Local Aboriginal artists are being invited to attend an important information session about Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property next month. The Create NSW First Nations team will visit Broken Hill on December 10 2025 to meet with First Nations artistic and cultural communities. The session will be held at West Darling Arts, 242 Blende Street, Broken Hill, from 10am to 1pm. Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) encompasses all aspects of cultural practices, traditional knowledge, resources and knowledge systems developed by Indigenous people as part of their cultural identity. The session will provide a briefing on current ICIP developments at both local and federal levels, followed by a discussion on ICIP issues that directly affect Aboriginal communities and cultural practices. The Create NSW team is travelling across New South Wales to engage with First Nations communities about the importance and protection of cultural and intellectual property. Aboriginal artists and cultural practitioners interested in attending can find more information through West Darling Arts or the Create NSW First Nations team.

Police are reminding the community that possessing counterfeit banknotes is an offence and urging anyone who comes across suspect currency to report it immediately. Authorities have warned that counterfeit notes have no value and victims will not be reimbursed if the notes prove to be fake. However, if banknotes are found to be genuine, full value will be returned. What to do if you suspect a counterfeit note: Anyone who comes across a banknote they believe may be counterfeit should handle it as little as possible and store it in an envelope. Police advise people to note any relevant information about how the banknote came into their possession before reporting the matter immediately to state or federal police. Members of the public have the right to refuse to accept a banknote if they have concerns about its authenticity. Police have emphasised that under no circumstances should people take actions that may jeopardise their own safety or that of others. Suspect banknotes should be handed to state or federal police for examination. More information about counterfeit detection is available on the Reserve Bank of Australia website at banknotes.rba.gov.au/counterfeit-detection/counterfeit-detection-guide/

The winners of this year's Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards have been revealed, with Dave Doyle taking home the overall prize for his powerful work Eternal Registry. The awards, presented in partnership with Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Health Corporation and West Darling Arts, attracted entries of exceptional quality and diversity. Rebecca Ray, Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, judged the exhibition and praised the incredible strength of this year's submissions. Award winners:Overall: Dave Doyle – Eternal Registry .Cameron Wood – Hunter Dream.Barbara Quayle – Weight of Kiira.Emerging: Louise Murray – Wedgetail Eagle.Nhuungku: Darlene Newman – Emu Costume.School Combined: Wilcannia Central School – Stage 5 NAIDOC Banner.Young Artist (Under 21): Skye Fry – Deadly Sunset.Young Artist (Under 15): Jetta Hall – World & Family. Doyle's winning work blends pigment made from local timbers and charcoal to create a visual record of time, memory and connection to Country, inspired by hand stencils found in Aboriginal cave art. The artist layers ochre-toned hands to symbolise the passing of generations, with transparent forms echoing a sacred ledger where each mark represents a trace of those who came before. "We are still here, still making our marks, still adding to this story, showing that our connection to the land, our culture, and our ancestors remains unbroken," Doyle said. The 2025 Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards exhibition is now on display at Broken Hill City Art Gallery, 404–408 Argent Street, until February 8 2026. More information is available at bhartgallery.com.au.

A long-serving far west NSW educator has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to education and rural communities. Trish Webb has been awarded a Distinguished Service Award from the NSW Primary Principals Association for her work in educational leadership, advocacy, professional learning and mentoring. The award particularly recognises her passion for supporting rural and remote communities throughout her career. In 2008/09, Webb co-chaired the Far West Aboriginal Child Development and Wellbeing Management Group alongside Maari Ma Health CEO Richard Weston. The group drafted a strategic framework document that led to the establishment of Maari Ma's Early Years Project, which includes supported playgroups, the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY), early literacy programs and home visiting services supporting families. The Early Years Project continues to provide crucial early childhood support across the far west region. Colleagues have described Webb as an amazing force for educational good in far west NSW, with her work having a lasting impact on children and families across the region. The Distinguished Service Award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to primary education and school leadership in New South Wales.

