A livestock truck filled with cattle caught fire between Balranald and Ivanhoe yesterday, February 11, 2026.The B-Double transport driver suffered burns to his feet, which were treated on-site when neighbouring property owners attended, before emergency services arrived.The driver was taken by ambulance for treatment for his burns, and Police were investigating the cause of the fire.Image courtesy Kate Finch.

Frankenstein’s Commodore: The Goolgowi Man Who Forgot the Rules of Physics (and the Road)In Short:The Tyre Trifecta: The car was found to be operating with three different sizes of tyres, including a front passenger-side tyre that was non-compliant with the make of the car.Zip-Tie Engineering: Police allege the front and back body panels were held onto the vehicle primarily through the structural integrity of cable ties.Glovebox Gifts: A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered a green leafy substance in the glovebox and a knife hidden in the wheel well.They say necessity is the mother of invention, but for one Goolgowi man, invention appears to have been a distant cousin twice removed from common sense.On Wednesday, February 4, Murrumbidgee Police were patrolling Kidman Way in Merriwagga when they spotted a green Holden Commodore with obvious defects. What began as a routine Random Breath Test (RBT) quickly spiralled into a mechanical autopsy of what might be the least roadworthy vehicle in the Riverina.The 25-year-old creative behind the wheel passed the breath test, returning a negative result, but his car failed the eye test immediately. Officers allegedly noticed from a distance that the front of the car was sitting at a completely different altitude to the back, thanks to the varied tyre sizes.Upon closer inspection, the ingenuity became even more alarming. Of the four wheels, three were different sizes. The front passenger tyre was the odd one out, larger than the rest and physically unable to be legally fitted to a Commodore. As for the tread? There wasn't much. What little remained was covered in what Police described as gravel rashIf the mismatched rubber wasn't enough, the bodywork was a masterclass in DIY disaster. Police allege that the front and back panels were being assisted in their adhesion to the car by cable ties.The mechanical woes didn't stop at the surface. Under the hood, the list of deficiencies read like a mechanic’s nightmare:A split radiator cap A non-compliant exhaust Massive oil leaks that had conveniently built up in a makeshift pan under the engineLoose pieces dangling from both the front and rear of the chassisWhile police were marvelling at the cable-tie craftsmanship, the driver reportedly volunteered the information that there was cannabis in the glovebox. Officers located the green leafy substance exactly where he said it would be, with the driver asserting he had a prescription.Not to be outdone, a passenger allegedly chimed in to mention he had a knife, which was subsequently found stashed in the wheel well.The Murrumbidgee Police seemed unimpressed with the grassroots ingenuity. They issued a Major Defect Notice, (known colloquially as a ‘canary’) which effectively grounded the Commodore until it can be made functional again.The driver was issued a caution for the cannabis and the knife, while the passenger received a Field Court Attendance Notice for having custody of a knife in a public place.For readers, let this be a lesson; cable ties are great for fixing a fence or a leaky pipe, but they aren’t a substitute for a mechanic when you’re hitting the region’s highways.

In ShortMassive Scale: The joint venture between AGL and Someva will feature 247 turbines and a 500MW battery, capable of powering 830,000 homes.Local Investment: A $26 million community benefit fund has been committed for the Hay and Edward River regions over the next 30 years.Get Involved: Applications are now open for the Community Consultative Committee (CCC), with EOIs due by Monday, 9 March 2026. Pottinger Energy Park Opens Community Seat at the TableAs the Pottinger Energy Park, near Boorooban, NSW prepares to transition into its detailed design and construction phase later this year, project developers have announced the formation of a Community Consultative Committee (CCC).The Pottinger Energy Park, a joint venture between AGL Energy and Someva Renewables, has secured primary state and federal approvals for development in the NSW Riverina. Located approximately 60 km south of Hay and 75 km north of Deniliquin, the project is situated within the South West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ). The facility is designed to host up to 247 wind turbines with a total capacity of 1,300 MW, paired with a 500 MW / 2,000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Once fully operational, the park is projected to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 830,000 homes.Under the current development timeline, construction is expected to commence in late 2026. The project is estimated to create 900 jobs during the peak construction phase and 50 to 60 permanent positions for ongoing operations. As part of the planning agreement, the developers have committed $26 million to a community benefit fund distributed across the Hay and Edward River local government areas over a 30-year period. The park will connect to the national grid via the Project EnergyConnect transmission line.The committee is designed to serve as a formal advisory body, ensuring that residents across the impacted regions have a direct line of communication with the project’s proponents. While the CCC does not hold decision-making powers, it functions as a critical forum for sharing information, raising local concerns, and discussing the management of project impacts.A Seat at the TableThe establishment of the CCC comes at a pivotal time, with construction slated to begin in 2026. Managed by an independent chairperson, the committee will operate under the strict guidelines of the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (NSW DPHI).Jamie Chivers, Managing Director of Someva Renewables, emphasised the importance of local input during this transition.“The Pottinger Energy Park Community Consultative Committee provides a practical way for community members to be involved, share local insights and perspectives and learn how Pottinger Energy Park is planned to be delivered,” Mr Chivers said. “We encourage anyone with an interest in the project, or who knows someone who would be a good community representative, to get involved.”What the Role EntailsThe project is currently seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from individuals who live, work, or own land in the local area, as well as representatives from industry, environmental, or First Nations organisations.Successful applicants will be expected to:Participate in respectful, independently chaired discussions.Act as a conduit for accurate information between the CCC and the broader community.Attend quarterly meetings (the first is anticipated for Monday, 30 March 2026).The positions are voluntary, though reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed. Initial appointments are for a two-year term.How to ApplyThe selection process will be overseen by Independent Chairperson Ian Colley, who will assess applicants based on their ability to demonstrate an understanding of local issues and a commitment to constructive dialogue.Residents interested in representing their community must submit their EOI by Monday, 9 March 2026.To request an application form, contact Felicity Stening at [email protected]. Following the EOI closure, recommendations will be provided to the NSW DPHI, and applicants will be notified once appointments are finalised.

