Myers family Summernats fundraiser
Well known Summernats competitors Jake Myers, Amy Myers, Deby and Gary Myers and their team raised $4500.80 for the Neuroblastoma Foundation at this year’s Summernats car festival in Canberra ACT. Jake Myers owns the famous S1CKO 1966 Mustang which he had white vinyl wrapped for his wedding back in October 2024 and decided after the wedding to leave the white on and let people sign it at Summernats with a twist.
Centre faces funding shortfall
Two unforeseen acts just prior to Christmas have placed the future of the Corryong Neighbourhood Centre (CNC) and the community bakery in financial jeopardy. Firstly, the Australian government delayed providing $85,000 of grant funding, which had already been spent, until May 2025.
Cohuna Vet Clinic returns
It has been a little more than 12 months since Karen Rogers closed the Cohuna Vet Clinic following the tragic death of her husband Paul. However, there is great news for Cohuna and surrounding districts with the practice reopening just last week on January 6 with Dr Carly Brownlow and Dr Adrian Coghill joining forces to reestablish the clinic.
500 animals, fire and feed. Life for the Treweek family
Bushfires are stressful enough, but having a zoo of 500 animals and 23 staff adds a whole new level for the Treweek family. Former Wakool family Mark and Lisa Treweek and their kids Cooper and William have finally been able to open their 52-acre Halls Gap Zoo after the challenges of the Grampians bushfire. Their second fire in 12 months.
Clarence Valley hospitals experience high activity in recent months
The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) continued to improve planned surgery performance during the July to September 2024 quarter, despite hospitals with the locality experiencing some of the highest activity levels on record.
Brooms Head foreshore to return to the community
Clarence Valley Council has announced the Brooms Head foreshore will be returned to the community with sites adjacent to the beach no longer available to families who have camped there for more than 50 years, across generations.
Strengthening Hindmarsh Holiday Parks
In September 2024, Hindmarsh Shire Council resumed management of the Nhill Holiday Park, bringing operation of all four parks across the Shire back in-house, as well as Four Mile Beach Camping area ... Hindmarsh Holiday Parks play a crucial role in the Shire’s tourism and economic development strategy, driving increased visitation and longer stays in our region.
Bush Bursary students enjoying the calm and friendliness of Hay
Hay Shire Council is continuing its efforts in attracting medical staff to Hay with a commitment to the Bush Bursary program. Current recipients are Zali Beuzeville and Charlie Jackson, pictured with Lyla Quinn during their placement at Japp’s Pharmacy last week.
Sarah’s long ride to healing
The loss of a parent is devastating. Losing both is unimaginable, but photographer and horse lover Sarah Wheeler is turning her grief into hope for others suffering from liver, pancreatic, stomach, bile duct and oesophageal cancers.
National accolades for Jasmine
Madison Eastmond. After more than two decades of teaching a second language to Renmark High School students, Jasmine Sotiroulis has received national recognition for her contributions in Riverland classrooms and the broader South Australian teaching community.
Pet owner urges council to rethink scare guns
Christine Webster. A Waikerie pet owner is calling on Loxton Waikerie council to review its use of scare guns to control corellas after her dog went missing for several hours when becoming startled by noise ... a canoeist contacted police after noticing a dog on a ledge of a cliff, upstream from the Waikerie ferry.
Police thank Loxton ‘lifesavers’ Paul and Craig
Placing their own safety at risk, Paul Mitchell – previous editor of The Murray Pioneer – and Craig Lueth immediately approached the burning vehicle, removing the injured driver just moments before the vehicle became fully engulfed.
Jumping for joy – Progress associations to the rescue of pontoons
Rachel Hagan. An icon of Port Vincent is staying afloat, after insurance costs threatened to dismantle the town’s summer fun. Small towns across the state have been forced to remove their pontoons because insurance companies are unwilling to provide cover for public liability.
Conflict over camping ban
Rachel Hagan. Local residents are up in arms after the dunes at trending Yorke Peninsula camp spot, Wauraltee Beach, were left covered in rubbish and human waste ... NSW resident Stephanie Ramirez, who was visiting Yorke Peninsula for the first time, said she saw Wauraltee Beach on social media, and her family decided they had to stop on their way to Esperance, especially before camping was banned.
Yanchep volunteer surf lifesavers kept busy with rescues
Out of the 38 rescues made by volunteer surf lifesavers this morning 70 per cent of those rescues were carried out in the Yanchep zone, according to Surf Life Saving WA. Without the Yanchep Surf Life Saving Club (YSLSC) volunteer surf lifesavers coming to the aid of those people some of those rescues could have had a more serious result.
Wallaroo artist shines in Mallee
Joanna Tucker. Self-taught Wallaroo artist Debbie Seater has her art projected on the iconic Karoonda Silos in the Murray Mallee for all of January. Her eleven artworks have been created in multiple mediums —which is not uncommon for Ms Seater.
Thank you to all emergency volunteers –Consider signing up to RFS, SES or VRA
Tomki Rural Fire Brigade has put out a call for new members. “We will keep you fit, teach you many skills that will empower you to strive in many situations as well as having a great support group around you. If you live in the Spring Grove, Clovass, Mckees Hill or the Tomki area why not jump online at NSW RFS and fill in an application form.”
New CEO to join SDRC this month
Southern Downs Regional Council has appointed highly experienced local government leader Rachel Brophy as the new Chief Executive Officer to lead the region towards a vibrant and sustainable future. With extensive networks across all levels of government, Ms Brophy has a proven track record as a strategic leader in delivering innovative solutions and fostering collaboration.
Ellen’s garden wonderland
As you approach the home of potter/photographer Ellen Hansa- Stanyer you cannot avoid the feeling of being watched ... Firstly, you’re greeted at the gate by a white rabbit with table and teapot, ceramic figures from ‘Alice in Wonderland’; it’s a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on the fence!
Refreshed 2025
Maldon’s historic postbox has had a lick of lovely fresh paint and it seems like the perfect symbol of renewal to say: Happy New Year! But the inspiring story of how the pillar box came to be painted by Mick Slocum OAM also speaks of regeneration and rejuvenation at any time and any age.
Cohuna lego land
Noel Fisher. O’Brien Street Cohuna was a busy place over Christmas as Lawrence and Mel Mathers’ home became a central focus for young and old as Cohuna’s own LEGO land came alive. The couple first caught the Lego bug in 2018 after a Christmas visit to Mel’s parents.
Shields awarded life membership
The Kerang Turf Club held its AutoPro Summer Races on the last Saturday of 2024. The eight-race card attracted trainers from across the state. However, the day's highlight was not the races but the awarding of a Kerang Turf Club Life Membership to Alan Shields.
