Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is aware of smoke that is venting from the Perilya Mine, Broken Hill, due to an underground fire. Perilya Mines emergency services crew is currently in attendance at the incident.FRNSW is urging residents to remain indoors and to close windows, doors, and vents due to the smoke in the area.

News from Mark Coulton, Member for ParkesHappy New YearI would like to wish everyone in the Parkes electorate a very happy New Year! I hope the Christmas period was one full of rest, relaxation and opportunities to reconnect with loved ones. Here’s to 2025 being a great year for all, bringing plenty of joy, good health and prosperity. Now that we have entered the new year, it is really beginning to sink in that my time as your Federal Member is coming to an end. While we do not yet know when the Federal Election will be held, preparations are now well and truly underway, and I look forward to supporting Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey with his campaign over the next few months. In the meantime, there is still plenty to be done, and I do not plan on stopping just yet. Rest assured I will continue to serve the people of the Parkes electorate with the same fire and passion as I started with until the election is called.Reannounced road fundingLast week the Labor Government announced $40 million in funding to upgrade four intersections on Hargraves Lane and Federation Street in Gilgandra.This project, which will upgrade the intersections that connect with the Newell, Oxley and Castlereagh highways, is very important and will improve the supply-chain efficiency during harvest and reduce the number of heavy vehicles passing through the Gilgandra CBD, as well as better connect the Newell Highway and the Inland Rail.I should know, since I announced this project back in 2021.This is yet another example of the Labor Government trying to claim credit for the Coalition’s worthwhile investments.It’s not new money – the $32 million contribution from the Australian Government was announced as part of the 2021 Federal Budget under the former Coalition Government.So instead of getting on with the job and starting work on this vital project, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has tied up this funding as part of Labor’s lengthy infrastructure review, only to reannounce it now, claiming it as a Labor win.Funding available for community groupsI’m pleased that Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now open for Round 9 of the popular Stronger Communities Programme.Community groups and local governing bodies can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for infrastructure projects that deliver social benefits for local communities. Dozens of local community groups have benefitted from the Stronger Communities Programme since it was established by the former Coalition Government.Some major changes have been made to this round, with greater priority being given to vulnerable groups such as Indigenous Australians, veterans, immigrants and people with disabilities, while broader activities available for funding include environmental and climate focussed projects and those that address gender equity and health infrastructure.I encourage all potential applicants to review the guidelines to ensure your project meets the eligibility criteria.EOIs must be returned to my office by 5pm AEDT Friday 7 February 2025. To download the EOI form and for more information, visit my website: www.markcoulton.com.au/funding-available-to-grow-stronger-communities/

Central Darling Shire has advised residents in White Cliffs that roadworks will begin in March 2025. The project will involve reconstruction and sealing works in Johnston Street and The Blocks. The roads will be sealed and include a small, sealed section at each driveway intersection to suit access.Central Darling Shire says Council will offer residents a light maintenance grade of the existing driveways as part of the construction works. "This service is entirely up to the resident," General Manager Greg Hill said in a public notice. "Those who want this service completed need to phone the Council Engineering team."There have been some requests to seal full driveway access to dugout landings. "This would incur additional construction costs and is not budgeted for in project scope. "Therefore, it would be subject to resident contribution. Counsil says the cost for further driveway compaction works, 14mm primer seal and 7mm final seal will be $30 per square metre."Residents who are interested in sealing driveways should contact Council for further discussion and to arrange a site meeting."All enquiries should be directed to Council’s Engineering Depot (08) 8083 8800.

Sign to promote awareness for injured and dead wildlife stolen, owners call for its return.Outback Geo Adventures together with Lake Paika Accommodation installed an informative sign to promote awareness, and ask people to slow down to reduce the number of wildlife kills on the Ivanhoe Road.Sadly, this sign was recently stolen.“We feel incredibly disappointed that a person or persons would lower themselves to steal our recently installed sign,” a representative of Lake Paika Accommodation recently said on social media.“The sign was installed not only to express our concern for the number of wildlife killed on the Ivanhoe Road but to also echo the sadness of all the visitors to our area at the amount of dead and injured wildlife.“Lake Paika is situated between Yanga and Mungo National Parks and there are thousands of visitors every year who witness these road kills.“We would really appreciate the return of the stolen sign.”Hopefully, the sign is soon returned. Anyone with information should contact local police, or Outback Geo Adventures and Lake Paika Acommodation.

New threats to power stability could cost Australians thousands in lost revenue, security breaches and data lossAustralia is bracing for one of its most unpredictable summers yet as power instability meets a rising threat: cyber blackouts. Data from insights agency Gartner shows unplanned power outages can cost businesses up to $5,600 per minute, while digital attacks targeting the grid could further amplify the risks. Experts warn that without preparation, Australian businesses and homeowners could face severe financial losses, corrupted data and compromised securityWhat is a cyber blackout?Unlike traditional outages caused by weather or ageing infrastructure, cyber blackouts occur when malicious attacks disrupt power systems, exploiting weaknesses in increasingly digitised energy networks. The result? Prolonged blackouts that can cripple homes, businesses or entire regions. Australia’s ageing grid, already severely under pressure, creates an open door for such threats.“Cyber blackouts are no longer a remote possibility – they’re a growing global reality and Australia’s energy infrastructure is far from immune,” says Terrence Daniel, General Manager at PSS Distributors, a leader in battery-backup solutions. “For businesses and homeowners, the consequences can be devastating: lost revenue, data corruption and even physical security breaches as CCTV cameras and smart locks fail.“The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has flagged major risks this summer, citing record heatwaves, surging demand and ageing coal-fired plants struggling to meet capacity. Such vulnerabilities not only increase the risk of blackouts but make grid networks prime targets for cyber attacks,” he says.5 key steps to minimise your risk:Enhance cybersecurity: Update software, strengthen passwords and secure networks to prevent attacks.Backup data offline: Store critical files on offline or cloud systems to prevent data loss during blackouts.Invest in a backup battery: Businesses can keep critical systems running, from servers to security, while homeowners can protect essentials like food, devices and safety systems.Add surge protection: Power surges during outages can damage systems. Protect equipment with surge protection tools.Create an emergency plan: Businesses need a continuity strategy; homeowners should prepare family emergency plans.

