Spring downfall causes one day postponement of iconic Birdsville Races
Day 1 of the iconic Birdsville Races, originally scheduled to kick-off on September 2 has been postponed following unseasonal inclement weather that has made track conditions temporarily unsuitable for racing. The Saturday race program on September 3, which will include the headline TAB Birdsville Cup will proceed as scheduled.
Birdsville club sweating as rain hits the Outback
All roads lead to Birdsville this week - or do they? While the Birdsville Race Club isn't expected to have its annual two-day meeting directly impacted by rain, there are concerns that roads leading there could be cut off to visitors. Unseasonal August rain hit the North West and parts of the Channel country earlier this week and some roads were quick to shut, albeit temporarily.
It’s showtime!
Roll-up, roll-up and get ready to experience the razzle and dazzle of this year’s Narrandera Show. Celebrating its 140th year, there will a be spectacle of showtime amusement for the entire family to enjoy. Running on Saturday, September 3, the show is Narrandera’s longest running annual event, attracting thousands of people each year and this year will be welcomed back in spectacular style after having been put on hold due to Covid-19.
Motorfest 22 revs into life
Emma Pritchard. Thousands of visitors attended the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club’s Motorfest 22 at Jabour Park, South Grafton, on August 28 ... Motorfest 22 Committee Chairman David Andrews said more than 300 vintage vehicles were proudly displayed for the public, with participants avidly embracing the opportunity to view the classic collection up close...
Best July on record for regional South Australia: Bettison
Tourism in regional South Australia has not been dampened this winter, with the state celebrating its best July regional occupancy on record. Latest data shows July 2022 saw average occupancy for regional accommodation of 57 per cent, the best result for a July yet to be recorded. It was up from pre-Covid winter occupancy levels, of 50 per cent (July 2019).
Adventures abound with new Collie mountain bike trails: WA Gov’t
"Getting out and about on bikes is a great way to keep fit, engage with nature and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage of the region. And for keen riders, the new trails which will be opened in 2023 include a 200 metre elevation change from the top of Mt Lennard to the Collie River, featuring some long descents and leg-pumping climbs": WA Sport and Recreation Minister, David Templeman.
There’s something about Bool Lagoon
Chris Oldfield. The birds, bats and frogs of Ramsar-listed Bool Lagoon have their own calls and stories. Those stories will be shared when Bool Lagoon and Hacks Lagoon (currently dry) next have water. ... “So, finding a way of sharing that site with people – it's important to me. It seemed like a good fit to be doing environmental eco tours at Bool Lagoon to share that wonderful site with people”: Dr Abigail Goodman.
Camellia Show one of the best ever with over 960 blooms
The Narrandera District Garden Club’s 2022 Camellia Show at the weekend was one of the best ever, with 960 blooms of exceptional quality on display in the Narrandera Ex-servicemen’s Club auditorium. Garden Club Secretary Denise di Dalvia said it was one of the best shows she had seen in years and attracted a very high quality of blooms from visiting and local exhibitors.
Federally funded projects put under the spotlight
Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan recently hosted Federal Member for Wright, Mr Scott Buchholz MP, for a tour of the region’s current federally funded projects. Council was successful in securing grant funding of $675,000 from the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Grants Program. The cash injection is designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic bushfires in the Lockyer Valley ...
Progressing World Heritage status for the Flinders Ranges: Close
South Australia is getting closer to finalising its bid for World Heritage status for the iconic Flinders Ranges National Park, with the lead authors of the nomination touring key sites in the region ... More than 600 million years old, the Flinders Ranges is one of Australia’s magnificent landscapes.: Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Susan Close
Lifeguards expecting significant rise in coastal visitors
In anticipation of the return to a pre-Covid summer, the Australian Lifeguard Service is recruiting new Lifeguards to bolster its team of beach safety professionals ahead of the raising of the flags that signifies the start of the season, taking place in the September school holidays. It presents a fantastic opportunity to engage yourself in a rewarding role which will keep you fit and on the beach across the summer.
