Ground broken at new Toowoomba Hospital
Construction of the new Toowoomba Hospital at the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus in Cranley is officially underway.The ceremonial sod turning event was held last Friday and was attended by politicians and health department figures.
McBride supports bid for local contractors
A $2400 work order to fix a broken tap at a local school reflects how a State Government system is open for dishonest behaviour. Independent Member for MacKillop Nick McBride also described how difficult it was for local contractors to be approved as capable of doing even minor government work at schools.
Dubai Chamber and AACCI MoU
Recently, Australia's trade relationship with the Middle East strengthened by the establishment of an MOU between the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Dubai Chamber and the launch of the Dubai Chamber office in Sydney, Australia. This is testament to the strong collaboration and opportunity to strengthen future collaboration between Australia and the Middle East, with a hub in Dubai.
Art trail routed
Murray River Council’s ‘River Country Art Trail’ detoured leaving Bunnaloo, Caldwell and Wakool not available for inclusion. MRC stated that whilst the silos were initially earmarked for inclusion in the $1.7 million trail, Bunnaloo, Wakool and Caldwell are not eligible for use under GrainCorp’s new Silo Art Policy.
A clip above the rest: Unveiling Australia’s shearing heritage at Shear Outback
Hay, New South Wales, is a small town basks in the golden glow of the outback summer sun. It is a community whose history is deeply intertwined with the iconic figure of the Australian shearer. Here, amidst the vast sheep stations and dusty plains, lies Shear Outback...
The Forest Wars – review and response
Mark Poynter, a fellow of the Institute of Foresters of Australia (now Forestry Australia) reviews The Forest Wars. The author, Professor David Lindenmayer, responds ... "The Forest Wars purports to portray the ‘ugly truth’ about what happens in wood production forests": Poynter ... "As I point out in the book there are some key problems with the industry": Lindenmayer.
From cosy pop-up shop to bustling bookstore in Narrandera
Books on East started as a small popup bookstore during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and has since expanded into a swiftly growing bookstore. The store recently underwent an exciting new expansion as their customer base and the demand for more stock warranted a larger space.
IGA for the win!
Put your head down with hard work and determination, and you will reap the rewards. That is precisely what Melanie and Glenn Faul of Barham IGA decided to do when they purchased IGA (formerly known as Murray Goulburn) 12 years ago.
Northern Grampians Shire Council concern with VNI West Geotech drilling communication and council’s role in renewable energy developments
Field surveys along the proposed VNI West draft corridor have begun, with Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) initiating a Geotech drilling program in Northern Grampians Shire in May. Drilling was halted in early May and is due to restart on 13 May. According to documents provided to the public, the Geotech drilling program will assist TCV to develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental factors such as flora and fauna, as well as geological characteristics within the area.
Careers day 2024
On the 8th April students from Wilcannia Central School and St Therese’s Mission School were given the opportunity to meet with employers and training organisations, be informed about careers and discover practical ways to engage in immediate and future career opportunities at the Wilcannia Career Expo.
Local participant in the stone conservation course
Mark Curry has just completed the Heritage conservation skills course and been awarded a certificate. In this course he has learnt about Stone conservation, breathable paints, lime mortar technology, solid rendering and re-pointing, The class of 14 participants have transformed the upper facade of the Pirie Chambers building in Argent Street Broken Hill.
Maari Ma Health Centre opens
In a fitting opening, two local residents cut the ribbon to declare the new $9m Maari Ma Aboriginal Health Care building officially opened. Shirely Evans and Ngearie Cattermole cut the ribbon and then the cake ... With the holistic concept of the centre, Maari Ma is providing culturally appropriate health services.
New app for Australian Silo Art
Kaniva & District Progress Association were delighted to be invited to help test the Australian Silo Art App last month. The app has just been released to the general public and is available at the App store. KDPA's Helen Hobbs said, "Similar to WikiCamps, it uses your location to show all nearby Silo Art, along with community contributed public art information."
Nhill’s solar farm takes the next step
The first stage of construction at the Nhill Renewable Energy Facility is due to begin in May 2024. GWMWater awarded a contract to Next Generation Electrical for the works. The facility is GWMWater’s first venture into large scale energy generation with direct connection into the local electricity grid.
Great balls of protein: CSIRO turns red meat into nutritious powder
Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is adding value to the beef sector, turning red meat into a highly nutritious powder to give an allergen-free protein boost to snacks and beverages, targeting a $3.8 billion health and wellness market opportunity. Taste testings of the innovation are on offer at Beef 2024 in Rockhampton this week, as CSIRO unveils its Just Meat protein powder...
Senate Inquiry confirms unconscionable treatment of growers by big supermarkets and Bunnings: NFF Horticulture Council
The NFF Horticulture Council ... welcomed the report by the Senate Select Committee on Supermarket Prices, which reveals the true cost of supermarket power and exploitative behaviour being borne by both Australian households and the national horticulture industry. Chair of the Council Jolyon Burnett said ... there has been shock at the evidence of widespread appalling treatment of fresh produce suppliers.
Statement on Supermarkets Senate Inquiry findings: NFF
We welcome ... release of Select Committee on Supermarket Prices final report. This inquiry has been an important opportunity to shine a light on the challenges being faced by many Australian producers.
Housing hopes rise
Sarah Herrmann. Farming land on the eastern edge of Kadina is expected to be transformed into hundreds of homes with "generous block sizes" in coming years after rezoning was finalised by the state government last week ... State Planning Minister Nick Champion said ... the privately led rezoning — the about 28 hectare land parcel has been owned by a company called Lasopail since 1996 — will help the town grow in a considered and measured way.
Environment Effects Statement required
TCV (Transmission Company Victoria). The Victorian Minister for Planning has confirmed that Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is required to prepare an Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the VNI West project ... In her reasons for the decision under the Environment Effects Act 1978, the Minister noted that the EES process would provide a “robust, integrated and transparent assessment through which the potential environmental effects can be rigorously assessed”.
Labor’s electric ute price shock for Mallee farmers and tradies: Webster
Labor’s Electric Vehicle dream will cost Mallee farmers and tradies looking for their next work ute, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says. The world’s top selling electric ute, the Ford F-150 Lightning, is now available in Australia from an eye watering $224,990.
Being liked v being respected – The leadership dilemma
It is interesting watching politicians balancing the leadership tightrope of being liked versus being respected. To get initially elected they must appeal to their constituents and be liked. Then over time, they must become respected – as this is what ensures long-term tenure. Credibility is the foundation of leadership.
The war made dairy retail cultureless
In one city, the cost of milk is double! Buyers are outraged. And sellers set the prices they want. Yet the law prohibits making a trade markup on milk of more than 10 per cent. All this happens not only because of violation of the law. Another reason is the lack of a food consumption culture.
