Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s far west.Blade Crowe, aged 25, was last seen on Murton Street, Broken Hill, on Sunday 10 August.Officers attached to Barrier Police District were notified today (Wednesday 13 August 2025), and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.Police hold concerns for Blade’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character.Blade is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair.He was last seen wearing a Oodie jumper with sloths images, grey tracksuit pants and black and white sneakers.Blade is believed to have been camping to the south of Broken Hill and is believed to still be in that area.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A man has been arrested following malicious damage to a Police vehicle at Darlington Point on Sunday 10 August 10 at 5.15am.A 21 year old man from Griffith was arrested on Tuesday following a police investigation into the damaged Police vehicle.The man was charged with Malicious Damage by officers from Murrumbidgee PD and given conditional bail.

Balranald Shire Council has said on their social media account that Bidgee Haven is not in crisis. According to council, 68 per cent of all small rural aged care facilities run at a loss.As reported in The Riverine Grazier on 30 July, financial reports presented to council showed significant budget variations.It was said at the July meeting of Balranald Shire Council that Balranald Council had expected more than half a million-dollar profit from Bidgee Haven. Instead, the July financial report showed over $250,000 deficit. It was also noted at the meeting there was nearly a million-dollar discrepancy in the financial report.An urgent workshop was called for, to fully understand the situation as a council.The business papers presented to council said Bidgee Haven's financial position had shifted dramatically from original projections.For the 2024/25 financial year, the facility was originally expected to achieve a profit but is now operating at a deficit.It was agreed at the meeting "we all need the Bidgee Haven" and council needs to "grab the bull by the horns" for the facility's long-term future.Despite the financial challenges, council has commenced a $6 million extension and refurbishment project and has applied for a $3 million grant to enhance the facility. This money has come from successful grant funding.The Riverine Grazier agrees with Balranald Shire Council, who said in their social media post, councillors fully support the management and staff of Bidgee Haven and that it's a vital community facility.

Tooleybuc Preschool doubles capacity with new NSW government-funded extensionThe town of Tooleybuc celebrated a major milestone recently.The official opening of a new extension to its community preschool was held.This extension doubles the facility's capacity, providing crucial early learning opportunities for local families.The $373,750 NSW Government investment through the Start Strong Capital Works Grants Program has enabled Tooleybuc Preschool to expand from accommodating 25 children daily to 50, addressing long-standing waiting lists and accessibility challenges faced by families in the region.Speaking at the opening ceremony, NSW Department of Education's Senior Program Officer Donna Brooks emphasised the transformative impact for the community."We know that access to early learning is crucial, especially in regional and rural areas," she said."Many families here have faced waiting lists and challenges in accessing affordable early childhood education."That's why today is so important."The NSW Government says for small rural communities like Tooleybuc, access to quality early childhood education can be particularly challenging.Limited capacity often means families must travel significant distances or join lengthy waiting lists, creating barriers to children's educational development during their most critical learning years.The expansion addresses this gap at a crucial time.Research consistently shows that 90 per cent of brain development occurs before age five, making structured, play-based early learning programmes essential for building the social, emotional, and cognitive skills children need throughout their lives."This extension is a testament to what can be achieved when government and community work hand in hand to deliver outcomes that matter," Brooks told the gathered families and community members."And this facility will serve not just today's children, but many generations to come."Pictured at last week's official opening are (from left) Donna Brooks, from the NSW Department of Education, Tooleybuc Preschool Director Larissa Andrews and Bronwyn Hogan, who was a project manager. Image: NSW Government.

Iluka Resources is involved in a dispute over unpaid dues, relating to the construction of a mine camp at their $600 million Balranald project, according to The West Australian newspaper.Iluka Resources is currently in a legal dispute with the contractor, MCC Mining Camps Pty Ltd, who is responsible for the facility, which includes a kitchen, dining area, and laundry.Despite the legal proceedings, Balranald Shire Council has reported that the workers' village is operational and is currently housing residents.Iluka has also maintained that the dispute will not impact the project's timeline, which is set for commissioning in the latter half of the year.The Balranald project is a significant one, valued at $600 million.The mine will extract several valuable minerals, including zircon, rutile, ilmenite, and rare earth concentrates.Iluka plans to process the rare earth materials at its Eneabba refinery in Western Australia.The final investment decision for the project was approved in February 2023, with the mine expected to be operational within the next six months.The dispute over the mine camp dues is currently before the courts, and as such, Iluka is not commenting further on the matter, reports the West Australian.However, the company has indicated that the dispute will not affect the project's timeline.

