Action-packed school holiday activities program for shire

Families across Narrabri Shire are being offered a wide range of activities these school holidays, with Narrabri Shire Council rolling out a program designed to be affordable and accessible for all ages.

The schedule includes creative workshops, youth events, outdoor experiences and extended access to local pools, with activities taking place across the region from early to mid-April.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens said the initiative is aimed at making school holidays easier and more enjoyable for local families.

“It’s important to council that we provide local activities that are affordable, engaging and easy to access,” Cr Tiemens said. “This program is all about giving young people and families opportunities to get out, try something new and enjoy what we have right here in our community.”

A major hub of activity will be The Crossing Theatre, which is hosting a variety of events for both children and young people. The program begins with a performance by the Clarence Valley Orchestra, hosted by the Rotary Club of Narrabri, on Wednesday, April 8. The concert will feature internationally acclaimed soprano Mirusia and is expected to be a highlight of the holiday program.

Creative workshops for children aged 5 to 12, including bracelet and flower making, will run across multiple days throughout the holidays, with sessions priced at $10 per child.

Youth Week celebrations will feature a free laser tag experience delivered by NDCAS, with a dedicated youth day for ages 12 to 24 on Tuesday, April 14, followed by a community day for younger participants on Wednesday, April 15. A free Youth Week movie screening, including popcorn and a drink, will also be held on Wednesday, April 15.

“We’re fortunate to have organisations like NDCAS working in our community, and Council values the opportunity to partner with them to deliver engaging activities for our young people,” Cr Tiemens said.

The theatre program will conclude with a visit from the Questacon Science Circus on Thursday, April 16, bringing more than 30 interactive exhibits and science shows to town.

“The Crossing Theatre program is a great example of the variety on offer, from creative activities through to high-energy and educational experiences,” Cr Tiemens said.

“It’s about creating spaces where young people can connect, have fun and make the most of their holidays.”

The school holiday program will coincide with NarraBRIGHT, which will light up Narrabri from 5pm on Friday, April 10, featuring projections, markets, food vendors and entertainment.

Visitors and locals can also take part in a guided cotton farm tour departing from the Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre on Friday, April 10, as well as guided nature strolls through the Nandewar Ranges on Friday,
April 10 and Saturday, April 11.

A Fish Farm Tour and Breakfast Bundle, including a guided tour, breakfast and cultural performance, will run across Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11, with limited places available.

Cr Tiemens said these activities also give locals a chance to reconnect with the region.

“While these additional experiences showcase our region to those visiting, they are also the perfect opportunity for locals to reconnect with some of the great offerings our region has.”

Narrabri Shire Libraries will also host free events, including Nature Detective Walks, craft workshops and film screenings.

Families can attend screenings of The Legend of Ochi at Narrabri Library on Wednesday, April 8 at 3pm and Wee Waa Library on Thursday, April 9 at 3pm.

Nature Detective Walks will be held at Wee Waa Lagoon on Tuesday, April 7 at 10am and along Narrabri Creek on Monday, April 13 at 2pm.

A full day of workshops will take place on Tuesday, April 14, including robot building and a Robot Plank War in Wee Waa, as well as an A5 notebook making workshop. A wind spinner decorating workshop will be held in Boggabri from 1:30pm to 2:30pm the same day, and again in Narrabri on Wednesday, April 15.

In addition, the council has extended the pool season across the shire, with all public pools remaining open until Saturday, April 18.

“Extending the pool season means families have even more options to stay active and enjoy the warmer weather,” Cr Tiemens said. “Whether it’s a day at the pool, a visit to the library or an activity at the theatre, there’s plenty happening across the shire.”

Residents and visitors are urged to check council channels for program details and booking information.