First Nations online briefing: CRC TiME
Join us on February 23 for a First Nations online briefing, which is tailored for First Nations people and organisations, as well as people working to support First Nations inclusion in mine closure and post-mine transitions.
Silence is acceptance
Silence in leadership is never neutral — when issues, standards, or confusion go unaddressed, people interpret that quiet as permission.
What does the rail lease actually require?
This is yet another instalment in my running theme: the State rail debacle. A saga of privatisation, monopoly infrastructure, and governments that appear to have misplaced both the keys and the contract. Twenty-five years after Western Australia leased out its freight rail network, one basic question still has no straight answer: what does the Brookfield/Arc lease actually require?
Is the glass ceiling still a thing? Mia Davies (fmr Nats poly) gives us her thoughts and touches on her life in Politics, plus...
A great episode today! All of the usual stuff, your regional news with Fiona L Fox from ARR.News, your weekly farming weather with the BOM, plus former Nats politician Mia Davies drops by and shares some details of her life post being in the media eye everyday, and she gives us her family recipe for Cassata from her family country cookbook.
Extreme weather and strong dollar create mixed new year fortunes for Australian agriculture: Bendigo Bank
Extreme weather, the rising Aussie dollar and fluctuating global demand have driven a complex start to the year for Australian agriculture, Bendigo Bank’s Agribusiness Insights team outline. Key insights from the latest Commodity Update include Pressure on producers as extreme weather impacts livestock, damages infrastructure...
Local farming family named finalist in national awards
Caitlin Menadue. Minlaton's Michael and Rebecca Thompson have been named finalists in a national cropping award recognising excellence in Australian agriculture. The recognition places the Yorke Peninsula pair among some of the country’s leading producers, with winners to be announced at a gala ceremony in Melbourne on February 13.
Biggest four years ever for our exports: Szakacs
South Australia has officially experienced its strongest four years on record for international trade, with latest ABS stats revealing our state’s exporters have sold an additional $21 billion worth of local goods to the world since 2022 ... Each calendar year within this period has eclipsed the pre-2022 record of $13.1 billion by more than $3 billion, with 2023, 2024 and 2025 each exceeding $17 billion.
2026 co-pilots in the fight for fairer regional skies: RCA, AAA
Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) and the Australian Airports Association (AAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets out an agreement to work together to advocate for fairer airfares, stronger connectivity and more sustainable airports across regional Australia.
Vytelle launched commercial, cost-effective cattle methane monitoring at CattleCon
Vytelle last week announced the commercial release of Vytelle SENSEâ„¢ Methane, a methane phenotyping system that costs a fraction of available systems and enables concurrent measurement of intake and sustainability. The technology was featured at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association CattleCon in Nashville on February 3, where producers saw live demonstrations.
Government must not trade away Australian farmers: NFF
As negotiations take place in Brussels this week for an Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement, Australia’s peak farm body welcomes comments by Trade Minister Don Farrell that the deal hinges on securing a better deal for Australian Agriculture ... National Farmers’ Federation President Hamish McIntyre said Australian farmers would hold the Minister to these comments against a growing fear that Australian agriculture is about to be traded away.
100 per cent for the families: how a ‘Redneck’ idea raised $4.38 million for Country Hope
How Tammy and Gavin Gilbert turned a simple idea into $4.38 million for Country Hope, and why, ten years on, it's still going strong. It started with a conversation. Gavin Gilbert had been on a couple of car rallies, loved them, genuinely loved them, but something about the way they were set up nagged at him ...
President’s welcome to the 148th Annual Allora Show
Carol Lyall. On behalf of the Allora Show Society, I warmly invite our community and visitors to join us for the 148th Allora Show this February. Each year, our Show brings people together to celebrate the best of country life, and in 2026 we are excited to welcome you to a Show that honours tradition while delivering an unforgettable experience from day into night.
Australia’s Oyster Coast expands farming footprint with Far South Coast acquisition
Australia’s Oyster Coast (AOC) has commenced 2026 with positive momentum, announcing the acquisition of an oyster farm at Pambula on the NSW Far South Coast. The purchase deepens the company’s geographic footprint, strengthens its Rock Oyster supply capability and reinforces its position as Australia’s largest Sydney Rock Oyster producer.
Abstract submissions now open for the 18th National Rural Health Conference: NRHA
The Alliance is pleased to kick off 2026 by announcing that abstract submissions are now open for the 18th National Rural Health Conference, to be held 14–16 September 2026 in Adelaide (Tarntanya).Â
$7 billion pumped hydro projects declared critical for NSW: Sharpe, Scully, Jackson
Two multi-billion-dollar renewable energy projects with the potential to power over 1 million homes in peak demand have been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) by the Minns Labor Government ... $3.5 billion Western Sydney Pumped Hydro Project at Lake Burragorang is a ZEN Energy ... $3.6 billion Yarrabin (Phoenix) Pumped Hydro Project near Mudgee is a ACEN Australia project ... Both projects, are in the early planning stages and are located on WaterNSW land.
New passion powering local favourite
With a new year comes change, and one of the exciting changes that came to Donald was the new ownership for popular eatery Spud's Cafe. Kieran White and Julie Robinson are stepping into business owner shoes, with all the excitement and anticipation that follows.
Helping regional shows thrive and connect communities: Spence
Victoria’s regional shows celebrate the heart of their communities, showcasing everything from fresh produce and handmade craft, making them a must visit destination throughout the vibrant spring and summer seasons. The program supports projects and activities promoting agriculture, improving infrastructure and upgrading amenities for community use during annual agricultural shows and events...
Vanadium royalty relief a win for regional jobs, emerging industries: Michael, Sanderson
Vanadium miners will be afforded significant royalty relief with the Cook Government delivering a major election commitment which will support Western Australia's resources industry and help the State's economy remain the strongest in the nation. From today, a 2.5 per cent royalty rate will apply to vanadium products in a move to incentivise production of the critical mineral in WA and encourage its emerging vanadium battery industry.
2026 Saleyards Australia Canteen of the Year announced
Saleyards Australia has today announced The Mustering Yard Cafe at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange as the 2026 Saleyards Australia Canteen of the Year ...
Inverleigh Dachshund Derby, 1 March 2026
Get ready for big excitement on little legs at the Inverleigh Dachshund Derby! This much-loved local event brings a whole lot of joy—and a fair bit of chaos—as dozens of determined sausage dogs line up to sprint, wobble and occasionally wander their way toward the finish line.
Business spotlight – Nhill Post Office
Nhill's Licensed Post Office is welcoming customers under new ownership, offering a broad range of postal, travel and retail services for the local community. Along with everyday post office services, the Nhill Licensed Post Office provides passport lodgements and photos, foreign exchange, travel cards, travel insurance and complete travel solutions, as well as TattsLotto services.
A last chance to save iconic Riverland festival – Bloom or doom
Madison Eastmond. Numerous new volunteer faces are needed at tonight's Riverland Rose and Garden Festival emergency meeting, in order to save the event from complete collapse. While the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival has been cancelled for 2026, organisers are encouraging locals to attend an emergency meeting ... "The facts still remain, if we don't get more members on the committee, particularly someone stepping into the role of chair, we won't be able to go ahead," former festival chair Michelle Dominic said.

