NarraBRIGHT $2.2m benefit to local economy

THE sixth NarraBRIGHT festival delivered an estimated local economic boost of almost $2.27m and attracted 7,500 attendees.

A report detailing the success of the event was tabled at last week’s council meeting, with elected members applauding the direct benefit to the shire.

The festival’s total direct economic impact almost doubled last year’s estimated $1.19m.

The footprint of the festivities expanded considerably this year across to Collins Park and along the shared pathway leading to The Crossing Theatre.

Improved light displays and interactive elements proved popular among the attendees, with many of their comments tabled in the event wrap-up report tabled last week.

State government funding also contributed significantly to the success.

This year’s festivities cost $266,292, with $166,292 sourced through funding arrangements.

Narrabri Shire Council contributed the remaining $100,000.

Cr Jocellin Jansson told the meeting “the economic return from that event is fabulous”.

“The other extraordinary area of return was that social engagement opportunity, bringing community together, and it’s really hard to quantify the value of that,” Cr Jansson said.

“But anyone who attended that event saw what a wonderful engagement opportunity that was, how it really brings community together and connects people.

“It provided families and individuals … at a time where things are really quite tough … a wonderful opportunity to have a family outing, or as an individual, in a safe and really happy setting.”

Cr Jansson acknowledged the council team’s success in staging the event, particularly noting the role of small business liaison Gillian Goddard.

Cr Ryan Whillas expressed similar sentiment to Cr Jansson and thanked those involved in the festival.

“It was an amazing event,” Cr Whillas said.

“I’m really looking forward to watching it grow next year.”

In Ms Goddard’s report, she said NarraBRIGHT engaged 91 local businesses and community partners, more than 90 volunteers and 215 employees.

“The event has become one of the biggest nights of the year for Narrabri CBD hospitality businesses and now anchors a stronger annual nighttime economy, generating $2.259m in economic impact,” Ms Goddard said.

“Community-made artworks, youth performance pathways, accessible free programming and record hospitality trade demonstrates how a regional council event can build pride, grow business and create lasting legacy.

“NarraBRIGHT is now a flagship example of community-led innovation in local government events.”

Since NarraBRIGHT in April, the council has been listed as a finalist for the LG NSW 2026 RH Doughtery Awards for Innovation in Special Events and Leo Kelly OAM Awards for Arts and Culture Project.

The council’s economic development team has also been engaged as a guest presenter for the NSW 24 Hour Economy Commissions Local Government Accelerator Program on Place Activation.

The council has been approached by Tamworth Business Chamber and Glen Innes Severn and Nambucca Valley councils in recent months to provide its experiences on the nighttime activation approach.

Council director of development and compliance Kate Alberry told the meeting the estimated 7,500 people who joined the celebration was a growth of about 2,500 on the previous year.

“Well and truly punching above its weight in economic benefit … it contributed to the hospitality businesses on the night and brought a lot of local art to the public eye,” she said.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens told the meeting that the council’s sister city, Randwick City Council, has expressed interest in attending next year’s festivities.