Film had a profound effect
A compelling feature film that seeks to initiate and deepen conversations around mental health particularly within the agricultural community, was screened to nearly 100 people at the Corryong Youth Club Hall last Friday evening. Leila McDougall, scriptwriter, lead actress and co-producer of ‘Just a Farmer’ - based around the community of a farming family who lose husband and father to suicide - spoke afterwards...
Gannawarra Shire pushes hard on renewables
Around 70 people attended the Gannawarra Shire Council’s (GSC) renewable energy day. The day commenced in the Kerang Memorial Hall … According to the figure produced by Gannawarra Shire Council, 80 farming businesses are involved in energy projects…
Bangin’ good show
The 61st Barham Koondrook Show dodged the rain on Friday to put on two days of fun-filled action for the community. Thrilling rides, live music, great food and impressive displays enticed the crowds to brave the wind and menacing clouds for the first show of the new committee.
GrainCorp workers to down tools: AWU
Grain handlers at GrainCorp sites across NSW have voted to stop work as part of protected industrial action, said the Australian Workers’ Union which represents the workers. The 200+ workers will commence their action with a month of random 1 hour stoppages at grain handling sites throughout the state beginning next Tuesday the 29th.
Grazier shines at NSW Country Press Association awards night
The Riverine Grazier walked away with five awards at the 2024 Country Press NSW Annual Conference and Awards Dinner in Dubbo last week. Our commemorative edition celebrating the 150th anniversary of The Riverine Grazier was judged Best Special Publication...
Forum tackles aged care issues
The Hay Shire Council Aged Care Roundtable was held last Monday and was organised by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care Local Network. More than 25 people attended, representing Council, Haydays, Hay Multi-Purpose Service, and aged care providers and support services.
Ups and downs of Salena sale
Hugh Schuitemaker. A 5c on the dollar return for unsecured creditors of Salena Estate, in the wake of the winery’s sale, is "another devastating blow" for the Riverland wine industry according to senior local politicians. Salena Estate creditors last week approved a sale of the vineyards, winery properties and equipment to an entity associated with China’s Tianyu Wool.
A blooming proud history
Since the inaugural Grafton Jacaranda Festival was held in 1935 and attracted an estimated 4000 attendees to the region, it has become Australia’s foremost floral celebration … thousands of visitors from across the country and overseas journey to the Clarence Valley to share in the history of the time honoured annual festivity while immersing themselves amongst local attractions, characters, and traditions…
Natimuk hosts a vibrant weekend of art: Open studios, film, and cultural celebrations on November 2-3
This November 2-3, the charming town of Natimuk will transform into a hub of creativity with a series of exciting art events presented by local arts organisation ACT Natimuk. The Natimuk Open Studios Art Trail invites the public to explore local artists’ studios, engage with their work, and discover the diverse visual arts scene that Natimuk has to offer.
Consolidation a key driver of change in Australia’s wood processing sector: ABARES
The ABARES National Wood Processing Survey 2021–22 shows that in 2021-22 there were a total of 252 mills operating. This is a fall of 47 mills since 2016-17, continuing a downward trend in the number of sawmills operating over the past 30 years.
Support to get renewables right: NSW Farmers Association
The state’s peak farm body has welcomed news that independent advice and dispute resolution services will soon be available to farming families directly impacted by the state’s renewable energy transition ... NSW Farmers Energy Transition Taskforce Chair Reg Kidd said the support had come at a critical time for regional NSW as renewable energy projects continued to be approved at a rapid pace.
Ombudsman to provide advice and dispute resolution for community members hosting renewable energy: Sharpe
For the first time, the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW will provide impartial information and an external dispute resolution service to landholders and community members impacted by new major renewable energy transmission infrastructure and renewable energy infrastructure projects ... The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW will provide a ‘no wrong door’ referral service for residents ...
It’s Charlton Show Day
Jenny Pollard. ... Last Saturday’s Charlton Show was certainly blessed by the weather gods with perfect conditions for outdoor entertainment, especially after the previous day of heavy rain and wind. With big crowds in evidence, increased pavilion exhibits and some very positive feedback, by day’s end 2024 was shaping up to be a success story for the hard-working committee ... “As a youngster, Maddi’s commitment to the Show first started with her bringing along animals for the pet nursery ..."
Rosenthal Wines – A perfect blend of wine and friendship
There’s many elements that go into creating a good wine and it’s the winemaker’s job to blend them together to create the perfect drop. WA’s Rosenthal Wines’ winemakers are themselves a special blend because they’re not just winemakers and business partners - they’re also best friends. Coby Ladwig and Luke Eckersley first met 25 years ago when they were at Uni.
Generators arrive to remote towns in Far West
Emily McInerney. It was announced at midday Saturday ... that power has been restored, via generator, to customers living in rural areas outside of Broken Hill, after Essential Energy completed aerial inspections of the power network and confirmed it was safe to re-energise. More than 12,000 customers were impacted by unplanned outages following a storm that moved through the area on Wednesday night, bringing down transmission towers and causing damage to the electricity network.
Albury to Illabo to enter construction phase: Inland Rail
The Albury to Illabo (A2I) section of Inland Rail will enter the construction phase after the project received NSW Government planning approval on Friday. The approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is a significant milestone, and opens the way for construction to begin in 2025.
One raft sank, and the pirates won as West of the Range Regatta makes a big splash
The first regatta in 30 years made a splash on the Clarence River ... The West of the Range Regatta had four pubs competing with handmade rafts. The rafters had to paddle from Dave Ross’s place up the Clarence River, pass under the bridge and land at Tabulam.
Report on how insurers responded to flood claims is disappointing, MP says
Federal MP Kevin Hogan is disappointed the inquiry into how insurers dealt with flood claims has resulted in more red tape. The Federal Government has released its final report and recommendations for the inquiry into insurers’ responses to 2022 major flood claims.
Friendly Ford fanatics
Main Street Maldon was treated to an informal parade of early Ford Falcons on Saturday, as a stream of gleaming colour glided through town. The 23rd Early Falcon Nationals, an Australia-wide classic car enthusiasts club event, took place over the weekend in Bendigo with a day drive to Maldon for lunch.
Norco celebrates three award wins at the 2024 Northern Rivers Business Awards
Norco Co-operative, Australia’s largest and oldest dairy co-operative has been recognised for its vital role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and contributing to the overall wellbeing of the Northern Rivers Region at the 2024 Northern Rivers Business Awards. Previously winning the Excellence in Large Business Award for three consecutive years, this year Norco, for the first time, received the prestigious Business of the Year accolade…
Building connections through gardens: Hundreds flock to Charlton Open Day
Jenny Pollard. “Life is better in the garden”. How many gardeners would agree with that?! From the attendance at last Sunday’s North Central Garden Club’s (NCGC) Charlton Open Gardens Day, the lure of that precious space you call your own resonates with a lot of people!
The race to meeting renewable energy targets should not come at any cost: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation is urging the Victorian Government to safeguard the state’s most strategically significant agricultural land from renewable energy development. VFF President Emma Germano said the transition to renewable energy can’t come at the cost of losing the state’s most valuable farmland.

