The Australian Christmas comes with its own unique challenges, trading snow and fireplaces for scorching heat and outdoor celebrations. While families across the Riverina and far western NSW prepare for the festive season, it's worth remembering that a few simple precautions can keep everyone safe during the summer holidays.Fire danger peaks during the Christmas period, with dry conditions and soaring temperatures creating the perfect storm for bushfires. Before heading away for the holidays or hosting gatherings at home, check your fire preparedness. Clear gutters of leaves and debris, ensure hoses can reach all corners of your property, and have your bushfire survival plan ready to go. If you're planning a Christmas barbecue or outdoor gathering, keep water nearby and never leave cooking unattended, even for a moment.The heat itself poses serious risks during December and January. Dehydration can sneak up quickly when you're busy preparing meals, entertaining guests, or watching children play outdoors. Keep water bottles handy throughout the day, and remember that alcohol and caffeine actually increase dehydration rather than helping. If you're hosting Christmas lunch, consider setting up shaded areas outside and having plenty of cold drinks available for guests. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion including dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating, and don't hesitate to move activities indoors or postpone them if temperatures soar too high.Swimming brings both joy and danger to Australian Christmas celebrations. Whether you're heading to the river, a dam, or someone's backyard pool, supervision is absolutely essential. Drowning happens quickly and silently, and it only takes a moment of distraction for tragedy to strike. Designate a specific adult to watch children in the water at all times, and make sure that person isn't also trying to cook, drink, or socialise. If you're the host and have a pool, check that fencing and gates comply with regulations and that rescue equipment is accessible and in good condition.Road safety becomes even more critical during the holiday period when traffic increases and fatigue sets in. If you're travelling to visit family or heading away for a break, plan your journey to avoid driving during the hottest part of the day. Take regular breaks, share the driving if possible, and never get behind the wheel if you've been drinking. Country roads can be deceptive, and the combination of heat, fatigue, and unfamiliar routes has contributed to too many festive season tragedies over the years.Food safety often gets overlooked in the Christmas rush, but summer heat creates ideal conditions for foodborne illness. Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot, and don't leave salads, seafood, or meat sitting out in the heat for extended periods. If you're preparing food in advance, make sure your fridge is working properly and not overloaded. Prawns and turkey might be Christmas staples, but they can also make everyone severely ill if not handled correctly.Perhaps most importantly, look out for each other during the festive season. Check on elderly neighbours, especially those living alone, and make sure they have ways to stay cool and connected. Keep an eye on children around water and in the heat, and don't be afraid to speak up if you notice someone struggling with alcohol or showing signs of heat stress. The Australian Christmas should be about community and connection, and sometimes that means being the person who ensures everyone gets home safely or who notices when someone needs help.Emergency services remain operational throughout the Christmas period, but response times can be longer when resources are stretched thin and roads are busy. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit at home and in your vehicle, know where your nearest hospital is if you're travelling, and have emergency numbers programmed into your phone. Triple zero still works when you need it, but prevention is always better than emergency response.The festive season is meant to be enjoyed, not endured, and a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring your Christmas is memorable for all the right reasons. Take the time to think through potential risks, have conversations with family and guests about safety expectations, and don't let social pressure override your good judgment. Whether you're hosting a small family gathering or attending a large community celebration, staying safe ensures everyone can look back on the summer holidays with happy memories rather than regrets.

If there is one object that defines an Australian Christmas, it is the humble Esky. These insulated containers are as essential to Christmas as the tree itself, perhaps more so. Families own multiple Eskies in various sizes, deployed strategically around the yard to ensure cold drinks are always within reach.The largest Esky inevitably becomes the beer Esky, constantly monitored and restocked throughout the day. Smaller Eskies contain soft drinks for children, wine for the adults who do not drink beer, and water for those attempting to remain hydrated in the heat. Another Esky contains ice blocks for injuries, which are inevitable during backyard cricket.Esky etiquette is complex. Taking the last beer without announcing it is a social crime. Putting a warm drink into the Esky is frowned upon as it melts the ice. And everyone has opinions about the ice to drink ratio, with fierce debates about optimal packing strategies.Some families have developed traditions around their Eskies. One might be designated the "Santa Esky" and decorated accordingly. Another might be the travel Esky that goes on the annual Christmas beach trip. Eskies are passed down through generations, with some families treasuring decades old models that have seen countless Christmas celebrations.The moment when the Esky runs out of ice is always a minor crisis. Someone has to make an emergency trip to the service station or drive to a friend's place to get more ice, leaving the party temporarily. The person who forgot to buy enough ice in advance is reminded of their failure repeatedly.Sunburn on Christmas Day is a rite of passage for many Australians. Despite knowing better, someone always forgets sunscreen or underestimates the UV index and spends Christmas night covered in aloe vera gel, unable to wear a shirt. Family photos from beach Christmases often feature lobster red relatives trying to smile through the pain.Whatever you're doing this Christmas, here's hoping you are doing it with fun, zest and fervour. If you want to share your Christmas traditions, email me at [email protected] bonus points if you have a crazy Christmas story.

