Hay Plains Landcare is excited to host its Nursery and Demonstration Site Open Day next Thursday, September 26, between 10am and 1pm. The site is located on the western side of Hay Gaol Museum block. "All members of the community are invited to be involved and your support of this project will help Hay Plains Landcare grow, literally," said Hay Landcare's Jenny Dwyer. The day will showcase Hay Plains Landcare’s “Restoring native species and rehabilitating ecosystems in the Hay Shire” project. Guests will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves for some earth-friendly, hands-on activity fun. Propagate some native seed, roll native seed balls, plant a seedling or make your lasting mark with a handprint on the growing mural. You can also sample some fresh-cooked Bush Tucker and enjoy a free barbecue lunch. Above: Hay Landcare's Jenny Dwyer (left) is organising an open day, and ecologist Martin Driver (right) will be on hand to share his knowledge.Hay Plains Landcare Project Officer, Jenny Dwyer will give an outline of the Landcare project, milestones to date and Hay Plains Landcare’s conservation plans for the future. Ecologist Martin Driver will also share his extensive knowledge and experience regarding the district’s endemic native species, highlighting their importance in the local landscape and how everyone can protect and enhance their existence. For the past two years, Hay Plains Landcare has been implementing its project, assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. "This project has given the opportunity to develop the Nursery and Demonstration Site as a place where the community can access training, knowledge and resources to successfully establish native vegetation, grown from locally collected endemic native tree and shrub seed," Mrs Dwyer said. "These local provenance seedlings will be the most suitable plants for landholder rehabilitation sites, travelling stock reserves, crown land, Hay Shire land and gardens, giving the best chance of successful rehabilitation of our region."

The Minns Labor Government recently unveiled its Consumer Energy Strategy: Powering our People and Communities, which it says will make it easier for households and businesses to access energy saving technologies like solar, batteries and energy efficiency upgrades, that will help reduce their energy bills and ease cost of living pressure.The government says the strategy is designed with people at the centre, committing $290 million in new funding and outlining 50 actions to help households and small businesses cut their energy bills to help address cost of living pressures and increase the uptake of energy savings technologies.“Our vision is for NSW to be a leader in the energy transition, and this strategy is a crucial step towards achieving that goal," NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said.“We want to make it as easy as possible for residents and small businesses to benefit from the energy transition, creating a more sustainable and affordable energy future for all.“By prioritising accessibility and equity, we are empowering households and small businesses to upgrade their homes and businesses. This will not only lower energy bills but also benefit our environment.“The NSW Consumer Energy Strategy is our plan to supercharge the energy transition and put households and small businesses at the centre of this work.”Premier Chris Minns (left) and Minister Penny Sharpe. Image: supplied.Last year the NSW Government commissioned the independent Electricity Supply and Reliability Check Up.The Check Up recommended that a NSW Consumer Energy Resources strategy be developed, which was accepted by the NSW Government.Key actions outlined in the strategy that the NSW Government has committed to implementing include:Developing a new incentive and rebate scheme to help households upgrade to energy saving technologies. This includes a $238.9 million new Home Energy Saver program with financial support targeted towards eligible households. The program will be designed and rolled out by the end of 2025.Introducing new home energy ratings from 2025 so renters and buyers have more information about the cost of heating and cooling their potential homes.Setting the first targets in Australia for solar and battery uptake, virtual power plant participation (which allows solar panels and batteries to share their capacity across the grid) and installation safety. This includes a target of 1 million households and small businesses having access to both a rooftop solar and battery system by 2035, rising to nearly 1.5 million by 2050.Improving the safety and reliability of installations by increasing the number of electrical safety inspectors.Providing practical resources and outreach so people can make informed decisions to improve energy efficiency and cut bills. This includes funding community organisations to conduct outreach.“There are many houses across the state that are too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and as a result, energy prices and costs for the household skyrocket," NSW Premier Chris Minns said.“Through the strategy, we are making it easier for households and small businesses to access the cost saving benefits of solar panels, batteries and heat pumps, while they reduce their emissions.“Having more energy saving technologies in homes and small businesses is the best way to help households and small businesses reduce energy bills, reduce emissions and improve electricity grid reliability.”The government says the actions outlined in the strategy will build on the good work that is already underway and will contribute to our vision for the future of energy in NSW, where all households and small businesses can enjoy the energy security, climate, health and cost of living benefits of energy saving technologies, and that the actions have been developed through close consultation with industry and the community.The Consumer Energy Strategy comes on top of the $435.4 million for annual energy bill rebates and debt relief, $200 million to support the roll-out of public EV charging stations and $175 million to make energy savings upgrades for 24,000 social housing homes.

