FEBRUARY 2021

Walgett Shire is located in far northwest and we proudly offer all the From the Mayor ingredients for a great outback holiday – scenery, relaxation, recreation and revitalisation, along with the unique experience of Lightning Ridge, home of the black opal.

The shire has an abundance of wildlife and flora on Our management executive team, led by General display, not to mention spectacular sunrises and brilliant Manager, Mike Urquhart is focusing upon revitalising sunsets to open and close your day. the shire with infrastructure asset management strat- egies, water plans, risk management, economic devel- My fellow councillors and I are a united team, work- opment, growing the tourism trade and upgrading our ing together for the betterment of our wonderful and sporting facilities. diverse communities, and we are very proud of the and its people. Council is aware of the pressures associated with envi- ronmental change, having endured four years of drought, While the councillors don’t always agree on every matter, and will also focus its attention and resources on drought our individual experiences, our passion and love for the proofing the shire with either additional bores or off river shire makes for a healthy relationship, one that will take storage projects. Council and its communities to bigger and better things in the coming years. Mayor Ian Woodcock OAM

Building a community we’re proud to hand on Change is all about inclusivity, succession planning, capacity building, a strengths- based approach… belief!

The adage ‘from little things big things grow’ is certainly reflective of Walgett Shire Council and its recent rise to the top of the pack in many areas of Local Government, namely community development, services for youth and in- dividual recognition within the Local Government context. Council delivers a wide range of services to a resilient and diverse population. The shire is home to a large population of Indigenous people from the Gamilaroi and Yuallaraay language groups. The Aboriginal connection to these lands is especially significant as Walgett is regarded as one of the key towns involved in the social justice Freedom Rides in February 1965. Unique as it is varied, an extremely high number of residents from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds have come to make their home in Walgett Shire. We boast 57 different nationalities on the roll at the local Central School in Lightning Ridge. Despite the recent drought, dry rivers, lack of jobs and other social issues Walgett, Lightning Ridge and surround- ing towns and villages just keep ticking along. Many of Council’s initiatives in recent times have focused on community solutions for community problems. With our focus firmly fixed on local staff development and the intrin- sic value of community, we have seen results delivered far in excess of those other remote local government areas may be witnessing. From the back of the pack…now leading the way, Community Services team members George, Sandra and Reburdah. The succession planning, community by-in and an lead the way in services and development of young people you say is now a given within the Walgett Shire Council. asset-based community development direction has been across the state. Other awards have seen Council’s innovative ‘School 2 awarded results. Since receiving its first ever Local Government Award for Work’ program recognised at employment awards, and Results on the books that are visible in the streets, an Youth in 2005 the youth and community teams have been the community development team entreated to share the action focus in the Council chambers and positive change awarded 14 successive State gongs through to 2019, a secrets, the methodologies, with other councils to assist is a happening thing within the Shire. National Local Government Youth Strategy Award in 2010, them to build that trust, the belief that is so often a miss- Through the mid 2000 years, Council made a com- runners up in Local Government Excellence Awards in ing link in Local Government and community relationships. mitment to region’s youth and the development of its 2020 and the former Youth Development Officer (current- Locals know the problems in their communities better young people, spurred on by a lack of services and a ly Manager Community Development) for the past five than any agency does. By listening and setting achieva- leadership void in this sector which had led to a rising years, receiving the highest individual accolade in Local ble goals, taking small steps, creating succession plans, youth crime rate, one of the worst in the state. Government, the 2019 R.H Dougherty Award for Individual encouraging local input, things have changed. Some say A local Youth Development Officer was employed, and Service to Council. generational change is in place. three youth centres were opened, along with the forma- So, what a ride…. outcomes based programs developed The community development team believe relationship tion of a Youth Council as a section 355B committee within by the young people, for the young people have proven building and processes must be genuine, meaningful and Council. As a result, the youth and community teams now a winner. Their ability to connect, build rapport and do as facilitate long-term partnerships.

