The Wilcannia Community Hall is set to host an important consultation for Strong Aboriginal Men on March 25 and 26. This event, part of the broader Strong Aboriginal workshops, offers a vital opportunity for Aboriginal men to come together in a safe environment to discuss critical issues affecting their communities.These Strong Aboriginal workshops, also known as the ‘Strong Aboriginal Man’s Story’ (SAMS), are a series of sessions delivered by Aboriginal men for Aboriginal men. The core aim of SAMS is to empower Aboriginal men to connect, learn, grow, heal, and stand strong against domestic family violence and child sexual assault. The consultation in Wilcannia provides a prime opportunity for men to learn, change, and grow for the benefit of the entire community.The workshops utilise facilitated yarning as a central method for sharing key information about trauma and violence, identity, and culture. This approach allows men to integrate new knowledge and affirm their existing understanding at their own emotional and psychological pace.Beyond addressing trauma and violence, SAMS aims to equip men with skills for positive change. It is an opportunity to build healthy relationships, develop new skills, and find new ways to resolve conflict. The workshops delve into crucial themes over six sessions, including:Workshop 1: Building strong foundations – Being an Aboriginal Man Workshop 2: Looking at our community – Talking about the tough issues Workshop 3: Safe men, safe families and strong communities – Being positive role models Through these sessions, participants can expect to gain:An understanding of different types of abuse and their impacts, with a specific focus on the dynamics and effects of child sexual assault and domestic family violence.Increased awareness of abuse and trauma, including the impacts on the brain, across the lifespan and generations, and how these affect men’s personal lives, identities, and communities.Increased awareness of what it means to be a positive role model.Knowledge of ways to seek and offer support in the journey of recovery from past abuse and trauma.Increased awareness of safe ways to resolve conflicts and differences, promoting safety for women, children, families, and communities.Increased awareness about being a positive role model – unlearning and relearning about being safe4 .Furthermore, the workshops include the mapping of personal goals and pathways to recovery and resolution5 .The upcoming consultation in Wilcannia offers a significant opportunity for Aboriginal men in the region to engage with these vital discussions and contribute to building stronger foundations and safer communities. It represents a crucial step in addressing the trauma of domestic violence and sexual assault through a culturally sensitive and community-led approach.

A family home in West Street, Hay was destroyed by fire on Monday morning.The alarm was raised around 9.30am and Fire and Rescue, Hay Rural Bushfire Brigade, Hay Police and Ambulance attended.One family member was asleep in the home when the fire began, and was fortunately woken by the noise of the fire. He and the family’s pets were able to escape unharmed before the fire took hold.Two other family members were at work at the time, one in Hay, whilst another is currently working regionally.The blaze quickly took hold and emergency services worked hard to stop it spreading to nearby homes.Mop-up operations and investigations continue.

A man will face court over an assault in Lachlan Street, Hay.Just after 4.20pm on Sunday March 23, emergency services were called to a licensed premises on Lachlan Street, Hay, following reports of an assault.Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District were told a 25-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by another man with a pool cue.The 25-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to Griffith Base Hospital for further treatment.Following inquiries, about 5.10pm on the same day, police arrested the 55-year-old man at a home on MacGregor Street, Hay.He was taken to Hay Police Station where he was charged with reckless wounding, common assault, and armed with intent to commit indictable offence.He was refused bail to appear at Griffith Local Court on Monday March 24, 2025.At a court hearing held on Monday the 55-year old was released on strict bail conditions and must front Hay Police Station three days a week, submit to drug and alcohol testing and not enter any licenced premised.The man will next appear at Hay Court on June 2, 2025.

