In spite of only coming into existence in March 2004, Gwydir Shire recently took out the coveted Bluett Award. Each year, the New South Wales Local Government and Shires Associations recognise one rural and one urban/regional Council that have shown the greatest improvement over the previous 12 month period. Gwydir Shire was presented with its award on 22 September, a day where Council, staff and the local community could rightly congratulate themselves on a job very well done.
Covering 9,122 square kilometres and with a population of just under 6,000 people, the new Shire brought together the former Shires of Bingara and Yallaroi plus the northern section of Barraba Shire. Located in northwest New South Wales, Gwydir Shire has eight towns and villages. The largest two – Bingara and Warialda – each have 1,300 residents. Its smaller population centres include Coolatai, Croppa Creek, Gravesend, North Star, Warialda Rail and Upper Horton.
Largely based on agriculture and agricultural service industries, light industrial, retail and tourism also contribute to a vibrant rural economy. Yet the Shire’s townships have been consistently deemed severely disadvantaged according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics socioeconomic criteria. Low per capita household incomes and educational levels has lead to Council placing a strong emphasis on building skills both within its own organisation and across the wider community.
The establishment of the Gwydir Learning Region and Council’s Sustainability Strategy are assisting to foster a culture of continuous improvement and a thirst for learning and skills enhancement that is permeating throughout the community. People of all ages are taking up the challenge to improve their skills, providing greater opportunities for employment, as well as for personal development and wider interests. This is building greater community involvement in the arts, culture, environmental management, recreational pursuits, volunteerism, the list goes on.
The new Shire has a total focus on community and sustainability, placing these as the key planks of all its decision making.
