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."

“Metropolitan Disconnect”: Chaffey Warns Gun Reforms and Looming Drought Threaten Parkes ElectorateIn ShortLegislative Pushback: MP Jamie Chaffey has voted against new gun law and hate speech reforms, arguing they unfairly target law-abiding rural owners instead of addressing the root causes of violence.Drought Warning: Recent DPI data shows 45% of NSW is currently drought-affected, with conditions expected to intensify in Dubbo, Coonabarabran, and Wanaaring by March.Call for Action: Chaffey is criticising state and federal "silence" on the worsening season, demanding immediate acknowledgment and support for shires currently under water restrictions.NSW regions are facing a dual challenge as federal legislative shifts on firearm ownership collide with a worsening seasonal outlook across the Parkes electorate, according to Jamie Chaffey MP.The Member for Parkes has reaffirmed his commitment to local constituents following a turbulent period in Canberra, as the National and Liberal Parties grapple with leadership issues Mr Chaffey said with communities across regional NSW feeling the pressure of both regulatory changes and environmental shifts, the MP suggests that the disconnect between metropolitan policy and rural reality is widening.Standing Firm on Legislative ChangesRecent weeks have seen significant debate regarding hate speech legislation and gun law reforms. Mr Coulton said that the speed at which these amendments were brought to the floor left little room for thorough consultation with the rural communities they impact most.Explaining his decision to vote against the measures, Mr Coulton said:"Through many, many personal representations, phone calls, emails and letters, people in the Parkes electorate told me they were deeply concerned about the proposed changes to hate speech legislation and gun laws. I attended Parliament with the intention of making these concerns plain."He expressed concern that the new reforms could jeopardise the livelihoods of legitimate firearm owners in the region who already adhere to strict regulations. Addressing the broader context of national security and public safety, he added:"What happened at Bondi Beach was horrendous. But kicking out in haste at legitimate firearms owners and providers who are already following rigid regulations is not the way to deal with Islamic extremists. I will continue to fight these unfair reforms."Drought Spectres and Water ScarcityWhile legislative battles continue in the capital, the immediate threat for many landholders across regional NSW districts is the rapidly drying landscape.“At home in the Parkes electorate, people are again facing the spectre of drought,” Mr Chaffey said. “The last seasonal update for New South Wales released in December by the Department of Primary Industries showed 45% of the state was in a drought category. This included Bourke, White Cliffs, Broken Hill, Menindee and a number of other areas which were listed as ‘drought-affected (intensifying)’.” “It also noted the most likely outcome by the end of March this year is for drought conditions to increase in areas including Dubbo, Coonabarabran and Wanaaring.”“A number of shires across the electorate, such as Gunnedah, Lachlan, Bogan, Liverpool Plains, Cobar, Central Darling, Narrabri, Moree Plains, Narromine, Coonamble, Broken Hill, Parkes, Forbes and Walgett have introduced water restrictions to conserve water.”“There has been a conspicuous silence from both state and federal Labor Governments in acknowledging the dry conditions facing regional communities, and it is critical that this threat is not only acknowledged, but that action is taken to assist those who are struggling.”Available Support ServicesWith the memory of the "Millennial Drought" still fresh for many, residents are encouraged to monitor their wellbeing and seek financial or agricultural advice early.Drought Hub: droughthub.nsw.gov.auRural Financial Counselling Service: Professional planning and support.Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP): Mental health assistance for regional areas.Local Land Services: Support via the Drought Adoption Officer program.Community Resilience in the Wake of TragedyThe Member for Parkes also addressed the recent tragedy in Lake Cargelligo, where a violent attack claimed four lives. Mr Coulton joined the community in mourning, while also cautioning against using the event to justify stricter licensing for law-abiding owners."The man who allegedly committed this terrible act was not a licensed gun owner and abided by no existing gun laws. Again, the evil is not in the weapon, but in the person who holds it. More must be done to protect communities from domestic violence."

Justice over reputation: NSW moves to scrap ‘good character’ sentence discountsIn Short:Sentencing Shift: The NSW Government will introduce legislation to prevent offenders from using "good character" evidence to reduce sentences in domestic violence cases.Reducing Retraumatisation: The reform aims to stop victim-survivors from having to hear their abusers praised as "good people" in court, a practice that can downplay the harm caused.Rural Support Gap: While welcoming the law change, advocates warn that without urgent investment in regional housing and early intervention, many parents in the Back Country still face "impossible choices" between safety and homelessness.For communities across NSW including the Back Country this is a step toward a justice system that actually hears victim-survivors. But as Barnardos Australia points out, a law change doesn't fix the lack of safe housing or financial security in the bush.Victim-survivors across the regions may soon find the court process less gruelling, as the NSW Government prepares to scrap "good character" as a mitigating factor in domestic violence sentencing.Under the proposed changes, expected to be introduced this week, convicted offenders will be barred from relying on evidence of their previous good reputation to reduce their sentence. The move has been welcomed by Barnardos Australia as a vital step in creating a trauma-informed justice system.For many in the Back Country, where the social fabric is tight-knit and "reputation" often carries significant weight, the reform addresses a long-standing pain point for those seeking justice.Barnardos Program Manager Mark Hoare said the change recognises the emotional toll the current system takes on victim-survivors.“Victim-survivors should not have to sit through a sentence hearing and listen to the person who caused them harm being described as a ‘good person’. That can reinforce the idea that reputation matters more than violence,” Mr. Hoare said.The reform is also being hailed as a win for the region's youngest residents. Advocates argue that children are not just "witnesses" to domestic violence, but victim-survivors in their own right.“By downplaying harm with a ‘good character’ discount, that can send a confusing message to children who are also victim-survivors rather than focusing on the harm which has been caused,” Mr. Hoare said.While the legal shift is a positive milestone, local experts warn that for families in rural and remote communities is only one part of the battle. Barnardos Australia is urging the government to pair these reforms with a "relentless commitment" to early intervention and safe housing.Domestic and family violence remains the leading cause of people seeking homelessness support. In regional areas where rental markets are tight and crisis accommodation is scarce, the choice to leave an unsafe environment is often fraught with risk.“Too many parents are forced to make impossible choices because leaving an unsafe situation could mean facing insecure housing or homelessness. People shouldn’t be faced with that choice,” Mr. Hoare said.Barnardos is calling for urgent investment in services designed to keep families safe and prevent them from spiralling into poverty, which can have life-long effects for children in our communities.

Life-saving skills for Hay families: Infant First Aid workshop announcedIn Short:Essential Skills: The two-hour course covers critical emergency responses including DRSABCD, choking, drowning, seizures, asthma, and anaphylaxis.Subsidised Access: To support local families, Intereach is offering the training for a low $20 fee.Local Event: The workshop will be held at Intereach in Hay on Wednesday, 4th March 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.For parents and caregivers in our remote communities, the distance to emergency services means that basic first aid knowledge is more than just a skill—it is a necessity.Intereach has announced it will host a subsidised 'Introduction to Infant First Aid' workshop in Hay this March, designed to give local families the confidence to handle high-pressure medical emergencies involving young children.The two-hour session will provide hands-on guidance on the DRSABCD emergency protocol, as well as specific responses for choking, drowning, and seizures. With regional families often facing unique environmental risks, the course also covers critical management of asthma and anaphylaxis.Intereach is subsidising the cost of the training through its Family and Mental Health Services, allowing residents to attend for a flat $20 cash fee on the day.The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, 4th March 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Intereach office located at 173-177 Lachlan Street, Hay.Local families are encouraged to act quickly to secure a spot. Registration and further information can be obtained by contacting Deidre McCalman of the Intereach Families Team on 1300 488 226 or via email at [email protected].

