Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

The biannual cluBarham Rock by the River Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival attracted 250 attendees from local and interstate to enjoy four days of live music and dancing ... The four days of entertainment were complemented by dancing lessons and the opportunity to buy the perfect attire or pair of swanky shoes to complement one’s moves on the dance floor.

As the industrial sprawl of green energy marches across the government-identified Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), Gannawarra Shire Councillor Garner Smith has renewed his call for negotiating lasting benefits from the VNI West project and renewable developments for Gannawarra residents. “Personally, I do not see an overall long-term benefit for communities like Gannawarra, out of either the VNI West power line or the renewable projects. Little to no long-term employment, unattractive infrastructure on a scale that the community does not comprehend and a benefits package that lacks detail and sounds more like welfare than an opportunity.

Working on the land, Moulamein farmer Nick McKindlay found farming gave him a great opportunity to explore his passion for birds. "As a farmer, I spend most of the workday outdoors, and my passion for birds has naturally woven itself into my daily activities," said Nick.

Barham’s brand-new multispecies abattoir will soon begin processing as rectification works near completion. The multi-million dollar co-operative-owned investment will ensure that local growers have access to timely, humane slaughter of their animals.

As the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) continue to change the rules in their favour, irrigation communities are proposing a dramatic change that aims to benefit food producers and Australia’s largest irrigator, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.

Koondrook has taken out bronze in the 2024 Victoria Tourism Industry Council Top Tourism Town Awards. Our idyllic Murray locality was one of nine towns recognised across three categories in the awards; Koondrook competing for the Top Tiny Town award against five finalists, with Timboon taking out the win.