A Hillston man is fighting for his life.The man was shot by an intruder in his home.He was shot in the stomach about 2.30am on Friday at his Burns St home in Hillston according to police.A 31-year-old man and 56-year-old woman were inside the home when three people entered, one with a firearm.The male resident at the home, was shot twice before the intruders left.The man was treated at the scene, before being taken to Griffith Hospital.He has since been airlifted to a major metropolitan hospital and is in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries.Inquiries are now underway, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

NSW Nationals' Jamie Chaffey with Ivanhoe local Wendy Aves. Image: suppliedThe NSW Nationals candidate for the electorate of Parkes Jamie Chaffey visited Ivanhoe and Menindee last week, travelling the region's backroads to meet voters."I had a great morning catching up with the locals in Ivanhoe, who were all so welcoming," Mr Chaffey posted to social media."The town is full of proud people who are battling through the challenge of remoteness and trying to hold onto the services they have. "These people don't want to be anywhere else - they love where they live, they just can't afford for their population to decline further."Travelling onto Menindee Mr Chaffey described the village as 'beautiful' and the iconic Menindee Lakes worth the visit.Mr Chaffey, who hails from Gunnedah, is a boilermaker by trade. He was elected to Gunnedah Shire Council in September 2016, having previously served as President of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Having been elected to Council in 2016, Mr Chaffey was then elected Mayor, serving the full five-year term until 2021, when he was re-elected as a councillor and Mayor.He was endorsed as chair of the Namoi Unlimited Joint Organisation of Councils in 2018 and re-elected as chair in 2020. Mr Chaffey was also elected to the Executive of the Country Mayors Association of NSW and is a board member of the AUKUS forum of the Nuclear Advisory Board.Mr Chaffey said he was honoured to be chosen as The Nationals candidate and looks forward to working with communities throughout the Parkes electorate over the coming months.“I am proud to call this region home and I am deeply committed to continuing Mark Coulton’s legacy of delivering for the people of the Parkes electorate,” Mr Chaffey said.“Over the past two years, Labor has left our regional communities behind, and I will fight to ensure they get what they deserve.“We need to get cost of living back under control, improve access to healthcare and education in our regions, and invest in affordable and reliable power. I believe that to build a strong future for our next generation, we must develop industry within our communities to create opportunities for our young people to stay and raise their families here.“I am looking forward to engaging with constituents and listening to their concerns, ideas and opinions as I travel around the electorate on the campaign trail.”Mark Coulton, retiring Member for the Parkes electorate, congratulated Mr Chaffey on his preselection and said he will be a fierce advocate for communities across the electorate.“I have worked closely with Jamie over the years, both in his role as Mayor and through his involvement with The Nationals, and I know he has a deep passion for bettering our region,” Mr Coulton said.“I’m excited the Party has chosen someone of such high calibre. Jamie has been a hardworking community leader; he understands the issues facing our communities and knows that regional Australia is the backbone of our economy.“He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in, and I know he will work tirelessly to ensure the people of the Parkes electorate can continue to thrive into the future.”

