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Young leader
Naracoorte’s rising star
Leadership, determination, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone propelled Jack Barker to a major regional honour. The 17-year-old Naracoorte High School Year 12 student and 2026 school captain has been named the Upper South East Lions Youth of the Year, a recognition that celebrates academic excellence, leadership, and public speaking ability among young people.
Sheep - WA
Elders bales on WA wool growers – Just the tip of the iceberg: Geoff Pearson WAFarmers
WAFarmers consistently advocated to the Federal Government during its consultative process on the Phase out of live sheep exports, including in our 2023 submission that this decision would be significantly detrimental to the Western Australian wool industry. We hate to tell you that we told you so! Three years on, we are seeing that prediction become reality.
Renewable energy - SW REZ
Farm loans
Low – interest drought loans open with a warning for growers
Sebastian Calderon. Riverland farmers are being urged to look closely at South Australia's newly opened drought loan scheme, with Riverland Lending Services agribusiness (RLS) senior manager Jeff McDonald warning the concessional finance could bring both short term relief and long-term complications.
Murray-Darling - SA
Seedbed Conditioner
New machine improves soil fertility and increases crop yields
A new machine designed and exhaustively tested at a field-scale over 15 years and 32 sites in Western Australia, Queensland and Pakistan has been shown to increase crop yields by 25 per cent, on average (range 10 to 40 per cent).
Bean breeding
Renewed effort to supercharge faba bean breeding and expansion: GRDC
A new national Faba Bean Breeding Program will provide growers with improved higher-yielding varieties of faba beans with better disease resistance, quality traits and adaptation across Australian growing regions. Australia is the world’s largest exporter of faba beans, supplying around one-third of global trade, with key markets including Egypt, the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.
Flood recovery - Lismore
Flood-prone house demolition continues
Miriam Torzillo. Just when we thought the Reconstruction Authority (RA) had got the message that the Big Scrub homes should be deconstructed, salvaged or relocated, reports are coming in from residents about the ramping up of demolition in Lismore. Locals have been recording the destruction and sharing it on social media. The community is not happy.
Algal bloom - SA
Algal bloom on the move
Caitlin Menadue. Algal bloom levels are shifting along northern Yorke Peninsula, with concerns growing for local marine life — including the region's well-known stingrays. Recent footage captured in Moonta Bay showed a large fever of rays moving through shallow waters late last month, with locals suggesting they may be trying to escape the bloom.
Rare lizard
Hidden in plain sight: Meet Australia’s newly identified skink species
A lizard known to Wiimpatja Aboriginal Owners as Kungaka “the Hidden One” has been formally described as a new species, acknowledged in research published today in Zootaxa. With fewer than 20 individuals of the species known to exist, the Kungaka is also now one of Australia's most threatened reptiles.
Tourism - Red Centre
Record crowds kick off Parrtjima 2026
Parrtjima 2026 has celebrated its biggest opening weekend yet, recording the largest opening weekend attendance in the festival’s history, including the second-largest opening night, as visitors flocked to the Red Centre. Across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the festival attracted nearly 8,300 attendances, with a program that’s still got plenty for all to enjoy until 19 April.
Tourism - The Territory
NT tops nation in tourism earnings
Results for overnight trips were flat for most states and territories in the year ending December 2025 when compared with the year ending December 2024, except for the Northern Territory which saw an increase of 151,000 trips or 18 per cent. The NT is the only to state or territory to see an increase in overnight spend when compared with 2024, up by $523m 43 per cent.
Talking rural and regional
Chatter about some farmers are not going to get a crop off this season…
On today's No Drama Farmer with James Blundell and Carzo......... Fiona L Fox (ARR.News) talks about potentially turning Canola to Diesel, plus some other potential fuel sources...
Diesel - WA
Diesel stockpile for WA – announcement and response
The Western Australian Government has announced that it has secured a stockpile diesel. The Opposition is sceptical.
