Friday, March 28, 2025

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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.

Council

25 years in local government

This week marked the 25th anniversary of Councillor Carol Taylor holding public office between the Cambooya Shire Council and Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC). Cr Taylor was elected as a Cambooya Shire Division 4 Councillor alongside Maxwell Middleton on 25 March 2000.

Sports infrastructure

Skatepark is a community achievement

Mark Collins, Corryong Courier
Community
Towong Shire Council and community members came together to celebrate the official opening of the Corryong Skatepark on Saturday. The event saw a tremendous turnout from residents and skatepark users with families, young skaters and community members enjoying the day.

Renewables

Failure to transmit the truth in Australia energy future

Affordable, reliable and efficient energy production is a cornerstone of a prosperous nation, but Speakers at a free community energy forum in Moulamein last Wednesday believe that short-term energy politics is leading to a long-term disaster. Aidan Morrison from the Centre for Independent Studies has a background in physics, data science and software development, and believes that Australia’s renewable energy transition, underpinned by the Integrated System Plan (ISP) and CSIRO’s Gen Cost Report, is doomed to fail ...

Transmission lines

Bolitho pushes for fair deal in renewable red-carpet walkover

Last week, the Gannawarra Shire Council meeting birthed the first real progress in moving forward with a vision of true community benefit to the transmission lines driving the industrial energy developments within Gannawarra. It’s not the first time a Councillor has asked tough questions on the validity of the community benefit of the projects and sought cheap power.

App

Steven’s PowerBill and Compare apps: SaaS

Advertiser, ARR.News
Advertisement
Steven as a Service (SaaS) offers two game changing apps that can help you navigate your way to a competitive energy plan comparison and bill calculation - PowerBill™ and Compare.

Beef

Sizzle to return to beef prices as market is set to reach a “new norm”

Narrandera Argus
Agriculture
There are golden times ahead for the nation's cattle producers with a "new norm" of 630c/kg liveweight for feeder steers next year as the markets enter a seven-year period of stability. Market analyst Simon Quilty ... forecast 2026 average prices to reach 630c/kg liveweight for feeder steers...

Indigenous

New yarning circle for Narrandera District Hospital

Narrandera Argus
Health
New outdoor spaces created specifically for Aboriginal patients, staff and visitors have been completed at Narrandera District Hospital. Featuring a mural by Narrandera-based Wiradjuri artist Uncle Owen Lyons, the project included the creation of a yarning circle and Sorry Business area.

Charity

Lasagna Love hits 1000 homemade meals in Australia

Contributor, ARR.News
Charity
Lasagna Love, a global volunteer-led movement delivering homemade meals to neighbours in need, has reached a major milestone in Australia—1,000 homecooked lasagnas shared with local families ... Bega Lasagne Love Local Leader, Amy Whiter shares her most memorable delivery ...

Charity

BlazeAid sets up camp in Nhill

Emily Gladdis, Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times
Charity
BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires, cyclones, droughts and floods. Working alongside the rural families, our volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.

Youth

Brave Ava rings the bell after beating cancer twice

Emily Gladdis, Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times
Charity
Last week, Nhill's own Ava returned home to a very special moment—ringing the bell to mark the end of her cancer treatment for the second time in four years. It was a hard-won milestone, celebrated with love and emotion at the Royal Children's Hospital, where staff gathered to honour her incredible bravery.

TV

Loxton’s Ben going it Alone

Murray Pioneer
Life
Sebastian Calderon. A well-known Riverlander will test his mental and physical limits as part of a popular reality TV series, premiering today ... “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to really find your limits and we don’t get that opportunity often": Ben Grieger.

Commemoration

Brothers in Arms Commemoration, 29 March 2025

Contributor, ARR.News
Event

Community

Harmony Day 2025

Emily Gladdis, Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times
Community
Approximately 60 people of various nationalities attended the 2025 Harmony Day celebrations held at the Nhill Memorial Community Centre on Thursday 20 March 2025. Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay, hosted the evening and explained that the event was being held to celebrate and acknowledge both Harmony Week and Cultural Diversity Week...

Land use

Expert speakers address concerns

A community forum in Moulamein last week heard of concerns farmers have of the use of productive agricultural land for renewable energy developments. The meeting was organised by a newly formed group Farming First Forum (FFF) and supported by close to 50 attendees from Hay, Moulamein, Booroorban and surrounds.

Youth crime

Police tackling youth crime crisis

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Community
The commander of about 200 officers from 17 police stations across 3 Local Government Areas that encompass the Coffs Clarence Police District, Superintendent Joanne Schultz, revealed some informative and interesting insights into crime in the region at Sunday's community meeting.

