Balranald residents with a passion for community service and a thirst for adventure are being encouraged to consider a career fighting fires, with Fire and Rescue NSW launching a recruitment drive for on-call firefighters at the local station.The emergency service will host a recruitment day at Greenham Park Hall on Sunday November 16 from 11am to 2pm, offering community members the chance to learn about the role and meet experienced firefighters from the area. A free sausage sizzle will be provided for those attending.Fire and Rescue NSW is seeking motivated individuals to join the Balranald Fire Station team as on-call firefighters, with no prior experience necessary. The organisation emphasises that while technical skills can be taught, they are looking for people with a great attitude and a genuine willingness to learn.On-call firefighters play a vital role in protecting regional and rural communities across New South Wales. Unlike full-time firefighters who work set shifts at metropolitan stations, on-call firefighters are paid to train and respond to emergencies when needed, allowing them to maintain other employment or commitments while serving their community.The recruitment day will provide prospective firefighters with an opportunity to speak directly with local firefighters about what the role entails, the training involved and how the on-call system works in practice. Attendees will be able to ask questions and gain a realistic understanding of whether firefighting could be the right fit for them.Fire and Rescue NSW has encouraged interested community members to bring along friends who might also be suitable candidates. The service is looking to build a strong team capable of responding to a range of emergencies, from structure fires and bushfires to motor vehicle accidents and storm damage.For many on-call firefighters, the role offers a unique opportunity to give back to their community whilst developing valuable skills in emergency response, teamwork and crisis management. The position also provides financial compensation for both training time and emergency callouts.Those unable to attend the recruitment day but still interested in learning more about becoming an on-call firefighter are encouraged to contact Balranald Fire Station directly or visit the Fire and Rescue NSW website for further information about the application process and requirements.

Carrathool Shire Council held its ordinary meeting at Goolgowi Council Chambers on Tuesday October 212025, with Mayor DL Jardine presiding over discussions that covered significant infrastructure decisions and operational matters affecting the shire.One of the key decisions made during the meeting concerned the provision of clean water to residents of West Goolgowi. Council resolved to provide clean water to ratepayers in the area with a contribution split equally between council and residents. Under the arrangement, ratepayers will pay $2,800 per water service, representing 50 percent of the total cost of $5,600 per service. To fund the ratepayer contribution, council will implement a special levy of $280 per annum over 10 years commencing in the 2026-27 rating year. The water usage charge will match the current potable charge for Goolgowi at $1.27 per kilolitre. Council plans to inform affected ratepayers of the determination and will hold another meeting with them if necessary to reach consensus on the decision.Council also approved the purchase of new infrastructure equipment, agreeing to acquire a four tonne lime spreading unit from Guidolin Machinery for $38,000. The purchase will be funded from the plant reserve, adding to council's capacity to maintain and improve local road infrastructure.In planning matters, council approved Development Application DA2026-005 for the use of land to install a manufactured home. The application was approved subject to a range of conditions covering building work, drainage requirements and flood protection measures. Council also noted determinations for other development applications received during September 2025.The meeting addressed council's contributions plan under Section 7.12, adopting a works program and projects list that prioritises infrastructure needs across the shire. The program includes $100,000 each for sewer augmentation and water augmentation in Hillston, $100,000 for park upgrades in Goolgowi, and $1 million designated as high priority for roadworks to address traffic concerns across the shire.Council approved office closure arrangements for the Christmas and New Year period. Council offices, the library and depots will close from 3pm on Wednesday December 24 2025 and reopen on Monday December 29 2025. They will then close again for Friday January 22026 before reopening on Monday January 5 2026.Mayor Jardine's report to council included discussion about the future of the Western Division Association of Councils. Council resolved to participate in discussions regarding the organisation's future and to apply for full membership if it continues to operate.During the closed session of the meeting, council considered matters relating to Lake Woorabinda, resolving to defer any new user agreement until proposed actions to rectify a leak near the aquatic club are undertaken. Council also agreed to transfer available water to the lake providing satisfactory rectification of the leak occurs and soil testing supports the action taken.Council also reviewed and approved placing the draft Staff Gratuity Policy on public exhibition for 28 days, with provisions to adopt the policy after the exhibition period if no submissions are received.The meeting noted various operational reports including the Community Development Officer report, Infrastructure report and Plant report. Council also noted the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee and Internal Audit Annual Report for 2024-25 from the chairperson and endorsed it for inclusion in the annual report.The next ordinary meeting of Carrathool Shire Council will be held on Tuesday November 18 2025 commencing at 9.30am, with a citizenship ceremony scheduled for 9.45am at the Hillston District Office. The October meeting concluded at 12.30pm.

