Community

Community, affordable housing, creeks and dams in a rural village — how could this be possible? About 50 people were at an information session in Kyogle to hear more about the Afterlee Ecovillage ... Town planner for the project Shane Sylvanspring said, “All sites are good even if you’re the 60th person.”

Following a tragic incident in Gunnedah involving a fatal collision with a vehicle allegedly stolen by three 14-year-olds from Moree, local leaders are demanding immediate and decisive action from the NSW Labor Government to combat the escalating youth crime in the Parkes electorate.

Southern Downs Regional Council announced the recipients of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards at a special civic ceremony held at Dalveen State School on Sunday 26 January. These outstanding individuals and events were formally honoured for their exceptional dedication, leadership and service.

The ability to motivate others is the never-ending issue for every parent, leader, manager, coach, teacher, or farmer since the dawn of time. Yet it remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of leadership.

 Sean Cunningham. Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Neville Kschenka is no stranger to being in the limelight given the position he holds in local government, but his status was elevated on Australia Day.

Corryong’s Citizen of the Year was Kate Wheeler who was presented with her award by Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead, at a community breakfast on Australia Day ... Event of the Year 2025 - Corryong & Upper Murray Agricultural and Pastoral Society ...

Australia Day was celebrated in style at Get Chopped Pub in Greenmount with the Smile for Sophie Goldfish Races attracting a large and joyous crowd.

Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station Captain Garry Reardon has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours. Established in 1988, the AFSM is one of the highest honours an Australian firefighter can receive, and the medal is awarded to firefighters who have demonstrated exceptional service, initiative, and performance throughout their careers.

Australia Day started early in Hindmarsh Shire on Sunday 26 January 2025, commencing with a BBQ breakfast in Rainbow at 7:30am provided by the Rainbow Lions Club, followed by ceremonies in Jeparit, Dimboola, and concluding in Nhill ... Bailee White of Nhill has been announced as the recipient of Hindmarsh Shire Young Citizen of the Year for 2025.

Shirley Hajek is a household name throughout Hay Shire and a popular selection for the 2025 Citizen of the Year ... An emotional Shirley accepted her award from Australia Day Ambassador, Susie Elelman AM during the traditional breakfast ceremony at Hay Gaol Museum on Sunday.

Berri woman Wendy Gambling has been recognised for a lifetime of service to Riverland netball, with her commitment to the sport and its players as an administrator and volunteer earning her a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the 2025 Australia Day Honours.

The 2025 Buloke Shire Council Awards celebration was held on January 23, in Wycheproof Town Hall, featuring buffet-style catering with an incredible selection of delicious food ... “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible people in our community,” Mayor Alan Getley said.

Christine Webster. A Waikerie dance group featuring 12 women over the age of 60 is entertaining the community and keeping physically and mentally fit by taking part in weekly classes. The Waikerie Golden Girls Dance Troupe was formed after retired dance teacher Pam Tink started running classes for seniors at the local CWA Hall about three years ago.

Governments exist to serve the public good by ensuring critical services like emergency response are accessible to all. Yet in a scenario both tragic and absurd, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Katy Pery and billionaires like Amazons Jeff Bezos hired private firefighters to protect their mansions during recent wildfires.

Sean Cunningham. This Sunday, January 26, is a date that carries two vastly different meanings for many Australians. To many it is known as Australia Day and is a celebration, but for others, especially the indigenous population, it is a painful reminder of a day they call Invasion Day or Survival Day.

In February, 4BP Horses, based at East Greenmount’s Lauralla Lodge, is aiming to set new world records. In 2022, Joe Hughes and his wife Miranda bought Lauralla Lodge, a 152 acre horse property on the New England Highway at East Greenmount where he now uses his unique 4BP horse training methods (4 Brumby Protection) to transform wild brumbies for a life working with people.

Snowy Valleys Council (SVC) is continuing to seek input from the community about the possible de-amalgamation of the local government area. Around 25 people joined SVC Interim General Manager, Steven Pinnuck, and Councillors Trina Thomson, Hugh Packard, David Sheldon and John Larter in Tumut last Tuesday to learn more about council’s de-amalgamation Implementation Plan (DPI) and Financial Sustainability Plan (FSP).

Moving to Moulamein from Sydney seven years ago Alan and Sue Fielding embraced rural living ... Not long after moving to Moulamein, a chance meeting with China Gibson saw Alan invited to join the RFS.

Serena Kirby. Laughter yoga is part of everyday life to Kim O'Meara ... Since becoming a laughter yoga facilitator Kim has guided tens of thousands of people in therapeutic laughter sessions ... her work in Rwanda is undoubtedly the most remarkable.

Patricia Gill. The Shire of Denmark will gauge community sentiment this year about its support of future Australia Day and other major celebrations. Despite advertising twice last year for a group to run Australia Day celebrations in Denmark none was forthcoming ... Shire president Kingsley Gibson said a bigger conversation would be held with the community about Australia Day and other major celebrations.

If Yamba’s Zac Oatley could secure his dream job it would be greeting people at the door as they enter Yamba Fair – now thanks to the Rotary Club of Yamba, the Gulmarrad Rural Fire Service, Phil and the Bowlo Sports and Leisure Yamba team and the generosity of the community who raised more than $10,500 he will be more comfortable enjoying one of his favourite activities.