McDonald’s Australia has partnered with Cricket NSW as part of its Community Grants for 2024.Two young cricket players in NSW will have the opportunity to win $2,500 in development funding, an exclusive ‘money-can’t-buy’ experience at Cricket NSW’s Cricket Central, and an interview opportunity for a crew member role at their local Macca’s.Applications are open now until 11.59pm (AEST) on Tuesday, January 14. Two grants are available for NSW residents aged 14 – 18 (inclusive). To apply, parents or guardians need to submit an application online at this link- https://www.maccascommunitygrants.com/terms-cricketWinners will be notified by email and telephone by 5pm on Monday January 20, for Cricket NSW.

Australian Koala Foundation to re-launch Democracy Booklet ahead of looming electionThe Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) are preparing to re-launch a refreshed version of their ‘Democracy Booklet’ initiative ahead of the federal election this year. The campaign will run for ten weeks and will consist of once-weekly ‘lessons’ in democracy.BCB News will feature the campaign.AKF says the campaign seeks to inform the public - and in particular, younger voters of the Australian democratic process and voting system in a manner that is easy to consume, paired with eye-catching graphics that make the process simple to comprehend.“I feel that many Australians don’t really know how our democratic system works, or how important their vote can be,” says Australian Koala Foundation Chair Deborah Tabart OAM. “I do not want to tell people how to vote, that is a democratic right, but I hope they realise how powerful they can be with their decision.” “There’s never been a more important time to educate people than right now, with a federal election just around the corner. We’ve been shown time and time again that the current and previous governments in power do not prioritise the conservation of Koalas and their habitat for all creatures great and small. "Australia continues to have the worst extinction rates in the world – which has been acknowledged by Minister for Environment Tanya Plibersek, but politics gets in the way. The endangered species list is constantly growing. This will not change unless we as Australians vote in candidates who truly reflect our beliefs and will vote to pass legislation that will protect our native flora and fauna.”AFK says the ‘Democracy Booklet’ will serve as a comprehensive guide for individuals and communities, providing essential information on how to participate in the democratic process to best elect representatives who will pledge to protect Australian wildlife.“We sincerely hope that everyone can educate themselves with this simple guide and join us in this critical mission,” says Tabart OAM. “By equipping ourselves with the appropriate knowledge and tools, we can do our very best to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and the privilege of Australia’s beloved wildlife.”

So many of us write emails every day. Much like text messages, in email communication the tone can often be misconstrued. Getting the tone right is really important. Let's get the new year off to a good start and take a quick look at tone.But first up, The Riverine Grazier team shares their top tips for emails.Tertia says keep it brief.Krista says pause before send - make sure you are not sending something you will regret later,Kimberly says avoid exclamation marks - some construe these as quite violent, when written. Also, if you send an email trust someone will receive it - there is no need to call to say you have sent an email. Look at what you are trying to say before you call a meeting - is this something which could be accomplished in an emial?Cheyenne says make sure you attach a document before sending, and make sure you take a look at the recipients email signature before you write their name.Ok, now let's get back to tone.The tone of an email refers to the writer's attitude and emotions towards the subject matter and the recipient. It significantly influences how the message is perceived and can impact the reader's response. A well-crafted email with the appropriate tone fosters clear communication, builds rapport, and strengthens professional relationships.Before composing an email, consider the purpose, audience, and desired outcome. Ask yourself:●Why am I writing this email?●Who is my intended recipient?●What do I want them to understand?Answering these questions will guide you in selecting the most suitable tone for your message.There are many tones that can be used in emails. ●Casual: This tone is characterized by informal language, contractions, and colloquialisms. While appropriate for close colleagues or informal settings, it should be avoided in professional communication.●Respectful: A respectful tone is essential in all professional emails. It demonstrates courtesy and professionalism. Use formal language, appropriate titles, and avoid slang or jargon.●Friendly: A friendly tone helps build rapport and create a positive communication environment. It involves using warm greetings, expressing interest in the recipient's well-being, and using a conversational style.●Encouraging: This tone is used to motivate and inspire the recipient. It involves using positive language, offering praise and support, and suggesting opportunities for growth.●Concise: A concise tone focuses on delivering information clearly and efficiently. It avoids unnecessary words or details and gets straight to the point.●Decisive: A decisive tone conveys confidence and authority. It is used when making decisions, setting expectations, or providing instructions.●Cheerful: A cheerful tone expresses optimism and enthusiasm. It can be used to share good news, celebrate achievements, or simply brighten someone's day.Best Practices for Setting Tone in Emails●Be polite and sincere: Courtesy and respect are fundamental to effective communication.●Use non-discriminatory language: Treat all recipients equally and avoid language that could be perceived as biased or offensive.●Prioritise your information: Present the most important information upfront to ensure clarity.●Keep the positive front and centre: Highlight good news and positive aspects to foster a positive communication environment5.●Pay attention to detail: Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and structure errors, demonstrating professionalism and attention to detail.●Mind the length: Aim for a concise and focused message. Avoid overly long emails that may overwhelm the recipient.By mastering the art of email tone, you can enhance your communication skills, build stronger professional relationships, and achieve greater success in your endeavors.

Mindfulness is often misunderstood, but it is a practice that can be incorporated into everyday life. It takes an average of 66 days to form a habit, and mindfulness is no different. It is not about emptying the mind, but rather about fully immersing yourself in the present moment.Here are some common misconceptions about mindfulness, along with clarifications:●Mindfulness is about emptying the mind. This is false. The purpose of the mind is to think and feel, and mindfulness involves befriending the mind rather than trying to switch it off1. It is about focusing your awareness on the present moment, such as the taste of a banana, for example.●Mindfulness is the same as meditation. Although related, they are not the same. Meditation is a formal practice of mindfulness, done at a specific time and place, whereas mindfulness can be done anywhere2.●Mindfulness is easy. This is also false. It is a simple practice, but it takes time to reframe your mind and develop new thought patterns.●You can multitask while being mindful. This is false, as mindfulness involves doing one thing at a time. Multitasking is actually just switching between tasks, rather than focusing on one thing with full awareness.How Mindfulness WorksMindfulness can alter brain function by creating new neural pathways.With practice, you can learn to sift out thoughts and feelings without becoming emotionally caught up in them. For example, you can acknowledge an emotion, such as anger, without letting it control you.You can practice mindfulness in simple, everyday activities such as eating lunch or driving a car. The key is to be present and fully focused on the activity. We tend to run on automatic in our daily lives.Mindfulness asks you to be in control of what you’re doing instead of leaving it to your subconscious.Benefits of Mindfulness●Mindfulness can improve memory, emotional regulation, and mood.●It can help you process challenging emotions without resorting to distractions like alcohol or social media.●Mindfulness can lower blood pressure. Learning to regulate breathing and calm the nervous system are essential skills for lowering blood pressure.●A breathing technique of inhaling for four seconds, holding for four, and exhaling for five or six seconds can help the body enter a calmer state.●Starting with just three minutes a day can help you build the habit.Overall, mindfulness is a skill that takes time to learn and practice. However, the benefits of mindfulness, including improved emotional regulation and reduced blood pressure, make it a worthwhile pursuit.

