THIS MONTH'S EVENTS

There are a variety of unique events held in the Warrumbungle Region throughout the year. From celebrating the region's love of astronomy to hosting concerts in some of Australia's most stunning scenery, you will find everything from 150 year old horse events to bush poetry celebrations. The Warrumbungle Region really has an event for everyone. If you have a community event for the Warrumbungle Region and want to advertise it for free on our Calendar of Events just click on this link  /Community Event Form.pdf for the form and follow details to return.  

For more information on events in the Warrumbungle Region, download a copy of our Calendar of Events or monthly What's On Calendar.

If you would like to receive a copy of our monthly What’s On Calendar  via email, please email karen.weatherall@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au  and ask to be added to the mailing list. 

Australia Day Celebrations

JANUARY

FLIX IN THE STIX THEATRE Public notice from Flix in the Stix Theatre group for 2012. They have no Public screenings planned for this year, however you can become a member for the cost of $30 for 6 films, and members are issued with a numbered card that MUST presented for entry to the films. They will screen a film on the first weekend of each month, starting in Feb 4th and 5th through to July. Members can choose to see the film on either Sat night or Sun afternoon. When you enrol for your membership card further details of how the society works will be given and what the first couple of films will be. read more ... AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Australia Day Celebrations throughout the region
2013 TBC Award presentations recognising outstanding local achievements and service in the community. Events are held throughout the Shire.
7.15am: Binnaway Lions Breakfast @ Len Guy Park in Binnaway
7.30am: Mendooran Breakfast @ Mendooran Mechanics Institute
10.30am: Baradine Morning Tea @ Baradine Multipurpose Centre
12pm: Dunedoo Lunch @ Dunedoo Golf Club
5pm: Combined Church Service @ Coolah Presbyterian Church with 6pm presentation at Coolah Swimming Pool
7pm: Coonabarabran Ceremony - Neilson Park (weather permitting, wet weather venue Town Hall). read more ...

FEBRUARY

COOLAH CAMPDRAFT  
 
 
2012 Event Date - TBC
This event showcases the great skills of horse and rider in a variety of campdraft events. Dinner, BBQ, bar and live entertainment on Saturday night.
Venue: Coolah Recreation Ground
Contact Sue Duggan on 02 63764210 for further details read more ... COONABARABRAN TOWNLIFE MARKETS Held on the 4th Sunday of every month, enjoying the Coonabarabran Townlife Markets is a great way to spend a Sunday morning. Sample freshly baked goodies and browse for bargains between 9am and 1pm in Dalgarno St between the Clock Tower and Woolworths and in John St from Clock Tower heading south of the town.
 The next Townlife Markets will be held Sunday, 26th February 2012. read more ...

MARCH

DUNEDOO BUSH POETRY FESTIVAL 1st to 4th March 2012
The Dunedoo Bush Poetry Festival is three days of bush poetry competitions, street theatre, puppetry, music, market stalls and comedy entertainment. Something for everyone of all ages! Anyone can have a go in this supportive environment so join in the fun over the weekend!
The Festival starts on Thursday night with a meet and greet at the Dunedoo Caravan Park. A BBQ will be available and entertainment will be provided. 
On Friday there is a bus tour of the local area with commentary from the locals. Bookings are essential. The Poetry Competition begins on Friday at the Dunedoo Golf Club where entry is free. A $250 prize will be awarded for the best yarn not told before at the Festival.
The Saturday morning markets will include interesting demonstrations and with early Australian music adding atmosphere. The Dunedoo Central School Poetry Competition will be in full swing with an awards night later in the evening.
To finish the Festival, enjoy a Poet's Breakfast and Brawl on Sunday from 8am at Milling Park. read more ... BINNAWAY SHOW  
Saturday 3rd March, 2012
A classic agricultural show featuring cattle, sheep and prime lamb judging, exhibitions and judging in the pavilions including cooking, sauces, arts, crafts, photography, handicrafts, sewing, knitting, farm and garden produce. Other novelty events include a tractor pull, speed shear, vintage cars and machinery displays, side show alley and food and beverage stalls.
Venue: Binnaway Showground
Time: from 8am
Cost: TBC read more ... COONABARABRAN SHOW  
Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th March, 2012
A huge lineup of events including Friday night rodeo, horseriding, wood chop, live bands, Davidson Cameron Sportsman Challenge, sideshow alley and Saturday evening fireworks.
Venue: Coonabarabran Showground                                                                        
Time: 8am - 11pm Friday and Saturday
Cost: TBC read more ... BARADINE SHOW Saturday 17th March, 2012
Check out the pavilions displaying the best produce across a range of categories, including sheep, wool, cattle, horticulture and handicrafts.
The sheep dog trials, vintage car and engine displays, tractor demonstrations, magic show, bull rides and side show alley will keep you entertained from dawn til dusk.
Venue: Baradine Showground
Time: 6am till late
Cost: TBC read more ... DUNEDOO SHOW Friday 23rd to Saturday 24th March, 2012
The best one day show in the west! A great country atmosphere with ring events, rural displays and the return of the Miss Showgirl competition.
Venue: Dunedoo showground, Wargundy street
Time: 8.30am - 9.30pm
Cost: TBC read more ... MENDOORAN SHOW  
Saturday 31st March and Sunday 1st April, 2012
An agricultural show featuring equestrian events, pavillions, sheep and cattle, shearing displays, tractor pull, novelty events, arts and crafts and fresh local produce. A great family day out.
Venue: Mendooran Showground
Time: 6am - 10pm
Cost: TBC read more ...

