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.

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.”

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.