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Narrandera reinsman Blake Jones has been a dominant force in the Riverina for quite some time and in the final race at Wagga last week the talented horseman achieved a significant goal in his driving career. Jones brought up his 1000th winner aboard the Bernie Kelly-trained Waratah Lou.

Colin Newport. Although Norman Brian Clarke was not born in Allora, his connections to the town ran deep. Following his recent death and funeral service in Brisbane, his body was brought to Allora to be buried alongside the graves of his grandparents Joseph and Sarah Eleanor Clarke. The plot had been long- time reserved and Norman had asked that Father Rod McGinley conduct the burial service.

Fin Hansen. Austin McDonald has already built consistent form just a few months into his powerboating career. The 26-year-old adrenaline junkie, who lives in Wallaroo, has joined the Australian Formula Powerboat Grand Prix circuit for 2023.

“I choose a small number of items and play with their placement over a number of weeks, even months,” Samantha explains. “I observe them as the light changes and swap things in and out until I’m happy with the result. I’m seeking balance, in space and shape..."

Dr Shaun Kanowski has announced his intention to retire at the end of the School Term. We put some questions to him ... "Since arriving in Allora, I have noticed significant changes in the last 22 years ... Something that has never changed in my time at Allora, is the strong sense of community that is instantly apparent when you come to the best little town on the downs."

In Ukraine, participants in the flower business are three times heroes. In 2014, the war with Russia began. Then, in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic began. And in 2022, Russia invaded the territory of Ukraine. Over eight years, the business industry has experienced a catastrophic recession three times. Even so, the flower business continues to thrive. The love of Ukrainians for flowers is stronger than any problem.

Jordan Bryon has won a British Academy Film Award for the documentary ‘Children of The Taliban’. The documentary follows the lives of four children growing up in Kabul under Taliban rule and was recognised for the unique story telling as well as for its cinematography.

The stronger our Maldon businesses - the stronger our Maldon community - the stronger our Maldon. “Warral Maldon is a fifth-generation honey business based in Maldon that produces and packs honey to a world-class standard. So, how’s business?  

Russell Halden's work is influenced by the environment, having spent a great deal of time in the Bamah Forest with his father and brother, camping, fishing and hunting, acquiring a life-long love of the Australian bush, the colours, foliage types, difference with the seasons and weather conditions ... With many family connections in the region, including his brother currently living in St. Arnaud, and their great grandmother once residing at Beasley's Bridge, this exhibition is a homecoming of sorts.

We’re often reminded to ‘stop and smell the roses’ and it’s something Sheryl Shaylor makes sure she does every single day. Sheryl is undoubtedly a bit of an expert on roses as she’s had more than forty years experience nurturing and admiring Heritage roses.

Well known author Maya Linnell visited Narrandera Library last week and called in to Mon Repos store to visit the owners Scott and Rebecca Rowlings. The reason she visited Rebecca and her husband Scott was because of Rebecca’s review of Paperbark Hill for Australian Rural and Regional News - Rebecca is a book reviewer for the online news site.

Patricia Gill. Denmark Shire chief executive David Schober will officially end his tenure on July 11 to return to a lifelong passion, coaching basketball. Former professional basketball coach David will take a ‘dream job’ at the Denmark Senior High School vacated by dual Olympian Paul Rogers.

Jesse Wray-McCann. When a 200-kilometre drive from one end of your policing patch to the other is the same distance as travelling a quarter of the way across Victoria, it pays to be close to your community and your colleagues. The 10 police officers across six stations – Donald, Charlton, Wycheproof, Culgoa, Sea Lake and Birchip – that make up the Buloke Shire cluster make it their mission to keep connected with everyone around them.

Helping spot fires is the job of dreams for Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Spotter Pilot Bronwen Prinsloo. This Manjimup-based pilot loves taking to the skies to spot and report on fires, monitor prescribed burns and do her bit to help keep our communities safe.

Gerrit Fokkema. Wesley Stacey died recently in Bermagui, where he had lived since the mid 1970’s. Between 1968 and 1972, Wes made pictures in Wilcannia of buildings and street scenes that were used in a book, ‘Historic Towns of Australia’.

It has been a whirlwind ride to the top for former Cohuna lad, Jamie Harrison. The 22-year-old competed in the Australian Track & Field Championships in Brisbane at the weekend making it through to the finals of the 800m event ... Jamie has advice for Cohuna and district youngsters who are keen on athletics.

Lachie Allen is just four and his big sister Milla is six. When Mila led Lachie to a win on the little white pony Pixie at the recent Equestrian Festival at Warragul, there was hardly a dry eye in the house ... “On the day Milla kept saying how proud of Lachie she was and kept reminding him to sit straight like a soldier, point his toes to the stars and look up."

“My whole life journey is in my music and music is my way of letting things out. We cover up too many things and I’m not into sugar coating serious topics. My track ‘Don’t Give Up’ is about depression and like many people I’ve suffered dark times but the best way to deal with it is to talk about it, not bottle it up."

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has confirmed an impeccable line up of 15 Indigenous fashion designers and wearable art makers from across Queensland whose collective response to the 2023 theme ‘Woven’ will tell a powerful story marking 10 years of fashion performances.

You will most likely know Alexander McCall Smith as the ingenious and inexhaustible author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series or any number of his more than 80 other titles, but it was art that brought McCall Smith to Maldon last weekend. The cherished Cascade Gallery is currently showing the work of the entrancing and prolific artist Robert Maclaurin ... McCall Smith is an avid admirer - but they were yet to meet.

“I just like to depict life,” said artist Brian Williams as we discussed his upcoming Cohuna art exhibition ... From landscapes to seascapes, Brian’s work captures the beauty of the Australian environment, the animals and people.

NSW’s first Aboriginal Violence, Abuse and Neglect (VAN) Services trainee has graduated in the Far West Local Health District. Proud Barkandji woman Kyeesha Jones said it had always been her dream to work in health and help her people access services.