Gunnedah Shire Council will be represented at the 2025 NSW Business Awards after sensational success through its involvement with the Kamilaroi Highway Inc.
The organisation includes seven local councils which collaborate under the Kamilaroi Highway group banner to highlight the highway as a premier regional road trip experience from the Great Divide to the Great Outback in North West New South Wales.
The group recently won the Business NSW New England North West Awards – Outstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration.
This was in addition to the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards – Borderless Communities category, which the group won earlier this year.
Kamilaroi Highway Inc was formed in 2003 by the local government areas of Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett/Lightning Ridge, Moree, Narrabri, Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains – to consolidate assets and market the Kamilaroi Highway as a touring route. The group is funded by annual membership fees from the relevant councils.
The Kamilaroi Highway is approximately 600km long and leads ‘from the Great Divide to the Great Outback’.
Kamilaroi Highway Inc aims to promote the journey this highway takes people on – and the many things to see along the way. Its regular activities include attending the Newcastle and Sydney caravan and camping shows to publicise the touring route, and an annual AGM, which is hosted in rotation by each Local Government Area – 2020 Bourke, 2021 Walgett, 2022 Brewarrina, 2023 Narrabri, 2024 Moree, and 2025 Liverpool Plains.
Gunnedah Shire Council tourism team leader Nikki Robertson is an active member and currently the organisation’s secretary.
Ms Robertson organises the meetings, takes minutes, organises the caravan and camping shows, and will host the AGM in 2027 on behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council.
She also attends the annual Newcastle Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo to promote not only the Kamilaroi Highway, but also the Gunnedah shire as a destination.
Ms Roberston said: “After 22 years of collaboration, it’s truly special to accept this award on behalf of Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Moree, Walgett and Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina, and Bourke — seven councils, one strong voice.
“This recognition is proof that when regional communities work together, we can turn a highway into a journey full of stories, experiences, and opportunity. Thank you to the judges, our councils, and our communities for believing in us and celebrating the spirit of the Kamilaroi Highway, and thank you to Business NSW for giving us the opportunity to celebrate our achievements.”
Kamilaroi Highway Inc will now proceed to the 2025 Business Awards as a state finalist. The awards ceremony will be held on October 29.
Some of the achievements since its establishment include:
• 2003-2016: published various collateral – Kamilaroi Highway Pad Map, Z-card and four-page booklet;
• 2016-2018: Advertising campaign during Sydney Film Festival;
• 2018: Launch of Kamilaroi Highway Destination Management Plan;
• 2019: Kamilaroi Highway incorporated on the Visit NSW Road Trips “Kamilaroi Contrasts”;
• 2020: Rusty Cage TV campaign;
• 2024: Launch of new tourism guide;
• 2025: Launch of new website;
• 2025: Great Aussie Road Trip Campaign – two episodes at 20 minutes each, aired on commercial television and in 26 countries;
• 2025: Won the Borderless Communities category in 2025 NSW Local Excellence Government Awards; and
• 2025: Won Outstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration Award in the NSW Business New England Northwest Awards.
