Ratepayers losing patience
Ratepayers using the Greenmount Waste Management Facility will be disappointed to learn that the Toowoomba Regional Council 2025/26 budget, handed down last week, includes no major funding for the facility. Toowoomba Regional Council Waste Portfolio spokesperson, Cr Melissa Taylor confirmed with On Our Selection News that no whole scale upgrades are planned for the waste facility in Council’s 2025/26 capital program.
Budget sees rate rise of over 9 per cent
A projected surplus of $1.5 million has been supported by substantial rate rises of over 9 per cent in the 2025/26 Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Annual Budget. As ‘Other Urban Residential Areas’, properties in the townships of Wyreema, Cambooya, Nobby, Greenmount and East Greenmount, as well as rural residential properties, will receive an average general rate rise of 9.4 per cent to $1,013.
Dimboola Trading co. expands to Nhill, defying retail trends
In a bold move that defies the downward trend of regional retail, Dimboola Trading Co. is proud to announce the opening of its second store in Nhill. Building on the strong support from the Wimmera community, this expansion brings Dimboola Trading Co.'s signature mix of quality men's fashion and unbeatable basics to a new location.
Sydney Youth Orchestra, Aboriginal rapper Dobby and a Sydney music teacher walk in to Mr Sean’s rap class
On Monday 16th June, Katie from the Sydney Youth Orchestra, Rhyan aka Dobby, and Adele, an experienced music teacher called into Mr Sean's rap song class. With such visitors, it wasn't surprising to see Miss Rachel's choir come over to join in.
Great teamwork at Wilcannia Post Office
It's always nice to drop in at the Wilcannia Post Office because the staff are so warm hearted, friendly and helpful. There's often time between customers for a quick chat and a joke so it's a cheery atmosphere as well as being an efficient service for our community ... I've been working here for coming up to five years… - Team leader Charles Vu.
RPC looks at ‘cost cutting’ budget as rate rise goes… into the 11s
Hugh Schuitemaker. Rates for Renmark Paringa residents are set to rise by 11.25 per cent next financial year and wastewater charges will increase by 43 per cent – as council collects an extra $2.29m from its ratepayers. Renmark Paringa Council this week released its 2025/26 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget ...
Tennis club recognition for world-wide tournament organiser
Tony Callaghan. Steve Longworth won this week's Foodworks, Hay Services and Fitness Club and AFF weekly awards for his continued success managing tournaments worldwide. Steve continues to manage and run tournaments with his invented tennis tournament computer system known as C.A.T., the system also used in other countries around the world.
Not in my backyard – Councillors vote against unmanned fuel station
Hay Shire Councillors listened to their community when they voted against a recommendation from Council staff for the approval of a Development Application for an unmanned truck refuelling station on Moama Street. Hay Shire Council recommended the DA, with entrance via University Road, be approved with stringent conditions.
Nhill’s winged wedding
John Williams. In 1952, two members of the Wimmera Aero Club were off to a flying start to their marriage when an aerial wedding was staged over Nhill, followed by a reception in the hanger at the aerodrome. The wedding was a club gift to Jeparit's Norm Crittenden and his fiancée Barbara Mackenzie.
Josh Shrive honoured in unforgettable WorkSafe Country round at Nhill
The Nhill and District Sporting Club hosted an exceptional WorkSafe Country Club Game on Saturday, celebrating not just the game but the people behind the scenes who make country sport what it is.
Trucking big mess: causes community concerns
Close to 50 names are inscribed on the Truck Driver’s Memorial Wall in South Grafton, a local monument situated alongside the Big River Way ... many expressing their horror via social media at the shocking volumes of rubbish including discarded shopping trolleys, dirty clothing, and general household waste, littering the site.
Endlessly stoic: the journey of David O’Brien
David O'Brien sits quietly in his Hay home, a small magnet clipped to his belt—a lifeline that could stop a seizure in its tracks ... Despite the challenges, David has found meaningful ways to contribute to his community and the broader epilepsy community.
Delivering for Queensland – The foundation for a fresh start for Queensland: Crisafulli, Janetzki, Bates
The Crisafulli Government’s 2025-26 Budget lays the foundation for the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, addressing Labor’s youth crime, health, housing and cost of living crises. The Budget focuses on making Queensland safer, delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, driving down cost of living pressures for families…
Whyalla Airport cleared for take-off after vital upgrade completion: Malinauskas, King, Stone
An investment of more than $30 million to upgrade one of South Australia’s most important airports has been completed, allowing vital services to the Whyalla region to continue.
CLP targets trade and investment growth in Malaysia: Cahill
As part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s Rebuilding the Economy: NT Economy Strategy 2025, Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill will lead a delegation to Malaysia to strengthen government-to-government ties and promote new trade and investment opportunities for the Northern Territory.
Buloke withdraws from development organisation
At its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, June 18, Buloke Shire Council confirmed that it will withdraw its membership from the Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSMD) ... councillors voted unanimously to withdraw after determining the Shire had yet to receive any funding or demonstrated benefit – particularly in relation to WSMD's focus on addressing housing shortages across the region.
“No show” from transmission company: Farmers rally at Wycheproof
Carey Brennan. Around 200 farmers rallied at Wycheproof on Friday, June 20, outside the Buloke Shire Offices ready to greet TCV staff when they arrived to meet with Councillors … Shortly before the meeting, TCV notified Cr Getley that they had concerns for their safety after receiving advice from Vic. Police and would no longer be attending…
Community driving action in Foul Bay
Rachel Hagan. Sandbags intended to give Foul Bay's Mud Alley another decade of protection were destroyed in recent storms, and now residents are taking matters into their own hands with plans for a permanent rock wall ... However, since the destructive May 26 storm, the wall of sandbags has been battered, and now there is little left of the seawall to shield residents.
Regional migration – Time for action: Peter van Vliet, Migration Institute of Australia
Australia runs a reasonably large migration program by international standards but getting migrants out of the big cities - particularly Melbourne and Sydney - and into the regions has always been a challenge ... Australia’s regions need strengthened incentives and concessions to encourage migrants to settle in regional areas, fill regional labour shortages, and in turn strengthen our regions and ease population pressures on our big cities. It’s time for action.
‘Change the statistics’ – Risk education program goes regional
Sarah Herrmann. "If I can help them to learn from my mistakes, I'm winning." Those were the words of crash survivor Daniel Woolley, who shared his story with Yorke Peninsula high schoolers as part of a risk education program last week. It was the first time the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) program had been delivered in the region.
Crime and cash
There is much discussion, usually futile, about the social aspects of law and order. Here is a look at the flood of public funds unleashed by an individual's action.
Tiwi Islands celebrate milestone in Territory-grown oyster industry: Maley
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing the growth of the Northern Territory’s Blacklip Rock Oyster industry, with progress on the ground showcased at a community field day on Bathurst Island. Held at Wurrumiyanga on 19 June 2025, the Oyster Farm Field Day brought together local community members, industry participants and research partners...

