Residents of the Bogan Shire have been allocated at least half of the 1500 free tickets to the Big Bogan Festival in Nyngan next month where all comers will be formally introduced to the Big Bogan's new mate. 

The Big Bogan Dog was installed next to the Big Bogan last week.

It is yet to be officially named and Council is currently fielding a barrage of suggestions on its Facebook page. 

Mr Francis said the installation of the “Big Bogan Dog” had garnered widespread interest, with National television quickly picking up the story. 

Bogan Shire Director of Engineering Services, Graeme Bourke, who designed the “cattle dog type” installation said popular suggestions so far had included “Rusty”, “Red” and “Blue”. 

Bogan Shire general manager Derek Francis provided an update on the festival arrangements at last week’s Council meeting emphasising that the event is designed to reconnect the community after COVID19. 

Although the grant-funded event on Saturday 22 October, which includes a country music concert headlined by Australian performer James Johnston, is free of charge, numbers will be capped at 1500 for security and catering purposes. 

Mr Francis told Councillors the event was attracting interest from outside the Shire, however priority would be given to local people who are able to collect tickets from the Bogan Shire administration building with half of the tickets to be distributed this way. 

“We are very mindful of keeping this event for local people in keeping with the intention of the grant funding.” 

Council also discussed merchandising opportunities for the festival last week. Local businesses have been invited to apply to sell their own merchandise, and Council resolved to produce some of its own – the proceeds from which will be used to fund a new visitor information guide for the Bogan Shire.