New-look Disaster Dashboard now live!
Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s Disaster Dashboard is now even better equipped to help the community handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way. Council’s Disaster Management team has launched a brand-new Flood Cameras page on the Disaster Dashboard – further bolstering our preparedness in times of disaster.
Celebrating our local women
The inaugural Women of the Clarence Awards were held at the Crown Hotel Motel in Grafton ... The evening provided a formal platform to celebrate local women and shine a light on their extraordinary achievements across their respective fields.
Big block for Big Project
Land has been secured on which to build two modular homes as part of a partnership project to provide affordable housing in Maldon. Members of Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) and the Community Bank Maldon & District (CBMD) met on the newly purchased High Street block of land on Tuesday 10 March to announce the latest step of the bank’s Big Project.
Extending the life of well-loved items: WD-40
As more Australians are choosing to repair not replace, a renewed pride in practical skills is reshaping how we care for the things we own. From small household fixes to ambitious restorations, repair culture is gaining momentum as people look to save money, develop skills, reduce waste and extend the life of well-loved items.
Lightning Ridge Easter Festival
One of outback NSW's most beloved events is just around the corner, and this year's Lightning Ridge Easter Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. The program is now available online, so you can start planning your long weekend before you even pack the car.
Ripple Fest and Rochester Mural Festival bring creativity to Rochester
Rochester will come alive with colour, creativity and community spirit this March as Campaspe Shire Council presents a week of artistic activity as part of Ripple Fest in partnership with Rochester Mural Festival. From 25-28 March, locals and visitors are invited to take part...
More than art on walls: Tweed Regional Gallery delivers almost $20 million to local economy
A new independent study has confirmed what the Tweed community already knows – the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is one of regional Australia’s most remarkable cultural assets, contributing almost $20 million each year to the local economy.
Adult time, adult crime laws expanded
Member for Condamine and Speaker in the Queensland Parliament, Pat Weir has welcomed the strengthening of the State's Adult Time, Adult Crime legislation. Mr Weir points out that the Queensland Government is expanding its landmark Adult Crime, Adult Time laws to now cover 45 youth crime offences... Since the passing of the Making Queensland Safer Laws, more than 4,000 youth offenders have been charged with over 19,000 Adult Time offences...
Art and culture shine at Mali Heart Festival
Birchip came alive with creativity, colour and music as the Mali Heart Art and Music Festival on Saturday, setting the scene for Birchip’s Big Weekend of family friendly activities. Established in 2022, the Mali Heart Art and Music Festival was created to showcase art and music in the community, and it continues to grow each year.
Tiny homes project changing lives of young students
There is something quite extraordinary happening at Hay War Memorial High School. In the school grounds, a tiny home is taking shape. It is being built not by tradies, not by developers, but by local kids with tools in their hands, pride in their work, and a future full of possibility.
You don’t know the life of a Showgirl
Seven girls line up for the announcement of this year’s Group 1 Junior Teen Showgirl on Saturday, March 7. The girls are showgirls from their hometowns of Bangalow, Maclean, Grafton, Lismore, (absent), Tweed River, Bonalbo, Kyogle and Casino.
Fuel, food and your family: What the Middle East war could mean for rural NSW right now
... in the practical, everyday ways that matter most to country families, what is happening right now in the Middle East is worth understanding clearly and calmly.
Rochester flood barrier training exercise a success
Following the successful completion of last week’s flood barrier installation exercise in Rochester, Campaspe Shire Council is reinforcing the importance of maintaining strong flood preparedness measures to protect critical community assets in the town’s civic precinct. The exercise ... involved the full deployment and pack-down of the AquaFence flood barrier system around the Town Hall, Community House, Council service centre and library.
Flood that cost over $3.7 billion
Four years on from one of the biggest floods in living memory across the Northern Rivers region that was also Australia’s biggest natural disaster, people, homes and businesses are still feeling the impact ... On the four-year anniversary of the floods, Deputy Leader of the Federal Nationals, Member for Page Kevin Hogan slammed what had been done to help Lismore recover and rebuild.
North East Rail passengers set to be locked out of Sunshine transport hub: Cleeland
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, has raised concerns in State Parliament this week about the redevelopment of Sunshine Station, warning the current design risks locking north-east Victorian passengers out of one of the state’s most important transport interchanges.
Bulk billing benefits locals
In a major boost for the Upper Murray community, Corryong Health has transitioned to a bulk billed medical practice as of of March 2nd under a recently launched Australian government Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP). The program has expanded eligibility for Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) bulk billing incentives.
Moonta Mines shutdown sparks local outcry – Dis-trust
Michelle Daw. Locals are rallying behind volunteers locked out of the Moonta Mines heritage site, demanding answers over the National Trust of South Australia's shock decision. More than 300 people gathered outside the Sweet Shop — one of the site's most popular attractions — on Friday, February 27, to protest the NTSA's move earlier in the week to disband its Moonta branch committee.
Regional growth without rail is a hollow promise: Siri Gamage
Dr Siri Gamage. We keep hearing about regional growth. We hear about decentralisation, productivity, housing pressures in capital cities and the promise of thriving regional communities. But here is the uncomfortable truth: growth without proper public transport is not a strategy. It is rhetoric.
Success of Garage Sale Trail
For many households in Southern Downs and across Queensland, Garage Sale Trail conducted last year was a chance to clear out cupboards, make some extra cash and give pre-loved items a second life. Over two-weekends in November 2025, locals sold more than 11,972 items, generating $107,631 for households, community groups and charities, while also diverting items out of landfill.
Behind the scenes with BlazeAid
If you're still keen to lend a hand to help fire-affected folks in Harcourt, it's not too late and the volunteers of BlazeAid want you to know that you'd be welcome aboard. The TT wandered up to the former school camp at Derby Hill to chat and find out how it all works.
District farmers fight back
Quill. Community spirit was alive and well at Marnoo on Sunday, February 22, as farmers and friends affected by mining and the renewable energy push came together in support and to share their stories – it was standing room only at the Marnoo Cricket Ground ... Across Victoria Alliance (AVA) has united 27 allied groups across the whole of Australia in the fight against the mining and renewables projects throughout the regions.
New leadership ensuring a rose festival revival
Madison Eastmond. A Renmark local has stepped up to lead the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival Committee, with her decision and recent community volunteer efforts saving the regional event for 2026 ... “It’s such an important event to the community and local businesses, and I am just delighted to be working with the fantastic Riverland Rose and Garden Festival Committee to once again bring the festival to the Riverland”: Vicki Dunhill.