National Missing Persons Week happens during the first week of August each year.During this week, Federal and state Police coordinate a campaign across policing services.The campaign aims to raise awareness of issues that relate to missing persons, profile long-term missing persons, reduce the number, and the impact, of missing persons in Australia.As part of 2025 Missing Persons Week, we raise a spotlight to three men, all missing from the region.Jeremiah 'Jayo' Rivers was a talented AFL player, who moved from the Northern Territory to Balranald, to play with the Balranald Roos.After making friends in town, Jayo, a fellow NT-based footy mate, a local Balranald man and four men from Victoria left Balranald on a hunting trip.It was Saturday, October 16, 2021, so Covid-19 border restrictions were in place, which the hunting party say was why their stories became confused.In two vehicles, the group of seven headed to Wilcannia, where one man sought treatment at the hospital in the early hours of October 17.Jayo was recorded in CCTV in White Cliffs just before 11am the same morning, limping, in bare feet.It is estimated the group quietly entered Queensland through the isolated Wompah Gate around 4am on October 18, after cutting the lock on the chained border.The group say they set up camp at Wippo Creek, and the last photograph of Jayo was taken around 8.30am that day.According to the evidence given by his travelling companions at his 2023 coronial inquest, Jayo walked away from the camp, either chasing a pig, or to look for somewhere to take a swim.It was Monday.Wippo Creek is about 40 kilometres from the tiny out back town of Noccundra – population 16.On Monday evening two of the men drove to Noccundra and purchased meals for the group, but did not report Jayo as missing.On Tuesday morning, October 19, the two men returned to Noccundra to fuel their vehicle and it was then that they first mentioned Jayo as missing, to local police.The pair did not share that they were part of a larger group, and the second vehicle departed separately.Once the alarm was raised, Police launched an extensive land, air, and water search from for eight days, using vehicles, planes, and even a gyrocopter.As well as the official efforts, Jayo's family arrived from Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and searched the harsh terrain for months.In May 2024, Queensland Police restarted a 16-day search north west of Noccundra, based on new but undisclosed information.Despite all these searches, no trace of Jayo, has ever been found.In October 2024, Coroner Donald MacKenzie ruled that Jayo was likely dead and probably met with foul play, but his heartbroken family still has no answers.Victorian man Scott Neven was on a pig hunting trip in October 2002, when he was last seen 40 kilometres from Ivanhoe.Broken Hill police say the 31-year-old Victorian was in a car with two friends when a fight erupted.The witnesses told police that Scott got out of the vehicle, crawled under a fence and ran off into the paddock.He has not been seen since Friday 11, October 2002.An inquest held in July 2006 by the Deputy State Coroner found that Mr Neven died on or about 12 October 2002.As no trace of Mr Neven has been found since, the Coroner could not make any findings over the precise place, date, manner or cause of death. The Coroner did rule that Mr Neven met with foul play.In 2025, the NSW Government offered $100,000 reward for information into the disappearance of Scott Neven, and for information leading to the arrest of Mr Neven's killer.On Tuesday January 2, 2001, Clifford Parker, left "Hazelwood Station" located on the Sturt Highway near Balranald.Clifford took with him a small grey and blue backpack and a swag marked "Hazelwood" on it.It is believed Clifford took his dogs with him, but neither Clifford nor his dogs have been seen since this date.If you have any information into the disappearance of Jeremiah Rivers, Scott Neven or Clifford Parker please contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.The Riverine Grazier would also like to hear from anyone who knew any of these men, and is open to anonymous contact.Email [email protected].

