Wentworth Flood Study – Drop-in Informative Sessions
Wentworth Shire Council will be conducting two drop-in informative sessions for the community to learn more about the Wentworth Flood Study, which is currently on public exhibition.
A short presentation will be provided by the consultants drafting the Flood Study at the beginning of each session. Community members are welcome to attend at any time during the sessions to ask questions and discuss the study.
Session one – Wentworth Date: Wednesday 11 February 2026 Time: 10am-1pm Location: Wentworth Visitor Centre Conference Room, 61 Darling Street, Wentworth
Session two – Buronga Date: Wednesday 11 February 2026 Time: 3pm-6pm Location: Midway Community Centre (Function Room), 3 Midway Drive, Buronga
The Draft Wentworth Flood Study is on public exhibition until 5pm, Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Community members are encouraged to review the draft documents and provide feedback during the exhibition period.
Free ATO Masterclass Series for Local Small Businesses
Wentworth Shire Council is pleased to share a new initiative from the Australian Taxation Office designed to support the local business community.
Whether you are developing a new business idea or seeking to improve existing operations, the Essentials to Strengthen Your Small Business platform provides free, professional resources to help business owners understand their obligations and make informed decisions.
Online masterclass series
To complement the self-paced learning platform, the Australian Taxation Office is delivering a series of free online masterclasses over seven weeks. These webinars provide practical guidance on topics relevant to small business owners at all stages.
The session schedule is as follows:
Starting a small business – Tuesday 11 February 2026
Record keeping – Monday 17 February 2026
Claiming small business tax deductions – Wednesday 19 February 2026
Goods and Services Tax – Monday 24 February 2026
Cash flow for small business success – Tuesday 3 March 2026
Hiring and paying workers – Wednesday 11 March 2026
Super guarantee employer obligations – Tuesday 17 March 2026
eInvoicing – Wednesday 25 March 2026
How to register
The first session, Starting a Small Business, will be held on Tuesday 11 February 2026 from 12pm to 1pm AEST.
Business owners who are unable to attend the live webinars can still access more than 30 short online courses through the Essentials to Strengthen Your Small Business platform. Topics include cash flow management, tax deductions, superannuation and record keeping.
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Wentworth Shire Council welcomes new Australian citizens and announces 2026 Australia Day Award recipients
Wentworth Shire Council welcomed four new Australian citizens and recognised the achievements of outstanding community members at its Australia Day 2026 Ceremony, held on Sunday 25 January 2026 at the Wentworth Visitor Information Centre Conference Room.
Mayor of Wentworth Shire, Councillor Daniel Linklater, officiated the citizenship ceremony, formally welcoming Garth Bowen, Julie Kern, Frederick Bowen and William Lloyd as Australia’s newest citizens.
The ceremony formed part of Australia Day celebrations held across the nation. As at 31 December 2025, more than 25,450 people from over 160 countries had been invited to attend citizenship ceremonies hosted by local government councils and other organisations as part of Australia Day 2026.
Mayor Linklater said it was a privilege to welcome new citizens to the Wentworth Shire community.
“On behalf of the Wentworth Shire community, I warmly welcome our newest citizens who have chosen to make Australia their home. It is an honour to share such an important milestone with them and their families,” Mayor Linklater said.
The ceremony also included the presentation of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to the community through volunteering, sport, cultural initiatives and community leadership.
Nominees for the 2026 Citizen of the Year Award were Bill Wheeldon, Louise Theodore, Gaye Lamb, Col Kerin and Marg Whyte.
The Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Gaye Lamb in recognition of her extensive and long-standing contribution to the Wentworth local government area. Over four decades, Ms Lamb has dedicated her time and expertise to a wide range of community organisations and causes, including public health, environmental initiatives, history and heritage, women’s advocacy and journalism. Her service has supported organisations such as the New South Western Standard, the Country Women’s Association and the Wentworth Show, reflecting a sustained commitment to the community marked by dedication, resilience and selflessness.
The Young Sportsperson of the Year Award was presented to Charley Stonham. Charley, who has recently completed her primary education at Pooncarie Public School, was recognised for her determination, resilience and commitment to sport. Despite living with a disability, she has participated in local, district and state sporting carnivals and consistently demonstrates sportsmanship, fairness and encouragement of her teammates.
The Organisation of the Year Award was presented to Pooncarie v Anabranch Raising Awareness for Mental Health. Established 12 years ago, the group has grown from a single cricket match raising awareness for men’s health into a broader community initiative promoting mental health awareness across the shire. Through inclusive events, the group has fostered conversation, connection and support, particularly during periods of floods, drought, cost of living pressures and remoteness. The group continues to raise thousands of dollars annually in support of mental health, breast cancer and men’s health initiatives.
Mayor Linklater congratulated all award recipients and nominees.
“The dedication and generosity shown by our award recipients and nominees reflect the very best of our community spirit. Council is proud to acknowledge their contributions and the positive impact they have made across our shire,” he said.
Mayor Linklater also thanked those who submitted nominations and acknowledged the attendance of Australia Day Ambassador Ms Ange Clarke.
“I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate these deserving individuals and organisations, and to our Australia Day Ambassador, Ms Ange Clarke, for joining us on this important occasion. It was an honour to welcome her to Wentworth Shire,” he said.
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Please be advised that the Midway Service Centre and Midway Library will be closed for the remainder of today, Thursday, 22 January 2026.
This temporary closure is due to unforeseen access concerns.
Council sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
For urgent Council enquiries, please contact 03 5027 5027.
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Wentworth Shire Council joins communities across Australia in observing A National Day of Mourning on Thursday 22 January to honour the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack.
Council will fly flags at half-mast as a mark of respect and remembrance for those who lost their lives, for their families and for all who have been deeply affected by this senseless act of violence.
The day will be marked under the theme Light Will Win — a time for reflection, remembrance and coming together.
Council encourages residents to take a moment on 22 January to reflect, remember and reach out to others who may be struggling.
If you wish to observe the day, you might choose to:
Mayor Linklater encourages residents to observe the day in a way that feels meaningful to them, whether through reflection, spending time with loved ones or offering kindness to others in our community.
“This day is an opportunity for quiet reflection and for standing together with care, respect and compassion, particularly with those who are grieving. It is also a reminder of the strength found in unity and the importance of supporting one another during times of sorrow. On behalf of Wentworth Shire Council, I extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected.”
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Have Your Say on the Future of Wentworth Shire Libraries
Council is inviting community feedback to help shape the future of library services across Wentworth Shire.
We encourage residents, library users and community members to complete the Shaping Future Wentworth Shire Libraries survey. Your insights and ideas will play an important role in planning library programs, resources and spaces that best meet community needs.
We appreciate your time and input as part of this important consultation.
https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FB-Engage-Library-Services-Review-Jan-2026.jpg17541754Marketing & Communicationshttps://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wsc-logo-180.pngMarketing & Communications2026-01-20 15:30:442026-01-20 15:30:44Have Your Say on the Future of Wentworth Shire Libraries
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.