Grains

Hay Grains changes hands

Krista Schade, The Riverine Grazier
Business
Hay Grains storage facility in east Hay has changed hands, after JEK Rural Investments purchased the depot. Deniliquin-based Paul and Jenny Fellows have owned the business for the past seven years and say they have enjoyed their time as part of the business community.

Research - farmland

New data confirms broadacre farmland prices have levelled off: ABARES

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture
Broadacre farmland prices across Australia have continued their plateau for a second straight year after decade of strong growth, which had seen broadacre farmland rates increase by more than 10 per cent per year on average.

Event

National rally moves to FarmFest site

Ted Rogers, On Our Selection News

Federal Budget

Haines gives tax cuts and health funding a tick

Independent Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines, has welcomed tax cuts and funding to deliver more training places for doctors in regional Australia under key announcements in Tuesday’s federal Budget. Dr Haines’ advocacy for a Commonwealth injection of funding into the regional healthcare workforce was substantially reflected in the 2025-2026 budget.

Report

Long-term timber demand shored up by increased supply: ABARES

Contributor, ARR.News
Building & Construction
Today’s publication of the Wood Volumes Analysis indicates Australia has reliable access to structural forest and wood products to meet future demand. The report provides an analysis of the long-run supply of and domestic demand for wood products in Australia, particularly those used in construction.

Federal Budget

Kalgoorlie markets

Federal Budget lacks vision and ambition – small businesses feel ignored: CPA Australia

Contributor, ARR.News

City-focused, country-funded; a budget that forgets its backbone: NRHA

Contributor, ARR.News

Budget is vanilla ice cream for the bush: GrainGrowers

Contributor, ARR.News

Farmers set their sights on federal election after underwhelming budget: NFF

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture

Co-op sector says Budget’s aged care and housing plans will help many Australians: BCCM

Contributor, ARR.News
Aging

Sports infrastructure

Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre officially opens

Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
Community
It was a highly anticipated occasion for the Clarence Valley community who have waited more than two years to access the $29.1 million state-of-the-art facility.

South Grafton pool set to close

Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent

Opinion - mandatory code

grape vines

Time for some fact checks on Pioneer article

Murray Pioneer
Farming
Jason Perrin. I refer to Andrew Weeks’ article in last week’s Murray Pioneer ... The article is negative, does a disservice to growers, and has glaring inaccuracies, and unless corrected, adds confusion to things we are lobbying for on behalf of growers.

Energy

Seven years for nuclear: Parker

Philip Hopkins
Energy
A 1000 megawatt nuclear power station using South Korean expertise could be built in the Latrobe Valley in seven years, with a fleet possibly in 11 years, at an estimated cost of $10 billion each, according to an Australian nuclear expert, Robert Parker.

Power outage

Businesses seek compensation

Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Business
Sarah Herrmann. A fight for justice has begun after revelations that neither ElectraNet nor SA Power Networks are required to compensate customers for the up to 20-hour power and telecommunications outages that hit Yorke Peninsula on Friday, March 14. Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis told the South Australian Parliament on Tuesday, March 18 there is no regulated compensation scheme for transmission network failures...

Energy

Confidence growing for new gas field

Philip Hopkins
Business
Lakes Blue Energy is increasingly confident that within a few months, its 21-year struggle to get a new big onshore gas field in South Gippsland up and running, will come to fruition. The company, previously Lakes Oil, has submitted plans to the state government for the Wombat 5 gas well, located a few kilometres west of Seaspray.

Banking

ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott

ANZ at cashless tipping point after fundamental change to bank business model

Dale Webster, The Regional
Banking
When does a bank cease to be a bank? ... As of March 2025, ANZ is just a handful of branches away from the majority of its banks in the most populated areas of Australia being cashless ... Regional Australia ... has lost 20 branches to cashlessness ...

Forestry and fire

Burning off the answer to intensity

A major study after the devastating 2019/20 wildfires in Victoria and New South Wales found that prescribed burning dramatically reduced the intensity of the fires, according to a bushfire expert. Dr Tony Bartlett, a winner of the Australian Fire Service Medal (ATSM), said after 2019/20, a major study was undertaken to test the effectiveness of prescribed (fuel reduction) burning at a landscape scale in terms of reducing the severity of the wildfire in a wide range of forest ecosystems.

Emergency management

Culgoa turns challenge into strength: Stronger together

The Buloke Times
Community
This tight-knit town of 86 residents is deeply committed to supporting one another, with nearly half the community recently coming together at the community hall to strengthen connections, share perspectives, and build a Community Emergency Management Plan to face challenges with confidence.