Every second Thursday as a little child, I would think my grandmother Dawn had won Lotto. Purse filled with $50 notes, we would traipse up the street, me with my head in a book, walking at the same time. Little did I know that was actually pension day, but if any lady could stretch a dollar, it was her, and it was to our significant benefit. Growing up in the Commission home area of town, it was a delightful community back in the day. One where people would band together, you could knock on a door and ask for sugar, or a cup of milk. Ninety per cent of the time, that was a knock on my grandmother’s door for these things, but that was life. You could grow up accepted, not pushed. Sitting at the table with my pop, reading, or curled up like one of Nan’s cats on the couch. Just happy, content, and quiet. Shy as anything, I preferred my own company, not knowing how to make friends and having little desire to try. I was like a little old lady, banging away on a keyboard, writing romances and mysteries when my step father bought his first computer. Writing fearlessly and confidently. I miss those days; that lack of fear and doubt, utter faith in yourself, and content knowing you were just doing exactly what you wanted. Over the years, the wheels fell off a little in high school, and like many, I ended up taking a much different path to the one I envisioned. But thanks to my children, that was a path I would tread infinitely. Always feeling like one day I would pick up a pen again, I was and still am a model ostrich; putting my head in the sand and convincing myself I have plenty of time is my specialty. After a time, a very long time, however, that chance came around. Walking into The Riverine Grazier offices for a job interview, I had a little chuckle to my self. The saying, ‘punching above my weight’ came to mind. It felt as though I was taking a silly risk, but at the same time I was slowly learning that it only stings for a little while when you put yourself out there and get knocked back. Risk is worth the reward. Unbelievably nervous, I can’t really re member what was discussed in that meeting, but I was given a shot and am still indescrib ably glad for that. I still get a chuckle out of putting the sports pages together; anyone who knows me knows my childhood nickname was Bumblefoot (thanks Dawn). I can’t swim or ride a bike, and would con stantly complain of ‘women’s troubles to get out of the dreaded Physical Education classes. But thanks to amazing and knowledgeable local scribes, I am helped immeasurably in that aspect. There is still so much to learn, and as I get older, I feel as though skills and processes take me so long to absorb. There is something magical about feeling completely comfortable in a work environment. Something refreshing about being told to take time to learn new skills instead of racing the clock and trying to look busy. You can find positives and parts of any job to love, and I have always felt that way in every job I have had. When I first re-entered the workforce after having children, it performed wonders for my mental health, an outlet where I could talk to adults, and start to repair myself. The joy I felt in that never dissipated, and over time, I feel like a lot of my cracks have started to fill in, so to speak. I have always just felt genuinely grateful to be part of a great community, after feeling disjointed and lost for many years due to personal struggles. All anyone wants is to be included and treated the way they would treat anyone else, and although incredibly flawed, that is always my aim. You can’t perform well in a role without supportive, patient and tolerating work col leagues, and bosses. Not only do I have that at The Riverine Grazier a million-fold, but feel I have had that in every employment role I have had. So that’s it, that’s my story, my blow of the horn. Toot toot, Kimbo.

The Minns Government says it is acting on its commitment to attract veterinarians to regional NSW with an expansion of the highly successful Welcome Experience program that has helped hundreds of essential workers make the move to the bush.Launched in June 2023, The Welcome Experience has helped some 843 essential workers settle into their new regional home by helping them find housing, childcare, employment opportunities for partners and making introductions to community organisations and locals.Veterinary workers – including vets, vet nurses and vet technicians and their families – can now access The Welcome Experience in 55 local government areas across regional NSW.The Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage in New South Wales highlighted the need for access to veterinary services in regional areas, including support for primary production, to lift animal health outcomes and manage biosecurity risks.“The Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage highlighted key challenges facing regional veterinarians, including the need to travel long distances, difficulty finding suitable housing, and a lack of mentorship for new graduates," Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said.“These challenges mirror those faced by firefighters, who often relocate to regional areas where stable housing and community connections are critical for workforce retention.“By expanding The Welcome Experience again the NSW Government is addressing unique challenges in attracting and retaining critical workers which has a direct impact on the safety, health, and resilience of these communities.”Expanding The Welcome Experience will address these shortages by supporting and helping veterinary professionals to relocate to regional locations where their expertise is needed.The Welcome Experience is part of the $25.1 million Essential Worker Attraction Program, which aims to boost essential workforces in the regions and includes the Make the Move advertising campaign. It continues to support the continued delivery of a skilled and robust essential workforce in our regions and is further proof of the NSW Government’s dedication to paving the way for stronger, more resilient communities while ensuring that every corner of the state thrives. To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the exciting opportunities that await those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience. 