Financial Veteran John Sevil to Lead Central Darling ShireIn ShortNew Leadership: John Sevil, a highly experienced executive with over 30 years in finance and governance, has been appointed General Manager of Central Darling Shire.Local Government Pedigree: Sevil transitions from senior roles at Narromine Shire and Norfolk Island Regional Council, bringing a focus on financial discipline and modern systems.Commencement Date: The new GM will officially begin duties on 9 March 2026, with plans to visit communities across the Shire immediately.Central Darling Shire Council has secured a new General Manager, appointing local government veteran John Sevil to lead the rural and remote council into its next chapter.The appointment was finalised following an extraordinary council meeting on 28 January 2026. Council Chair Bob Stewart announced that Mr Sevil has accepted the position, bringing extensive experience that he believes will play a pivotal role in the future success of the region.Mr Sevil comes to the role with a formidable academic and professional background, holding an Executive MBA, a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Law, and a CPA qualification.According to the council, his career spans more than three decades in senior executive roles. In the local government sector, Mr Sevil previously served as Director Finance and Corporate Strategy at Narromine Shire Council and Manager Corporate Services at Norfolk Island Regional Council.In these roles, he was recognised for bringing financial discipline, modernising systems, and embedding governance frameworks that support transparency.Chair Bob Stewart said Mr Sevil is motivated by the opportunity to work closely with the elected council to deliver on strategic priorities and foster resilient communities."Sevil's leadership style is pragmatic and outcomes driven, ensuring challenges are met with transparency, integrity and a strong sense of public service," Mr Stewart said.For residents across the Shire's vast footprint, Mr Sevil’s first priority will be face-to-face engagement. According to Mr Stewart, the new GM is keen to meet staff and visit communities across Central Darling personally.Mr Sevil will officially commence his duties on Monday, 9 March 2026

February shake-up: new medical checks for older drivers and AML laws for local prosIn Short:Senior Licensing: From February 20, drivers aged 70 and over face more frequent medical checks to keep their licence, a major shift for our regional seniors who rely on their utes.Business Red Tape: Local accountants, solicitors, and real estate agents must now comply with strict anti-money laundering (AML) laws.Fire Safety: New maintenance standards (AS 1851-2012) become mandatory for all commercial and multi-occupancy buildings from February 13.Interest Rates: The RBA just hiked the cash rate to 3.85% (Feb 3), meaning local mortgages and business loans will likely see an increase.The second wave of 2026 changesRoad safety and regulation: What’s changing this FebruaryAcross NSW, several new regulations are coming into effect that will change how we drive and do business.Starting February 20, a national shift in licensing will see most drivers aged 70 and over required to undergo more regular medical assessments. Unlike the old system, which often relied on self-reporting until older ages, the new rules mandate checks by a GP every one to two years to maintain an unrestricted licence.For Back Country residents, where public transport is non-existent and the car is a lifeline, the government has stated they will prioritise conditional licences, such as daylight only or local area only, rather than blanket cancellations, to keep seniors mobile and safe.If you’re a local real estate agent, accountant, or solicitor, your desk just got a lot more crowded. As of this month, these gatekeeper professions must meet full AUSTRAC Anti-Money Laundering (AML) obligations.What it means: You’ll notice more ID checking and due diligence when dealing with local firms.The Goal: Preventing the movement of illicit funds through regional property and trust accounts.NSW Fair Trading is officially beginning its enforcement of the Lithium-ion safety framework on February 1. Retailers in our region must now ensure all e-bikes and e-scooters meet strict fire safety standards at the point of sale. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries are now officially classified as hazardous waste, meaning they can no longer be tossed in your standard farm pit or red-lid bin.From February 13, owners of commercial buildings, guest houses, and apartment blocks must ensure their fire systems are maintained to the AS 1851-2012 standard. This is a mandatory shift aimed at preventing tragedies in shared accommodation and business spaces.Looking Ahead: The 2026 CalendarDateChangeWho is Affected? Feb 1E-Bike Safety EnforcementRetailers & Lithium battery ownersFeb 3RBA Rate Hike (3.85%)Anyone with a mortgage or business loanFeb 13Fire Safety StandardsBusiness & Class 2-9 building ownersFeb 20Senior Medical ChecksDrivers aged 70+July 1Payday SuperAll Employers (Super must be paid with wages)

"A Warning, Not a Technicality": MP Slams Illicit Tobacco Trade After Leeton FireIn ShortInvestigation Ongoing: Police continue to treat the 10 February fire on Pine Avenue as suspicious, following a nearby break-in just days earlier.Tough New Laws: Recent legislation allows authorities to immediately shut down premises linked to illicit sales for up to 90 days.Landlord Liability: New laws before Parliament could see landlords facing 12 months in jail or $165,000 in fines for allowing illegal tobacco sales on their property.Member for Murray Helen Dalton has described a suspicious fire that destroyed a Leeton tobacconist as a "sharp reminder" of the dangers posed by the illicit tobacco trade, warning that property owners can no longer "look the other way."Emergency services were called to the Pine Avenue store at 5:50 am on Tuesday, 10 February. While Fire and Rescue crews extinguished the blaze, the building was extensively damaged. NSW Police have since established a crime scene, treating the incident as suspiciou, especially as it follows a violent break-in at the neighbouring homewares store, Mr & Dac, just days prior.Helen Dalton MP said the incident highlights why the community must take illegal trade seriously."Last night’s fire at a Leeton tobacconist is a sharp reminder of why the laws around illicit tobacco exist," Mrs Dalton said. "When illegal trade takes hold, the risks do not stop at lost revenue. They spill into public safety, organised crime and real danger for nearby businesses and residents."New Powers and Landlord PenaltiesThe fire comes as NSW authorities ramp up enforcement using powers passed in November 2025. These laws allow for the immediate closure of premises linked to illicit tobacco or vaping sales."NSW has already tightened the law," Mrs Dalton noted. "In November 2025, Parliament passed changes that allow authorities to shut premises linked to illicit tobacco or vaping sales and impose much tougher penalties. These powers are real and they are being used. Anyone involved needs to understand that this is no longer treated as a minor offence."Further legislation currently before Parliament is set to place even greater responsibility on property owners."There is more coming. Legislation now before Parliament will make it an offence for landlords to allow illicit tobacco or vaping sales on their premises, with penalties of up to $165,000 or 12 months in jail," Mrs Dalton warned. "It will also allow leases to be terminated where a closure order has been issued. Property owners cannot look the other way and claim ignorance. Responsibility sits with everyone involved."A Warning to the CommunityWith the Leeton investigation ongoing, the MP urged local business owners to be proactive in following the law to protect the broader community."This is a warning, not a technicality," she said. "If you are a business owner or a landlord, know the law, check what is happening on your premises, and act early. The consequences are serious and they affect the whole community."NSW Police are continuing to call for any CCTV footage or information regarding the Pine Avenue fire. Anyone who can assist is urged to contact Leeton Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

