News

Experiments look to improve beekeepers’ ability to import desirable genetics, by understanding how deformed wing virus is transmitted from queen bees to eggs through drone semen. New insights into the transmission of a significant honey bee virus could pave the way for safer access to imported genetics that could help Australia’s honey bee and pollination industry adapt to varroa mite.

TasFarmers has warned the Federal Government must immediately quarantine fuel for agriculture or risk disrupting national food production as supply uncertainty deepens across Australia ... “We’ve been clear for weeks, no fuel will mean no food,” Mr Sauer said.

The Casino Greyhound Club has celebrated 90 years since the first race meeting in Casino. On March 18, 1936, the Casino Tattersalls Jockey Club ran its inaugural greyhound racing meeting at Carrington Park, a venue later renamed Queen Elizabeth Park ... Twelve races were run on Friday, March 20 2026 with the club boosting prize money with an additional $2000 added to each race.

In the lead up to the Farrer by-election on May 9, Back Country Bulletin takes a look at those candidates who have stepped forward to contest the seat.

After decades of government inaction, this is the tragic admission this week about Central Australia’s greatest environmental catastrophe: “Despite the very high risk rating of buffel grass it is considered that [it] cannot be feasibly eradicated from the NT at this time due to its widespread distribution and biological persistence.

Professor Bhattacharya from Monash University says advancing domestic refining and feedstock technologies is critical to improving long-term fuel security. Monash engineers have developed a pyrolysis technology that converts end-of-life tyres and plastics into high-value liquid hydrocarbons, creating a new, circular source of refinery-ready feedstocks.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has finalised the Northern Territory Buffel Grass Weed Management Plan 2026-36, which provides certainty for pastoralists and outlines a strategic path forward to manage its impact on the environment into the future ... “Buffel grass creates significant challenges relating to fire and environmental management and is also an important feed source for pastoralists and their cattle,” said Mr Burgoyne.

The Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival was a real treat for locals and visitors to Allora last weekend. The annual Festival of these magnificent Gentle Giants proved very popular again this year with an added inclusion being Equestrian with Disabilities events.

At this year's Heavy Horse Festival, an equestrian division for those with disabilities was held for the first time. Katy Driver was the driving force behind the inclusion of the event which was well received by the competitors and the crowd. Here is Katy's story.

Public consultation is now open on proposed changes to blue swimmer crab rules in the West Coast bioregion to make the rules easier to understand and to provide better fishing experiences for recreational fishers. The proposed changes would bring in one set of bag and boat limit rules in the West Coast bioregion, which runs from Black Point east of Augusta to the Zuytdorp Cliffs north of Kalbarri.

Reflecting on her recent consecration as the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Grafton, the Right Reverand Tiffany Sparks said while her heart is bursting with joy, she feels incredibly humbled and blessed to work within the ministry while sharing inspiring and uplifting messages of love, friendship and faith, with communities within the Diocese of Grafton, which stretches between the state border and Port Macquarie.

Thousands of music fans have had their Easter plans thrown into chaos after Australia’s most awarded music festival Bluesfest announced the 2026 event at the Byron Events Farm at Tyagarah won’t go ahead, just three weeks out from its scheduled start.

If you’re looking for a Maldon connection to the upcoming Castlemaine State Festival, read on. Simon Dow and Tim Dargaville have teamed up to create a space in which to contemplate, exploring themes of transition, decay and slowing down. The autumn timing and the location – in an old stables building – complement the music and imagery that form the work.

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Now in its ninth year, River Daze has demonstrated what an inspired community with great leadership can achieve. The 2026 extended River Daze included FriDAZE and SunDAZE to offer free entertainment, shopping, and food experiences across our stunning twin towns ... "The main aim of extending to the three days was, while we've got everyone in town, let's give them something more."

More than 200 riders and support crew hit the road last Friday on the annual Tour de Cure Signature Tour, a nine-day cycling event aiming to raise $2 million for cancer research, support programs and prevention projects Australia-wide.

The Darling Downs Zoo has welcomed four new baby baboons into its family in what is the country's first successful breeding program for the primate. The babies, ranging between 11 and 3 weeks old are still clinging tightly to mums.

After 15 years, the Narrungdera Yulang Committee proudly brought back a powerful community tradition, hosting the Aboriginal Debutante Ball "Walking in Two Worlds" last week. The evening was a remarkable celebration of culture, family and community, marking a moment many had been waiting years to see return.

Minister for the Central Coast, Member for Wyong David Harris has hit back at suggestions made by the State Liberal Party's Shadow Minister Jacqui Munro that there is something sinister about plans to allow some campgrounds in national parks to be set aside for private operators to manage.