News

Paramedic Tom Connellan understands that in farming a lot of things can come down to chance, but experience tells him that staying safe should not be one of them. From growing up on his family’s sheep, cattle and cropping farm, to now responding to medical emergencies in the Swan Hill region, Tom has a unique perspective on the common myths around safety in agriculture and why they need to be busted.

Kareen Anchen. “For me, once a painter, always a painter”. Like many painters, Chris has had to find her own way and has spent a lifetime doing so; we are much richer for her endeavour. Roadside Impressions is an immersive survey exhibition from 2003 – 2015. On exhibition are meditative landscape paintings by Chris Delpratt.

Kerry Cain. The new Indigenous Interpretive garden space, garingilang gatjin wii, at the Central Goldfields Art Gallery in Maryborough, was the setting for an arts and cultural talks afternoon last Sunday. Djaara Elders Aunty Marilyne Nicholls and Uncle Rick Nelson co-shared cultural talks about Country and explained the use of chosen stones, plants and rock wells.

Following severe storms at the end of August 2024 which saw seven metre swells hit the coastline, significant sand ingress compromised safe navigation of vessels to and from the Cape Jaffa Marina. As a result, the commercial fishing fleet unfortunately had to transport to Robe to commence their annual fishing season.

Preventing injuries, accidents, bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct while at work will be a focus this month - National Safe Work Month ... Although some people have died while working in their own businesses, helping to keep employees safe in the workplace is behind recent reforms to work health and safety laws. SA Industrial Relations Minister Kyam Maher announced the “significant reforms” ...

An award-winning local policeman says the district needs to come together to “break the cycle” of domestic violence that exists in our community. Naracoorte’s Senior Constable, Chris Mailley, who works in supporting domestic and family violence victims, says, “just one incident is too many”.

The "steaks" were high at the 7th running of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprises’ (TSBE) Darling Downs Beef Battle. Nine of our region’s best beef brands, Australian Country Choice, Grove Shorthorns, JBS, John Dee, Mort & Co, NH Foods, Rangers Valley, Stanbroke and Stockyard, went head-to-head, showcasing their brand and superb product to over 500 attendees.

People love their pets, and although most will agree their furry, feathered or scaled companion is already a blessing in itself, the Donald Anglican church held a blessing of the animals service ... Rev Judi Bird conducted the service, demonstrating the Lord's love for “all creatures great and small” with many beloved little critters in attendance, including budgies, dogs and even a guinea pig.

Ima Volunteer. Donald’s biggest two-day event is here, and these members of the Donald Show committee are at the showgrounds to administer the action-packed program throughout today and tomorrow. At their office close to the junction of Borung Highway and Mill Street, the ladies are happy to deal with all enquiries, and to reward those whose entries in the Show Schedule’s multiple sections have won recognition from the judges.

Kerry Cain. Music plays a vital role in promoting joy and well-being for residents in aged care, and recently, Maldon Hospital welcomed a meaningful gift that will enhance the musical experience for its residents. The family of nursing heroine Ethel Jessie Bowe has donated a beautiful Thalberg piano to the hospital, celebrating the legacy of the remarkable woman for whom Jessie Bowe House is named.

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Following the passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) Bill 2023 through the House of Representatives, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is once again warning Parliamentarians of the Bill’s consequences on thousands of family farms and small businesses.  

An international airline has entered an enforceable undertaking with the Australian Government after it failed to declare two dogs’ arrival to the country, breaching Australian biosecurity measures. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, which has regulatory powers for Australia’s biosecurity as part of the Biosecurity Act 2015, found United Airlines had breached its reporting requirements twice...

The RM Equestrian Centre at Hodgson Vale conducted its first 2 Star One Day Event during the long weekend, attracting riders from a wide area ... Previously the venue has hosted only 1 Star Eventing. Organiser Jo Williams said the event drew 140 riders to Hodgson Vale.

With nominations for the 2024 Queensland Election closing at noon yesterday, candidates have begun hitting the campaign trail in the Condamine electorate. Barring any last minute nominations, the candidates are: Pat Weir (LNP), Ben Whibley-Faulkner (Labor), Ellisa Parker (Greens), Alan Hughes (Family First Party).

Farmers on the Murrumbidgee River claim they have been kept in the dark about a NSW Government plan to acquire flow easements along the riverfront to accommodate environmental water releases ... The scheme would allow the government to negotiate with landholders to acquire flow easements and, if no agreement can be reached, the water minister can decide to proceed with compulsory acquisition of the flow corridors "on just terms".

Sean Cunningham. A crowd of about 1000 helped make the annual Lockhart Picnic Race Club meeting a day to remember ... The Fashions on the Field once again proved popular and added a splash of colour … Tumbarumba trainer Mont Waters combined with his daughter Emily to win this year’s running of the Lockhart Verandah Town Cup.

The Snowy Valleys region is set to become an even better destination for electric vehicle (EV) owners with the installation of ten public EV charging stations. Snowy Hydro is supporting Snowy Valleys Council (SVC) to install and maintain the new charging stations which will be strategically located in Khancoban, Adelong, Talbingo, Tumbarumba and Tumut.

Honor Auchinleck. "Why wasn’t this done years ago? We need to get the Light Horse Trail into our schools," someone said as we delivered Chauvel Border Light Horse Trail brochures to the Visitor Information Centre in Gundagai ... The Trail runs from the Light Horse Memorial in the New South Wales regional capital of Wagga Wagga to the statue of Brigadier Murray Bourchier CMG DSO in Victoria’s regional capital of Shepparton.

Serena Kirby. Denmark GP Dr Alex Sleeman knows first hand how life can change in an instant. He suffered serious injuries last month when his tractor rolled and pinned him underneath while working on his Peace Street property ... Speaking from his bed in Royal Perth Hospital’s spinal unit, Alex said he was lucky to be alive.