WWW.LGFOCUS.COM.AU 1 FEBRUARY 2021 FEBRUARY 2021 Fish way built into Walgett Weir upgrade Youth centre collaboration comes to fruition The township of Walgett relies upon water from the Barwon and Exciting news for the Walgett Shire is the soon to be built Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) which will be the new home of Walgett Shire Namoi rivers, with the Walgett Weir situated on the Barwon, Council’s Youth Development Centre. around 450m downstream of the junction of the two rivers. The primary focus of the with Council to provide a PCYC and Council believe The upgrade of the Walge- environmental factors, con- • Improve fish passage in new facility will be to offer remote service to commu- the new facility is the tt Weir, including a new fish sultation with stakeholders the Murray Darling Basin the region’s young people nities, delivered via a small, missing link for the region’s way, has been an exciting and approvals. through the provision of opportunities to participate mobile activities van. youth. project for the shire and is The estimated cost of the a fish way. in activities and programs A need was very quickly With youth services in nearing completion. project is $8,801,458 of • Eliminate two fish run by the PCYC. recognised in the shire, place to collaborate on It involves the construc- which $5,214,458 will be barriers, reduce the Council will work in part- for a purpose built young providing continuity of tion of a new 30 slot, funded by Safe and Secure maintenance burden, nership with the PCYC to people’s facility to, as PCYC service, young people will vertical-slot fish way and Round 1 with Water Securi- and eliminate the need improve opportunities for founder William Mackay is be engaged, giving them high flow full width rock- ty for Regions contributing to transfer water as part local youth and the com- so eloquently quoted on the the best opportunities and ramp on the left (southern) $3,587,000. of drought management munity by offering a range PCYC website: ‘provide suit- service support that will abutment. The fish way has been operations. of quality activities and able places where…[young wrap around them into The fish way is part of operational since 23rd The raised weir will programs in a safe, fun and people]… could meet, play, adulthood. the Walgett Weir Water December. increase the volume of the friendly environment. and engage in sport, giving Investing in our future Supply Security Project Walgett Weir Water weir pool from 1763ml to The seed for the venture them a chance in life and leaders is vital to sustaining which includes raising the Supply Security Project 2907ml, resulting in a total was sown many years ago preventing them becoming community wellbeing in the level by 1.0m, upgrad- and Walgett Weir Fish way increase of 1145ml. when the PCYC partnered street corner loafers’. years to come. Artist’s impression of the new Walgett Police Citizen’s Youth Club. ing the access road, and project are complementary The raised weir will removal of the old Namoi and will achieve the follow- make weir 10 redundant Weir 10. ing objectives: and therefore allow the Planning of the project • Increase the drought se- removal of Namoi Weir 10, has been underway since curity of Walgett’s water which will eliminate the Walgett Weir 2014, during which time supply through the pro- maintenance burden and Walgett Weir 11A and Industries Fisheries This project will open up Council has undertaken an vision of increased weir the need for the pumped Namoi Weir 10 presented as the second highest an additional 205km of We’re big on road renewal extensive analysis of alter- pool storage that can transfer of river water as barriers to fish migration. priority fish passage upstream habitat and over- native solutions, design, be drawn upon during part of drought manage- They were ranked by barrier in the Murray come the issues associated Walgett Council is thrilled by the recent funding announcement enabling the long-awaited construction and sealing of the missing 54.9km cost estimates, review of drought periods ment operations. Department of Primary Darling Basin. with fish movement. on the Come By Chance Road.

