GROW // LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM | | | Connection & Community The current political and economic climate is creating uncertainty for many businesses and households. During times like these, the strength of regional communities truly shines and we need to remain confident but also look at the benefits that choosing to shop local, dine local, and support local services will have as a direct and lasting impact during this time. This will help our businesses remain strong, adaptable, and ready for the opportunities ahead.
For local businesses, adaptability remains key. Resources such as the Destination NSW Quick Tips for Managing Unexpected Change provide practical guidance from staying connected with your customers and managing costs, to being flexible and identifying new opportunities. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in navigating uncertain times. Our stunning Autumn colours drew visitors during Easter and the school holiday period and also photographers who captured our golden landscapes, crisp mornings, and vibrant community life. Many entered our Colours of the Highlands Photography Competition. Follow the Glen Innes Highlands Facebook and Instagram accounts to help with us with the judging.
As we head towards the Winter period, we also encourage everyone, locals and visitors, to take care on our roads, plan ahead, and look out for one another. Safety, kindness, and community spirit are what make this region so special. This season is about more than just weather it’s about resilience, connection, and shared opportunity. By continuing to support each other, we can ensure Glen Innes Highlands remains a place where people choose to live, work, experience and grow now, and into the future. | | Protecting Regional Banking Services Glen Innes Severn Council has backed a national campaign supporting face-to-face banking services in regional communities. Council endorsed the Regional Banking Investment Alliance campaign to help protect equitable access to essential banking services for residents, businesses and community groups. Find out more | | | Building Skills to Support Glen Innes Future Council's Coordinator Economic Development and Tourism, Rhonda Bombell, recently attended the Economic Development Australia (EDA) professional development program, bringing back valuable insights and practical tools to support the future growth of the Glen Innes Severn region. The program explored contemporary approaches to economic development, including strategic planning, community wealth building, circular economy principles, Indigenous entrepreneurship, co-design, and the importance of measuring outcomes. A key focus was understanding how data and local knowledge can be used together to identify opportunities, reduce economic leakage, strengthen local supply chains, and keep more wealth circulating within regional communities. The learnings reinforce the importance of evidence-based decision making, strong partnerships, and community involvement in shaping successful economic outcomes. These insights will help inform future economic development initiatives, strengthen project evaluation, support local businesses, and contribute to building a more resilient, prosperous and liveable Glen Innes Severn region. | | Council Exploring Opportunities Through NSW 24-Hour Economy Program Glen Innes Severn Council is participating in the NSW Government’s Night-Time Economy Accelerator for Councils Program, joining 30 councils from across the state to explore ways to strengthen local vibrancy, support businesses and better understand the opportunities available through the evolving 24-Hour Economy Vibrancy Reforms. | | | | The program provides councils with access to data, expert masterclasses, mentoring and case studies focused on growing safe, vibrant and sustainable local economies after dark. Topics include place activation, governance, precinct planning, regional night-time economy initiatives and strategies to support local businesses and community activity. While the term 24-hour economy is often associated with major metropolitan areas, Council recognises that in regional communities the concept looks very different. In the Glen Innes Highlands, night-time economy outcomes may include later trading during events and festivals, evening dining, family-friendly activities, live music, arts and cultural experiences, markets, seasonal activations, sport, social connection and creating welcoming public spaces that encourage people to stay longer and engage with local businesses. As part of Council’s involvement in the Accelerator, opportunities are being explored to help local businesses better understand the reforms, available programs and potential benefits for regional communities. Council intends to support awareness and education through business engagement sessions, information resources, networking opportunities and future discussions around local activation initiatives aligned to the region’s strategic priorities and visitor economy goals. Businesses can subscribe to the NSW 24 hour economy newsletter Neon Marketplace for expressions of interest, creative callouts and other opportunities here. | | Marketing News This Winter, Glen Innes Highlands marketing is focused on encouraging people to reconnect with local businesses, community experiences and the unique lifestyle that makes the Highlands special during the cooler months. Campaigns will centre on buy local initiatives, seasonal events, winter travel experiences, arts and culture, and creating reasons for both locals and visitors to spend more time in the region. | | | | A key focus has been showcasing Glen Innes and Villages as a place where people can slow down, connect and experience authentic regional hospitality through markets, events, live music, food experiences, arts, festivals and community activities. Seasonal storytelling around crisp winter mornings, cosy fires, country pubs, local makers, galleries, cafés and outdoor adventure has been used to encourage visitation and local pride. Council and tourism marketing will be supporting stronger community activation through initiatives such as new seasonal banners and promotional campaigns encouraging residents to shop local, attend events and support regional businesses. Programs such as Spend in Glen during Christmas in the Highlands, have reinforced the importance of buying local and sharing experiences together within the community. The region’s major events continue to play a significant role in this strategy, particularly the Australian Celtic Festival, which promotes community participation, shared cultural experiences, local food trails, markets, music and CBD activation across Glen Innes Highlands. Winter and autumn campaigns will also highlight: - community markets and local traders
- creative workshops and gallery exhibitions
- regional food and café culture
- outdoor recreation and national parks
- village experiences across the district
- family-friendly activities and events
- encouraging locals and visitors to stay longer and experience more of the Glen Innes Highlands lifestyle.
