Life

After years of careful planning, interrupted by bushfire, floods and a global pandemic, the Bago State Forest Nature-Based Tourism Enhancement program was launched with reveal of its long-awaited Masterplan ... the Masterplan aims to deliver growth in the local and regional tourism economy through improved forest-based visitor experiences incorporating art, health and wellness, and environmental projects.

Drawcard topics such as cereal diseases, pulse variety and disease management, crop nutrition, vetch and barley agronomy as well as farming without glyphosate, attracted over 170 farmers to BCG’s annual Members’ Only Trials Review Day in Birchip last week. With participants in the room and online, the event was buzzing with questions and robust discussion.

The long awaited Kurrajong Facility in East Street Narrandera officially opened its doors at a ceremony led by Kurrajong Executive Officer Ray Carroll from Wagga last Thursday ... This new building provides a modern environment to support Kurrajong’s lifestyle choices services and includes a spacious kitchen designed for group cooking programs and specific spaces for living skill training and activities.

Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) has announced a long-term national partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). This major national partnership will assist with delivering better health outcomes to Australians living beyond the reach of mainstream medical services, through financial support and the provision of a fleet of Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X vehicles.

The Blue Tree Project is spreading like a weed through the eastern Downs, with yet another Blue Tree painted, this time at Deuchar ... The Blue Tree Project’s mission is to help raise awareness of mental health struggles by encouraging communication.

Mildura Rural City Council has bestowed one of its highest honours upon a locally-born and trained performing artist who is now one of the most sought after classical singers on the international stage. Councillor Stefano de Pieri announced Siobhan Stagg as Mildura’s latest Key to the City recipient in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon after her latest appearance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Recent tests have confirmed bacteria levels in the Moore River have returned to the acceptable range, as is usual for this time of year, according to the Shire of Gingin. But shire staff are continuing to monitor the levels in consultation with the Department of Health.

Families from across the Snowy Monaro will benefit from enhanced maternity facilities with the Minister for Regional Health and Women Bronnie Taylor and Member for Monaro Nichole Overall joining local health workers to officially open the new Maternity Department at Cooma Hospital ... “The new maternity unit boasts high-quality, modern facilities in well-equipped rooms, filled with natural light. One of the two new birthing rooms includes a new birthing bath which will provide women with more choice during the delivery of their baby”: Mrs Taylor.

Healthy Loddon Campaspe has partnered with Grow It Local to encourage and educate residents across the region about healthy eating, cooking and growing local food. To celebrate the partnership, Grow It Local, Healthy Loddon Campaspe and Central Goldfields Shire Council have launched the Autumn 2023 edition of the Grow It Local Seed Service – a patch-to-plate adventure that makes free heirloom seeds and instructional content available to local residents.

Jenny Pollard. It starts with a road trip and bridges the city / country divide. There’s a playlist for the road and it brings some of the biggest names in indie music to the “bush”. But above all, what makes the “OK Motels Festival” such a hit is the positive focus it brings to Charlton and the energising momentum that results.

Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation launched its regional report on family violence at Nyinkka Nyunyu ... The Working Group uncovered that the Barkly suffers significant levels of all forms of violence which is often going unreported due to a community belief that violence is tolerated.

Our four visiting surgeons - Drs Rob Padbury, Bill McLeay, Andrew Hunter and Tom Wilson – were the stars of a small farewell planned recently. But the farewell soon snowballed into a dinner meeting: ‘Some Thank yous, Farewells and Welcomes’ for 40 doctors who had contributed to our region’s health-care for 30-50 years.

There is more to a career in the visual arts than meets the eye! The National Summer Art Scholarship is an immersive and comprehensive arts program for young people interested in a career in visual arts ... one of the 16 recipients from around Australia is Meg Miles.

Health priorities for Narrandera and regional residents have been set for 2023 during a meeting last week between Narrandera Local Health Advisory Committee and Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network ... The first priority was mental health, encompassing drug and alcohol and sexual health (domestic violence).

Jeff Hanson. The thrills and spills of the time-honoured Narrandera rodeo returned on Saturday night, with thousands of locals on hand to witness some of the best bronc bucking, bull riding, and rodeoing seen in years. The premier event on the program was the open saddle bronc, and cowboy Tom Kerr returned from a broken back to win on the well-performed mare, Secret Sister.

A move proposed at a Toowoomba Regional Council meeting last week which would have seen dogs prohibited from 11 public parks was voted down by Councillors. In March 2022, Council considered a proposal to make changes to the Register - Prohibition and Restriction of Animals in Public Places through the inclusion of 11 additional bushland parks.

Shane’s lucky break came as a result of his carer Samantha De Jersey’s encouragement for Shane to apply for a stable hand position with Clear Mountain Fairview Thoroughbred Horse Stud at Greenmount ... Mick liked the boy’s enthusiasm, respectful nature and willingness to learn and he soon became an important team member.

Jo Mason (nee Collins) ... The Collins family has a significant place in local history, being the earliest settlers to still have family living in the Upper Murray today. John Collins and his wife Sarah Luke came to Australia from Hampshire, England in 1839 on board the ship Susan, with their seven children.

Following a recent audit conducted by the State Government into Aged Care food ratings, Southern Cross Care in Allora was awarded Second place in Queensland. This is no mean feat when 570 Homes across Queensland were judged by the residents and their families.

There was only one occasion on which Granny’s Tea Set actually did duty. It was an auspicious one. It was in the mid-1930s. The Great Depression was biting, Groupies were leaving their blocks in droves and things were tough. The then-Premier of Western Australia, James Mitchell (known derisively on the Groups as “Moocow Mitchell”), had finally been convinced that he should come down and have a look at what was going on, so he could appreciate the plight of the Group Settlers.