Balranald Shire Council has issued an important notice regarding unmetered water use across the Balranald and Euston townsites as part of its commitment to fair and sustainable management of community water resources.Council is conducting a follow-up program to address instances of unmetered water use throughout the region. The initiative aims to support accurate water usage recording, encourage responsible consumption and ensure fairness in billing and cost recovery for all residents.As the designated water service provider for the Shire, Council has responsibility for ensuring the lawful and equitable use of the local water supply. Unmetered water use occurs when water is accessed without an operational meter or without Council approval, and this is considered unauthorised use that may be treated as water theft under relevant legislation.Council has emphasised that unauthorised water use places an unfair burden on the broader community and compromises the integrity of the Shire's water management systems. Such practices can result in increased costs for other ratepayers who are paying their fair share for water services.The Council has stated it is taking this matter seriously and will be working to resolve any identified issues. Residents and property owners who have questions or require further information about the program are encouraged to contact Council on (03) 5020 1300 or email [email protected] thanked residents for their cooperation and support in helping to manage the Shire's shared water resources responsibly and equitably.

Iluka Resources and Balranald Shire Council have announced they are now accepting applications for funding through the Community Fund and Scholarship Fund. These funds form part of the Voluntary Planning Agreement between Iluka and the Council, providing valuable support to local initiatives and education.Community groups and individuals are encouraged to apply for either fund depending on their needs. The Community Fund offers annual grants ranging from $500 to $150,000 to support a wide range of community projects, events and initiatives. Applicants must provide evidence of consideration for project costs when submitting their proposals.The Scholarship Fund operates on a smaller scale and is designed to support educational and training initiatives. This includes contributions towards traineeships, apprenticeships and higher education opportunities for local residents.Both application forms are available on the Balranald Shire Council website or can be obtained by contacting the council directly. All applications must be received by Friday November 14 2025 to be considered at the first committee meeting. Those seeking more information or wishing to discuss their application can email [email protected] or call the Iluka Community hotline on 1800 305 993, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The planned closure of greyhound racing tracks in Broken Hill and Coonamble by June 2026 has prompted concerns from local representatives about the impact on regional communities. Member for Barwon Roy Butler has raised the issue with the NSW Parliament, highlighting worries within the greyhound racing community about the process behind the closures. "I am seriously concerned about the future of greyhound racing in our regional areas," Mr Butler said. "Broken Hill Greyhounds Club has been told to close by June 2026, and Coonamble is in the same boat. These are the only two greyhound tracks left in Barwon." *Mr Butler said there was growing unease about how Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) had handled the closure announcements. "There is a strong sense in the greyhound racing community that a deliberate strategy is underway to phase out country meets, with little transparency or consultation with those directly impacted," he said. The closures are expected to affect more than just the racing industry, with flow-on effects anticipated for local businesses and community cohesion. "There is a ripple effect that track closures cause in regional, rural and remote communities," Mr Butler said. "Local businesses, including food vendors, electricians, and veterinary services, to name a few, will lose vital income, and there are fewer opportunities for the community to come together." Mr Butler was critical of how the governing body had managed the process, describing it as disconnected from regional stakeholders. "The way in which GRNSW has undertaken this process is disappointing and detached from the communities it is supposed to represent," he said. The local MP indicated he would raise the matter with colleagues and the state government. "I will take this up with my crossbench colleagues and the Minister for Racing," Mr Butler said. GRNSW has not yet responded to requests for comment on the closures or the consultation process undertaken with affected communities. The closures come amid ongoing debate about the future of greyhound racing in NSW, with the industry facing scrutiny over animal welfare standards while also serving as an important social and economic fixture in many regional towns.

