Balranald Shire Council has been recognised with the NSW Government Crown Land Management Excellence Award for its transformation of the Heritage Park Reserve into a thriving destination for tourism, learning and community connection.The Heritage Park Reserve, known as the Balranald Discovery Centre precinct, has undergone significant upgrades that have created a vibrant hub celebrating local culture and history.Major improvements include a $50,000 technology refurbishment of the Interpretive Pavilion, which introduced interactive storytelling and touchscreen displays celebrating local history and Aboriginal heritage. The precinct also features the newly constructed $700,000 Discovery Pavilion, offering flexible space for exhibitions, workshops and cultural events.The precinct includes a visitor centre, museum and café that engage visitors and locals alike, creating opportunities for cultural education and community gathering.By blending modern infrastructure with rich heritage, Balranald Shire Council has created a space that celebrates culture, fosters connection and supports regional economic sustainability.The award, presented by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, recognises excellence in the management and development of Crown land across the state.

Large sections of Deniliquin High School have been destroyed by fire after a blaze that began in the early hours of Saturday morning required more than three hours to bring under control, with specialist fire investigators now examining the scene.The fire started about 12.40am in the two-storey building on Harfleur Street, first engulfing classrooms used for metalwork and woodwork before spreading to the library and causing major damage, according to Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Stewart Alexander.Fire and Rescue NSW trucks from Deniliquin, Finley, Moama, Tocumwal and Jerilderie attended the incident, along with a specialist truck from Albury, as well as Rural Fire Service crews, police and ambulance. An estimated 50 firefighters were at the scene at the peak of the blaze.The most visible damage is to the building at the corner of Wellington and Henry streets, with the Henry Street corridor and sections wrapping around to the school oval visibly gutted by flames. The affected areas traditionally house classrooms for mathematics, design and technology, science and English, as well as the high school library.Superintendent Alexander said access proved difficult and dangerous for firefighters. Strong winds hampered efforts throughout the morning, with crews hoping to deploy a drone for aerial assessment once conditions eased.Nearby residents reported hearing loud bangs as the fire was at its worst, with flames leaping high into the air as the blaze took hold.NSW Police from Murray River Police District have established a crime scene, with specialist fire investigators travelling from Sydney to assess the cause. Superintendent Alexander said the level of damage made determining the cause very difficult. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.In a social media post on Saturday morning, Deniliquin High School staff expressed their sadness. "We are deeply saddened by the catastrophic fire at school overnight," the post read. "As we know more, we will communicate with our school community. We thank the many firefighters, emergency services, police and ambulance personnel who assisted on site."The school, which has approximately 450 students from Year 7 to Year 12, faces a significant rebuilding task ahead.

Two remote communities in far western New South Wales are set to benefit from state government funding aimed at improving water treatment operations and ensuring the long-term reliability of critical infrastructure. Residents in Pooncarie and Euston will see upgrades to their water treatment facilities after Wentworth and Balranald Shire councils secured funding through the NSW Government's Advanced Operational Support program. Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton welcomed the announcement, describing it as positive news for communities that face unique challenges in maintaining essential water services. Ms Dalton said it was "great news for residents in Pooncarie and Euston" that Wentworth and Balranald Shire councils "have received funding towards optimising water treatment operations that will extend the life of critical infrastructure, and ensure residents receive safe, high-quality drinking water now and into the future." The funding forms part of a two million dollar injection by the NSW Government to support eighteen regional councils in managing critical water infrastructure across the state. The Advanced Operational Support initiative provides local water utilities with hands-on technical training to optimise existing water treatment plants and extend the lifespan of essential assets. Water Minister Rose Jackson announced that the Minns Labor Government has invested more than ten million dollars into the program, including direct grants to local water utilities totalling over four million dollars. The initiative aims to build better regional communities with a dependable supply of quality drinking water. Under this phase of the program, participating councils including Wentworth and Balranald will benefit from engineering and technical support designed to give operators the tools and skills needed to improve water operations. The assistance is expected to help councils save tens of thousands of dollars annually while securing high-quality, reliable water supply for their communities. For Pooncarie, located in the Wentworth Shire along the Darling River in the remote northern Lower Darling region, and Euston in Balranald Shire along the Murray River, the funding represents a significant investment in communities that often struggle with the high costs of maintaining water infrastructure across vast geographical areas. Regional councils in remote parts of New South Wales face particular challenges in delivering water services. With small ratepayer bases but extensive areas to cover, many councils find it difficult to generate revenue sufficient to cover basic operational costs, let alone maintenance and upgrades. The situation creates ongoing sustainability concerns for essential water and sewerage services. The Advanced Operational Support program addresses these challenges by providing expert personnel, on-site assessment, advice, online monitoring solutions and training to optimise water plant operations. The program helps operators improve their skills in treatment plant optimisation and effectively manage water quality issues. The initiative includes implementing high-tech automated systems that enable councils to respond faster to potential water quality issues. This technological support is designed to reduce drinking water quality risks and improve public health and safety across regional New South Wales. Ms Jackson emphasised the importance of the program for regional towns. She noted that regional towns need support to maximise the effectiveness of their water treatment plants and secure a clean, dependable water supply. The minister explained that while infrastructure investment is important, on-the-ground operational support is equally valuable in empowering operators with the skills and knowledge needed to problem-solve and consistently deliver quality water to their communities. The Advanced Operational Support program is part of the broader Town Water Risk Reduction Program, which has provided support to local water utilities across regional New South Wales in addressing issues including water quality, dam safety and training for utility operators. The comprehensive program has worked with numerous regional councils and Aboriginal communities, contributing to significant water savings and improved service delivery. For Wentworth Shire Council, which supplies both raw water for outdoor use and filtered water for household consumption to Pooncarie township residents, the funding will support ongoing efforts to maintain and optimise water treatment operations. Similarly, Balranald Shire Council, which services Euston, will benefit from the technical expertise and support provided through the program. The announcement comes at a time when water security and quality remain critical issues for remote and regional communities, particularly in the context of a changing climate and increasing pressure on water resources. The funding reflects government recognition that regional and remote communities require targeted support to maintain essential water services. Ms Dalton, who has been a vocal advocate for improved infrastructure and services in rural and regional New South Wales, has consistently highlighted the importance of adequate water infrastructure for communities in her electorate.

