A passion for preserving local history and supporting community broadcasting has earned Julie Dowlean the honour of being named Narrabri Shire Volunteer of the Year.

Julie is widely respected across the region for her longstanding commitment to both the Wee Waa Historical Society and Narrabri's community radio station, 2 Max FM. Through her volunteer efforts, she has helped preserve the stories of the past while keeping local communities connected in the present.

As a dedicated member of the Wee Waa Historical Society, Julie has played an important role in recording and preserving the history of Wee Waa and the surrounding district. Her work has helped protect valuable photographs, documents and stories that form an important part of the region's heritage.

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Community members gathered in Burren Junction on Tuesday, 19 May, to meet with the Council’s Strategic Plan representatives.

Residents were asked to place dots on the issues they considered most important to the future of Burren Junction. The overwhelming majority of responses focused on water supply, drainage, the bore baths, roads, and sportsgrounds.

One of the strongest concerns raised was the ongoing water crisis affecting the town’s sports ground precinct.

Businesses across the New England North West are being encouraged to nominate for the 2026 New England North West Business Awards, with the official launch of the program taking place in Tamworth on Tuesday.

Hosted by Business NSW in partnership with Joblink Plus, the awards celebrate outstanding business achievement, innovation and leadership across the region.

The awards are open to businesses located throughout the New England North West, including Armidale, Boggabri, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Guyra, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree, Narrabri, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Walcha, Warialda and Wee Waa.

The official launch will be held at Connections Café in Tamworth, where media and invited guests will hear details of the 2026 awards program, including award categories, nomination processes and opportunities for regional businesses to showcase their success.

Stephanie Cameron, Regional Director – New England North West for Business NSW, will formally launch the awards and outline the importance of recognising excellence within regional business communities.

Police are reappealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy reported missing from Sydney’s south west.

Malakye Gray, aged 16, was last seen in Camden South about 11pm on Tuesday 7 April 2026.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Camden Police Area Command were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Following inquiries, police believe Malakye may have been in the Wee Waa area on Tuesday 5 May 2026 and the Glebe area on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Police and family hold concerns for Malakye’s welfare as he lives with a medical condition.

Wee Waa High School has a brilliant new mural that reflects the strong, continuing Aboriginal culture at the school. Sven Wright reports. 

Wee Waa High School has unveiled its new mural, ‘A New Journey’ - a vibrant celebration of identity, growth, and connection, depicting the hopes and ambitions of the students.

The mural has been created by local Indigenous-identifying artist, Ethan Towns, in collaboration with a group of students, tracing the path of an Aboriginal student from early childhood through each stage of school life.

A new pilot program designed to help local residents better understand and access healthcare services has been launched across the Wee Waa district.

The Wee Waa Care Navigation Service, delivered by HealthWISE, will support community members living in Wee Waa, Pilliga, Gwabegar, Burren Junction, Rowena and surrounding areas.

The initiative was developed following the findings of the Wee Waa Community Health Survey conducted by RDN Health in late 2024, which identified that many community members were unsure how and where to access appropriate healthcare services.

The free service aims to make navigating the healthcare system easier by assisting individuals to connect with the right services and supports for their needs.

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, has warned that the ongoing fuel crisis could severely compromise access to essential health and community services in rural and remote communities unless a temporary fuel subsidy is introduced.

Mr Butler’s office has been contacted by numerous organisations that provide transport for rural and remote patients to attend health and specialist appointments, as well as organisations delivering health services directly into people’s homes.

“These services are a lifeline for people who have no other means of transport,” Mr Butler said. “Any disruption caused by increased fuel prices would have serious consequences for health and wellbeing outcomes in our communities.”

Burren Junction Public School has celebrated an outstanding achievement at the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (NSWPSSA) State Swimming Championships, returning home with a gold medal and the prestigious Peter Dobson Relay Team Trophy.

Competing against schools from across New South Wales at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, the Burren Junction relay team of Angus Harris, John McMahon, Agatha Burke and Tabitha Shearer delivered a remarkable performance in the 4 x 50 metre freestyle relay.

The Burren Junction community gathered in strong numbers on April 25 to commemorate ANZAC Day, honouring the courage, sacrifice and legacy of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women.

The morning began outside Burren Junction Public School, where students, staff and community members assembled before marching together to the town’s war memorial. Led by senior students carrying the Australian flag and school banner, the procession reflected both pride and respect, with young and old walking side by side through the streets.

At the memorial, the service was led by the Burren Junction Public School Year 6 Parliament, who played a central role throughout the ceremony. School leaders welcomed attendees, including returned service personnel and community members, and highlighted the importance of remembering not only those who served in past conflicts but also those who continue to serve today.

Rising concern about the impact of the fuel crisis on local tourism has prompted the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, to urge city residents to continue with their plans to visit regional NSW over the Easter holiday.  

Local tourism operators are reporting a bump in Easter cancellations against a backdrop of lower overall bookings in March this year compared to the same time last year. 

“It’s a tough time for many people who work in tourism,” said Mr Butler.  

“Caravan parks in Broken Hill are reporting a drop in revenue of more than 25%, with management and staff discussing reduced hours. 

“Fewer shifts are available for motel workers around Narrabri too. 

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Great news for locals and travellers alike — the Burren Junction Bore Baths will officially reopen on Monday 30th March 🙌

Come and soak in the warm artesian waters and enjoy one of the Walgett Shire’s most relaxing stops 🌿

Please note:
🔹 There will be no caretaker onsite
🔹 Camping is available for just $5 per night via an honesty box system
🔹 A tap & pay honesty system will be installed in the near future

Pack the van, bring your swimmers, and make Burren Junction part of your outback adventure 🚐✨

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