A report released last week by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) estimates one in 10 men born in NSW have had Police take some form of action against them for offences related to family and domestic violence.“This is the first estimate of the prevalence of recorded family and domestic violence offending in a population sample in Australia,” the AIC said. “This is an important step towards increasing the visibility of family and domestic violence perpetrators.”The study used criminal history data for three birth cohorts in New South Wales to estimate the prevalence of reported and recorded family and domestic violence offending by the age of 37.9.6 per cent of men – one in 10 – and 3 per cent of women – one in 33 – had been charged with a violence offence against a family member or domestic partner. The report also found that just 1.2 per cent of people were responsible for more than 50 per cent of the recorded offences.The study looked at those born in 1984, 1994 and 2004 and compared examples of when the NSW police force had taken any sort of legal action against a person for a family of domestic violence offence. Action included a referral to court, criminal infringement notices, cautions or other infringement notices.The report found more than half of reported incidents (54%) involved intimate partner violence victims. In the remaining cases, offenders were parents, children, siblings and other relatives, other household members or carers. In the case of First Nations people, violence against a member of their extended family or kin was also included.Professor Jason Payne is the director of the Griffith Criminology Institute and one of the report authors, alongside AIC research manager Anthony Morgan.Payne said the majority of states and territories have only been flagging domestic violence-related crimes for a few short decades. In NSW’s domestic or family violence cases have only been recorded since 1997.Where to find helpIf you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact:National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 73224-hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578). They also have a specific line for the LGBTIQA+ community called the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212SHE (free and confidential counselling and support) on 6278 9090Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811, or after hours 6231 1817Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800 Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14Men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, should contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 Don’t Become That Man helpline on 1300 243 413

Member for Barwon Roy Butler with Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park on a recent tour of the electorate. Image: suppliedMinister for Regional Health Ryan Park says progress is being made to improve healthcare in the bushThe NSW Government says it is demonstrating its commitment to improving healthcare in rural and regional communities by recruiting and retaining more health workers, offering greater financial assistance for patients, and providing support to sustain the primary care sector.“The Rural Health Inquiry highlighted the need to strengthen the regional health workforce and that’s what we’re doing through initiatives such as the Rural Health Workforce Incentives Scheme which has significantly improved the attraction and retention of health staff in rural areas," Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said.“We made a commitment to implement all the recommendations, and I am really heartened to see we are on track to do this.Through innovative programs like the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) and the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway, the Minns Labor Government says it is enhancing access to high quality healthcare for rural, regional and remote patients.Minister Park recently announced the release of a report detailing progress against each of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Health Outcomes and Access to Health and Hospital Services in Rural, Regional and Remote NSW.According to Mr Park twenty five of the 44 inquiry recommendations have already been completed, with significant work underway to implement the remaining 19 - many of which are on track to be finalised this year."The implementation of the recommendations from the Inquiry is a key election commitment of the Minns Labor Government. Workforce initiatives to attract, train and retain health workers are filling critical gaps and providing a much-needed boost for regional communities."Since its introduction in July 2022, the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme has recruited 3,044 health workers and retained 11,337 health workers in some of the hardest-to-fill and critically vacant positions in rural and regional NSW.In August 2023, the Minns Labor Government announced a doubling of the scheme - from $10,000 to $20,000 for the hardest to fill roles. Between August 2023 and August 2024, 1,936 health workers were recruited, and 3,086 health workers were retained with incentive packages."This incentive package includes a range of additional benefits including salary boost, sign-on bonuses and retention payments of up to $20,000 per annum, relocation assistance and housing, additional leave, and access to training and education.“I would say worker shortages in our regions is the single biggest challenge confronting our health system.“Accommodation is another critical factor in attracting and retaining health workers at rural and regional hospitals and why the Minns Labor Government is investing a further $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across the state.”The NSW Government says patients and their families are benefitting from improvements to IPTAAS made since the Rural Health Inquiry."These enhancements include increased subsidies, expanded eligibility criteria and a simplified application process and are resulting in more people accessing the assistance scheme to reduce the financial burden for those who need to travel long distances for specialist treatment. The average subsidy IPTAAS clients are receiving has increased from $319 to $467."The NSW Government is also supporting the sustainability of the primary care sector with innovative programs like the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway which trains and employs more doctors where they’re needed most. Trainees on the pathway are employed for up to four years by a regional Local Health District, while completing training in both the general practice and hospital settings."The early response to the latest round of recruitment for the 2025 program is very positive, with preliminary offers of employment being extended to doctors for positions in the Hunter New England, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Mid North Coast, Western NSW, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Northern NSW local health districts.A further round of recruitment will open in early-October, specifically to attract more rural generalist trainees in the Far West, Murrumbidgee and Western NSW LHDs.The establishment of Urgent Care Services across regional NSW in locations including Orange, Armidale and Goulburn help ease the pressure on busy emergency departments, and a community centred Collaborate Care approach to address local healthcare challenges have also been developed to support regional communities.Progress on the implementation of the Rural Health Inquiry recommendations can been viewed in detail in the Progress Report.

