Clarence and Richmond Valley businesses suffering in ongoing energy dispute: Williamson
Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson is urging the Minns Labor Government to step in and resolve the ongoing industrial dispute between the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the state’s major energy companies, which is heavily impacting local businesses across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys. Months of strike action by the ETU has delayed thousands of projects, including critical infrastructure such as housing and roadworks, while driving some businesses to the brink of bankruptcy.
Year 10 work experience
During the last week of Term 4 Nhill College had their Year 10s out on Work Experience. Students were placed in Adelaide, Bordertown, Kaniva, Nhill, Rainbow, Horsham, Bendigo, Ballarat and Melbourne.
How aerodrome expansion will create hundreds of jobs
A Sunshine Coast aerodrome that dates back to 1931 is set to soar into the future as a hub for aviation innovation, maintenance and advanced manufacturing. Caloundra Aerodrome, owned by Sunshine Coast Council, will be expanded with the development of an exciting new precinct called Caloundra Aerospace Park. There will be a range of lots available within the 6.3 hectare land release ...
NSW Government: “Significant progress made in improving health outcomes”
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park says progress is being made to improve healthcare in the bush. The NSW Government says it is demonstrating its commitment to improving healthcare in rural and regional communities by recruiting and retaining more health workers, offering greater financial assistance for patients, and providing support to sustain the primary care sector.
1,500 students look to the future with AgTech skills
Sean Cunningham. Agvision Yanco took place last week to promote agricultural careers to hundreds of students from throughout the Riverina-Murray region. It is the biggest regional NSW interactive event which promotes careers in agriculture.
Westbrook apprentice a finalist
MAKS Caravan Centre apprentice Zackary Tozer, from Westbrook, is a finalist at the 2024 TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech CSQ Apprentice Awards. The Apprentice Awards has run since 2018 and identifies top apprentices in a range of categories, with only 14 winners on the night out of more than 12,000 eligible apprentices, thanks to a raft of sponsors led by Construction Skills Queensland.
Nhill’s Ellie Murden wins GrainCorp’s Victoria Employee of the Year
At the recent GrainCorp awards, Nhill’s Ellie Murden was named Victoria’s Employee of the Year. GrainCorp praised Ellie for her outstanding performance as Site Manager, noting her dedication and ability to consistently exceed expectations ... Last harvest, Ellie helped the Nhill site break multiple records, including processing 19,000 tonnes in a single day.
‘Wood Work’ showcases career pathways in the ultimate renewable industry: Scriven
The State Government will invest $250,000, in partnership with the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) to launch a new forest and timber industries career campaign, titled ‘This Is Wood Work’. Wood Work is a powerful tool promoting the broad diversity of career pathways and job options within the forest and timber industries...
Navigating the Respect@Work legislation in rural and regional workplaces
Dr Skye Charry. In December 2023, Australia enacted significant amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), enforcing a new era of workplace responsibility. Under this reform, all business owners, regardless of size, are mandated to take ‘reasonable and proportionate measures’ to eliminate sexual harassment and related harm ... For rural and regional businesses, this presents unique challenges.
Money, money, money in the public servant’s world: McArthur
The Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement includes $300m one-off cost-of-living payments for public servants while Victorian families and businesses struggle with increased taxes and no sign of relief from cost-of-living pressures ... Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur said, "the $5600 cost-of-living bonus for all public servants is more than 7 per cent this year for an average employee!"
First local teaching students ready to graduate through Riverina Teaching Hub
The first students to complete their studies through the Riverina Teaching Hub pilot program were recognised at a graduation celebration in Wagga Wagga on Tuesday. The Riverina Teaching Hub was established in 2023 by the NSW Department of Education in partnership with UNSW Sydney to attract and retain local teachers. The model provides on-the-job training for aspiring teachers in local public schools while they study for their teaching degree.
Tough ride! Our Racheal joins the prestigious Racing SA Apprentice Academy
It’s been a tough ride, but Naracoorte’s Racheal Kraemer is not giving up. The 29-year-old has made it to the prestigious Racing SA Apprentice Academy, a journey filled with optimism, love, and passion to do something in life.
Character – the essence of a person – is revealed through actions not words
Turns out this year is a unique year for the world. Over half the global population will be going to the polls in over 60 countries to elect their next leader ... When it comes to voting, it gets down to a decision of character. Who you trust. It is the same when you are recruiting people.
New faces at the police station: meet Mauricio, Luke and Nick
Kimberly Grabham. Constable Mauricio Guimares, Constable Luke James and Sargeant Nick Moulds are the friendly new faces we can turn to when we need the help of the police ... All coming from different areas, they are enjoying the relaxed and quiet country life ... Brazil ... Ku-ring-gai ... Forster Tuncurry ...
Riverland trailblazer and talent awarded
Though only in the second year of her hairdressing apprenticeship, Riverland talent, Maiya Rice, has taken definitive steps in the Australian hair industry. Earlier this year Ms Rice, apprentice of Berri Salon Jarahs Hair, was named the Regional Cut and Colour Winner at the 2024 CURATE Awards.
Health falling behind
Joanna Tucker. Yorke Peninsula hospitals are falling behind the community’s expectations. That’s the grim outlook from Member for Narungga, Fraser Ellis. "The government is there to serve the community, and currently, I don’t think any hospital on YP is providing the services the community expects," Mr Ellis said.
Local doctors ‘no longer working’ at Wallaroo hospital
The Rural Doctors Association has joined calls for more funding and medical staff for Wallaroo hospital. RDA South Australia president Dr Bill Geyer said there were two major issues affecting the hospital. "Port Pirie seems to be favoured over Wallaroo Hospital, despite Wallaroo growing and Port Pirie shrinking," Dr Geyer said ...
McFarland goes down the path of a dual society
Don Fuller. In my view Blair McFarland’s policies are short on policy suggestions – besides they need more funding for the Basics Card. It is dependence on government to provide failing solutions again! There is no mention of the essential importance of education and the need for employment to reduce the devastating impact of a welfare-based society and how these vital areas can be improved.
Learning and Walking Together program: pathway to Defence Force careers
RAAF Base Wagga hosted the Learning and Walking Together program, a collaborative initiative between the Defence Work Experience Program (DWEP) and Riverina Pathways Engagement Officer Kyle Breust. This innovative overnight program provided 16 students from the Riverina region, including Narrandera, with an immersive experience in military life, career exploration within the Defence Force, and local cultural enrichment.
Wage boost for early  education welcomed by HCS
The announcement of a wage rise for early education workers has been welcomed by Hay Children’s Services. Hay Children’s Services General Manager Emily Perkins said the announcement is a positive one.
New report highlights backpackers vital to regions: NFF, ATEC, BYTAP
As the Federal Government gets to the pointy end of its Regional Migration Review, peak bodies for farmers, backpackers and tourism have released a new report highlighting the economic value of backpackers in the regions. The report by Aither was commissioned by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) and Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC).
Nurses rally for better pay and conditions to stop the exodus to Queensland
Cars didn’t stop tooting as they drove slowly by the nurses, midwives and other hospital staff protesting outside Lismore Base Hospital ... The rally was to highlight the need for a 15 per cent pay increase nurses say they deserve and for better conditions.
