Business

Australian pulse production is expected to reach historically-high levels this season, as growers capitalise on strong international demand, particularly from India – a major consumer of chickpeas and lentils ... RaboResearch general manager Australia and New Zealand Stefan Vogel said the 2024/25 Australian pulse harvest … is expected to exceed last year’s volumes, due to a higher area planted and despite dry seasonal conditions in some growing areas.

...camping will be free at all 131 of Parks Victoria’s paid campgrounds from 1 December 2024 until 30 June 2025 – saving families $7.3 million in booking fees ... all campers have free access to every campground across the state – including the popular Tidal River in Wilson’s Promontory, where fees are currently $40.70 a night.

From the refreshing bursts of sweet-tart juice in the pomegranate’s jewel-like arils to the juicy, flavorful flesh of the red bayberry, these fruits are true treasures, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Despite their delightful flavour and immense health benefits, both industries are still in their infancy.

Over the past 20 years, RFDS has operated across more than 300 airstrips throughout Far West and Western NSW. Some of these, such as the service's regular clinic airstrips, are part of routine flights, whilst others are access in emergency situations. With so many airstrips available to the RFDS, it is crucial they maintain up-to-date information for each location.

On the back of last week’s storms, Powercor has announced a plan to strengthen the power network against more frequent and extreme weather events ... A $3.3 billion plan to deliver a stronger power network to better withstand extreme weather, support more electric vehicles and enhance reliability in regional areas has been unveiled by electricity distributor Powercor...

Preventing injuries, accidents, bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct while at work will be a focus this month - National Safe Work Month ... Although some people have died while working in their own businesses, helping to keep employees safe in the workplace is behind recent reforms to work health and safety laws. SA Industrial Relations Minister Kyam Maher announced the “significant reforms” ...

Ima Volunteer. Donald’s biggest two-day event is here, and these members of the Donald Show committee are at the showgrounds to administer the action-packed program throughout today and tomorrow. At their office close to the junction of Borung Highway and Mill Street, the ladies are happy to deal with all enquiries, and to reward those whose entries in the Show Schedule’s multiple sections have won recognition from the judges.

Following the passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) Bill 2023 through the House of Representatives, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is once again warning Parliamentarians of the Bill’s consequences on thousands of family farms and small businesses.  

The RM Equestrian Centre at Hodgson Vale conducted its first 2 Star One Day Event during the long weekend, attracting riders from a wide area ... Previously the venue has hosted only 1 Star Eventing. Organiser Jo Williams said the event drew 140 riders to Hodgson Vale.

Sean Cunningham. A crowd of about 1000 helped make the annual Lockhart Picnic Race Club meeting a day to remember ... The Fashions on the Field once again proved popular and added a splash of colour … Tumbarumba trainer Mont Waters combined with his daughter Emily to win this year’s running of the Lockhart Verandah Town Cup.

The Snowy Valleys region is set to become an even better destination for electric vehicle (EV) owners with the installation of ten public EV charging stations. Snowy Hydro is supporting Snowy Valleys Council (SVC) to install and maintain the new charging stations which will be strategically located in Khancoban, Adelong, Talbingo, Tumbarumba and Tumut.

Honor Auchinleck. "Why wasn’t this done years ago? We need to get the Light Horse Trail into our schools," someone said as we delivered Chauvel Border Light Horse Trail brochures to the Visitor Information Centre in Gundagai ... The Trail runs from the Light Horse Memorial in the New South Wales regional capital of Wagga Wagga to the statue of Brigadier Murray Bourchier CMG DSO in Victoria’s regional capital of Shepparton.

Serena Kirby. Denmark GP Dr Alex Sleeman knows first hand how life can change in an instant. He suffered serious injuries last month when his tractor rolled and pinned him underneath while working on his Peace Street property ... Speaking from his bed in Royal Perth Hospital’s spinal unit, Alex said he was lucky to be alive.

In an effort to raise much needed funds, the Guy Fawkes Heritage Association is opening its doors at the Ebor Sports and Recreation Grounds for their 20th anniversary on Saturday 12 October ... The Open Day will commence at 10am and see activities such as camp oven cooking by Ranger Nick, who will also facilitate a hands-on damper making workshop for the kids. There will be market stalls, whip cracking, Guy Fawkes Heritage Horse Challenge and conclude with a concert, featuring country music singer James Blundell.

Serena Kirby. The Denmark St John community transport service capabilities have expanded with the recent purchase of a second vehicle. Established in late 2018 to transport residents to non-urgent medical, hospital and allied health appointments, the service has made more than 2700 trips around Denmark and Albany ... “We have nearly 20 volunteer drivers on the roster and all hold a first aid certificate but more importantly they all have a strong desire to help others and enjoy meeting and talking to people”: Yvonne Hortin, Service coordinator.

Records tumbled at the 2024 Good Old Days Festival as teamsters from around the nation brought out the biggest horse, camel and bullock teams ever seen in modern Australia. The teamsters also excelled themselves with creating a world first – four bullocks, two camels and two horses harnessed together and pulling a wagon.

The 115th Corryong Show went off with a bang on Saturday with spectators coming from near and far to experience the Upper Murray on display. There were pony rides, inflatable fun, sideshows, reptile demonstrations, motorbike demonstrations, face painting … The fireworks are always a crowd favourite with this year being one of the most colourful displays yet.

Clarence Valley residents who are fed up with banks and governments can now leave them behind and trade in Bitcoin after two of the Cryptocurrency Automatic Teller Machines ATMS were installed at Service Stations at South Grafton and Yamba recently. Bitcoin is a decentralised digital payment system and currency invented in 2009, making it the world’s oldest and most well-known cryptocurrency...

Sebastian Calderon. Increases in attendance and number of exhibitors were among the highlights from a successful 104th edition of the Loxton Show. More than 8000 people walked through the gates to experience the two-day event held over the long weekend, food and market stalls and a range of competition entries on display.

Virtual reality is set to revolutionise Australia’s $24 billion forestry industry by training workers risk-free, remotely, and much faster. A VR immersive training tool developed by the University of South Australia with the support of the Green Triangle Forest Industry Hub is also expected to save the industry millions of dollars in the long term.

Following the adoption of the Central Goldfields Food Systems Roadmap in September, the Central Goldfields Food Network will reconvene to lead its implementation.