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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.
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Emergency services levy - Vic
Contentious levy law passes
The proposed State Government levy at the centre of a recent community meeting in Baringhup has been passed by the Victorian Parliament ... During her visit to Castlemaine Station, Premier Jacinta Allan responded to a TT query about the timing of the new levy.
The message could not have been clearer: “Scrap the Tax”
Blake Lee. Thousands of firefighters, farmers and regional Victorians rallied on the steps of State Parliament ... Producing a cacophony of sirens through Melbourne streets during peak hour, fire trucks and volunteer firefighters made the journey from all corners of the state, bringing an estimated 300 fire trucks into the city.
Emergency services levy - Vic
Hero to whipping boy, Labor’s latest tax grab push volunteers to tears
In the early hours of Friday May 16, Labor and members of the Animal Justice Party, The Greens and Legalise Cannabis Party, colluded with the Allan Labor Government to pass their latest tax, the Emergency Services and ‘Volunteers’ Fund ... The Nationals Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, has labelled the new Emergency Services Levy as a land tax by stealth – targeting the farming community in particular – and as “socialism gone mad in Victoria”.
‘We’ll dump tax hike’
The Liberals and Nationals will scrap Labor’s Emergency Services Property Levy (ESVF), Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley, vowed at a rally on the steps of Parliament House ... “Labor’s new levy has doubled or even tripled charges for property owners across the state with primary producers hit hardest and facing rate hikes of up to 150 per cent."
Emergency Services Levy - Vic
CFA brigades stand down over controversial emergency services levy
Hundreds of CFA volunteers have made the difficult decision to stand down in protest against the Victorian Government's new Emergency Services Levy, passed during a late-night parliamentary session last Thursday.
Budget - Vic
Emergency services levy - Vic
Coalition
Opinion - Coalition
Nothing comes free – including Coalition
Reading the near hysterical outbursts of faux upset and horror on the part of members of the mainstream media and some current and former Liberal Party MPs at the decision by the National Party not to re-enter a Coalition with the Liberal Party whilst in Opposition reminded Kooka that Coalition, whilst offering benefits to the National Party, has also come at a cost. Nothing comes free.
Farrer
Opposition Leader, Ley vows to put Farrer first
Newly appointed Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley has vowed she would continue to put the people of Farrer first. The Member for Farrer since 2001 was elected Opposition Leader of the Liberal Party last week and is one of the longest-serving female MPs in Canberra.
Drought - SA
Time to step up and act
This is the Hansard version of a speech delivered in the Upper House by shadow minister for Regional South Australia, Nicola Centofanti, in which she read a letter from Abby Miller of Naracoorte to the South Australian premier, Peter Malinauskas, concerning the drought situation affecting farmers in the region.
Drought - Naracoorte Lucindale
Mayor’s heartfelt appeal
“This is an emergency”. That is the urgent message from Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross, who has issued a heartfelt appeal to the government for immediate support for farmers grappling with severe drought in the area.
Flood response - SA
‘Hard truths’ in final flood report
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Riverland's State MP says a report into the 2022/23 Murray River flood response shows preparations for the emergency "fell short" of what was necessary. The final report of the Select Committee into the River Murray Flooding Event was released last week.
Regional development
Firefighting - Clarence Valley
Old fire practices rekindled in new Clarence Valley firefighting partnership
The Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation is collaborating with Forestry Corporation to integrate cultural burning with government bushfire management. This partnership aims to enhance the community's resilience to major bushfires and improve land management practices on Yaegl Country.
Firefighting - Nhill
Nhill Fire Brigade celebrates arrival of two new emergency vehicles
Nhill Fire Brigade raised an incredible amount of funds for two vital appliances: a new light tanker and the replacement forward command vehicle were officially handed over to Nhill Fire Brigade in Nhill by D17 ACFO Chris Eagle on Sunday 18th May 2025.
Indigenous - Clarence Valley
No adjournments as steps taken towards reconnecting through reconciliation
It was over within two hours. There were no adjournments, minimal disruptions, and a quiet sense amongst several members of the public seated in the gallery that the first progressive steps towards restoring trust and transparency between Clarence Valley Council (CVC) and the local community following weeks of tense backlash were taken during the monthly Ordinary Meeting of CVC in Maclean on May 15.
