The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Death didn't ride in on a pale horse in the dead of night; he stood at a pulpit in Adelaide and proudly announced to his fanatical legions of followers the further destruction of rural Australian communities and the rivers they rely on ... In announcing the purchase of a further 130GL from the Southern Basin, Watt, along with his predecessors, has missed the obvious fact that this water cannot be delivered down to the Lower Murray.

Expo success for Mid-Murray businesses

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

13 November 2025

Business

Almost 400 people filed through the impressive displays and stalls at the Mid Murray Industry Expo. 32 site holders showcased a range of services, products and expertise available in the local community. From forestry, to milled timber products, veterinary services, fires and ambulance services, real estate, garden supplies, plumbing, education, and so much more.

Cohuna celebrates in style

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Council

6 November 2025

Cohuna's 150 Year Anniversary opened with a packed house at Memorial Hall on Friday night. The walls of the hall were lined with an array of past fashions, hospital history, sporting memorabilia, and historical photos.

Local family business joins a national family

Contributor, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

30 October 2025

Business

After two decades of independent operation in Barham, New South Wales real estate gun Lauren Polkinghorne has joined the Ray White network. The Ray White Barham principal is eager to bring together local expertise with national backing in a move that promises exciting opportunities for the Murray River community.

PS Melbourne steams upstream

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

History & heritage

16 October 2025

Setting off at dawn October 3, the Paddle Steamer Melbourne chuffed away from Mildura's wharf; her wooden hull slicing through the Murray River's sluggish flow. It had been over a century since her birth in Koondrook, and now, under the stewardship of owner Adam Auditori, she is steaming for Echuca.

Veteran cars delight in Barham

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

23 October 2025

History & heritage

Riverside Park Barham was bustling as the Veteran Car Club of Australia took over the park ... with the stunning Barham Bridge built in 1904 making an appropriate backdrop ... The day was a feast for the eyes!

Irrigators class action update – Southern Riverina Irrigators

Contributor, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper - 9 October 2025

The court case is progressing well. MDBA staff on the witness stand seem to all share the same case of amnesia as they can't seem to remember any important details. "I can't recall" was the most common answer which is a pretty sad state of affairs considering these decisions severely impacted livelihoods and created extreme mental stress.

Central Murray’s best carcasses crowned

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Agriculture

2 October 2025

Central Murray Best Wool Best Lamb Carcass Competition had a record 177 carcases entered from 27 local producers for its 10th anniversary. Producers were spread from Blighty in the East, Balranald and Wanganella to the North, Quambatook to the South West and Kerang/Murrabit to the South East, with this year’s competition attracting a greater number of youth.

Industrial renewables laid bare

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

25 September 2025

Community

The Pyramid Hill was a hive of activity on Sunday as community members from Loddon and Gannawarra Shires gathered to discuss industrial renewable developments openly. The meeting hosted by Loddon Valley Renewables Awareness Group provided an open community forum, something that is avoided at all costs for transmission line and renewable developments, as one speaker framed it, "divide and conquer" is the standard modus operandi.