Show winner
Year 7 student Francis Walls was thrilled when his photograph of the family dog (known simply as ‘Pup’) won second prize at last week’s Royal Melbourne Show. The action shot - of Pup springing into action to fetch a stick - is a ripper. Believe it or not, it was taken on his Mum’s phone, not on an expensive camera. Now that’s talent!
Narrandera patients losing out on cancer treatment costs
The Riverina Cancer Care Centre which opened in 2002 was built using $3million raised by communities including Narrandera yet is now the only facility in NSW leaving patients out of pocket. It was the first regional cancer care centre in NSW and is now the only one that requires patients to pay for their treatment.
Harness racing loses a legend
Jeff Hanson. Harness racing lost a legend last week, with Colin Pike passing away in his home town of Temora on Thursday at the age of 90 ... Pike's first horse, Rayjen began racing in 1956 and she was his first race drive ... Rayjen went on to produce one of the greatest pacers this country has ever seen. Paleface Adios (Deep Adios x Ray-den) started 240 times winning 108 races ...
Informed consent
A highly esteemed, award-winning NHS consultant cardiologist with international regard when it comes to diagnosing, preventing and managing heart disease has released a peer reviewed paper calling for the immediate halt of Covid-19 vaccine roll out ... “It cannot be said that the consent to receive these agents was fully informed, as is required ethically and legally,” Dr Malhotra said. It was the death of his father, a very prominent doctor, one of the most respected doctors in the UK, and vice president of the British Medical Association that started his investigation.
Sheep dogs on trial
The Moulamein sheep dog trials has returned showcasing the incredible bond of human and working dog. Barry McKenzie, Moulamein Working Dog Club president, had four dogs – two mature dogs and two pups – in the competition and was delighted to have the competition running again.
The Willy Wonka-like fruit changing the lives of cancer and covid patients
A solution that may help people in distress – this berry makes sour, acidic, and bitter-tasting food and drinks taste sweet, helpful for people whose sense of taste has been disturbed due to treatment or illnesses ... Queensland farmers who are growing Australia's first Miracle fruit farm, Chris Beckwith and Karen Pereira, are passionate about the fruit's positive value and making it available to Australians struggling to eat.
Joan Cronin recognised for her service to museum
At its Ordinary Meeting Southern Downs Regional Council recognised Joan Cronin for her signiï¬cant contribution and dedication to the region as a volunteer at the Allora Regional Sports Museum ... “Joan is a shining example of an ordinary citizen delivering an extraordinary service to the community and I am pleased to recognise her years of selfless service”: Mayor Pennisi.
Hay there, we’re here to help!
Emma Pritchard. It was a lifeline that stretched more than 8km. 56 trucks transporting over 2000 bales of hay, generously donated by farmers across Victoria, arrived in the Clarence Valley on September 30, bound for local properties owned by hobby farmers and primary producers who are continuing to struggle following months of relentless wet weather which has severely compromised their livelihoods.
Thomas Gallagher: Grafton Shoppingworld Junior Sportsperson for the month of September
Thomas Gallagher from Tyndale enjoyed a successful season in the 2022 Australian Kart Championship in the Class Tag 125 Seniors division, placing third overall and finishing first in the NSW round at Newcastle and second at Melbourne ... Finding venues to practice and compete has been a challenge since the Grafton Sporting Car Club ceased karting at Mountain View Motor Sport Complex, with the family often travelling to Coffs Harbour, Ipswich and Newcastle.
Building a thriving business in Kalgoorlie
After several years testing equipment for companies in a range of industries, from fabrication and chemical plants to aviation, Dirk De Beer used his redundancy payment to settle in Kalgoorlie and realise his dream of owning his own business. A 28 year-old single man, Mr De Beer set up a desk in his home garage and invested in tools and a converted telecoms service ute.
Cape’s finest shine at Savannah
Samuel Davis. Music is a family business in Cape York. And for Black Image Band’s Vince Harrigan, it all started in the backyard playing for aunties, uncles and cousins ... This week, the group were one of two Cape-based acts to perform at Savannah in the Round festival in Mareeba featuring stellar acts including the Waifs, King Stingray, Shannon Noll and more.
