Gilgandra and Warrumbungle Shire's launch innovative event, Castlereagh Country Drought Resilience and Innovation Showcase, to empower residents for a resilient future
Following community consultation held in 2024 on the Castlereagh Country Drought Plans, the Gilgandra and Warrumbungle Shire Councils, supported by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government, are pleased to announce the launch of an innovative free event aimed at building resilience, empowering communities and showcasing opportunities.
The Castlereagh Country Drought Resilience and Innovation Showcase, to be held at the Baradine Memorial Hall from 9am on Thursday November 20, 2025, will unite experts, local stakeholders, and agricultural innovators to showcase practical tools, emerging technologies, and diversification opportunities to help empower residents in times of dry. The event will also be recorded, with podcast and video content to be launched in early 2026 to ensure everyone has access to the valuable information and insights shared by the experts.
The Showcase will be hosted and facilitated by local farmer and social media influencer Kaitie Nash – a city girl turned First Time Farmer, who has overcome adversity, connecting communities and navigating the challenges of rural life with humour and humility via her social media channels.
Kaitie will be joined by experts in finance, innovation, research and mental health including:
- Bede Young, Commercial Banking Manager from Rabobank with a passionate for driving growth and building relationships.
- Brooke Watts, a dynamic agribusiness professional from BRALCA who will explore how ag tech can strengthen drought preparedness and response.
- Associate Professor from the University of Newcastle, Dr Anthony Kiem, who specialises in understanding the drivers and impacts of climate variability.
- Gabrielle Schultz from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, who works specifically with mental health in the farming community.
- Resilience Specialist from Projence and project manager for the Castlereagh Country Drought Resilience Plan Dr Andrew Krause.
Funded through the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, the Showcase is one of a number of priority implementation items identified and endorsed by the community as part of the Castlereagh Country Drought Plan. The Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program is joint funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government, under the Future Drought Fund.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) Program recognises that every region across the state has its own distinct needs, and that achieving real impact requires a tailored approach.
"What we're seeing here is a powerful example of councils collaborating to strengthen long-term drought resilience," said Minister Moriarty.
"As the Castlereagh Country Drought Resilience Plan moves into the implementation phase, we'll begin to see practical, community driven projects take shape that will deliver real benefits and help these communities prepare for future challenges."
Warrumbungle Shire Council General Manager Lindsay Mason said preparing and understanding opportunities is important for communities to not only withstand future droughts, but to help them thrive.
"Australia is country with a history of drought, and our region knows all too well the impacts, both economically and socially, extended periods of dry and drought can have on our communities," said Mr Mason. "But it's not just agriculture and farming that suffers. The impacts of extended dry seasons and droughts stretch far beyond, bringing uncertainty and strain to our local communities, businesses and the broader economy.
"It is vital we are prepared for the next 'big dry' and have the tools in place now to diversify local economies and foster community connection."
Gilgandra Shire Council General Manager David Neeves echoed the sentiment of Mr Mason and said the upcoming event in Baradine was an opportunity for residents, local business and key stakeholders in the region to hear from experts in their fields and come away with practical tools.
"Building resilience is crucial for rural communities because it supports economic stability, social and mental wellbeing, and environmental sustainability," said Mr Neeves.
"We want to deliver tangible outcomes and for our communities to walk away from this Showcase event with cutting-edge solutions, inspiration, and grassroots strategies. We want you to engage and collaborate with other community members to share knowledge, strengthen ties, and unleash the power of people. We want to support positive mental health and social wellbeing.
"But most of all we want to empower communities across the Gilgandra and Warrumbungle regions to not only withstand future droughts, but to thrive through collective strength and ingenuity."
"We understand the timing of this event isn't ideal for the farming community, who are in the midst of harvest," added Mr Mason.
"That's why we'll be filming the Showcase and also recording a podcast, to ensure those who can't make it to Baradine can still access the valuable conversations and insights shared by our experts."
Alongside the Drought Resilience and Innovation Showcase, a Drought Communication Strategy and Groundwater Access Toolkit are also in development. These two resources are designed to help both Councils and the wider community prepare for, manage and recover from the impacts of drought.
The Communication Strategy will provide clear guidance and tools on how to share timely, practical information during different stages of drought, while the Groundwater Access Toolkit - first in NSW - will support landholders and businesses in understanding local groundwater availability in an easy-to-use online tool that combines numerous data sources. Together, they form part of the region's broader commitment to building long-term drought resilience and community preparedness.
This innovative event to empower residents for a resilient future is free to attend. Tickets are required, secure your free ticket today at www.123tix.com.au/events/50428/castlereagh-country-drought-resilience-innovation-showcase.