Australia’s premier satirical art prize is celebrating its 29th year and will soon make a stop in Griffith. This year’s Bald Archy Prize has drawn one of its largest fields yet, with 48 portraits vying for the 2025 title.The exhibition will open at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery on Friday March 28, at 6pm, with all welcome to attend. The artworks will be on display until Sunday April 27.The Bald Archy Prize was created by the late Peter Batey OAM. Following his death in 2019, administration of the Bald Archy Prize was handed over to the Museum of the Riverina in Wagga Wagga.The prize provides artists of all styles and standards with an opportunity to create portrait paintings of humour, dark satire, light comedy, or caricature. The collection of paintings encapsulates the irreverent, larrikin Australian spirit in a way that appeals to people from all walks of life, it is now internationally known and has been exhibited across Australia. Past winning subjects have included Kerry Packer, Shane Warne, John Howard, Pauline Hanson and other Australian icons.“The Bald Archy Prize standard of entries is the highest it has ever seen, and the artists have undoubtedly continued to embrace the concept of celebrating the larrikin Australian spirit into art," Ray Wholohan, Coordinator at Griffith Regional Art Gallery said."There are plenty of famous Australians, politicians, and 2024 celebrities who get a brush with the art of parody and satire, such as Raygun, Hugh Jackman, Nathan Cleary, Peter Dutton, Senator Lidia Thorpe, and Costa Georgiadis.”“The name of course is a satirical nod to Australia’s most famous portrait prize – The Archibald Prize. The Bald Archies poke a bit of fun at the art establishment – from its beginning, the public have embraced it, and this year’s collection will not disappoint.”

Griffith City Council is investigating ways to invigorate the City, following a workshop held on Monday, March 17.The workshop was convened in response to the “Petition for the cleanliness and revitalisation of our city,” tabled at last week’s Ordinary Meeting by long-time Banna Avenue business owner, Doreen Woods.Included in discussions was the NSW Government’s Sustainable Communities grants program and the recent announcement of the $15 million Early Investment Round funding by Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Hon Tara Moriarty MLC. The Early Investment Round provides funding opportunities for projects by Councils and businesses in nine Local Government Areas impacted by Federal Government water buybacks. Council will now prepare a report to determine priority projects for potential funding.One of the key options raised was a review of the Griffith CBD Strategy 2015, which has already delivered significant improvements, including, Yambil Street upgrades, Kooyoo Street enhancements and the Olympic Street Youth Precinct.Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said Council is committed to exploring opportunities that enhance the City for both residents and visitors."We appreciate the strong community interest in revitalising Griffith and ensuring our public spaces meet community expectations,” Councillor Curran said.“We will be looking closely at this grant opportunity to see how we can leverage these funds to help invigorate Griffith considering the CBD Strategy’s scope of works.”Councillors are imploring business owners and interested parties to come to the Invigorate Griffith community forum on Thursday April 3 at the Gem Hotel Function Room from 5.45pm to share ideas and give feedback on ways to invigorate the City. Spaces are limited. RSVP now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3FEQIqy

WaterNSW has issued a Red Alert warning for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae for Lake Menindee.The Red Alert warning applies only to untreated water at the identified location and will remain in place until monitoring and test results confirm that the risk is sufficiently diminished. People should avoid consuming untreated water from this waterbody and prevent pets and livestock from drinking this water.People should avoid recreational activities such as swimming, water skiing, canoeing and any other activity that brings them into contact with this waterbody until the red alert warning is lifted.

Watering down protections no solution to workplace mental health crisis: Australians for Mental Health  Australians for Mental Health is expressing its dismay over a planned watering down of workers compensation rights, amid a rise in workplace psychological injuries. The NSW government has released details about the alarming rise in workers compensation claims associated with psychological injury, and some concerning proposals that would make it harder for workers to seek redress for injuries sustained at work.  “Workplace mental health is in crisis. But instead of getting serious about enforcing the law and reducing needless harm to thousands of people, the Minns government is proposing to go soft on bosses who do the wrong thing,” the Executive Director of Australians for Mental Health Chris Gambian said. Mental ill-health affects so many Australians, and in New South Wales, we are going to see it become harder to get support. We don’t need to target the system that props people up who are struggling, we need to focus on eliminating the harm some workplaces are causing,” he said. Australians for Mental Health is advocating for governments to do more to help dismantle harmful workplace culture, and create environments that protect and nurture people’s mental wellbeing. “By making it harder to get compensation for a psychological injury, we will simply be abandoning people in a tough situation, while harmful workplaces remain unchanged. That’s not good enough,” Chris Gambian said.  "Australians spend a third of their lives at work and it is often the trigger for anxiety and depression, as well as exacerbating other mental health conditions."We need stronger protections against workplace stress and mandatory mental health training for all managers as a minimum. "But we also need to get serious about “normal” practices that are making people sick: like excessive overtime, bullying cultures, staff shortages and unrealistic workloads." Australians for Mental Health has vowed to fight any changes that will soften the risks for employers who do the wrong thing. I would urge the Premier to re-think his priorities. Going easy on irresponsible managers and bosses will only perpetuate poor workplace culture, and make it harder for people to escape them.”

