NARRABRI Shire Council has received a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council, for work in the Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development category impacting a population less than 25,000 residents.

Narrabri Shire’s Economic Development Team, though not attending in person, will be honoured in front of their peers at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, on September 14-17.

IEDC president Nathan Ohle said Narrabri Shire Council is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its The Exchange Business Activator program.

“This award shines a spotlight on Narrabri Shire’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” Mr Ohle said.

“IEDC is honoured to present this award to Narrabri Shire to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.”

Each year, IEDC honours economic development organisations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field.

The honourees lead transformational projects that revitalise communities and advance the practice of economic development.

Narrabri Shire Council deputy mayor, Brett Dickinson, said the award is fantastic recognition of the resilience and innovation within our business community.

“TEBA has shown what’s possible when Council, partners and local entrepreneurs work together to drive growth,” Cr Dickinson said.

Launched in April, 2022, The Exchange Business Activator is a collaboration between Narrabri Shire Council, The Exchange Narrabri and the University of New England SMART Region Incubator. Designed in response to drought and COVID-19 recovery, TEBA has delivered 99 events, engaged 1381 participants, supported the creation of 12 new businesses and helped existing operators employ more than 50 additional staff.

With its hybrid delivery model and co-working hub, TEBA has become a benchmark for regional entrepreneurship, offering accessible expertise, mentoring, and peer networking to strengthen the local economy.

“For a regional shire, the results have been extraordinary, new businesses launched, jobs created and hundreds of locals upskilled. This is about building long-term confidence and opportunity for Narrabri Shire,” Cr Dickinson said.