Community Town Meeting to Discuss Future of Kookaburra Court

Published on 19 May 2025

A town meeting will be held in Walgett to bring together the community for open discussion on the future use of Kookaburra Court.

Walgett Shire Council will host a community meeting at the CWA Walgett Hall, 32 Pitt Street, Walgett on Wednesday, 4 June 2025 from 5.30pm to revisit community feedback and sentiment around Kookaburra Court. The meeting follows four community consultation sessions held in March, which were designed to give all residents an opportunity to share their views.

While these sessions aimed to be inclusive, some community members felt the number of sessions diluted their collective voice. In response, this town meeting will offer a single, open forum for all interested residents to come together, speak directly, and hear each other’s ideas and concerns.

The session will be chaired by Council’s Interim Director of Planning and Community, Anthony Doyle and will include only a brief introduction by Council staff.

Feedback already collected at previous sessions and from letters and petitions remains relevant and will be considered in the reporting process. Any additional comments received at the meeting will also be included and taken into consideration.

“The community has been very vocal on this matter, and we want to ensure their concerns and ideas are heard and considered fairly,” said Mayor Jasen Ramien.
“This is a significant decision and it’s important we deliver an outcome that meets both the community’s needs and is financially sustainable for Council and our ratepayers.”

Kookaburra Court, formerly a low-care aged care facility, has been vacant since 2022.

A change in General Manager and staff turnover over the past two months temporarily delayed the consultation process, but Council remains committed to transparent community engagement on the matter.

There is recognition within Council of the historical importance of this site, particularly following the loss of local aged care options. The goal is to find a sustainable use for the facility that reflects community priorities.

“The community has waited a long time for progress, and we recognise the frustration that comes with that,” said Interim General Manager, Andrew Brown.
“This meeting reflects the community’s request for a single forum. It won’t delay the progress any further but ensures everyone has a fair opportunity to contribute before the next stage begins.”

Next Steps

Following the community meeting, Council will compile all feedback into a report that will be presented at a future Council meeting. Residents will continue to have the opportunity to provide submissions and comments up until a decision is made.

All attendees who have shared contact details, as well as the broader community, will be notified when the report is scheduled for Council consideration and when any decision is to be made. This will be shared via Council’s website, social media channels and direct email where possible.

The community event is open to all and no RSVP is required.

Council encourages respectful discussion and is committed to including feedback from those unable to attend in person. If you wish to share your views ahead of the meeting or request anonymous inclusion, please email admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6828 6100. 

End

Community Meeting
When: Wednesday, 4 June 2025, from 5:30pm
Where: CWA Hall, 32 Pitt Street, Walgett NSW 2832

Media Contact
Sherisse Fensom
Manager Communications and Corporate Reporting
comms@walgett.nsw.gov.au
02 6828 6116