The Other Bridget by Rachael Johns Published by Penguin Australia, January 2024. Librarian Bridget Jones (yes, named after the famous fictional character), feels like she has found her place in the world, surrounded by books in the Freemantle library. This is a big jump from her life growing up on a remote cattle station. A bibliophile with a big heart for romance, Bridget hasn’t quite found her prince charming yet. And she can be certain it isn’t her new next door neighbour, Sully. He is constantly grumpy, barely sees the light of day and practises his bagpipes at the most inconvenient times. Fabio, the handsome Italian barista she sees on her way to work everyday is much more appealing. Yet, there is something about Sully and his ongoing antics that gets under Bridget’s skin. Sully and Fabio then unexpectedly turn up at Bridget’s monthly library book club. One of them dragged along by their quick-witted Grandmother and the other chasing after Bridget’s heart. Will Bridget find her romantic meet-cute she's been chasing or will this love-triangle take a very unexpected turn? The Other Bridget is such an entertaining read and the perfect romance story for ages 16 and over. Find more book reviews and author interviews from Mel on www.melreviewsherbooks.com

Above: Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP (far right) with Assistant Commissioner Rod Smith and Andrew Holland. Image: suppliedMember for Barwon Roy Butler MP has offered his thanks to NSW Police's regional manager of the Western Region."Before I was elected to parliament, I worked as a regional manager of the Western Region of the NSW Police Force for ten years, from 2009 to 2019," Mr Butler said. "I have always said it was a great job, and in that time, I made many lifelong friendships."Recently, in Dubbo, I got to say thanks to Assistant Commissioner Rod Smith for his time as the Region Commander West Region, and welcome Assistant Commissioner, Andrew Holland, who is now substantively in the role.:Police are often the only Government agency in a community and only one of a few that is 24/7. I’ve had a great relationship with previous Region Commanders, and I look forward to continuing that relationship with the new Commander."

Officers of the Murrumbidgee and Barrier Police District began an investigation following multiple pursuits with a stolen car throughout the regions. Between 8pm on Sunday August 18 and 6.30am on Monday August 19, a utility was reported stolen from a house on Welcome Street, West Wyalong. The utility was seen a number of times by police in Cobar and drove at speed on each occasion. At 10am on Thursday August 22, police attached to Barrier Police District saw the utility and began a pursuit after it failed to stop on the Barrier Highway, about 65 kilometres east of Broken Hill. It concluded a short time later due to safety concerns. About 9.20pm the same day police attempted to stop the utility as it was entering Wilcannia on the Barrier Highway. When it failed to stop a pursuit was initiated, however was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns. About 12am, the utility was located entering Ivanhoe and police commenced pursuit. During the pursuit one of the occupants threw a fire extinguisher out of the car. A short time later the pursuit ended due to safety concerns. About 11am on Friday August 23, emergency services were called to the Cobb Highway, about 15 kilometres south of Ivanhoe, following reports of a utility well alight. Following inquiries, about 5pm police attended a farmhouse on the Cobb Highway in Mossgiel, about 50 kilometres south of Ivanhoe and arrested three men and two women. Two men were taken to Wilcannia Police Station and the other three were taken to Lake Cargelligo Police Station. A 20-year-old man was charged with Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner (three counts), drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (three counts), use class A vehicle displaying misleading number-plate (two counts), dishonestly obtain property by deception, destroy property in company use fire over $5000, and aggravated break and enter dwelling in company intend steal. He appeared at Dubbo Local Court via  audio video link on Saturday August 24, where he was refused bail to reappear at Parkes Local Court on Friday October 11. A 23-year-old man was charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling in company intend steal, destroy property in company use fire over $5000, and be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner. An outstanding arrest warrant was also issued for property and intimidation-related offences. The man was refused bail and appeared at Dubbo Local Court via audio video link on Saturday August 24, where he was refused bail, to appear at Parkes Local Court on Tuesday September 24. A 21-year-old man has already been dealt with in court., and the two women aged 29 and 17 were later released without charge.

