Hard Talk: Top election issues
Healthcare, infrastructure, the rising cost of living and government waste are among the key concerns impacting voters in regional towns like Naracoorte in the South East ... In this edition of Hard Talk, The [Naracoorte] News spoke with several political leaders to gain insight into the major election topics that could determine the outcome.
SA’s first full rural medical degree launched
For the first time in South Australia’s history, aspiring doctors can complete their entire medical degree in regional communities, thanks to Flinders University’s new South Australia Rural Medical Program. Sixty students – including 30 in Mount Gambier – have begun their studies in the landmark program, which is designed to address the critical shortage of doctors in regional, rural, and remote areas.
Road to research: Two dads – same mission
When positive change is needed in the world, it takes the most determined of characters and the most passionate of hearts to think big, then think bigger again, and then dig deep to make a difference. The two local Allora Dads have set one such bold challenge for themselves - in September this year, Max Mason and James Turner plan to cycle from Lourdes in France...
The nature of art
Visiting an art gallery might seem like something that only tourists do, but there’s nothing stopping locals from enjoying art in their own town. Indeed, the current exhibition at Cascade Art Gallery, featuring etchings and paintings by John Wolseley, suggests that art and local galleries are part of an ecosystem to which we all belong.
Rugby heavyweights ruck n’ roll into Coffs Harbour
NSW Rugby reps have started rolling into the area ahead of the inaugural Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby that is set to light up the City of Coffs Harbour ... Some 2,000 tickets to the extravaganza at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium on Saturday 5 April have already been snapped up.
National rally moves to FarmFest site
The 19th National Heritage Machinery Rally, to be held from 23 to 25 August 2025, has been moved from the Jondaryan Woolshed to Kingsthorpe Park, the home of FarmFest. This year's Steaming Under the Southern Cross event, taking place from 25 to 31 August, will incorporate the National Historical Machinery Association's rally.
Haines gives tax cuts and health funding a tick
Independent Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines, has welcomed tax cuts and funding to deliver more training places for doctors in regional Australia under key announcements in Tuesday’s federal Budget. Dr Haines’ advocacy for a Commonwealth injection of funding into the regional healthcare workforce was substantially reflected in the 2025-2026 budget.
Sizzle to return to beef prices as market is set to reach a “new norm”
There are golden times ahead for the nation's cattle producers with a "new norm" of 630c/kg liveweight for feeder steers next year as the markets enter a seven-year period of stability. Market analyst Simon Quilty ... forecast 2026 average prices to reach 630c/kg liveweight for feeder steers...
Wakool Sheep Races bleating successful
Crowds flocked to Wakool for the Annual Sheep Races on Saturday night. Frocks, fleeces and fine attire all made their way onto the ground to watch the sold-out races. Track conditions were favourable, the firm but forgiving ground boded well for competitive racing action.
Bolitho pushes for fair deal in renewable red-carpet walkover
Last week, the Gannawarra Shire Council meeting birthed the first real progress in moving forward with a vision of true community benefit to the transmission lines driving the industrial energy developments within Gannawarra. It’s not the first time a Councillor has asked tough questions on the validity of the community benefit of the projects and sought cheap power.
Failure to transmit the truth in Australia energy future
Affordable, reliable and efficient energy production is a cornerstone of a prosperous nation, but Speakers at a free community energy forum in Moulamein last Wednesday believe that short-term energy politics is leading to a long-term disaster. Aidan Morrison from the Centre for Independent Studies has a background in physics, data science and software development, and believes that Australia’s renewable energy transition, underpinned by the Integrated System Plan (ISP) and CSIRO’s Gen Cost Report, is doomed to fail ...
Long-term timber demand shored up by increased supply: ABARES
Today’s publication of the Wood Volumes Analysis indicates Australia has reliable access to structural forest and wood products to meet future demand. The report provides an analysis of the long-run supply of and domestic demand for wood products in Australia, particularly those used in construction.
‘Clarkie’ Memorial Statue officially unveiled at Ganmain
The official opening of the ‘Clarkie" statue in Ganmain was held last Saturday in conjunction with the Ganmain Historical Museum’s open day. Renowned artist Andrew Whitehead designed and constructed the statue, which is named after Ganmain identity the late Kelvin ‘Clarkie’ Clarke as a tribute to the farmers and farm labourers who worked in Ganmain’s sheath hay industry.
New yarning circle for Narrandera District Hospital
New outdoor spaces created specifically for Aboriginal patients, staff and visitors have been completed at Narrandera District Hospital. Featuring a mural by Narrandera-based Wiradjuri artist Uncle Owen Lyons, the project included the creation of a yarning circle and Sorry Business area.
Steven’s PowerBill and Compare apps: SaaS
Steven as a Service (SaaS) offers two game changing apps that can help you navigate your way to a competitive energy plan comparison and bill calculation - PowerBill™ and Compare.
Brave Ava rings the bell after beating cancer twice
Last week, Nhill's own Ava returned home to a very special moment—ringing the bell to mark the end of her cancer treatment for the second time in four years. It was a hard-won milestone, celebrated with love and emotion at the Royal Children's Hospital, where staff gathered to honour her incredible bravery.
Hay Grains changes hands
Hay Grains storage facility in east Hay has changed hands, after JEK Rural Investments purchased the depot. Deniliquin-based Paul and Jenny Fellows have owned the business for the past seven years and say they have enjoyed their time as part of the business community.
Expert speakers address concerns
A community forum in Moulamein last week heard of concerns farmers have of the use of productive agricultural land for renewable energy developments. The meeting was organised by a newly formed group Farming First Forum (FFF) and supported by close to 50 attendees from Hay, Moulamein, Booroorban and surrounds.
Time for some fact checks on Pioneer article
Jason Perrin. I refer to Andrew Weeks’ article in last week’s Murray Pioneer ... The article is negative, does a disservice to growers, and has glaring inaccuracies, and unless corrected, adds confusion to things we are lobbying for on behalf of growers.
Yates mural to become local Riverland attraction
Sebastian Calderon. A large mural was recently completed at Yates Menswear, in Renmark, painted by local artist Jarrod Loxton, and portraying SA entrepreneur R.M. Williams.
Loxton’s Ben going it Alone
Sebastian Calderon. A well-known Riverlander will test his mental and physical limits as part of a popular reality TV series, premiering today ... “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to really find your limits and we don’t get that opportunity often": Ben Grieger.
Federal Budget lacks vision and ambition – small businesses feel ignored: CPA Australia
Household cost-of-living measures were front and centre of Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ pre-election Budget ... but the government has failed to deliver initiatives that would improve business productivity, innovation and growth. CPA Australia Chief Executive Officer Chris Freeland AM said: “Businesses and their advisers will find little in the federal Budget that will help offset the pain all-too-many small businesses have been experiencing.