People in a small town make impacts without even realising it. The conversations you have with people may sometimes be the only conversation they have in a day, so the good ones count. Kindness, a happy disposition and a friendly face can really make their mark. Tracy Pascoe is one of those friendly faces. Her smile, friendly nature and her honesty is the epitome of small-town people. Tracy lives two doors up from me, and is one of my treasured friends. She was born in Hay, to Jenny and Adrian Pascoe. Her childhood was coloured with the sweet cliches of small-town life. Home when the streetlights came on, many a day was spent at Alma Beach with her friends, including Kylie Edwards, Tracy Edwards and others. They were swimming for a good deal of the time. “We had a cubby house down at Alma Beach, behind Jack Howards house, that Jack helped us build,” she recalled. “When we swam, we mostly swam near the pump. I always found the drake (a big piece of wood partially submerged in the river) too scary to go near."Tracy and her friends spent many happy hours at the back of the milk factory, skating. “They had a big expanse of very smooth concrete there, and we skated all the time,” she recalled. “I started out with the adjustable skates and then got white boot skates for Christmas; I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread.” Although Tracy is young, a lot has changed since she was a child.“Kids largely do not play the same way as when I was a child,” she said. “We were out and about the town until the street lights came on, and then it was time to come home. “We had no landline in the house, so we would walk down to the post office with mum so she could phone her employer to see if she was working the next day.” Tracy remembers the Majestic Movie Theatre being a highlight of her childhood. “I remember the big lit up posters out the front advertising what movies were currently showing,” she said. “Going to the Majestic was a real treat.” Tracy knew when she came through the front door when the streetlights came on and there was the white slow cooker with blue flowers bubbling away on the bench, she needed to make other arrangements for dinner. “In that pot cooking away on the bench would be steak and kidney,” she said with a grimace. The children, Terry, Tracy and later Alison, were made to sit at the table and eat dinner, and not to get up until the dinner was eaten in full. “One night, Terry had an objection with sitting there until dinner was all gone, so he picked up the bottle of Pop’s tomato sauce and squirting it in my dad’s face,” she recalled laughing. “Safe to say, I didn’t have to worry about sitting there until dinner was all gone that night. “It was always a big race to the toilet after dinner so I could get out of washing the dishes. “I always wanted to wash, not dry. Now I prefer to dry; it’s funny the things you remember.” Tracy’s father, Adrian, had a long and painful illness before passing on November 23, a week before Tracy turned 18. This hit quite hard, but being the strong people they are, the family rallied and kept on going. After trying to navigate life during that difficult time and still go to school, Tracy made the decision to leave school and join the workforce and she has been working ever since. She began her working life at Woolworths Variety Store, and remained there for many years, as the store gradually changed its name to Crazy Prices and Go Lo. Tracy was never inclined towards sports, but as she got older, she took part in touch football, Saturday tennis and netball, though noting in those days options for women’s sports were limited. She participated more for the social aspect, and had an active social life. Thomas Barry Stevens, known in Hay as Badger, was a treasured family friend who was really part of the family. He taught Tracy how to drive. “He had just bought a green Ford Festiva the week before,” Tracy recalled. “His driveway was really long, and I was backing out of it. As we were driving down, he was telling me I had a lot of room on the other side and was trying to get me to correct. "I accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake. “I ended up scraping the side of the car, the damage went all along the side of the car. “He let out a few choice words and I went home crying. “It wasn’t long until he was knocking on my door, to make sure I was ok.” Tracy left town for a time, living in Griffith and working at Barters chicken processing plant. She came back upon discovering she was expecting her first child, her son Riley Pascoe. Four months after Riley was born, she returned to work at what was now Gol Lo variety store. She worked there until becoming pregnant with her daughter, Denzie Pascoe. Badger was over the moon when Tracy’s first child and son, Riley Pascoe, was born. “My backyard looked into his side yard,” she said. “I used to go to mum for dinner every night. “One or two times it was so cold I would pass Riley, who was still a baby, over the fence to Mum so she could get him inside quicker, and then I would walk around. “The next day, Badger put a gate in so we could come and go as we please.” Badger doted on Riley, and played an active role in his early years. He babysat whenever needed, and took Riley to the pool often. “Riley had just about everything you could think of, but Badger walked him around the block on a lawn mower,” Tracy laughed. “Badger would put a towel over the lawn mower and walk him right around the block, Riley loved that.” When Riley lost his first tooth, he got money from Badger, a hundred dollars. “He was the apple of Badger’s eye, he just adored Riley,” she said. When Tracy was in hospital having her second child, Denzie, Badger was keenly waiting outside the hospital to be allowed in to see her. “He marvelled at how perfect she was, “I love talking to people, anyone can tell you that,” she laughed. “It is the best part of the job, interacting with people, it brightens their day and mine.” clear skin and just like a little doll,” Tracy said. Tracy values the simplicity of country life and vastly enjoys the customer service aspect of her role in Harrison’s IGA Deli Department. “I love talking to people, anyone can tell you that,” she laughed. “It is the best part of the job, interacting with people, it brightens their day and mine.” She believes COVID changed many aspects of life. A big part of the change in her life is she is not as social as she once was. “I got through COVID well, and didn’t mind the lockdowns,” she recalled. “My job didn’t change much, but as many people could attest, wearing a mask for many hours while working was hard sometimes. “Living with people with health issues, the worry of catching COVID and bringing it back to the household was always in the back of my mind. Ironically, I was the only one in the house to catch COVID, and had it twice.” Tracy is very similar to her mother, Jenny, in nature and the pair have always been very close. She loves her mother very much, and is grateful for their closeness. Both women are workers and always have been, would help anyone who needed a hand, and have pristine houses; you could eat off the floor. Both women strive hard to take care of the ones they love. Tracy is an important thread in the fabric which holds a small town together. Everything about her is the reason why Hay is such a marvellous place to live, and people like Tracy make life that little bit better.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is Australia's largest standardized test, designed to assess students' skills in reading, numeracy, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Established in 2008, it aims to help governments, education authorities, and schools determine if students are meeting performance targets. While the intention behind NAPLAN seems sound, a closer look reveals a complex issue with both benefits and drawbacks.On one hand, NAPLAN provides valuable data. The tests are meant to help teachers tailor their classes based on student strengths and weaknesses, and give parents information about their child's progress.The move to provide schools with preliminary results earlier (in early Term 2) is intended to help teachers implement findings more quickly. This year's results will also be comparable, allowing for a better understanding of student progress over time. Furthermore, NAPLAN results can help identify students who need additional support, as last year's results showed one in ten students not meeting standards, with students from disadvantaged backgrounds even less likely to keep up.However, the sources also highlight significant problems with NAPLAN's implementation. There is concern that NAPLAN has "strayed from its original purpose" of identifying struggling students. A study suggested that the test has become so embedded in school-level decision making that it is undermining student learning. Teachers are aligning their programs with NAPLAN testing topics, and staffing decisions are also being influenced by who is best suited to teach to the tests. This emphasis on NAPLAN scores as a performance indicator inhibits educators from using different approaches. As one researcher put it, "Naplan has become a dictating force in curriculum development, teaching priorities and resource allocation". This raises a key question: is NAPLAN becoming more of a measure of test-taking ability rather than a true reflection of student learning?The pressure put on students and schools by NAPLAN is another serious concern5. The media's tendency to highlight top performers and criticize poor results exacerbates this issue. This, combined with the potential for parents to overreact with excessive tutoring, is counterproductive. It is important to remember that, as a point in time assessment, NAPLAN does not give advice on how to direct learning. Instead of stressing about NAPLAN, parents should understand that the tests are intended to inform schools and teachers on areas for improvement.It is important to maintain perspective regarding NAPLAN results. It is just one assessment tool and should supplement other assessments and teacher knowledge. While it can offer insights, tracking a student over time is "insufficient" if not looked at with other data. It is important that the interpretation of results should focus on how to improve learning.While NAPLAN has the potential to provide useful information about student progress, it is critical that the test is kept in perspective. A narrow focus on the test can lead to detrimental impacts on curriculum development and teaching practices. Instead of being a high-stakes test that dictates educational policy, it should be one tool among many in a larger picture of student learning. It's crucial to remember that the true value of NAPLAN lies not in the scores themselves but in how schools and educators use the results to improve learning