Congratulations to Menindee Central School Executive Principal, Fiona Kelly for winning an award from the NSW Primary Principals Association in the Aboriginal Education and Communities Award category. Fiona "is a proud leader, cultural advocate, and tireless educational leader whose work continues to transform the lives of her students and empower her community" as the award states. The children of Menindee are lucky to have such a strong educator and advocate in their corner, especially in such an isolated community, an educator passionate about what she does and one who cares, can make a pivotal difference in the life of a child.

Parliament returns this week for what Member for Barwon Roy Butler describes as "most likely the last [sitting weeks] for the year", with several regional initiatives announced across infrastructure, health, and community safety.Youth Crime Delegation Meets Premier Following an invitation extended during October's Question Time, mayors from Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, and Walgett Shire Councils met with Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon on October 28 to discuss youth crime solutions. Butler said the discussion focussed on "the need for greater accountability and collaboration in the delivery of youth programs" and a shift toward community-led approaches. "There was general agreement that one-size-fits-all strategies are largely ineffective, and that a better approach is to acknowledge the unique challenges and contexts of each Barwon community to tailor an appropriate solution," Butler stated. The member thanked the Premier, Police Commissioner, and Attorney General Michael Daley for their support of "this more reasoned approach to finding long-term solutions to what is a complex problem". Central Darling Shire Council has been awarded $85,000 through the NSW Government's Infrastructure Grants Program, which reinvests gaming machine profits from registered clubs into community projects. Other recipients in the region include Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service ($250,000) and Broken Hill City Council ($193,440). Butler welcomed the funding and thanked Minister David Harris MP for the grants.The Cobar community continues to grieve following the recent explosion at the Endeavour Mine that claimed the lives of miners Holly Clarke and Ambrose McMullen. "In this time of grief, we need to just allow the community time to process what has happened and for investigators to do their careful work of looking into what caused it to happen, so that precautions can be taken to prevent future deaths," Butler said. He also expressed concern for Mackenzie Stirling, who was injured in the explosion and is recovering. Her family has established a GoFundMe page to assist with medical and living expenses. Butler, a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety (Staysafe Committee), has been participating in hearings examining interventions to reduce road trauma in regional NSW caused by speeding, fatigue, and drink and drug-affected driving. The inquiry has coincided with the Federal Government's Regulatory Impact Analysis proposing to reduce the open road default speed limit from 100km/h. "For many of us in Barwon who have to travel hundreds, sometimes thousands of kilometres along open roads, this proposal will only extend our time on the road," Butler said. "I do not agree with this approach. Rather than lowering the speed limit, we need better and safer roads. Lowering speed limits because the roads need work is a cop out." Butler argued that statistics including Wollongong and Newcastle as regional areas "don't accurately reflect the lower incident rates we see on our rural and remote roads, especially unsealed roads". The NSW Government has announced $9 million from the Rural and Regional Roads Fund to seal the remaining 9.64km stretch of Rangari Road, which connects Manila to Boggabri. Butler said the project "will improve safety, reduce dust, and enhance the road's resilience in wet weather for residents, the mining industry, freight operators, and tourists". He described it as "another small but significant connection in the vast transport network across Barwon" and thanked Minister for Regional Roads Jenny Aitchison for the funding. The NSW Government has allocated $4 million to address PFAS contamination in Narrabri's drinking water supply. The funding will deliver a portable water treatment plant and new production bores. Butler recently toured Sydney Water's Cascades Water Filtration Plant in the Blue Mountains to assess treatment options. "The great news is that it will [work for Narrabri], and it can be up and running in a matter of months," he said. The member welcomed the funding, stating, "The community needs a clean, reliable water supply as we enter the hottest time of the year." Applications are now open for the 2025–26 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, with $13.5 million available for projects on Crown land. Two funding streams are available: General Projects (grants from $50,000 to $1 million) and Pest & Weed Management (grants from $500 to $200,000). Applications close on Friday, December 5 2025 at 5:00pm. Butler has invited art communities, groups, and organisations across Barwon to exhibit their work in the NSW Parliament's Fountain Court. "Art plays such an important role in promoting the best of Barwon and showing that there is more artistic talent out west than some people might realise," he said. Artworks must have significance to Barwon or NSW and be hosted by a Member of Parliament. There is no fee to exhibit in the space.

