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Open for comment
In the interests of healthy discussion and debate on issues relevant to our readers and to rural and regional Australia, in 2025 Australian Rural & Regional News is opening some stories for comment.
Be involved. Share your views.
Security adviser
Staying safe in Ukraine
Patricia Gill. You hear the air raid siren, see the window shudder and rumble and it (the sound) hits you in the chest, then all of a sudden there's this smoke coming up." While serving as a media security adviser in Ukraine, Jesse McNeilly watched through his hotel window as a rocket hit in the city of Kharkiv.
Horsewoman
Is there life after 90?
You betcha! Joan Boardman Sinclair recently celebrated her 90th birthday milestone by saddling up and heading bush with packhorse in tow. The acknowledged 'Queen of the High Country', riding in her father's stock saddle, still believes the world is a much better place from the back of a horse.
Open for comment - Biosecurity
Beef, bananas and Australia’s biosecurity
Whether the risks posed by imports from Australia's trading partners are being sufficiently assessed and addressed, whether we really need to or should import certain products at all, and whether Australia is becoming complacent, resigned, or courting disaster for political Brownie points - such questions are being asked more often. ... This last week, Australia's biosecurity around beef and banana imports was called into question by David Littleproud, Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister. ARR.News sought a response from Julie Collins, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ...
Community preschools
Workforce crisis in NSW
Northern Rivers Preschools join Day of Action, calling on the Minns government to fix preschool funding. The state government has announced a plan for community preschools to extend operating hours, open more days, and cater for children from birth through to school age, however declined to provide any funding for wages or staff costs.
Youth literacy
Bright horizons – Council embarks on literacy initiative for young readers at Hay Library
Hay Shire Council is ending its participation in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Funding and Investment in Community-driven Literacy Programs for children, due to rising costs. Council resolved at a recent meeting to transition from the Imagination Library program to a suite of locally delivered early-literacy initiatives.
Health infrastructure - Limestone Coast
Radiotherapy group tours new cancer care centre
A new Cancer Care Centre under construction at Mount Gambier Hospital has been inspected by the region’s radiotherapy working group ... Although still many weeks from completion, and it lacked radiotherapy, Naracoorte's Lachlan Haynes was pleased that improved cancer care would soon be available for South Easterners.
Clarence Valley
A meeting with the General Manager
The Clarence Valley Independent’s Grafton Journalist Emma Pritchard had an informal meeting with Clarence Valley Council (CVC) General Manager Laura Black last week on October 7 in relation to leaked internal emails which have been linked to the termination of more than 100 semi-permanent holiday caravans from four Council managed caravan parks and the subsequent community criticism Council is currently facing after many labelled the contents as inappropriate and insensitive.
Gatton AgTech
Next generation weed management takes centre stage at Gatton AgTech Showcase: Hort Innovation
Australia’s horticulture industry is set to benefit from a major innovation in weed management, announced ... at the Gatton AgTech Showcase. The Next generation weed management project - a three-part project being delivered by Applied Horticultural Research, Nufarm, and La Trobe University, and funded by Hort Innovation - aims to transform how growers tackle weed challenges...
Wine tourism
The Clare Valley wine region
Recently, my wife and I visited the Clare Valley as part of our wedding anniversary and a short five day holiday to catch up with family and friends ... Part of the time was spent visiting the wineries in the Clare Valley Wine Region. It is one of the oldest wine regions in Australia. There are five districts or sub-regions in the valley: Auburn, Clare, Polish Hill River, Sevenhill and Watervale.
Hospitality
Wheatsheaf turns over new leaf
Local couple Isaac Anderson and fiancé Matilda Moore have taken over the reins at East Greenmount's Wheatsheaf Hotel and have bold new plans for the historic establishment. Isaac and Matilda officially took over the pub and the adjoining café The Wheatsheaf Store on Sunday, 28 September and it has been closed ahead of a grand re-opening taking place this Saturday, 18 October from 11am until late.
Ag show
Kaniva Show success!!
The 2025 Kaniva Show was heralded as a success by young and old on Saturday. Kim Dodson and her dog Banjo opened the show. Kim and Banjo also entertained the crowd with a working dog demonstration, and Kim's puppies were on show for families to meet.
Tourism
Another high standard Donald Carnival – A big day out for all the family
The 2025 Donald Show opened in fine style on Friday night, drawing an eager crowd for music, food, and the official start to one of Victoria’s favourite country gatherings. Outside, the showgrounds buzzed early as families wandered between food stalls and rides ... Among the many features proving popular on the lawns at Donald’s two-day show, particularly with children, were Professor Wallace’s Puppets (in the background of this photograph), and “Fair Dinkum Fauna Wildlife and Education Displays”.
