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Friday, February 13, 2026

Back Country Bulletin

Publisher details

News from Hay, Balranald, Central Darling and
Carrathool shires.

Launched September 2024.

Online news

BCB news app:
App Store I Google Play

100 per cent for the families: how a ‘Redneck’ idea raised $4.38 million for Country Hope

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin
Charity
How Tammy and Gavin Gilbert turned a simple idea into $4.38 million for Country Hope, and why, ten years on, it's still going strong. It started with a conversation. Gavin Gilbert had been on a couple of car rallies, loved them, genuinely loved them, but something about the way they were set up nagged at him ...

Big energy, big decisions: Public hearing set for Dinawan Solar Farm as wind stage approaches milestone

Krista Schade, Back Country Bulletin
Business
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.

Three-day childcare guarantee now in effect for all families

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin
Education & training
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.

The complexities of managing the waters of Menindee Lakes

Krista Schade, Back Country Bulletin
Federal politics
The Menindee Lakes system is often described as the beating heart of the Darling-Baaka river system, but in the halls of Canberra and Sydney, it is also a vital "battery" for the Murray-Darling Basin. As we move into 2026, the lakes find themselves at the centre of a major policy shift - the "rescoping" of a controversial water-saving project that has pitted engineering efficiency against cultural survival.

Under pressure: The reality of Australia’s hospital emergency departments

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin -
Walk into Royal Adelaide Hospital's emergency department on any given day and you'll find a chaotic but functioning system ... Now picture Wilcannia. The Multipurpose Service there technically provides 24-hour emergency care. But as of November 2025, if you present between 7pm and 7am, you must first call ahead. Staff will decide whether to come in. The doors aren't always open.
Rifle

From the paddock to the Parliament: How the new NSW gun laws impact you

Krista Schade, Back Country Bulletin
Farming
In a marathon pre-Christmas session that stretched into the early hours of December 24, 2025, the NSW Parliament passed the most significant tightening of firearm legislation since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 was fast-tracked by the Minns Government following the horrific Bondi Beach terrorist attack earlier that month.

Articles

100 per cent for the families: how a ‘Redneck’ idea raised $4.38 million for Country Hope

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin -

Big energy, big decisions: Public hearing set for Dinawan Solar Farm as wind stage approaches milestone

Krista Schade, Back Country Bulletin -

Three-day childcare guarantee now in effect for all families

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin -

The complexities of managing the waters of Menindee Lakes

Krista Schade, Back Country Bulletin -

Under pressure: The reality of Australia’s hospital emergency departments

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin -

From the paddock to the Parliament: How the new NSW gun laws impact you

Krista Schade, Back Country Bulletin -

A letter through time: Anthony Bradford’s journey from Hay to building an empire in mental health

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin -

Riverina growers face penalties following Fair Work inspections

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin -

Have you seen the murals? Ideas for things to do in the region this holidays

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin -

Asbestos scare hits wind energy sector

Krista Schade, Back Country Bulletin -

Riverina’s beekeeping industry under threat as Varroa Mite takes economic toll

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin -

The importance of rural racing – support the Hay Races

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin -
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About Back Country Bulletin

The Back Country Bulletin (BCB News app) covers the local government areas of Hay, Balranald, Central Darling and Carrathool shires.

We are committed to covering the news, sport, events and people who make up these incredible back country towns and regions.

As social media continues to serve up unverified information we strive to deliver factual information relevant to you and your community.

To stay informed we suggest you leave notifications on – we’ll keep you informed on key stories, emergency alerts and the information you need.

The Back Country Bulletin (BCB News app) is owned and managed by The Riverine Grazier Pty Ltd, 95 Lachlan St Hay NSW 2711.

Editor/ App Manager: Krista Schade
Advertising and design: Cheyenne Hurst
Reporters: Tertia Butcher, Kimberly Grabham, Krista Schade and Cheyenne Hurst.

BCB – Back Country Bulletin – News from the Back Country

https://backcountrybulletin.app
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