Planning is officially underway for Temora's 150th anniversary celebrations, following Temora Shire Council's endorsement of the newly formed Temora 150 Years Committee. The committee has been established to coordinate a major program of community celebrations in June 2030, marking 150 years since the establishment of the Temora township. The committee brings together community members with a broad range of interests, experience and connections across Temora, with the intention of involving many more local organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals as planning progresses. Temora 150 Years Committee chairperson Kris Dunstan said the milestone presents a unique opportunity for the whole community to come together. "Temora's 150th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate where we have come from, recognise the people and stories that have shaped our community, and look ahead to the Temora we want to build for future generations," Mr Dunstan said. "We want this to be a celebration for the entire community. The Committee is keen to hear ideas from residents, businesses, sporting clubs, service organisations, schools, community groups and anyone who has a connection with Temora." The Committee has proposed the main celebrations be held over the June Long Weekend in 2030, supported by a series of events during the week before and after the long weekend. The intention is to create more than a single celebration weekend, with a broader festival atmosphere encouraging visitors to stay in Temora, families to return home, and provide opportunities for local businesses and organisations to benefit from increased visitation. The celebrations will focus on Temora's unique history and heritage, encouraging whole-of-community participation, developing a coordinated program of events, attracting visitors from across the Riverina and beyond, and creating a lasting legacy for future generations. And while the celebrations may seem a long way away, the committee has identified a number of early priorities, including developing a 2026–2030 project timeline, planning marketing and promotion, compiling potential event ideas, engaging with community organisations and investigating potential headline events. The committee is particularly keen to ensure that the 150th anniversary leaves a lasting legacy for Temora, with ideas to be developed with the community as planning progresses. Committee Executive The inaugural executive of the Temora 150 Years Committee is Chairperson Kris Dunstan, Vice Chairperson mayor Rick Firman, Secretary Merryl Graham, Publicity/Media Coordinator Kylie Dunstan and Grants Coordinator Claire Golder. The committee will operate as a subcommittee of the Temora Heritage Committee, providing a connection with the existing Section 355 Committee and Temora Shire Council. The committee intends to meet every second month from October 2026, with additional working groups to be established as required to progress individual projects and events. Mr Dunstan said the committee's work would be undertaken with the broader community at its core. "While we are still four years away from 2030, there is plenty of time to develop something really special," he said. "The most important thing is that this becomes a community celebration. We want people to come forward with their ideas, their stories, their photographs, their memories and their enthusiasm." "Whether it is a major event, a small community activity, an historical exhibition, a sporting event, a reunion or something completely different, we want to hear about it." The Committee will also pursue grants, sponsorships, donations and other funding opportunities to support the celebrations, with Council support forming part of a broader funding strategy. Temora Shire Council's endorsement provides an important foundation for the Committee to commence its long-term planning and engagement with the community. Community members, organisations and businesses interested in becoming involved or contributing ideas are encouraged to watch for further information as the Committee's plans develop. Temora Shire Council
