News

The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2024 shows increased risk of fire for large areas in NT and Queensland, as well as far west and southwestern Victoria, and the southeast corner of SA. Mean temperatures for the year to date have been above average to very much above average for most areas, with areas of western WA and northern SA experiencing highest on record maximum temperatures for the period.

Corazon Mining has begun exploratory drilling at the May Queen target on Mount Gilmore for gold and copper in the Clarence River catchment northwest of Grafton and the Clarence Catchment Alliance are calling on locals to get involved to stop a mining licence being granted.

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Michelle Daw. The Ardrossan community is taking health care into its own hands by helping secure more services after the local private hospital closed earlier this year. A new International Medical Graduate, Dr Sajini Abeysekera, has arrived from Sri Lanka with the support of the Ardrossan Community Op Shop and started taking patients at Medical HQ Ardrossan...

Rachel Hagan. Minlaton's time to celebrate arrived with the official opening of the long-awaited Minlaton Family Centre ...The ribbon was cut by Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey, and the three women who started it all: Katie Hughes, Anna Phasey and Amy Honner ... The centre has created 120 childcare places in the region, which is an incredible increase from a few years earlier when there were only 14.

Tasmania's peak body for farmers has voiced strong concern after a recent spate of illegal livestock butchering incidents, stating that their members are fed up with these criminal activities. TasFarmers President, Ian Sauer expressed outrage at the situation, calling it "obscene" that armed trespassers are unlawfully destroying property, cutting fences, and entering farmland to butcher livestock.

Australian agriculture is set to benefit this financial year, as the gross value of agricultural production is forecast to increase by 4 per cent. ​The ABARES Agricultural Commodities and Crop Reports show a significant growth in the sector, from $82.5 billion in 2023-24 to $86.2 billion in 2024-25.

In dramatic scenes a brave Birchip-Watchem held out the surging Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers by an oh so tight 2 point margin. The Bulls stormed into North Central’s grand final in a thrilling second semi-final where the scoreboard clock, brightly illuminated and counting down, still showed 2 minutes to play as the siren sounded at Donald’s Goff Letts oval.

The “People’s Cup” arrived in Wycheproof on Friday morning in a High Rail V-Line vehicle on the infamous railway tracks that bisect the main street, and it spent the day touring around town with VRC officials and local racing legends. Wycheproof was the 25th stop, of the 39 destinations across six countries that have hosted the prestigious tour in 2024, showcasing the global appeal of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

What do you get when you take a Fireback Huntsman home for research and photograph it in your bathroom? And not just any bathroom... Lego bathroom? And why? TEDx speaker, author and wildlife educator Steven Gill says "Let Me Explain..." with his new Australian east coast tour!

Joanna Tucker. Maitland 16-year-old equestrian Kate Mahar represented Australia on the world stage last month. She placed 12th from a field of 16 at the 2024 Youth World Reining Cup in Avare, Brazil ... Ms Mahar was Australia’s only representative, and said her favourite moments were making connections with other young riders in the competition lead-in.

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Jenny Pollard. A madcap romp filled with stunning vocals, incredible music and eye-catching costumes drew loud applause from the large crowd which attended the Lyster Opera performance of "The Italian Girl in Algiers" at The Rex last Saturday afternoon. The Charlton production kicked off the company tour which is headed across regional Victoria as well as a number of Melbourne locations.

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In celebration of spring racing and securing naming rights for next month’s Cairns Amateurs Carnival’s two-day Fashions on the Field contest, Cairns Central has unveiled a retrospective exhibition showcasing the elegance and creativity of past winners and their stunning outfits … Cairns Central will inspire racegoers to dress for the springtime occasion with its abundance of new season, head-to-toe, race-ready looks …

Walking through the doorway of Casino’s newest dress shop is an assault on the senses – in a good way. As you walk in, there is the soft wafting scent of the candles on sale, the cool refreshing air and the colours – oh my, patterns of colours on the clothes hanging on the walls like material artworks.

Suzie Christensen. Access to the Mt Eliza track is closed annually between 1 September until early March to protect nesting sooty terns (Onychoprion fuscata) and their young. The trail and summit provide important breeding grounds for the seabirds.

I want to thank all the community for making my recent visit to Lord Howe Island such a wonderful experience. Lord Howe Island is a special place, with a unique and rich history. But as you know, being so remote from the mainland has its challenges, as well as advantages.