Clare Public School marked its 40th anniversary on October 18, with Mayor Zaffina joining past and present students, teachers, principals and parents for the milestone celebration. Teaching Principal Mel Scott organised the well-attended event, which honoured the school's journey from an initial idea to a vital educational facility serving isolated families in the region. “Isolated children deserve the opportunity for a great education just like their fellow students anywhere else in the country,” Mayor Zaffina said, praising the ICPA Balranald Branch and all those involved in making the school a success story.

The Balranald Football Netball Club is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, unveiling a string of impressive signings and coaching appointments that signal the club’s ambition to build on recent success. The Roos have pulled off a major coup by securing Chris Moreland, whose résumé reads like a who’s who of Victorian football. The veteran began his senior career with Geelong VFL in 2009 before dominating at Bell Post Hill Football Club, collecting three premierships between 2010-13 and captaining the side in 2011. His five-year stint with Geelong West Giants in the GFL saw him become a regular interleague representative, before transitioning into coaching and guiding Powelltown to back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023. A four-time Vic Country representative and 2012 All-Australian, Moreland brings a wealth of experience and proven leadership to the blue and white. The club is also celebrating the return of local talent, with Khy Jess coming back to continue his family’s iconic legacy in Balranald. After seven successful years with Redan Football Club in Ballarat, where he claimed junior premierships, multiple best and fairest awards, and represented the Ballarat Rebels in the Coates Talent League, the 2024 Ballarat FNL Rookie of the Year brings a damaging left foot and fearless attack to the contest. Jess, who finished runner-up in Redan’s senior best and fairest, will add crucial dynamism to the Roos’ midfield. Another Balranald junior returning home is Liam ‘Flea’ Farnsworth, who made his mark at Redan after heading to Ballarat for school. Breaking into senior football in 2023, Farnsworth showcased his trademark run, composure, and ability to open up the game from half-back and the wing. The club has locked in continuity at the top, with Jake Lockhart and Woody Longford re-signing to coach the Colts in 2026. The duo has overseen a remarkable turnaround, taking the team from no wins in three seasons to a preliminary final this year; a testament to their passion, patience, and ability to build culture and confidence. On the netball side, the Roos are welcoming Lara Antrobus, who brings an impressive résumé from North Ballarat FNC. The natural goal defender capped off 2025 with an U19 premiership and is known for her strong defensive reads, intercepting ability, and calm ball movement under pressure. The club has also announced exciting coaching appointments across its netball program. Maddison Joliffe and Paris Joliffe will lead B Grade, with Maddison returning to Balranald after success with the Meningie Bears and Coorong Cats, while Paris brings local knowledge and exceptional defensive game sense. The A Reserves will be guided by Taylin Barry and Chloe Taylor, both of whom played A Grade last season and are ready to bring that experience to the returning A Res side. With a blend of experienced recruits, returning local heroes, and strong coaching continuity, the Balranald Roos are assembling all the pieces for what promises to be a memorable 2026 season.

