Budget sees rate rise of over 9 per cent
A projected surplus of $1.5 million has been supported by substantial rate rises of over 9 per cent in the 2025/26 Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Annual Budget. As ‘Other Urban Residential Areas’, properties in the townships of Wyreema, Cambooya, Nobby, Greenmount and East Greenmount, as well as rural residential properties, will receive an average general rate rise of 9.4 per cent to $1,013.
Dimboola Trading co. expands to Nhill, defying retail trends
In a bold move that defies the downward trend of regional retail, Dimboola Trading Co. is proud to announce the opening of its second store in Nhill. Building on the strong support from the Wimmera community, this expansion brings Dimboola Trading Co.'s signature mix of quality men's fashion and unbeatable basics to a new location.
Sydney Youth Orchestra, Aboriginal rapper Dobby and a Sydney music teacher walk in to Mr Sean’s rap class
On Monday 16th June, Katie from the Sydney Youth Orchestra, Rhyan aka Dobby, and Adele, an experienced music teacher called into Mr Sean's rap song class. With such visitors, it wasn't surprising to see Miss Rachel's choir come over to join in.
Great teamwork at Wilcannia Post Office
It's always nice to drop in at the Wilcannia Post Office because the staff are so warm hearted, friendly and helpful. There's often time between customers for a quick chat and a joke so it's a cheery atmosphere as well as being an efficient service for our community ... I've been working here for coming up to five years… - Team leader Charles Vu.
RPC looks at ‘cost cutting’ budget as rate rise goes… into the 11s
Hugh Schuitemaker. Rates for Renmark Paringa residents are set to rise by 11.25 per cent next financial year and wastewater charges will increase by 43 per cent – as council collects an extra $2.29m from its ratepayers. Renmark Paringa Council this week released its 2025/26 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget ...
Not in my backyard – Councillors vote against unmanned fuel station
Hay Shire Councillors listened to their community when they voted against a recommendation from Council staff for the approval of a Development Application for an unmanned truck refuelling station on Moama Street. Hay Shire Council recommended the DA, with entrance via University Road, be approved with stringent conditions.
Trucking big mess: causes community concerns
Close to 50 names are inscribed on the Truck Driver’s Memorial Wall in South Grafton, a local monument situated alongside the Big River Way ... many expressing their horror via social media at the shocking volumes of rubbish including discarded shopping trolleys, dirty clothing, and general household waste, littering the site.
Endlessly stoic: the journey of David O’Brien
David O'Brien sits quietly in his Hay home, a small magnet clipped to his belt—a lifeline that could stop a seizure in its tracks ... Despite the challenges, David has found meaningful ways to contribute to his community and the broader epilepsy community.
Buloke withdraws from development organisation
At its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, June 18, Buloke Shire Council confirmed that it will withdraw its membership from the Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSMD) ... councillors voted unanimously to withdraw after determining the Shire had yet to receive any funding or demonstrated benefit – particularly in relation to WSMD's focus on addressing housing shortages across the region.
“No show” from transmission company: Farmers rally at Wycheproof
Carey Brennan. Around 200 farmers rallied at Wycheproof on Friday, June 20, outside the Buloke Shire Offices ready to greet TCV staff when they arrived to meet with Councillors … Shortly before the meeting, TCV notified Cr Getley that they had concerns for their safety after receiving advice from Vic. Police and would no longer be attending…
Community driving action in Foul Bay
Rachel Hagan. Sandbags intended to give Foul Bay's Mud Alley another decade of protection were destroyed in recent storms, and now residents are taking matters into their own hands with plans for a permanent rock wall ... However, since the destructive May 26 storm, the wall of sandbags has been battered, and now there is little left of the seawall to shield residents.
Tiwi Islands celebrate milestone in Territory-grown oyster industry: Maley
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing the growth of the Northern Territory’s Blacklip Rock Oyster industry, with progress on the ground showcased at a community field day on Bathurst Island. Held at Wurrumiyanga on 19 June 2025, the Oyster Farm Field Day brought together local community members, industry participants and research partners...
Musings on Men’s Shed movement
The June Donald History Society Inc. meeting was held at the Courthouse Museum ... The fourteen members were present and they were privileged to hear a fine presentation about the Donald Men’s Shed given by History Society and Men’s Shed, member, John Kumm ... The Men’s Shed movement originated in Australia during the late 1970s and the 1980s.
“Let’s talk about BIG weather”
St Arnaud and district residents are invited to participate in a community-wide conversation about ways to better respond to extreme weather events and shape solutions that make sense for the region. Make a Change Australia, in partnership with Northern Grampians Shire Council and supporting organisations, will host a "Let's Talk About BIG Weather" community event on Tuesday, June 24.
Tarrangower Times editorial: Government must support small press
All levels of government in Australia must support the few remaining independent press outlets as part of a healthy democracy and cohesive society. The Tarrangower Times has gone in to bat for itself and the local community this week, successfully requesting an extension to the consultation period about changes to Maldon's Beehive Mine Chimney.
Snip, snip saves Beehive’s tip
Structural repairs are on the horizon that will see a significant change to Maldon’s Beehive Chimney and the time to have your say about the proposed upgrades is now. Plans have been advertised by Heritage Victoria for community feedback and the deadline for comment has been extended to Friday 4 July. The long and the short of it is: urgent repairs are on the table but the result will be a permanently 3.5m shorter chimney.
Hynam Woolshed Black Tie Ball raises $41k for RFDS
Emily Clark. On March 29 this year, the inaugural Hynam Woolshed Black Tie Ball was held at the iconic Hynam Woolshed, generously provided by the Schultz family, to raise funds for the local branch of the RFDS and to provide a special occasion to bring our community together.
Video celebrates turtle heroes and their epic quest
From humble beginnings to a thriving conservation movement, this year TurtleCare Sunshine Coast will celebrate its 20 year anniversary. See rare, behind-the-scenes footage of little miracles hatching and environmental champions at work in an uplifting video dedicated to an inspiring Sunshine Coast volunteer group.
Summerwave Sundays comes to Cohuna
This Sunday June 22, will be a great day of entertainment in Cohuna as four hours of free music gets underway from 2pm at the Big Cohuna Stockyard, headlined by the up and coming band Velvet Bloom as a part of their debut album launch tour.
Remembering a night at the ‘flicks’
In the mid 1950s the old weatherboard Athenaeum Hall in Corryong was to be demolished, to make way for the new Memorial Hall. Bill Newman owned the projection equipment and showed movies in the old hall on a weekly basis.
Clifton hosting 150th township celebrations
In under two weeks time, the Clifton & District Historical Society will host its 150th Anniversary of Clifton Township celebrations, set to attract interest from all around. The event is to be held on the Clifton Museum grounds, 46 King Street, Clifton on Saturday, 28th June 2025, from 10am to 3pm.
Greers and their gear
Members of the Greer family, a familiar sight at the Cambooya Rural Fire Station, had a stall at the recent Pittsworth Women’s Shed open day. Nathan and Emma Greer of Felton’s Coral Tree Lavender and Cattle Farm were selling lavender products.

