Multibillion-dollar renewables investment by private sector to power 2.7 million NSW homes: Sharpe
Ten renewable energy projects have been given the green light to connect to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), through agreements that will deliver enough power to supply more than half of NSW homes. The NSW Government has awarded groundbreaking ‘access rights’ to renewable energy companies ...
Jojo the dinosaur named in honour of two mums of the Eromanga Natural History Museum
The tiny town of Eromanga is preparing to celebrate Mother’s Day with a uniquely Australian twist - and a dinosaur named JoJo. In a touching tribute to two women with the same name, the Eromanga Natural History Museum in Outback Queensland is announcing an early Mother’s Day gift this week by naming a sauropod dinosaur that was unearthed during a dig last year JoJo.
Drought support needed
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling on the Victorian government to urgently ramp up drought support measures as farmers across the state face worsening conditions and the real threat of business failure … the VFF says the government must seize the opportunity to deliver immediate relief to drought-affected regions and invest in long-term preparedness and resilience.
More power pain for SA: Patterson
The Hon. Stephen Patterson, Shadow Minister for Energy and Net Zero (SA). The cost of keeping the lights on continues to rise under the Malinauskas Labor Government, with two reports released today confirming significant increases in the cost of wholesale electricity. Reports from the AER and the AEMO show wholesale electricity prices in South Australia in the first quarter of this year have reached $98 per MWh, a 17 per cent increase from Q1 2024.
Expanded national parks a win for tourism, biodiversity and threatened species: Close
The Hon. Susan Close, Deputy Premier of SA, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water (SA). Almost 725 hectares – the equivalent of 450 Adelaide Ovals – are being added to three popular SA’s parks, providing more access and better protection to our state’s natural attractions ... Murray River National Park and Maize Lagoon Conservation Park in the Riverland, as well as Sceale Bay Conservation Park on Eyre Peninsula, will be expanded.
Meet Greg and Sammi-Jo of Hay Therapy Co
It's ironic; Sammi-Jo Mace supports the hidden sunflower, (global Sunflower network) but she is Hay's own ray of sunshine. Sammi-Jo, along with partner Greg Reid are the face of Hay Therapy Co. Stop in and say hello.
Lochert Bros hit with $129k fine
A Riverland citrus processor has received a $129,000 fine over an incident that saw a worker's arm caught in an unguarded machine. Ramco-based Lochert Bros Pty Ltd was sentenced in the South Australian Employment Tribunal, on 24 April, following a SafeWork SA prosecution.
Australian pulse exports may face “minor global headwinds” –industry outlook: Rabobank
Australia’s pulse exports – comprising chickpeas, beans, lentils, lupins and peas – may face minor headwinds in the year ahead due to changes in global supply and demand, Rabobank says in a newly-released report. The food and agribusiness banking specialist says the most likely impacts on farmgate prices and export margins for pulses will stem from currency volatility and shipping costs.
Holiday caravan motion defeated
A motion requiring Council to adhere to the conditions of approval to operate caravan parks at Brooms Head, Iluka, Minnie Water, Wooli, and conduct a full compliance audit report was defeated at the April ordinary meeting.
Curiosity: The secret weapon of exceptional regional leaders
In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, regional leaders face unique challenges. They must navigate rapidly changing circumstances and often work with limited resources compared to city-based counterparts. In this environment, one leadership quality rises above the rest: curiosity.
Williamson welcomes unveiling of designs for $263.8 Grafton Base Hospital rebuild
Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has today welcomed the release of the latest artist impressions for the $263.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital and is encouraging the community to attend upcoming pop-up information sessions to learn more about this important project.
Sentimental parting of vintage farm machinery
Either way, Sunday, May 18, will be a day of mixed emotions for Wedderburn identity, Tony Hansen, because on May 18 he hopes to sell his collection of iconic items of vintage farm machinery. These relics of the pioneering past are like “best mates” to Tony, who has arrived at that point in time to see his “best mates” move on to another collector, or possibly a machinery museum.
Woman survives stingray barb
Michelle Daw. A woman who was struck by an eagle ray's venomous barb says she is lucky to be alive. Retired nurse Pam Bennett was pierced by the barb in her right arm while snorkelling in waist-deep water ... She said the ray's attack was unusual behaviour and would have resulted from it being in pain, because of the algal bloom.
National Alpaca Week events in South QLD and Northern NSW, 10-18 May 2025
The South QLD and Northern NSW Region of the Australian Alpaca Association has several studs holding Open Farm days during National Alpaca Week ... The first weekend coincides with Grafton Show, and the alpaca section will have fleece judging on Friday 9 May, with halter/led classes on Saturday 10 May.
The Australian Alpaca Association is celebrating 35 years with National Alpaca Week
Australian Alpaca Association Ltd, Media Release, May 2025
The Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) is proud to mark a major milestone in 2025—celebrating 35 years of...
The top 10 most beautiful airport landings in the world
Saskia Jain. There’s something almost magical about pressing your nose against an aeroplane window as your destination comes into view. That moment when the seatbelt sign chimes, and the aircraft begins its graceful descent offers front-row seats to some of Earth’s most spectacular vistas.
Northern Grampians withdraws from five-council alliance
Northern Grampians Shire Council has withdrawn from a five-council alliance created to collectively advocate to State Government on issues including transmission lines, renewable energy and mining. The alliance, formed in February this year, also includes Buloke, Gannawarra, Yarriambiack and Loddon councils, which are all directly impacted...
Buloke’s clarification
Recent media reporting has incorrectly suggested that Buloke Shire Council, along with neighbouring councils, has entered into a $100 million deal with VicGrid in relation to the VNI West transmission project. This is incorrect.
All British Rally
Last Saturday was the 47th All British Rally featuring the ride to Main Street Maldon. I met my wife Robyn through a mutual interest in old motorcycles and her late father Merv Cooper was one of the founder members of the BSA owners club who organise the rally.
What’s up doc?
Wayne Hawthorne. Training to be a doctor is more than just medicine it seems, at least in Papua New Guinea (PNG) where medicos need to be a Jack of all trades. This is what Naracoorte Men’s Probus found out when Dr David Mills spoke recently. It was a valuable insight into Dr Mills 20-plus years and continuing input in PNG.
Finding the right balance of mental health support
In regional and rural areas, where mental health issues are higher and professional services are lower, digital-only self-help tools can only go so far. Researchers are recruiting young participants and their parents to test an innovative new program specifically designed for young Australians in rural and regional communities who experience anxiety.
Rabobank commentary: Food price inflation creeps up in latest quarterly CPI
Inflation ticked higher across the majority of food categories the latest quarterly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, has shown. On a year-on-year basis, food and beverage inflation rose 3.2 per cent in the March 2025 quarter data...

