Joining forces to save tourism industry
The town’s focus in 2025 will be on a fight for survival of the travel industry and the nearly 400 members of Tourism Central Australia will need to join forces. That was the unanimous view of the 150 people who attended the organisation’s AGM yesterday evening.
Moving creatures moving together
Jordine and Dor wanted to blend their love of dance and movement with their philosophy of helping people become more active and less lonely. They knew they could easily do this at a local level through dance classes but they wanted to reach more people; they wanted to “move the world”.
The why of the Tarrangower Times
Numerous recent prompts have inspired ponderings about the media, its role and its changing nature. On the one hand, mass media has become centrally controlled in a way that was once considered treacherous ... With all this in mind, what is the purpose of the Tarrangower Times?
“OK”! What a weekend!
Jenny Pollard. As the adrenaline rush from "OK Motels" subsides, Charlton can reflect on how the modest little festival, which began back in 2018, has now grown into a full-on, "all-of-town" experience as 800 visitors descended on the "Friendly River Town" to make last weekend’s event one for the record books.
New local health service networks
The Victorian Government has announced 12 Local Health Service Networks. These have been designed following consultation and feedback from health services, and in response to the Government’s plan to improve access, equity and care closer to home. The Board acknowledged correspondence from the Minister for Health, placing EWHS within the Grampians Local Health Service Network.
Nominate an apprentice or trainee
Kerry Anderson. Encouraging trainees and apprentices in any trade or vocation can motivate them in their long-term career aspirations. 2023 winner of the Castlemaine Rotary Apprentice/Trainee Awards, Griffin Day, says that the experience is one that has stayed with him.
Nasik’s life-changing decision – From dirt poor in Fiji to the Naracoorte News
Paul Mitchell. From a dirt-poor, domestic violence-impacted home in Fiji, where food on the table was never guaranteed, to the Naracoorte News. Nasik Swami’s unique journey to our town – and onto our pages every Wednesday – is an unlikely, but inspiring reminder that determination and aspiration remain the most valuable resources for anyone craving a better life.
Alleged thief caught – Local businessman calls for greater police presence
After enduring nearly $15,000 in losses from multiple break-ins and spending around $30,000 on security upgrades, a local businessman is finally feeling a sense of relief. Police have arrested and charged a suspect believed to be responsible for the break-ins at a block of shops in Naracoorte.
LifeFlight airlifts boy afterburns incident at Goomburra
On Saturday night The Toowoomba-based LifeFlight aeromedical crew airlifted a boy to hospital after he fell into a fire at a Goomburra campground. The helicopter was tasked at 5.20pm to the Southern Downs region and landed near the campground.
Wagga Wagga’s Tits & Toggles Black Tie Ball, 15 March 2025
Ready for a night that's equal parts glamorous and meaningful? Come to Wagga Wagga for a masquerade charity ball for a mighty cause - to raise $100,000 for a special x-ray machine that will be a big help for breast and prostate cancer patients.
Meet Allora Butchery’s new apprentice
Customers of Allora Butchery would have noticed a polite young man helping Aaron and the crew last year.
Riverina Fresh claims top spot
The quality of the region’s dairy supply has been put on show for the world to see with Riverina Fresh claiming the top spot at the National Barista Championships in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The competition sees contestants use milk suppliers from around the world in their bid to claim the title of the best barista in the gulf state.
It’s just not good enough! Mayor makes call to action
The current proposal for the new Albury Wodonga regional hospital is simply inadequate, according to Towong Shire mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead. "The redevelopment proposed will barely meet current demand let alone the future demands for a region of 300,000 people," he said. ... "We are demanding the healthcare service and facilities our community deserves," Cr Whitehead said.
NSW records first death of person with Japanese encephalitis since 2022
A man aged in his 70s from northern Sydney died on 23 February in a Sydney hospital, where he had been receiving care for JE since early February. The man initially presented to the Barham Multi Purpose Service in February with JE symptoms after holidaying in the Murrumbidgee region in January.
Lake Meran Festival huge success
The second annual Lake Meran Festival was held last Sunday afternoon with hundreds of visitors coming along to enjoy the music, community, a great afternoon by the lake and to take a look at the star of the event, Grumpy the Turtle. Weighing in at almost one tonne, Grumpy was designed and built by Bendigo artist Moz Moresi ...
US trade surplus helping Australian agriculture avoid tariff ‘wheel of misfortune’: Rabobank
The US’s trade surplus with Australia has so far helped keep Australian food and agri exports off the ‘wheel of misfortune’ when it comes to the new wave of US tariffs, Rabobank says in a newly-released global report.
Get your sunflower fix this Sunday
A property near Clifton is hosting Sunflower Sunday from 10am to 3pm giving visitors the chance for spectacular photographs and to take home their own sunflowers. Sunflower Sunday is a fundraiser for Clifton Community Health Services (CCHS).
Will the Health District split deliver for smaller communities?
A worker inside Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has responded to Member for Murray Helen Dalton’s calls to split the district in two. Ms Dalton raised the issue in NSW parliament recently, proposing a new Western health district for the townships of Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Berrigan, Finley, Leeton, Griffith, Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, Balranald, Barham, Moulamein and Tocumwal.
“Enhancements” will lead to less ambulances being available
There are times when paramedics from Yamba Ambulance Station are called away from the Lower Clarence, that they are told they are the only ambulance available between Ballina and Coffs Harbour.
Windmill Cafe reopens with fresh new look and visitor services
Kaniva's Windmill Cafe and Visitor Information Centre has officially reopened, unveiling a stunning transformation that blends modern outback style with enhanced visitor services. The renovation and rebranding, led by Jemma Hill, have given the cafe a stylish new look...
‘Desperation’ over doctor shortage
Christine Webster. The Australia-wide problem of being unable to attract enough doctors to rural areas is impacting heavily on the Waikerie Medical Centre and local community ... Dr Wanguhu said young doctors often preferred to take up posts at medical centres in Barmera, Berri and Renmark where they were not required to work in an emergency hospital.
Coastal plan out now
Sarah Herrmann. Community consultation is now open on the draft Yorke Peninsula Coastal Access Strategy 2025-2035, with members of the public invited to share their feedback via a survey ... Consultation sessions have already been held with local landholders and progress associations, 4WD representatives and the tourism sector.