Rural and regional councils across New South Wales are expressing relief following the Federal Government's announcement that it will restart a parliamentary investigation into the financial challenges facing local government. The Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport will resume its examination of Local Government Financial Sustainability after the inquiry was suspended when the federal election was called in May. The decision to reconvene has been welcomed by local government representatives who see the inquiry as crucial to addressing mounting budget pressures. Mayor Rick Firman, who chairs the NSW Country Mayors Association, praised Minister McBain for championing the decision to restart the investigation. The level of community and sector interest in the inquiry remains evident, with participation during the first phase drawing engagement from more than 280 organisations and individuals who provided evidence through submissions or appearances at public hearings. Before the inquiry lapsed, an interim report had already documented concerning trends affecting councils throughout Australia. The investigation revealed that local government responsibilities have grown substantially beyond their traditional scope, with communities now expecting councils to provide an ever-expanding array of services and facilities. However, the financial resources available to councils have not kept pace with these increased expectations. The interim findings highlighted that revenue sources and funding mechanisms have weakened precisely when service delivery demands have intensified, creating a sustainability crisis for many local authorities. Of particular concern were the findings relating to councils in regional and rural areas. The inquiry determined that smaller councils serving country communities confront fundamentally different obstacles compared to urban local government areas. Issues around geography, population density, infrastructure distances and economic base create unique pressures that require tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all policy approaches. These observations resonate strongly across inland New South Wales, where councils managing communities from the Riverina through to the far west must maintain roads, water systems, waste services and community infrastructure across enormous distances while serving relatively small populations. The financial mathematics of delivering essential services becomes increasingly challenging as geographical spread increases and ratepayer numbers decline. The resumption of the inquiry offers regional councils an opportunity to present evidence about the structural challenges they face and to advocate for funding models that acknowledge the distinct circumstances of rural local government. Many councils have been operating in increasingly precarious financial positions, forced to defer infrastructure maintenance, reduce service levels or pursue rate increases that place additional burdens on communities already facing economic pressures. The final inquiry report and any resulting recommendations will carry significant weight for councils throughout regional New South Wales. Local government representatives hope the investigation will lead to meaningful reform of funding arrangements and recognition that the current fiscal framework inadequately supports councils serving rural and regional Australia. The NSW Country Mayors Association, which represents non-metropolitan councils across the state, continues to advocate for policy changes that would enable regional local government to fulfil its obligations to communities while achieving long-term financial sustainability. The reconvened inquiry represents a critical opportunity to advance these objectives at the federal level.

Griffith City Council has progressed significant business items during its ordinary meeting on November 26, adopting the annual report for 2024/25 and awarding major contracts for quarry operations and road sealing. The council meeting, held at the Council Chambers on Wednesday evening, saw all motions passed unanimously with seven votes in favour and none opposed. The meeting concluded at 8.12pm after addressing a range of operational and strategic matters.Among the key decisions, council adopted the Griffith City Council Annual Report 2024/25 along with the audited annual financial statements for the reporting period. The annual report details council's activities across the year and confirms the organisation's financial position, which the documents noted remains under critical pressure requiring close attention during the 2025/26 financial year. The general fund cash position was highlighted as an area requiring continued monitoring, reflecting ongoing fiscal challenges facing the council. The report acknowledged several factors impacting council finances, including rate pegging constraints, cost shifting from other levels of government, high inflation and rising service costs, and declining real value of operating grants. Council also resolved to endorse tender awards for two significant operational contracts. Tender number nine for the operation and management of Tharbogang Quarry, along with supply of road-making materials from Tharbogang Quarry and contractors' nominated quarries, was awarded. The successful tender will see the contractor serve as principal contractor and mines manager for the Tharbogang Quarry operations. A second tender for the supply and delivery of road sealing materials was also approved, with works scheduled to commence in December 2025. The general manager was endorsed to approve expenditure in accordance with the tender terms for both contracts. The November 26 meeting followed an earlier ordinary council meeting on November 11, at which councillors debated community survey results regarding the proposed establishment of a Western Riverina Local Health District. Minutes from that meeting were confirmed during the November 26 session. In accordance with council's Code of Meeting Practice and the Local Government Act 1993, the meeting was live-streamed and recorded by council staff for minute-taking and webcasting purposes. Members of the public had the opportunity to attend in person at the council chambers on Benerembah Street. The council's adoption of its annual report fulfills statutory requirements under Section 419 of the Local Government Act 1993, which mandates that councils prepare annual reports containing audited financial statements. The report and financial statements will be uploaded to council's website for public access. Council meetings continue on a regular schedule, generally held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, though special meetings may be convened as required to address urgent business matters.