APRIL

TOUR DE COOLAH Tour de Coolah TBC
This bike ride will see participants ride an 18 kilometres circuit through Coolah and surrounding areas, raising money for Juvenile Diabetes. The ride is designed for the entire family and other events include a walk around town and fun family events, including Twilight Cricket. For further details contact Dick Tanner on 02 63774534 or Bec Thompson on 02 63771210
 
  read more ... HARTWOOD CAMPFIRES AND COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL  Friday, 6th April to Sunday, 8th April
A weekend of easy listening country music set on the gorgeous Hartwood property. Come for the day or bring a caravan or tent and stay for a few days!
Program highlights include Paul McCloud, Peter Horan, Tom Maxwell, Laura Downing and other great entertainer's
Hartwood is located approx 160km SW of Tamworth, turn in 20kms south of Tambar Springs on Coolah Rd or 40km north of Coolah. Held on Easter long weekend every year.
Cost: $90 per adult full weekend, children free
Day Visitors: (no camping) Friday, Saturday & Sunday $25 per day
Free camping
Contact details for further information: Ph: 07 54455937 or 02 67442158
www.paulmccloud.com (click on heartwood)     
E hmccloud@bigpond.com  read more ... BUNNY BAZAAR 2012 Event Date - Saturday, 7th April
Held on Easter Saturday in the Coonabarabran CBD, the street festival features market stalls, musical entertainment and great shopping specials. A jumping castle and a visit from the Easter Bunny will be sure to keep the kids happy throughout the morning.
Venue: Coonabarabran CBD
Time: 9am - 2pm
Cost: free  
  read more ... DISCOVERY PROGRAM IN THE WARRUMBUNGLES AND THE PILLIGA Autumn, Winter and Spring School Holidays
Discover nature's classroom on Discovery Ranger guided walks, talks and tours in the Warrumbungles and The Pilliga National Parks. Discovery Programs operate during autumn, winter and spring school holidays. Bookings are essential for activities so contact the Warrumbungle National Park Visitors Centre  or The Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre.
The next Discovery Program will run in the NSW School Holidays 2012.  Please contact the Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre or The Pilliga Discovery Centre for 2012  programs.  read more ... TOUR DE WARRUMBUNGLES BIKE RIDE Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April, 2012
A series of recreational bicycle rides to promote the area and raise funds for the Volunteer Rescue Service and the Rural Fire Service.
Rides available for Saturday:
27km free coffee ride from the Coonabarabran Visitor Centre,
9am Team Time Trial for licensed competition riders only.
 
Sunday time rides from Coona Visitor Centre are as follows:
7am - 105km Galactic Ride,                              
9am - 57km Astronomical Ride,
10am - 40km Rocket Ride,
11am - 10km Stardust Ride,
 
Venue: Start and return at the Coonabarabran Visitor Centre
Time: as above
Cost: TBC  read more ...

MAY

BINNAWAY RACES 2012 Event Date - Sat 5th May
Bring your friends and enjoy lunch at the races. Racing starts mid morning with fashions in the field competition held later in the day. There is also a live band at the Exchange Hotel in the evening.
A reunion weekend of all past and present Binnaway residents. read more ... ART UNLIMITED – DUNEDOO  Friday 18th to Sunday 20th May
The Dunedoo Lions Club presents an eclectic art exhibition embracing hanging art, photography and ceramics. Attracting professional and amateur artists from across the region and around the state, there is more than $9000 worth of prizes to be won. Please note - you must be over 18 years of age to enter.
Venue: Dunedoo Central School Hall, Digilah Street, Dunedoo
Time: Friday (opening night) from 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 4pm
Cost: Friday $25, Saturday and Sunday $5 entry.
Phone 02 6375 1540 or visit www.artunlimitednsw.com.au to find out more information and collect an entry form.
  read more ...