Griffith City Council has confirmed the introduction of a FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) collection service from July 1 2027, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the city. The FOGO service will provide residents with a dedicated bin for food and garden waste, helping to divert valuable organic materials from landfill and converting them into compost. The initiative represents a major change to the way households manage their waste and is designed to reduce the amount of organic material ending up in landfill. Mayor Doug Curran emphasised that education will be crucial to ensuring the successful rollout of the new service. He acknowledged that while FOGO is an important sustainable environmental initiative, it represents a significant change for the community. An education campaign will be implemented to help households understand what materials can be placed in each bin and the environmental importance of proper waste separation. The introduction of FOGO aligns with broader waste reduction goals and reflects growing efforts by local councils across Australia to improve recycling rates and reduce landfill waste. Organic waste makes up a substantial portion of household waste, and when sent to landfill, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By separating and composting organic materials, councils can reduce emissions and create valuable compost for agricultural and horticultural use. Planning for the FOGO rollout is continuing, with further information to be provided to residents as the implementation date approaches. More details about the initiative can be found on the Griffith City Council website.

Rural communities across the Riverina, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are mourning the loss of respected farmer, pilot and family man George Grimwade, who died after his plane crashed near Toronga Station, Hay, last Wednesday, November 5. He was 38. Mr Grimwade was the Managing Director of Grimwade and Gordon, a major pastoral enterprise spanning properties across New South Wales and Queensland. Known for his sharp business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, the father of three was widely admired by peers and friends alike. He leaves behind his wife Phoebe, and their three young daughters, Isobel (9), Charlotte (7) and Francesca (2). In a statement to The Riverine Grazier, Mrs Grimwade said the family was completely heartbroken by the sudden loss of an adoring husband and totally dedicated, loving father. “George was the love and greatest light of my life for 19 years and a life without him is unimaginable,” she said. “His achievements were extensive and varied, but he was most proud of his three beautiful daughters. “Anyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with George had their life calling for questions on notice ahead of its 2025 Annual Public Meeting. enriched by the experience - that was his impact on people. “His beautiful smile, his deeply caring and kind nature, his generosity, wisdom and intrinsically positive energy will remain in our hearts forever.” The son of Martin and Jane Grimwade, and brother to William Grimwade and Phoebe Cohen, George grew up at Glenaroua, in central Victoria, where his lifelong passion for the agriculture business first took hold. Alongside business partner Michael Gordon, Mr Grimwade led Grimwade and Gordon through a period of rapid growth and innovation. The company’s portfolio includes Old Cobran at Deniliquin, Toronga Station at Hay, Congararra at Enngonia, Ellavale at Fords Bridge, and Yankalilla and Melrose Stations near Cunnamulla in Queensland. The business was, until recently, the largest goat enterprise of its kind in Australia, running 100,000 breeding nannies and turning off 2,500 goats per week into the domestic market via Old Cobran. Following the goat meat price crash in 2023, Mr Grimwade successfully pivoted the operation to sheep, now running 38,000 breeding ewes across multiple properties. He also established a Dorper stud with a foundation flock of 600 ewes and Dell Dorpers rams - a venture he took great pride in. Business partner and close friend, Michael Gordon said George’s legacy would live on through the enterprise and the many people he inspired. “George was so much to so many people,” Mr Gordon said. “His genuine care for those around him drew loyalty and friendship. “He inspired with his work ethic and knowledge, which he was always seeking to expand. “As a business partner and close friend, we worked through the many swings and roundabouts of building a pastoral enterprise of scale, always aligned and always with a smile and enthusiasm. “There will only ever be one George Grimwade.” Beyond business, Mr Grimwade was known for his generosity and community spirit; coaching junior tennis in Deniliquin and co-owning the Wakool Pub to keep it open for the locals. He will be remembered as a respected farmer, pilot, mentor, husband and father — a man whose warmth and optimism left a lasting mark across rural Australia. Funeral details will be announced at a later date.