AI in agriculture
How will AI change farming and rural life?
Artificial Intelligence is part of the fourth industrial revolution. The previous three industrial revolutions turned rural life upside down and the fourth revolution will be no exception. The only difference will be in the scale and speed of change ... To make sure this is not a useless test, rural voters will have to actively work with politicians.
Weather in the West
How to become an amateur meteorologist
As a critic of the climate catastrophists—and someone who prefers a long-term, science-based view of climate change—I thought I’d share a basic understanding of the science and terminology behind the BoM forecasts we rely on ... Every time a farmer glances at the Bureau’s forecast, the same terms pop up: Indian Ocean Dipole, El Niño–Southern Oscillation, Southern Annular Mode, cold fronts from the Great Southern, tropical moisture feeds, and the Leeuwin Current ...
Balranald
Mayor talk with Balranald’s Louie Zaffina
Balranald Shire Mayor Louie Zaffina is actively balancing regional advocacy with local infrastructure progress. The Mayor recently toured the regional meeting circuit to tackle challenging policy issues while simultaneously overseeing significant developments across the Shire. ... The Bidgee Haven Retirement Hostel received a new wheelchair-enabled van ....
Health & safety - SA
Cattle rustling - NT
Cattle theft allegation: Councillor says he co-owns the stock
A member of the Central Desert Regional Council, Clifford Tilmouth has confirmed he is one of three men issued notices to appear in relation to an alleged cattle theft from Alcoota, a property north of Alice Springs, on August 5.
Water infrastructure - NSW
It’s magnificent. It’s like a loch in Scotland. It’s a state asset
The minister was impressed by the view of Toonumbar Dam at Bells Bay Campground. When Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig visited Kyogle on Thursday, October 9, Kyogle Council staff took Mr Hoenig to Bells Bay Campground. “It’s magnificent,” he said. “It’s like a loch in Scotland” ... “It’s a state asset,” he said. Unfortunately Mr Hoenig’s department does not deal with WaterNSW and its drive to dispose of the assets around Toonumbar Dam.
History of the jacaranda
A purple reign in an Australian spring
As October arrives, so too does the first flush of mauve from Australia’s beloved jacaranda trees. I trace the jacaranda’s journey from the dry slopes of the Andes to its spectacular springtime display in towns like Grafton, where more than 1,700 trees transform the streets into rivers of purple. With the bloom set to reach its dazzling peak in just a fortnight, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate this fleeting spring spectacle.
Varroa survey
Beekeepers – 390+ hours on Varroa protection per year. Is this true for you?: AgriFutures Australia
Australian beekeepers are being urged to share their experiences in the 2025 COLOSS Survey, as the industry faces rising costs and labour demands from Varroa destructor (Varroa) management. The 2024 Australian Colony Loss (COLOSS) Survey revealed that Varroa is costing the honey bee industry more than just dollars, with labour impacts also increasing.
Emerging industry
Growing sesame – Australia’s next big crop opportunity: AgriFutures Australia
On a cotton farm near Emerald in central Queensland, something unusual is taking root. Among the cotton, mung beans and peanuts that typically fill the rotation, a small but mighty crop is showing its potential to change the face of Australian agriculture: sesame.
Indigenous water
NSW Government launches historic Aboriginal Water Strategy: Jackson, Harris
A landmark plan to address inequities in water ownership will see the NSW Government put water back in Aboriginal peoples’ hands, strengthen their role in water management, and create new opportunities for self-determination.
Indigenous IP
Open for comment - Superannuation
Open for comment - Energy - Qld
Event
Riverland Vietnam Veterans salute War Widows on their special day
War Widows Day on 19 October is now an official National Day of Commemoration first initiated in 2024 by the Commonwealth Department of Defence in collaboration with the Australian War Widows Inc. and Families of Veterans Guild. This is a special day of tribute dedicated to acknowledging and honouring the service and sacrifices of Australian war widows.
Ocean rowing
British women rowers on final stretch of record-breaking Pacific crossing – Cairns arrival imminent
With less than 350 nautical miles to row, and the lure of hot pizza on their minds, British adventurers Jess Rowe (28) and Miriam Payne (25) are closing in on the finish line of their extraordinary 8,000-mile, non-stop and unsupported Pacific Ocean crossing.