In Short:Farm Licensing: Growers of leafy greens (2ha+) must hold a NSW Food Authority licence as of February 12.Road Safety Blitz: Stricter rules for overseas licence holders (25+) from List B countries began on February 1, requiring knowledge and practical tests.Safety Standards: Mandatory fire maintenance (AS 1851-2012) kicks in February 13 for all local commercial buildings and guest houses.February’s new legislation - Licences, leafy greens, and law: What’s new this monthWhile January’s focus was on the hip pocket, February 2026 is bringing a wave of regulatory changes.From the irrigation blocks of the Murrumbidgee to the main streets of Hay and Balranald, local farmers, business owners, and residents are facing a new landscape of compliance.The biggest shift for local agriculture hits on February 12, as new food safety requirements come into effect. Primary processors and growers of leafy vegetables with two hectares or more under cultivation are now required to hold an NSW Food Authority licence.Growers with less than two hectares are not exempt from the change; they must still notify the Food Authority of their details, although they do not require a formal licence.NSW Food Authority acting CEO Andrew Davies said the authority will initially take an educative approach.“Our focus for the first 12 months will be to build awareness of the new requirements and educate businesses on the importance of food safety practices,” Mr Davies said.“We encourage berry, leafy vegetable and melon businesses to notify their details or apply for their licence from 12 February 2026 so we can help them as early as possible.”Changes that began on February 1 are already impacting seasonal workers and new residents across the region. The NSW Government has moved to close a loophole regarding overseas drivers and riders aged 25 and over from "List B" countries (including South Africa and South Korea).These motorists are now required to pass both a knowledge test and a practical driving test before they can convert to a NSW licence.Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said the reform ensures everyone understands local conditions.“Road safety is not negotiable, and we are pulling every lever to keep people safe on NSW roads,” Minister Aitchison said.“This reform lifts standards and ensures everyone driving in NSW understands our road rules and can drive safely in local conditions. Fairness on our roads means the same safety bar applies to everyone, and that is exactly what this reform delivers.”Local real estate agents, accountants, and solicitors in our towns are also facing a major change. From this month, these gatekeeper professions must meet strict AUSTRAC Anti-Money Laundering (AML) obligations. For clients, this means more rigorous ID checks and questions about the source of funds during property or business transactions.Starting February 13, a deferred mandate for fire safety maintenance becomes law. All commercial buildings (Class 1b and 2 to 9), including local hotels and guest houses, must now have essential fire safety measures inspected and tested in accordance with AS 1851-2012.Building Commission NSW noted that this standard is now mandatory to ensure that fire protection systems, such as extinguishers, sprinklers, and detection units, remain operational.To read more on licensing changes, visit:https://backcountrybulletin.app/NewsStory/road-safety-overhaul-new-licensing-rules-for-overseas-drivers/6980414413c119002ebdb2cfTo read more about gun law changes, visit:https://backcountrybulletin.app/NewsStory/from-the-paddock-to-the-parliament-how-the-new-nsw-gun-laws-impact-you/695756a23e0611002d4f8754

In Short:Rebate Ends: The $300 federal energy bill discount and the additional $150 subsidy officially expired on 31 December 2025.Cash Guaranteed: For the first time, grocery stores and petrol stations are legally mandated to accept cash, a major win for our remote areas with spotty internet.Health Savings: PBS medicine co-payments are now capped at $25, and kids' dental support has increased to $1,158.Energy rebate ends and households brace for power bill shift, but other benefits increaseResidents across the region are being warned to prepare for a jump in their next electricity statement as the federal government’s energy bill relief officially expires.The $300 power bill discount, which was rolled out to curb cost-of-living pain, has not been renewed for 2026. An additional $150 subsidy that kicked in last July has also ended. Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed that while the measures were much-needed during the peak of inflation, the government will not extend the relief beyond the December 31, 2025, cut-off.For many locals, this marks a significant shift in the monthly budget, especially as we enter the peak summer months across the Back Country.In a move that will be welcomed by many on remote stations and in our smaller townships, the national cash mandate for essential retailers also begins today.Under the new rules, businesses that sell fuel and groceries, including local supermarkets and service stations, must accept cash payments. This mandate ensures that even when the system is down due to unreliable telecommunications, or for those who simply prefer physical currency, access to life-essentials remains guaranteed.Healthcare and Family SupportWhile energy costs may rise, the cost of the family medicine cabinet is coming down:PBS scripts: The general patient co-payment for medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is now capped at $25, down from $31.60.Dental care: The Child Dental Benefits Schedule now covers $1,158 every two years for eligible families, a $26 increase to help cover basic dental services for those under 17.Childcare: From January 5, eligible families will receive at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight, regardless of their working hours.More than a million Australians will see an increase in their bank accounts today as indexation hits Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, and Carer Allowance.On the roads, the NSW government has made the $60-a-week toll cap permanent for those commuting into the city, alongside a permanent demerit point reward program for safe drivers. However, those planning to head overseas will notice a price hike; a 10-year adult passport has risen to approximately $422 this year.2026 Snapshot: What's Up and What's DownItemStatus in 2026Change Energy Rebate❌ EndedUp to $450 in subsidies removedPBS Medicine✅ CheaperCapped at $25 per scriptCash Payments✅ MandatedGroceries and fuel must accept cashWelfare Payments⬆️ IncreasedYouth & Carer allowances indexedPassports⬆️ IncreasedPrices rise to approx. $422

