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Yamba resident and proud Yaegl woman, Diane Randall, has been elected to the NSW Aboriginal Land Council as the North Coast representative, one of two new faces on the council elected to protect the interests and further the aspirations of its members and the Aboriginal community ... Ms Randall said she will represent 13 Local Aboriginal Land Councils...

Sheila Smith recently spoke at Hay Plains Landcare’s Women of the Riverina Forum, as one of Hay’s own women leading the way forward ... Sheila’s story is one of career pursuit highlights, her own exploration of the creative realm and journeys across the globe, that ultimately returned her to restoring a historic home in Lachlan Street.

Peter Jones and Guy Knox. Vice Admiral Ian Knox died in Sydney on 14 January after a long illness. Ian Warren Knox was born in Wilcannia on the Darling River in western NSW on 9 February 1933 ... He was promoted Vice Admiral in July 1987 and became Vice Chief of the Defence Force ... He regularly returned to Wilcannia during his retirement and in 2016 attended its annual Field Fun Day, as one of its famous sons.

“I’m surrounded by a thriving arts community and a number of really good potters. I think artists here are inspired by the environment and pottery allows you to literally be in touch with the elements. Being in a community that appreciates, fosters and values artistic pursuits gives you courage to express yourself artistically; it lifts you up and celebrates what you do without the hindrance of competition": Rachel Falls Williams.

A New South Wales musician has expressed his love for Warumungu country in a recently released song titled Threeways ... "We had travelled over 170,000 kilometres and performed more than 270 shows, and we had come to a fork in the road. We were nearly broke, busted and there was nothing for miles": Kevin Sullivan.

Dr Lyn Rabbetts recently graduated at a ceremony held at the Convention Centre ... hosted by the Flinders University after successfully completing her PhD in Palliative Care Nursing. Lyn’s thesis was titled, Finding Balance as an invited guest: Registered Nurses lived experience of providing home-based palliative care in rural communities.

A section of Wilson Inlet between 107-109 Minsterly Road has been named Hart Cove in honour of the late James (Jim) Hart ... Namings, such as the cove after Mr Hart, would be a lasting reminder of remarkable contributions and legacies.

Patricia Gill. Denmark Arts founder Andre Steyl, who died at 78 two weeks short of his 79 birthday, had estimated that he had clocked up ‘roughly’ 40 years involvement in community arts. The South African-born and raised life member and a ‘legend’ of Denmark Arts suffered and survived poliomyelitis in his adolescence, and was left with partial paralysis.

Lillardia Briggs-Houston, a Wiradjuri, Gangulu and Yorta Yorta multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer based in Narrandera, has won a 12-month mentorship with Country Road fashion label. Lillardia says her practice is more than a business, it’s a culmination of cultural identity, expression and cultural heritage with fashion and art as the by-product.

Nadia Bish, of Wycheproof, is preparing to utilise her newly developed leadership skills to implement a natural tourism innovation project in 2024. The Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (LMCLP), also often referred to as LEAD Loddon Murray, is well regarded across Australia, an initiative building the capacity of individuals to drive change and foster the growth of vibrant and sustainable rural/regional communities.

Maldon resident and Advanced Life Support paramedic Barry Curtain is one of five Ambulance Victoria workers who have been awarded Ambulance Service Medals, as part of the 2024 national honours list.  The Australian honours list acknowledges Australians for achievements, service and contribution to community above and beyond the call of duty.  

When Matt McCarthy took over the family farm, Ascot Park at Budgee, from father Steve in April 2022, he probably didn’t realise how quickly the new direction he had for the farm would evolve ... The rich black soil of the Darling Downs produces excellent pastures ... Matt and Karla began selling their meat to family and friends.

Dr Clare Bottcher has departed the clinic where she has treated local patients for over 26 years. In an emotional farewell with clinic staff, Dr Bottcher recalled her time serving the locals of her own hometown, alongside “great mentors” and “wonderful custodians of this town”.

Glyn Rees. Thomas Hatch is the latest addition to the Travis Burns coached Stillwater Pastoral Company Wattles Warriors top grade outfit, and according to the experienced mentor the 21-year-old hooker has hit the ground running.

A good dentist is a valuable asset, especially outside the big cities. It's encouraging to learn that there are bright young dentists in Australia that have discovered that a country practice can offer benefits, professional and personal, over work in the city. Australian Rural & Regional News  asked Dr Parshad Sankey, now in Clare, and Dr Michael Dimitrov, in Gladstone, about their country experience.

Peter Hibberd. Victorian harness racing hobby trainer, Paul Castle, and his wife, Fiona, didn’t hold back their emotions when ten-year-old gelding Touchandgo (Down Under Muscles) got the money at his 49th race attempt. The victory at the Wedderburn Cup meeting ... had added significance, as it was the first training success for Castle, of Swan Marsh, 20 minutes from Colac.

Wayne Hawthorne. A UK author of more than 10 books, Gill Tee led an interesting life before moving recently to the Naracoorte district. Gill told Naracoorte Men’s Probus Club members how she spent most of her life living in England, but that she has also lived in Spain and now Australia.

Monica Revell. Australia Day started early in Hindmarsh Shire on Friday 26 January 2024, commencing with a BBQ breakfast in Rainbow at 7:30am, followed by ceremonies in Jeparit, Dimboola, and finally Nhill. Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Brett Ireland, attended all four events on the day where he addressed the crowd and presented Hindmarsh Shire’s 2024 Australia Day Awards.

Buloke came together in Sea Lake on Australia Day Eve to mark a year of achievement and dedication at its annual awards ceremony.  Trevor Emonson was named Citizen of the Year, Blake Lee awarded Young Citizen of the Year and the Buloke Collectable Vehicle Club’s “Show and Shine” was unveiled as Community Event of the Year ...

Australia Day Ambassador and surf lifesaving volunteer Doug Hawkins will join the Narrandera Shire community and offer inspiration and share his optimistic messages and stories. For 23 years, Doug has been a proud surf-lifesaving volunteer whose visionary approach has helped Coogee SLSC and other NSW Clubs implement inclusive training programs ...

Nancy Whittaker. My first encounter with Carolyn Vickers was in the MANet Arts Focus Gallery a few months ago when we played ‘duelling camera phones’ ... Carolyn is the next featured artist in the aforesaid gallery ... Carolyn said that her works are her visual notes.