Life

Collagen from sheep skin and lungs can support wound closure and tissue regeneration in people, opening the door for new wound care materials made from traditionally underutilised red meat processing byproducts ... "Wound healing is a complex process requiring the coordinated interaction of cells, growth factors and extracellular matrix components.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering stronger, more reliable power for Alice Springs and Katherine, with an $82.1 million investment in battery energy storage. Territory Generation has awarded Pacific Energy a contract to deliver the next phase of the battery energy storage system (BESS) program.

Nationals Member for Central Wheatbelt, Lachlan Hunter MP, has slammed the Cook Labor Government for its lack of understanding of regional Western Australia, as the fuel crisis continues to bite across the Wheatbelt.

Victoria’s peak farming body has released a sweeping 20-point plan that demands all major parties commit to the strongest farmland protections in Australia ahead of the Victorian state election in November. The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF)’s Victorian Farmland Protection Plan calls for a fundamental reset in the way Victoria safeguards its agricultural land.

Winter is normally the season that outback NSW towns look forward to most. The tourists arrive, the caravan parks fill up ... This year, the question being asked by operators from Broken Hill to White Cliffs to Menindee is whether that migration is actually going to happen.

The Office of Local Government will take no action against Clarence Valley Council following a fact-finding mission triggered by a significant number of complaints. In November 2025, the OLG announced it would be conducting a review into Clarence Valley Council following multiple complaints and concerns about the operation of Council.

As a medical physicist, specialising in radiotherapy cancer care, Newstead Fire Brigade member Anne Perkins decided she wanted to help her community further when she joined CFA in 2009. Anne and her husband George first joined Newstead Fire Brigade over 17 years ago in response to the February 2009 bushfires, having just moved there three years earlier.

The Allora Men’s Shed has done a magnificent job of giving new life to this old wool classing table. During the past month Graham Hickson has been the main man to work on this unusual project.

The re-elected Malinauskas Labor Government will continue taking decision-making out of Adelaide and into regional South Australia, with Country Cabinet meetings set to remain a key part of how the Government listens, engages and delivers. Country Cabinet ensures regional communities have a direct voice at the Cabinet table, giving locals the opportunity to speak face-to-face with Ministers and senior decision-makers about the issues that matter most to them.

Mount Alexander Shire Council is excited to announce a public art commission by local artist Kirsten Moegerlein ... “Kirsten is a wonderful artist and brings great skills in collaborating with the community. We look forward to seeing how she commemorates the transformation of a degraded river habitat into an oasis of plant and animal life": Mayor Toby Heydon.

Scenic Rim Regional Council is appealing to Tamborine Mountain residents to stop feeding and interacting with wild dogs, which are becoming a problem to the local community. As well as being illegal under the Biosecurity Act 2014, feeding wild dogs and encouraging them into community spaces poses a threat to residents, their pets and other wildlife by increasing the risk of attacks.

NORPA is delighted to welcome Hurford Hardwood as a returning partner in 2026. Owners Andrew and Gaela Hurford have been long-term supporters of NORPA, generously contributing through both their business and personal philanthropy, including as founding donors of NORPA’s new home, The Joinery.

Chosen to lead the mixed junior team at the national championships from the 22 through to 28 June this year, with a costly trip ahead of her, Piper Mortimer and her family are looking for sponsors to enable her to get there ... Piper's mum Leah Mortimer told On Our Selection News about how the sponsorship would be a two way street.

Cohuna is back on the national barefoot waterskiing map, with Sunday's Oz Open drawing locals to Gunbower Creek ahead of the Australian titles' long-awaited return to town. The free exhibition event gave spectators an early look at the speed and spectacle to come before the 64th Australian National Barefoot Waterski Championships got under way on Tuesday at the Cohuna Ski Run Reserve.

Greater Shepparton City Council is intensifying its advocacy and engagement efforts to ensure local community and industry voices are heard as part of the Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) review, with public submissions closing on 1 May 2026. As part of its water advocacy program, Council is undertaking targeted engagement activities to encourage community and stakeholder participation in the review process...

Leadership, determination, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone propelled Jack Barker to a major regional honour. The 17-year-old Naracoorte High School Year 12 student and 2026 school captain has been named the Upper South East Lions Youth of the Year, a recognition that celebrates academic excellence, leadership, and public speaking ability among young people.

Jim Lagerstedt. Belissima! The descendants of the New Italy settlers couldn’t have asked for a better day to celebrate their 145th Anniversary at the New Italy Community Hall on Sunday, April 12.

Coffs Harbour Yacht Club has set course for an exciting new era which will focus on growing sailing and associated water-based activities for the community.

Miriam Torzillo. Just when we thought the Reconstruction Authority (RA) had got the message that the Big Scrub homes should be deconstructed, salvaged or relocated, reports are coming in from residents about the ramping up of demolition in Lismore. Locals have been recording the destruction and sharing it on social media. The community is not happy.

Victorians doing it tough are getting fresh food on the table thanks to produce grown by Marngoneet Correctional Centre. Participants in Marngoneet’s horticulture program grow and donate more than 30 vegetable boxes each week to help Victorians experiencing food insecurity.