The NSW Teachers Federation said today that while the NSW Government has revealed key performance targets for public schools, the most critical target to be met is full funding.New reports have revealed confidence in public education sits at just 51 per cent, with a target to lift this to 53 per cent by 2027.These targets, including lifting attendance and Year 12 completion rates, would be impossible to achieve without proper resourcing.“No public school in NSW is funded to 100 per cent of the SRS, the minimum level governments agreed was required more than a decade ago. Yet every private school in the state is funded at or above this standard,” Mr Rajendra said.“Right now, principals and teachers across NSW public schools are doing an amazing job but they are being asked to do too much with too little. Student needs are growing fast but the funding hasn't kept up."Full funding of public schools will lift student engagement and student achievement. Closing the resources gap is also an essential part of closing the achievement gaps between students from different backgrounds.”NSWTF president Henry Rajendra is calling for the Albanese Government and Minns Government to finalise an agreement before the federal election to ensure public schools are funded at 100 per cent of the School Resource Standard (SRS).Whilst we understand both the Commonwealth and NSW governments are locked in negotiations for a new funding deal, two objectives must be achieved:The deal must be signed by the Prime Minister and Premier before the federal election is called, andThe deal lifts all NSW public schools to 100 per cent of the minimum level funding required to meet the needs of all children without delay."Additional funding will allow schools to cut class size sizes, give children more intensive one-on-one attention and provide more specialist support such as school counsellors,” Mr Rajendra said.“It will also help cut the unsustainable workloads of teachers and give them more time to prepare high quality lessons for students."NSW is one of only two states without a long term agreement on the future funding of schools. This needs to change now."Fully funding public schools is the only way to ensure every child gets the support they need to succeed, and we can recruit and retain enough teachers."

Member for Barwon calls for lower vehicle taxes in the bushMember for Barwon Roy Butler MP introduced a motion to the NSW Legislative Assembly earlier this week, calling for recognition that four-wheel-drive vehicles are a necessity in the Back Country."Living in the bush means having to buy vehicles that can deal with unsealed country roads and make their way across properties with no established byways," Mr Butler said. "This usually means heavier 4WD drive vehicles, which also means higher taxes and fuel costs."Today I moved a notice of motion in the NSW Legislative Assembly asking that the house:1. Acknowledges that many people in the bush need to drive heavier, 4WD vehicles, just to get around.2. Agrees that people in regional NSW pay more fuel excise through driving bigger vehicles and driving longer distances.3. Notes that incomes in regional NSW are lower than in Sydney or most of the east coast.4. Asks that weight based vehicle tax be capped for specific regional post codes to reflect a standard sedan vehicle weight tax."I am having a bill drafted to reflect this motion."

Independent MP Helen Dalton says it’s only a matter of time before someone in rural NSW dies because they can’t get through to 000 following the rollout of the 5G network in Australia. “5G just doesn't work properly yet,” Helen said. “We are on our farms or in town and we cannot get a signal.” “What will happen when someone is trapped under a tractor and can’t call 000? People will die and the telcos don’t seem to understand, or care.” Ms Dalton said the 5G rollout by telecommunication companies has also increased risks around natural disasters. “People got rid of their UHF radios because they could count on 3G,” Helen said. “But with 3G gone and 5G not working, we won't be able to call each other when we are facing another natural disaster.” Ms Dalton is calling on the Federal Government to insist telecommunications companies re instate the 3G network until they can guarantee 5G offers proper coverage levels. “Digital connectivity affects every aspect of our lives in rural NSW,” Helen said. “It affects businesses. It affects public safety. It affects access to Government services. It affects tourism. It affects the education of our kids. It affects isolation and mental health issues. Connectivity affects absolutely everything.” “The people of rural NSW deserve to he heard by Governments, and they deserve to heard when they are using their phones for that matter.”

