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.
Easter Rod Run 2025 – What’s on: Message from the organisers
Steven Alldrick. A warm hello to all our entrants, visitors, and locals who have ventured to Narrandera this year for the 40th Narrandera Rod Run. We are excited to be back for another wonderful Easter, with a good number of entrants, we expect similar numbers around the oval at the show n shine on Sunday; with 400 cars in attendance.
Bore no more soon in Vale View
An additional 100 homes in the Vale View area of the Toowoomba Region will soon be connected to the Bulk Water Supply network, meaning the existing bore will no longer be needed.
From Tibet to Tamborine Mountain, singer-songwriter’s musical journey
Tibetan-Australian singer-songwriter Tenzin Choegyal is inviting music lovers to join his cultural journey in a one-night-only performance in the Scenic Rim. His Whispering Sky concert at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre ... 16 May, will showcase his extraordinary vocal ability and mastery of traditional instruments such as the lingbu (bamboo flute) and dranyen (three-stringed lute).
Beware of politicians bearing gifts
It is about time that all we Australians of different political persuasions spoke up against the way our tax monies are all too often being manipulated and used for non-essential vote collecting purposes. Each day during the current national election campaign we have been wont to hear this or that politician standing for election often making 'pie in the sky' promises...
Van owners get a reprieve
The owners of 136 semi-permanent holiday caravans in 4 Council managed caravan parks have won a reprieve from eviction on June 30, after Clarence Valley Councillors passed a rescission motion to halt the process 5 votes to 3 ... At the March 20 ordinary Council meeting, a foreshadowed motion put forward by Cr Peter Johnstone was carried 6 votes to 2... “They’ve been poorly treated, it’s an insult, it’s almost intimidation": Cr Cairns.
Council announces withdrawal from aged care services
West Wimmera Shire Council is withdrawing from the delivery of aged care services across the shire. Most Victorian local councils have already withdrawn from aged care services ahead of the imminent commencement of the Federal Government's new Support at Home Program.
WWHS Community Gardens: A success story
In 2010, a group of Karen refugees embarked on a life-changing journey, transitioning from their refugee camp in Werribee to the small rural town of Nhill ... Integral to this integration effort was community leader Kaw Doh, who became a central figure in guiding the Karen people through this period of change.
Council votes to revisit its shed policy
"Why do we have a shed policy?" The question was asked by Cr John Perry at last month's Hay Shire Council meeting when he objected to a Development Application for a shed outside of the policy guidelines. "We're opening a Pandora's Box," he said.