The beekeeping sector across the Riverina is experiencing an unprecedented financial crisis as the region grapples with the ongoing challenge of varroa mite management, placing critical agricultural pollination services at risk. Three years after the parasitic pest was first identified in Australian hives at Newcastle, beekeepers servicing the Griffith, Hay and broader Riverina agricultural belt are warning that escalating operational costs could force widespread industry closures. Treatment expenses and additional workforce requirements have skyrocketed for apiary operators throughout the region. Operations of all sizes now face substantial annual cost increases, with some beekeepers already abandoning the industry rather than absorb these mounting expenses. The economic ripple effects threaten to extend well beyond apiary businesses themselves. With bees responsible for the pollination of approximately one-third of human food production, any significant reduction in available hives could trigger price increases for consumers and production challenges for farmers. Nowhere are these concerns more acute than in the Griffith almond industry, which represents one of Australia's most pollination-intensive agricultural sectors. The region's almond producers require hundreds of thousands of commercial hives each year to service tens of thousands of hectares of orchards. Pollination service costs have undergone dramatic transformation over the past two decades, with expenses increasing substantially. The arrival of varroa mite has added a further premium to these already elevated costs, placing additional financial strain on almond growers and other horticultural producers reliant on pollination services. The financial pressure on pollination services has sparked discussion within the almond sector about potentially transitioning to self-pollinating tree varieties. However, such a strategic shift carries significant complications. Almond orchards remain productive for several decades, making variety changes a long-term commitment that requires patience through five to seven years before newly planted trees begin commercial production. Political representatives from the NSW Nationals have responded to industry concerns by advocating for enhanced government assistance. Following recent consultations with Riverina beekeepers and agricultural producers, they have criticised what they characterise as insufficient biosecurity investment and departmental staffing reductions that have undermined the state's capacity to address the crisis effectively. The Griffith region hosts the nation's largest annual pollination event each season, with massive movements of hives converging on almond orchards. Political advocates have called for treatment subsidies, waived access fees for public lands used for hive placement, and strengthened departmental support for beekeepers navigating both varroa management and severe dry conditions affecting the Riverina. The Riverina encountered direct varroa mite incursions when infestations were confirmed in hives at Euroley near Darlington Point and at Euston along the Victorian border. Biosecurity investigations traced these outbreaks to the Kempsey area on the state's mid-north coast. Emergency response measures included movement restrictions and the controversial destruction of affected hives within designated eradication zones. Australian beekeeping has undergone fundamental transformation since the pest became established. The nation had previously remained the sole continent without varroa mite presence. Apiarists now operate under mandatory monitoring requirements, conducting regular testing and implementing chemical or biological control measures to maintain mite populations at manageable levels. Government biosecurity authorities have confirmed a strategic pivot from eradication efforts to long-term pest management. Financial assistance that was initially available to beekeepers during the early outbreak phase has been discontinued. No specific funding programmes currently exist to support horticultural producers experiencing pollination deficiencies, although investigations are underway into crop production issues reported in some districts. The shift away from eradication attempts acknowledges the reality that varroa mite has achieved widespread distribution across New South Wales that made elimination impractical. The pest has expanded its Australian range to include the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, though infestation levels in these jurisdictions remain lower than in New South Wales. National coordination efforts now emphasise building industry resilience through the National Varroa Mite Management Program. This initiative delivers training to help beekeepers acquire the technical skills needed for effective pest control while maintaining colony health. Despite the management transition, varroa mite retains its classification as a notifiable pest throughout Australia, obligating beekeepers to report all confirmed detections. Regional beekeepers face challenges extending beyond direct financial impacts. The labour intensity of effective varroa management has increased substantially, with regular hive inspections, treatment applications and detailed record-keeping creating workload pressures. Industry experts warn that inadequately managed hives can serve as infestation sources that compromise neighbouring operations, even those maintaining rigorous treatment protocols. Without additional government intervention, industry analysts predict continued attrition among beekeeping enterprises. Operators reaching financial breaking points may sell operations or significantly reduce hive numbers. Such consolidation would inevitably constrain pollination service availability, driving costs higher while potentially limiting productive capacity across multiple crop sectors dependent on bee pollination. Current drought conditions throughout much of the Riverina have intensified difficulties for beekeeping operations. Reduced flowering and nectar availability limits opportunities for hives to build strength and honey reserves between contracted pollination assignments. This environmental stress compounds the financial and operational pressures associated with varroa control requirements. The beekeeping industry now confronts the challenge of establishing economically sustainable management frameworks that effectively control varroa populations without rendering apiary operations financially unviable. How this balance is achieved will significantly influence agricultural productivity, food costs and rural economic stability throughout the Riverina and comparable regional communities dependent on commercial pollination services.

A 30-year-old learner driver with a suspended license has been detected allegedly driving with cannabis and methamphetamine in their system in the Murrumbidgee region.At about 2:20 pm on Friday November 21, Griffith Highway Patrol police were conducting patrols on Kidman Way in Darlington Point, where they stopped a black Holden Captiva for roadside testing and a licence inspection.The driver admitted he was unlicensed.Police checked, and found the driver had a New South Wales learner licence, currently suspended for a drink driving offence. They found the vehicle was unregistered.The driver was subjected to drug and alcohol testing, which allegedly returned a positive result for cannabis and methamphetamine.The driver was arrested.A saliva sample was sent to New South Wales Police Laboratories for scrutiny.The driver was issued a court attendance notice for driving whilst suspended and will be required to attend Griffith Local Court. The matter of the drug test will be pursued further once the results come back from the laboratory.The driver was issued penalty notices carrying a combined fine of $1688.

