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Council

Councillors are accountable for council decisions: TasFarmers

Councillors must be held accountable for the actions of local government CEOs and General Managers, and cannot hide behind the veil of operational decision-making. CEO of peak farming group TasFarmers, Nathan Calman said, “Council CEOs and General Managers implement the strategic and policy directions of council as determined by the elected members.”

Three questions with featured artist – Tim Ellis

Tim Ellis' current exhibition of paintings and new media, ‘Glimpses’ brings together cinematic compositions and bright, fluid brushstrokes for vivid, hyper-real scenes from his life in rural Far North Queensland ... Tim joins us to answer three questions about 'Glimpses', on display at the Tableland Regional Gallery until 7 March.

Kingston community still waiting on jetty insurance

Following severe storms in May 2025, the Kingston Jetty was severely damaged and then three weeks later in June, after more storm surge events and seven metres swells, the Jetty was destroyed. An engineering report estimated the extent of damage at $11.2 million and a claim was submitted to the State Government, which self-insures its assets.

2026 co-pilots in the fight for fairer regional skies: RCA, AAA

Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) and the Australian Airports Association (AAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets out an agreement to work together to advocate for fairer airfares, stronger connectivity and more sustainable airports across regional Australia.

60 years NT: The ups, the downs

Alex Nelson. This year, 2026, marks the 60th anniversary of a pivotal episode in the history of the Northern Territory. Seismic changes occurred in national and local politics that profoundly influenced the course of events shaping the Territory as we know it today.

Council supports plan to alleviate rental crisis

Merilyn Vale. Central Coast Councillor Doug Eaton wants the Australian Government to introduce a system to incentivise retirees to rent out vacant rooms in their family home to alleviate the existing rental crisis.

Inverleigh Dachshund Derby, 1 March 2026

Get ready for big excitement on little legs at the Inverleigh Dachshund Derby! This much-loved local event brings a whole lot of joy—and a fair bit of chaos—as dozens of determined sausage dogs line up to sprint, wobble and occasionally wander their way toward the finish line.

Gingin man due back in court next month

Stephen Balcombe was charged by Gingin Police in January with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence ... 62-year-old Mr Balcombe, who is the husband of Shire of Gingin President Linda Balcombe, was remanded on bail to reappear in the Midland Magistrates Court ...

Is Struan House being left to rot?

Is the slow decay of the iconic Struan House south of Naracoorte a case of “demolition by neglect” — and has South Australia squandered a once-in-a-generation chance to anchor cutting-edge agricultural research in the Limestone Coast?

New legislation to crackdown on ‘factories of hate’: Minns, Scully, Hoenig

The NSW Government will today introduce legislation into Parliament to strengthen councils’ enforcement powers to shut down unlawful places of worship. The legislation is a crackdown on ‘factories of hate’ which are unlawfully promoting hate, intimidation and dividing our community.

Metal in March 2026 set to energise the Central Highlands with creativity and community spirit 

What began as an initiative to promote the region’s thriving arts and culture sector through sustainable art practices has grown into a diverse program of metal focused workshops, creative activities and community events across the region ... This year’s events feature a vibrant metal art exhibition at the Emerald Art Gallery, an inspiring public metal art trail spanning the region, and an engaging lineup of flower making and blacksmithing workshops.

Draft Campaspe Festivals and Events Strategy open for public comment

Campaspe Shire Council’s draft Campaspe Festivals & Events Strategy 2026-2031 has opened for comment. The draft strategy was developed following community consultation in 2024-25 and outlines social, cultural, economic, and environmental goals for festivals and events within Campaspe Shire that align with the broader aims of Council and the community.

Australians trading the city for the regions

Caitlin Menadue. A growing number of Australians are leaving capital cities for regional towns, with Yorke Peninsula among the areas seeing the shift ... Coastal towns such as Wallaroo continue to attract retirees and young families ... "It's spacious, you can have chickens and it's great exposure for kids," said Simone Walters.

Wildlife warrior and reef champion earn citizenship recognition

Founder of Summer Spirit, Summer Adams, was named Highly Commended in the Young Citizen of the Year category for her remarkable commitment to wildlife conservation, community service and youth empowerment ... Scarlett Cheetham was nominated for Young Citizen of the Year, in recognition of her longstanding commitment to kindness, volunteering, and environmental and marine conservation initiatives.

Huge crowd supports Mayor

More than 100 supporters for Mayor Asta Hill at last night's council meeting spilled from the meeting chamber into the entrance hall and from there onto the lawns outside. They displayed love hearts in the Aboriginal flag colours, with her name inside, and a poster saying "Asta Hill Leadership" ... This followed the Mayor's decision to stay away from the council's Australia Day celebrations ...

Australia Day and Survival Day

In Maldon, it was a friendly gathering in the Shire Gardens with flags flying and snags frying, all thanks to volunteers and the Maldon RSL ... In Castlemaine, Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson welcomed a packed Town Hall with a traditional ceremony on ... 26 January before Council CEO Darren Fuzzard spoke about the day’s theme of ‘Reflect, Respect, Celebrate’.

CMA discusses GST Review with NSW Premier and Treasurer

“While GST distribution has traditionally been seen as an issue between the State and the Commonwealth, Local Government is an important stakeholder. Councils across remote, rural and regional NSW depend on the State Government for a diverse range of funding, everything from roads to libraries, from community services to economic development initiatives,” Temora Mayor Rick Firman said..

Narrandera’s own Dame Marie Bashir passes away

Narrandera Shire Council has extended its deepest condolences on the passing of Dame Marie Bashir AC CVO, a remarkable Australian and one of Narrandera's most distinguished local-born citizens. Born in Narrandera, Dame Marie Bashir went on to lead an extraordinary life of service, becoming one of Australia's most respected medical professionals, advocates and leaders. Her achievements were many, including her historic role as the 37th Governor of New South Wales and the first woman to hold that office.

Labor for MacKillop’s future?

As MacKillop heads toward the March 2026 state election, voters are being challenged to weigh experience, independence, and influence. Labor candidate Mark Braes makes his case in an exclusive Q&A with The [Naracoorte] News, pitching decades in law, local government, and mayoral leadership—alongside the leverage of being part of a governing SA Labor Party.

Jappy is Hay’s top citizen

Allan Japp's story is one of extraordinary dedication, quiet leadership and lifelong service to the people of Hay. For nearly 70 years, Allan has been a cornerstone of our town through his work in pharmacy, emergency services, sport and a wide range of community organisations.

Hindmarsh Shire Australia Day awards 2026

Australia Day started early in Hindmarsh Shire on Monday 26 January 2026, commencing with a BBQ breakfast in Rainbow at 7:30am, followed by ceremonies in Jeparit, Dimboola, and Nhill ... Congratulations to the recipients of the Hindmarsh Shire Council Australia Day Awards held at the Nhill Memorial Community Centre on Monday due to the extreme weather conditions.

Mayor Hill to abstain from council’s Australia Day function

The Town Council ... (19.1.2026) announced its "special Australia Day ceremony" and ... (20.1.2026) Mayor Asta Hill announced that she won't be taking part. "It is my personal view that the 26 January is not the right date to celebrate our national day," she said in a statement.

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