Drivers travelling along the Barrier Highway between Yunta and Broken Hill are being recommended to anticipate delays after a truck rollover earlier this morning.Police and emergency services are at the scene near Manna Hill, about 40 kilometres east of Yunta.There are no reports of serious injuries, and the highway has been partially closed to one lane, with delays expected for several hours until a heavy tow vehicle arrives.

Balranald Shire Council has called for a more nuanced approach to rural speed limits, warning that blanket regulations could do more harm than good.In a media release issued on November 7, the council outlined its position against what it described as "one size fits all regulation from Canberra" regarding speed management on rural roads. Mayor Core Positioning emphasised that safety must be considered within its proper context rather than as an absolute principle. "Safety must remain paramount but safety without context is not progress," the mayor said. The mayor also challenged the notion that regional Australia should be treated uniformly, noting that distance is not merely a lifestyle choice but a geographical reality. "For regional Australia, distance isn't a lifestyle choice it's geography. A blanket that treats our roads as if they're all the same, when they're not." Chief Executive Officer Terry Dodds pointed to existing evidence suggesting that rural drivers already self regulate their speed. "The data shows that speed choice in rural areas is already self regulating. "Gravel, livestock, and weather naturally slow drivers down so no new default limit can change that," Mr Dodds said. The CEO argued that from an engineering perspective, unsealed roads lack a defined design speed and that safety depends on multiple factors including surface conditions, visibility and maintenance rather than legislative limits. The council expressed concern about the practical impact of proposed changes on rural communities. Council officers warned that lowering default speed limits would not improve safety but would instead increase travel times, make enforcement more difficult and create frustration among road users. Rural families and freight operators would face additional time, cost and distance in their daily activities, according to the council's assessment. The council also raised concerns about equity, arguing that the proposal risked deepening the divide between urban and regional Australia under the guise of safety. "Good policy targets risk where it actually exists, not where it's easiest to legislate," the council stated in its release.

Rural and regional community groups across Australia now have the opportunity to apply for a cutting edge hydrogen power generator valued at $390,000, offering clean, reliable, off grid power with zero emissions. The GEH2® hydrogen power generator is being made available through a partnership between Toyota Australia, EODev, Blue Diamond Machinery, and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. The initiative aims to help communities reduce emissions while building local capability in renewable energy technology. The generators are designed to support a diverse range of applications including community events, construction and infrastructure projects, and disaster response scenarios. The technology provides an alternative to traditional diesel generators, delivering power without producing harmful emissions. Community organisations interested in accessing this technology can submit expressions of interest through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal's website. The program represents a significant investment in regional Australia's transition toward cleaner energy sources, particularly for areas where grid connection may be limited or unavailable. The partnership combines Toyota Australia's expertise in mobility solutions, EODev's hydrogen generator technology, Blue Diamond Machinery's equipment support, and FRRR's experience in supporting rural and regional communities. Together, these organisations are working to make advanced clean energy technology accessible to communities that may otherwise lack the resources to invest in such equipment. Expressions of interest for the hydrogen generator program close on November 30 2025. Eligible community groups can find further information and application details at frrr.org.au/funding/hydrogen-generator.