When Mary Bunyan thinks back to the good old days, she thinks of a better Hay."Hay has gone backwards in my opinion," 84 year old Mary says. "It used to be a much better and more progressive place. "We had six passenger trains a week plus an extra one on Friday nights in summer. "There were up to five bakers at a time, we had our own butter factory which supplied excess cream to Narrandera, 15 men were employed at the Aerodrome to cope with the daily air traffic between Sydney and Broken Hill. "We had three tailors and shops had their own dressmakers. "Hay even had its own police magistrate, complete with his own driver. "There was a strong police force, both on foot and mounted. "We had two breweries. "Yes, I think we are going backwards.".Mary was born in Hay, the daughter of Jack Jensen who worked as a carrier with his team of horses. When the Irrigation Area started in 1914, he was appointed water bailiff. "He held that job until 1921 when the irrigation was depleted and only the manager, Mr Timms and the man in charge of the engines, a Mr Jacka, were kept on. "Twenty of the men went to Griffith to start up the irrigation there. The others found work elsewhere. "In 1929 things reversed. "The irrigation was up and running again and the old staff were all re-employed. "Dad worked there until 1965 when he died. "Life on the ‘Irrigation’ was wonderful. "We even had our own girls’ cricket team. "And if someone had a birthday, everyone would turn up with a cake or sandwiches and we’d have a party. "No alcohol, just a cup of tea or coffee and plenty to eat."I also remember swimming at Madman’s Beach, the most popular beach in those days. "That was where all the fun was, where it all happened. "Summer time of course was water melon time, and Charlie Pearson’s garden was just up the river from the beach. "It was nothing to see eight or nine people crawling up to Charlie’s garden to grab a water melon or rockmelon, and then float it back to Madman’s Beach. "This could happen in day time or at night time. "Another popular place was at Jacka’s Pumping Station on the Irrigation Area. "We were not allowed to swim in the channel, but the offshoots of the main canal used to feed the Headons’ orchards. "And they had very nice stone fruit. "Unfortunately the Headon boys were our school friends, and they knew what tricks we could get up to. "They were very handy with the shotgun. "Billy and George Headon thought nothing of shooting over the area where the fruit thieves were. "They never shot at us, just over us and no one ever got hurt. "The Headons were the most wonderful family I’d known. "A young boy had the job of taking orders from hotels in time for their breakfast. "People used to buy from carts in those days too. I loved swimming carnivals at Alma Beach and Orson Beach. Alma Beach always held a big day on Boxing Day and Orson Beach on Australia Day. "I loved them. These days I have to be content with playing bowls."In 1932 she married her first husband, Alex Crawford, a shearer. He died in 1969 and 11 years later she married Gordon Bunyan of Hay. Mary has always been a keen photographer and over the years has built up a comprehensive photographic history of Hay. She captured on film the Boxing Day 1927 air crash of ‘Satin Bird’ on the old Aerodrome, photographed flood, fire and famine and recorded life in Hay in the earlier days. "Where I live now (Edward Street) used to be an old Chinese Camp, all the way through to Maidens Lane," she said. Mary was instrumental in forming St Mary’s School Parents and Friends Association. "It all started when I visited the school one day while my daughter was there. "I found the teachers were using pre-war world maps, because they didn’t have new ones. "I gathered up six mothers and we formed the P&F to raise money for the school." She was secretary for 25 years and past noble grand of the former Rebekah Lodge which closed down in Hay in the 1960’s. The Lodge started in Hay in 1908 and met on a monthly basis, in rooms in Lachlan Street, on the site now occupied by Hay Shire Council Chambers. In later years meetings were held in the CWA rooms. And when the first wireless was built in Hay, she was there to share in the excitement. "A gentleman from Sydney came down to Hay to build a wireless which could be used locally.

Seventy year-old Richard Cox returned to Hay last week to be part of the Anzac Day march and ceremony. “Of course there have been many changes,” he said. “But the biggest change, and also the most disappointing, is the condition of the river. “The water was always clear and you could drink straight from the river. “I tried to do that the last time I visited Hay, and was sick for days. “I can remember the river being so dry that there were only a chain of puddles between Bushy Bend and Orson Beach. “But the river was always clean.” Richard was born in Hay and grew up in his grandmother, Ethel Waters’ house near the gaol. From there the family moved to the railway cottage in Murray Street and later to South Hay. “My father, Bert, was a shepherd, and in those days the stock trains which arrived in Hay were a mile and a half long. “One of my father’s jobs was to crawl along the train, and with his shepherd’s crook, had to get sheep back on their feet if they were down.”Bert Cox joined the Army in 1940 and enlisted in the 8th Division Cavalry. He was later transferred to the 9th Division and was injured in the Middle East while in combat as a ‘Rat of Tobruk’. “I come from a fighting family,” Richard claims. “My father, brother, sister and I all served in the war. “I was in the Navy from 1939 to 1947, when I returned to the district shearing sheds as roustabout and later wool presser “The contractors I used to work for were Fred Brown, Ray Congdon, O.J. Smith who was a former Hay mayor, and his two sons, Ron and Tom. “I also drove sheep with my uncle, Ernest Victor Cox and two cousins C.D. and Graham. “We drove the sheep from Ivanhoe to Echuca and back to Booligal.”“For pocket money to go to the movies I had great pleasure in helping to clean the collection of antique firearms of John Houston. “I also mowed his lawn and washed and cleaned Dickie Campbell’s greyhounds. “Dickie was the delivery man for Ringer Store. “And there was the time in 1931 that I helped Captain Sloan from the Salvation Army to drag logs from flooded areas. “These were cut up and placed into potato bags. “They were either delivered to the needy or sold for two shillings a bag.”,Richard was dux of Hay Public School in 1937, together with Nancy Duncan. It was a depressing journey to the cemetery to visit his mother’s grave last year and see how many of his school friends have also found their way to the cemetery.The old Hay which had eight hotels, with the [Commercial] Inn being the newest. “The shops stayed open until late Friday nights, and you couldn’t move in Lachlan Street for property owners,” he remembers. “We had more people on properties in those days. “But we lost all that when the drought wiped out the saltbush. The saltbush was the mainstay of this country. “When it went, a lot of people had to go too.”

The conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence on International Human Rights Day has prompted renewed calls for ongoing community action, with local support services emphasising that the fight against violence cannot be confined to a designated campaign period.The Mallee Accommodation and Support Program has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victim-survivors following the conclusion of the annual awareness campaign, which runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, through to 10 December. The organisation continues to provide accommodation and support services to those affected by gender-based violence in the Mallee region.MASP Chief Executive Officer Charmaine Calis said the 16-day campaign served an important function in raising public awareness of an issue that support organisations encounter daily. However, she stressed that the end of the designated activism period should not diminish community focus on the problem. The organisation's position is that gender-based violence requires sustained attention and action beyond awareness campaigns.During the recent campaign period, MASP participated in the Respect Mallee initiative alongside other community services agencies and groups operating in Mildura and the broader Mallee region. The collaborative campaign aimed to prevent gender-based violence whilst promoting principles of respect and equality across the community.Mrs Calis described the Respect Mallee campaign as representing a unified regional approach to addressing violence and its underlying causes. The multi-agency collaboration brought together various services working in the community sector to coordinate their messaging and activities throughout the campaign period.The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign that originated in 1991 and has since been observed in countries around the world. In Australia, the campaign has become an established part of efforts to address family and domestic violence, with government agencies, community organisations, and advocacy groups participating in activities designed to raise awareness and encourage action.Gender-based violence remains a significant issue in Australia, with support services across the country reporting consistent demand for assistance. Statistics from various sources indicate that one in three Australian women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, whilst one in four has experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner.MASP operates within the Mallee region providing crisis accommodation, case management, and support services to women and children experiencing or escaping family violence. The organisation is funded through a combination of state government programs and community support, working within the broader network of family violence services across Victoria.The conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism campaign typically sees a return to regular programming for support services, though the underlying work of assisting victim-survivors and working towards violence prevention continues throughout the year. Many organisations use the campaign period to launch initiatives or programs that extend beyond the 16-day timeframe, attempting to maintain momentum generated by the heightened public awareness.Community services in regional areas face particular challenges in addressing gender-based violence, including geographic isolation, limited service availability, and sometimes greater difficulty in maintaining anonymity for those seeking help in smaller communities. Regional services often work collaboratively to address these challenges and ensure adequate coverage across large geographic areas.The Respect Mallee campaign represents one approach to coordinating regional efforts, with participating organisations pooling resources and aligning their activities to create a stronger collective impact during the awareness period and beyond.

