The Federation Council is a Local Government Area located in Southern NSW on the border of New South Wales and Victoria.
It has an area of 5,685 km², and was formed in 2016 following the amalgamation of the Corowa and Urana Shires. There are three urban areas of Corowa, Howlong, and Mulwala which are situated along the Murray River, towns Urana and Oaklands to the North, and rural communities, Balldale, Boree Creek, Buraja, Coreen, Daysdale, Hopefield, Lowesdale, Morundah, Rand, Rennie, and Savernake.
According to the 2021 census, the region’s population was just over 12,700 of which approximately 6.9 % of people were born overseas and 1.9% spoke a language other than English at home.
The Federation Council has a diverse economy with the major industries including a piggery feedlot and Abattoir, agriculture, machinery sales and services, food processors, munitions factory, many freight transport companies, and tourism, retail, and trade businesses.
Only three hours from Melbourne, four hours from Canberra and six hours from Sydney, the region boasts a great climate and vibrant atmosphere and is an ideal location for families and newcomers to experience its exceptional lifestyle and opportunities.
The Federation Council has been a Refugee Welcome Zone since 2019. Since 2022, the Federation Council is part of the NSW Growing Regions of Welcome Program (NSW GROW). A pilot program that is operating in Western Sydney and the Riverina and Murray regions of NSW. It seeks to support coordinated efforts across sectors to create secondary migration links between western Sydney and regional NSW and drive sustainable social and economic outcomes for participating regional communities and newcomers.
As part of the program, Council sits on the NSW Grow: Murray Taskforce with Red Cross, Multicultural NSW, Albury City, and Greater Hume Council. The task force is guided by the Murray Newcomer Attraction and Retention Strategy. Council also sits on the Murray Riverina Jobs & Skills Taskforce.
The Federation Council recognises the important contribution that people from refugee backgrounds can make to our culture, our economy, and our society. The Council:
- Supports the beneficial work of Corowa Refugee Support Network, ‘Who is My Neighbour’ (WIMN) which aims to assist and support refugees by providing opportunities for them to engage with their local community.
- Compiled a New Resident Kit as a handy reference guide to newcomers to the area on the services and facilities available from Council and within the Community.
- Offers access to free Wi-Fi, computers, books, and e-resources from all Council libraries.
- Hosts regular citizenship ceremonies.
- Delivers of a range of free community events which encourage communities from all backgrounds to connect, celebrate cultural diversity, and promote social cohesion.
