Planning Victoria’s renewable energy future
VicGrid, the government body responsible for planning and developing the state's renewable energy zones, has released the Draft 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan for community and industry feedback ... It sets out how much more wind and solar energy Victoria is expected to need over the next 15 years and identifies the most suitable locations for new renewable energy and transmission projects.
REZ map redrawn to zero in on Mallee communities
Member for Mallee, Dr. Anne Webster, says the Victorian Labor government has sharpened its sights on Marnoo, Navarre, Beulah, Warracknabeal, Normanville and Quambatook to bear the brunt of the VNI West transmission line, wind turbine and solar panel burden of their energy targets.
Opinion: The climate of climate change has changed
Something’s shifted. You can feel it in the air — and no, I’m not talking about carbon dioxide, the superfood of plants. I’m talking about the political climate, the social mood, the economic headwinds, and, most importantly, the dawning realisation across much of the Western world that Net Zero isn’t the pathway to the promised land — it’s a mirage.
The greatest piscatorial event in the world
This first in a series of articles from Robert Onfray on the history of Fraser Island, ranging from the timber days to tourism booms, shipwrecks to settlement struggles. This week's tells the story of the Fraser Island Fishing Expo, first held in 1984.
Big plans to promote Narrandera businesses
The Narrandera Business Group (NBG) had a strong turnout for its May meeting last week ... Members also openly assessed the group's strengths and weaknesses, sparking discussion which set the stage for future growth.
The Nationals forge their own path for regional Australia: Littleproud
After careful consideration, The Nationals have agreed that now is not the right time to enter a federal Coalition Agreement with the Liberal Party. During the last term of Parliament, The Nationals fought hard for a package of sensible and important policies that will benefit regional Australia and the future of our nation.
Mountains group celebrates milestone
The re-opening of the Bluff Falls tourist area on Sunday after restoration works is a huge feather in the cap for the 'Friends of Murray Mountain Parks' group, which is celebrating 25 years of volunteerism. The occasion was marked in December when Parks Victoria Ranger, Scott Thompson, presented several members with a 25 Years Recognition of Service pin...
Unique photography exhibition to open at Narrandera
Exhibition Curator Ozan Fikri said he recently had the pleasure of meeting with fellow Narrandera resident Mark Wilkie and their conversation took an unexpected turn when he mentioned his roots in Cyprus ... Mark is set to share his work with the community in a special exhibition featuring 14 of his voyeur pictures.
Critical need for better education to help our soil thrive
“We’re really excited about partnering with talented artist Claus Stangl and believe the portraits he’s created bring to life the hidden creatures in our soil in a really fun, educational and unique way”: Alicia Doherty, Kellogg's ANZ.
Northern Grampians Shire joins call to scrap ‘outrageous’ Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund
Northern Grampians Shire Council is standing behind its residents – particularly its farmers – by joining an overwhelming call for the State Government to ‘scrap’ its unjust new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, ESVF ... "I haven’t spoken to one person in favour of this new levy. We are very concerned about how people will cope with this on top of everything else": Mayor Karen Hyslop.
Cohuna manufacturer at Mildura Field Days
Local Cohuna manufacturer, AWMA Water Control Solutions, were a part of the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre contingent attending the Mildura Field Days ... AWMA were showcasing their high-performance, self-cleaning intake screens that optimise water extraction...
Murrabit Rumbles, rattles and chuggs to the tune of the National Motoring Day
God looked down upon the small country town of Murrabit and decreed that the seventh day shall be filled with polished chrome, flat top pistons, and lumpy cam ... car clubs from Deniliquin, Echuca, Swan Hill, and Kerang gathered for the National Motoring Day at the iconic Murrabit Market site.
Mid Murray’s economic growth potential highlighted
Christine Webster. Swan Reach, west of Morgan, plus Truro and Mannum, have been suggested as having the most potential for accommodating development in a draft Growth Management and Housing Strategy for the Mid Murray ... The draft strategy said the River Murray Dark Sky Reserve presented significant economic development opportunities across several industries...
St Agnes distils history for 100th year
One of the Riverland's most recognisable distillers has marked its 100th season by releasing a new piece of Australian spirit "history". Renmark's St Agnes Distillery – operated by Angove Family winemakers – last week unveiled the St Agnes XXO 50 Year Old Exceptional Reserve brandy, the oldest bottled spirit ever produced in Australia.
Nhill Fire Brigade celebrates arrival of two new emergency vehicles
Nhill Fire Brigade raised an incredible amount of funds for two vital appliances: a new light tanker and the replacement forward command vehicle were officially handed over to Nhill Fire Brigade in Nhill by D17 ACFO Chris Eagle on Sunday 18th May 2025.
Waranga Rail Trail officially opens
Following completion of the Campaspe Shire section of the Waranga Rail Trail in late March, the entire trail was officially opened on 17 May in Rushworth by Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell.
Better beers brewed in Latin America with high quality Aussie barley
Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has welcomed news about malting barley market diversification and growth opportunities in Australian export trade into Latin America. An article ... highlighted recent market diversification and growth activity, with benefits for Australian grain producers and broader industry, while boosting national economic prosperity.
Beehero launches Beekeeping Task Manager tool for apiary management: BeeHero
BeeHero, the global leader of data-driven precision pollination ... announced the launch of its Beekeeping Task Manager tool to provide beekeepers with more effective and larger-scale apiary management, in honor of World Bee Day. BeeHero also released new data about its growing impact on pollinator health, effective pollination...
Listing in ’26? Moonta Mines World Heritage status could be ticked off as soon as next year
Joanna Tucker. Work is continuing towards the Australian Cornish Mining Sites: Burra and Moonta World Heritage bid, with the possibility heritage status may be achieved as soon as next year ... an opportunity to skip the preliminary assessment, so World Heritage consultant Barry Gamble has decided to endorse the parallel preparation of a full World Heritage nomination.
Visitors flock to Copper Coast for Kernewek Lowender 2025
Joanna Tucker. Kernewek Lowender Copper Coast Cornish Festival was once again a major success, with visitors travelling to the region from far and wide. The 2025 edition of the biennial event was held last week ... An estimated 30,000 people attended the seven-day festival...
Land sharing, affordable housing and community
Jeni Kendell. Each May, the Nimbin Aquarius Foundation is planning to put on an event to celebrate the original Aquarius Festival in 1973 which helped reawaken and renew our wonderful town of Nimbin and ripple out in so many ways to far corners of this country. This annual event will resemble the ‘Festival of Dangerous Ideas’ that has become a landmark for people thinking outside the square.
New life for Lismore Cinemas
A beloved Lismore institution is set to come back to life, as the town’s cinema has officially been purchased and will re-open as Lismore Cinemas. Under new private ownership, the cinema will undergo a multimillion dollar refurbishment and return as a state-of-the-art venue celebrating shared experiences, local pride and the power of storytelling.