Joceyln Yousef, nee Calvert last year made a trip to Hay for a wonderful reunion with all her beloved school friends. Jocelyn lived in Hay in childhood, while her parents owned the Pink Shop on the corner of Edward and Cadell Streets. This catch up made her feel very honoured, and it was a time she cherished. It was not just any old reunion, however. Jocelyn was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, for which there is no cure. Her husband Itzic had just undergone his own cancer battle, something from which the family was glad to be finished with but exhausted from. It was after further testing that it was discovered that the cancer had metastasised and spread to her liver and spleen. Her oncologist broke the devastating news; the prognosis was dire, and a patient in Jocelyn’s situation had typically between 8 and 11 months to live. This devastated her family. “My daughter, Revitahl said to me, “It’s not fair. How am I going to do this without you?” I said every time you look in the mirror, I am looking back at you. My blood runs through your veins and not only that, Nan’s does too. “You are a fighter; you have a steel in your spine that comes from both grandmothers. “Bad things happen to good people,” Jocelyn said, “The insidious thing about pancreatic cancer is you don’t know you have it until it’s too late.” Joceyln, however, is inspiringly serene and stoic amid her diagnosis. “Our son, Ben, asked me one day how I could be so at peace with all of this. I said, you know what, it does suck but I can either make the best of the time I have left, or I can stick my bum in the corner and make everybody sad. I don’t want that, it’s the way it is, what choice do I have? “I am so lucky I have this amazing family, who are wonderful. My daughter-in-law came over last weekend and said let me do your vacuuming for you, she is a sweetie. “I have the most amazing friends; I don’t know a lot of people that can say they are still in touch with the people they went to school with. There have been other school reunions that have been held and for some reason or another I haven’t been able to attend, but for some reason or other I was adamant that I would attend this one, the last reunion before this one, and it was phenomenal, reconnecting with all these people. "I was so touched when after that event I got diagnosed, I started get ting phone calls, it was amazing. “Then people started turning up for visit, the fact that people made the effort to come and visit just floored me. “I felt very lucky. I have had a great life, idyllic childhood in Hay, fantastic parents, and family, and got to do exactly what I wanted to do. “To be able to look down the barrel of my life and my own immortality and to be able to say I will leave this world with no regrets. How lucky am I? It’s a beautiful thing to be able to say.” Neil John Nisbet, one of Jocelyn’s dear childhood friends, was one of the main organisers of the recent reunion and tried valiantly to locate any record or photographs of the Pink Shop for Jocelyn and her family. Unfortunately, it seems to be one of those parts of history that is lost. “There are, sadly, no records or history available for the Pink Shop, plenty of photos of the building, plenty in the back yard, but not inside the shop,” Jocelyn said. “It is sad because it was such an icon of the time, such a big thing. “Children would stop in on their way before and after school, get their lollies and take them to school, the Pink Shop is part of many treasured memories. “Mum and dad were such go-getters, dad was an immigrant, one of the ten-pound poms. “Who knows what he thought when he ended up in Hay, he must have thought he had ended up in hell,” she laughed. “And then he met mum, who was a local girl, a Headon, and the rest was history. “Mum had been married after the war, and her husband was not a nice man. “Her brothers went to Melbourne for a sheep sale and decided to find her. They packed her and my older sister Pam up and brought them home. “Divorce was taboo, and mum did not have it easy, but she was a fighter. When she met dad, her family said, “you can’t marry a ten pound Pom, think of the family”. But she did her own thing, she was always like that. “Mum grew up in the life of ‘never go out side without hat and gloves,’ but when World War Two came, her brothers enlisted and so did she. But at that time, it just was not the “done” thing. “But her brothers were doing it and she wanted to do her bit too. She was based at the army base in Wagga and driving truck con voys to Melbourne. I really admire my mother and father, she worked so hard, and they did so much.” “There are so many amazing stories in Hay, if you have the time to just dig through them,” Jocelyn said. “So many people from different countries, including the Polish man who my parents bought the shop from, who was a Dunera boy. These people must have come from unbelievable conditions and came here and made a good life.” “We won the lottery when we met the Yousef boys, my sister-in-law said, and it is true, they are wonderful people, who had been through wars and a hard life,” Jocelyn said. “The resilience of these people is amazing.” After her schooling was finished, Jocelyn moved to Sydney where she lived for 11 years. “I was single, with no responsibility, I had a great time,” Jocelyn recalled. “I don’t know how I ever survived Sydney because I was so green. How I survived some of the things I got up to, but I did and learnt from a lot of things. “I was never super career minded, but very keen on travelling, so I worked whatever jobs I could find to save enough money for my next ticket. “Once you travel you start to see the other side of things and can’t help having your mind broadened. “Some people have no idea how lucky we are here in Australia. Yes, we have our own little first world problems, but I just think to my self it’s quite phenomenal how fortunate we are here.” Jocelyn travelled around the world and found her happily ever after when she was least expecting or looking for it. “Israel was always on my list of places I wanted to go to,” she said. “I organised to meet a friend in Kenya and go through Africa, to Sudan, then Egypt, and then cross the border into Israel. “I knew we could volunteer on a kibbutz, work two months there, and it was great, but not what I was looking for. “I wanted to understand the culture and learn about Judaism. So, I went to a guidance counsellor in Sydney, where people go when they want to go to Israel and discover their roots. “He looked at me and said you are not a Jew, if you want a holiday, go to Queensland. "After the fifth meeting he realised I was genuine, agreed to help, and organised the kibbutz. “Itzic’s kibbutz had been training pre army youth, Itzic had completed national service, he was a paratrooper in the Israeli army. “He came to help established the young kib butz, on the border of Gaza, and had been there for a little while when I turned up. “His English wasn’t good, and I knew no Hebrew, but it was fate. “I was the least domestic person, at 29 I had no interest in settling down it was not on the agenda. I didn’t even know how to cook. But four weeks later we were living together. “I never got a proposal as such; we were talking about coming back to Australia to meet my family. “Itzic was talking to the kibbutz secretary, and he was explaining he wanted time off to go meet my family. “The secretary must have been asking how serious it was that he needs all this time off, and Itzic replied of course it is serious we are going to get married. “I was just sitting there thinking well I guess I am getting married. “We figured I should convert to Judaism, but upon examining the process, it turned out that Itzic would have to go to the synagogue every day to pray, and we would have to keep kosher, so Itzic wasn’t keen. “He said, “I fought for my country I don’t have to prove how Jewish I am; I have done everything right.” The kibbutz lawyer revealed as long as one parent is Jewish any children can have a normal life in Israel and still be eligible for army service and other cultural practices. “Itzic felt strongly that my parents know who he was, and we could be legally recognised as a married in Israel if we married internationally, so off we went. “Itzic’s mother, who I really admired, was concerned that the children would not be Jew ish, but I explained what the lawyer said and promised that I would raise the children in the Jewish faith. “And we did. I remember the first time we took the kids to Israel so Ben could make his bat mitzvah at the Wailing Wall, very special time so emotional, was lovely, all the family were there.” Jocelyn’s children have cousins in Israel they are very close to, and they both have strong ties to Israel. Jocelyn and Itzic are good friends with Eilish, Ben’s wife’s parents, who are a great source of support. “They recently completely redid the garden for Jocelyn. “It is magnificent, we are so lucky, and are surrounded by good people,” she said. “Luck is what you make it, I am not a religious person at all, but you get back what you put out.” On December 9, 2023, Jocelyn made a sky dive, the one remaining activity that she had always wanted to do but not yet done. “I have no bucket list, but I have done it all, the only thing I wanted to do is skydive. “My bucket list is to spend time with my family,” she said. Joceyln has truly left her mark on this world. She has touched the lives of countless people, and shown up, lived her life exactly the way she wanted, and made the most of every single day. You are an indescribable in spiration.The gorgeous Jocelyn has since passed away, and her loss is felt by so many. She will be remembered fondly by so many in Hay, and by all who knew her.