‘Dismissive and out of touch’: Minister slammed over Euston health gapIn Short:Failed Response: Mayor Louie Zaffina has labelled the NSW Health Minister’s response to parliamentary questions about Euston’s health services as "unacceptable" and "fundamentally inadequate".Access Denied: Council argues that pointing residents to distant towns like Broken Hill ignores the reality of reduced cross-border access to Victorian services.Demands for Action: The Council is calling for an immediate feasibility assessment for a multi-purpose health facility in Euston and funded community transport solutions.The fight for equitable healthcare in the State’s far west has escalated, with Balranald Shire Council Mayor Louie Zaffina launching a scathing attack on the NSW Minister for Health over the lack of services in Euston.The Mayor’s comments follow a response to questions raised in Parliament by Member for Murray, Helen Dalton MP, which Mr. Zaffina described as "unacceptable, dismissive and fundamentally inadequate".For the communities of Balranald, Hay, Carrathool, and Central Darling, where distance is the greatest barrier to care, the Mayor’s frustration strikes a chord. He argues that the government is failing to account for the unique challenges faced by those living on the fringe of two state systems."The Minister's response offers absolutely nothing new to the people of Euston," Mayor Zaffina said. "It simply lists the same services residents have been forced to rely on, while completely ignoring the reality that cross-border access has been reduced and, in some cases, effectively removed".A major point of contention is the government’s suggestion that residents simply travel to other regional hubs for treatment."Pointing residents to Buronga, Balranald or Broken Hill is not a solution. It is a deflection," Mayor Zaffina said. "We are talking about elderly residents, people with chronic illness, families with limited transport options, and a community that already sits on the fringe of two state systems".The Mayor further criticised the reliance on the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Scheme (IPTAAS), stating that "telling people they can access [the scheme] is not health service delivery; it is an admission that the system is failing them".According to the Council, three critical questions posed by Helen Dalton MP regarding additional support, extra transport funding, and the assessment of a multi-purpose health facility all appear to have been answered with a "no"."The people of Euston deserve more than recycled talking points," Mayor Zaffina said. "They deserve action, accountability, and a health system that recognises they exist".Balranald Shire Council is now calling on the NSW Government to immediately commit to a formal feasibility assessment for a multi-purpose health facility in Euston, funded community transport solutions specific to the town’s needs, and practical interim measures to address the gap created by reduced cross-border access.Council has confirmed it will continue to work alongside Helen Dalton MP to advocate for the community until meaningful outcomes are delivered.

Your River, Your Future: The Fight to Save the Murray-Darling Basin Starts NowIn ShortA Decade of Change: The MDBA has released a major Discussion Paper to guide water management for the next 10 years, focusing on climate resilience rather than changing water extraction limits.Critical Challenges: While 20% of water has been recovered for the environment, the review targets urgent issues like drought, aging infrastructure, and declining native fish populations.Your Voice Matters: A 12-week consultation period is now open. Communities, farmers, and First Nations groups have until May 1, 2026, to influence the final recommendations.The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has officially launched a major review of the Basin Plan, releasing a comprehensive Discussion Paper that will chart the course for water management over the next ten years.Released on February 5, the MDBA says the Discussion Paper serves as a "foundation for dialogue," inviting farmers, town residents, and First Nations groups to weigh in on how to balance the needs of the environment with the survival of regional industries.MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville emphasized that while the Plan has delivered real benefits—including the recovery of 20% of the Basin’s consumptive water for the environment—the challenges ahead are growing."The Basin Plan has delivered real benefits, and we are starting to see improvements in some of the Basin's most important rivers and wetlands," Mr. McConville said. "But the evidence is also clear that climate change, ageing infrastructure, disconnected floodplains, declining native fish and poor water quality mean we need to do some things differently".A Changing ClimateA central theme of the review is the underlying drying trend facing the region. The MDBA notes that hotter temperatures and more extreme events, such as the 2017–2019 "Tinderbox drought," are the new reality.The Authority is not currently proposing changes to the Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) - the maximum amount of water that can be extracted - but said it is instead focusing on how to build system resilience. According to The Authority, this includes exploring better ways to manage water during dry times and ensuring critical human water needs are met during extreme events.Local Concerns and Native FishFor many, the health of the river is best measured by what’s beneath the surface. The Discussion Paper acknowledges a long-term decline in native fish and proposes new options for fish-friendly infrastructure and better habitat restoration.Furthermore, the MDBA is seeking to move First Nations involvement to what they describe as "beyond consultation to genuine participation" in water planning and management.Have Your SayThe MDBA is now entering a 12-week extensive consultation period, with the Authority planning to travel throughout the Basin to listen to lived experiences."Nothing in the Review is yet settled, and we want to have a genuine conversation with communities," the MDBA stated.The feedback received will directly inform the final Review Report recommendations due to the Commonwealth Government by the end of 2026.Key Dates & Information:Submissions Open: Now.Submissions Close: 5:00 pm AEST, 1 May 2026.How to participate: Visit www.getinvolved.mdba.gov.au/2026basinplanreview or call 1800 230 067.

