Not enough boots on the ground to deal with tropical soda apple north of Kyogle, advocacy group says
Prue Weir spoke about the issue of tropical soda apple at the Kyogle Council meeting on Monday, April 14. Ms Weir is a part of a group of residents formed in late 2023 to raise awareness of the insidious weed ... “It is an environmental disaster,” Ms Weir said.
Employment pathway trainee pilot program delivered on Groote: Edgington
For the first time, an employment pathway trainee pilot program for Aboriginal health workers and practitioners is being delivered on Groote Eylandt. Minister for Health Steve Edgington said it would provide a closer-to-home learning pathway for Aboriginal people in the region to pursue a career in health.
Raising a glass to regional Victoria’s best events: Dimopoulos
The Allan Labor Government is investing in the regions, supporting major events across the state which attract visitors from around the world and provide a huge boost for local economies. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos … joined local winemakers ahead of the upcoming Grampians Grape Escape to announce more than 20 events will be supported…
Golden opportunity as fossicking area established in Mount Morgan: Last
Locals and tourists can go for gold searching for buried treasure in Central Queensland with a new fossicking area established at Mount Morgan. The recreational fossicking area has been established after the Government consented to a General Permission Area (GPA) on State land surrounding Mount Morgan No 7 Dam.
Drug and drink drivers targeted during Operation Xray Easter
Darling Downs police are reminding motorists to keep road safety a priority during the Easter holiday break. Easter is one of the busiest times across the Darling Downs District and road users can expect to see an increased police presence as part of Operation Xray Easter.
Easter bilby news
The Australian alternative Easter emblem, the bilby, is iconic but at risk. Bilbies once occupied much of arid and semi-arid Australia but have disappeared from about three quarters of their historic range.
Funding deed for feasibility study finalised
As communicated with shareholders in June 2024, Murray Irrigation (MIL) and our fellow southern irrigation infrastructure operators (IIOs), Coleambally Irrigation Cooperative Limited (CICL) and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Limited (MI), applied for funding under the Australian Government’s Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program for a feasibility study to explore what is required to bolster the efficiency and resilience of our irrigation networks in an era of water recovery.
Memorial for Sgt Doig
After pumping $2000 into a Police Legacy Memorial, cattle producer Richard Ogilvie recently returned to Lucindale for the unveiling of a memorial for his friend, the late Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig PEM LEM ... The memorial is a plaque on a stand and a life-sized silhouette of Sgt Doig, based on a photo taken by his mother, Faye.
McBride to face court
Independent member for MacKillop, Nick McBride, will face the Naracoorte Magistrates Court on May 7, next month, facing three counts of alleged aggravated assault charges. Mr McBride has been charged by police with three counts of alleged aggravated assault by a person known to him—his estranged wife, Katherine McBride.
New guide to help landholders navigate the energy transition: Sharpe, Moriarty
The Minns Labor Government and NSW Farmers have teamed up to launch a new guidebook that will help empower landowners and community members to better navigate and understand the transition to renewable energy.
Beware of politicians bearing gifts
It is about time that all we Australians of different political persuasions spoke up against the way our tax monies are all too often being manipulated and used for non-essential vote collecting purposes. Each day during the current national election campaign we have been wont to hear this or that politician standing for election often making 'pie in the sky' promises...
Straight to the top
Hugh Schuitemaker. Assurance Riverland irrigators will receive 100 per cent water allocations will provide business certainty amid pressure from low rainfall across the state, says a senior local industry figure ... "It's very positive news for the Riverland that SA Murray Class 3 irrigation allocation is 100 per cent for the coming water year": Renmark Irrigation Trust CEO Rosalie Auricht.
Grocery prices soar during Easter
Sebastian Calderon. Recently released data revealed price increases across a range of items, including those in the Riverland, adding extra pressure on household budgets during the current cost-of-living crisis. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data, from December 2024, revealed a significant increase in the prices of common grocery items.
Cyclists to enjoy Great Western wineries, heritage on new tourism trail
Great Western residents and visitors can now enjoy an iconic cycling experience that showcases world-class wineries alongside historically significant aspects of the renowned wine village. Senator Jana Stewart officially opened the Great Western Wine and Heritage Cycle Trail, which connects Best’s and Seppelt wineries and incorporates the township...
Nothing but winners for Wimmera racing clubs
Wimmera racegoers and visitors will have even more reasons to visit their local track thanks to an infrastructure funding boost ... Minister for Racing, Anthony Carbines, visited the Ararat Turf Club, Donald and District Racing Club and St Arnaud Turf Club, which are all receiving upgrades to deliver high-quality racing events all year round in the region.
At Australia’s largest heritage festival… Victorian stories unearthed
Victoria’s biggest celebration of heritage returns on Friday, April 18, with the launch of the Australian Heritage Festival (Victoria) – presented by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and proudly supported by the Heritage Council Victoria and the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid.
Red Centre to the Reef – Alice Springs–Cairns flight takes off: Cahill, Yan
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on its commitment of 2025 being a year of action, certainty and security as the first Alice Springs-Cairns direct flight takes off ... In a major boost for the Red Centre, the new Alice Springs to Cairns route offers greater connectivity for international visitors coming into Alice Springs and beyond.
Full steam ahead: Cruise ships return to Wallaroo
Joanna Tucker. Cruise ships are returning to the Copper Coast following a four-year campaign by Copper Coast Council. The Seabourn Quest, operated by Carnival Corporation’s Seabourn brand, will dock in Wallaroo on March 20, 2027. The booking marks the first return of cruise vessels since 2020.
How the Bendigo showgrounds project became a sports rort (without the sport)
Through the Bendigo Showgrounds Master Plan, the biggest and most active user group that sits hand-in-glove with the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society’s primary reason for existence has been absolutely and unceremoniously shafted.
Play, ride, explore: Wingello’s Forest Recreational Park reopens
Get ready for adventure, the brand-new Wingello Forest Recreational Adventure Park is officially open, and it’s better than ever ... Located in the heart of Wingello State Forest, the park was designed by Nicholas Bray Landscapes to offer a more inclusive and accessible outdoor experience.
Wel.Co breaks ground on $100M Gracewood community in Mallala
Wel.Co has officially commenced construction on the $100M Gracewood residential community in Mallala, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of much-needed housing in regional South Australia.
Government must scrap expanded emergency services tax and commit to fairer fire services levy: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling on the Victorian Government to immediately abandon its proposed expanded tax for emergency services and instead focus on urgently reforming the existing Fire Services Property Levy to ensure it is fair, transparent and sustainable for all Victorians.

