Road to research: Two dads – same mission
When positive change is needed in the world, it takes the most determined of characters and the most passionate of hearts to think big, then think bigger again, and then dig deep to make a difference. The two local Allora Dads have set one such bold challenge for themselves - in September this year, Max Mason and James Turner plan to cycle from Lourdes in France...
Duck season exemption for Cairn Curran: no response
Requests for a list of 25 Victorian waterways, including Cairn Curran Reservoir, to be named as exempt from duck hunting have gone unanswered by the State Government as hunters in camouflage gear appeared at the popular recreation site over the weekend.
Rugby heavyweights ruck n’ roll into Coffs Harbour
NSW Rugby reps have started rolling into the area ahead of the inaugural Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby that is set to light up the City of Coffs Harbour ... Some 2,000 tickets to the extravaganza at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium on Saturday 5 April have already been snapped up.
Sporting group blows whistle on showgrounds consultation failure
Who would have thought ping pong could get the Victorian Government into so much trouble. Amid developing controversy over plans to redevelop the Prince of Wales Showgrounds at Bendigo, damning testimony has come to light from a 2023 Federal Senate inquiry into the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games that was to be hosted by regional Victoria.
Skatepark is a community achievement
Towong Shire Council and community members came together to celebrate the official opening of the Corryong Skatepark on Saturday. The event saw a tremendous turnout from residents and skatepark users with families, young skaters and community members enjoying the day.
Wakool Sheep Races bleating successful
Crowds flocked to Wakool for the Annual Sheep Races on Saturday night. Frocks, fleeces and fine attire all made their way onto the ground to watch the sold-out races. Track conditions were favourable, the firm but forgiving ground boded well for competitive racing action.
Light Horse skills will be on display
An exciting contest showcasing the mounted military skills of old such as tent pegging, skill-at-arms and stand-to-horse will get spectators’ blood racing when the 8th Light Horse Indi Upper Murray hosts the Lt Col Leslie Maygar Memorial Trophy at Walwa on Sunday, April 6th.
Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre officially opens
It was a highly anticipated occasion for the Clarence Valley community who have waited more than two years to access the $29.1 million state-of-the-art facility.
Hay Lions 17s win netball tournament
Jade Auldist. The Hay Lions Under-17s delivered an outstanding performance at the Swan Hill Junior Netball Tournament, securing the Grand Final win after a day of fierce competition, teamwork, and determination.
Trinity’s board gains global recognition
Austinn Lane. A Wallaroo student has received world recognition for her hand-painted surfboard. With help from her neighbour, who had experience in fibreglassing, 11-year-old Trinity spent six months painting her board during the 2024 season in preparation for 2025.
Regional shark mitigation project
Rachel Hagan. Community consultation on the Yorke Peninsula for the Regional Shark Mitigation Project has begun, with Surf Life Saving South Australia visiting southern YP.
Horse groups have grounds for complaint over planning schemozzle
The Bendigo Showgrounds – home of the Victorian Agricultural Shows Saddle Horse Championships and many other state and national equestrian events – is to have the size of its arena cut significantly under a Victorian Government redevelopment of the site.
“Wrong decision”, declares Laurie Levy: Duck season already under way
Coalition Against Duck Shooting Campaign Director, Laurie Levy, said at the weekend: “Despite the scientific reports that show native waterbirds are in serious long-term decline, Premier Jacinta Allan has extended Victoria’s duck shooting season this year, even with the serious risk of spreading bird flu that could be present on any wetland.”
Gentle giants delight crowds
Allora was home to the annual Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival at the weekend. Competitors and spectators arrived from northern New South Wales and western areas of Queensland as well as many from the local region.
More fall out from event cancellation
The cancellation of the recent Cohuna Bridge to Bridge fund raiser has created ripples through the halls of power in Melbourne and is still causing discussion about the huge jump in traffic management fees ... After The Bridge ran the story in our March 6 edition, we received a call from the Premier’s office asking to have more input into the story ...
Corryong rises to win premiership
The Corryong Cricket Club has crowned a remarkable season with victory in the Tumbarumba & District Cricket Association (TDCA) grand final on Saturday, after being in recess for the past five years. Corryong won the toss ... posting only 119 before being dismissed in the 37th over.
Equine excellence
If it takes a village to raise a child then it also takes a massive team effort from the Cambooya Campdraft Association, Cambooya Pony Club, other local pony clubs, local businesses and politicians to successfully redevelop the Cambooya Recreation Ground into a first class equine facility.
Fueling the fun: Rockynats introduces Little Tokyo and RC Racing to take off-track entertainment to the next gear
This year’s Rare Spares Rockynats is set to rev up excitement both on and off-the-track with thrilling new program additions including an Asian street food-inspired Little Tokyo Drift Precinct and Off-Road Remote Control (RC) Car Racing that promise to bring even greater variety and entertainment for attendees of all ages to Queensland’s largest car and bike festival on April 4-6 in Rockhampton.
Great Yamba performances at State Surf Lifesaving titles in Sydney
Jim Dougherty. A strong group of Yamba Surf Club members competed in the 2025 NSW State Surf Lifesaving Championships in Sydney over the last two weeks ... Cody Kratzmann once again led the way for the Yamba team with an all the way win in the U10 years male surf race final to retain the title he won last year in the U9 age group.
Warriors bring medieval glory to the Riverland
Madison Eastmond. More than 30 armoured local and visiting warriors went to battle at the Mallee Dragons’ newest Barmera ‘Lair’ last weekend. Hosting 25 medieval fights between five Buhurt teams from around Australia, the Mallee Dragons have officially held their first rookie tournament, Mallee Mayhem, since establishing the sport in the Riverland less than a year ago.
“Country” theme headlines Pacing Cup: Ladies’ dress codes among the winners
Jenny Pollard. The dress code was “Relaxed Country” and the marketing called on race-goers to kit up in “Akubras and boots”. The 2025 Charlton Pacing Cup homed in on all things rural with the theme “We’re All Country” as patrons responded with gusto at last Sunday’s premier meet of the year.
OzFish fears large fish kill after reports from locals about fish gasping for air
Reports from the public about fish gasping for air have been coming in to fish habitat charity OzFish ... The organisation has received messages and photos from locals who said thousands of fish were gasping for air, or washing up dead, following the recent cyclone and flooding.