In Short:Federal government's $25 billion hospital funding deal announced 31 January includes $8.6 billion for NSW regional health, but distribution to remote areas like Hay, Balranald and the Far West remains unclear with no detail on how money will reach smallest hospitals.Independent MPs Roy Butler and Helen Dalton are fighting to split massive health districts, arguing 20 year old amalgamations have failed rural communities, with parliamentary inquiries underway and findings expected late 2025 or early 2026.Rural Australians die up to 13 years earlier than city residents, with an $8.35 billion funding gap between rural and urban health spending, while GP shortages and hospital service closures continue to erode local healthcare access.When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stood before the cameras on 31 January to announce a $25 billion boost for public hospitals, the figure was staggering enough to make headlines across the country. Triple the funding of the previous agreement. More than $219 billion over five years. The kind of money that should, in theory, fix everything.But if you're in Hay waiting weeks to see a GP, or driving from Balranald to Griffith for basic specialist care, or watching services disappear from your local hospital, you might be forgiven for wondering: what does this actually mean for us?The question has become especially urgent as regional MPs push for radical change. Just weeks before the funding announcement, Member for Barwon Roy Butler introduced a private member's bill to split the Hunter New England Local Health District. "Two decades after the amalgamation that formed the Hunter New England Local Health District, it is clear it is a failed experiment in having a metropolitan based administration run medical services in rural and remote areas," Butler told NSW Parliament on 20 February 2025.Helen Dalton, the Independent Member for Murray which covers Hay and Balranald, has been fighting a parallel battle to split the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, with her bill also referred to parliamentary inquiry. During Regional Health Minister Ryan Park's visit to her electorate, Dalton didn't mince words: "We have had to sit back and watch our health services erode away to the point where our life expectancy is five years less than our mates in the city. It just not good enough."Their message from the local members is clear: throwing money at a broken system won't fix it if the system itself is fundamentally flawed.Around seven million Australians live in rural and remote areas, that's more than a quarter of the population. In NSW alone, nine local health districts serve regional and rural communities. For residents of Hay, Balranald, Carrathool and the Central Darling, healthcare means navigating the vast distances and limited services of the Far West and Murrumbidgee health districts.The 2025 Rural Health in Australia Snapshot painted a stark picture: men in rural areas die up to 13.6 years earlier than those in cities, women up to 12.7 years earlier. Nearly 18,500 people nationwide live without access to essential primary healthcare services within an hour's drive. In remote areas like the Central Darling, that hour's drive might not even get you to the nearest town with a hospital.The National Rural Health Alliance's analysis revealed an $8.35 billion funding shortfall between rural and urban health spending in 2023-24, about $1,090 less per person, per year. And that gap has widened by $1.8 billion since 2020-21.These aren't just statistics. They're real people in our communities who can't get their chest pain checked because the nearest GP isn't taking new patients. They're elderly residents waiting six weeks for a follow up appointment after hospital discharge when doctors recommended five days. They're young families driving hours for prenatal care because local hospitals no longer offer maternity services.The $25 billion federal commitment, matched by state contributions, will see NSW receive $8.6 billion for regional health in 2025-26, a 4.1% increase on the previous year. An additional $3.5 billion over four years has been earmarked for regional and rural health infrastructure, including projects in Dubbo, Forbes, and Maitland.The deal includes $2 billion specifically to help manage elderly patients stuck in hospitals waiting for aged care beds, a problem that clogs emergency departments and surgical wards in both city and country hospitals. There's also the Thriving Kids program, aiming to ease pressure on the National Disability Insurance Scheme by providing early intervention support.But here's where optimism meets reality. The Australian Medical Association, while welcoming the announcement, cautioned that "the new deal alone will not be enough to stem the decline in hospital performance without further reform." Their modelling suggests that even with this injection of funds, patients will still wait too long for emergency and essential surgery.The funding announcement doesn't specify how much will flow to the smallest rural and remote hospitals versus metropolitan facilities or larger regional centres. It doesn't explain how hospitals in places like Hay, Balranald or Wilcannia will be protected from closure or downgrading. It doesn't address whether states will reach the agreed upon Commonwealth funding share of 42.5% by 2030 or whether growth caps will be removed.While federal and state governments negotiated dollars, Butler and Dalton were fighting a different battle: restructuring how rural health is actually governed.On 20 February 2025, Butler stood in NSW Parliament and delivered a blunt assessment of the Hunter New England amalgamation. His bill to split the district gained immediate traction. The chamber was packed with regional MPs, "a rare sight," as Butler noted. Within weeks, it was referred to the Committee on Community Services for inquiry, with support from Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson, Northern Tablelands MP Brendan Moylan, and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin.The catalyst? Wee Waa Hospital. The closure of services there became a symbol of what happens when a massive health bureaucracy tries to manage dozens of rural communities from a metropolitan base. Butler's argument was simple: let country communities look after their own.In February 2025, Dalton introduced the Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District) Bill. Her proposal would divide the sprawling MLHD into two districts, allowing more localised, responsive care. The Murrumbidgee district currently stretches from the Riverina through to areas including Hay, covering vast distances and diverse communities with vastly different needs.The Murrumbidgee Local Health District opposed the split, arguing it would cost more, deliver less, and fragment the workforce. But Dalton, who won the 2025 Uniting Political Courage Award for her advocacy on rural health and gambling reform, wasn't backing down.Regional Health Minister Ryan Park welcomed the inquiries but stopped short of supporting the splits. "I don't think dismantling the health district is the best way," he said. "The current model has advantages of funding and efficiency and importantly, access to specialist care and services. I am concerned splitting the authority in two would be detrimental to regional communities and risk exacerbating staffing challenges."It's a familiar tension: centralisation promises efficiency and resource sharing; decentralisation promises local accountability and responsiveness. The inquiries will test which matters more to communities watching their hospitals decline.Dr Lexi Campbell, speaking about the Rural Health Snapshot's release, captured the problem with brutal clarity: "Patients leaving hospital inform me they won't get into their GP for six weeks. Ideally, I'd like them to be seen by another doctor within five days."The shortage of general practitioners in rural areas has reached crisis levels. Medicare data from 2023-24 shows that GP visit rates are lowest in remote communities. When people can't access preventative care, they end up sicker, requiring more intensive and expensive hospital interventions.This is where the funding announcement becomes frustratingly vague. How will the money address the GP shortage, which is fundamentally a federal responsibility? How will it prevent the ongoing erosion of services in smaller hospitals? How will it stop the centralisation of care that sees communities left behind?A 2024 review of NSW's Small Rural Hospitals Funding Model found that more than 100 small public hospitals across seven regional local health districts face "growing financial challenges due to rising costs of providing healthcare and declining rural and remote populations." The review delivered nine recommendations, but implementation requires both money and political will.There are bright spots worth celebrating. The NSW Government's Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme offers up to $20,000 in financial packages for health workers relocating to hard to fill positions in remote areas. Midwives moving from metro NSW or interstate receive a $20,000 sign on bonus.The Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway is training doctors specifically for regional work, keeping them employed by a regional Local Health District for up to four years while they complete training in both general practice and hospital settings. This addresses the old problem of doctors ping ponging between employers, creating instability for both workers and communities.The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme helps people who must travel more than 100 kilometres one way for specialist treatment, easing the financial burden of distance. For Hay residents travelling to Griffith, Wagga Wagga or further afield, this assistance can make the difference between getting treatment and going without.And there are innovations happening on the ground. Hospital in the Home programs are expanding, allowing patients to receive hospital level care at home, particularly valuable for elderly rural residents who would otherwise need to travel or relocate for treatment.But for every solution, there are a dozen unanswered questions. Peter Breadon from the Grattan Institute pointed out that details on how the new deal will actually shift stranded patients out of hospitals and into appropriate care remain "scant." There's no clear reform agenda to deal with ever rising costs or the mounting demands on the system.Most critically, it doesn't solve the workforce crisis. You can pour billions into hospital infrastructure, but if there aren't enough doctors, nurses, allied health workers, or specialists willing to work in rural areas, those shiny new facilities will stand half empty, and patients will still drive hours for care.The convergence of federal funding and structural reform creates a rare moment of possibility and peril. On one hand, there's $25 billion in new federal money flowing to states, with NSW receiving $8.6 billion for regional health in 2025-26. On the other, there are parliamentary inquiries examining whether the very structure of rural health governance needs to be dismantled and rebuilt.Butler put it plainly when he spoke about the increasing number of regional independents and crossbenchers: with more regional MPs now holding the balance of power, government must "really start paying attention to this issue to counter the disparity between rural and metropolitan health."He's right that pressure is mounting. Rural voices are getting louder. The evidence is stacking higher. The inequity is becoming impossible to ignore.But attention isn't the same as action, and action isn't the same as transformation.The inquiries into splitting the Hunter New England and Murrumbidgee health districts are expected to deliver findings in early 2026. The federal funding starts flowing in July 2026. Somewhere in the intersection of these timelines, rural NSW will discover whether this moment leads to genuine change or just another headline.Will the $25 billion be distributed equitably, or will it flow disproportionately to larger regional centres? Will the district split proposals reveal a path forward, or confirm the status quo? Will workforce incentives be enough to attract and retain the doctors and nurses rural communities desperately need? Will small hospitals in Hay, Balranald, and across the Far West be protected, or will they continue to lose services year by year?Will someone in a remote town be able to get the care they need, when they need it, without driving for hours or waiting for weeks?These are the questions that matter. And until they're answered, not with promises, but with real, measurable change, rural Australians will continue to wait, to travel, and to die younger than they should.The money is there now. The inquiries are underway. Regional MPs are pushing harder than ever. What we do with this convergence of opportunities will write the next chapter of rural health in NSW.

