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Citizen science
Aussie Bird Count: Magpies on top after Australia counted a record-breaking 5 million birds in one week
The results of BirdLife Australia’s Aussie Bird Count are in with a record breaking 5 million birds counted during the week-long national bird counting frenzy held in October last year. 64,000 Australians took part in the Count in the 12th year running ... Galahs came in at number 6...
Public art
Painted water tower project shines spotlight on Ivanhoe
The Ivanhoe painted water tower project has been completed and it is already capturing the imagination of local residents and visitors to the region. The artist, Krimsone, has been working hard over several weeks to successfully create the stand-out project.
Wind - Flinders
Texas energy giants to fuel Flinders Shire Council’s renewable boom
Flinders Shire Council is taking a leaf out of the Texas playbook to supercharge its economic future, welcoming a high-profile delegation of USA wind energy experts to the region this week as part of a tour of the state. The strategic visit aims to showcase how Flinders Shire is championing a pragmatic, economically driven approach to renewable energy development...
Groundwater - Qld
Sports infrastructure - Bass Coast
First new mountain bike jump park opens at Sunset Strip
Bass Coast Shire Council has officially opened the Sunset Strip Bike Jump Park delivering an exciting new space for riders of all ages and abilities on Phillip Island. The track was officially opened today, with local students, Councillors, members of the Bass Coast Mountain Bike Association, contractors and Council staff coming together to celebrate the milestone...
Health - NT
Biggest diphtheria outbreak: Feds help NT hotspot
The biggest diphtheria outbreak since national record keeping began now (21 May) stands at 230 cases this year, affecting mainly Aboriginal people and believed to have caused the death one person. Around 60 per cent of the cases are in the Northern Territory, with further outbreaks in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
Regional air
Australian Government delivering $4.8 million in relief to regional and remote airports: King
The Albanese Government has provided critical financial relief to 34 regional and remote airports through the Regional and Remote Airport Support Program. These relief payments will help airports, largely run by local councils, to manage any debts linked to the voluntary administration of Rex Airlines, and maintain the essential aviation services they provide for their communities.
Innovation
New machine set to revolutionise Australian cropping
The Seedbed Conditioner creates the perfect seedbed and root zone for crops at a fraction of the current power (HP/KW) requirement and cost of seeding. Over 15 years of paddock-scale research this machine always produced large yield increase, which averaged 25 per cent with a range of 10–40 per cent.
Lego
Brick by Brick exhibition celebrates local heritage landmarks
The Living Arts Space is delighted to present Brick by Brick: 10 Years of Building Bendigo, a new exhibition celebrating a decade of creativity from the Bendigo LEGO® User Group. Founded in 2014, the Bendigo LEGO® User Group has grown to more than 100 members across central Victoria.
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Nature photography
Painting en plein air
Giving air to art
How do you improve your painting skills if there's no one providing positive feedback? And how do you develop routine and rhythm to your art practice when life is a brilliant distractor? For emerging artist, Kat Lamb, the answer came in the form of a plein air painting group.
Defence
Iluka’s top gun: Defence Force Chief of Capabilities Glen Braz
Iluka Public School alumni Glen Braz has risen through the ranks of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) over the past 39 years and last Friday he was appointed Defence Force Chief of Joint Capabilities. Born at Grafton Base Hospital, Glen’s mother Sue told the Clarence Valley Independent her son says he had “the ideal childhood” growing up at Iluka with his elder brother Mark.
Australian politics
The three principles behind Australia’s Fool’s Paradise
If you ever wondered why so few of our political class appear genuinely effective, the answer can largely be explained by three principles that govern human organisations everywhere: the Pareto Principle (1890s), Price’s Law (1960) and the Peter Principle (1969).
Murray-Darling - spin
MDBA shapes Basin language
A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet, but would it mean the same thing? This is the thought I was left with when the MDBA announced the "Opening trade balance set for Barmah Narrows". Notice the subtle change in language? The "Barmah Choke", which is a natural constriction to water flow within the river channel, has formed part of the operating rules that irrigators had to abide by for longer than some of us have been alive.
