Life

Gus van Hart. The Murrabit rodeo is fast becoming one of the district's standout community events, with organisers saying this year's crowd and support pushed the annual show to a new level ... "It was just all about the rodeo on the night, and the vibe was awesome. Everyone had an absolute blast."

Harmony Day was celebrated in Nhill on Saturday at Jaypex Park, with a number of countries represented through stalls and performances, including the Karen community, Samoan, New Zealand, Karen, Nepalese and Philippino. There were plenty of craft activities, including Samoan Lolly Lai necklace making, Maori Poi making for the Poi dance, pot painting, and free popcorn, all helping celebrate the rich cultural diversity within the shire.

Scenic Rim Regional Council has reaffirmed its support and commitment to agritourism across the region with a focus on community safety, responsible land use and long-term sustainability. A report presented at yesterday's Ordinary Meeting outlined significant progress made over the past year - including stakeholder engagement, compliance activities and collaboration with industry and government partners - concerning camping-related short-term accommodation.

Madison Eastmond. Radio station 5RM has performed an Easter miracle, with the broadcaster coming to the rescue of Berri’s iconic long weekend carnival.

The NSW Government is boosting freight efficiency to keep goods moving and help reduce pressure on fuel supply in NSW, working closely with the Commonwealth and other states under the new National Fuel Security Plan. In line with Level 2 of the Plan - Keeping Australia Moving - these measures will increase access to the road network for larger trucks that can carry more goods in a single trip, and ease restrictions on operating hours.

Chelsea Holden. Last month the Lord Howe Island Tourism Association attended Destination Australia, a national conference examining the state and direction of Australian tourism. The conversations covered consumer behaviour, content strategy, international markets, and the long-term future of aviation.

The six totem poles that line the driveway to the Casino & District Memorial Hospital were officially unveiled ... Hand painted by residents at Balund-a, each totem pole design represents elements of the natural world, including animals, bush foods, and water.

I went to Adelaide yesterday. This is very naughty given that NT Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby had just announced a strategy aiming at making more money for our travel industry ... My booking with Qantas triggered an avalanche of texts and emails...

More than 640 students and teachers are taking part in Ag Discovery Day at the Toowoomba Royal Showgrounds today, giving young people a hands-on opportunity to explore the exciting world of agriculture ... Ag Discovery will welcome participants from seven primary schools for an immersive day of learning about food, fibre, farming and the many career opportunities within the agriculture sector.

When a loved one goes missing, often suddenly and without explanation, the emotional and traumatic impact their disappearance has on their friends and family can be profound ... In Australia, police receive more than 50000 reports of missing persons each year ... The Green Seat Project has gained the support of tens of thousands of people across the country ...

Resonant Heart, a performance at Castlemaine Town Hall ... Featuring two artists from Iran as well as Indian, Balkan, Sudanese and Sephardic Jewish influences, the all-female Resonant Heart ... provided an antidote in music, poetry, dance and puppetry ... Later ... a rousing and enjoyable set to a receptive crowd at Maldon’s Holy Trinity Church...

The expression ‘laughter is the best medicine’ is no joke. Countless studies confirm the healing properties and mental health benefits of a good giggle ... “I was given three years to live and that was 20-plus years ago so I’ve survived way past my expiry date,” says Laughter Yoga facilitator, Kim O'Meara, laughing.

For many regional Australians, 30 minutes in nature isn’t therapy — it’s simply part of everyday life, and that may be our greatest wellbeing advantage.

A defining moment in Birchip's history now stands proudly above the town, with the remarkable story of Ray Neville and Rimfire brought to life on the Birchip silos. The project, driven by Birchip Community Forum, was first initiated by the late Joan Glen in 2023 and has been passionately carried forward by her husband Rod.

"We've lost so much business. People haven't even been coming here for drinks really," said Vijay at Barham Metro fuel station ... Vijay, like many rural communities, is currently being squeezed by Australia's current fuel situation; one sensible people have warned about for decades ... It's not just fuel stations feeling the pinch ...

"Moderation in everything," Mary Cartwright says is the key to living 100 years, a milestone she will reach on May 28. "I've never driven a car so walk everywhere and keep my mind active – knitting, crocheting and reading," she says.

After an extensive internal renovation, the Corryong Elyne Mitchell Library was officially re-opened at a community event on Saturday. Towong Shire Council mayor, Cr Peter Tolsher, was joined by Colin Morrison (representing the Victorian Department of Government Services) and Honor Auchinleck, the daughter of Elyne Mitchell.

Murrindindi Shire Council has expressed deep concern about the decision to close the Community Bank Kinglake branch, warning it risks undermining bushfire recovery and will leave the community without a critical local service. The branch will close on Friday 5 June 2026, forcing residents to travel around 25 kilometres to access the nearest full-service bank in Hurstbridge.

Kimberly Grabham and Tertia Butcher. One Nation's candidate for Farrer, David Farley, firmly denied he falsely claimed to have a degree from prestigious Harvard University. In response to a question from The Riverine Grazier during his visit to Hay last week, Mr Farley said he attended Harvard University three times to deliver a course, not as a student.

Nick McBride has apologised to his MacKillop voters and confirmed his political career is over, as a surge toward One Nation reshapes the race. As of midday March 23, with about 70 per cent of votes counted, Mount Gambier councillor, One Nation’s Jason Virgo was leading on provisional first preference votes, with Liberal candidate Rebekah Rosser close behind.

Ivona Rose. On Monday, March 16, Terrigal prostate cancer advocate Steve Keil took to the saddle with his daughter, Courtney Keil, for a five-day fundraising and awareness horse ride, tracing the trail of The Man From Snowy River across Victoria’s high country.