Councillor’s calls to bring Council and community together
“It’s a call to connection, to courage, and to conversation.” That’s how Councillor Cristie Yager described the second Notice of Motion she put forward ... “We must be strong enough together to admit when we get it wrong, and to keep trying until we get it right, because the only time things truly fail is when we stop trying.”
Entertainment - Lismore
New life for Lismore Cinemas
A beloved Lismore institution is set to come back to life, as the town’s cinema has officially been purchased and will re-open as Lismore Cinemas. Under new private ownership, the cinema will undergo a multimillion dollar refurbishment and return as a state-of-the-art venue celebrating shared experiences, local pride and the power of storytelling.
Tourism - Copper Coast
Visitors flock to Copper Coast for Kernewek Lowender 2025
Joanna Tucker. Kernewek Lowender Copper Coast Cornish Festival was once again a major success, with visitors travelling to the region from far and wide. The 2025 edition of the biennial event was held last week ... An estimated 30,000 people attended the seven-day festival...
Manufacturing
Cohuna manufacturer at Mildura Field Days
Local Cohuna manufacturer, AWMA Water Control Solutions, were a part of the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre contingent attending the Mildura Field Days ... AWMA were showcasing their high-performance, self-cleaning intake screens that optimise water extraction...
Narrandera
Big plans to promote Narrandera businesses
The Narrandera Business Group (NBG) had a strong turnout for its May meeting last week ... Members also openly assessed the group's strengths and weaknesses, sparking discussion which set the stage for future growth.
Heritage listing
Listing in ’26? Moonta Mines World Heritage status could be ticked off as soon as next year
Joanna Tucker. Work is continuing towards the Australian Cornish Mining Sites: Burra and Moonta World Heritage bid, with the possibility heritage status may be achieved as soon as next year ... an opportunity to skip the preliminary assessment, so World Heritage consultant Barry Gamble has decided to endorse the parallel preparation of a full World Heritage nomination.
Council collaboration
Showcasing the best of our regional cities
A Regional Cities New South Wales delegation comprising local government leaders from nine municipalities from across the state last week embarked on a two-day tour of the Central West ... Regional Cities NSW Deputy Chair and Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council Cr Russell Webb said the visit allowed delegation members to get a deeper insight into the industries, infrastructure and unique attractions in other regions.
Nimbin
Land sharing, affordable housing and community
Jeni Kendell. Each May, the Nimbin Aquarius Foundation is planning to put on an event to celebrate the original Aquarius Festival in 1973 which helped reawaken and renew our wonderful town of Nimbin and ripple out in so many ways to far corners of this country. This annual event will resemble the ‘Festival of Dangerous Ideas’ that has become a landmark for people thinking outside the square.
Opinion - Gen AI
Beach safety - SA
Campaspe
Lockyer Valley
Murray-Darling
Renewable energy zones - Vic
Transmission plan
Planning Victoria’s renewable energy future
VicGrid, the government body responsible for planning and developing the state's renewable energy zones, has released the Draft 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan for community and industry feedback ... It sets out how much more wind and solar energy Victoria is expected to need over the next 15 years and identifies the most suitable locations for new renewable energy and transmission projects.
Net zero
Opinion: The climate of climate change has changed
Something’s shifted. You can feel it in the air — and no, I’m not talking about carbon dioxide, the superfood of plants. I’m talking about the political climate, the social mood, the economic headwinds, and, most importantly, the dawning realisation across much of the Western world that Net Zero isn’t the pathway to the promised land — it’s a mirage.
Inland rail - Wagga Wagga
Visualisations give preview of Wagga Wagga’s new bridges
Wagga Wagga residents will have their first chance to see designs for the three new bridges to be built in the town with Inland Rail releasing new visualisations for public viewing. The new visualisations show how the Edmondson Street road bridge, Wagga Wagga Station footbridge – also known as Mothers Bridge – and Cassidy Parade footbridge will look once completed.
Council - Kyogle
Visitor Information Centre is underused and should stock local products including village merch
How can the Kyogle Visitor Information Centre be improved? At the May 12 Kyogle Council meeting, mayor Danielle Mulholland put forward a motion about the VIC as it is called. “The VIC has been under-utilised for years,” Ms Mulholland said.