Water - Narrandera
NSW Labor government must stop delaying Narrandera Water Treatment Plant progress
The NSW Labor government has failed to sign the required Deed of Agreement to progress Narrandera's Water Treatment Plant business case, nearly six months after Commonwealth funding was awarded. Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, said the ongoing delay is preventing Narrandera Shire Council from progressing critical work to deliver clean drinking water to the community.
Fuel and fertiliser
Fuel and fertiliser update – what’s happening out on the ground out there?
Almost three months since the closure of the Straits of Hormuz, the federal government continues to issue statements couched in confident language about fuel and fertiliser "secured" and "shipments" and "cargoes" headed our way ... Australian Rural & Regional News put out some feelers to many of the Australian farmers' associations this week ... your story from on the ground out there is wanted.
Prescribed burning activism - WA
Tingle action: Bob Brown joins forest fray
Renowned environmentalist Bob Brown made his ‘little bit' of contribution recently to preventing ‘pyromaniacs' from burning a national treasure – the Walpole-Nornalup National Park tingle forests. He joined the Tingle Action Group and WA Forest Alliance to see both the beauty of long-unburnt tingle forest, thriving as it has for centuries, and the impact of prescribed burning, which has felled hundreds of ancient tingle trees.
Bushfire recovery - Vic
Murrindindi calls for fair, fit-for-purpose recovery funding reform as new video highlights bushfire impact
Murrindindi Shire Council has released a video highlighting the scale of devastation from the January 2026 bushfires, reinforcing its call for a more equitable and impact-based disaster recovery funding model that better reflects the needs of affected communities.
Bushfire research
Land use - WA
Wilbinga national park proposal screening at Luna cinemas
A film about a proposal to turn Wilbinga, a locality north of Two Rocks and south of Guilderton, into a national park is screening at Luna Palace Cinemas ... Wilbinga lies between Two Rocks and the southern side of the Moore River mouth with the town of Guilderton on the estuary’s north side.
Flood recovery - Northern Rivers
Buyback land to be used for parks, hubs, environmental projects but never for houses
What will happen to land made vacant from buybacks? The NSW Reconstruction Authority said it will work with local councils to plan the future of buyback areas as parklands, community hubs, or environmental projects. In specific cases where flood risk is strictly managed, some sites may also be used for commercial or industrial purposes.
Infrastructure
Wycheproof Library’s grand opening
In proud partnership with the Buloke Shire Council, the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre was delighted to facilitate the grand opening of the Wycheproof Library on May 3. Albeit a chilly morning forty-five participants gathered, and as the rain stopped, a blue sky welcomed guests to the beautifully painted doors of the new library for a ribbon cutting ceremony...
National Volunteer Week
Rain and volunteers brighten the week
...Pictured is one of Kathy Koop’s amazing sunrises, captured during the week. National Volunteer Week is being celebrated this week, with the 2026 theme, Your Year To Volunteer.
Volunteers - Hindmarsh
Volunteering
Is it your time to shine?
National Volunteer Week (May 18-24) is Australia's largest annual celebration of civic support and the Upper Murray community is a leading example of selflessness. National Volunteer Week recognises the contribution of millions of volunteers across the country and invites everyone to discover how giving their time and talents can create connection, purpose and stronger communities.
Volunteer - Care
Connection and community: Janet’s volunteering journey
Three days a week, Janet Becker drives 30 minutes from her home to the ac.care Berri Community Centre, where she helps run cooking groups, supports art sessions and welcomes people into the space with warmth and humour. While she now volunteers regularly at the centre, Janet first connected with ac.care during a difficult period in her life when she was experiencing homelessness and social isolation.
Space - SA
Space capsule returns to SA: Picton
South Australia’s growing reputation as a global space hub continues to take giant leaps, following the safe return of a space capsule. Local company, Southern Launch, was responsible for the end-to-end re-entry operation for the Varda Space Industries W-6 capsule, which safely returned to earth at its Koonibba Test Range, near Ceduna on the Far West Coast.
Critical minerals - Vic
Fingerboards mine proposal triggers nuclear action provisions: Mine Free Glenaladale
Robyn Grant from Mine Free Glenaladale said, “There was some disappointment in the community that the Minister did not reject this proposal outright, because of the serious environmental impacts it poses to Matters of National Environmental Significance in the region."
