FEDERATION COUNCIL SNIPPETS
Council’s website. www.federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au
The Corowa Service NSW Agency is ready to assist you! Please note our new operating hours: • Monday – Thursday: 9am – 4pm, closed for lunch: 12pm
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WILD LINES: DIVERSE VOICES & EXPRESSIVE ARTISTRY CONVERGE
The Corowa Art Space is proud to host its third annual exhibition from The Art Factory studio, ‘Wild Lines: Michael Beeson & Paul Turriff’. This free and captivating exhibition is presented in conjunction with International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), promoting conversation about disability and fostering a more inclusive community. The exhibition highlights two distinctive artists whose work shares a commonality in its bold use of colour and expressive lines, drawing inspiration from the home environment. The Corowa Art Space welcomes the community to experience this vibrant and expressive exhibition and engage with the vital message of inclusion throughout the holiday season. Currently on exhibition until Saturday 10 January, visitors can explore the exhibition between Tuesday to Friday, 9:30am -4:30pm and on Saturdays 10am - 2pm. Find out more on Council’s website.
COROWA AQUATIC CENTRE: INTENSIVE LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM
Federation Council has announced the launch of its Learn to Swim Summer Intensive Program which will see classes offered across one week, Monday 5 - Friday 9 January, 2026 at the Corowa Aquatic Centre. Students will participate in daily lessons each day for five days - Monday to Friday. Enrolments for the Learn to Swim Summer Intensive Program are now open, and parents are encouraged to complete the online enrolment form by visiting www.corowaaquaticcentre.com.au
ON EXHIBITION
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Protocols
At Council’s November ordinary meeting, Council endorsed the draft Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Protocols for public exhibition for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 26 November to Wednesday 24 December, 2025. Council is inviting residents to review the draft Protocols and provide any feedback by 5pm, Wednesday 24 December, 2025. Anyone interested in providing feedback should do so in writing, addressed to the General Manager, PO Box 77, Corowa NSW 2646, email to council@federationcouncil.nsw. gov.au or complete the online form also on Council’s website. Planning & Development Service Review
At Council’s November ordinary meeting, Council endorsed the draft Planning & Development Service Review for public exhibition for a period of 28 days from Tuesday 2 December to Tuesday 30 December, 2025. Council is inviting residents to review the draft and provide feedback by 5pm, Tuesday 30 December 2025. Anyone interested in providing feedback should do so in writing, addressed to the General Manager, PO Box 77, Corowa NSW 2646, email to council@ federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au
The draft documents are available for viewing on Council’s website as a PDF or E-Book or at any Council office.
PARKING IN OUR CBD’S - DISABILITY
PARKING
LOCATIONS
There are a range of parking options available in our Corowa CBD, including both on and off-street options from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Under the NSW Mobility Parking Scheme, vehicles displaying a valid Mobility Parking Permit (MPP) are legally entitled to park for an unlimited duration in any space that has a time limit exceeding 30 minutes (i.e., 1P or greater). Each disability parking space on Sanger Street is currently signed with a 1P (1-hour) time limit. MPP holders can park in the designated disabled bays on Sanger Street without a time restriction.
DEVELOPMENT CONSENTS
Public notice is given pursuant to Section 101 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, that the Council has granted development consent in respect of the following developments. The consents are available for public inspection by contacting Council during business hours.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION ADVERTISING CUT-OFF FOR 2025
In accordance with Council’s Community Participation Plan and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, notification or advertising of development applications is not undertaken during the period Friday 19 December 2025 and Friday 16 January 2026.
FEDERATION LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
Summer Reading Challenge
Make reading your mission this summer! The Corowa, Howlong & Mulwala Libraries Summer Reading Challenge is back to keep kids entertained and reading during the school holidays.
The challenge runs from Friday 19 December, 2025 to Friday 30 January, 2026.
The Goal: Read 10 books to qualify for a special lucky dip prize! Every book a participant reads gets them closer to the final prize grab, encouraging maximum reading fun over the break.