From the Dark Web to Your Living Room: AFP Agent Shares Vital Cyber Safety SecretsIn ShortElite Expertise: AFP Agent Amy Phelps, a specialist in darknet and international cyber intrusions, will lead the session.Family First: The webinar focuses on practical parental controls and safety for children across social media and gaming platforms.Open Access: Hosted by the Hay Women’s Network, the event is free and open to all rural women this Monday evening.The Hay Women's Network is set to host its most topical webinar to date on Monday evening, covering internet security and safety with Australian Federal Police Agent, Amy Phelps.The free webinar will cover information about online safety for adults and children, including: - Privacy and identification - Online gaming/social media for children and teens - Parental control options - Practical tips - Insights from a career in cyber crimeIn a world where children are online more frequently, often on platforms unfamiliar to parents, the more we know the better, says HWN Founder Bec Bunyan.“The guest for this webinar, Amy, is actually a school friend of mine and her stories of a career in cyber crime have fascinated me for years, as I know they will for others too,’' she said.Amy's work has included leading national and international investigations into darknet markets, cyber threat actors, and large-scale computer intrusions. Amy has also guided the AFP’s approach to dark web investigations and delivered training to law enforcement agencies across Australia and internationally.“You couldn't get a more qualified guest for this webinar. We're lucky to be hosting Amy and I encourage everyone to join and hear some really valuable information,” Bec said.Interested rural women can receive updates by following Hay Women’s Network on Facebook, where a link to the online webinar will be shared when available.

State-Wide Manhunt: Critical Incident Declared as Hunt for Julian Ingram Intensifies in Far WestIn Short• Critical Incident Declared: NSW Police have launched a formal investigation into the police handling and history of the case as the search for 37-year-old Julian Ingram scales up.• Focus on Mount Hope: Intelligence suggests Ingram was near a property 3km south of Mount Hope on the Kidman Way between January 24 and 25.• Specialist Deployment: Tactical Operations, Drone units, and the ADF are currently concentrated in the Hay, Balranald, and Central Darling shires.NSW Police have formally commenced a critical incident investigation as the manhunt for 37-year-old Julian Ingram enters a high-priority phase across the state’s west. In New South Wales, a Critical Incident Investigation is a formal, high-stakes process triggered when a police operation results in death or serious injury. Its primary purpose is to ensure accountability by determining if the officers involved acted lawfully and followed the strict framework of NSW legislation and internal police policies.The investigation is governed by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission Act 2016 (specifically Section 113) and the NSW Police Force Critical Incident Guidelines.The investigation is not just a "review"; it is a comprehensive inquiry led by a Senior Critical Incident Investigator from a different command to ensure independence. It must evaluate:Lawfulness and Reasonableness: Were the officers’ actions legal under the Crimes Act 1900 or Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (LEPRA)? Was the force used "proportionate"?Compliance with Policy: Did the officers follow the NSW Police Handbook or specific standard operating procedures (e.g., Safe Driving Policy)?Procedural Integrity: The investigation itself must follow strict protocols, such as mandatory alcohol and drug testing of involved officers within two hours of the incident.Systemic Issues: Does the incident reveal a need for better training, equipment changes, or updated policies?The investigation ends with a formal report. If the investigation finds that legislation or policy was breached, it can lead to criminal charges against officers, disciplinary action (under Section 173 or 181D of the Police Act 1990), or systemic reform (changes to how all police officers in NSW are trained or equipped or act).The development comes as specialist teams intensify their presence in areas surrounding Lake Cargelligo and the Kidman Way, directly impacting rural communities throughout the Hay, Balranald, Carrathool, and Central Darling shires.The investigation, operating under Strike Force Doberta, follows the alleged shooting last month in Lake Cargelligo that claimed the lives of a 25-year-old pregnant woman, a 32-year-old man, and a 50-year-old woman. A 19-year-old man also sustained serious injuries during the incident.Internal Scrutiny and Domestic Violence ReviewThe declaration of a critical incident investigation is a procedural step designed to ensure that all NSW Police actions adhered strictly to legislation and internal policy. Beyond the search itself, investigators are now tasked with a comprehensive review of the suspect's history."Investigators will also examine the full domestic violence history of the alleged suspect and his access to firearms," a police spokesperson stated.The inquiry is being led by a critical incident team from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad. To ensure transparency, the process is subject to independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.Police have identified a specific window of interest near Mount Hope, a key transit point for those travelling between Hillston, Cobar, and Hay.Intelligence suggests that Julian Ingram - who also uses the name Julian Pierpoint - may have been at a rural property approximately 3km south of Mount Hope on the Kidman Way between the evening of Saturday, 24 January, and Sunday, 25 January 2026.Specialist resources currently deployed in the region include:Tactical Operations Units and Regional Support teams.Rescue and Bomb Disposal units providing search coordination and drone piloting.Rural Crime investigators working alongside Central West Police District officers.NSW Police have reiterated that locating Ingram remains their primary focus and have urged the public to remain vigilant but rely on official channels for updates."Police wish to reassure the community that locating Julian Ingram remains a priority, as officers continue to investigate under Strike Force Doberta with intelligence-led policing at the forefront," the statement continued.Authorities have expressed gratitude for the logistical support provided by the Rural Fire Service (RFS), the Rapid Relief Team, and the Australian Defence Force during the ongoing operation.Public Notice:Immediate Danger: If you witness suspicious activity or fear for your safety, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.Non-Emergency Information: Contact 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Confidentiality: Information provided to Crime Stoppers is managed confidentially. The public is reminded not to report sightings or tips via NSW Police social media pages.

