Shire retail campaign is about equity

On Tuesday night we officially launched our “Bring Back Socks and Jocks” campaign—and what a launch it was. Held at The Exchange in Narrabri, the evening brought together locals from across the shire, united by a simple goal: bringing a budget-friendly family clothing retailer back to town.

You may have already seen the campaign video doing the rounds online—featuring plenty of familiar faces, including former mayor George Sevil and his wife Clare, along with local families, farmers, tradies and seniors. It is cheeky, yes, but it shines a spotlight on a very real and longstanding gap in our community.

Narrabri Shire lost its major clothing retailer in 2021 when Target shut its doors. Since then, the options for buying everyday clothing locally have been limited—particularly for families and older residents.

Whether it is socks, jocks, or bras, people are having to travel hours or shop online. For some, especially the elderly, that simply is not an option.

That is why council has stepped up with a creative, community-driven campaign to catch the attention of major retailers like BigW, Best&Less, K-Hub and Target.

We are inviting them to take a closer look at what Narrabri has to offer—and why it makes commercial sense to be here. With more than 2100 new homes zoned for development and industrial land opening up to support a growing workforce, this shire is not standing still. We are growing, and any retailer with foresight will want to be part of that. First in, best dressed.

Of course, the campaign is about more than just shopping. It is about equity.

About the idea that rural Australians deserve access to the same essential services as our metro counterparts. About highlighting that we are not just producers of goods—we are communities that deserve investment in return.

Thanks go to everyone who has supported the campaign so far—from Australian Food and Fibre who helped with filming, to the many local business owners and residents who participated or came along to the launch. Your support has already helped spark national media interest, and we will keep pushing until someone listens.

It has been a big week for community recognition more broadly. I would like to offer my warm congratulations to Charmaine Berding, who was awarded the 2025 Narrabri Shire Volunteer of the Year for her tireless work across committees and fundraising in Boggabri. Our other finalist, Noreen Boehm, has also given decades of service to Boggabri—whether presenting the local news on 2MO, supporting events, or serving as a Justice of the Peace. Their contributions reflect the very best of Narrabri Shire, and we thank them both.

I had the pleasure of announcing the recipients of Round 2 of council’s Community Financial Assistance Grants. Congratulations to the Boggabri Women’s Shed, Eulah Creek Recreational Reserve Land Manager and the Wean Amateur Picnic Race Club. Each is playing an important role in making our towns stronger and more connected.

On a more serious note, last week saw the release of the final report from the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Remote, Rural and Regional Health. This report highlights what we have been saying for years: rural communities are being sidelined when it comes to healthcare planning and delivery.

It recommends the establishment of a dedicated Rural Health Commissioner, improved funding models, and genuine consultation with local communities. We welcome these findings and now call on the state government and NSW Health to work with us—not just make decisions for us.

A quick update on some infrastructure matters: The Crossing Theatre will remain closed until at least June 23 while further safety upgrades are carried out. I know how deeply disappointing this is for the community—especially those who had looked forward to upcoming events. I share your frustration. This was not a decision made lightly, but the safety of patrons, staff and performers must come first. I assure you council is working closely with contractors to complete the work as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Road and water works also continue across the shire. Lenore Crescent in Wee Waa is seeing water main upgrades. Bald Hill Road has now reopened to heavy vehicles, while Clump Road is closed temporarily for rectification work. Please drive with care and follow all signage in affected areas. Meanwhile, please support as many of our local businesses and retailers as you can. We are not only keeping jobs in our towns—we are backing local families, sustaining our main streets, and building a more resilient community.