To join the challenge and start your summer adventure, pick up an entry form today at your local Library. Don’t miss out on the fun... and the prizes! Find out more from Council’s website.
Blow Painting
Join us for blow painting fun these school holidays! Watch your child’s creativity take flight as they create unique and abstract artworks using nothing but paint and a straw! It’s messy social fun!
Join us at the following locations:
• Corowa Library | Wednesday 14 January, 2026 | 10:30am
• Howlong Library | Thursday 15 January, 2026 | 10:30am
• Mulwala Library | Friday 16 January, 2026 | 10:30am
We can’t wait to see you there! Contact your local library or book your spot on Council’s website.
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR OPERATING HOURS
Federation Council Councillors and staff would like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and happy New Year!
The following services will be closing from 3pm 24 December, 2025 reopening Monday 5 January, 2026:
• Corowa & Urana Council Offices
• Corowa Library, Howlong Library & Council Office
• Mulwala Library & Council Office - closing at 1pm
• Corowa Service NSW Agency - closing at 1pm
• Corowa & Urana Depots
• Corowa Art Space
The following services will have altered operating hours:
• Corowa Aquatic Centre: closed Christmas Day, open all other days
• Corowa Visitor Information: closed all Public Holidays, open all other days as per normal operating hours
• Corowa Saleyards Sheep Sales: first sale for 2026 Monday 5 January Waste facilities will be open as per
VOTING - LIGHT UP FEDERATION
Ho ho ho! ‘Tis the season for festive lights and decorations!
Spread the Christmas cheer and get out and about to see the most beautiful Christmas light and decoration displays in this year’s Light Up Federation Competition!
Don’t forget to get the flyer and view the online map so you can plan your trip, see all the displays, and find your new favourite.
Voting for the People’s Choice Award is now open until Thursday 25 December, 2025.
View the online interactive map, download the flyer and vote today (one vote per person) from Council’s website.
KEEP MOZZIES AWAY THIS SUMMER
Mosquitoes can spread serious diseases in NSW, including Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), which is preventable by a vaccine.
Protect yourself and loved ones this summer:
• Spray up – use mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus Cover up – wear loose, long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing
• Clean up – remove water-holding containers around your home where mosquitoes may breed
• Screen up – ensure windows, doors, vents, and other openings have insect screens
A free JEV vaccine is available to people who live or work in Federation Council or work with pigs or mosquitoes. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service about getting vaccinated today.
Learn more from the NSW Health website: health.nsw.gov.au/ mosquitoes
2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Council is pleased to present its 2024-2025 Annual Report. The Annual Report’s main focus is to demonstrate how Council is delivering on the community’s aspirations for the Federation Council area. This is done by reporting on progress of the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. The report is prepared in accordance with section 428 of the Local Government Act 1993. Download or view the Annual Report from Council’s website.
AUSTRALIA DAY CEREMONY
Come along and celebrate Australia Day at the Federation Council Australia Day Awards & Ceremony to be held in Corowa at the Corowa Memorial Hall.
There are 16 remarkable individual and group nominees for the 2026 Australia Day Awards who exemplify outstanding community service, leadership, and dedication to making a positive impact in their local area. The Awards are provided by Federation Council, and decided by Council’s Elected Australia Day Awards Panel.
The ceremony commencing at 10am will include the announcement of the Federation Council Citizen of the Year Award, Young Citizen of the Year Award, Local Hero Awards for Community Group, Sports and Individual, as well as recognition of the Student Achiever Award recipients and Citizenship Ceremony.
Live entertainment by the Swag ‘n’ Billy Bush Band and a complimentary BBQ lunch accompanied by desserts infused with bush tucker flavours will follow the ceremony. Event starts 10am, Monday 26 January 2026.
Federation Council is delighted to announce that John Harper OAM, founder of the mental health and wellbeing initiative and podcast series, Mate Helping Mate, will be the region’s official Australia Day Ambassador for 2026. A retired wheat and sheep farmer from the Riverina, John brings a profound understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities, who often struggle with social isolation and limited resources for mental health support.