Community

Cycling Without Age Kerang is seeking to expand its services to other nursing homes, but they require more volunteer cyclists to do so ... The TriBike, a trike bike, is electronically assisted, providing an effortless pedal for the cyclist and a safe and enjoyable ride for up to two passengers.

In a remarkable show of solidarity, neighbourhood houses in the Buloke, Gannawarra, Mildura Rural City and Swan Hill Rural City councils added “Blue Trees” to their towns on World Mental Health Day ... in support of the Blue Tree Project. Incorporating “Blue Trees” into the Mallee landscape was a Mallee Neighbourhood House Network initiative…. to raise awareness and encourage people in the Mallee to have open and honest conversations about mental health.

Over the past 20 years, RFDS has operated across more than 300 airstrips throughout Far West and Western NSW. Some of these, such as the service's regular clinic airstrips, are part of routine flights, whilst others are access in emergency situations. With so many airstrips available to the RFDS, it is crucial they maintain up-to-date information for each location.

Serena Kirby. The Denmark St John community transport service capabilities have expanded with the recent purchase of a second vehicle. Established in late 2018 to transport residents to non-urgent medical, hospital and allied health appointments, the service has made more than 2700 trips around Denmark and Albany ... “We have nearly 20 volunteer drivers on the roster and all hold a first aid certificate but more importantly they all have a strong desire to help others and enjoy meeting and talking to people”: Yvonne Hortin, Service coordinator.

Sydney might be 236 years old, but Murrabit is catching up fast – having notched up its official first century at the weekend. And it was certainly one of the bigger parties the Murray River town has thrown in its first 100 years, pulling a bumper crowd of locals, former locals and the descendants of some of the town’s establishment names for the two days of festivities.

Rachel Hagan. Another year and another huge success for the annual Minlagawi Nature Festival with about 200 attendees engaging with culture and their community, while taking in a deep breath of fresh air ... The event was all about connecting with nature while learning about Nharangga culture.

Madison Eastmond. Calperum Station’s Flood Recovery program is boosting local employment and changing the lives of many Riverlanders in the process ... the four-month voluntary program at Calperum Station has expanded to a comprehensive skills and confidence-building initiative for local jobseekers, restoring habitat and community in the towns of Renmark and Berri, and producing two rounds of successful graduates since its inception.

This years theme “Encouraging Dreams” was built on the last years Fashion Parade theme “Dream Big”. Thirty five children took part in the parade and a number also took part in the warm up circus act ... Mary is working on raising the awareness that the key word in the program is “RESPONSIBILITY”. Everyone is responsible for their own actions ...

Anyone around the streets on Sunday or Monday could not have failed to notice the number of colourful, accessory laden vehicles driving around Wilcannia and White Cliffs. Seventy non-4 wheel drive cars, which had to cost less than $1,500 to purchase or prepare.

One of the Wimmera’s favourite events for women in agriculture is returning in October. After a 10-year hiatus, Chicks in the Sticks is back on October 23 at Grampians Park Station, Moyston.

Quilts but not as you know them. Kyogle Quilters Group has an exhibition at the Roxy Gallery in Kyogle that is full of colour, intricate stitching, imagination and a few surprises. Everything you thought you knew about quilting will be upturned at the  Quilts – we’ve got you covered  exhibition running until October 13.

The whole town garage sale ... turned the town of Donald into a busy shopping centre for astute bargain hunters, and allowed many residents to make a dollar or two from selling unwanted items. As the saying goes: "One man’s trash is another man’s treasure," and the numerous garage sales held in Donald at the weekend seemed like a great big, marvelous treasure hunt...

There was a time when Maldon was at the forefront of heritage planning in Australia. But has the town lost its way, in terms of conserving its built and natural landscapes? Many believe that the short answer is: yes.

Volunteers at the Clarence Valley’s own community radio station, Loving Life FM103.1, celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Community Broadcasting this week on Monday ... On September 23, 1974, the Whitlam Labor Government made a Cabinet decision to create a community broadcasting sector for “those who represent organisations that think they have something to say and want some better means of saying it…

‘Flight of Fancy’ essentially refers to an idea that is out of reach, impractical and implausible. So for the Kaniva Lions Club in late 2023 and early 2024, the idea of hosting a Debutante Ball was just that…A Flight of Fancy.

The earlier than usual start to the series of Upper Murray Farmers Markets was well received with many locals and visitors getting out and about on Saturday morning. There was plenty of variety on offer with 17 stalls operating and the live entertainment provided by talented musician Riff added to the carnival atmosphere.

Ivanhoe is forming a car club, the Ivanhoe Historic Car Club. Founding members of the club are wanting to put the call out, for people to dust off their old vintage beauties sitting in their sheds, and join up.

Leaders from eleven community groups across Australia have shared their stories about the projects their communities embarked on in the depths of the drought that affected so much of Australia over the last decade. The stories can be heard on FRRR’s new Tackling Tough Times Together podcast.

At the risk of needing a ‘spoiler alert,’ the story of Warren Davies – The Unbreakable Farmer – deserves to be told. It’s not just about surviving adversity but managing the struggles we often push aside. These issues, like stubborn bindii, can stick with us and spread their impact if ignored.

Menang elder Aunty Vernice Gillies and Menang man Larry Blight will lead guided walking tours along the Kwoorabup riverbanks at the Kwoorabup River Festival [on Saturday 21 September] ... This cultural and environmental experience aims to help everyone better appreciate the Kwoorabup River and the Wilson/Nullaki inlet as they paddle, row and swim through the events of the day.

Serena Kirby. A committee has been formed to help secure an electric commuter van. The move is to reduce social isolation, created by Denmark’s lack of community transport. This commuter van will offer a green transportation option for community groups and residents.

An innovative portrait project at Uniting Caroona Yamba by renowned local artist Harry Westera is uniting residents and staff, fostering a friendly community and preserving precious memories ... When his wife Grace, a Pastoral Carer at Caroona Yamba suggested he volunteer he took up the opportunity, and in 2 years he has hand drawn 91 portraits of residents, 52 of which adorn the walls of Caroona, with more being added regularly.