Survivor advocate Michelle Milthorpe will contest the seat of FarrerVoices of Farrer (VoF) have endorsed Michelle Milthorpe (above) as a community independent candidate for the seat of Farrer in the next federal election. VoF released the following statement, and hosted a media event on Wednesday, September 18, at Jindera.Mrs Milthorpe was raised in Cootamundra and is passionate about equity for regional Australians. Her connection to Farrer is strong, having lived within the electorate for more than 20 years. After a lifetime of country living, now in Jindera with her husband and three daughters, Mrs Milthorpe has a genuine care and affiliation with many of the people she hopes to represent. "She understands the unique problems and challenges facing the diverse communities within the electorate," a VoF spokesperson said. Mrs Milthorpe says, “I want to be a genuine representative of the people, someone who reflects the values of the electorate, stands up for regional communities and delivers outcomes for them. When the people of Farrer look at me, I hope they see parts of themselves reflected back – in my actions, words and decision making.”Her parents, grandparents and extended family embody the values of hard work, service to others, and loyalty. It is through them that her fierce desire for social justice and equity originates. “My empathy and strong sense of social justice means I will work hard to fight for what our communities need”, says Mrs Milthorpe. Throughout her life, she has worked as a teacher but has also coached netball teams, owned a small business and been a successful advocate for law reform, all of which required determination and persistence, and taught her to be solutions focused. A quick online search of Mrs Milthorpe demonstrates her strength and ability to do hard things. Alongside her family, and with the support of survivor advocate Nina Funnell, Mrs Milthorpe was instrumental in securing $64.3 million of funding to extend the Child Sexual Offence Evidence Scheme, so that it was available to all children living in regional NSW. For Mrs Milthorpe, this was the beginning of her recognition that regional Australia is often overlooked by city-centric policies that are instituted by the major political parties. “In the 21st century, regional Australians shouldn’t have to beg for basics such as safer roads, reliable telecommunications and access to quality healthcare.” Mrs Milthorpe has said that being a politician was not something she ever thought she would do. “I’ve never considered myself a politician, however, I felt there was a need for a genuine, present and reliable representative. I want the people of Farrer to feel that I represent their values, recognise their issues and come to trust in my determination to find solutions.” Mrs Milthorpe views that the power of the independent is the ability to talk to people from all walks of life and all sides of politics without concern for party lines. She says “As an independent member, the only people that I am accountable to are my constituents. I am not obliged to be aligned to other independents nor will I be tied to political parties, because my representation is about the people in the electorate that I live in.” After her announcement, Mrs Milthorpe plans to be present in the many communities of Farrer to listen and learn from the people in the electorate. Her intention is to further grow her understanding of the issues that are impacting people’s ability to live their best lives. She hopes to collaborate with the people of Farrer to develop solutions and lead the way to create a place where all members of the community can thrive.

