Wentworth Shire Council and Community RoadSafe Mildura invite heavy vehicle operators, transport businesses, growers and industry stakeholders to attend the Heavy Vehicle Grape and Grain Forum.
Hear from industry and regulatory representatives on heavy vehicle safety, compliance requirements and current industry issues affecting the grape, grain and transport sectors.
Presentations by:
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR)
Victoria Police
WorkSafe Victoria
Transport for NSW
EnergyAustralia
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026 Time: Registration from 8:30am for a 9:00am start. Concludes 12:00pm. Venue: The Cliffs Roadhouse, Sturt Highway, Trentham Cliffs
Road Rules Awareness Week is an opportunity for all road users to refresh their knowledge and make safer choices. Wentworth Shire Council is sharing reminders about common road rules throughout the week.
Key road rule reminders
Safe following distance
In good conditions, allow at least a three-second gap between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
Increase the gap to four seconds or more in poor conditions, including on wet, unsealed or icy roads and at night. Heavy vehicles need additional space.
On higher-speed roads, allow at least five seconds so there is more time to react and brake.
E-scooters
Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas, including footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes. They may only be used on private property.
Giving way to pedestrians
Drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing the road they are turning into, at intersections with or without traffic lights.
Overtaking
Only overtake when you have a clear view of approaching traffic, lane markings allow it, and you can complete the manoeuvre safely without exceeding the speed limit.
Roundabouts
When approaching or entering a roundabout, give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout.
Mobile phone use
Fully licensed drivers may use a mobile phone only in permitted hands-free ways or when the phone is secured in a commercially designed mounting fixed to the vehicle. Learner, P1 and P2 drivers must not use a mobile phone while driving.
Bicycle riders
Children under 16 may ride on a footpath unless a NO BICYCLES sign applies. An adult supervising a rider under 16 may also ride on the footpath. Riders on footpaths must keep left and give way to pedestrians.
Spring is breeding season for many native birds, including magpies. Some birds may become territorial and swoop to protect their nests and young.
If you encounter a swooping bird:
avoid known nesting areas and use another route where possible
stay calm, keep the bird in sight and move quickly and carefully away—do not run
protect your head and eyes with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, helmet or open umbrella
if cycling, dismount and walk your bike through the area
travel in a group where possible, supervise children and keep pets under control
do not provoke, feed, throw objects at or interfere with birds, nests or young.
Native birds are protected in NSW. Swooping is usually temporary and generally stops once chicks have left the nest.
Please take care on shared paths, near parks and along school routes. Report a swooping bird posing a public safety risk on Council-managed land to Wentworth Shire Council on (03) 5027 5027 or council@wentworth.nsw.gov.au, including the location, date, time and details of the behaviour.
https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Beware-of-swooping-birds.jpg17541754Marketing & Communications Officerhttps://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wsc-logo-180.pngMarketing & Communications Officer2026-09-18 16:36:502026-09-18 16:37:09Be aware during swooping bird season
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.
Mr Stuart HydeMs Elizabeth ManganThe Smit FamilyMs Natalia WhitelumMs Alissia Kampeera
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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.
https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/WSC-Media-Release.jpg13501080Marketing & Communications Officerhttps://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wsc-logo-180.pngMarketing & Communications Officer2026-09-18 12:50:542026-09-18 13:04:55Wentworth Shire Mayor and Deputy Mayor Re-Elected Unopposed
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.
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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.
https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2027-Australia-Day-Awards-Nominations-open.jpg22502250Marketing & Communications Officerhttps://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wsc-logo-180.pngMarketing & Communications Officer2026-09-12 09:00:002026-09-11 11:50:362027 Australia Day Awards – Nominations OPEN
** Update 2:00pm, Friday 11 September: power has been restored, with the traffic lights at the Abbotsford Bridge operational.**
A traffic incident at the intersection of Fletcher’s Lake Road and the Silver City Highway has caused a power outage affecting Curlwaa and the Abbotsford Bridge area.
Abbotsford Bridge: Traffic lights are not operating. Traffic controllers are on site to manage bridge crossings. Bridge lifts are currently unavailable.
Power restoration: Essential Energy crews are investigating. The estimated restoration time is 1:30pm, Friday 11 September.
Please slow down when approaching the area, follow directions from traffic controllers and signage, and allow extra travel time if crossing Abbotsford Bridge.
Council will provide further updates if information changes.
Abbotsford Bridge: Traffic lights are not operating. Traffic controllers are on site to manage bridge crossings. Bridge lifts are currently unavailable.
Power restoration: Essential Energy crews are investigating. The estimated restoration time is 1:30pm, Friday 11 September.