Community

Engine washing steams ahead

The Buloke Times

Safety

shark

Regional shark mitigation project

Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Community
Rachel Hagan. Community consultation on the Yorke Peninsula for the Regional Shark Mitigation Project has begun, with Surf Life Saving South Australia visiting southern YP.

Wildlife - marine

Shark net removal: SLSNSW

The NSW Government changes to the Shark Management Program include the removal of shark nets on beaches from 31 March 2025. The timing of the removal of nets to avoid the peak of turtle migration has been communicated to Surf Life Saving Clubs ... SLSNSW provides drone surveillance services at 50 sites across the NSW coastline during key times of the year.

Wildlife - flood response

Spiders go crazy spinning webs to escape floodwaters

Along Bungawalbin-Whiporie Road, spiders escaping floodwaters took to spinning their webs higher off the ground. Photographer Jimmy Malecki took some stunning photos of the webs and of two different spiders.

Wilcannia

Wilcannia declared an RV Friendly Town

Krista Schade, Back Country Bulletin
Council
Central Darling Shire Council has announced that the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Limited (CMCA) has declared Wilcannia an RV Friendly Town. The CMCA has grown since 1986 to become the largest recreational vehicle (RV) club in the southern hemisphere, now boasting over 68,000 members and a fleet of more than 34,000 vehicles.

Land Council

Yilabara

Wilcannia News
Business
People who travel past the Wilcannia Local Aboriginal Land Council will have noticed a new business sign outside – YILABARA. This is the new trading name for the NSW Local Aboriginal Land Council’s Employment and Training program - Yilabara Solutions, the new version of CDP (Community Development Program).

Infrastructure - Yass Valley

$25 million to drive the next stage of Barton Highway: King, McBain

Contributor, ARR.News
Federal politics

Infrastructure - Bendigo

Arena plan

Horse groups have grounds for complaint over planning schemozzle

Dale Webster, The Regional
Council
The Bendigo Showgrounds – home of the Victorian Agricultural Shows Saddle Horse Championships and many other state and national equestrian events – is to have the size of its arena cut significantly under a Victorian Government redevelopment of the site.

Report response

ACCC identifies co-op supermarkets as alternative to major operators: BCCM

Contributor, ARR.News
Business
The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) ... welcomes the ACCC recommendation which calls on the Government to support better prices and competition for Australian shoppers especially in regional and remote areas through measures to incentivise more community owned and co-operative stores.

Energy charges

Govt pressures energy companies to waive daily charge on outages during ex-cyclone Alfred, offers personal hardship payment

Contributor, indyNR.com
Business
More than 84,000 homes and businesses in the Northern Rivers experienced power outages during ex-cyclone Alfred. Some lost power multiple times. The State Government has written to energy companies asking them to defer electricity bills...

Indigenous

Barkandji Rangers

Wilcannia News
Community
The Barkandji Rangers are coordinated by the Barkandji Native Title Group Aboriginal Cooperation (BNTGAC). The program is a ‘career pathway for Barkandji Traditional Owners’, a stepping stone to further employment with organisations such as NSW National Parks.

Biosecurity

Innovation

Program launched to unlock grower solutions for Australia’s biggest horticulture challenges: Hort Innovation

Contributor, ARR.News

Weeds

Dr Ali Bajwa

How do I stop gazanias invading my crops?

Contributor, The Buloke Times
Agriculture
Dr Ali Bajwa. Gazanias, a popular groundcover plant, are increasingly invading cropping paddocks in South Australia and Victoria. Dr. Ali Bajwa of La Trobe University is studying their spread and control methods under the GRDC's National Grower Network.

Leadership & You

Rural leadership qualities that city leaders could learn from

David Stewart, RYP International
Business
Regional and rural leaders must navigate ongoing challenges that require resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of community. Indeed, the mere nature of living in the bush requires a timeless set of qualities which require constant practice and application. It seems many of these qualities are being lost or diminished with our next generation of city-based leaders.
City Country

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LAST WEEK’S STORIES

Fire

Fox fire chaos

Chris Oldfield, Naracoorte Community News
Fire
An uncontrolled fire sparked by lightning flared in thick scrub 20kms south of Lucindale, last week. At the time of press more than 110 firefighters had been involved in the Fox fire which had burned through more than 600 hectares of native vegetation.

Bravery

Bravery award

Brad’s bravery recognised: Firefighters win national medals

The Buloke Times
Community
“Without the actions of Captain Burke, the driver of truck would have perished in the fire. His actions on this day were courageous, selfless and in the finest traditions of CFA volunteer firefighting. The CFA is pleased to award Captain Burke the Chief Officer’s Commendation for Courage.”

