Fiona Brown Councillor for Inverell Shire

09/06/2026

Help shape youth programming at Inverell Library.

The library wants to make sure that our activities and programming for youth are shaped by young people living in the Inverell Shire. We want to hear about your interests, favourite programs of the past, and more.

Fill out our survey (link below) to let us know what you want to see offered at library.

Survey closes 30th June 2026. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GSJ6DN9

06/06/2026

05/06/2026

Webinar: Protecting Your Personal Information Online
Hosted by 'Be Connected'

Nearly every app, social media platform or website asks you for some personal information. Personal information includes your name, email address and phone number. It’s important to always think twice about sharing personal information. Learn why protecting your personal information is so important and steps to take to protect your data.

Bookings required ~ Phone 67288131.

01/06/2026

𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲

Inverell Shire Council has developed the 2026 Business Retention and Expansion Survey. The economic and social wellbeing of our community is closely linked to the strength and continued growth of local businesses. By understanding the current business environment, Council will be better placed to plan for the future and support initiatives that deliver positive outcomes for both businesses and the wider community.

The survey has been designed to achieve the following objectives:

• Develop a current and accurate profile of the local economy.
• Identify the needs, concerns, challenges and opportunities facing local businesses, as well as their views on the local business environment.
• Gain insight into businesses’ future plans so Council can help address challenges and support new opportunities where possible.

The success of this project relies on strong participation from local businesses. All business owners or managers within the Inverell Shire LGA are being asked to participate.

Following analysis of the data, Council will prepare a report outlining the overall findings and recommendations from the survey. Any personal information provided will remain commercial in confidence and will not be included in the report.

Please complete the survey by visiting the following link.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BWBTGF3

The survey will close on Friday 19th June 2026.

For further information or assistance, please contact Peter Caddey, Inverell Shire Council’s Manager Administrative and Marketing Services, on 6728 8283.

01/06/2026

There are outreach services as well as in-house activities this week. Check out what's on and if you would like more information you can call 67288130.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 9:30am-4pm, Sunday Closed.

Monday
💎 10:30am Brain Training (bookings required)

Tuesday
💎 9:10am 'Library Matters' on STA FM radio (91.9)
💎 9:30am Home Library Deliveries
💎 10:30am Wise & Wittys Seniors talk with Uniting Aged Care Services.
💎 11am Storytime (3-5yrs old)

Wednesday
💎 10am Baby Bounce (0-18months)
💎 2:30pm Library Deliveries to McLean Retirement Village

Thursday
💎 8am Book chat with Big Phil on 2NZ radio (1188)
💎 10am Adult craft with local disability group
💎 11am Storytime (3-5yrs old)

Friday
💎 11am Storytime (3-5yrs old)

29/05/2026

Excellent news!

𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 $𝟓𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲

Inverell Shire Council is pleased to announce the successful outcome of its application to the 2025/26 State Library of NSW Library Development Grants, securing $500,000 for the Inverell Library – Refresh & Renew Project.

This significant investment will deliver a comprehensive internal modernisation of the Inverell Library, ensuring the facility continues to meet the evolving needs and expectations of the community.

Manager Library Services, Sonya Wilkins, said the project represents an important step in the library’s long‑term development.

“Much of the library’s internal infrastructure is approaching 20 years of age. This grant allows us to modernise key elements such as shelving, furnishings and layout, creating a more flexible, welcoming and functional space for all users.”

The Inverell Library has undergone several expansions since its construction in 1965, with the last major renovation completed in 2007. The Refresh & Renew project responds to several identified needs, including worn and inflexible shelving, an outdated colour palette and layout, and strong community demand for improved quiet study areas, comfortable seating and more inviting public spaces. The successful installation of grant‑funded study booths in 2025 further demonstrated the value of modernised library spaces.

The project focuses on high‑impact, non‑structural improvements, including:

• Flexible Shelving: A modern, reconfigurable shelving system to support changing collection sizes and formats.
• Internal Reconfiguration: A redesigned floor plan to improve patron flow and maximise usable space.
• Circulation Desk Redesign: A smaller, more efficient service point to enhance interaction between staff and patrons.
• Refurbishment: New carpet and targeted painting to refresh the library’s appearance.
• Signage and Displays: Contemporary wayfinding and display solutions to highlight collection materials.

The updated aesthetic will complement the building’s original exposed red brickwork, incorporating calming greens and blues inspired by the natural environment.

Works are expected to occur over 12 to 18 months, with a short closure period anticipated during installation. Council will consider a pop‑up library service to maintain community access during this time. The project is scheduled for completion ahead of the 20th anniversary of the library’s last major renovation in November 2027.

Mayor Cr Kate Dight welcomed the announcement.

“This is an outstanding outcome for our community. The Inverell Library is one of our most valued public spaces, and this project will ensure it remains a vibrant, modern and accessible facility for many years to come. Council sincerely thanks the State Library of NSW for its support.”

28/05/2026

This was a very interesting and informative forum. More to come.

28/05/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

Inverell Shire Council held its May Ordinary Council Meeting yesterday.

The following items were of note;

• Mayor Cr. Kate Dight utilised her Mayoral Minute to provide an update on McLean Care Ltd.
• Council was represented at 2026 Rural and Regional Summit in Sydney on 7th May.
• Council’s Mayor and General Manager attended the Country Mayors Association meeting at Parliament House Sydney.
• A determination on DA-66/2025, 999-head feedlot and associated infrastructure was deferred for further consideration.
• Council endorsed the Inverell Shire Council Roads Asset Management Plan 2026 - 2037 for the purpose of public exhibition.
• Council is inviting submissions from the community and relevant stakeholders, following the endorsement of the Inverell Transport Study for public exhibition.
• Council endorsed the preparation of a submission to the Draft New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan.
• Council adopted the amended Stock Grids, Ramps and Gates Policy and will commence implementation of the Policy and associated licensing framework across the Local Government Area.
• Council endorsed the prepared submission regarding the Statewide Draft Community Participation Plan.
• Council resolved to make a submission in response to the Emergency Services Funding Reform Options Paper. A draft submission will be presented to the June Council Meeting.
• Council adopted the draft Risk Appetite Statements and associated Risk Management Framework.
• Council received a report providing an update on the proposed Inverell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project.
• Council received a report on the proposal to recruit a permanent Senior Doctor to Inverell District Hospital as part of the broader strategy to establish Inverell as a Rural Generalist Training Location.
• Inverell Mountain Bike Track has reopened following the successful reforming of the Inverell Mountain Bike Club.
• Council’s Quarterly Budget Review Statements demonstrated a small operational surplus for the March quarter.

Inverell Shire Council will hold its next meeting on Wednesday 17th June 2026.