Polocrosse
Polocrosse clinic and carnival a hit
The Polocrosse Association of South Australia wrapped up a successful week-long coaching clinic and carnival at the Yorke Peninsula Polocrosse Club grounds in Minlaton, culminating in a two-day event over the weekend, October 11-12 ... Fourteen riders took part, travelling from as far as Darwin, Naracoorte and Moorooduc on the other side of Melbourne.
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LAST WEEK’S STORIES
Food tourism
Sweet stopovers put Birchip on the map
Sharp's country baking excellence and their recent win in Australia's Best Vanilla Slice competition is proving a winning recipe for Birchip's tourism economy, with recent visitors arriving by rail, road and even by air to sample the town's famous treat.
Compostable apple stickers
Montague Farms commits to an eco-friendly future with groundbreaking new certified compostable sticker trial
JAZZ™ apples are the first of their kind to undergo a groundbreaking compostable sticker trial, reaffirming a commitment to reducing environmental impact and paving the way for an eco-friendly future. ARR.News found out more from Montague Farms and J-Tech.
Community support
It has been a long road back… but Yamba icon is on track to reopen
When the ferocious winds and torrential rain of former tropical cyclone Alfred hit town in March 2025, a Yamba icon was left battered and sodden. Now, through community generosity, and the determination to continue the family’s legacy, the Yamba Cinema will reopen before Christmas.
Opinion - Net zero
The Road to Ruin is down Highway 2035
The ink is barely dry on Canberra’s new 2035 carbon targets, and the climate catastrophists are already eyeing 2050, the holy grail when net zero will finally be achieved. Out in the Wheatbelt, most farmers shrug. Another distant date, another government promise, most have tuned out with the view that what I can’t see does not hurt me — a bit like the GRDC levy that nicks 1 per cent of farm-gate revenue. But let’s be clear ...
Open for comment - GKNP
Labor’s own department shows GKNP has put politics above the environment: Kemp
An independent, NSW Government-commissioned study released in September 2025 has confirmed there is no evidence that selective timber harvesting harms koala populations in NSW’s North Coast forests.
Live exports transition
Live sheep export farmers forced to find $75,000 before Christmas for delayed assistance grants: Littleproud
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said Labor has no plan or explanation why farmers applying for Labor’s assistance grant will be forced to find up to $75,000 of their own money as a co-contribution before Christmas, in order to obtain financial help.
Algal bloom - SA
Experts dive into fish stock studies
Sarah Herrmann. Garfish, whiting and calamari stock assessment began in Gulf St Vincent last week, with the opposition calling the government's timing "sluggish". The state government announced a "rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries" on July 22 to measure the impact of the algal bloom, but more than two months later, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Nicola Centofanti said there had been little evidence of a rapid response.
Riverland
For Pete’s sake, Vincent visited
Hugh Schuitemaker. Last week's Riverland visit by the State Opposition Leader has highlighted Labor's indifference towards the region, Tim Whetstone says. Alternative premier Vincent Tarzia made his first trip to the Riverland since taking over from disgraced former Liberal leader David Speirs in August 2024, and Mr. Whetstone said the continued absence of Peter Malinauskas – who last visited during the flood, in November 2022 – says plenty about the two parties.
Infrastructure
New chapter for Allora Library
The new library is part of the greater Allora Community Precinct project, which has seen the Allora Library move into the old Allora Senior Citizens Centre and the Allora Regional Sports Museum moved into the building where the library used to be ... Member for Southern Downs James Lister said the Allora Precinct would become a hub for the local community and improve the town’s liveability.
Tertiary education - Hay
“Don’t battle online learning alone” – Hay’s Community Universities Centre appoints local manager
A Country Universities Centre for Hay is now one step closer, with local Jessie Armstrong appointed as the Centre Manager of the eagerly anticipated Rural University Study Hub (RUSH). Jessie comes from a rural background with a passion for agriculture extension and advisory services, and experience in project management, communications and community education.
Food
Grow Local, Eat Local serves up a winner!
On Saturday, the health promotion team at West Wimmera Health Service hosted the fourth Grow Local, Eat Local cooking competition. Three home cooks from across the Wimmera—Warracknabeal, Horsham and Natimuk—each prepared a plant-based dish for the crowd, with television cook Tim Bone judging the entries and choosing the winner.
Pool makeover
It’s time to get wet all over
The new season of swimming pool happiness has commenced. The tired old pool has had a remarkable makeover. Greg, the new manager with a history of managing swimming pools, recognised the work required to bring the pool up to standard.
