Local landholders to benefit from new biofuel plantation
Council has welcomed the Queensland Government’s plans for a cutting-edge biofuel plantation near Emerald. Mayor Janice Moriarty joined state government, education, business and industry representatives at an initial tree planting of 16,000 Pongamia trees recently to mark the commencement of the project.
A wild, fun and magical journey to find that elusive Green Sheep
Where is the Green Sheep? is an immersive visual theatre experience based on the beloved children’s book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. We meet Blue Sheep who loves blue flowers and Red Sheep who loves to cartwheel in the fields, Bath Sheep who loves bubbles and Bed Sheep who loves to bounce... But where is that Green Sheep?
White Cliffs Solar Power Station
The White Cliffs Power Station is the first commercially operated solar thermal power station in NSW and one of the earliest of its kind in the world ... It is a popular tourist attraction and "tourism is an important economic driver for our small communities." The Heritage Council of NSW is thinking about putting the power station on the State Heritage register.
I am ready to get to work
“I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful… It’s a historic result, and I don't take this trust lightly. I’m ready to get to work.” That was the message from One Nation’s Jason Virgo after a stunning election result delivered a massive swing across the MacKillop electorate - with Naracoorte emerging as a key signal of change.
Hunter Valley Steamfest returns this April
Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest 2026 is fast approaching, with a packed program set to bring Maitland to life on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April. Alongside the headline ARTC Rail Program, there’s plenty happening across the city for all-ages.
Questions about waste collection services if fuel crisis escalates
The City of Wanneroo, Shire of Gingin and WALGA have been asked if local governments have any concerns about not being able to provide services such as waste collection services as the fuel crisis potentially escalates in coming weeks.
121st Maclean Highland Gathering
The Scottish town in Australia will come alive this weekend when the Lower Clarence Scottish Association presents the 121st Maclean Highland Gathering. On April 3 and 4, the sights and sounds of pipe bands and solo piping featuring some of Australia’s and the world’s best, will be complimented by the beauty and grace of highland dancing and the spectacular athleticism of the highland games.
Families furious with 10 per cent rise in childcare fees
Families who use childcare and early education centres run by Central Coast Council are furious with the plan to raise fees by 10% and worried about what it means for their working future. One called it a cash grab, another said it was a rip off ... "disgusting cash grab from Council"...
Harmony Day
Harmony Day was celebrated in Nhill on Saturday at Jaypex Park, with a number of countries represented through stalls and performances, including the Karen community, Samoan, New Zealand, Karen, Nepalese and Philippino. There were plenty of craft activities, including Samoan Lolly Lai necklace making, Maori Poi making for the Poi dance, pot painting, and free popcorn, all helping celebrate the rich cultural diversity within the shire.
Council backs agritourism camping opportunities that balance safety and sustainability
Scenic Rim Regional Council has reaffirmed its support and commitment to agritourism across the region with a focus on community safety, responsible land use and long-term sustainability. A report presented at yesterday's Ordinary Meeting outlined significant progress made over the past year - including stakeholder engagement, compliance activities and collaboration with industry and government partners - concerning camping-related short-term accommodation.
Mayor pay push splits council
A push to increase the mayor’s pay has split Naracoorte Lucindale Council, with councillors clashing over rising demands of the role - and whether ratepayers should foot the bill. At the March council meeting, chaired by deputy mayor Cr Abigail Goodman in the absence of mayor Patrick Ross, elected members voted to formally lobby the Remuneration Tribunal of South Australia to review and potentially increase mayoral allowance - and to “delink” the mayor’s allowance from the councillors.
Council prepares to launch 10-year plan, reflecting economic transition
"Hay sits at the intersection of significant geographic, economic and climatic transitions – a position that brings challenges and opportunities." Those were the words of Hay Mayor, Carol Oataway when she spoke about Council's 10-year plan as the final draft of Shaping Hay's Future - a 10 Year Economic Transition Roadmap was presented to Council at its March meeting.
A dream becomes reality with totem poles at entrance to hospital
The six totem poles that line the driveway to the Casino & District Memorial Hospital were officially unveiled ... Hand painted by residents at Balund-a, each totem pole design represents elements of the natural world, including animals, bush foods, and water.
Unanimous vote shows what matters
When a loved one goes missing, often suddenly and without explanation, the emotional and traumatic impact their disappearance has on their friends and family can be profound ... In Australia, police receive more than 50000 reports of missing persons each year ... The Green Seat Project has gained the support of tens of thousands of people across the country ...
Birchip silo art reaches finish post
A defining moment in Birchip's history now stands proudly above the town, with the remarkable story of Ray Neville and Rimfire brought to life on the Birchip silos. The project, driven by Birchip Community Forum, was first initiated by the late Joan Glen in 2023 and has been passionately carried forward by her husband Rod.
Library is a true asset
After an extensive internal renovation, the Corryong Elyne Mitchell Library was officially re-opened at a community event on Saturday. Towong Shire Council mayor, Cr Peter Tolsher, was joined by Colin Morrison (representing the Victorian Department of Government Services) and Honor Auchinleck, the daughter of Elyne Mitchell.
Bank closure a serious setback to bushfire recovery
Murrindindi Shire Council has expressed deep concern about the decision to close the Community Bank Kinglake branch, warning it risks undermining bushfire recovery and will leave the community without a critical local service. The branch will close on Friday 5 June 2026, forcing residents to travel around 25 kilometres to access the nearest full-service bank in Hurstbridge.
Aviation Taster Tour opens new horizons for Wellington students
Students from across Wellington Shire have taken a hands-on step into the world of aviation, experiencing firsthand the career opportunities available right on their doorstep through an Aviation Taster Tour hosted by Wellington Shire Council. Sixteen secondary school students from three Wellington schools took part in the tour on Tuesday 17 March, travelling between West Sale Airport and the Longford Heliport.
A better lifestyle through a stronger economy – Crisafulli Government secures bigger local benefits from proposed North West copper project: Bleijie
The proposed $2.3 billion Eva Copper mine has been declared a “large resource project” under the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017, ensuring the Cloncurry and Mount Isa communities benefit directly from its development and operation. The declaration means, if approved, the project will ensure local employment, local procurement and long term social and economic benefits for the Mt Isa and Cloncurry communities.
In 1936, the first greyhound race was held in Casino
The Casino Greyhound Club has celebrated 90 years since the first race meeting in Casino. On March 18, 1936, the Casino Tattersalls Jockey Club ran its inaugural greyhound racing meeting at Carrington Park, a venue later renamed Queen Elizabeth Park ... Twelve races were run on Friday, March 20 2026 with the club boosting prize money with an additional $2000 added to each race.
CLP delivers finalised Buffel Grass Weed Management Plan: Burgoyne
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has finalised the Northern Territory Buffel Grass Weed Management Plan 2026-36, which provides certainty for pastoralists and outlines a strategic path forward to manage its impact on the environment into the future ... “Buffel grass creates significant challenges relating to fire and environmental management and is also an important feed source for pastoralists and their cattle,” said Mr Burgoyne.
Walking in Two Worlds – Narrandera’s first Aboriginal Debutante Ball in 15 years
After 15 years, the Narrungdera Yulang Committee proudly brought back a powerful community tradition, hosting the Aboriginal Debutante Ball "Walking in Two Worlds" last week. The evening was a remarkable celebration of culture, family and community, marking a moment many had been waiting years to see return.

