A wave of mild hysteria swept across the region this week as towns up and down the highway reported dwindling fuel supplies. Drivers were spotted forming queues longer than a Centrelink phone wait, clutching jerry cans like they were rare artefacts from a bygone civilisation. Rumours spread faster than a harvest fire: “No fuel by lunchtime!”, “Servo’s dry!”, “Someone filled a Hilux AND a boat—selfish bugger!”

Local councils issued calm, measured statements encouraging residents to “avoid panic buying,” which of course triggered even more panic buying. One town reportedly saw a man attempt to siphon petrol from his own lawnmower “just in case.”

But in the midst of the chaos, one community remained perfectly, serenely unfazed.

Burren Junction.

While the rest of the region scrambled, Burren locals simply shrugged, sipped their coffees, and carried on with their day. When asked how they were staying so calm during the crisis, one resident replied:

“Mate… Burren Junction ran out of petrol 15 years ago.”
 

Author - Stephen Gardiner

A vital stretch of the Kamilaroi Highway west of Burren Junction is set for significant rehabilitation, with the Minns Labor Government delivering long-term improvements to one of north-west NSW’s most important road corridors. From Tuesday, 3 March, work will begin on a full rehabilitation of a three-kilometre section between Walgett and Cryon, near the Goangra–Beanbri intersection, where the pavement has continued to deteriorate despite routine and heavy patching. Rather than temporary fixes, crews will carry out a full pavement rehabilitation to rebuild and restore the road surface, improving ride quality and strengthening the highway for the long term.

Burren Junction Fishing Club Carp Muster Raffles
Big prizes up for grabs at this year's Carp Muster Raffles.  Tickets are $5 or 5 for $20. Drawn April 5th 2026, at the Carp Muster Junction City Hotel.

Tickets can be purchased at the Junction City Hotel or the Post Office. You have to be in it to win it. Get yours today.
 

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Burren Junction Public School students started the last week with Community Christmas Carols at Burren Junction on Sunday 14th December.

The evening included Burren’s backyard cricket bash, a visit from the jolly man in red himself riding in the fire truck, escorted by the local police, and delicious burgers thanks to Scott Hardy, who spent the day making the rissoles, then cooking and serving burgers to the community.

The big Santa was a big hit in the town over the Christmas break, although the wind played havoc with when he could be up.

The Progress Association has managed to get a grant to have free wifi at the hall, which is best accessed from the concrete courtyard.  No password is needed.