Celebrating Allan Cunningham 200th year expedition

Did You Know? A Significant Historical Milestone is Coming to the Gwydir Shire in 2027

The Bingara Special Events Committee, in collaboration with Council, proudly organises and delivers a range of community events, including the Orange Festival, Grazing on the Gwydir, Australia Day Celebrations and the Bingara Christmas Carnival.

The Committee has recently been approached about commemorating the 200th anniversary of Allan Cunningham's 1827 expedition, a journey that played a significant role in the history and development of the Shire. 

In 1827, explorer and botanist Allan Cunningham led an expedition north from Segenhoe in the Upper Hunter. On 20 May 1827, he crossed the range near what is now the Bingara–Barraba Road and entered a valley. His party then travelled north along a creek now known as Halls Creek.

The following day, 21 May 1827, Cunningham and his party followed Halls Creek to its junction, where they discovered a river that would later become known as the Gwydir River.

Cunningham's expedition ultimately contributed to the establishment of the Gwydir Shire, and 2027 will mark 200 years since this important journey.

The Bingara Special Events Committee is seeking suggestions, feedback and ideas from the Gwydir community on how this anniversary could be acknowledged. The Committee wishes for the anniversary event, or events, to be held across the Gwydir Shire and to work with other groups across the Shire. 

It is envisaged that community groups and organisations would take ownership of individual activities or projects. This commemorative milestone does not need to be marked by one large event. A range of smaller activities, delivered by different groups, could collectively create a meaningful acknowledgment without significant cost.

Community Information Session

When: Monday 28 September 2026
Where:          The Roxy Theatre, Bingara
Time:             6:00 pm

If you have any queries or would like to submit an idea or proposal, please email mail@gwydir.nsw.gov.au or visit the Council office.