Under grey skies we remember
ANZAC Day in a small town still feels personal, over a century after the events at Gallipoli. We just need to look around to see how a small community would be impacted by the absence or loss of a large proportion of its men and young people.
Allora pauses to reflect
In tune with the rest of Australia, Allora citizens gathered on Anzac Day to commemorate the immense service given by our Defence personnel past and present across more than a century. As the Allora service drew to a close a few random rain drops fell like tears.
Narrandera RSL carries on the ANZAC tradition with dawn service and march
Sean Cunningham. Although skies threatened rain and the school holidays pulled numbers down, Narrandera's ANZAC spirit was still alive and well at last Friday's commemorations to mark the 110th anniversary of ANZAC Day to honour Australia's fallen. About 140 early risers gathered for the solemn Dawn Service, while 20 made their way to the War Graves for a quiet moment of reflection.
Not just another public holiday
On Anzac Day ceremonies across the region were again well attended as we recognised the service of those brave men and women who served and continue to serve Australia in defence of our freedom, and despite it being a long weekend this year, attendance at local commemorations were as strong as ever.
Election day this Saturday
If you hadn’t noticed, it’s election season, and the madness ends this Saturday (I hope). The promises are flying thick and fast, and now it’s your choice to decide. This will be Australia’s biggest election with 710,000 more people on the electoral roll and 570 early voting centres none of which are local leaving residents baffled.
Vets’ courage recalled
Patricia Gill. Community leader Roger Seeney called on attendees at the Anzac ceremony in Denmark last Friday to reflect on the concepts of courage and community. The 2017 Denmark Citizen of the Year and 45-year national service medal recipient was guest speaker at the service.
Yet again! Council meeting disrupted
Ordinary and Extraordinary Meetings of Clarence Valley Council (CVC) could proceed in the future with limited public attendance after CVC Mayor Ray Smith spoke of his plans to contact the Office of Local Government this week ... The decision was made at the conclusion of another 15-minute adjournment while members of the public and Clarence Valley Independent journalist Emma Pritchard were outside the Grafton Council Chambers.
Clarence Valley residents come together to pay their respects on ANZAC Day
Standing proudly alongside one another, thousands of Clarence Valley residents attended Dawn Services and Commemoration Services across the region on Anzac Day to pay tribute on the 110th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915 during WWI while also remembering the countless Australians who served, and sadly lost their lives, in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations through the years.
Nhill community honours ANZAC Day
The Nhill community came together in strong numbers to commemorate ANZAC Day, with around 300 people attending the Dawn Service and approximately 200 at the 11am service. The Dawn Service began with a reflection on the Gallipoli campaign and the spirit of the ANZACs, delivered by Nhill RSL President John Dunbar.
Western Victoria’s largest natural disaster followed by significant levy increase
On 19 March 2025, over 120 concerned community members attended a public meeting at the Winiam Hall. Several motions were moved during this meeting, leading to the formation of the West Wimmera Action Group Inc. to address local concerns regarding the discussed issues.
2025 Federal Election
When we vote, we vote for 2 things. 1. Someone to speak for our electorate. (House of Representatives - small green paper) 2. People to speak for NSW. (Senate - the long piece of paper). The person voted in represents our local area in Federal Parliament … the Wilcannia News talked about the PARKES electorate. It’s big. It looks like this….
ANZAC Day 2025
In what is now custom, the Dawn Service began with the War Memorial highlighted by 21 candles, one for each of the Wilcannia men who died during the World War One ... There were between 50-60 at the morning service, including a larger than normal number of tourists, many commenting that it is the small country towns who seem to put on the most moving and meaningful services and are the most welcoming.
From Hay to Darwin – an ANZAC Day trek
When Savannah and Lane Mohr lived in Darwin they attended ANZAC Day services to represent their schools in Humpty Doo and Darwin. They also attended Adelaide River's dawn service before beginning their education ... This year they did something special ...
Barmera and Berri pause to remember
Riverlanders gathered across the Berri Barmera district to commemorate Anzac Day ... “It is always very moving having the Anzac Dawn Service at the Barmera Upper Murray Garden of Memory, which is the final resting place for over 600 servicemen and women": Berri Barmera Mayor Ella Winnall.
Personal memories inspire Charlton ANZAC address
Jenny Pollard. Reflections on past acts of service formed the core messages of ANZAC Day addresses at the 2025 Charlton commemoration which took place between the High Street cenotaph and the Charlton Hall last Friday.
Local historian donates framed “Death Penny”
In a heartfelt act of remembrance, Glen Ireland of Boort has painstakingly assembled a stunning framed tribute to World War I soldier Hugh Grace, incorporating a rare and poignant artefact, the original “Death Penny” awarded to Grace’s family after his death.
ANZAC coverage on Yorke Peninsula
Trevor Clerke. The alarm went off early on Friday, April 25, and another ANZAC Day was underway for the volunteers and members of the RSL Port Vincent sub-branch. After a quick coffee, it was time to start dropping off flags at their locations, delivering raffle prizes to the clubrooms, and heading down to the memorial.
Hundreds commemorate ANZAC Day in Kyogle
Hundreds came to Anzac Day commemorations in Kyogle ... First to the Dawn Service and then for the Anzac Day March along the main street. Young and old, schools, clubs and community groups remembered and acknowledged those who served.
Community healthcare concerns
The community has called for better access to specialist healthcare services and further development of local health infrastructure within the district. This was strongly voiced during the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) public consultation for the development of the clinical services plan ... The goal of the consultation was to engage the community in identifying what matters most in advancing local healthcare services.
“Poppy Girls” heartfelt tribute
If you haven’t had the chance to visit the poppy installation at Naracoorte Town Square, you’re truly missing a stunning display of craftsmanship. This powerful tribute, featuring around 1,500 hand-knitted poppies arranged on a five-by-five-metre net, was created by Naracoorte’s heartfelt group known as the “Poppy Girls” in honour of the courageous ANZAC soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom.
Calling all cocky counters
BirdLife Australia. BirdLife Australia, in partnership with the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Recovery Team, is calling for volunteers to join the annual count of the endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo on Saturday, May 3 ... Volunteers will be assigned one of approximately 60 survey sites in the cockatoo’s range ...
Councillor’s comments create community anger
With the Aboriginal flag held in front of them, signs in their hands, and expressions of anger and disbelief on their faces, proud Yaegl, Bundjalung, and Gumbaynggirr men, women, and children, had a clear message they wanted to deliver during the monthly Ordinary Meeting of Clarence Valley Council (CVC) last week.
