The 2025 Disaster Challenge: Nature-based solutions, digital twins and smart public spaces… which pitch will win?
You are invited to livestream this year’s Disaster Challenge Final from Hobart! The three finalist teams are perfecting their pitches and Natural Hazards Research Australia would love you to join us to hear how these could revolutionise infrastructure to strengthen disaster resilience. Are you based in Hobart? Join us at the RACV Hobart Hotel...
It’s carnival time
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Floral Parade weekend saw hundreds of visitors pass through Wyreema and Westbrook to see some beautiful Garden Competition entries and Succulent Fest. Reigning Carnival of Flowers Garden Competition Regional Grand Champion winner Narelle Hurse of 4 Cashmore Street, Wyreema defended her title.
Run Upper Murray: Trailblazers faced a chilly challenge
A field of 75 trail runners competed in the second annual Run Upper Murray in the Thowgla Valley on Saturday. It was another unforgettable day of trail running, community celebration and high-country hospitality. With runners taking on either the 33km ‘Ultimate Challenge’ or the 16km ‘Summit Dash’, the event launched from the iconic Thowgla Hall...
Industrial renewables laid bare
The Pyramid Hill was a hive of activity on Sunday as community members from Loddon and Gannawarra Shires gathered to discuss industrial renewable developments openly. The meeting hosted by Loddon Valley Renewables Awareness Group provided an open community forum, something that is avoided at all costs for transmission line and renewable developments, as one speaker framed it, "divide and conquer" is the standard modus operandi.
Turning a cup of tea into a life changing conversation: BCNA
Every day in Australia, 58 people are diagnosed with breast cancer ... conversations about breast cancer are often avoided, leaving many women to face their fears in silence. A new national campaign from tea brand Tetley in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) aims to change that, by transforming something as simple as a chat over a cup of tea into what could be a life changing conversation.
Haydays’ plight goes to Federal Health Minister
"I will be writing personally to the Federal Health Minister." That was the promise made by Member for Farrer and leader of the Liberal Party, Sussan Ley when she visited Haydays last week. Ms Ley toured the aged care facility with chair Lisa Bowen and staff members Martyn Quinn and Julie Weymouth, to see for herself the upgrades needed for Haydays to retain its accreditation.
Emerald Airport plan set to strengthen regional connections
The future of travel for Central Highlands residents is in focus, with the Draft Emerald Airport Master Plan 2025 now open for public consultation. As the region’s key gateway, Emerald Airport doesn’t just connect people to destinations; it connects families, businesses, and opportunities across Queensland and beyond.
140 years of Freemasonry
On Saturday 20 September 2025 a special event occurred. To celebrate 140 years of Freemasonry in Nhill, The Lowan Lodge 107 reenacted the consecration of the cornerstone of the Nhill Post Office. The program followed the 29 October 1887 event with a march to the Post Office by all local Freemasons.
Dialysis in draft: State plan flags mid-term service priority for Naracoorte
The long-awaited prospect of renal dialysis services at Naracoorte Hospital has been formally recognised in the state government’s Draft Clinical Services Plan for the Limestone Coast ... Mr McBride emphasised that renal dialysis for Naracoorte had been a long-standing request from constituents who faced the burden of travelling to Mount Gambier or Adelaide for treatment.
Pooling options to utilise future of community services
A deputation presented by Bruce Carle to Clarence Valley Councillors and Council staff last week prior to the commencement of the Ordinary Monthly Meeting of Clarence Valley Council (CVC) on September 18 received plenty of admiration after it highlighted the potential to utilise a vacant premises and secure the long-term future of two wellknown community groups.
Local MP slams health report’s ‘weasel words”
Michelle Daw. After months of anticipation, the long-awaited Yorke Peninsula health services inquiry report has been released. Its 16 recommendations include upgrading services at Wallaroo Hospital and developing emergency departments at Yorketown and Maitland Hospitals ... Narungga MP Fraser Ellis said he was disappointed by the "underwhelming" language used in the report.
Mancel’s incredible record recognised
On September 9, Mancel Gray Giddings, OAM, was presented with his Order of Australia Medal at a ceremony at Government House, officiated by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria. It was a truly special occasion, and Mancel was delighted to once again put his beloved Wycheproof on the map!
A new medical specialty – Rural Generalists formally recognised: RACGP
Rural Generalists (RG) will now be formally recognised as a specialist medical field within general practice in the Australian healthcare system following an announcement by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler MP ... “This is a positive step forward in making the rural generalism career pathway more visible and ensuring that RGs are always appropriately remunerated for the vital work they do in rural and remote communities across Australia,” RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said.
From the mayor’s hospital bed; I get front row seats to the horror show in my body
Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland is undergoing radiation and chemo treatment in John Flynn Hospital ... Writing about her treatment helps, she said. Her wit and blunt truth shines through in her writing ... "Not the glamorous cavalry with trumpets and banners — my cavalry comes armed with clean undies, compression socks, and the kind of determination only love or madness explains."
PCYC aquatics ready to dive into Allora community
After being awarded a 3 year contract by Southern Downs Regional Council to operate the Allora Swimming Pool, PCYC Queensland is ready to take on the management when it reopens on 1 October - just in time for the summer season. This marks a major milestone for PCYC Queensland, one of the state’s largest providers of sport and recreation programs.
Ros Scotney among aggrieved group
Former Toowoomba Region Councillor and Pittsworth Shire Mayor Ros Scotney OAM has expressed her disappointment at the direction things have taken since the amalgamation of 8 local governments on the Darling Downs created Toowoomba Regional Council. Ms Scotney is part of the committee agitating for change.
Call for more care with burns
Patricia Gill. Five motions will be raised at the September 30 Denmark Shire Council meeting which call on the State Government to take more responsibility for prescribed burns. The motions to be put to the September 30 council meeting were drawn up at the special electors meeting held in the Denmark Civic Centre on September 11. Almost 100 people attended the meeting which the Friends of Harewood called for after delivering a 340-signature petition to the Shire.
Winning photos capture heart and soul of the Bush: Rural Aid
Rural Aid is proud to announce the winners of its sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition, a celebration of the resilience, beauty and community spirit that define rural Australia. This year’s competition saw a record breaking response, with 201 entrants submitting 429 photos...
Paramedic Peter clocks off
Grafton based intensive care paramedic Peter Maxwell clocked off from his last shift on Sunday after a rewarding 44-year long career with NSW Ambulance which also saw him meet his wife. But Mr Maxwell said he never had a burning ambition to join NSW Ambulance, his career came about by circumstance.
Naracoorte on the rise
That’s the message from Spendmapp by Geografia, which has singled out the Naracoorte Lucindale Council for its economic momentum and community-first approach ... The latest data shows local spending is climbing, visitor dollars are growing, online shopping is rising, and even ‘escape spend’ is up — a sign of household confidence and prosperity circulating across the Limestone Coast.
Nhill Uniting Church centenary celebrations
100 years of worship in the Nhill Uniting Church was celebrated in style ... People travelled from across the State, and interstate, to enjoy a morning of music, messages and memorabilia.
Sun shines on Hay Show
Jill Chapman. District rain last week was needed, but the sun on show day is always welcome. Conditions on Friday night were cool, but patrons all enjoyed the best side show alley for years.
