Life

Global investment in data centres is accelerating – and Australia is well-placed to lead – but this must happen on terms that benefit the community and deliver for the national interest. The Albanese Government’s National AI Plan, released in December 2025, sets out our ambition: to harness the benefits of AI while ensuring all Australian’s shares the benefits.

At this year's Heavy Horse Festival, an equestrian division for those with disabilities was held for the first time. Katy Driver was the driving force behind the inclusion of the event which was well received by the competitors and the crowd. Here is Katy's story.

Reflecting on her recent consecration as the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Grafton, the Right Reverand Tiffany Sparks said while her heart is bursting with joy, she feels incredibly humbled and blessed to work within the ministry while sharing inspiring and uplifting messages of love, friendship and faith, with communities within the Diocese of Grafton, which stretches between the state border and Port Macquarie.

Thousands of music fans have had their Easter plans thrown into chaos after Australia’s most awarded music festival Bluesfest announced the 2026 event at the Byron Events Farm at Tyagarah won’t go ahead, just three weeks out from its scheduled start.

Now in its ninth year, River Daze has demonstrated what an inspired community with great leadership can achieve. The 2026 extended River Daze included FriDAZE and SunDAZE to offer free entertainment, shopping, and food experiences across our stunning twin towns ... "The main aim of extending to the three days was, while we've got everyone in town, let's give them something more."

More than 200 riders and support crew hit the road last Friday on the annual Tour de Cure Signature Tour, a nine-day cycling event aiming to raise $2 million for cancer research, support programs and prevention projects Australia-wide.

After 15 years, the Narrungdera Yulang Committee proudly brought back a powerful community tradition, hosting the Aboriginal Debutante Ball "Walking in Two Worlds" last week. The evening was a remarkable celebration of culture, family and community, marking a moment many had been waiting years to see return.

Some of rural and regional Victoria's finest editors, photographers and journalists will be recognised at the Rural Press Club of Victoria's diamond anniversary celebrations later this month, and Donald's own Robin Letts is one of them.

Continence Health Australia is once again on the hunt for Australia’s missing public toilets. The Great Dunny Hunt is back in 2026 to help uncover the hidden toilets and add them to the National Public Toilet Map.

The birth and growth of one of the Riverina’s most successful stories – Whitton Malt House – comes down to one word: opportunistic ... “It was the classic country mindset: if it’s to be, it’s up to me,” Whitton Malt House General Manager, Kaitlin Leonard said when she addressed the recent AgriWomen Connect conference at Whitton.

The Baaka Cultural & Arts Centre is moving into its final stages, and the team is very excited to share they are on track to open in the second half of this year ... The building architect David Kaunitz was also out visiting the Centre on his annual trip with students from the University of Sydney.

A new national report has revealed many regional airports across Australia are operating at a financial loss, with local councils increasingly forced to subsidise infrastructure that regional communities rely on every day ... The survey of regional airports found more than half are operating at a loss, with a median annual deficit of $192,000.

Myles Beaufort. A public town hall meeting held at Nimbin Town Hall on Sunday 23rd February drew strong community support for the relaunch of the Pan Community Council (PanCom), a regional network connecting intentional and land-sharing communities across the Northern Rivers.

James Alexander. In what is touted to be a world first contest between an Australian Rules football club and a soccer club, the inaugural Nimbin Cup: Gaelic Football Challenge was played in good spirits between the Nimbin Demons and the Nimbin Headers Sports Club on the evening of Saturday 7th February in front of a large home crowd.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s Disaster Dashboard is now even better equipped to help the community handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way. Council’s Disaster Management team has launched a brand-new Flood Cameras page on the Disaster Dashboard – further bolstering our preparedness in times of disaster.

The inaugural Women of the Clarence Awards were held at the Crown Hotel Motel in Grafton ... The evening provided a formal platform to celebrate local women and shine a light on their extraordinary achievements across their respective fields.

Land has been secured on which to build two modular homes as part of a partnership project to provide affordable housing in Maldon. Members of Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) and the Community Bank Maldon & District (CBMD) met on the newly purchased High Street block of land on Tuesday 10 March to announce the latest step of the bank’s Big Project.

As more Australians are choosing to repair not replace, a renewed pride in practical skills is reshaping how we care for the things we own. From small household fixes to ambitious restorations, repair culture is gaining momentum as people look to save money, develop skills, reduce waste and extend the life of well-loved items.

One of outback NSW's most beloved events is just around the corner, and this year's Lightning Ridge Easter Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. The program is now available online, so you can start planning your long weekend before you even pack the car.

Rochester will come alive with colour, creativity and community spirit this March as Campaspe Shire Council presents a week of artistic activity as part of Ripple Fest in partnership with Rochester Mural Festival. From 25-28 March, locals and visitors are invited to take part...

A new independent study has confirmed what the Tweed community already knows – the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is one of regional Australia’s most remarkable cultural assets, contributing almost $20 million each year to the local economy.

The Farrer by-election is set for May 9, and two more candidates have been confirmed: Brad Robertson for the Nationals and David Farley for One Nation. One Nation shocked the polls this week with a clear majority at 28.7 per cent according to the AusPoll, closely followed by independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe on 23.3 per cent.