Qld to UK
Pat Weir goes on parliamentary tour
Condamine MP and Speaker of the Queensland Parliament Pat Weir was recently in the United Kingdom representing Australia at a meeting and learning about how unicameral parliaments work in other parts of the world.
Volunteering
Volunteers get things done
The cover stars of the Tarrangower Times this week are the perfect exemplars of what this bumper edition of the paper is all about: celebrating the many volunteers who get things done in our small towns and caring communities.
Volunteers
Mountains group celebrates milestone
The re-opening of the Bluff Falls tourist area on Sunday after restoration works is a huge feather in the cap for the 'Friends of Murray Mountain Parks' group, which is celebrating 25 years of volunteerism. The occasion was marked in December when Parks Victoria Ranger, Scott Thompson, presented several members with a 25 Years Recognition of Service pin...
Volunteering
Workshop
Question: What do cultural burns do?
Jenny Dwyer. Broaden your understanding of Cultural Burns to reduce exotic weed, promote native ground cover and increase drought tolerance.
Burning - reply
Burning & biodiversity
Historic reserve burn complete
Various local environmental groups including Friends of Maldon Historic Reserve ... have been consulting with Fire Forestry Management (FFM) staff since 2022 in regard to the planned burn near the Railway Track in the Maldon Historic Reserve ... Concerns were raised about how the fire might impact flora and fauna in the burn and surrounding areas.
Public company
From co-op to public company, NCMC becomes Casino Food Company with new board appointed
The Northern Co-operative Meat Company based in Casino has a new name and structure. The Casino Food Company has officially been registered as an unlisted public company from May 12. For a few years, the NCMC was called the Casino Food Co-op.
Drought
Art & soil
Critical need for better education to help our soil thrive
“We’re really excited about partnering with talented artist Claus Stangl and believe the portraits he’s created bring to life the hidden creatures in our soil in a really fun, educational and unique way”: Alicia Doherty, Kellogg's ANZ.
Brandy
St Agnes distils history for 100th year
One of the Riverland's most recognisable distillers has marked its 100th season by releasing a new piece of Australian spirit "history". Renmark's St Agnes Distillery – operated by Angove Family winemakers – last week unveiled the St Agnes XXO 50 Year Old Exceptional Reserve brandy, the oldest bottled spirit ever produced in Australia.
Architecture
Winners of the 2025 Darling Downs and West Moreton Queensland Architecture Awards
Residential architecture excellence celebrated at Darling Downs and West Moreton Architecture Awards. Binnum Homestead has won the William Hodgen Award for Building of the Year at the Darling Downs and West Moreton Australian Institute of Architects Regional Awards.
Music
Band hits high notes
The Band Palinola has officially released its debut EP Static Divide, marking a major milestone for the talented trio with strong roots in the Darling Downs. Band members: (left) Ambrose Barton on bass, (front) Patrick Back singer-guitarist and (right) Brady Wilson on drums.
Rodeo Queen
Local celebrity in our midst
Anyone who banks with the Warwick Credit Union in Allora will know Rae as the friendly young lady who works behind the counter. But did you know that Rae-Louise Wright is also the 2024 Warwick Rodeo Queen?
Life
Letters from Home: Amazing
I heard somewhere the other day, that today's amazing is tomorrow's normal and it got me thinking...I have lived in an amazing time.
History & heritage
The greatest piscatorial event in the world
This first in a series of articles from Robert Onfray on the history of Fraser Island, ranging from the timber days to tourism booms, shipwrecks to settlement struggles. This week's tells the story of the Fraser Island Fishing Expo, first held in 1984.
Classic cars
Murrabit Rumbles, rattles and chuggs to the tune of the National Motoring Day
Lloyd Polkinghorne. God looked down upon the small country town of Murrabit and decreed that the seventh day shall be filled with polished chrome, flat top pistons, and lumpy cam ... car clubs from Deniliquin, Echuca, Swan Hill, and Kerang gathered for the National Motoring Day at the iconic Murrabit Market site.