The New South Wales Government has released its response to the Independent Review into the Statutory Framework for Small Scale Titles, supporting 74 of the 81 recommendations aimed at improving and strengthening the state's opal industry. The government's response, released this morning, includes a comprehensive action plan focused on three key areas. The plan aims to improve confidence and certainty for both miners and landholders operating within the opal mining sector. It also seeks to strengthen the existing framework to deliver better land rehabilitation outcomes, addressing environmental concerns associated with mining activities. Additionally, the response outlines plans to implement a modern, digital based approach for the administration of opal mining operations. The action plan will be rolled out in stages, with the government committing to ongoing consultation with stakeholders across the sector throughout the implementation process. This phased approach is designed to ensure that changes are practical and responsive to the needs of those working in the industry. The opal industry holds significant cultural and economic importance in New South Wales, particularly in regional areas where mining operations are concentrated. The review and subsequent government response represent efforts to modernise the regulatory framework while balancing the interests of miners, landholders, and environmental protection requirements. The NSW Government's full response, along with answers to common questions and further information about the Independent Review, is available on the Resources website at resources.nsw.gov.au/mining-and-exploration/opal-mining/independent-review.

Are you aware of the importance of rural addressing? This system is used by the Police, Fire, Ambulance and Rural Fire Service to determine your location and dispatch assistance in the event of an emergency, so you need to know your address. It’s also really important to display your road number at the entry point to your property. Your address is a combination of a road number, road name and locality. For example, 17242 (road number) Silver City Highway (road name) Packsaddle (locality) is the official address for the Packsaddle Roadhouse. A road number is determined as a distance in kilometres from a specific point (to two decimal places), such as a town or road intersection. The property that matches the road number in our photo is 52.26kms from a major road intersection that emergency services will use as a reference point. If you have an enquiry about your rural address contact Mark Schuhmacher, Spatial Services on (02) 6332 8315, or by email on [email protected]. Alternatively, email Spatial Services on [email protected] or do some exploring on the SIX maps website https://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/?search

Monash University is seeking participants from rural and remote Australian communities for a research project investigating experiences of accessing abortion care. The study, conducted through Monash Sphere, aims to understand the experiences of people living in rural and remote communities when accessing abortion services. The research will be used to inform clinical practice guidelines and help support people seeking abortion care in regional areas. Participants may be eligible if they live in a rural or remote Australian community, speak English, have had an abortion in the last six months, and are aged 18 years or older. The study involves a 60 minute virtual interview with the research team. As recognition for their participation, volunteers will receive a $50 e-gift card. The research project has received approval from Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee and will run from August 2025 to August 2030. Those interested in participating can contact the study team by scanning the QR code provided on the recruitment material (below) or by adding their contact details through the registration process. The image accompanying the recruitment information shows MS 2 Step medication, a prescription only medicine used in medical abortion procedures. Access to abortion services in rural and remote areas of Australia has been identified as a healthcare equity issue, with distance, availability of services, and stigma often presenting barriers for those seeking care. This research seeks to capture firsthand accounts to better understand these challenges and improve support systems. Further information about the study is available through Monash University's Sphere research platform.

Griffith City Council is calling for nominations to recognise outstanding community members in the 2026 Australia Day Awards, with submissions closing at 4pm on Friday, November 28 2025. The awards provide an opportunity for residents to acknowledge individuals and groups who make a significant difference in the Griffith Local Government Area. Nominations are open across six categories designed to celebrate various forms of community contribution. The Citizen of the Year award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the community. The Young Citizen of the Year category honours young people who have demonstrated leadership and community spirit, while the Junior Citizen of the Year acknowledges younger members of the community who have made a positive impact. Environmental stewardship is celebrated through two categories; Environmental Citizen of the Year and Young Environmental Citizen of the Year. These awards recognise individuals who have contributed to environmental sustainability and conservation efforts in the local area. The Community Project of the Year category honours collaborative initiatives that have delivered meaningful benefits to the community. Winners across all categories will be announced at Griffith's Australia Day celebrations on 26 January 2026 at the Griffith Regional Theatre. The event provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate both the national occasion and the achievements of local residents. Nominations can be submitted online through the Griffith City Council website at griffith.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Community/Community-Development/Australia-Day-in-Griffith. Community members are encouraged to consider individuals and projects that have made a lasting positive impact on the Griffith area.

