Crime wave worsening under Labor as regional communities left exposed: Cleeland
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has slammed the Allan Labor Government for failing to address the worsening crime wave across regional Victoria ... Fresh figures ... reveal substantial increases in criminal incidents, offender rates, and family violence ...
Crowds flock to YP Field Days
Michelle Daw. Thousands of people began pouring through the gates at the Yorke Peninsula Field Days site near Paskeville ... not only one of the region's largest events but also Australia's oldest field days, dating back to trials held near Bute in 1895. This year's event is expected to inject between $5 million and $8 million into the local economy ...
Paralysed by neglect: the road council won’t fix until 2029
When does the cost of human life and injury tip the scales and become the first priority? John Hanckel used to start his mornings with a jog, breathing in the fresh country air around Hay ... All of that changed on one terrible day in October 2008...
Hughenden celebrates official opening of Country Universities Centre and launch of 4821 Learning Lab
Flinders Shire marked a milestone in local education yesterday (24 September) with the official opening of the Country Universities Centre (CUC) Hughenden, which already has 17 students enrolled and studying locally.
New home for horse trough
Maldon Heritage Network has found a new home for the horse trough that sat for many years in front of what is now the hardware shop ... trough is marked 'Donated by Annis & George Bills Australia' which means it has an interesting history. The Bills were successful in business in the late 1800s and ahead of their time as compassionate campaigners for animal rights.
A small community with a big voice calls for rethink on Bendigo Bank agency closure: Wycheproof asks, “Why?”
The people of Wycheproof are deeply concerned by the recent announcement that Bendigo Bank will fully close its agency in the town. This decision, made without broad community consultation, has significant implications for residents, local businesses, and the liveability of the rural community.
The 2025 Disaster Challenge: Nature-based solutions, digital twins and smart public spaces… which pitch will win?
You are invited to livestream this year’s Disaster Challenge Final from Hobart! The three finalist teams are perfecting their pitches and Natural Hazards Research Australia would love you to join us to hear how these could revolutionise infrastructure to strengthen disaster resilience. Are you based in Hobart? Join us at the RACV Hobart Hotel...
It’s carnival time
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Floral Parade weekend saw hundreds of visitors pass through Wyreema and Westbrook to see some beautiful Garden Competition entries and Succulent Fest. Reigning Carnival of Flowers Garden Competition Regional Grand Champion winner Narelle Hurse of 4 Cashmore Street, Wyreema defended her title.
Run Upper Murray: Trailblazers faced a chilly challenge
A field of 75 trail runners competed in the second annual Run Upper Murray in the Thowgla Valley on Saturday. It was another unforgettable day of trail running, community celebration and high-country hospitality. With runners taking on either the 33km ‘Ultimate Challenge’ or the 16km ‘Summit Dash’, the event launched from the iconic Thowgla Hall...
Industrial renewables laid bare
The Pyramid Hill was a hive of activity on Sunday as community members from Loddon and Gannawarra Shires gathered to discuss industrial renewable developments openly. The meeting hosted by Loddon Valley Renewables Awareness Group provided an open community forum, something that is avoided at all costs for transmission line and renewable developments, as one speaker framed it, "divide and conquer" is the standard modus operandi.
140 years of Freemasonry
On Saturday 20 September 2025 a special event occurred. To celebrate 140 years of Freemasonry in Nhill, The Lowan Lodge 107 reenacted the consecration of the cornerstone of the Nhill Post Office. The program followed the 29 October 1887 event with a march to the Post Office by all local Freemasons.
Dialysis in draft: State plan flags mid-term service priority for Naracoorte
The long-awaited prospect of renal dialysis services at Naracoorte Hospital has been formally recognised in the state government’s Draft Clinical Services Plan for the Limestone Coast ... Mr McBride emphasised that renal dialysis for Naracoorte had been a long-standing request from constituents who faced the burden of travelling to Mount Gambier or Adelaide for treatment.
Pooling options to utilise future of community services
A deputation presented by Bruce Carle to Clarence Valley Councillors and Council staff last week prior to the commencement of the Ordinary Monthly Meeting of Clarence Valley Council (CVC) on September 18 received plenty of admiration after it highlighted the potential to utilise a vacant premises and secure the long-term future of two wellknown community groups.
Local MP slams health report’s ‘weasel words”
Michelle Daw. After months of anticipation, the long-awaited Yorke Peninsula health services inquiry report has been released. Its 16 recommendations include upgrading services at Wallaroo Hospital and developing emergency departments at Yorketown and Maitland Hospitals ... Narungga MP Fraser Ellis said he was disappointed by the "underwhelming" language used in the report.
Mancel’s incredible record recognised
On September 9, Mancel Gray Giddings, OAM, was presented with his Order of Australia Medal at a ceremony at Government House, officiated by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria. It was a truly special occasion, and Mancel was delighted to once again put his beloved Wycheproof on the map!
PCYC aquatics ready to dive into Allora community
After being awarded a 3 year contract by Southern Downs Regional Council to operate the Allora Swimming Pool, PCYC Queensland is ready to take on the management when it reopens on 1 October - just in time for the summer season. This marks a major milestone for PCYC Queensland, one of the state’s largest providers of sport and recreation programs.
Ros Scotney among aggrieved group
Former Toowoomba Region Councillor and Pittsworth Shire Mayor Ros Scotney OAM has expressed her disappointment at the direction things have taken since the amalgamation of 8 local governments on the Darling Downs created Toowoomba Regional Council. Ms Scotney is part of the committee agitating for change.
Call for more care with burns
Patricia Gill. Five motions will be raised at the September 30 Denmark Shire Council meeting which call on the State Government to take more responsibility for prescribed burns. The motions to be put to the September 30 council meeting were drawn up at the special electors meeting held in the Denmark Civic Centre on September 11. Almost 100 people attended the meeting which the Friends of Harewood called for after delivering a 340-signature petition to the Shire.
Naracoorte on the rise
That’s the message from Spendmapp by Geografia, which has singled out the Naracoorte Lucindale Council for its economic momentum and community-first approach ... The latest data shows local spending is climbing, visitor dollars are growing, online shopping is rising, and even ‘escape spend’ is up — a sign of household confidence and prosperity circulating across the Limestone Coast.
Nhill Uniting Church centenary celebrations
100 years of worship in the Nhill Uniting Church was celebrated in style ... People travelled from across the State, and interstate, to enjoy a morning of music, messages and memorabilia.
Sun shines on Hay Show
Jill Chapman. District rain last week was needed, but the sun on show day is always welcome. Conditions on Friday night were cool, but patrons all enjoyed the best side show alley for years.
66 and Field Days still going strong
Madison Eastmond. High attendance and exhibitor numbers, along with great weather conditions, all came together for a successful 66th edition of the Riverland Field Days last weekend. The Riverland Field Days welcomed exhibitors, vendors, and guests from the region and beyond to Barmera ... with more than 10,000 people attending across the two days, and 225 booked sites ...
