Life

Leadership during a bushfire is a complicated and multifaceted undertaking, something that CFA Goroke Group Officer Justin Batson came to understand firsthand this fire season. Not only are you preoccupied with ensuring resources are where they need to be, trucks in position, crews supported and plans in place, you're also carrying the weight of decisions that can affect an entire community.

The flag committee comprising of members of Nhill RSL Sub Branch, The Lowan Lodge 107, Nhill Rotary Club INC and Lions Club of Nhill INC have added an additional 100 flags in the Nhill cemetery to honour the veterans who have served our community.

In early March this year, relatives of Arthur William Wallis travelled to the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, to witness and participate in a respectful and moving service acknowledging Arthur's life and sacrifice made for his country.

The latest addition to the Riverland and Mallee's silo art trail will be celebrated with a special festival this weekend. Enliven Lameroo will be held in the town's main street this Sunday 27 April, from 11am to 3pm, coinciding with renowned overseas-based mural artist Sam 'Smug' Bates completing work on the western silo.

The Better Border Health Albury Wodonga group held a health forum for Farrer candidates last week, and has published the forum on YouTube for those who were unable to attend.

Port Broughton's foreshore has once again transformed into a sea of red, with the Barunga West Council's annual Poppy Fields installation unveiled earlier than usual, to coincide with the Easter holidays. Now in its third year, the display was initiated by Mayor Leonie Kerley in 2023 and features 1232 handmade poppies affixed to crosses — a striking tribute to Australians who served and sacrificed.

The town of Onslow, where it is today, was settled in 1925. We are proud of its rich history, and this year we are thrilled to commemorate a significant milestone – 100 years since its establishment after its relocation!

Golden Guitar-winning singer-songwriter Josh Arnold has released a moving new song, There to Lend a Hand, in celebration of Rural Aid’s 10-year anniversary.

Western Australia has once again recorded the fastest population growth in the country, adding 72,600 people in the year to September 2024. To put that into perspective: if every one of those new residents moved into the 200 towns across the Wheatbelt’s 42 shires, it would more than double the population of every town. Yet, on a recent drive across the Wheatbelt, cutting through multiple towns, I didn’t see a single new house being built.

Omika Upadhayay. This is the story of how I left behind my home, my family in Nepal, and a budding career in agricultural research to become one of over half a million people who migrated to Australia last year—and eventually found myself working in the WAFarmers office.

Donald’s new kookaburra is the brainchild of Jodie Hollis, current chairperson of the Donald 2000 Committee. Jodie contacted the artist, Chris Fussell, who lives in Pokolbin, in the Hunter Valley ... The Donald kookaburra stands 5.5 metres tall, and took over two years to build.

Donald and District Pony Club has seen a much-needed boost in riding memberships this year, increasing almost double in number, with the introduction of four new members to the club ... At its April rally held at the pony club grounds in Donald on Sunday, April 6, the club welcomed new members...

Last Saturday a dedicated group of jet skiers called Barham home for the night as they made their way from Albury to Goolwa in South Australia to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Dubbed the Big Ride 25 it is also hoping to create greater awareness of the disease.

With the arrival of deer breeding season, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions is reminding communities of the heightened risk of feral deer on the road as well as increased activity and damage across Australia's landscapes including in suburban streets.

Steven Alldrick. Narrandera is a special place for me and my family not only going every year, being able to organise the run, but it is where I met my wife Kathleen and where I proposed to her. Kathleen and I met 24 years ago and have been together ever since ... Kathleen and I also share a passion for hot rods and custom cars ...

Steven Alldrick. A warm hello to all our entrants, visitors, and locals who have ventured to Narrandera this year for the 40th Narrandera Rod Run. We are excited to be back for another wonderful Easter, with a good number of entrants, we expect similar numbers around the oval at the show n shine on Sunday; with 400 cars in attendance.

Denmark Community Windfarm is among 11 Australia-wide community renewables projects recognised in the inaugural Climate Council Choice Awards. The DCW, along with Victoria’s Hepburn Community Wind Farm, shares the honour of being one of two in the Trailblazing Towns category of the awards.

Serena Kirby. Much-loved local GP Alex Sleeman is back home and learning to adjust to life with a disability. Alex has spent the past six months in Perth receiving medical care for serious spinal injuries from a tractor accident in September.

From a little Ford truck to a multi-million-dollar fleet of Kenworths and high-tech earthwork equipment, Naracoorte’s Bull Bros Pty Ltd this year celebrates 75 years in business. Driving further enthusiasm and longevity into the esteemed company which employs around 30 people, a fourth generation is stepping up.

Tibetan-Australian singer-songwriter Tenzin Choegyal is inviting music lovers to join his cultural journey in a one-night-only performance in the Scenic Rim. His Whispering Sky concert at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre ... 16 May, will showcase his extraordinary vocal ability and mastery of traditional instruments such as the lingbu (bamboo flute) and dranyen (three-stringed lute).