Unruly mob leads to call for action
Reports of a home being "smashed up" in Narrandera last week have caused an uproar on social media, with a number of people describing the incident as "absolutely disgusting behaviour" ... Well known youth advocate David Polhill posted on Facebook, saying a "hard working family relatively new to town found their house surrounded by a group of 10 late primary/early high school girls".
Well-travelled Lara an ATAR star
Serena Kirby. Walpole teenager Lara Hunter overcame the tyranny of distance to become Denmark Senior High School’s dux ATAR student for 2024 ... Lara's study advice to this year's ATAR students was to 'just study the things you actually need to study and not the stuff you already know’ ... Flynn said doing multiple practice exams helped him achieve his results and that it was something he did on a regular basis.
Respond to biosecurity incidents
Clarence Valley residents can download a free mobile device application which provides them with fast, reliable, accurate, and current information about Biosecurity emergencies across NSW, including the nearby Fire Ant invasion.
Don’t forget: Lilier Lodge is always there
Katerina Pastellis and her family have been pleasantly surprised over the years, realising home away from home for cancer patients, Lilier Lodge, is not actually only there to support cancer patients and their families. Whenever vacancies allow, this haven will open its doors to people who are needing to be in Wagga for any medical reason.
“Hands off our church!” Booligal’s Anglican congregation vows to fight for their historic church building
The community of Booligal provided the money to build St Alban’s Anglican Church in 1899 with the help of a bequest, and have maintained it for more than a century. Now the Diocese wants to sell it and there are fears the meticulously kept building could become a hunting lodge for pig shooters.
Cargill keeps contributing
Once again, the “Cargill Cares Cropping for the Birchip Community” program has come to the rescue of the Birchip Cemetery Trust.
Students begin their country practice
A trio of fifth-year University of Adelaide medical students began their practical experience on the Copper Coast last week.
Is this the community paradise you’ve been looking for? Ecovillage info session attracts a crowd
Community, affordable housing, creeks and dams in a rural village — how could this be possible? About 50 people were at an information session in Kyogle to hear more about the Afterlee Ecovillage ... Town planner for the project Shane Sylvanspring said, “All sites are good even if you’re the 60th person.”
Youth crime crisis in Parkes electorate demands urgent action, say local leaders
Following a tragic incident in Gunnedah involving a fatal collision with a vehicle allegedly stolen by three 14-year-olds from Moree, local leaders are demanding immediate and decisive action from the NSW Labor Government to combat the escalating youth crime in the Parkes electorate.
2025 Citizens of the Year announced
Southern Downs Regional Council announced the recipients of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards at a special civic ceremony held at Dalveen State School on Sunday 26 January. These outstanding individuals and events were formally honoured for their exceptional dedication, leadership and service.
Baringhup farmers help deliver hope
Judi Bromage. Colin and Doug Jennings are involved in the Aussie Hay Runners in a big way. On Friday 24 January at 5.30am the first truck arrived at their Carram Dale Farm, Baringhup for loading. Doug and Colin loaded 820 round bales on 24 trucks that day.
New healthcare service for Robe
The Robe community will soon benefit from a new healthcare service that will significantly improve access to primary care. Robe is one of only two locations in regional South Australia, alongside Ceduna, to be selected for the expanded Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Pilot program, which aims to offer more healthcare options for residents in the region.
New vehicle for CERTified legends!
Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) Maldon Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has received a significant boost with the arrival of a new response vehicle. The updated 2024 Nissan XTrail 4x4 Hybrid reflects AV’s commitment to supplying its CERT teams with the latest equipment to support their critical work in local communities and environmental sustainability.
One more time: How do you motivate people? It is not rocket science!
The ability to motivate others is the never-ending issue for every parent, leader, manager, coach, teacher, or farmer since the dawn of time. Yet it remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of leadership.
Letters from Home: The lost soul
My dear long-time friend, Jean, refers to me as “the lost soul.” Not because of my sins, but because of my hopeless sense of direction.
Mayor’s service to community recognised with OAM
Sean Cunningham. Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Neville Kschenka is no stranger to being in the limelight given the position he holds in local government, but his status was elevated on Australia Day.
Three cheers for Greer
Longstanding Cambooya Rural Fire Brigade volunteer Garry Greer was honoured as the Cambooya Citizen of the Year at this year’s Cambooya Australia Day festivities. An emotional Mr Greer was presented the award by Toowoomba Region Councillor Carol Taylor, alongside the Junior Sports, Community Group of the Year and Community Event of the Year awards.
Funding campaign gathers momentum
The Corryong Neighbourhood Centre (CNC) has thanked the community for its support for the ‘1000 Steps to Sustainability’ campaign to ensure its future. "We have raised just over $20,000 directly into the CNC account as at Wednesday lunchtime and will have details on UMIF donation account receipts when we receive the report at the end of the week," said CNC o-ordinator, Sara Jenkins.
Our communities recognise their heroes
Corryong’s Citizen of the Year was Kate Wheeler who was presented with her award by Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead, at a community breakfast on Australia Day ... Event of the Year 2025 - Corryong & Upper Murray Agricultural and Pastoral Society ...
Goldfish racing brings community together
Australia Day was celebrated in style at Get Chopped Pub in Greenmount with the Smile for Sophie Goldfish Races attracting a large and joyous crowd.
Troy Cassar-Daley takes home five Golden Guitars
The 2025 Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA) were held in Tamworth on January 25, with Clarence Valley country music star and proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man Troy Cassar-Daley one of the most celebrated artists on the night. Cassar-Daley won five Golden Guitars, bringing his total to a record 45.
Grafton firefighter honoured with prestigious award
Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station Captain Garry Reardon has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours. Established in 1988, the AFSM is one of the highest honours an Australian firefighter can receive, and the medal is awarded to firefighters who have demonstrated exceptional service, initiative, and performance throughout their careers.