Bushfire closes Sturt HighwayUpdate: 4.03pm - The Sturt Highway has re-opened, with stop/slow traffic controllers on site, allowing traffic through one lane at a time.The fire has burned more than 40 hectares but is listed as under control, according to NSW Rural Fire Service.Earlier:The Sturt Highway is closed, between Darlington Point and the Carrathool turnoff, due to an uncontained bush fire.Emergency services are responding to an as-yet uncontrolled grass fire at the Yarada Rest Area.Diversions between Hay and Griffith, or Darlington Point, are via the Murrumbidgee River Road.

Parliament votes for water Royal Commission after years of rural pressureIN SHORT• Independent MP Helen Dalton has secured a parliamentary vote supporting a Federal Royal Commission into water management, following years of calls from rural communities for transparency and accountability• The motion calls for full cooperation with compulsory production of all water modelling, data, licences and compliance records, formally acknowledging the harm caused to communities by current water policy• The vote puts pressure on Premier Chris Minns to act, after Parliament previously supported a Royal Commission in 2019 and a parliamentary committee recommended one in 2018Independent MP Helen Dalton has secured a formal parliamentary vote supporting a Federal Royal Commission into water management, following a successful Public Interest Debate.The motion, which passed after 40 minutes of debate, calls for immediate support for a Royal Commission with full cooperation and compulsory production of all modelling, data, licences, compliance records and intergovernmental agreements."This is a huge moment for rural communities as well as the rest of Australia," Mrs Dalton said."This Parliament has now voted to support a Royal Commission into water. That is not symbolic.""This means the Government must now act to achieve this Royal Commission and I will be putting as much pressure on Premier Chris Minns as I can in order to achieve this," Helen said.The motion formally acknowledges the social, economic and environmental harm caused by the current water management framework, harm that has been felt acutely in western NSW towns dependent on reliable river flows for agriculture and community survival."Only a Royal Commission will reveal how and why the management of our rivers systems has failed Australia for decades," Helen said.Mrs Dalton highlighted that calls for a Royal Commission are not new. Parliament debated and supported one in 2019, with current Premier Chris Minns among those who voted for it. A NSW parliamentary committee in 2018, including current senior Ministers, recommended a Royal Commission after hearing evidence from experts, irrigators and communities."We recognised the problem in 2018. We debated it in 2019. It was raised again in 2020," she said."Six years later, communities are still paying the price because governments have chosen not to act."The debate exposed concerns about flawed modelling, contested science, weak compliance and broken trust in Basin Plan implementation, issues that have direct implications for water allocations, environmental flows and the viability of irrigation-dependent communities in the lower Murray-Darling system."This is about truth," Mrs Dalton said. "We will never fix this problem, unless governments are honest about the problem.""When billions of dollars are spent and entire communities are devastated, people deserve to see the evidence. Governments must be open and honest if they want to win back the trust of voters on the issue off water,"Mrs Dalton said only a Royal Commission with full coercive powers could restore confidence, expose wrongdoing and deliver reform that puts communities, rivers and food production on a sustainable footing."If Governments have nothing to hide, they should not be afraid of a Royal Commission," Helen said.

PAWD Calls for Action on Silver City Highway CausewaysIn ShortRepeated Closures: Recent flash flooding and silt deposits at Black Oak and Treloar Creeks have effectively cut off communities north of Broken Hill.Safety Crisis: The Pastoralists' Association of West Darling (PAWD) warns that sealed road or not, residents are losing access to essential emergency services during rain events.Call to Action: PAWD is pressuring local MPs Jamie Chaffey and Roy Butler, along with Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison, to prioritise permanent engineering solutions for these specific causeways.The Pastoralists' Association of West Darling (PAWD) has called for action on Far West causeways that recently caused the closure of the Silver City Highway.When rain fell across the region last week caused flash flooding, and moved silt across the highway.PAWD took to their social media accounts to call on local politicians Jamie Chaffey and Roy Butler and NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison, to take action.“We don't wish to sound like a broken record, but something needs to be done about a handful of causeways on the Silver City Highway north of Broken Hill that silt up and cut the road every time it rains,” a PAWD spokesperson said. “These include Smiths Well Creek, Treloar Creek, Peak Hill Creek (near the Milparinka turnoff) and this one (pictured below) - Black Oak Creek. During wet weather everyone north of Broken Hill is completely cut off from emergency services, etc - and this shouldn't be the case with a sealed road.”The Pastoralists' Association of West Darling (PAWD) represents the interests of pastoralists in far west NSW.PAWD was established in 1907 and is based in Broken Hill.

