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.
Disappointing start to 2025 for local racing team, Kermit Racing
After much anticipation, preparation and travelling more than ten hours to One Raceway near Goulburn in NSW, Kermit Racing’s weekend finished just 5 hours after the race start. Kermit Racing’s driver team for this event was Graeme Ussing, David Morrison, Paul Newcombe and Brady Newcombe.
West Wimmera Australia Day awards
Kaniva resident Kaye Bothe is West Wimmera Shire’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year. The award will be presented to Mrs Bothe at Kaniva’s Australia Day celebrations on Sunday, January 26.
Haydays under new management
Hay’s haven for senior citizens has gained two new people at the helm. Martyn Quinn is to be the new Facility Manager of Haydays Retirement Hostel, with Kim Gibbs on board as the new Assistant Facility Manager.
Meet the moving church – one hundred years on
This story starts in about 1880 when the residents of the small rural community of East Laen, about 10km southwest of Donald, decided to build themselves a Methodist Church. Not much is known about this Church, but we can assume that it was a small wooden building, probably with a galvanised iron roof.
33rd Mardigrass planning meetings start
Michael Balderstone ... Thirty-three years is a long time saying the same message over and over again. Who would have believed when we started MardiGrass that weed would get legal but through a doctor and coming from Canada? It’s like a bad joke.
Cancer and exercise, my story
Derek Skingle. Many of us will encounter cancer during our lifetime, either through affected friends, relatives, loved ones or personally ... This is my story of how I dealt with a cancer diagnosis using the exercises I had seen in the Catalyst program ... Early in 2024 I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma ...
Construction of new cannabis farm starts in March
A medicinal cannabis farm will start production at a new farm in Caniaba, between Casino and Lismore, in September this year. Biortica Agrimed through its subsidiary Green Farmers is increasing its cultivation capacity fivefold over the next 12 months.
Volunteers needed for the Allora Show
President of the Allora Show Society has put a call out for volunteers to help as this year’s Allora Show. It takes a dedicated team to bring this amazing event to life so any time you could help at the Show would be appreciated.
Summer timetable: On track!
It is a sensational time of year to enjoy a trip on the heritage train between Maldon and Castlemaine and adjustments have been made to ensure maximum safety for passengers and residents ... Dolphina Truter and Paul Carnes from Ballarat enjoyed a ride in First Class last weekend as a spur-of-the-moment outing and both were full of praise for the experience.
Ganmain Show bucks the trend of declining agricultural shows
Many country agricultural shows remain in doubt for 2025. However some country shows bucked the trend and drew a large crowd. Ganmain Show was one of them, attracting more than 2500 people in 2024.

