Shark Bay rated very good for water quality but two beaches graded poor
Ninety five per cent of ocean beaches in NSW have been graded as Good or Very Good. The State Government Beachwatch Program has assessed beaches since 1989. The latest report summarises the performance of 218 swimming sites along the NSW coast in 2023–2024 including ocean beaches, estuarine areas lakes, lagoons and freshwater swimming sites.
Qantas Media Release – Lord Howe Island flights
Qantas customers will continue to be able to fly between Sydney and Lord Howe Island for years to come as part of an agreement with regional airline Skytrans. With the national carrier retiring the Q200 aircraft it currently operates on the route, Skytrans has been awarded the licence to fly to the island by the New South Wales Government exclusively from 26 February 2026.
Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid
As part of our Roadshow events, you can visit the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage bid information display at the Maldon Museum and Historic Archives. The team worked together with the Museum volunteers to set up our display on show at the museum throughout November. Â Â
Bad luck continues for Leeton’s historic Roxy Theatre as out of control car hits frontage
The facade of Leeton’s Roxy Theatre was damaged by a driver who lost control on the nearby roundabout last week. The historic building is in the middle of extensive renovations. CCTV footage shows the vehicle being driven at speed and going into an apparently deliberate slide or "drift" before hitting the building and being driven away.
Indigenous art collaboration
Students at Leitchville Preschool have a new art installation to admire, and it’s one they can be proud to say they have been a part of ... Tobie Cameron, a Kalkatungu man, was commissioned to paint the artwork, and visited the preschool to discuss the concept, design and process with students and staff, and to guide them through their involvement.
New look Hay Shire Council meets for the first time
Cr Carol Oataway has been re-elected mayor of Hay Shire Council. The mayor retained her seat after surviving a challenge from newly elected councillor, John Perry in an open vote, 5 – 3. Hay has a new deputy mayor after a tightly contested election between Crs Martyn Quinn, Lionel Garner and Geoff Chapman.
Wiregrass project update
The Kaniva and District Progress Association’s Wiregrass Heritage Trail project is progressing well, combining art, history, and community input to bring Australian social history to life. The project launched in July 2023 with an initial community meeting to gather local input, followed by the start of video storytelling, capturing the community’s connection to the trail’s history.
Serviceton’s Angela Heinrich recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year
West Wimmera Shire Council has named Serviceton’s Angela Heinrich as the 2024 Senior Citizen of the Year ... Ms Heinrich has been an active volunteer in her community for many years and continues to make an outstanding contribution to both the Serviceton and Kaniva districts.
‘On world map’ – region secures three global honours: Sunshine Coast Council
The Sunshine Coast’s passion for innovation, growth and commitment to community has been highlighted with three major international awards. Sunshine Coast Council won three Gold awards at the 2024 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) awards ceremony held in Denver, Colorado, in the United States.
Saltmarsh trail vandalised
The Whyalla community has faced a string of vandalism over the past few months, with recent acts targeting the hard work of numerous community organisations involved in creating self-guided, interactive saltmarsh trails at Eight Mile and Murrippi beaches … four of the seven information posts have been stolen … as well as the intersection sign for Murrippi road has been torn down.
I Feel Alive and Can’t Complain wins major prize for artist who grew up as an ‘army brat’
The winners were announced at the Coraki Art Prize Gala Night at the Coraki Youth Hall ... Organiser Tanya Alderman said there were more than 100 youth entries. Best in Show went to Hollie McKenzie from Whian Whian for her artwork  I Feel Alive but Can’t Complain. She won $2000 sponsored by Casino RSM Club.
Penola named South Australian Agricultural Town of the Year 2024: Scriven
Penola, in South Australia's Limestone Coast, has been named the 2024 Agricultural Town of the Year, in recognition of its dedication to agriculture, agricultural education and community. The announcement was made at the Regional Showcase Awards held at Beresford House in McLaren Vale.
Narrandera celebrates its furry friends
Sean Cunningham. This year’s Narrandera Koala Fest at the Brewery Flat Reserve attracted a large number of wildlife enthusiasts. The event is designed to celebrate Narrandera’s furry friends and to raise awareness about their conservation. A Narrandera Shire Council spokesperson hailed the event as a success with many koalas being spotted.
Honour Wall recognises achievement and heritage of Wiradjuri people
Narrandera Shire Council, in partnership with the Narrandera Aboriginal Elders Liaison Group, officially opened the Wiradjuri Honour Wall at Marie Bashir Park in Narrandera on Saturday. This event celebrated and honoured the rich cultural heritage and achievements of the Wiradjuri people. Wiradjuri elder Aunty Jennifer Johnson had the honour of cutting the ribbon...
Illegal trails claim: Call for Hallowell bike ban
Patricia Gill. Friends of Kooryanderup (Mt Hallowell) are calling for a ban on mountain biking on the 532ha A-Class reserve. The Friends have raised concerns as the Shire of Denmark is set to overhaul the Mt Hallowell Management Plan (2008). The Friends report having seen youngsters with shovels and rakes emerging from the Sheila Heritage Trail Park Reserve.
Gannawarra Shire pushes hard on renewables
Around 70 people attended the Gannawarra Shire Council’s (GSC) renewable energy day. The day commenced in the Kerang Memorial Hall … According to the figure produced by Gannawarra Shire Council, 80 farming businesses are involved in energy projects…
Forum tackles aged care issues
The Hay Shire Council Aged Care Roundtable was held last Monday and was organised by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care Local Network. More than 25 people attended, representing Council, Haydays, Hay Multi-Purpose Service, and aged care providers and support services.
New CVC mayor and deputy mayor elected
Ray Smith has been elected as the new Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor during the first ordinary meeting of council following the 2024 Local Government Election at the Grafton Council Chambers ... As he outlined his experience and knowledge while reflecting on his extensive career within Local Government, Cr Smith spoke of his past leadership across three "very different councils with different cultures" over a 30 year period ...
Emergency works get started at Foul Bay
Rachel Hagan. Yorke Peninsula Council is about to undertake almost $100,000 worth of emergency works to address erosion at Mud Alley in Foul Bay. Over the past 40 years, coastal erosion has gradually worn away the beachfront, leaving properties vulnerable to flooding during severe weather events.
Generators arrive to remote towns in Far West
Emily McInerney. It was announced at midday Saturday ... that power has been restored, via generator, to customers living in rural areas outside of Broken Hill, after Essential Energy completed aerial inspections of the power network and confirmed it was safe to re-energise. More than 12,000 customers were impacted by unplanned outages following a storm that moved through the area on Wednesday night, bringing down transmission towers and causing damage to the electricity network.
Central Darling Shire Council seeking community views for flood planning
Community views are being sought for the Central Darling Shire Flood Risk Management Study and Plan. Central Darling Shire Council has engaged consultants to undertake the Central Darling Shire Flood Risk Management Study and Plan which will focus on the townships of Wilcannia, Menindee, Ivanhoe, Tilpa and Sunset Strip.
Ireland calls for upgrade
The low-level classification of a road servicing traffic between Bordertown, Lucindale and Kingston will be compared with similar roads by Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s administration. This follows Cr Peter Ireland’s call for the classification of several roads, including Dickensons Rd, to be reviewed and upgraded in the council's Road and Stormwater Infrastructure Management Plan. The plan includes a road hierarchy, and the matter was raised at the council's September 10 Strategic Asset and Planning (SAP) meeting.
