Big numbers don’t guarantee grains value capture: Grain Producers Australia
New forecasting showing record Australian grain production numbers – despite impacts of severe weather and flooding during a delayed and disrupted harvest – makes good news for today’s papers. However, Grain Producers Australia says the headline numbers mask some serious structural issues faced by growers on the ground, which impact productivity and need to be urgently addressed.
Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland dazzles
Since its inception, Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland has welcomed over one million visitors and has returned over $1.32 million back to the local community through its beneficiaries. This year is its 20th year of bringing the joy of Christmas to the young and young-at-heart across the Toowoomba region.
Marjory sets the record straight on meat smoker
Eighty-three year-old Narrandera woman Marjory Longford has set the record straight on the origin of an unusual 19th century meat smoker that has been preserved at Griffith’s Pioneer Park Museum ... The smoker is made from a hollow log cemented to the ground and connected to an underground tunnel three metres long, which leads to a firebox smoker ... it came from her grandmother’s farm near Bringagee Station.
Animal protein producers and processors must pivot in 2023 to secure future: global Rabobank outlook
Animal protein producers and processors face an “inflection point” with a need to respond to structural changes in the market even with production levels and prices likely to remain elevated next year, according to a new report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank.
Dinosaur Trails symposium attracts world experts
Two of the world’s leading palaeontologists along with scientific researchers and educators have gathered to discuss the importance of the Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail in Inverloch ... "It is a true legacy project for Council to be at the forefront of creating a world class tourism experience that celebrates the work of scientists, volunteers and the international significance of polar dinosaurs to the Australian Continent": Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan.
Tri-rrific event makes a splash in Yamba
Emma Pritchard. Beneath clear skies and amidst perfect summer conditions at Whiting Beach, 440 competitors put their stamina, strength, and endurance to the test on December 3 and 4, when they participated in the 2022 Yamba Triathlon. A popular local multisport competition which consists of swimming, cycling, and running over various distances, the event attracted triathletes from across the country ...
Horticulture calls for meaningful discussion following passing of Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill: Growcom
Peak industry body for Queensland horticulture, Growcom is calling on the federal government to engage in genuine and meaningful discussion after the passing of the new Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 so industry can understand how it will be implemented. Growcom CEO Rachel Chambers said when discussing a Bill called ‘secure jobs, better pay’ you need to have the business owners, the people who create the jobs for employees, around the table. Without employers there is no employment.
New release – The Complete Trip in a Van Guide to Australia
Plan the trip of a lifetime with expert advice and a full itinerary from Australia's most popular travelling family. In the seven years since the 'Trip In A Van' family set off on their first adventure, they've covered tens of thousands of kilometres and become Australia's most popular travelling family.
New release – Great Australian Places
Australia's master storyteller takes us all around the country, uncovering tales of unsolved crimes, early exploration and military exploits, fascinating natural phenomena and iconic destinations.
A bumper year for agriculture despite flooding: ABARES
“Crops in Western Australia and South Australia benefitted the most from spring conditions, with total production in both states forecast to reach new record levels. Total production in Queensland is forecast to reach the second highest on record, despite parts of the Darling Downs missing out on plantings after being impacted by the floods. In other parts of the country, the results are mixed with both flooding and water-logging impacting winter crop production": Jared Greenvillle, ABARES.
Boats torn to shreds by sudden off-shore storm
Sarah Martin. Seasoned sailors have warned of the importance of remote telecommunications and being prepared following a freak storm that left dozens of yachts damaged at Lizard Island. Watson’s Bay, a popular anchorage on the northern side of Lizard Island and home to some of the world’s most pristine reefs, had about 25 vessels anchored when a freak storm with winds over 100km/h burst in from the north.
Time to brush up on your first aid as snake season slithers closer: AMA (NSW)
The first of December marks the start of summer, as well as onset of snake season. As temperatures rise, AMA (NSW) is warning residents to look out for venomous snakes and refresh your knowledge of snake bite first aid.
Devils Thumb cane spirit wins best in category trophy at inaugural awards
A spirited collaboration between Devils Thumb Distillery and Far Northern Milling has culminated in Best Cane Spirit (sugarcane juice) at the inaugural 2022 Australian Rum Awards held in Brisbane this month ... Dependent on proximity to the raw ingredient of sugar cane juice gives Australian Cane Spirit a distinctive quality and means Far North Queensland’s Devils Thumb is uniquely placed to produce cane spirit which in other countries is known as Agricole (Martinique) or Cachaça (South America).
Surprise visit a win for Longridge
Chris Oldfield. Following an unannounced site visit by the national Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission assessors, Naracoorte’s community owned and managed aged care home Longridge has been awarded the maximum accreditation period of three years. The impromptu visit by the assessors meant that none of the management, staff or residents knew when Longridge was being assessed until “about two minutes” before auditors walked in the door.
Limestone Coast Producer Directory launches call for Limestone Coast food and beverage businesses to be included in new regional directory
The Limestone Coast Food and Agribusiness Cluster is connecting food and beverage businesses, buyers and consumers across the Limestone Coast with the release of a new online directory for the region. The Limestone Coast Producer Directory is a new interactive tool to connect food and beverage suppliers with consumers and an important tool for retailers, buyers, wholesalers, chefs, caterers, tourism operators and regional events to discover and promote local business and boost awareness of the incredible range and quality of producers in the region.
The debacle of Ansett flying boat, Pacific Chieftain
On the evening of 2nd of July 1963, Pacific Chieftain was moored overnight - just south of Blackburn Island - when a gale snapped its mooring and the aircraft was washed up near Windy Point.
Summerland Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon Festival, Kyogle, 21 January 2023
Not long to go now until the fantastic, fun-filled Summerland Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon Festival. Spread the word to family and friends over Christmas. It’s going to be an action-packed day to enjoy for the whole family. Displays of giant pumpkins, watermelons and various other gigantic vegetables.
Jason a finalist in Rural Practitioner of the Year awards
Prominent local lawyer Jason Goode, of local law firm Farrell Goode, has been named a finalist in the NSW Law Society’s prestigious Rural Practitioner of the Year award in recognition of his tireless support of this region. Mr Goode, who is joint president of the Riverina Law Society and a member of the society’s rural issues committee, has spent the past 30 years working to bring much-needed attention to the issues that are unique to this area.
Iluka Ambulance Station officially opened
Emma Pritchard. Following a hard-fought campaign which stretched across five-and-a-half years and included a petition with over 11000 signatures, overwhelming community support, and plenty of lobbying by Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, members of the Iluka Ambulance Action Group and Iluka Bowling Club proudly stood alongside Clarence Valley residents and visiting dignitaries on November 26 to celebrate a significant milestone.
Greetings from Allora businesses
More window displays are popping up in local businesses. Take a tour down the main street.
South Australian Wooden Boat Festival, Alexandrina Cove, April 2023
The South Australian Wooden Boat Festival (SAWBF) will be sailing into new territory for the April 2023 Festival, with Coorong Quays hosting the two-day event at the Alexandrina Cove Lifestyle Village, Hindmarsh Island. This biennial occasion will showcase the finest wooden boats from our region and beyond.
Ryan’s death aged 3 put better hospital care in our REACH
Ryan Saunders died in hospital. He was nearly three years old. His parents were worried he was getting worse and didn’t feel their concerns were being acted upon by medical staff. They were right ... When Ryan’s death was found to have been preventable, the Queensland Department of Health made a commitment to introduce a patient escalation process to minimise the possibility of a similar event occurring. It is called Ryan’s Rule.
