NSW

A retinue of 38 specialists from NSW firefighting and emergency services will join an Australian deployment to Canada to assist firefighters as they continue to battle devastating wild fires.

In 1809, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote: None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. On 24 July 2021, in Sydney, the NSW Deputy Health Officer, Jeremy McNulty, was asked at a press conference why approved rapid antigen Covid-19 tests were not used.

There has been much tut-tutting and pursed lip condemnation of the recent anti-lockdown protests in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane but almost no analysis of why the protests occurred ... Where is the politician prepared to come out, listen to and discuss their problems with the protestors? Sending pontificating condemnatory "statements" from afar only creates more anger. Rather than quenching the fires of dissent, the response being suggested by the NSW Government may indeed fan further flames of rebellion.

Kirstin Nicholson. The negative effects of lockdown are widespread with people and organisations having to cancel events, celebrations, travel and appointments ... “It is a concern both financially and mentally. This is what happens, it’s not just the financial side of things, it’s the mental strain on our staff and on ourselves. Every time you stop, you lose your momentum; you lose your drive. "

Kendall Jennings. The annual Australian Sheep and Wool Show (ASWS) that was to be held in Bendigo was cancelled on the eve of the competition last Thursday due to the Victorian snap five-day lockdown. The largest event of its type in the world, stallholders, visitors and organisers were forced into turmoil refunding tickets, returning stock, cancelling accommodation and throwing out food produced for the event. Organisers appealed to the Victorian State Government to allow the event to run without crowds; however, that attempt was rejected.

Logan McNeil has passed 50 career wins and now sits at 52 wins. With horse racing still active during the Victorian lockdown without crowds, it is quiet at the races. The loudest sound is of horse hoofs hitting the turf and the tinging of metal buckles, bits and reins.

Blue-ribbon grazing property Knockdown Park has sold for $6.25 million to a family with grazing interests in the area.

NSW Farmers is extremely disappointed with the NSW Government’s decision to identify the Liverpool Plains as appropriate for gas exploration.

The NSW Government has today released its Future of Gas Statement, outlining plans for the gas industry in NSW, while ruling out gas production under the majority of Petroleum Exploration Licences (zombie PELs), with the exception of those which support the future of the Narrabri Gas Project.

The climate crisis is not imminent. It is here.

One echidna. One night. Locked in a bottle shop. What could possibly go wrong?

The developers of the proposed highway service station at New Italy have said the design of the project is “deliberately understated”. Memphis Strategic town planner Wayne Gersbach said the single-storey and ‘shed-like’ design will be constructed of raw, uncoloured concrete with a Colorbond roof and cladding to complement, and not overawe the nearby New Italy Museum buildings.

Rappville felt the love on the weekend, dog trial organiser Janelle McLennan said. Despite Covid restrictions causing cancellations from Queensland, there were 200 entries and 40 competitors at the NW Working Cattle Dog Trial. Competitors came from across the state to the Resilience NSW Rappville Rebounds dog trial, the first in Rappville since the 2019 fires.

Geoff Helisma. Birrigan Gargle Local Aboriginal Land Council say the Birrigan Iluka Beach’ subdivision is another step towards achieving the land council’s ‘vision’, “to empower our members to become socially and economically self-sufficient through improved health, housing, education programs and employment opportunities”.

Emma Pritchard. Since the Lawrence Museum was forced to close in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Museum VP Roz Jones said the facility has undergone a significant restoration and transformation ... Several new attractions to the museum's impressive collection include a historical, agricultural and social tribute to early life in Lawrence, two 100-year-old wagons previously used by the dedicated brigades at Grafton Fire Station, a carpenter’s workshop displaying tools of the trade throughout the last century, and an arrangement of beautiful locally made clothing from several eras.

Emma Pritchard. Clarence River Jockey Club Executive Officer Michael Beattie has declared the 2021 July Racing Carnival “surpassed expectations in just about every aspect.” ... More than 7000 people attended the carnival with the largest crowds heading trackside to watch the Grafton District Services Club Ramornie Handicap and Maclean Hotel Grafton Cup on July 7 and 8 respectively.

New planning controls for flood-prone land will begin to come into effect from 14 July 2021 to better protect life and property in the event of extreme flooding in the Tweed.