Busy, productive month across shire

October has been a busy and productive month right across the shire, with major progress on infrastructure, a strong focus on supporting small business, and several exciting opportunities now open for our community to get involved.

Last week, council’s water team completed the Elizabeth Street bore upgrade in just one day – an excellent effort by our staff and contractors. This important project was made possible through the intervention of NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson, and I want to acknowledge her assistance in ensuring the pump replacement could proceed without delay. The upgrade allows us to pump a greater volume of water into the town reservoir, helping meet demand while Level 3 water restrictions remain in place. While the upgrade does not remove the need for restrictions, it strengthens our capacity to maintain supply through the Elizabeth Street bore, which continues to show no signs of PFAS contamination.

Council has also received praise from various bureaucrats and other councils for the open and transparent way we have managed the PFAS issue over the past eleven months. Through media releases, council publications, Facebook updates, and regular radio interviews, our communications team has kept residents, media, politicians, and government departments fully informed. This proactive approach has maintained public confidence and ensured accurate information is available to everyone. I have also written letters of thanks to representatives on both sides of politics for their support during what has been a challenging time for our community.

However, true water resilience can only come from having multiple PFAS-free sources and long-term investment in treatment infrastructure. That is why council continues to pursue a dedicated water treatment plant capable of filtering out PFAS and other contaminants. We have been advocating strongly for this project, and I expect the state government to allocate funding for a treatment plant in the next state budget.

Throughout October we have also been celebrating Small Business Month. Across Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri, our local business community has enthusiastically taken part in a range of workshops and networking events. I want to acknowledge the tremendous effort of our chambers of commerce and council’s economic development team, who have worked tirelessly to deliver a fantastic program. Their collaboration and commitment have provided valuable learning and promotional opportunities for our small business community, helping local enterprises build their skills and connections for the future.

Council is also providing practical support to help businesses create a more welcoming environment for everyone. Through our Disability Inclusion Action Plan, we are offering up to 250 free braille plaques for business premises across the shire. Each plaque includes raised text and a business phone number, allowing customers with vision impairment to contact the business directly if required. Expressions of interest are open until November 14, and it is an easy way for business owners to show leadership in customer care and community inclusion.

Our community takes great pride in recognising achievement, particularly among our young people. Nominations are now open for the Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize – one of our most significant youth awards. Established in 2007 by Thomas Whipp Hulbert in honour of his mother, Lillian Alice Hulbert, the prize recognises a young person aged 15 to 17 from the Narrabri District who has shown exceptional achievement, bravery or service to the community. The $10,000 prize, held in trust until the recipient turns 21, is a meaningful investment in our next generation of leaders.

Please note that the nomination criteria are strict regarding birthplace eligibility, as these conditions were established in the original will and cannot be altered by Council. Nominations close at 5 pm on Friday, November 21, 2025, with details available on council’s website.

On the subject of recognition, a reminder that nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards close at 5 pm this Friday (tomorrow). Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Service and Environmental Award, Senior and Junior Sportsperson of the Year, and an Award for Community Arts and Cultural Development. These awards are a great opportunity to honour those who quietly and consistently contribute to the life of our towns and villages. Please consider putting in a nomination—or encouraging someone else to do so—before the deadline tomorrow.

As we head into the hotter months, I want to remind everyone of the importance of being prepared for bush fire season. The Rural Fire Service has an excellent range of resources online to help you get ready, including practical steps for creating a Bush Fire Survival Plan. Take a few minutes to search for “Bush Fire Survival Plan” online and make sure you, your family, and your property are ready. Preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Have a great week, everyone.