“Country” theme headlines Pacing Cup: Ladies’ dress codes among the winners
Jenny Pollard. The dress code was “Relaxed Country” and the marketing called on race-goers to kit up in “Akubras and boots”. The 2025 Charlton Pacing Cup homed in on all things rural with the theme “We’re All Country” as patrons responded with gusto at last Sunday’s premier meet of the year.
Visions to Tram-sform Donald’s Railway Precinct
Donald is known as a hub for innovation, and this spirit was on full display as the Donald 2000 committee brought the community together for its recent “Tram-sformation” event ... a wave of fresh ideas and creative visions for the newly positioned tram at the Donald Railway Station...
Top awards for Donald Bakery
The Donald Bakery left the 2025 Victorian Baking Show, hosted in Bendigo, with a tray full of awards. The awards were handed out earlier this month and Donald was once again firmly placed on the map thanks to the incredible efforts of the team at the Donald Bakery.
Non-tariff barriers: A multi-billion dollar burden
A newly published ABARES Insights report has emphasised concerns around non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and their sharp increase in recent years.
Power outage knocks out Yorke Peninsula
Joanna Tucker. Last week, about 25,000 Yorke Peninsula residents were without electricity for almost 20 hours ... SA Power Networks said ElectraNet, South Australia’s main transmission network service provider, advised them that insulator pollution had caused a fault at its Hummocks substation.
Research to boost farmers’ connection with ‘green finance’: Charles Sturt University
A Charles Sturt University researcher argues that sustainability research is particularly relevant to supporting Australian farmers’ resilience to both climate change and market risk.
The show must go on
Michelle Daw. The Maitland community and many others pulled together to ensure the town's annual show went ahead on Saturday, March 15, despite sweltering heat, hot winds, and an extensive power outage across Yorke Peninsula the previous day.
Losses all over the peninsula
Rachel Hagan. Businesses across Yorke Peninsula went dark and many closed their doors on Friday, March 14, after the peninsula was hit with a complete power and phone outage. However, some managed to stay open with the use of back-up generators and some out-of-the-box thinking.
Cancer nanotech nurtures sustainable agriculture innovation: UNSW Sydney
Cancer drugs and agrichemicals can be powerful, but toxic, tools. Now, UNSW scientists are applying nanomedicine insights on a project to make greener agrichemicals more affordable.
LifeFlight capability clear with night vision goggles
LifeFlight’s specially trained aeromedical crews must learn to see in the dark. New data released this week shows 32 per cent of airlifts in the year’s first quarter so far have taken place at night.
Australia’s food market entering “new normal” – Rabobank
Australia’s food market appears to be "normalising" after a "chaotic" five-year period – impacted by factors including Covid, supply chain disruptions and inflation – Rabobank says in a newly-released report.
Major coalition – Urgent mental health help needed in agriculture: NFF
A major coalition has sent a powerful message calling for immediate action to address the mental health crisis in agriculture. More than 30 rural and healthcare organisations have joined forces for the first time to launch a joint statement to address the crisis disproportionally affecting people in agriculture.
Weld Australia drives advanced manufacturing with new international partnership
Weld Australia is proud to announce a strategic partnership with two of the world’s leading welding technology organisations—EWI (formerly the Edison Welding Institute) and the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Group. This collaboration will provide Australian manufacturers with direct access to cutting-edge automation solutions, world-class research and development (R&D), and advanced training programs.
Farmers slam activist attacks: NSW Farmers Association
The state’s peak farm body has condemned activist attacks targeting livestock carriers across southern NSW. At least two livestock trailers have been vandalised in Wagga Wagga and Goulburn in recent days, with an underground international activist group allegedly responsible for the attacks.
Five councils form alliance
Councillors and CEOs from Buloke, Gannawarra, Loddon, Northern Grampians and Yarriambiack Shire Councils, along with representatives from the Municipal Association of Victoria and Rural Councils Victoria, met in Charlton last week to discuss the ongoing impact of transmission lines, renewable energy developments and mining.
Report praises outdoor staff
An independent roadworks report, which found the Naracoorte Lucindale Council only met four of 15 key performance indicators, also found the ire of outgoing CEO Trevor Smart. After winning a $68,000 tender from five other applicants with higher and lower quotes, Wheaton Enterprises—a highly qualified construction and civil engineering firm—praised the participation of the council’s outdoor field and administration staff in its 89-page report.
Coonawarra launches 2025 Vintage
Coonawarra Vignerons. The 2025 Coonawarra Vintage was declared open in smashing fashion on March 5th, with a crowd of over 80 people gathering at the iconic Coonawarra Siding to herald in the new season.
Statement on the United States tariffs on Australia: NFF
David Jochinke. The National Farmers' Federation notes reports that Australian steel and aluminium exports to the United States will be subject to a 25 per cent tariff. The NFF supports a considered and measured approach being taken as officials work through this and any future developments.
Australian and PNG twinning to boost forest sustainability: DAFF
The Australian Government is providing development funding for technical assistance and capacity building support which will further strengthen Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) sustainable forest management. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy, Matt Lowe, said the PNG Forestry Twinning Program aims to collaborate in support of the forestry and forest industries of both countries.
Full house for sheep night at Wakool
“I'm actually embarrassed to say now that I used to think sheep farmers had it easy.” said sheep expert Geoff Duddy, addressing the Best Wool Best Lamb meeting at Wakool. Geoff spent 27 years with NSW DPI in both Sheep and Wool research and extension roles before establishing his own private sheep consultancy ...
Home Ground Sounds
The Cohuna Kangas hosted the inaugural Cohuna Home Ground Sounds music festival at Cohuna Recreation Reserve on Sunday and it was a big success ... Special guest artist, Shannon Noll, was a surprise bonus for the festival goers as he performed with his Australian Idol compatriot Rob Mills.
Councils vow to fight on
Despite the Victorian Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, turning a deaf ear to their pleas, regional councils and medical workers will continue their campaign for a greenfield site for a new Albury Wodonga hospital, which would service outlying areas including the Upper Murray.
