National rally moves to FarmFest site
The 19th National Heritage Machinery Rally, to be held from 23 to 25 August 2025, has been moved from the Jondaryan Woolshed to Kingsthorpe Park, the home of FarmFest. This year's Steaming Under the Southern Cross event, taking place from 25 to 31 August, will incorporate the National Historical Machinery Association's rally.
Wakool Sheep Races bleating successful
Crowds flocked to Wakool for the Annual Sheep Races on Saturday night. Frocks, fleeces and fine attire all made their way onto the ground to watch the sold-out races. Track conditions were favourable, the firm but forgiving ground boded well for competitive racing action.
‘Clarkie’ Memorial Statue officially unveiled at Ganmain
The official opening of the ‘Clarkie" statue in Ganmain was held last Saturday in conjunction with the Ganmain Historical Museum’s open day. Renowned artist Andrew Whitehead designed and constructed the statue, which is named after Ganmain identity the late Kelvin ‘Clarkie’ Clarke as a tribute to the farmers and farm labourers who worked in Ganmain’s sheath hay industry.
Cattle ticks found on property next to showground prompts committee to cancel show
Cattle ticks have been found on cattle at a property next to the Bonalbo Showground. It was during a routine inspection of the cattle that the ticks were discovered and the relevant authorities notified the managers of the showground.
Wilcannia declared an RV Friendly Town
Central Darling Shire Council has announced that the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Limited (CMCA) has declared Wilcannia an RV Friendly Town. The CMCA has grown since 1986 to become the largest recreational vehicle (RV) club in the southern hemisphere, now boasting over 68,000 members and a fleet of more than 34,000 vehicles.
Horse groups have grounds for complaint over planning schemozzle
The Bendigo Showgrounds – home of the Victorian Agricultural Shows Saddle Horse Championships and many other state and national equestrian events – is to have the size of its arena cut significantly under a Victorian Government redevelopment of the site.
Gentle giants delight crowds
Allora was home to the annual Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival at the weekend. Competitors and spectators arrived from northern New South Wales and western areas of Queensland as well as many from the local region.
Parade traffic management: change of direction
Preparation for the Maldon Easter Fair and the 148th Easter Parade are underway ... on Thursday 13 March the organisers used social media to share their concern that a traffic management company had informed them that it would no longer provide its services to the parade ...
Equine excellence
If it takes a village to raise a child then it also takes a massive team effort from the Cambooya Campdraft Association, Cambooya Pony Club, other local pony clubs, local businesses and politicians to successfully redevelop the Cambooya Recreation Ground into a first class equine facility.
fabALICE to bring the razzle dazzle of drag to Alice Springs
The glitz and glamour of drag queens and kings returns to the Red Centre when fabALICE takes over Alice Springs from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 March. fabALICE is a vibrant four-day festival of colour, creativity, celebration and inclusivity featuring talented drag queens and kings...
Have you got the fastest Wiener Dog in the West?
Henley Park, Edenhope, Vic – Get ready for a tail-wagging celebration as the much-loved Day of the Dackel returns in 2025! Dachshund lovers from near and far will gather in Edenhope to honour these adorable long-bodied companions with a day full of fun, festivities, and furry friends.
Warriors bring medieval glory to the Riverland
Madison Eastmond. More than 30 armoured local and visiting warriors went to battle at the Mallee Dragons’ newest Barmera ‘Lair’ last weekend. Hosting 25 medieval fights between five Buhurt teams from around Australia, the Mallee Dragons have officially held their first rookie tournament, Mallee Mayhem, since establishing the sport in the Riverland less than a year ago.
“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...
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.
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.
Campers everywhere – except at festival site
They came from all Australian states, and even from overseas. Their destination was the annual Esoteric Music Festival site, north of the Donald township. Sadly, though the weather was ideal, their journey was cut short by several kilometres, when the popular event was cancelled early on its first day, Thursday last.
Decision flattens festival-goers
It’s an event which, annually, has drawn lovers of the Great Outdoors to a location in Victoria’s Buloke Shire. From within the State, and from far beyond, they have travelled to enjoy the music and mateship of Donald’s Esoteric Festival ... Instead, they were walking the streets of the town, prior to leaving to return home without having as much as set foot on their Victorian countryside destination.
Food and Wine better than ever
Madison Eastmond. The Riverland Food and Wine Festival took over the Berri riverfront for the first time in six years last weekend, with the showcase selling out and returning with zero behavioural issues. With tickets completely sold out before the 12noon start-time, the revamped day-long festival focused on local produce, wine, and entertainment that was enjoyed by 1200 Riverlanders.
Skiing for a reason through the Riverland
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Riverland again hosted approximately 400 people taking part in a major fundraising relay focused on raising support for mental health. The 2025 Ski For Life travelled through the region last weekend, with participants finishing the 456km relay at the Renmark riverfront on Sunday.
Council goes for gold with Mount Morgan recreational fossicking plans
Rockhampton Regional Council has reached the final stage of establishing a recreational fossicking area on the land surrounding Mount Morgan No 7 Dam, after Councillors voted to formally request the creation of a General Permission Area (GPA) from the State Government.
Poachers’ Weekend turns twenty-five: Shooters flock to Donald and Minyip
Donald Field and Game (DFG) went on a hunt to figure out how long the Day 2 shoot between Donald and Minyip known as Poachers had been running for. The investigation started last year with Sarah O’Brien (DFG member) asking Tanya Clark (M&DFG member) – Tanya’s remark was, “We must be close to twenty-five.”