Griffith City Councillor, Shari Blumer, has been elected National President of the Murray Darling Association (MDA) following an election held recently. The MDA is a Local Government member-based organisation that advocates for effective representation of communities at State and Federal levels in managing Murray Darling Basin resources. The association provides information, facilitates debate, and works to influence government policy on behalf of its members. In her new role as National President, Councillor Blumer told Inside Local Government she aims to ensure that the 12 local government regions within the MDA and their communities have a strong voice in decisions affecting their areas. Griffith City Council is part of Region 9 of the MDA, alongside Carrathool Shire Council, Hay Shire Council, Lockhart Shire Council, Murrumbidgee Council, Wagga Wagga City Council, Narrandera Shire Council, and Leeton Shire Council. Councillor Blumer is also the Region 9 Chair.  Griffith Mayor, Doug Curran, extended his congratulations to Councillor Blumer on her appointment. “I’d like to congratulate Shari on her election to this important position,” Mayor Curran told Inside Local Government. “This is a fantastic outcome for Griffith and our region. Shari is passionate about ensuring our communities are well represented in decisions that impact them. Her leadership in the MDA will be invaluable in advocating for sustainable and effective management of Basin resources.” “Shari has a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing our region. Her ability to articulate these issues at a national level will be instrumental in ensuring a bright future for communities across the Murray Darling Basin,” he said.

A man has died and two other men are in a serious condition following a single-vehicle crash in Griffith earlier this morning.At about 2:05 am today, emergency services were called to Kidman Way, Warburn, following reports a four-wheel drive had veered off the road and rolled.A male occupant of the vehicle was assisted by police, however he died at the scene.He is yet to be identified.Two men aged 29 and 30 were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before they were taken to Griffith Base Hospital in a serious but stable condition.They will undergo mandatory testing.Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the crash.A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.As of 1pm today, the Warburn (north of Griffith) Kidman Way near Cunningham Road was still closed.

During her latest regional tour, Independent Candidate for Farrer, Michelle Milthorpe met with advocates who work with immigrants to hear about the strengths and challenges that are confronting them in this space. Mrs Milthorpe said Farrer was one of the most multicultural regional centres in Australia, yet, when it comes to supporting the newest members of our community, the policies in place are failing them. She is calling for a strong and consistent approach to immigration that truly supports regional communities and their workforce needs. “Our communities rely on a stable, skilled workforce, and immigration plays a critical role in that,” she said. “But instead of policies that reflect regional realities, we have a system bogged down in paperwork and bureaucracy, leaving real people struggling. “Right now, migrant workers and their families are being left behind. “There are vulnerable people being exploited by visa scammers, and PALM workers who are stuck without work, medical care, or even a place to live. “The government knows about these problems—there have been public reports as recently as six months ago—but nothing has changed.” Mrs Milthorpe also raised concerns about the way skilled migration visas are allocated, leaving regional communities short in key areas like health and manufacturing. “The government decides which skills are ‘in demand’ without speaking to the regions.“We desperately need health professionals and skilled manufacturing workers, yet we are left short because the decisions are being made with a city focus.” Mrs Milthorpe said changes to regional employer-sponsored visas were also making it harder for businesses to secure a stable workforce. She said the 494 visa, while difficult for employers to manage, has been one of the few options that actually works for regional areas. “It provides stability and access to Medicare, and it encourages migrants to stay in the regions. “But there are concerns it’s being phased out. “The 482 Visa is easier and cheaper for businesses, but it provides no real incentive for workers to stay in regional areas or even with the employer who sponsored them. “If we want to build a strong workforce in the regions, we need immigration pathways that reflect the needs of our communities, not just what’s convenient for the government. “We want to welcome new workers and their families, but we need the right structures in place to support them. “That means a visa system that meets our workforce needs, services that can help migrants integrate successfully, safeguards to prevent exploitation. and “This is about sustainability—about making sure our regional communities and economies can thrive. “We need policies that work for us, not policies made without us.”

