Life

Regional families and farmers are bearing the brunt of the Allan Labor Government’s Emergency Services Tax, with local councils forced to rip millions more from communities already struggling under the weight of rising living costs ... “In Benalla, ratepayers are now set to fork out 81 per cent more under this new tax. In Strathbogie, it’s even worse – a staggering 91 per cent increase,” Ms Cleeland said.

Colin Newport. Warwick Street, Allora, has played a big part in the life of Rae Masters, who celebrated her 100th birthday at ‘The Homestead’ last Thursday 31st July. Averil Rae Masters was born in Miegunyah Private Hospital (now the home of Margaret Rackley at 33 Warwick Street) on the 31st July 1925, the daughter of Les and Doris Masters (nee Holmes).

Julia Leonard. It looks like our last market for winter is going to be a sunny one. We are very pleased to have olive oil and free-range eggs on offer at our August market. Our new olive oil producer, Barfold Olives, are located near Redesdale.

The shopkeepers and gallerists of Maldon were in full flight as local ambassadors last weekend for an influx of visitors. Embracing the aesthetic of the Goldfields Gothic festival, the local retailers went all out with dark decor, coffin cookies, extravagant attire and glamorous gear.

Serena Kirby. Sue Bussell became Denmark Surf Life Saving Club's oldest person to achieve a bronze medallion when she completed her course this year.

Serena Kirby. It was eyes down and tweezers poised at a recent seed sorting session. The Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee-organised activity was part of the committee's Cockies for Cockies program that's working to re-establish and protect habitats and food sources for three threatened black cockatoo species: Carnaby's, Baudin and red-tailed black cockatoos.

A community-based project to re-establish a critically endangered plant in the Burrowa Pine Mountain National Park (BPMNP) is gaining momentum in the Upper Murray. Mountain Banksia (B. canei) became locally extinct in the park following the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.

The Towong Turf Club has been shortlisted for a Country Racing Victoria (CRV) award in recognition of the success of its annual cup meeting. Four club awards will be announced at a gala ceremony on Saturday August 23rd celebrating the best club and community club throughout the past season, as well as the events of the year at both club and community club level.

The Towong Shire Council is expecting a large turnout for the community rally in Corryong this Sunday calling for a new single-site regional hospital on a greenfield site in Albury Wodonga. Sunday's protest is the latest step in a protracted campaign that has snowballed since the NSW and Victorian governments announced a joint $558 million funding commitment to redevelop the existing Albury Base hospital.

Ten finalists from across Queensland will compete for the state's premier rural leadership title during a comprehensive six-day programme in Brisbane from Wednesday, 6 August. The Queensland Rural Ambassador programme, running since 2003, has established itself as a cornerstone of rural leadership development, launching careers and strengthening agricultural communities across the state.

In a misty regional Queensland valley dotted with hot air balloons, Tamyka Bell had one of those moments that defines why she keeps returning to the Scenic Rim Ultra year after year. "It was a beautiful, cold, misty morning ... The thing that gets people to the finish line is loving what they're doing. If it's a beautiful course that inspires you, you will get to the finish line because you want to see the next bit."

Dr Siri Gamage. It’s been over three decades since trains last ran north of Armidale toward the Queensland border. But the question is no longer why the Northern Railway Line should be reopened—it’s why not, and when ... Reactivating the disused railway line could deliver enormous benefits for both NSW and Queensland. The infrastructure may be old, but the opportunity is very current ... There are five compelling reasons to revive this corridor ...

Nhill's Westvic Spares celebrated their 30th year in business on the weekend. They hosted an event ... with over 300 people in attendance. Owners John and Wendy Rethus have grown their business from humble beginnings to become a major supplier of spare parts throughout the area ...

The Naracoorte News REACH 900 philanthropic campaign will launch with an aim to support the production, sustainability, and longevity of independent news and advocacy for the wider Naracoorte community ... The first to sign up to REACH 900 are ambassadors The Australian associate editor John Ferguson, 7News reporter Cassie Treloar and The Naracoorte News senior journalist Nasik Swami.

The Naracoorte Polocrosse Club wrapped up another spirited season at its scenic Hynam grounds ... Polocrosse is more than just fast ponies and fierce competition—it’s a sport where families ride together ... The club crowned Southend’s Tory Mueller as the most consistent player, and also honoured her Stockhorse mare, InStyle Kara, with the most consistent horse award.

The selfless nature of many veterinarians is contributing to the sector’s mental health crisis, a former Naracoorte vet has told an SA Parliament committee. Dr Adele Feakes says business sustainability and profit routinely take a back seat to a vet’s altruism, placing additional pressure on individuals to survive and thrive in the industry.

Madison Eastmond. A Riverland dancer has been recently accepted into one of Australia's most prestigious youth ballet companies, marking the next step in her dream to become a prima ballerina. Seven-year-old Portia Woolston — of Winkie — received the news of her acceptance into the Brisbane City Youth Ballet Company (BCYB) last week...

Last Wednesday afternoon, local schools and community were treated to the incredible skills of the Flying Fruit Fly circus, which is Australia's National Youth circus. This visiting troupe was made up of children between the ages of 10 - 16 years. (and accompanying adults).

A well-known Riverland construction professional is encouraging young locals to be nominated for an industry initiative highlighting the state's best tradespeople. The hunt for the Riverland's top tradie is on, with $5500 up for grabs…