Generative AI – A counterculture perspective
Jay Stephens. This is the first in a series of articles musing on the impact of Generative AI ... The two most urgent critiques of gen-AI are unrelated to what they do and how they do it (intrinsic properties). They are ...
Australia heading towards record-high winter crop planting: Rabobank
Australia’s farmers are heading towards a record-high winter crop planting this year, Rabobank says in its newly-released 2025/26 Australian Winter Crop Outlook. The annual outlook, by the agribusiness banking specialist’s RaboResearch division, says the nation’s grain growers are expected to plant an estimated 24.5 million hectares of winter crop this year, up 0.8 per cent on last season.
From co-op to public company, NCMC becomes Casino Food Company with new board appointed
The Northern Co-operative Meat Company based in Casino has a new name and structure. The Casino Food Company has officially been registered as an unlisted public company from May 12. For a few years, the NCMC was called the Casino Food Co-op.
Backing farmers with more drought support: Spence
The On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program has already supported more than 1,500 farmers in south west Victoria and will be extended to farmers in the new and existing Local Government Areas and French Island. The package will continue for the existing 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across south west Victoria and expand it to all West Wimmera...
Hard Talk: Push for renal services at Naracoorte
Making more than a three-hour round trip to Mount Gambier Hospital and spending five hours on a dialysis chair each week is a tough routine for Ros Tregoweth ... In this edition of Hard Talk, The [Naracoorte] News spoke with multiple stakeholders, including patients, who expressed a shared sense of urgency for renal care services to be made available locally.
When the sheriff comes for your super
The Albanese government, fresh from electoral victory and emboldened by a tighter alliance with the Greens, has wasted no time signalling its intentions: the nation’s nest eggs are in its sights with their plans to tax unrealised gains on super accounts over $3m ... It’s a dangerous shift in the philosophy of taxation, and one that poses deep constitutional and legal questions.
Prioritisation is leadership
If you’re a leader, you’re no stranger to the chaos of daily demands. Competing priorities, constant interruptions, and the pressure to deliver—often with limited time and resources. It can make it feel like you’re always reacting to issues instead of leading.
Colin issues a heart-felt warning
Serena Kirby. Colin Sainty's near-fatal heart failure has prompted him to encourage more men not to put off seeing their doctor and to take charge of their health. Colin, 57, recently had a pacemaker and defibrillator fitted to keep his heart beating after initially brushing aside the early warning signs of trouble.
Batteries boost energy benefits
Home batteries are set to change the energy landscape with household subsidies to solar and storage systems to deliver benefits to household power bills and take strain off the energy grid, according to Member for Indi, Helen Haines ... "The scheme starts on July 1st but batteries can be purchased and installed now and be eligible for the subsidy in the new financial year.
Covid shot coercion risked global heart health
A new 42-page report published in the International Journal of Cardiovascular Research & Innovation has garnered information and data from 341 peer-reviewed studies that paint an alarming picture of Myocarditis risks post mRNA shots, and also raising questions of why regulators remain silent on the issue.
Mother’s Day challenge
Cohuna Secondary College hosted a fun run come fun walk for the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation, on Sunday morning at 9am, along with many other organisations throughout Australia, to raise money for breast cancer research.
Councils voice concern over closure of Bega factory in Strathmerton
“This is a heartbreaking announcement for 300 workers, their families, and the wider community. It’s also a clear signal that our food manufacturing industry on which our region relies, is under increasing strain — from rising input costs to workforce challenges and from uncertainty driven by the Murray-Darling Basin Plan”: Chair of the Murray River Group of Councils, Cr. Dan Straub.
Cuttlefest 2025 is here!
Get ready to dive into the excitement – the Australian Giant Cuttlefish will arrive soon in the coastal waters near Stony Point, marking the start of Whyalla’s much-loved Cuttlefest 2025 celebrations! Running from June through July, the season features an exciting line-up of family-friendly, adventurous, and creative events taking place across the city.
Wellspring food pantry celebrates 10 years
A Lower Clarence Op-Shop that has helped thousands of people with discount grocery items is celebrating 10 years since its launch by reinventing its footprint and relocating the food pantry. The Wellspring Op-Shop food pantry on Treelands Drive, Yamba, which distributes on average 100 pallets of food each year, was an initiative of pastors Eric and Helen Aaron...
131st Maclean Show record?
Wet weather in the preceding days made way for welcome sunshine for the 131st annual Maclean Show which featured the largest sideshow alley ever and enjoyed by a big crowd ... “In sideshow alley we have never had that many rides there, they did a great job of squeezing all of those in, we had a record number of rides which was really great.
Mining exploration escalates in catchment
The Clarence Catchment Alliance CCA, local environmental groups and residents are calling for immediate action as mining exploration for antimony and tungsten escalates across the Wild Cattle Creek area near Dorrigo; a sensitive part of the drinking water catchment relied on by more than 80,000 people in the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour regions.
Sergeant Jim Richardson brings community focus to Nhill police role
Sergeant Jim Richardson has taken up his new role in Nhill with a clear focus: community connection, education, and proactive engagement. With over four decades of experience in policing, including 31 years based at Goroke, Jim is no stranger to the needs and strengths of rural communities.
World Agritourism Day, 16 May 2025: Agritourism Queensland
When was the last time you picked a strawberry fresh from the paddock, joined the farmers at the dairy for morning milking, or soaked in a hot tub on the clay pans of Outback Queensland? Farmers all over the state are opening their farm gates to visitors to share the character and heart of our farming communities. This Friday, 16 May is World Agritourism Day.
Telstra 5G coming to Kaniva
Telstra will be upgrading its mobile base station that services Kaniva to bring new 5G coverage to the area ... Telstra Regional General Manager for Northern and Western Victoria Steve Tinker said "We know how important mobile connectivity is for Australians, whether you're in the city or the country. Bringing 5G to the area is a major mobile milestone."
Hidden violence – what you told us is happening behind closed doors
We put out the call, and you answered – hidden abuse is happening right now in our town. "The nice neighbour you have next door - and have known your whole life - isn't always who you think they are behind closed doors," one person told us. "It happens in 'good' families too," said another.
Beefed-up exports: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness forecasts potential record-breaking month
Bendigo Bank Agribusiness’ Monthly Commodity Update, released today, reports even higher beef export volumes in early May, and heralds the possible breaking of the previous monthly export record for cattle, set in October 2024.
New study amplifies rural voices to improve palliative care at end-of-life: UniSA
As National Palliative Care Week (19–25 May 2024) approaches, a new study from the University of South Australia is shining a light on the experiences of rural South Australians who are navigating end-of-life care, in the hope of improving access to palliative care services and supports in rural and country areas.

