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Dispelling the ‘forever chemical’ fables: What’s really in Australia’s renewables?

In an era where climate action is a oft-discussed topic, and given Hay and Balranald's geographical location in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), fears over 'forever chemicals' persist. Among the more prevalent claims circulating is the fear that wind turbines and solar panels extensively use Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – the so-called "forever chemicals" – posing significant environmental and health risks.

Help us REACH 900: Our philanthropic campaign to support independent community news

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.

Mueller crowned most consistent player: Naracoorte Polocrosse Club wraps up another spirited season

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.

Vets’ big hearts harmful, says ex-local

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.

She’s a dancing queen

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...

The Flying Fruit Fly circus

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).

Search is on for SA’s top country tradie champions

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…

Conservation and art brings tourists

Rachel Hagan. Price Progress Association is looking to put Price on the map with local art to help encourage more tourists to stop by the town on their visit to Yorke Peninsula. Located at the top of the peninsula, Price is in a prime position for those traveling from the east of the state to stop and take a break before driving down to their YP destination.

Countdown to official opening of Vietnam War Memorial Walk

Jenny Oldland. A casual coffee catch-up between Roger Hogben and John Edwards turned into something more lasting when the pair began discussing the day’s headline — the 50th anniversary of Australia’s withdrawal from the Vietnam War. From that conversation, the idea for a Vietnam War Memorial Walk between Edithburgh and Coobowie was born.

Give your feedback on CSIRO flood modelling report at sessions in Casino, Woodburn and Kyogle

The National Emergency Management Agency is working with CSIRO to identify flood mitigation options for the Richmond River catchment. This is part of the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative. As part of this work, CSIRO has developed a hydrodynamic model for the Richmond River catchment.

New Parkinson’s treatment now available on PBS

Australians living with Parkinson's disease are celebrating after the Federal Government listed a breakthrough treatment on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making it affordable for thousands of patients. VYALEV® (foslevodopa with foscarbidopa) is administered through a 24-hour infusion under the skin and helps restore dopamine levels in the brain.

Byron Writers Festival ready to welcome you

Literary lovers, mark your calendar! Byron Writers Festival kicks off Friday 8 August and is set to ignite imaginations, stir conversations, and celebrate the power of stories at the picturesque Bangalow Showground on Bundjalung Country.

AgriTourism Summit 2025 programme announced, 12-13 August 2025

The second annual AgriTourism Summit is set to take place on August 12–13th 2025, at Banksia Orange. This year's theme, “AgriTourism Unlocked: Harvesting New Opportunities,” aims to explore the untapped potential of agritourism in Australia, focusing on sustainable strategies and community growth.

Insurance costs cost Goomburra Playground

Due to the high cost of Public Liability Insurance required to cover any potential accidents on the Playground the Goomburra Town Hall Committee has made the hard decision to close the Playground to the public.

CAPA Conference takes flight: Powell

For the first time, the flagship event – CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2025 – is being held outside a capital city, highlighting Cairns’ growing importance as a hub for regional aviation and tourism. 

Labor signs Australia up to WHO IHR

The Australian Federal government has adopted the World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement, while other countries rejected the treaty, citing risks to civil liberties, sovereignty, censorship and even incompetence and corruption at the WHO ... Critics of the agreement aren’t as sure the benefits outweigh the risks.

Better big bank abandons communities, again

Just two years after local towns of Barham and Cohuna had their Bendigo Bank agencies ripped from their clutches the Better Big Bank is at it again. In 2024 the Bendigo Bank reported a net profit, after tax for 2024, of a meagre $545.0 million, up 9.7 per cent.

Don’t get sick as you age

People living with age-related illnesses are falling through the cracks of a system designed to support the elderly ... Carer’s exhaustion and burn out, jeopardized safety, greater pressure on hospital emergency services, family conflict, incidents and accidents, delayed medical intervention have all reached breaking point for sufferers and carers thanks to a backlog of unprocessed applications.

Council responds to pay dispute

Towong Shire Council has expressed disappointment that some of its outdoor staff have chosen to engage in industrial action regarding the current Enterprise Agreement (EA) negotiations. In response to last week's industrial action, council said in a statement that it had made a two-stage pay offer to staff which would see them on average get a 4.23 per cent increase on current hourly rates and applicable allowances.

Building resilience fosters growth

An event that promotes community support and resilience, especially for those affected by loss and hardship since the 2019-20 bushfires, will be held later this month ... One of the main speakers for the 2025 event is James Greenshields who was born in Corryong and raised south of Seymour. He is a former Australian Army Officer with 17 years of service including leading more than 100 soldiers in Iraq and navigating the profound personal challenges that followed.

Rabobank commentary: Slower food price inflation, but key categories still heading up

Annual food price inflation slowed to 3 per cent in the June 2025 quarter, the latest quarterly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, has shown. This is down from 3.2 per cent year-on-year food price inflation recorded in the March 2025 quarter.

Regional banks and supporters launch campaign to keep branches open in regional Australia: RBIA

A group of 25 regional banks and supporters have banded together to advocate to keep face-to-face branches open in regional towns. The organisations have formed the Regional Banking Investment Alliance (RBIA) and want essential bank branch services such as cash handling and fraud advice to be supported by a community service obligation (CSO) on the wider Australian banking sector to share the cost burden. 

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