The Commonwealth Gov- Mayor, Ian Woodcock transport of cereals from east from Walgett to remaining 54.9km of road the sealed section towards ernment, New South Wales OAM said the Come By local properties to grain Pilliga. Its total length is are formed earth. under the Fix- Government and Council Chance Road from Walgett receival depots within the 99.1km of which the first This project comes on ing Country Roads program are all co-contributors to to Pilliga is an important region. 40.2km out of Walgett the back of another big and the Heavy Vehicle From the General Manager the project which is esti- road in Walgett Shire’s It is classified as a re- is currently sealed, as construction and sealing Safety and Productivity mated to cost in the order road transport network and gional road (RR 7716) and is the last 4.0km at the project on the Gundabloui programs round six. Walgett Shire Council with 113 full time equivalent staff is the largest employer in the shire. of $12.7 million. plays a major role in the traverses to the south- approach to Pilliga. The Road from Collarenebri to The scope of works . consists of formation of the Walget is one of the largest ground upgrade Collarenebri emergency nual Beat the Heat initiative This project is also funded existing surface, filling with local government areas in • Walgett Showground bore and completion of over the Christmas school collaboratively with all imported material to raise New South Wales it has an irrigation installation the much-loved Jimmy holidays. George’s achieve- three levels of government the road level in some sec- area of 22,308sq km and • Walgett levee stage 4 Little AO memorial mu- ments were recognised supporting the project to tions providing protection maintaining the services, rectification ral at the Walgett water with the R.H Dougherty the tune of around $4.5 from flooding, change the million. road’s alignment, provide infrastructure of roads, • Rowena drainage im- tower. Award for individual service The Gundablui Road is stabilisation with lime, water, sewer and urban provements I am very pleased with to Local Government in classified as a regional install pipe culverts and a facilities in three towns and • completion of Shire the staff and their initia- 2019. road (RR 457) and trav- table drain, and spray seal five villages demonstrates parks solar lightning tives to improve Council I am looking forward to erses eastward between with two coats. the dedication and co-op- programme operations and programs getting back to work with Collarenebri and Mungindi The project was com- eration of the staff. • Bugilbone SR103 for our remote commu- the team here at Council for 84.7km. menced in July 2020 with The pandemic of 2020 rehabilitation project nities. as we have a busy sched- The road is currently sealed Council managing the was a difficult time for complete The Community Services ule planned for 2021, with for 62.7km from Collarenebri project using local resourc- everyone, however, on the • Hare Street, team headed up by Man- capital works set to exceed with the remaining 22km es. Approximately 7.5km of flip side Council has deliv- gravel resheeting ager George McCormick $30 million. formed earth. the total 12km section has been completed. ered enormous results for • Brewon Road gravel General Manager Mike Urquhart. has once again captured Quality service delivery In the current 2020/2021 the community, completing resheeting the hearts of the locals with is paramount to suc- financial year, Council has The remaining 14.5km will an array of projects such as: • SR16 Mercadool Road • RR457 Gundabloui Road osmosis plant at Walgett outstanding results in the cessfully build a healthy, begun the upgrade of the be sealed in next financial 12km section from the year depending upon the • the gravel resheeting rehabilitation • upgrade of the Burren many community programs vibrant and sustainable Come By Chance Road existing (Mungindi end) of grant availability. playground, cycle path • RR426 Bill O’Brien Way • commencement of Wal- Junction hall, installation including NAIDOC week shire and the councillors, and BBQ widening and sealing gett weir on the Barwon of new toilet facility at celebrations, activities at staff and community will • Lions and Earl Park • RR329 Merrywinebone River Walgett Showground, the libraries, our school to be working together to Collarenebri, play- Road heavy patch • installation of a reserve construction of the work program and the an- achieve this objective. Mobile office takes safety message to the four corners Investing in our young people Grass roots innovation is grist to the mill at Walgett and when mixed with a genuine Council’s Aboriginal Liaison/ Community Development Officer, Reburdah Dennis is one of seven New South Wales desire to improve worker’s safety across a 22,000sq km workplace the result is one finalists for the Rotary 2020 Inspirational Women’s award in the category Young Inspirational Women. out of the box. The project evolved organ- as a quick response unit for dedication of staff toward COVID 19 restrictions. This category highlights people, and it is fitting to wave of youth to take their community sector, particu- Youth Development Of- ically over several years emergency situations, allow the development of a When the idea of the mo- the potential outcomes of see Reburdah being recog- first steps in the real world. larly among those working ficer, Sandra Bladen ably finally coming to be known risk management compli- continuous improvement bile office was first thought our young people by being nised at a high level. Walgett Council is very with and for the shire’s leads the Youth Develop- as ‘Taking the office on the ance in the field checks, environment. of many of the benefits supported and empowered Looking back over several proud of Reburdah and young people. ment team which sits with- road’. and provide a mobile office The NSW Local Govern- and outcomes were not through community oppor- years, many of Walgett’s her efforts, and also of our Through many years in the broader Community Council reaped rewards and WHS training centre ment Excellence Awards foreseen such as increasing tunities and commitment to young people have been extensive community and of working side by side, Development Team, and for their ingenious and for the outdoor staff. celebrate outstanding the availability and accessi- invest in our future leaders. singled out for recogni- youth development team. setting achievable goals is guided and managed practical modification of The award for excellence, achievements while pro- bility of the WHS officer to Through Reburdah’s initial tion at the highest level, The commitment displayed together and using a by George McCormick. the Workplace Health and which recognises out- moting innovation and field staff. Walgett Council has taken workplace health and safety into the field. mentoring at the Walgett whether for their efforts by the team is admirable as strengths-based ap- Together they continue Safety (WHS) Officer’s role standing achievements for continuous improvement The outdoor staff have Police Citizen’s Youth Club in working with Council, they work towards Coun- proach to community to engage and empower last year, seeing a reduction risk management innova- within NSW local govern- responded positively to venience of having to pack a reduction in downtime and in work related injuries and tion, was an outstanding ment. The awards provide a the van turning up on site, up and travel back to town a very positive spin on risk and her natural ability to community groups or cil’s vision for the commu- development, partner- the young people of the winning the prestigious LG achievement showcasing platform for demonstrating whether conducting an reducing downtime and in management, all of which ‘have a go’, the opportuni- other organisations. They nity and strive to improve ships have flourished, shire through the many Professionals New South Council’s on-going com- the excellent work being audit or a small group train- turn increasing productivity. have proven to be the case. ties open to her are endless have taken the initiative to the life of all those across and trust has developed programs Council delivers Wales Risk Management mitment to raising the undertaken by councils, ing session, helping with It was initially hoped that The project also received and varied. improve their lives and set our Shire. going from strength to and furthermore continue Excellence Award. bar on organisational risk showcasing them nationally paperwork. providing WHS education a commendation in the Support networks and up a future for themselves, Council has some amazing strength. In many cases providing services to sup- Reburdah Dennis is an inspira- The project involved fit- management compliance, as well as throughout the Staff can voice any con- and assistance at the work- Statewide Mutual Risk role models are vital for the all the while unconsciously and immensely productive that strength has proven port all residents in tional young woman and role ting out a dedicated motor and it once again showed state. The 2020 Awards cerns to the WHS officer site, would result in fewer Management Excellence development of our young role modelling for the next partnerships in play in the to be our people. the community. model for the shire’s youth. vehicle that could be used the professionalism and were staged online due to in site without the incon- workplace injuries, Awards for 2020.

