Regional roads left crumbling as Games cash goes elsewhere: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says it was a missed opportunity to not redirect any money from the cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria’s crumbling regional road network. VFF President Emma Germano welcomed the funds from the $2.6 billion earmarked for hosting the Games being spent in regional Victoria, but says it was a mistake to not spend any on our crumbling regional roads.
Allora Square comes alive this Saturday July 22
During Jumpers & Jazz in July – Allora is turning on its own display and everyone is welcome to join in the fun ... The Allora Museum will take you back in time with a beautiful collection of bridal wear from 1890’s to 1960’s ... Allora Arts & Craft Ladies ... Look around Allora - take the fascinating Town Tour ...
Commonwealth Games costs too high at over $6 billion: Andrews
With significant planning work and extensive market soundings completed, it is now certain that the cost of hosting the Regional Victorian Commonwealth Games will exceed $6 billion – more than twice the estimated economic benefit the Games would bring our state. In the face of these numbers, the Victorian Government has made the decision not to proceed with hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
Milky Way sphere design listed for world architecture prize
The ambitious design for the Mallanganee Lookout has been shortlisted at the World Architecture Festival in the Future Projects category ... The description on the festival website says “Mallanganee Lookout is an iconic destination – a place that has the centre of the galaxy crossing overhead”.
CIAF weaves two cultures into one extraordinary performance
The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) celebrated its 14th edition over the weekend with many highlights, most notably, two sell-out fashion performances of Woven ... The purpose of CIAF’s annual and iconic fashion performance is to promote Queensland’s contemporary Indigenous design, diversity, and inclusion while also empowering Indigenous youth through the representation of who they are and where they come from.
Chief Minister unveils new look for Nyinkka Nyunyu
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles unveiled concept designs for the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre’s $10 million transformation in Tennant Creek yesterday. The investment is part of the Territory Labor Government’s Arts Trail initiative, which aims to make the Northern Territory a world-class tourist and cultural destination.
Good times in the saddle
From Nobby to Westbrook and everywhere in between, locals ventured out west last Saturday for the first ever Pittsworth Pro Rodeo. The rodeo was a raging success, with more than 3,500 people through the gates and top class action as well as local juniors delighting an all-ages crowd.
Controversial skywalk now taking shape
Narrandera's Lake Talbot skywalk is now taking shape, with vehicle and pedestrian access within the Lake Talbot swimming pool carpark and stairway to the boat ramp closed in both directions last week to allow further works on the project. The design features a fully accessible walkway that extends some 13 metres out over and above the waters of Lake Talbot...
Queensland’s seminal First Nations celebration opens today: CIAF
For the next four days, Cairns will move to a vibrant, artistic, and cultural beat celebrating the rich traditions, creativity, and contemporary talent of Queensland’s First Nations peoples at the 14th annual, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), 13 to 16 July 2023 ... Also taking a cue from this year’s curatorial theme is CIAF’s new-look, two-day Symposium that will be held on Friday 14 July and Saturday 15 July at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre...
Glenreagh Timber Festival – the family friendly festival
The Glenreagh Timber Festival is back on Saturday July 29, from 9am – 4.30pm at the Glenreagh Recreational Reserve. Step back in time and discover the rich history of Glenreagh, nestled in the stunning Gumbaynggirr country.
Expectations smashed as more than 70,000 use Rail Trail in first four months
Data released by Tweed Shire Council shows more than 70,500 people have used the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) since its opening four months ago, smashing prior expectations. The figures released were calculated using data retrieved from counters strategically placed along the 24 km length of the Tweed section of the NRRT, which runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek.
Nexus Airlines set to take to the skies!
Nexus Airlines will take its inaugural flight on Monday 10 July when it departs Geraldton Airport at 10.20am to commence the first commercial flights on the expanded Inter Regional Flight Network ... With bases in Geraldton and Broome, Nexus Airlines is Western Australia’s newest truly regional airline, offering residents, local businesses, and visitors increased travel opportunities with reliable, affordable, and consistent air services between the Mid-West, Pilbara, and Kimberley.
25 years of Shakka the Shark
The Port Pirie Visitor Information Centre is celebrating 25 years since Shakka the Shark became a local tourist attraction and icon with an event this Wednesday and complimentary entry throughout the school holidays. Shakka is a 5.5 metre Great White Shark which tragically became entangled in snapper lines and drowned in Germein Bay on 12 July, 1998.
Frequent question: Is it safe to go to Alice Springs?
The current drop in crime in Alice Springs coincides with a decrease in tourism of around 40 per cent in several sectors, triggered largely by the nation-wide reporting of crime in Alice Springs ... Mayor Matt Paterson says following his speaking out the Stronger Futures was brought back and a $48.8m grant came from Canberra, partly to be used for more police.
Preston Peak accommodation approved
Lockyer Valley Regional Council has approved a development application made by Preston Peak Events Pty Ltd to use a house in Preston as accommodation for its visitors ... The ‘Motel’ is to be available to be booked for guests’ stays for a maximum of 170 nights in any calendar year.
Ganmain Arts Festival brought town to life
The streets of Ganmain came alive for the weekend for the second ever Ganmain Arts Festival. The festival featured art in different forms such as sculpting, painting, photography and even an ecofabric creator.
Byron Writers Festival 2023 (11-13 August) reveals full program. All tickets now on sale
Australia’s largest regional writers festival explores the theme of 'Wild Imagination' - Featuring more than 120 writers, thinkers and commentators ... The festival also offers writers’ workshops, an engaging program for children and several feature and satellite events in venues across the Northern Rivers.
Popular local attraction for sale
Owners of the Darling Downs Zoo, Steve and Stephanie Robinson have reluctantly placed the popular tourist attraction on the market due to Steve’s health. The Robinsons opened the Darling Downs Zoo in 2005 after many years of working with authorities to enable the project to go ahead.
Nhill Airshow highlights
The arrival of a DC3 aircraft on the morning of the Nhill Airshow on April 13th 2024, will be a special treat for visitors. For older Nhill residents, the sight of the magnificent DC3 landing on the airstrip will bring back memories of the regular passenger service that ran between Adelaide, Nhill and Melbourne from the 1940s to ’60s.
Penrite Hattah Desert Race celebrates 25 years this weekend
Mildura Rural City Councillor for Recreation and Events Mark Eckel has highlighted the success of the Penrite Hattah Desert Race as the iconic event prepares to mark its 25th anniversary this weekend ... Cr Eckel said the event was now one of the most popular and sought-after off-road events in the country, evidenced by the fact the more than 800 available race entries are now snapped up in just seconds once they open.
Barossa welcomes 2024 Santos Tour Down Under
Barossa Mayor Bim Lange is thrilled about the return of the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under, saying the Barossa will welcome not one Stage, but two ... “This is another great opportunity to put the Barossa on the world stage, and we couldn’t be happier Race Director Stuart O’Grady has yet again recognised our capacity for hosting this major international event”: Barossa Mayor Bim Lange.
Art gallery leap forward – in Darwin
Of the two budding NT government art galleries, one is making news: The one in Darwin, because construction is under way. At the opposite end of the Territory, and of government attention, there is no news about the Alice Springs “national” Aboriginal gallery because its senior director, Tracy Puklowski, is not able, not willing, not permitted, not whatever to answer media questions.

