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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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Peter Colbert has lived all his life in the Wimmera, farming west of Nhill. He has been a potter for many years, and now that he is retired from the family farm, he is enjoying being able to dedicate more time to his hobby.

We acknowledge the passing of Professor MaryAnn Bin-Sallik, a Djura elder from the East Kimberly. We acknowledge her work and dedication in the fields of nursing and Aboriginal education and for her advocacy for equity for Aboriginal people.

Bundaberg burnout driver Scott Abdy was just three years old when doctors told his parents he would never ride a bike, and yet, here he is decades later, gearing up to return to the Rare Spares and Repco Rockynats 06 burnout pad with precision, power, and an unmistakable passion for skids. 

Patricia Gill. Registered nurse Yvette Caruso found joy in two, month-long stints aboard Mercy hospital ships offering African people life-changing surgery and medicine ... Over January, Yvette joined the surgical team aboard the Global Mercy berthed at Freetown in the west African nation, Sierra Leone.

“People in my classes often say, ‘Oh my God this tastes amazing’ and I have to remind them that it tastes so good because they made it and they made it with the right intention. If you put love into your food, you're going to put love into your body.”

When Mathilde Enevoldsen left Denmark to work for LifeFlight, it was minus 15 degrees and snowing. Now, she’s landed smack bang in the middle of a sweltering Australian summer, ready to help North Queensland communities as one of LifeFlight’s newest critical care doctors.

Ted Egan's stories and songs ranged from the poignant, such as The Drover’s Boy, to the larrikan: There are some bloody good drinkers, in the Northern Territory ... Greg Egan was speaking ... at the state memorial celebrating the life of his father Ted Egan who, apart from being a nationally celebrated singer, was an author, academic and athlete.

Congratulations to Mike Berry who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honour List. His medal was awarded for his 40 years of service to the Dunoon community. This honour is well deserved.

At just 15 years old, Ray Neville stunned the racing world with a Melbourne Cup victory. Now, nearly eight decades later, his hometown of Birchip is ensuring that remarkable moment in sporting history will be remembered, with work under way on a silo mural in his honour.

More than 1,500 people gathered at Brooms Head last Saturday, drawn together by love, loss and shared memories, to celebrate the life of local legend Nathon "Wombat" Houghton. In just ten short days, a group of close friends rallied together to organise a farewell that truly reflected the man Wombat was — open-hearted, inclusive and deeply connected to the ocean.

Narrandera Shire Council has extended its deepest condolences on the passing of Dame Marie Bashir AC CVO, a remarkable Australian and one of Narrandera's most distinguished local-born citizens. Born in Narrandera, Dame Marie Bashir went on to lead an extraordinary life of service, becoming one of Australia's most respected medical professionals, advocates and leaders. Her achievements were many, including her historic role as the 37th Governor of New South Wales and the first woman to hold that office.

Allan Japp's story is one of extraordinary dedication, quiet leadership and lifelong service to the people of Hay. For nearly 70 years, Allan has been a cornerstone of our town through his work in pharmacy, emergency services, sport and a wide range of community organisations.