Council hit hard by lowest rate cap in 20 years – fees and charges may rise
Narrandera Shire Council General Manager George Cowan said this week’s decision by IPART to introduce the lowest rate cap in 20 years did not reflect reality. “It is based upon a formulae that reflects generic cost indexes that may have prevailed during the previous financial year. The real cost increase facing Councils next financial year includes wages growth, substantial increases in fuel costs and these are two of the biggest inputs affecting Council operations,” Mr Cowan said.
Braden out to break men’s mental health stigma
Nicholas Rupolo. Narrandera mental health youth advocate Braden Lyons says breaking the stigma for males seeking aid for their mental health must be broken in order to reverse the impacts of COVID-19 on young people in the Riverina. The comments come following Mission Australia’s Youth Survey showing attention to mental health and coping with stress was significant and important to young women more than young men.
Carpheads into T20 decider
Jeff Hanson. In their first season in the Ardlethan Barellan District Cricket Association (ABDCA) competition, the Narrandera Carpheads will be playing for silverware on Saturday, with the in-form side heading towards the T20 Harvest Break grand final. The Carpheads, who finished second after losing just one game during the six-round regular season, will take on the top of the table Coolamon Rovers for grand final glory.
Voters drawn to youth and experience
Narrandera Shire Council appears set to welcome a number of new representatives including one of its youngest ever councillors in Narrandera Youth Council Mayor Braden Lyons, as counting continues after the local government elections on Saturday.
Winemaker awarded ‘Riverina Legend’
Second-generation winemaker Bill Calabria AM has been recognised as the 2021 Riverina Legend at this year’s Riverina Wine Show following his namesake winery’s sweeping of the competition with a total of six trophies and the award for most successful exhibitor for the third consecutive year. Mr Calabria has been a notable figure in the Riverina since first working for the family’s winery at the age of 14.
Barellan sports legend honoured
Sports Australia Legend and former Barellan sports star Evonne Goolagong-Cawley AC MBE has been awarded the inaugural The Dawn Award ... “To win The Dawn Award is an incredible honour. I have been unwell, and this has been the ultimate cheer-up for me. To be the first recipient makes it even more special. Dawn is one of Australia’s greatest athletes and has been a source of inspiration throughout my life,” Evonne said.
Heavy rain may damage grain yields/ prices
Nicholas Rupolo. Massive rainfall over the weekend has caused grain growers concern over missing out on historically high prices this year ... The wash has caused concern amongst grain growers as to the quality of their crop as they harvest for a bumper season ... Independent agronomist and cropping property owner Neil Durning says farmers will take a psychological hit as well as a financial hit from the heavy rain.