It has stood in place since the 1870s, but the significance of the Stone Pine that towers over the Apex Park in Church Street of Hay has now been immortalised. A research project, headed by Hay Landcare member Sally Ware, has unearthed the history and probable provenance of the tree. “When we were setting up the Landcare nursery, just beside this tree, I noticed it because of its size,” Ms Ware said. She called on local experts; Don Deluca helped identify the species Pinus pinea, and historian Robyn Howard and dedicated Hay Goal Museum curator John Matthews provided historical details. The National Arboretum in Canberra confirmed the species after bark, leaves and pollen were sent for identification. Together the group then pieced together the provenance of the tree. Once one of a trio, the Stone Pine - known locally as a ‘monkey nut tree’- was planted around the time of the construction of Hay Gaol in 1879. It is thought it was part of the gaol landscaping, perhaps selected by European settlers, who may have brought the tree as a reminder of home. Pinus pinea is native to Spain and Portugal, and more recently the Mediterranean region, and Mr Deluca believes Italian immigrants may have planted it. The pine nuts are a delicacy and many would remember collecting ‘monkey nuts’ and taking them home to crack open. The tall Stone Pines from Hay Park were removed many years ago, which prompted the group to protect and commemorate the Church Street tree. Mr Matthews recalled the day - around 10 years ago - when he discovered one Stone Pine had toppled over during the night. A second was also damaged and removed, leaving just a single Pinus pinea to shade the playground. On Friday afternoon community members gathered for the official unveiling of an interpretive sign. Mr Matthews and Mr Deluca had the honour of unveiling the signage, before being joined by Ms Ware, Hay Landcare’s Jenny Dwyer and Kirstyn Thronder from Hay Shire Council. The signage project was a partnership of Hay Landcare, Hay Shire Council and Hay Historical Society. The tree will be included in Hay Shire Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) so its preservation can be continued. Hay Landcare has also requested Council to consider adding other historical trees within the township to the LEP.

Christmas and New Year celebrations bring joy, connection, and celebration, but they also reliably deliver stress, tension, and family conflict. The combination of high expectations, extended time with relatives, financial pressure, heat, and alcohol creates perfect conditions for the blow-ups and hurt feelings that can overshadow the festive season. Understanding why holidays are stressful and having strategies to manage both your own stress and difficult family dynamics can make the difference between memories you treasure and experiences you'd rather forget.Expectations bear much of the blame for holiday stress. We imagine perfect gatherings where everyone gets along beautifully, children behave impeccably, meals turn out exactly as planned, and the whole day unfolds like a heartwarming television commercial. Reality rarely matches this fantasy, and the gap between expectation and reality creates disappointment and frustration. Lowering your expectations doesn't mean being pessimistic or not caring about making the day special, but rather accepting that imperfection is normal and some things will inevitably go wrong.Financial stress peaks during the holiday season when the pressure to buy gifts, provide elaborate meals, and generally spend beyond your means collides with the reality of your actual budget. This stress is compounded in regional areas where incomes can be unpredictable and heavily affected by drought, low commodity prices, or seasonal employment. Setting a realistic budget early and sticking to it requires discipline, but it prevents the January credit card hangover that turns short-term celebration into long-term regret. Remember that children rarely remember specific gifts but they do remember experiences, time together, and the feeling of being loved – none of which require spending money you don't have.Family dynamics that simmer quietly under the surface during the rest of the year often boil over during extended holiday gatherings. Old grievances, unresolved conflicts, personality clashes, and different values all intensify when people spend concentrated time together, especially when alcohol is involved. You can't control other people's behaviour, but you can control your own responses and set boundaries that protect your wellbeing.If you know certain topics reliably lead to arguments about things like politics, religion, parenting choices, money; decide in advance how you'll handle them. This might mean firmly changing the subject, excusing yourself from the conversation, or simply refusing to engage rather than being drawn into familiar patterns. You don't have to defend your choices, justify your life, or convince relatives who disagree with you. Sometimes the most peaceful response is a non-committal "mmm" followed by redirecting the conversation elsewhere.Alcohol consumption increases during the holidays, and while moderate drinking is part of many people's celebrations, alcohol reliably makes difficult family dynamics worse rather than better. If you know that certain relatives become argumentative, inappropriate, or aggressive when drinking, think ahead about how you'll handle it. This might mean leaving earlier than planned, avoiding being alone with that person, or making it clear that you won't tolerate certain behaviour regardless of how much someone has had to drink. If you're hosting, you're entitled to cut people off or ask them to leave if their behaviour becomes unacceptable.For people hosting family gatherings, the stress of trying to create the perfect day while also managing cooking, cleaning, and family politics can be overwhelming. Lower the bar for perfection and ask for help. Most guests would rather contribute a dish or help with cleanup than watch their host become increasingly stressed and exhausted. If someone offers to help, take them up on it rather than insisting you can do everything yourself.Some families function better with shorter gatherings rather than extended multi-day visits. There's no shame in recognising that everyone gets along better when visits have defined endpoints rather than dragging on until tensions explode. If you're travelling to visit family, staying in a hotel or with other friends rather than in the family home gives you space to decompress and retreat when needed.Taking regular breaks during family gatherings helps manage stress and prevent overload. Volunteer to do a shop run, take the dog for a walk, or simply disappear to your room for half an hour when you need breathing space. This isn't antisocial; it's sensible self-care that allows you to be more present and pleasant when you are with family.For people who find family gatherings genuinely toxic rather than just mildly stressful, remember that you're not obligated to attend events that damage your mental health or wellbeing. Adult children are allowed to establish their own traditions and spend holidays however they choose, even if that disappoints parents or extended family. Guilt is a powerful motivator, but your primary responsibility is to yourself and your immediate family, not to maintaining traditions that make you miserable.Grief complicates holidays for people experiencing their first Christmas without someone who has died, whether that's a partner, parent, child, or dear friend. The pressure to be festive and happy when you're actually sad and struggling can feel unbearable. It's okay to acknowledge that this Christmas is hard, to skip traditions that feel too painful, and to create new ways of marking the day that honour your loss while also allowing for whatever happiness you can find. Good friends and family will understand and support you rather than expecting you to pretend everything is fine.The summer heat adds its own stress to Australian Christmas celebrations, making everyone more irritable and uncomfortable while also creating safety concerns around fire, dehydration, and sun exposure. When possible, plan activities for cooler parts of the day, ensure good shade and water access, and remember that everyone functions worse when they're too hot. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for your family gathering is to move it to a cooler time of year or at least a cooler time of day.If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression during the holiday period, remember that support services continue operating even through the Christmas and New Year break. Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and other crisis services are available 24 hours a day, and there's no shame in reaching out if you need help. Sometimes just talking to someone who isn't part of your family drama can provide perspective and relief.The holiday season is meant to bring joy and connection, but it's also just a few days on the calendar. If this year's celebrations don't go as planned, if family dynamics are difficult, or if you're struggling to find any enjoyment in the festivities, remember that it will pass. January arrives regardless of how Christmas went, bringing with it the opportunity to return to normal routines and rhythms. Sometimes the best we can do is survive difficult situations with our dignity and sanity intact, and that's perfectly acceptable.