A woman will face Griffith court today charged with over a house fire in Griffith last weekend, which has left a woman critically injured.Emergency services were called to Zirilli Avenue about 5.30pm September 14, following reports of a house fire.Fire and Rescue NSW responded and extinguished the fire which caused minor damage.A 32-year-old woman who was at the home at the time suffered extensive burns. A neighbour assisted the woman before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and treated her at the scene.She was taken to Griffith Base Hospital with what police have been told were life-threatening injuries and has since been airlifted to Concord Hospital where she remains in a serious but stable condition.A crime scene was established and an investigation commenced, with Strike Force Clearwater established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.Following inquiries, officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District attended a business in Yambil Street, Griffith.A 34-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and taken to Griffith Police Station.She was charged with cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder, destroy/damage building by fire with intent to murder (DV), and breach of bail.She has been refused bail to appear before Griffith Local Court today (Thursday 19 September 2024).

Police report that 74-year-old Heather Johnstone that was reported missing yesterday, has now been found safe and well. Police would like to thank members of the public and media for their assistance.

A doctor has been charged with the alleged historic sexual assault of a patient.In January 2023, a female patient aged in her 20s, reported a male doctor allegedly sexually assaulted her during an appointment in Leeton in 2020.Officers attached to Monaro Police District established an investigation.Following inquiries, police arrested a 42-year-old man in Leeton September 18.He was taken to Leeton Police Station and charged with aggravated sex assault – victim under authority of offender.The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Leeton Local Court on October 15.

Thousands of people across NSW will be able to access treatment for ear infections, wound management, nausea, gastro, acne, muscle and joint pain at their local pharmacy, boosting access to fast, convenient heathcare across NSW.Health Minister Ryan Park announced at the Pharmacy Guild’s Pharmacy Connect Conference in Sydney recently that work is underway to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice including the following conditions:Acute otitis media (middle ear infection)Acute otitis externa (outer ear infection) Acute minor wound managementAcute nausea and vomitingGastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) Mild to moderate acneMild, acute musculoskeletal pain ​Subject to appropriate training and ongoing work in implementation work, the expanded service delivery could commence as soon as 2026.“We know that it is becoming more difficult to access a GP than ever before, with people often waiting days or even weeks before they can find an appointment," NSW Health Minister Ryan Park (pictured above) said.“By empowering pharmacists to undertake consultations on more conditions, we can relieve the pressure on GPs and end the wait times. “People should be able to access treatment as and when they need it, and the expansion of this important initiative will improve access to care.” NSW Health is consulting with universities on the development of suitable training as well as the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia on request supports for pharmacists including: Condition specific training; andUpskilling in clinical assessment, diagnosis, management and clinical documentation.NSW Health has also agreed to authorise individual pharmacists who have successful completed the Queensland pilot training to deliver selected services in NSW from January 2025 onwards.More than 490 pharmacies across the state have participated in the oral contraceptive pill trial since it began, delivering more than 1,800 consultations to women in NSW. This follows the successful completion of the first phase of the trial in May 2024, which saw more than 3,300 NSW pharmacists provide more than 18,000 consultations to women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). The UTI service transitioned to usual pharmacy care from 1 June 2024. The third and final phase of the trial allowing pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions is underway and will be running until early 2025. A detailed evaluation of all three phases of the NSW Pharmacy Trial will be provided to NSW Health in 2025 and will inform future expansion of services.Expanding the scope of practice of pharmacists forms part of the NSW Government’s broader efforts to alleviate pressure on GPs. According to the Federal Department of Health & Aged Care, there were fewer GPs in NSW in 2023 than there were in 2019. The GP shortage is having a significant impact on the state’s emergency departments. While the Minister for Health continues to work with the Commonwealth on the challenges facing primary care, for its part, the NSW Government just this week announced the commencement of its Bulk Billing Support initiative. It also follows the NSW Government’s half a billion dollar emergency department relief package announced in the state budget in June, which seeks to build more pathways to care outside the hospital, as well as improving patient flow within our hospitals. 

Big win for EvaBalranald Central School stage 3 student, Eva Gaston was a convincing winner in the senior section of the Hay CWA public speaking contest last Friday. Eva (pictured far left) delivered a well-researched speech on ‘weird foods’, with good eye contact and a clear voice. Eva is pictured with fellow BCS participants Isla Old, Fletcher Old, Sophie Comitti and (back) Maddi Sengoz who represented St Joseph’s School. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Tertia Butcher.

