Life

A motion requiring Council to adhere to the conditions of approval to operate caravan parks at Brooms Head, Iluka, Minnie Water, Wooli, and conduct a full compliance audit report was defeated at the April ordinary meeting.

Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has today welcomed the release of the latest artist impressions for the $263.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital and is encouraging the community to attend upcoming pop-up information sessions to learn more about this important project.

Communities across the region, concerned about ongoing serious incidents of crime will soon have their voice heard as the Time for Change e-petition hits the NSW Parliament. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said 22,015 people across New South Wales had signed the petition, sending a strong message to the Labor Government.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to focus on keeping Territorians safe by allocating a record $495 million directly to Corrections in the 2025-26 Budget. There will also be additional funding held in contingency to be drawn down to address corrections demand pressures as needed.

The Minns Labor Government will today introduce legislation to the NSW Parliament significantly reforming the state’s victims registers to ensure victim-survivors of serious crimes receive a mandatory notification about their right to sign up as a registered victim-survivor, to receive critical information about an offender.

The Crisafulli Government is continuing its efforts to restore safety to Queensland, with more than 20 deployments of the State Flying Squad into crime hotspots in the first three months of the year. A quarterly snapshot of police efforts to turn the tide on youth crime reveals Police made more than 4,235 arrests of youth in the first three months of the year, laying 18,028 charges.

Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster MP, says that while the national federal election results are extremely disappointing, Mallee voters have re-elected The Nationals in a strong rejection of Labor's appalling treatment of the electorate ... "Not only has there been a swing towards The Nationals in Mallee this election, it looks likely that we have won Mallee on first preferences and now hold Mallee with one of the largest margins for a Coalition seat in the nation."

Michelle Daw. A woman who was struck by an eagle ray's venomous barb says she is lucky to be alive. Retired nurse Pam Bennett was pierced by the barb in her right arm while snorkelling in waist-deep water ... She said the ray's attack was unusual behaviour and would have resulted from it being in pain, because of the algal bloom.

First Nations science, knowledge, skills and culture were all celebrated at the annual Nharangga Cultural Day at Minlagawi. On Sunday, May 4, well over 100 people travelled to Gum Flat Reserve in Minlagawi (Minlaton) to celebrate everything Nharangga with the wider community.

At the April Richmond Valley Council meeting, councillor Lyndall Murray had the questions she posed to the NSW Reconstruction Authority and council answered ... Councillors had a confidential meeting on Tuesday, April 8 with the Reconstruction Authority and the responses below are based on the information provided at that meeting.

The oldest man in Australia lives close to Richmond Valley – in Grafton. Ken Weeks has been officially confirmed as the oldest Australian man ever – he is 111 years and 189 days old.

Saskia Jain. There’s something almost magical about pressing your nose against an aeroplane window as your destination comes into view. That moment when the seatbelt sign chimes, and the aircraft begins its graceful descent offers front-row seats to some of Earth’s most spectacular vistas.

On Sunday 30 March, 2025, Pixie Hanson won the 2km Beach Run (U14 Female) at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast. Pixie raced some of the best track, cross-country and beach running athletes in the country, and stormed home to a convincing 12 second win.

The winners of Netball Victoria’s 2024 Community Awards were announced last week, celebrating the contributions of individuals, clubs, and associations to the sport across the state ... The prestigious accolade was accepted by NCNA’s 2024 Board of Management President, Kylie Walsh, on behalf of the Board and its members.

ANZAC Day in a small town still feels personal, over a century after the events at Gallipoli. We just need to look around to see how a small community would be impacted by the absence or loss of a large proportion of its men and young people.

In tune with the rest of Australia, Allora citizens gathered on Anzac Day to commemorate the immense service given by our Defence personnel past and present across more than a century. As the Allora service drew to a close a few random rain drops fell like tears.

Sean Cunningham. Although skies threatened rain and the school holidays pulled numbers down, Narrandera's ANZAC spirit was still alive and well at last Friday's commemorations to mark the 110th anniversary of ANZAC Day to honour Australia's fallen. About 140 early risers gathered for the solemn Dawn Service, while 20 made their way to the War Graves for a quiet moment of reflection.

On Anzac Day ceremonies across the region were again well attended as we recognised the service of those brave men and women who served and continue to serve Australia in defence of our freedom, and despite it being a long weekend this year, attendance at local commemorations were as strong as ever.

In regional and rural areas, where mental health issues are higher and professional services are lower, digital-only self-help tools can only go so far. Researchers are recruiting young participants and their parents to test an innovative new program specifically designed for young Australians in rural and regional communities who experience anxiety.

It is 30 years since they last hung in the Upper Murray but now portraits of two brothers have found a new home at the Corryong RSL Hall. William Malcolm Chisholm and Colin John Chisholm both served in WWI and were wounded in action.

Patricia Gill. Community leader Roger Seeney called on attendees at the Anzac ceremony in Denmark last Friday to reflect on the concepts of courage and community. The 2017 Denmark Citizen of the Year and 45-year national service medal recipient was guest speaker at the service.