Legal fees
Broken Hill council wins millions in Supreme Court battle over impossible legal bill
Broken Hill City Council has been awarded several million dollars following a successful NSW Supreme Court action against a former lawyer whose billing records claimed up to 36 hours of work in a single day. The court found that Keith Redenbach, principal of Redenbach Legal, charged the council $10 million to litigate a building dispute over renovations to the Broken Hill Civic Centre...
Fertiliser security
The case of the missing urea
Some of you may have read my previous articles on Summit’s Force Majeure Gamble: A Pattern Emerges and CSBP’s Force Majeure Gamble ... The response on social media has been staggering, with the algorithms going off the charts — which tells me I have hit a nerve. Even more interesting are the stories of urea...
Environmental laws
A plan for Queensland’s future – Inquiry to probe impact of Federal environmental legislation on Queensland: Janetzki
The Crisafulli Government is committed to unlocking productivity for Queenslanders with an inquiry into the impact of the Federal Government’s 2025 environmental legislation. Changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 have raised concerns with stakeholders about increased regulatory burden, compliance costs, uncertainty and delays.
Net zero policy impacts
On the road with Nathan Lyon
Have You Got What It Takes tour with Nathan Lyon, April-June 2026
Nathan Lyon is bringing his "Have You Got What It Takes" roadshow to regional Victoria and New South Wales — and it's not one to miss.
Military history
HMAS Whyalla’s journey home remembered through crew member’s story
The story of how the iconic HMAS Whyalla returned home in 1984 has been brought to life through the memories of crew member George Cook, who played a key role in the historic voyage. George served as a deckhand under Captain A. Ekblom, joining a crew of experienced shipyard and tugboat workers selected to sail the vessel from Melbourne back to Whyalla after its purchase by Whyalla City Council.
Sailing
Coffs Yachtie hoists new colours for a revitalised future
Coffs Harbour Yacht Club has set course for an exciting new era which will focus on growing sailing and associated water-based activities for the community.
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Easter tourism - Maclean
International affair at Highland Gathering
It was a truly international affair at the Maclean Highland gathering with competitors travelling from as far as Scotland, Canada, and New Zealand for the 121st event. Rain showers on both Friday and Saturday added a touch of Scottish ambience, said Lower Clarence Scottish Association Secretary Alister Smith, as people travelled from as far as Melbourne to enjoy the annual spectacle.
Tourism - Narrandera Rod Run
Fuel crisis doesn’t deter rodders
The current fuel crisis failed to hinder hundreds of motor vehicle enthusiasts descending on Narrandera over the Easter long weekend for the annual Narrandera Rod Run. Although many visitors had to pay high prices for fuel to travel to the event, the situation did not put a dampener on an amazing weekend of incredible vintage vehicles taking to the streets.
Snow gum dieback
Snow gum dieback, fire management and pests – Vic Jurskis and Matthew Brookhouse exchange views
The recent Snow Gum Summit in Jindabyne has drawn attention to the health of this notable tree of the Australian alps. The causes or primary cause of widespread snow gum decline, with a particular focus on fire regimes, climate change and insects, and the appropriate response to this problem, are the subject of a considered exchange of differing views here between two experts from different generations but not entirely different schools or schools of thought.
Fuel - Ag
Murray-Darling
Hundreds attended Basin Plan forum
A forum highlighting the negative impacts of the basin plan on rural communities was held in Barham recently – hundreds were in attendance or have watched the forum online. Southern Riverina Irrigators (SRI) joined the Central Murray Environmental Floodplain Group, The Bridge Newspaper and Upper Goulburn Catchment Alliance to organise the event which included a variety of speakers across industry, science and agriculture.
Fuel supply
Councils feel the crunch
A cut in fuel excise to make petrol more affordable and a push for more Victorians to use public transport instead of driving are welcome measures to help navigate the fuel crisis, according to Rural Councils Victoria. The 50 per cent excise cut will mean immediate relief at the bowser for rural residents and business operators including farmers.
