Hindmarsh Shire Australia Day Awards 2025
Australia Day started early in Hindmarsh Shire on Sunday 26 January 2025, commencing with a BBQ breakfast in Rainbow at 7:30am provided by the Rainbow Lions Club, followed by ceremonies in Jeparit, Dimboola, and concluding in Nhill ... Bailee White of Nhill has been announced as the recipient of Hindmarsh Shire Young Citizen of the Year for 2025.
Shirley our top citizen
Shirley Hajek is a household name throughout Hay Shire and a popular selection for the 2025 Citizen of the Year ... An emotional Shirley accepted her award from Australia Day Ambassador, Susie Elelman AM during the traditional breakfast ceremony at Hay Gaol Museum on Sunday.
Hay run makes Renmark stop
Renmark provided a rest stop for more than 50 trucks carrying hay to help South Australian farmers impacted by drought. A convoy of trucks carrying hay to be donated to drought-affected farmers, through organisation Aussie Hay Runners with support of the State Government, last Saturday passed through Renmark.
Wendy’s netball legacy earns an OAM
Berri woman Wendy Gambling has been recognised for a lifetime of service to Riverland netball, with her commitment to the sport and its players as an administrator and volunteer earning her a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the 2025 Australia Day Honours.
Buloke achievers recognised
The 2025 Buloke Shire Council Awards celebration was held on January 23, in Wycheproof Town Hall, featuring buffet-style catering with an incredible selection of delicious food ... “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible people in our community,” Mayor Alan Getley said.
Waikerie’s ‘Golden Girls’ of dance
Christine Webster. A Waikerie dance group featuring 12 women over the age of 60 is entertaining the community and keeping physically and mentally fit by taking part in weekly classes. The Waikerie Golden Girls Dance Troupe was formed after retired dance teacher Pam Tink started running classes for seniors at the local CWA Hall about three years ago.
All she wants to do is give back to the town that welcomed her – Roz Knights receives Australia Day OAM
Roz Knights was cutting onions this morning for Kyogle’s Australia Day barbecue when State MP Janelle Saffin popped in to congratulate her. Roz has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her public service.
Burning our way through bushfire volunteers
Governments exist to serve the public good by ensuring critical services like emergency response are accessible to all. Yet in a scenario both tragic and absurd, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Katy Pery and billionaires like Amazons Jeff Bezos hired private firefighters to protect their mansions during recent wildfires.
Call for evidence on SA veterinarian mental health
Locals with concerns about the mental health of South Australian veterinarians have until the end of February to give evidence on the growing scourge. Written submissions and expressions of interest to appear before a Joint Committee on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Veterinarians in SA close on February 28.
Health networks: mixed reactions
News that the State Government had grouped health services into Local Health Service Networks was met with distrust and derision from members of the opposition parties, but our local health provider, Dhelkaya Health, responded positively ... The Tarrangower Times contacted Dhelkaya Health to try and understand the ways in which the changes would affect local patients and staff.
Albanese Government supports continued operation of Rex: Gallagher, King
The Albanese Government is ensuring Rex Airlines regional services will continue, supporting the administrators on next steps. The Government ... acquire $50 million of debt from Rex’s largest creditor, PAGAC Regulus Holdings Limited (PAG), an important step to prevent an adverse outcome for regional communities, such as liquidation, and ensure the continued connectivity of Australia’s regional and remote communities.
Survival Day march expected to be well supported
Sean Cunningham. This Sunday, January 26, is a date that carries two vastly different meanings for many Australians. To many it is known as Australia Day and is a celebration, but for others, especially the indigenous population, it is a painful reminder of a day they call Invasion Day or Survival Day.
Breaking world records the goal
In February, 4BP Horses, based at East Greenmount’s Lauralla Lodge, is aiming to set new world records. In 2022, Joe Hughes and his wife Miranda bought Lauralla Lodge, a 152 acre horse property on the New England Highway at East Greenmount where he now uses his unique 4BP horse training methods (4 Brumby Protection) to transform wild brumbies for a life working with people.
Worrisome mosquito-borne virus detected
There has been a confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in a man who visited Yelarbon in the Goondiwindi Region during the Christmas period ... Darling Downs Health is urging all community members around the Goondiwindi region to ensure they are vaccinated against JEV.
Community explores plans for council split
Snowy Valleys Council (SVC) is continuing to seek input from the community about the possible de-amalgamation of the local government area. Around 25 people joined SVC Interim General Manager, Steven Pinnuck, and Councillors Trina Thomson, Hugh Packard, David Sheldon and John Larter in Tumut last Tuesday to learn more about council’s de-amalgamation Implementation Plan (DPI) and Financial Sustainability Plan (FSP).
Virus escalates along the border
Holiday makers and residents in the state’s north are being reminded to remain vigilant against mosquitoes, following recent detections of the Japanese encephalitis virus. Victoria’s early warning mosquito surveillance program has identified the virus in two mosquito traps in Moira Shire – the first mosquito-borne disease detections this season.
MRC Citizen of the Year Alan Fielding
Moving to Moulamein from Sydney seven years ago Alan and Sue Fielding embraced rural living ... Not long after moving to Moulamein, a chance meeting with China Gibson saw Alan invited to join the RFS.
Laughter yoga is part of everyday life to Kim O’Meara
Serena Kirby. Laughter yoga is part of everyday life to Kim O'Meara ... Since becoming a laughter yoga facilitator Kim has guided tens of thousands of people in therapeutic laughter sessions ... her work in Rwanda is undoubtedly the most remarkable.
Australia Day conundrum – Shire to gauge sentiment
Patricia Gill. The Shire of Denmark will gauge community sentiment this year about its support of future Australia Day and other major celebrations. Despite advertising twice last year for a group to run Australia Day celebrations in Denmark none was forthcoming ... Shire president Kingsley Gibson said a bigger conversation would be held with the community about Australia Day and other major celebrations.
Top global trends impacting Australian food and agri to 2030: Rabobank
Changed eating patterns due to the rising use of anti-obesity drugs, a shift towards in-home alcohol consumption and increasing demand for dairy products tailored to older consumers are among some of the top global trends in food and agri set to be felt in Australia in the next five years, according to a new series of podcasts from Rabobank.
Zac says, “Thank you.”
If Yamba’s Zac Oatley could secure his dream job it would be greeting people at the door as they enter Yamba Fair – now thanks to the Rotary Club of Yamba, the Gulmarrad Rural Fire Service, Phil and the Bowlo Sports and Leisure Yamba team and the generosity of the community who raised more than $10,500 he will be more comfortable enjoying one of his favourite activities.
Farewell concert “Text Me Back”
One of the Clarence Valley’s most promising musical talents, Sumira Mahoney will say farewell to the region with a special concert including family and friends titled ‘Text Me Back’ at the Harwood Hall on January 31, before she leaves to study musical theatre in Sydney.
