Malinauskas on the move
Madison Eastmond. Visiting the Riverland as part of a broader regional tour of South Australia last Wednesday and Thursday, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas met privately with local growers and wine industry representatives to discuss current issues within the industry, including falling grape prices, increasing water and production costs, and tolls on mental health.
Dark sky could dawn at Port Moorowie
Caitlin Menadue. A new Dark Sky Policy could put Yorke Peninsula's Port Moorowie on the stargazing map as community consultation draws to a close today, Tuesday, January 13. If adopted, Port Moorowie will become an established Dark Sky Community alongside Carrickalinga on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the first Dark Sky Community in South Australia.
Shire of Gingin acknowledges police investigation
The Shire of Gingin says it is aware WA Police have undertaken an investigation relating to matters involving one or more of the shire’s councillors. This morning WA Police said that Gingin Police had charged a 61-year-old Gingin man after he allegedly made numerous threatening phone calls to a person between February 7, 2025 and September 10, 2025.
Premier at the pub
Premier David Crisafulli shared a schooner with residents and local member Pat Weir during a visit to the district over the holiday break ... The December 19 event allowed the politicians, stakeholders, industry leaders and locals to mingle, and share their experiences and concerns...
Loxton arts advocate’s honour
Sebastian Calderon. "In a country town, if you can play piano, you get asked to do a lot of things... " - Karyn Skewes ... Community contribution through music, mentorship and quiet leadership has earned Loxton's Karyn Skewes the District Council of Loxton Waikerie Citizen of the Year award – recognising more than three decades of shaping the region's cultural life and strengthening local connections.
New John Houston Memorial Pool an investment in Hay’s health, wellbeing and vibrancy
The fully refurbished John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool is more than a safe place to swim. It is more than being the largest capital project in Council history. In her official address during the opening ceremony on December 19, Hay Mayor, Carol Oataway said the pool complex was a community hub, a place where families gather, friendships are forged, and active, healthy lifestyles are encouraged.
Review slams Council – Office of Local Government to recommend actions
The culture, staff conduct, loss of public trust, disorder at meetings, and a lack of transparency and accountability were all issues identified by the Office of Local Government in a review into Clarence Valley Council. In November, the Office of Local Government (OLG) announced it would be conducting a review into Clarence Valley Council. “In recent months, the Office of Local Government has received multiple complaints and concerns about the operation of Clarence Valley Council,” an OLG spokesperson said.
Community together in song and fellowship – Birchip Ecumenical Christmas Service
The Birchip community came together in a spirit of unity, reflection and celebration at the Ecumenical Christmas Carol Service held at the Birchip Public Hall ... Representatives and congregations from St Mary’s Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, the Uniting Church joined with community members of all ages ... In a powerful moment of solidarity, Robyn invited attendees to hold hands as a visible sign of unity and support for Jewish communities, both locally and around the world.
Christmas message from the National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive, Susi Tegen: NRHA
As this final newsletter of the year demonstrates, rural health does not pause for the festive season. While many Australians take a well-earned break, rural, regional and remote communities continue to carry extraordinary responsibility—for food production, harvest, emergency response, service delivery and the steady functioning of our economy and society.
Rest stop heart attack turns into miraculous survival
As David Anderson travelled back home to Stanthorpe from a trip to Toowoomba, little did he know a rest stop at Allora would leave his life hanging in the balance. David had just exited the public restrooms when he suddenly collapsed to the ground, unresponsive. Confirming that David was in cardiac arrest, bystanders immediately began providing effective CPR, before paramedics arrived...
Fast and furious
An intense and devastating storm hit Central Victoria on Saturday 13 December and cast a weird yellow light ... In Tarrengower, Anne-Maree McComb described the destruction: “It took out trees in a straight line over around 800 metres as well as the roof of our house, spreading debris over about 250 metres. We were watching two storm fronts colliding and a mini tornado circling in our back yard when our back verandah was ripped off, taking the whole roof of the house with it.”
Community unites to honour Lauren
A powerful show of community resilience and strength unfolded at Nobby ... as family, friends and supporters gathered to honour the life and legacy of 21 y/o Lauren Smith, whose life was cut short by epilepsy ... the Smith family, alongside local haulage company OBrienco Transport, officially unveiled a specially branded B-Triple truck dedicated to Lauren’s memory...
Society continues to preserve our past
The Upper Murray Historical Society has celebrated a landmark year, capped by the recent installation of a new memorial board for Jack Riley at the Corryong Cemetery - a tribute that reflects both the region's rich history and the dedication of the volunteers who preserve it. Much of the year's activity was sparked by Corryong's 150th anniversary celebrations in July, prompting extensive research and renewed exploration...
Time capsule finds a new home
The town's time capsule was installed in its new home last week, lowered carefully from above onto the original stand. Once displayed in the grounds of the former St Paul's Church, in Moppett Street, the time capsule was donated to the town by David Kenton, when he purchased the land from the church several years ago.
Christmas hits Barmera with a bang
Madison Eastmond. Crowds of Riverlanders lined the main street of Barmera for the annual Christmas pageant and firework display ... the community gathering providing another successful showing of local festive cheer and spirit despite the weekend heatwave.
Council and community discuss hall problems
More than 70 community members gathered at a meeting in Charlton this week to discuss the current temporary closure of the Charlton Shire Hall due to the potential friable asbestos identified in the decorative brickwork wall cavities in June ... Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of Amosite asbestos within cavities ...
Mid West and Geraldton left in the dark as power outages hit more than 24,000 on extreme heat day: Love
The Nationals WA have called for urgent action after widespread power outages left more than 24,000 homes and businesses across the Mid West and Geraldton without electricity today [14 December 2025] on a day where temperatures exceeded 35 degrees in parts of the region.
Street smart
Last week marked the International Day of People with Disability ... so it was fitting to consider how the design of a humble pedestrian crossing can make a difference to safety and accessibility.
Monster cod catch makes Cohuna fisherman a local hero
Gus van Hart. A young angler has landed the catch of a lifetime off the Cohuna pier, reeling in a metre-plus Murray cod that has kids around town asking him how to fish. Personal trainer Jye Hill, who recently turned 20, was only a few minutes into a session at the popular Cohuna spot when his rod suddenly came to life.
Appeals launched to help victims
Family members and friends of some of the victims of the Koolewong fires have started gofundme appeals to help them get back on their feet ... Elyse, her boyfriend, her mother, her one-year-old son and their greyhound luckily escaped the flames but have lost their home and every belonging inside it.
Residents in shock after Koolewong fire claims 16 homes
The community is still reeling after a devastating bushfire destroyed 16 homes and damaged a further nine at Koolewong on Saturday, December 6 ... News of the fire first broke at around 1pm on Saturday at which time four homes had been lost, with reports of more homes destroyed surfacing during the afternoon and early evening...
Clean water – we’re one step closer
Narrandera Shire Council is excited to announce that the community is one step closer to safer, more reliable water, with $908,000 in funding from the Albanese Government to develop a full business case for a new, state-of-the-art Narrandera Water Treatment Plant.
