After more than a decade under administration, Central Darling Shire Council made history on Wednesday when its first elected council in 12 years officially took office at a landmark meeting in Wilcannia.

The December 4 meeting at Wilcannia Council Chambers marked the end of administration that had been in place since 2014 and the beginning of a new chapter under the state's groundbreaking Rural and Remote Council model.

Six councillors were sworn into office before getting down to business, combining three locally elected representatives with three appointed by the NSW Government to bring expertise and stability to the vast shire. The atmosphere was one of celebration mixed with determination as Chairperson Bob Stewart, who had served as administrator since 2019, welcomed the new council members. Stewart's 40 years of local government experience and deep understanding of Central Darling's unique challenges positioned him well to guide the fledgling council through its transition. One of the first orders of business saw councillors unanimously elect Daniel Fusi as Deputy Chair, a vote of confidence in the Ward C representative who had been declared elected uncontested. Fusi's appointment signals the collaborative spirit that will be essential as the council tackles the shire's complex needs. The meeting agenda was substantial, befitting the momentous occasion. Councillors considered and set meeting dates for 2026, ensuring regular opportunities for democratic decision making across the coming year. They also received the audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2025, providing crucial insight into the shire's financial position as it embarks on this new governance model. The newly constituted council brings together a diverse range of skills and backgrounds essential for managing Australia's largest local government area. Alongside Stewart and Fusi sit elected councillors Peter Sullivan from Ward A and Max Bradley from Ward B, both chosen by their communities to represent local interests and priorities. The three appointed councillors add complementary expertise to the mix. Fiona Kelly, a proud Barkindji and Ngiyampaa woman who serves as Executive Principal of Menindee Central School, brings deep cultural knowledge and community connections. The Honourable Barbara Perry contributes extensive government experience from her 13 years in NSW Parliament, including her time as Minister for Local Government between 2008 and 2011, along with her legal background and governance expertise. Interim General Manager Robert Hunt was also officially confirmed in his role, providing administrative leadership as the council finds its feet in this uncharted territory. The NSW Government has backed the transition with substantial support, committing six million dollars over two years to help the council achieve long-term financial stability, build capacity, and deliver essential services across the shire's 53,511 square kilometres. The Rural and Remote Council model represents a pragmatic solution to the governance challenges faced by large, sparsely populated councils in outback NSW. Central Darling, covering an area the size of Tasmania but with a population of less than 2,000 people spread across towns including Wilcannia, Menindee, Ivanhoe, White Cliffs, Tilpa and Sunset Strip, has long grappled with the difficulties of providing services across vast distances with limited resources. For residents who haven't had a say in local government since 2012, the return of elected representation is deeply significant. The decade-long administration, while necessary to address serious governance failures, meant communities had no democratic voice in decisions affecting their daily lives, from roads and rates to water services and community facilities. The meeting, recorded in two parts and available for public viewing on YouTube, demonstrated the council's commitment to transparency and community engagement. Residents unable to attend in person can watch proceedings and stay informed about decisions affecting their towns and properties. As the meeting concluded, there was a sense that while challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, Central Darling Shire has taken a crucial step forward. The combination of local knowledge from elected councillors and the expertise of appointed members, supported by substantial state government funding and the guidance of experienced administrators, provides grounds for optimism about the shire's future. The success of this first Rural and Remote Council will be watched closely across NSW, as it may provide a template for other remote councils facing similar governance challenges. For the people of Central Darling Shire, December 4, 2025 will be remembered as the day democracy returned to local government after a 12-year absence.