Mayor Carol Oataway says exciting developments are happening across the community.Hay Shire is experiencing significant positive changes, with several major projects set to transform the community over the coming months and years. From renewable energy developments to new housing estates, expanded childcare facilities, and educational opportunities, residents can look forward to a brighter future with more jobs and better services.The biggest news is the approval of a renewable energy project that will bring new jobs and economic opportunities to the area. This development represents years of careful planning and negotiation by Council."This is absolutely major news for Hay," Carol said. "This approval opens up all sorts of opportunities for our community – employment, economic development, legacy projects. It's the kind of development that can really transform a community's future prospects."The renewable energy project will provide benefits that extend far beyond just creating jobs, helping to future-proof the community against economic uncertainties.The Shire is facing a severe housing shortage, with key workers struggling to find places to live. The situation has become so critical that essential service providers are having difficulty attracting staff to the area.A registered nurse who recently started at the hospital has been unable to find rental accommodation, while a Commonwealth Bank manager has been forced to stay at local accommodation, paying $900 per fortnight just to have somewhere to live while doing his job."We're in desperate need of more housing for workers and families," Carol said. "Just to give you an idea of how serious this is – we've got a registered nurse who started at the hospital four weeks ago and it's virtually impossible to find a rental."The housing shortage creates a circular problem – the Shire wants to attract key workers, but they can't find anywhere to live when they arrive.Council is developing comprehensive plans for a new housing estate to help solve this problem. The project has already been presented to the community for consultation, showing Council's commitment to involving residents in major decisions."We've got a housing precinct in the planning stages that we're hoping to fund using benefits from the renewable energy project," Carol said. "We've already taken this to the community for consultation, and while it's still in very early planning stages, it represents a significant step forward in addressing this critical need."The local childcare centre will soon expand using vacant Council properties, addressing another critical community need. The centre has a large waiting list, preventing people from returning to work or moving to the area with their families.Council has identified practical solutions using existing community assets rather than expensive new construction."Our childcare waiting list is huge, and it's preventing people from getting back into the workforce or relocating here," Carol said."We've got a vacant council house right next door to the childcare centre that we're going to let them use to expand their footprint."The childcare centre has confirmed that space, not staffing, is their main constraint, making this expansion particularly effective."They've assured us it's space they need, not staff – they can get enough staff to cover, but they've simply run out of room," Carol said.Council is also working on a more complex property swap arrangement with police housing to provide even more space for childcare expansion. While this involves navigating state government processes, it demonstrates Council's commitment to finding creative solutions.The Connected Learning Centre is almost ready to open, with staff recruitment nearly complete. This facility will transform educational opportunities for local residents, allowing them to pursue qualifications without leaving their community."The Connected Learning Centre is really exciting – it's going to be a total game changer for our community," Carol said. "We're still in the process of recruiting staff, and that should be finalised within the next week or two."Once operational, the centre will provide access to university courses and professional development opportunities that were previously unavailable locally."This means anybody can enrol at any university and use these facilities right here in Hay," Carol said. "Whether someone wants to become a nurse, do first aid training, or pursue other qualifications, they'll be able to do it without leaving town. It's never too late to pursue these opportunities."Construction of the new aquatic centre is proceeding on time and on budget, with opening planned for mid-December. The $8 million project represents a major achievement for Council, delivered without putting the Shire into significant debt."It's an $8 million project that Council has basically delivered debt-free to the community."We've had to use some of our funds, but not much in the big scheme of things when you look at $8.1 million. Best of all, it's on time and on budget," Carol said.The new aquatic centre will provide recreational facilities for residents and visitors, contributing to the Shire's attractiveness as a place to live and visit.The waste facility will operate reduced hours following extensive community consultation. The change comes after the introduction of the successful three-bin system reduced the number of people needing to visit the tip.Council conducted detailed research before making this decision, surveying residents about their usage patterns and preferences."We didn't make this decision lightly – we did extensive research, surveying who went to the tip on which days, whether they went in the morning or afternoon, and then made our decision based on the busiest days to keep the tip open," Carol said.The reduced hours allow Council to redirect resources to essential recycling and composting activities."People aren't using the tip as much now that we have the three-bin system," Carol said. "The green bins are catering for household rubbish and lawn clippings, so people don't need to make special trips to the tip."There's no point having a tip open if it's not being used, and the manpower is better used doing essential processing so we can recycle our plastics and make compost."The change is being run as a trial for several months, and Council actively seeks community feedback."It's strictly a trial, and we're taking feedback from anyone who'd like to make comments," Carol said."People can email Council, call into the front office, or contact their local councillor."Mayor Oataway explained that modern councils provide far more services than traditionally expected, while facing increasing financial pressures from other levels of government."We're no longer just about roads, rates and rubbish," Carol said."We're now delivering services for youth, services for the aged, services for people with disabilities. We run the library, all the museums, all the tourist attractions. Then there's major maintenance projects, not to mention all our roads, footpaths, sewage, and keeping the water turned on. Plus all the parks and gardens."Despite this expanded role, councils receive limited funding from ratepayers, with the federal government increasingly shifting costs to local government level."We get a very small percentage of our funding from ratepayers to run our town," Carol said. "The rest comes from federal government, but they're shifting more and more costs back to local government."We've worked out that it's about $496 per ratepayer in additional costs being shifted to us. We're not going to charge ratepayers that, but it puts extra pressure on us."This cost-shifting means Council must maximise every opportunity to generate revenue and deliver services efficiently.Hay Shire has received positive recognition on ABC Radio National for its proactive approach to renewable energy projects, with the Shire being held up as an example of best practice."Hay Council got a great mention on ABC Radio National about how proactive we are in the renewable space," Carol said. "They were very complimentary about how we've done it right, saying we should be the benchmark for how these things should be handled."This recognition reflects Council's strategic approach to managing change while maximising community benefits.The mayor emphasised that the renewable energy project will help make the community more resilient during challenging economic periods."It makes our community more resilient and helps drought-proof us a little bit," Carol said. "We've seen how prolonged droughts can decimate communities, so having something extra beyond just agriculture is really important. With all the cost-shifting happening, we have to capitalise on every opportunity available."Council maintains an open-door policy for community input, encouraging residents to engage with all levels of the decision-making process."We're always open to feedback and happy to talk to anyone," Carol said. "Contact details for all councillors are on our website, or people can email Council or call into the front office. Everyone's opinion is important and will be taken into account."This commitment to community consultation has been demonstrated through the housing precinct presentations, waste facility surveys, and ongoing invitation for feedback on all Council initiatives.The mayor's message is clear. Hay Shire is moving forward with confidence, addressing long-standing challenges while building foundations for future prosperity.Have questions about what's happening in Hay Shire? Contact Council by email, phone, or visit the office. Councillor contact details are available on the Council website.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Mayor Carol Oataway personally and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of Hay Shire Council.