Marine life - Denmark
Custodial ownership sees Denmark’s jewel sparkle
Patricia Gill. Bernard Wong hopes to inspire a shared custodial ownership of the submarine world at Greens Pool. "When people have a strong, intimate connection with a place, they will work hard to look after it," he says. Since 1990 he has observed the movement of rays and their flotilla of cleaner fish, giant blue groper, camouflaged wobbegongs, conspiring old wives and much more submerged among the granite pillars.
STEM education
BPS going into the future
A Riverland school has become the first in the region to introduce Virtual Reality (VR) education into the classroom, allowing students to now completely immerse themselves in their learning – whether that includes being launched into space, walking through ancient civilizations, or exploring a world of their own digital creation.
Biofuels - Emerald
Homelessness
‘A piece of paper in the wind’ – Part One of shining a light on Hay’s homelessness issue
Steven Eade is not easy to find in Hay. He moves through town quietly, keeps odd hours, and has spent most of his 11 years here trying to take up as little space as possible ... "People say, ‘I didn't know you were still here. Where have you been?'" he said. "And I tell them, I'm hiding under a rock where I belong." He is not entirely joking.
Housing
Petition calls for stamp duty relief for regional buyers
Residents across Yorke Peninsula are being encouraged to support a petition calling for stamp duty to be waived on existing homes for first homebuyers in regional South Australia. The initiative, led by the City of Victor Harbor and supported by Barunga West Council and other regional councils, aims to reduce upfront costs for buyers and improve housing access in country areas.
SA Election - MacKillop
I am ready to get to work
“I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful… It’s a historic result, and I don't take this trust lightly. I’m ready to get to work.” That was the message from One Nation’s Jason Virgo after a stunning election result delivered a massive swing across the MacKillop electorate - with Naracoorte emerging as a key signal of change.
SA Election - Narungga
Cash mandate
Liberals, Nationals join Labor in war on cash
In a stunning act of betrayal, the Liberal and National parties have back-flipped on a commitment made in the Senate just seven days earlier and voted with Labor to scuttle a motion that would have relegated the Government’s problematic cash mandate regulations to history ... Senator Michaelia Cash stood up last Tuesday and, speaking for both the Liberals and National parties, ridiculed the proposal and accused One Nation of trying to “ban cash”.
Security
The virtue premium: How Australia locked itself out of fuel and fertiliser
Australia has just signed up to a free trade agreement with the European Union, which is being sold—predictably—as a great leap forward for the inner city consumer ... Out in the paddock, however, the mood is less celebratory. Because the small print tells a more familiar story. Australian once again, signed a deal where farmers pay the costs.
Fire ants - Qld
Sniffer dogs join fight against fire ants in the Lockyer Valley
They may look cute and cuddly, but these highly trained sniffer dogs mean business. Fire ant odour detection dogs and their handlers were mobilised in the Lockyer Valley last month to search for the highly invasive pest.
Oil
Fuel supply - impacts on waste
Questions about waste collection services if fuel crisis escalates
The City of Wanneroo, Shire of Gingin and WALGA have been asked if local governments have any concerns about not being able to provide services such as waste collection services as the fuel crisis potentially escalates in coming weeks.
Law & order - seasonal vineyard workers
Birds of Allora
Rainbow Lorikeets Easter treat
Allora’s picturesque trees in Herbert Street attracted this chattering of noisy but beautiful Rainbow Lorikeets to feast on the mass of seeds that drop onto the footpath for easy picking.
Law & order - Southern Downs
Biosecurity - WA
Bee Blitz kicks off to protect the WA bee industry: Jarvis
April is 'Bee Blitz' month in Western Australia to highlight the importance of early detection and reporting to protect the State's bee industry and crucial pollination services from harmful pests and diseases. WA undertakes State and national bee pest surveillance programs...
Regional nursing
Nursing body demands urgent Medicare overhaul for remote Australia
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has formally called on the federal government to overhaul Medicare structures, claiming current policies are restricting equitable access to primary care for millions of residents in rural and remote Australia.
