Community

Rachel Hagan. With improved detection and diagnosis, the number of men surviving prostate cancer is thankfully increasing, however, this means the psychosocial impact is expected to affect more people as the population grows and ages. Yorke Peninsula Prostate Cancer Support Group leader Robert Kidd knows first-hand how secretive some men can be about diagnosis, after his own father kept his troubles with the disease to himself.

Get ready for a paw-some day at the inaugural 2024 Pet Expo this weekend. The expo features 35 pet-related stalls, free kids’ activities, plus plenty of fun for dogs, and is held at the Robert Schwarten Outdoor Pavilion from 9am to 3pm...

Madison Eastmond. A Berri equine charity is searching for volunteers so its therapy services for the wider Riverland community can continue ... Over the past three years, Miracle Park Stables have provided therapeutic avenues for those struggling with mental health and/or have a disability to build self-esteem, self-efficacy, resilience and emotional regulation skills through a variety of programs.

Close to 50 members of the Newstead community participated in a question-and-answer session about the Newstead Community Energy Project on Thursday 22 August, following the launch of the new solar farm. Representatives from project partners Renewable Newstead and Flow Power were on hand to explain the thinking behind the partnership, some technological context and the benefits to consumers for joining the project.

Newstead hosted a horde of prominent politicians, TV crews and corporates in high-visibility vests last week at its innovative solar farm. Minister for Energy and Resources, the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, accompanied by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, visited on Thursday 22 August to officially open the Newstead Community Energy Project, initiated by locals under the banner of Renewable Newstead.

The night sky in Kaniva has a new star attraction: a colour-changing windmill, the crowning achievement of a three-year community-driven lighting project that has transformed the town’s main street. From purple to blue, red, green, and gold, the windmill now lights up with subtle hues, adding a splash of color to the town’s nighttime landscape.

Approximately 250 people gathered on Friday evening for the Corryong Spirit event at the Upper Murray Events Centre to support one another and those who have suffered loss and hardships since the 2019-20 bushfires. "Community is something Corryong does really well," said Caz Pitman, secretary of the Corryong Spirit.

Kimberly Grabham. Constable Mauricio Guimares, Constable Luke James and Sargeant Nick Moulds are the friendly new faces we can turn to when we need the help of the police ... All coming from different areas, they are enjoying the relaxed and quiet country life ... Brazil ... Ku-ring-gai ... Forster Tuncurry ...

Community engagement efforts in the Buloke Shire have highlighted the significant role online gaming plays in the lives of our residents, particularly among young people. Gaming is more than a pastime – it’s vital for community cohesion and recovery, as shown by the successful Level Up event at Sea Lake Neighbourhood House on Monday, with over 40 attendees, and another event set for Wycheproof on Sunday.

Bob Tissott. And verily it came to pass that after a quarter of a century of non-stop broadcasting to the residents of the Nimbin Valley, the volunteer presenters at Nim-FM gathered together to celebrate the re-opening of their primary broadcast Studio, which had undergone a total refit from the floor up ... And so, lift your scones, jam and cream in a toast to Community Radio and the next 25 years at Nim-FM, Voice of the Alternative Nation.

Matthew Denny is Australia’s first male discus thrower to win a medal at the Olympics. Matthew is also the only Olympian to come from Allora.

As the community eagerly awaits the arrival of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour visit to Mt. Wycheproof, it’s timely to shine a spotlight on the incredible volunteers at the local community hub – the Wycheproof Op-Shop. These dedicated individuals are often the backbone of our community, working tirelessly to raise funds for vital initiatives that make a real difference in our town.

It doesn’t just affect those without a roof over their head. It also affects entire communities. As this article went to print, there are over 120000 people experiencing homelessness across Australia ... "It’s important that people know support services are available within their local community."

During Homelessness Week 2024, which ran from August 5-11, the Clarence Valley Independent met Eliza, who experienced homelessness in her early 20s. Eliza kindly agreed to share her story with our readers, and said she hopes to raise awareness of the reality of homelessness, how it impacted her life, and how she is working towards rebuilding and reshaping her life.

The secret is now out! And the residents have started to move into their high-rise apartments. Some time ago, a "Buloke Times" photographer spotted an impressive array of colourful birdhouses at the Donald Buloke Shire Council office, each getting a fresh coat of weather protection. The photographer was politely asked to keep a lid on the scoop, as further consultation with land management stakeholders was under way.

From red dirt to reef, adventurers are gearing up for the iconic Variety Bash! In 2024 the Variety Bash is hitting the dirt tracks as its colourful convoy travels through places you’ve never heard of, let alone been to, supporting local communities and kids in need along the way.

The community is invited to attend a vigil to honour those in our community who are homeless ... According to Mr Michael McMahon, Senior Housing Team Worker, on any given night there are 78 homeless community members in Mount Alexander Shire, tens of people sleeping rough and over 250 families seeking support for crisis housing.

An event that provides an opportunity to acknowledge those whose lives have been lost in our community will be held in Corryong next week. The third annual ‘Corryong Spirit’ event will shine a light into the darkness of grief and the guest speakers include former AFL footballer Justin Koschitzke and Rev Tim Costello, one of Australia’s most respected community leaders.

Five ... firefighters from Loddon Mallee departed on Friday for a month on the fireline in British Columbia ... “Our ... firefighters are well-prepared to face the challenging and remote terrain of Canada, bringing specialist skills in tree-felling and dry firefighting techniques."

The Allora Regional Sports Museum held another one of their popular Long Lunches at the Commercial Hotel on Friday. Queensland State of Origin Legends Shane Webcke, Trevor (the Axe) Gillmeister and Ben Ikin entertained the crowd with plenty of good football yarns including the many tricks played by Alfie Langer on his mates.

The centenary celebrations commemorating the laying of the foundation stone for Holy Trinity Anglican Church Cudgewa on 16 July, 1924 were held on 14 July, 2024. The service was well attended with visitors coming from near and far ... In the 2019-20 bushfires Holy Trinity Anglican Church came very close to destruction ...

The Upper Murray community came together on Sunday to mark the closure of the Upper Murray Recovery Hub and to celebrate the strength of its people. Located at the former junior school campus in Corryong the hub has played a significant role in responding to the recovery and the building of community strength after the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires.