It is being hailed as the beginning of a bright new chapter for the people of Goodooga.

This week their Community Hall has returned to Brewarrina Shire Council ownership, after it was gifted to the community from Indigenous Business Australia (IBA).

With the 16th annual Goodooga Indigenous Games being held this week, Council crews are hard at work preparing the facility.

The village will see an influx of up to 1,000 school children, supervisors and supporters immersed in the traditional culture and games played by their ancestors centuries ago.

The Hall was originally transferred to IBA 15 years ago, in a similar arrangement, but after remaining vacant for several years, the organisation approached Council to take the important local asset back on to ensure it remained available for the community.

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said it was a very welcomed asset for Goodooga, with plans already underway to utilise the building to the benefit of the whole region.

“Firstly, thank you to IBA for recognising the importance of keeping the Goodooga Community Hall in great condition, and for allowing it to be returned to the community when they no longer had a use for it.

"The building has been underutilised for several years, and we are very excited to reclaim this very important community asset,” said Mr Kirby.

With official paperwork for the transfer completed just late last month, Council have already got to work to ensure the facility is in top shape and ready for the upcoming Goodooga Indigenous Games.

“Council is proud to be able to support the 16th annual Goodooga Indigenous Games this week which showcases our little community and immerses our young people in the traditional cultures and games that our ancestors played centuries ago.

"Visiting schools from across the region will be staying at the Hall for the hugely anticipated event and the Parks and Gardens crew have been busy preparing the village for the influx of visitors"

Long term plans for the full utilisation of the Hall are under investigation, including transforming the space into a new Visitor and Community Centre.

“With the popularity of the Goodooga Artesian Baths and the boom in travellers to the region, it’s important we have facilities in town to meet the needs of not only the visitors but also locals," Mr Kirby said.

“As well as a place for travellers to come for important information about visiting our region, the Hall will also be a place where the community can come together for meetings, hire for functions, and available for public events, like the Goodooga Games.

"We will even look at holding Council Meetings there.

“We want it to be a hub for cultural exchange and community engagement.

“By returning the Hall to Council, we can ensure it is maintained and accessible for all, promoting inclusivity and fostering a sense of communal belonging. It not only safeguards the building's historical significance but also ensures its future use aligns with the growing needs of the Goodooga region."