Business

Farmsafe Australia ... launched its 2025 National Farm Safety Week campaign, centred around the theme “Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You’ll Get?” with a national call to action: if you’ve had a near miss on farm, don’t just move on; learn from it, share it safely, and use it to protect those around you.

INEOS Automotive has announced a new partnership with independent charity, Rural Aid, that is set to bolster the organisation’s critical support capability in regional Australia ... Through the partnership, INEOS will offer financial assistance and provide a fleet of nine (9) of its Quartermaster utes to Rural Aid’s counsellors and disaster support personnel...

New University of South Australia research is providing evidence of biological triggers of oil production in oats, a discovery that will help processing and potentially drive further demand for Australian-grown oats ... In this study, two contemporary varieties of oats were examined using spatial imaging techniques to track oil build-up during grain development.

Ervin Janek presents over 100 small wooden portraits of friends, family, and community members. The series began in response to the tremendous goodwill that he experienced after devastating loss from the Cudlee Creek fires.

It’s here again! After another year of dedicated planning and hard work, the Flower and Garden Committee has once again delivered an engaging and educational event. With generous support from sponsors, key speakers, and community partners, the committee continues to grow the event’s impact and appeal each year.

Battle-ground engagement raged in Charlton last weekend, but it was more bonhomie than bloodshed as the 5th Mallee Melee unfolded at the Charlton RSL Clubrooms … the miniature wargaming weekend – likened by one participant to "chess on steroids" – saw visitors from Berwick, Nunawading and the Mornington Peninsula gear up for a weekend of the Napoleonic "General d’ Armee 2 Campaign Game".

Apple growers from across Australia will now have access to the Chinese market after the finalisation of a new trade market access deal between the two countries. During his visit to the People’s Republic of China for the Annual Leaders’ Meeting, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Li Qiang witnessed the ceremonial signing of the deal. 

Birchip’s long-running steel fabrication business, Mallee Steel, has entered a new chapter, with former apprentice Blair Hogan taking over the business from inaugural and long-serving owner Robert "Cozo" Cozens. Blair said, "Customers won’t notice any major changes to how Mallee Steel operates. It’s still Mallee Steel, running the same as always; same name, same quality work".

The Inspire Festival, a collaboration between the Shire of Ashburton and Rio Tinto, will bring a week of activations and events for all ages. Starting off with the 2025 Ashburton Art Awards Exhibition, followed by a culinary experience under the Pilbara stars with a degustation by Fervor, Ladies Night and then the final hoorah...Inspire Festival at the Village Green!

As the housing crisis hits our community hard, the appeal of the Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) has risen. The My Home Network Tiny Homes On Wheels working group have developed a confidential survey ... to improve appropriate uptake of THOW as affordable housing in our Shire and elsewhere.

As excitement grows for the opening of Maldon’s Porcupine Village tourist attraction, the managers are looking forward to sharing the results of their hard work and they have surprises in store for future visitors. Managers Doug and Deb Baird have been toiling for four years developing, renovating and documenting in order to bring the passion project to life...

There was a blue sky, low temperatures and a cool breeze for Cairn Curran Sailing Club on Saturday 6 July, when this glorious photo was taken. The reservoir was aflutter with local sails for its Winter Series Club Race, which also included members of the Impulse Sailing Association who were visiting for a two-day training session.

Rockhampton River Festival is set to light up the Riverside Precinct once again, with the full program for River Fest 2025 now officially released. From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July, the city will come alive with music, art and culture and the best part? It’s free!

Ross & Trevor Neale. This is a Penny-farthing or high wheeler bicycle made by Rouges & Co Limited as model No. 2 with a 54inch (137cm) front wheel diameter. It is an example of an early type of bicycle which was popular during the 1880s.

The Albanese Labor Government ... announcing further details of the $139.7 million sheep industry transition assistance package to support the phase out of live sheep exports by sea. The release of this detailed assistance package follows a series of industry co-design workshops held in Western Australia earlier this year.

Sean Cunningham. Canberra trainer Luke Pepper combined with jockey Rebecca Bronett Prag to emerge triumphant with Hot Bandit ($4.60) in last Sunday's Community Bank - Big Dance Eligibility Narrandera Showcase Cup race.

Jerilderie's proposed new medical centre is a step closer, with Murrumbidgee Council formally accepting a $5 million contribution from Origin Energy through a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) linked to the Yanco Delta wind development. The contribution was marked by the official handover of a cheque from Origin representatives to council.

Towong Shire Council is encouraging the community to rally in Corryong next month to oppose the planned redevelopment of the current Albury hospital instead of building on a new greenfield site. "Council remains gravely concerned at the current plans to redevelop the existing hospital site as it will lead to insufficient capacity to meet the future demands of the region for the future," said Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead.

CluBarham hosted the 2025 Murray Mallee Junior Triples Lawn Bowls Tournament last week on Wednesday and Thursday, attracting competitors from across the state. Despite the cold weather, a lively celebration of emerging talent, community spirit, and the sport of lawn bowls unfolded as 18 teams competed at the Riverdome.

One of the region’s most popular recreation facilities is moving forward thanks to the installation of new solar powered automatic opening gate. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said Tamworth’s mountain bike track was a must visit destination for mountain bike fanatics and recreational users getting out and staying active.