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.
Whitewash for Albanese Covid-19 inquiry
While many countries around the world look at their handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Covid-19 inquiry appears to be about as effective as a cloth mask for a virus particle size of 50-140 nanometres. The inquiry will not have the same powers as a royal commission and will exclude decisions made solely by state and territory governments during the pandemic response...
Health service upgrades equipment
Following receipt of a grant, Corryong Health has replaced old and outdated equipment. “We purchased new Olympus endoscopy equipment which will enable us to perform gastroscopies and colonoscopies in a more efficient manner,” said Tracey Damn, Day Procedure Unit manager. Visiting surgeon, Dr Daniel Chubb, added that “This new equipment is amazing to use and revolutionary because of the artificial intelligence that is at the forefront of medicine in this day and age.
Big Blue Picnic – part of Mental Health Month
The Zack Lockes Flock will be hosting a Big Blue Picnic as a mental health month activity next month in the grounds of St Mark’s Church Warwick. The Big Blue Picnic is a fundraiser for Beyond Blue and will incorporate the official opening of St Mark’s Blue Garden.
Kaniva’s Louise Hobbs to represent Victoria
Kaniva A&P Society’s Louise Hobbs, representing the Wimmera Agricultural Society, has won the 2023 Victorian Agricultural Society’s Rural Youth Ambassador Award ... The award is given to a 20-30-year old with outstanding participation in their local community and show, acting as an ambassador for the agricultural shows movement.
Rural Aid ready to help farmers as El Niño declared
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the Bureau’s announcement confirmed many producers’ fears. "This announcement of the El Niño weather pattern will bring a lot of unwelcome memories to the surface for our farmers, who’ve been anxiously watching land and waterways dry up," Mr Warlters said.
Celebrations for Sister Monica Cavanagh
Sister Monica Cavanagh who celebrates 50 years as a Sister of St Joseph and a Congregational Leader of the Order, is surrounded by members of the Allora Josephite Companions Group.
Bombers bring junior rugby league back to Evans Head
The Evans Head Bombers Junior Rugby League Club has relaunched after a 15 year hiatus. At the club’s annual general meeting the Northern Rivers Group 1 Junior Rugby League was launched.. A committee of 14 was formed to see the juniors head into next year’s season.
Transition time for Buloke Aged Care Services: new providers to take the reins
Buloke Shire Council has confirmed that its transition out of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) has progressed with the announcement of four well known service providers being appointed by the Commonwealth Government to deliver contracted independent support services for the Buloke Local Government Area.
Sideshows scrapped as committee folds
Will Hunter. A lack of volunteers has spelled the end for a major staple of the Copper Coast New Year’s Eve celebrations. The event held at the Wallaroo jetty — consisting of amusement rides and food vendors — will not run this year following the disbanding of the CCNYE committee.
Tax move could force closures
Michelle Daw. General practitioners warn a move by the state government to enforce payroll tax on GPs who are not employees could make their practices unviable and force them to close. Revenue SA announced the proposed imposition of payroll tax on South Australian GPs in June...
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...
To talk about Wings Without Barriers … Hayden to fly to Rex
ABC Trailblazer winner Hayden McDonald will fly into Charlton next Monday, September 25, for a special community event at The Rex Theatre ... Hayden is autistic and a pilot, and has established “Wings Without Barriers” to combine his passions for aviation and promoting real inclusion for people on the spectrum.
Bernie the Barkly Eagle’s guest appearance
Barkly Region Sport Education has a very famous mascot, Bernie, who travels the region with Pam Dillon, the Barkly Region Sport Education Coordinator. Students in all the Barkly schools know Bernie and are keen to have their photo taken with him when he visits their school.
Carnival gardens – local gardens on show
On the front of this week’s On Our Selection News is part of the prize-winning garden of Narelle Hurse at 4 Cashmore Street, Wyreema, which took out the award for Regional Small Space garden and second prize for the Front Garden.
Penny McKinlay award to Nobby gardeners
Entering the Carnival of Flowers garden competition for the first time, Nobby couple Peter and Amanda Roberts have surprised themselves with several awards for their footpath garden entry.
New councillor
At a special meeting last Tuesday, Toowoomba Regional Council selected Edwina Farquhar to be new the Councillor over 22 other candidates. Ms Farquhar is a businesswoman in Toowoomba who operates several businesses.
I would walk 500 miles for dementia: wrap up
When I decided I wanted to do this walk for dementia awareness in honour of Mum, I thought it would be nice if a few friends joined me for a walk along the river. Maybe we would do a little bit of walking here and there across the month of September, wear a piece of tartan for fun and at a push perhaps I could raise $500.
The pong serves up justice
Corryong’s annual Ping-Pong-A-Thon event last weekend returned to a 24-hour marathon format, with more than 30 men playing table tennis and being sponsored by generous donors. That country spirit saw a total of $7026 raised to support the fight against human trafficking.
Bonza to turn Northern Territory skies purple with three new routes to Darwin and Alice Springs
In a major boost for domestic tourism, Bonza has revealed Darwin and Alice Springs as the airline’s newest destinations. The airline will add 12 new flights per week to and from the NT with three new routes - Sunshine Coast to Darwin, Gold Coast to Darwin and Melbourne to Alice Springs.
Local Nuffield Scholar seeks a fair energy transition for farmers and regional communities
Sally Higgins (daughter of Sue and Phil Higgins) has been awarded a Nuffield Scholarship for 2024, supported by Agrifutures ... From now until December 2024, Sally will travel across the world, exploring the most effective government, industry and farm business models for prioritizing land uses that meet multiple objectives.