JUNE

NORTH WEST EQUESTRIAN EXPO Friday 1st to Tuesday 5th June, 2012
The North-West Equestrian Expo has evolved during the past 20 years into the largest pony club event in Australia, outside the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The competition attracts more than 500 high school students from across NSW to this four day event which challenges horse and riders alike. Students compete in events including eventing, show jumping, polocrosse, sporting and hacking.                                                                 Venue: Coonabarabran Showground                                                              Time: 8am till dark each day, with events under lights Sunday and Monday. Cost: Free to spectators                                                                                           For further information contact Coonabarabran High School on 02 68421099 or visit website on www.coonabarab-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
For more information on things to see and do in the Warrumbungle Region, please call Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre on 1800 242 881 or email coonavic@hwy.com.au for an information pack. read more ...

SEPTEMBER

MENDOORAN TURF CLUB RACES 2012 Event Date - TBC
Rain, hail or shine, the annual Mendooran Turf Club Races has been held every year for the past 150 years. Join in the picnic race fun at the oldest horse race on the Castlereagh River!
Calcutta
A Calcutta will be held on Friday evening before the races kick off.
Venue: Royal Hotel Mendooran, Bundulla Street
Time: 7.30pm
 
Mendooran Turf Club Races
Venue: Mendooran Racecourse
Time: Luncheon from 11am, racing from 1pm
Cost: adults $10
 
Post-race Entertainment
Venue: Royal Hotel Mendooran, Bundulla Street
Time: 7.30pm - 11.30pm read more ... BARADINE CAMPDRAFT 2012 Event Date - TBC
Enjoy the spectacular skill of horse and rider as they compete in campdrafting events. A great family day out with competitions for several age groups.
Venue: Baradine Showground
Time: Saturday 10am - late, Sunday 10am - midday
Cost: TBC
  read more ...

OCTOBER

BINNAWAY CAMPDRAFT 2012 Event Date - held in October, TBC
Held at the Binnaway Showground, this fun family event showcases skills of horse and rider. Categories include maiden, novice, ladies, junior, juvenile and open. read more ... DUNEDOO GARDEN TOUR Enjoy a day out touring Dunedoo’s most beautiful gardens. Other entertainment includes guest speakers, garden demonstrations, and musical entertainment. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are available and buses are welcome. The event is held bi-annually (alternate years Coolah).
The next Dunedoo Garden Tour TBC for 2012. read more ... COOLAH SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL Held bi-annually, (alternate years Dunedoo) the festival showcases some of the finest gardens within the Coolah District. The festival also includes displays and demonstrations, stalls, local arts and crafts and guest speakers.
The next Coolah Spring Garden Festival will be held in October 2012. read more ... MENDOORAN RODEO 2012 Event Date - Oct TBC
The annual Mendooran Rodeo is drawing near and organisers are working hard to create a true blue Australian country rodeo featuring a full program of events including barrel racing, steer wrestling, breakaway roping and bull riding.
The main rodeo competition is held on Saturday and it runs as part of the Australian Bushmen's Rodeo and Campdraft Association (ABCRA) national competition. Adding some spice to the competition will be stock from contractors Matt and Rachel Adams, "Ilfracombe", Mendooran, who have previously won the ABCRA Bucking Bull of the Year.
Following the rodeo on Saturday there will be a chance to have a drink with a bull rider or bust some moves on the dancefloor to the live band.
Even the kids will be kept amused with the Junior Rodeo on Sunday, along with sideshow alley complete with jumping castle, comedy clowns and a mechanical bull.
 