Local man Rene Woods (right) has been appointed as the first Aboriginal Assistant Commissioner to the Natural Resources Commission (NRC).The announcement was made by NRC Commissioner Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, who highlighted Mr. Woods' extensive experience in Aboriginal natural resource management (NRM), sustainability, and policy."I am delighted to welcome Mr. Woods to the Commission," said Professor Durrant-Whyte. "He brings deep cultural knowledge, strategic influence, and extensive networks across government and all community sectors to this important role."The Commissioner noted that Mr. Woods' appointment will strengthen the NRC's ability to provide independent advice on a range of issues, particularly those concerning Aboriginal NRM and 'Healthy Country' initiatives.His role is expected to help the commission improve its cultural capabilities and engagement with Aboriginal communities.Mr. Woods, who also serves on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and as an Associate Professor of Practice at UNSW Sydney, expressed his enthusiasm for the new position."My goal as Assistant Commissioner is to make people aware of Aboriginal culture and heritage, our land and water management on Country, and our rights and interests," Mr. Woods said."I also want to help get local communities back on Country and involved in natural resource management."The Natural Resources Commission provides independent, evidence-based advice to the NSW Government on how to sustainably manage the state's natural resources for the long term.

Broken Hill police arrest 27-year-old man following dramatic chase on Silvercity HighwayA 27-year-old man has been refused bail and appeared in Broken Hill Local Court today after leading police on a pursuit that ended when his allegedly stolen vehicle ran out of fuel on the Silvercity Highway.The dramatic incident unfolded yesterday afternoon when police officers on patrol attempted to stop a silver Ford Territory around 1.30pm on Sunday, August 10.Police became suspicious of the Ford Territory after routine checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen. When officers attempted to pull the car over, the driver failed to stop, prompting police to initiate a pursuit along the Silvercity Highway.The chase came to an abrupt end when the Ford Territory ran out of fuel and came to a stop. The driver exited the vehicle and was arrested a short time later without further incident.Following the arrest, police conducted a thorough search of both the man and the vehicle, which yielded concerning results. Officers seized a knuckleduster and methylamphetamine from the car.The man was then subjected to a roadside oral fluid test, which allegedly returned positive readings for both cannabis and methylamphetamine. He was subsequently taken to Broken Hill Police Station, where a secondary oral fluid sample was obtained and sent away for further analysis.The 27-year-old man now faces six serious charges; police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed, drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, possess prohibited drugReceive property stolen outside NSW, drive vehicle, illicit drug present in blood.Police will allege in court that the Ford Territory was stolen from a residential property in Loxton, South Australia, sometime between 9pm on Saturday, August 9, and 4am on Sunday, August 10.The interstate nature of the alleged theft adds another layer of complexity to the case, with the vehicle travelling hundreds of kilometres from South Australia to the far west New South Wales town of Broken Hill.Given the seriousness of the charges and the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the man was refused bail following his arrest. He appeared before Broken Hill Local Court on Monday, August 11, to face the multiple charges.The refusal of bail suggests police may have concerns about the accused being a flight risk or potentially posing a danger to the community if released.The case highlights the ongoing challenges police face with stolen vehicles crossing state borders and the associated risks posed by drug-affected drivers on regional highways.The Silvercity Highway is a major arterial road connecting Broken Hill with other regional centres, making it a critical route for both legitimate travel and, unfortunately, criminal activity.The matter will continue before Broken Hill Local Court as the legal process unfolds.

Candidate nominations for the Central Darling Shire Council election are now open. Nominations can be lodged from today with the NSW Electoral Commission and must be lodged by 12 noon on Wednesday August 20. Late nominations and amendments cannot be accepted.Nomination forms and locations to lodge a nomination are available at elections.nsw.gov.au.Candidates who need help with lodging their nomination can email [email protected] or call 1300 022 011. A final list of candidates, in ballot paper order, will be available after the ballot paper draw on Thursday 21 August 2025. Media are invited to attend the ballot paper draw at 12 noon at the Returning Officer's office which is located at 35 Reid Street, Wilcannia. Visit the NSW Electoral Commission website to find out more about this election.

