Nannup Flower and Garden Festival 8–17 August 2025
It’s here again! After another year of dedicated planning and hard work, the Flower and Garden Committee has once again delivered an engaging and educational event. With generous support from sponsors, key speakers, and community partners, the committee continues to grow the event’s impact and appeal each year.
Mallee Melee No. 5 – “Chess on steroids”
Battle-ground engagement raged in Charlton last weekend, but it was more bonhomie than bloodshed as the 5th Mallee Melee unfolded at the Charlton RSL Clubrooms … the miniature wargaming weekend – likened by one participant to "chess on steroids" – saw visitors from Berwick, Nunawading and the Mornington Peninsula gear up for a weekend of the Napoleonic "General d’ Armee 2 Campaign Game".
Beautiful gowns – lasting memories
For the next ten days visitors can absorb the magic of Bridal Wear, worn by well known Allora ladies, and now on show at the Allora Historical Museum. Visitors will be amazed by the skills of the dressmaker, Mrs Masters (mother of Keith Masters) who created these three stylish outfits for the wedding.
Tiny Homes On Wheels – an affordable housing option
As the housing crisis hits our community hard, the appeal of the Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) has risen. The My Home Network Tiny Homes On Wheels working group have developed a confidential survey ... to improve appropriate uptake of THOW as affordable housing in our Shire and elsewhere.
“Nothing in town other than us” – Rural pharmacists’ role in oral health
Pharmacists are stepping in as frontline providers of oral healthcare advice in rural Victorian towns without dental practitioners, offering oral hygiene advice, managing dental pain inquiries and promoting preventative care, according to a new study by La Trobe University. Eleven rural pharmacists shouldering health responsibilities far beyond traditional dispensing roles participated in the study...
Listen up! Council drives hospital protest
Towong Shire Council is encouraging the community to rally in Corryong next month to oppose the planned redevelopment of the current Albury hospital instead of building on a new greenfield site. "Council remains gravely concerned at the current plans to redevelop the existing hospital site as it will lead to insufficient capacity to meet the future demands of the region for the future," said Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead.
Sowing the seeds of diversity on the dairy
Transforming a dairy paddock into a new Garden Nursery at Cohuna, Ruth and Russ Robins have embarked on an exciting new venture. Set on the 120-hectare dairy, the Robins Nest Nursery Garden will follow Ruth’s passion for plants and commitment to creating a welcoming space for locals to fill a gap left by the closure of other nurseries, such as Elm Tree, run by Christine Morris.
Blessed is the bell
If you don’t hear God's call, there’s a fair chance you’ll hear the bell, in Cohuna at least! The 1915 brass beauty produced by John Danks and son belts out a solid sound that could be heard for miles. Danks bells were known for being aboard Navy vessels, and as in this case, were used for calling in the Sunday Flock.
Tamworth’s mountain biking paradise: Anderson
One of the region’s most popular recreation facilities is moving forward thanks to the installation of new solar powered automatic opening gate. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said Tamworth’s mountain bike track was a must visit destination for mountain bike fanatics and recreational users getting out and staying active.
Shire of Broome engages Dampier Peninsula communities on regional priorities
Last week, Shire of Broome councillors and executive staff wrapped up a two-day visit to the Dampier Peninsula, meeting with community leaders, tourism operators and residents in Ardyaloon, Middle Lagoon and Lombadina to hear their priorities and feedback firsthand.
Zoo thankful for community support
In the wake of the tragic incident that saw a woman lose her arm from a lion attack the weekend before last, Darling Downs Zoo owner Steve Robinson has been overwhelmed by local community support ... Mr Robinson told On Our Selection News his sister-in-law Stephanie, a teacher from New South Wales, is a regular visitor to the zoo, visiting during the school holidays over the past 20 years for a total of over 80 visits.
Fisheries vessel to inspect harmful algal bloom: Close, Scriven
South Australia’s flagship fisheries patrol vessel Southern Ranger will be operating in the Gulf of St Vincent tomorrow to conduct underwater observations of the harmful algal … State Government agencies are also taking weekly water samples at 17 sites across West Lakes, the Port River, the Patawalonga River and the end of four jetties at Largs Bay, Grange, Glenelg and Port Noarlunga.
New leadership team for Nhill Brigade
During Nhill Fire Brigade's changeover event held last week, we welcomed a new Brigade Management Team. This team will support the running of the brigade for the next 2 years ... We would like to extend a huge thank you to Rob Schneider for his efforts as Captain over the past 6 years.
Our voices remain silenced
A petition that gained almost 20,000 signatures before being presented to state parliament over 12 months ago remains hamstrung by the state government and the parliamentary committee process, says chair of the Limestone Coast Radiation Treatment Working Party, Lachlan Haynes. The petition, which was addressed to the members of the House of Assembly triggered a Legislative Review Committee inquiry to which the working group made a written submission and presented in person. The bipartisan, joint parliamentary committee then referred the matter to the Health Committee where it sat stagnant ever since.
New Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provider for West Wimmera
West Wimmera Health Service (WWHS) is delighted to announce that it has officially started delivering home support services to recipients of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) living in West Wimmera Shire. This transition, effective from 1 July 2025, allows WWHS to extend vital health and aged care services to communities in Kaniva, Goroke, Edenhope, Apsley, Harrow…
Hope, leadership and possibility: Wimmera Grampians’ changemakers return inspired from National leadership gathering
Four Grampians' Wimmera women have returned from a powerful and inspiring three-day National Changemaker Gathering in Cairns, hosted by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation under the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund initiative.
Mayor talk with Louie Zaffina: Everything’s ticking along well
Balranald Shire moving forward with key projects and community initiatives. Mayor Louie Zaffina has been keeping busy since taking office, with significant progress on several fronts across the Balranald Shire. From major infrastructure projects to community health initiatives, Council is delivering on multiple priorities while actively seeking solutions to regional challenges.
Tired of being put in a box
Rachel Hagan. A Point Pearce educator is reflecting on her personal journey with education and how the space needs to move forward as we recognise the next generation of young Aboriginal leaders for NAIDOC Week ... "From my own personal experience, I feel like I'm made to fit into someone else's box and be what they think I should or should not be as an Aboriginal woman": Tshara Rigney, Aboriginal Community Education Officer and Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation director.
Record numbers for 2025 Somerset Rail Trail Classic
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail was a buzz of excitement on Sunday morning, 13 July with perfect weather and record numbers at the 22nd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic. Somerset Regional Council’s 2025 event broke the 2021 record with 978 registrations across categories – the 3km and 8km walk or run, and the 20km and 44km bike rides.
One man’s legacy provides new premises for men’s shed
Many years ago, no one is quite sure how many, men would gather at Jimmy Byrne’s property on Bruxner Road near Drake ... Because of the gap in time since the men came together, the members are regrouping and inviting past and new members to rejoin the Drake Men’s Shed.
The scissors and the wound
Frank Baarda. Living in Yuendumu and having followed the Death in Custody saga, I was looking forward to the Coroner's report. I was not disappointed. A friend forwarded me the pdf, all 683 pages of it … In case you missed it, here are photos of the edged weapon and the stab-wound.
Dinner Party at the End of the World: NORPA
Announcing the launch of Dinner Party at the End of the World — NORPA's ambitious new multi-artform program exploring stories of community, resilience and hope in a time of crisis. We've engaged a remarkable team of artists, each leading a creative development project in collaboration with Northern Rivers residents.