Work on Rail Trail’s new gravel surface starts – Construction is ramping up with rail trail set to open in early 2023
Construction work on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is ramping up with work starting this week on the final gravel surface for the Tweed section of the trail. After an extended run of dry weather, work to lay down the new compacted gravel surface is starting at several points along the trail including at Burringbar, Stokers Siding and South Murwillumbah.
Council rapt with tourism figures – Visitor numbers through the roof at Flinders Shire
Hughenden and the Flinders Shire region attracted a record number of tourists in the last financial year, according to new data released by the council. A total of 27,467 visitors came through Flinders Discovery Centre from July 2021 to June 2022, an 11 per cent increase on the previous year and a huge 42 per cent increase on 2019-20 during the travel restrictions of the pandemic.
Publican goes sightseeing in Queanbeyan
A publican involved in the record-breaking acquisition of the Thomas Blamey Hotel in Wagga Wagga has purchased of the Tourist Hotel in Queanbeyan – the town’s first pub sale in a decade ... Blake Edwards and Dan Dragicevich of HTL Property, who managed the off-market sale, said the buyer is an “undisclosed purchaser is a Maitland-based publican, who has recently purchased the Manning River Hotel in Taree and Thomas Blamey Tavern in Wagga Wagga though HTL”.
New owner at Bull & Barley Inn
Cambooya's iconic Bull & Barley Inn has a new owner with Mick Dewar taking over from Bruce Dell, who has owned the hotel for the last 15 years. The historic pub was built in 1902 when it was named the Cambooya Railway Hotel.
Pylon racers
Kirstin Nicholson. The whirring of planes could be heard from town on the weekend as the Cohuna Model Flying Club held its first event at the airfield since the pandemic began. Fifteen competitors took part in the Victorian Miniature Pylon Racing Association’s pylon racing competition over two days.
Clarence Distillery presented with Local Hero Award
Clarence Valley Council's Tourism team ... presented Clarence Distillery co-owner Adam Freeman with the 2022 North Coast Local Tourism Hero Award for the Clarence Valley. The many ways this Yamba business epitomises 'local' - which led to their nomination - include ... great collaborators who often work with other local businesses to showcase products from the region ...
Rail trails bill passes Parliament: NSW Gov’t
The Transport Administration Amendment (Rail Trails) Bill 2022 alters the Transport Administration Act 1988 to provide a streamlined process that may enable regional rail trails where and when the community wants them. Minister for Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the Bill unlocks opportunities for communities and fixes outdated and onerous legislation that required a change to the Act for each rail trail.
Industry leaders back biosecurity measures: DAFF
Agricultural industry leaders have taken a tour behind the scenes at Sydney International Airport to scope out Australia’s biosecurity measures. Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Australia's Director of Biosecurity, Andrew Metcalfe AO said the visit was a chance for industry leaders to see biosecurity protections in action.
Plenty of pluck – and more pigeons please!
Elle Petersen. The Naracoorte Poultry & Pigeon Club held their Championship Show at the Naracoorte Showgrounds on Sunday 24th, with 200 pens displaying the finest of local ducks, chickens and pigeons. The club reported it was a pleasure to host Judge Brendan Lloyd from Victoria who awarded Champion Bird of Show to L. Barber.
Riverina Express starts journeys
Riverina Express ran through the Narrandera area at the weekend. The Express is a full time tourist train to service the Riverina-Murray area. It is regarded as superstar in passenger train evolution, offering speed, comfort and air-conditioning.
Yaegl Elder’s portrait defaced
Geoff Helisma. A mural of Yaegl Elder Uncle Ron Herron, painted as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, was vandalised over the weekend. “It’s unacceptable and a kick the guts for our mob as we try to raise our profile in Yaegl Country, following our successful native title claims,”: Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation’s CEO, William (Billy) Walker
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