No easy solution to shark crisis
A 30-year professional fisherman who grew up surfing and spearfishing says he’s too worried about the shark numbers he sees in the ocean every week to paddle out at his favourite break ... Ben Hay spoke to the Clarence Valley Independent about the explosion in shark numbers he has seen during his career, what has contributed to this population increase, and possible remedies to the current problem.
Behind the scenes: The volunteers who keep Maldon football and netball running
With both Maldon’s football and netball teams enjoying a bye last weekend, it offers a rare chance to look beyond the scoreboard and shine a light on the enormous amount of work that goes into getting teams onto the field each Saturday. Much of it is done quietly, without fuss, by volunteers whose names rarely appear in print.
Neville family celebrates silo murals
The King's Birthday long weekend provided the perfect opportunity for a special family reunion in Birchip as members of the Neville family gathered to celebrate the recently completed Ray Neville silo murals. The visit was sparked by Ray's daughter, Lyn Dumesny of Rockhampton, who was travelling to Victoria and was keen to see the impressive artwork honouring her father on the Birchip silos.
Cambooya Campdraft and Gymkhana
On Saturday and Sunday, horse riders of all skills descended on Cambooya to compete in the Cambooya Pony Club's Campdraft and Gymkhana. The weekend was a great chance for riders of all ages to get down to the Cambooya Pony Club and stretch their horses' legs.
Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail put to the test with 600 excited riders
The much-anticipated Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail, is now available for use and already proving a hit, with more than 600 riders setting off from both towns and meeting in the middle for a community celebration.
Superbikes leaving Phillip Island – Statement from the Mayor
Cr Brett Tessari. The loss of the Superbike World Championship from Phillip Island is another devastating blow for our community, coming only months after the announcement that MotoGP will also leave the Island. My heart goes out to our local businesses, tourism operators, volunteers and community members who have supported these events for decades and who rely on the visitors they bring to our region each year.
A cut for community cricket
Newstead Cricket Club’s latest fundraiser involves a clever combination of resources, skills and time, all working together to support the community club. Committee member Adam Sewell says that locals have teamed up to create some highly desirable prizes for an upcoming online raffle: firewood.
Rugby Union football in the Clarence Valley
The first rugby union club to be established in Australia was Sydney University’s in 1863 ... On 12 June 1880, the game was first introduced to the Clarence River by James Ellis, quarry manager at the Clarence entrance breakwater works.
Our Wallaby retires: Kane Douglas hangs up his boots
Former Yamba Buccaneers forward and Wallabies representative Kane Douglas is coming home after announcing his retirement from professional rugby union aged 37 ... “Today marks the end of a chapter that has shaped our family’s life for over a decade.”
Swimmer aims for ultimate success
Despite missing out on selection for the Paris Olympics in 2024 as a 17-year-old, Molly Walker has taken the first steps to representing Australia at the LA Games in 2 years time. Molly started swimming lessons at 6 months of age at the Corryong pool and then joined the Corryong Crocs swim club...
Dirt racing back on track
Sebastian Calderon. Riverland motorsport enthusiasts are celebrating the return of racing at a popular local venue after months of work to address safety concerns surrounding speedway facilities. Renmark Dirt Kart Club president Jayne Gelston says the club was "thrilled" after regaining its track licence and successfully hosting a major long weekend race meeting that attracted competitors from across Australia.
Pony club eventers converge on Colac for state championships
The Pony Club Association of Victoria’s inter-branch horse trials competition has evolved from the days when it catered for top-level riders only into an inclusive, fun and highly competitive event that is a highlight of the pony club calendar for riders across all grades.
Teamster prepares horse team for Barellan Good Old Days Festival
Teamster Aleks Berzins has scored a back-to-back win in The Golden Plough and can next be seen with his horse team at the Barellan Good Old Days Festival on 2-4 October. Aleks will be not only ploughing but showing off his other talents as a horse master and why he is rated among the top horse teamsters in the world.
Barellan Good Old Days history revived
Len Davies, of West Wyalong, is the grandson of the original owner of the Bennett waggon used in the Australian record 62 horse team at the Barellan Good Old Days Festival in 2025. His grandfather, JT "Tommy" Davies selected the farm "Lantarnam" at Calleen in 1901 at the age of 19.
A century of racing under threat: the fight to save Broken Hill’s greyhound track
Greyhound racing has been part of Broken Hill for more than a century. On 30 June 2026, Greyhound Racing NSW intends to end it. The decision to close the Broken Hill Greyhounds Club was made earlier this year as part of a broader restructure recommended by an independent Deloitte report, which advised GRNSW to reduce the state's racing footprint to a sustainable number of tracks.
Government must release shark safety advice following latest tragedies: Warr
Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA has urged the Cook Labor Government to release shark safety advice, following the tragic news of another fatal shark attack off Albany which she said was "deeply distressing". "Two fatal shark attacks in just a matter of weeks is deeply concerning and has rightly shaken confidence across ocean loving Western Australians," Ms Warr said.
Currency Creek Horse Trials raises the bar with expanded course
The Currency Creek Horse Trials has delivered another chapter in the event’s growing reputation for excellence on the South Australian eventing calendar. With 94 horse and rider combinations competing across eight classes, the May 30-31 event offered something for every level of combination...
Yanchep to host WA Pedal Prix Perth events
The Splendid Park criterium track will transform into a fast-paced arena of pedal-powered prowess on Saturday, June 13 as the WA Pedal Prix series moves to the start of the Perth based events. Students, riders, teams, and spectators will come together for one of Western Australia’s most exhilarating human-powered vehicle events.
Massive Yamba Festival of Bowls
Bowlers from around Australia descended on the Lower Clarence last week for one of the biggest events in Yamba Bowling Club history, the 2026 Yamba Festival of Bowls. The 2026 Yamba Festival of Bowls ran for six days, from Tuesday, May 26, to Sunday, May 31.
NSW Government’s new brumby estimates don’t pass the pub test
Colleen Krestensen. New estimates of brumby numbers in Kosciuszko National Park imply a dramatic and biologically impossible increase of up to 315 per cent over a 12 month period ... The concern for the community is the government is accepting this alleged increase without question as a basis to resume aerial culling of brumbies, commencing in the coming days.
Festival of Rugby showcases community sport
Round 7 of the Central Coast Rugby Union season delivered one of the most memorable weekends in recent memory, with the inaugural Festival of Rugby taking centre stage at Tuggerah Sports Complex on May 30. Despite wet weather causing widespread sporting disruptions across the region, CCRU stood alone as the only major sporting competition on the Central Coast to complete its full schedule.
Eric’s a winner as Carp to Croc wraps up
The Australian Reptile Park's crocodiles and alligators were the big winners as Central Coast Council's 2026 Carp to Croc fishing event wrapped up recently. The community came together to help tackle one of Australia's most damaging invasive species.
