Vinelander pulls in at Donald – passengers back on Mildura Line
I hear a train a coming, its rolling round the bend” sang the late great Johnny Cash, and might have been a song that came to mind as the Vinelander rolled into Donald on Friday, June 6, on its way to Mildura as part of the Slow Rail Journey put together by 707 operations based out of the Newport Rail yards in Hobsons’ Bay.
A work of art at Condamine
Well-known Allora artists, Malcolm and Kerry Nicholson of the Nicholson Art company have spent a few weeks in Condamine turning a big tin shed into a showpiece. Businessman Eric Liljegren of Condamine Seeds and Tyres organised Malcolm and Kerry to paint a mural based on his business but also to reflect on the rural community and district of Condamine.
Future of the Obelisk
Preserving Robe’s historic landmark and popular tourist attraction, the Obelisk, in its current location is “not a responsible use of ratepayer funds” ... “While we recognise its profound historical significance, various factors such as cost, environmental impact, practicality, and community opinion present significant challenges”: Mayor Lisa Ruffell.
Wings and Wheels takes off for 2024
Thousands of people were welcomed through the gates of the South Grafton Aerodrome on June 16 as the Grafton Aero Club hosted its popular annual attraction Wings and Wheels for 2024 ... the historic line up of classic and touring cars, hot rods, motorcycles, go-karts, tractors, and vintage engines, with a collection of aircraft including helicopters, gyros, and warbirds...
Community support still vital for fight to secure airport’s future
Put your voice forward and let the Commonwealth Department of Defence know about why it is important to you, your family, your business or organisation for the Wagga Wagga Airport to the remain in the community's hands. Council is pleading with local and surrounding communities to keep their submissions coming in support of the fight to secure the future of the airport...
‘Huge loss’: Mayor seeks State help after Bonza collapse
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli is calling on the Queensland Government to address the wide-reaching impacts felt through the loss of Bonza Airlines ... Those affected include the airline’s 150 staff, as well as suppliers, cleaning, catering and support services and the many accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers, car rental and attractions, who had benefited from the record numbers of visitors brought in by Bonza.
In sight, in mind stimulates memories
Wayne Hawthorne. “Out of sight, out of mind” it is said, yet this idiom can be transformed to “seeing is believing” when visiting museums ... Naracoorte Men’s Probus Club members recently visited two lesser-known gems of the South East. The Nangwarry Forestry Museum and the Kalangadoo Railway Station Museum.
Maldon in Winter
Michelle Dorian. The temperature is dropping but the anticipation is rising: the Maldon in Winter Festival is coming to town! With the theme of ‘Let There Be Light,’ this year’s festival is shining a spotlight on many of Maldon’s hidden gems for both visitors and locals.
Newstead Racecourse Recreation Reserve
Kerry Cain. The Newstead Racecourse Recreation Reserve covers approximately 80 acres and is owned by the State Government. The NRRR has a volunteer committee that manages, maintains, and enhances the land ... The NRRR now has a park section used as a camping area.
Community focus for Abbie’s ‘amazing’ festival
Patricia Gill. A return to a community focus drew 380 artists at the Denmark Festival of Voice packing seven venues for 55 acts over the recent long weekend. First-time festival director Abbie Pedersen was honoured to be part of a long legacy established by previous directors.
CWA International Food Fair goes from strength to strength
CWA Narrandera Evening Branch is celebrating another huge success with their International Food Fair on Saturday ... "There were over 30 food and market stalls on offer, again a further increase on last year’s stall numbers": CWA President Beryl Brain ... Free children’s activities included a jumping castle, face painting and fun activities provided by Fusion.
Thundering towards semi-finals in Grafton
Three littermates were amongst the 32 greyhounds who jumped from the boxes at the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club during the running of the last regional heats of the Thunderbolt series on June 9 with brothers Hit The Switch and Cash On Delivery scoring tenacious wins over 350m in Heat 1 and Heat 2 respectively to qualify for the semi-finals this weekend.
A woolly good weekend in Barmera
The Barmera Sheep Dog Trials concluded on Sunday, with “particularly good crowds” over the weekend. Around 40 dogs competed over the five days, with 440 sheep coming from around the Riverland ... Highlights over the five days included the iconic ‘Running of the Sheep’ event down Barwell Avenue
Riverland hosts paddling marathon
Marathon paddlers from around the nation converged on the Murray River last weekend for South Australia’s premier long-distance event, the Riverland Paddling Marathon (RPM). Run by the Marathon Canoe over the June long weekend each year, the RPM has become a staple of the marathon calendar since its inception in 1988.
The best state forest sites to visit this long weekend: FCNSW
Wanting to connect with nature this long weekend and wondering about the best camping and picnic sites in your neck of the woods? Well, here’s a list of amazing visitor experiences in state forests. From scenic trails and lookouts to free pet-friendly campsites...
Sky’s the limit for Uluru tourism with new Virgin flights now boarding: Bowden
Virgin Australia now flies direct to Uluru from Melbourne four times a week and Brisbane three times a week. The new routes were secured in partnership with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. Investments through the Lawler Labor Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme improve travel choices for Territorians and provide a boost to inbound tourism through better aviation access and connectivity.
There’s action at the station!
After successfully campaigning the Victorian State Govt. to continue funding the Overland until 2027, many of us were devastated to see the sudden appearance of the cyclone fence being erected at the Nhill Station on July 18th, 2023, preventing access to the veranda, when waiting to board the Overland or greet folks arriving ... it is pleasing to see Stage 1 of the renovations, has finally begun.
Rail trail proposal remains on track
It’s full steam ahead for Tallowood Ventures Limited (TVL) after the not-for-profit organisation announced their 2023 proposal to develop a 35km section of the currently inactive Glenreagh to Dorrigo Branch Line and transform it into a rail trail is one step closer following recent community efforts to clear vegetation along large areas of the rail corridor.
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Publican’s beer dream of a microbrewery for Woodburn close to coming true
For 20 years publican Daniel Simpson has wanted to brew his own beer at the Rod n Reel Hotel in Woodburn. That dream is close to becoming a reality. After the floods, Daniel bought the pub building and has put in a Development Application for a microbrewery.
New signage to track Nornalup rail history
Serena Kirby. The Denmark Historical Society is in the process of erecting information signage along the Denmark - Nornalup Rail Trail. The 38 signs provide historical background about the origins, significance and role that the old Elleker-Denmark-Nornalup railway line played in opening up the surrounding areas for grazing and settlement.
News from the Nhill Book Fair – antique, vintage and classic books.
This month, book fair volunteers have started sorting through the collection of Vintage, Antique and Classic Books. Sorting vintage and antique are easy. Any hardcover book printed between 1918 and 1978 can be called vintage and any book printed before 1918 can be called antique.

