Glen Innes Severn Council

03/06/2026

🎶SAVE THE DATE 🎨

Join us on Saturday, 20 June as we open the doors to the newly reimagined Glen Innes School of Arts & Music, AKA the old Severn Shire Council building!

🗓 Saturday, 20 June
🕙 10.00am to 3.00pm
📍 181 Bourke Street
🎟 FREE to the community

Mayor Margot Davis will officially open the day at 11.00am, with activities happening across the building from when doors open.

This is a great chance for the community to explore the repurposed facility and experience how it’s being transformed into a creative, community-led hub.

There’ll be a mix of presentations, workshops and live sessions throughout the day, all designed to show how the space can be used and how you can get involved.

Come through, have a wander and see the space in action.

More details coming soon as the program takes shape.

Stay tuned 🎶 (we had to say it)

02/06/2026

Is this your dog? 🐾

This beautiful old girl was found on the corner of Rangers Valley Road and New England Highway.

If she's yours, please contact our Ranger on: 0417890889

02/06/2026

IPART APPROVES SPECIAL RATE VARIATION

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Glen Innes Severn Council’s application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) of 48.3%, to be implemented progressively over three years.

It’s important to understand:

✅The 48.3% figure is the total cumulative increase over three years
✅It does not apply as a single-year increase

The approved increases are:
• 21.5% in 2026–27
• 12.0% in 2027–28
• 9.0% in 2028–29

General Manager Bernard Smith said the decision is an important step towards improving Council’s long-term financial position and maintaining essential infrastructure, services and community outcomes.

Like many regional councils, Glen Innes Severn has experienced ongoing increases in operating costs, asset renewal needs and service delivery pressures, while revenue growth has remained constrained under rate pe***ng.

Mayor Margot Davis acknowledged the impact on ratepayers and thanked the community for its input throughout the consultation process, noting this was a necessary and responsible decision to support the long-term future of the Council and the community.

Council will provide further information about how the SRV will be implemented as part of the upcoming rating period.

FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE: https://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/News-Media/IPART-APPROVES-SPECIAL-RATE-VARIATION-TO-SUPPORT-LONG-TERM-FINANCIAL-SUSTAINABILITY

01/06/2026

Looking for a safe, caring and fun place for your kids outside school hours? Children & Family Services (CAFS) has you covered!

🎒 After School Care runs Monday to Friday from 3:00pm-6:00pm, with plenty of time for play, creativity and winding down after a busy school day.

🌞 Vacation Care is available during school holidays, Monday to Friday from 8:00am-6:00pm, packed with activities to keep young minds busy and smiling.

Get in touch with the CAFS team to find out more or secure a place for your child:
📞 (02) 6730 2210 or 0427 011 974
📧 [email protected]

01/06/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE: WATER RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN PLACE

The recent rain has helped, but overall water levels haven’t improved much since restrictions were introduced and are still not high enough to ease them yet.

Just a reminder, water restrictions are still in place. Please keep doing your bit to save water.

💧Glen Innes: Level 3
https://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/infrastructure-services/documents/water-services/level-three-3-water-restrictions-2026.pdf

💧Deepwater: Level 2
https://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/infrastructure-services/documents/water-services/level-two-2-water-restrictions-2026.pdf

Check out the tips below for a few easy ways you can help at home. Every drop really does add up.

More info: https://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/Infrastructure-Services/Water-Services

01/06/2026

🌿 Aboriginal Supported Playgroups commence this week 🌿

Local families are invited to come along and connect at our Aboriginal Supported Playgroups, creating culturally safe and welcoming spaces for children and caregivers to learn, play and build strong community connections.

These sessions are a great opportunity for little ones to get involved in early learning activities, while parents and carers can connect with others.

📍 Wednesdays | Wytaliba School
10am – 12pm (commencing 3 June)
📍 Thursdays | CAFS Pool House, Glen Innes
10am – 12pm (commencing 4 June)
☕ Morning tea provided

If you know a family who might benefit, please help spread the word.

ℹ️For more info, contact the Aboriginal Supported Playgroup Facilitator 0447 137 703 or [email protected]

These playgroups are supported by the NSW Government.

01/06/2026

💰 Grants are open right now, some closing THIS MONTH

June’s Grants & Funding Opportunities list is packed with support for our region 👇

✅ Local Council Donations (close 5 June – up to $1,500)
✅ Community & resilience grants up to $50,000
✅ WRWF community funding opens soon
✅ Support for drought, farming & small business
✅ Funding for clubs, veterans projects, museums & more
✅ Programs for kids, older residents, creatives and community groups

There’s something here for just about everyone, from grassroots community ideas to major projects.

⚠️ A number of these close in June and July, so don’t wait.

👉 Check out the full list and see what you could apply for:
https://mailchi.mp/gleninneshighlands.com/grants-funding-june2026-21496596

📩 Want these opportunities sent straight to your inbox each month?

SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://gleninneshighlands.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7f26fd10ac9a44a48723c95d5&id=5c277445a2

31/05/2026

Mayor Margot Davis and GM Bernard Smith wrapped up a busy May Council meeting, with a few key takeaways for the community:

• Council’s budget is tracking slightly ahead, though much of Council’s cash is already allocated and long-term financial sustainability remains a focus
• Community Safety Forum deferred to allow for stronger stakeholder interest
• Rail Trail alignment motion not supported: existing planning work continues
• Community Benefit Fund framework adopted for future renewable energy projects
• Development activity remains strong, with solid DA performance and more projects moving to construction
• Deepwater Railway Station lease approved for the Deepwater Progress Association
Community feedback is still open on the draft Operational Plan, Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan. Reminder to have your say before 8 June.

👉 Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYEd0aQJtdE

To watch the full webcast, visit: https://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-Meetings

Mayor Margot Davis and General Manager Bernard Smith have wrapped up a busy May 2026 Council meeting, highlighting a few key takeaways for the community:- Co...

29/05/2026

MAYOR ACKNOWLEDGES MUCH MORE TO BE DONE ON FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

Glen Innes Severn Council on Thursday considered its latest Quarterly Budget Review (QBR) and updated Cash and Investments Report, with Mayor Margot Davis noting that while significant work is underway to strengthen Council’s financial position, further effort is required to address underlying structural challenges.

Councillor Davis welcomed recent improvements to financial reporting, thanking staff for enhancing transparency and clarity for Councillors and the community.

FULL STORY HERE: https://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/News-Media/MAYOR-ACKNOWLEDGES-MUCH-MORE-TO-BE-DONE-ON-FINANCIAL-SUSTAINABILITY

Ron Hoenig MP

Glen Innes Severn Council has today considered its latest Quarterly Budget Review (QBR) and updated Cash and Investments Report, with Mayor Margot Davis noting that while significant work is underway to strengthen Council’s financial position, further effort is required to address underlying struc...

29/05/2026

Applications for Census Field Officer jobs are open now in locations all over Australia, including Glen Innes Severn!

As a Field Officer, you’ll deliver Census forms and follow up with households that haven’t yet responded.

You can earn extra money in a temporary job, with flexible hours that fit into your schedule.

Applications will close: 10 June 2026!

Find out more and apply now at www.census.abs.gov.au/jobs