Cotton truck fires keep emergency service busy
Emergency services have been kept on alert, responding to cotton truck fires in the region. On Thursday local crews attended a fire on the Cobb Highway, adjacent to Hay Airport, where a truck carrying cotton modules caught alight.
A thousand lives lived: the chameleon Sean Griffiths
The boy who left Hay all those years ago has travelled further than most people could imagine - not just geographically, but through depths of human experience that would break many people ... At 80 metres below the surface, hand-feeding apex predators with a failing heart, he's found something that eluded him for decades; peace.
“Turner & Australia” exhibition captivates crowds
The Turner & Australia exhibition at Gippsland Art Gallery has entered its second month and continues to deliver on expectations, drawing steady and growing numbers of visitors from across the region and beyond. Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the exhibition as “transcendental,” “superbly presented,” and “a major exhibition as good as you would see at the NGV.”
Staying connected when there’s no tower in sight
Picture this: you're out checking the back paddock, kilometres from the nearest mobile tower, when your phone buzzes with a text message. Not from a satellite phone or special device, but from your regular iPhone or Samsung, somehow managing to reach up to space and back down to deliver that simple "all good here" message ...
Final decision on Fox Coal mineral development licence application: Frecklington
The Crisafulli Government has rejected Fox Coal’s application to develop a proposed coal mine in the Bundaberg region. The Attorney-General found the application was not in the public interest after a full assessment.
Beautiful bounty by the roadside: Somerton Farm roadside produce stall
Good news for small-scale growers is that there’s been a surge in the popularity of roadside produce stalls in recent years as more people seek-out fresh, seasonal produce that’s locally grown. This model of direct-to-customer selling lets consumers actually see where their food comes from, while also bypassing the middle man.
We’re chuffed — WaterNSW gives interim licence for fishing club to operate Bells Bay
There’s been movement on the stalemate between WaterNSW and Kyogle Fishing Club with a formal interim licence to be issued next week. The gates to Bells Bay Campground are still locked despite initial reports they would be opened last Wednesday, July 9.
Record numbers for 2025 Somerset Rail Trail Classic
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail was a buzz of excitement on Sunday morning, 13 July with perfect weather and record numbers at the 22nd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic. Somerset Regional Council’s 2025 event broke the 2021 record with 978 registrations across categories – the 3km and 8km walk or run, and the 20km and 44km bike rides.
Long term success the focus of wine sector report: Collins
The Albanese Labor Government acknowledges the release of Dr Craig Emerson’s independent impact analysis of trade and competition dynamics in the grape and wine sector. The report, released today by Wine Australia, examines fair trading, competitive relationships, contracting practices and risk allocation between grape growers, winemakers and retailers.
Trump’s tariffs don’t affect prices at Show cattle sale
Local stock agent Steve Gaff says the price at the Alice Springs Show cattle sale was much the same as last year or a little better. The Donald Trump tariffs "had no effect at all," probably because the Australian market is affected in a different way – 10 per cent tariffs – compared to other countries.
Keys of Gold illuminates regional Victoria’s musical heritage
This July, the inaugural Keys of Gold festival invites audiences on a month-long exploration of Central Victoria’s rich musical tapestry. Presented by Bendigo Fine Music, the festival offers 10 concerts across 7 historic venues in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Inglewood, and Maldon...
Invest in small batch mobile olive processor
Small scale olive growers often struggle to harvest the minimum amount for processing by commercial contractors, so Bendigo-based The Long Road Olive Co-op is looking to solve this problem by purchasing a mobile processing line. A steering committee, driven by community advocate and passionate olive oil producer Ceilidh Meo, is forming the co-operative to foster community benefits for both olive producers and consumers.
New tourism campaign calls on locals: “YOU” are the reason
A new campaign is calling on locals across the Grampians and Wimmera Mallee to help support the region's bushfire recovery by doing something simple but powerful – inviting their friends and family to visit. Launched on July 6, the YOU campaign reminds locals that, sometimes, the most impactful thing you can do is extend a personal invitation.
Foundation gift to homestead
Last Week The Allora Homestead was presented with a syringe driver by Rod Kelly on behalf of the Belinda McGowan Foundation. Syringe drivers are small battery-powered pumps that deliver a steady flow of medication through a small tube just under the skin.
Blooming success for 41st Queensland Garden Show in Nambour: Powell
Now in its 41st year, the Queensland Garden Show is a four-day celebration of all things gardening. This year the Queensland Garden Show will feature Chef Ambassadors in the Cooks Garden Stage – helping to promote the Curated Plate Festival to be held this month on the Sunshine Coast.
Steelworks administration benefiting community
Mayor Phill Stone and Whyalla City Council CEO Justin Commons met with steelworks and mining administrators KordaMentha at this week’s OneWhyalla community meeting, receiving an update on the administration process and the flow-on benefits it’s providing for the local community.
Supply Nation releases pioneering new research on Indigenous businesses
Supply Nation today releases new research and data on Indigenous businesses and their contribution to Closing the Gap targets. The Sleeping Giant Rises report confirms that Indigenous-owned businesses are generating significant economic and social value to the Australian economy.
Six leadership lessons we can learn from Aboriginal culture
Aboriginal leadership—rooted in custodianship, deep listening, and collective wisdom—offers timeless lessons for today’s complex world. If we want to lead with integrity and impact, we must lead differently.
Fashion with purpose – Look & Listen commands the catwalk in Cairns for the 16th iteration of CIAF
Amid the industrial pillars and heritage charm of Tanks Arts Centre’s Tank 5, the CIAF 2025 fashion performance Look & Listen made an unforgettable debut, transforming the historic space into a runway of resistance, expression, and unapologetic cultural pride.
Real time tracking of on-farm fatalities and injuries across Australia now available: AgriFutures Australia
The first real-time dashboard for tracking on-farm fatalities and injuries has launched, giving journalists, farm safety advocates, researchers and the farming community early insights into where and how agricultural incidents are occurring. Developed by AgHealth Australia as part of the Ag Safety Data Net project, the Rural Media Farm Injury Dashboard draws on live media reports…
Katter calls for State to back piston-engine helicopters in disaster response: Katter
Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter, is calling for urgent reform to Queensland’s disaster management policy to formally recognise and financially support the vital role of piston-engine helicopters—particularly during major fire and flood emergencies in rural and remote communities.
Too many compromises says Cr
Patricia Gill. Shire councillor Aaron Wiggins described the approval of 15 tiny cabins on Raintree Estate as 'too many compromises' without getting the best result for the community. Cr Wiggins moved the motion to approve the development 'en bloc' of five separate lots, at the June 24 Denmark Shire Council meeting. Though he moved the motion, he was against it.
