Whole town turns to shopping
The whole town garage sale ... turned the town of Donald into a busy shopping centre for astute bargain hunters, and allowed many residents to make a dollar or two from selling unwanted items. As the saying goes: "One man’s trash is another man’s treasure," and the numerous garage sales held in Donald at the weekend seemed like a great big, marvelous treasure hunt...
From Naracoorte, with love
It’s an unusual story—one we hardly get to hear or read about in Naracoorte. It’s a story of our small community and our people coming together to help raise funds to alleviate the sufferings of women and children in a community and country not part of Australia—Mengaumenau, PNG. Imagine finding yourself in a place where there is no one at all to help you deliver your baby.
SA’s first country trained doctors to boost rural medical services
In a state first, medical students can now undertake their entire training in rural South Australia, in a bold new initiative by Flinders University to tackle the critical shortage of doctors in rural and regional areas. Starting in 2025, the South Australia Rural Medical (SARM) Program is the first degree of its kind in South Australia, offering medical students the opportunity to study Flinders’ renowned medical program outside the metropolitan area.
Radiotherapy group lodges complaint
A complaint has been lodged against the Adelaide-based chairman of Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN), Dr Andrew Saies, over his alleged conduct towards SE cancer patients. Among claims against Dr Saies are allegations he comes from a position of privilege by suggesting financial issues confronting SE cancer patients travelling to Adelaide and unable to work for many weeks or months could easily be nullified if they took out income insurance.
This Show ’n’ Shine lived up to its name
Buloke Collectable Vehicle Club annual Show 'n' Shine event brought together car enthusiasts from all over the region this past weekend, transforming the George Cartwright oval in Birchip into a dazzling display of automotive craftsmanship. With almost 150 vehicles on display, the event celebrated everything from classic cars to modern muscle, trucks and motorbikes, and it drew a diverse crowd of spectators and participants alike.
Heritage meeting
There was a time when Maldon was at the forefront of heritage planning in Australia. But has the town lost its way, in terms of conserving its built and natural landscapes? Many believe that the short answer is: yes.
Volunteers save Lockhart airfield from closure
Sean Cunningham. The decision to keep Lockhart Airstrip opened has proved to be a good one with a group of workers regularly toiling hard to maintain it. Early last year, Lockhart Shire Council was considering closing the airstrip, however after many submissions were received requesting council to reconsider its proposal, council agreed by resolution to continue with the lease of the airstrip.
From painting houses to painting nudes: Tim Snowdon proud to show his new exhibition
Former Narrandera resident now painter Tim Snowdon has had a fulfilling life as a talented painter, dipping his brush in many different genres over time: still life, landscape, contemporary, traditional, portraiture – and of course houses. He doesn’t paint pictures of houses, he paints houses. Literally.
Carnival of Flowers reaches Singapore
Singapore horticultural show garden, Gardens by the Bay’s first Australian-themed floral display Carnival of Flowers, inspired by Toowoomba’s ongoing event, opened this week with a mini “floral float” parade. The iconic Singapore attraction, which was recently named Number 8 in the world by Tripadvisor, showcases plants from all over the world in thematic floral displays.
New chief to lead energy transformation
The Member for Indi, Helen Haines, has welcomed the appointment by the Australian government of Tony Mahar to his new role as the new Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner ... "I have worked productively with Mr Mahar during his time as the CEO of the NFF on issues like sustainable agriculture facilitators, renewable energy and biosecurity levies," Dr Haines said.
Pint and a parmi for Denmark’s life saving World Champion
Serena Kirby. Anthony McEwan has won gold at the recent Life Saving World Championships making him world champion in the male masters 2km beach run. Held on the Gold Coast, Anthony, 55, competed against 40 other runners from all over the world in the 55-59 category.
New youth mental health service
Serena Kirby. An increase in children experiencing mental health crises and presenting at the region’s emergency departments has led to a new crisis response service. Run by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, the acute care response team will be based in Albany but will cover Denmark and the Great Southern.
Have a scone or two for a good cause with CWA of Victoria at the Melbourne Royal Show 2024
Members of The Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc. (The CWA of Victoria) will be feeding hungry show-goers from their famous cafeteria at this year's Melbourne Royal Show. With 15,605 scones consumed in 2023, what will be the magic number be in 2024? From cooked breakfasts and hearty lunches to enjoying sweet treats including slices, sponge cake and scones with jam and cream - all items are 'guilt free'...
Yamba fisherman Australia’s top seafood primary producer
Yamba professional fisherman Troy Billin is renowned by chefs around Australia for his exceptional quality, fresh seafood, and now he has been recognised by the industry being named the best Primary Producer at the 2024 National Seafood Industry Awards. The bi-annual National Seafood Industry Awards (NSIA) reward excellence in the Australian seafood industry; and showcase the industry’s value to the national economy...
Community broadcasting celebrates significant Australian milestone
Volunteers at the Clarence Valley’s own community radio station, Loving Life FM103.1, celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Community Broadcasting this week on Monday ... On September 23, 1974, the Whitlam Labor Government made a Cabinet decision to create a community broadcasting sector for “those who represent organisations that think they have something to say and want some better means of saying it…
Flight of fancy
‘Flight of Fancy’ essentially refers to an idea that is out of reach, impractical and implausible. So for the Kaniva Lions Club in late 2023 and early 2024, the idea of hosting a Debutante Ball was just that…A Flight of Fancy.
Elaine’s big Midlands day
Maureen Donnellon. Zone meetings of Historical Societies are always important gatherings held twice a year to hear from the 20 groups who comprise the Midland Zone ... Much research is done for sporting reunions as well as family research and Elaine has given countless hours of her time as a volunteer, a very worthy recipient of her award.
NSW SES Broken Hill Unit chalks up 40 years of service to regional community
From major flooding and storm response to countless emergency calls and bushfire support, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Broken Hill Unit is celebrating 40 years of saving lives and creating safer communities. Formed in 1984, the NSW SES Broken Hill Unit has a proud history of protecting the people of Far West NSW during floods, storms, and other emergencies.
A day in the life of … Dr Lisa Clarke, The Roving Vet
The life of a country veterinarian is not an easy one and for Dr Lisa Clarke, the days can be long and the work can be dangerous. Lisa and her mobile vet service,The Roving Vet, can also clock up nearly 1000 km every week as zig zags across WA’s Great Southern from Albany to Walpole. And, with so much time spent in her vehicle, it’s a good thing Lisa has Plum, her “trusty secretary” with her wherever she goes.
NSW Government: “Significant progress made in improving health outcomes”
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park says progress is being made to improve healthcare in the bush. The NSW Government says it is demonstrating its commitment to improving healthcare in rural and regional communities by recruiting and retaining more health workers, offering greater financial assistance for patients, and providing support to sustain the primary care sector.
Rapid increase of salt marsh mosquitoes in the Top End: NT Health
NT Health is urging Top End residents and visitors to protect themselves from the salt marsh mosquitos as numbers are expected to increase, following heavy rainfall and high tides. Elevated salt marsh mosquitoes numbers can be expected between now and January. Salt marsh mosquitos are aggressive biters that can transmit mosquito-borne diseases such as the Ross River virus and the Barmah Forest disease.
Rural life is the foundation of the Ukrainian people
Urbanisation has a negative impact on the Ukrainian family and the renewal of the population of Ukraine. In the conditions of catastrophic population decline, Ukraine needs to renew the ancient family values ​​laid down by rural residents hundreds of years ago.