After our story on illegal vehicle roadworthies being advertised on social media, we have become aware of another scheme that is sweeping into our neighbourhood. As cost-of-living pressures see many seeking to earn some quick cash, the ‘rent-a bank’ schemes are turning ordinary Australians into money mules for organised crime. It follow. We found one such page on Facebook, with more than 1,000 members, including people listed as living in the Riverina and Central West. The members of the page routinely ask for specific bank account types, while others freely offer bank accounts for rent. Interestingly there are also details and complaints from those who have been scammed. “Scammer - do not go near or deal with,” one member posted. “Ripped me off $15,000. Stole my identity. Completely ignored me. Referred me to others who also used me.” Despite the danger, the membership of this one group continues to grow, with new members joining daily. According to Facebook, the owner of the page is from Woodridge in Queensland, but even those details could be fake. Participating in these schemes, even unknowingly, means you are actively assisting in money laundering, a serious criminal offence under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act). Penalties can be severe, including criminal conviction, a lengthy prison sentence (up to life imprisonment in serious cases), and significant fines. sounds dramatic, but the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have stepped up efforts to combat this crime, gaoling a Sydney woman renting multiple bank accounts to a money laundering syndicate, that laundered millions of dollars. The AFP says banks are becoming increasingly effective at using data analytics to spot and shut down these mule accounts quickly, meaning you could be locked out of your legitimate bank account for allowing others to use it. The AFP and banks have launched awareness campaigns, urging Australians to “stop cashing in for crooks” and warning that even an offer of $200 is not worth the criminal risk. If you’ve seen an online ad or received a message offering easy money - perhaps $200 to $500 - just to let someone use your bank account, you’re being targeted by a sophisticated scam. This seemingly harmless offer is a direct pipeline for laundering the proceeds of serious criminal activity. Scammers, who are part of organised criminal networks, aggressively recruit individuals through platforms like Facebook or Instagram, and often target those who are financially vulnerable, such as students or job seekers, promising quick cash for what appears to be minimal effort. The victim, or money mule, agrees to the arrangement and provides the criminal access to their bank account, either by sharing their online login details, physical bank card, or simply their BSB and account number. They are paid a small fee (often $200 - $500) for this access. The criminal syndicate then uses this legitimate, Australian-based account as a temporary holding spot for dirty money, such as the proceeds of crime, drug trafficking, scams or even blackmail. The funds are often moved rapidly in and out, or withdrawn as physical cash or transferred via cryptocurrency exchanges, making the trail difficult for authorities to If your account is flagged, your bank will almost certainly close your accounts, and you may find it extremely difficult to open new ones with any Australian financial institution. Furthermore, the criminals who have your account access may also steal your identity to commit other crimes, leaving you to deal with the fallout. For temporary residents and international students, involvement can lead to visa cancellation and a permanent ban from returning to Australia.

