BE PART OF THE 2025 AUSTRALIAN CELTIC FESTIVAL!

Online applications are open now for performers, traders, clans, societies, buskers and volunteers wanting to be part of the 2025 Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes, NSW.

Just three months ago, Glen Innes experienced one of its biggest-ever Australian Celtic Festivals, with over 5,000 attendees taking part in the four-day celebration of Celtic heritage and culture.

Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Rob Banham shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event.

“The Australian Celtic Festival has long been a highlight of our region’s cultural calendar, and 2025 promises to be another unforgettable celebration. We are proud to showcase the rich heritage of Brittany, Cornwall, and Wales and I encourage all those with a passion for Celtic culture to join us in making this event a success,” Cr Banham said.

With planning well underway for the festival’s 33rd year, which will highlight the Celtic nations Brittany, Cornwall and Wales, event organisers are calling for applications from anyone keen to be part of the annual festivities between Thursday, 1 May and Sunday, 4 May 2025.

“Whether you’re an accomplished (or aspiring) performer, a passionate clan or society, a live-action or re-enactment group, an interested stall-holder, a workshop presenter or an eager volunteer, there are so many ways that we can welcome your involvement,” Glen Innes Severn Council’s Tourism and Events Officer, Petar Grulovic, said.

“As with every year of the Australian Celtic Festival, we hope to continue welcoming thousands of patrons to our iconic Festival site – the Australian Standing Stones National Celtic Monument – allowing them to experience an exciting and unique program of events and attractions.

“In 2025, we will celebrating three proud Celtic Nations – Brittany, Cornwall and Wales – and we are very excited to welcome expressions of interest from a broad range of entertainers, societies and suppliers to successfully deliver this signature event for the Glen Innes region,” said Grulovic.

For more information, or to apply, visit here.

Stay up to date with all the festival news and updates by following @australiancelticfestival on Facebook and Instagram and subscribing to the email newsletter via the website.

The Australian Celtic Festival is proudly supported by Glen Innes Severn Council.

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COUNCIL SEEKS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK ON OFF-LEASH DOG PARK LOCATION

Glen Innes Severn Council is excited to invite residents to have their say on the establishment of a new fully fenced off-leash dog park in Glen Innes. Council has identified Lions Park as the proposed location for the park and is seeking valuable community input to help finalise the decision.

Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Rob Banham said Council is excited about the prospect of providing a dedicated space for the community’s four-legged friends and their owners to enjoy.

“This project represents our commitment to creating inclusive, safe, and enjoyable public spaces. We look forward to hearing from our residents. Their input is crucial in helping us create a space that is not only functional but also enjoyable for everyone,” Cr Banham said.

The proposed off-leash dog park aims to offer a welcoming space where pets and their owners can spend quality time together while preserving the local environment. The project will transform one of the three proposed sites into an attractive off-leash dog park featuring a secure perimeter fence and various amenities designed for both safety and enjoyment.

Project highlights Include:

• Fully fenced with double gates
• Shelter (natural or man-made structure)
• Water infrastructure for dogs and humans
• Entry lighting
• Signage for terms of entry/use
• Basic agility infrastructure for dog free-play and exploration
• Pet waste bags
• Rubbish bins

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed location of the Glen Innes off-leash dog park and provide their input. Detailed information, including maps, a vision board, and a project timeline, is available on Council’s Have Your Say page.

Feedback can be submitted via a public comment form on the Have Your Say page, by email at council@gisc.nsw.gov.au, or by mail to Glen Innes Severn Council, PO Box 61, Glen Innes, NSW 2370. Hardcopies of the public comments form will be made available at Council’s Town Hall and Church Street offices, Glen Innes Severn Public and TAFE Library, and the three village post offices in Deepwater, Glencoe, and Emmaville.

The consultation period will close Wednesday, 4 September 2024.

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Glen Innes Severn Council Celebrates Success at New South Wales Local Government Awards

Glen Innes Severn Council celebrated a remarkable evening at the New South Wales Local Government Awards in Sydney on Friday, June 7, securing multiple accolades in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the local government sector.

Rural Management Challenge Triumph

The Council’s Rural Management Challenge (RMC) team, known as the ‘Highlanders,’ emerged as state winners, triumphing over 24 other councils. The team, comprised of Rhonda Bombell (Coordinator of Economic Development and Tourism), David Hunt (Manager of Assets), Shageer Mohammed (Chief Financial Officer), and Anthony Kamphorst (Manager of Infrastructure Delivery), initially won the regional heat in Bellingen in November 2023, advancing to the state final in Sydney in February 2024.

The RMC final challenged the Highlanders with complex scenarios that simulated real-world situations, testing their strategic thinking, decision-making skills, and knowledge of rural management practices. Their exceptional performance demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities, securing their victory as state champions.

Asset and Infrastructure Award

Adding to the evening’s success, Glen Innes Severn Council received the Asset and Infrastructure Award for the construction of the Yarrow Creek Bridge on Mount Mitchell Road. This award highlighted the Council’s innovative approach to upskilling staff, enabling them to complete intricate projects internally and reduce dependency on external contractors. Glen Innes Severn was among eight councils nominated for this prestigious award.

Leadership and Community Impact

Mayor Rob Banham expressed immense pride in the Council’s achievements, stating, “Council’s success at the LG Awards night is a clear indication of the hard work within Glen Innes Severn Council. Winning two prestigious awards motivates us to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of our operations.”

General Manager Bernard Smith, who attended the LG Awards night, also lauded the Council’s accomplishments: “We are incredibly proud of our staff’s achievements. The Rural Management Challenge award highlights the Highlanders’ strategic thinking and leadership capabilities, while the Award for Asset and Infrastructure reflects our Infrastructure Delivery Team’s ongoing efforts to enhance and maintain our community’s essential services.”

Celebrating Collective Achievements

The Glen Innes Severn Council extends its congratulations to all winners and nominees, celebrating the collective achievements that strengthen the vitality of local government in NSW. This recognition underscores the Council’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to improving the community through innovative practices and effective leadership.

By securing these awards, Glen Innes Severn Council not only showcases its capabilities but also sets a benchmark for other councils in New South Wales, inspiring continued growth and development within the local government sector.

For more Glen Innes News, click here.