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.
Fire Services Levy hike to hurt farmers: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says proposed hikes to the proposed Fire Services Levy could see some farmers forced to pay up to 400 per cent on top of the current levy.
AFL legend helps raise awareness about shingles
AFL legend Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico is among those encouraging Australians aged 50 years and over to be aware of their risk of the disease during shingles awareness week, which runs from February 24 to March 2. Mr DiPierdomenico and fellow shingles awareness week ambassadors journalist Shelly Horton and news presenter Deborah Knight have all experienced first-hand the pain and impact of shingles.
Biodiversity Trail final installations complete
The final art installations for the Men’s Sheds Biodiversity Trail have now been installed in Nandaly, Watchem, and Nullawil, completing this unique community-led project in ten towns across Buloke Shire. Featuring handcrafted avian and insect homes, the trail has been a collaborative effort between the Men’s Sheds in Birchip, Charlton, Donald, Wycheproof and Sea Lake, local artists and community members, Landcare and Buloke Shire Council.
Pipeline milestone reached
GWMWater has received a critical planning approval which will allow work to commence in zone four of the East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project. Zone four will extend rural water supply to landholders in Willaura and Moyston.
Australian agriculture – competitive, resilient and up for the challenge: ABARES
Agriculture, fisheries and forestry is well placed to take on future challenges and opportunities, according to the latest ABARES Snapshot of Australian agriculture. Sector value and production have continued to grow over the past 20 years with another strong performance expected in 2024-25.
EggTrack 2024: Australia leads cage-free egg transition in APAC
Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), a leading animal welfare organisation, has released its APAC EggTrack 2024 Spotlight. As the 2025 deadline for numerous global, regional, and local commitments approaches, the Spotlight highlights Australia’s standout leadership in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region for advancing cage-free egg commitments.
NB Genetics announce the birth of Australia’s first NuEra calves
A new terminal line of beef genetics which produces maximum productivity, efficiency, and sustainability has been successfully bred in Australia for the first time. Queensland cattle producers Nick and Kate Boshammer of NB Genetics reached a milestone over the weekend, confirming the birth of Australia’s first NuEra T14 calves...
Urgent ACCC investigation needed into Victoria’s unjust trade barriers: TasFarmers
TasFarmers, the Tasmanian peak body for primary producers, is demanding an inquiry into trade barriers being imposed between King Island and mainland Australia by the Victorian Department of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA).
Coffee makers bring warmth to reopening of hospital kiosk
For 18 months the kiosk at Casino Memorial Hospital was closed ... Now Kellie and Geoffrey Clarke from Evans Head have taken over the kiosk.
Government storekeeper in the bush
Exorbitant prices for groceries in outback stores are often the subject of outrage but are rarely dealt with a great deal of logic ... Why should the public purse kick in $50m over four years from 2025-26 to provide remote stores with low-cost access to about 30 food products?

