And the winner”¦
…of the 2023 Logie for the best lifestyle series is - Channel Nine’s Travel Guides! Which meant that Maldon locals Janetta Stones and Kevin Moloney not only strolled the red carpet at the recent Logie Awards ceremony in Sydney recently. They also joined their fellow travellers onstage to accept the award. Well done, seasoned travellers!
Facebook a ‘war zone’ as toxic school debate rages
Patricia Gill. A Denmark counselling psychologist calls on people to choose their words carefully in the Lions Club and Kwoorabup Nature School dispute ... Community discord has mounted while the Lions Club called an electors’ meeting for Tuesday, August 1, to overturn the Denmark Shire Council’s decision on April 18 to terminate their lease at a Reserve in the Heritage Precinct.
‘When the house is empty’ planning next shoot
Narrandera film director Tim Hills and his crew of 47 are working hard to bring together their second lot of filming for ‘When the house is empty'... "We’ve got about eight to 12 weeks to really get the next winter shoot sorted out because its outside and you can’t fake it… it’s just better to still shoot in the real seasons": Narrandera film director Tim Hills.
Dreams do come true
With Year 12 students soon to begin their university applications, we thought we’d take a look at the success of one of Kerang’s former students, Glenn Thomas ... is a graphic designer in Melbourne, and he shared his graphic design journey with us, proving that kids from the country can chase and realise their dreams.
Half-a-century in journalism
Shane O’Shea. After a long and very enjoyable fifty-one-and-a-half-year association with the "Buloke Times" (formerly the "Donald Times" and "Donald-Birchip Times"), I have made the difficult decision to retire, which came into effect as of June 30. I first joined the staff of the then "Donald Times" as a 16 -year-old, after completing Form 4 at Donald High School .
Filming to start in Narrandera
Following on from films shot in the area over the last several years, Backyard Ashes, Stakes, The Merger and the short Inside Water, another production is once again making its way to country NSW, this time in Narrandera. The feature film, "When The House Is Empty" directed by Timothy Hills, is being shot in Sydney and Brisbane as well as the Narrandera area.
Ministry of Truth
The government regulator, ACMA, could soon have more powers under a proposed misinformation and disinformation bill put forth by the Albanese Government ... According to the bill, misinformation is defined as information that is false, misleading or deceptive. The devil will be in the detail and how the new laws, if passed, are enacted. During the recent Covid-19 pandemic, governments around the world conspired with tech giants to remove, suppress and even deplatform the accounts of experts whose views differed from the government line.
Premier backs ‘vital’ regional newspapers
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has described regional newspapers as ‘absolutely vital’ and as the ‘lifeblood of their communities’ before offering to help ensure that a larger share of the Queensland state government advertising budget be directed at communicating with regional Queenslanders through independent regional newspapers.
For the love of lyrics
Renowned printmaker and Castlemaine-based artist David Frazer identifies with rock n’ roll. He even tried to be a musician before realising his strengths were more in fine art than music ... he’s created a very small run of handmade books titled More than Flesh and Bone featuring his signature wood engraved prints inspired by the lyrics of three of his favourite Tom Waits songs.
New Alice film: Kindness triumphs over misery
Two friends, one white, one black. Two film makers, one white, one black. A couple more than 30 years together, one white, one black. Signs of hope for Alice Springs at a time when there isn’t much. The film maker is Penny McDonald and her co-producer is Audrey Napanangka, who also gives the new movie her name.
Narrandera’s own Jordan Bryon wins British Academy film award
Jordan Bryon has won a British Academy Film Award for the documentary ‘Children of The Taliban’. The documentary follows the lives of four children growing up in Kabul under Taliban rule and was recognised for the unique story telling as well as for its cinematography.
Movie-making returns
"When the House is Empty" is the working title of an upcoming community initiated feature movie being shot on location in Narrandera with the future intention of creating a small film school in the town ... It is the story of a young woman who resides in the city but inherits a house from her father in a small country town.
Nhill’s radio daze
John Williams. The Nhill Free Press predicted in 1922 that one day all homes would have a wireless set. But would Nhill ever have its own wireless station? ... What you might call Nhill’s first local radio station was 3HS which was based in Horsham and began broadcasting in 1933 ... 3YB toured the country towns in mobile studios that included an A-model Ford and a railway carriage.
Spirit FM parties with community to celebrate 18th year
The Narrandera District Community Radio Spirit FM hosted a wonderful community celebration at the Narrandera Golf Club and Function Centre ... to celebrate its 18th year of broadcasting in 2023 ... Spokesperson for Spirit FM, Sue Ruffles commented that the organisation of the party provided an opportunity to delve into some history of the station which has not previously been captured.
Mayor Tiley gags himself after radio interviews
Clarence Valley Council Mayor Ian Tiley says he will no longer discuss council meetings in radio interviews after admitting he disclosed confidential information in two separate interviews in December. Addressing the February Clarence Valley Council meeting, Cr Tiley said a code of conduct complaint had been made about disclosures he made about passenger services for Grafton Regional Airport.
TDT Editor has to get a second job at Council
Well the ABC came a-knocking yesterday, asking Yours Truly about my new role at Barkly Regional Council ... yes I am indeed the new Media and Communications Officer at Barkly Regional Council.
Westpac’s deception by omission will not be forgotten
I’m sure there will be beers all round tonight for the Westpac communications team who managed to flip the bird at six federal senators this week and pull off one of the most stunning PR subterfuges I have ever witnessed. It was stunning for the range of those who fell into the trap and the breadth of media who picked up and reported the story without question – from the senators themselves to seasoned journalists in national newsrooms.
Go for launch
Nestled in our backyard, the popular Backroads Trail launched a new podcast last week sharing the stories of farmers, community members, artists and business owners. The six-part series titled ‘The Backroads Trail Podcast’ explores the origins of the Backroads Trail, which includes 22 attractions covering Echuca-Moama, Womboota, Bunnaloo, Barham-Koondrook, Caldwell, Deniliquin and Mathoura.
Five policy interventions that would support local and regional news
Claire Stuchbery. If Government is serious about supporting media diversity and public interest journalism to address the news deserts that have emerged across Australia, it needs to clear a path for locally produced news to build sustainability.
Country Hour in Benjeroop
ABC rural reporter Angus Verley was on location last Friday, January 20 in the flood ravaged Benjeroop area ... “We haven’t been flooded out in 100 years but we’ve been flooded out twice in 13 years,” Mr Schultz told Mr Verley. “Something’s not quite right and that’s what we have got to get to the bottom of.”
NLC votes 6-3 in favour of The News
Chris Oldfield. The new Naracoorte Lucindale Council has voted 6-3 in favour of supporting this newspaper, The News. Its decision follows a motion by Cr Cameron Grundy, seconded by Cr Trevor Rayner ... It called on the council to treat The News and another outlet identically, including all paid advertising, all media releases and all photo opportunities regarding news items and visitors. The motion also says: “Furthermore, council representatives are required to respond to requests from media within 24 hours.”
Lord Howe in the media
Explore TV ... Trevor Cochrane and the crew of Guru Productions filmed an entire episode on Lord Howe Island ... The crew had a great time on the island in early October meeting local businesses and constantly finding more stories to include in the show ... Melissa Leong ... Australian Traveller ... Qantas Magazine ...