By Michelle Gratton - Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraThe Great Divide: Littleproud and Ley’s Failed Peace Talks Push Coalition to the BrinkIn ShortNegotiations Stall: Face-to-face talks between Liberal Leader Sussan Ley and Nationals Leader David Littleproud have failed to resolve the "untenable" split between the two parties.Parliamentary Separation: For the first time in decades, the Liberals and Nationals will sit on separate benches when Federal Parliament returns this week, signaling a formal breakdown in the alliance.Leadership Under Fire: While Ley attempts to maintain a united front against internal rivals like Angus Taylor, the Nationals are standing firm on their policy independence, leaving the Coalition's future uncertain.Nationals leader David Littleproud easily saw off a token move to spill the party leadership on Monday. But he is now under immense pressure to reach a deal with Liberal leader Sussan Ley to put the Coalition together again.Ley and Littleproud met on Monday evening. No agreement was reached but both sides described the discussion as “constructive” and said talks would continue.Earlier Liberal frontbencher Dan Tehan flagged reunification as a top priority, proposing codifying the arrangements for future behaviour, with a mechanism to resolve disputes.Littleproud split the Coalition after Ley sacked three Nationals frontbenchers who crossed the floor on the hate legislation, breaking shadow cabinet solidarity. Nationals sources said reinstating the three was a condition of a deal.Ley’s numbers man, frontbencher Alex Hawke, delivered a strong call for Littleproud to return his party into a coalition with the Liberals.Hawke told Sky: “We are urging him not to break the Coalition, because it will be the biggest own goal. It will be bigger, or as big, as the DLP split in the Labor Party [in the 1950s]."If there’s any chance or prospect of turning away from this [divided] course, David Littleproud needs to turn away from scoring the biggest own goal of all time in the centre-right of Australian politics.”The unsuccessful spill motion at the Nationals meeting came from backbencher Colin Boyce, a strong critic of how Littleproud handled events leading to the Coalition’s split that happened less than a fortnight ago. Boyce knew his motion would not succeed but wanted to make a point.The meeting carried a motion moved by Victorian MP Darren Chester, to authorise the Nationals leadership team “to negotiate in good faith” and urgently with the Liberals’ leadership to re-establish “a Coalition for the duration of the 48th Federal Parliament”.Chester said later, “After a very constructive discussion my motion was overwhelmingly supported because it’s in the best interests of the nation for the Coalition to reform and hold this government to account. I hope the negotiations are successful.”A deal would strengthen Ley’s position in the short term against defence spokesman Angus Taylor, undermining any argument he might mount that only a change of leadership could reunite the Coalition.Littleproud initially said his shadow ministers – who all quit after the three were sacked – could not serve in a Ley shadow ministry.Hawke dismissed this as “a moment of anger. I haven’t heard him repeat that claim.”Not all Liberals are anxious for a quick rapprochement, some believing the party can better appeal to inner city voters if not tied to the Nationals.The pressure on Littleproud to re-form the Coalition has been increased by a Redbridge poll in the Australian Financial Review showing One Nation polling 26%, well ahead of the Liberals and Nationals combined on 19%.One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce on Monday flagged the party would announce on Tuesday a high profile recruit defecting from another party.If the Coalition re-forms this would be the second time since the election. The post-election split was also brief.This story was originally published by The Conversation

Landmark Land Handover: Nari Nari Tribal Council Takes Stewardship of The Great CumbungIn Short• Historic Handover: The Nature Conservancy Australia has officially transferred 16,000 hectares of The Great Cumbung wetlands to the Nari Nari Tribal Council (NNTC).• Environmental Protection: The deal includes a commitment to seek Ramsar listing, recognising the site as a wetland of international importance for its 130+ bird species.• Unified Management: The acquisition sees NNTC now manage a continuous corridor of land alongside the existing Gayini and Toogimbie Indigenous Protected Areas.The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC) has announced the finalised sale of The Great Cumbung Swamp to the Nari Nari Tribal Council (NNTC).The deal, settled after a competitive bidding process, sees the ownership of one of south-west NSW's most ecologically vital wetlands transfer to a local, Indigenous-led organisation.Details of the sale remain undisclosed however in TNC and Tiverton Agriculture originally purchased the Great Cumbung for approximately $55 million in 2019The Great Cumbung covers 16,000 hectares of Lachlan River wetlands, and part of the former cattle properties of Boyong and Juanbung, north of Hay.Located at the bottom end of the Lachlan River, it provides a crucial link between the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee systems.According to TNC the health of these wetlands and riverine forests is directly tied to the broader catchment health that sustains local agriculture and community water security.The site is a haven for biodiversity, supporting over 130 bird species.TNC says under the new ownership, the protection of this habitat will be formalised; The agreement includes a proposed permanent protection covenant and a commitment to seek Ramsar listing, which would recognise the site as a wetland of international importance.Image: DCCEEWTNC says the transition is s a natural progression for the NNTC, which already manages the adjoining Gayini and Toogimbie Indigenous Protected Area."Congratulations to NNTC on this great achievement," TNC Australia Country Director, Lara Gallagher said."It builds on their excellent conservation results achieved at the adjoining Gayini Conservation Area and the Toogimbie Indigenous Protected Area.""NNTC are exceptional conservation land managers who share TNC’s vision for long‑term conservation outcomes."We are pleased that the agreement includes proposed permanent protection of the wetland through a 16,000‑hectare covenant, along with a commitment to seek Ramsar listing as a wetland of international importance."NNTC says the acquisition is as much about the future as it is about the past.Jamie Woods, Chair of NNTC, said the management of the Great Cumbung will be guided by cultural knowledge to ensure the landscape’s restoration."Nari Nari is deeply grateful to TNC and all our partners who have supported this acquisition, helping to secure the long‑term protection of critically endangered ecosystems at a landscape scale.""We honour the contributions of our Ancestors and Elders whose deep knowledge and care for Country continue to guide efforts to restore and protect The Great Cumbung."This milestone strengthens our stewardship of this landscape and supports ongoing culturally-led conservation for future generations."Our approach will ensure the ecological health, biodiversity protection, and landscape‑scale restoration outcomes that this unique environment requires."

Have Your Say: New Rules Proposed for Our Rivers, Lakes, and Swimming SpotsIn Short• Focus on Forever Chemicals: For the first time, PFAS monitoring is being fully integrated into national recreational water standards.• Water Quality Only: The new draft removes advice on land-based risks (like snake bites and sunburn) to focus strictly on microbes and toxins.• Localised Control: Local councils will receive new tools and biomass triggers to decide more accurately when to close swimming spots.The way Australia’s local swimming spots are monitored is set for a major overhaul.The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has officially opened public consultation on the draft Australian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines. If adopted, these new standards will replace the previous 2008 framework, including threats like PFAS forever chemicals, while stripping away advice on non-water hazards like snake bites and sunburn.What’s changing?For regional communities where the local river or lake is at the heart of summer recreation, the draft guidelines herald a preventive risk management approach.Key updates in the draft include:Tougher Chemical Monitoring: For the first time, guidance on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is being fully integrated into the national water standards. This follows growing concern over legacy contamination in regional waterways.Algal Bloom Alerts: The framework for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) has been revised. New alert levels and biomass triggers are proposed to help councils decide more accurately when a No Swimming sign needs to go up.A Water-Only Focus: In this review, the NHMRC is moving away from a general safety model. Previous versions included advice on drowning, heat stroke, and dangerous animals. The new draft removes these, focusing strictly on water quality (microbes, chemicals, and toxins)Microbial Risks: Updated advice on faecal indicator bacteria aims to better predict when water might cause gastrointestinal illness, particularly after the heavy rain events that often wash runoff into our river systems.Why it matters to usAcross the Back Country region, relationships with water are complex. Whether it’s the cultural importance of water for First Nations communities or the simple necessity of a cool dip during a 45-degree January heatwave, the safety of these sites is important.The NHMRC states that the new guidelines are designed to be risk-based rather than one-size-fits-all. This means local authorities will have more specific tools to manage unique local hazards, such as agricultural runoff or specific chemical risks, rather than relying on outdated national averages.Have your sayThe NHMRC is calling on everyone who uses or manages recreational water to provide feedback. How to participate:Closing Date: Submissions must be in by Friday, 27 February 2026.Where to read the draft: The full document and feedback forms are available at the NHMRC Consultation Hub.The final guidelines are expected to be published in late 2026. Until then, the 2008 rules remain in place. 