New Era for NSW Aboriginal Land Council: Leadership Set for 2026In ShortLeadership Confirmed: Dr Raymond Kelly remains Chairperson, while Wiradjuri/Ngiyampaa woman Cr Leeanne Hampton is elected as the new Deputy Chairperson.Western Region Continuity: Outgoing Deputy Cr Ross Hampton remains the dedicated Councillor for the Western Region, continuing his focus on Balranald, Ivanhoe, and Wilcannia.Strategic Pivot: The Council is moving toward a "human rights approach," prioritizing land activation and culture-based outcomes for the 121 Local Aboriginal Land Councils.The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has formalised its leadership for 2026, re-electing its Chairperson and appointing a new Deputy Chairperson during the Council's first meeting of the year.The appointments come as the Council seeks to align its strategic direction with the future of land rights across the state, including the Western and Wiradjuri regions.Leadership ChangesDr Raymond Kelly, Councillor for the Sydney/Newcastle Region, was re-elected as Chairperson. Councillor Leeanne Hampton, representing the Wiradjuri Region, was elected as the new Deputy Chairperson. Both positions were uncontested.Cr Leeanne Hampton, a Wiradjuri/Ngiyampaa woman from West Wyalong, has served as a Councillor since 2019 and is a member of the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee.She succeeds Cr Ross Hampton, who chose not to stand for re-election to the Deputy role. Cr Ross Hampton will remain the Councillor for the Western Region, a position he has held since 2019. In this capacity, he continues to represent the interests of Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) across the far west, including those in Balranald, Ivanhoe, and Wilcannia.Regional and Strategic FocusThe leadership transition is reported by NSWALC to reflect a shift toward a rights-based approach to culture and heritage. The appointment of Cr Leeanne Hampton also aligns the peak body with a broader trend across the network, where 54 per cent of LALC Boards currently maintain a female-majority structure.Chairperson Dr Raymond Kelly stated that the network is at a "pivotal moment" and highlighted the ongoing work in land acquisition and activation."The Aboriginal Land Rights Network is at a pivotal moment in time. In recent years, we have taken deliberate, strategic steps to strengthen our organisation and the support we provide to Local Aboriginal Land Councils across New South Wales," Dr Kelly said."We are proud of the work we are undertaking across the Network and what it is doing to uphold our vision for Aboriginal Land Rights in this State - land acquisition and activation, building on the strengths of our communities, protecting and promoting our Culture and Heritage, and securing our futures"."We are bringing a human rights approach back to Land Rights and are committed to working with all levels of Government and our communities to have better outcome-based programs and services".Commitment to Community OutcomesThe incoming Deputy Chairperson, Cr Leeanne Hampton, expressed her commitment to the role and the pursuit of self-determination for Aboriginal people."I’m very honoured to be elected as NSWALC Deputy Chairperson by my fellow Councillors," said Cr Hampton. "NSWALC is building on strong foundations to secure a stronger, more self-determined future for Aboriginal people across New South Wales. I am deeply committed to this work and take on the responsibility of serving as Deputy Chairperson".The Council has indicated it will continue to advocate for the efficient processing of land claims and the delivery of services to the 121 Local Aboriginal Land Councils across the state.

Removing Barriers to Sorry Business: Travel Support for Aboriginal FamiliesIn ShortTravel Funding: Financial assistance is available for Aboriginal people in NSW traveling over 150km for Sorry Business.Early Application: Applicants must apply at least three days before travel to allow for processing.Local Support: Staff at the Central West Family Support Group are ready to help with paperwork in Lake Cargelligo and Condobolin.Financial barriers should never stand in the way of cultural obligations. For Aboriginal community members across the Back Country, the Aboriginal Funeral Transport Program is providing vital support to ensure families can attend funerals and Sorry Business, regardless of the distance.With local support workers stationed nearby in Lake Cargelligo and Condobolin, the program is designed to assist those who need to travel more than 150 kilometres from home to honour their loved ones.For First Nation people, attending Sorry Business is a deeply significant cultural practice. It is a time for mourning, ceremony, and honouring traditional customs. The service recognises that these obligations are essential for community healing and connection."Attending these ceremonies is an essential part of Aboriginal culture, allowing families and communities to grieve together, share stories, and honour the deceased," the program guidelines state.To ensure residents across the region can access this support, the Central West Family Support Group acts as a bridge, removing the stress of travel costs during an already difficult time.Where to Get HelpIf you need to travel, contact the nearest office as soon as possible:Condobolin Office: 6 Lachlan Street | Ph: 6895 2533Lake Cargelligo Office: 24A Foster Street | Ph: 6898 2195For more details on eligibility, visit the Transport for NSW website.

$5,000 Boost for Rural Nursing Students: Applications Now OpenIn ShortFinancial Support: A $5,000 incentive is available to cover travel and accommodation costs for Diploma of Nursing students.Rural Focus: The scholarship targets regional and remote students who face extra expenses during practical placements.Deadline: Applications for the Rural Travel Scholarship Incentive close on 2 April 2026.Aspiring nurses across the region have a new reason to pursue their qualifications. The Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) is offering a $5,000 scholarship specifically designed to ease the financial burden on rural students completing their Diploma of Nursing.For many in regional or remote communities, the cost of fuel, accommodation, and travel to reach practical placements can be a major roadblock. This incentive aims to level the playing field, ensuring that geography doesn't stand in the way of a local career in healthcare.In shires like Wilcannia,Hay and Balranald, where local hospitals and aged care facilities are the backbone of the community, attracting and retaining nursing staff is vital. By removing these financial barriers, the program encourages locals to train and remain in the bush. According to HETI, successful applicants will join a team "enriching health in millions of ways every day across New South Wales."This incentive is part of a broader commitment to regional health, with further opportunities available via the NSW Health Rural Scholarships portal.Apply Now: Detailed requirements and the application portal can be found at the HETI website

In ShortMajor Inundation: The Silver City Highway is affected by significant floodwaters near Fowler’s Gap, which recorded 66.2mm in just six hours on Sunday evening.Travel Warning: Motorists traveling from Hay, Balranald, and the Central Darling are urged to check road conditions via Live Traffic NSW; never drive through floodwaters.Arid Zone Alert: With annual rainfall typically under 200mm, dry creek beds are transforming into fast-flowing rivers, posing a major risk to isolated properties and travelers.Outback Deluge: Silver City Highway Flooded as Tropical Rain Batters Far WestSpectacular yet dangerous scenes have emerged from the far west of New South Wales as a humid tropical airmass has dumped significant rainfall across the region. The Silver City Highway near Fowler’s Gap Station is currently inundated, with rainfall totals across the district climbing as high as 118mm.The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has issued severe weather advice for flash flooding, specifically highlighting risks for communities in Tibooburra, Wanaaring, Louth, and Milparinka.While the Silver City Highway was recently fully sealed to improve flood immunity, the sheer volume of water has tested the new infrastructure's numerous floodways and low-level crossings.The Bureau of Meteorology warned that while daytime maximums remain high (30°C to 37°C), the risk of severe thunderstorms remains. These storms can bring damaging winds and large hail alongside intense bursts of rain.SES Reminder: Conditions in the outback change rapidly. If it's flooded, forget it. For emergency assistance, contact the NSW SES on 132 500. If life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

