Council Advocates for Inquiry into Regional Airfare Pricing
Council Advocates for Inquiry into Regional Airfare Pricing
Wentworth Shire Council is calling on residents, ratepayers, and local tourism operators to provide feedback to the Australian Government Productivity Commission regarding the cost of regional air travel.
The Commission is currently undertaking an inquiry into the “Determinants of regional airfares” and will host a community engagement session in Mildura on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
Impact on the Shire
Council recognises that while Mildura Airport is the primary aviation gateway for the Shire, pricing structures significantly impact the Wentworth Shire community.
- Economic Development: Competitive airfares are essential to support the region’s transition toward a high-value visitor economy, encouraging interstate and international visitation to our local natural assets and major events.
- Community Connectivity: The disparity between the cost of regional flights and the time required for rail or road transport places a disproportionate burden on regional residents.
Participation
Community members are encouraged to attend the session to discuss how airfare pricing affects their business operations and household budgets.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
- Time: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
- Location: Mildura Tourism (Benetook Room B), 190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura
For those unable to attend, formal submissions to the inquiry remain open until 15 March 2026.
For further information, please visit the Productivity Commission website.
Important Changes to Overseas Licence Conversions
Transport for NSW and Austroads have introduced new arrangements for transitioning overseas driver and motorcycle rider licences to Australian licences.
What has changed?
As of 1 February 2026, the arrangements for converting licences from certain countries have changed.
- List A (Recognised Countries): If you hold a valid car or rider licence from a “Recognised Country” (such as the UK, USA, New Zealand, or Canada), you generally do not need to pass a knowledge or driving test to convert your licence, provided your licence is current or expired within the last 5 years.
- List B (Formerly Experienced Driver Recognition): Drivers from jurisdictions on “List B” must now pass the Rider/Driver Knowledge Test and the Rider/Driving Test to obtain a NSW driver licence. The previous exemptions for experienced drivers from these countries have ceased.
Timelines for moving to NSW
- Permanent Residents: You must get a NSW driver licence within 3 months of living in NSW to continue driving or riding.
- Temporary Visitors: You must get a temporary NSW driver licence within 6 months of living in NSW to continue driving or riding.
Check your eligibility
Because the list of recognised countries and testing requirements has changed, we urge all overseas licence holders to check their specific status on the Service NSW website.
[Button/Link: Check Licence Eligibility at Service NSW]
Be Prepared: Rural Aid encourages farmers to register for support
Wentworth Shire Council is encouraging local primary producers to register with Rural Aid to ensure they are prepared for future challenges.
Rural Aid provides critical support to rural communities during times of storm, bushfire, flood, and drought. While many in the region may already be connected with the organisation, Rural Aid is urging those who are not yet registered to do so now.
Registering ahead of time ensures faster access to support for farmers and their families when disaster strikes. It also strengthens the collective voice of the farming community, allowing Rural Aid to advocate for greater assistance.
Services available to registered farmers include direct assistance, recovery programs, and mental health and wellbeing support.
To register, visit https://faa.ruralaid.org.au/ or call 1300 327 624 for more information.
Recruitment Now Open for 2026 Census Roles
Wentworth Shire Council advises that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has commenced recruitment for the 2026 Census, which will take place on Tuesday 11 August 2026.
The ABS is hiring over 30,000 people for temporary positions. These roles range in duration from a few weeks to six months or longer, offering flexible hours to fit your schedule.
Current Vacancies (Open Now):
- Field Manager: Leads Census work in the local area, recruiting and training Field Officers.
- Mobile Field Representative: Travels within the state or interstate to support field teams, distribute forms, and promote online participation.
- Local Engagement Officer: Manages a small team and coordinates information hubs to support diverse population groups.
- Census Engagement Manager: Works with community groups to develop positive relationships and maximise participation.
Upcoming Opportunities:
- Remote Area Management Team Leader & Member: Opens 23 February 2026. These roles focus on managing Census collection in remote regions, including mining camps and farming properties.
- Field Officer: Opens 20 April 2026. Field Officers deliver and collect forms and follow up with households.
- Community Field Officer: Opens 11 May 2026. These officers engage with the local community to support people who may face barriers to completing the Census.
Key Information for Applicants:
- Experience: More than half of the jobs available do not require any prior experience.
- Checks: A national police check may be required. A criminal history does not necessarily exclude you from employment.
- Support: A Recruitment Support Line is available at 1300 100 557.
How to Apply: To view full position descriptions and submit an application, please visit the Census careers page: https://info.census.abs.gov.au/careers
Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) Outreach – Dareton
The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) is hosting a community outreach event in Dareton to assist residents with managing their energy and water accounts.
EWON offers a free and independent dispute resolution service for all electricity and gas customers in New South Wales, and some water customers. Staff will be available onsite to provide advice and practical assistance.
Services available on the day include:
- Reviewing electricity, gas, and water bills.
- Checking eligibility for NSW Government rebates and revenue concessions.
- Assisting with the resolution of outstanding complaints or disputes with providers.
- Discussing payment plans and hardship assistance.
Event Information:
- Date: Wednesday 4 March 2026
- Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
- Location: Tapio Park, Tapio Street, Dareton
What to bring: Please bring copies of your recent bills and any relevant correspondence from your provider. No appointment is required to attend.
For further information regarding the Ombudsman’s services, please visit the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW website.
Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children
Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children.
You must slow down to 40km/h when overtaking or passing a bus displaying flashing lights, unless a lower speed limit applies.
You can help keep children safe by:
🏫 Sticking to the speed limit and following the road rules in school zones
🚌 Slowing down to 40km/h when bus lights are flashing, unless a lower speed limit applies
🚸 Looking out for children crossing the road near bus stops, in school zones or along bus routes
⤴️ Giving way to buses when they merge back into traffic.
For more information visit: transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/be-bus-aware