Warrumbungle Bloomfest secures funding for the next three years
Published on 22 July 2025
Warrumbungle Bloomfest secures funding for the next three years
Warrumbungle Shire Council is excited to announce that Warrumbungle Bloomfest will return to Coonabarabran this September, with funding secured for the next three years through the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program 2025–2028, led by Transport for NSW.
The Open Streets Program supports councils across the state to temporarily close streets and transform them into vibrant, people-friendly spaces. The goal is to boost community connection, encourage economic activity, and create welcoming places for locals and visitors alike.
The festival will return to Dalgarno Street, Coonabarabran, this September, transforming the area into a lively celebration of local art, live music, food, and community spirit. Highlighting the natural beauty of the Warrumbungle region and the creativity of its residents, Bloomfest will provide opportunities for local artists, performers, businesses, and community groups to connect with the wider community.
Mayor of Warrumbungle Shire Council, Councillor Kathryn Rindfleish, said, “We’re incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for supporting Warrumbungle Bloomfest. Building on the success of last year’s spring celebration, this year’s event will feature exciting new elements and ongoing support from local businesses to encourage night-time vibrancy."
“Mark your calendars for Saturday 20 September – more details will be released soon. Expressions of interest will be opening shortly for local businesses, artists, musicians, and community groups to get involved in the festival program.”
Held for the first time in 2024, the event drew hundreds of locals and visitors to a night of illuminated art, live performance, food stalls, creative workshops, and spring-themed markets. With the support of the Open Streets Program, the festival now enters an exciting new chapter.
After a competitive grants process, Warrumbungle Shire Council has secured $350,000 in funding to deliver this free, community-focused festival over the next three years.
Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of 46 councils across NSW to receive funding in this round of the Open Streets Program. Other successful regional recipients include:
- Gilgandra Shire Council – Streets of Colour at Goin’ to Gil Weekend, $350,000
- Narromine Shire Council – Dolly Parton Festival, $158,182.26
- Coonamble Shire Council – Vision Splendid Coonamble, $350,000
Previous street closure initiatives have highlighted the significant social and economic benefits of these activations. Across 73 councils in 2024–25 and 17 in 2021–22, the Open Streets Program achieved:
- 370% average increase in visitation
- 100% average increase in sales turnover
- Over 1 million attendees across all activations
- More than 8,800 workers engaged, including over 4,200 creative industry professionals
Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Dr Marjorie O’Neill, said:
“We’re backing local councils to reclaim their main streets, hosting free events that support local jobs and businesses.”
“The last rounds of Open Streets events attracted more than a million people – I can’t wait to see even more people having a good time in their own communities.”
The Open Streets Program 2025–2028 is proudly funded by the NSW Government and delivered by Transport for NSW, as part of its ongoing investment in revitalising public spaces and supporting local economies.
For more information, visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/openstreets or contact Council’s Community Services Connections Officer, Nicole Devenish, on (02) 6849 2000.