The annual Rainbow on the Plains Festival is set to return to Hay from Thursday, November 13th to Sunday, November 16th, 2025, operating under the theme of "Transition." IN SHORT:Dates & Theme: The annual festival runs from Thursday, November 13th to Sunday, November 16th, 2025, in Hay, operating under the theme of "Transition."Key Entertainment: The lineup includes high-profile performers Thndo, PAULINE & ZOE BADWI, and top drag acts like Shelita Buffet and Angel Cupcakes across four days of events.Economic Impact: The four-day event is expected to provide a significant economic boost for Hay and businesses along major travel routes, with travellers advised to book accommodation well in advance due to high demand.The four-day Pride event is expected to attract visitors from across the region and beyond, promising an economic boost for businesses in Hay and bringing visitors together for the annual celebration.The festival, which celebrates the LGBTIQA+ community and rural inclusion, has become a key date on the Riverina's events calendar, bringing much-needed foot traffic and tourism revenue to the wider western Riverina. Local accommodation providers, service stations, and food vendors in towns along the key travel routes are tipped to benefit from the influx of attendees.Festival Lineup and Key EventsOrganisers have announced a diverse schedule of events catering to various age groups, highlighted by several high-profile performers.The weekend kicks off on Thursday, November 13th, with an event at the South Hay Hotel hosted by drag performer Shelita Buffet. The main concert, "Rainbow on the Greens," takes place on Friday, November 14th, featuring singer Thndo, along with a lineup of drag performers including Angel Cupcakes and DJs, concluding with a fireworks display.The iconic Street Parade will move through Lachlan Street on Saturday, November 15th, followed by the Angie Fair Day at Hay Park—a free family event with markets, food, and youth activities.The festival’s adult-only closing event, the Saturday After Party (strictly 18+), will be hosted by Ringmaster ZA! N and headlined by performers PAULINE & ZOE BADWI. The weekend wraps up on Sunday, November 16th, with a send-off brunch at the Hay Bakery.Focus on Community and InclusionThe "Transition" theme for 2025 is noted by organisers as a way to acknowledge and celebrate journeys of growth, self-discovery, and the resilience of the trans community.The festival’s strength lies in its commitment to providing an inclusive space for rural and remote LGBTIQA+ community members and their allies, ensuring a welcoming environment for all attending from the surrounding areas.For residents travelling from Central Darling, Carrathool, or Balranald, accommodation is expected to be tight in Hay. Visitors are advised to book well in advance or consider day trips or booking in nearby townships to support a broader range of regional businesses.The free and family-friendly events, particularly the Street Parade and the Angie Fair Day, provide easily accessible ways for locals to engage with the festival without requiring paid tickets.Festival organisers encourage visitors to check the official website and social media for ticketing and any schedule updates.A History of Pride: The Rise of Rainbow on the PlainsThe Rainbow on the Plains Festival has rapidly evolved from a small, local gathering into a significant annual event, shining a spotlight on rural LGBTQIA+ issues and bringing an economic boost to the western Riverina.Established in 2018 in Hay, the festival's history is rooted in a simple idea that quickly gained momentum.Grassroots Beginnings (2018-2019)The Concept: The festival began as a grassroots initiative by local residents. It was originally conceived by a group of three local mothers as a small fundraising event where friends could gather to watch the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras television coverage.Rapid Growth: The initial concept quickly expanded. With support from community partners like ACON, the idea snowballed into a three-day festival, dubbed 'Rainbow on the Plains.'The First Parade: The inaugural 2018 festival was marked by enthusiasm, featuring its own street parade, local entertainment, and strong community engagement, designed to show that rural Australia is changing and welcoming to all.Early Success: By the second festival in 2019, attendance had reportedly doubled. Organisers noted that the town's main accommodation was booked out for weeks, indicating a significant early boost not only for Hay but also for outlying regional towns whose accommodation capacity absorbed the overflow of visitors.Navigating Challenges and Cementing its RoleThe Drought and Funding: Even in its early years, the festival was recognised for its dual importance: promoting inclusion and providing a vital economic stimulus. In 2019, the festival secured federal funding through the Tackling Tough Times Together program, explicitly aimed at keeping money flowing through local shops and supporting businesses during severe drought.The Pandemic Interruption: Like many events, the 2020 and 2021 festivals were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interrupting the annual flow of tourists and revenue to the region.Resilience and Return (2022 onwards): The festival made a strong return, continuing its tradition of high-profile entertainment and community-focused events. The 2022 festival, for instance, successfully broke a national record for the largest "human rainbow," symbolising the number of allies the rural community has.The Festival's Core MissionOperated by the Hay Mardi Gras Incorporated and run solely by community volunteers, the festival has consistently maintained three core goals, which directly impact the wider region:Inclusion and Visibility: Providing an important opportunity for rural and remote LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies to be seen, heard, and acknowledged, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere across the Hay Plains.Mental Health: Maintaining a focus on mental health and the unique challenges faced by all rural and remote residents.Economic Benefit: Serving as a significant tourism drawcard, the festival's aim is not to make a profit for the committee, but to ensure that money is brought into the local economy.The festival has clearly established itself as more than just a party; it is seen by its founders and supporters as an opportunity to change lives and create a welcoming, strong, and positive environment in the rural heartland.