Essential Energy will conduct planned power outages in Wilcannia on 20 and 21 November 20 and 21 2025 as part of electricity network upgrade works associated with the Wilcannia Water Treatment Plant. Authorised electrical contractors will complete work on Essential Energy's electricity network in the area, requiring two planned power outages to ensure safe access to the infrastructure. Conditions permitting, the outages have been scheduled between 8am and 4pm on Thursday, November 20 2025 and Friday, November 21. Essential Energy has sent standard outage notifications to affected customers, advising them of the specific dates and times of the planned interruptions. The company has apologised for any inconvenience caused by the works and thanked customers for their understanding as the important infrastructure upgrade is completed. Customers who rely on a continuous supply of power are encouraged to have a contingency plan in place for when power supplies are impacted, whether for planned work or as a result of faults and emergencies. Essential Energy has provided handy tips to help prepare for and manage power outages, which can be found at essentialenergy.com.au/outage-tips. Customers with questions relating to the work can contact Essential Energy on 13 23 91, referencing NAR# 623856. Information about planned and unplanned outages in the area can be accessed at essentialenergy.com.au/outages. In an emergency, customers should call 000, while network enquiries can be directed to 13 23 91 and power outage reports to 13 20 80.

Hay residents and visitors will have the chance to snap up quality second-hand fashion bargains this Saturday when the Hay Women's Network hosts its Clothes Market at the Hay Memorial Hall.More than 20 stallholders will set up at the event, offering a diverse range of clothing, bags, shoes and accessories in what organisers say is a rare opportunity for high-quality second-hand shopping in the town. The market will run from 9am to 1pm, giving shoppers plenty of time to browse before other weekend activities commence.Bec Bunyan from the Hay Women's Network said the event fills a gap in the local retail landscape by bringing items to Hay that would otherwise only be available through online shopping. Unlike the uncertainty that often comes with purchasing pre-loved fashion over the internet, shoppers at the market will have the advantage of seeing and trying items before committing to a purchase.A temporary change room will be set up in the hall specifically for this purpose, removing the usual guesswork associated with buying second-hand clothing online. This practical addition is expected to enhance the shopping experience and give buyers confidence in their purchases.The variety of stallholders participating in the market means there will be something to suit all tastes, sizes and styles. Items range from everyday wear to more formal pieces, with some stallholders offering brand new clothing still bearing their original tags.Bec herself will be selling items from well-known brands alongside some of her celebrant dresses, which she noted could be perfect timing for anyone looking for an outfit for the upcoming Hay Races. The combination of new and gently used items from quality brands offers shoppers the chance to update their wardrobes without the price tag that usually comes with such purchases.The timing of the Clothes Market has been carefully planned to coincide with Rainbow on the Plains weekend, when Hay welcomes visitors from across the region for various events and celebrations. This strategic scheduling is expected to attract both locals and out-of-town guests who are in Hay to enjoy the festivities.The Rainbow on the Plains parade is scheduled to begin at midday, giving market-goers the opportunity to complete their shopping and still have time to secure a good viewing spot for the parade. For visitors to the town, the market offers an additional drawcard to an already event-filled weekend.Second-hand and vintage fashion has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, driven by both economic considerations and growing environmental awareness. Shopping pre-loved clothing reduces textile waste and extends the lifecycle of garments, whilst also providing access to quality pieces at more affordable prices.For regional communities like Hay, events such as the Clothes Market also serve an important social function, bringing people together and supporting local networks. The Hay Women's Network has been active in organising community events that create opportunities for connection whilst meeting practical needs.The market represents an opportunity for stallholders to clear out items they no longer need whilst giving others the chance to discover treasures they might not otherwise have access to in a rural setting. The circular economy model of buying and selling second-hand goods benefits both sellers looking to declutter and buyers seeking affordable fashion options.Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early to make the most of the selection available, with the best finds likely to be claimed quickly by savvy shoppers. The Hay Memorial Hall provides a central and accessible venue for the event, making it easy for people to drop in during their Saturday morning activities.

