Group rejects “poultry corridor”
The Castlemaine–Maryborough Rail Trail (CMRT) committee released a statement on Wednesday 13 August confirming it had lodged a formal objection with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) opposing the planned development of a broiler farm at 705 Baringhup Road, Carisbrook. A case is being heard at VCAT after the property owner applied for a review...
What does ‘dry’ really mean?
Peter Christen. The crispness of winter mornings has well and truly arrived at Panacea Estate ... It's during these tastings that I'm often reminded how confusing wine language can be—especially one of the most misunderstood words of all: dry...
Historical engines and machinery: Wedderburn Society prepares for rally
The Wedderburn Historical Engine and Machinery Society is busy getting ready for its annual rally. The rally is held over two days and welcomes exhibitors from all over Victoria and Interstate.
Sharp’s Bakery triumphs – again!
Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip has once again claimed top honours at the prestigious Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph, held in Merbein on Saturday. The family-run bakery is no stranger to success, having now won the title six times since their first win in 2000.
Farmers say “no!”
Hundreds of farmers at Marnoo today are telling the Victorian Labor Government they do not want VNI West, they do not want WRL and they don't want their farmland made into renewable infrastructure," said Dr Anne Webster MP, Member for Mallee and Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government, Territories and Regional Communications.
Recently restored Carr’s Lookout worth a visit
One of Southern Downs most iconic scenic vistas has been elevated, with Carr's Lookout undergoing a major restoration that enhances accessibility, safety and the region's tourism charm. Perched just outside Killarney and offering sweeping views of Mt Superbus, the lookout has long been a go-to stop for both locals and visitors, and it's ready to impress again.
Making the most of our offshore energy potential: Bowen
The Albanese Government is supporting the emerging offshore renewable industry to develop new technology and unlock the sector’s full potential. Today we are releasing new guidance to help developers, researchers, scientists and other interested parties apply for Research and Demonstration licences in declared offshore zones, establishing a home for offshore renewables research, as well as commercial generation projects. Â
Bong Bong Picnic Races, 21 November 2025
There’s something magical about the Bong Bong Picnic Race Day—a spirited blend of heritage, heart, and high-stakes fun that draws crowds from across the Highlands and beyond. This year, the beloved event is galloping into exciting new territory, with fresh features that promise to make Race Day 2025 the most memorable yet.
Australian grain fed beef sector reaches new heights: ALFA
Australia’s grain fed beef sector continues its strong growth trajectory, with the number of cattle on feed reaching 1.58 million head and national feedlot capacity reaching a record 1.7 million head, according to the June 2025 quarterly feedlot survey released by the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).
Walsh pleads for DEECA to repeat 2024 Barmah firewood collection
The Nationals Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh is appealing to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to repeat its public firewood collection from Barmah Forest in September last year. Mr Walsh said that day saw thousands of tonnes of flood-damaged timber made available to hundreds of locals for heating and, in some cases, cooking.
Community backs hospital protest
"People in our region have stopped calling 000 altogether, instead driving loved ones with seizures, chest pain or trauma to hospital themselves because they simply do not believe an ambulance will get there in time. Directly because of this lack of beds, we have seen elderly patients from Corryong discharged from Albury Wodonga Health in the middle of the night with no transport, no money and no plan": Stan Stavros, Better Border Health.
Police driving home road user awareness
The Queensland Police Service is reminding road users of their shared responsibility in helping to reduce the number of lives lost on local roads as part of this year's Queensland Road Safety Week. This year has been one of the worst in living memory for the local area, with crashes at Greenmount, Cambooya, Vale View and Wyreema tragically claiming lives.
Businesses urged to prepare for FOGO waste mandates
The Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) hosted an informative presentation in Lockhart last week, focusing on the impacts of the new FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) waste mandates for businesses.
Look what’s popped up!
Serena Kirby. The eagerly-awaited community piano has arrived in Denmark. The pre-loved piano was donated to the Denmark community earlier this year as part of the ABC's nationwide Pop-Up Piano Project.
Financial year 2025 delivers historic highs for Australian beef, lamb and mutton production: MLA
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the latest statistics on livestock slaughtered and red meat production, which according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has confirmed a historic period for the red meat sector. Financial year 2024-2025 has seen beef production reach an all-time high, lamb slaughter maintained near-record levels, and mutton throughput surging to its highest volume since 2007.
Chickenpox alert for region
A Chickenpox alert has been issued for the Northern Rivers region after several cases of the viral infection, which can reappear as Shingles, were detected at local hospitals. Chickenpox is a viral illness caused by the herpes zoster virus, and it was very common until routine vaccination began in November 2005.
Push for four day working week
The push for a four-day working week will be discussed an Economic Reform Roundtable this week as support from unions to deliver improved productivity under the model grows. The Economic Reform Roundtable to be held from at Parliament House from August 19 to 21.
Brodie and Beatrice are stepping up
Madison Eastmon. Two Riverland firefighters are preparing to ascend 28 floors of Melbourne's Crown Metropol Hotel next month, with the charity climb to raise funds for crisis support services and cancer research … SA Barmera Country Fire Service (CFS) members Brodie Batty, and Beatrice Walladge, will soon be making the trek to the 12th Annual Firefighter Stair Climb…
New hub a community legacy
Christine Webster. The completion of the $4.6m Waikerie Riverfront Community Hub was celebrated with a Grand Opening at the venue on Saturday, attended by about 100 people. Waikerie Football Club president Brendan Sidhu officially welcomed those who attended the event, including Barker MP Tony Pasin, Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone, and Elizabeth MP Lee Odenwalder...
Huey helicopter visits Hay
A restored Huey helicopter visited Hay last week. Crewed by two veterans of the Vietnam War, the RAAF Huey 703 flew 1000 kilometres from Nowra to the Yorke Peninsula to mark the launch of a memorial walk. The Vietnam War Memorial Walk at Edithburgh will open next Monday, on Vietnam Veterans Day...
It’s time to act: Protecting our coastline is no longer optional
The Hon. Nick McBride. The recent storms that hit areas of the Limestone Coast have again laid bare the urgent threat of coastal erosion in the region. With every storm, we lose more of our coastline—along with the infrastructure, tourism, and natural environment it supports ... They reflect a growing crisis that short-term fixes like sand replenishment or rock walls can no longer solve.
Mobile tower confusion
Of 27 mobile phone towers planned for the South East, Telstra only ever earmarked two for the Naracoorte Lucindale Council area, with parts of districts like Callendale, Spence and others remaining without services. As Telstra, since 2011, is a private company with service obligations to rural and regional people, the council opted following a 6-4 vote - not to put $140,185 of ratepayer funds into the telco giant’s project.