Venue: Mendooran Showground
Time: Saturday rodeo activities start 5pm,  Sunday 7.30am - 3pm
Cost: $15 adults, $7 children, $50 family (2 adult, 4 children)
 
Event details to be confirmed.
  read more ... THE BOK LECTURE 2012 Event Date: Oct 2012 TBC
The annual presentation is a light hearted look at astronomy and is accessible to even the most non-science mind.
Venue: Coonabarabran Primary School, George Street
Time: 7pm
Cost: Free read more ... SCIENCE IN THE PUB Event held in October 2012 - Date TBC
Scientists debate hot topics in astronomy over a beer or two with plenty of audience participation.
Venue: Royal Hotel, John Street, Coonabarabran
Time: 6.30pm
Cost: $5 entry, dinner also available  read more ... OPEN DAY AT SIDING SPRING OBSERVATORY  October 2012 - Date TBC 
This is your once a year opportunity to take a closer look around Siding Spring Observatory when they open the doors to the general public for a free exclusive peak behind the scenes. You are invited to meet the astronomers and learn how they explore the Universe at Australia’s largest astronomy research facility. A shuttle bus is provided free of charge to transport people around the site. Make it a fun family day out and enjoy a BBQ and refreshments.
Venue: Siding Spring Observatory is located 27km west of Coonabarabran along John Renshaw Parkway.
Time: 10am - 4pm
Cost: free read more ... WARRUMBUNGLE ARTS & CRAFT EXHIBITION AND ARTS EXPO Wednesday 17th October to Sunday 21st October 2011
The Warrumbungle Arts and Craft Exhibition and Arts Expo is a wonderful reflection of the wealth of artistic talent in Warrumbungle Region. This is evident in the hotly contested Warrumbungle Shire Council Acquistion Award.
The Warrumbungle Arts Expo runs in conjunction with the Exhibition and is a showcase of the region's artists including demonstrations, workshops, stalls and much more! The Expo will be running each day from Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 2.30pm.
Venue: Coonabarabran Town Hall
Time: Opening Night Wednesday 17th October
            10am - 6pm daily           
Cost: $5.00 per person. Family four day pass $20. Event ticket for every   day $10 per person
Contact: Barbara Broeksema
                 Phone: 02 6842 2294
                 Email: waacipeople@yahoo.com
                 www.waaciartscrafts.wetpaint.com
  read more ... BILLY CART DERBY 2012 Event Date: TBC
Build your own billy cart and join in the race, or come along and cheer the participants to victory. Prizes for best designed billy cart.
Venue: Racing commences at the top of Cassilis Street.
Time: Participants meet at 11am, racing from 12pm - 4pm.
Cost: TBC read more ... COONA YABBY RACES 2012 Event Date: TBC
The annual yabby races raise much needed funds for the Coona Cancer Support Group. Don’t miss the “race that stops Coonabarabran” – the highly coveted Royal Hotel Cup. Auction and BBQ during racing.
Venue: Coona Bowling Club
Time: 12pm until late
Cost: free entry read more ... COONABARABRAN SPRING RACING CARNIVAL 2012 Event Date - TBC
A fantasic weekend of racing festivities…
Welcome BBQ for Race Visitors -  Hosted by the Coonabarabran Jockey Club, this event kicks off the race carnival and is a great time to renew acquaintances in preparation for a fun weekend of racing activity.
Venue: Coonabarabran Racecourse, Nelson Street
Time: 3pm
Cost: hosted by the Jockey Club
Calcutta - Gather at the Bowlo and buy your horses for the Coonabarabran Cup, an evening program of entertainment and festivities.
Venue: Coonabarabran Bowling Club, Edwards Street
Time: 7pm
Cost: No cover charge
The Coonabarabran Cup - A spring racing carnival for the whole family with Fashions in the Field, TAB operating, champagne marquees, punters clubs, ringside bookmakers, food stalls and bars operating and children’s entertainment.
Venue: Coonabarabran Racecourse, Nelson Street
Time: First race at 1pm
Cost: $15
Post Race Entertainment
End a fantastic day with an evening at the Club with free entertainment.
Venue: Coonabarabran Bowling Club
Time: Following the races
Cost: Free read more ...

NOVEMBER

VETERANS TOUCH FOOTY CARNIVAL  
Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th November 2012
Have a great weekend in Coolah and join in the touch footy compettions and town entertainment , attracting teams from all over NSW. To enter, players must be over 30 years of age. After a great day of competitions, join the party atmosphere on Saturday night with all hotels and clubs providing live entertainment. Top division winners receive a t-shirt with a play off for a cash prize.
Venue: Bowen Oval, Coolah read more ... CROOKED MOUNTAIN CONCERT 2012 Event Date - TBC November 
A spectacular concert held in the stunning Canyon Picnic Area in Warrumbungle National Park. Concert goers arrive early to stake their spot and renew acquaintances. Children's entertainment is available as well as local food and wine stalls and then kick back to enjoy an evening of great fun. 
For more information on the annual Crooked Mountain Concert, please contact Warrumbungle National Park Visitors Centre. read more ...