The Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards are returning for 2025, marking a significant milestone as Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation celebrates its 30th anniversary year with an increased prize pool of $19,500.The prestigious awards, presented in collaboration with Broken Hill City Art Gallery and West Darling Arts, provide a platform to showcase and celebrate the depth and diversity of First Nations creativity across Far West NSW.Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation was established in November 1995, following extensive community consultation conducted on behalf of the Murdi Paaki ATSIC Regional Council. The organisation is led and governed by an all-Aboriginal Board of Directors, democratically elected to represent seven communities in the region: Broken Hill, Ivanhoe, Balranald, Menindee, Wilcannia, Wentworth Shires and Tibooburra from the unincorporated area.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living in the Maari Ma/West Darling Arts region are invited to submit up to two works created within the last 12 months, with a maximum size of 1500mm × 1500mm.The 2024 awards set a strong benchmark for this year's competition. The Open Art Prize was awarded to Bilyara Bates for "Karnu Tharlta, Sandstone" (stone on stone – traditional method, 2024).This year's judge is Rebecca Ray, Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.The awards feature multiple categories designed to recognise artists across different age groups and mediums. The Young Artist category (Under 15) offers an art prize pack valued at $500, sponsored by West Darling Arts.Works with labels securely attached should be delivered to the Broken Hill City Art Gallery on Sunday, 2 November 2025, between 10am and 4pm. Entries can be completed online at the Gallery's website: www.bhartgallery.com.au, or via entry forms available at the Gallery.The opening night and prize announcement will take place on Friday, 7 November 2025.The awards showcase an inspiring selection of artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from the Maari Ma and West Darling Arts region, reflecting diverse artistic practices and stories.Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation is dedicated to improving the health outcomes for Aboriginal communities in the Far West region of New South Wales, providing comprehensive, culturally appropriate health services. The organisation has been providing healthcare for almost 30 years and currently employs more than 70 people across the Service in Broken Hill and throughout the region.The awards represent more than just an art competition – they're a celebration of cultural continuity, creative innovation, and community strength in one of Australia's most iconic regions.For full entry details, visit https://bit.ly/483TAcP or contact the Broken Hill City Art Gallery directly.Entries close: Sunday, 2 November 2025 Entry delivery: 10am-4pm, Sunday, 2 November 2025 Opening night: Friday, 7 November 2025 Gallery contact: (08) 8080 3444 Email: [email protected]

A taskforce of eight NSW Riverina councils is pushing for targeted improvements to the Sturt Highway in a bid to keep communities and freight networks safe.The Sturt Highway Taskforce includes the councils of Wagga Wagga, Narrandera, Leeton, Hay, Murray River, Balranald, Wentworth and Murrumbidgee.Together, the group is advocating for investment in safety, infrastructure and freight efficiency along the 605-kilometre highway, which connects Tarcutta in NSW to Adelaide via Victoria and South Australia.Between June 2018 and July 2023, there were 283 crashes along the NSW section of the highway, including 14 fatal and 48 serious injury crashes. Speeding and fatigue were key contributing factors.Inaugural chair of the taskforce and Murrumbidgee Mayor, Ruth McRae OAM said she was proud to represent a united front of local governments demanding action.Mayor McRae said that behind every statistic is a family, a friend, and a community irreversibly changed.“As leaders, we cannot accept this as the status quo. We are calling for a series of targeted, evidence-based actions to make the Sturt Highway safer for all who use it,” she said.“Our strength lies in our collaboration, and our message is simple: the time for action is now.“We are committed to working with all levels of government to secure the funding, planning, and delivery mechanisms needed to make the Sturt Highway a safer place for everyone.”The taskforce has identified 15 priority areas for improvement, including:Road safety upgrades such as wider centre lines, improved shoulders and clearer markings;More overtaking lanes to reduce risk-taking and improve traffic flow;Rest areas every 40 km, especially to support long-distance freight drivers;Town bypasses, including around Wagga Wagga, Balranald and Mildura;Flood resistance improvements to maintain year-round access;Bridge and culvert upgrades, pavement repairs and signage audits;Driver education on fatigue, speed awareness and caravan towing.The taskforce is working with Transport for NSW and government representatives to progress these priorities.View the Sturt Highway Priorities document.

