Bourke Shire Council

26/08/2026

Bourke Shire Council would like to advise the community and Service NSW customers that, due to staffing, the Service NSW office is closed today, Thursday 27 August.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

26/08/2026

Today at Davidson Oval, Bourke Shire Council was proud to recognise a man whose contribution to our community has spanned more than 30 years.

Before the kick-off of the Ronny Gibbs 7’s Tournament, Deputy Mayor Sally Davis had the privilege of officially unveiling the newly named:

Ronny “Rambo” Gibbs Hill

For three decades, Ronny has given his time, energy and heart to communities across western New South Wales. Through the Ronny Gibbs Sevens, rugby league clinics and countless hours spent encouraging young people, he has created opportunities, built confidence and given generations something to belong to.

Deputy Mayor Davis said Ronny’s contribution has shown that sport is about far more than winning.

“It is about respect, discipline, resilience, teamwork and community. Those are lessons that stay with people long after the final whistle.”

The hill at Davidson Oval has watched over countless matches, grand finals, celebrations and community gatherings. From today, it will also stand as a permanent reminder of a man who has dedicated so much of his life to helping others succeed.

Ronny, on behalf of Bourke Shire Council and the people of Bourke, thank you for your leadership, generosity, passion and unwavering commitment to our community.

Your legacy is not only measured in football, but in the lives you have touched and the opportunities you have created for so many young people.

Congratulations, Ronny — a very fitting and well-deserved honour.

25/08/2026

TILPA & LOUTH COMMUNITY POP-UP SESSIONS POSTPONED

Bourke Shire Council has been advised by DCCEEW that today’s community pop-up sessions in Tilpa and Louth have been postponed due to adverse weather conditions and local road closures.

The postponed sessions are:

Tilpa – Tuesday 25 August at Tilpa Community Hall
Louth – Tuesday 25 August at Louth Tennis Club

These sessions are hosted by DCCEEW, with new dates to be advised by the department.

For further information, please contact DCCEEW or visit:

Leading the NSW water sector in the strategic management of water to support environments, economies and communities.

24/08/2026

RAIN AROUND THE REGION – CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

All unsealed roads within Bourke Shire are CLOSED until further notice.

With rain continuing across Bourke Shire and the region, road conditions can change quickly. Please plan ahead, be patient and check conditions before travelling.

Latest Bourke Shire Road Conditions:
https://bourke.nsw.gov.au/engineering/road-conditions/

You can also check Live Traffic NSW for current updates.

Unsure? Check before you go.

21/08/2026

A BIG THANK YOU, BOURKE SHIRE

Bourke Shire Council would like to thank everyone who took the opportunity to meet with Peter and the Census team this week.

The team assisted with more than 100 enquiries – from completed forms and online questions to paper forms and general Census assistance.

We also thank the Australian Bureau of Statistics for bringing this additional face-to-face support to Bourke. It was a great opportunity to make sure people across our community had the help they needed to be counted.

If you still haven’t completed your Census, it’s not too late. Complete it online, or fill out that paper form that might still be sitting on the kitchen bench and return it by post.

An accurate count is important for Bourke Shire, our villages and our future planning and services.

Well done, Bourke Shire – and thank you for making your voice count.

18/08/2026

BOURKE SHIRE – MAKE SURE YOU’RE COUNTED

The Census team will be at the Bourke Public Library today, tomorrow and Friday from 9am–12pm.

Didn’t receive a paper form? Need some help? Or would like to complete your Census in person? Take up the opportunity while the team is here in Bourke.

An accurate Census count helps build a true picture of our population and informs future funding, services, infrastructure and planning for Bourke and our villages.

Every person counts – make sure you’re one of them.

And tune into Outback Radio 2WEB after 7:30am this morning for another message from Mayor Lachlan Ford about why it’s important for our community to be counted.

Bourke Public Library
ABC Western Plains
Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre
The Western Herald

18/08/2026

A message from Mayor Ford

BOURKE SHIRE – MAKE SURE YOU’RE COUNTED.

Need help with your Census? The Census team will be outside the Bourke Public Library this week, Wednesday - Friday morning between 9am–12pm.

Every person counts, and it helps our community get its fair share.

If you haven’t done yours yet, please get it sorted this week.

– Mayor Ford

18/08/2026

‼️IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BOURKE SHIRE RESIDENTS

And when we say Bourke Shire, we mean everyone — Bourke, Byrock, Wanaaring, Enngonia, Fords Bridge, Yantabulla, Louth and everywhere in between.

If you haven’t completed your Census yet, it’s NOT too late.

The Census matters enormously to our Shire. It provides the official snapshot of how many people live here and helps inform planning, services and funding for our communities.

We need every person counted.

Check your mailbox — Census forms are being delivered NOW to households that may have missed out.

And be a good neighbour. If you know someone who may need a hand because they don’t have internet access or aren’t confident online, please offer to help them get their Census number and complete their form.

A Census pop-up assistance stall will also be in Bourke this month, so keep an eye out for details if you need some help.

Stand up. Be counted. Make sure Bourke Shire is counted properly.

Need help? Visit

Information and resources to help you complete your Census.

17/08/2026

Please be advised the Council Office and Service NSW will open tomorrow morning (18/8/26) at 9am due to a staff meeting at 8am.

14/08/2026

Bourke Shire Council General Manager, Mrs Leonie Brown, had the pleasure of visiting River Gum Lodge this afternoon to wish Mrs Florrie Wicks a very happy 100th birthday!

On behalf of the Mayor, Councillors, Council staff and the wider Bourke community, Leonie congratulated Florrie on this wonderful milestone.

Her special day has been filled with family, friends, many photos taken, birthday wishes and, of course, cake! 🍰

Happy 100th Birthday, Florrie!