Media Release

Residents will be able to view the works from some of Australia’s top astrophotographers when a travelling exhibition will be based at Kerang’s Sir John Gorton Library this June and July. Presented by the Central West Astronomical Society, the Museum of Applied Arts and Science and the CSIRO, the 2020 David Malin Awards Winning Sky Photos Exhibition features the top entries from this renowned astrophotography exhibition.

It is a common, but complex question for grain growers: Do I grow my farming business by purchasing more land, or by improving the hectares I already own? The answer may come from an innovative co-investment by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the University of Southern Queensland and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) endeavouring to provide growers with the cost benefits of improving or ameliorating soil to boost both farm productivity and long-term land value.

New research from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency shows how Australia's mining and manufacturing sectors can work together to turn critical minerals resources such as lithium and silicon into much needed products for renewable energy, like electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines.

The global meat sector will be holding a Food Systems Dialogue on Wednesday 26 May (AEST) to inform the first-ever United Nations Food Systems Summit which will take place in New York in September. The inaugural Food Systems Summit is drawing on the input of global experts to identify sustainable solutions for the future of food.

"The NFF values the close relationship we have with our counterparts in the UK National Farmers Union," President Fiona Simson said. "The NFF was warmly welcomed to the UK in 2019 by NFU President Minette Batters and despite the distance and geographical differences our farmers share many of the same issues and challenges as our UK peers."

Farmers are being urged to touch base with a Rural Aid counsellor for a mental wellbeing check-in, as mouse plagues continue to ravage rural communities. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters has urged primary producers to get in touch with Rural Aid. “Rural Aid can help farmers with a range of measures including financial, fodder and mental wellbeing assistance,” Mr Warlters said.

Whyalla turned out in droves on Sunday to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the HMAS Whyalla’s launch. Whyalla City Council organised a free open day at the Whyalla Maritime Museum, packed full of family activities and plenty of the history of the city’s most famous landmark. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) heavily supported the occasion, taking part in a number of activities, including a ceremonial flag raising performed by the TS Whyalla Navy Cadets.

The first IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) racing event in two years kicked off in perfect conditions at Terrigal over the weekend. Over 300 surf lifesavers from 17 clubs travelled to the Central Coast location for the first round of the 2021 Sharkskin NSW IRB Premiership Series.

Designed to support local councils and their communities in delivering live music micro-festivals, the Live and Local Strategic Initiative will bring together musicians from across the Toowoomba Region for a series of workshops and performances from May until the end of 2021.

"Now, more than ever, Australia needs to look further west and seriously consider the expanding opportunities presented by its allies in the Middle East. There is an abundance of opportunity not only for Australian exporters but also for strategic investment in sectors such as Australian infrastructure which will greatly assist the recovery of the Australian economy with no strings attached," AACCI President and National Chairman, James Harb.

“With the nation watching as we countdown to the Cooktown & Cape York Expo, our new Youth Councillors will get to see and experience the very best of, what Cook Shire has to offer. It will set a benchmark for them and inspire them to continue to work together to share, celebrate and grow our community,” said Mayor Peter Scott. “This really is a very special time for them and for our community and we are delighted to have them on board.”

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the Local Government Amendment Act 2021 implements the Government’s response to IPART’s review of the rating system and a range of other changes. “These sensible and well-reasoned reforms will ensure that NSW’s local government rating system continues to be fair and equitable, and responsive to changing community needs,” Mrs Hancock said. “The changes provide greater flexibility to make rates fairer in local communities, and help councils cater for population growth and infrastructure costs while protecting ratepayers from unfair rate rises."

The racing industry came together in Adelaide on Friday, 14 May 2021 to witness the induction of some of the great names in racing into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

Residents will be able to be active at night under light from May 17 up to the start of daylight savings on September 25 as part of a pilot Lighting Up Ewing Park activation project by the City of Greater Bendigo. Through the initiative the City will turn on the new Ewing Park LED training lights from 6 pm to 8pm seven days per week to provide opportunities for residents to be active at the reserve at night under light.

Despite 43% of organisations experiencing an increase in demand for services, further data from the ABS reveals that in the last 12 months, only 3.6% Australians started to take part in unpaid voluntary work, while just under one in five (17%) volunteers have continued donating their time. “This National Volunteer Week, we will celebrate the significant contribution made by almost six million Australians. This includes community sport coaches and managers, volunteer programs across hospitals and aged care, and volunteers supporting disaster response and recovery. We encourage everyone to reconnect with what is important by giving our time to help others and ourselves.” says Mark Pearce, CEO of Volunteering Australia.

Get up close and personal with RAAF Hawk jets and PC21 training craft when Geraldton Airport throws open the tarmac to the public to celebrate 100 years of the Royal Australian Air Force.

As Stage Two of the Chinatown Revitalisation Project progresses, the Broome community will start to see the installation of several public artworks to enliven the streets of our town. The Shire of Broome has worked closely with community representatives and local Broome artists to integrate over a dozen artworks into the historic Chinatown precinct, inspired by the rich heritage and culture of Broome.

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, said the Bill means the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) will now be extended for a further five years to 2026. “The NAIF has already committed $2.9 billion to projects across the north that will support around 9,000 jobs. Our changes will increase its ability to back even more projects."

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said $233.6 million in new funding will be used to help implement the National Soil Strategy and associated measures as part of the Commonwealth Interim Action Plan ... Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the government was committing an additional $37 million in the 2021–22 Budget to support a National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge.

The development of ‘long coleoptile’ genetics that allow wheat plants to establish on moisture deeper in the soil has attracted strong interest from grain growers looking to improve crop establishment and therefore yields in a drying climate.