As we enter Rural Road Safety Month this September, the latest figures reveal a troubling trend: Australians in rural and regional areas are five times more likely to die in a road crash than their city counterparts.Whilst road conditions and speed limits play a role, driver behaviour and vehicle maintenance are increasingly under the spotlight – especially as cost-of-living pressures force many Australians to cut corners on car care.According to the mycar Mobility Index 2025, these financial strains are having a direct impact on safety:66 per cent of drivers have changed their maintenance habits due to rising costsOver one in three service their car only once every 10–12 months, despite safety risks12 per cent of vehicle owners now perform some kind of DIY maintenance, which may compromise safety if not done properlyThese trends are particularly concerning for rural and regional travel, where longer distances, higher speed limits, and limited access to emergency services make vehicle reliability and driver alertness critical.Expert Safety Advice AvailableAdele Coswello, mycar's Chief Customer Officer, is available for interview to discuss her top tips for staying safe on the road, which include:Book a pre-trip inspection to ensure tyres, brakes, and lights are road-readyStick to a regular servicing schedule – every six months or 10,000 kilometresAvoid DIY shortcuts that could compromise safetyPlan and stay alert on long rural drives

Central Darling Shire Council has released its latest road condition report, with several local roads requiring caution while major transport routes remain accessible.The road condition report, issued at 10:33am on 15 September 15 2025, shows that whilst major highways servicing the region remain open, drivers are advised to exercise caution on numerous local roads throughout the shire.All major highways continue to operate normally, providing crucial connectivity for the region. The Barrier Highway sections from Cobar to Wilcannia and Wilcannia to Broken Hill remain open, as do both sections of the Cobb Highway between Ivanhoe and Mossgiel, and Wilcannia to Ivanhoe.Key regional roads including Opal Miner Way, Balranald Road, the Menindee to Broken Hill Road, and Pooncarie Road are also operating without restrictions.Caution Advised for Local RoadsA significant number of local sealed and unsealed roads require drivers to exercise caution. These include Baden Park Road, Cultowa Road, Dry Lake Road, Glendara Road, Mandalay Road, Monolon Road, and the Moolah to Trida Road.Several roads in the Teryawynia area are also affected, including the Teryawynia to Ashmont Road, Teryawynia to Coolaminya Road, and Teryawynia Road itself.Other roads requiring caution include Racecourse Road, Surveyors Lake Road, Tasman Road, the Tilpa to Louth Road, Trida Road, Wanaaring Road, the Wilcannia to Menindee East Road, and Yancannia Road.Regional roads under caution conditions include the Cobar to Ivanhoe Road, Kayrunnera Road, the Menindee to Ivanhoe Road, West Tilpa Road, and the Wilcannia to Menindee West Road.Three roads remain closed to traffic due to water flow conditions. East Tilpa Road is completely closed, whilst Norma Downs Road is closed due to Cuttaburra flow. Tongo Road is also closed, affected by both Paroo and Cuttaburra water flows.Central Darling Shire Council reminds drivers to check current road conditions before travelling and to drive according to conditions. The council's next scheduled review will occur when road conditions change.For current road condition updates, contact Central Darling Shire Council on 08 8091 5155.

Mildura foster carer Deb Brown acknowledges there are challenges in being a carer, but the reward comes in the love the kids bring into a family as well as the sense of purpose in helping a young person overcome trauma.Ms Brown has been a foster carer through Mallee Accommodation and Support Programme (MASP) for the past six years, highlighting her love for children and providing a safe environment as her motivation for taking on the role."Kids in care come with trauma-based behaviours that you have to navigate with them," she said."But I enjoy working with the kids, watching them grow and overcome their challenges."Ms Brown said systemic issues make foster caring challenging to navigate, however there is support from MASP as an agency to help carers work through these issues.Family assistance also helps. She said anyone considering becoming a foster carer should just make the leap."Just hurry up and do it," Ms Brown said.September 14-20 is Foster Care Week, with MASP CEO Charmaine Calis calling on anyone who has either thought about foster caring to reach out to MASP."Foster care is a rewarding experience for anyone who takes on these children," she said."You really would make a difference in these children's lives, and they will make a difference in yours, whilst giving back to our community."MASP is holding two Coffee with a Carer sessions during Foster Care Week, where people can sit down and meet with an existing MASP foster carer as well as one of the organisation's foster care team for a casual chat.These will be on Tuesday September 16 from 10.30am until 12pm at Gem Bagel and Coffee, 134 Ninth Street, and Thursday September 18 from 10.30am-12pm at The Italian, 94 Langtree Avenue.For more information on becoming a foster carer with MASP go to https://masp.org.au/get-involved/become-a-foster-carer/

Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP asked questions in the most recent sitting of NSW Parliament, regarding future plans and budgets for the purchase of lands for National Parks and the average price being paid in his far west electorate.BUDGET FOR ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR NATIONAL PARKSMr Butler asked the Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice representing the Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage to advise of the current budget allocation for the acquisition of land for the establishment of new National Parks in NSW.The answer given in parliament was that in 2024-2025 the budget was $19,074,000."Funding for NPWS reserve acquisition comes from a range of sources including; the NSW Environment Trust; NSW Koala Strategy; developer offset payments and Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan activities; and specific park commitments such as the Wolli Creek Regional Park," the Hansard record states. "In 2025-26 these sources total $19,074,000.""In 2024-25 financial year, the average land acquisition cost for new national parks in Barwon was $88.70 per acre ($219 per hectare). NATIONAL PARKS CONSULTATION IN RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIESMr Butler also submitted a question, asking the Minister to advise the details of the NSW National Parks Establishment Plan’s current review and how consultation will take place in rural and remote communities."The NSW Government has committed to complete a new National Parks Establishment Plan." "The National Parks and Wildlife Service will engage closely with stakeholders to inform the development of the plan. "Consultation with rural and remote communities will occur through both targeted consultation and a public exhibition period. " Since June 2024, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has acquired 30 properties totalling 11 3,976 hectares on my behalf as the Minister administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (the Act), which have not yet been formally reserved under the Act.

Griffith City Council has approved a controversial housing development in Collina, despite strong objections from local residents who labelled the proposed buildings an "eyesore."Businessman Rodney Salvestro of Salvstro Enterprises will construct a two-storey, four-dwelling housing complex on vacant land at 6 Antonio Place, near Ted Scobie Oval and Scenic Hill. The development includes two three-bedroom and two four-bedroom houses within a single structure.The development application was referred to councillors for decision after neighbours submitted formal objections raising concerns about excessive shadowing, loss of privacy, and the building being out of character with the surrounding area."There are no other two-storey buildings in the immediate area, making these units out of character for the street and an eyesore," one objector wrote in their submission. Residents also worried about increased parking and traffic congestion.However, Council's development assessment team recommended approval, stating the proposal met all applicable planning controls relating to height, bulk, scale, privacy, solar access, and parking requirements.Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the development at their recent meeting."I understand the concerns of the neighbours and their objections, but I'm pleased to see they've been addressed by our staff," Deputy Mayor Anne Napoli said. "This is a great investment in our community because we do need housing. I'd like to encourage more development and we are supporting developers."The applicant's representative, Martin Ruggeri, told the meeting that the development had been designed to provide all required parking and more on-site.Construction is expected to commence following the fulfilment of development conditions.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler called for an increased water supply for the Back Country community of Wilcannia, during the most recent sitting of NSW Parliament."We often talk about the importance of generational knowledge, particularly when it comes to the transfer of agricultural knowledge to the next generation," Mr Butler said in his Private Members Statement in NSW Parliament during the week. "As our young people step up and take the reins from their parents, a lifetime's worth of learning they have gained by living and working on the family property is more valued by a farmer than any university degree. That is not because university degrees do not have value, but because there is no comparison to the knowledge gained from living on the land and being the descendant of generations of farmers who have lived, breathed and made sacrifices on that very same land. That is why my team and I highly value our constituents' knowledge and why we push so hard for proper, meaningful consultation with our communities out west."No-one understands drought resilience and water security better than agricultural landholders. That is simply a fact. If they lack the knowledge, their business risks failure. This knowledge and these generational records should be viewed as a valuable resource by agencies, departments and governments. For farmers, rivers are real things. They do not just exist in a computer or on an iPad. Altering flows, removing infrastructure or building new infrastructure reverberates through river communities. The Wilcannia weir project is a prime example of a community brimming with collective wisdom being overlooked by an agency."The Barkandji people—which literally translates to "river people"—have been dragged through years of tokenistic consultation by all sides of politics, only to have the weir design that they agreed to covertly swapped out with something they were not consulted on. In fact, the overall purpose of the project was covertly changed during the value engineering process. The project's purpose in the original environmental impact statement was to "secure existing and future water supply for the township of Wilcannia". After the value engineering process, it became to "provide the primary source of water for long-term water security for the community of Wilcannia". The independent review into the Wilcannia Weir project found that during this process, the objectives to enhance water security for Wilcannia, improve water management in the weir pool, and indirectly increase tourism and investment were removed. The report goes on to state that it was after this value engineering process that communication between the agency and the community went downhill."Wilcannia needs increased water supply. The original design increased the weir height by one metre and incorporated fish gates. Following an assessment by the fisheries office, the one-metre height increase was dropped to "minimise impacts to aquatic ecology". The subtext is that the aquatic biodiversity offsets would be too expensive. Because this was not properly communicated to the community, they are not on board. They now believe that greater priority is given to fish life than to the community's quality of life. Who could blame them, when no information or advice was provided to key stakeholders for a significant period after the decision to drastically amend the design and its objectives? The Wilcannia community feels ignored after generations of living on the Darling/Baaka."Wilcannia is not alone. More weir modification projects in Barwon under the Reconnecting the Northern Basin project have strong community objections based on intergenerational knowledge of the river. The Tilpa and Louth weirs are critical to communities for stock and domestic water supply, recreational amenity and tourism. Those two weirs are being assessed under the Reconnecting the Northern Basin project to reinstate waterways, or fish highways, to allow for native fish passage. This process for communities in Louth and Tilpa has not been effective for two reasons. Affected landholders and residents first learnt about the project through discussions that, at that time, included the complete removal of the weirs as an offset to the lowering of the northern basin recovery target by 70 gigalitres of water. The community was justifiably hostile, as the removal of the weirs and 70 gigalitres of water would substantially impact their consistent calls for improved water security."But these communities are not just whining; they did not just complain. They also provided a solution based on hundreds of years of intergenerational knowledge gained from experience from living through the Federation drought, the 1915-16 drought, the World War II drought, the droughts in the '60s and the '80s, and the millennium drought. They have lived through numerous flood events and have been isolated on numerous occasions. Their solution is straightforward: Construct the fish passage structure on top of the existing weir. It is a sensible proposal that includes fish passage and maintains water security measures. However, it has been consistently rejected until now. I applaud the change in scope and the response to community concerns and have thanked the department and Minister for this response."Weirs are a vital component of water security in western New South Wales. Any proposal that does not include additional days of water over the status quo is not acceptable to these communities. There is a very tangible reason why the Barkandji people wanted an increased height of one metre, and the same applies to Louth and Tilpa. Memories of the worst recorded droughts in history remain at the forefront for those living in these communities. None of those communities object to fish passage, but it should not come at the expense of generations of knowledge and drought resilience."