Three earthquakes in less than 30 hours struck the Back Country late last week.The rumbles began with a 2.6-magnatude quake, which struck just before midnight on Friday January 3. This was followed by a followed by a larger 4.1-magnitude quake at 2.50pm on Saturday afternoon and a 3.3-magnitude tremor at 5.30am Sunday morning.The first quake was located very close to the outback city of Broken Hill, with the next two measured further east, towards Menindee and Wilcannia. It was recorded at a depth of three kilometres underground, while the next two, while larger in magnitude, were 10 kilometres below the surface. Geoscience Australia senior seismologist Phil Cummins told the ABC there is no reason to believe the three quakes are related, but the service will continue to monitor the region.More detailed scientific monitoring will be required to understand what caused the events.What causes earthquakes in Australia?Australia experiences earthquakes because of its geological position and the movement of the Australian tectonic plate: Tectonic plate movementThe Australian plate is the fastest moving continental land mass on Earth, moving northeast at about 7 centimetres per year. It's colliding with the Pacific plate to the north and east, and the Eurasian plate to the northwest. This collision generates compressive stress in the Australian continent, which builds up over time. When rocks deep underground break and move along a fault line, this stress is suddenly released, causing an earthquake. Intraplate earthquakesAustralia is located in the centre of a tectonic plate, so earthquakes are less common than in other places where plates meet. These earthquakes are called intraplate earthquakes, and they're generally less predictable than earthquakes that occur at plate boundaries. Old fault linesAustralia is an ancient continent with old fault lines that can cause earthquakes. Australia experiences about 80 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or larger each year, but most are small. The largest recorded earthquake in Australia was in 1988, when a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Tennant Creek.Ongoing researchIn December, Geoscience Australia released the first update to the National Seismic Hazard Assessment since 2018, identifying Darwin and the eastern highlands through into Latrobe Valley as areas where there is a higher risk of strong ground shaking.The National Seismic Hazard Assessment defines the level of earthquake ground shaking across Australia that has a given chance of being exceeded in a specific time period. Knowing how the ground shaking hazard varies across Australia allows emergency managers, government agencies and the engineering sector to prepare for, and respond to, earthquakes in Australia.Senior Seismologist Dr Trevor Allen said the new assessment is based on updated data, models, and insights, collected from field surveys and earthquake catalogues, as well as from people who have felt an earthquake.

NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, has announced changes to the way council meetings are conducted to ensure greater transparency and increase community confidence in council decision making.“Council meetings are where a council’s most important decisions should be made,” said Minister Hoenig.“It concerns me that these decisions are increasingly being made behind closed doors in private briefings, locking out the community and protecting councils from public scrutiny.“As a former Mayor, I want to see all councils conducting their business in an open and public forum, where communities can engage with their council on issues that directly affect them.“The current Model Meeting Code has become unwieldly and is prone to drawing the general manager into political disputes which should be left to elected councillors to resolve.“These changes are part of the government’s commitment to restoring public trust in local government which has been eroded by years of neglect and a cultural shift towards secrecy over public service.”All councils are required to adopt a code of meeting practice based on the Model Meeting Code issued by the Office of Local Government.The Government has now released a consultation draft of amendments to the Model Meeting Code for public comment.The changes aim to simplify the Model Meeting Code and ensure councillors are making decisions in the full view of the communities they are elected to represent.They also aim to increase the dignity of the council chamber and remove the general manager’s involvement in council politics.Key changes, some of which have been recommended by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) include:preventing councils from holding private councillor briefing sessions;requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public after it ceases to be confidential;requiring councils to give reasons when making decisions on planning matters that depart from staff recommendations;de-politicising the role of the general manager by removing the requirement for them to prepare reports on councillors’ notices of motion;expanding the powers of the mayor to expel councillors from meetings for acts of disorder;requiring councillors to stand when the mayor enters and when addressing the meeting.Changes to the Model Meeting Code were flagged in a discussion paper outlining the government’s proposed reforms to the councillor code of conduct system.Submissions will be accepted until Friday, 28 February 2025. Learn more and provide feedback HERE.

