Classic Car Show
We are very excited to be holding a classic car show for all of Yass Valley.
Community to lead pilot program
Doomadgee will lead a state-first “Closing the Gap” pilot to identify how best to roll-out priority programs like health, housing, and early childhood in First Nations communities in Queensland. Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council mayor Jason Ned said his community looked forward to taking a lead role in government service reform.
Naracoorte Creek in the news
Sheryl Lowe. Passionate about nature and the natural flow of waterways, local retired farmer Mr Peter "Huck” Shepherd presented his findings about the potential flooding of the Naracoorte Creek and the possible damage to buildings, businesses and homes in the lower lying areas of the town, to the Naracoorte Lucindale Council meeting ... “If I were to give a rating on the creek’s wellbeing and capacity to handle a decent flood and observing the mess it is in and the lack of maintenance since the 2000 report, out of a ten rating I would give it a minus 5,” he told council.
Subjective secrets
Sheryl Lowe. Chris Oldfield. Cr Cameron Grundy has challenged Naracoorte Lucindale Council CEO Trevor Smart over “in confidence” meetings. Cr Grundy has further questioned why council discussed the sale of a road reserve “in confidence” when he could not find a reason under the Local Government Act for it to be a secret. The issue arose at council’s July 26 meeting in a segment Questions Without Notice.
Building Better Regions funding
“All of these projects, not only in the Riverina and Central West, but, indeed, right throughout regional Australia were recommended for funding. It’s just that the Australian National Audit Office believes that some projects scored higher in the Department’s estimations for funding. But no-one knows their own local area and their local people’s wants, needs and expectations better than a local MP. Departmental officials are not elected and the decision-making has to remain with the Minister and Ministerial Council" : Michael McCormack, Member for Riverina.
Yaegl Elder’s portrait defaced
Geoff Helisma. A mural of Yaegl Elder Uncle Ron Herron, painted as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, was vandalised over the weekend. “It’s unacceptable and a kick the guts for our mob as we try to raise our profile in Yaegl Country, following our successful native title claims,”: Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation’s CEO, William (Billy) Walker
Chapter one of Burra’s World Heritage journey
On the 16th of August local, state and international heritage experts will come together at the Burra Town Hall to involve the community in a conversation about Burra's World Heritage bid. The panel will include renowned UK world heritage consultant Mr Barry Gamble who will be working with the Regional Council of Goyder, Copper Coast Council and National Trust on a joint World Heritage bid of the Cornish Mining sites in Burra and Moonta.
Prayers answered – Community rallies for major search and rescue
Samuel Davis. A desperate 67-hour search to find an elderly Aurukun man has ended with a family member discovering him “stuck in the mud” in a nearby swamp ... Burt Wikmunea's disappearance prompted around 40 volunteers and SES members to assist police in finding Mr Wikmunea across four days.
Health centre a coup for Mapoon
Mapoon will this month get its long-awaited primary health care centre, designed in consultation with the community and operated by Apunipima Cape York Health Council ... Mapoon resident and primary health care centre manager Debra Jia said she was excited about the opening and having the modern and spacious new facility to service the needs of her community.
Australia on cusp of regional revolution: Daniel Moloney, Regional Capitals Australia
In media comments recently, the Business Council of Australia said that in order to achieve lasting nation-changing reform, we had to ‘unleash the regions’. These are interesting comments given that in years past, the common perception of regions was that they were laggards – sleepy hollows where time stands still and blowflies outnumber people.
Festival of Small Halls coming to Whyalla
For one night only - Sunday 28 August - the Whyalla Left Hand Club will come to life, hosting visiting and local music acts as part of the Festival of Small Halls Winter Tour.
Gear up for an influx of events at our new Multisport Cycling Complex
Demand for the facilities at Wagga Wagga’s new $12 million Multisport Cycling Complex at Pomingalarna Reserve is growing, with several events on the calendar for August. The 2022 AusCycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships will be held at the facility next weekend (13–14 August), followed by the Wagga Wagga Trail Marathon on Saturday 20 August.
Bloom time in Mullewa
There has never been a better time to visit Mullewa than right now. As the bush blooms all eyes are on the flourishing heart of wildflower country ... “Mullewa really is the place to be this time of year and it is not just about the wildflowers,”: City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn
Council to object to Willatook Wind Farm
Moyne Shire Council will make a submission to the Minister for Planning objecting to the planning permit for the Willatook Wind Farm. Councillors voted unanimously to object to permit application for the development following a community consultation process, where 62 members shared their views.
A plan to make the most of $17 billion investment for Barkly
The Barkly Regional Deal is seeking public comment on the 2030 Barkly Economic Growth Strategy which outlines key projects, programs and proposals anticipated for the region to build a diverse economy and improve social outcomes, culture, and quality of life for Barkly residents. The Strategy has been developed by working groups of Barkly business leaders, Aboriginal business enterprises, industry groups and community stakeholders.
Local industry concerns
Sheryl Lowe. Nick McBride MP, Member for MacKillop, hosted a visit by the Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia and Primary Industries, the Hon Nicola Centofanti MLC, in Naracoorte this week, to discuss the impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Mr McBride and Ms Centofanti toured the Naracoorte Livestock Exchange (saleyards) which has been operating on the corner of Wimmera Highway and Carters Road since 1973 ... “If FMD was found in the region, the impact would be enormous,”: Nick McBride, Member for MacKillop
Call for policy overhaul – prescribed burns
Patricia Gill. The Denmark Shire Council is calling on the State Government to overhaul its prescribed burning practices and policy in line with current science and community sentiment. The council moved a notice of motion from Councillor Jan Lewis to appeal to Parliamentarians for a review of the prescribed burning policy and practices.
Volunteers start foreshore restoration
Illegally cleared native vegetation is being restored along the Wilson Inlet foreshore. Locally-sourced plant material from the inlet foreshore is being used to restore the natural vegetation along the water’s edge which has been cleared without permits. The Shire of Denmark is collaborating with Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee in the project.
Lockhart Shire takes stance on ownership of Rural Fire Service assets
Lockhart Shire Council has taken a strong stance on the NSW Government’s determination on ownership of Rural Fire Service assets by refusing to carry out stocktakes on these assets on behalf of the NSW Government nor record the assets in the council financial statements.
Council talks stormwater funding
The Narrandera Shire Council has agreed to increase its 2022-23 borrowing bid to the Office of Local Government and NSW Treasury from $2 million to $3 million to enable it to undertake stormwater infrastructure works in urban Narrandera. The works are aimed at solving severe flooding that occurred in the town earlier this year.
CVC objects to NSW Government’s RFS ‘cost shifting’
Geoff Helisma. Councillors unanimously supported a mayoral minute (MM) tabled at the July 26 Clarence Valley Council (CVC) meeting, to “advise the NSW Audit Office, as requested by Local Government NSW (LGNSW), that CVC will not conduct the stocktake of Rural Fire Service (RFS) assets and will not record assets on CVC’s financial statements”.
Drinks are served
Samuel Davis. Cold beer and refreshments can be savoured in Lockhart River again after the community’s new social club finally opened its doors to patrons ... The club, which opened its doors on Friday night, operates under a Restricted Liquor Permit that aims to provide a safe space to socialise and drink responsibly ... In a community with high unemployment, Cr Butcher said the social club provided more than just a gathering place.