Photojournalism
Unique photography exhibition to open at Narrandera
Exhibition Curator Ozan Fikri said he recently had the pleasure of meeting with fellow Narrandera resident Mark Wilkie and their conversation took an unexpected turn when he mentioned his roots in Cyprus ... Mark is set to share his work with the community in a special exhibition featuring 14 of his voyeur pictures.
History & heritage
Emu Creek’s first day star pupil
On Monday 31st May 1875 a large group of Greenmount District locals gathered for the opening of the new Emu Creek State School and waited patiently for the official opening by well known politician Mr W. H. Groom ... It is very doubtful if Mr Groom, the first Head Teacher, Cornelius O'Brien or anyone gathered there that day, would have guessed that one of the 40 students enrolled would go on to be one of Australia's most loved writers.
Sesquicentenary
Celebrations befitting 150 years of service
A fete, with all the trimmings, reflecting on 150 years of education is an event worthy of celebrating but it is also the ideal venue for a school reunion. Emu Creek State School invites all students past and present to turn up any time after 10am on Saturday 31st May for what should be a wonderful day ...
Fabric artist
When craft meets art
When you first see Merylin Briggs’ artworks it's easy to presume that it’s been created using paintbrush and paint. Lean in closer and you’ll discover that things are not what they seem because Merylin is a fabric artist and her works are made from small snippets of coloured fabric stitched into place to form a picture.
Superheroes
New superheroes hit the screen
Wati Mai brings starving people food, feeds homeless people, gives them magic water. Spider Girl Kungka helps kids stay safe. Comes out at night. Throws webs. Scares kids to go home and makes them go to sleep ready for school ... "The ultimate power of the Superheroes is the voice of the children who created them."
Public art
Development for Rainbow Silo art activation underway
Artist James Voller recently returned to the Rainbow Llew Schilling Silo to further develop his concept for art activation at the Silo once construction works are complete ... The Rainbow Silo presents a new challenge though, with the inclusion of internal art activation within one of the Silo bins - a first for the popular Silo Art genre.
Youth theatre
‘Rainbow of tools’
Sarah Herrmann. Aspiring young artists were treated to a dose of acting expertise, along with life skills, when Country Arts SA visited Maitland Town Hall last week ... Country Arts SA associate producer for performing arts, Jay Gonzalez, said making artistic opportunities accessible for regional youth was integral in inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
Endurance
Runners unite: Daniel meets a new hero
Hay's local superstar and running aficionado, Daniel Green, was overjoyed recently to run with William Goodge from the UK, a man who is running to break a record ... "He is so cool, he has run across Japan, America, and has completed many desert runs."
Equestrian
Allora Show Society fundraising success
On Sunday, 11th May, the Allora Showgrounds was a sea of purple as 58 riders and 76 beautifully presented horses gathered to support a truly meaningful cause. Across both Showjumping and Dressage, there was a total of 159 entries. Funds raised went to Protea Place.
Horse breeding
Dynamic duo makes spotting a future champion look easy
There's an old saying, "he's got a good eye for a horse". It means someone is skilled at recognising all-round quality and that undefinable “something” that is a combination of conformation, temperament and suitability for a specific purpose, such as racing or riding. Greg Gerry and Darren Telford, who run Whitmere Stud, certainly know how to do that.
Caboolture
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LAST WEEK’S STORIES
Drought resilience
Seedling survival in marginal moisture
The practice of dry sowing has become increasingly common with frequent years of below average rainfall in the sowing season. Dry sowing, where crops are sown into a dry seed bed before season breaking rainfall, has helped farmers decrease production risk and manage workload.
Grapes + sheep
From grass to glass – Sustainable grazing between the vine rows
Peter Christen. If you've ever wandered through Panacea Estate and seen a flock of sheep wandering between the vine rows, you might have wondered: What are they doing here? The answer is simple and surprisingly effective. They're helping us make better wine.
Drought - Vic
Backing farmers with more drought support: Spence
The On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program has already supported more than 1,500 farmers in south west Victoria and will be extended to farmers in the new and existing Local Government Areas and French Island. The package will continue for the existing 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across south west Victoria and expand it to all West Wimmera...
Annabelle Cleeland Statement: North East Victoria excluded from drought support
Farmers in North East Victoria have once again been left behind, with the Allan Labor Government’s latest drought funding announcement excluding our region entirely. The $15.9 million package announced today offers only token support, capped at $5000 per grant, and with strict conditions that prevent farmers from using it for the most basic and urgent needs like purchasing feed and water.