The Royal - WA
Perth Royal Show attendance plummets as Labor short-changes WA families: Hunter
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Lachlan Hunter MP has slammed the Cook Labor Government for their inadequate attempts to keep costs down for WA families attending the Perth Royal Show, resulting in plummeting attendance. Figures revealed by the Royal Agricultural Society of WA ... 300,000 people passed through the gates at Claremont Showgrounds in 2025, a decrease of over 130,000 showgoers since 2024…
Equine welfare standards - WA
New standards to help improve horse health and welfare in WA: Jarvis
The Cook Government has set new standards to strengthen the health and welfare of horses in Western Australia. The Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Horses details the minimum standards and recommended practices to optimise the health and welfare of horses, backed by scientific evidence and industry knowledge.
Primary production - Qld
Record breaking forecast for primary industries: Perrett
...New Agtrends figures show Queensland primary industries is forecast to achieve a record GVP worth $26.79 billion for 2024-2025, a rise of 18 per cent for the sector since 2023-2024. The significant increase has been delivered through strong performance across key commodities...
Cotton
Planting underway for Australian cotton with above average crops expected: Cotton Australia
Planting is underway across most of Australia’s cotton growing regions with some crops already out of the ground in warmer climates while some growers in southern regions are awaiting warmer weather before starting their 2025/26 season.
Regional life and work
Winning the race for talent
Regional businesses can win the race for talent by pairing lifestyle advantages with authentic storytelling and people-first workplace cultures that make the move irresistible.
Regional air
Qantas pulls more regional jobs as Labor has no plan to keep the bush moving: McKenzie, Webster
Qantas’ decision to shut its crew bases in Mildura, Canberra and Hobart is another blow to regional Australia, centralising jobs to capital cities and ripping skills and spending out of local communities. Around 70 pilots and cabin crew are affected across the three bases, including about eight staff in Mildura.
Joint statement in response to QantasLink announcement
Mildura Rural City Council CEO Martin Hawson. We’ve received fresh assurances ... from Qantas, Mildura Airport Chief Executive Officer Andrew Elliott and Chair Marcus Guthrie that the airline remains committed to Mildura for the long term ... So to be clear, Qantas have confirmed with me there will be no impact to flights to and from Mildura as a result of the decision, which is reassuring for our community.
Data breach - Northern Rivers
Personal information of 3000 people shared to AI in flood authority data breach
More than 3000 people may have had their personal information comprised in a data breach of applications made to the Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program. The breach happened when a former contractor of the NSW Reconstruction Authority uploaded data containing personal information to an unsecured AI tool which was not authorised by the department.
Murray-Darling - Water and property
Reconnecting River Country Program – Cater & Blumer Solicitors to hold Easement Negotiation Information Session
From 29 August 2025, the NSW Government will commence negotiations with landowners to secure flood easements along the Murrumbidgee River, between Darlington Point and Balranald, under its Reconnecting River Country Program ... “If landowners fail to negotiate an easement interest, their land could be compulsorily acquired": Bobbie Pannowitz.
Electoral boundaries - Qld
Heritage infrastructure
Beehive Chimney: a case study
Historian and President of Maldon Museum and Archives Association Derek Reid delivered a paper at the Australasian Mining History Association conference in Broken Hill on Wednesday 3 September. His presentation, called 'The Beehive Mine Chimney: Maldon's Mining Memorial' was reportedly well received by attendees and delegates, who expressed concern about heritage and maintenance in relation to the chimney.
Exhibition
“Birds in Focus” opens at Charlton Courthouse Gallery
The Charlton Courthouse Gallery was abuzz with visitors on Sunday, October 5, for the opening of Birds in Focus, the latest exhibition by local farmer and keen photographer, Stuart Giles ... When asked if there was one bird he found especially elusive, Stuart pointed to the Red-capped Robin.
History - Forestry and timber
The Swan River mahogany paves an empire
Deep in the forests of Western Australia, jarrah has left a remarkable legacy. In the late 1800s, this mighty hardwood—then called Swan River mahogany—revolutionised city life. The noise on London's streets changed from the familiar harsh clang of hooves on cobblestones to the softer clippity-clop of horses trotting over wooden blocks. Those blocks were made from jarrah, and soon that timber paved an empire.
Race preview
Belvedere Boys set to strike in Port Cup on Friday
With recent placings in metropolitan feature races under his belt, the stage is set for Belvedere Boys to claim the major prize in the $200,000 Carlton Dry 3.5 per cent Port Macquarie Cup on an outstanding day of racing action at Port on Friday.
Calendar
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