The future of opal mining in the tiny outback township of White Cliffs remains in limbo, as approvals languish on the desk of the Australian Attorney General Michelle Rowland.In ShortDecade-Long Moratorium: Thousands of small-scale opal mining claims in White Cliffs were rendered invalid due to administrative errors and are now stuck in a lengthy federal approvals process, effectively halting new mining for years.Livelihoods in Limbo: Miners face severe financial and health stress, with equipment sitting idle. The local economy is in a prolonged slump due to the inability to register new claims or work previously invalid ones.Federal Bottleneck: While the Barkandji Native Title Group and the NSW Attorney General have provided approval, the final crucial concurrence required under the Native Title Act 1993 is languishing on the desk of Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland.Following legislative changes to the Mining Act 1992 in January 2015, procedures for processing mineral claims were incorrectly implemented, according to local miners. The error meant that thousands of small-scale opal mining titles in both White Cliffs and Lightning Ridge, which were granted, renewed, or transferred between January 1, 2015, and February 13, 2023, were later deemed invalid. Many miners were abruptly advised to "cease all activities," putting hundreds of livelihoods in jeopardy. Although the NSW Government introduced the Mining Amendment (Mineral Claims – Opals) Act 2023 in October 2023 to retrospectively validate most of these claims, the lengthy stop-work period and the ongoing administrative process for re-determination created significant financial and emotional stress for the local population.Further complicating the situation is the issue of Native Title, which adds a layer of complexity to the land access requirements. The formal recognition of the Barkandji Traditional Owners’ Native Title claim in parts of the White Cliffs area in 2015 has meant that the granting of new mineral claims or leases - classified as "future acts" - required negotiation and approval. Hundreds of mineral claim applications have been left pending for years because they require a specific determination from the Federal Attorney-General under Section 26C of the Native Title Act 1993. The protracted legal process, which has been delayed despite stakeholder agreements, has effectively placed a moratorium on mining in areas of White Cliffs for the last decade, leading to deep frustration among miners who are unable to work their claims and causing a prolonged slump in the town’s economy.Miner John McCaskill says the stress of halting of any new mining leases has caused economic stress on miners, to the point it has impacted their health.“My mining partner – another ex-copper – he’s also a jeweller. He had a stroke 12 or 18 months ago and it killed him. That’s the worry of all this business.“We’ve all got money in it. I’ve got my super in it, but my machinery just sits out there in the opal field because I can’t mine. I’m not allowed.”John explained the existing working mines can continue, but no new claims can be registered, while the impact of Commonwealth native title determinations on NSW leases is decided.“I'm not allowed to peg a claim,” John explained.“Anyone who was caught between leases when they suddenly changed their minds hasn’t been able to make an income for all those years.”Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP told Back Country Bulletin that the approval process has stalled at the federal level."The Barkandji Native Title Group needed to agree to allow mining to recommence which they did," Mr Butler explained. "At a state level, the attorney general Michael Daley has signed off at his end to say 'Yep - I've accepted what the Barkandji Native Title Group have said that they are happy for mining to go ahead.'"It needs a concurrence from the federal minister Michelle Roland. "She's had that for quite some time now and unfortunately it's not moved."Back Country Bulletin contacted Minister Rowland, seeking a timeline for the decision to be made.The Minister asked a spokesperson from the First Nations and Justice Policy Division to respond on her behalf."We confirm that the New South Wales Attorney General has made a request in writing for a determination that an area within the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District is an approved opal or gem mining area under section 26C of the Native Title Act 1993(the Act). "If an approved opal or gem mining area determination is made, the right to negotiate provisions under the Act will not apply to individual grants for exploring or prospecting, mining or puddling in respect of opals or gems in the area."A determination under subsection 26C(2) of the Act may only be made if a number of conditions are satisfied. "The Attorney-General’s Department has conducted an assessment against the relevant conditions and is working constructively with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to finalise the necessary material for a request that satisfies therequirements of the Act. "We are unable to provide further information about an announcement at this time."Read more: "I've got my super in it": The opal mining ban that's rocking White CliffsUnderground War: Native Title vs. Home Ownership in the White Cliffs Dugouts