Forestry
Alpine Ash listing ignores science through lock up and leave viewpoint: Timber Towns Victoria
Timber Towns Victoria (TTV) the peak body representing the local councils whose communities depend on forest industries, has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to list Alpine Ash and White Ash forests as endangered, warning the listing rewards ideology over evidence and risks making the forest management that these ecosystems most urgently need harder, slower, and more dangerous.
Martial arts
Winning the thinking man’s fight for the glory of it all
Jackson Murrie doesn’t fight for money — or even for a trophy. He does mixed martial arts cage fighting for the glory of it all. The videographer from Kyogle won the Grow Strong Fight Series in Warwick on March 28.
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Banjo trail
New trail tracks our heritage through verse
An entirely different High Country experience will soon be available for locals and visitors alike to learn more about our region through the writings of one Australia's most famous poets. The Banjo Paterson High Country Trail will connect the landscapes that inspired the poet's iconic verse in the Victorian High Country such as The Man from Snowy River.
Maitland
Hunter Valley Steamfest returns this April
Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest 2026 is fast approaching, with a packed program set to bring Maitland to life on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April. Alongside the headline ARTC Rail Program, there’s plenty happening across the city for all-ages.
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If you like a story on Australian Rural & Regional News, if you think this is a news platform worth a look, worth keeping in touch with, share it with your network.
There’s too much out there now to just trust people will happen upon it. Take a moment to spread the word. Onya.
Tech for ag
The National Digital Twin for Australian Agriculture – the best yet investigative tool
The first major project unveiled by the Australasian Space Innovation Institute, the National Digital Twin for Australian Agriculture holds immense potential for the agricultural industry to harness existing national datasets and observation systems to model scenarios, test options and inform discussions and decisions, including at scale. Australian Rural & Regional News found out a good deal through an in depth interview with Andrew Beveridge, Director of the National Digital Twin for Australian Agriculture.
Easter
Radio saved the Easter Carnival
Madison Eastmond. Radio station 5RM has performed an Easter miracle, with the broadcaster coming to the rescue of Berri’s iconic long weekend carnival.
Harmony
Harmony Day
Harmony Day was celebrated in Nhill on Saturday at Jaypex Park, with a number of countries represented through stalls and performances, including the Karen community, Samoan, New Zealand, Karen, Nepalese and Philippino. There were plenty of craft activities, including Samoan Lolly Lai necklace making, Maori Poi making for the Poi dance, pot painting, and free popcorn, all helping celebrate the rich cultural diversity within the shire.
Law & order - Vic
Freeman’s rat hole
A wanted man - now confirmed as Desmond Freeman - was shot dead after a standoff at a rural property in Thologolong on Monday as part of the operation to locate the fugitive after seven months at large. The shooting occurred at the property shortly after 8.30am following an impasse with police including members of the Special Operations Group and detectives from Taskforce Summit.
Childcare - Central Coast
Families furious with 10 per cent rise in childcare fees
Families who use childcare and early education centres run by Central Coast Council are furious with the plan to raise fees by 10% and worried about what it means for their working future. One called it a cash grab, another said it was a rip off ... "disgusting cash grab from Council"...
Community battery - Vic
Maldon battery: MP reflects
The installation of Maldon Community Battery has been finalised, complete with its bold surface design by Dja Dja Wurrung artist Daikota Nelson. The TT has been in touch with Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters, who was a key champion of the project, to find out what she thought about the outcome.
Murray-Darling - water buybacks
New analysis shows Basin water buybacks sending Victoria backwards: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) own analysis shows further water buybacks are unlikely to deliver significant improvements in environmental objectives across the Basin and zero improvements in any Victorian river systems including the Victorian Murray.
Property - litigation
Father loses court battle to reclaim $4.8 million Riverina family farms from son
Oliver Jacques. A 77-year-old farmer has lost his last-ditch legal fight to win back two family farms worth around $4.8 million near Narrandera from his own son, ending a seven-year courtroom battle that he said has left him fearing homelessness. Colin Protheroe launched legal action against his son Brian, seeking to overturn a 2023 judgment which found that Brian was entitled to the farms under a court-imposed arrangement.