Walking is a simple, accessible form of exercise that offers numerous health benefits, from reducing the risk of chronic diseases to improving mental well-being. It's the unsung hero of the exercising world, the all rounder.By incorporating a few strategic tweaks to your walk, you can transform your daily walks into even more powerful health-boosting activities.Embrace Interval Walking: Instead of maintaining a steady pace, alternate between periods of brisk walking and slower recovery periods. This interval training approach has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness, blood sugar control, and body composition more effectively than walking at a constant speed.Pick Up the Pace: Walking at a faster pace, ideally at least five kilometers per hour, has been linked to a lower risk of death from various causes, including heart disease and cancer.A brisk pace also contributes to better heart health and weight management. To gauge your ideal pace, aim for a speed where you're breathing harder but can still hold a conversation.Add Weight for Strength: Wearing a weighted vest or backpack during your walks adds resistance, forcing your muscles to work harder and resulting in increased strength and calorie burn. Start gradually with a weight of about 5 per cent of your body weight and increase it as you get stronger.Make sure the weight is evenly distributed and maintain good posture while walking.Conquer Hills and Stairs: As hard as it is to find a hill in this area, walking uphill or climbing stairs engages different muscle groups, particularly in your legs and glutes, leading to increased strength and calorie expenditure. Downhill walking also enhances muscle function and balance.Practice Mindful Walking: Engage all your senses during your walks by paying attention to your movements, breath, and surroundings. This mindful approach can reduce stress levels, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health.To maximize the benefits of your enhanced walks and ensure safety, remember to:●Warm up with a few minutes of easy walking and cool down by slowing your pace and stretching.●Wear comfortable, supportive shoes to prevent injuries.●Stay hydrated, especially during longer walks or in hot weather.●Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Consult a doctor if you experience persistent pain or discomfort.●Gradually increase the intensity of your walks, whether you're adding weight, tackling hills, or increasing your speed, to allow your body to adapt.By implementing these simple adjustments, you can elevate your daily walks from a simple stroll to a powerful tool for enhancing your physical and mental well-being.

This is the second and final instalment of the article detailing the history of the Freemasons in Hay. “The earliest document from the archives of out Lodge is a letter written by Mr Peter Tyson of ‘Corrong’ dated December 26, 1871, in answer to a circular letter from the Reverend Samuel Alexander Hamilton, Presbyterian Minister at Hay, who ultimately became the first worshipful master of the Infant Lodge Murrumbidgee,”Alex C.W. Welsh writes in his condensed version of the original History of Lodge Murrumbidgee, 37, Hay U.G.L. N.S.W. “We next find on April 22 1872, Anno Lucis 5876 the Provincial G.M. of N.S.W. Scottish Constitution, sent our well-beloved Brother, P.M. Donald Cameron, S.C., Deniliquin to open and consecrate a new Lodge of Freemasons at Hay and install the first office bearers. “The new Lodge met at an adjourned meeting of Freemasons held at Mr Read’s office, Lachlan Street Hay on April 8, 1872. “The chief officers were W.M. Rev. S.A. Hamilton, S.W. Alfred Tartakover, J.W. Allen Lakeman. “The second regular meeting was held at Tattersall’s Hotel May 13, 1872 when a dispensation having been received from Sydney to open a lodge. The W.M. opened the lodge in the first degree.” George Henry Harrison was initiated in 1883 and remained a subscribing member until his death, April 25, 1931. He lived to become Father of the Lodge. His two sons, George H. Harrison Jnr, and Fred A. Harrison were P.M.s in the Hay Lodge. Another well-known local family, the Johnsons, were also members of the Lodge. R.W. Brother John Johnson P.G.S.W was a P.M. from 1890 until 1892. John Johnson installed his younger son, Gavin, to the W.M. of the Lodge on the 50th anniversary of his own initiation. John Johnson’s service to the community was recognised by His Majesty the King, who awarded on him the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). Another well-known citizen of Hay, Henry Barkly Maclure, was initiated in the lodge October 5, 1892 and during 1903-05 was the 22nd master. “His work in the lodge was nothing short of excellent,” writes Mr Welsh. “For years he was Hay’s most prominent citizen. He donated the sum of 2,000 pounds to form a scholarship at Hay War Memorial High School in the memory of his son Gordon who was killed in World War One. “It was largely through Brother Johnson’s instrumentality and that of W. Brother H.B. Maclure, James Glandfield, James Houston, L.E. Pennman, and I.C. Ellis, that the idea of Hay War Memorial High School was conceived and successfully carried out.” The first Masonic Lodge, or Temple was located in Lachlan Street. It sat where the Commercial Hotel is now. Established in 1872, the first hall was established by the then Mayor William Sabine. The 50th anniversary of the lodge was in 1922, and they celebrated by refurbishing the hall at a cost of 500 pounds. A centenary installation of the Lodge Murrumbidgee was held on September 2, 1972. There were 48 members of the Lodge Murrumbidgee, 73 visitors and a Grand Lodge delegation of 21. Members of the Hay Lodge served in World War One, with Jack Tyson killed in action. In World War Two, Edward S. Whitteron died while a prisoner of war. A memorial plaque was erected in the lodge to remember these fallen members. The second craft lodge was built in 1878, and was located on the corner of Pine and Moppett Street. It was built in 1878 and used by both the Masons and the community until 1988 and finally the demise of the building came in 1989 when it burnt down. In later years the hall was used for school plays, functions, parties and balls.It was demolished by Nerida Reid’s brother, Colin Barnes, who owned it. People purchased parts of the hall in which they were interested, including the throne chairs, entrance, and archway. Over the 100 years of the lodge running there was said to have been over 200 masons, From postmasters to local police. Mr Welsh lists the members in the abridged version of the Lodge’s history. Some recognisable names over the Lodge’s time were W.M. Sprowell Whitteron, holding Grand Lodge Rank from 1951-1952. W.M. John Kirkcaldy Johnston, son of John Johnston and brother of Gavin. Gavin Johnston was believed to be the youngest W.M. of the lodge, holding the rank from 1941/42. W.M. Herbert Farlow, a dairy farmer and returned soldier of the Great War, held the rank from 1947-48. In 1958-59 Clifford L. Farlow, ex P.O.W. form Japan, initiated renovations to the temple. Other notable surnames include Brunker, Thomas, Gibson, Matthews, Clarke, Houston, Whitehead, Milliken and Tyson. In 1945, W.M. A.B. Cox was installed into the rank by W.B. Liver. This officer was a keen jeweller and his jewels were worn by district past members. Mr W.C.P. Schade acted as I.P.M at the Centenary of installation of Lodge Murrumbidgee, which took place on September 2, 1972. "Mr Schade took that role on for the coming year. He was the son of the Master of the Diamond Jubilee year. "Brother Edward James Legge, S.W. Master elect spoke at the Centenary celebrations in 1972. “Freemasonry, far from being a secret society, did have a secret which was making men live better lives in a spirit of brotherly love,” he said. “It uplifts society through its high moral teachings which seek to elevate the thoughts of mankind. Freemasons are taught the brotherhood of God and man; they are obligated to live by the Volume of the Sacred Law, to be good citizens and obey the law of the land.” Freemasons appear to have admirably lofty ideals. An organisation with a positive mindset, the society may have earnt a dubious reputation due to the secretive nature, but the good works and ideals of the organisation deserve praise and congratulations.

