Movement at the station”¦
Viv Markham. Many thanks to VGR volunteer Brendan Barry, who took this photo recently of the self-propelled Bluebird (but coloured red!) diesel rail car being loaded up to leave the yards at the Maldon railway station ... The bogies from the Bluebird will be used during the restoration of a very special carriage: the Mount Lofty Pullman car.
NFF responds to Agriculture Ministers’ meeting
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture, signed off by agriculture ministers at their meeting in Perth on 13 July 2023. Farmers have expressed concerns however over the proposed implementation of new poultry standards, and a lack of tangible progress on other issues placing pressure on the sector.
Bonza pens an open letter to customers to announce its refreshed route map
Bonza has shared an open letter to customers communicating changes it will be making in order to “earn the respect of Aussie travellers”. The letter, shared on the airline’s social media channels, outlines changes to its route map and schedule that are designed to set the airline up for long-term success and reduce the likelihood of cancellations.
New renewable energy landholder toolkit available to support Queensland landholder: QFF
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has released a new toolkit to provide information and practical guidance for landholders considering hosting a renewable energy project on their property. ... “There is much for a landholder to consider before entering into an agreement. It is also important for landholders to understand that they can say no to hosting a wind or solar farm development...": QFF CEO Jo Sheppard.
Good times in the saddle
From Nobby to Westbrook and everywhere in between, locals ventured out west last Saturday for the first ever Pittsworth Pro Rodeo. The rodeo was a raging success, with more than 3,500 people through the gates and top class action as well as local juniors delighting an all-ages crowd.
More firefighters needed for region
Forest Fire Management (FFMVic) is looking for people across north east Victoria who are keen to work outdoors, learn new skills and help protect the community and the environment. Applications are now open for project firefighter roles across 18 locations including Corryong, Tallangatta, Mitta Mitta, Alexandra, Marysville, Toolangi, Broadford, King-lake, Benalla, Mansfield, Wangaratta, Yarrawonga, Nathalia, Shepparton, Beechworth, Bright, Ovens and Mount Beauty.
Covid vaxx discrimination Bill deadline extended
The reporting time for the Covid-19 Vaccination Status (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill 2022 and the Fair Work Amendment (Prohibiting Covid-19 Vaccine Discrimination) Bill 2023 has been extended to August 25, 2023. On February 9, 2023, the Senate referred to the committee with the bill’s intention to prohibit the commonwealth, states and territories and other government and non-government entities from discriminating on the basis of whether a person has had a Covid-19 vaccination in the provision of goods, services and facilities and also in employment, education, accommodation and sport, and amend the Fair Work Act 2009 by adding Covid-19 vaccination status as an attribute protected from discrimination.
Controversial skywalk now taking shape
Narrandera's Lake Talbot skywalk is now taking shape, with vehicle and pedestrian access within the Lake Talbot swimming pool carpark and stairway to the boat ramp closed in both directions last week to allow further works on the project. The design features a fully accessible walkway that extends some 13 metres out over and above the waters of Lake Talbot...
Queensland’s seminal First Nations celebration opens today: CIAF
For the next four days, Cairns will move to a vibrant, artistic, and cultural beat celebrating the rich traditions, creativity, and contemporary talent of Queensland’s First Nations peoples at the 14th annual, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), 13 to 16 July 2023 ... Also taking a cue from this year’s curatorial theme is CIAF’s new-look, two-day Symposium that will be held on Friday 14 July and Saturday 15 July at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre...
Warwick NAB branch temporary closure
NAB has told local customers that it intends to close its Warwick branch for about two months from Tuesday 25th July ... NAB has indicated that the renovations at the Warwick branch are being made in response to changes in the way its customers are doing their banking. Editors note - Maybe these changes are forced upon customers due to NAB closing local branches. No wonder more people are banking with the Warwick Credit Union.
Glenreagh Timber Festival – the family friendly festival
The Glenreagh Timber Festival is back on Saturday July 29, from 9am – 4.30pm at the Glenreagh Recreational Reserve. Step back in time and discover the rich history of Glenreagh, nestled in the stunning Gumbaynggirr country.
AirPhysio launches a range of respiratory health products in the UAE
AirPhysio is an Australian Made and Owned Medical Device manufacturer based in the Northern Rivers of NSW ... AirPhysio has expanded from 5 countries in January 2021 to 106 countries in the past 2 years, they decided to enter the Middle East through Arab Health in January 2022, bringing home l75 leads from over 25 countries..
Moody’s upgrades Western Australia to AAA credit rating: Cook, Saffioti
Moody's Investors Service has upgraded Western Australia's credit rating to AAA, with a 'stable' outlook ... The upgrade means Western Australia is now the only State or Territory with a AAA credit rating from both major international ratings agencies, and one of a very small number of jurisdictions globally with such a rating.
Expectations smashed as more than 70,000 use Rail Trail in first four months
Data released by Tweed Shire Council shows more than 70,500 people have used the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) since its opening four months ago, smashing prior expectations. The figures released were calculated using data retrieved from counters strategically placed along the 24 km length of the Tweed section of the NRRT, which runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek.
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 .
Australia to strengthen grip as the largest sheepmeat exporter as flock reaches highest level since 2007: MLA
This year, Australia’s sheep flock and its breeding ewe numbers reached their highest levels since 2007 at 78.75 million and 46.14 million head respectively, according to the latest Sheep Projections update from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) ... Carcase weights in 2023 will remain 7% above the 10-year average.
Information sharing at TCV meeting
Jenny Pollard. A crowd in excess of 100 people turned out for the Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) information meeting held at Charlton Park last Wednesday evening. TCV is a recently formed company tasked with the "early works" stage of planning the Victorian section of the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) transmission line project.
Statement on EU free trade negotiations: NFF
Tony Mahar. Australian negotiators must continue to hold the line to ensure a fair and commercially meaningful deal with the EU. This was always going to be a tough negotiation. Fair access to the EU market is something the farm sector has sought for decades.
A horse walks into a bar ”¦
Carl and Marcy Agnew have been publicans at the Dog n Bull Hotel in Bonalbo for almost a year ... No one told him about the Bonalbo Bonanza Campdraft tradition. The one where the horses come into the pub.
Council can’t tell us how to run our businesses – stock agents
Stock agent Darren Perkins from George & Fuhrmann has said the agents will not sign Richmond Valley Council’s agreements to let them sell cattle through the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange. “Council is saying they’re not backing down. We agents are not going to sign the agreements, we are not backing down and if we have to, we will send cattle to other centres – even if it takes till Christmas,” Mr Perkins said.
Nexus Airlines set to take to the skies!
Nexus Airlines will take its inaugural flight on Monday 10 July when it departs Geraldton Airport at 10.20am to commence the first commercial flights on the expanded Inter Regional Flight Network ... With bases in Geraldton and Broome, Nexus Airlines is Western Australia’s newest truly regional airline, offering residents, local businesses, and visitors increased travel opportunities with reliable, affordable, and consistent air services between the Mid-West, Pilbara, and Kimberley.
Milestone sugar shipment headed to the UK: Canegrowers
Australia’s first raw sugar shipment to the United Kingdom under the new Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) was loaded in Townsville on 10 July 2023, opening an important new market for the Queensland sugar industry. Under the new agreement, which came into place on 31 May 2023, tariff-free raw sugar exports to the UK have resumed for the first time in 50 years...