Our pets rely entirely on us to keep them safe during Australia's punishing summer heat. Unlike humans, dogs and cats can't sweat effectively to cool down. They depend on panting and behavioural changes to manage heat. When temperatures soar into the high thirties and forties, our pets are at serious risk of heat stress and death if we don't take proper precautions. Dogs suffer more in heat than cats because many dogs are active, excitable, and don't have the sense to slow down when they're overheating. Certain breeds are particularly vulnerable. Brachycephalic breeds like pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and French bulldogs struggle to breathe normally even in moderate temperatures. Extreme heat is genuinely life-threatening for them. These dogs should be kept in air-conditioned environments during heat waves and only taken outside for brief toilet breaks during the coolest parts of the day. Large, heavy-coated breeds like huskies, malamutes, and Saint Bernards were bred for cold climates. Australian summers are torture for them. They need access to air conditioning or at least evaporative cooling during extreme heat. Shaving these dogs seems logical but actually removes their insulation against heat. A trim is fine, but taking them down to the skin removes their natural temperature regulation. Consult a professional groomer about appropriate summer cuts for heavy-coated breeds. Water availability is the single most important thing you can provide. Dogs need constant access to clean, fresh water. In hot weather, check water bowls multiple times daily because water evaporates quickly and bowls can be knocked over. Multiple water stations around your house and yard mean water is always nearby. Adding ice cubes to water bowls helps keep water cool longer. Freezing water in large containers provides ice blocks that slowly melt throughout the day. Shade isn't optional. Dogs tied up in yards without shade suffer and can die. Trees provide better shade than structures because they allow air circulation. If you don't have natural shade, create it with shade cloth, tarps, or shade sails. Dog houses can become ovens in summer heat. They need to be well-ventilated, in shade, and large enough that your dog isn't cramped. Many dogs prefer to lie in the open under a tree rather than in a dog house during summer. Exercise timing requires adjustment in summer. Walk dogs early morning before 7am or late evening after 8pm when temperatures are cooler. Midday walks in January can cause burned paws, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Test pavement temperature with your bare hand. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Hot pavement can cause severe burns in seconds. Stick to grass when possible. Swimming is excellent exercise that keeps dogs cool. Off-leash beach time early morning or late evening combines exercise with temperature regulation. Heat stroke symptoms in dogs include excessive panting, drooling, reddened gums, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, collapse, and seizures. Heat stroke is a veterinary emergency requiring immediate treatment. While transporting your dog to the vet, cool them with wet towels, direct air from car air conditioning vents toward them, and if possible have someone call ahead so the vet clinic is prepared. Heat stroke can cause organ failure and death even if the dog seems to recover initially. Never leave dogs in cars in summer, even with windows cracked. The temperature inside a parked car can reach lethal levels within minutes. Even on a mild 25-degree day, the inside of a car can reach 40 degrees in 10 minutes. On a 35-degree day, which is common in January, the inside of a car can exceed 60 degrees. Dogs left in hot cars suffer terribly before dying. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, note the location, registration, and car details, then call police or your state RSPCA immediately. In life-threatening situations, breaking a window to save a dog's life may be legally defensible, though check your state laws. Swimming pools and water play provide relief but come with risks. Not all dogs can swim. Bulldogs, pugs, and other brachycephalic breeds often can't swim due to their body structure and should never be left unsupervised near water. Install pool fencing or covers to prevent accidental drowning. Show dogs where pool steps are located so they can exit if they fall in. Rinse dogs after swimming in chlorinated pools because chlorine can irritate skin. Saltwater also needs rinsing because it dries skin. Provide shallow wading pools or sprinklers for dogs who don't swim but enjoy water play. Cats generally manage heat better than dogs because they're smart enough to sleep through the worst of it. Provide multiple cool spots around the house where cats can choose their preferred location. Tiled floors, bathtubs, and sinks become favourite cat spots in summer. Some cats enjoy shallow water play. Puzzle toys with frozen treats provide entertainment and cooling. Cats are more likely than dogs to reduce activity in heat, but monitor them for signs of heat stress including excessive panting, lethargy, or drooling. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets are extremely vulnerable to heat stress. They can't pant effectively and have limited options for cooling themselves. Hutches must be in complete shade with excellent ventilation. Moving outdoor hutches inside during heat waves is safest. Freeze water bottles and place them in hutches so animals can lie against them. Provide multiple water sources. Mist small pets lightly with cool water during extreme heat. Avoid handling them excessively during hot weather because body heat transfers from your hands to their small bodies. Birds require careful heat management. Cages should be in shaded areas with good air circulation but away from draughts. Provide water for drinking and bathing. Many birds enjoy being misted with water. Frozen fruit treats provide nutrition and cooling. Never place bird cages near windows in direct sun. Monitor birds closely during heat waves because they can succumb to heat stress quickly. Fish tanks need temperature monitoring in summer. Water temperatures rising above species-specific tolerances cause stress and death. Keep tanks away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Room air conditioning helps maintain stable water temperatures. Aquarium coolers or fans directed across water surface can lower temperatures. Reduce feeding during heat waves because uneaten food decomposes faster in warm water and degrades water quality. Pet insurance doesn't cover heat stress in many policies because it's considered preventable. Veterinary treatment for heat stroke is expensive, often running into thousands of dollars for emergency care, hospitalisation, and treatment for organ damage. Prevention costs nothing except vigilance and planning. Grooming for summer helps but requires care. Regular brushing removes loose undercoat that acts as insulation. However, shaving double-coated breeds removes their natural temperature regulation. Professional groomers understand which breeds benefit from summer cuts and which don't. Bath your pets more frequently in summer because clean coats are more effective at temperature regulation than dirty ones. Use pet-safe grooming products because human products can irritate pet skin. Livestock and farm animals need consideration too. Horses require constant water access, shade, and reduced work during extreme heat. Cattle need shade, water, and supplemental feeding during heat waves when pasture quality drops. Chickens need shade, cool water, and misting systems during extreme heat. Heat stress reduces egg production and can kill birds. Farm animals represent financial investment and should be protected accordingly. Wild animals and local wildlife struggle during heat waves too. Providing water sources for wildlife helps birds, possums, lizards, and other creatures struggling with heat. Shallow dishes of water placed safely away from predators can save wildlife lives. Change water daily to prevent mosquito breeding. Don't interfere with wildlife otherwise, but providing water during extreme heat is humane and helpful. Planning for extreme weather includes your pets. If evacuating due to bushfire or other emergencies, take your pets with you if safe to do so. Have carriers or crates ready for each pet. Ensure pets are microchipped and registered so they can be returned if separated. Keep a pet emergency kit with food, water, medication, and important documents. Research pet-friendly accommodation options for evacuation scenarios because not all emergency accommodations accept pets. Your pets trust you completely to keep them safe and comfortable. During Australia's harsh summer, that means providing water, shade, cooler environments, modified exercise, and constant vigilance for signs of heat stress. Pets can't tell us they're struggling until it's often too late. By anticipating their needs and taking preventive action, we can get them through summer safely. Heat stress and death in pets is almost entirely preventable. All it takes is awareness, planning, and putting their needs ahead of our convenience.

Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre's Fitness Club is set to receive a major equipment upgrade following community consultation with members who requested fresh, modern and high quality facilities.The gym floor will soon feature an extensive range of new equipment including a five station multi gym, squat rack with lifting platform complete with barbell, weights and trap bar, and new straight bars ranging from 10 kilograms to 55 kilograms. Additional equipment includes new abductor and adductor machines, a bicep curl tricep extension machine, an assisted chin dip machine, a power lifting bench, an air bike, a lat pulldown seated row machine and a ski erg, along with other items.The upgrade represents a significant investment in providing members with an enhanced training experience designed to motivate, inspire and support their fitness journeys. Centre management emphasised that the improvements are part of an ongoing commitment to deliver the best possible facilities for members.To safely complete the installation, the gym floor will be temporarily closed from Monday 8 December to Friday 12 December 2025. During this period, all group fitness classes will continue as scheduled in the aerobics room, and members will be able to access the aerobics room outside class times with limited equipment available.Personal training sessions will proceed as normal, though trainers may need to make temporary adjustments. Members are being encouraged to take advantage of their full access to all pools during the closure period, with suggestions to explore alternative training options such as laps, water running or recovery sessions.The temporary closure represents a brief interruption to regular gym services before members return to a refreshed and re energised fitness environment. Centre management has thanked members for their patience during the upgrade process and expressed excitement about welcoming them back to the enhanced facilities.The upgrade follows direct feedback from the community consultation process, demonstrating the centre's responsiveness to member needs and preferences in shaping facility improvements.