Volunteer crisis

Volunteering difficulty

Encouraging volunteerism in regional areas is becoming increasingly difficult, according to Nick McBride, the independent member for MacKillop. Earlier this month, Mr McBride informed the House of Assembly that his MacKillop electorate office, based in Naracoorte, was contacted by constituents suggesting providing concessions for community contributors could help boost volunteer participation.

Regional development

Moolort walk: planning decisions imminent

Michelle Dorian, Tarrangower Times
Council
A collection of around 60 attendees met under bursting skies at the Moolort Silos on the morning of Sunday 16 March, to attend the 'Walk the Line' event which commenced at 9.30 am. The walk was arranged by Castlemaine to Maryborough Rail Trail (CMRT) and Central Goldfields Bushwalking and Hiking Club, offering the chance to ponder the past and the future of the Moolort Plains.

Commemoration

Avenue of Honour extension opening coincides with Chauvel’s Anniversary Light Horse Memorial Ride

Narrandera Argus
Council
Lockhart Shire Council and The Rock RSL Sub-Branch officially opened The Rock Avenue of Honour Extension, a project honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force personnel. This significant event coincided with Chauvel's Anniversary Light Horse Memorial Ride, bringing together history, remembrance, and community spirit in a powerful tribute to Australia's military heritage.

Light Horse trail

Commemorative ride visits twin cities

Mark Collins, Corryong Courier
History & heritage
Honor Auchinleck. Last Wednesday in Wodonga the Chauvel Australian Light Horse Memorial Ride made an impressive arrival ... Later on the same day, small groups gathered at the Albury War Memorial in the half hour or so before the midday Service for the Fallen.

Public art

Local kids probe water tower artist

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Walking trail

A seat with a story: honouring history

Ted Rogers, On Our Selection News
Community
A breathtaking 360-degree view now comes with a deeper connection to history at Gorman's Gap in Preston/Upper Flagstone, thanks to a newly installed seat that pays tribute to one of Queensland's most significant early transport routes.

Sculpture

Genestreaming Journey Sculpture

Songlines and science journey together to Kwoorabup Park

Denmark Bulletin
History & heritage
Patricia Gill. Gnudju Menang Elder Aunty Carol Pettersen felt like a proud parent at the opening of the Genestreaming Journey Sculpture at Kwoorabup Park on March 8. She and artist and fellow project founder Ben Beeton were, at last, after eight years, endowing the sculpture to the people of Denmark.

Barber

Country barber bringing warmth and tradition to Narrandera

Narrandera Argus
Business
Carmine Cantone, a seasoned barber with over 50 years of experience, has carved out a niche for himself in Narrandera by opening his barber shop business and living in the town. His journey has taken him across different landscapes, from Adelaide to Bourke, Byrock, Cobar, and Wagga Wagga before finally settling in Narrandera.

Small business

Mon Repos adds yarns to antiques and extends opening hours for customers

Narrandera Argus

Regional bank closures - WA

Banks leave seniors behind

Denmark Bulletin
Aging
Former pharmacist and Denmark Shire councillor Adrian Hinds, 87, wants banks to allow non-computer users to make cheque payments when cash is not appropriate ... He prefers to use cheques believing there are insufficient protections for bank customers from fraudulent electronic transfers from their accounts.
Kevin Doherty

Help needed from overseas

Denmark Bulletin
Aging
An elderly Denmark man paid the airfares for his niece and her husband to come to WA from England so he could move his life savings from Bank West to the Commonwealth Bank. The couple’s airfares cost Kevin Doherty, 87, $6100 for the niece to help him with drawing up his will as well as the bank transfers for term deposits because he is unable to do online banking.

Media

Australia first survey targets the role of local papers

Political leaders across Victoria are being asked their views on the importance of local newspapers and their ongoing sustainability as part of an Australia-first research project. The Victorian government is the only state government in Australia to make this guaranteed commitment.

Teals’ ‘fake online newspaper’ an insult to regional communities and media outlets

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the Teals' 'fake online news site', funded by Teal donors, is extremely misleading to local communities and harmful to regional Australian media organisations. Mr Littleproud said it is disappointing the Teals have launched online 'Gazette News' in a bid to deceive residents...

Communications

3G switch off “should have been handled better”

Contributor, Naracoorte Community News
Communications
The senate's Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee inquiry into the shutdown of the 3G mobile network has found that the shutdown should have been handled better ... The evidence given by many rural Australians through this committee inquiry speaks to the loss of mobile phone access despite those promises,” Mr Pasin said.