In Short:Strict Penalties: NSW landlords face up to one year in prison and fines of $165,000 for knowingly permitting illegal tobacco or vape sales on their property.Lease Termination: New powers allow landlords to bypass mediation and terminate leases immediately if a Closure Order is issued against a tenant.Organised Crime Link: The crackdown follows a surge in "earn or burn" extortion tactics and over 250 firebombings linked to illicit trade syndicates nationwide. Landlords warned: gaol time and $165k fines for illegal tobacco salesCommercial property owners are being put on notice; turning a blind eye to illegal tobacco and vape sales could now lead to a prison cell.New South Wales has joined a national crackdown on the illicit tobacco trade, introducing the Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Landlord Offences) Bill 2025. The laws target landlords who knowingly allow their premises to be used for criminal activity, rather than taking steps to evict non-compliant tenants.While the high-profile firebombings have largely occurred in metropolitan hubs, the supply chains for illicit tobacco often snake through regional hubs like Hay and Balranald. Local landlords, particularly those leasing to small convenience stores or mixed-retail outlets, now have a legal obligation to ensure their tenants hold a valid NSW Tobacco Licence.NSW Health Minister Ryan Park issued a reminder that the laws are designed to protect the community. "We know that the vast majority of landlords do the right thing, but those bad actors out there not only undermine legitimate business, they also expose communities to criminal activity," Mr Park said.Between January and October last year, NSW Health seized over 11.8 million cigarettes and $18.9 million worth of illegal goods. For property owners, the message is clear; due diligence is no longer optional.Under the new regime, if a shop is caught selling illegal vapes or tobacco, authorities can issue a Closure Order for up to 12 months.Key Change: Landlords can now terminate these leases with 28 days' written notice. Tenants under these orders lose their usual rights to mediation or compensation, protecting the landlord from protracted legal disputes.

AFP calls on school communities to combat rise in forced marriageIn ShortRising Reports: Forced marriage reports to the AFP jumped nearly 30 per cent last financial year, rising from 91 to 118 cases.Schools as Shield: Educators are uniquely positioned to spot ‘subtle’ behavioural changes in students at risk.It is a Crime: Forced marriage has been illegal in Australia since 2013; it differs from ‘arranged’ marriage as it involves coercion, threats, or a lack of legal age/consent.As school gates prepare to swing open across the state, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is urging local communities to stay vigilant against a quiet but growing crime, forced marriage.Data from the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) reveals that reports of forced marriage jumped nearly 30 per cent last financial year, rising from 91 cases in 2023-24 to 118 in 2024-25.While these figures may seem a world away from the quiet streets of the Far West, AFP Commander Human Exploitation Helen Schneider says the risk is very real and often hidden."It’s a crime people often assume doesn’t happen here in Australia. But it can and it does, it could be happening in your neighbourhood and your street," Commander Schneider said.In regional towns where everyone knows everyone, the proximity of teachers to their students is a major asset in identifying potential victims. Because local educators interact with students daily, they are often the first to notice the subtle shifts that signal a child might be in trouble."Because educators interact with their students day in and day out, they get to know them at a fundamental level," Commander Schneider said. "This uniquely positions them to identify any changes in behaviour that could seem incredibly subtle to an outsider."Forced marriage occurs when a person is married without freely and fully consenting due to coercion, threats, or deception. In Australia, the legal age for marriage is 18 (or 16 with court permission to marry an adult).Key indicators for community members to watch for include:Isolation: A sudden withdrawal from school friends or social circles.Monitoring: Students who appear constantly monitored by family members or have very limited privacy.Travel anxiety: Expressing fear or concern regarding upcoming family travel overseas.Family history: Older siblings who may have left school early to marry young.Commander Schneider noted that the crime is particularly difficult to police because it often involves family members. Victims may feel a sense of conflicting loyalty or fear retribution."People may not report this crime due to a lack of awareness of their rights, a distrust of law enforcement, and a fear of retribution, especially when the perpetrators are from their own communities or families," she said.The AFP continues to deploy Human Exploitation Community Officers (HECO) to engage with at-risk areas and schools, providing advice on rights and how to seek help safely.Commander Schneider emphasised that help is available for anyone, regardless of ethnicity or gender. "If you suspect you, or someone you know at school, is being forced, threatened, coerced or deceived into marriage, please do not hesitate to seek help."How to seek help:Immediate Danger: Call Triple Zero (000).Report Concerns: Call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP’s online human trafficking report.Support: Contact My Blue Sky or Life Without Barrier’s Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program.