So, we are definitely in the trenches of the holiday season now, and there most likely isn’t a member of your house whose emotions aren’t at peak.As an adult, I know all too well how hard it is to keep a rein on your own emotions, rather than anyone else’s, the Pollyanna in me is fervent any opportunity is an opportunity to help our kids with their emotions. The experts are telling us that while it is our natural go to to reward kids when they are generous, once that pint sized human is given a physical incentive to be generous to others, they will only be likely to do so if they think they are getting something out of it. So, instead of reaching for a reward, reward with your words by praising. Telling them they are a kind person or that they are the type of kid who really understands how other people feel.There is ever emerging evidence that a present father has more of an impact than engaged mothers on children’s learning and maintaining helpful behaviour. When a dad is connected with their children, and involved in raising them, the little tykes are likely to feel more empathy for others, until after they grow up.To manage your children's emotions during the holidays, maintain routines where possible, set clear expectations, and create quiet downtime to prevent overstimulation. Validate their feelings by acknowledging them and model calm behavior yourself. Encourage open communication, teach simple coping strategies like deep breathing, and plan with your kids to give them a sense of control. 

Central Darling Shire Council has taken a crucial step toward planning its future by appointing consultants to develop a community strategic plan that will guide decision making and set priorities for the decade ahead. The decision to engage external expertise for this vital planning process reflects the importance of getting the community strategic plan right and the specialised skills required to facilitate meaningful community engagement across such a vast and diverse shire. A community strategic plan is far more than just another council document. It represents the community's shared vision for the future, identifying aspirations and priorities across all aspects of community life including economic development, social wellbeing, environmental sustainability, infrastructure and services. This ten-year plan will shape council decision making throughout its term and beyond, influencing budget priorities, service delivery and long-term investments. The Local Government Act requires councils to prepare and adopt a community strategic plan that reflects community aspirations and sets out key strategic directions. For Central Darling, emerging from 12 years of administration, this planning process takes on added significance as the first real opportunity for communities to collectively articulate what they want for their shire's future. The consultants appointed will need to design and implement a comprehensive engagement process that reaches across Central Darling's scattered communities. Menindee, Wilcannia, Ivanhoe, White Cliffs, Tilpa and Sunset Strip each have distinct characters, challenges and priorities that must all be heard and reflected in the final plan. Effective community engagement in such a geographically dispersed shire requires creativity and commitment. Face-to-face consultations in each town remain important, giving residents the opportunity to speak directly with the consultants and council representatives. However, this traditional approach needs to be supplemented with online surveys, phone interviews and other methods that accommodate the realities of remote living, where travelling to a community meeting might mean hours on unsealed roads. The strategic planning process must also ensure that diverse voices within each community are heard. Aboriginal residents, long-term locals, recent arrivals, business owners, farmers, young people, seniors and community group representatives all bring different perspectives and priorities. A truly representative community strategic plan requires input from across this spectrum, not just the usual suspects who always turn up to consultation processes. The consultants will need to help the community think beyond immediate concerns and consider longer-term trends and challenges facing Central Darling. Climate change impacts, population decline, aging infrastructure, economic transition, changing agricultural practices, water security and service delivery in an era of constrained budgets all need to be on the table for honest discussion. At the same time, the plan must remain grounded in reality. Community aspirations need to be balanced against financial capacity, regulatory constraints and practical limitations. The consultants' role includes helping participants understand what's achievable and guiding the conversation toward priorities that are both meaningful and realistic. The community strategic plan will need to acknowledge Central Darling's unique characteristics and the challenges inherent in delivering services across Australia's largest local government area. Distance, isolation, limited population, harsh climate, aging infrastructure and socioeconomic disadvantage in some communities all shape what's possible and what strategies might work. The plan must also recognise the shire's strengths and opportunities. Rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, resilient communities, agricultural potential, mining activities, tourism possibilities and the determination of residents who choose to make their lives in this challenging environment all represent assets to build upon. Previous strategic planning occurred during the administration period, but documents developed without genuine community input and ownership inevitably lack the legitimacy and buy-in that comes from authentic engagement. This new planning process offers the chance to reset, to involve communities meaningfully and to create a shared vision that people actually believe in and will work toward. The delivery program and operational plan that flow from the community strategic plan will translate long-term aspirations into concrete actions and priorities for the council's four-year term and the year ahead respectively. These documents must align with the strategic plan while also reflecting financial realities and statutory obligations. The consultants will work closely with council staff who bring detailed knowledge of current operations, past initiatives, regulatory requirements and practical constraints. This collaboration between external facilitation expertise and internal operational knowledge should produce a plan that is both visionary and implementable. Community engagement around the strategic plan also provides an opportunity for the new council to demonstrate its commitment to listening and responding to community input. How the consultation process is conducted, how feedback is incorporated and how the council responds to community priorities will send important signals about the kind of governance residents can expect. The timeline for developing the plan is tight, with adoption required by June 30, 2026 to meet statutory deadlines. The consultants will need to move quickly to design the engagement process, conduct consultations, analyse feedback, draft the plan, facilitate further community input on the draft and prepare the final document for council adoption. For Central Darling communities, the strategic planning process represents the first real opportunity in more than a decade to shape their shire's direction. Whether residents feel their participation was genuine and their input valued will significantly influence their relationship with the new council and their faith in the democratic process. The community strategic plan that emerges from this process will be judged not just by its content but by how it was created and whether communities feel genuine ownership of the vision and priorities it contains. Getting this right matters enormously for the legitimacy and effectiveness of the new council and for rebuilding trust in local democracy after years of administration.

Leeton Shire Council has voted on the first round of Community Strengthening Grants for the 2025 to 2026 financial year, with seven local organisations receiving funding to support programs and initiatives benefiting the Leeton community.The successful recipients include the All Nations Christian Fellowship of Leeton, the Leeton Army Cadet Unit, Leeton Little Athletics Club, the Leeton Multicultural Support Group, the Riverina Roadrunners and St Peter's Anglican Church of Leeton.The grant program is designed to assist community groups in delivering activities and services that strengthen social connections and provide valuable programs for residents. Applications are assessed based on their potential community benefit and alignment with council priorities.The program operates on a biannual basis, with a total of $30,000 available across both rounds each year. The next round of grants will open for applications in March 2026, providing another opportunity for community organisations to seek funding support.Member for Murray Helen Dalton congratulated all recipients of the grants, acknowledging the important work these organisations undertake in supporting the Leeton community. The grants represent council's commitment to fostering a strong and vibrant community sector.Community groups interested in applying for the next round of funding can begin preparing applications ahead of the March 2026 opening date. Further information about eligibility criteria and application processes will be made available through Leeton Shire Council as the next round approaches.

