Narrandera Shire Council mayor Neville Kschenka and general manager Tim Coote have held discussions with other bodies on several important issues relating to the council during the past month.

Mr Coote attended the RAMJO board meeting in Tocumwal, while mayor Neville Kschenka attended via virtual link.

Mr David Heine from Community Regional Australia Bank, told the board that there are 40 per cent less bank branches in regional areas, with banks citing the cost of running branches.

Possible ways of providing subsides for branches to remain open are being explored.

Other presentations were from:

• The Office of Local Government, Ms Louise Taylor, council engagement manager – Southern NSW and Southern/Western Sydney.

• NSW Premier’s Department, Mr Giles Butler, director regional coordination, delivery and engagement.

The board discussed conducting a workshop on the afternoon prior to the meeting, due to time constraints on meeting day and the Murray Darling Basin Communities Advocacy Campaign.

It was resolved to hold one board meeting annually in Sydney to facilitate engagement with ministers, government agencies and other key decision makers on strategic regional priorities.

In general business, members discussed recently received correspondence from the National Native Title Tribunal regarding the Wiradjuri Native Title Claim and the potential implications for affected councils.

Mayor Neville Kschenka and general manager Mr Coote attended the 2026 Murrumbidgee Police District medal and awards ceremony held at McWilliams Wines Hanwood.

This invitation was received from Murrumbidgee Police District Commander Superintendent Ray Stynes APM, with awards presented by Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM.

Together with deputy mayor Sue Ruffles, Mr Coote and council’s economic development manager (EDM) Edwina Kenna, mayor Kschenka attended a discussion with Danielle Phyland and Johnathan Rochwerger from Urban Enterprise to discuss development of a Visitor Economic Strategy for the Narrandera Shire.