2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS WWW.LGFOCUS.COM.AU 3 FEBRUARY 2021 Memorial mural celebrates a great Australian Council in late 2018 began the process of investigating options for a mural on the Walgett water tower.

After considering a number Australia’s Amateur Hour. riginal community groups as an ambassador for Indig- of possibilities council He won second prize in and events. In 1971 Little enous culture and named a agreed the mural be of that quest which virtually became the Chairman of National Living Treasure. the Late Jimmy Little OA, made him an overnight star. the Foundation for Aborig- In June 2005 Little was recognition of a great Aus- Following his success Little inal Affairs (FAA). In 1974 awarded an honorary tralian Aboriginal musician, gained a recording contract he became the inaugural doctorate in music by the songwriter, and humanitari- with Regal Zonophone at president of the Koori Unit- University of and an an. Jimmy had so many ties EMI Records (1956-1959). ed Team, a rugby league honorary doctorate from to the Walgett area having football team who played the University married local girl Marjorie First all-Aboriginal band in the NSW Koori Rugby of Technology and Austral- Rose Peters in 1957, just As Little’s illustrious ca- League Knockout carnival. ian Catholic University. In prior to his skyrocketing reer began to skyrocket, During the late 1980s Lit- 2010 Little was awarded career in the film and music he signed a contract with tle spent time as a mentor the Ted Albert Award for industry. Festival Records, and his first at the Eora College which Outstanding Services to The mural is an amazing charting single, Danny Boy, offered courses in the Australian Music at the piece of art work painted peaked at No. 9 in Sydney. visual and performing arts APRA awards and a Golden by well know artist Jenny His next single El Paso for Aboriginal students. Guitar Award from the McCracken and local Aborig- reached No. 12 in Sydney Then in 1987 he became Tamworth Country Music inal artist Frank Wright. The and No. 6 in Adelaide. By a director on the board of Festival. artwork was completed just 1961, Little was appearing the National Aboriginal and weeks ago and is already regularly on Australian radio Islander Skills Development Greatest legacy a big hit with the travelling and television and touring Association (NAISDA) and In 2004 Little was diag- public on the Australian with the Col Joye Show. in 1988 appointed as the nosed with kidney failure Water Tower trail. In 1962, Little took time Artistic Advisor for the and received a life-saving Jimmy Little had an amaz- away from his solo career Fifth Festival of Pacific Arts, kidney transplant. This ex- ing life, a talented man he to promote Aboriginal sing- Townsville. In 2000 he was perience led him to launch touched and influenced so ers and musicians. During made an Ambassador for the Jimmy Little Founda- many people’s lives, from this time, he co-founded the Federal Department tion to help the many other politicians to the ordinary the touring revue with man- of Education Science and with man in the street. ager Ted Quigg and creat- Training’s Literacy and kidney disease. The aim ed the All Coloured Show Jimmy Little AO, an adopted son of Walgett shire, is honoured. Numeracy program. of the Jimmy Little Foun- Small beginnings with Aboriginal artists such called Royal Telephone. By musical Black River (1993). dation was to work with Jimmy Oswald Little was as his own brother Fred November Little’s version Plays he performed in were Accolades flowed patients in regional and born 1 March 1937 on the Little, Colin Hardy, Claude of Royal Telephone peaked Black Cockatoos (1989) by In 1997 he was recognised remote Australia offering Cummeragunja Mission, Williams, Betty Fisher and at No. 1 in Sydney and No. Michelle Harrison and Julie for his long and indus- hope to those who suffered New South Wales, the son Noel Stanley. 3 in . The follow- Janson’s Black Mary (1997). trious career in the 1997 kidney failure and relied on of James Edward Little, In the latter years of the ing month Australian Wom- In 1999, there was a Mo Awards where he was dialysis. a vaudevillian, bean-pick- All Coloured Show, Little en’s Weekly’s music writer, resurgence in Little’s career awarded the John Camp- By 2010 Little’s own er and a member of the formed his own band The Bob Rogers described it and 35 years later he was bell Fellowship for ‘an health began to decline Wallaga Lake Gum Leaf Jimmy Little Trio which was as ‘a sincere ballad with a back in the music charts. outstanding contribution and he chose to retire from Band, and his wife Frances an all-Aboriginal line-up religious feeling’. Within With the vision of pro- to the community beyond the music industry. Despite McGee, a choralist with the of men. Cyril three weeks of its release ducer Brendan Gallagher his normal career in the retirement Little continued Cummeragunja Choir. Green was from Armidale, Royal Telephone reached they recorded an album entertainment industry’. In to engage with his Founda- After leaving school early, but Doug Peters and Nev- the Australian charts and called Messenger (1999). 2003 Little was awarded tion until his wife Marjorie at the age of 14 he joined ille Thorne were both from was noted to be one of the That year he received an the Red Ochre Award from died in July 2011; he died his father bean-picking Walgett. The other notable fastest-selling records of ARIA award for best Adult the Australia Council for his just eight months later. He down the south coast of thing about The Jimmy the year. Contemporary album and lifetime achievements. was survived by daughter NSW, Little performed at Little Trio is they became Films he appeared in inducted into the ARIA The following year Little Frances and grandson several local concerts and the first Aboriginal band to were Tracey Moffatt’s Australian Music Hall was made an Officer of the James Henry. Little leaves talent quests making a have a recording contract Night Cries (1989), Wim of Fame. Order of Australia for ser- behind many legacies but name from himself with the with Festival Records and Wenders’ Til the End of vice to the entertainment the most notable is the local community. He made recorded two albums. the World (1991), Paul Champion for his community industry as a singer, record- Jimmy Little Foundation, his final move to Sydney In October 1963, Little Fenech’s Somewhere into Throughout his career Little ing artist and songwriter of which his daughter aged 19, appearing on a recorded his most suc- the Darkness (1999) and was frequently called upon and to the community Frances is now the radio talent quest on 2GB’s cessful hit, a gospel song Kevin Lucas’ feature length to be involved with Abo- through reconciliation and managing director.

