A wave of success
When Shayne Sutherland and his partner Courtney Ann started Surf Camp Down Under, they had the goal of becoming the best surf school in Australia, and on Saturday night their ambitions were realised. Surf Camp Down Under was awarded the Surf School of the Year award at the 2025 Australian Surfing Awards...
Weather data pinpoints best beaches near you for Christmas 2025
A sea of red Santa hats on the beach is a common Christmas Day sight in Australia, and a new study pinpoints the exact beaches near you that almost guarantee perfect beachside weather conditions this December 25th 2025.
Domestic violence prevention program, first of its kind for youth detainees in the NT
A new program aiming to intervene early and prevent domestic violence is being rolled out to youth in the Northern Territory, in a first for NT Corrections. The Department has partnered with Power Community Limited (PCL) to expand its prevention program, ‘Power to End Violence Against Women’ to young people.
“Spark” ignites Christmas vision
Jenny Pollard. A new vision for Charlton's Christmas decorations has been realised thanks to the innovation and inspiration of a small group named "Community Spark". The volunteer-led team, comprising many "newcomers" to town, has created the impetus for refreshing and renewing the main street décor, along with encouraging local involvement in boosting the festive signature of the township.
The Glasshouse officially opened
The Gannawarra’s newest community meeting and digital connectivity space is officially open for business. More than 100 people gathered at Kerang’s Sir John Gorton Library this morning for the official opening of The Glasshouse.
How the housing boom broke the Lucky Country
Like every parent watching their adult kids edge toward the real estate market, I look at the numbers with growing alarm. In 25 years, Perth house prices have jumped from roughly $200,000 to close to $900,000 — a three-to-fivefold increase — while wages have barely doubled from $50,000 to $100,000. That’s not a generational squeeze; it’s a structural impossibility.
Asbestos scare hits wind energy sector
The safety of workers and the integrity of renewable energy projects across the state has been called into question last week, after a nationwide audit was launched following the discovery of asbestos in wind turbine components. The finding points to a lapse in compliance with Australian import laws, and has raised concerns the future of planned energy project development in the Hay and Balranald region.
Sirens for Santa as emergency services crews map Christmas route
The emergency services join forces at Christmas to bring Santa to Casino. The annual emergency services Santa run is on Sunday, December 14 and on Friday, December 19 ... On the first day of the Santa run the volunteers gave out more than 400 lollipops and candy canes.
Wikner’s final lap?
Allora’s Wikner Ford Special is on the highway heading south to Maroubra – not to surf but to be a headline act at huge celebrations ... The Vintage Car Club of Australia is celebrating the Centenary of the opening event at the infamous Maroubra Olympic Speedway in 1925. Of that initial event only one racing car remains as it raced that day, Doug’s Wikner Ford Special.
Harry heads towards a thousand
Quill. Tuesday's mid-week meeting at Donald and District Race Club was one that reminded me of the perks of my job as the local race reporter; what a glorious day ... There was a buzz of excitement around the grounds with Harry Coffey's win total sitting at 997 prior to the first of his eight races on the day.
Works restart at Maldon’s Union Hill Gold Mine
The owner-operator of the Union Hill Gold Mine and nearby gold processing plant, Kaiser Reef Ltd, held an information session for Maldon residents ... to advise of current and future works planned for its Maldon sites. ... Kaiser Reef Ltd, which is listed on the ASX, has operated in Maldon since 2021 after an acquisition agreement with Golden River Resources Pty Ltd.
Horsham Rural City Council responds to Japanese Encephalitis Virus detection
The Department of Health has confirmed the first detection of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in mosquitoes for the 2025–26 season. The virus was found in a mosquito trap in the Horsham Rural City Council area, as part of Victoria's Arbovirus Disease Control Program.
WFI Insurance reveals concerning rural crime statistics impacting Australian farmers
WFI Insurance today shared concerning rural crime statistics in conjunction with the University of New England Centre for Rural Criminology, revealing 90 per cent of NSW farmers have experienced crime on farms, with around 30 per cent victimised 7 or more times. The crime statistics from UNE’s National Rural Crime Survey were highlighted on a special WFI rural crime podcast which aims to help farmers reduce their risk of being targeted by criminals.
Narrandera rider tops HRCAV leaderboard
The Horse Riding Clubs Association of Victoria (HRCAV) staged its annual awards on 15 November in Melbourne, celebrating standout achievements from the 2024–25 competition season. Among the evening's major honours was the Level 2 Overall Champion Rider award, claimed by Narrandera Adult Riding president and founding member, NSW competitor Erin Anderson and her horse "Adventures of Grand Rock".
Crowd down, but spirits up at Greenmount
An early morning storm combined with less promotion than in previous years probably contributed to the smaller crowd of spectators at the Greenmount Billycart Challenge on Saturday but the enthusiasm of the competitors was as strong as ever.
Letters to 2050: Capsule holds hopes for future
Will social media still exist? Will mobile phones still be hand-held? Does anyone carry cash? Will people be catching fast trains from Maroochydore to Brisbane? What did the world make of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games? The best ever? A snapshot of life on the Sunshine Coast in 2025 is captured in time - to be revealed in 25 years - when a time capsule will be re-opened.
Serviceton silo art now complete
Painting of a new art installation at GrainCorp's Serviceton site has now finished, marking a major milestone for the town and its place on the Wimmera Mallee's growing network of silo art installations. Adelaide-based artist Jack Fran spent about two weeks painting the mural, which tells the story of the South Australia–Victoria border dispute and features historical surveyors Henry Wade and Edward White.
Farmers sound alarm
“The mental health toll on farmers is becoming impossible to ignore our community is carrying the stress, uncertainty, and frustrations of a system that refuses to hear them.” Those are the words of Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association (LCSFA) chairman Todd Woodard, who has issued a blistering condemnation of the state government’s proposed Mining Act reforms — warning the legislation further eroded farmers’ rights and silenced regional voices already pushed to breaking point.
John’s pawsome service awarded
Madison Eastmond. A long-serving Riverland veterinarian has been awarded as the best practitioner in Australia. Recognising close to 50 years of animal care, and 40 years of service to the local pet population, Riverland Veterinary Practice (RVP) principal vet John Hammond received the 2025 Australian Small Animal Veterinarians (ASAV) Roger Clarke Practitioner of the Year Award in August.
E-petition launched to boost intensive care paramedics
With only two intensive care paramedics (ICPs) working on shift to cover the entire Clarence Valley, staff at Grafton Ambulance Station were joined by Member for Clarence Richie Williamson last week to officially launch an e-Petition, calling on the NSW Government to prioritise increasing staffing across the region.
FRRR awards vital funding for 78 locally-led initiatives across Australia
Remote, rural and regional communities across Australia will share $981,100 in grants through FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, empowering them to create vibrant and sustainable places to live, work and thrive. This funding will support 78 locally-led projects that foster resilience, social connection and greater capacity in regional communities.
Cook Government must provide answers on asbestos risk in regional wind farms: Love
Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA has called out the Cook Labor Government for its failure to provide clear answers or decisive action following revelations that asbestos has been discovered in the lift brake pads of wind turbines imported into Australia from China.