Protest
Farmers angry at new levy
Carey Brennan. Angry farmers and CFA members from all over Victoria gathered on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne on Tuesday to protest the proposed new tax by the State Government.
Covid response impacts
Covid shot coercion risked global heart health
A new 42-page report published in the International Journal of Cardiovascular Research & Innovation has garnered information and data from 341 peer-reviewed studies that paint an alarming picture of Myocarditis risks post mRNA shots, and also raising questions of why regulators remain silent on the issue.
Levy - Vic
VFF slams government over new levy: a blow to farmers doing it tough
Despite strong opposition from the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), the Country Fire Authority (CFA), and farmers from all corners of Victoria, the Allan Labor Government’s proposed Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund has today passed a vote in Parliament. The VFF is deeply disappointed by this outcome and remains gravely concerned about the impact this levy will have on farmers...
Homeshare - Vic
Opinion - unrealised gains
When the sheriff comes for your super
The Albanese government, fresh from electoral victory and emboldened by a tighter alliance with the Greens, has wasted no time signalling its intentions: the nation’s nest eggs are in its sights with their plans to tax unrealised gains on super accounts over $3m ... It’s a dangerous shift in the philosophy of taxation, and one that poses deep constitutional and legal questions.
Federal election 2025 - Bendigo
The Nationals
Opinion
When the facts change: In praise of politicians who pivot
"When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do?" That famous line, attributed to John Maynard Keynes, ought to be stitched into the lapels of every politician wandering through Parliament House with a talking point in one hand and a Twitter poll in the other. For out here in the Wheatbelt, we know better than most that stubbornness is a vice when the wind shifts and the sheep are heading for the neighbour's crop.
Murray River councils
Councils voice concern over closure of Bega factory in Strathmerton
“This is a heartbreaking announcement for 300 workers, their families, and the wider community. It’s also a clear signal that our food manufacturing industry on which our region relies, is under increasing strain — from rising input costs to workforce challenges and from uncertainty driven by the Murray-Darling Basin Plan”: Chair of the Murray River Group of Councils, Cr. Dan Straub.
Batteries
Wildlife
Bird watching on Allora Mountain
Did you know that at least 100 different species of birds have been identified within the Allora Mountain Flora and Fauna Reserve? The Allora Landcare Group … is pleased to invite members of the community to join a bird watching morning on Sunday the 18th of May, commencing at 8am.
Water
Wildlife
Cockatoo story not as simple as black and white
Not all white-tailed black cockatoos are the same. The region is a breeding stronghold for both white-tailed black cockatoo species, especially Baudin's black cockatoo, which is a forest-dwelling species that nests high in karri and marri trees.
Wildlife
Barkandji community in Wilcannia documents critically endangered species living and breeding in the old town weir
Sarah Martin. A project documenting Barkandji knowledge of the Baaka river and floodplains has been ongoing for about 6 months. It has included a large oral history project which collected knowledge from Barkandji and kin about fish traps, fishing, the floodplains, and how they have changed so much over the last few decades.
Apiarists
Move to Coolamon has never been regretted by Brisbane couple
Natalie and Joel Shave’s move to Coolamon, along with their two daughters, was a huge life change several years ago when they packed up their lives in Brisbane and moved to the town in February 2022 ... One conversation in 2018 was all it took to ignite Joel and Natalie’s passion for bees.
Tourism
131st Maclean Show record?
Wet weather in the preceding days made way for welcome sunshine for the 131st annual Maclean Show which featured the largest sideshow alley ever and enjoyed by a big crowd ... “In sideshow alley we have never had that many rides there, they did a great job of squeezing all of those in, we had a record number of rides which was really great.
Infrastructure - water
Infrastructure - roads
Westbrook-Wyreema Road works complete
Floodway replacement and improvement works have been finished on Westbrook-Wyreema Road over Westbrook Creek. The $1.3 million project was the third to be delivered by Toowoomba Regional Council under the Betterment Program as part of the wider 2022 Flood Recovery Program.
