All rural communities have issues!
Complex social issues can only ever be resolved by communities working together to address and solve them. Governments cannot solve problems, they can only resource solutions through funding and policy commitments. This requires community leaders to park their egos and focus on what is in the best interests of the community and adopt a collective growth mindset.
When community recovery meets neighbourhood house . . . collaboration becomes the key
On Thursday, Neighbourhood House co-ordinators from across the Buloke Shire met with the newly appointed community recovery officers, Claire Cook, Bruce Stafford and Sam Wheelhouse, and their manager Jo Postlethwaite, to learn more about the Community Recovery Projects being rolled out in the Buloke Shire, and the potential for collaboration.
Westbrook celebrates Halloween in style
Estimates of around 1,000 trick or treaters and adults roamed the streets of Westbrook last Tuesday to celebrate one of the biggest days of the year for families. Rather than a traditional-style trick or treating arrangement, the Westbrook Lions organised a street closure in the part of town which sees the most houses participate.
Ratepayers rally against proposed SRV
The Narrandera Concerned Ratepayers Group has received around 300 signatures on its petition objecting to the Narrandera Shire Council’s proposed Special Rate Variation plan. The petition was created on October 16 at the groups first meeting where over a hundred people gathered to voice their concerns.
Radiance by Laservision illuminates Rockhampton
This December, RADIANCE illuminates the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens ... Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said RADIANCE is an event the whole family can enjoy as the Botanic Gardens awaken nightly with a spectacular Christmas-themed sound and light experience.
Feeding friendly group in Kadina
Jess Liddy. A feeding-friendly group has started in Kadina. Australian Breastfeeding Association counsellor Sally Michael and her daughter, trainee counsellor Mary Carroll, wanted to bridge a gap locally ... “We will talk through all different kinds of baby topics throughout a session — not just feeding.”
Spaghetti Circus brings joy to young and old!
Spaghetti Circus have been on a very special tour. As part of the company’s outreach program their Junior Performance Troupe performed in five pre-schools and four aged care facilities across the Byron Shire last week to foster connection and joy across generations.
How did the turtle cross the road? Community asked to assist to help protect reptilian friends: Landscape SA
As spring turtle nesting season begins, the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board is asking drivers to play a crucial role in helping to protect the region’s vulnerable freshwater turtles. Turtle fatalities as a result of traffic accidents are a significant contributor to the steep decline in freshwater turtle numbers in the Murraylands and Riverland.
Where self-help is a way of life
Trevor Shiell ... The community approached the [Fijian] government and got a negative response because the government had no money. Dreketi was a subsistence area of the country, so they decided to build a junior secondary school themselves ... Within a year they had a junior secondary school for 320 kids. No help from government, thank you, and they took pride and ownership of it.
137th Annual Nhill Show
The 137th Annual Nhill Show is now done for another 12 months and boy, what a show it was ... The food van did a great trade for the day and side show alley had a constant buzz.
Garden club open day building connections
The therapeutic value of a wander in the garden can hardly be overestimated. The exploration, the changes, the delights and other minutiae which are observed in our cultivated spaces triggers a sense of well-being which promotes feelings of satisfaction and enjoyment.
Innovative bike library lends bicycles to school students
A new bike library will link Orelia Primary School students with unclaimed bikes from WA Police to encourage physical activity. An exciting new bike library concept aims to leave a positive legacy in Kwinana by linking unclaimed or donated bikes with students at Orelia Primary School.
Innovative project aims to deliver region’s first community battery
The Mildura region could soon boast its first community battery following the launch of an innovative regional project. The Regional Greenhouse Alliance Neighbourhood Battery Investigation Project aims to develop investment-ready business cases for single community batteries at 18 locations across regional Victoria, including Mildura.
Council puts case for a special rate variation
General Manager George Cowan highlighted issues around the council’s financial position at last week’s Council meeting and sought a resolution to proceed to community consultation on a potential application for a proposed permanent Special Variation (SV) ... representing a cumulative Special Variation of 48.1 per cent over two years. "Some of the causes of this position have been building progressively over a long period and some are much more recent ..."
Basis for rate variation explained
A report presented to the Narrandera Shire Council last week provided a detailed analysis of Council’s current and long-term financial position and outlined drivers for those outcomes. It was tabled together with the recommendation for a rate variation application that will now go to the ratepayers of the shire for consideration. The report identified implications for service levels and impact on residents.
Whole Loddon Love: a music revival for flood recovery
October promises a revival of spirits and music along the Loddon River as the ‘Whole Loddon Love’ initiative orchestrates a series of live music events ... A bevy of talent is set to grace the Baringhup Hall stage, with performers like The Maes from Melbourne (ex Maldon), The Jess Parker Band from Castlemaine...
Are Mallacoota and East Gippsland prepared for another major fire? The Howitt Society
The Howitt Society are concerned at the lack of broadscale fuel management operations in East Gippsland over the past four years post the 2019/20 fires ... A public meeting has been convened at Mallacoota to discuss the issue of the long term protection of the townships and the forests of East Gippsland.
Mount Isa to host nuclear power forum: Katter
Mount Isa will next month host a first of its kind, community-led event discussing Australia’s energy future, with a particular focus on nuclear power technology. The Mount Isa Nuclear Power Forum: “What if we went nuclear?” is being staged by Katter’s Australian Party Leader (KAP) and Traeger MP Robbie Katter, who has promised a “frank discussion around the possibilities of nuclear power production in outback Australia”.
NLC tours Frances
The Frances community will soon boast a BMX track ... hopes to sell its Town Hall and pump the proceeds into upgrades at the Frances Recreation Reserve ... Those were some of the items raised by Frances Progress Association chairman Danielle Moore during a visit to the township by Naracoorte Lucindale Council...
Join the community challenge and get bushfire ready: Ellis
Communities across Tasmania are being encouraged to complete registrations for the Tasmania Fire Service’s Community Bushfire-Ready Challenge … “The Community Bushfire-Ready Challenge is a 6-week immersive online experience that kicks off on Friday, 1 September”: Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis.
Nhill emergency services gather to receive Trauma Teddies from Nhill Leos
On Monday evening, Nhill CFA hosted a social event, inviting representatives from Nhill SES, Nhill Ambulance, and the Nhill Leo's Club ... During the gathering, the Nhill Leos and their mentors presented Trauma Teddies to the CFA, SES, and Ambulance Service.
Rochester flood recovery community update event
More than 120 members of the Rochester community attended Campaspe Shire Council’s flood recovery community information session held at the Rochester Shire Hall ... Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Rob Amos opened the event which brought together major stakeholders involved in the flood recovery process ... This is the first large-scale community information session organised by Campaspe Shire Council’s new Flood Recovery Team ...
