Show Society confidence in games bid
Allora Show Society is moving ahead with an attempt to become involved in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games after discussing the potential for a multi-function stables complex at the showgrounds. It is anticipated that the complex would cost around $1.5 million and would become a valuable asset at the showgrounds beyond the Olympics.
Hole lot of drama on Armidale Road
Several vehicles have had tyres damaged, and rims broken as they’ve travelled along a notoriously dangerous 22km section of Armidale Road between Coutts Crossing and Nymboida in recent months, with one social media user likening it to the Mariana Trench. With countless potholes, some measuring 16cm deep and 40cm wide, creating a hazardous obstacle course on the bitumen, many locals and business representatives ... have shared various warnings online...
Fire fuel load reaching critical levels: TasFarmers
Farmers across the north of the state are increasingly worried by the huge fuel load on the roadside, especially in the Meander Valley, Northern Midlands and Latrobe Municipalities and on roads controlled by the state government. “The risk of a catastrophic fire caused by too much long grass and weeds on the edges of the roads is increasing by the day,” said TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman.
Value of Murray-Darling conference lauded by councillor
The Murray-Darling Association 2025 National Conference saw its new Strategic Plan unveiled, building on the direction of Vision 2025. Narrandera Shire Council was represented by Cr Jenny Clarke, who presented a report to the Council recently.
State of disaster declared
On Friday 20 buildings were lost in the fire that tore through Grass Flat including Natimuk and Quantong, in the afternoon. Local crews including the FCV Broughton T1 and Propodollah T1, manned by members from across the Lowan Group, attended the Grass Flat/Natimuk fires for two days, including Friday faced with extreme heat and winds.
A matter of trust: unpacking Bendigo’s Better Big Bank campaign
Love it, hate it or don’t even understand it, Bendigo Bank’s multi-million dollar “Better Big Bank” marketing campaign has raised a lot of questions since its launch seven years ago ... A review of the “last bank out” of regional towns across Australia since 2020 has revealed that Bendigo has left more communities without banking services than all four big banks put together.
Dark sky could dawn at Port Moorowie
Caitlin Menadue. A new Dark Sky Policy could put Yorke Peninsula's Port Moorowie on the stargazing map as community consultation draws to a close today, Tuesday, January 13. If adopted, Port Moorowie will become an established Dark Sky Community alongside Carrickalinga on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the first Dark Sky Community in South Australia.
Shire of Gingin acknowledges police investigation
The Shire of Gingin says it is aware WA Police have undertaken an investigation relating to matters involving one or more of the shire’s councillors. This morning WA Police said that Gingin Police had charged a 61-year-old Gingin man after he allegedly made numerous threatening phone calls to a person between February 7, 2025 and September 10, 2025.
Loxton arts advocate’s honour
Sebastian Calderon. "In a country town, if you can play piano, you get asked to do a lot of things... " - Karyn Skewes ... Community contribution through music, mentorship and quiet leadership has earned Loxton's Karyn Skewes the District Council of Loxton Waikerie Citizen of the Year award – recognising more than three decades of shaping the region's cultural life and strengthening local connections.
New John Houston Memorial Pool an investment in Hay’s health, wellbeing and vibrancy
The fully refurbished John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool is more than a safe place to swim. It is more than being the largest capital project in Council history. In her official address during the opening ceremony on December 19, Hay Mayor, Carol Oataway said the pool complex was a community hub, a place where families gather, friendships are forged, and active, healthy lifestyles are encouraged.
Review slams Council – Office of Local Government to recommend actions
The culture, staff conduct, loss of public trust, disorder at meetings, and a lack of transparency and accountability were all issues identified by the Office of Local Government in a review into Clarence Valley Council. In November, the Office of Local Government (OLG) announced it would be conducting a review into Clarence Valley Council. “In recent months, the Office of Local Government has received multiple complaints and concerns about the operation of Clarence Valley Council,” an OLG spokesperson said.
Regional shires suffer while city projects have unlimited funding says Narrandera mayor
Narrandera mayor Neville Kschenka has returned from a visit to the site of the Western Sydney International Airport convinced that while regional shires struggle to receive funding for important road infrastructure to provide access to markets and ports, city projects appear to have almost unlimited funding ... "Premier Chris Minns spoke about affordable housing, but the conversation was mainly centred around Sydney and suburbs. He did not take any questions on the day," Cr Kschenka said.
Mural completed at Darlington Point pool just in time for Christmas
Darlington Point’s War Memorial Swimming Pool has been given a stunning new look, with a vibrant mural completed just in time for Christmas. The eye-catching artwork celebrates the area’s unique landscape and biodiversity, bringing native birds, bees and local flora to life.
No quick fix for NSW Red Fleet ownership
NSW councils looking for a quick fix to the ownership issues plaguing the Red Fleet have been left disappointed. The NSW government has released its Response to the Parliamentary Accounts Committee's Inquiry into Assets, premises and funding of the NSW RFS. Its response to the major recommendations that the assets be recognised as the property of the NSW RFS, has effectively been kicked down the road ...
Watching for marine recovery on SYP
Michelle Daw. A team of citizen scientists is monitoring the impact of the harmful algal bloom on two southern Yorke Peninsula jetties that were home to a dazzling array of sea life. Certified volunteer divers involved in the Edithburgh and Wool Bay Jetties Marine Watch are conducting monthly photography, transects of the seafloor, and quadrat observations under and around both jetties.
Council and community discuss hall problems
More than 70 community members gathered at a meeting in Charlton this week to discuss the current temporary closure of the Charlton Shire Hall due to the potential friable asbestos identified in the decorative brickwork wall cavities in June ... Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of Amosite asbestos within cavities ...
Street smart
Last week marked the International Day of People with Disability ... so it was fitting to consider how the design of a humble pedestrian crossing can make a difference to safety and accessibility.
Ballet Under the Stars to dazzle beneath the Horsham summer sky
Horsham Rural City Council is thrilled to welcome The Australian Ballet to Horsham for a magical evening of world class dance, transforming the City Oval into an outdoor theatre. Ballet Under the Stars will delight audiences with a varied program of ballets ...
Clean water – we’re one step closer
Narrandera Shire Council is excited to announce that the community is one step closer to safer, more reliable water, with $908,000 in funding from the Albanese Government to develop a full business case for a new, state-of-the-art Narrandera Water Treatment Plant.
Somerset artists and ag show enthusiasts celebrate ‘The Show’
Somerset Regional Art Gallery welcomed agricultural show enthusiasts and art lovers for the opening of two new exhibitions on Saturday, 6 December. Nine talented Somerset artists produced artworks for ‘The Show’ a new exhibition capturing the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the region’s agricultural shows.
Historic tree immortalised
It has stood in place since the 1870s, but the significance of the Stone Pine that towers over the Apex Park in Church Street has now been immortalised. A research project, headed by Hay Landcare member Sally Ware, has unearthed the history and probable provenance of the tree.
Shared Table puts Nhill’s refugee story on screen
Rosie for Hindmarsh. On Tuesday evening a number of community members and Hindmarsh Shire Councillors attended the premiere of Shared Table: Regional Heroes at Hoyts Melbourne Central. This powerful documentary, created by CALD Community Voices, shines a light on regional stories of refugee settlement — including those from Nhill.
