Life

Brendan Atkins. "On a knoll commanding a wide view of peaceful mountain, reef and sea, there stands a monolith, erected to the memory of Allan McCulloch, naturalist, an outstanding figure in the history of the island", says cinematographer Frank Hurley in Jewel of the Pacific, his 1932 travelogue about Lord Howe Island.

Two Allora families have returned from a successful 11 day cycling adventure through France and the UK. Mark Mason and James Turner completed the 1200km ride from Lourdes France to Lords Cricket Ground in London to raise funds and awareness for type 1 diabetes research.

This year, for the first time, Assistance Dogs Australia pups will be featuring in the Grafton Jacaranda Festival Parade on Saturday 1 November, resplendent in purple crowns and accompanied by the ADA team, their community carers and Serco staff. 

After two decades of independent operation in Barham, New South Wales real estate gun Lauren Polkinghorne has joined the Ray White network. The Ray White Barham principal is eager to bring together local expertise with national backing in a move that promises exciting opportunities for the Murray River community.

The controversy enveloping Clarence Valley Council was raised in the NSW Legislative Council last week, when Dr Amanda Cohn unleashed her opinion under parliamentary privilege, putting local Government Minister Ron Hoenig on notice. The statement follows the polarising “Wrecking Ball” leaked internal Clarence Valley Council email concerning a ‘suggested’ Council staff skit in the award-winning Jacaranda Festival.

West Wimmera Shire Council has named Serviceton's Les Millikin as the 2025 Senior Citizen of the Year ... Since moving to Serviceton in 2002, Mr Millikin has made an enormous contribution to the local community through his volunteer work at the historic Serviceton Railway Station.

Helen Hobbs. While many locals already know how much time and care Les Millikin puts into maintaining the Serviceton Railway Station, it's clear that visitors from across Australia — and even overseas — have noticed too. Online reviews tell a story of a man whose quiet dedication has left a lasting impression on hundreds of travellers who've stopped in at the historic station.

Naracoorte’s Peter Anderson is set to represent Australia — and his hometown Naracoorte — on one of the biggest martial arts stages in the world. In a remarkable achievement, Peter has been selected as a judge for the prestigious IKO Matsushima World Karate Championships in Maebashi, Japan, this November.

Saturday 25th October, Wilcannia hosted the Prepare to Play Outback Rugby Gala Day. Outback Rugby League gave special thanks to Olivia Whyman for acknowledging her ancestors and people in language.

Hugh Schuitemaker. Significant infrastructure upgrades at Renmark's Bookmark Creek – allowing for improved natural water flows, better conditions for native fish and other species, and greater recreational opportunities – have been completed.

...the Albanese Government released the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission Inquiry into key factors that determine regional airfares.

"Surviving Vietnam War Veterans deeply admire the war widows in our communities for their courage and resilience, for the ways they supported and cared for their veteran husbands during the living years, and how they dealt with the unimaginable grief and loss of their loved veteran partner": David Langdon.

This spring, don’t just declutter, transform your tired textiles into something meaningful for the environment. To champion National Recycling Week, Sunshine Coast Council has teamed up with BlockTexx® to hold a community textile recycling event, ‘Give a Sheet® for the Planet’.   

Marine biologist Kat Mason may have only been in Australia a matter of months, but her connection to the ocean runs deep. Raised in Bournemouth, a coastal town in the south of England, Kat’s early years were filled with an appreciation of the ocean but it was a childhood stint in Florida that truly sparked her curiosity about marine life.

Originally from Perth, Flight Lieutenant Hayden Krammer was back at Pearce air base this week at the controls of a C-27J Spartan ... The C-27J, which bridges the gap between army helicopters and bigger air force aircraft, was in Perth taking part in flying activities as part of the preparedness and integration exercise Amarok reach ... WGCDR Porche ... said Defence was getting back to pre-Covid 19 coverage.

Navigating through the forms and criteria for help with flood impacted homes can be complex and difficult. The NSW Reconstruction Authority, through the Resilient Home Program, is offering assistance for residents to protect their homes from future damage — whether that’s by raising, retrofitting, rebuilding or relocating their properties to safer ground.

The woman behind the counter at White Cliffs' only shop moves with quiet efficiency, her smile genuine as she serves customers who've become friends. At 53, Jacqui Portch radiates a contentment that comes from having weathered life's worst storms and emerged not just intact, but flourishing ... Jacqui's story begins in the tobacco fields of Rhodesia, where her father's farm stretched across rich red earth just outside Salisbury.

Port Pirie Regional Council is delighted to announce that the State Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s (SATC) Drought Relief Regional Event Fund, has committed support for Our Youth / Our Festival, a brand-new community celebration designed and delivered by young people in Port Pirie.

On Saturday, 11th October, history came alive in the Allora Community Hall. With the support of Qld Government and COTA, the Allora & District Historical Society (ADHS) hosted a Bridal Extravaganza and High Tea showcasing over a century of Allora bridal fashions.

The Mallee Root Round Up has once again proven that country people know how to celebrate, with 750 guests exuding enthusiasm and a strong sense of fun and excitement all weekend. Marking 20 years since its re-birth, the Ball, which ceased in 1997 and was revived in 2005, drew people from all across Victoria and as far away as the middle of New South Wales.

it's almost a picnic atmosphere," according to motor enthusiast Bob, who loved the camaraderie of the Mount Tarrengower Historic Hillclimb on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October in Maldon. "It's not terribly commercial," Bob told the TT [Tarrangower Times], while peering into the engine of Doug's 1949 MG. "And everybody knows everybody."

South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges and Outback has been named one of the world’s top travel destinations for the year ahead; the only Australian place to make the list. Global travel authority, Lonely Planet, unveiled its top destinations with the release of its Best in Travel list for 2026 today with the Flinders Ranges & Outback listed among globally renowned tourist destinations...