A Griffith councillor is facing scrutiny over allegations of a potential conflict of interest relating to asbestos removal services for a fire-damaged building.Councillor Scott Groat entered a rescission motion following a closed council session in August, seeking to overturn a decision about engaging asbestos removal services for temporary fencing and testing at an unspecified fire-damaged site.Cr Groat's motion was based on his claim that he had obtained cheaper quotes for the work than those presented in the closed council meeting. However, council's senior management pointed out that the original estimates were only indicative, with formal procurement processes still required.At the September 9 ordinary council meeting, Mayor Doug Curran expressed concerns about how the alternative quotes were obtained."I find it hard to understand how we have been able to obtain this quote, which has not been supplied to council, from a company which has also not been advised to council, without the information in the closed council being provided to that provider," Mayor Curran said."I hope that report hasn't gotten out to the community because that would be very poor form."In response, Cr Groat said he had "merely asked for the quotes" for his own information, explaining he wanted to understand costs as Griffith has multiple fire-damaged buildings requiring attention."I know fencing is a lot cheaper than what we were quoted," Cr Groat said.The mayor argued several times that the original pricing was indicative to help councillors understand the scope of expenditure they were voting on. Council's Director of Sustainable Development, Joe Rizzo, provided clarification on the amounts from the previous report during the discussion.The matter highlights ongoing tensions within council over transparency and proper procurement procedures.