Darrin Atkinson’s life has been one of constant movement and growth, but it’s in the small town of Wilcannia where he and his wife Trish have found their calling. Born in Maroopna, near Shepparton, Darrin’s childhood was spent traversing Australia’s vast landscape. At around six years old, his family headed north to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Katherine before making their way back down through the middle of the country, stopping in Mount Gambier before settling in Melbourne, where he spent most of his formative years. “I’ve grown out of that big smoke,” Darrin said with a chuckle. “It’s nice to get out of the hustle and bumper-to-bumper stuff and get some nice peace and quiet now.” His journey eventually led him to Kalgoorlie, where a pivotal moment awaited. Travelling to Brisbane to meet his future wife at Bible College, Darrin discovered a partnership built on shared faith and values. “We started that way with both having the same belief sort of thing,” he explained. After a couple of years of study, Darrin felt the pull to put theory into practice. “I thought, I don’t want to spend three or four years just studying. Let’s get out there and do it.” Their ministry work began in Ivanhoe, where Darrin took on a role managing the local IGA supermarket. “That was a great way to meet everyone in town,” he recalled. The position allowed him to connect with the community whilst sharing his faith. Tragedy struck when one of the owners suffered a fatal heart attack, an experience that deeply affected the couple and reinforced their calling to support others. From Ivanhoe, their path wound through Brisbane, Yamba and various coastal towns before circumstances brought them to Wilcannia. Trish had been to Wilcannia previously, about 13 years before they arrived together, and had family connections in the area. But it was a church split some 15 or 16 years ago that created the opening for their return. “The minister left and none of them came back,” Darrin explained. “So, we decided to come in and take over that role, to let them know that there’s still someone here.” Their approach to ministry is refreshingly unconventional. Operating as Wilcannia Fellowship, they’ve eschewed traditional church structure in favour of something more intimate and authentic. “We stick to the Book of Acts, which says they went from house to house, just sharing the word together,” Darrin said. "It's not about the pastor or the preacher, but it's about everyone.” Their gatherings are characterised by simplicity and genuine connection. “We can do a few songs, have a bit of praise and worship. If you can find a guitar or some spoons to bang on a box, whatever it is, we don't need professionals. We just need normal people to come together.” Financial contributions aren’t solicited through formal collections. Instead, the philosophy is straightforward; “If you can put in a dollar, put in a dollar. “If you can do a hundred, put a hundred. But that’s all it is, giving whatever your purpose in your heart.” Darrin plays three-string guitar whilst Trish provides vocals, creating music that prioritises participation over perfection. Their ministry extends well beyond Sunday gatherings. Through their work in the community, they’ve become a point of contact for locals facing challenges, as well as strangers passing through who've encountered trouble on the road. “We’ve gone out and rescued people from accidents or they've hit a roo, whatever the case, and we bring them back to our little nest till they recover,” Darrin said. He recalled one couple who’d hit a kangaroo near the town’s roundabout, left with no money and trying to sleep in their car at a servo. “We said, where are you from? Bring your wife, bring the car around here. We'll shout you a hotel room for the night.” These acts of kindness serve a dual purpose. “It’s improving the reputation of Wilcannia, one person at a time,” he said with a smile. “If everyone did one good deed for someone, it’d make a big difference. Share the love but put it in action.” For Darrin, the essence of effective help lies in making problems manageable. “You’ve got to break it down into bite-size chunks where they can handle it and deal with it themselves,” he explained. “Deal with it in bite-size chunks instead of the whole slab on your plate.” Life in Wilcannia has suited the couple well. “It’s real challenging, but it sort of grows on you after a while,” Darrin reflected. The town’s size means they’re often the first point of contact when someone needs help, whether it’s practical advice or simply someone to talk things through with. Recently, Darrin has taken on an unexpected role running the local radio station after previous staff moved on. “It sort of caught me by surprise,” he admitted. “I’ll do my best to keep the music going in the meantime.” The radio provides another avenue for connection, giving locals, particularly younger people, a chance to come out of their shell and have new experiences. “I’m over trying to be perfect,” he laughed. “If you mess up, have a laugh. That’s what I love most of all about this town, just be real.” With their adult children soon to establish their own homes, Darrin and Trish are looking forward to having more freedom to occasionally escape for a week here or there. “Sometimes a small town’s like being in a little fishbowl,” he said. “You’ve got to do a Nemo sometimes, jump out of that bowl, go and check out some different areas. We're so blessed; we’ve got a big backyard, the whole of Australia. Go and take some time out, stretch your legs, sit down by a lake or river or ocean.” But Wilcannia remains home, and they plan to spend the rest of their days there. Darrin’s parting wisdom is characteristically pragmatic’ “Get in and do your best. Don’t worry if you mess up. Making mistakes is part of learning. It’s okay to make mistakes, it’s not the end of the world. Learn from it. Then we’ve got a bit of experience to share with others so they don't fall into the same trap.” It’s a philosophy that has served him well through a life of constant movement, and one that continues to guide his work in building community and connection in Wilcannia.