The rally that wouldn't stop: A decade of dirt, dust, and $4.38 MillionIn Short:The 100% Rule: Unlike many charity events, every single dollar raised by participants goes directly to Country Hope, thanks to the organisers self-funding all logistics.A Decade of Impact: Over ten years, the rally has raised a staggering $4.38 million to provide financial and emotional support to regional families facing life-threatening childhood illnesses.Beyond the Drive: The event supports the towns it passes through, including an opening night auction that has raised an average of $10,000 to $12,000 for immediate local community needs.How Tammy and Gavin Gilbert turned a simple idea into $4.38 million for Country Hope, and why, ten years on, it's still going strong.It started with a conversation. Gavin Gilbert had been on a couple of car rallies, loved them, genuinely loved them, but something about the way they were set up nagged at him. He found out that most charity rallies didn't actually require 100 per cent of the money raised to go to the charity. Some only needed 51 per cent. The rest could go to costs, overheads, organisers.Gavin looked at that number and thought, why not just do it properly?So he and his wife Tammy sat down, did their research, and started looking at charities. A lot of the ones they looked at already received government funding. But one caught their eye, a local children's charity called Country Hope. They didn't get a cent of government funding. They were doing extraordinary work for some of the most vulnerable families in regional Australia. And they needed help.The first Riverina Outback Rally, or, as it was known back then, the Riverina Redneck Rally, raised $123,000. That was about half of Country Hope's entire budget at the time. Ten years and ten rallies later, the total sits at $4.38 million. And counting.Before you go any further with this story, you need to understand what Country Hope does. Because it's the reason everything else in this piece matters. Country Hope isn't just another children's charity. It doesn't just help the kid who's sick. It helps the whole family. When a child in regional Australia is diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening illness, the family doesn't just face the medical battle, they face the financial one too. The cost of getting to the hospital. The cost of staying near their child while treatment happens. The mortgage that still needs paying while a parent can't work. The phone bill. The groceries. All of it.Country Hope steps in and covers those things. And because they receive no government funding whatsoever, every single dollar they get comes from people like Tammy and Gavin, and the extraordinary mob of humans who get in a car every March and drive into the unknown for five days. "They don't just help the child who's sick," Tammy said. "They help the whole family. They pay for the mortgage, they pay for the phone bill, like those sort of things. I was like, right, we want to do something that's gonna be 100 per cent."And the need has only grown. COVID didn't just test the rally itself, it increased the demand for Country Hope's services. More families struggling. More kids needing help. Which makes what Tammy and Gavin have built even more critical.Here's how the rally works. Up to 80 cars line up. Teams of two. A mystery route that nobody knows until the morning of each day, and off you go. Five days. Around 2,500 kilometres. Dirt roads, corrugated tracks, dust, heat, the occasional breakdown, and somewhere in the middle of all of it, some of the best scenery this country has to offer. This year they're starting out of Wagga Wagga, which is where they finished in that very first rally, a nice full-circle moment for the tenth event, and finishing in Bendemere, near Armadale."It's a surprise every morning where we end up," Tammy said. "They get the map every morning that tells them where we're going. And I think that's half the fun of it as well."It's not a race. It's not about speed or who gets there first. It's about the drive, the adventure, the company, and the fact that every single kilometre being covered is putting money into the hands of families who desperately need it. The teams fundraise before they go, some scraping together the $3,000 minimum, others raising tens of thousands, and then once the rally starts, the focus shifts to the communities they roll through.There's an auction on the opening night. It raises an average of $10,000 to $12,000, and that money goes directly to whatever community they're starting in. But it's not a pre-planned thing. They decide on the night, based on what's actually needed. Last year, it went to a school for kids with disabilities. "We don't decide until that night where it's going," Tammy explained. "There's no promises or anything, because it depends on what's going on in the community. It might be a family. It might be a school."The auction itself is something to behold. People paying twenty dollars for a cup. A hundred dollars for a pair of underpants with someone's picture on them. Ridiculous, beautiful, completely over-the-top generosity that only happens when a room full of people decides that the cause is worth being silly for. "We're all standing here buying auction items, paying $20 for a cup, people paying $100 for a pair of underpants that's got a picture of someone on them," Tammy said, laughing. "And it all goes to help somebody else. It's amazing what can happen when you all get together."Throughout the week, the rally mob drops into the towns they pass through, books and toys to schools, a boost to the local economy as 80 cars worth of people hit the pubs and diners. It's not organised as a grand gesture. It just happens, naturally, because that's who these people are.You might have noticed the rally used to be called the Riverina Redneck Rally. It's a good name, fun, irreverent, very much in the spirit of the thing. But Tammy and Gavin changed it to the Riverina Outback Rally, and the reason is pretty telling. When people heard "Redneck Rally," some of them assumed it was just a bunch of blokes going for a drive in the sun. A lark. A weekend away. The name didn't quite communicate what it actually was, a serious, disciplined, beautifully organised fundraising operation that happened to also be an incredible adventure.That first meeting with Country Hope was interesting, Tammy admitted. "We used to be known as the Redneck Rally. Just, you know, you going out in the sun, that sort of stuff. So they weren't sure what to expect." But after that first rally raised $123,000, Country Hope knew exactly what they had. And the name change helped clarify things for everyone else.Here's the thing that sets the Riverina Outback Rally apart from almost every other charity event you've ever heard of. Tammy and Gavin do it themselves. They don't outsource it. They don't hand it off to an event management company and take a cut. They run it, the planning, the logistics, the sponsor chasing, the route planning, the everything, so that every single dollar raised goes straight to Country Hope. It's not a small amount of work. It's essentially eleven months of the year.The rally itself is in March. The minute they get back, Tammy and Gavin sit down and write everything down, what worked, what didn't, every conversation they had, every issue that came up. Then they switch off. No phones, no emails, nothing rally-related for about three weeks, except a bit of media stuff. Then they start again. Gavin works out the start and finish points. They contact councils. They get the sanction letter from Country Hope. Expressions of interest open around June so people have nine months to fundraise."We normally have straight away, you know, at least 60 (entrants)," Tammy said. "And then within a few weeks you've got 100. So then you accept them, and you'll always lose people. That's how it works. That's how life goes."You'll have the ones who fundraise straight away, teams with $28,000 or $29,000 raised and events still running six weeks out from the rally. And you'll have the ones who turn up on the weekend before, saying they've had this going on, that going on, haven't got a sponsor yet, money will be in by Sunday. Deadline's the deadline. "You always have those," Tammy said, with the weary fondness of someone who's seen it a hundred times. "But you'll always have the ones who fundraise straight away."Some teams are quiet during the event even though they've fundraised hard all year. Others are loud and present the whole time but struggled to scrape together the minimum. “You don't know what people have going on behind closed doors,” Tammy points out. “You just make space for all of it."Because we want 100 per cent to go to the charity, we do it ourselves," Tammy said simply. "And that's what makes it work." They have children. They have grandchildren. They have their own business. And yet, year after year, they keep doing it.No one does this alone, and Tammy is the first to say so. "I'm very lucky to have an amazing group of support crew and mates and things, people who just step up and make it happen," she said. U-Haul Australia has been on board for the last nine years. They supply all the trailers. They supply the vehicles. They put two of their guys on every single trailer. They even supply the food along the way, because U-Haul also owns Country Cookies in Donald, and those cookies have become a beloved part of the rally experience.Then there's Darren, who's gone above and beyond in ways that have nothing to do with the rally itself. He organised the artwork on the U-Haul trailers, pictures of small country pubs from all over the region. Little pubs that most of Australia has never heard of, immortalised on the side of a trailer as it rolls through the outback. It's a small thing, maybe. But for a tiny pub in the middle of nowhere, seeing your building up there on a trailer driving past thousands of people? That's something.It hasn't all been smooth. Tammy is honest about that. COVID was the biggest hurdle. Making the rally happen during a pandemic, keeping it going when so many community events around the country just folded, that took grit. When they couldn't run the rally itself, they improvised. They ran a tinny run from Darlington Point to Hay to raise enough money to keep the event alive for the following year. They didn't ask for grants. They didn't hold out their hand. They just found a way.Weather has thrown its own curveballs. Last year they were somewhere that hit 46 or 47 degrees the entire week they were there. Six days after they left, the same area flooded. Roads get blocked. Plans change on the fly. You go on the bitumen instead of the dirt. You reroute. You adapt. That's just how it is. "You'll get to a place and if the roads are blocked, you just have to go a different way," Tammy said. "You just gotta put things in place to make it happen."And here's the part that nobody really talks about enough, but that might actually be the most beautiful thing about the whole rally. The people who do this aren't all the same. They're not all from the same town, or the same background, or the same tax bracket. Some teams have fundraised $28,000 or $29,000 and still have events running. Others have struggled all year just to scrape together the minimum. Some people budget for months just to afford the week itself. Others barely blink at the cost. But on that road, none of that matters. Not really."The most amazing friendships have been formed from people who wouldn't have come into contact in normal everyday life," Tammy said, and there's a warmth in the way she says it that tells you she's seen it happen, again and again, right in front of her. People from all different walks of life, thrown together by a shared road and a shared purpose, finding each other in the dust and the heat and the chaos of five days on the move. Amazing families. Kids making mates. Whole families becoming friends. The kind of connections that start on a rally and last for years, long after the cars have stopped, long after the dust has settled."You don't know what goes on behind closed doors," Tammy said. "What people have got happening in their lives. But you put all lots of different people together, and it's amazing what can happen."When you ask Tammy where she sees the rally going, she's measured about it. Things change. Insurance changes. Communities change. The world changed in ways nobody predicted. But the core of it, the why of it, hasn't shifted an inch. "We're hoping it'll continue for quite a while," she said. "I'm hoping our kids take it on. But at this stage, they're not quite ready for that. So yeah, we just take it year by year."Year by year. That's how they've done it from the start. Not with a grand five-year plan or a corporate strategy. With a dream, a stubbornly generous couple, and a mob of incredible people who get in a car every March and drive into the unknown because someone, somewhere, needs them to. "This is his dream," Tammy said of Gavin, "and he's made it happen."She's being modest. They both made it happen. But you can hear the pride in her voice, the kind of pride that comes from watching someone you love do something that actually, genuinely, matters. $4.38 million. Ten rallies. Hundreds of families helped. And somewhere out there, right now, a team is still fundraising, still planning, still believing in the dream. Not bad for a bloke who just wanted 100 per cent to go to the charity.The Riverina Outback Rally raises funds for Country Hope, a family-centred support organisation for country children diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. For more information, visit riverinaoutbackrally.com.au

