News

Government blocks Butler’s motion to scrap gun buyback scheme

The NSW government has blocked a push by Member for Barwon Roy Butler to abandon the current version of a state gun buyback scheme. Mr Butler had tabled a disallowance motion for the Firearms Amendment (Transitional Provisions) Regulation 2026. This is the regulation that provides the framework for the buyback scheme which is due to come into effect on 2 November. Mr Butler said up to 274,000 firearms would be taken as a result of the program. “That is close to a quarter of the total firearms registered in this state and around 50,000 law-abiding licence holders will be affected. […]

Sep 26, 2026

Narrabri Shire to proceed with procurement process for temporary water treatment plant

Narrabri Shire Council will proceed with a procurement process for a temporary water treatment plant to address the issue of PFAS in the Narrabri town supply. Councillors were briefed with an update on the water issue at the September meeting and endorsed the recommendation put forward. The council’s director of infrastructure, Warren Faulkner, sought the elected members’ approval to go to an expression of interest process for a temporary plant to treat 55–60 litres of water per second. This would enable the Killarney bore to come back online as soon as possible. The council has been investigating additional options after […]

Sep 26, 2026

Packed weekend of entertainment at Gilgandra

Gilgandra is gearing up for a huge weekend with the Goin’ to Gil Festival bringing three days of live music, entertainment, community events and plenty of #RealCountry fun to the region. From the Armatree Street Party and Tunes in Toora, Goin’ to Gil Street Parade, Gil Triathlon and of course Under the Gums – there’s something happening around every corner in Gilgandra from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September. Round up your crew, make a weekend of it and get ready to experience Gilgandra! What’s on: Friday 25 September Shop Like a Local, Miller Street, Gilgandra Start the weekend by […]

Sep 26, 2026

Focus remains on practical outcomes for shire communities

DARRELL TIEMENS, MAYOR, NARRABRI SHIRE COUNCIL At council’s September meeting, I was re-elected mayor and Cr Brett Nolan was re-elected deputy mayor, with both positions receiving unanimous support. I appreciate the confidence shown by my fellow councillors and thank everyone who has sent messages of support. There is a great deal of work ahead, and our focus remains on practical outcomes for communities across the shire amidst significantly lower levels of financial support from both the federal and state governments. One of the honours of serving as mayor is presiding over citizenship ceremonies. Last week we welcomed a number of […]

Sep 25, 2026