General News
3 July, 2026
NSW Governor Visits Gilgandra and District
Gilgandra was visited by Her Excellency the Honourable, Margaret Beazley AC KC, and Mr Wilson last Friday, June 26 as part of a wider regional tour covering towns from the Central West and Orana areas.
The vice-regal couple visited Gilgandra to meet locals from the area, take a tour of GRASS Merinos, and visit the Royal Flying Doctor Services' Gilgandra Medical Centre.
Their first visit was to the Coo-ee Heritage and Visitor Information Centre where an afternoon tea was host by Gilgandra Shire Council.
In attendance were Gilgandra and surrounds locals, including mayor Doug Batten, local Elders, representative of CWA Armatree branch and the president of Macquarie Group CWA, other councillors, and emergency services representatives.
Uncle Ralph Naden OAM welcomed Her Excellency and guests to Country, taking time to also demonstrate traditional dance movements, like the emu, to the Governor of NSW, encouraging her to join along.
After the dancing, afternoon tea officially started, a delicious spread set out by Riverview Cafe with many noting the quality of the food.
Mayor Batten gave a short tour to Her Excellency. Showcasing the Coo-ee March Museum and walking through the Joy Trudgett Gallery.
The regional tour began on Wednesday, June 24 where Her Excellency and Mr Wilson visited Orange, Mudgee, Gulgong, Mullamuddy, Dunedoo, as well as Dubbo where they concluded the tour.
During the GRASS Merinos visit at Armatree, Her Excellency the Honourable, Margaret Beazley AC KC, was given tour of the Sunnyside wool shed and property. GRASS managers, Alison and JB Tancred were grateful to host Her Excellency. JB said they were interested in the history of the merino stud.
“We discussed with them the science and technology that GRASS uses. They had a farm tour and observed twin bearing ewes being fed,” said JB.
After previously meeting GRASS Merinos’ business manager, Graham Peart, when he was awarded an OAM (for commitment to the merino industry in January 2026), the couple wanted to visit the property.