Members from ICPA branches across NSW will converge on Euston for the 53rd Annual State Conference and Balranald members are the excited hosts of the conference. Branches all over the region are ready and waiting to take their motions and points to the conference, and continue to fight for change. Balranald President Kirsty Wilson said that it was a busy time ahead for the branch. "In addition to our members who are busy helping out at the conference, we will have two delegates participating in the debate, plus we have two members on the State Council,” she said. “Our branch have concerns about access to early childhood education. “We have a number of motions to bring to the floor. “One we are particularly keen to see the State Council successfully advocate for, is extending the NSW Government school drive subsidy to preschoolers. “Balranald is the fifth largest shire in NSW. “Families have no choice but to travel long distances for their preschoolers to access their recommended 15 hours per week of preschool before they start school. “Extending the school drive subsidy to include preschoolers would go a long way to help parents transport them. “There continues to be both State and Federal focus on the importance of early childhood education and care. “The reality is there are not adequate services available to those in regional, rural and remote communities. “However, the discrepancies between policies and legislation is getting in the way of practical solutions. “Conference is a great opportunity for political and department representatives to hear the real stories and recognise the barriers faced by local families.” Hay Branch ICPA President Michelle Spence is excited for the conference in Euston. “The proximity of this year’s State conference allows Hay branch to have great representation, with several members being able to attend for the first time,” she said. Hay has a long and active history in the ICPA. The branch consistently sends delegates to State and Federal conferences to present motions, vote and voice their opinions and issues. “I feel that by going to the conference you get a better understanding on how the association runs at all levels, you get to take grassroot issues to higher levels for action. “It gives us a real sense of purpose and belonging, revitalises our enthusiasm and is a platform for valuable networking and socialising.” Recently a fantastic outcome to a motion Hay presented with regard to the TAP (Tertiary Access Payment) guidelines for application being reviewed and changed. “We are passionate about helping young people from rural and remote locations to have the best chance to access further education. With this win in the tertiary sector our focus is also on helping apprentices that need to study or relocated to follow a trade”. There will be many stakeholders and government representatives attending the conference in Euston and with a question and answer panel being run there will be real discussions around topics that are currently affecting our regions. “We have three motions to present at this conference. “These are covering connectivity in the classroom, 3G closure and early childhood education. “Hay branch has an amazing team that are determined to get our voices heard.” Rankins Springs Branch President Kerrie Johnston said their branch understands the importance and value of attending conferences in order to have their issues heard by the relevant government departments. Rankins Springs branch have three delegates attending the State Conference in Euston in March this year, presenting four motions. ICPA-NSW have had a number of wins for rural and remote families over the years with one of the most recent being a change to the Temporary Skilled Worker Shortage Visas (428 Visas). This change means that the children of 482 visa holders in NSW can now attend public schools free of charge. This is a big change, previously it was a $6000 per year, per child expense. “This educational inequity was brought to the attention of ICPA from one of our members who faced this issue with some of their employees. “However, there still remains many educational inequities for rural and remote children compared to their city counterparts that it remains necessary for advocacy to continue on their behalf, hence the invaluable contribution of the ICPA organisation,” Rankins Springs Branch President Kerrie Johnston said. Hillston Branch also includes Ivanhoe and is excited to have two people attending conference this year, with one being a new member to ICPA. “Conference is an amazing space to have our voices heard as the relevant departments and organisations are in the room,” Branch President Laura Stalley said. “We have major concerns with the 3G to 4G change-over and the safety of children getting to school. “We need to ensure these children and their drivers have adequate phone reception. “Our members’ mobile reception has deteriorated, with dropouts, unable to make calls even with phone reception and increased black spots.”

Severe Thunderstorm WarningThe Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for large hailstone, damaging winds and heavy rainfall for people in parts of Riverina and Lower Western Forecast Districts.The BOM says severe thunderstorms are developing in far inland New South Wales.A moist and unstable airmass is combining with a prefrontal trough to produce severe thunderstorms in far inland New South Wales this afternoon.Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Deniliquin, Hay and Balranald.BCB News will update is the situation worsens, or new information becomes available.The State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.Issued at 4:46 pm Thursday, 20 March 2025.

