Life

Back when Kookaburra was young and out for adventure, he used to jump into a car and drive overnight to the Western District of Victoria, traversing half of New South Wales and then half of Victoria to get there. A nap at a truckstop near Tocumwal was about the only break as the miles signs (in those days) clicked by. The sun rising near Maryborough whilst the car thrust its way forward through the ranges and down to Beaufort signalled the journey was nearing its end. A quick pit stop and then out on that last stretch to Stockyard Hill and my destination – a poll Dorset sheep stud owned by some old family friends – who always managed to find a spare room for the blow-in.

Close to 50 members of the Newstead community participated in a question-and-answer session about the Newstead Community Energy Project on Thursday 22 August, following the launch of the new solar farm. Representatives from project partners Renewable Newstead and Flow Power were on hand to explain the thinking behind the partnership, some technological context and the benefits to consumers for joining the project.

Serena Kirby. Denmark Senior High School emergency services cadets gathered last week for a meet and greet with Local Government and Youth Minister Hannah Beazley. Ms Beazley, who is also Emergency Services Minister Parliamentary Secretary, said the cadets program was the favourite thing in her portfolio.

As the trend for native Australian tucker is on the rise, Celebrity Bush Cook and multi-award winner Ranger Nick takes camp oven cooking to another level. Inspired by the creativity among the competitors at the annual Trundle Bush Tucker Day camp oven cook off, Ranger Nick is expanding the Oz tucker from kangaroo and other game meat to a more refined flavouring of his meals with a taste of Australian native ingredients.

Thinking back today on things I lost in the bushfire. My dad when he passed, left me some money, and I decided I would put it to good use and change things to improve the house we were living in a year before the fires. First was the front room carpet – and after doing so I was able to write a missive on - 'How to buy carpet in four not so easy lessons'. Read on, dear people, and learn. I can smile, now.

The night sky in Kaniva has a new star attraction: a colour-changing windmill, the crowning achievement of a three-year community-driven lighting project that has transformed the town’s main street. From purple to blue, red, green, and gold, the windmill now lights up with subtle hues, adding a splash of color to the town’s nighttime landscape.

After more than 50 years performing and releasing 22 hit albums that have sold more than 2.6 million copies, Australian music royalty, Marcia Hines is bringing her renowned stage presence to Grafton’s Saraton Theatre on her ‘Still Shining’ concert tour. Last week, Marcia spoke to the CV Independent about her upcoming performance in Grafton and her life in music.

The Lower Clarence town of Maclean has been named first on Airbnb’s Tiny Towns Guide of the top 50 small towns across Australia, winning a $30,000 grant that will help the future of the town’s famous Highland Gathering ... “Maclean offers a unique blend of cultural heritage on the banks of the picturesque Clarence River,” an Airbnb spokesperson said.

Farmers and locals from Birchip and surrounding areas filled the Birchip Community Leisure Centre on Wednesday night to learn of the proposed mining projects and their impacts on agricultural production and the wider community. Andrew Lee addressed the crowd of 150, whose anticipation had been building as Facebook posts gained attention across the district, sparking a wave of community discussion and diverse opinions on the issue.

In his first photo story for Australian Rural & Regional News, professional photographer John Krutop features wood artisan Andrew McPherson at his gallery 'Ride the Wild Goat' in the picturesque Gippsland town of Fish Creek.

It’s been a tough ride, but Naracoorte’s Racheal Kraemer is not giving up. The 29-year-old has made it to the prestigious Racing SA Apprentice Academy, a journey filled with optimism, love, and passion to do something in life.

Wayne Hawthorne. This was the life story conveyed to Naracoorte Men’s Probus Club by Ben Hood, now a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). Ben is Naracoorte born and bred and now a Mount Gambier resident. His office as MLC is in Adelaide, but he is a regular visitor to regions and invites feedback. Ben outlined his farm upbringing, career background and where he is heading.

Researchers warn the animals we eat could be the gateway for a pandemic in the form of antimicrobial resistance, unleashing a wave of deadly superbugs ... The researchers analysed this public health and food security challenge in the food animal industry in Southeast Asia for the International Journal of Food Science and Technology.

Camellia lovers will gather in Narrandera later this month to celebrate the Narrandera Garden Club’s 50th annual Camellia show in conjunction with the Camellia Australia National Show. The very first Narrandera show began in 1974 and besides the two years when Covid was at its peak, the show has been held every year and has seen great growth since its inception.

Approximately 250 people gathered on Friday evening for the Corryong Spirit event at the Upper Murray Events Centre to support one another and those who have suffered loss and hardships since the 2019-20 bushfires. "Community is something Corryong does really well," said Caz Pitman, secretary of the Corryong Spirit.

Volunteers have been kept busy at the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre (NAHC) ... During the week members of the NAHC Board entertained the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor Margaret Gardner AC and her entourage.