The first hearing for the state's regional crime inquiry will start on 1 October in Bourke at their information and exhibition centre. 

The inquiry was announced in March of this year after a back-and-forth about whether it would happen or not.

Dozens of councils across regional and rural NSW joined forces with the Country Women's Association (CWA), the Country Mayor's Association, NSW police association, and NSW farmers to rally for inquiry that would address the rising rates of crime across regional and rural NSW. 

Submissions to the inquiry closed on 31 May. 

Bourke and Lachlan Shire Councils were among 195 groups and individuals who made written submissions, along with Walgett's Dhariwa Elders Group and the Safer Coonamble Group.

"We've got youth crime that is escalating in the regions now. Many people are even too scared to leave their homes. 

People deserve to feel safe in their local neighbourhood, that's why we got to get to the core issue of why we are seeing crime escalate," inquiry member and Bathurst MP Paul Toole said. 

"Considerable resources are being expended on trying to rectify the situation which unfortunately to date has proved to be a bridge too far and it is clear a vastly different approach may be required," Bourke Shire Mayor Barry Holman said in a submission from the Bourke Shire Council.

During their visit to Bourke, members of the inquiry committee will be meeting with community groups, police, council, and members of the public to get an understanding of the scope of the issue. 

"One of the big things is there's a lot of agencies that don't provide support after 5 p.m. and a lot of youth crime is happening during the evening," Mr Toole said. 

He added that some challenges are unique to regional and rural areas. 

"We've got large areas to cover. It is very demanding on our police officers and we need to make sure they feel supported," Mr Toole said. 

The next hearing is scheduled for 2 October in Broken Hill with more hearing locations to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Those hoping for the Inquiry to quickly deliver findings, followed by a swift response from government are likely to be disappointed.

Due to the volume of submissions received and the Committee's intention to undertake broad stakeholder engagement across NSW, the Committee has extended its reporting deadline.

The inquiry will table a first report by 30 May 2025 with a final report due on 30 November 2025.