Life

We all get life has its ups and downs. We all go through stages when we feel flat, negative, or disengaged. That is life. But we need work through this and try not drag others down with our own negative energy or mindset. It requires us to be self-aware of the energy we are giving out.

Nadia Bish, of Wycheproof, is preparing to utilise her newly developed leadership skills to implement a natural tourism innovation project in 2024. The Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (LMCLP), also often referred to as LEAD Loddon Murray, is well regarded across Australia, an initiative building the capacity of individuals to drive change and foster the growth of vibrant and sustainable rural/regional communities.

Gen Barlow. Newstead's major auspicing organisation, Newstead 2021 Inc, has contracted two community development workers for six months. Local residents Joni Fitzgerald and Gen Barlow will work with Newstead groups and people on projects and find and match would-be volunteers with projects and micro-tasks.

Maldon resident and Advanced Life Support paramedic Barry Curtain is one of five Ambulance Victoria workers who have been awarded Ambulance Service Medals, as part of the 2024 national honours list.  The Australian honours list acknowledges Australians for achievements, service and contribution to community above and beyond the call of duty.  

This week's quiz will have you wondering whether you really should stop playing Sudoku and read a bit more.

When Matt McCarthy took over the family farm, Ascot Park at Budgee, from father Steve in April 2022, he probably didn’t realise how quickly the new direction he had for the farm would evolve ... The rich black soil of the Darling Downs produces excellent pastures ... Matt and Karla began selling their meat to family and friends.

In 1958, the Athenaeum Hall site was completely cleared except for the front concrete steps leading up to the main entrance and prepared for the construction of the present edifice, the Corryong & District Public Memorial Hall ... When plans were approved this building was the biggest single community hall (in floor area) in rural Victoria.

Regional Express Airlines will prolong the suspension of some of its flights for another seven months, blaming sustained supply chain challenges. Rex cut flights on seven of its NSW routes in September including from Sydney to Albury, Coffs Harbour, Griffith, Narrandera, Orange, Parkes and Port Macquarie.

A recent tender by Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) for the provision of medical services at Barham Hospital has gone unawarded, with MLHD stating, “This tender process has now been completed and, as a result, it is not sustainable to continue the provision of medical services in their current format.”

Dr Clare Bottcher has departed the clinic where she has treated local patients for over 26 years. In an emotional farewell with clinic staff, Dr Bottcher recalled her time serving the locals of her own hometown, alongside “great mentors” and “wonderful custodians of this town”.

Toowoomba’s RACQ LifeFlight Rescue and LifeFlight Surat Gas Aeromedical Service crews have recorded the highest number of aeromedical missions in Queensland completing 959 missions – a 46 per cent increase on the previous year. RACQ LifeFlight Rescue and LifeFlight Surat Gas Aeromedical Service (SGAS) helicopters are based at the Clive Berghofer LifeFlight Centre and Roma.

Cassie Fikri from The Yard Narrandera won the women’s all round half marathon at Batemans Bay at the weekend. Her time was one hour and 39 minutes, which is a personal best for her.

Glyn Rees. Thomas Hatch is the latest addition to the Travis Burns coached Stillwater Pastoral Company Wattles Warriors top grade outfit, and according to the experienced mentor the 21-year-old hooker has hit the ground running.

A long-standing family tradition is further enhanced at this year’s Allora Show. The Frank Phelan Memorial Trot sponsored by long established Show supporters Neil and Robyn Phelan will have a slight change in format ... Neil did not inherit the love of horses and he and Robyn are now stewards in the Cattle Section.

Despite the Salvation Army closing its doors in Kaniva, Pastor Sam Faavae is leasing the Church on a monthly basis until its eventual sale ... So far 25 people from Kaniva, Serviceton, Bordertown and Nhill have been attending the church.

Balgowan CFS is putting out a call to the community. The station has just three members and is facing closure due to a lack of volunteers. Balgowan CFS Second Lieutenant   Ian Marschall said the closure of a station like Balgowan would have a huge impact on the community.

Every picture tells a story. See what 100 years of life looks like at an art exhibition highlighting the experiences, memories and life history of our most senior citizens.  

A good dentist is a valuable asset, especially outside the big cities. It's encouraging to learn that there are bright young dentists in Australia that have discovered that a country practice can offer benefits, professional and personal, over work in the city. Australian Rural & Regional News  asked Dr Parshad Sankey, now in Clare, and Dr Michael Dimitrov, in Gladstone, about their country experience.

Insufficient globalisation of the world economy is holding back the development of amateur gardening around the world. Ukraine is a clear example of this. Gardeners cannot purchase the plants they like or are forced to do so at inflated prices. But everything can change if globalisation wins.

Test your wits with this week's quiz

Peter Hibberd. Victorian harness racing hobby trainer, Paul Castle, and his wife, Fiona, didn’t hold back their emotions when ten-year-old gelding Touchandgo (Down Under Muscles) got the money at his 49th race attempt. The victory at the Wedderburn Cup meeting ... had added significance, as it was the first training success for Castle, of Swan Marsh, 20 minutes from Colac.