New release – Maestro of Madness
During this year as I have been promoting my novel, Maestro of Madness, I have been asked so many times why I turned to writing fictional novels at my advanced age ... Eddie Philipson is the main protagonist who was diagnosed with PTSD when he was 44 and the storyline picks up with his battle with the insidious disorder ... I was fortunate enough to have good knowledge with PTSD as I have the dreaded disorder as a Vietnam Vet and so was able to adapt some of the experiences I have had in learning to manage PTSD.
A stand for common sense
Chris Oldfield. Nationally acclaimed organic farmer, Peter “Huck” Shepherd has confirmed he is standing to be part of the next Naracoorte Lucindale Council. In a media statement, the Kybybolite farmer said he believed the council needed some critical thinkers “who can put some common sense back into the council”.
Educating kids about water safety in the Barkly
Pam Dillon. Water Safety week at the Tennant Creek pool recently had a real family feel to it. Lots of families came down to the pool to celebrate and learn more about how to be safe in and around water.
Know your local – Hannah Jungwirth
My sister, notoriously bad at telling jokes (she always gives away the punchline), was born when I was 11 years old, and is now one of my closest friends. I originally interviewed her as an emergency backup, but her story is honest, and brave and gives a personal insight into issues that might help someone in similar circumstances.
Pride Across the Ages
In the last quarter of 2021, MainFM’s Queer and Now successfully produced a nine-part podcast titled ‘Pride Across the Ages’ ... the series is an incredibly moving, challenging, heartfelt, funny, honest and raw collection of stories from the LGBTIQA+ community ‘across the ages' who call Central Victoria and the towns of Mount Alexander Shire home.
Lending a helping hand a way of life for Roger
A helping hand: Former Denmark Citizen of the Year Roger Seeney is a strong believer in helping others and contributes to his community in many ways, including as an organiser of the annual Black Dog Ride, a national charity that raises awareness of depression and suicide prevention. He recently spoke to Serena Kirby about his life and the struggles which have shaped him.
Henty worth $100 million to economy
After a two-year hiatus the national economy benefited from a $100 million injection from the biggest and most successful Henty Machinery Field Days on record ... Held on September 20-22, the 59th annual field days featured 14km of outdoor shop fronts from over 800 exhibitors on over 1200 sites.
Volunteer attends Queen’s funeral
Senior Australian of the Year 2022 and former Narrandera resident Valmai Dempsey of Canberra was one of ten Australians representing Australia at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II last week. Ms Dempsey, a St John Ambulance ACT Volunteer for more than four decades, has been a passionate advocate for first-aid training for learner drivers.
Giorgi Ambassador finalist
Kirstin Nicholson. Presenting ribbons to champion terriers, sorting grain, rubbing shoulders with racing’s greats and fine dining were all part of Giorgi Boucher’s Melbourne Royal Show experience last weekend. Giorgi wasn’t there purely for the thrill of the show, though, she was there for the Rural Ambassador Award state finals. Giorgi won the Rural Ambassador Award at the Cohuna Show in March, then won at the Northern District Agricultural Shows Association regional finals.
Beef hides and livers – the secret ingredients in new skincare and supplement products
A new, eco-friendly range of collagen products made using traditionally low-value bovine inputs such as hides and livers will soon deliver beneï¬ts across the entire beef value chain. This world-ï¬rst Certiï¬ed Organic collagen skincare and supplements range is the highly anticipated result of a collaboration between MLA and Freeze Dry Industries (FDI), a manufacturer based on the Sunshine Coast.
The Painted Years of a 90 year old artist
Age is no barrier to doing what you love. Artist Anthea Moffat turned 90 as her exhibition The Painted Years opened at the Roxy Gallery in Kyogle this month. There is still time to see her work ... The Painted Years is a body of paintings that are “partly my background of where I have lived and an exposition of the joy of life,” Anthea said.