Have you popped into your local library lately? If not, you're missing out on a buzzing hub of activity, learning, and connection. Our Hay Shire Library has been absolutely thriving, and there are some exciting new developments on the horizon for literacy programs that we're keen to share.As a child and young adult, one of my favourite places in the world was the library. An avid lover of the written world, I was transported to many times, places and worlds as my taste in genres expanded and changed over time. It's plain to see I am not the only one, and the leaps and bounds the library continues to make. The August Hay Shire Council Business Papers outlined exciting facts and wonderful projections for the library, something which really needs to be celebrated. It's clear that the Hay Shire Library is a much-loved spot. In July 2025 alone, it welcomed 26 brand-new members and re-registered another three, boosting our total membership to a fantastic 1,723!But it's not just about the numbers; it's about the people. The library door counter showed an impressive 2,636 visitors in July – that's a whopping 22.72 per cent increase compared to the same time last year. Over the past 12 months, nearly 28,000 people have walked through the doors to take advantage of all the library has to offer.And, its far more than just books! The dedicated staff are always on hand to help with computer access, Wi-Fi, printing, photocopying, and even email assistance. It's all about making sure everyone in our community, and even those just passing through, has access to vital technology.The programs have been a huge hit! In July, event attendance soared to 449 participants. While there was a slightly scaled-back school holiday program, the rock painting workshop, led by a talented local artist, was an absolute showstopper!Over 100 participants got creative, adding their colourful rocks to "Hamish the Community Rock Snake," a wonderful intergenerational art project. It was a fantastic example of the library being a safe, inclusive, and fun space for families.Adult programs are also flourishing. The "Cuppa and a Chat" session nearly doubled in attendance, offering a warm and welcoming space for residents to share stories and reconnect over local history.Groups like the Hay Library Knitters for Can Assist and Scrabble Group continue to provide social engagement and mental stimulation.Plus, partnerships with Hay Public School and Hay Children's Services mean our youngest learners are getting a head start on literacy with popular weekly Story Time sessions.Now, for a big change that's all about investing in our local community. The NSW Government funding for the Imagination Library program is set to wrap up in 2026.This has given us a chance to rethink how we can best support early literacy here in Hay.While receiving free books at home is a lovely idea, especially for those in regional areas, your library team has put forward a proposal to shift towards Council-delivered literacy programs.Why, you ask? Well, they believe that local, in-house programs offer a much richer, more interactive experience, and can be significantly more cost-effective for our Shire.Research and even informal chats with parents have shown that children often get more enjoyment and benefit from actually visiting the library, choosing their own books, socialising, and engaging with a wider variety of resources face-to-face.For instance, the estimated annual cost of continuing the Imagination Library for existing enrolees, which is around $14,256, could instead allow them to purchase over 500 brand-new children's books for all families in our community!This way, they aim building a diverse and accessible collection for everyone, rather than a limited number of mailed books for a few.This strategic move will allow them to pour more resources into and expand popular programs like "1000 Books Before School" (with exciting new incentives!), ramp up the engaging "Story Time" and "Baby Rhyme Time" sessions, and even introduce cool new initiatives like "Parent and Caregiver Workshops" and "Borrow and Build" Literacy Kits tailored to local themes.These kits will be a fantastic resource for families, especially those in our more isolated areas.They're committed to making sure that children currently enrolled in the Imagination Library will continue to receive their books until June 2026. However, they have ceased new enrolments. This isn't a step backward, but a leap forward to ensure they're delivering high-quality, relevant, and engaging literacy experiences that truly meet the needs of all Hay families for years to come.We're incredibly excited to see this new direction. Head down, say hello, and explore all the wonderful things happening at your local library!

The 2025 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Water Management Conference has wrapped up in Albury after three days of discussion, knowledge-sharing and on-the-ground learning.More than 200 delegates came together to address some of the most pressing challenges facing local water utilities (LWUs) and the communities they serve.Key topics of discussion included the need for appropriate funding and regulatory reform for local government owned water and sewerage services in rural and regional NSW. Other focus areas included the risks posed by ageing infrastructure, PFAS contamination, drought preparedness, flood recovery, the need for skilled resourcing, and climate change impacts.LGNSW President and Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said the conference underscored the critical role of local government in ensuring the provision of reliable water resources for communities across the state.“Councils are at the frontline of ensuring safe, sustainable and affordable water services for our communities. There are 89 council-owned LWUs across 700,000 square kilometres of NSW, collectively serving a population of 1.85 million people in 890,000 homes and businesses,” President Miller said.“Councils want to deliver safe, secure and affordable water for all of NSW, but duplicative reporting and planning obligations are getting in the way. Resources are being unnecessarily diverted into regulatory reporting that adds little value. We need regulatory reform, certainty of funding, and a real commitment to risk-based management, not merely ‘rinse and repeat’. We also need to ensure that the state’s LWUs remain in local government hands.“In conjunction with the NSW Water Directorate, we’re calling for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to continue the Safe and Secure Water Program and Town Water Risk Reduction Program beyond 2028, co-designed with LWUs to ensure they remain fit for purpose,” she said.President Miller said ageing infrastructure was another critical risk, with the capital investment backlog already exceeding $5 billion.“This figure could be far higher once new risks are factored in. Councils need funding security from the State Government in order to upgrade and replace this infrastructure,” she said.The event closed with Ballina Shire Council confirmed as host of the 2026 Water Management Conference, with support to be provided by Rous County Council.