Practically at our back door are these exquisite murals painted in Griffith.Located in Banna Lane, and with over 30 large-scale murals, the Griffith art trail is constantly evolving, making it the perfect weekend adventure for locals and visitors alike.You can pick up a Griffith Mural Art Trail map from the Griffith Tourism Hub and discover the city’s open-air gallery. Explore Hermit's Cave and Scenic Hill lookout, visit the Griffith Pioneer Park Museum to learn about local history, and experience the agricultural heritage by visiting wineries or exploring the local produce. Other activities include hiking in Cocoparra National Park, seeing art at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery, or enjoying the views from the Scenic Hill lookout.  There is so much to do and see in the secret nooks and crannies of Australian Back Country, too many to list. But nevertheless let's have a go!Practically around the corner in Darlington Point, is Altina Wildlife Park. This outstanding Wildlife Park has unique personalised zoo-fari tours like no other. You will meet many rare and exotic as well as some of Australia's native animals up close and personal whilst travelling in style on horse-drawn or motorised carts.Now, in White Cliffs, they mine for gems, but the town is indeed a gem in itself. Here you can explore opal mines, the White Cliffs Solar Power Station, and Paroo-Darling National Park. Activities include underground opal mine tours, fossicking for opals, visiting local shops and hotels, and exploring the Darling River. For events, check the schedule for local happenings like the White Cliffs Gymkhana and Rodeo.In nearby Wilcannia, there is amazing sights to be seen. So much of this little town is amazing history.Wilcannia was once a much larger and thriving town, becoming the third-largest inland port in Australia during the late 19th century due to its role as a hub for paddle-steamers transporting wool and wheat along the Darling River. It was known as the “Queen City of the West” and had a population of around 3,000 people by the late 1890s. The town's decline began after 1900 with the introduction of rail, which reduced the need for river transport. Balranald is a veritable gold mine of activities. You can explore the Walls of China, by taking a guided tour or drive the Mungo Loop Track to see the spectacular sand and clay formations.Visit the Visitor Centre: Begin your visit here to pay the entrance fee and learn about the park's history through its excellent exhibition.Go on a guided tour: NPWS Aboriginal guides offer 2-hour tours of the Mungo lunette, providing insights into the park's Aboriginal history and culture.Drive the Mungo Loop Track: A self-guided drive is a great way to see the stunning landscape at your own pace.Go camping or picnicking: Enjoy a meal or stay overnight at designated campsites, such as Bella Campground.Look for wildlife: Mungo National Park is home to a variety of wildlife that can be seen during walks or drives. Visit the Balranald Discovery Centre: Learn about the town's history as a river port and gold rush hub.Explore local heritage: Take a walk along the Ben Scott Swing Bridge or visit museums like the Balranald Southern Cross.Drive the Darling River Run: Balranald is on the route and can be used as a base for exploring the Darling River.Visit Yanga National Park: Enjoy the wetlands and floodplains of this nearby national park.Take a tour: Outback Geo Adventures offers various tours of Mungo National Park and the surrounding areasSome of the best trips and experiences you will ever have are off the beaten track, and out of the city. The people are friendly, the amenities fantastic and the price points of rural areas may just hit the pocket a bit better.

Two new Category 1 fire trucks have been delivered to Rural Fire Service brigades in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area district, enhancing firefighting capabilities for Darlington Point and Goolgowi.Captain of Darlington Point Troy Heath took delivery of the new vehicle from District Manager Scott Connor, whilst Goolgowi brigade also received their new Category 1 truck in separate deliveries. The additions represent significant upgrades to the firefighting fleet serving the MIA district.The vehicles feature contemporary firefighting technology designed to enhance firefighting efforts, along with the latest crew protection systems to improve safety for volunteer firefighters responding to incidents. The modern equipment will provide crews with improved capabilities when tackling fires across the region.Member for Murray Helen Dalton welcomed the deliveries, describing them as fantastic additions to the local firefighting fleet. The investment in new equipment demonstrates ongoing support for volunteer fire services in rural and regional areas.

Central Darling Shire Council has locked in its meeting schedule for 2026, establishing a regular rhythm of democratic decision making and creating opportunities for community members across the vast shire to engage with their newly elected and appointed representatives. The setting of meeting dates, considered at Wednesday's inaugural session, might seem like routine administrative business, but it carries real significance for communities that have gone without elected local representation for 12 years. Regular, scheduled council meetings provide certainty about when important decisions will be made and when residents can raise issues directly with councillors. The meeting schedule will need to balance several competing considerations. Councillors must meet often enough to deal with the substantial business of managing Australia's largest local government area, but not so frequently that the demands become unsustainable for councillors who have other commitments and in some cases are travelling significant distances to attend. The timing and location of meetings also matters for community access. Under administration, ordinary council meetings were typically held on Wednesday mornings in Wilcannia, allowing the administrator to visit other towns earlier or later in the week. The new council will need to determine whether this arrangement continues to serve the shire's needs or whether adjustments are required to improve accessibility for residents across different communities. Public access to council meetings is a fundamental principle of democratic local government. Residents have the right to observe council deliberations, understand how decisions are made and hold their representatives accountable. The council's commitment to recording meetings and making them available on YouTube extends this access beyond those able to physically attend in Wilcannia. The meeting schedule will also need to accommodate the council's statutory obligations under the Local Government Act. Key documents including the community strategic plan, delivery program, operational plan and budget must be adopted by specified deadlines, requiring the meeting calendar to allow sufficient time for preparation, public exhibition, consideration of submissions and formal adoption. Public forums held before ordinary council meetings provide another avenue for community engagement, allowing residents to speak directly to councillors about matters on the agenda. The ability to register for these forums and make submissions ensures that community voices can be heard in council deliberations, something that was absent during the long years of administration. The geographic spread of Central Darling Shire presents unique challenges for community engagement. With towns separated by hundreds of kilometres of often unsealed roads, attending meetings in person can require significant travel. Video conferencing technology may offer some solutions, allowing councillors or community members to participate remotely when necessary, though reliable internet connectivity remains patchy in remote areas. The new council will need to find ways to ensure all communities feel represented and heard, not just those closest to Wilcannia where meetings are held. Regular councillor visits to different towns, community meetings held locally and proactive communication about council decisions will all be important in maintaining the connection between representatives and residents. The 2026 meeting schedule also needed to consider the other demands on councillors' time. Elected councillors Peter Sullivan, Max Bradley and Daniel Fusi all have lives and livelihoods beyond council service, as do appointed councillors Fiona Kelly and Barbara Perry. Chairperson Bob Stewart, while providing continuity from his previous administrator role, also needs to manage a sustainable workload in what is now a part-time chairmanship rather than a full-time administrative position. Committee meetings, workshops and briefings will supplement the formal ordinary council meetings, providing opportunities for more detailed discussion of complex issues and allowing councillors to build their understanding of the shire's operations, challenges and opportunities. These less formal gatherings can be particularly valuable as new councillors come to grips with the scope and complexity of council responsibilities. The meeting schedule needs to allow time between meetings for staff to prepare reports, implement council decisions and respond to any issues that arise. Rushed decisions made without adequate information or community input could undermine confidence in the new council and waste resources on poorly considered initiatives. Residents will be watching to see how effectively the new council uses its meeting time. Efficient, focused meetings that deal decisively with important matters will build confidence, while meetings that drag on without reaching clear decisions or get bogged down in minutiae could frustrate both participants and observers. The meeting schedule also signals the council's priorities and approach. Frequent meetings suggest an activist council keen to engage regularly with issues, while less frequent gatherings might indicate a more hands-off approach allowing staff greater autonomy in day-to-day management. For communities that endured 12 years without elected representatives, the simple act of having a scheduled council meeting to attend, where they can observe decision making and potentially make their voices heard, represents a significant restoration of democratic rights. The meeting schedule is more than just a calendar, it's a commitment to regular, transparent and accountable governance. As 2026 approaches, residents throughout Central Darling Shire will have the opportunity to mark council meeting dates in their diaries, plan to attend or watch proceedings online and begin to understand how this new model of Rural and Remote Council governance will work in practice. The regularity and accessibility of these meetings will be crucial in rebuilding trust between council and community after years of administration.