The overall direction will be about strengthening community pride, supporting local economic activity, activating public spaces, and positioning Glen Innes Highlands as a welcoming regional destination built around authentic shared experiences. | | Destination Country and Outback NSW Visitor Experiences Summit Glen Innes Severn Council recently attended the Visitor Experience Summit in Narrabri, joining regional leaders to explore how we can make our towns more liveable, visitable, and vibrant. | | | | The day sparked powerful conversations and reinforced the value of collaboration in shaping a strong regional visitor economy. Council gained valuable insights into current trends, visitor expectations, and practical ways to enhance local experiences. Over the coming months, Council's Coordinator Economic Development will be sharing key takeaways and ideas with local businesses, beginning with sessions at the Highlands Hub in July. Stay tuned and get involved as we shape regional tourism together. | | Highlands Hub Continues to Grow Connections Across the Region The Highlands Hub continues to evolve as an important space for collaboration, business support, creativity and community connection within the Glen Innes Highlands. | | | | Over recent months, the Hub has welcomed a growing mix of local businesses, remote workers, training providers, community organisations, creatives and visitors utilising the flexible coworking spaces, meeting rooms and event facilities. The space is increasingly becoming a central point for people looking to connect, work remotely, hold meetings, deliver workshops or explore new business and community opportunities in the region. The Hub has also continued to support a range of networking opportunities, professional development activities and collaborative projects aligned with Council’s broader goals around economic development, innovation, liveability and digital connectivity. With improved digital infrastructure, flexible workspaces and a welcoming regional atmosphere, the Highlands Hub is helping showcase Glen Innes Highlands as a destination where people can live, work, create and grow. Community members, businesses and organisations are encouraged to explore the space, utilise available facilities and keep an eye out for future workshops, events and partnership opportunities throughout the year. Investigate the hub today. | | Virtual Golf Rain, hail or shine, golf lovers can now enjoy a world-class indoor golfing experience right here in Glen Innes! The New England Club has officially launched its new Trackman Golf Simulator, offering visitors and locals the chance to play iconic courses from around the world, sharpen their swing, compete with friends, or simply enjoy a fun social activity indoors. | | | | Perfect for travellers, families, groups and golf enthusiasts of all skill levels, the simulator combines cutting-edge technology with entertainment and coaching opportunities. Lessons are also available through Glen Innes Golf Club. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am–9pm, bookings are essential. Whether you're escaping the cold, looking for a unique activity, or adding something different to your Highlands getaway, this exciting new attraction is another great reason to Get In Here. New England Club, Glen Innes. Bookings esssential: (02) 6732 3144. | | | If you are a new business in town or have new products or direction, please connect with Rhonda Bombell, Coordinator Economic Development and Tourism, by emailing [email protected] or phoning 0404 966 792. | | | Grants & Funding Opportunities Council publishes a monthly Grants & Funding Opportunities newsletter to inform committees, community groups, businesses, not-for-profits, and individuals of potential funding opportunities through grants and programs. Read the latest enews HERE. | | | 2026 Australian Celtic Festival Recap The 2026 Australian Celtic Festival was a vibrant and well-attended event, drawing thousands of visitors to Glen Innes Highlands for a weekend filled with culture, colour and strong community spirit. | | | | Celebrating the Year of Scotland, the festival featured a diverse program of music, dance, pipe bands, cultural workshops, food experiences, markets, re-enactments and family-friendly activities, creating an energetic atmosphere across the festival precinct and broader community. With strong participation from local businesses, community groups, volunteers and performers, the event delivered significant benefits to the region’s tourism and visitor economy. Accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, retailers and tourism operators all experienced increased visitation and activity throughout the festival period. The 2026 event also saw growing engagement from younger audiences and families, reflecting the festival’s continued evolution and its ability to attract new generations while celebrating Celtic culture and traditions. Find Out More | | Save the Date! ACF 2027 The Australian Celtic Festival returns to Glen Innes from 29 April to 2 May 2027. Mark your calendars for a weekend of music, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Find out more. | | | National Volunteer Week Glen Innes Celebrating Our Volunteers – A Heartfelt Thank You
Council and the Glen Innes community recently came together to recognise the invaluable contributions of our local volunteers through a special Council luncheon held on 21 May at The Glen Innes District Services Club. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to celebrate the time, care, and dedication that volunteers bring to our community. Volunteers were warmly thanked for their service and community spirit. | | | Let's work together to highlight the vibrant activities happening in our community!
If your community group or business has an event to promote, please submit the event details online or email the details and any promotional materials to [email protected].
Keeping up to date with local events can help you effectively plan for staffing, operational, and stock requirements.
To stay up to date, check out our online events calendar or email us to request a copy of our monthly events newsletter. | | Our Council Weekly Stay up to date with all the latest news, updates, and important announcements from Glen Innes Severn Council. Our Weekly Wrap-Up brings you a snapshot of council projects, community events, and important services that affect you. Released every Thursday, it’s your go-to source for what's happening in our region. Subscribe to the Our Council Weekly page to stay informed and receive an email whenever Council posts news and media updates. | | | | |