Clash of Laws: AVOs vs. Family Law OrdersA recent question posed to the Attorney General by local MP Helen Dalton has shed light on a critical and often confusing issue for families in the Murray electorate: the conflict between Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) and federal family law parenting orders.Ms Dalton is the independent member for the Murray electorate.The inquiry, directed at the state’s top legal advisor, raised concerns about what happens when a federal court's decision on child contact clashes with an AVO issued by a local court. This is a question that directly affects the safety of families, particularly children and other vulnerable people, across our communities.Parenting Orders PrevailThe Attorney General’s response was clear: it is government policy that federal family law parenting orders can override AVOs when their conditions are inconsistent. This is not a matter of choice but a legal principle enshrined in the Family Law Act 1975 and the Australian Constitution. Under these laws, a federal law always takes precedence over a state law where there is a conflict.This means that if a family law order permits a parent to have contact with their child, that contact is allowed even if an AVO says the parent must not go near the child or the child's other parent.Safeguards and the 'Best Interests of the Child'Mrs. Dalton's question also addressed the crucial issue of safety. The Attorney General’s office explained that despite this legal hierarchy, there are important safeguards in place.Courts Must Consider Safety: When a Family Court makes a parenting order, it is legally required to ensure the order is consistent with any existing AVOs and, most importantly, does not expose a person to an unacceptable risk of family violence. The child’s best interests are the paramount consideration in all decisions.Clear Explanations Required: If a court does issue a parenting order that is inconsistent with an AVO, it must provide a detailed explanation of how the contact is to take place. This is designed to minimise confusion and ensure that everyone understands the specific arrangements.Courts Can Vary Orders: Crucially, a local court issuing an AVO has the power to vary or suspend a pre-existing parenting order to ensure the safety of the individuals involved. This means the court can work to resolve inconsistencies and protect people from harm.

Aussie kids - are we looking after them?The question of whether we are adequately protecting Australia's children is a critical one, and recent reports from two key organisations, International Justice Mission (IJM) Australia and Barnardos Australia, suggest that the answer is a resounding "no." The data highlights a distressing reality, both in the digital world and on the streets, that requires immediate and decisive action from our government and communities.In the digital realm, the figures on online child sexual exploitation (OCSE) are a stark wake-up call. The Australian Federal Police (AFP)-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) has reported a shocking 41% increase in OCSE reports for the 2024/2025 financial year. The ACCCE received 82,764 reports during this period, a significant jump from 58,503 the previous year. IJM Australia CEO David Braga said the figures are a poignant reminder of the need for stronger online safety laws that better protect children.“These figures are truly shocking and show we need stronger action to protect children,” Mr Braga said.“We are living in the digital age, which makes children more exposed and vulnerable to online sexual abuse. It is crucial that our laws are fit-for-purpose and cater for existing and emerging threats and challenges.“We need to remember that every one of these reports is a potential crime. Many of these reports represent real children who have experienced the most egregious forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. These figures, and especially the ongoing escalation year-on-year show that the tech giants have a responsibility to ensure their platforms aren’t being misused for these illegal purposes.” Meanwhile, in our communities, children are facing a different, but equally devastating, crisis: homelessness. Barnardos Australia's analysis of Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data reveals that in June 2025, 28,279 children sought help from specialist homelessness services. A significant portion of these children were under the age of ten, with 30% being under five and another 27% between five and nine years old. Even more concerning is the number of unaccompanied children seeking help without a parent or guardian. In 2023–24, 13,300 unaccompanied children accessed these services, with girls making up 63% of this group. A Barnardos frontline worker emphasied that children are not just "bystanders" to crises like homelessness and family violence; they are "victim-survivors" who need targeted support. The primary reasons unaccompanied children sought help were interpersonal relationship issues, particularly family and domestic violence and relationship breakdown.These two reports, while addressing different issues, paint a similar picture of a system that is struugling to protect Australian children. Whether it's online or in the physical world, children are being exposed to harm at an alarming rate. It is not enough to simply react to these crises; we must be proactive in our efforts to protect children. IJM Australia is urging the government to legislate a "digital duty of care" to hold tech companies accountable. Similarly, Barnardos Australia is calling for governments to recognize children as equal victims of domestic and family violence in legislation and policy, and to increase investment in social and affordable housing and child-focused support programs.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP has rising in NSW Parliament to give a Private Members Statement on road safety and social media.Mr Butler shared details of a tragic accident, where bystanders filmed the scene, and later attempted to profit from the footage."When a relative or friend dies in a traffic accident it is a traumatic experience," Mr Butler stated. "For most people the information about the passing of a loved one is relayed to them by a police officer who knocks on their door."Even though police are given training in how to break such terrible news to people, it can still come as quite a shock. "Recently we heard of an example where friends and relatives of a person who had died in an accident saw footage of the scene uploaded or streamed by someone to social media. "Some of the friends of the deceased only found out about the accident by seeing it online. "If the death of a young person, full of potential and loved within his community, was not bad enough, the fact that it was filmed by a bystander who did not offer any assistance to the injured and who also tried to monetise the footage, only served to increase the trauma and greatly exacerbated the grief."I had a discussion with the parent of a young teenage boy who was killed in a car accident. "Images and videos of the son was posted on social media. The trauma that he and his family experienced was exacerbated by seeing the injuries that the teenage boy had sustained. "We need to find a pathway to make sure that people are deterred from capturing those sorts of images and posting them on social media.""This sort of behaviour is not illegal," Mr Butler said.The official media policy of the NSW Police Force states: Members of the public have the right to take photographs of or film Police Officers, and incidents involving Police Officers, which are observable from a public space, or from a privately owned property with the consent of the owner/occupier.It says that police do not have the power to prevent people filming or taking photos, confiscate equipment, delete recordings or images, or even request that a person delete them. The policy also says that if Police Officers try to confiscate equipment or interfere with members of the public to delete images or recordings, the officers may be liable for prosecution for assault or trespass to the person concerned.According to section 60 of the Crimes Act 1900 it is an offence to hinder a police officer in the execution of their duty. The only way someone filming at an accident can be arrested is if they are getting in the way of the police or other emergency service workers. ROY BUTLER MP PRIVATE MEMBERS STATEMENT - WATCH THE VIDEO HERE"But there is wide agreement that filming a dying person at the scene of a traffic accident is offensive behaviour" Mr Butler said. "It might be seen to contravene section 4 of the Summary Offences Act 1988, which states 'A person must not conduct himself or herself in an offensive manner in or near, or within view or hearing from, a public place or a school.' ""I will look into whether the Act can be amended to make it possible to prosecute a person who shows offensive behaviour of the kind demonstrated by people who film dead or dying people at an accident scene."Mr Buter went on to agree that journalists play a part in recording unfolding news."Their job is to document the news to inform the public about matters of interest or importance. "While there is no doubt some journalists overstep the line between collecting material for news and invading privacy, the majority have ethical guidelines that they are trained to follow and they know from experience what is seen as unacceptable in terms of invading privacy. "However, if we make it illegal to film, photograph or otherwise record the dead or dying at the scene of a traffic accident, we need to make exceptions for people who are from accredited media organisations or who have demonstrated that they have a need and are bound by standards. "There also needs to be an exception for people who inadvertently capture a scene on dash cams."

