Powerline battle still strong
In an ironic twist that many joked could have conspiracy written all over it, last Monday’s Community Meeting in Murrabit, to discuss the VNI West transmission line project, at the Murrabit Golf Club, lost power just before the meeting commenced.
Urban Channel Pipeline Project to benefit community
Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) is looking forward to kicking off the Urban Channel Pipeline Project this year, which will provide a range of benefits to the communities of Griffith and Leeton ... The project is designed to replace inefficient aging channels around Griffith and Leeton with 47.5 kilometres of new pipeline.
Shire tops fire funding list
The Shire of Denmark has received $193,050 from the State Government’s Mitigation Activity Fund towards 47 bushfire mitigation works in the shire this year. The annual bushfire risk reduction works will continue with those funded through the Mitigation Activity Fund identified as priorities.
Council applies for funding to create more housing options
West Wimmera Shire Council is taking proactive steps to address the critical housing shortage across the region. Council is applying for $5 million from the State Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund – Round 2.
Little Desert fires devastate local communities
The Little Desert fires, which began on Monday, January 27, in the Little Desert National Park due to dry lightning, have had a significant impact on local communities.
Students begin their country practice
A trio of fifth-year University of Adelaide medical students began their practical experience on the Copper Coast last week.
Is this the community paradise you’ve been looking for? Ecovillage info session attracts a crowd
Community, affordable housing, creeks and dams in a rural village — how could this be possible? About 50 people were at an information session in Kyogle to hear more about the Afterlee Ecovillage ... Town planner for the project Shane Sylvanspring said, “All sites are good even if you’re the 60th person.”
Where does all the money go?
How many troubled children in Central Australia fall under the umbrella of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)? Surely that was a known number upon which Anthony Albanese’s $250m “special grant” was based.
2025 Citizens of the Year announced
Southern Downs Regional Council announced the recipients of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards at a special civic ceremony held at Dalveen State School on Sunday 26 January. These outstanding individuals and events were formally honoured for their exceptional dedication, leadership and service.
Sports funding
Sporting clubs and community groups in the South East play a vital role in fostering social connections and promoting an active lifestyle ... Are government efforts sufficient enough to support these local clubs in towns such as Naracoorte, Penola, and Bordertown?
New healthcare service for Robe
The Robe community will soon benefit from a new healthcare service that will significantly improve access to primary care. Robe is one of only two locations in regional South Australia, alongside Ceduna, to be selected for the expanded Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Pilot program, which aims to offer more healthcare options for residents in the region.
Mayor’s service to community recognised with OAM
Sean Cunningham. Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Neville Kschenka is no stranger to being in the limelight given the position he holds in local government, but his status was elevated on Australia Day.
Three cheers for Greer
Longstanding Cambooya Rural Fire Brigade volunteer Garry Greer was honoured as the Cambooya Citizen of the Year at this year’s Cambooya Australia Day festivities. An emotional Mr Greer was presented the award by Toowoomba Region Councillor Carol Taylor, alongside the Junior Sports, Community Group of the Year and Community Event of the Year awards.
Our communities recognise their heroes
Corryong’s Citizen of the Year was Kate Wheeler who was presented with her award by Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead, at a community breakfast on Australia Day ... Event of the Year 2025 - Corryong & Upper Murray Agricultural and Pastoral Society ...
‘We will survive’ says Survival Day speaker
While Australia Day celebrations took pride and place in Narrandera on Sunday, some locals marched to display their "resistance". A Survival Day march attracted a crowd of about 100 people who marched along East Street to the Narrandera Memorial Gardens ... One of those who spoke at the Gardens was Narrandera Shire Councillor Braden Lyons.
Community committees cut to 4
Clarence Valley Council has voted on a proposal to condense 10 Community Committees into 4, a move that has some councillors concerned about the impact on Council’s response to climate change. At the December 19 ordinary Council meeting, Councillors discussed updating the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and developing a Delivery Program...with a proposal to reduce 10 community committees to 4 that are aligned with the CSP, Community and Culture, Economic Development, Environment and Sustainability, and Access and Inclusion.
Hindmarsh Shire Australia Day Awards 2025
Australia Day started early in Hindmarsh Shire on Sunday 26 January 2025, commencing with a BBQ breakfast in Rainbow at 7:30am provided by the Rainbow Lions Club, followed by ceremonies in Jeparit, Dimboola, and concluding in Nhill ... Bailee White of Nhill has been announced as the recipient of Hindmarsh Shire Young Citizen of the Year for 2025.
Cash cut at boat ramps
Sarah Herrmann. Recreational boaters in the Yorke Peninsula Council area will soon be unable to buy a single-launch permit with cash, after elected members voted to remove traditional coin machines from boat ramps ... RecFish SA executive officer Asher Dezsery said app-based payments had caused issues across the state.
Ratepayers protest councillor suspension
Sarah Herrmann. A protest against the suspension of Yorke Peninsula Council elected member Adam Meyer preceded the council’s ordinary meeting last week. Yorke Peninsula Ratepayers Association members gathered on the steps of the Minlaton Town Hall, holding A4 printouts of Councillor Meyer’s face, as well as signs reading "What truths are the CEO and mayor hiding?"...
Buloke achievers recognised
The 2025 Buloke Shire Council Awards celebration was held on January 23, in Wycheproof Town Hall, featuring buffet-style catering with an incredible selection of delicious food ... “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible people in our community,” Mayor Alan Getley said.
Housing crises affects businesses
Businesses from all sectors in the Tatiara District—whether trades, diesel mechanics, car dealers, agricultural machinery and supplies, manufacturing, or engineering—with five or 500 staff are unable to grow, or in some cases operate at capacity, because there is no accommodation available to house the staff they need to attract. This is the situation facing the district, council chief executive officer Anne Champness has told The [Naracoorte] News.
Mayor outlines 2025 vision: New CEO, funding, engagement
This year will feature a few highly important projects according to Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald. The appointment of a new Council CEO, ongoing advocacy for State and Australian Government funding and the new Councillor Community Engagement model rank as the most important items on the Mayor’s agenda.

