Politics

The future of the Riverina’s energy landscape is moving into a critical phase this month as the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) prepares to descend on Coleambally for a public meeting regarding the Dinawan Solar Farm.

Two small schools more than 120km apart — Broadwater and Old Bonalbo — have new principals starting this term. At Broadwater Public School - rebuilt after the 2022 floods - Jake Debrincat joins this term as principal. At Old Bonalbo, it is Samantha Cooper’s first time as a principal.

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 ...

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’.

Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent following the announcement on January 21, federal member for Page Kevin Hogan said he could not support what he described as rushed legislation, citing its potential impacts on free speech ... While the Nationals had previously worked to improve the legislation and proposed amendments to ensure current laws would be tightened while confining them to inciting or encouraging violence, Mr Hogan said he was uncomfortable with the words 'psychological harm' and questioned their inclusion and how they could be interpreted.

“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..

While the WA Labor Minister for Fisheries announces the release of pink snapper fingerlings in Cockburn Sound south of Perth as part of their West Coast Demersal Recovery package, the Nationals WA continue to hold forums for fishers impacted by the demersal fishing ban and call for a parliamentary inquiry.

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.

Michelle Daw. Environment Minister Lucy Hood has called a hastily arranged community forum at Corny Point this week, following growing criticism of the state government's handling of the harmful algal bloom affecting southern Yorke Peninsula ... Public frustration escalated over the weekend following reported comments by Premier Peter Malinauskas, who stated the algal bloom was "non-existent in most of the state" — remarks that have drawn strong backlash from affected coastal communities.

The National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council has welcomed today’s announcement by the Australian Government of an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct. NFF Horticulture Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said the review is a timely opportunity to strengthen fairness and transparency in Australia’s rapidly expanding horticulture sector.

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.

The AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation has called on school communities to help identify and protect vulnerable children amid a growth in reports of forced marriage. According to the latest figures, reports of forced marriage into the ACCCE jumped almost 30 per cent last financial year...

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.

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.

Madison Eastmond. Additional hot-weather measures are being adopted by Riverland schools, as students brave an intense heatwave – including yesterday's 49C scorcher – for the first week of the 2026 school year ... "This is definitely the hottest beginning of a school year we have had in a while," said Barmera Primary School principal Jayne Foulds.

Farmers with cellar doors and fruit stands should beware of huge new bills being slapped on them by the state government, NSW Farmers says. Reports have spiked of family farmers being forced to pay up to $300,000 in land taxes to the NSW Government for diversifying their businesses with small farmgate sales and agritourism experiences.

Every child is now guaranteed three days of subsidised childcare, but there's a catch for rural families. The three-day childcare guarantee now in effect for all families. A new federal subsidy removes work test, but access to centres remains challenge in Barwon electorate, according to the local MP.

New research will help deepen understanding of the dynamics that influence agricultural labour and skills shortages in five of Australia’s important agricultural regions. AgriFutures Australia, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), has launched a new initiative to help tackle one of the biggest challenges facing Australian agriculture: building a stronger, more sustainable regional workforce.