St Alban’s church decommissioned
"It was a short service and concluded with Archdeacon Robert Murphy saying 'it is a new beginning for the Booligal Community Church'. However, the decision and haste in which the Riverina Diocese acted in putting St Alban's Anglican Church on the market and the decommission of the church has left the community feeling totally disheartened": Jenny Sheaffe.
Warriors bring medieval glory to the Riverland
Madison Eastmond. More than 30 armoured local and visiting warriors went to battle at the Mallee Dragons’ newest Barmera ‘Lair’ last weekend. Hosting 25 medieval fights between five Buhurt teams from around Australia, the Mallee Dragons have officially held their first rookie tournament, Mallee Mayhem, since establishing the sport in the Riverland less than a year ago.
Visions to Tram-sform Donald’s Railway Precinct
Donald is known as a hub for innovation, and this spirit was on full display as the Donald 2000 committee brought the community together for its recent “Tram-sformation” event ... a wave of fresh ideas and creative visions for the newly positioned tram at the Donald Railway Station...
A new chapter in Barossa’s food story
The legacy of Australia’s most enduring cookbook, The Barossa Cookery Book, is being honoured with the launch of the companion edition, Rolling Up Their Sleeves. The creative inspiration of Those Barossa Girls, Sheralee Menz and Marieka Ashmore, Rolling Up Their Sleeves explores the remarkable history of the iconic cookery book, which was compiled in 1917 as a war fundraiser.
Maldon Campdraft turns 50
Maldon and District Campdraft Club celebrated its 50th anniversary last weekend over Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March, filled with horses, dust and riding challenges for all levels. The occasion inspired some reminiscing and a chance for some to reflect upon campdraft events in Maldon going back to the 1970s, while others were just focused on the competition!
Honouring two Birchip legends
More than 55 years ago, despite being 6,000 kilometres apart, Birchip residents Frank Hunt and Ray Naughton made history on the very same day. Now, their legacies are forever captured in a mural by artist Matt Hannah.
Open day a testament to Ganmain’s determination to preserve history
The Ganmain Historical Society will host its annual Open Day on Saturday 22 March at the Ganmain Museum ... Prepare to 'Step Back in Time' and be transported and immersed in history that includes static displays and working demonstrations of machinery, tractors, home appliances and farming equipment.
Charming snakes in Kaniva
John Williams. "Kaniva Weather" is a proverbial. And another old saying might be "Snakes alive in Kaniva" thanks to the following historic snake stories that have made the news.
The story behind the WWI handkerchief
A handkerchief issued during the First World War has made its way to Hay, in pristine condition. It belongs to Brian Cunningham of Gunbar who initially offered it to the War Memorial in Canberra, but decided to keep it in the family ... Brian’s handkerchief appears to be rather rare as no one has seen this particular design before.
Goroke unseals 25-year time capsule
The Goroke community came together on Sunday at the Goroke Hall to open a 25-year sealed perpetual time capsule, revealing a treasure trove of memories from the past ... The honour of opening the time capsule was given to Goroke's oldest resident, Max Carter, who, at 94, was surprised to witness the moment.
Council goes for gold with Mount Morgan recreational fossicking plans
Rockhampton Regional Council has reached the final stage of establishing a recreational fossicking area on the land surrounding Mount Morgan No 7 Dam, after Councillors voted to formally request the creation of a General Permission Area (GPA) from the State Government.
The intersection of art and archaeology in colonial and post-colonial Bali
In 1903, the island of Bali was visited by W.O.J. Nieuwekamp (WOJ, 1874-1950), a self-taught artist and journalist, who recognised the astonishing virtuosity of local artists, be they weaver, carvers, painters or builders. His travelling companion was the archaeologist/ethnographer Franz Heger (1853-1931), who was later to found the Museum of Ethnology in Vienna.
Poachers’ Weekend turns twenty-five: Shooters flock to Donald and Minyip
Donald Field and Game (DFG) went on a hunt to figure out how long the Day 2 shoot between Donald and Minyip known as Poachers had been running for. The investigation started last year with Sarah O’Brien (DFG member) asking Tanya Clark (M&DFG member) – Tanya’s remark was, “We must be close to twenty-five.”
A case study in folly #4: The price of ignoring fire risks
The day started rather innocuously on 18 March 2018 at Tathra, a serene coastal town nestled amidst the forested hills of southern New South Wales, renowned for its natural beauty near the sea. Yet, by 5 pm, this picturesque setting became the backdrop for a disaster that laid bare systemic failures in firefighting coordination, urban planning and bushfire preparedness.
Lighthorse riders set off marathon trek
A group of Light Horse enthusiasts departed from Shepparton on Tuesday on a 700km trek to commemorate the birth and death of General Sir Harry Chauvel, one of Australia’s most distinguished and decorated army generals.
The story of Lord Howe’s Meteorological Service – by Daphne Nichols
Daphne Nichols. Rainfall readings commenced on the Island in 1886, and records of climatological data began the following year ... The Meteorological Office shared the two-room wireless station from 1939, until 1955, when an independent station was completed on the eastern side of the Island above Middle Beach.
Huey to chopper in for opening
Jenny Oldland. There is no doubt that Roger Hogben and John Edwards, the driving force behind the establishment of the Vietnam War Memorial Walk between Edithburgh and Coobowie, have not been afraid to aim high right from the start. In a major coupe they have secured a Huey helicopter and crew set to fly from Nowra, New South Wales, to Edithburgh for the official opening of the walk on August 18, Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
After eight years, opera returns to Art Deco civic hall
It’s been a long time coming – the last time there was opera at the Casino Civic Hall was in 2017. The upgraded civic hall will again host a night of country music and opera in May.
Everybody loves a mystery
Honor Auchinleck. What would acclaimed author Elyne Mitchell have said about the 2025 MSRBF Art and Photography and Elyne Mitchell Photo Story Awards’ theme ‘The Man or the Myth’? As her daughter I will tell you some of what I remember. Elyne spoke to people on both sides of the High Country - in the Monaro and the Upper Murray - who remembered Banjo Paterson.
Our Vietnam vets link arms with American ‘brothers’
In an unprecedented gesture of support and mateship for their American ‘brothers-in-arms’, the Riverland Vietnam Veterans will join with the United States in commemorating US National Vietnam Veterans Day, on Saturday 29 March, at 11am ... The Riverland event, already dubbed the ‘Brothers-in-Arms Commemoration’, brings together all veterans and their families, united in recognising the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and servicewomen, while welcoming all interested members of the public to attend.
Nice weather for ducks
Ian Riley. I was asked recently (on MainFM actually) why we chose to live in Maldon. All the usual reasons, pretty little town, interesting shops, My Tarrengower Hill Climb, etc ... Acting on a tip-off, I went down to Cairn Curran on Sunday morning because I was told the Duck would be there.
Archiving history at the Athenaeum
Lynda Achren. Behind closed doors on Monday mornings, a team of Athenaeum Library volunteers is busy archiving our historic documents. For the past six months, with input from an experienced archivist, we’ve been meeting to sort, organise and catalogue such things as ...
