Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin

Col Jacka and Vic Pope are two of the unsung heroes of Balranald. They man the wonderful attraction, Southern Cross Museum. They take tours of people, whether one or two, or large groups around the fascinating building, and regale them with fascinating stories of the history behind the exhibits.

The Moulamein Men’s Shed is helping to keep the small village alive. The oldest town in the Riverina, members of the shed work hard to do whatever they can to keep various aspects of the town afloat ... Moulamein’s main drawcard is to fishermen and bird watchers.

With good friends, there are no limits to where life can lead. This is certainly true for Lisa Headon and Iona Lilburne. The dynamic ladies behind Foodie Friends are faces which most Hay people would know. The story behind their inception and rise from strength to strength is a fascinating one.

Fire agencies and land managers are developing a Bush Fire Risk Management Plan for the BFMC areas listed. The Central Darling Shire community is invited to participate in this process by having a say on how bush fire risk is managed.

The Balranald Art Gallery (c1881) is a mecca for culture in the area. It is indeed so much more than a gallery ... The gallery has both a collection of permanent works, and an ongoing range of exhibitions and events. It is worth a look every single time you are in Balranald.

The Department of Planning and Environment (Water) advised some months ago that there would be an independent review of the original design of the Wilcannia weir. Several names were recommended to the department by the community to form membership of the Independent Review Panel.

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, says a new Water Register she has convinced the NSW Government to introduce will help stop money laundering as well as the secret purchase of Australian water by foreign governments. She introduced the bill to parliament late last year, with the aim to force NSW politicians to declare their water interests on our conflict-of-interest form.

Mallee Accommodation and Support Program’s Youth Mentoring Program is headed to Tasmania from Saturday for a five-day hike through the Tasman Peninsula National Park. Since it began in 2006 the program has enriched the lives of over 220 underprivileged and disconnected youth in the Sunraysia area, supporting them through mentoring and exposing them to positive life experiences and challenges.

Mark your calendars ... there is a must-see event happening again in Balranald. Ivanhoe Dry Times Truck, Tractor, Car and Bike Show is on again! It only happens once every two years so polish up your chrome and hit the road!

Ivanhoe is forming a car club, the Ivanhoe Historic Car Club. Founding members of the club are wanting to put the call out, for people to dust off their old vintage beauties sitting in their sheds, and join up.