Parents have been alerted to an approach made to students in HayThe alert was issued to parents and carers of school students in Hay, following reports a man approached children this morning (Tuesday, August 12, 2025)"We have been advised of an incident on Leonard Street (Hay) this morning, of a man in a vehicle with QLD number plates, approaching high school students," the alert read.Schools advise parents and carers to discuss 'stranger danger' with their children.If you have any information regarding this incident please call Hay Police on 02 6997 2720.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant. Jade WILLIAMS who is 31 years of age, is wanted by virtue of an outstanding warrant for domestic violence offences. WILLIAMS is known to frequent the Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera areas. Police have advised members of the public not to approach the man if seen, but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Anyone who may have information on WILLIAMS’ whereabouts is urged to call Griffith Police Station on (02) 6969 4299 or Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000

Ever fancied yourself as the next Russell Crowe? Well, here's your chance to test those acting chops without having to trek to Sydney or Melbourne. The micro-budget indie film Jack & Omar is heading to Rankins Springs and surrounding areas from 28 September to 4 October, and they're on the hunt for genuine Riverina locals to fill their cast.This isn't your typical Hollywood casting call where you need an agent, years of training, and a portfolio thicker than a phone book. The filmmakers are after something much more valuable – authenticity. They want real faces, real stories, and that unmistakable country charm that can't be faked in a acting studio.The production is casting for six key roles, and the age range is refreshingly broad. There's Henry Mills, a rugged farmer aged 55-70 (basically every second bloke you'd meet at the pub), Mrs Carruthers, a no-nonsense shopkeeper in the same age bracket, and a town mechanic who looks like he's actually spent time under a bonnet.They're also seeking Imran, a sharp deal-maker aged 22-30 with South-Asian or Middle-Eastern heritage, Aunt Ruth (the anxious but lovable relative we all have), and a Disapproving Parent for what sounds like a cracker of a scene.Here's the beauty of it – never acted before? No worries. The casting directors are more interested in honesty than technique. If you can tell a story naturally and bring a bit of yourself to the role, they reckon they can coach the rest.The requirements couldn't be simpler. Chuck together a current headshot (and yes, a phone snap will do just fine), record a 60-second self-tape where you either share a true story or have a crack at improvising the character, and Bob's your uncle. Just include your name, age, town, and mobile number, and you're in the running.Beyond the obvious bragging rights of being in a proper film, cast members will receive on-screen credit, meals during filming, fuel money, and the chance to work alongside professional actors. Plus, there's the satisfaction of helping put the Riverina on the cinematic map – something that doesn't happen every day.The production team seems genuinely committed to showcasing the region authentically, which means this isn't just a case of city filmmakers rolling in to use the landscape as a pretty backdrop. They want the community to be part of the storytelling process.If any of these roles sound like they've got your name on them, email your materials to [email protected] with the subject line "[Role] – Griffith Casting" before August 20. That's not long, so don't sit on it if you're keen.And here's a thought – if none of the roles suit you but you know someone who'd be perfect, give them a nudge. Sometimes it takes a mate to point out that yes, you actually would make a brilliant disapproving parent or that your years of fixing tractors have given you exactly the right look for a country mechanic.Micro-budget films like Jack & Omar often punch well above their weight when it comes to storytelling. Without the pressure of massive studio budgets and marketing campaigns, these projects can take risks, explore genuine characters, and tell stories that big-budget productions might shy away from.For regional Australia, it's also a chance to see ourselves represented authentically on screen – not as the usual stereotypes or comic relief, but as real people with real stories worth telling.So whether you're a natural performer who's been waiting for the right opportunity, or someone who's never considered acting but reckons they could have a fair dinkum crack at it, this could be your moment. At the very least, you'll have a story to tell at the next family barbecue.

Young people across the Griffith region are being invited to step up and make a difference through an upcoming leadership development initiative that promises to inspire the next generation of changemakers.The Griffith Changemakers Forum, a collaborative effort between Griffith City Council and Sonder Youth, will bring together aspiring leaders aged 12 to 24 for an intensive two-day program designed to ignite their passion for positive community change.Scheduled for Saturday 16 and Sunday August 17 at the Griffith Regional Sports Centre, the forum represents a significant investment in the region's youth development, offering participants the opportunity to engage with leadership challenges, practical changemaking workshops, team-building activities, and facilitated discussion groups.The program is specifically designed to help young people discover practical pathways for creating social change, develop strategies for implementing meaningful improvements within their communities, and understand how individuals can become catalysts for the positive transformation they wish to see."This initiative is fundamentally about supporting the voices and visions of our region's young people," explained Council's Youth Development Officer, Charli Scott. "It provides them with a valuable opportunity to develop essential skills, collaborate with like-minded peers, and explore how they can contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive future for our community."The forum removes traditional barriers to participation by offering free attendance, with all meals included throughout the two-day program. Recognising that young people from across the broader region may wish to participate, accommodation will also be provided for attendees travelling from outside Griffith.This comprehensive approach ensures that geographic location and financial constraints do not prevent motivated young people from accessing this leadership development opportunity. The forum represents a tangible commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering the leadership capabilities that will shape the region's future.By bringing together diverse perspectives from across the region's youth demographic, the Changemakers Forum aims to create an environment where innovative thinking can flourish and collaborative solutions to community challenges can emerge.For young people seeking to develop their leadership capabilities and learn practical approaches to community engagement, the forum offers an intensive learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on application.The initiative reflects a broader recognition of the vital role young people play in driving positive social change and the importance of providing them with the tools, networks, and confidence to translate their ideas into meaningful action.

