Councillor Graeme Shephard

04/05/2026

When:
This Wednesday coming, 6th May, 2026...

Time: 1
10 am to 2 pm

Where:
Meeting room at rear of Dorrigo Community Hall

What for:
Something on your mind?
I may be able to help.
I'll certainly do my best.

Remember, it's positive discussion for positive outcomes

Looking forward to seeing you.

30/03/2026

Due to the unavailability of the Dorrigo Community Hall the monthly 'Meet the Councillor' is cancelled for April.

Back again on the 6th May, 2026.

30/03/2026

Heading to the Dorrigo Easter Art Exhibition Opening Night? We’ve got you covered!

With Waterfall Way now back open, a free bus service will be running from Bellingen to Dorrigo and back again for the opening night✨

📅 Tuesday 31 March
🕠 Depart: 5:45pm

📍 Pickup and Return: Bus stop, Cnr Hyde and Church Street - in front of the map

The Dorrigo Easter Art Exhibition is proudly supported by Bellingen Shire Council through the Community Event Sponsorship Fund.

Follow the link below to learn more about the Dorrigo Easter Art Exhibition 👇
https://www.artscouncilofthedorrigo.org/art-events/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQyvtJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIazBuNjh5UDRWeUJnU0xzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvIoUkd82hDS1qZ5x_S369vZmVx81Y4FGgCz8-8lz8aAWEGxVd97mq_mSoM-_aem_Cn0w9fCIiMWF454H2fOTbg

24/03/2026

Here's a sign that was in the window of one of our local shops...it rings an important message.

Some years ago I wrote a series of articles for the old Don Dorrigo Gazette seeking to encourage locals to buy local.

I feel that it is time to share that message again.

Dorrigo and surrounds has done it tough for the last sixty days or so and I don't need to remind you that the latest landslip was not the first one to impact our town in recent times.

One thing about our community is how we pull together in adverse times.
This is an adverse time.

Thinking about that can I then encourage you when next you buy to SERIOUSLY CONSIDER LOCAL?

Local businesses are owned by people who take a risk to provide a service to you.
Businesses in town may not have local roots but they employ local people.

We need to support them.

Need a photograph taken or a photograph printed?
Need some groceries?
How about some fruit and veg?
Ag supplies?
A solar installation?
What about local quality meat?
Want to buy, sell or rent a house?
A new tractor, or the ride-on you've always wanted, what a great idea!
Need to sell your cow?
Need someone to run a first aid course?
Medical supplies or hardware?
Coffee anyone, and a delicious lunch?
A pie, an apple turnover or a loaf of bread?
Anyone know a good deli?
What about delicious pastries?
Maybe a gift for a loved one?
Korean, Chinese or good old Aussie grub?
A beer and a game of pool anyone?
Is your cat not well or your pipes leaking?
Need your lawn mown or your wiring checked?
Does your car need a tune up?
Know where I could get a great dumpling?
What about some honey or a beeswax candle?
What about a new, purpose-built kitchen?
Do you need a bus for your next outing or to get your kids to school?
Need to get to Urunga for the rail or to the airport?
Does your dog need a haircut, or maybe you do!

I could go on and on and I apologise if I've missed any important local offering (you can add them below in the comments.)
I could list all these amazing businesses but all I want is for us all to open our eyes and hearts and support LOCAL.

Now more than ever.

21/03/2026

19/03/2026

Good news at last…

from Sunday 22 March

11/03/2026

Progress is being made on the short-term solutions for both the opening of Waterfall Way and the upgrade of Summervilles Road, with recent significant announcements from both state and federal governments.

27/02/2026

Awesome news!

We hope you like it.

🚧Bielsdown Footbridge Update - February 2026🚧

The Bielsdown Footbridge is nearing completion with the decking and infill panels of the artwork now installed. 🎨

Next steps will include lifting the bridge into place over the river. 🔧

The old footbridge will be removed once the new bridge is open.

For more information visit👇
https://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Services/Infrastructure-Projects/Special-Projects/Pedestrian-Bridge-Replacements

27/02/2026

Some great news today...and a testament to the long, hard and ongoing advocacy work of the Mayor, the General Manager and all of us at the Bellingen Shire Council.

The Honourable Kristy McBain MP, the Federal Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, announced more than $3.8 million in federal funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to support the replacement of Summervilles Creek Bridge and Summervilles Bridge.

The total project value is more than $4.9 million and will be delivered in partnership with Bellingen Shire Council.

This is incredible and positive news as we work towards a lasting solution to the problems with Waterfall Way and its support road network.

We will continue to advocate on four key priorities:

* Formal recognition of Waterfall Way as infrastructure of regional and state significance,

* Investment in long-term, resilient solutions rather than repeated emergency repairs,

*Approval of Category D DRFA assistance to address exceptional and ongoing impacts, and,

*Proper assessment and funding of viable alternate routes to strengthen the regional road network

Graphic courtesy of Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce.

25/02/2026

A number of people have contacted me seeking information regarding current work being done at Gordonville Cutting.

The following is current information:

Gordonville Cutting – Vegetation and Slope Works

• The Local Aboriginal Land Council has provided Transport for NSW with in-principle approval to progress vegetation removal at the top of the cutting.
• Vegetation removal works have now commenced across an area of approximately 150m x 30m.
• The purpose of these works is to create access for machinery to facilitate further scaling activities and support benching works as part of the potential permanent repair solution.
• Rope access contractors are working to dislodge unstable rock columns, assisted by excavators onsite.

Summervilles Road – Alternate Route

• A road safety audit has progressed following the inception meeting between Transport for NSW and Council staff.
• Audit findings are expected early next week.
• CCTV installation is planned at both ends of Summervilles Road to monitor and manage heavy vehicle movements.

Community Information and Reporting

• Community complaints regarding improper use (size of load etc) of Summervilles Road should be reported directly to Council to allow investigation and follow-up. Dangerous driving cases should continue to be reported to Police on 131444.

I hope that sheds a bit of light for those who have requested it.

18/02/2026

I really want to encourage everyone to respond and have your say.

Don’t say ‘no point, nothing will happen’ because if you don’t bother I can almost guarantee nothing will happen.

It’s about numbers, more numbers more response, more squeaks of the wheel then more likelihood of oil.

📢 Don’t forget to have your say!

The Waterfall Way Community Impact Survey is still live on our website. 🌐

The survey provides Bellingen Shire residents, businesses and organisations the opportunity to communicate your challenges with the ongoing closure of Waterfall Way. Survey results will be used to provide clear, measurable evidence for state and federal decision makers. 🏛️

The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete ⏱️ and asks practical questions about how the road closure impacts your everyday life or your business. If you are both a business owner and a community member, you are welcome to complete both parts of the survey.

Follow the link below to have your say before 22 February: 👇

https://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/Gordonville-Cutting-Landslip-Community-Impact-Survey