USU Demands Federal Funding Boost for NSW Local ChildcareIn ShortThe Funding Crisis: The USU reports that NSW councils have lost billions over the last decade due to "cost-shifting," forcing a choice between infrastructure and community services.Childcare at Risk: Not-for-profit council childcare is outperforming for-profit centers, yet lack of federal support is threatening the availability of quality care in regional areas and Western Sydney.The 1% Demand: The Union is calling for federal grants to be restored to 1% of Commonwealth tax revenue, alongside a federally funded apprenticeship scheme for every council.The United Services Union (USU) is calling on Senators and MPs to support a major funding boost for local councils to prevent further cuts to essential community services across the state. As the House of Representatives inquiry into local government sustainability concludes its submission phase, Branch Secretary, Graeme Kelly said workers in NSW are struggling to maintain infrastructure and services while dealing with the burden of rate pegging. "The local council is often the heart of our community," Mr. Kelly said. "But in New South Wales, for-profit Early Childhood Education Centre (ECEC) providers are more likely to fail minimum standards than not-for-profit providers like councils. “We need federal funding to prioritise local government ECEC, so families get the quality care they deserve."The union’s submission highlights that New South Wales councils have been hit by a loss of billions of dollars over the last decade thanks to cost-shifting. The USU is demanding that federal funding be tied to a commitment that councils protect good jobs with secure conditions. "We are seeing families in Western Sydney and regional New South Wales unable to find quality care because councils are being forced to choose between fixing roads and keeping childcare open," Mr. Kelly said."We need the federal government to support our calls for sustainable funding that recognises the value of council-run care".The USU is calling for federal government financial assistance grants to be returned to at least 1% of Commonwealth tax revenue and for a federally funded trainee and apprenticeship scheme where every council employs apprentices and trainees. "Working families in New South Wales are being held to ransom by a broken funding model," Mr. Kelly said."We are calling for a dedicated federal pipeline to help councils reclaim the early childhood sector, ensuring that every dollar of taxpayer funding goes toward child safety rather than shareholder dividends."