Council reaffirms support for HESC
Latrobe City Council has reaffirmed its strong support for the Japanese hydrogen HESC project, stressing the vital role it can play in the Latrobe Valley’s economic future, after a visit to the proponent’s industry hub in Japan. “The visit was successful in reinforcing the support from Latrobe City to be a hub for hydrogen manufacturing and the HESC project... "
Emissions from local power stations decreased
Emissions from Latrobe Valley brown coal power stations have fallen in the past year, continuing the trend of the past five and 10 years, the latest release of data from the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) has found. Mercury emissions from the Valley's power stations fell ... noxious oxide emissions were down ... These results continued a long-term decline in Victorian emissions.
State government sitting on a gold mine
Miners and small prospectors fear that the state government's study into the future of Gippsland's forests could lock up swathes of forest and shackle mining as a driver of local economic growth and jobs. Both the Minerals Council of Australia and the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria (PMAV) are critical of mining's inability to have a say in the process.
Pivotal moment for Moringa production in Australia and New Zealand: AgriFutures Australia
The world has witnessed a surge in interest surrounding superfood Moringa oleifera, a fast-growing tree known for its extraordinary nutritional benefits. Almost every part of the moringa tree, from its high-protein green leaves to its seed oil, is edible and packed with essential nutrients.
Goodbye to bottle shop cops?
Bottle shop cops may be replaced by unarmed officers from another department while the Mayor, an ardent supporter of the Point of Sale Intervention (POSI) provided by the police, declines to comment. He will also not discuss his claims that the recent curfew was a success.
Council shame – Relief as stand-off resolved: TasFarmers
Tasmania's peak body for farmers welcomes the announcement of critical drought relief feed shipments from Victoria to farmers on King Island via the Port of Welshpool. President Ian Sauer commends the Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Jane Howlett, Minister for Primary Industry and Water, and the Premier's department for resolving the stand-off with the Colac Otway Shire Council.
Wild Petals transforms former bank building and brings a new shop to town
The 1887 former bank building in Barker Street, Casino has been given a new lease of life with the opening of Wild Petals Market – a home decor gift shop ... Karen and Dieter Mayer bought the imposing building to house a shop for their daughter Maddy Mayer.
MDMA, art and nature to be used in trial for flood disaster trauma
New research on how to treat people with PTSD brought on by the 2022 floods was announced at Southern Cross University in Lismore ... Leading the research is Professor James Bennett-Levy ... The research project has many ‘firsts’ in its approach.
Deadly Hair Dude crowned small business champion
Hairy locals in Tennant Creek praised the follicle gods last week when the Deadly Hair Dude returned with his trusty scissors. Owned by hairdresser Gary Strachan, the Deadly Hair Dude provides the town’s only hairdressing service on a visiting basis.
ASIC orders stop to centrepay at urban rampage stores
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has ordered that Coral Coast Distributors (Cairns) Pty Ltd can no longer sign-up customers into Centrepay credit arrangements in its Urban Rampage stores.
Vital tourism
Is Naracoorte-Lucindale District a competitive tourism destination, and are we doing enough to leverage from the region’s visitor economy? Tourism is critical to the region’s growth ... According to the Naracoorte Visitor Information Centre, 1738 tourists visited the district in the first two months of the year, with the majority being interstate and intrastate guests.
Stop press
Mark Blythe. In the best Melbourne Truth fashion, grab ‘em with a killer headline, then let them down slowly. What really happened was, as usual on the weekend of the All British Rally, Maldon was chuffed to have its annual ‘impromptu bike show’.
Alpaca your bags for some furry fun – National Alpaca Week is here
National Alpaca Week kicks off on May 4th with a host of celebrations including open farm days, Mother’s Day picnics and educational programs for kids. The week serves to educate, entertain, and bring awareness to the alpaca industry, while promoting the production and use of high-quality alpaca fleece this winter season.
Transport subsidies vs live export: Geoff Pearson
Geoff Pearson. Two weeks ago 300 farmers from across the South West convened an urgent drought meeting to address what is one of the driest seasons experienced in living memory across what is traditionally the wettest part of Western Australia. It’s at times like these that the State and Federal governments need to step up and support farmers to rectify where they have made things worse through past policy mistakes.
Back-to-back-to-back: SA only state growing exports: Szakacs
South Australia is the only state in the nation to grow its exports according to latest trade stats as trade with China continues to soar – up nearly 40 per cent year-on-year. The state’s merchandise exports reached $17.7 billion in the year to March 2024, growing by 2.8 per cent, against a nationwide decrease of 10 per cent over the same period.
Getting life into death right
Wayne Hawthorne. “It's your life and your death – get your words right and the process right” was the message Naracoorte Men’s Probus Club learnt recently. The talk was about “ACD’s” (Advanced Care Directives) which, in 2014 replaced the old Enduring Guardian Power of Attorney ... Brian Gepp spoke of his experience caring for his wife with progressively worsening dementia.
Is Robbs coming back to rob WA farmers?
Robbs coming back to rob you, that’s Robbs jetty for those who weren’t born long enough ago to recall the smell of rotting hides at Cockburn. Those born even longer ago will recall the endless strife of the WA state-run meatworks that were a bastion of union bastardry. Why are they coming back? Well, the Federal government has committed Australia to borrowing billions of dollars off countries that are not handicapping themselves with mad Green left anti-fossil fuel regulations (think China and the Middle East) to invest in the Future Made in Australia program.
Happy 25th birthday!
The Community Bank Maldon & District held a party on Bank Corner last Wednesday afternoon to celebrate 25 years of service. From the ages of eight to 80 (and beyond!), a keen crowd came together to enjoy some music, a snag courtesy of the Maldon Golf Club and an ice cream or two.
Bonza Aviation Pty Ltd (Administrators appointed)
Richard Albarran, Kathleen Vouris, Brent Kijurina and Cameron Shaw were appointed Administrators of the Company on 30 April 2024 pursuant to Section 436A of the Corporations Act 2001 ("the Act") by a resolution of the directors of the Company. The purpose of the appointment of an Administrator is to allow an independent insolvency practitioner to take control of the Company during which creditors' claims are put on hold.
New resource collates Aus Ag sustainability legislation & regulation: Australian Farm Institute
A new database has been launched to provide people working in Australian agriculture a clearer view of compliance expectations regarding sustainability and ESG activities. The Sustainability-related Regulations Database (SR-Database) provides information on current Australian legislation and regulation relevant to the sustainability of the agricultural industry.
Bhullar Group’s new facility promises job growth in Narrandera
Despite a few setbacks, the Bhullar Group is set to officially resume their business in Narrandera next month, promising more job opportunities for the town. The group, which specialises in metals and steel, welded beams, pre-fabricated steel and steel processing, also delivers highly skilled labour to the Australian industry through the Bhullar Industrial Training Division.
Fabulous Feast
The weather gods were pleased with the sacrifices for Barham’s inaugural Feast! 21 degrees at 9pm in April is a miracle, and the patrons rejoiced, delighting in local produce and live music! Over 100 people filled the beautifully arranged setting from event company Mack and Mills on the boardwalk.