Tariffs

US subsidies cartoon

Trump’s tariffs will hurt American farmers

Trevor Whittington, CEO WAFarmers
Agriculture
As the U.S. escalates tariffs on key trading partners like China, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, these nations are retaliating strategically—targeting Trump’s biggest supporters and one of the most powerful lobbying forces in America: its farmers.

Traffic management - Vic

Parade traffic management: change of direction

Michelle Dorian, Tarrangower Times
News
Preparation for the Maldon Easter Fair and the 148th Easter Parade are underway ... on Thursday 13 March the organisers used social media to share their concern that a traffic management company had informed them that it would no longer provide its services to the parade ...

Traffic management fees

More fall out from event cancellation

The cancellation of the recent Cohuna Bridge to Bridge fund raiser has created ripples through the halls of power in Melbourne and is still causing discussion about the huge jump in traffic management fees ... After The Bridge ran the story in our March 6 edition, we received a call from the Premier’s office asking to have more input into the story ...

Murray-Darling

Politics drives Basin demise

Australia’s largest water reform project, the Murray Darling Basin Plan, appears to be joining a growing list of abject failures driven by politicians and bureaucrats who have little to no wisdom, ethics or skin in the game. Unless of course, that skin is water trading ... Despite constitutional protections, the Australian Federal Government's $13b has fuelled a 50 per cent reduction in NSW and Victorian irrigation water use since 1997-98. SA saw a 22 per cent reduction, while Qld bucked the trend increasing extraction by roughly 58 per cent.

Budget 2025

Priority budget projects identified

Independent Member for Indi, Helen Haines, has released her Indi Budget Submission ahead of the budget to be handed down next Tuesday. The key themes of Dr Haines’ submission reflect the widespread concerns and policy priorities for Indi including regional housing supply; cost-of-living support; health; early education and care; climate change and energy; regional development; and integrity.

Inland rail

Wagga Wagga businesses to get on track for Inland Rail work

Contributor, ARR.News
Business
Representatives of Inland Rail and Illabo to Stockinbingal contractor John ... be at the session at The Rules Club, 188 Fernleigh Road, Wagga Wagga, between 9am and 11am on Tuesday 18 March ... The Meet the Contractor events are intended to provide local and First Nations businesses and communities with a greater understanding of the opportunities available with the project.

Report

ACCC recommends supermarket reforms to provide better outcomes for consumers and suppliers

Contributor, ARR.News
Business

Wildlife

“Wrong decision”, declares Laurie Levy: Duck season already under way

Coalition Against Duck Shooting Campaign Director, Laurie Levy, said at the weekend: “Despite the scientific reports that show native waterbirds are in serious long-term decline, Premier Jacinta Allan has extended Victoria’s duck shooting season this year, even with the serious risk of spreading bird flu that could be present on any wetland.”

Defence

South Australia home to nation’s first advanced electronic warfare testing vehicle: Mullighan

Contributor, ARR.News
Media Release

Batteries

NSW leads the way – first state to regulate batteries: Sharpe

Contributor, ARR.News
Fire

Crime

First machete ban in Australia passes Parliament: Carbines

Contributor, ARR.News
Federal politics

Flood resilience

Improving flood immunity

Yamba Road will see $20 million in improvements in the next few years to improve flood immunity and redirect a potentially dangerous section of the only direct thoroughfare from the M1 motorway into town. As the Clarence River levels rose … the only artery servicing deliveries to, and disposals from, Yamba, was first cut, as it is traditionally, west of Palmers Channel at the Southbank Road intersection.

Opinion - emergency info

Our lack of early emergency information

Oscar Tamsen, Clarence Valley Independent

Invasive species

Calls for bounty on feral pigs after successful trial

Krista Schade, The Riverine Grazier

Renewables - Qld

Fresh start for Queensland – Community consultation for additional wind farm proposals: Bleijie 

Contributor, ARR.News
Community
The Crisafulli Government is ensuring local communities are consulted on two new wind farm developments, in line with the LNP’s election commitment. Wind farm development applications for the Marmadua Energy Park and the Middle Creek Energy Hub, 23km east of Tara, and 15km south of Wandoan respectively, have been issued with proposed ‘call in’ notices. 

Church

St Alban’s church decommissioned

Contributor, The Riverine Grazier
History & heritage
"It was a short service and concluded with Archdeacon Robert Murphy saying 'it is a new beginning for the Booligal Community Church'. However, the decision and haste in which the Riverina Diocese acted in putting St Alban's Anglican Church on the market and the decommission of the church has left the community feeling totally disheartened": Jenny Sheaffe.