Mining exploration - NSW
Mining exploration escalates in catchment
The Clarence Catchment Alliance CCA, local environmental groups and residents are calling for immediate action as mining exploration for antimony and tungsten escalates across the Wild Cattle Creek area near Dorrigo; a sensitive part of the drinking water catchment relied on by more than 80,000 people in the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour regions.
Roads - SA
Turning the pressure up
Hugh Schuitemaker. A Riverlander says it is imperative the State Government is reminded about the need for a heavy vehicle bypass to be constructed at Truro, following the recent Federal Election result. Labor’s victory at the 2025 Federal Election earlier this month means the State Government will need to provide 50 per cent of funding for the proposed Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass...
Health - SA
Hard Talk: Push for renal services at Naracoorte
Making more than a three-hour round trip to Mount Gambier Hospital and spending five hours on a dialysis chair each week is a tough routine for Ros Tregoweth ... In this edition of Hard Talk, The News spoke with multiple stakeholders, including patients, who expressed a shared sense of urgency for renal care services to be made available locally.
Law & order - SA
Health
Colin issues a heart-felt warning
Serena Kirby. Colin Sainty's near-fatal heart failure has prompted him to encourage more men not to put off seeing their doctor and to take charge of their health. Colin, 57, recently had a pacemaker and defibrillator fitted to keep his heart beating after initially brushing aside the early warning signs of trouble.
Bullying
Wakool doing it for Dolly
Amy “Dolly” Everett would have turned 20 on May 1st. Tragically the young country girl took her life at age 14 after facing persistent and cruel bullying. Her family, parents Kate and Tick and sister Meg Everett, vowed to keep her memory alive by establishing anti-bullying organisation Dolly’s Dream.
Law & order
Domestic violence
Hidden violence – what you told us is happening behind closed doors
We put out the call, and you answered – hidden abuse is happening right now in our town. "The nice neighbour you have next door - and have known your whole life - isn't always who you think they are behind closed doors," one person told us. "It happens in 'good' families too," said another.
Country cop
Sergeant Jim Richardson brings community focus to Nhill police role
Sergeant Jim Richardson has taken up his new role in Nhill with a clear focus: community connection, education, and proactive engagement. With over four decades of experience in policing, including 31 years based at Goroke, Jim is no stranger to the needs and strengths of rural communities.
CWA
90 years of education, scones, flower shows and community service
The Country Women's Association is best known for its scones, but CWA's roots go much deeper than that. For 90 years, the Hay branch has continually served the community in many ways, with the first project being the establishment of the former Baby Health Centre.
Food
Wellspring food pantry celebrates 10 years
A Lower Clarence Op-Shop that has helped thousands of people with discount grocery items is celebrating 10 years since its launch by reinventing its footprint and relocating the food pantry. The Wellspring Op-Shop food pantry on Treelands Drive, Yamba, which distributes on average 100 pallets of food each year, was an initiative of pastors Eric and Helen Aaron...
Food security
Not a scrap left behind in Yorketown
Rachel Hagan. With high-cost-of-living pressures and increasingly demanding lifestyles, eating healthy on a budget can be hard to prioritise, but chef Jo Minks says that, once you know how to use ingredients effectively, anyone can do it ... the SYP Community Hub delivered three workshops on creating low-cost and healthy food ideas.
Food waste
Nourishing Kyogle with a truck that feeds people
A new sustainable food rescue program in Kyogle aims to bring together businesses, producers, and home gardeners to support people experiencing food insecurity. Foodbank’s 2024 Hunger Report reported that two million Australian households are experiencing severe food insecurity and do not have enough to feed their families.
Beef
Beefed-up exports: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness forecasts potential record-breaking month
Bendigo Bank Agribusiness’ Monthly Commodity Update, released today, reports even higher beef export volumes in early May, and heralds the possible breaking of the previous monthly export record for cattle, set in October 2024.
Research - weed control
Emissions
Cattle part of the climate solution: UC Davis expert
The Australian beef industry can play a positive role in the climate solution provided policy settings recognise the science of the biogenic carbon cycle, according to a leading international air quality specialist. Professor Frank Mitloehner, of UC Davis in the US, told ... that while livestock do have an impact on our climate, the contribution of animal agriculture is often exaggerated at the expense of farmers and viable solutions.
