A passion for preserving local history and supporting community broadcasting has earned Julie Dowlean the honour of being named Narrabri Shire Volunteer of the Year.

Julie is widely respected across the region for her longstanding commitment to both the Wee Waa Historical Society and Narrabri's community radio station, 2 Max FM. Through her volunteer efforts, she has helped preserve the stories of the past while keeping local communities connected in the present.

As a dedicated member of the Wee Waa Historical Society, Julie has played an important role in recording and preserving the history of Wee Waa and the surrounding district. Her work has helped protect valuable photographs, documents and stories that form an important part of the region's heritage.

Community members gathered in Burren Junction on Tuesday, 19 May, to meet with the Council’s Strategic Plan representatives.

Residents were asked to place dots on the issues they considered most important to the future of Burren Junction. The overwhelming majority of responses focused on water supply, drainage, the bore baths, roads, and sportsgrounds.

One of the strongest concerns raised was the ongoing water crisis affecting the town’s sports ground precinct.

Businesses across the New England North West are being encouraged to nominate for the 2026 New England North West Business Awards, with the official launch of the program taking place in Tamworth on Tuesday.

Hosted by Business NSW in partnership with Joblink Plus, the awards celebrate outstanding business achievement, innovation and leadership across the region.

The awards are open to businesses located throughout the New England North West, including Armidale, Boggabri, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Guyra, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree, Narrabri, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Walcha, Warialda and Wee Waa.

The official launch will be held at Connections Café in Tamworth, where media and invited guests will hear details of the 2026 awards program, including award categories, nomination processes and opportunities for regional businesses to showcase their success.

Stephanie Cameron, Regional Director – New England North West for Business NSW, will formally launch the awards and outline the importance of recognising excellence within regional business communities.

Police are reappealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy reported missing from Sydney’s south west.

Malakye Gray, aged 16, was last seen in Camden South about 11pm on Tuesday 7 April 2026.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Camden Police Area Command were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Following inquiries, police believe Malakye may have been in the Wee Waa area on Tuesday 5 May 2026 and the Glebe area on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Police and family hold concerns for Malakye’s welfare as he lives with a medical condition.

Wee Waa High School has a brilliant new mural that reflects the strong, continuing Aboriginal culture at the school. Sven Wright reports. 

Wee Waa High School has unveiled its new mural, ‘A New Journey’ - a vibrant celebration of identity, growth, and connection, depicting the hopes and ambitions of the students.

The mural has been created by local Indigenous-identifying artist, Ethan Towns, in collaboration with a group of students, tracing the path of an Aboriginal student from early childhood through each stage of school life.