Fraser Island’s darkest day: The 1970 tourist bus tragedy
Fraser Island can certainly tell a few tales, and here is one of the saddest. On July 22, 1970, a routine sightseeing trip to Fraser Island turned into a disaster that claimed seven lives, marking the darkest day in the island’s tourism history.
The serious business of play
Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) has been keeping play a priority; it has featured as a key agenda item at its recent council meeting and in the recently released budget. It comes as school starts back again, after a holiday period that saw local children and visitors looking for wintry activities in regional small towns.
Winter day and knight
The final days of the Maldon in Winter Festival and the school holidays resulted in some interesting sights around Maldon ... On Thursday 17 July, the mythical Knight in Shining Armour became a reality for participants in a drawing session with Greg Nash, who is a professional jouster from Kryall Castle (one of only two in Australia, guess where the other one works?).
25 years of fish stocking scheme
Queensland’s inland fishing program, the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS), was introduced in 2000 and has since grown from 25 dams to 63 impoundments. To celebrate, the “SIPS 25” fishing competition will be held in the September school holidays at SIPS destinations across the State.
Hattah Harrisons – Following in the master’s footsteps
The next generations of off-road endurance riders joined Hay's own master motorcyclist David Harrison at the iconic Hattah Desert Race recently. Over the years the Harrison family have been regular entrants in the gruelling race.
Marnpi Festival is coming to Broken Hill!
We're proud to announce Marnpi Festival, a significant First Nations-led arts and community festival co-designed by Badger Bates and Slag Heap Projects with Anthony Hayward and Nancy Bates, in partnership with The Old Vic Gallery Studio and Premier Automotive Tyres.
World-first kiosks for the Grampians and Wimmera-Mallee
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism, with the support of the Victorian Government and local councils including Southern Grampians Shire Council, Northern Grampians Shire Council, and Buloke Shire Council, is thrilled to announce the installation of three world-first off-grid Digital Inspiration Kiosks powered entirely by renewable energy sources – solar and wind – using sodium ion batteries to address the harsh Australian environment.
It’s not my first rodeo – W’bong gets back in the saddle
It’s 23 years since Woodenbong has had a rodeo. Renai Pearce and John O’Reilly changed that by putting on a rodeo at Woodenbong Showground yesterday, Saturday, July 20.
Ervin’s Village
Ervin Janek presents over 100 small wooden portraits of friends, family, and community members. The series began in response to the tremendous goodwill that he experienced after devastating loss from the Cudlee Creek fires.
Nannup Flower and Garden Festival 8–17 August 2025
It’s here again! After another year of dedicated planning and hard work, the Flower and Garden Committee has once again delivered an engaging and educational event. With generous support from sponsors, key speakers, and community partners, the committee continues to grow the event’s impact and appeal each year.
Mallee Melee No. 5 – “Chess on steroids”
Battle-ground engagement raged in Charlton last weekend, but it was more bonhomie than bloodshed as the 5th Mallee Melee unfolded at the Charlton RSL Clubrooms … the miniature wargaming weekend – likened by one participant to "chess on steroids" – saw visitors from Berwick, Nunawading and the Mornington Peninsula gear up for a weekend of the Napoleonic "General d’ Armee 2 Campaign Game".
Get ready for an unforgettable week featuring vibrant entertainment, Art Awards, dinner under the stars and headline act, Hoodoo Gurus!
The Inspire Festival, a collaboration between the Shire of Ashburton and Rio Tinto, will bring a week of activations and events for all ages. Starting off with the 2025 Ashburton Art Awards Exhibition, followed by a culinary experience under the Pilbara stars with a degustation by Fervor, Ladies Night and then the final hoorah...Inspire Festival at the Village Green!
History, menagerie and a bit of mystery
As excitement grows for the opening of Maldon’s Porcupine Village tourist attraction, the managers are looking forward to sharing the results of their hard work and they have surprises in store for future visitors. Managers Doug and Deb Baird have been toiling for four years developing, renovating and documenting in order to bring the passion project to life...
Cool breeze
There was a blue sky, low temperatures and a cool breeze for Cairn Curran Sailing Club on Saturday 6 July, when this glorious photo was taken. The reservoir was aflutter with local sails for its Winter Series Club Race, which also included members of the Impulse Sailing Association who were visiting for a two-day training session.
Full program released for Rockhampton River Festival 2025
Rockhampton River Festival is set to light up the Riverside Precinct once again, with the full program for River Fest 2025 now officially released. From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July, the city will come alive with music, art and culture and the best part? It’s free!
Top class racing and fashions at Cup
Sean Cunningham. Canberra trainer Luke Pepper combined with jockey Rebecca Bronett Prag to emerge triumphant with Hot Bandit ($4.60) in last Sunday's Community Bank - Big Dance Eligibility Narrandera Showcase Cup race.
A showcase of young talent
CluBarham hosted the 2025 Murray Mallee Junior Triples Lawn Bowls Tournament last week on Wednesday and Thursday, attracting competitors from across the state. Despite the cold weather, a lively celebration of emerging talent, community spirit, and the sport of lawn bowls unfolded as 18 teams competed at the Riverdome.
Tamworth’s mountain biking paradise: Anderson
One of the region’s most popular recreation facilities is moving forward thanks to the installation of new solar powered automatic opening gate. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said Tamworth’s mountain bike track was a must visit destination for mountain bike fanatics and recreational users getting out and staying active.
Shire of Broome engages Dampier Peninsula communities on regional priorities
Last week, Shire of Broome councillors and executive staff wrapped up a two-day visit to the Dampier Peninsula, meeting with community leaders, tourism operators and residents in Ardyaloon, Middle Lagoon and Lombadina to hear their priorities and feedback firsthand.
Zoo thankful for community support
In the wake of the tragic incident that saw a woman lose her arm from a lion attack the weekend before last, Darling Downs Zoo owner Steve Robinson has been overwhelmed by local community support ... Mr Robinson told On Our Selection News his sister-in-law Stephanie, a teacher from New South Wales, is a regular visitor to the zoo, visiting during the school holidays over the past 20 years for a total of over 80 visits.
Could cost rate payers millions claims owners group
Council could be up for millions in legal fees to defend NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal NCAT proceedings against more than 100 semi-permanent caravan owners, claims the group. Owners of 136 holiday vans at 4 Council managed caravan parks situated on Crown Land at Brooms Head, Iluka, Minnie Water, and Wooli were sent letters in early March advising of the termination of long-term (casual occupation) agreements on June 30, 2025.
Riverland Enduro earning its place on the national circuit
Christine Webster. The ARB Waikerie Hotel Riverland Enduro attracted 61 entrants from across Australia on Saturday and Sunday. Waikerie Riverland Off-road Association president James Lochert said the event at New Well Station, south of Waikerie, was becoming popular on the national racing circuit.