The future of crop stubble, straw, and even marginal land in the Back Country could be tied to a newly announced statewide energy strategy, with the NSW Government dedicating up to $170 million to accelerate the production of renewable fuels like biomethane.IN SHORT:$170M Fund for Biomethane: The NSW Government has launched a Renewable Fuels Strategy with up to $170 million to accelerate biomethane production from agricultural waste like crop stubble, creating a major new industrial sector.New Farm Income Stream: This strategy is designed to create a potential new revenue stream for farmers by monetising low-grade crop residues and excess straw.Targeting Infrastructure: Success hinges on securing government co-funding and proving the logistical viability of collecting and transporting agricultural waste to proposed processing hubs, like the Valorify Group's planned Riverina Bioenergy project.The strategy, which outlines 20 actions, specifically targets the growth of biomethane production—a biogas derived from organic material such as crop residues, manure, and municipal waste. Initial industry proposals have already highlighted the Riverina region as a key development area. The Valorify Group, for instance, has publicly signalled its Riverina Bioenergy project, which is targeting crop stubble and low-grade or excess straw as primary feedstocks for biomethane production.For farmers and agribusinesses in the region, the strategy presents a potential new revenue stream, but also logistical questions regarding the collection, aggregation, and transport of agricultural waste to prospective processing hubs.Speaking on the strategy's broader aims, NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe underscored the government's optimistic outlook. The Minister's comments highlighted the triple benefit the government hopes to achieve:“This is a win-win-win opportunity: a win for jobs, a win for fuel security, and a win for the planet,” Ms Sharpe said. “The Minns Labor Government is boosting local production of renewable fuels to diversify the economy and deliver new jobs, growth and enhanced energy security for our state.”Targeting Marginal LandIn a measure that may affect areas in the Back Country, the strategy also pledges $1 million to fund crop research and development trials to test and demonstrate biomass production opportunities in partnership with primary producers. This funding will support the development and commercialisation of break crops, novel crops, and short-rotation woody crops specifically on marginal land, suggesting a long-term focus on diversification in rangeland areas.Industry Certainty and SupportThe policy is being welcomed by industry groups, which view the government’s commitment as a necessary signal to attract large-scale investment into regional projects.Bioenergy Australia chief executive officer Shahana McKenzie indicated that the strategy provides the necessary policy framework to move projects forward:“This is the kind of policy that builds capability at scale,” Ms McKenzie said. “It will stimulate new biomethane and biofuel production, activate agricultural residues and waste streams, and boost local manufacturing, transport and logistics activity across regional NSW.”The strategy includes up to $40 million in co-funding for biomethane production facilities under the existing Industrial Decarbonisation Initiative, designed to mitigate early-mover risk for regional infrastructure projects. Furthermore, a key demand-side lever is the plan to expand the state’s Renewable Fuel Scheme to include biomethane from 2028, ensuring a commercial market for the gas.Jemena's managing director David Gillespie stated that the official policy recognition of biomethane is vital for securing the sector's future.“A thriving biomethane sector will enable our industrial customers to reduce their emissions while at the same time continuing to provide jobs and produce everyday products Australians need like medicines, glass, fertilizer and steel,” Mr Gillespie said. “The New South Wales' Renewable Fuels Strategy and the government's recognition of biomethane are two key building blocks which are enabling the development of Australia's burgeoning biomethane sector.”While the strategy promises economic diversification and new industrial activity for regional NSW, the specific flow-on benefits for rural communities will ultimately depend on local proponents being successful in securing government co-funding and proving the financial and logistical viability of using agricultural residues in a geographically dispersed environment.

A Griffith man received an unexpected $550 fine for Christmas, after refusing to leave a pub when asked due to his inebriation.On Saturday November 22, a 31-year-old man had been rocking around the Christmas tree at the staff holiday party and attended a pub in Griffith.In the very early hours of the next morning, staff asked him to leave due to his alleged state of liquid cheer. It is alleged the man refused and began searching for the party he was with.The employees of the business attempted several times to encourage the man to leave, but it is also alleged he resisted, verbally and physically abusing the staff.After the man was finally assisted exiting the pub, it is alleged he was trying to stoush with them outside.Murrumbidgee Police took the man to the Griffith Police station where he was issued with his reverse Christmas gift voucher and a Criminal Infringement Notice for failing to leave a licensed premises.

It is a human quality to think, "Nothing bad will ever happen to me."But....... do you know where your birth certificate is, and all other important documents? How about the family photos? Any other things you would prefer to save if the worst happened?Having a fire safety plan for your home and family is something you may never have to use, but if the worst happens, you will be grateful for the rest of your days that you were prepared.It's important to never assume people know what to do, that in an emergency you and your family can just spontaneously get up from the kitchen table en mass and walk out the door with everything and everyone you need, in a timely and coordinated fashion.The NSW Rural Fire Service website has absolutely everything you need to be prepared and feel ready.The first thing might be to have a family chat, whatever that looks like for you, and in an age appropriate manner for families who have children.Some questions to ask might be:Is there anything you might want to put in a fire proof box incase of a fire, or if we had to leave the house quickly?If we had to leave in a hurry, who would go and grab what, family pets etc.Where would the meeting place be, if it was time to go - at the front door, at a point in the front garden?If somehow you were separated and needed to flee, where would the outside of home meeting place be - a family member's home, a shopping centre, the school? Do children know phone numbers and addresses of people, just in case? Do they know their own address in case they had to contact emergency services themselves?Does everyone know what to do it, God forbid, there was a fire near or in the home? (Stop drop and roll, most easily accessible exits).To find where your area's Neighbourhood Safer Space is visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/neighbourhood-safer-placesProper maintenance of your home is always a good ides - clearing debris from the yard and close to your house, lawns short, If you don't have fire extinguishers, fire blankets, a first aid kit, smoke alarms, new batteries in the smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors in case of heater malfunctions, it might be time to invest in these. If you look online there is a lot of different equipment at various prices, depending on budget.It's important to be prepared and don't let thins like dangers creep up on you. This checklist from the RFS is comprehensive, providing step by step guides on how to prepare, whether you are leaving your home or staying https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/bush-fire-survival-planIt’s not safe to stay with your property under some circumstances; if the fire danger rating is catastrophic, if there is an extreme fire danger rating and your home is not specially designed or constructed for bush fires, your property is not well maintained, you or the people in your home aren’t mentally and physically fit and ready. Under these circumstances, you should leave early.Sometimes, the people we rely on in an emergency to help us, such as police fire, ambulance, and SES or other emergency services units, may be at capacity helping others, so the more proactive you are the better your chances. Stay up to date during the bushfire danger period and when there is local bushfire activity:Hazards Near Me appExternal link – download the app and set up a watch zone for your home and schoolLive Traffic NSWExternal linklocal radio, TV, newspaper and your local ABC/emergency broadcasterExternal linkIn an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Due to deteriorating weather conditions today, Wednesday November 26, the RFA has advised landholders undertaking harvest operations in the Murray River, Edward River and Murrumbidgee LGAs, to stop and check local weather conditions against the Grain Harvest Guide before deciding to continue.For more information, visit the RFS website: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/.../far.../grain-harvesting-guide