Rural and remote health
Rural pharmacies – Indispensable to rural health: Remote and Isolated Pharmacist Association of Australia (RIPAA)
Rural and remote patients face greater health challenges and often have less access to health services compared to those in the city ... The Remote and Isolated Pharmacist Association Australia (RIPAA) is a new organisation that has established to represent pharmacists practising outside major metropolitan and regional centres. RIPAA’s mission is to ensure that people living in these rural and remote communities have equitable access to quality pharmacy care as an essential part of primary healthcare.
Rural health
New study amplifies rural voices to improve palliative care at end-of-life: UniSA
As National Palliative Care Week (19–25 May 2024) approaches, a new study from the University of South Australia is shining a light on the experiences of rural South Australians who are navigating end-of-life care, in the hope of improving access to palliative care services and supports in rural and country areas.
Environment
Algae concerns close oyster farms
Sarah Herrmann. Oyster farms in Stansbury have been forced to close while authorities investigate whether food safety is at risk from brevetoxins produced by the microalgae Karenia. At least six farms were closed from Monday, May 5, as a precaution under the Primary Produce (Food Safety Schemes) (Seafood) Regulations 2017.
Law & order
Balranald Shire Council asks for public assistance to stop vandalism
Balranald grapples with persistent vandalism as latest incident hits senior citizen amenities. The Balranald Shire is once again dealing with the costly aftermath of vandalism, with the latest incident occurring on Saturday, May 10, targeting the Balranald Senior Citizen amenities.
Federal election 2025
Indigenous
Albanese’s $250m for Alice “heading the wrong way”
A prominent Aboriginal spokesman gave an account of a chaotic and meaningless process deciding how Prime Minister Albanese’s $250m Alice Springs “rescue package” is being spent. The money, allocated two years ago, was “drastically needed” according to Graeme Smith, at the time the CEO of the local native title organisation Lhere Artepe.
Federal election 2025 - Opinion
Don’t bite the hand which feeds you
Roughly two thirds of voters in those 39 seats in the House of Representatives defined as "rural" by the AEC gave their first preference vote to right of centre parties in the 2025 federal election ... No matter how many votes are cast and no matter how many seats are won in rural areas in favour of a particular side of politics it will not matter a fig if the majority of voters in the city and provincial electorates cast their votes in favour of the opposite side of politics.
Water
New water tanks secure Taplan’s water supply
More than 690,000L of drinking water can now be stored in newly-constructed tanks at Taplan, aiming to improve water supply and reliability for the Riverland town. SA Water has recently completed a $10m renovation on new water storage tanks located on Taplan Road, increasing storage capacity up to five-times compared to the previous structures, built more than 40 years ago.
Communications
Renewables
Farmers front renewables inquiry: NSW Farmers Association
Energy developers must fairly engage with the community and properly address the impacts of renewable projects on regions, NSW Farmers has told a state inquiry. On Tuesday the state’s peak farm body appeared at a NSW Government inquiry into renewable energy zones, saying its calls to improve community engagement around the renewable transition were still yet to be answered.
Nuclear
Committed question
The Coalition before the election planned to keep its nuclear power policy if it lost, but the huge election defeat may now put this intention under scrutiny. This comes as just days before the election, a nuclear expert reconfirmed that a nuclear station in the Latrobe Valley would cost $10 billion, and highlighted China's new status as the world's largest user of domestic nuclear energy.
Offshore wind
Five years of data in one application
Star of the South is confident of lodging the environmental approval applications this year for its proposed windfarm offshore from Gippsland. This follows the state government releasing the latest guidelines to implement the offshore wind projects.
Leadership & You
Prioritisation is leadership
If you’re a leader, you’re no stranger to the chaos of daily demands. Competing priorities, constant interruptions, and the pressure to deliver—often with limited time and resources. It can make it feel like you’re always reacting to issues instead of leading.
Local history
Cemetery walk unearths hidden stories
Encouraged by the interest and support shown over previous years, the Upper Murray Historical Society recently held a walk through the old Corryong Pioneer Cemetery ... Choc Thompson spoke of his own family's interesting history and the events that brought them to settle in Corryong. The Thompsons, headed by Lewis Thompson, were noted saddlers ...