Parkes MP encourages nbn applicationsFederal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey is urging businesses across the Parkes electorate to consider applying for the 2025 Innovate with nbn Grants Program.The program, delivered in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute, is celebrating its sixth year of supporting regional businesses that are using the nbn network to drive innovation, improve productivity, and deliver meaningful social outcomes in their community.“Businesses in the Parkes electorate are no strangers to overcoming the challenges of connecting and communicating that come with living and doing business in a regional area,” Mr Chaffey said.“The region has many innovative businesses that have found ways to make the nbn work not only for them, but to build a better community.“I urge businesses that are using the nbn network to help regional Australians live an even better life to consider applying for one of these grants.”There are seven categories: agriculture, arts and tourism, education, health, Indigenous business, sport and recreation, and women in regional business. Each category winner will receive $15,000, with an additional $20,000 awarded to the overall winner.The closing date for applications is midnight Sunday, 12 October 2025. For more information and to apply, visit nbnco.com.au/innovatewithnbn .

Young people in the Balranald Shire region have a valuable opportunity to kickstart their careers, with the Country Education Foundation of Balranald announcing its annual grants programme for 2025.The foundation is calling for applications from residents aged 16 to 25 years who are transitioning from school into their chosen career path. The grants are designed to provide crucial financial support for young people who need assistance in meeting their career goals, whether they're moving directly from school, taking a gap year, or have spent a few years in the workforce.Who Can ApplyThe programme is open to all young people living within the Balranald Shire area, including residents of Euston, Balranald, and surrounding communities. Applicants must be aged between 16 and 25 years and demonstrate a need for financial support to advance their career aspirations.How to ApplyInterested candidates should visit the Country Education Foundation Australia website at https://cef.org.au/apply-for-a-grant/ to begin the application process. Applicants will need to create a 'Student Registration' and select Balranald as their local foundation when completing the online application form.For those requiring assistance or who have questions about the application process, Rachael Williams is available to help. She can be contacted on 0416 201 643 or via email at [email protected] DatesApplications must be completed online and submitted by Friday, 31st October 2025. The foundation has emphasised that late applications will not be accepted, so early submission is encouraged.Successful applicants will be invited for interviews, which are scheduled to take place by mid-November 2025.Community SupportThe grants programme is made possible through the generous support of several key local sponsors and organisations, including:Balranald Shire CouncilBalranald Inc.Balranald ICPABalranald Ex-Services Memorial ClubWindLabTransGrid's Community Partnerships ProgrammeYoung people interested in applying are encouraged to start their applications early and reach out for support if needed to ensure they don't miss this valuable opportunity.

