Local radio – it’s all about the community
Narrandera District Community Radio Spirit FM 91.1 prides itself on prioritising community needs and strong connections ensuring listeners are well-entertained and are up-to-date and informed about district and community events. Spirit FM volunteers, for nearly 21 years, have enjoyed working hard to deliver quality uninterrupted radio listening. 91.1 is on-air 24-hours and can be streamed from anywhere in the world playing tunes from an over 80,000 song library.
Two paddlers tackle the mighty Murray
Two men are planning to undertake separate journeys down Australia's longest river to raise funds for charity ... In April 2026, Tony Pearce, the former Inspector-General for Emergency Management and current chair of the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF), will embark from Bringenbrong Bridge on an unsupported paddle to raise awareness of the mental health...
Volunteer network sparks interest
On Thursday July 3, a passionate group of 16 individuals gathered at cluBarham to expand on the groundwork they laid at the initial volunteerism roundtable held in May. The group reflected on the challenges that can be presented in attracting new members, enticing a younger demographic, the vast range of skills available in the area, and often the overlooked aspects or roles that many don’t know even exist.
Clarence Valley military connections celebrated at book launch
Nestled within the rural confines of Northern NSW, the Clarence Valley is a long way from overseas conflicts ... more than 50 people including family members and representatives of servicemen and servicewomen, both former and current, came together at Grafton’s Schaeffer House Museum to attend the official launch of local publication A Military Connection.
Understanding long-term reef health
Reef Life Survey (RLS) have released a new report outlining results from long-term monitoring of shallow reefs in the Lord Howe Island Park (LHIMP). RLS is a volunteer-based citizen science program which has been surveying reefs to 30m depth in the LHIMP for nearly two decades.
Video celebrates turtle heroes and their epic quest
From humble beginnings to a thriving conservation movement, this year TurtleCare Sunshine Coast will celebrate its 20 year anniversary. See rare, behind-the-scenes footage of little miracles hatching and environmental champions at work in an uplifting video dedicated to an inspiring Sunshine Coast volunteer group.
A call to action for the future of volunteering: Volunteering Australia
2026 is the International Year for Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026) and we have an opportunity to shape its legacy. Volunteering Australia invites you to join a global dialogue as part of the Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering, led by the International Association of Volunteer Effort (IAVE) and international partners.
Fresh faces and new energy at Nhill Fire Brigade
"There's a real buzz around the station right now," said one senior member. "We've got experienced volunteers, new recruits, updated equipment, and great community support. With our new management team stepping in, the future looks bright."
Men’s shed news with Ross McDougall
Ross McDougall. Last year the Dorrobbee Grass Reserve Trust approached the Dunoon Men's Shed to assist them with making a sign to be placed on the roadside of Dunoon Road to highlight the location of the significant ecological grassland site. Long time resident John Pirlo generously donated a two metre long slab of red ash timber for the project.
Volunteerism: Rethinking the role, the people, and the future
On Friday May 30, a group of ten passionate individuals came together to tackle a topic close to the heart of every community: volunteerism. Held in Barham, the roundtable brought together volunteers, committee members, and community leaders from Koondrook and Barham to reflect on what volunteering looks like today—and what it could become.
Urgent appeal to save the Barham Koondrook Show – secretary and volunteers needed!
The Barham Koondrook Pastoral, Agricultural, and Horticultural Show Society is sounding the alarm: without a dedicated secretary and additional volunteers, this year’s iconic community show faces cancellation. Time is running out, and we need your help to keep this beloved tradition alive!
Inlet caretaker wins shire citizen of the year award
Shaun Ossinger was announced the Community Citizen of the Year on Saturday night at a Shire of Denmark Volunteer Appreciation Sundowner. Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee chief executive Shaun won the award for his commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing, through championing initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring the natural environment.
Volunteers get things done
The cover stars of the Tarrangower Times this week are the perfect exemplars of what this bumper edition of the paper is all about: celebrating the many volunteers who get things done in our small towns and caring communities.
The message could not have been clearer: “Scrap the Tax”
Blake Lee. Thousands of firefighters, farmers and regional Victorians rallied on the steps of State Parliament ... Producing a cacophony of sirens through Melbourne streets during peak hour, fire trucks and volunteer firefighters made the journey from all corners of the state, bringing an estimated 300 fire trucks into the city.
Mountains group celebrates milestone
The re-opening of the Bluff Falls tourist area on Sunday after restoration works is a huge feather in the cap for the 'Friends of Murray Mountain Parks' group, which is celebrating 25 years of volunteerism. The occasion was marked in December when Parks Victoria Ranger, Scott Thompson, presented several members with a 25 Years Recognition of Service pin...
‘We’ll dump tax hike’
The Liberals and Nationals will scrap Labor’s Emergency Services Property Levy (ESVF), Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley, vowed at a rally on the steps of Parliament House ... “Labor’s new levy has doubled or even tripled charges for property owners across the state with primary producers hit hardest and facing rate hikes of up to 150 per cent."
Nhill Fire Brigade celebrates arrival of two new emergency vehicles
Nhill Fire Brigade raised an incredible amount of funds for two vital appliances: a new light tanker and the replacement forward command vehicle were officially handed over to Nhill Fire Brigade in Nhill by D17 ACFO Chris Eagle on Sunday 18th May 2025.
Hay’s humble asset: The versatile Carol Oataway
The silent heroes of a town are the ones who put their hands up to volunteer. "If you want something done, ask a busy person," as the old cliché says. So, as we celebrate National Volunteer Week, let's look into the many undertakings of our Mayor, Carol Oataway.
Happy National Volunteer Week!
We are thrilled to launch National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest celebration of volunteering, highlighting the power of volunteering to bring people together with the theme Connecting Communities.
90 years of education, scones, flower shows and community service
The Country Women's Association is best known for its scones, but CWA's roots go much deeper than that. For 90 years, the Hay branch has continually served the community in many ways, with the first project being the establishment of the former Baby Health Centre.
Why so many SES resources in town?
...Lots of SES boats, big trucks and volunteers in town ... Water is heading our way but many local people are commenting that the response is over the top ... The river is expected to peak at 9.6 metres in the next week or so.
Firefighter Memorial honours fallen heroes
Hundreds gathered at the Victorian Emergency Services Memorial in Treasury Gardens on May 4, to honour firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Each year, CFA holds a memorial service to remember those firefighters who gave their lives to protect others and to honour the personal sacrifices and commitment our firefighters make each and every day.