Water tank

Nhill water storage tank bursts, causing property damage

Emily Gladdis, Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times

Opinion - regional health

Will more money for Medicare bulk billing work in the Riverland?

Murray Pioneer

Opinion - mandatory code

Graphs

Looking at the bigger wine industry issues?

Murray Pioneer
Farming
Andrew Weeks. I write in response to the commentary about the recent Senate Committee hearing, and the impact that a mandatory code for winegrape purchases will have on the Riverland wine sector. It is not surprising there is a strong voice among growers calling for a mandatory code ... However, it is misleading to suggest that installing a mandatory code of conduct will be the answer to all problems, nor is it guaranteed to only have positive impacts.

Power outage

Losses all over the peninsula

Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Business
Rachel Hagan. Businesses across Yorke Peninsula went dark and many closed their doors on Friday, March 14, after the peninsula was hit with a complete power and phone outage. However, some managed to stay open with the use of back-up generators and some out-of-the-box thinking.
Jarrad Wall

Energy security - SA

Power outage knocks out Yorke Peninsula

Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Business
Joanna Tucker. Last week, about 25,000 Yorke Peninsula residents were without electricity for almost 20 hours ... SA Power Networks said ElectraNet, South Australia’s main transmission network service provider, advised them that insulator pollution had caused a fault at its Hummocks substation.

Storm response - Qld

‘Amazing’ race against time to save little miracles

Contributor, ARR.News
Council
As extreme weather threatened our coastline, TurtleCare volunteers worked tirelessly to safeguard the future of endangered baby turtles. Wildlife Conservation Team Leader Kate Hofmeister said their quick action and commitment ensured many nests were relocated to safer areas, giving hatchlings a better chance of survival.

Award

Top awards for Donald Bakery

The Buloke Times
Business
The Donald Bakery left the 2025 Victorian Baking Show, hosted in Bendigo, with a tray full of awards. The awards were handed out earlier this month and Donald was once again firmly placed on the map thanks to the incredible efforts of the team at the Donald Bakery.

Small business

Something special: the squeaky clean, peachy keen Meg and Simon Griffiths

Kimberly Grabham, The Riverine Grazier
Business
The dynamic duo is at it again! Megan and Simon Griffiths have forayed into an additional business venture. They have bought the laundromat on the corner of Lachlan and Leonard Streets, and have given it an amazing rebrand.

Tourism

Visions to Tram-sform Donald’s Railway Precinct

The Buloke Times
Council
Donald is known as a hub for innovation, and this spirit was on full display as the Donald 2000 committee brought the community together for its recent “Tram-sformation” event ... a wave of fresh ideas and creative visions for the newly positioned tram at the Donald Railway Station...

Pest

Growers warned of increased mouse activity: GRDC

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture

Resilience

Hemp defies cyclone’s big blow

Mim Rogers, Allora Advertiser
Agriculture
An experimental crop of industrial hemp proved too strong for Cyclone Alfred when it pounded paddocks at Gatton last week. Only one week ahead of harvest, the small plot of low-THC hemp withstood winds gusting up to 125 km/h and the floods accompanying the once-in-50-year weather event.

Flood recovery - biosecurity

Fire ant protections welcomed: NSW Farmers Association

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture

Flood damage

Neighbour builds flying fox to get supplies to farm cut off when bridge washed away in floods

Susanna Freymark, indyNR.com
Community
When the access bridge to a farm is washed away by flooding caused by ex- Cyclone Alfred, who is responsible for fixing it? On a property at Upper Duck Creek, near old Bonalbo, a woman in her 80s living with her son, in his 60s (both asked not to be named) have no access in and out of their farm because the bridge was washed away during recent flooding. The damaged bridge is not on their land.

Flood damage - fish kill

OzFish fears large fish kill after reports from locals about fish gasping for air

Contributor, indyNR.com
Agriculture
Reports from the public about fish gasping for air have been coming in to fish habitat charity OzFish ... The organisation has received messages and photos from locals who said thousands of fish were gasping for air, or washing up dead, following the recent cyclone and flooding.

Law & order

Copper thefts

Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a series of significant copper thefts targeting rail infrastructure in northern Victoria. Unknown offenders have been cutting lengths of copper wire, up to kilometres at a time, and stealing the product with more than 30 reported incidents occurring between Buangor and Serviceton since February 2024.

