History of our Council

Our beginnings

Murrumbidgee Council was established in May 2016 after the merger Jerilderie Shire Council and Murrumbidgee Shire Council.

The merger created a new Local Government Area of 6,680 sq km with a population of 4,047. It encompassed the communities of Jerilderie, Coleambally and Darlington Point and was comprised of three wards: Jerilderie, Murrumbidgee East and Murrumbidgee.

General Manager of the new Council was Mr Craig Moffitt and the Administrator was Mr Austin Evans.

Councillors from the two former Councils continued their involvement in the Local Representation Committee leading up to an election in September 2017.

The first Councillors were: Cr Ruth McRae (Mayor), Cr Faith Bryce, Cr Gaila Smith, Cr Robert Black (Deputy Mayor), Cr Christine Chirgwin, Cr Austin Evans, Cr Robert Curphey, Cr Gavin Gilbert and Cr Phillip Wells.

History of Jerilderie Shire Council

Jerilderie Shire Council was declared in 1918 after the amalgamation of the former Municipality of Jerilderie (1889 - 1918) and Wunnamurra Shire (1906 - 1918). It covered an area of 3337.5 square kilometres and was the second smallest council in NSW.

Jerilderie Shire Council's Coat of Arms

List of Mayors and Deputy Mayors at Jerilderie Shire Council

History of Murrumbidgee Shire Council

Established in 1906, Murrumbidgee Shire Council covered an area of 3,508 square kilometres. 

The first elected Councillors were: William Kook, James McWilliams, John S Robertson, Alexander A White, Herman Kook (Snr) and Francis J Collins. The first Shire President was Herman Kook (Snr) who served from 1906-1910. The first Shire Clerk was L G Markey who served from 1907-1910. 

The first meeting of Murrumbidgee Shire Council was held on 8 December 1906 at the Court House.

List of Mayors and Deputy Mayors at Murrumbidgee Shire Council

Shire Clerks/General Managers for Murrumbidgee Shire Council