Leading psychologist Tim Watson-Munro warns Lake Cargelligo shooter Julian Ingram is "highly dangerous"In Short• The Assessment: Criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro labels fugitive Julian Ingram a "narcissistic psychopath" who may attempt "suicide by cop" to avoid a life sentence.• The Hunt: The manhunt for Ingram has shifted toward the Mount Hope area after the January 22nd quadruple shooting in Lake Cargelligo that claimed four lives, including an unborn child.• The Systemic Failure: The tragedy has sparked a national outcry over AVO effectiveness, with advocates demanding a "disclosure scheme" to allow partners to check violent criminal histories.Leading criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro has provided a chilling assessment of the fugitive Julian Ingram (also known as Pierpont-Ingram) mindset, describing him as a “narcissistic psychopath.”Ingram remains on the run, and is wanted for the murders of his 25-year-old ex-partner, Sophie Quinn, her unborn child, 32-year-old John Harris, and 49-year-old Nerida Quinn. A fourth victim, 19-year-old Kaleb Macqueen, was also shot and seriously wounded.The shooting took place on the afternoon of Thursday, January 22, 2026, in the town of Lake Cargelligo. The incident began at approximately 4:20 PM on Bokhara Street, where Sophie Quinn and John Harris were fatally shot while sitting in a vehicle. The violence continued minutes later at a second location on Walker Street, where Nerida Quinn was killed and Kaleb Macqueen was critically injured. Following the attacks, the suspect, Julian Ingram, was reportedly seen fleeing the town in a white Ford Ranger utility vehicle, sparking a massive manhunt that has since extended into the nearby Mount Hope area.“What keeps him going is the narcissism; not wanting to confront the reality of what he has allegedly done, not wanting to cop the consequences,” Watson-Munro said.The psychologist warned that Ingram’s refusal to face a lengthy prison sentence for the deaths of four people—including the foetus—makes him highly dangerous if cornered.“He doesn’t want to go to jail... that is a very strong motivator for people like him, and he will evade detection for as long as possible,” Watson-Munro said. “Suicide by cop if confronted by police, then he’d become the Ned Kelly of the west in his mind.”The tragedy has reignited scrutiny of the legal protections afforded to domestic violence victims. It has been revealed that Sophie Quinn had applied for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) against Ingram prior to the attack. Ingram was reportedly subject to similar orders involving two other women in previous years.AVOs are designed to restrict a subject's proximity to a protected person and can include prohibitions on owning firearms. However, advocates argue these measures are failing to prevent fatalities.Jo Cooper, a domestic violence survivor and advocate, told 7NEWS that the current system is in "crisis management."“I’m a victim survivor, I’ve seen the worst of what happens... and that was over 20 years ago,” Cooper said. “I just don’t believe anything has changed to a standard that we’re saving lives.”Recent data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) indicates an increase in domestic violence-related murder charges between October 2024 and October 2025. In response, the NSW Government recently raised the minimum non-parole period for such crimes to 25 years.Advocates like Cooper are calling for a "disclosure scheme," similar to one currently operating in South Australia, which would allow individuals to check a national database for a partner’s violent history.While a NSW Government spokesperson stated that such a scheme could create a false sense of security, Cooper’s federal petition has garnered over 100,000 signatures.“We need tougher consequences, preventative tools, because at the moment abusers know the consequences aren’t really that tough,” Cooper said. She said that without such tools, victims remain reluctant to report because "they don’t think the system cares."Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland’s office stated that the government remains committed to a $4.7 billion package to end gender-based violence, though primary responsibility for bail and criminal laws remains with individual states.

Stricter Driving Rules for Overseas Licence Holders Hit NSWIn Short• New Testing Mandatory: As of February 1, 2026, drivers aged 25+ from 16 "List B" jurisdictions (including South Africa, South Korea, and Hong Kong) must pass both a knowledge and practical driving test to get a NSW licence.• Closing Loopholes: The reform removes previous exemptions to ensure all long-term residents meet the same safety standards as local drivers, particularly for high-speed regional road conditions.• Extra Capacity: Service NSW has launched "Super Saturdays" throughout February, adding 320 extra weekend testing slots to manage the surge in applications.Residents across NSW will see a shift in road safety standards starting this week, as the NSW Government moves to close long-standing loopholes in overseas licence conversions.From Sunday, 1 February 2026, the Minns Government has implemented stricter requirements for drivers and riders aged 25 and over from a specific group of international jurisdictions. These motorists, previously exempt from certain practical assessments, are now required to pass both a knowledge test and a driving test before they can legally trade their foreign documents for a NSW licence.Local Impact for Rural CommunitiesFor communities in the Back Country, where long-distance travel on high-speed regional roads is a daily reality, the reform aims to ensure that all road users possess a consistent understanding of Australian conditions.In many local agricultural and transport sectors, seasonal workers and new residents often rely on international licences. This change ensures that anyone behind the wheel meets the same rigorous safety benchmarks as local drivers.Closing the 'List B' InconsistencyThe reform specifically targets drivers from "List B" countries. While drivers under 25 from these regions were already required to sit tests, those over 25 previously bypassed them. The new rules bring NSW in line with national standards and follow previous mandates requiring long-term residents to convert their licences within six months of arriving in the state.Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, emphasised the necessity of the move:“Road safety is not negotiable, and we are pulling every lever to keep people safe on NSW roads," Ms 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.”Testing Capacity and Super SaturdaysTo manage the influx of new test applicants, Service NSW is increasing its testing capacity. While the largest demand is expected in metropolitan hubs, the government has introduced "Super Saturdays," adding roughly 320 extra driving test slots every weekend throughout February.Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, noted the support available for those transitioning.“We know getting a licence to drive on our roads safely is an important step for all road users," Mr Dib said. "To help drivers get their licence we have increased the number of driver testers and introduced Super Saturdays to add about 300 extra testing slots every weekend through February." "We would encourage overseas drivers to plan ahead, information is available online to help customers understand what they need to do and what tests may be required and as always, Service NSW staff will continue to support customers and help them access the services they need.”As of 1 February 2026, drivers aged 25 and over from the following 16 countries and jurisdictions are no longer exempt and must pass both a knowledge test and a practical driving test to obtain a NSW licence:BulgariaCyprusCzech RepublicEstoniaHong Kong (must have held licence for at least 12 months)HungaryLatviaLithuaniaPolandRepublic of SerbiaRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSouth AfricaSouth Korea (Republic of Korea)TaiwanDrivers from countries not on this list or the "Recognised" list (List A) were already required to take these tests regardless of age.Motorists from "List A" countries—including the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, and much of Western Europe—remain exempt from testing provided they meet standard residency and identity requirements.What You Need to KnowWho is affected? Overseas drivers aged 25+ from "List B" countries.What is required? A passed knowledge test and a practical driving test.Booking: Residents are encouraged to check the Service NSW website regularly as new slots are updated weekly.

