Allergy advice for rural Australians
A groundbreaking new platform, believed to be the first of its kind globally, is set to transform the landscape of allergy care for rural and remote Australians. The National Allergy Council, in partnership with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), has launched allergy assistTM, a free online platform designed to provide timely, specialist advice to General Practitioners (GPs) and Rural Generalists.
Writer of many voices
Author Carmel Bird delighted a packed room of around 30 people on Monday 2 March, in an event hosted by the Maldon Athenaeum Library. She spoke about her writing processes and her inspirations, going back as far as her childhood.
Rideshare gets the nod to operate state-wide
The state government has removed restrictions on metropolitan rideshare and chauffeur drivers, allowing them to operate statewide. Changes were expected to be gazetted last week, with rideshare and chauffeur drivers no longer required to apply for a separate accreditation to operate outside of the metropolitan boundary.
Councils take hospital fight to the streets
Towong Shire Councillors and members of the community, along with representation from other northern rural councils, assembled at a rally on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne yesterday to push for a greenfield site for a new Albury-Wodonga hospital. The current proposal for the new Albury Wodonga regional hospital is simply inadequate, according to Towong Shire mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead.
Cohuna community turns a negative into a positive
The Nationals Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, says the Allan Labor government has unleashed a bureaucratic blitz which will destroy community events across regional Victoria. “The first victim has been Cohuna’s Bridge to Bridge fundraiser, which has seen its traffic management charges jump from $2000 in 2024 to a crippling $22,000 in 2025,” Mr Walsh said.
Model to ‘reshape’ tourism
Patricia Gill. A changemakers Innovation Lab run in Denmark through Curtin University last month has developed an invitation-based model designed to reshape local tourism. This would shift tourism from a 'transactional industry' to a reciprocal exchange where visitors became part of an evolving story rather than passive consumers.
Mime, masks, Monet play a part in artist’s magic
Patricia Gill. South African born Ellis Pearson's love of art and reverence for nature will be revealed in an exhibition which opens at the Denmark Visitor Centre on Friday evening. The former professional actor and alumni of L'Ecole Internationale de Theatre Jacques Lecoq in Paris will present 15 oil-on-canvas works.
Show Society under threat
Peter Mahoney. Narrandera Show Society committee is in jeopardy as it tries to recruit new members to its ranks. Until these members are recruited the society will have no option but to close. For an organisation that has survived since the 1880s it would be a great pity for the town to lose the society and worst of all the Narrandera Show.
Narrandera Landcare Clean Up
Clean Up Australia Day celebrated 35 years of improving and conserving our environment one piece of litter at a time at Narrandera and surrounding towns on Sunday.
New MS research harnessing the brain’s healing power
A new multiple sclerosis (MS) research project designed to help the brain repair itself by activating its own healing processes has been announced as part of MS Australia's latest $5.7 million research investment. Dr Fletcher's pioneering work is just one of the 35 new research initiatives funded by MS Australia's latest research grant round, which focuses on advancing better treatments, prevention, and cures for MS.
When community take care of community
The Healing Hearts One Headstone at a Time program was run for nearly 5 years, by Kelvin, Foketi and Monica.
Conversation with Monica Revell, CEO Hindmarsh Shire
The devastating bushfires that swept through the Nhill, Dimboola, and Wimmera regions have left a lasting impact on residents, businesses, and wildlife. In response, local podcast Two Cousins One Chat has released a special episode featuring Hindmarsh Shire Council CEO Monica Revell, who provides insights into the damage, recovery efforts, and community support initiatives.
In conversation with Laura Black
The Clarence Valley Independent recently invited Ms Black to speak with us as a high-profile local woman in business in recognition of International Women’s Day 2025 ... Her name is instantly recognisable throughout the region as the General Manager of Clarence Valley Council ...
Goodooga Great Artesian Baths now open, ready for peak tourist season
With March marking the official start of Autumn and un-official start of the Great Outback tourist season, Brewarrina Shire Council is pleased to announce the Goodooga Great Artesian Baths are now officially back open.
Another bucking success for Hay Rodeo
Entrants from across Australia flocked to Hay Showgrounds. There they threw their hats in the ring to compete for buckles and impressive cash prizes.
Feeding Australia: Albanese Labor Government’s plan to secure our food future: Collins
A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will help secure Australia’s food future with the development of a new national food security strategy: Feeding Australia. The strategy will boost the security and supply chain resilience of agriculture and food production systems in Australia.
Labor’s cynical agriculture pledge too little, too late: Littleproud
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said Labor can’t be trusted on its hollow promise to deliver a food security plan, after treating the sector with contempt, with new taxes, soaring energy prices, and a crippling Industrial Relations (IR) and workforce agenda. Mr Littleproud said Labor had ignored calls from industries across the supply chain for almost three years for a security and resilience plan, to get food from paddock to plate.
The last ‘Met Family’ depart Lord Howe – is this the end of an era?
On Thursday, 20th February, Andrew Jenner’s rotation as local observer for the Bureau of Meteorology came to an end ... If all goes according to plan, Andrew and Misty will be the last Met observers to be resident on Lord Howe.
The story of Lord Howe’s Meteorological Service – by Daphne Nichols
Daphne Nichols. Rainfall readings commenced on the Island in 1886, and records of climatological data began the following year ... The Meteorological Office shared the two-room wireless station from 1939, until 1955, when an independent station was completed on the eastern side of the Island above Middle Beach.
Residents urged to stay up to date with weather warnings: Williamson
Residents in the Richmond and Clarence valleys are being urged by State Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts as the region braces for potential severe weather in the coming days. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Flood Watch for all coastal rivers in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast, including those in the Richmond and Clarence valleys.
Moving creatures moving together
Jordine and Dor wanted to blend their love of dance and movement with their philosophy of helping people become more active and less lonely. They knew they could easily do this at a local level through dance classes but they wanted to reach more people; they wanted to “move the world”.
“OK”! What a weekend!
Jenny Pollard. As the adrenaline rush from "OK Motels" subsides, Charlton can reflect on how the modest little festival, which began back in 2018, has now grown into a full-on, "all-of-town" experience as 800 visitors descended on the "Friendly River Town" to make last weekend’s event one for the record books.
