A meeting of talents and vision
Kieran Finnane. Two of Alice Springs’ leading artists, Pip McManus and Rod Moss, are sharing gallery space for two outstanding separate shows at the Araluen Arts Centre until August 17 ... Beyond their interesting differences, Pip McManus and Rod Moss share many points in common: their longevity here in Mparntwe Alice Springs and their maturity as artists, to start with.
Solar farm final report includes changes to fence, substation location and size of site
Ark Energy has completed its report on the Richmond Valley Solar Farm after issues came from the community during public exhibition. The issues relating to the development application and environmental impact statement include visual and noise impacts, biodiversity, bushfire risk and changing land use.
Bringing back the rodeo after 23 year hiatus
There hasn’t been a rodeo in Woodenbong for at least 23 years. Renai Pearce and John O’Reilly are about to change that ... On July 19, the rodeo is back at Woodenbong Showground.
Australian Conservation Foundation disingenuous at best
Lloyd Hick. Queensland's peak representative body for rural producers has condemned the Australian Conservation Foundation for its latest misleading campaign against Australian cattle producers. AgForce Cattle President Lloyd Hick says AgForce has thrown its support behind Property Rights Australia's calls for ACF's tax free status as a registered charity to be withdrawn in response to its deceptive "Bulldozing the Bush" campaign.
Merger will not restore deleted emergency capability
Victorian Fisheries Media Centre. On May 20, 2025, the fisheries authority (VFA) finalised an organisational restructure, under which it has since shed 30 (44 per cent) of the state's 69 Fisheries Officers; leaving just 39 officers to patrol Victoria's 2,512 km coastline, 10,000 square km of ocean waters and 170,000 km of inland water frontage along 85,000 km of rivers and creeks. Then in a separate decision, on Friday, June 13, 2025, the VFA stripped the remaining officers of their duties to "respond to any emergency" by deleting these duties from their Position Descriptions ...
Kevin joins the centenarians
Keeping busy and avoiding alcohol might be among the keys to a St Arnaud man’s longevity. Kevin Allen turned 100 on Thursday, June 19, celebrating with a few cups of his favourite black tea ... Mr Allen now enjoys being outside in his garden, which is immaculate, and still cuts his own firewood.
Tractor pull gains traction
The Donald Tractor Pull is getting all geared up for this year’s Donald show – it seems all it needed to gain traction was a couple of major sponsors, so with North West Ag and Adams Family Farms offering to support the new event, organisers can move full throttle towards providing some new and exciting entertainment.
Secrets of the shire – Maldon District Museum
This striking red brick building was constructed in 1859 as a market building for Maldon, but it wasn't a success and the market closed down a few years later. Now it is home to the Maldon District Museum and History Research Centre, which seems entirely appropriate given the historic significance of the building.
A journey of community and commerce in Cohuna
In the heart of Cohuna, Victoria, Craig and Atalie Warren have built a thriving business at Cohuna Betta Home Living, a one-stop shop for homewares, electrical appliances, flooring, and furniture. Since taking ownership in 2021, the couple has transformed the store into a cornerstone of commerce, offering a diverse range of products and exceptional service. Now, as they prepare to sell the business, they reflect on their journey ...
Cambooya Hall has a history wall
The Cambooya Public Hall Committee has created a valuable asset for the local community with the creation of a "History Wall" ... The wall already features a varied range of photographs that relate to Cambooya and the local district in years gone by.
Mayor disappointed as NSW Budget ignores critical needs in Narrandera
Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Cr Neville Kschenka has expressed disappointment following the release of the 2025-26 NSW Budget, which failed to deliver any new funding for vital infrastructure and services in Narrandera. "While we welcome ongoing investment in regional health infrastructure in parts of the electorate, Narrandera Shire has once again been overlooked in this budget," Mayor Kschenka said.
Council launches emergency dashboard to empower community preparedness
Campaspe Shire Council is leading the way in emergency preparedness with the launch of a new Emergency Dashboard. The Emergency Dashboard is a centralised online hub designed to provide real-time, reliable information to residents before, during and after emergency events.
Local team tackles 2025 Great Aussie Hike
Recently, a group of keen locals; Emma Dickinson, Ashley Dickinson, Jo Ussing, Graeme Ussing, Craig Deckert, and Mikala Deckert, as team DUDs, participated in the Great Aussie Hike. The Hike is an extremely challenging two-day, 100-kilometre adventure through Daylesford & Wombat State Forest.
“Town interests at heart” – Hindmarsh community satisfaction improves
The Hindmarsh Shire Council Community Satisfaction Survey has been completed, and we are proud to share the results with our community. The annual survey invites residents to share their views about the place they live, work and play, and provides valuable guidance to Council on what's going well and where we can improve.
Long-term potential
Madison Eastmond. A Riverland ecology site has received more than $400,000 worth of state funding to complete the first stage of a five-point masterplan to secure a sustainable future ... Providing a learning environment facilitated by ecologists and a dedicated ranger team just outside of Renmark, Calperum Station is comprised of prominently open Mallee bushland and Murray River flood plains, and hosts opportunities for educational and training programs, and nature-based recreational activities.
The wine warning
Hugh Schuitemaker. Riverland wine grape growers have been advised by their peak representative body, and senior local politicians, that realistic expectations and business decisions are required before the next vintage. Riverland Wine today released a statement asking members to "carefully consider their business models and make balanced, financially viable decisions heading into vintage 2026".
Fun Fly Weekend
It wasn’t just an impressive variety of model aircrafts which were flying high over the Clarence Valley in recent days with the enthusiasm and enthralment of spectators at the Grafton Model Aircraft Club’s annual Fun Fly Weekend also soaring to new heights.
Twelve hours for one appointment
Sarah Herrmann. Amid a state government review of regional public transport, a Stansbury resident has shared her travel challenges following two surgeries ... Cheryl Waldron, 68 ... made the trip using Care In Motion's health bus, a not-for-profit transport service ... "I caught it from Stansbury at 6.10 in the morning and got home at 6.30 at night."
“Ridiculous” wait times for blood tests on SYP
Joanna Tucker. Residents in Yorketown and Minlaton have raised concerns about long wait times for blood tests. Stephanie Parsons, of Minlaton, said that, although she did not often need a blood test, she thought the delays others regularly faced were bizarre.
Understanding long-term reef health
Reef Life Survey (RLS) have released a new report outlining results from long-term monitoring of shallow reefs in the Lord Howe Island Park (LHIMP). RLS is a volunteer-based citizen science program which has been surveying reefs to 30m depth in the LHIMP for nearly two decades.
Toxic weed risk due to dry swamps and dams
Paul Beltz. The green pick available on swampy land or dried up billabongs and dams may seem a boon for producers during drought and difficult seasonal conditions. However, it’s important to check for toxic weeds and plants in swampy areas ... Toxic plants that might be found in these areas include dock, soursob, fat hen, lesser loosestrife and swamp grass.
Country NSW appreciates disaster funds, yearns for growth stimulus: CMA
After careful consideration of what the NSW Government Budget 2025/26 means for rural, regional and remote Councils, the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) sees a reactionary budget that is fiscally responsible in a time when investment in the regions is needed ... “Overall, not a lot for the CMA in the 2025-26 NSW Budget to be excited about. However, we continue to advocate for equity for rural, regional and remote communities in the State.”