So, it appears pretty obvious on a surface level, but are we all 100 per cent clear and up to date on what it means; total fire ban?A total fire ban means no fires out in the open. A total fire ban helps limit the potential of fires developing.During a total fire ban you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or to carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire.General purpose hot works, such as welding, grinding or gas cutting or any activity that produces a spark or flame, are not to be undertaken in the open.The NSW RFS strongly recommends you reconsider activities such as such using a tractor or slashing, to help reduce the chance of a fire starting on your property. Under certain conditions, the NSW RFS may issue a Harvest Safety Alert.Total fire bans are declared because bush fires are more likely to spread and cause damage on days when the weather is very hot, dry and windy. These are usually on days when the fire danger rating is Extreme or Catastrophic. People all across NSW are currently under an extreme fire rating.You can use an electric barbeque for cooking as long as it is under the direct control of a responsible adult, who is present at all times while it is operating, and no combustible material is allowed within two metres at any time it is operating.You can use a gas barbeque under the following conditions:It is under the direct control of a responsible adult, who is present at all times while it is operating;No combustible material is allowed within two metres at any time it is operating;You have an immediate and continuous supply of water; andThe barbeque is within 20 metres of a permanent private dwelling such as a home; orThe barbeque is within a designated picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks or State Forest.A barbeque or wood fire pizza oven which uses solid fuel, such as wood, charcoal or heat beads, cannot be used outside during a total fire ban.Fire permits are suspended during a total fire ban. Permits may be issued or used after the total fire ban is lifted, as long as the permit hasn't expired.We all want to be part of the solution, not the problem. Stay informed, stay up to date on what it all means and what to do, including downloading the Hazards Near Me app on Apple Store or Google Play, and take five minutes to read up on the Rural Fire Service website at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/Stay up to date during the bushfire danger period and when there is local bushfire activity:Hazards Near Me app – download the app and set up a watch zone for your home and schoolLive Traffic NSWlocal radio, TV, newspaper and your local ABCIn an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Rural Fire Service issued a total fire ban for today across eleven NSW regions, including the Murrumbidgee region. It doesn't mean a fire is imminent, but it DOES mean that if a fire occurred, the warning are serious and need to be adhered to for your life and safety.Winds of 50 to 70 kilometres an hour have been forecast for today, and as we all know, the winds in the region lately have all but blown Dorothy in from Kansas.In addition, due to the elevated fire danger, the NSW Department of Eduction made the decision to close 25 schools in the affected areas as a safety measure, including Lake Wyangan Public School, Marrar Public School, Matong Public School, Naradhan Public School, Narrandera East Infants School, Narrandera High School, Ganmain Public School and more. For full details visit https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/school-operational-status?fbclid=IwY2xjawOTHctleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBEUEpXN1M0RXpHT0tpZ3B4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmlG9PdhvZPNI2HrFLitPqqeDJwhQx1vWmWm-4Htz5WT4zxcfsXpcimJj1wW_aem_XmBb5PC_q8wkRSnEZip_KgSo, we all know there is danger, but do we know what exactly the categories mean and what to do?Extreme means when a fire happens, the fire will spread quickly and become extremely dangerous, threatening both lives and property.You need to take action to protect your life and property. If your property is not prepared, leave for a safer location well before the fire arrives, ideally earlier in the day. Catastrophic is the most dangerous fire condition. Fires that start are likely to be uncontrollable and lives will be lost.In the case of a catastrophic category, for your survival, leave bush fire risk areas. It is best to leave early in the morning or the night before. Homes may not withstand fires, and help may not be available. So, you might not have heard of schools closing due to bush fire risk before.In 2022, the department reviewed the bushfire risk of its 2,200 public schools.Every NSW public school has a risk rating, from Category 1 (most risk) to Category 4 (least risk).These ratings reflect the risk profile of each school to bushfire and grassfire.They consider:landscapedistance to vegetationbushfire behaviourimpact of catastrophic bushfire behaviourevacuation optionsisolation from emergency services.The department directs Category 1 and Category 2 schools to proactively close if the catastrophic fire danger ratings are issued for the following day, and if higher risk fire conditions are forecast.At the end of the day, it is better to be safe rather than sorry, and then take the advisories and warnings seriously.  

