New Trail of Lights ticketing model launched ahead of the FOSO opening

/by

New Trail of Lights ticketing model launched ahead of the FOSO opening

FOSO Sensorio © 2025 Bruce Munro. Photography by Serena Munro

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:

  • Adults $25, Children $12.50, Concession $17.50
  • Family of two adults and two children: $60 per installation, or $90 for a combination ticket

General Admission:

  • Adults $35, Children $15, Concession $22, Family $85
  • Combination tickets for TOL and FOSO available

“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

FOSO Sensorio © 2025 Bruce Munro. Photography by Serena Munro
FOSO Sensorio © 2025 Bruce Munro. Photography by Serena Munro
FOSO Sensorio © 2025 Bruce Munro. Photography by Serena Munro
FOSO Sensorio © 2025 Bruce Munro. Photography by Serena Munro
FOSO Sensorio © 2025 Bruce Munro. Photography by Serena Munro
FOSO Sensorio © 2025 Bruce Munro. Photography by Serena Munro
FOSO Sensorio © 2025 Bruce Munro. Photography by Serena Munro
FOSO Sensorio © 2025 Bruce Munro. Photography by Serena Munro

☀️ SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE SORTED AT WENTWORTH SHIRE LIBRARIES! ☀️

/by

☀️ 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! 👋

✂️ LIBRARY CRAFTERNOON 🖌️ Spend the afternoon creating, decorating, and making cool stuff with us! A perfect way to get creative this holiday. 📍 Midway Library: Thursday 8th Jan | 2pm – 4pm 📍 Wentworth Library: Friday 16th Jan | 2pm – 4pm See you there!
⛏️ MEGA MINECRAFT MADNESS ⛏️ Brace yourselves! We are going full chaos with random chickens, lava, and absolutely ZERO chill. 🎮 📍 Wentworth Library: Tuesday 13th Jan | 10am – 11:30am 📍 Midway Library: Thursday 15th Jan | 2pm – 3:30pm ⚠️ Bookings Essential! Email events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au or contact your local library.
🍿 MOVIE AFTERNOON! 🍿 Beat the heat and join us for a free screening of The Smurfs! We’re providing the popcorn, you just bring your own drink and snacks. 📍 Wentworth Library: Friday 9th Jan @ 2pm 📍 Midway Library: Monday 19th Jan @ 2pm Note: Attendees must be supervised.
🎨 DARETON MULTI-GEN MESSTIVAL 🎨 Get ready for messy crafts and big fun for all ages! The best part? You don’t have to clean up the mess at home! 😉 📍 Dareton Library: Wednesday 14th Jan | 10am – 12pm ⚠️ Bookings Required. Email events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au to save your spot!
👶 TINY EXPLORERS (Under 5s) 🧸 Calling all our mini friends! Join us for a fun, interactive session designed specifically for children aged 5 and under. 📍 Midway Library: Tuesday 20th Jan | 9:30am – 10:30am ⚠️ Bookings Required. Email events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au or visit the library to book.
🥁 DRUMMING WORKSHOP 🎶 Make some noise with Sunraysia Arts! Join our fun, interactive drumming workshop. 📍 Midway Library: Wednesday 21st Jan | 10:30am – 11:30am 📍 Wentworth Library: Friday 23rd Jan | 10:30am – 11:30am ⚠️ Bookings Essential! Please contact your local library or email events@wentworth.nsw.gov.au.
🎒 BACK TO SCHOOL STORYTIME 📚 Help us farewell the holidays and get ready for the new school year! Join us for a special storytime session. 📍 Midway & Wentworth Libraries: Friday 30th Jan | 10am – 11am No bookings required – just drop in!

Buronga Pump Track closure notice

/by

Buronga Pump Track closure notice

The Advanced pump track in Buronga will be closed for the day on Friday 19 December.

Council is installing a new timing sensor that will be available for public use once works are complete. This upgrade forms part of Council’s ongoing investment in improving facilities at the Buronga Riverfront Pump Track.

The track will reopen as soon as installation is finalised. Council thanks the community for its patience while this improvement is carried out.

Extreme Weather – Waste Transfer Stations

/by

To protect the health and safety of staff and the community, Council waste transfer stations will close on days when temperatures exceed 40 Celsius. The Buronga Landfill remains open per normal operating hours.

Please check Council’s website and Facebook page for updates before visiting a transfer station during extreme weather conditions.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Project Update: Nob Road Formation & Drainage Works

/by

Council is completing 10km of formation and drainage works at the southern end of Nob Road. These upgrades are vital for building up low-lying areas to prevent water ponding and to reduce closures during the wet season. 🌧️

The project is 50/50 funded by the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund (RERRF) and Roads to Recovery programs.

A further 4.8km of re-sheeting is scheduled for completion this financial year.

Please drive carefully around heavy machinery and follow traffic directions. Thank you for your patience as these works improve our shire’s road network.

Natural Resources Access Regulator Increases Water Compliance Efforts in the Lower Murray

/by

The Natural Resources Access Regulator is increasing early intervention efforts to prevent water law breaches in the lower Murray as permanent crop production expands. Growers are being encouraged to plan ahead for dry conditions, with monitoring expected to focus on unlawful water use over the next year.

Read the full media release below:

NRAR steps up prevention campaign in lower Murray FINALDownload

Community Notice: Storm Damage and Road Hazards

/by

Council advises residents that today’s storm has caused widespread damage across the region. Fallen trees and downed powerlines are affecting several areas, including Sandwych Street in Wentworth and the vicinity of the Pump Station and Silver City Highway in Dareton.

Please exercise extreme caution if you are travelling. Avoid any downed powerlines and report hazards where safe to do so.

Fletchers Lake Road is currently blocked in both directions due to fallen debris. Crews are responding and working to clear impacted areas as conditions allow.

If you require assistance for storm damage to residential buildings, contact SES on 132 500.

Council will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel.

Motorists are encouraged to take extra care on our regional roads during the busy summer harvest period.

/by

Motorists are encouraged to take extra care on our regional roads during the busy summer harvest period.

With more heavy vehicles and farm machinery travelling between properties and grain receival sites, drivers may encounter large, slow-moving vehicles more often than usual. The Be Truck Aware campaign, supported by Transport for NSW, GrainCorp, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and state farming networks, is a reminder for all road users to stay patient, stay alert and make safe decisions on the road.

Key safety reminders this harvest season:
• Be mindful of increased truck movements and larger blind spots
• Allow extra travel time and avoid risky overtaking
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Manage fatigue before starting your journey
• Slow down, look and listen at level crossings

Variable message signs are in place across the region to reinforce these important safety messages and to support safer travel for all road users.

For further details, visit the Transport for NSW website.

Notice for new Planning Applications

/by

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.

Launch of Engage Wentworth & Surrounds Community Engagement Platform

/by

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.