Community

VicGrid recently released a long-term strategic plan for the development of Victoria’s renewable energy zones designed to deliver certainty and fairness for communities and industry and keep the lights on as coal-fired power closes down.

Sarah Herrmann. An Ardrossan commercial fisherman gave state government representatives a piece of his mind at a government-run algal bloom community forum in Minlaton last week, criticising their grant eligibility criteria and calling for action on fish stocks.

Copper Coast Show chair Natasha Westbrook says the 2025 event was one of the most vibrant and community-driven the committee has seen in years, with record crowds, incredible participation, and all run by volunteers. The show was held over the weekend, August 16 and 17, and the Schools Livestock Day on Friday, August 15, had seven schools and 135 students participating with cattle, goats and sheep.

NSW Ambulance is considering establishing a groundbreaking Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) pilot program in Hay, marking the first time such an initiative would operate in a NSW town that already has an existing ambulance centre.

Many hands make light work – and strong families. Just ask Moss Vale’s Harkness family, which with the help of TAFE NSW, is in the midst of an extraordinary bricklaying dynasty. All three brothers in the family – Bruce, 20, Barry, 18, and Max, 15 – are third-generation bricklayers and work under the guidance of their dad, Jobe, in the family business, J&S Harkness Bricklaying.

Carolyn Wheeler. What an incredible journey I have had on our Excel Farms regional tour with the Blue Tree Project, focusing on mental health awareness and support! ... Over the course of the tour last week, we travelled more than 1,700km, painted 5 trees blue on farm and in the communities, and hosted two sold out community quiz nights.

Angourie residents came together on Sunday as they traditionally have a family to discuss serious concerns about the escalation of crime in the village. The meeting at the Blue Pools carpark was convened by resident of 30 years, Lindsay Hunter, who said the situation escalated last month when carloads containing 12 people came to the town and threatened residents.

It was a busy weekend for members of the Rotary Club of Nhill and the A&P Society with 107 cars and 350 crew from the Variety Bash visiting Nhill. The Rotary Club has been communicating and planning with event organisers for the past few months in readiness for the arrival of the 'Bash'.

A wave of concern has swept through the Naracoorte community following a shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, August 6. South Australia Police (SAPOL) is actively investigating the event, which unfolded around 2.40am on Dorset Street, leaving residents stunned and seeking answers.

Australian health promotion charity, Gotcha4Life Foundation, has today launched a powerful new podcast series centred on First Nations voices, exploring what truly shapes and sustains mental fitness – in culture, in community, and in individuals. The inaugural series is hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles and produced in partnership with award-winning Black Magic Woman podcast. 

Hugh Schuitemaker. The chairman of Renmark's Olivewood museum says she is "fed up" with a lack of support and consultation from National Trust SA ... "It's almost as if they are trying to bleed the branches dry." Ann Ryan said volunteers had been directly responsible for raising money to purchase, and maintaining, many of Olivewood's major exhibits.

Maureen Donnellon. Brian Lea, Birchip Probus president was guest speaker on the role played by Birchip Apex Club, from 1975, without whom, the Tchum Lake we know and love, may never have been created. Brian was the original treasurer of Apex at that time and has had an interest ever since in the story of the development of the lake.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.