Dinawan Solar Farm Public Hearing: Dates, Deadlines & $35M Benefit Plan In Short• Public Hearing: The IPC will meet at Coleambally Community Hall on Feb 27; speakers must register by Feb 17.• The Stake: The project includes 750,000 solar modules and a 300MW battery, with a 105-turbine wind stage following in Q1 2026.• Local Impact: A proposed $35 million benefit fund includes a 70/30 split for capital projects and neighbour electricity rebates.The future of the Riverina’s energy landscape is moving into a critical phase this month as the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) prepares to descend on Coleambally for a public meeting regarding the Dinawan Solar Farm.The meeting, scheduled for February 27 at the Coleambally Community Hall, is the last chance for locals to voice their opinions on the 300-megawatt solar portion of the massive Dinawan Energy Hub (DEH). Developed by Spark Renewables, the project sits between Coleambally and Jerilderie and is poised to become one of the region’s most significant industrial footprints.The Solar ProposalWhile the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has already recommended the solar farm for approval, the final word rests with the IPC. Residents wishing to speak at the 10:00 AM meeting must register by noon on February 17. For those who prefer the pen to the podium, written submissions will be accepted until March 5.If approved, the solar farm will see roughly 750,000 solar modules installed, contributing to a project that also includes a 300MW battery storage system.Wind Farm Updates on the HorizonWhile solar is currently in the spotlight, the wind component of the hub—featuring 105 turbines reaching tip heights of 250 meters—is not far behind. Spark Renewables expects the DPHI to release its assessment report and recommended conditions for the Wind Farm within the first quarter of 2026.Where is the Money Going?With a project of this scale comes significant capital and significant community scrutiny regarding benefit sharing. Spark Renewables has said it expects a total contribution of approximately $35 million over the first 15 years through the South West REZ access fee.The proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) outlines a 70/30 split for the funds. The lion's share (70%) is earmarked for Critical Capital Projects in the Murrumbidgee and Edward River Council areas. The remaining 30% will be divided between a Community Benefit Fund, an Aboriginal Community Fund, and a Neighbour Benefit Fund, the latter of which includes a proposed Electricity Rebate Scheme (ERS) for those living closest to the wind turbines.Help Wanted: Housing the WorkersThe project is also seeking partners to tackle one of the region's most pressing issues: housing. Expressions of Interest (EOI) are currently open for the design, supply, and operation of an accommodation village to house the construction workforce.Local businesses looking to get a slice of the DEH pie are encouraged to register via the ICN Gateway, with Spark Renewables claiming they are committed to local first procurement for services ranging from earthworks to catering.Important dates:Feb 16: EOI Closes for Accommodation Village.Feb 17: Deadline to register to speak at the IPC Meeting.Feb 27: Public Meeting at Coleambally Community Hall (10:00 AM).March 5: Deadline for written submissions to the IPC.For more information on the Dinawan Energy Hub or to register for updates, visit sparkrenewables.com.

 NSW Native Title Overhaul: Ending the 'Adversarial' Era or More Red Tape?In ShortPolicy Pivot: The NSW Government is shifting away from lengthy court battles toward "non-litigated settlements" to resolve land claims faster and reduce massive legal costs.Regional Deadlock: Communities like White Cliffs remain in limbo, with mining claims frozen and residents denied freehold titles due to the complex overlap of state and federal laws.Compensation Pressure: Following the landmark Timber Creek ruling, NSW faces significant financial liability for "cultural loss," a primary driver behind the push for new Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs).NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has unveiled a new draft policy aimed at overhauling how the state handles native title claims. For decades, the NSW Government has been criticised for a slow and sometimes adversarial approach to land justice. This new framework sees a shift toward non-litigated settlements, but it comes amid deep-seated community scepticism regarding the delivery of land rights and the impact on regional industries.The legal foundation: Mabo and the Federal FrameworkTo understand the new NSW policy, it is necessary to look at the federal legal architecture that dictates what any state government can and cannot do.The Mabo Decision (1992): The High Court of Australia famously overturned the legal fiction of terra nullius - the idea that the land belonged to no one. It established that native title exists where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have maintained a continuous connection to their land through traditional laws and customs.The Native Title Act 1993 (Cth): In response to Mabo, the federal government passed this legislation to create a process for claiming and protecting these rights. It also validated past government acts that might have been invalid due to the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.NSW Legislation: The Native Title (New South Wales) Act 1994 was subsequently passed to align state laws with the federal framework. This ensures that while NSW manages its own Crown land, it must adhere to the federal rules regarding how native title is recognised or extinguished.How Federal Court cases have shaped NSW lawsSeveral landmark cases have placed significant constraints on how native title operates in highly settled states like NSW:The Yorta Yorta Case (2002): This was a turning point for NSW. The High Court ruled that the Yorta Yorta people, whose lands cross the NSW-Victoria border, had lost their native title because the tide of history had washed away their traditional connection to Country. This case set a high bar for proof, and First Nations advocates claim it made it extremely difficult for groups in heavily colonised areas of NSW to succeed in court.The Timber Creek Case (2019): This case established how governments must pay for the loss of native title. It broke compensation into economic loss (50 per cent of the freehold value of the land) and cultural loss (spiritual and emotional damage). NSW may now be set for a wave of compensation claims following this precedent, which commentators say is a primary driver behind the new policy's focus on out-of-court settlements to avoid massive legal bills.The promise of reformThe Law Council of Australia has broadly supported these types of amendments, noting that greater flexibility allows native title claim groups to determine their own internal decision-making structures. Legal experts suggest that moving toward majority decision-making as the default position assists in the fair and efficient operation of a complex area of law.However, barrister Tony McAvoy SC, Australia’s first Indigenous silk, has previously highlighted systemic biases. He argues that the current system often puts traditional owners under duress, forcing them to approve developments like mining or risk losing any form of equitable compensation.Affected communities: The White Cliffs crisisThe policy shift comes as regional communities grapple with the practical fallout of existing native title determinations. In the opal mining town of White Cliffs, the situation has reached a breaking point.Miners in limbo: The White Cliffs Miners’ Association claims that the town is being demoralised by a decade-long moratorium on new mining claims. Association president Troy Karkoe says that no one is allowed to mine and the town is losing its livelihood. Hundreds of mineral claim applications remain pending, awaiting a specific federal determination.Residents of the town’s famous underground dugouts feel betrayed. Many were promised freehold title to their homes for years, only to have those hopes extinguished by the 2015 Barkandji native title determination. Instead of ownership, they have been offered perpetual leases. Locals view this as a devastating setback that prevents them from securing finance or making safety improvements to their homes.Land Rights vs Native Title: A uniquely NSW conflictA major source of confusion in NSW is the coexistence of two different systems:Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW): A state-based system that grants freehold title to Aboriginal Land Councils as compensation for dispossession. It does not require proof of traditional connection.Native Title Act 1993 (Cth): A federal system that recognises traditional customs.In NSW, land granted under the state Land Rights Act can still be subject to a federal Native Title claim. This creates a complex legal overlapping where different Aboriginal groups may have competing interests in the same piece of land, further complicating the government’s attempt to create a uniform policy.The NSW Native Title Policy seems to be an attempt to repair a failing system. By pushing for Indigenous Land Use Agreements and out-of-court settlements, the government hopes to clear a decades-long logjam and mitigate the financial risks highlighted by the Timber Creek decision. However, for those whose livelihoods are frozen in red tape, success will be measured by economic survival rather than bureaucratic principles.The consultation processThe Department is holding face-to-face consultation sessions about the proposed new policy with native title groups in February, March and April 2026. These sessions will be independently facilitated by Mr Jack Beetson.Born in Nyngan Mr Beetson is one of only 12 people worldwide to receive the UN Unsung Hero Award in 2001. He also played a role in drafting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.Native title groups that have an existing determination or registered claim will receive an invitation to and attend a consultation session in February, March, or April 2026.For other native title groups, sessions will be advertised throughout January – April 2026. The first of these general sessions will be held on Saturday 21 February 2026 in Tweed Heads.If you are not part of a native title group but would like to share your thoughts on the proposed native title policy, you can use the Department’s online feedback form