A Broken Hill man accused of stealing from ATMs and committing other fraud worth nearly $1 million has had stricter bail conditions imposed upon him.NSW Police charged 32-year-old Lyndon Jake Pace last month after $700,000 went missing from ATMs in Broken Hill. Police allege he accessed $375,000 of the money through his employment and deposited it into various accounts.Police are still investigating the whereabouts of the remaining allegedly missing money.The matter was listed in Broken Hill Local Court on Tuesday, where the court heard Mr Pace was also facing two other fraud-related charges under the name Lyndon Jake Rogers. The three charges amount to alleged fraud totalling nearly $1 million.It remains unclear which banks have been affected.Mr Pace's defence lawyer applied for an easing of bail conditions to allow him to attend specialist medical appointments interstate in Adelaide. Magistrate Jillian Kiely rejected the application because no medical evidence was presented and instead imposed stricter bail conditions on the accused."I have regard to the fact that there are three very serious sets of charges before the court which contain very serious allegations of fraud," she said."These are very serious offences... close to $1 million in fraud. The location of money has not been frozen in the accused's bank account. There is a real risk of flight."The court heard Mr Pace had recently attempted to board a flight to Adelaide and was removed by police, but was then allowed to board the aircraft with a return ticket to Broken Hill."He tried to go interstate by way of flight, which provides links to a South Australian airport which has the capacity for international flights," Ms Kiely said.Mr Pace must report daily to Broken Hill Police Station, must not leave NSW, must surrender his passport, must not go near international departure points, and must not contact any prosecution witness or anyone who owes him money.The court heard Mr Pace was currently in Victoria for work. His defence applied for the bail conditions to commence tomorrow to allow Mr Pace to return to Broken Hill.All three matters have been adjourned until 23 September.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority held its regular meeting in Canberra on September 4, tackling a range of pressing water management issues across Australia's largest river system.Authority members spent considerable time with NSW Government representatives discussing funding challenges for ageing infrastructure in joint programmes. The meeting also covered current determinations by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal and progress on various water limit adjustment projects under the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism.Progress on reconnecting river country initiatives for the Murrumbidgee River featured prominently in discussions, with members receiving updates on next steps for the Menindee water limit adjustment project. However, the Authority learned that some environmental water deliveries have been temporarily paused while new metering and measurement equipment is installed. The NSW Government is also working on urgent regulatory amendments during this period.The ongoing Basin Plan Review received significant attention, with members hearing about outcomes from a workshop involving senior officials from states and the Commonwealth. Key policy positions were considered during these discussions, and the Authority also received updates from meetings with staff from the Inspector General of Water Compliance.In a major development, members endorsed a new framework for assessing sustainable water extraction limits and approved initial assessments of 17 groundwater areas. These assessments will be included in a discussion paper that will be available for public consultation in early 2026, giving communities and stakeholders a chance to have their say on water management decisions.The Authority heard directly from the Sustainable Rivers Audit First Nations Leadership Group, highlighting the important role of Aboriginal communities in river management. Rachel Kelly, Chair of the Basin Community Committee, also provided an update on community perspectives and concerns.River modernisation efforts received strong support from Authority members, who expressed enthusiasm for the Joint Programmes Menindee Review. This support was reinforced by ongoing backing from the Basin Officials Committee, demonstrating broad institutional support for the modernisation efforts.Several administrative decisions were finalised during the meeting. The Authority approved amendments to the water limit adjustment register, which will be updated on the MDBA website. Members also agreed to water accounting assessments for incomplete recovery adjustments for the 2024-25 period.Current river conditions present a mixed picture across the basin. The Murray River system continues to experience dry conditions, and while water storage levels rose during winter, they remain slightly below the long-term average for this time of year. This contrasts sharply with the Northern Basin, which has received above-average rainfall. As a result, between 400 and 600 billion litres are expected to flow into Menindee Lakes by the end of October.The meeting was chaired by Daryl Quinlivan, with Chief Executive Andrew McConville and Authority members Professor Stuart Bunn, Dr Jane Doolan, Belinda Duarte AM, Roseanne Healy, Allison Mudford, and Rene Woods in attendance.

BOM issues warning for the Back CountryBureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury has issued a warning for the corner country of outback NSW, South Australia and Queensland."In that area, we may see high end severe thunderstorms with locally destructive winds and giant-sized hail potentially exceeding 5 cm in diameter."With the potential for flash flooding and damaging winds and hail, make sure you're prepared: ✅ Secure loose outdoor items. ✅ Charge your devices. ✅ Stay informed with official warnings.