WALGETT shire mayor Jason Ramien and general manager Andrew Brown assisted fire crews and council staff when a main street building was engulfed in flames late Tuesday.

At around 6.30pm Tuesday, Walgett Shire Council staff were assisting with a barbecue at the Walgett Singers carols event in Gray Park when a plume of black smoke was spotted nearby.

Staff ran to investigate and found the Galuma-li building on Fox Street ablaze, with flames breaking through the windows and the structure rapidly consumed by fire.

The building had already sustained extensive fire activity when staff arrived.

Council general manager, Andrew Brown, drew on his experience as a former Rural Fire Service inspector and provided on-site support.

A fire at the Galuma-li building in Walgett was quickly brought under control by Collarenebri Rural Fire Service and volunteers.

He remained with emergency crews until the fire no longer posed a risk to nearby properties.

Mayor Jasen Ramien was also on-site. He attended with Collarenebri Rural Fire Service and assisted throughout the response.

Council acknowledges the swift action of its roads team, who quickly blocked surrounding roads to ensure public safety during the incident.

A co-ordinated response from local emergency services ensured the fire was contained as quickly as conditions allowed.

Their efforts, supported by essential service workers, helped prevent damage to surrounding sites, including the Old Council Chambers, which is used as a museum.

Council has not been informed of the condition of the neighbouring vet clinic.

Council sincerely thanks all personnel who responded. Their combined efforts were instrumental in protecting nearby buildings and safeguarding the historically significant items at the museum.

The loss of Galuma-li will be deeply felt across the Walgett Shire.

More than a building, it served as a vital hub for service, culture, and connection.

“It is very unfortunate for the Dharriwaa Elders Group and the entire community,” Cr Ramien said.

“The Galuma-li building was a new space the fire is a tragic setback to everything they have been working to achieve.

“With the support of Council and the wider community, we hope they are still able to continue offering their important programs and services while planning the next steps,” he said.

Council expresses its sympathies to the Dharriwaa Elders Group and all those who contributed to the project and its vision.

Galuma-li – ‘Care for’ in Gamilaraay language – is a vibrant, community-led hub established to provide holistic support for local Aboriginal children, young people, and families.

The group focuses on connection, cultural strength, and improving well-being by reducing contact with the justice system through programs like youth services, food security and community troubleshooting

Walgett Shire Council’s leadership team has reached out to offer the use of Council facilities, recognising the important role their activities play in supporting the community.

Council encourages local groups with available spaces to come forward and provide support where they can.

Walgett Vet Hospital sustained fire and smoke damage during the blaze

As such, it is currently closed and will likely remain so heading into the New Year and is committed to providing veterinary services to the Walgett community during this time.

Call 6822 1381 and staff will do their best to make arrangements for clients – medication drop-offs, Walgett visits on Tuesday, December 12, Ridge clinic on Wednesday, December 17 and, as always, the main hospital in Coonamble with vets on call all over the Christmas break.