Community

It’s never too early for a little romance and so it proved as the Westbrook Hall committee held its Valentine’s Day Dance on Saturday the 8th with a very well attended event of Old Time and New Vogue Dances with music by Lyn and Ian.

Cohuna is hosting a one day music festival, Home Ground Sounds, on Sunday March 9 at the Cohuna Recreation Reserve with gates opening at 2pm ... The event is a unique opportunity to experience world class musical performances and help support the local community as the night will raise funds for the Cohuna Kangas Football Netball Club, Cohuna Show, Cohuna Athletics and Nondies Cricket.

The manufacturer of home security cameras ‘eufy’ has reached out the Clarence Valley Independent following last week’s front-page story "Community Crime Crackdown". Australian and New Zealand Public Relations Manager for Anker Innovations, the creators of eufy, Tove Berkhout emailed the CV Independent last week after seeing the story discussing a Community Crime Meeting in Yamba...

As she positioned herself on the starting block, adjusted her goggles, and concentrated on her breathing while focusing on the water in front of her, it was a moment 16-year-old Andrea Thomson was determined to savour ... Andrea was one of the first swimmers to dive into the 50m Grafton Olympic Pool at the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre during its public opening on February 15.

A crowd of more than 50 concerned residents gathered near the intersection of Golding and Miles Streets to hear deputations from 6 local residents to the Land and Environment Court on site Conciliation conference last Friday. The conference was in relation to case 2024/00279190 Garrard Building Pty Ltd v Clarence Valley Council...

Aidan Ricketts. There are things government can do well, there are things business can do, but for everything else there’s community ... The spiralling cost of homes to buy or rent in Australia is an intergenerational crime, and a ponzi scheme that benefits very few. Homeowners don’t really benefit from the high onpaper value of their home, as replacing it will cost just as much, and young people are squeezed out of purchase and rental markets; and the banks’ net share of national wealth escalates.

Rachel Hagan. In the wake of the suspension of elected member Adam Meyer from the Yorke Peninsula Council, a crowd of almost 200 people rallied at a Yorke Peninsula Ratepayers Association meeting where speakers called for an audit into the council ... YPRA chair Ian Markos said the turnout was a good indication of the level of anger the community had towards YPC for the way it had treated Cr Meyer ...

Rudi Schwartz ... Quite a few South African families settled in the district, of which quite a number are Afrikaans speaking. Most of them have already joined English churches. Yet, the yearning to gather to worship God in their mother tongue led them to arrange such a service.

A former police officer, who was recently honoured in the 2025 Lismore Citizen of the Year awards for helping the community tackle the escalating crime problem, is bringing his innovative and effective approach to the Lower Clarence, holding a public meeting next month.

The appetite for community art workshops continues to grow in Buloke, offering a much-needed escape from busy, always-on lifestyles ... In December, Charlton artist Bronwyn Fisher’s decoupage sessions in Nullawil and Nandaly attracted participants of all ages...

Welcome! This was the simple but profound message delivered by South East orthopaedic surgeon Dr Barney McCusker, the Naracoorte Lucindale Australia Day guest speaker. Welcoming the district’s new citizens, Dr McCusker said by coming to Australia – the great south land – they made the country richer, more colourful and a greater nation.

Reports of a home being "smashed up" in Narrandera last week have caused an uproar on social media, with a number of people describing the incident as "absolutely disgusting behaviour" ... Well known youth advocate David Polhill posted on Facebook, saying a "hard working family relatively new to town found their house surrounded by a group of 10 late primary/early high school girls".

Once again, the “Cargill Cares Cropping for the Birchip Community” program has come to the rescue of the Birchip Cemetery Trust.

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.