Community-led campaign marks one year
The Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association recently marked its one-year anniversary with a powerful show of community strength at its AGM, reaffirming its leadership in the fight to protect prime agricultural land and groundwater from rare earth mining in the region.
Council seeks improved transparency
At its July Council Meeting, Buloke Shire Council moved a motion for Council to write to relevant Ministers and Departments to seek genuine engagement between Council, the Government and the Buloke Shire community following the recent visit of the Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio, MP, Minister for the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on June 11, 2025. The Notice of Motion expressed disappointment in the Minister for failing to inform Councillors of major legislative changes tabled just eight days later ...
World-first kiosks for the Grampians and Wimmera-Mallee
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism, with the support of the Victorian Government and local councils including Southern Grampians Shire Council, Northern Grampians Shire Council, and Buloke Shire Council, is thrilled to announce the installation of three world-first off-grid Digital Inspiration Kiosks powered entirely by renewable energy sources – solar and wind – using sodium ion batteries to address the harsh Australian environment.
Emu elegy: How to make friends with big birds
Mike Gillam. Like the parade of Coober Pedy blower trucks, emus create wonderful silhouettes in a landscape of prevailing flatness ... One moves slightly, and there it is, up periscope, the largest male still accompanied by the adolescents of the previous year, confirms their emu identity.
Ervin’s Village
Ervin Janek presents over 100 small wooden portraits of friends, family, and community members. The series began in response to the tremendous goodwill that he experienced after devastating loss from the Cudlee Creek fires.
Nannup Flower and Garden Festival 8–17 August 2025
It’s here again! After another year of dedicated planning and hard work, the Flower and Garden Committee has once again delivered an engaging and educational event. With generous support from sponsors, key speakers, and community partners, the committee continues to grow the event’s impact and appeal each year.
Get ready for an unforgettable week featuring vibrant entertainment, Art Awards, dinner under the stars and headline act, Hoodoo Gurus!
The Inspire Festival, a collaboration between the Shire of Ashburton and Rio Tinto, will bring a week of activations and events for all ages. Starting off with the 2025 Ashburton Art Awards Exhibition, followed by a culinary experience under the Pilbara stars with a degustation by Fervor, Ladies Night and then the final hoorah...Inspire Festival at the Village Green!
Full program released for Rockhampton River Festival 2025
Rockhampton River Festival is set to light up the Riverside Precinct once again, with the full program for River Fest 2025 now officially released. From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July, the city will come alive with music, art and culture and the best part? It’s free!
Cheque handover marks a major step forward for Jerilderie Medical Centre
Jerilderie's proposed new medical centre is a step closer, with Murrumbidgee Council formally accepting a $5 million contribution from Origin Energy through a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) linked to the Yanco Delta wind development. The contribution was marked by the official handover of a cheque from Origin representatives to council.
Councils have moved far beyond three ‘R’s
Local government is no longer all about "roads, rates, and rubbish", according to Local Government and Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain. McBain addressed representatives of 537 local government areas (LGAs) at last week's Australian Local Government Association's (ALGA) national general assembly.
Listen up! Council drives hospital protest
Towong Shire Council is encouraging the community to rally in Corryong next month to oppose the planned redevelopment of the current Albury hospital instead of building on a new greenfield site. "Council remains gravely concerned at the current plans to redevelop the existing hospital site as it will lead to insufficient capacity to meet the future demands of the region for the future," said Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead.
Tamworth’s mountain biking paradise: Anderson
One of the region’s most popular recreation facilities is moving forward thanks to the installation of new solar powered automatic opening gate. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said Tamworth’s mountain bike track was a must visit destination for mountain bike fanatics and recreational users getting out and staying active.
Shire of Broome engages Dampier Peninsula communities on regional priorities
Last week, Shire of Broome councillors and executive staff wrapped up a two-day visit to the Dampier Peninsula, meeting with community leaders, tourism operators and residents in Ardyaloon, Middle Lagoon and Lombadina to hear their priorities and feedback firsthand.
Could cost rate payers millions claims owners group
Council could be up for millions in legal fees to defend NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal NCAT proceedings against more than 100 semi-permanent caravan owners, claims the group. Owners of 136 holiday vans at 4 Council managed caravan parks situated on Crown Land at Brooms Head, Iluka, Minnie Water, and Wooli were sent letters in early March advising of the termination of long-term (casual occupation) agreements on June 30, 2025.
Riverland Enduro earning its place on the national circuit
Christine Webster. The ARB Waikerie Hotel Riverland Enduro attracted 61 entrants from across Australia on Saturday and Sunday. Waikerie Riverland Off-road Association president James Lochert said the event at New Well Station, south of Waikerie, was becoming popular on the national racing circuit.
New Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provider for West Wimmera
West Wimmera Health Service (WWHS) is delighted to announce that it has officially started delivering home support services to recipients of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) living in West Wimmera Shire. This transition, effective from 1 July 2025, allows WWHS to extend vital health and aged care services to communities in Kaniva, Goroke, Edenhope, Apsley, Harrow…
Ronald Marks convicted
Horsham man Ronald Marks, who worked in kindergartens and child playgroups less than an hour from Naracoorte, has been convicted in the Horsham Magistrate’s Court of accessing child abuse material ... A Wergaia elder whose face was painted on a silo as part of the iconic Sheep Hills silo art, Mr Marks, 74, pleaded guilty to seven charges against him on July 2.
NRLE eID work nearing completion
The Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange is close to finalising the installation of electronic identification (eID) equipment and infrastructure for sheep. The Naracoorte Lucindale Council confirmed the progress, noting that it allocated nearly $1 million in this financial year for improvements to the sheep yards.
Mayor talk with Louie Zaffina: Everything’s ticking along well
Balranald Shire moving forward with key projects and community initiatives. Mayor Louie Zaffina has been keeping busy since taking office, with significant progress on several fronts across the Balranald Shire. From major infrastructure projects to community health initiatives, Council is delivering on multiple priorities while actively seeking solutions to regional challenges.
Confirmed fire ant detection in Moranbah
Council has been aware of a confirmed detection of fire ants at the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance Broadmeadow Coal Mine site in Moranbah on Wednesday 9 July 2025. The detection was identified and managed...
Historic church falling down
Joanna Tucker. Copper Coast Council is set to buy an historic church near the tentatively listed UNESCO World Heritage Moonta Mines site which is continuing to deteriorate. The East Moonta Methodist Church, at the corner of Verran Terrace and Deeble Street, had another wall collapse last week.
“Turner & Australia” exhibition captivates crowds
The Turner & Australia exhibition at Gippsland Art Gallery has entered its second month and continues to deliver on expectations, drawing steady and growing numbers of visitors from across the region and beyond. Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the exhibition as “transcendental,” “superbly presented,” and “a major exhibition as good as you would see at the NGV.”