A free mental health awareness and suicide prevention training program will be offered to the Broken Hill community on Saturday November 15, as part of the sHedway initiative aimed at normalising conversations about mental health in community settings.The sHedway Forum will be held at Lifeline Broken Hill, located at 184 Argent Street, from 9am to 1.30pm. The program is designed to provide participants with practical skills to recognise when someone might be at risk of suicide, reach out to them and help them stay safe, and connect with expert help when needed.Participants who complete the training will receive a certificate recognising their newly acquired skills in mental health first aid. The program emphasises that talking about mental health should be as normal as discussing physical health, and aims to create a culture where everyone in the shed family feels comfortable seeking support.The initiative is being delivered through a partnership between several organisations committed to mental health support in regional New South Wales. The event is kindly funded by NSW Health and The Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section, ensuring there is no cost to participants. This funding model reflects a broader commitment to making mental health resources accessible to rural and remote communities where services can be limited.The program is open to anyone over 16 years of age in the local community, and organisers have emphasised that people do not need to be connected to sheds to attend. This inclusive approach recognises that mental health literacy and suicide prevention skills are valuable for all community members, regardless of their involvement in specific organisations or groups.The sHedway movement represents a growing recognition of the important role that community spaces, particularly those traditionally associated with men such as men's sheds, can play in addressing mental health challenges. By creating environments where conversations about wellbeing are encouraged and supported, these programs aim to reduce the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help.Mental health remains a significant concern in regional Australia, where isolation, economic pressures and limited access to services can compound existing challenges. Programs like sHedway Forum provide community members with the confidence and knowledge to support each other, creating networks of care that complement professional mental health services.The training will include a lunch break from 1pm to 1.30pm, with lunch provided. The afternoon session will continue until 4.30pm and will feature an introduction to local services and a sHedway update, ensuring participants are aware of the resources available in their community.Those interested in attending can register by contacting Eliza Fairhurst on 0407 884 187 or Carol Muldoon on 0438 461 098. Further information is available through the Facebook page at facebook.com/shedwayinmind or facebook.com/wevgotyourbackprogram.The SafeTALK component of the program, running from 1pm to 1.30pm, will focus on practical strategies for having conversations about suicide with people who may be struggling. This direct approach to suicide prevention reflects current best practice, which emphasises that asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts does not increase risk and can often provide relief to those experiencing distress.By equipping community members with these skills, the sHedway Forum aims to create a more resilient and supportive community where people look out for one another and feel empowered to act when they recognise someone needs help. The program acknowledges that everyone has a role to play in supporting mental health and preventing suicide in their community.