Business

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

Australia’s dairy sector may be the beneficiary of a new school milk program being implemented in Indonesia.

Monash University scientists are urging caution around recent claims of breakthroughs in green nitrate fertiliser production, warning there is more work to do before the concept is market-ready. Research by the Monash School of Chemistry has reviewed 50 published studies claiming to have produced green nitrate fertilisers, and found none that successfully resulted in a sustainably-produced alternative to existing products.

Ordinary and Extraordinary Meetings of Clarence Valley Council (CVC) could proceed in the future with limited public attendance after CVC Mayor Ray Smith spoke of his plans to contact the Office of Local Government this week ... The decision was made at the conclusion of another 15-minute adjournment while members of the public and Clarence Valley Independent journalist Emma Pritchard were outside the Grafton Council Chambers.

Gina Lopez. Last Saturday night, we had the privilege of hosting Martin Lartigo live at the Port of Yamba Yacht Club - and what an incredible night it was. In our intimate clubhouse setting, Martin wove together intricate, delicate pieces with passion and vigour, looping sounds into a rich, moving performance that brought the crowd to tears, laughter, and cheers.

A quiet revolution is brewing in the world of food, and it's not happening in the paddocks – it's in the pharmacies. New weight-loss drugs, like the much-talked-about Ozempic, are not only helping individuals shed pounds but are also prompting experts to consider a seismic shift in our food systems, potentially even more significant than the impacts of climate change.

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has today released its 2025 Federal Election Scorecard, revealing how the major parties stack up when it comes to agriculture and regional Australia.

Flinders Shire Council is excited to announce that the countdown is almost over, with just three days to go until the 2025 Festival of Outback Skies in Hughenden, running from 2-4 May 2025. Now in its third year, this vibrant, community-led event continues to grow – and 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest and best Festival yet.