A good part of the state of NSW is under a total fire ban, with an extreme category rating. A major risk during this period is harvesting. Did you know that in the 10 to 12 minutes it usually takes to get water onto it, a crop fire can grow to 80 metres by 100 metres. On a day with 35 kilometre per hour winds a crop fire can grow to 10 to 15 hectares within 30 minutes.Staggering information. Here's another fact which might blow your mind: a fire starting in the header's engine bay can spread to the crop before it's noticed.According to CFA Australia, harvester fires can start from a mechanical fault like faulty bearings, hydraulics or brakes. But the vast majority of header fires start in the engine bay where dust and debris are blown by cooling fans, igniting on the hot exhaust manifold or turbo.Do you have a plan or an idea in mind - at what point to pull the pin on harvest for the day, or if the ben is in place, for how many days?It is really understandable, the quandary farmer would be put in; once the crop is ready it NEEDS to be harvested. But at what point does the harvest come in second place to safety, or loss of it all, and potentially your equipment to fire?Fire safety should be a part of the harvest management plan.Have a chat to everyone working on your property during harvest so they know the plan. What needs to be clear is everyone knows their responsibilities, where fire equipment is, how to react if there is a fire, who to call, and how to use UHF radio.\Everyone needs to know what is expected of them.Plan where water carts will be positioned within the paddock. Many crop farmers have more than one. A water cart should be a dedicated resource.Maintain two-way communication between the harvest operator and people on the ground.Check all fire extinguishers are in place and are fully charged. Include dry powder extinguishers on all your vehicles and large water extinguishers on the header.You should create four-metre fuel breaks around the harvest area. This will help contain a fire should one start.During harvest you should not let the harvester get too far away from the water cart as you'll need to get water onto a fire quickly.Make sure everyone knows the expectations and requirements of maintaining and cleaning the harvesting equipment, and that it is being done.Image: Rural Fire Service.Stay informedStay up to date during the bushfire danger period and when there is local bushfire activity:Hazards Near Me appExternal link – download the app and set up a watch zone for your home and schoolLive Traffic NSWExternal linklocal radio, TV, newspaper and your local ABC/emergency broadcasterExternal linkIn an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Country racing is absolutely vital to the entire racing industry, according to Michael Bailey, and events like the Hay Cup play a role that extends far beyond a single day's entertainment. Bailey, who has spent nearly 40 years working in country racing across multiple clubs, believes rural race meetings are essential to the fabric of regional communities and the future of thoroughbred racing in Australia. The economic impact alone is substantial. Bailey is certain the Hay Cup injects more money into the town than any other single event throughout the year, and has done so consistently for decades. But the importance goes well beyond the immediate financial boost. Country racing serves as the entry point for the next generation of owners, trainers, jockeys and racing enthusiasts who will sustain the industry into the future. Bailey points out that residents of Hay and similar country towns often have shares in horses trained by major Sydney and Melbourne stables, even if they don't broadcast the fact. That connection between country communities and city racing didn't emerge from nowhere. It developed because people first encountered racing at their local track, got interested, joined small syndicates, and gradually became more involved. Without country racing as that entry point, the pathway simply wouldn't exist. The industry has recognised this need to attract younger people and has adapted accordingly. Race days now emphasise atmosphere and entertainment alongside the racing itself. At one stage this went too far in the direction of bachelor and spinster balls, with some venues experiencing problems, but the balance has shifted toward more upmarket events. The Hay races exemplify this, with entertainment planned at the Services Club after racing including live bands. It's about giving people aged 18 to 35 a reason to attend, and once they're there, introducing them to the racing. Major tracks have embraced this approach enthusiastically. At Randwick, there's now a live stage out the back where top headliner acts perform from around half past four as racing finishes. Thousands stay on until eight, nine, ten o'clock at night, drawn by the bands and shows. The same principle applies to events like The Everest, which combines elite racing with a party atmosphere. These young attendees become tomorrow's owners, and the cycle continues. It's about investment in the future rather than simply running race meetings. The ownership model itself has changed dramatically. In the old days, looking through a Hay race book would show horses owned by Mr and Mrs Someone, usually people of means, with relatively few participants. Now a horse racing on any given weekend might have 300 owners spread across multiple horses within their ownership group. This democratisation of ownership has opened racing to people who could never have afforded sole ownership, and country racing is where many first encounter these opportunities. Country racing also provides essential infrastructure for the sport. Someone has to feed into the elite level racing at Randwick, Flemington and other metropolitan tracks. The big time events like The Everest, Melbourne Cup, Sydney Cup and Golden Slipper that dominate media coverage don't emerge from nothing. Horses, trainers, jockeys and owners all develop through the country racing system before some progress to city competition. Without thriving country racing, the entire structure would be metropolitan centric, disconnected from the broader community, and ultimately unsustainable. Yet country racing faces significant challenges, particularly around volunteers and organisers. Bailey is blunt about this. The people working hardest to put on events like the Hay Cup, including his friends and fellow committee members Cameron Clark, Ali McLean, Marg Harvey, Sally Smith Johnny Maxwell and many more, are his age or older. The next generation, those aged 25 to 45, haven't fully embraced the volunteer culture required to sustain community institutions. He sees the same pattern at the football club he's involved with in Wagga, where organisational roles and behind the scenes work increasingly fall to ageing volunteers. Bailey doesn't fully understand whether this is a generational shift or reflects broader social changes, but the pattern is clear. The volunteer willing to do the unglamorous work of keeping clubs with long histories functioning is becoming harder to find, and it's not unique to Hay, Narrandera or any single town. Even larger centres like Wagga struggle with exactly the same issue. If the trend continues, institutions that have served communities for decades risk struggling simply through lack of organisational support. This is why Bailey emphasises that supporting country racing means more than buying a ticket or having a bet. Financial support matters, and people who enjoy themselves at events like the Hay Cup should certainly consider membership and patronage. But the real support comes from people stepping up to volunteer, joining committees, taking on organisational roles, and committing to keeping these institutions alive. It's about ensuring the next generation of organisers emerges to replace those who have given decades of service. Bailey acknowledges that all the locals and volunteers at Hay work incredibly hard to put on a great show, and he knows this from personal experience both there and at Narrandera where he's been involved even longer. As someone he describes as a relative outsider to Hay despite his decade on the committee, he has deep appreciation for the effort required. He genuinely hopes people attending Saturday's races recognise that effort, support the committee, and consider how they might contribute to keeping country racing strong. The long term health of racing depends on country clubs surviving and thriving. The social fabric of country communities benefits from events that bring people together, inject economic activity, and provide focal points for community pride. The next generation of racing industry participants emerges through exposure to country racing. And perhaps most fundamentally, country racing represents something worth preserving simply because communities that lose their institutions, their traditions and their gathering places become poorer in ways that can't easily be quantified. As Bailey prepares for his 40th season involved in country racing, his passion for the sport and his commitment to its future remain undiminished. His message is clear: attend the races, have a bet, enjoy the entertainment, but also think about how you can contribute to ensuring country racing continues to thrive for another 40 years and beyond. The Hay Cup on Saturday represents far more than one afternoon's racing. It represents a tradition worth preserving and a future worth investing in.