Exhibition
Art and photography on show
The opening night of the Donald Art and Photography Show, Friday, May 9, was enjoyed by all who attended. Accompanied by the background music by Leo Tellefson, people wandered around the 250-plus entries, viewing the beautiful artwork and photography.
History & heritage
Celebrating 150 years of pastoral heritage
The Toganmain Woolshed Precinct is preparing to celebrate a momentous milestone - its 150th anniversary in June 2025. Located near Darlington Point in the Riverina, this iconic woolshed has stood as a testament to the craftsmanship and resilience of Australia's pastoral history since its completion in 1875.
Bald Archies
Australia’s most outrageous art tour returns to Brewarrina
Excitement is in the air as the highly anticipated Bald Archy Art Prize returns to Brewarrina next month, offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to engage with some of the most humorous, satirical and sometimes controversial, portraits in the art world.
New release
Robyn to tell of her trauma
On Friday, October 6, 1972, the unthinkable happened when two men kidnapped seven pupils and their 20-year-old teacher from a little isolated country school in rural Victoria. This school was a little granite building known as Faraday State School 797.
Eventing
Naracoorte Horse Trials celebrate 51 years with new course designer
Jacki Baker. The 51st Naracoorte Horse Trials will be held this weekend ... Sylvia Williams-Roberts will design the course, helped by her right-hand man, husband Roger as builder ... She gained FEI level 3 course design accreditation in 2013 and is one of only two women in the world to attain this level.
Showjumping
SA crowns its new state champions after a solid four days of jumping
The 2025 SA State Jumping Championships showcased the diverse showjumping talent in the region. Held across the ANZAC Day weekend at Talunga Park, Mount Pleasant, riders competed in two rings at the Equestrian SA event, culminating in a series of thrilling finales on the final day.
Rowing
Jess bound for prestigious Henley Regatta
Kaniva's Jess Hawker has been selected to compete at the renowned Henley Royal Regatta in England this July. The 21-year-old daughter of Tom and Kim Hawker has represented Victoria in state rowing teams since the age of 17.
Aussie Rules
Will the cup stay at the Kennel?
Lachlan Dand. One of the Riverland Football League’s most fierce rivalries will kick off on Saturday afternoon, when Renmark welcomes Waikerie to town for another instalment of the Gill-Lehmann Cup. The first edition of the cup was in 2008 and since then, the Magpies lead the ledger 10-6, having won the first five contests.
Indigenous AFL
Glenmore Bulls celebrate Indigenous culture as they kick off Sir Doug Nicholls Round
Glenmore Bulls AFL Club will celebrate the culture and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as they host the annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round at Stenlake Park this weekend. 2025 will mark the sixth year the club has held the event, the biggest Indigenous AFL round held in regional Queensland.
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Rugby league
Playing for her Pops — Joshalynn one of three players selected for state rugby league comp
For the first time ever, Casino High School will have three students playing rugby league in the state comp. Ciara Close, Tye Hogan-Collins and Joshalynn Walker were selected from players between Tweed and Newcastle to play in the Combined Schools State Championship ... Joshalynn, 17, is an all round sportsperson.
Taekwon-Do
From Cairns to the world stage: Local mother and son prepare for Taekwon-Do World Championships in Italy
A dedicated Cairns mother and son duo are set to represent Australia at the 2025 ITF Taekwon-Do World Championships in Jesolo, Italy, this October, following years of shared discipline, training, and personal growth on the local dojang floor.
Football Netball
Navies reign over Royals
Under clear blue skies and before a spirited home crowd, the Donald and Charlton Football Netball Clubs took a moment to pay tribute to one of local footy’s great servants — Donald stalwart Bill Anderson. In a fitting pre-game ceremony, Bill was honoured with life membership of the North Central Football League, marking decades of contribution to the game.
Fun run
Mother’s Day challenge
Cohuna Secondary College hosted a fun run come fun walk for the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation, on Sunday morning at 9am, along with many other organisations throughout Australia, to raise money for breast cancer research.
Golf
Denmark club hosts regional seniors event
Marion Nelson. The Golf WA Regional Seniors event was held at the Country Club on May 1-2 with clubs from as far as Dongara and Pink Lake, Esperance taking part.
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