Regional employment
‘We need more staff!’: regional employers are hiring, but we are closing the door to skilled migrant workers
Claire Higgins, Louise Olliff. Regional Australia has long struggled to attract skilled workers away from urban centres. In the years since the pandemic, however, the labour market in country areas has tightened even further. Unemployment across regional Australia is at historically low levels, meaning many job vacancies are going unfilled.
Fuel and fertiliser
Interview
Peter Garrett on his new role with Landcare Australia
In April 2026, Peter Garrett AM took over as chair of Landcare Australia from Doug Humann AM, marking another significant chapter in a notable career. Australian Rural & Regional News was interested to learn how Peter sees the potential of this enduring community environmental organisation and his role in it.
Small business award
YP IT business named Australia’s best
For Pit Stop Technologies founder Plato Lagoudakis, the win still feels a little surreal. "Starting a business in a country town comes with its share of pressures and doubts. Being recognised on a national stage tells us we got it right, by staying true to who we are and where we're from."
Forestry - Tiwi Islands
Forestry plan sets direction for local jobs and long-term careers: Charles Darwin University
The month of May marks the approaching end of the fiscal year for many businesses and a rush to find receipts and finalise financials, but for one Tiwi Islands organisation, the focus is firmly on planting for the future. Tiwi Plantations Corporation - based 80 kilometres north of Darwin on the Tiwi Islands - has released the Tiwi Forestry Workforce Plan 2026–2030...
Biosecurity
Win for grain producers in mouse plague fight: GPA
Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has secured a national emergency permit allowing grain growers to access stronger mouse bait as significant mouse numbers plague several states. Australian grain growers have been desperately calling for permits to access stronger mouse bait to tackle the growing problem, with the standard available bait proving inadequate.
Cane harvest - Qld
Harvesters ready to roll as growers brace for difficult season: Canegrowers
Queensland’s 2026 sugarcane crush will officially get underway this week, with harvesters rumbling into life across the state’s far north. Tableland crews will fire the starter gun on the 7 month harvest, with the first rakes of cane due to go through the rollers at MSF’s Arriga mill on 18 May.
Budget 2026-27
The party of the worker has become the party of the renters
This federal Budget reveals something far more significant than another round of tax fights over capital gains, family trusts and negative gearing. It reveals who modern Labor now governs for.
Murray-Darling
Menindee resident raises alarm over upper lakes releases as environmental concerns mount
A Menindee resident has raised concerns about water releases from the upper lakes of the Menindee Lakes system, warning they could contribute to ongoing environmental deterioration in the Lower Darling-Baaka River system.
Opal mining
Central Coast author
Children’s book series was inspired by Kariong
Long before Bottersnikes and Gumbles became a beloved Australian children's book series and animated television show, the strange little bush creatures first came to life among the rocks and scrub of Kariong.
Olympian
Abbey returns to high school with strong message
2026 Winter Olympics aerial skier Abbey Willcox returned to her graduating high school Henry Kendall to inspire students by sharing stories of her professional athlete journey so far, and the importance of never giving up.
Bull riding
Athol local Zane Hall to represent Queensland in PBR State of Origin Series
Maroons Out for revenge as Blues chase history in PBR Origin 2026. Zane Hall from Athol has been selected to represent the maroons ... "This means a lot to me personally. Pulling on the Queensland jersey for the fourth time straight. Seeing past origin rides represent their state, it's something every young bull rider dreams about."
Leadership & You
If junior sport is a classroom for life, how should club presidents and junior coaches measure success?
Less than 1 per cent of junior athletes go on to play sport at the highest levels. So, what is the role of a junior sports club, and how should its success be measured? The most premiership trophies with the highest number of junior dropouts is failure in my book.
Tell your network about Australian Rural & Regional News
If you like a story on Australian Rural & Regional News, if you think this is a news platform worth a look, worth keeping in touch with, share it with your network.
There’s too much out there now to just trust people will happen upon it. Take a moment to spread the word. Onya.