Report

Non-tariff barriers: A multi-billion dollar burden

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture

Research

Research to boost farmers’ connection with ‘green finance’: Charles Sturt University

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture

Farmer mental health

Major coalition – Urgent mental health help needed in agriculture: NFF

A major coalition has sent a powerful message calling for immediate action to address the mental health crisis in agriculture. More than 30 rural and healthcare organisations have joined forces for the first time to launch a joint statement to address the crisis disproportionally affecting people in agriculture.

Murray-Darling

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has declared South Australians to be Australia’s worst water wasters.

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin
Federal politics
She is arguing they don’t need, or deserve, access to water from NSW and Victoria. In her new social media video Mrs. Dalton contends that the reason South Australians don’t have enough water is because the State wastes the water it already has.

Open for comment - forestry and fire debate

Robert Onfray’s response misses core scientific realities – logging makes forests more flammable for many decades: David Lindenmayer

Contributor, ARR.News
Fire
Robert Onfray completely confuses fire intensity (the amount of heat generated) with fire severity (damage to vegetation and soil). He also misunderstands the difference between empirical studies (based on evidence and real-world data) and modelling (theoretical simulations). Additionally, he fails to understand the difference between a literature review and an empirical study.
Logged and burned young stand
Taungurung country

SETA’s claims ignore established science and economic realities: David Lindenmayer

Contributor, ARR.News
Biodiversity
SETA suggests that my research on the relationship between logging and fire is merely “opinion”. It is anything but ... SETA makes an absurd comparison between the flammability of national parks and state forests. The proper scientific comparison is between logged and unlogged state forests ...

NT

Debt, crime, gallery make heavy lifting for Bill Yan

Erwin Chlanda, Alice Springs News
Community
The debt exceeding $11 billion and growing, costing the taxpayer “a million bucks a day” in interest. The number of people in prison at an all time high. Crime exceeding the courts’ capacity to deal with it … Who would want to be a minister of the current Territory Government?

Innovation

Cancer nanotech nurtures sustainable agriculture innovation: UNSW Sydney

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture
Cancer drugs and agrichemicals can be powerful, but toxic, tools. Now, UNSW scientists are applying nanomedicine insights on a project to make greener agrichemicals more affordable.

Technology

LifeFlight capability clear with night vision goggles

Contributor, ARR.News
Health
LifeFlight’s specially trained aeromedical crews must learn to see in the dark. New data released this week shows 32 per cent of airlifts in the year’s first quarter so far have taken place at night.

Report

Australia’s food market entering “new normal” – Rabobank

Australia’s food market appears to be "normalising" after a "chaotic" five-year period – impacted by factors including Covid, supply chain disruptions and inflation – Rabobank says in a newly-released report.

Public art

RM Williams mural

Yates mural to become local Riverland attraction

Murray Pioneer
Arts
Sebastian Calderon. A large mural was recently completed at Yates Menswear, in Renmark, painted by local artist Jarrod Loxton, and portraying SA entrepreneur R.M. Williams.

History & heritage

‘Clarkie’ Memorial Statue officially unveiled at Ganmain

Narrandera Argus
Arts
The official opening of the ‘Clarkie" statue in Ganmain was held last Saturday in conjunction with the Ganmain Historical Museum’s open day. Renowned artist Andrew Whitehead designed and constructed the statue, which is named after Ganmain identity the late Kelvin ‘Clarkie’ Clarke as a tribute to the farmers and farm labourers who worked in Ganmain’s sheath hay industry.

Music

Leading the stray back into the game

Lorraine Dutton aka Lawless is a Barkandji woman, born in Broken Hill, raised in Bourke with a deep connection to Wilcannia. Back in 2017, Lorraine teamed up with Desert Pea Media (DPM) ... Lorraine has continued her work with DPM and is now being paid to improve her skills as a singer/ songwriter.

Art

Trinity’s board gains global recognition

Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Arts
Austinn Lane. A Wallaroo student has received world recognition for her hand-painted surfboard. With help from her neighbour, who had experience in fibreglassing, 11-year-old Trinity spent six months painting her board during the 2024 season in preparation for 2025.

Review

Review – Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady: The Robin Miller Story

Dianne Wolfer’s latest book about gutsy pioneering nurse and pilot Robin Miller offers such an inspiring, interesting and delightful read. "Soaring with the Sugarbird" Lady: The Robin Miller Story is a work of historical fiction based on the true story of Robin who, in the late 1960s, flew nearly 70,000km to administer polio vaccines to remote communities in WA’s north-west.

Exhibition

Festival - Dackels

Have you got the fastest Wiener Dog in the West?

