The Empire raises its new curtain
After nearly three decades of quietly setting the scene, the Empire Theatre's iconic red curtain is taking its turn in the spotlight with the unveiling of a premium upgrade. For the first time since The Empire's grand reopening in 1997, the curtain has been replaced...
Yet again! Council meeting disrupted
Ordinary and Extraordinary Meetings of Clarence Valley Council (CVC) could proceed in the future with limited public attendance after CVC Mayor Ray Smith spoke of his plans to contact the Office of Local Government this week ... The decision was made at the conclusion of another 15-minute adjournment while members of the public and Clarence Valley Independent journalist Emma Pritchard were outside the Grafton Council Chambers.
Clarence Valley residents come together to pay their respects on ANZAC Day
Standing proudly alongside one another, thousands of Clarence Valley residents attended Dawn Services and Commemoration Services across the region on Anzac Day to pay tribute on the 110th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915 during WWI while also remembering the countless Australians who served, and sadly lost their lives, in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations through the years.
Nhill community honours ANZAC Day
The Nhill community came together in strong numbers to commemorate ANZAC Day, with around 300 people attending the Dawn Service and approximately 200 at the 11am service. The Dawn Service began with a reflection on the Gallipoli campaign and the spirit of the ANZACs, delivered by Nhill RSL President John Dunbar.
Two wind farms for Hay
Hay Shire Council has welcomed the announcement that Pottinger Wind Farm (Someva/AGL) and Bullawah Wind Farm (BayWa r.e) have been granted access under the South West Renewable Energy Zone Access Rights Scheme announced last Wednesday.
Property potential
Madison Eastmond. Berri Barmera Council says no local dwelling applications are being refused, while senior Riverland property industry figures say a new major residential development is set to help address a “dire shortage” of housing in the region.
Festival of Outback Skies set to light up Hughenden
Flinders Shire Council is excited to announce that the countdown is almost over, with just three days to go until the 2025 Festival of Outback Skies in Hughenden, running from 2-4 May 2025. Now in its third year, this vibrant, community-led event continues to grow – and 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest and best Festival yet.
Seminar: Promoting export opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), 14 May 2025
It is well recognised that Victoria's rural and regional areas are home to many of the key businesses in the food and fibre sector as well as manufacturing sectors and are major contributors to Victoria's exports ... Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) in partnership with Global Victoria and hosted by Wodonga Council proudly present the MENA seminar...
Community healthcare concerns
The community has called for better access to specialist healthcare services and further development of local health infrastructure within the district. This was strongly voiced during the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) public consultation for the development of the clinical services plan ... The goal of the consultation was to engage the community in identifying what matters most in advancing local healthcare services.
“Poppy Girls” heartfelt tribute
If you haven’t had the chance to visit the poppy installation at Naracoorte Town Square, you’re truly missing a stunning display of craftsmanship. This powerful tribute, featuring around 1,500 hand-knitted poppies arranged on a five-by-five-metre net, was created by Naracoorte’s heartfelt group known as the “Poppy Girls” in honour of the courageous ANZAC soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom.
Trail ride turned into more than a journey
Honor Auchinleck. The days, weeks and months have been very full since I received an email from Pat Leary - the inspiration behind the plan to ride the General Sir Harry Chauvel Memorial Foundation's Border Light Horse Trail. Pat wrote "I am looking into the idea of riding in light horse uniform and saddlery along the Australian Light Horse trail starting from Shepparton to Harden and then from Harden back to Tallangatta.
Entrepreneur festival back with a splash
Are you ready to ride the wave of innovation and entrepreneurship? Sunshine Coast’s flagship entrepreneur festival, FWD>>>FEST 25, is back from May 7–9, bringing together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, policymakers, creatives and corporates.
TRC’s election priorities
Ahead of the upcoming election, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has written to all candidates in Groom to put forward its priorities for the 2025 Federal election. Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said it was crucial that all candidates running for office in Groom were aware of Council's priorities. He said local government is a key partner to the Australian Government in delivering infrastructure and services that ensure our communities continue to grow and prosper.
Gathering plenty of piping good enthusiasm in Maclean
Maclean celebrated its 120th Highland Gathering in style across two massive days of events on the Easter Long Weekend ... Over 130 competitors travelled from as far as Perth, Melbourne, and Townsville to compete in the 33 solo events on the program.
Councillor’s comments create community anger
With the Aboriginal flag held in front of them, signs in their hands, and expressions of anger and disbelief on their faces, proud Yaegl, Bundjalung, and Gumbaynggirr men, women, and children, had a clear message they wanted to deliver during the monthly Ordinary Meeting of Clarence Valley Council (CVC) last week.
Barunga West Council to retain current structure, move to direct election of mayor
Michelle Daw. Barunga West Council has decided to retain its current structure and not reintroduce wards, following a review of its representation of residents ... They also voted for future mayors to be directly elected by the community, rather than by their peers as is currently the case.
No heads up: Locals say toxic microalgae advice was too slow
Sarah Herrmann. Southern Yorke Peninsula residents have criticised the speed at which advice was provided to the public about the toxic microalgae bloom, which has been detected at Edithburgh and Coobowie, and caused dead marine life to wash up on numerous other SYP beaches.
Not enough boots on the ground to deal with tropical soda apple north of Kyogle, advocacy group says
Prue Weir spoke about the issue of tropical soda apple at the Kyogle Council meeting on Monday, April 14. Ms Weir is a part of a group of residents formed in late 2023 to raise awareness of the insidious weed ... “It is an environmental disaster,” Ms Weir said.
Plumber presents plan for levee to reduce backwater flooding in Coraki
Ian Brown is a plumber who has lived in Coraki for 55 years. He presented his flood levee proposal at the Richmond Valley Council meeting on Tuesday, April 15. He reckons his proposal will reduce the backwater from floods at Coraki.
Golden opportunity as fossicking area established in Mount Morgan: Last
Locals and tourists can go for gold searching for buried treasure in Central Queensland with a new fossicking area established at Mount Morgan. The recreational fossicking area has been established after the Government consented to a General Permission Area (GPA) on State land surrounding Mount Morgan No 7 Dam.
Onslow 100 Year Festival
The town of Onslow, where it is today, was settled in 1925. We are proud of its rich history, and this year we are thrilled to commemorate a significant milestone – 100 years since its establishment after its relocation!
Memorial for Sgt Doig
After pumping $2000 into a Police Legacy Memorial, cattle producer Richard Ogilvie recently returned to Lucindale for the unveiling of a memorial for his friend, the late Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig PEM LEM ... The memorial is a plaque on a stand and a life-sized silhouette of Sgt Doig, based on a photo taken by his mother, Faye.