Landowners along the Murrumbidgee River are being urged to seek expert advice as the NSW Government begins negotiating flood easements under its ambitious Reconnecting River Country Program. Since August 29, 2025, the Government has been approaching property owners between Darlington Point and Balranald to secure easements that would allow increased water flows to environmental wetlands and floodplains. The stakes are considerable; the maximum flow limit at the Wagga Wagga gauge could nearly double from 22,000 megalitres per day to 40,000 megalitres per day. Bobbie Pannowitz, a solicitor at Griffith based Cater & Blumer Solicitors, says the program represents a significant shift in water policy with potentially substantial impacts for affected landowners. “The NSW Government has embarked on a very ambitious piece of water policy with the Reconnecting River Country Program,” Ms Pannowitz said. “The program is designed to relax constraints along the Murrumbidgee River to deliver more environmental water, more often, to off-river wetlands and floodplains. “To secure these flows, the NSW Government needs to obtain easements from landowners, to enable flooding or inundation of parts of their land.” The timeframes are tight. Landowners who receive invitations to negotiate have just 28 days to respond, followed by a 12-month negotiation window. While the increased flows won’t commence until 2031, negotiations are happening now. “Landowners should expect to receive invitations to negotiate, or may have already, which they will then have 28 days to respond to, and a further 12 months to negotiate,” Ms Pannowitz explained. The Government is required to compensate landowners for the easements, considering factors including the extent of inundation, current land use, impact on third parties, and the market value of the land. However, there’s a catch; if landowners fail to reach an agreement, easements could be compulsorily acquired. Recognising the complexity of the negotiations and the need for landowners to understand their rights, Cater & Blumer Solicitors is hosting a free Easement Negotiation Information Session at midday Thursday November 13 in Balranald. "At Cater & Blumer Solicitors, we identified a need for landowners to obtain more information about this Program and how to negotiate the best possible outcome, they need to engage in negotiations and get the right advice to do so,” Ms Pannowitz said. “We strongly encourage affected landowners to attend and learn more about their rights.” Interested landowners can register for the session through the Cater & Blumer Facebook page, Instagram page, or website.

 Man in serious condition following ultra-light crashAbout 11am today (Wednesday 5 November) emergency services were called to a paddock on Nullagong Road, near the Cobb Highway, about 30km north of Hay to reports of an ultra-light plane crash.NSW Ambulance responded and commenced CPR on a 39-yearo-old male with serious injuries. He was the sole occupant of the plane.He was taken to Hay hospital in a serious condition.Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District responded and established a crime scene.The incident has been referred to Recreational Aviation Australia

Broken Hill Distillery has claimed the prestigious Overall Winner Outback Spirit Award at the 2025 Far West NSW Excellence in Business Awards. The distillery also won the Excellence in Innovation category, cementing its position as one of the region's standout businesses. Regional Development Australia Far West NSW announced the winners across 15 categories, recognising excellence and achievement in business throughout the far west region. Major award winners Natural Revolution Group was honoured with the Dave Gallagher Award for Commitment to Community, while Tibooburra Water took out Excellence in Social Enterprise/Outstanding Community Enterprise. The Gallery Broken Hill was named Best New Business, and Adkins True Value Hardware won Excellence in Small Business. Far West Rural Supplies claimed Excellence in Business, while Country Universities Centre Far West was recognised for Excellence in Customer Service. The Old Saltbush Restaurant & Catering won Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality, and Far West Helico took out Excellence in Presentation & Marketing. Broken Hill businesses featured prominently in the People's Choice awards, with Jagged Edge named the Region's Most Popular Business, and Caroline and Dirk from The Shed Broken Hill winning Service with a Smile. Milparinka Sporting Club was voted the People's Choice Community Organisation. Samantha Thompson from Golf Broken Hill Inc was named Outstanding Employee of the Year, while the business also claimed the Employer of Choice award. Veronica Sunman from MBElectrical won Apprentice/Trainee of the Year. Broken Hill City Art Gallery was recognised as the Outstanding Arts & Cultural Organisation. The Business Awards are an initiative of Regional Development Australia Far West NSW.