Emily Gladdis, Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times

Festival - Drag

FabAlice Festival

fabALICE to bring the razzle dazzle of drag to Alice Springs

Contributor, ARR.News

Photography

Birchip connection with regional photo finalists

The Buloke Times
Arts
Forty-two entrants from Toogoolawah to Beulah have been chosen as finalists in regional Australia’s richest photography prize for regional artists, and two have a strong connection to the Birchip P-12 School. Naomi McKenzie (nee Ferrier), ex-student of Birchip P-12…

Festival

Gentle giants delight crowds

Mim Rogers, Allora Advertiser

Children's books

Yanchep author writes children’s picture books

Anita McInnes, Yanchep News Online
Event
Yanchep author Calum Greenall, who writes children’s picture books will be at Perth Upmarket next Sunday with signed copies of his books ... His already published books include Sam’s Stormy Night and Barry’s Broken Dam – they’re part of a series of four that go together.

New release

A new chapter in Barossa’s food story

Contributor, ARR.News
Council
The legacy of Australia’s most enduring cookbook, The Barossa Cookery Book, is being honoured with the launch of the companion edition, Rolling Up Their Sleeves. The creative inspiration of Those Barossa Girls, Sheralee Menz and Marieka Ashmore, Rolling Up Their Sleeves explores the remarkable history of the iconic cookery book, which was compiled in 1917 as a war fundraiser.

The Archibald

Archibald banner

Archibald Prize makes its debut in Alice Springs: Charls

Contributor, ARR.News
Exhibition

SHOWS & PICNICS

Coming up - Bourke

Milton Show - Showjumping

Events calendar

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Harness racing

“Country” theme headlines Pacing Cup: Ladies’ dress codes among the winners

The Buloke Times
Charity
Jenny Pollard. The dress code was “Relaxed Country” and the marketing called on race-goers to kit up in “Akubras and boots”. The 2025 Charlton Pacing Cup homed in on all things rural with the theme “We’re All Country” as patrons responded with gusto at last Sunday’s premier meet of the year.

Maitland

Maitland Show

The show must go on

Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Agriculture
Michelle Daw. The Maitland community and many others pulled together to ensure the town's annual show went ahead on Saturday, March 15, despite sweltering heat, hot winds, and an extensive power outage across Yorke Peninsula the previous day.

Mounted games

Light Horse skills will be on display

An exciting contest showcasing the mounted military skills of old such as tent pegging, skill-at-arms and stand-to-horse will get spectators’ blood racing when the 8th Light Horse Indi Upper Murray hosts the Lt Col Leslie Maygar Memorial Trophy at Walwa on Sunday, April 6th.

Sheep racing

Wakool Sheep Races bleating successful

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper
Agriculture
Crowds flocked to Wakool for the Annual Sheep Races on Saturday night. Frocks, fleeces and fine attire all made their way onto the ground to watch the sold-out races. Track conditions were favourable, the firm but forgiving ground boded well for competitive racing action.

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Netball

Hay Lions 17s win netball tournament

Contributor, The Riverine Grazier
Netball
Jade Auldist. The Hay Lions Under-17s delivered an outstanding performance at the Swan Hill Junior Netball Tournament, securing the Grand Final win after a day of fierce competition, teamwork, and determination.

Cricket

Corryong rises to win premiership

Mark Collins, Corryong Courier

Equestrian

Equine excellence

If it takes a village to raise a child then it also takes a massive team effort from the Cambooya Campdraft Association, Cambooya Pony Club, other local pony clubs, local businesses and politicians to successfully redevelop the Cambooya Recreation Ground into a first class equine facility.

Medieval

Warriors bring medieval glory to the Riverland

Murray Pioneer
History & heritage
Madison Eastmond. More than 30 armoured local and visiting warriors went to battle at the Mallee Dragons’ newest Barmera ‘Lair’ last weekend. Hosting 25 medieval fights between five Buhurt teams from around Australia, the Mallee Dragons have officially held their first rookie tournament, Mallee Mayhem, since establishing the sport in the Riverland less than a year ago.

Remote controlled cars

Fueling the fun: Rockynats introduces Little Tokyo and RC Racing to take off-track entertainment to the next gear 

Contributor, ARR.News

Surf lifesaving

Great Yamba performances at State Surf Lifesaving titles in Sydney

Jim Dougherty. A strong group of Yamba Surf Club members competed in the 2025 NSW State Surf Lifesaving Championships in Sydney over the last two weeks ... Cody Kratzmann once again led the way for the Yamba team with an all the way win in the U10 years male surf race final to retain the title he won last year in the U9 age group.

The Buloke Times, 28 March 2025

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