Launch of Engage Wentworth & Surrounds Community Engagement Platform

Wentworth Shire Council has introduced a major initiative to strengthen public participation and promote transparency with the launch of its new online community engagement platform, Engage Wentworth & Surrounds.

Powered by the Social Pinpoint technology widely used across Australia, this dedicated digital hub will become the central place for residents to share ideas, provide feedback on Council projects, and remain informed about local planning and key strategic directions. The initiative reinforces the Civic Leadership objectives identified in the Wentworth Shire Community Strategic Plan 2026–2036, particularly the community’s call for better communication and engagement, and broader consultation.

Wentworth Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Daniel Linklater, said “The platform will play a vital role in building trust and strengthening decision-making across the Shire. Our Community Strategic Plan is clear: our success relies on strong, ethical and inclusive civic leadership. Engage Wentworth & Surrounds is the tool that makes this possible. It ensures every resident, wherever they live across the Shire can genuinely participate in decisions that affect their lives.”

The Engage Wentworth & Surrounds platform supports the delivery of Council’s long-term planning documents, including the Community Strategic Plan 2026–2036 by strengthening leadership that is open, transparent and inclusive; the Economic Development Strategy 2025–2035 by supporting sustainable and well-planned growth that is respectful of stakeholders; the Community Engagement Strategy by providing inclusive, innovative and accessible methods of communication that reach all groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in remote areas; and the Resourcing Strategy by enabling informed decision-making and responsible resource allocation, consistent with the principles of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework.

Accessible at engage.wentworth.nsw.gov.au, the platform offers a range of opportunities for residents to get involved, including interactive mapping tools for location-specific comments and project feedback, surveys and polls for structured consultation across a broad range of topics, and discussion forums that encourage community ideas and collaboration on strategic planning matters.

The platform allows users to follow projects relevant to where they live or subjects they care most about, helping them stay informed throughout the decision-making process.

Council is committed to ensuring that community input meaningfully influences outcomes wherever possible. All residents, businesses and stakeholders are encouraged to register at engage.wentworth.nsw.gov.au and take part in shaping the future of Wentworth Shire.

Notice for new Planning Applications

Notice for new Planning Applications
The period between 20 December and 10 January (inclusive) is excluded from the calculation of required public notification days as per Schedule 1, Part 1, Division 3 section 16 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

All new development applications received by Council from 24 November 2025 will have their public notification fall within 20 December 2025. Any planning applications whose public notification days fall within 20 December 2025 and 10 January 2026 cannot be determined in 2025, and will be determined after 10 January 2026.

Sturt Highway Taskforce launches Christmas road safety campaign: ‘Arrive safe this Christmas’

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Footpath Upgrade Works – Sturt Highway, Gol Gol

Footpath Upgrade Update – Sturt Highway, Gol Gol

Please be advised of a temporary closure as part of the shared footpath upgrade works along the Sturt Highway between Drings Hill and the Midway Centre.

The footpath will be closed to all pedestrians on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 November to allow final asphalt works to be completed.

Council apologises for any inconvenience this short-term closure may cause and thanks the community for its patience and understanding.

We look forward to completing this important project soon for the benefit of both residents and visitors.

#WentworthShireCouncil #GolGol #FootpathUpgrade #CommunityUpdate

Something new is coming…

Something new is coming…

Wentworth Shire Council is preparing to launch an exciting new way for our community to connect, share ideas and have a greater say in local decision-making.

In the coming days, Council will unveil engage. Wentworth & Surrounds — a dedicated online community engagement platform designed to make it easier for residents, businesses and stakeholders across the Shire to stay informed, provide feedback and help shape the future of our region.

👀 Coming soon
Share ideas | Provide feedback | Stay informed

Celebrate the festive season in Wentworth Shire

Wentworth Shire Council is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate the festive season with two community events – the Wentworth Christmas Market and Gol Gol Carols with a Twist.

The Wentworth Christmas Market will be held in Adelaide Street, Wentworth, on Sunday 30 November from 9am to 12pm. Wentworth will transform into a vibrant market precinct, featuring live music, a diverse range of market stalls, delicious food from local vendors and fun children’s activities.

The market offers the perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit while supporting local artisans, producers and small businesses.

Council is encouraging stallholders interested in taking part to register by 4pm Monday 10 November by emailing events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au.

The festivities continue the following weekend with Gol Gol Carols with a Twist, to be held at Alcheringa Oval, Buronga, on Sunday 7 December from 5pm to 8pm.

This family-friendly evening will feature a DJ, roaming stiltwalkers and entertainment, food options, a special visit from Santa, and plenty of festive fun.

Youth stallholders, local school choirs and community singers/bands are encouraged to participate and share their talents, with expressions of interest closing at 4pm Friday 14 November.

Councillor Daniel Linklater, Mayor of Wentworth Shire said “Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts at the Wentworth Christmas Market or joining in the celebrations at Gol Gol Carols with a Twist, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Event Details

Wentworth Christmas Market
Sunday 30 November, 9am–12pm
Adelaide Street, Wentworth
Stallholder EOIs close at 4pm Monday 10 November: events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au

Gol Gol Carols with a Twist
Sunday 7 December, 5pm–8pm
Alcheringa Oval, Buronga
Youth stallholders, choirs, bands and singers EOIs close 4pm Friday 14 November: events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au

For more information about both events, or to discover other community events across the region, visit experiencewentworth.com.au.


FREE Child Car Seat Safety Checks

Get into the Christmas spirit at the Wentworth Christmas Market

Get into the Christmas spirit at the Wentworth Christmas Market

The Wentworth Christmas Market will be held in Adelaide Street, Wentworth, on Sunday 30 November from 9am to 12pm. Wentworth will transform into a vibrant market precinct, featuring live music, a diverse range of market stalls, delicious food from local vendors and fun children’s activities.

The market is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the festive season while supporting local artisans, producers and small businesses.

Discover other community events across the region at experiencewentworth.com.au.

#WentworthChristmasMarket #ChristmasMarket #Wentworth #SupportLocal #Christmas #FamilyFun


Slow down around horses

The annual ‘Horses in traffic’ initiative is underway from October to November to highlight the importance of taking care when driving around horses in traffic.

Horses can be unpredictable and easily spooked. This initiative reminds motorists to slow down, leave plenty of room and never use the car horn or rev the engine if passing a horse in traffic.

Over the 10-year period from 2015 to 2024p* there were:

  • 8 casualty crashes involving a ridden horse, resulting in 10 casualties.
  • 43 casualty crashes involving a riderless horse struck by a road vehicle, resulting in 47 casualties.

*The data for 2024 is preliminary and subject to change.

Horse riders also have a responsibility to take care on the road and are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, ride on roads where motorists have a good line of sight, wear high visibility clothing and a helmet that meets Australian Standards, and if possible, ride during daylight hours.

Learn more: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/animals#Horses_in_traffic_