Regional migration
Ten million Australians chose the regions – The Iran oil shock is already pricing the next move: Find a Mover
As the country reaches a regional population milestone, Find a Mover’s decade of platform data shows what the diesel surge means for movers booking now — and what the structural floor reset means for the regional migration flow long-term ... For the regional Australians making the move right now, the window to do it at anything close to last year’s price is closing fast.
Bookselling
How I turned an empty supermarket window into a minimalist book display
My son sent me a link to an unusual bookshop in Japan known as the most minimal bookstore in the world. It sparked an idea to take the bookshop’s one room-one book approach to set up a display of my own book in the window of an abandoned supermarket in Kyogle.
Tourism
Festival sparks up Copper Coast
The Copper Coast was alight with art and creativity over the weekend, as locals and visitors flocked to FLAME Festival events at Wallaroo, Kadina and Moonta. A celebration of Food, Light, Art, Music and Entertainment, FLAME sparked into life on Friday, May 8...
Volunteers
Blaze Aid camp calls it a day
Rhiannon Govier. Every property owner has a story. That is just one of the reasons why Lyn and Stan Rasmussen became coordinators for Blaze Aid. During the four months of coordinating the Blaze Aid camp in Maldon to support those impacted by the Harcourt fires, the camp has spent $11,000 in groceries and $6,000 in fuel...
Farrer
Landslide victory for Farley
Sean Cunningham. The One Nation bandwagon continued to roll on with a landslide victory for Narrandera local David Farley in last Saturday's Farrer By-Election. On the back of One Nation's rise during the recent SA elections, the seat of Farrer became the party's latest conquest as voters chose to abandon the Liberals and Nationals and place their faith in Mr Farley.
Farrer by election
Historic win – One Nation romps in to claim Farrer seat
David Farley convincingly won last Saturday's Farrer by-election, becoming the first One Nation candidate ever elected to the House of Representatives. For the first time in the history of Farrer, the electorate will not be represented by a Coalition MP. Mr Farley broke through the glass ceiling with a whopping 57.4 per cent of the votes, well ahead of close rival, Independent Michelle Milthorpe's 42.6 per cent.
Regional health
“Our story to tell”
Eight months after the death of 46-year-old Naracoorte man Cody Williams, his family says they are still searching for answers - and demanding accountability so no other family experiences the same heartbreak. In a confronting and deeply personal letter to The News, local resident Donna Armoogum details the final days of her brother’s life...
Innovation
New machine set to revolutionise Australian cropping
The Seedbed Conditioner creates the perfect seedbed and root zone for crops at a fraction of the current power (HP/KW) requirement and cost of seeding. Over 15 years of paddock-scale research this machine always produced large yield increase, which averaged 25 per cent with a range of 10–40 per cent.
Cuppa for a cure
Australia gears up for its biggest cuppa yet!
Cancer Council is calling on Aussies to rally their family, friends, and especially their workmates, for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, the nation’s iconic fundraiser hoping to turn a cuppa into a cure! ... Cancer fighter Jessica Giddens is organising Nannup's Biggest Morning Tea.
Forgotten Australians
Forgotten Australians stories brought to life through new awareness resources
More than 500,000 Australian children were placed into institutional or out-of-home care during the last century, with many experiencing neglect, abuse and a loss of identity that continues to shape their lives today. Often referred to as Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers, this cohort includes Stolen Generations, former child migrants, and former Wards of the State, including more than 400,000 non-Indigenous children.
Child care
After-school special: Monash OSHC celebrates first year of operation
Madison Eastmond. A Riverland out of school hours care (OSHC) program has recently celebrated one year of success. The Monash Primary and Preschool OSHC program has now been offering their service to the local community for over a year, with the initiative recording double the numbers of enrolments during the last school-holiday period since they opened their doors.
Budget 2026-27
Delivering a Budget focused on resilience and reform: Chalmer, Albanese, Gallagher
This is a responsible Budget that is all about resilience and reform. It’s all about getting Australians through the global oil shock and building an economy that works for more people. We’re delivering more cost-of-living help and building a more productive economy, a better tax system, a fairer housing market and a stronger and more sustainable budget.