A person has died after their ute left the road and burst into flames in a single-vehicle crash near Barellan, about 50 kilometres east of Griffith. The burnt-out vehicle was discovered just off Kolkilbertoo Road on Saturday morning, with emergency services called to the scene around 9.30am on November 1. The driver's body was found inside the wreckage, but authorities have not yet been able to confirm their identity. Police believe the crash occurred overnight, though the exact timing remains unclear. The remote location of the incident meant the vehicle wasn't discovered until the following morning. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to formally identify the victim and determine the cause of death. Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash, including how the vehicle left the road and what caused it to catch fire. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact local police.

A 29-year-old Griffith man has been charged after allegedly slashing the tyres of 13 vehicles parked along a residential street in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Police allege the man damaged a total of 48 tyres on cars parked on Banna Avenue, Griffith, around 3.15am on October 28. Murrumbidgee Police executed a search warrant at an address on Binya Street, Griffith, at 1.10pm on Wednesday, October 29, where the man was arrested. During the search, officers seized several items of clothing that police allege were worn by the man during the offences. The man was taken to Griffith Police Station and charged with 13 counts of destroy or damage property. He was refused bail by police and appeared before Parramatta Bail Court on Wednesday, October 30. The matter will return to court at a later date.

Two men have been charged after allegedly stealing items from the Tharbogang landfill facility while attempting to conceal their vehicle's registration plates. Police were conducting patrols near the tip around 10.20pm on Monday, October 28, following recent reports of trespassing and theft at the site. About 10.30pm, officers spotted a silver Nissan Navara inside the landfill facility with surgical face masks covering the registration plates. Police stopped the vehicle and spoke with two men, who were also wearing face masks. Officers allegedly found a red pushbike and a sewing machine inside the vehicle, which police claim had been taken from the landfill facility by the pair. Both men were arrested and taken to Griffith Police Station, where they were charged with stealing and entering enclosed lands. The matter will be dealt with by the courts at a later date.

The ICPA Hay Branch is calling on community members to share their views about the future of Booligal and Carrathool public schools through an online survey. The information gathered will be used to advocate to government about local educational needs in the region. ICPA Hay Branch president Michelle Spence said the survey was open to all community members with an interest in the schools' future. "We encourage all Booligal and Carrathool community members, or others with an interest in the use of the schools, to complete the survey," Ms Spence said. "This includes business owners, potential employers and community groups." The survey will remain open until December 18 and can be accessed at https://form.jotform.com/252648892217063. Community members are encouraged to share the survey through their networks to ensure broad participation in the consultation process.

Moulamein residents are being invited to help shape the future of their town through a series of community consultation sessions this Thursday. Project managers from Tomkinson Pty Ltd will be in Moulamein on 6 November 2025 to gather community input for the Moulamein Masterplan and Community Action Plan. Three sessions will be held throughout the day, with no bookings required. The day will begin with "Catch up with Tomkinson - Understanding the Issues" at the Moulamein Bowling Club from 8am to 9am. This will be followed by "Walk Moulamein with Tomkinson" from 9am to 11am, starting at the bowling club and finishing at Morago Street. The final session, "Chat with Tomkinson - Reimagining the Future," will be held at the Moulamein Bowling Club from 5pm to 6.30pm. Community members are encouraged to attend whichever sessions suit their schedule to contribute their ideas and concerns about the town's development. Those unable to attend can still provide input online at https://yoursay.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au/moulamein-masterplan.

Police have charged a man over an armed alleged robbery in the state’s south last month.About 4.35pm on Friday October 17, officers from the Barrier Police District responded to reports of an armed robbery upon a financial institution in Darling Street, Wentworth, approximately 260km south of Broken Hill.Police were informed that a man entered the business allegedly armed with a pole making threats towards staff and customers.The man left the site with a sum of cash, last seen running west along Adelaide Street. There were no injuries reported. Officers established a crime scene and began investigating the incident.Following extensive inquiries, a 32-year-old man was arrested as he left a bus at the Darling Street and Armstrong Avenue intersection in Dareton, about 4.30pm yesterday October 31.He was taken to Dareton Police Station and charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon.The man was refused bail to appear at Court on a later date.

