History & heritage

It was a truly international affair at the Maclean Highland gathering with competitors travelling from as far as Scotland, Canada, and New Zealand for the 121st event. Rain showers on both Friday and Saturday added a touch of Scottish ambience, said Lower Clarence Scottish Association Secretary Alister Smith, as people travelled from as far as Melbourne to enjoy the annual spectacle.

The recent Snow Gum Summit in Jindabyne has drawn attention to the health of this notable tree of the Australian alps. The causes or primary cause of widespread snow gum decline, with a particular focus on fire regimes, climate change and insects, and the appropriate response to this problem, are the subject of a considered exchange of differing views here between two experts from different generations but not entirely different schools or schools of thought.

An entirely different High Country experience will soon be available for locals and visitors alike to learn more about our region through the writings of one Australia's most famous poets. The Banjo Paterson High Country Trail will connect the landscapes that inspired the poet's iconic verse in the Victorian High Country such as The Man from Snowy River.

The White Cliffs Power Station is the first commercially operated solar thermal power station in NSW and one of the earliest of its kind in the world ... It is a popular tourist attraction and "tourism is an important economic driver for our small communities." The Heritage Council of NSW is thinking about putting the power station on the State Heritage register.

Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest 2026 is fast approaching, with a packed program set to bring Maitland to life on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April. Alongside the headline ARTC Rail Program, there’s plenty happening across the city for all-ages.

Daniel Puentes. Melbourne street artist Heesco has once again brought his unmistakable creative energy to Donald, unveiling not one but two striking new murals that are already breathing fresh life into the town's landscape. With his remarkable eye for detail and storytelling through art, Heesco continues to transform everyday spaces into vibrant landmarks worth celebrating.

The Scottish town in Australia will come alive this weekend when the Lower Clarence Scottish Association presents the 121st Maclean Highland Gathering. On April 3 and 4, the sights and sounds of pipe bands and solo piping featuring some of Australia’s and the world’s best, will be complimented by the beauty and grace of highland dancing and the spectacular athleticism of the highland games.

Urea hit the equivalent of $2,800 a tonne in today’s dollars back in 1974. That’s not a typo—and it’s not ancient history either. To understand how that happens, you need to start with geography. Roughly a third of global fertiliser trade by sea—not production, trade—passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

A defining moment in Birchip's history now stands proudly above the town, with the remarkable story of Ray Neville and Rimfire brought to life on the Birchip silos. The project, driven by Birchip Community Forum, was first initiated by the late Joan Glen in 2023 and has been passionately carried forward by her husband Rod.

"Moderation in everything," Mary Cartwright says is the key to living 100 years, a milestone she will reach on May 28. "I've never driven a car so walk everywhere and keep my mind active – knitting, crocheting and reading," she says.

The Casino Greyhound Club has celebrated 90 years since the first race meeting in Casino. On March 18, 1936, the Casino Tattersalls Jockey Club ran its inaugural greyhound racing meeting at Carrington Park, a venue later renamed Queen Elizabeth Park ... Twelve races were run on Friday, March 20 2026 with the club boosting prize money with an additional $2000 added to each race.

Dr Brookhouse and the Snow Gum Summiteers (Snow gum dieback raises fears for largest river system) should look at the history and basic ecology of chronic eucalypt decline or so-called dieback ... Pests, parasites and diseases are symptoms and contributors, not causes of chronic eucalypt decline ... Chronic decline of eucalypts is not a consequence of climate change.

There was also something about prioritising regional areas. What there was not was anything resembling a system to track where fuel shortages are actually occurring, or to require distributors to send fuel where it is most needed.

Austinn Lane. A large crowd gathered in Port Victoria and Wauraltee over the weekend to celebrate the community's 150th anniversary, marking a major milestone in the district's history ... locals, former residents and visitors from across the region, came together to recognise the town's heritage and close-knit community.

We acknowledge the passing of Professor MaryAnn Bin-Sallik, a Djura elder from the East Kimberly. We acknowledge her work and dedication in the fields of nursing and Aboriginal education and for her advocacy for equity for Aboriginal people.

How does a tree survive hundreds of years? The three Ls of Luck, Location and a Little bit of help from friends ... And the three Ls might also be the case for a few large pre-colonial trees that have recently been identified at Maldon Golf Course by Bev Phillips of the Maldon Urban Landcare Group (MULGA).

Michelle Daw. Locals are rallying behind volunteers locked out of the Moonta Mines heritage site, demanding answers over the National Trust of South Australia's shock decision. More than 300 people gathered outside the Sweet Shop — one of the site's most popular attractions — on Friday, February 27, to protest the NTSA's move earlier in the week to disband its Moonta branch committee.

The former ANZ Bank building in Walker Street, Casino looks like it will be back in action after sitting empty for many years ... Jade Finance Australia has offices in every major city in Australia and is expanding its Casino Barker Street office and moving to the historical Walker Street building.

'Rocky Ned' was more than a horse – he was a legend. A buckjumper of rare skill and temperament, he dominated Australian rodeos for decades and inspired poems, songs and bush verse that celebrated his untamed spirit.

John Williams. Nhill’s Royal Hotel once claimed to have lost a talking black cockatoo a bird that supposedly said far more than “pretty cocky.” According to the tale, it could recite: “Jack Kierse’s drinks are the coolest and best at the Hotel Royal Nhill” ... What can be explained is why the Hotel Royal was also known as the Royal Hotel.

Michelle Daw. Moonta's beloved heritage attractions have been shut down for five weeks and its many local volunteers say they are banned from entering the premises. This follows a shock decision by the head office of the National Trust of South Australia to disband its Moonta branch and assume full management responsibility for the Moonta Mines State Heritage Precinct...

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is proudly recognising Purple Poppy Day today, observed annually on 24 February, honouring the courage, loyalty and sacrifice of animals who have served alongside Australian Defence Force personnel.