Stolen memorial plaques found near Tweed Heads cemetery
More than 100 memorial plaques stolen from a cemetery at Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads have been located and reported to police. A groundsman at the Tweed Heads Lawn and General Cemetery located the 102 plaques piled up and hidden behind barriers on the outer perimeter of the grounds late yesterday.
Where’s the community benefit to industrial green energy?
As the industrial sprawl of green energy marches across the government-identified Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), Gannawarra Shire Councillor Garner Smith has renewed his call for negotiating lasting benefits from the VNI West project and renewable developments for Gannawarra residents. “Personally, I do not see an overall long-term benefit for communities like Gannawarra, out of either the VNI West power line or the renewable projects. Little to no long-term employment, unattractive infrastructure on a scale that the community does not comprehend and a benefits package that lacks detail and sounds more like welfare than an opportunity.
12 to contest seats on Narrandera Council
Twelve candidates are standing for election to the Narrandera Shire Council, including eight of the existing councillors and a former councillor who is seeking re-election. The new candidates are Anthony Marsh, Andrew Jamieson and Cameron Rouse, while former councillor Bob Manning is standing after a previous term on council. Cr Kevin Morris of Barellan is not seeking re-election to council this time.
Exhibition takes flight for local farmer
Working on the land, Moulamein farmer Nick McKindlay found farming gave him a great opportunity to explore his passion for birds. "As a farmer, I spend most of the workday outdoors, and my passion for birds has naturally woven itself into my daily activities," said Nick.
Memorial plaques stolen from Tweed cemetery
More than 100 copper plaques have been stolen from Tweed Heads Lawn and General Cemetery at Kirkwood Street. The plaques, with an estimated replacement value of between $30,000 to $40,000, were discovered missing from the southern end of the cemetery by a groundsman early yesterday morning ... Council is working with police who will review nearby CCTV footage in their investigations.
Strong field in council elections
Ten candidates will vie for a seat of eight on the new Hay Shire Council when voters go to the polls on Saturday, September 14. They are, in order of ballot: David Townsend, Martyn Quinn, Wil Miller, Steven Young, Carol Oataway, Lionel Garner, Darren Tapper, Paul Porter, John Perry and Geoff Chapman. Balranald Shire has 13 contestants in the first Local Government elections since the former Council was put under administration.
Governor’s visit
Last week, Her Excellency Professor, the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, embarked on a regional visit across Hindmarsh and West Wimmera Shires. As the 30th Governor of Victoria and only the second woman to hold this position, Governor Gardner’s visit highlighted the innovative and forward-thinking businesses in the region.
17 candidates running for council
Registrations for the 2024 Local Government Elections have closed, the ballot draw has been conducted and first-time candidate, Ulmarra’s Cristie Yager secured the top spot on ballot papers out of 17 candidates for the election ... Residents of the Clarence Valley will elect 9 councillors from the 17 candidates to steer Clarence Valley Council for the next four years.
Game on: Recovery meets gaming
Community engagement efforts in the Buloke Shire have highlighted the significant role online gaming plays in the lives of our residents, particularly among young people. Gaming is more than a pastime – it’s vital for community cohesion and recovery, as shown by the successful Level Up event at Sea Lake Neighbourhood House on Monday, with over 40 attendees, and another event set for Wycheproof on Sunday.
More water and better quality promised to three villages with $2mil funding
Water supply for the villages of Urbenville, Muli Muli and Woodenbong will be increased in capacity from 600 to 700 people. The Water Supply Project to these three villages will also improve the water quality as well with State Government funding of $2million to deliver the final stages to the Urbenville Water Treatment Plant.
Accept or appeal? Residents opposing Iron Gates launch petition
Iron Gates has the go-ahead after decades of opposition – Goldcoral Pty Ltd has permission to build on the land next to Evans River. It is a devastating decision for those Evans Head residents who have fought the development for so long.
At last – our hall is ready for action
Allora organisations are happy to have the Community Hall operational again so regular events can return to normal. Mayor Melissa Hamilton, Deputy Mayor Sheryl Windle Councillor Sarah Deane and Councillor Carla Pidgeon were in Allora on Friday for the ofï¬cial re-opening of the Community Hall.
Southern Basin communities raise alarm over water recovery impact
The Commonwealth Government water buybacks scheme will disproportionately impact the southern Murray-Darling Basin, as the region still struggles to overcome the impacts of earlier water recovery programs. Water users and local government have outlined the significant risks posed by water recovery policies to the region’s agriculture, economy, and mental health, in a letter to State and federal politicians and departments.
Councils join hospital debate
Serious concerns about the provision of health care services to meet the needs of rural and regional communities across North East Victoria have been aired at a special meeting of Indigo, Alpine and Towong Shire Councils. Mayors and councillors from the three municipalities held an historic joint meeting ... where they voted unanimously to take a united stance to advocate for better health services for the region including a single site hospital built on a greenfield site.
PAW Patrol Pups to take to the stage at the Laidley Spring Festival
Little heroes are encouraged to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime when PAW Patrol makes their way to the Lockyer Valley! Heroic pups Chase and Marshall, together with their fearless leader Ryder will visit this year’s Laidley Spring Festival come September and remember, no job is too big, no pup is too small for these heroes!
Plans to turn bowlo into a medical centre
The Woodburn Bowling Club could be turned into a medical centre if the development application currently on public exhibition is approved ... The project has letters of support from Federal MP Kevin Hogan, State MP Richie Williamson, the Woodburn Pharmacy, Healthy North Coast and an anonymous letter in favour of Woodburn getting doctors again.
Remembering Elliot McAdam: Local leader honoured for service to Barkly
Tributes for iconic local Elliot McAdam AM have flowed in across social media following his death on Monday ... Born in his namesake town of Elliott, Mr McAdam spent many years of his early life in Adelaide before returning to the Barkly in the 90s to take on the role as General Manager of Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation.
Services collaborate to address community legal needs in Barkly
In the Barkly region, four legal services are working together in a collaborative effort to assist individuals in preventing and handling legal issues effectively. The Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit (CAAFLU), Central Australian Women’s Legal Service (CAWLS), North Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), and Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission have come together to support the community in navigating legal challenges.
Elected councillors to return but”¦
Eighteen community members, from towns and rural areas, attended the community meeting with the Minister for Local Government Hon. Ron Hoenig on Sunday 21st July to hear of his plans for the future of Central Darling Shire Council. The Minister said that he would be returning the Council to a form of democracy in around March 2025.
Independent Review findings shared
At a Community Meeting in Carisbrook ... the findings and recommendations of the Carisbrook Levee Independent Review were shared with residents ... The report has found that overall, there is confidence in the catchment modelling to which the Levee has been built.
Future proofing your farm – Soil health and water in the landscape event series
Northern Slopes Landcare Association and Tamworth Regional Landcare are running a series of events for farming communities across the North West to inspire conversations about the importance of soil health and understanding water in our landscapes to build more resilient and profitable farms and communities. The events also feature the screening of new Australian short documentary Thankful for Soil...
An event set to excite all lovers of the ocean
A special event is set to celebrate the Sunshine Coast’s magnificent ocean and coastline like never before. If you are a thalassophile – a lover of the ocean – then get ready to take part in the inaugural Sunshine Coast Marine Bioblitz...

