DFES and Marine Rescue WA introduce Deckee
A free app designed to make boating safer and more convenient for everyone will soon undergo a public trial in selected areas including Two Rocks and Whitfords. Marine Rescue Two Rocks is holding an open day including a sausage sizzle on Sunday, February 23 where people can learn more about the app and setting it up.
Kara makes climb for kids
A former local is taking on Australia’s highest peak this weekend in support of young people with cerebral palsy. Kara Collins is participating in the annual Cerebral Palsy Alliance fundraising event - Krazy Kosci Klimb - where 16 young people with the neurological disorder and their team trek or wheel the 18kms up to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko and back again.
Taking it to the streets
Following a meeting of representatives from councils across the border region in Wodonga last week, the decision was made to march on the Victorian Parliament in a united campaign for the construction of a new Albury-Wodonga hospital.
Powerline battle still strong
In an ironic twist that many joked could have conspiracy written all over it, last Monday’s Community Meeting in Murrabit, to discuss the VNI West transmission line project, at the Murrabit Golf Club, lost power just before the meeting commenced.
United Arab Emirates trade deal – public hearing: NFF
The opening statement by National Farmers’ Federation General Manager of Economics and Trade, Chris Young to the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, holding a public hearing on the United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (UAE CEPA).
SA Parliament delivers on Forestry Select Committee Report: Centofanti, Hood
The report of the Select Committee on Matters Relating to the Timber Industry in the Limestone Coast and Other Regions of South Australia has been tabled in Parliament, after 5 years of evidence over two parliamentary sessions ... The committee published 17 recommendations covering aspects of the industry from transparency, infrastructure investment through to industry productivity innovations and the importance of water security.
Respond to biosecurity incidents
Clarence Valley residents can download a free mobile device application which provides them with fast, reliable, accurate, and current information about Biosecurity emergencies across NSW, including the nearby Fire Ant invasion.
Council applies for funding to create more housing options
West Wimmera Shire Council is taking proactive steps to address the critical housing shortage across the region. Council is applying for $5 million from the State Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund – Round 2.
Don’t forget: Lilier Lodge is always there
Katerina Pastellis and her family have been pleasantly surprised over the years, realising home away from home for cancer patients, Lilier Lodge, is not actually only there to support cancer patients and their families. Whenever vacancies allow, this haven will open its doors to people who are needing to be in Wagga for any medical reason.
A complex, costly web: the regulatory burden on Australia’s regional businesses: Page Research Centre
The Page Research Centre, in collaboration with Adept Economics, has released a comprehensive new report shedding light on the severe economic and social consequences of regulatory inefficiencies in Australia.
Variety at Donald Shared Shop
New resident to Donald, Lara Dormain has joined the shared shop with her business, “Take a seat with Lara”. Lara creates custom made art noveau designer chairs.
MV Island Trader suspend shipments to the island
The MV Island Trader sustained a critical defect of the hull during transit from LHI to Port Macquarie on 19 January 2025. As a result, the MV Island Trader is required to dock at short notice to affect immediate repair.
Top-up sought to train butchers
Michelle Daw. A Moonta butcher has called for the Federal Government to top up apprentice wages to make them more appealing to young people. Rhys O’Donohue of Moonta Gourmet Meats has two apprentices and said he was always looking for more.
Students begin their country practice
A trio of fifth-year University of Adelaide medical students began their practical experience on the Copper Coast last week.
Farmers can now save twice by swapping to cost saving low emissions methods and machinery: Bowen, Collins
Farmers, agri-businesses and equipment purchasers are now eligible for discounted loans to help roll out a range of long-term cost savings initiatives that reduce emissions ... Discounts on interest rates of up to 1.15 per cent will be available to eligible borrowers through NAB under the new green asset finance investment program with the CEFC.
World Heritage bid for Victorian Goldfields: Plibersek, Allan, Chesters, Kilkenny
Victoria’s Goldfields – home to the most extensive and best surviving goldrush landscapes in the world – has ... been added to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List. This is the first formal step on the path to World Heritage status, celebrating the extraordinary history, culture, and heritage of Victoria’s goldrush era.
Buloke Times Editorial: Civic values, media use and affective polarisation
People who rely on social media as the main source of news score lower on a measure of civic values than people who rely on newspapers and non-commercial media for news and information, according to a study by researchers at Monash University ... "It has become something of a truism that social media is not great for democracy," said Professor Mark Andrejevic. "But no one has really systematically tested that until now."
Three decades of Heritage Weekend success
Glyn Rees. With a last puff from a machine exhaust the 2025 and 30th Allora Heritage Weekend chuffed out late Sunday afternoon after the final Grand Parade signalling the end of another amazingly successful event highlighting history from a past era and the Australia Day weekend on the Southern Downs.
A fresh start for Queensland – Local community consultation rights made permanent on wind farm developments: Bleijie
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a key election commitment with all wind farm developments becoming impact assessable from Monday, 3 February. The new planning pathway for regulating wind farms is the first step to requiring all renewable projects be impact assessable and subject to the same rigorous approval process as other major development projects.
New healthcare service for Robe
The Robe community will soon benefit from a new healthcare service that will significantly improve access to primary care. Robe is one of only two locations in regional South Australia, alongside Ceduna, to be selected for the expanded Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Pilot program, which aims to offer more healthcare options for residents in the region.
New vehicle for CERTified legends!
Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) Maldon Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has received a significant boost with the arrival of a new response vehicle. The updated 2024 Nissan XTrail 4x4 Hybrid reflects AV’s commitment to supplying its CERT teams with the latest equipment to support their critical work in local communities and environmental sustainability.
Tourists to dive into new artificial reefs in Great Sandy Marine Park: Powell
...two new artificial reefs will be installed in the Great Sandy Marine Park in a $2.5 million project to benefit recreational boaties, fishers, snorkellers, scuba divers, kayakers. The first location, south of Bundaberg, offshore between Elliott Heads and Woodgate Beach, will provide an alternative area for recreational fishing...
