$3 million boost drives groundbreaking koala research in Port Stephens: Watt, Swanson
The future of Australia’s koalas is being reshaped in Port Stephens, with groundbreaking, world-leading research now underway at the Port Stephens Koala Hospital ... the investment is powering a three-year research program that will study a cohort of 100 koalas using advanced diagnostic technology – including CT, X-Ray, ultrasound and qPCR blood analysis.
Cohuna turns out for barefoot titles opener
Cohuna is back on the national barefoot waterskiing map, with Sunday's Oz Open drawing locals to Gunbower Creek ahead of the Australian titles' long-awaited return to town. The free exhibition event gave spectators an early look at the speed and spectacle to come before the 64th Australian National Barefoot Waterski Championships got under way on Tuesday at the Cohuna Ski Run Reserve.
Radical Right v Radical Left and the threat of the Age of Unreason
Neither of these parties should have the capacity to determine government, let alone form it. Both represent an existential threat to the continuance of our hard fought for liberal democracy, itself a fragile experiment in the history of the world.
Elders bales on WA wool growers – Just the tip of the iceberg: Geoff Pearson WAFarmers
WAFarmers consistently advocated to the Federal Government during its consultative process on the phase out of live sheep exports, including in our 2023 submission that this decision would be significantly detrimental to the Western Australian wool industry. We hate to tell you that we told you so! Three years on, we are seeing that prediction become reality.
SA standing up for the River Murray – does One Nation?: Bourke
This year’s projected opening allocation for South Australian River Murray water users has reinforced the importance of a healthy and flowing Basin – and ensuring parties representing River communities put local interests ahead of upstream states.
New Regional University Study Hub opens in Tumut: Clare, McBain
A new Regional University Study Hub (RUSH) officially opened today in Tumut, bringing university closer for local residents ... The new Country Universities Centre (CUC) Snowy Valleys is located at 79-81 Capper Street, Tumut, and will offer support services and study facilities for local students...
Council continues targeted engagement ahead of Murray-Darling Basin Plan review
Greater Shepparton City Council is intensifying its advocacy and engagement efforts to ensure local community and industry voices are heard as part of the Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) review, with public submissions closing on 1 May 2026. As part of its water advocacy program, Council is undertaking targeted engagement activities to encourage community and stakeholder participation in the review process...
Low-interest drought loans open with a warning for growers
Sebastian Calderon. Riverland farmers are being urged to look closely at South Australia's newly opened drought loan scheme, with Riverland Lending Services agribusiness (RLS) senior manager Jeff McDonald warning the concessional finance could bring both short term relief and long-term complications.
Grandstand opening
Club stalwart Steve Graham officially opened Nhill and District Sporting Club’s new grandstand and changeroom facility on Saturday before a full crowd. The grandstand features 147 seats, including an all-abilities accessible ramp and seating areas, a large media room overlooking the oval, and a corporate room with a sink and storage.
Dinawan Solar Farm approved despite strong objections
Malaysian-owned Dinawan Solar Farm has received Development Application approval, despite strong objections from neighbouring landowners and opponents throughout the district, including Hay. Dinawan will be located 30km south of Coleambally and 30km north of Jerilderie, within the South West Renewable Energy Zone and the Murrumbidgee Local Government Area.
RACGP leaders head to regional Victoria
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) President Dr Michael Wright and RACGP Victorian Chair Dr Anita Muñoz will visit practices across regional Victoria this week to meet with local GPs, healthcare teams and community organisations. The visit will focus on highlighting strong growth in the regional general practice workforce, increasing regional training opportunities...
Diesel stockpile for WA – announcement and response
The Western Australian Government has announced that it has secured a stockpile diesel. The Opposition is sceptical.
Algal bloom on the move
Caitlin Menadue. Algal bloom levels are shifting along northern Yorke Peninsula, with concerns growing for local marine life — including the region's well-known stingrays. Recent footage captured in Moonta Bay showed a large fever of rays moving through shallow waters late last month, with locals suggesting they may be trying to escape the bloom.
Coffs Yachtie hoists new colours for a revitalised future
Coffs Harbour Yacht Club has set course for an exciting new era which will focus on growing sailing and associated water-based activities for the community.
HMAS Whyalla’s journey home remembered through crew member’s story
The story of how the iconic HMAS Whyalla returned home in 1984 has been brought to life through the memories of crew member George Cook, who played a key role in the historic voyage. George served as a deckhand under Captain A. Ekblom, joining a crew of experienced shipyard and tugboat workers selected to sail the vessel from Melbourne back to Whyalla after its purchase by Whyalla City Council.
Record crowds kick off Parrtjima 2026
Parrtjima 2026 has celebrated its biggest opening weekend yet, recording the largest opening weekend attendance in the festival’s history, including the second-largest opening night, as visitors flocked to the Red Centre. Across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the festival attracted nearly 8,300 attendances, with a program that’s still got plenty for all to enjoy until 19 April.
Hidden in plain sight: Meet Australia’s newly identified skink species
A lizard known to Wiimpatja Aboriginal Owners as Kungaka “the Hidden One” has been formally described as a new species, acknowledged in research published today in Zootaxa. With fewer than 20 individuals of the species known to exist, the Kungaka is also now one of Australia's most threatened reptiles.
Flood-prone house demolition continues
Miriam Torzillo. Just when we thought the Reconstruction Authority (RA) had got the message that the Big Scrub homes should be deconstructed, salvaged or relocated, reports are coming in from residents about the ramping up of demolition in Lismore. Locals have been recording the destruction and sharing it on social media. The community is not happy.
Barossa and Norwood deliver record Gather Round results: Malinauskas, Bourke
The biggest-ever AFL Gather Round attendance has led to record crowds beyond the boundary in Norwood and the Barossa, as footy fans and visitors made the most of everything on offer across the state.
Cleeland urges action as fuel theft surges
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, says Victoria’s growing police vacancy crisis is leaving regional communities exposed, as reports of fuel theft surge across the region. Ms Cleeland said with more than 1500 Victoria Police vacancies and limited farm crime officers remaining, the Allan Labor Government had left farmers increasingly vulnerable to organised theft.
A plan for Queensland’s future – Inquiry to probe impact of Federal environmental legislation on Queensland: Janetzki
The Crisafulli Government is committed to unlocking productivity for Queenslanders with an inquiry into the impact of the Federal Government’s 2025 environmental legislation. Changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 have raised concerns with stakeholders about increased regulatory burden, compliance costs, uncertainty and delays.
Prison-grown veggie boxes support local charities: Erdogan
Victorians doing it tough are getting fresh food on the table thanks to produce grown by Marngoneet Correctional Centre. Participants in Marngoneet’s horticulture program grow and donate more than 30 vegetable boxes each week to help Victorians experiencing food insecurity.
