How to Claim:
If you believe this is your cat, or if you have information regarding the owner, please contact Wentworth Shire Council directly on (03) 5027 5027.
Please note: Satisfactory proof of ownership will be required prior to the animal’s release.
Wentworth Shire Council welcomed nine new Australian citizens at a ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day, 17 September 2026. The ceremony was held in the Wentworth Conference Room.
The ceremony marked the final step in the citizenship journey for Mr Stuart Hyde and Ms Elizabeth Mangan from New Zealand; Ms Robyn Smit, Mr Wilhelm Smit, Mr Wilhelm Smit Junior, Miss Karli Smit and Miss Klara Smit from South Africa; Ms Natalie Whitelum from the United Kingdom; and Ms Alissia Kampeera from Thailand. Each new citizen made the Australian citizenship pledge, formally affirming their commitment to Australia and its people.
Australian Citizenship Day has been observed annually on 17 September since 2001. It provides an opportunity for Australians, whether citizens by birth or by choice, to reflect on the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, celebrate democratic values and consider the common bond that unites the nation.
More than 6.2 million people have become Australian citizens by conferral since Australian citizenship was introduced in 1949. The latest full-year figures published by the Australian Government show that 165,193 people from more than 190 nationalities became Australian citizens by conferral in 2024–25, reflecting the cultural diversity of communities across the country.
Wentworth Shire is home to people from a range of cultural and ancestral backgrounds. As 2026 Census data is yet to be released, the latest available population figures are from the 2021 Census, which recorded 7,453 residents in the Shire.
Wentworth Shire Mayor Councillor Daniel Linklater congratulated the new citizens and acknowledged the significance of making the pledge on Australian Citizenship Day.
“Citizenship is a significant commitment and an important milestone. On behalf of Wentworth Shire Council and our community, I congratulate our newest citizens and welcome them as they begin this next chapter,” Mayor Linklater said.
“Australian Citizenship Day reminds us that citizenship brings both rights and responsibilities. It is also an opportunity to recognise the different experiences, cultures and perspectives that contribute to the Wentworth Shire community. I look forward to seeing our new citizens and their families continue their journey in Wentworth Shire and contribute to the community we share.”
For further information about Australian citizenship ceremonies, please visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. For Council information, visit wentworth.nsw.gov.au or contact Council’s customer service team on (03) 5027 5027.
Wentworth Shire Council has re-elected Councillor Daniel Linklater as Mayor and Councillor Peter Crisp as Deputy Mayor unopposed at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
Mayor Linklater was first elected Mayor on 20 September 2023 after serving as Deputy Mayor from 10 January 2022. Deputy Mayor Crisp has served in the role since the start of the current Council term following the 2024 local government election.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were elected unopposed by Councillors Jon Armstrong, Brian Beaumont, Greg Evans, Susan Nichols, Jo Rodda, Jody Starick and Michael Weeding.
Mayor Linklater thanked his fellow councillors for their confidence and said he was committed to continuing to represent the community.
“It is an honour to continue serving as Mayor of Wentworth Shire. I look forward to working with Deputy Mayor Crisp, our fellow councillors and Council staff to represent our communities and progress the priorities of the Shire,” Mayor Linklater said.
“Council has important work ahead, and we will continue to focus on sound decision-making, responsible governance and practical outcomes for residents across the Wentworth Shire.”
Deputy Mayor Crisp thanked his fellow councillors for their support and said he looked forward to continuing to assist the Mayor and Council in serving the community.
Some of Australia’s oldest road-going vehicles are heading to Wentworth.
The 2026 RACV Pre-05 Pioneers Rally will bring 28 historic vehicles to the region, all built before 1905. Entrants will travel from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, creating one of the largest gatherings of pioneer vehicles in Australia.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see these rare vehicles up close at Strother Park from 9:45am to 11:45am on Saturday 26 September.
Owners will be available to answer questions and share the stories behind their vehicles, helping preserve an important part of motoring history for future generations.
Bring your camera and enjoy a unique look at automotive innovation from more than a century ago.
The draft NSW National Parks Establishment Plan is now on exhibition. Have your say on the future of #NSWParks and help shape a stronger national park estate for future generations. Visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/NPWS-est-plan
Submissions to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service close 11:59pm on Monday 12 October 2026.
Wentworth Shire Council has launched its Explore Local, Experience More campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to discover more of what is available across Wentworth Shire.
Running from mid-September 2026 to January 2027, the campaign will support the spring and summer visitor seasons by promoting local places to shop, eat, visit and experience.
Residents are encouraged to take another look at their own backyard, support local businesses, plan days out with family and friends, and share the places and experiences that make Wentworth Shire a destination worth exploring. Visitors are also invited to make the most of their time in the region by exploring participating businesses and local experiences during school holidays, long weekends and the Christmas period.
Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Cr Daniel Linklater said the campaign was designed to encourage people to explore locally and support the communities they visit along the way.
“Explore Local, Experience More is about encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time discovering Wentworth Shire,” Cr Linklater said. “Whether it is a coffee with friends, a family day out, a meal after visiting a local attraction or a stop at a business you have not been to before, small choices can make a real difference locally.”
“The campaign will continue to evolve over the coming months and may include further opportunities and incentives during the school holiday and Christmas periods.”
The campaign commenced on Monday 14 September 2026 and will run through the NSW Spring School Holidays, Labour Day long weekend and the summer visitor season, concluding on 31 January 2027.
Residents and visitors can view participating businesses at www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/elem/ and learn more about the campaign at engage.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/explore-local-experiencemore-campaign.
Businesses that missed pre-registration can still register during the campaign at www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/elem-business/.
SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAY AUTHOR TALK
Meet Australian author Leonie Kelsall at Wentworth Library.
Join us for an author talk, light refreshments and the opportunity to purchase books and have them signed.
Date: Monday 28 September 2026
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Venue: Wentworth Library, 61 Darling Street, Wentworth
Bookings are essential. RSVP by Wednesday 23 September 2026.
Further information and bookings:
Phone: (03) 5027 5060
Email: libraryevents@wentworth.nsw.gov.au