Budget response
Last night’s Budget left freight operators with more questions than answers: Loadshift
Matt Barrie. The freight industry doesn't ask for much attention on Budget night. But when the shelves are stocked, the construction sites are running, and the mines are operating – a truck driver made that happen. Last night's Budget should have done more for them.
Budget responses
Mixed responses to the 2026-27 Budget
The May Budget delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers has elicited criticism, and some praise, from many quarters, as illustrated by the following statements from the National Party, Beyond Zero Emissions, National Farmers' Federation and the NFF Horticulture Council, National Seniors Australia, Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals, TasFarmers, Grain Producers Australia and NSW Farmers.
Budget responses
The government’s health budget tinkers around the edges for rural communities: NRHA
“The real test with the Budget is whether the dollars announced reach rural people, First Nations communities and primary care in thin markets where healthcare access is hardest”" Susi Tegen, NRHA Chief Executive.
Victorian election 2026 - renewable energy
Urban Solar Parks – unlocking rooftops, protecting farmland, and lowering energy costs: Cleeland
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, has announced a major shift in Victoria’s energy planning, with a proposal to roll out Urban Solar Parks across industrial and commercial precincts if elected to government in November. The policy would transform large rooftops on warehouses, factories, shopping centres and industrial estates into energy hubs...
Budget response - Coalition
Forestry & timber - Vic
Critical minerals - public consultation
Critical minerals - Vic
Fisheries compliance - WA
Firearms - NSW
$39 million Firearms Registry bailout exposes Labor failure: Banasiak
Mark Banasiak MLC has slammed the Minns Labor Government’s $39.3 million Firearms Registry announcement as a taxpayer-funded bailout for a system collapsing under the weight of Labor’s own bureaucracy. “This is not reform. It is damage control,” Mr Banasiak said. “Labor created the mess, buried the Registry in red tape, and now hardworking taxpayers are being forced to pay $39 million to keep the system afloat.
Law & order - NT
Alice mourns death of Kumanjayi Little Baby
The town's embracing of the family struck by tragedy came to its culmination at a sunset vigil yesterday to say farewell to Kumanjayi Little Baby, dead at just five years old. There were no less than 1500 locals on Anzac Oval, the 20-80 black-white mix about the same as the whole town’s. The pain of the recent events had united them.
Law & order
Research - dingoes and wild dogs
Most Australian ‘wild dogs’ are predominantly dingoes: Adelaide University
A new genetic test has revealed that most of the free-roaming canines in Australia, often labelled ‘wild dogs’, carry a significant amount of dingo ancestry. A team of Adelaide University researchers from the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA and the Environment Institute analysed more than 300 free-roaming canines across Australia, and found that, on average, just 11.7 per cent of their DNA comes from domestic dogs.
WA Budget
Scant detail for proposed Yanchep Police station relocation
Two days before the State Budget the Cook Government announced it was investing in providing the Yanchep Police station a new home ... Mr Whitby’s joint pre-budget statement with Butler MLA Lorna Clarke said the Yanchep Police station would move from its current location ... Under new initiatives the State Budget papers one item is listed for the Yanchep Police station.
The Pirate Queen and the sinking department
Last week I wrote that Budget Number Ten would tell us everything we needed to know ... it’s worse than expected. For all the Government’s talk about farm resilience, diversification and food security, when it came time to fund the department that actually underpins those things, the treasure chest was empty.
Textile artists
Fibre artists spin creativity from wool
Janet Heenan and Cheryl Lowe share a love of wool, fibre and the slow, skilled art of spinning. The two fibre artists, who both began spinning in the late 1970s, are members of the local spinning group ... Their early spinning days began with raw fleece...
History & heritage
Equestrian
State show jumping champions crowned at Talunga Park
Strong fields across all divisions highlighted the depth of local talent and growing interstate presence at this year’s Equestrian South Australia State Showjumping Championships at Talunga Park, Mount Pleasant. The event drew entries from across South Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory, with more than 130 combinations converging on the Adelaide Hills venue...
Archery
Pennas claim archery gold at Archery Nationals
Peter Argent. Moonta Bay siblings Brock and Ava Penna have returned from the Archery Australia 2026 National Youth Archery Championships with multiple gold medals, a national record and national recognition after outstanding performances in Launceston, Tasmania in April.
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