Nyngan has been broadcast far and wide as the Bogan Shire hosted Channel Ten’s The Project in the first part of a series highlighting the ‘lesser known big things’ around Australia. 

Comedian and The Project co-host Sam Taunton was welcomed to the town in his venture to showcase the shire’s Big Bogan, which has become Nyngan’s main attraction since it was erected in 2015. 

In the community’s seven-and-a-half minutes of fame, Taunton explores everything from the ‘waterless fountain’ to the town’s pride and joy: the new footpath. 

During Taunton’s visit, he was treated to a tour of Wingangali Walk, a local cultural walk, and learned of the Indigenous origin of the word ‘Bogan’, meaning birthplace of a noble chiefman. 

Despite disappointment that the show’s long-time co-host Waleed Aly wouldn’t be there, locals gathered together in the evening at Nyngan’s golf club, where Sam Taunton performed a live comedy show, using a ute tray as his stage. 

Performers and crew on their faithful stage. (Abigail McLaughlin)

Local bush poetry talent Isla and Elvis tribute artist Roydon Donahue also turned up to warm up the stage. 

Tourism shift on the ground

While locals seemed unphased about the statue that has become a part of their environment - according to the TV piece at least - Nyngan Visitor Information Centre Officer Donna Pumpa said the Big Bogan has become a game changer to the town’s tourism. 

“We’ve seen so many more people stopping to get their photos with the Big Bogan, it’s a big draw card,” Ms Pumpa said. 

“(Before) people would often pass through, they might get fuel but we didn’t seem to have anything that would make them stop as much.”

Having a 'big thing' has changed the game for local tourism. (Supplied)

“A couple of businesses including the visitor centre have got Big Bogan merchandise which is very, very popular…and the free camping area to encourage people to stay overnight has been amazing,” she said. 

Despite mixed reception amongst the community about the Big Bogan when it was initially proposed, the shire doubled down on the statue’s success last year, installing The Big Bogan Dog ‘Rusty’ right beside the Bogan.