The residents of Central Darling Shire will participate in a landmark democratic process on Saturday, September 20, marking the first council election in over ten years following an extended period of administration.This historic election will establish New South Wales' inaugural Rural and Remote Council, following the passage of enabling legislation in September 2024. Under this innovative governance model, the community will elect three councillors to represent their interests, whilst maintaining the standard operational functions of local government with enhanced structural support.The electoral process has been facilitated by significant government investment, with the NSW Government committing $6 million over two years to ensure a smooth transition from administration to elected representation and to establish sustainable financial foundations for the council's future operations.Eligible residents were required to complete their enrolment by 6:00 PM on Monday, 11 August 2025, to participate in this significant milestone for local democracy in the region.Voting will be conducted between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on election day, with pre-polling available from Monday, September 15 to Friday, September 19 for those unable to attend on Saturday. All Australian citizens aged 18 and over enrolled in the shire are legally required to vote. Residents may choose to vote in person, apply for postal voting through elections.nsw.gov.au if unable to access polling places, or utilise telephone voting if they are blind or have low vision. When voting, residents will receive one councillor ballot paper and must number at least two candidates in order of preference, though they may preference as many candidates as they wish.

A NSW parliamentary committee will travel to three Far West towns next week as part of its investigation into how recent water management reforms are affecting regional communities across the Murray-Darling Basin.The Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development is examining the impacts of the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023 on NSW regional areas, with public hearings scheduled for Menindee, Wilcannia and Broken Hill.Committee chair Roy Butler said the Far West hearings represented a crucial opportunity to hear directly from communities affected by water policy changes across the Darling-Baaka river system."Water policy issues are critically important to communities in the Far West," Mr Butler said. "Remote communities are impacted by water management decisions across the Darling-Baaka system and they appreciate the importance of strong water management policy that balances competing uses."The hearings will allow the committee to understand how government could improve its approach to water management and minimise negative impacts on local communities.Hearing scheduleMenindee: Community Hall, Tuesday 12 August, 1.30pm–4.00pmWilcannia: Community Hall, Wednesday 13 August, 12.30pm–3.00pmBroken Hill: Civic Centre, Thursday 14 August, 9.00am–12.30pmThe committee previously conducted public hearings in the Riverina and Murray regions in July and has flagged additional hearings in the northern basin later this year."We know that the reforms introduced by the Act will have different impacts across different areas in the Murray-Darling Basin," Mr Butler said. "We will be holding more public hearings to ensure that the committee's recommendations reflect the different impacts experienced across regional NSW."The hearings will feature invited stakeholders, with members of the public welcome to observe from the public gallery where limited seating is available. The sessions will also be broadcast via webcast on the NSW Parliament website, with more information available on the committee's webpage.The inquiry forms part of a comprehensive review process to assess how federal water reforms are affecting NSW regional communities and to develop recommendations for improved water management approaches across the basin.

