The former Cootamundra and Gundagai shire names could return to council signs as plans to split the regional council progress. Cootamundra-Gundagai councillors have agreed how to divide cash reserves and recommended leaders for the two councils. Snowy Valleys Council is seeking state funding for an estimated $4.99 million separation cost. Its mayor met the local government minister to discuss a request for almost $2.9 million. Residents have until 1 November to complete a survey on financial options for the two proposed councils.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is asking residents and community groups to nominate people, groups and events for the 2027 Australia Day Awards. Nominations close at 4.00pm on Friday, 4 December 2026. This year the council has added a Community Group/Event of the Year award, which recognises groups or events that have made a meaningful contribution to community life during 2026. Previously unsuccessful nominees may be nominated again. Nomination forms are available from council offices in Cootamundra and Gundagai, and can be submitted online, emailed or returned to council offices.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has raised concerns about proposed changes to how Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants are distributed. Under the proposed method, the council's general-purpose allocation would fall from about $5.407 million to $3.577 million, a drop of almost $1.830 million, or 34 percent. A rise in the local roads allocation would not offset this reduction. Mayor Abb McAlister said the council wants further technical information, council-specific analysis and consultation before the method is finalised, and that it should not be introduced until its impacts are understood.
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Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is working to finish its transition plan before a December deadline for submission to the Office of Local Government. Once submitted, the office will prepare a proclamation establishing the two new councils. Council has decided that both new councils will keep the names and logos of the pre-merger councils and have no wards. Cootamundra Shire Council will have seven councillors and Gundagai Shire Council five. Both will be administered until elections scheduled for September 2028.
LeisureSafe Australia has been appointed to manage the Cootamundra and Gundagai swimming pools ahead of the summer season, which opens in late October. Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council says existing aqua programs will continue, and a Learn to Swim program will be introduced at the pool for the first time. Details on enrolments, lesson times, fees and start dates will be announced later. LeisureSafe Australia will take over management of the Cootamundra Swimming Pool and Sports Stadium from 1 November 2026. Mayor Abb McAlister said the council is committed to keeping aquatic facilities and programs accessible to the community.
A petition calling on the NSW Government to halt the closure of a maximum security wing at Goulburn jail was tabled in parliament after gathering 20,000 signatures. Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman said residents feel let down and accused the government of deceiving the town. Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said the wings were no longer fit for purpose, citing limited ventilation, natural light and hygiene facilities. He said about 200 staff remain at the centre and that there would be no forced redundancies or transfers.
Griffith Spring Fest runs from 16 to 24 October, with a Citrus Sculpture Garden, private garden openings and a street party. Ice Pact, an Antarctic art exhibition at the Museum of the Riverina, is free during gallery hours until 22 October. The Wizard of Oz is staged at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre from 16 to 18 October. Cootamundra Show and the Urana Vintage Rally and Truck Show also take place this week, alongside The Rock Show on 17 October.
A nearly 24-hour siege in Cootamundra ended peacefully at about 4.30am on Thursday, October 15. Police were first called to a Parker Street property at about 5am on Wednesday after reports of a gunshot. It is understood officers then encountered a man allegedly making threats of self-harm. Tactical police, an armoured BearCat vehicle and specialist negotiators were deployed, and nearby streets were cordoned off. NSW Police confirmed the incident was mental health-related.
Four young runners known as Motion Four Justice passed through Junee on Tuesday, more than 4,000 kilometres into a run from Cape York to Wilsons Promontory. The group aims to raise $1 million for the charity Destiny Rescue, which helps children escape trafficking and sexual exploitation. The campaign was inspired by Griffin Hughes, who said a stranger in Colombia offered to sell him a four-year-old girl. By Tuesday, donations had passed $206,000. The runners hope to finish on October 25 and set a world record for the endurance feat.
Bruce Bandy, a renowned horse teamster, received the NSW Premiers Community Service Award for his contributions to the Barellan Good Old Days Festival. Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke presented the award, highlighting Bandy's leadership in organising the festival and preserving agricultural heritage. The festival also honoured 24-year-old Darcy Quinn, who won the 2026 Tim Peel Cup for his bullock-driving skills.
