Banking for people and community
In a time when big banks often feel distant from the communities they serve, Summerland Bank's proposed merger with Regional Australia Bank offers a refreshing alternative – one focused on mutual ownership, ethical banking, and a deep commitment to regional sustainability.
New mural transforms amenities block
Bob Dooley. Nimbin is truly blessed to have always had beautiful art around the village. Thanks to Julie De Lorenzo for her latest piece on the newly-built amenities block which adjoins Peace Park, the swimming pool, the skateboard park and the Aquarius Walking Track.
Lessons learnt from the genesis of multiple occupancy
Rob Doolan. In the beginning of the 1980s, I had escaped the Queensland Bjelke-Petersen regime and moved to the Northern Rivers desiring some rural land to build my home and live differently. In 1983 we were building the first roads on the property at Whian Whian where we planned to have a small Multiple Occupancy (MO).
Backing SA’s recreational fishers: PIRSA
The State Government is rolling out a suite of measures to back South Australia’s recreational fishing community, helping them weather the impacts of the unprecedented algal bloom and setting the stage for a strong recovery of fish stocks. The algal bloom presents a real challenge for fishers, causing foamy and discoloured water in some areas and has impacted about 400 types of fish and marine animals.
Museums could close
Yorke Peninsula National Trust of South Australia branches are refusing to pay a new fee which would take 10 per cent of their gross annual revenue, warning the move could force museums to close. Of the several YP branches protesting, the Moonta branch — one of the NTSA's largest — is facing a $47,365 fee, which chair Graham Hancock has called unfair.
GROUNDED Festival set to ignite Yorkes
Yorke Peninsula will come alive from August 15 to 24 when the GROUNDED YP Art Festival returns with more than 30 workshops, performances, events and exhibitions across the region ... "The festival enriches our arts and culture scene, supports local businesses, strengthens community pride and welcomes visitors to experience the beauty and hospitality of our region": Molly Flanagan-Sjoberg.
Constant problem of broken footbridge to be solved by suspension bridge
If you have tried to cross the Richmond River using the Casino footbridge lately, you’ll see it is impassable. Richmond Valley Council said the footbridge has been underwater every week or two for the last six months since ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.
Art at the heart: The importance of community arts
Community arts play a vital role in regional towns and for every visible benefit that art brings to a town there are ones that are far less noticeable. To shine a light on these benefits - seen and unseen - I sat down with Abbie Pedersen, director of the Denmark Arts Council in WA’s Great Southern region, to discuss this important issue.
Emergency Services Tax hits local ratepayers hard: Cleeland
Regional families and farmers are bearing the brunt of the Allan Labor Government’s Emergency Services Tax, with local councils forced to rip millions more from communities already struggling under the weight of rising living costs ... “In Benalla, ratepayers are now set to fork out 81 per cent more under this new tax. In Strathbogie, it’s even worse – a staggering 91 per cent increase,” Ms Cleeland said.
Allora’s latest centenarian – Looking back on Rae Masters’ 100 years
Colin Newport. Warwick Street, Allora, has played a big part in the life of Rae Masters, who celebrated her 100th birthday at ‘The Homestead’ last Thursday 31st July. Averil Rae Masters was born in Miegunyah Private Hospital (now the home of Margaret Rackley at 33 Warwick Street) on the 31st July 1925, the daughter of Les and Doris Masters (nee Holmes).
Buloke shares flood protection funding
Communities across Victoria will be better protected from future flood impacts ... This includes the installation of moveable flood barriers, connecting gaps in existing levee systems, improving flood risk mapping and updating flood studies to reflect current conditions.
Forecast fine for market
Julia Leonard. It looks like our last market for winter is going to be a sunny one. We are very pleased to have olive oil and free-range eggs on offer at our August market. Our new olive oil producer, Barfold Olives, are located near Redesdale.
Maldon glows in the dark
The shopkeepers and gallerists of Maldon were in full flight as local ambassadors last weekend for an influx of visitors. Embracing the aesthetic of the Goldfields Gothic festival, the local retailers went all out with dark decor, coffin cookies, extravagant attire and glamorous gear.
Powering communities as batteries switch on: Bowen, Koutsantonis
South Australia is powering up, with more than 50 new community batteries being switched on, helping more Australians get solar power into their homes and businesses. The new batteries are being rolled out across Adelaide and regional South Australia, backed by the Albanese Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Step up to save mountain plant
A community-based project to re-establish a critically endangered plant in the Burrowa Pine Mountain National Park (BPMNP) is gaining momentum in the Upper Murray. Mountain Banksia (B. canei) became locally extinct in the park following the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.
Race club makes final field
The Towong Turf Club has been shortlisted for a Country Racing Victoria (CRV) award in recognition of the success of its annual cup meeting. Four club awards will be announced at a gala ceremony on Saturday August 23rd celebrating the best club and community club throughout the past season, as well as the events of the year at both club and community club level.
‘We”ve had enough of being ignored’
The Towong Shire Council is expecting a large turnout for the community rally in Corryong this Sunday calling for a new single-site regional hospital on a greenfield site in Albury Wodonga. Sunday's protest is the latest step in a protracted campaign that has snowballed since the NSW and Victorian governments announced a joint $558 million funding commitment to redevelop the existing Albury Base hospital.
Young leaders compete for Queensland’s top rural honour
Ten finalists from across Queensland will compete for the state's premier rural leadership title during a comprehensive six-day programme in Brisbane from Wednesday, 6 August. The Queensland Rural Ambassador programme, running since 2003, has established itself as a cornerstone of rural leadership development, launching careers and strengthening agricultural communities across the state.
30 years celebration
Nhill's Westvic Spares celebrated their 30th year in business on the weekend. They hosted an event ... with over 300 people in attendance. Owners John and Wendy Rethus have grown their business from humble beginnings to become a major supplier of spare parts throughout the area ...
Help us REACH 900: Our philanthropic campaign to support independent community news
The Naracoorte News REACH 900 philanthropic campaign will launch with an aim to support the production, sustainability, and longevity of independent news and advocacy for the wider Naracoorte community ... The first to sign up to REACH 900 are ambassadors The Australian associate editor John Ferguson, 7News reporter Cassie Treloar and The Naracoorte News senior journalist Nasik Swami.
Mueller crowned most consistent player: Naracoorte Polocrosse Club wraps up another spirited season
The Naracoorte Polocrosse Club wrapped up another spirited season at its scenic Hynam grounds ... Polocrosse is more than just fast ponies and fierce competition—it’s a sport where families ride together ... The club crowned Southend’s Tory Mueller as the most consistent player, and also honoured her Stockhorse mare, InStyle Kara, with the most consistent horse award.
The Flying Fruit Fly circus
Last Wednesday afternoon, local schools and community were treated to the incredible skills of the Flying Fruit Fly circus, which is Australia's National Youth circus. This visiting troupe was made up of children between the ages of 10 - 16 years. (and accompanying adults).
