Small bus makes big difference for remote NSW community
Every second Thursday at 7am, Rob Dyson fires up his bus in the opal mining town of White Cliffs and embarks on what has become a lifeline for the remote far west NSW community ... "I'm like the farm dog, you start up the ute and I jump on. He starts the bus and I'm on it. There are so many advantages," said local artist Cree Marshall, who has been using the service since it began three and a half years ago.
The old Oldsmobile
Hidden in sheds, under tarps and out of sight in Maldon, are some amazing things. This is a 1925 Oldsmobile Tourer, which obviously means it’s now 100 years old. Here’s a fun fact: it was Oldsmobile that pioneered the production line, not Henry Ford, although he certainly picked up the idea and ran with it with his Model T.
Free caravan and weighing day at Narrandera
Caravanners in Narrandera will be offered road safety and caravanning advice at free caravan weighing days on Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June. Narrandera Shire Council and Transport for NSW will co-host the caravan weighing days with "Your Weigh - Mobile Vehicle Weighing" to educate caravanners about correctly calculating their caravan’s weight...
Naracoorte 4WD Club cruises Robe to Beachport
Hayley Braendler. On Saturday, May 10, the local Naracoorte SA 4WD Club explored Robe to Beachport as one of their monthly trips. We had a seven vehicle turn out, with only one vehicle needing to be recovered a couple of times, which made the day more interesting.
Murrabit Rumbles, rattles and chuggs to the tune of the National Motoring Day
God looked down upon the small country town of Murrabit and decreed that the seventh day shall be filled with polished chrome, flat top pistons, and lumpy cam ... car clubs from Deniliquin, Echuca, Swan Hill, and Kerang gathered for the National Motoring Day at the iconic Murrabit Market site.
Nhill Fire Brigade celebrates arrival of two new emergency vehicles
Nhill Fire Brigade raised an incredible amount of funds for two vital appliances: a new light tanker and the replacement forward command vehicle were officially handed over to Nhill Fire Brigade in Nhill by D17 ACFO Chris Eagle on Sunday 18th May 2025.
Parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety
Motoring body RACQ has welcomed the State Government's announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety after years of advocating for electric scooter reforms. In 2024, there were 1,504 presentations to participating Emergency Departments in Queensland as a result of an e-scooter crash, an increase of 231 from 2023.
The steam engine that stole the show
Now that the dust has settled and the amazing Maldon Easter weekend is behind us, I am thinking back to one of the larger vehicles that you may have noticed in the parade. It's a 1909 John Fowler Power Traction Engine, made in Leeds England.
Sentimental parting of vintage farm machinery
Either way, Sunday, May 18, will be a day of mixed emotions for Wedderburn identity, Tony Hansen, because on May 18 he hopes to sell his collection of iconic items of vintage farm machinery. These relics of the pioneering past are like “best mates” to Tony, who has arrived at that point in time to see his “best mates” move on to another collector, or possibly a machinery museum.
The power of the tractor on display at Quambatook
Quambatook held the Australian Tractor Pull Championships on Easter Saturday at its purpose built track in front of thousands of appreciative spectators. This fully-fuelled event draws spectators and competitors from all over Australia and offers a jam-packed program to keep any and all entertained.
Rod run ends on high note
Narrandera hosted another hugely successful Earlies Rod Run event over Easter 2025. The show and shine at Narrandera Sportsground on Easter Sunday was a great success with 450 cars in attendance and parked around the sports oval.
Happy Easter! Victorian Goldfields Railway
Steam whistles echo through the rolling hills of Victoria’s Goldfields, heralding a journey back in time ... As the trains roll into Maldon and Muckleford, they carry more than passengers, they bring life, energy, and prosperity to a town that thrives on its past while embracing its future.
Forty out of forty for son of Rod Run founder
Steven Alldrick. Narrandera is a special place for me and my family not only going every year, being able to organise the run, but it is where I met my wife Kathleen and where I proposed to her. Kathleen and I met 24 years ago and have been together ever since ... Kathleen and I also share a passion for hot rods and custom cars ...
Easter Rod Run 2025 – What’s on: Message from the organisers
Steven Alldrick. A warm hello to all our entrants, visitors, and locals who have ventured to Narrandera this year for the 40th Narrandera Rod Run. We are excited to be back for another wonderful Easter, with a good number of entrants, we expect similar numbers around the oval at the show n shine on Sunday; with 400 cars in attendance.
Changing of the Guard: Celebrating 75 years
From a little Ford truck to a multi-million-dollar fleet of Kenworths and high-tech earthwork equipment, Naracoorte’s Bull Bros Pty Ltd this year celebrates 75 years in business. Driving further enthusiasm and longevity into the esteemed company which employs around 30 people, a fourth generation is stepping up.
Red Centre to the Reef – Alice Springs–Cairns flight takes off: Cahill, Yan
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on its commitment of 2025 being a year of action, certainty and security as the first Alice Springs-Cairns direct flight takes off ... In a major boost for the Red Centre, the new Alice Springs to Cairns route offers greater connectivity for international visitors coming into Alice Springs and beyond.
Full steam ahead: Cruise ships return to Wallaroo
Joanna Tucker. Cruise ships are returning to the Copper Coast following a four-year campaign by Copper Coast Council. The Seabourn Quest, operated by Carnival Corporation’s Seabourn brand, will dock in Wallaroo on March 20, 2027. The booking marks the first return of cruise vessels since 2020.
Go with the Flo
Spotted in Maldon on Saturday 29 March: this gloriously coloured Model-T Ford, on its way to participate in the Florence Thomson Tour, which celebrates "the pioneering spirit and contribution of women to Australian motoring."
Quamby tractors pull the crowd
On Easter Saturday, the engines roar, the smoke rises, and the action heats up as Quambatook hosts its 47th Annual Australian Tractor Pull Championships. Prepare for an unforgettable day where brute power meets engineering excellence and machines defy gravity at the Home of Tractor Pulling!
Alistair’s flying visit
Squadron Leader Alistair Smith, from 2 Operational Conversion Unit, has been in Victoria for the past two weeks for the Australian International Airshow held at Avalon as the AIA25 Detachment Commander and one of the F-35 Lightning II pilots ... Alistair is the son of former Birchip residents Eileen and Ian Smith and completed his primary and secondary schooling at Birchip P-12 School.
Kaniva to Nhill by horseless carriage
John Williams. In April 1904, a tailor, E. Thomas brought to Nhill a French car in which a reporter from the Nhill Free Press was given a ride from Kaniva to Nhill. The type of car has been questioned: Contemporary reports suggested it was a De Dion Bouton and that Thomas was a Nhill local.
Record breaking flight
Hay has a link to a record-breaking flight - inspired by love - from England to Australia, in the early days of international air travel and aviation. Cecil Arthur Butler was born in England in 1902 but immigrated to Australia with his family in 1910, settling in Lithgow NSW.