Council votes unanimously in extraordinary meeting to award construction contractIn Short:• Balranald Shire Council unanimously approved a $4,595,803.08 construction contract with RTM Constructions for the Bidgee Haven Extension Project at an extraordinary council meeting on 29 January 2026• The expansion includes a new 6-bed memory support ward for specialised dementia care, a modern purpose-built kitchen, expanded communal living areas, upgraded laundry facilities and enhanced outdoor spaces• Mayor Louie Zaffina said "this is an outstanding outcome for our community" that ensures council can "continue to provide high-quality, compassionate care close to home" as part of a long-term vision to allow residents to age in placeBalranald Shire Council has unanimously approved the construction contract for the Bidgee Haven Extension Project, awarding RTM Constructions $4,595,803.08 (excluding GST) to deliver the major aged care expansion.The decision was made at an extraordinary council meeting on 29 January 2026, with every councillor voting in support of the project that will transform and future-proof the shire's aged care facility.The expansion will deliver a new six-bed memory support ward strengthening specialised dementia care locally, a modern purpose-built kitchen, expanded and improved communal living areas, upgraded laundry facilities, and enhanced outdoor spaces to support wellbeing, accessibility and quality of life.Balranald Mayor Louie Zaffina said the unanimous decision reflected council's strong commitment to residents and the future of aged care in the shire."This is an outstanding outcome for our community and a proud moment for Council," Mayor Zaffina said. "Bidgee Haven is a critical service for our Shire, and this extension ensures we can continue to provide high-quality, compassionate care close to home. Every Councillor was delighted to support this project."The addition of a dedicated memory support ward addresses a critical need in the region, providing specialised care for residents living with dementia and other cognitive conditions. Currently, families often face the difficult choice of either providing care at home without adequate support, or sending loved ones to facilities in larger centres hours away from family and community.The expansion responds to growing community need and reflects council's long-term vision to invest in essential services that allow residents to age in place, surrounded by family, friends and familiar supports.For families in Balranald and surrounding areas, having access to quality aged care locally is invaluable. The alternative, relocating elderly family members to facilities in Deniliquin, Griffith, or further afield, creates emotional, practical and financial strain. Regular visits become difficult or impossible. Loved ones are separated from lifelong friends, familiar surroundings, and the community they've been part of for decades.The expansion also includes practical infrastructure improvements that will benefit all residents and staff. A modern, purpose-built kitchen will improve meal preparation and food safety standards, while expanded communal living areas will provide more space for residents to gather, socialise and maintain their independence and quality of life.Enhanced outdoor spaces recognise the importance of access to fresh air, natural light and connection to the environment, particularly for older Australians who have spent their lives working on the land. The focus on wellbeing and accessibility ensures the facility meets contemporary aged care standards.Council acknowledged the extensive planning and preparation undertaken to reach this milestone and thanked staff, project partners and the community for their ongoing support.Construction is expected to commence shortly, with the council looking forward to sharing progress updates as the project takes shape. The construction phase will provide employment opportunities and economic activity in the local area, with flow-on benefits for accommodation, suppliers and service providers.The expansion comes as Australia faces a growing aged care crisis, with increasing demand for places and services, workforce shortages, and ongoing concerns about quality and safety standards. Regional and remote areas face particular challenges in attracting and retaining aged care workers and maintaining viable facilities.By investing in modern facilities and specialised services like the memory support ward, Balranald Shire Council is positioning Bidgee Haven to meet future demand and maintain high standards of care. The project acknowledges the changing nature of aged care needs. As Australians live longer, the complexity of care required increases. Dementia and cognitive decline affect a growing proportion of aged care residents, making dedicated memory support facilities increasingly essential rather than optional.For Balranald residents, the message is clear: council is committed to ensuring you can age in your community, close to family and the life you've built, with access to the specialist care you need.

Griffith Council Urges Road User CautionIn Short:Griffith City Council has issued a road safety reminder as the 2026 grape harvest gets underway, urging all road users to exercise caution around heavy vehiclesGrape spills in previous seasons have resulted in drivers losing control or being unable to stop safely at intersectionsHeavy vehicle operators face fines under environmental laws for spills, plus cleanup costs, while all motorists are urged to give trucks adequate spaceGriffith City Council has issued a road safety reminder as the 2026 grape harvest gets underway, urging motorists and heavy vehicle operators to exercise caution to prevent spills that have caused crashes in previous seasons.Director Infrastructure and Operations Phil King said the aim is to ensure this year's crop gets from the farm to receival points as intended rather than being spilled across the region's roads. With vintage now underway across the Riverina wine region, the annual influx of heavy vehicles transporting grapes creates additional challenges for road safety."I'd like to urge all motorists to comply with relevant legislation and allow heavy vehicles plenty of room while sharing the road. This not only ensures safety on the roads but minimises the potential for fruit and juice spills across the road network," Mr King said.The warning follows incidents in previous harvest seasons where grape spills on roads resulted in other drivers losing control of their vehicles or being unable to safely stop at intersections. The combination of crushed grapes and juice creates extremely slippery road conditions that can catch unsuspecting motorists off guard, particularly at intersections where vehicles need to brake.Mr King emphasised that operators and cartage contractors must comply with relevant legislation to ensure overloading does not occur and loads are carried correctly within the confines of vehicle load restrictions. The message is particularly relevant for regions beyond Griffith where grape transport vehicles may pass through communities including Hay, Balranald and other western Riverina towns en route to processing facilities.Enforcement will be undertaken across the region throughout the harvest to ensure vehicles comply with restrictions and that loads are secured according to the Heavy Vehicle National Law Chain of Responsibility laws. When a grape spill occurs and vehicles are identified, heavy fines can be applied under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act and any additional costs associated with cleanups will also be passed on to operators.The Chain of Responsibility laws mean that everyone in the supply chain, from consignors and packers to drivers and receivers, shares responsibility for ensuring vehicles are loaded and operated safely. This shared accountability aims to prevent overloading and inadequate load securing that can lead to spills.Mr King advised that other road users also have a responsibility to give heavy vehicles the space needed to make their journeys as safe as possible. Consultation with heavy vehicle representatives confirmed that there have been many occasions when heavy vehicle drivers have been cut off or forced to take evasive action to avoid crashes due to drivers of smaller vehicles stopping suddenly or pulling out in front of trucks."Due to their size and weight, heavy vehicles obviously need more distance to stop and more room to turn so I urge all drivers to show courtesy and understand that the manoeuvrability of heavy vehicles is more extreme than that of a normal vehicle," Mr King said.The reminder about giving heavy vehicles adequate space is particularly important during harvest season when truck movements increase significantly and drivers may be working long hours to transport produce during optimal conditions. Patient and courteous driving from all road users helps ensure everyone gets home safely.Griffith City Council is asking the community to help by reporting any grape spills so action can be taken to clear the road and remove the danger to other road users as soon as possible. Quick reporting allows council crews to respond promptly, reducing the risk period for other motorists and preventing potential crashes.