Happy New Year and welcome back to my first column for 2026

Happy New Year and welcome to my first column for 2026. Things are beginning to stir again after the Christmas break, and over the next few weeks many families will be getting ready for the return to work, school and activities. January always brings that interesting mix of heat, holidays and planning ahead, and around Narrabri Shire there is already plenty happening.

One of the major projects kicking off is the replacement of the Violet Street Bridge. Works will officially begin next Monday, January 19, and the bridge will remain closed until late September while construction is underway. During this time the detour will follow Selina Street, the Newell Highway and Tibbereena Street, so please allow a little extra time for travel. This upgrade has been a long time coming and will deliver a bridge that finally meets current and future needs. The new structure will include dual traffic lanes, a shared pathway on both sides for pedestrians and cyclists, unrestricted access for heavy vehicles and modern overhead street lighting. There is a detailed timeline and FAQs on council’s website, and I encourage residents to take a look. Thank you in advance for your patience during construction.

As part of saying farewell to the old bridge, the Brekkie on the Bridge event has generated great interest. We had 107 registrations, and a ballot system was needed to allocate the 20 available places. Those selected have been emailed, so if you entered, please check your inbox and confirm your attendance. I am sorry for those who missed out, but unfortunately we can only accommodate a small number of people safely on the bridge. The structure has served our community for more than five decades, so it is fitting to mark its retirement with a simple, local celebration.

If you are looking for something a little different for young people this month, Narrabri Shire Libraries are hosting Virtual Reality Art workshops on Thursday, and Friday, January 22 and 23. These workshops are open to people aged 12 and over and allow participants to create art in a fully immersive 3D environment. It is an impressive blend of creativity and technology, and it is pleasing to see these kinds of opportunities delivered locally. No experience is required, just curiosity and imagination. The workshops are funded by the NSW government through the Office of Youth, but places are limited, and bookings are essential.

For those sorting out the household after the holidays, a quick reminder that the 2026 Waste Calendar is now available on council’s website. It can be found on the Garbage Collection page under the Rubbish and Recycling section within Resident Services. While you are at it, it is worth downloading the NSC Waste app through your phone’s app store. It is a straightforward way to report missed services, damaged or stolen bins, or to check your collection days.

On the water front, we have some positive news regarding PFAS. The latest testing results from the Namoi Reservoir have confirmed PFAS levels below current guidelines, meaning Narrabri town water remains safe for consumption. The Tibbereena Street bore continues to supplement the supply from the Elizabeth Street bore, and recent tests showed no PFAS detected at Elizabeth Street. The Killarney bore remains switched off as a precaution. All test results and updates are available on council’s website under Sewer and Water.

Alongside the testing regime, council has called for Expressions of Interest for a portable PFAS water treatment plant. The EOI is open until 2pm on Monday, January 19, and its purpose is to identify capable contractors able to deliver an efficient, compliant and cost-effective solution that meets both current and future needs. Tenders will be invited in March, with commencement expected from June 2026. Once a successful tenderer is confirmed, council will publish a detailed timeline.

Before signing off, two quick reminders. Nominations for the Narrabri Shire Senior of the Year Award close on Thursday, February 5 at 5pm. If you know someone who contributes their time, supports local initiatives, or enriches the community through arts, culture, health, wellbeing or other important things to our community, then nominate them through council’s website. This award is our chance to recognise a senior citizen who is extra special – someone who lifts others up, keeps culture alive, or quietly helps hold the community together.

Heat stress deserves special mention. It is the most deadly natural phenomenon in Australia, and more people struggle during extreme heat than during floods, storms or fires. During hot periods, I encourage residents to check on neighbours, friends and relatives, particularly those who are older, isolated or managing health conditions. A quick call or visit can make a genuine difference.

Finally, we remain on Level 3 Water Restrictions. With recent heatwaves and high demand, it is important we continue to use water responsibly. Make use of our pools, shade the house properly, keep pets cool and water gardens only during the permitted windows. Thank you for the restraint shown so far. It does make a difference, and council will continue to monitor conditions closely.