Mark your calendars for October 5 and 6 2024; there is a must-see event happening again in Balranald. Ivanhoe Dry Times Truck, Tractor, Car and Bike Show is on again! It only happens once every two years so polish up your chrome and hit the road!Founded in 2019, the Ivanhoe Dry Times Truck, Tractor, Car and Bike Show was a way to bring the community together during difficult times. Backbone of the community, AllanCarmichael, decided to get the community together with their collective pride and joy, their vehicles. Other community mainstays quickly got behind the event, and before you know it one of the most successful events on the Ivanhoe calendar began. After the first event in 2019, the team went full steam ahead, and made bigger and better plans for 2021.But nothing ever holds battlers like the town of Ivanhoe down for long. They began planning ahead for 2022, and the second truck show did not disappoint! Raffles were bigger, there was an auction, more stalls, great entertainment, and they secured sponsors, Central Darling Shire and Tronox.The town was buzzing once again.Unfortunately, as with so many things, COVID put a big spoke in the works in 2021. The efforts were so incredible, and led to the Ivanhoe Dry Times Truck, Tractor, Car and Bike Show earning Event of the Year at 202 Australia Day Awards. Vintage tractor pull, many children’s activities, BBQs, and the wonderful Ivanhoe CWA ladies with their delectable treats.The truck show ensures the Sahara football oval is jam packed with people and shining chrome, and the town is abuzz with activity. Camping is available at the footy oval, and camp draft grounds, with toilet and shower facilities available. The best pub feed you will ever have will be available at the Ivanhoe RSL Club.The best part of events such as the Truck Show is all raffles and fund-raising efforts go back into the community for ventures such as the hospital. Small towns like Ivanhoe are the most amazing towns, the way they make things happen, come together and keep their town going.

A woman has been charged over the alleged supply of nicotine vape fluid and vape devices in the state’s west.About 10.30am yesterday (Tuesday 17 September 2024) officers attached to the Barrier Highway Patrol stopped a van on the Sturt Highway, Euston to conduct drug and alcohol testing.The 41-year-old female driver allegedly returned a positive result.During a search of the vehicle, officers allegedly located and seized about 1,000 vape devices and more than 6,500 bottles containing vape fluid – with an estimated street value in excess of $650,000. Five grams of cannabis leaf was also allegedly located in the vehicle.The woman was arrested and taken to Dareton Police Station where she was charged with supply restricted substance, goods in custody and possess prohibited drug. The van was also seized.She was granted conditional bail to appear before Wentworth Local Court on Tuesday 8 October 2024.A 65-year-old male passenger of the van was also arrested and taken to Dareton Police Station. He was released without charge as enquiries continue.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the state’s south.Heather Johnstone, aged 74, was last seen outside the shops in Yenda Place, Yenda, about 12pm on Monday (16 September 2024).When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.Police and family hold concerns for Heather’s welfare due to her age and health.Heather is believed to be travelling in her car, which is described as a silver Mitsubishi Outlander with NSW registration plates DC49AF.She was last seen wearing a pink blouse and grey skirt.Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Griffith Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Everyone should check if their Telstra GO has the latest software update and is configured to boost 4G signal.Many Telstra GO Repeaters (signal boosters) operate on both 3G and 4G and will not be impacted when 3G closes from 28 October. However, in some cases they may have been configured to only operate on 3G and hasn’t been updated with the latest software. Telstra encourages you to check your Telstra GO Repeater settings using a smartphone with the Cel-Fi WAVE app installed to see if its correctly configured to boost 4G signals and has the latest software update. To ensure you are getting the best possible 4G experience when 3G closes on 28 October, Telstra have created a handy factsheet with instructions to update your Telstra Go repeater with the latest software, check setting on your device so it is boosting 4G coverage and to also check if your current antenna is compatible with the 4G network. Use the link to download the factsheet https://qrco.de/bewdvA