Yet again we have seen another huge rainfall event over the past two weeks which has caused major flooding in low lying areas along the Bogan River. Fortunately, over the past few days the river has started to recede although there may be another rise, unlikely to be as high as the last peak, with more heavy falls predicted over the weekend, dependant on rainfall in the areas to the south catchment.

I would like to thank the Bogan Shire staff who organised and manned additional pumps for 24 hours a day inside the levee bank to ensure the water from the heavy rainfall was pumped out to avoid damage and flash flooding. Usually the flood gates are opened allowing the water to flow from build-up in town to the river, but with the river at peak the flood gates are closed to stop water coming in, so the only way for it to escape is to be manually pumped out. With the current weather conditions please be mindful on the roads, particularly unsealed roads and with harvest just around the corner, take into account the saturation and damage that would have occurred in the last few months and always remember if it’s flooded forget it.

The Big Bogan Festival, being held on Saturday 22 October, is fast approaching, with preparation in full swing. The Festival will host ‘The Best Dressed Bogan’ competition, and you can register now or on the day at the Big Bogan statue at 12pm. There will also be a ‘Show and Shine’ on the day, so if you think you have the best set of wheels a bogan could drive or ride contact Haylee at Council on

6835 9000 for more info on entries. The event schedule can be found on the Bogan Shire Facebook page, with netball and football sessions for different age groups

throughout the day, a ‘Dash for Cash’, a Big Bogan Bash Challenge and many well- known artists playing throughout the day. The Big Bogan Festival is a FREE event, however adults and over 16 years will need a ticket for festival entry for entertainment and catering purposes. You can get your entry tickets at the Bogan Shire admin office, Nyngan Library, the Nyngan Newsagency or online at 123tix.com.

Through the school holidays the Youth and Community Centre held activities over the two weeks for our youth. It was well utilised with good attendance and indoor sports keeping them all entertained with the wet weather. The Totem Skate workshop had to be cancelled due to the wet weather however an information session on the Skate Park was held with positive community engagement.

Enjoy the Sunshine before the wet weather returns.

Glen Neill

Mayor, Bogan Shire Council