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.
Wentworth Shire Marks National Day of Mourning
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.”
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.
To participate in the survey, please visit:
https://engage.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/shaping-future-wentworth-shire-libraries
We appreciate your time and input as part of this important consultation.
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
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.
The following is shared from the NSW Ambulance website.
Heatwaves are periods of unusually high temperatures that can last for several days. They may pose serious risks to your health.
Tips to cope with the heat:
Where to find reliable information
When to call Triple Zero (000)
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if someone shows signs of heatstroke, including:
Heatstroke is a medical emergency – act quickly.
Due to extreme heat conditions this week. The Buronga Landfill will be closing early at 1.00pm on Wed 7th, Thu 8th and Fri 9th of January. If you need to visit the landfill, please ensure you get in by 12.00pm to allow staff to compact and cover the loads.
Due to a staff shortage, we will be unable to open the Ellerslie Transfer Station this coming Saturday (27th December 2025). We apologise for the inconvenience.
New Trail of Lights ticketing model launched ahead of the FOSO opening
A new, combined Trail of Lights (TOL) and Fibre Optic Symphony Orchestra (FOSO) ticketing model is officially live following valuable community and visitor feedback.
The new ticket model aims to provide a balance between affordability and the long-term viability of these world-class experiences by internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro.
Mildura Rural City Council Councillor for Events and Tourism Rebecca Crossling said feedback from the community, visitors and staff had been vital in finalising the fresh ticketing approach.
“With FOSO tickets now available ahead of a 2026 launch, the time was right to revisit our ticketing model, ensuring residents and visitors were in the best position to visit both installations in an affordable and sustainable way,” Cr Crossling said.
“It was always our intention to revisit ticket options as the launch of FOSO drew closer, and we believe we have landed on a position that provides the best opportunity for financial sustainability, while driving higher visitation to these world-class attractions.
“Our locals’ prices also mean tickets are more accessible to residents, empowering them to promote TOL and FOSO to their visiting families and friends, amplifying reach and building community ownership of the experience.
“And with FOSO open in time for Easter – it’s also a great gift idea for visiting relatives and friends!”
New Ticketing Options
Tickets for both installations are now available, with options designed to encourage visitation across both attractions:
Local Residents:
General Admission:
“What’s really exciting about the new model for residents is our reduced family tickets, with two adults and two children now able to visit either installation for $60 separately, or $90 when purchasing a combination ticket for both installations,” Cr Crossling said.
Wentworth Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Linklater said, “FOSO is more than an attraction; it is a unique cultural experience that highlights the beauty of Wentworth Shire and invites visitors to explore our region. Early ticketing provides an opportunity for families and friends to plan a visit and experience both FOSO and Trail of Lights during the Easter period.
“These installations are opportunities to showcase our region, increase visitation and length of stay, and encourage visitors to spend widely across our region,” Cr Linklater said.
Since opening in April 2025, thousands of people have visited Trail of Lights, while also enjoying the revamped Rio Vista Park, featuring Jessica Rabbit Café and the TOL Bar.
Local and general admission tickets and combination packages, and gift vouchers for TOL and FOSO are available now by visiting www.mildura.com/lights/tickets
About Trail of Lights
Created by internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro, Trail of Lights is an enchanting fusion of art and nature, integrating 12,500 firefly lights and 22 Gone Fishing sculptures with the natural beauty of the island and the river.
It is a quiet and contemplative experience, immersed within the art, one removed from the rush and stress of our daily lives, and has attracted more than 12,000 visitors since opening in April 2025.
Fibre Optic Symphony Orchestra – A Major New Attraction in Wentworth
FOSO will open in April 2026 between Perry Sandhills and Thegoa Lagoon, Wentworth, providing an immersive artistic experience that combines quintessential Australian landscapes with cutting-edge fibre optic installations. An original orchestral score composed by internationally acclaimed British composer Nainita Desai accompanies the installation, creating a fully immersive visitor experience.
Planning Your Visit
With construction works for FOSO progressing and Bruce Munro’s team scheduled to return in February 2026 for the next stage of development, both Councils encourage visitors to plan their visits early. The joint approach highlights the Mildura-Wentworth region as a key destination for artistic and cultural experiences.
Plan your trip to Wentworth & Surrounds: https://experiencewentworth.com.au
Plan your trip to Tropical North Victoria:
https://mildura.com/plan/plan-your-trip
☀️ SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE SORTED AT WENTWORTH SHIRE LIBRARIES! ☀️
We have a massive month of fun planned to kick off 2026! From Minecraft madness and messy crafts to movies, music, and storytime, there is something for everyone to enjoy this January.
👉 SWIPE THROUGH THE POSTERS to view the full calendar, dates, times, and location details for every event!
⚠️ Important: Some sessions have limited spaces and bookings are essential. Check the individual flyers to see which events require registration.
📞 To Book: Contact your local library directly or email: 📧 events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au
We can’t wait to see you there! 👋
