The Editor

As a kid brought up on a cattle property in the New England Tablelands, Reggie Macleod vows she is going to swap the country for city life as soon as she can. And she's followed her dream. Everything is going to plan. Until one phone call rocks her world entirely.

Plan the trip of a lifetime with expert advice and a full itinerary from Australia's most popular travelling family. In the seven years since the 'Trip In A Van' family set off on their first adventure, they've covered tens of thousands of kilometres and become Australia's most popular travelling family.

Australia's master storyteller takes us all around the country, uncovering tales of unsolved crimes, early exploration and military exploits, fascinating natural phenomena and iconic destinations.

“Crops in Western Australia and South Australia benefitted the most from spring conditions, with total production in both states forecast to reach new record levels. Total production in Queensland is forecast to reach the second highest on record, despite parts of the Darling Downs missing out on plantings after being impacted by the floods. In other parts of the country, the results are mixed with both flooding and water-logging impacting winter crop production": Jared Greenvillle, ABARES.

The first of December marks the start of summer, as well as onset of snake season. As temperatures rise, AMA (NSW) is warning residents to look out for venomous snakes and refresh your knowledge of snake bite first aid.

Amid extreme market volatility and record-high prices, fertilizer consumption suffered in 2022. According to a new Rabobank report, a recovery in consumption is possible in some regions in 2023, with fertilizer prices lowering and commodity prices at historically high levels.

Providing rooming accommodation will now be easier after the Palaszczuk Government lifted a requirement for local government planning approval under certain conditions. Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Steven Miles said the change to the Planning Regulation would provide more housing options in lower density residential zones.

This year the theme of World Soil Day is ‘Soil: Where food begins’, highlighting the importance of healthy soil as a crucial element of food production ... “Soil in good condition is more productive. It has higher water-holding capacity, supports biological activities and resists erosion during extreme climate and weather events": Lisa Nitschke, DAFF.

The addition of two Large Air Tankers (LATs) will significantly strengthen Western Australia's firefighting capability as emergency services prepare for a busy bushfire season. A C130 Hercules LAT, which will remain in WA for the high threat fire season, was unveiled on 5 December 2022.

The Glenreagh Bridge is back to its former glory following the completion of painting on the 104-year-old structure. Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis said the steel truss bridge was built at the end of World War I and is unusual for a bridge of its time.