The Deniliquin & District Transport Wall of Fame has inducted six remarkable individuals for 2025, recognising lifelong contributions to the road transport industry that have left an indelible mark on the region and beyond.This year's inductees, Edward "Ted" Fitzmaurice, Jacqueline "Lady John" Southern, Neville John Jones, Stuart McCallum, Graeme "Pegleg" Unwin, and Wayne Scott, represent decades of dedication, skill, and passion that have kept Australia's wheels turning.Among the honourees, three stand out for their extraordinary stories of perseverance and pioneering spirit.Jacqueline Emily Southern, known throughout the industry as "Lady John", broke barriers in an era when women drivers were a rarity. Born in Urbenville in 1929, she began her transport career alongside her husband Colin, carting firewood in Blackall before moving into mail runs.Remarkably, between 1948 and 1972, Lady John raised 10 children whilst building her reputation behind the wheel—a testament to her extraordinary determination and work ethic.After relocating to Cobram, she drove for Kortum Brothers before spending many years with Neville and Phyllis Jones, hauling wool, aggregate, and grain across the country. Her favourite? The B Model Mack, though she expertly handled everything from Internationals to Kenworths throughout her career.Lady John's son Gene Palmer accepted the award on behalf of his late mother, who passed away in 2017 at age 87. In a fitting tribute, her family scattered her ashes from a truck window near Grong Grong on the Newell Highway, a final journey for a woman whose heart belonged to the open road.Four of her sons and a grandson followed her into the transport industry, cementing the Southern family's legacy in Australian trucking.Neville Jones, who passed away after a lifetime of service to transport, was honoured with an induction accepted by his son Wayne, alongside his mother Phyllis, herself a past Wall of Fame inductee.Born in Dandenong in 1939, Neville's journey into transport began at just 16, when he moved to Hay for what was meant to be a six-month job. That brief stint turned into a decade of road construction work, operating a Caterpillar grader and forming many of the outback roads around Booligal that remain in use today.Entirely self-taught, Neville became highly skilled in road construction and irrigation works before transitioning to trucking, initially working for his father on gruelling runs to Darwin in a 160hp International, on dirt roads, with no bunk or air conditioning.In 1969, Neville and his wife Phyllis took a leap of faith, launching Jones Transport with a second-hand B61 Mack and a sheep crate. Their first regular client, Dennis Jacka of Ivanhoe, became a lifelong friend and helped establish the foundation of what would become Jones of Hay, a name synonymous with reliability and hard work.Over the years, the family business grew to operate B, R and F Model Macks, Benzes, Kenworths, and Western Stars, with their children Debbie, Glynn, Wayne, and Les all contributing to the family legacy.Wayne Neil Scott, who tragically passed away in March 2010, was remembered for his extraordinary achievements and generous spirit.Born in Deniliquin in 1958, Wayne grew up immersed in the family business, Neil Scott's Transports. He left school at 16 to work alongside his father and brother Bruce, and by 19 had become the youngest semi driver in New South Wales, and one of the youngest to cart four decks of sheep.Wayne's favourite truck was the 1985 SAR with a 350 Cat engine, though he spent most of his early career in the company's Volvo and later Kenworths. When the family business was sold in 1989, Wayne continued driving for various operators including Ian Hood, Deniliquin Freighters, and Purtills.His daughters Natalie and Jammi accepted the award surrounded by friends and colleagues who remembered Wayne not just for his skill behind the wheel, but for his loyalty and willingness to mentor younger drivers.The Deniliquin & District Transport Wall of Fame continues to preserve the stories of those who built Australia's road transport industry from the ground up, individuals who drove through dust storms and flooded roads, who maintained their trucks with their own hands, and who created the networks and relationships that still underpin regional freight today.This year's nominees also included Sydney Michael Grimison and Stuart Schifferle, whose contributions to the industry were recognised alongside the inductees.The ceremony serves as a reminder that behind every delivery, every tonne of wool or grain, and every highway journey, there are people whose dedication and expertise have shaped the nation's transport landscape for generations to come.