New eSafety guides address unique online challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youthAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are embracing digital technology with remarkable creativity and civic engagement, but they also face significantly higher rates of online harm than their peers, according to new research that has informed the development of culturally responsive online safety resources.eSafety has launched Safer Together! and Leaving Deadly Digital Footprints! - two online safety guides specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their carers. Co-designed with First Nations kids, parents, and carers, the guides use storytelling, case studies and interactive activities to help young people learn safe and positive online behaviours.The research reveals that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are highly engaged digital citizens who use the internet as a powerful platform for cultural expression and civic participation. They are significantly more likely than the national average to create and share their own content online, with 37 per cent posting their own video or music content compared to just 19 per cent of children overall, and 35 per cent sharing story or blog content compared to 16 per cent nationally."First Nations children and teenagers are embracing the internet and technology in wonderful and creative ways," said eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. The internet serves as an important meeting place for these young people, who are much more likely to make new friends or contacts online than the national average - 37 per cent compared with 20 per cent overall.Gaming is also a popular activity, with almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children playing online games alone, compared with 61 per cent nationally, while 66 per cent play with others compared with 56 per cent overall.Perhaps most notably, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children demonstrate exceptional levels of online civic engagement. Almost one-third (30 per cent) discuss social and political problems online weekly or more often - more than double the national average of 13 per cent. They are also more likely to access news online, with 42 per cent doing so compared to 31 per cent nationally.The internet has become a crucial source of health information for these young people. Around one in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children regularly use the internet to find information about physical health issues (35 per cent compared with 17 per cent nationally), and they are significantly more likely to seek information about mental health (31 per cent compared with 13 per cent) and emotional support (33 per cent compared with 13 per cent).For older teenagers aged 14-17, sexual health information seeking is also notably higher, with 40 pent accessing such information compared to 13 per cent nationally.However, this high level of digital engagement comes with significant risks. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are much more likely to experience negative treatment online, with 68 per cent reporting being treated in a hurtful or nasty way compared to 45 per cent nationally.Most concerning is the prevalence of hate speech. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are almost three times more likely to experience online hate speech than the national average, with around three in ten (29 per cent) having offensive things said to them because of their race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, compared to just one in ten (11 per cent) nationally.These young people are also more likely to have contact with people they first met online (69 per cent compared with 55 per cent nationally), including meeting them face-to-face (37 per cent compared with 12 per cent nationally), which may increase their risk of various negative experiences including bullying, inappropriate use of photos and sexual victimisation.Most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 14-17 (76 per cent) have been exposed to potentially harmful online material such as violent images or sexual content. These negative experiences can have profound impacts, including impaired mental health (31 per cent), perceived reputation damage (27 per cent) and lower grades at school (23 per cent).Despite facing higher rates of online harm, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children demonstrate remarkable resilience and digital literacy in their responses to negative experiences. They are proactive and knowledgeable, with 67 per cent telling friends or parents about negative experiences and the same percentage pursuing best-practice online safety responses such as unfriending or blocking perpetrators.These young people show high levels of self-reflection and responsibility for their online behaviour, and are just as likely to tell their parents or carers when they have treated someone in a hurtful way online as they are to disclose when they have been on the receiving end of such behaviour.The new eSafety guides acknowledge this complex digital landscape that First Nations children navigate. "However, they are more likely to be exposed to a range of online harms, including hate speech, discrimination, and bullying," Ms Inman Grant noted."These guides were built by and for First Nations people. They're about learning together, building trust, and giving children the tools to enjoy the digital world safely and confidently."The guides recognise both the creativity and innovation of First Nations young people online while addressing unique risks like racism and digital exclusion. Parents and carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are closely engaged with their child's internet use and highly likely to explore strategies for safer internet use with their children.The research also highlights potential digital divide issues, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children more likely to characterise the internet as being slow. This may be driven by socio-economic or geographic location factors and represents an area requiring further research and attention.Despite these challenges, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children typically maintain a somewhat conflicted but realistic view of the internet, acknowledging its benefits while remaining appropriately wary of its size and associated risks.The new Safer Together! and Leaving Deadly Digital Footprints! guides complement eSafety's existing range of tailored online safety resources developed with First Nations organisations. These resources aim to empower people of all ages with tools and knowledge to protect themselves online while celebrating the positive ways First Nations communities engage with digital technology.The guides can be found at esafety.gov.au/FirstNations and represent an important step towards more inclusive and culturally responsive approaches to online safety education that recognise both the opportunities and unique challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in digital spaces.

The Hay Show is gearing up for its 151st event, and the show committee is calling on local producers to get involved in this year’s Fleece Exhibit. Following a successful turnout for last year’s 150th anniversary show, organisers are hoping to make the fleece competition even bigger."We want the community to be a huge part of this major event," said Mike Cannon of the Hay Show. "Last year, we had almost 50 exhibitors, and we were so grateful for their support. We're hoping to build on that success and make the fleece exhibit a real highlight of this year's show."This year's competition will include categories for Flock, Stud, and Commercial Yield, with classifications such as Medium, Medium Fine, and Fine wool, which will be determined by RAS NSW judging guidelines. To ensure fair competition, all fleeces will be sampled and tested before the show. The Grand Champion fleece will be held back and sent to Sydney to be entered into the 2026 Royal Easter Show."It's a fantastic opportunity for our local producers to show off the quality of their wool on a bigger stage," Mr. Cannon added. "We’re really excited to see the entries this year."Fleeces can be dropped off at Lugsdin Toyota, or you can contact Mike Cannon directly to arrange delivery. Fleeces will be retained by the Show Society unless a return is requested by the exhibitor. Retained fleeces will be sold, with all proceeds going to the Show Society.How to EnterEntry Deadline: Fleeces must be delivered by September 3, 2025.Fleece Preparation: Fleeces should be skirted and bagged in dark-coloured plastic bags. Fleeces for the commercial yield class must include belly wool and pieces.Fleece Details: A description of each fleece must be included both on and in the bag. This should include:Owner's NameBloodline (optional)Fleece Description (e.g., Commercial Merino Ewe, 3 years old, with shearing interval)Stud Fleeces must be clearly marked as such.Delivery: Drop off fleeces at Lugsdin Toyota or contact Mike Cannon on 0428 151 599 or at [email protected].

