Coercive control – what is it? NSW laws are now tougher
Coercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or isolates another person to control them. From July 1, 2024 coercive control became an offence in NSW. The criminal offence captures repeated patterns of physical or non-physical abuse used to hurt, scare, intimidate, threaten or control someone.
Unveiling of South Australia’s first Red Bench
At a special ceremony held this morning, Port Pirie Regional Council in partnership with the Port Pirie Domestic Violence Action Group unveiled the very first Red Bench in South Australia at the Women’s Keepsake Garden, located in front of the Port Pirie Regional Library.
Mum’s community spirit passed on
After watching her mother, Lisa, work on the frontline as an Ambulance Victoria Ambulance Community Officer in Corryong, Maisie Pilli was inspired to follow in her footsteps. Volunteering runs deep in the Pilli family with Maisie and her siblings already being members of the CFA.
A village of support: celebrating motherhood this National Mothering Week
During the week leading up to Mother's Day on 11 May 2025, the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) celebrates National Mothering Week (5-11 May). This year ABA is highlighting how mothers have cherished the support they found by joining ABA local groups and the role ABA has played for mothers along their parenting journeys...
Meet Greg and Sammi-Jo of Hay Therapy Co
It's ironic; Sammi-Jo Mace supports the hidden sunflower, (global Sunflower network) but she is Hay's own ray of sunshine. Sammi-Jo, along with partner Greg Reid are the face of Hay Therapy Co. Stop in and say hello.
Finding the right balance of mental health support
In regional and rural areas, where mental health issues are higher and professional services are lower, digital-only self-help tools can only go so far. Researchers are recruiting young participants and their parents to test an innovative new program specifically designed for young Australians in rural and regional communities who experience anxiety.
“The Forgotten War” Korean 1950-53
Wilcannia born Hughie Woodberry volunteered for this war, this is his story ... He grew up when things were very tough for families. He had seen his father go off to the 2nd WW and told he was a prisoner of war for four years in Changi camp. ... Dad was in the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment ... He was a stretcher bearer whilst in the war.
Local historian donates framed “Death Penny”
In a heartfelt act of remembrance, Glen Ireland of Boort has painstakingly assembled a stunning framed tribute to World War I soldier Hugh Grace, incorporating a rare and poignant artefact, the original “Death Penny” awarded to Grace’s family after his death.
Forty out of forty for son of Rod Run founder
Steven Alldrick. Narrandera is a special place for me and my family not only going every year, being able to organise the run, but it is where I met my wife Kathleen and where I proposed to her. Kathleen and I met 24 years ago and have been together ever since ... Kathleen and I also share a passion for hot rods and custom cars ...
Beach and a beer ease the way back for Alex
Serena Kirby. Much-loved local GP Alex Sleeman is back home and learning to adjust to life with a disability. Alex has spent the past six months in Perth receiving medical care for serious spinal injuries from a tractor accident in September.
Changing of the Guard: Celebrating 75 years
From a little Ford truck to a multi-million-dollar fleet of Kenworths and high-tech earthwork equipment, Naracoorte’s Bull Bros Pty Ltd this year celebrates 75 years in business. Driving further enthusiasm and longevity into the esteemed company which employs around 30 people, a fourth generation is stepping up.
“Just leave.” This woman did – and the system still almost cost her life
Imagine fleeing your home in your car with a screaming, terrified two-year-old and having no idea where to drive to. Too scared to head to your parent’s house, knowing that’s too obvious, and too far away. Hiding out in the streets of your hometown ... This is the story of one woman, Sechia Darlow, who lived a reality almost too harrowing to believe.
Balranald ICPA hold highly successful ICPA state conference
The NSW ICPA conference, held in Euston and organised by Balranald ICPA was a resounding success ... The conference addressed critical issues for rural and remote education, including teacher retention, rural equity, inter-agency support, Early Childhood Education access and funding, transport challenges, boarding school matters, and connectivity.
Regions unite to tackle childcare desert
Michelle Daw. Families, employers, and representatives from 23 council areas gathered in Port Broughton last week to launch a project advocating for fairer access to childcare across the vast federal electorate of Grey.
Chantelle puts all her eggs in motherhood basket
Paul Mitchell. Chantelle Weckert was born to be a mother—but being single and nearly 40 is an unconventional platform for such a life-changing leap.
Four generations of the Shooter family
The farm produce section at the Allora Show has been under the watchful eye of Shooter family members for the past 70 years. The 2025 Allora Show was a great opportunity for the family to meet in the Pavilion for a happy snap.
Barham childcare shortage
Barham is in the midst of a childcare shortage crisis, with a wait list of 90 at the Barham Early Learning Service alone, with 75 per cent aged in the 0-3 years old bracket. It is estimated that 45 per cent of the children in Barham, Koondrook, Moulamein and Wakool have been unable to be placed in a childcare facility.
RHS parents kept in sex-talk loop
Hugh Schuitemaker. Families are being informed about contents of the upcoming 2025 sex education program at Renmark High School (RHS) ... The 2024 controversy – which saw year 9 RHS students exposed to the concepts of bestiality and incest without prior parental knowledge – surfaced again ...
500 animals, fire and feed. Life for the Treweek family
Bushfires are stressful enough, but having a zoo of 500 animals and 23 staff adds a whole new level for the Treweek family. Former Wakool family Mark and Lisa Treweek and their kids Cooper and William have finally been able to open their 52-acre Halls Gap Zoo after the challenges of the Grampians bushfire. Their second fire in 12 months.
Sarah’s long ride to healing
The loss of a parent is devastating. Losing both is unimaginable, but photographer and horse lover Sarah Wheeler is turning her grief into hope for others suffering from liver, pancreatic, stomach, bile duct and oesophageal cancers.
Alex back on his feet
Serena Kirby. Denmark GP Alex Sleeman is learning to walk again after sustaining serious spinal injuries from a tractor accident on his property last September ... “I plan to do everything I used to do but I’ll just do it a bit differently and good luck to anyone that tells me I can’t do something.”
The best classroom in the world is listening to an elder
I am a co-founder and Chair of a business (My Word) that enables families to capture the life stories of their loved elders. Storytelling is the oldest and most accurate way to pass on history and wisdom. To know where you have come from is to know who you are ... The elderly, with decades of life behind them, offer unique insights into what it means to lead effectively and meaningfully.