Schools across the electorate are being encouraged to take advantage of a $500 travel subsidy available for visits to the Parliament of New South Wales in Sydney.The subsidy is designed to help schools overcome the cost barrier of bringing students to the state's parliament, providing an opportunity for young people to experience democracy in action firsthand. To qualify for the subsidy, schools must attend Parliament House and complete one of the free educational programs or tours offered by the institution.Member for Murray Helen Dalton is promoting the opportunity to schools throughout the electorate, emphasising the value of giving students a front row seat to observe how the democratic process operates. The educational programs provide insights into the workings of state government and the parliamentary system.Schools interested in applying for the subsidy are encouraged to act quickly as bookings may be limited. The program aims to make parliamentary visits more accessible for regional and rural schools that face greater travel distances and associated costs compared to metropolitan schools.Applications and further information about the subsidy program and available educational offerings can be accessed through the Parliament of New South Wales education website. The site provides details about booking procedures, program options and eligibility requirements for the travel subsidy.The initiative represents an investment in civic education, allowing students from regional areas to engage directly with the institution of parliament and gain a deeper understanding of representative democracy and the legislative process. Teachers can choose from various educational programs tailored to different year levels and curriculum requirements.

Griffith City Council has confirmed that residents living in the 2680 and 2681 postcodes will receive free general admission to the Griffith Pioneer Park Museum as part of a 12 month trial beginning on 1 January 2026.The initiative aims to support community access, encourage local visitation and strengthen engagement with one of Griffith's most significant cultural attractions. The free entry applies only to general admission and does not extend to special events such as the annual Pioneer Park Action Day held on Good Friday, school excursions or other organised functions.The trial was initially recommended by the Griffith Pioneer Park Museum Advisory Committee in August. Council subsequently adopted the recommendation, supported by an implementation process outlined by the Senior Management Team in consultation with museum staff.Mayor Doug Curran said the initiative aligns with Council's commitment to improving access to local facilities. He described the trial as an important opportunity to make the museum more accessible to people who call Griffith and the surrounding villages home."By removing cost as a barrier, we hope to see more residents engaging with the museum's heritage offerings while gathering valuable data to guide its long term sustainability," Mayor Curran said.He noted that during the trial period, Council will monitor community uptake of the offer to inform a longer term plan for accessing the park, suggesting it may become a case of use it or lose it.Current admission fees remain in place until 31 December 2025, including the standard $15 adult entry fee. The museum continues to welcome visitors throughout the year and offers a range of services including weddings, functions and educational programs.The trial period will provide Council with data on visitation patterns and community engagement that will inform future decisions about the museum's admission policies and operational sustainability. For more information, residents can contact Griffith Pioneer Park Museum on 6962 8333.

Five Riverina growers and one labour hire provider have been issued compliance notices following surprise inspections by the Fair Work Ombudsman, with combined back payments totalling $5,710 ordered for four employees.The Fair Work Ombudsman conducts unannounced workplace visits across Australia to verify that employers are paying correct wages and overtime rates, issuing proper pay slips and providing information about employee rights.Inspections targeting the horticulture sector in the Riverina were conducted in June and have resulted in 11 investigations of growers and 13 relating to labour hire providers. In addition to the compliance notices, one grower received a $3,300 fine.The enforcement action comes as data published earlier this year indicates the Riverina region has the second highest rate of non compliance in Australia. The region recorded a 72 per cent breach rate among targeted employers who failed to meet obligations under federal workplace laws. Only Victoria's Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley recorded a higher rate at 83 per cent.Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator was maintaining its focus on holding horticulture employers accountable. She noted that inspectors have made surprise visits this year to Coffs Harbour, the Riverina and the Sunraysia region, areas that have been among the least compliant horticulture regions nationally in recent years."So far we have ensured that more than $70,000 owed has been put where it belongs, in employees' hands, and have issued close to $77,000 in fines for workplace law breaches," Booth said.She indicated that the majority of back payments and fines have been paid by labour hire providers, though some growers directly employing workers have also been found in breach.Booth expressed concern that some growers appeared to believe they could outsource compliance responsibilities to non compliant labour hire providers, a practice the regulator is working to address.The Fair Work Ombudsman emphasised its commitment to building a culture of compliance across the horticulture sector, acknowledging that this cannot be achieved in isolation. The organisation continues to work with employer groups and unions to help employers understand their obligations from the outset.Booth encouraged employers to familiarise themselves with workplace obligations and make use of the extensive range of free educational resources available specifically for the horticulture sector. The inspections have particularly focused on protecting vulnerable visa holders who are often employed in these roles.