Australia Day means a lot for Walgett Shire residents John Kundereri Moriarty AM, Aboriginal Australian artist, author, government advisor and former football (soccer) player, was named Wal- gett Shire Council’s 2021 Australia Day Ambassador.

The day commenced taking the time to join A highlight of the day was “It was a great opportunity at Walgett Sporting Walgett Shire for the cele- the inspirational address to reflect on how fortu- Club with a community bration. by Australia Day Ambas- nate we are to live here in breakfast attended by “Australia Day is such sador, John Moriarty who Australia and to celebrate over 100 local community a special community day also took the time to tour contemporary Australia as members. and an opportunity to the Walgett and Lightning well as acknowledge our It was followed by the of- showcase what’s great Ridge communities. history.” ficial award presentations. about the Walgett Shire. Around 550 people attend- Mayor Woodcock con- Standing front and “In the past year Australia ed the four Australia Day cluded, “I would like to centre to present the has faced immense chal- events held in the Shire. congratulate not only the Shire’s 2021 Australia Day lenges – drought, bushfire, Mayor Woodcock said winners of the various awards, Mayor Ian Wood- floods and the coronavirus he was pleased with the awards but the many oth- cock was joined by special pandemic. support for the event from ers who were nominated guest, John Kundereri “We all have different the local community, it had as well. I would also like Moriarty AM, the first stories to share about this been a memorable day, to thank everyone who Aboriginal player selected country and Australia Day ‘and having John here just submitted nominations to play football (soccer) is an opportunity to re- makes it all the more spe- for this year’s awards for Australia. member how fortunate we cial’ he added. and the Walgett Sport- Mayor Woodcock are to live together here Council’s General Manag- ing Club for hosting this thanked Mr Moriarty for in Australia.” er, Michael Urquhart, said, year’s celebrations.” Walgett’s Australia Day Ambassador, John Kundereri Moriarty AM.

4 PUBLISHED AND CREATED BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS