Life

Tocal College Foundation Day, an annual celebration honouring the College's opening and the legacy of the CB Alexander Foundation, was observed last week. This year's Foundation Day held special significance, as Tocal College proudly celebrates 60 years of operation, a milestone reached earlier in 2025.

Mat Dalby. "if one person takes one lesson from any of this and adds to their own preparedness, then the effort is worth it." Shire of Denmark Bushfire Ready lead facilitator Murray Brooker asks everyone to 'be prepared and not regretful after the fact'.

Community members are being reminded about the danger of bats after a boy was scratched by a flying fox near Crows Nest while attempting to rescue it. William, aged 14, was scratched by the flying fox while attempting to free it from a barbed wire fence on the family's property near Crows Nest, on 10 October.

Two Corryong locals were celebrated at the recent Ambulance Victoria (AV) Hume Staff Recognition Awards, taking home official recognition for their years of outstanding service providing pre-hospital health care and education to the community.

Almost 400 people filed through the impressive displays and stalls at the Mid Murray Industry Expo. 32 site holders showcased a range of services, products and expertise available in the local community. From forestry, to milled timber products, veterinary services, fires and ambulance services, real estate, garden supplies, plumbing, education, and so much more.

Following community consultation held in 2024 on the Castlereagh Country Drought Plans, the Gilgandra and Warrumbungle Shire Councils, supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government, are pleased to announce the launch of an innovative free event aimed at building resilience, empowering communities and showcasing opportunities.

Michael Balderstone, Legalise Cannabis Party President. Firstly, congratulations Albo and thank you for Labor preferences on the Senate tickets ... Fair to say we were disappointed by our result, even though we got more than half a million first preference votes. The Legalise Cannabis Party grew out of the Nimbin HEMP Embassy, which in truth grew out of the Nimbin community.

The small gathering at the War Memorial were showered in jacaranda flowers from one of the last remaining trees planted in memory of the 21 Wilcannia and District men who did not return from WWI during this morning Remembrance Day service. The subject of this year's address was Christie Walter Allison Jones. Christie left his home and family in Hood Street in April 1916 ... Central School students Myla and Zhayle laid the school's wreath...

Sebastian Calderon. Members of the Riverland's wine grape growing community last week gathered to discuss the potential economic viability of olive crops in the region. ... Sanoop Varughese, transformation and innovation officer at CCW, said the olive sector presents a unique opportunity for growers ready to diversify and future-proof their operations.

West Wimmera Health Service is proud to announce the completion of a major redevelopment project at Iona Gardens, bringing new life, colour, and purpose to the facility's outdoor spaces. What was once a plain and impractical environment has been reimagined into a welcoming, accessible, and engaging area designed to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for all residents.

Yamba was abuzz over the weekend as thousands of people enjoyed the 32nd Borderline Street Rodders Yamba Rod Run and the record 511 entrants who came from as far as Tasmania and Cairns to be a part of the fun. Saturday morning saw the traditional Show and Shine at Ford Park where almost 500 cars wowed the huge crowds from 9am until midday.

Timber Towns Victoria (TTV) has visited the Wellington Shire Council region for a 3-day members forum incorporating their annual general meeting and tours through several businesses featuring timber processing, innovation, and economic development.

The annual Rainbow on the Plains Festival is set to return to Hay from Thursday, November 13th to Sunday, November 16th, 2025, operating under the theme of "Transition" ... The festival, which celebrates the LGBTIQA+ community and rural inclusion, has become a key date on the Riverina's events calendar...

Soon after Chris Olive’s son Ben was born, a man asked him to join the SES. That was in 1984. Forty years later and Chris is recognised for his long service at Kyogle SES Unit at a presentation in Lismore on November 1. 

A new Federation University study has revealed farmers and communities are buckling under the mental health strain posed by energy and mining developments in the Wimmera and Southern Mallee regions ... “Tragically an Australian farmer dies by suicide every 10 days. That’s more than twice the rate of other working Australians.”

The 50th Maldon Folk Festival from Friday 31 October to Monday 4 November was fulfilling and full, according to Festival Director Pam Lyons. The town was packed with music, musicians and good vibes. “It’s been really great. I think we’re at capacity,” Pam said on Sunday evening. “Apparently, the ice cream & fudge shop has sold out. I wouldn’t be surprised if all the food vendors have sold out!”

The Tasmanian Government’s significant investment in health, education, housing, and law and order has been outlined in today’s 2025-26 interim Budget. This is a fiscally responsible budget that will continue to deliver the services that Tasmanians expect and deserve.

Members of the local Aboriginal community gathered on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River at Koori Beach Narrandera for a Welcome Baby to Country celebration on Wiradjuri land. Around 20 babies from Narrandera and Leeton aged 0–12 months and their families attended the ceremony.

Inspired by motherhood, rural living, and community care, the Back Road Artists' Eclectic Harmony exhibition will be on display at Rosalie Gallery in Goombungee from Wednesday, 12 November to Sunday, 14 December.

The Victorian Labor Government is claiming critical minerals will develop jobs and regional growth and boost local economies. Mine Free Glenaladale and the community it represents in East Gippsland disputes this claim by the Government, as there is a high probability existing jobs and industries would be adversely affected by a proposal of a mineral sands mine 25 kilometres west of Bairnsdale.