Lights, Castlemaine, action!
Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) announced last Friday 7 February that a large crew, shooting for a Hollywood movie, will arrive to film in Castlemaine over the next week. Permits are still being finalised so not all details are available, but the council advised that a Liam Neeson movie called The Mongoose will be shot in the centre of town in streets including Lyttleton...
On location, behind the scenes
As excitement builds for another Hollywood production filming in our region, the Tarrangower Times wanted to find out all about the behind-the-scenes processes involved. Emily Owens is Executive Producer and CEO of Toffee Studios, which has recently been host to the filming of the new Netflix show, Apple Cider Vinegar and the 2025 AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema, Television and the Arts) award-winning film, Better Man.
Wins in parliament to save farmers millions, highlight the power of farm advocacy: NFF
As the second February sitting week wraps up, Australian famers have secured major policy wins across biosecurity, taxation, environment and trade. National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke has spent the past sitting fortnight balancing his time between the farm and the halls of Parliament, speaking directly with political leaders.
Milestone for Kurrajong’s larrikin
Sean Cunningham. In today’s society where careers change often, 43 y/o John Howitt has proven that dedication, commitment and hard work can stand the test of time. Well-known in the Narrandera community, John recently celebrated an incredible milestone - 35 years of service at Kurrajong Recycling.
Councils shut out of hospital discussion
A decision by councils across the border region to march on the Victorian Parliament next week in a united campaign for the construction of a new Albury-Wodonga hospital has been put on hold, pending talks with the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas. The councils have previously rejected the proposal from the Victorian and NSW governments to redevelop the Albury hospital.
Albanese Government supporting and securing regional aviation: Albanese, King, Gallagher
The Albanese Government will work with the Administrators of Regional Express Holdings (Rex), as part of an upcoming competitive sale process, to ensure crucial regional aviation services continue beyond 30 June 2025. We will work with shortlisted bidders on what support the Albanese Government may be able to provide to maximise the prospect of a successful sale.
NSW regional airports set to fly high: King, McBain, Phillips
Airports are vital for regional communities, providing critical access to emergency healthcare, as well as commerce, industry, tourism and education. This funding, which is provided under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, will deliver essential upgrades – such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage...
Industry puts regulators on notice for pushing up price of food: NFF
The NFF Horticulture Council has today drawn a line in the sand, tasking national food safety regulators with taking a long hard look at themselves. Chair of the Council Jolyon Burnett has written to Commonwealth, State and Territory members of the Food Ministers’ Meeting, calling on them to instigate an independent review into the development and implementation of new food standards due to apply to fresh berries, leafy vegetables and melons from today.
Inmates helping build futures
A partnership between Serco, Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) and the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) is providing Clarence Correctional Centre (CLA) inmates with valuable employment qualifications and skills through the construction of 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom modular houses for locations around the state.
Lights, camera, steampunk
Serviceton Station was transformed into a steampunk dreamscape on Sunday as models, stylist, photographers, and media gathered for a ‘wow factor’ photoshoot to promote the upcoming Wimmera Steampunk Festival.
“I have concerns for the future. We are being asked to carry an unfair burden.”
Darren De Bortoli. "Our family has a proud history, building a winemaking business that we believe is a true Australian success story ... But I have concerns for the future and I believe my fellow Australians, especially those in capital cities, need to understand the pressures being applied across the board to those who grow the quality food and beverages, including wine, that you enjoy.
Gold for Comfort Inn Bishop’s Lodge
Comfort Inn Bishop’s Lodge in South Hay has been recognised among top performers in the Choice Hotels Asia-Pac 2024 Gold Awards for its outstanding performance and dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Comfort Inn Bishop’s Lodge is among a select group of 20 hotels across Australia and New Zealand to receive an accolade.
Festival frenzy returns in 2025
Madison Eastmond. The Riverland Food & Wine Festival is back to take over the Berri riverfront this March, with the revamped event preparing to showcase the best local produce, wine, and entertainment. With a focus on local wine and cuisine, sustainability, and safety, the classic event has been reimagined for the Riverland community since it was last held in the region six years ago.
Logging does indeed increase fire risks!: David Lindenmayer
Professor Lindenmayer responds to Robert Onfray's article, "Debunking false claims about bushfire risk and native logging in Australia" by contending that logging does indeed increase the risk of high severity wildfires, and the evidence for this worrying narrative comes from work by many scientists across Australia and in fact around the world.
Millari Group expands with acquisition of JUKEN, Gisborne, boosting Australian timber supply
Millari Group Australia has entered into a sale and purchase agreement to acquire 100 per cent of JUKEN Gisborne, NZ Facilities, including LVL and Plywood manufacturing lines and Sawmill ... ARR.News asked Millari Group some questions about the acquisition, including opportunities for the Australian industry.
Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Insights: 2025 off to a strong start for Australian agricultural markets
The latest Monthly Commodity Insights report from Bendigo Bank Agribusiness flags a strong start for Australian agricultural markets in 2025.
Hard NO to cash mandate will do more harm than good
The Federal Government has published a proposal for a cash mandate that will only apply to a legislated list of “essential” goods and services and give express permission to more than 97 per cent of businesses in Australia to refuse to accept cash. Due to the restrictions and exemptions attached to this proposal, I cannot support it.
‘Wow’: Woolgoolga named Mainland Australia’s best beach
It was never a tightly held secret and it’s even less so now with Woolgoolga Main Beach named the best on Mainland Australia. The coveted accolade for the stunning location on NSW’s Coffs Coast is revealed in the just-released Best Australian Beaches 2025.
Significant regional tourism boost from World Heritage tentative listing of the Victorian Goldfields
The decision by the Australian Government to include the Victorian Goldfields on Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List after 35 years of advocacy, creates significant tourism, economic development and community benefits for a large part of regional Victoria covering 15 Local Council areas and their Visitor Economy Partnership regions.
Turning science to finance – New tool to help farmers tackle the climate challenge: CEFC, CSIRO
Australian farmers are set to tackle emissions from the ground up, with a free guide to develop and implement sustainable practices on farms. The Towards Net Zero Agriculture Pathfinder (Pathfinder), a joint initiative by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and CSIRO, is a practical guide to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining productivity and competitiveness.
Access all areas
Maldon Bakery’s lush outdoor area is now readily accessible due to a newly surfaced ground and there’s a special new reason to visit the garden ... a collaborative effort by the Maldon Men’s Shed and a local artist has brought the cute bakery ‘Baker’ logo to life so visitors can snap a selfie souvenir.
Bartranz Petroleum acquires Kings Fuel Supplies in Tenterfield
In a significant milestone for both businesses, Bartranz Petroleum has officially acquired Kings Fuel Supplies in Tenterfield. This transition marks a special full-circle moment for Bartranz owners Justin and Gretta Barton, as Kings Fuel Supplies was their company’s very first customer.