In the quiet expanse of Whitecliffs, where the red earth meets an endless sky and the heat shimmers like a living thing, twenty-four-year-old Shakira Brown has found something most people spend a lifetime searching for; a life lived on her own terms, with her nineteen-month-old daughter Millicent by her side. Born and raised in Broken Hill, Shakira made a decision at seventeen that would shape the trajectory of her life. She chose the bush over town, trading the familiar streets of her childhood for the vast silence of station life. It wasn't a decision born of desperation or escape, but of a quiet knowing, a pull toward something more authentic, more real. "I just really wanted to do it," she said simply, and in that simplicity lies a profound truth about the courage it takes to follow your instincts when you're barely more than a child yourself. Now, as a station hand managing a station while the owners are away, Shakira has created a life that would be unrecognisable to many her age. There are no colleagues, no office politics, no rush-hour traffic. Instead, there's the rhythm of checking dams and troughs, the rumble of the buggy across the land, and the constant, joyful presence of little Millicent, affectionately known as Millie, strapped into a car seat beside her.What makes Shakira's story particularly beautiful is how she's sharing this life with her daughter. While other toddlers navigate playgrounds and daycare centers, Millie's playground is the Australian outback itself. She rides alongside her mother every day, learning the land before she learns to read, understanding the language of weather and water before mastering her ABCs. "She comes with me, so she's by my side the whole time," Shakira explained, and you can hear the quiet pride in her voice. "It's pretty good having her by my side." In the evenings, when the heat finally breaks, Shakira trains her new pig-hunting dog, with Millie watching from her perch in the trough in the house yard. It's an unconventional childhood by any measure, but it's rich in ways that can't be quantified; in freedom, in closeness to the natural world, in the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter forged in shared experience. Two months ago, Shakira faced a crossroads. She had the opportunity to return to town, to return to the familiar. Without hesitation, she chose Whitecliffs. She chose the quiet. She chose the life she and Millie have built together in this far-flung corner of New South Wales. "I love it out there, nice and quiet," she said. "Everyone gets around each other." There's something radical about Shakira's contentment, something that feels almost revolutionary in our age of constant striving and digital distraction. She's not looking for the next big thing, the next upgrade, the next milestone. She has what she needs; a roof over their heads, work that fulfills her, a daughter growing up wild and free, and a community that rallies around its own. "You don't need nothing flash," she reflected. "As long as you got something over your head."When asked about the future, Shakira maintains the same easy grace that characterises everything about her. She's happily winging it, taking life as it comes. When Millie reaches school age, they'll base themselves in Whitecliffs, as the town has a primary school, and Shakira is considering getting her truck license, keeping her options open without forcing a plan. There's wisdom in this approach, a refusal to be constrained by the anxiety of over-planning. She's living proof that you don't need to have it all figured out to live a good life, that sometimes the best path is the one you're already on. In a world that measures success in promotions and possessions, Shakira and Millie represent something different. Theirs is a life measured in shared sunrises, in the satisfaction of checking water levels and ensuring stock are thriving, in the pure joy of a toddler watching her mother work, learning by osmosis what it means to be capable, independent, and content. "I wouldn't change it for the world," Shakira said of motherhood, but really, she could be talking about the whole package; this life she's chosen, this place she's claimed as home, this partnership with her daughter that began when Millie was born and will continue to deepen with every dusty mile they travel together. As the sun sets over Whitecliffs and the temperature finally drops to something bearable, you can imagine them there, Shakira and Millie, two hearts beating in sync with the ancient rhythm of the land, writing their own definition of what it means to live well, to love deeply, and to be exactly where you're meant to be. "If you've got the opportunity to go out there and do something, just do it," Shakira advised anyone considering a similar path. It's advice born not from recklessness, but from the quiet certainty of someone who took the leap and discovered she could fly.