NSW

The NSW Government is today announcing the appointment of an expert panel to lead consultation on a Forestry Industry Action Plan, which will outline the path NSW will take to ensure a sustainable timber industry that aligns with the government’s key environmental priorities. The Independent Forestry Panel will be chaired by Peter Duncan AM who has more than 40 years’ experience in primary industries, infrastructure and regional NSW.

Former Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell was the adjudicator at the first Meet the Candidates session held at the Kyogle Golf Club ... Ms Dowell told the audience of 100 what the rules of engagement were which included no heckling (clapping was allowed). 17 candidates are running in the Kyogle Council election across three wards and 16 were at the Meet the Candidates ...

The former flood damaged Broadwater Public School is gone – demolished and only bare ground remains where playgrounds and classrooms once stood. Today, Monday, August 26, students, teachers and parents mark the start of construction on the rebuild of their village school more than two and a half years since the 2022 flood disaster.

The iconic Aussie event, Trundle Bush Tucker Day, returns on Saturday 7 September 2024 and it’s set to be the best yet. Now in its 37th year, this community event just keeps on getting better with more and more entertainment and activities for the whole family. This year’s headline act, The Wolfe Brothers, will being fans from far and wide to experience this unique family friendly event.

More than 100 memorial plaques stolen from a cemetery at Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads have been located and reported to police. A groundsman at the Tweed Heads Lawn and General Cemetery located the 102 plaques piled up and hidden behind barriers on the outer perimeter of the grounds late yesterday.

As the industrial sprawl of green energy marches across the government-identified Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), Gannawarra Shire Councillor Garner Smith has renewed his call for negotiating lasting benefits from the VNI West project and renewable developments for Gannawarra residents. “Personally, I do not see an overall long-term benefit for communities like Gannawarra, out of either the VNI West power line or the renewable projects. Little to no long-term employment, unattractive infrastructure on a scale that the community does not comprehend and a benefits package that lacks detail and sounds more like welfare than an opportunity.

Camellia lovers will gather in Narrandera later this month to celebrate the Narrandera Garden Club’s 50th annual Camellia show in conjunction with the Camellia Australia National Show. The very first Narrandera show began in 1974 and besides the two years when Covid was at its peak, the show has been held every year and has seen great growth since its inception.

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A rare Coastal Emu nest, containing nine eggs, has been discovered by Forestry Corporation staff in a State forest on the North Coast, giving hope to the future of the endangered population. The discovery near Grafton was made by Forestry Corporation Lead Forestry Officer Kurt Holzhauser during a broad area habitat search for threatened and endangered species.

Kimberly Grabham. Emma Pocock, daughter of Bill and Debbie Pocock, is representing Australia. She will be competing at World Championship Multisport on August 25 in Townsville ... Emma's race consists of a three-kilometre ocean swim followed by 120-kilometre bike ride.

Kimberly Grabham. Hang onto your hats, teachers Leah Books and Kathy Duncan   went international! The pair flew off to Vanuatu, where they shared their skills, knowledge and teaching to classes of children and teachers. The program was one of many which a Queensland company called Global Teacher delivers.  

Volunteers have been kept busy at the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre (NAHC) ... During the week members of the NAHC Board entertained the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor Margaret Gardner AC and her entourage.

Situated on Harwood Island, overlooking prime agricultural land and the majestic Clarence River, is one of the oldest continuously operating sugar mills in the country. The Harwood Sugar Mill and Refinery has been crushing cane since 1874, and is one of three facilities in the state owned and managed by Sunshine Sugar … In 2024, the Harwood Sugar Mill and Refinery is proud to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

One of Australia’s longest running and most prestigious music festivals, the iconic Byron Bay Bluesfest will have its final curtain call at the 2025 festival. Since the first East Coast Annual Blues Festival in 1990, which was headlined by American performers Charlie Musselwhite and Canned Heat at the Byron Bay Arts Factory, Bluesfest has been held every year at Easter in the Byron Bay area, except for 2 years during the Covid pandemic.

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