War on mozzies heats up
Michelle Daw. Barunga West Council has intensified pest control efforts after frustrated Fisherman Bay and Port Broughton residents reported this summer’s insect problem as the worst they have ever experienced ... “We didn’t move up here to spend summer in our house”: Robyn Lyons, Fisherman Bay.
Last chance to see
The Giant Russian Sunflowers at Donald’s Red Gate Community Garden are in the final days of their spectacular bloom. Measuring some four metres in height (that’s around 14ft in Red Gate parlance) with seedhead/flowers weighing in at around 2 kgs (4lbs?), they have been photographed many times by visitors passing through town and locals alike.
Wilcannia chosen for pilgrimage site
Sr Elizabeth Young. Our town was picked! This year, Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has called a 'Jubilee', which is an ancient practice every 50 or 25 years ... In this part of the Catholic world, Wilcannia (the whole town) has been chosen by Bishop Columba as a place of pilgrimage, along with Broken Hill Cathedral, Forbes and the Brewarrina Fish Traps.
‘Welcome to Australia – we’re all the same’
Welcome! This was the simple but profound message delivered by South East orthopaedic surgeon Dr Barney McCusker, the Naracoorte Lucindale Australia Day guest speaker. Welcoming the district’s new citizens, Dr McCusker said by coming to Australia – the great south land – they made the country richer, more colourful and a greater nation.
New farm fence signs raise awareness of wheel cactus threat
The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) has relaunched its Farm Fence Sign initiative to combat the ongoing Wheel Cactus problem in the region. Residents and visitors may have noticed updated Farm Fence Signs appearing across the area, reminding the community of the persistent threat posed by this invasive species.
Fire report
The local CFA teams are incredible: knowledgeable, brave and hardworking. The community is so fortunate to have them on standby during this period of extended hot weather, which is expected to continue for at least the next week.
Allora Show Patron, Dorothy Rubie
2025 marks the 62nd Allora Show for our Patron and Life Member, Mrs Dorothy Rubie. Dorothy commenced her journey as a volunteer with the Allora Show Society when she, her husband Harry and daughter Del, moved from Warwick to their new home in Allora in 1964.
Kara makes climb for kids
A former local is taking on Australia’s highest peak this weekend in support of young people with cerebral palsy. Kara Collins is participating in the annual Cerebral Palsy Alliance fundraising event - Krazy Kosci Klimb - where 16 young people with the neurological disorder and their team trek or wheel the 18kms up to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko and back again.
Taking it to the streets
Following a meeting of representatives from councils across the border region in Wodonga last week, the decision was made to march on the Victorian Parliament in a united campaign for the construction of a new Albury-Wodonga hospital.
Cohuna Secondary College 2024 Dux is off to Officer training
The 2024 Dux of Cohuna Secondary College, Ebony Black, has headed to Canberra to begin her Officer Training in the Army. Alongside her training she will complete a Bachelor degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of New South Wales campus in Canberra.
Hike to Heal Scavenger Hike postponed
Hike to Heal Australia has announced the postponement of its much-anticipated Annual Scavenger Hike and Team Challenge, originally scheduled for the last week of February. A variety of factors impacted the decision, including current unfavourable weather conditions, event insurance, and a variety of logistical challenges that would hinder the success of the event.
Sworn to keep us safe
Our local area is served by the Drayton Police Station and one of their newest officers is Constable Sam Crumblin. Closing in on age 40, Sam is older than your typical police graduate, however brings lots of life experience and perspectives to the table.
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.
