Business

John Williams. Nhill was the halfway marker for outlandish speed records set in the 1950's by car drivers who took enormous risks. Risk of death and risk of arrest, but all survived. The test was who could drive from Melbourne to Adelaide in the fastest time in highly illegal speed runs on the Western and Dukes Highways, which at the time were rubbish roads.

It was a busy weekend for members of the Rotary Club of Nhill and the A&P Society with 107 cars and 350 crew from the Variety Bash visiting Nhill. The Rotary Club has been communicating and planning with event organisers for the past few months in readiness for the arrival of the 'Bash'.

A major milestone was reached for Roger McGrath and Gwenda Wall, when the first tree was planted in their intended beer garden recently. Pictured is Roger on the excavator, with Jason Wall and visiting tree expert Mr Lin guiding the tree into its new home.

Australian health promotion charity, Gotcha4Life Foundation, has today launched a powerful new podcast series centred on First Nations voices, exploring what truly shapes and sustains mental fitness – in culture, in community, and in individuals. The inaugural series is hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles and produced in partnership with award-winning Black Magic Woman podcast. 

The Riverland houseboat community will have access to critical maintenance services as part of a new partnership between Renmark Paringa Council and Smooth Flow Group. The Renmark dry dock, which had previously served large river vessels, will soon undergo preparatory works by Smooth Flow Group to allow the service and maintenance of smaller boats, delivering essential infrastructure to support the region's houseboat community.

South Australia has much to learn from New Zealand's trade and export strategy, says Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone. Mr Whetstone, also opposition spokesperson for trade and investment, recently made the trip overseas to meet with his New Zealand counterpart, who has committed to doubling NZ's export value within the next decade.

Today’s release of the August Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Monthly Commodity Update finds that widespread rain in late July marked a turning point for Australia’s winter cropping season. Recent falls have further reinforced production confidence in NSW, Qld and large parts of WA and growers in Victoria and South Australia have also been given a renewed shot at achieving average yields or better...

Fresh data from the Lake Tyrrell digital kiosk, installed in early June, reveals active visitor engagement throughout June 2025 – a time that traditionally sees a lull in regional tourism ... With around 260 interactions recorded and up to 68 unique users per week, the kiosk’s analytics offer a clear indicator that Sea Lake’s investment in art, storytelling and nighttime experiences is paying off.

In a time when big banks often feel distant from the communities they serve, Summerland Bank's proposed merger with Regional Australia Bank offers a refreshing alternative – one focused on mutual ownership, ethical banking, and a deep commitment to regional sustainability.

Yorke Peninsula National Trust of South Australia branches are refusing to pay a new fee which would take 10 per cent of their gross annual revenue, warning the move could force museums to close. Of the several YP branches protesting, the Moonta branch — one of the NTSA's largest — is facing a $47,365 fee, which chair Graham Hancock has called unfair.

Yorke Peninsula will come alive from August 15 to 24 when the GROUNDED YP Art Festival returns with more than 30 workshops, performances, events and exhibitions across the region ... "The festival enriches our arts and culture scene, supports local businesses, strengthens community pride and welcomes visitors to experience the beauty and hospitality of our region": Molly Flanagan-Sjoberg.

NT Hearing Services has developed a cutting-edge tool that combines AI-powered geospatial mapping with analytics to track the prevalence of ear conditions and hearing loss across 93 communities and outstations in the NT.

“Don’t talk to mining companies one-on-one. Don’t sign anything without a lawyer — not even an access agreement to your land.” This advice to landholders came from solicitor Belinda Rayment from the Environmental Defenders Office who was at a community meeting at Drake Hall on July 28 talking about mineral mining exploration licences.

This webinar explores the cutting-edge advancements in deep-cycling offshore seaweed mariculture, a “stellar technology” poised to revolutionise ocean regeneration and sustainable economies. Led by Dr. Brian von Herzen, Dr. Joseph Rauch, and Steve Hamilton, the session will delve into the automation, scaling, and commercialisation of these innovative platforms...

The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments have officially opened the Kimberley Cotton Gin in Kununurra, which is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs over the next decade in a new billion-dollar industry for the State's north ... The $60 million high-tech processing facility is owned by Kimberley Cotton Company...

Regional families and farmers are bearing the brunt of the Allan Labor Government’s Emergency Services Tax, with local councils forced to rip millions more from communities already struggling under the weight of rising living costs ... “In Benalla, ratepayers are now set to fork out 81 per cent more under this new tax. In Strathbogie, it’s even worse – a staggering 91 per cent increase,” Ms Cleeland said.

Warwick Credit Union has officially unveiled its new name - Darling Downs Bank. This marks an exciting new chapter for this long-standing regional financial institution. Established in Warwick in 1970, the customer owned bank has grown steadily across Southern Queensland…

A Living History Day to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic Auchmore Home, will be held at the Nullawil Heritage Centre on Sunday, August 17. Nullawil Historical Society members are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the day with an opportunity to "step back in time".

Solstice Energy has confirmed the closure of the compressed natural gas (CNG) network in Maldon, which currently services 79 residences and five businesses, saying this will ultimately reduce energy costs for those customers affected.

Julia Leonard. It looks like our last market for winter is going to be a sunny one. We are very pleased to have olive oil and free-range eggs on offer at our August market. Our new olive oil producer, Barfold Olives, are located near Redesdale.

The shopkeepers and gallerists of Maldon were in full flight as local ambassadors last weekend for an influx of visitors. Embracing the aesthetic of the Goldfields Gothic festival, the local retailers went all out with dark decor, coffin cookies, extravagant attire and glamorous gear.