Petrol supplier - assault
Anger at Allora fuel depot
Police were called to the Allora headquarters of Bartranz Petroleum last week after a man allegedly lashed out at staff. Bartranz owners Justin and Gretta Barton described it as "A Tough Day for Our Team" ... A man allegedly entered the workplace and became aggressive over a fuel pricing dispute.
Losses to gains
Farmers hit hard by food waste – New national trial targets $2.5bn in losses: Hort Innovation
Australian fruit and vegetable growers are missing out of sales of up to one million tonnes of produce that never makes it to market, estimated at up to $2.5 billion a year. In response, a new national research program aims to help farmers keep more value from every harvest by tackling surplus and losses on-farm.
Charter fishing
Unusual capture at Balls Pyramid
Gary Sexton. Pinetree guests, Sam and Will, from country Victoria recently had a day out on Island Charter vessel Belle Chase. Skipper, Flinders Young, promised them a nice day out fishing for Wahoo and Kingfish around Balls Pyramid - but you can imagine their surprise when a giant Pacific Sailfish exploded onto the lures being trolled behind the boat.
Tourism - Lord Howe Island
Where tourism is heading, and what it means for Lord Howe Island
Chelsea Holden. Last month the Lord Howe Island Tourism Association attended Destination Australia, a national conference examining the state and direction of Australian tourism. The conversations covered consumer behaviour, content strategy, international markets, and the long-term future of aviation.
SA Election
Narungga still a nailbiter… recount expected
Michelle Daw. The Liberal Party has requested a recount in the seat of Narungga, with the result still undecided after a knife-edge finish. As of 10am on Monday, March 31, One Nation candidate Chantelle Thomas was leading by just 77 votes, holding 12,078 votes (50.2 per cent) on preferences, ahead of Liberal candidate Tania Stock on 12,001 votes (49.8 per cent).
Opinion - Force majeure?
CSBP’s force majeure gamble: Contracts, conflict and consequence
As the Iran–USA–Israel conflict ripples through global fertiliser markets, Western Australian farmers are discovering just how fragile their supply chains really are. At the centre of it is CSBP, which has reached for the force majeure clause in its contracts to step away from its contractual obligations.
Response
Profoundly unprepared – Think tank reveals dire need for a Hyper Australia: Canavan, McDonald
Australia is “critically exposed to geopolitical risk”, unless Australia can reliably produce a domestic supply of liquid fuel, The Nationals’ think tank has warned.
Buffel grass - NT
Blanket clearance for buffel weed after import
The controversial buffel grass permits announced by Environment Minister Joshua Burgoyne last week apply only to its importation from outside the NT. Once here, the use, propagation, selling and transport of the declared weed has blanket clearance on pastoral lease land, nearly half of the NT, as the Minister is due to approve.
Farrer by election
“A tough operator”: Bob Katter heads south to back Michelle Milthorpe in Farrer by-election
The Hon Bob Katter MP, the Member for Kennedy, has endorsed independent MP Michelle Milthorpe for the upcoming Farrer By-Election ... Of Mrs Milthorpe, Mr Katter said: “Michelle’s taken some hard hits and she’s a tough operator, and she’s very knowledgeable.”
Murray-Darling
Indigenous health
A dream becomes reality with totem poles at entrance to hospital
The six totem poles that line the driveway to the Casino & District Memorial Hospital were officially unveiled ... Hand painted by residents at Balund-a, each totem pole design represents elements of the natural world, including animals, bush foods, and water.
Regional air
Being up in the air
I went to Adelaide yesterday. This is very naughty given that NT Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby had just announced a strategy aiming at making more money for our travel industry ... My booking with Qantas triggered an avalanche of texts and emails...
Rodeo
Murrabit rodeo rides high after another bumper year
Gus van Hart. The Murrabit rodeo is fast becoming one of the district's standout community events, with organisers saying this year's crowd and support pushed the annual show to a new level ... "It was just all about the rodeo on the night, and the vibe was awesome. Everyone had an absolute blast."
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