Griffith City Council has been awarded $2.5 million through the Albanese Government's Community Energy Upgrades Fund to deliver the Griffith Net Zero Facilities Upgrade Programme, a major step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for the community.This programme will electrify the Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre (GRALC) indoor pool complex, replacing energy-intensive gas systems with electric alternatives, and install solar and battery storage across Council's water and wastewater sites. These upgrades will reduce emissions, cut energy costs and strengthen resilience for essential community facilities.Griffith is one of 23 NSW councils sharing in $21 million under Round Two of the programme, which supports councils to upgrade much-loved facilities with energy-efficient technology.What this means for Griffith: Indoor pool electrification.Projected savings of 808,083 kWh annually, reducing emissions by 154 tonnes of CO₂e.Installation of a 272 kW roof-mounted solar PV system and 50 kW/100 kWh battery, generating 397,120 kWh of clean electricity annually and cutting emissions by 75 tonnes of CO₂e.Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) on clearwater pumps to improve efficiency and save 776,680 kWh annually, reducing emissions by 148 tonnes of CO₂e550 kW ground-mounted solar PV system, generating 803,000 kWh per year, reducing emissions by 153 tonnes of CO₂eA 300 kW solar PV system with 200 kW/400 kWh battery, producing 438,000 kWh annually and reducing emissions by 83 tonnes of CO₂e."Generations of Australians have enjoyed and benefitted from facilities in the local community, and with this latest round of funding from the Albanese Government, we are ensuring that these facilities can invest more into their work for their local communities," Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said. "From the local cricket ground, story time at the library, and diving into the local pool at the height of summer, these upgrades will deliver a cheaper, cleaner energy future for Australia. It's further proof that what's good for the planet is good for the pocket."Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran, welcomed the announcement."This investment is a game-changer for Griffith. By electrifying our pool complex and installing solar and battery systems at key sites, we're reducing emissions, cutting costs and future-proofing our facilities," he said."These upgrades will deliver long-term benefits for our community and demonstrate Council's commitment to sustainability."

The beautiful face of Hannah Clarke was burned into my psyche a week before I fled from a relationship with small children.The second relationship in my life I fled due to profound fear, it was in the forefront of both mine and my sister's mind the day she came to pick me up.Thanks to her coming four hours with her ute, I was able to take children's clothes, toys and treasured items instead of leaving on foot with a bag."Come on please, hurry up, you don't want to end up on the news," she said. "I am really scared."Throwing the bags I had prepared after my ex-partner had left for work in the back of the ute, we sped out of town as fast as we could, making the four hour trip home to Hay.I was and am one of the lucky ones. My children and I have been subjected to profound sadness and pain, all of which I would give anything to swipe away with the swish of a magic wand. But we are here. We are lucky enough to still be alive. A startling, jarring fact came across my screen today. Since the murder of Hannah and her children, 431 women have been killed in Australia.One fifth of the population of the town we live in. "The slaughter of Hannah and the children in the street should have been enough for police forces across the country to ensure they never make the same mistakes and failures – but it didn’t," wrote Sherele Moody in her article, NOTHING HAS CHANGED EXCEPT THE DEATH TOLL, for the Red Heart Campaign recently. "Earlier this year, a woman was murdered within a week of telling police she feared her husband would kill her. The police officer she spoke to told her ‘come back when you have evidence of physical abuse’. It’s not known if that officer logged her fears in the system."Even the headline of that article is incredibly jarring. "But here’s the thing – nothing has changed," the article continued. "I know this because every time a woman is killed in our country, we can find at least one moment where authorities could have intervened and potentially saved her."We are really lucky in Hay, we have a solid police force who do everything they can to help. But Femcide Watch reports that every woman who is killed regardless of whether by a stranger, or a known person, there is some point or another in each case where the victim could have been saved. To buy merchandise, of which 100 per cent of the proceeds going to Red Heart Foundation and Femcide Watch, visit https://australianfemicidewatch.org/shop-2/ To donate, however large or small, visit https://australianfemicidewatch.org/support/https://australianfemicidewatch.org/There is no real one fix, no one answer but if we all chip away at what we can, then our sisters, mothers, daughters, nieces, neighbours and friends might be saved one day.

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, announced he will be introducing legislation into NSW Parliament to place new conditions on land acquisitions for National Parks.This is intended to address growing community concerns in western NSW.  Mr Butler has notified NSW Parliament of his intention to introduce the National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Land Boundaries and Acquisitions) Bill 2025. The Bill is a response to feedback from Mr Butlers’ survey of local views on National Parks.  Before any land can be acquired for a National Park, the Bill would require a report detailing the economic impact and the environmental goals of the purchase. Local councils would be given the right to nominate a person to help prepare the report.   “Recent conversions of working properties into National Parks in western NSW don’t appear to have considered the local economic impact,” said Mr Butler. “They’ve made promises about increased tourism that never seem to bear fruit.”  “It’s also often unclear exactly what is being protected by the new National Parks.  “In fact, my recent survey showed that just one in five people had seen environmental or economic benefits from local National Parks.  “My Bill would force consideration of the economic impacts and environmental goals of any proposed National Park purchase,” said Mr Butler. “Five years after any acquisition, the Minister would also have to report to Parliament whether those goals had been achieved.”  Mr Butler’s Bill would also require National Parks to pay rates to councils and share the costs of maintaining fences with neighbouring landholders.  “My Bill addresses many of the concerns that locals have raised with the acquisition of working stations and the ongoing management of National Parks,” said Mr Butler. “Resolving these concerns is a win for locals and it’s also good for National Parks.”