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has recently released key reports, including the 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation and the 2025 Sustainable Rivers Audit (SRA), offering a comprehensive look at the state of Australia's largest river system. Hay’s Rene Woods is a member of the MDBA board. Mr Woods was appointed in late 2020, after legislative amendments allowed for a permanent Indigenous position on the board.While the MDBA asserts that the Basin Plan, aimed to protect Australia’s largest river system, is working, the reports also show significant areas where progress remains elusive, and impacts on communities, particularly those dependent on irrigation, continue to be felt.MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said that while implementation is not complete, the evaluation found evidence that the rivers, wetlands and lakes are in far better shape under the Basin Plan.“This Evaluation provides strong evidence that the sustained commitment of Basin communities, industry and governments to implement the Basin Plan is working,” Mr McConville said.“This is the most comprehensive assessment of the progress made to restore and sustainably manage the Basin’s environment and water resources.“We have drawn on more than 30 lines of evidence, including extensive environmental monitoring, lived experience, social and economic studies and technical information.MDBA says collaborative efforts in environmental watering are yielding results, such as connecting rivers in the north and south, restoring floodplain vegetation, and aiding waterbird breeding.Furthermore, the MDBA points to the innovation of Australian industries, noting that the economic value and contribution to gross domestic product from the Basin grew from $23.6 billion in 2008 to $35.1 billion in 2021. The Basin’s economy is growing, with the services industry expanding and agricultural land values increasing at over 5% annually over the last 20 years.Despite these asserted successes, the MDBA acknowledges that "implementation is not complete" “It’s clear from the results that the Basin Plan is working, but there is more to be done," Mr McConville said.However, these findings and statements have met with sharp criticism from Southern Riverina Irrigators (SRI) and Member for Murray Helen Dalton MP. SRI chair Peter McDonald labelled MDBA statements as dangerous. “SRI has sat on the MDBAs community forum for many years, Mr McDonald said.“At a recent meeting in May we were given an insight into what this report contained and SRI were certainly not alone in our condemnation of the evaluation in its current form.“We flagged quite a few concerns including socialising impacts across a broader demographic and the use of economic data based on a gross dollar value rather than actual productivity data.“We asked for our issues and concerns to be clearly outlined in the evaluation and it certainly hides a lot of the key impacts when you gloss over the facts,” Mr McDonald said.He said it is no secret the wealth and health of our rural towns and communities is underpinned by access to affordable irrigation, to argue otherwise is ridiculous.“Commodities like rice, dairy, beef, lamb and cereals are all directly related to access to affordable irrigation water.“SunRice stated back in October 2024 investing in the Deniliquin Mill becomes too hard and a further 450GL of buybacks will likely push the company offshore – Sunrice generates around $400 million annually and employs 400 people in the region.“We would argue water recovery under the Basin Plan has had a major negative impact on our region and will continue to do so, as competition for productive water increases as more water leaves the footprint - it’s a simple case of supply and demand.” Mr McDonald challenged MDBA Chair Daryl Quinlivan’s assertion that the evaluation represents the most substantial body of evidence.“It is just another simple case of the MDBA marking their own homework.”Member for Murray Helen Dalton agrees.“No points for marking your own homework, MDBA,” Ms Dalton said.“Their success story is a statistical sleight-of-hand, measured against 2007—the absolute peak of the devastating Millennium Drought.“Their own report even admits this growth was measured against a ‘low base’. It’s a deliberate deception to hide the truth.”The 2025 SRA indicates that while many aspects of the Basin’s environmental health have improved since the Millennium drought, particularly with recent wet conditions, significant challenges remain in the areas of floodplain connectivity, native fish populations and waterbird decline.Fish populations have been rated in the SRA as 'poor' or 'very poor' in 19 out of 23 valleys, within the Murray Darling Basin, and long-term trends for waterbird habitat and numbers show a long-term decline since the 1980s.The evaluations also reveal a disparity in social outcomes, particularly for First Nations peoples and agriculture-dependent communities.The SRA highlights that the exclusion of First Nations peoples from water management arrangements has caused “harm", and their "wellbeing is intrinsically linked to the health of Country." While Basin residents generally report high wellbeing and recommend it as a great place to live, a significant proportion of residents who depend on agriculture are quoted as feeling less confident about the future of their community and their ability to cope with events like droughts and floods. Many residents are concerned about water quality problems such as blue-green algae, murky water, or blackwater. Younger Basin residents and those who live in areas that depend highly on agriculture feel less confident about the future.The MDBA says it is committed to working with stakeholders and will release a Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper in early 2026 to seek feedback on identified issues and potential options for changes to the Plan. The final Basin Plan Review report, expected in late 2026, will set out recommendations for changes.