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Allan Japp is the first, and possible the only recipient in Hay to receive the Honorary Bearer Medal, some 47 years after he completed his last trip behind the wheel of an ambulance. Allan become an Honorary Ambulance Officer (Honorary Bearer as they were known then) in August 1963. His first case was taking a patient from Hay Hospital to the Royal Melbourne Hospital – a round trip of 917 kilometres which took just under 12 hours to complete.

Victoria Mathew reckons her name should be Mrs Christmas. She really loves Christmas – the mother of six children and grandmother to six started making Christmas decorations when she had her first child. “Christmas is my passion,” Victoria said. “I love everything about Christmas. It’s when I shine brightest.”

Jessica Howard’s Bush Wisdom brings together a collection of stories and photos of people from across rural Australia in the places they call home ... It is 240 pages of words and images that are a feast for the eyes as well as for the soul. If you live in rural Australia, so many of the images feel like home, although there is such a variety of locations that there are new landscapes to explore for everyone.

French-born violinist Marie Limondin clearly remembers the day she bought her much-loved violin.   She was 12-years-old and it was already clear to everyone that Marie was not only a passionate player, she was also a very good one.   When the day came to upgrade her child’s violin to an adult-sized instrument Marie, along with her music teacher and parents, headed to Paris’ legendary rue de Rome ...

Twenty-seven years and 2.2 million boxes later, Sharon Drabsch has called it a day. Shaz, as her colleagues call her, ends her 27-year career as a box maker at the MiniJumbuk in Naracoorte at the end of this month. The 46-year-old with special abilities is not only a box maker but also a beacon of hope to those with special needs in the community.

Wilson McShane. If Minlaton’s Ivan McMahon is asked to pin down exactly what he does in his spare time, he might have a hard job answering. Ranging from being a school bus driver, former shoe shop owner (70 years), husband to Carlene and proud dad of three — Travis (Polocrosse Association of SA secretary), Scott (former North Melbourne footballer) and Layton — McMahon is a jack of all trades.

Allora born and bred Geoffrey Smith, was named Queensland Australian of the Year at the recent awards ceremony held in Brisbane. Proud parents Debbie and Alan Smith said Geoffrey was born in 1989 and went to Allora Kindergarten, Allora Pre-School and Allora P-10 School until Year 7 when he moved to Toowoomba Grammar.

Narrandera High School student Tahlia Gilbert has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to Aboriginal education in NSW public schools at the 19th annual Nanga Mai Awards. Tahlia’s award was the outstanding all-rounder student of the year in NSW’s secondary education.

Allora Show Society loyalist Carol Lyall recently stepped forward to take on the President role of an organisation that can boast a presence in the Allora regional community since 1878. After excelling as Chief Horse Steward for two years, Carol added the Show Society Vice-President role to her resume last year.

Local identity Daphne Whatley attended a YoungCare function in Brisbane at the weekend, where she was guest speaker. Daphne has been involved in YoungCare since it started in Queensland 20 years ago. During that time Allora has been raising money for YoungCare.

Col Jacka and Vic Pope are two of the unsung heroes of Balranald. They man the wonderful attraction, Southern Cross Museum. They take tours of people, whether one or two, or large groups around the fascinating building, and regale them with fascinating stories of the history behind the exhibits.

As the new year looms many of us are looking to freshen up our homes and streamline our lives but decluttering and becoming better organised are things that often fill us with dread. Not so for Bee Pope. Decluttering and organising are things that fill her with excitement and joy.

Anna Mabin likes to make people happy. And she does that by helping people find clothes they feel confident wearing making them feel good about who they are. Through her business AM Styling she shops and styles for individuals who want to look better and wear clothes that suit their lifestyle.

Australian basketball legend Aaron Bruce has relocated to Birchip to manage his Uncle Des Ryan’s Hotel, and he is eager to share his skills, knowledge, and passion for the game with people of all ages. Aaron, who starred in college basketball at Baylor University before making his mark in the National Basketball League (NBL) with the Adelaide 36ers and the Sydney Kings…

Sarah Herrmann. Two former Port Broughton residents are set to host a prestigious national radio show. The first is award-winning journalist Sally Sara, who will replace Patricia Karvelas as the host of ABC’s Radio National Breakfast next year. She will be joined by producer Joe Sullivan, also formerly of Port Broughton ...

Jodie Hicks played her 50th AFLW game last Saturday night in the Richmond Tigers’ Dreamtime in Darwin clash against Essendon. It was a frantic final few minutes of the first AFLW Dreamtime match, which saw both sides score 6.6 (42) to post a full-time draw … Hicks was a first-round pick at the 2017 AFLW Draft and has not missed a game in the past three seasons.

Born and raised in the Clarence Valley, Alice Jabour, 30, grew up admiring the Grafton Jacaranda Festival and the proud traditions it holds within the local community. As a student at St Joseph’s Primary School in South Grafton, she recalls feeling inspired to nominate as a Jacaranda candidate after a former Jacaranda Royal Party visited her and her classmates.

Ian Riley. One of the best things about the museum, other than the exhibits, is the people you meet there. I have always been a history tragic, but on my last visit to the museum, I met Michelle Ross. Michelle has a YouTube channel with 9,000 followers and a website called Goldfields Guide ...

Drew Chislett. In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, young motocross rider Judd Chislett has made headlines by clinching two titles in his first year competing in the Victorian Senior motocross titles. The 16-year-old talent achieved a clean sweep, dominating all four rounds of the Senior Victorian Titles (C Grade) held at Portland, Shepparton, Albury and the final round at Blue Rock near Moe.

There’s many elements that go into creating a good wine and it’s the winemaker’s job to blend them together to create the perfect drop.   WA’s Rosenthal Wines’ winemakers are themselves a special blend because they’re not just winemakers and business partners - they’re also best friends. Coby Ladwig and Luke Eckersley first met 25 years ago when they were at Uni.  

Sean Cunningham. Coolamon man Andrew Veigel has returned with a swag of medals from one of Australia’s most inspirational sporting events. Veigel won six medals, representing NSW in four different sports, during this year’s 17th Australian Transplant Games ...

Angourie local and Australian surfing legend Monty Webber has lived a full and colourful life that he has documented in his Autobiography Is the Moon the Sun? – The Autobiography of a Time Rich Experience Junkie that will be officially launched at Yamba Cinema …