This is the first installment of the history of the Freemasons in Hay.All information of the history of Freemasons in Hay was taken from the condensed version of the original History of Lodge Murrumbidgee, 37, Hay U.G.L. N.S.W. was written by Alex C.W. Welsh. Masonic Lodge and Freemasons appear to be somewhat contentious issues. Designed to be a secret club or society of sorts, people get upset when it is spoken about noting the intended secrecy of the orders. Freemasonry is the world's oldest fraternal organisation. Its members include politicians, scientists, engineers, writers, inventors, and philosophers. Freemasons are known for their: • White aprons. • Arcane symbols.• Secret handshake. • Handshakes, words, and signs that indicate Masonic status. Freemasonry is a secular movement that's open to men of any race or faith. Its members swear an oath not to subvert the peace and good order of society. So, what do the Freemasons actually do? Australian Freemasons have raised millions of dollars for causes such as the Pacific tsunami, medical research, and the aged. The Freemasons Foundation provides grants, scholarships, and bursaries to charities. They are involved in local fundraising and international relief efforts. They have placed the foundation stones for many prominent buildings in Australia, including the Melbourne Court House and Melbourne Hospital. Freemasons organise functions for families, such as picnics and lunches. The organisation helps each other improve through mentoring and setting a good example. They are treated like family members by their fellow members. Freemasons develop leadership skills that can be used in their jobs and communities. It is an international movement with over six million members worldwide. Its values are non-denominational and ethical, and it's based on respect for all people. Why was the culture of secrecy built? Freemasons have been persecuted at times in history, such as by the Nazis, and have gone underground to survive. Some suspect that Freemasons are secretive to conceal how they help each other in business and the workplace. Freemasons often don't speak about their rituals to outsiders, and seen as strange by some as a result.Freemasonry has been shrouded in mystery and secrecy for the entirety of its existence. The use of secrecy as a metaphor; Freemasonry is modelled after medieval stonemasons, who used secret words and symbols to protect their work and recognise each other. Popular movies and books, like The Da Vinci Code, have depicted the Freemasons in an unflattering light.It is important for all aspects of history to be recorded and remembered, before all trace of them is lost. Freemasons pursue their personal development by working towards the betterment of all humanity through widespread community involvement offering support at all levels from local fundraising to international relief efforts. For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In Australia, Robert Menzies, Donald Bradman, Charles Kingsford Smith and Weary Dunlop are just a few names from the long list of notable Freemasons. The Square and Compasses (or, more correctly, a square and a set of compasses joined) is the single most identifiable symbol of Freemasonry. Both the square and compasses are architect's tools and are used in Masonic ritual as emblems to teach symbolic lessons. When reading the history of the Freemasons in Hay, I was a little baffled with the many abbreviations of positions withing the organisation. There appears to be many varied positions. M∴ C∴:Middle Chamber M∴ E∴: Most Eminent or Most Excellent M∴ E∴ G∴ H∴ P∴:Most Excellent Grand High Priest M∴ E∴ G∴ M∴:Most Eminent Grand Master (of Knights Templar) M∴ E∴ M∴:Most Excellent Master.M∴ E∴ Z∴:Most Excellent Zerubbabel M∴ K∴ G∴:Maurer Kunst Geselle, which is German for Fellow Craft M∴ L∴:Maurer Lehrling, which is German for Entered Apprentice M∴ L∴:Mère Loge, which is French for Mother Lodge M∴ M∴:Master Mason.M∴ P∴ S∴:Most Puissant Sovereign M∴ W∴:Most Worshipful M∴ W∴ G∴ M∴:Most Worshipful Grand Master or Most Worthy Grand Matron M∴ W∴ G∴ P∴:Most Worthy Grand Patron M∴ W∴ M∴:Most Wise Master M∴ W∴ S∴:Most Wise Sovereign.G.C.– Grand Chapter; Grand Council; Grand Cross; Grand Commander; Grand Chaplain; Grand Conclave; Grand Conductor; Grand Chancellor. G∴ C∴ G∴ – Grand Captain General; Grand Captain of the Guard. G ∴ C∴ H∴ – Grand Captain of the Host; Grand Chapter of Heredom. Freemasonry has three ceremonial degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. There are additional degrees for Master Masons, but no degree higher than Master Mason. A candidate is brought into the lodge, blindfolded, taken through various stops, where questions are asked and answers given. He is brought to an altar, asked to recite an oath, and then given instructions about the fraternity, given a mentor to guide him in the learning his lessons. A condensed version of the original History of Lodge Murrumbidgee, 37, Hay U.G.L. N.S.W. was written by Alex C.W. Welsh. This was written so it could be printed in a souvenir program for the 75th anniversary of Lodge Murrumbidgee, which took place on October 16, 1947. I was lucky enough to read through this at the Hay Gaol Museum, where it is stored with other memorabilia.