A woman has been charged over a fatal crash in the state’s west last week.About 4pm on Sunday 16 March 2025, emergency services were called to the Barrier Highway, Broken hill, following reports of a multi-vehicle crash.Officers attached to Barrier Police District were told a hatchback and a Prime Mover have collided before the hatchback has rolled.The passenger of hatchback – believed to be a 41-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics however, he could not be revived.The man is yet to be formally identified.The driver of the same vehicle – a 40-year-old woman - was taken to Broken Hill Hospital for further treatment and a mandatory testing.The truck driver – a 55-year-old man – was taken to the same hospital for a mandatory testing.A crime scene was established and officers from Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the incident.Following inquiries, about 6.45pm on Monday 17 March 2025, police arrested the 40-year-old woman at Broken Hill Hospital after she was released.She was taken to Broken hill Police Station where she was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death-driver manner dangerous and negligent driving (occasioning death).She was refused bail to appear at Broken Hill Local Court on Tuesday 19 March 2025, where she was granted conditional bail to appear at the same court on Tuesday 13 May 2025.

Are you thinking about applying for a FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant but want to know a bit more about the six ideas generated by young Australians at this year’s ABC Heywire Regional Youth Summit? The six ideas generated are:Youth Ignite - rekindle community spirit and trust with intergenerational community events.How 2 Adult - empower young people with practical life skills outside the classroom.Full Plate Pantry - break down the stigma surrounding food insecurity and feeding regional communities.HARK (Helping Australians in Rural Kommunities) - make career opportunities more accessible for young people living in the country.Wellness Wagon - connect regional young people with the health support they need.CommUnity - finding unity in diversity, connecting through lived experience led education.Grants up to $10,000 are now open for communities across Australia to adopt, adapt and act upon these ideas. Start your application today at: https://frrr.org.au/funding/people/heywire-youth-innovation-grants/Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, or FRRR (F-triple-R) for short, is a not-for-profit organisation. We connect common purposes and funding from government, business, and philanthropy with the genuine needs of rural people and places.

Register your property with PropertyVAULTWe all feel a little complacent at times, don’t we? Living in Hay, we come to feel it is a relatively safe area, and therefore our possessions are safe, too.We leave bikes out the front, cars unlocked, amongst other things.That kayak which might be sitting on your front or back veranda Your leaf blower, sitting where you left it, or your pressure washer.Items we might not give a second thought to, but could just disappear, someone taking advantage of the good old country trust.Did you know there is a free national asset register and service to combat theft?If you register your items with PropertyVAULT, there is an extra layer of protection if the item walks away suddenly.Not only might it come in handy for Hay, but think about the next time you are off and about caravanning, with your bike on the back. Or on holiday, and accidentally leave something outside your motel door overnight. If it’s in the vault, you may thank yourself, maybe it can be tracked down. For more information, visit the link.https://www.propertyvault.com.au/Not only can you register your assets but you can read success stories of lost items found, tips to keep your items safe, and see the items people have reported missing.

Central Darling Shire Council has announced that the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Limited (CMCA) has declared Wilcannia an RV Friendly Town.The CMCA has grown since 1986 to become the largest recreational vehicle (RV) club in the southern hemisphere, now boasting over 68,000 members and a fleet of more than 34,000 vehicles.The CMCA’s accreditation of Wilcannia as part of the RV Friendly Town program means its campervan and motorhome club members will receive information about the town. Wilcannia’s Victory Caravan Park will be listed in the monthly club magazine, The Wanderer.The caravan park will also be advertised in the CMCA monthly e-newsletter, going out to a database of over 28,000 recipients.Under the program, RV travellers visiting Wilcannia will benefit from:Street parking, on Reid Street near the Post Office and Baker Park, suitable for motorhomes, campervans and caravans;Short and long-term overnight parking (96 hours) for self-contained motorhomes, campervans and caravans at Victory Caravan Park;Permit fees will be $20 unpowered site per night;Free public dump point located outside Wilcannia Oval, Myers Street;Potable water available outside Wilcannia Oval, Myers Street.