-your-trip
☀️ SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE SORTED AT WENTWORTH SHIRE LIBRARIES! ☀️
We have a massive month of fun planned to kick off 2026! From Minecraft madness and messy crafts to movies, music, and storytime, there is something for everyone to enjoy this January.
👉 SWIPE THROUGH THE POSTERS to view the full calendar, dates, times, and location details for every event!
⚠️ Important: Some sessions have limited spaces and bookings are essential. Check the individual flyers to see which events require registration.
📞 To Book: Contact your local library directly or email: 📧 events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au
We can’t wait to see you there! 👋
Buronga Pump Track closure notice
The Advanced pump track in Buronga will be closed for the day on Friday 19 December.
Council is installing a new timing sensor that will be available for public use once works are complete. This upgrade forms part of Council’s ongoing investment in improving facilities at the Buronga Riverfront Pump Track.
The track will reopen as soon as installation is finalised. Council thanks the community for its patience while this improvement is carried out.
To protect the health and safety of staff and the community, Council waste transfer stations will close on days when temperatures exceed 40 Celsius. The Buronga Landfill remains open per normal operating hours.
Please check Council’s website and Facebook page for updates before visiting a transfer station during extreme weather conditions.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Council is completing 10km of formation and drainage works at the southern end of Nob Road. These upgrades are vital for building up low-lying areas to prevent water ponding and to reduce closures during the wet season. 🌧️
The project is 50/50 funded by the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund (RERRF) and Roads to Recovery programs.
A further 4.8km of re-sheeting is scheduled for completion this financial year.
Please drive carefully around heavy machinery and follow traffic directions. Thank you for your patience as these works improve our shire’s road network.
The Natural Resources Access Regulator is increasing early intervention efforts to prevent water law breaches in the lower Murray as permanent crop production expands. Growers are being encouraged to plan ahead for dry conditions, with monitoring expected to focus on unlawful water use over the next year.
Read the full media release below:
Council advises residents that today’s storm has caused widespread damage across the region. Fallen trees and downed powerlines are affecting several areas, including Sandwych Street in Wentworth and the vicinity of the Pump Station and Silver City Highway in Dareton.
Please exercise extreme caution if you are travelling. Avoid any downed powerlines and report hazards where safe to do so.
Fletchers Lake Road is currently blocked in both directions due to fallen debris. Crews are responding and working to clear impacted areas as conditions allow.
If you require assistance for storm damage to residential buildings, contact SES on 132 500.
Council will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel.
Motorists are encouraged to take extra care on our regional roads during the busy summer harvest period.
With more heavy vehicles and farm machinery travelling between properties and grain receival sites, drivers may encounter large, slow-moving vehicles more often than usual. The Be Truck Aware campaign, supported by Transport for NSW, GrainCorp, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and state farming networks, is a reminder for all road users to stay patient, stay alert and make safe decisions on the road.
Key safety reminders this harvest season:
• Be mindful of increased truck movements and larger blind spots
• Allow extra travel time and avoid risky overtaking
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Manage fatigue before starting your journey
• Slow down, look and listen at level crossings
Variable message signs are in place across the region to reinforce these important safety messages and to support safer travel for all road users.
For further details, visit the Transport for NSW website.