Council votes to revisit its shed policy
"Why do we have a shed policy?" The question was asked by Cr John Perry at last month's Hay Shire Council meeting when he objected to a Development Application for a shed outside of the policy guidelines. "We're opening a Pandora's Box," he said.
Council chasing water
Funding is being sought for Council to undertake test bores to identify a suitable ground water source for Hay. Council currently draws water from the Murrumbidgee River, but fears there could be a major risk on the water supply should the river water become unavailable or unsuitable.
Grazier takes out national award
An article by Krista Schade described as a powerful and courageous piece of journalism has won a national award. Australia’s largest association of independent news publishers acknowledged the very best of the best at the Country Press Australia national awards in Adelaide last month, with The Riverine Grazier story, Explosive Allegations winning the Best Story category.
Karate kid Dean takes gold
Not quite a teenager yet, Dean Skinner of Booroorban and former Hay Public School student, fought his way at the weekend to take first place in the teens/adults division of the All Stars Martial Arts Academy's continuous karate sparring tournament.
The story behind the WWI handkerchief
A handkerchief issued during the First World War has made its way to Hay, in pristine condition. It belongs to Brian Cunningham of Gunbar who initially offered it to the War Memorial in Canberra, but decided to keep it in the family ... Brian’s handkerchief appears to be rather rare as no one has seen this particular design before.
Hay at the forefront of evolutionary pool safety
Hay Shire Council has embraced evolutionary AI to take the new John Houston Memorial Pool to the next level of drowning prevention with advanced pool safety.
Gold for Comfort Inn Bishop’s Lodge
Comfort Inn Bishop’s Lodge in South Hay has been recognised among top performers in the Choice Hotels Asia-Pac 2024 Gold Awards for its outstanding performance and dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Comfort Inn Bishop’s Lodge is among a select group of 20 hotels across Australia and New Zealand to receive an accolade.
“Hands off our church!” Booligal’s Anglican congregation vows to fight for their historic church building
The community of Booligal provided the money to build St Alban’s Anglican Church in 1899 with the help of a bequest, and have maintained it for more than a century. Now the Diocese wants to sell it and there are fears the meticulously kept building could become a hunting lodge for pig shooters.
Shirley our top citizen
Shirley Hajek is a household name throughout Hay Shire and a popular selection for the 2025 Citizen of the Year ... An emotional Shirley accepted her award from Australia Day Ambassador, Susie Elelman AM during the traditional breakfast ceremony at Hay Gaol Museum on Sunday.
Debt-free pool – $8M project fully funded
The replacement pool and facilities at the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool will be constructed free of debt to Council and at minimal cost to ratepayers. The $8.067 million project received a further boost of $4.191 million last week following Council’s successful funding application under Round 2 of the Growing Regions Program.

