Balranald’s Mayor Louie Zaffina advocates for the bush amid local progressBalranald Shire Mayor Louie Zaffina is actively balancing regional advocacy with local infrastructure progress. The Mayor recently toured the regional meeting circuit to tackle challenging policy issues while simultaneously overseeing significant developments across the Shire.Advocacy: Water Policy and Regional ChallengesMayor Zaffina used recent high-level meetings, including one with Minister Tara Moriarty (Western Division and Agriculture portfolio) in Cobar and the Murray Darling Association conference in Griffith, to raise concerns critical to the Far West.The Mayor was forceful in challenging the narrative around water scarcity, arguing that separating water from land was the actual source of the problem, not climate change alone. Drawing on his experience as former Chairman of the Euston Co-op, he stated: “It’s no good trying to solve an issue if you can’t admit what caused it.” “They can blame climate change, it’s a pretty broad word to use, and it is not as though climate change is not a relevant and important issue, but they throw that word around a little bit too much, as a broad umbrella term to blame a lot of things on.” “Water belonged to that parcel of land and then they separated it and created this. That policy created this, not climate. They too easily point the finger at something else when we all know what actually caused it.”Mayor Zaffina expressed concern that water buybacks primarily benefit large corporations, raising fundamental questions about the future of farming families:“What opportunity is there for a young person or a young couple to start farming? How are they going to buy water or land if big companies and corporations are gobbling everything up?”He also questioned the environmental allocation’s management, suggesting that frequent, deliberate flooding of floodplains—which he notes are "not swamps"—may be causing long-term damage to gum and box trees by depriving them of oxygen.Local Infrastructure and Community FocusBack in the Shire, progress is accelerating on several key projects:New Leadership: The Council has appointed Terry Dodds as the new Chief Executive Officer (a retitled position from General Manager) on a five-year contract, commencing October 27.Euston Oval: Rehabilitation is nearly complete, and the ground is already being used by the local school and Tongan community playing rugby. The oval's return will allow football netball games to resume after a three-year suspension, which the Mayor notes “creates a bit of traffic around Euston”.Balranald Land Use: Council is exploring the rezoning of land to create smaller, five- or six-acre blocks for domestic use—not irrigation—to allow residents to live on small acreages.Aged Care: The Bidgee Haven Retirement Hostel received a new wheelchair-enabled van, which the Mayor enjoyed. The hostel's extension project is soon going out to tender.Lake Benanee: $70,000 has been secured to upgrade free camping facilities, including toilets and benches, at the popular spot.Upcoming Community EventsThe Mayor is keen to connect residents with services and stakeholders through two key events:Civic Dinner: A dinner will be hosted on October 22 at Balranald Services Club, with invitations extended to neighbouring councils and Federal and State Members.Health and Wellbeing Support Services Expo: This expo will be held the following day, October 23, at the Theatre Royal from 11 am to 3 pm. The goal is to connect residents with services and discuss shared regional challenges. The Mayor expects the challenges discussed to be common across the region: “I’m sure it’s the same challenges in every other regional shire.”The Mayor remains committed to a direct approach, stating that whether discussing local projects or challenging government policy, his aim is consistent: “tell it as it is and advocate strongly for the future of rural Australia."The views and opinions shared by Mayor Zaffina in this article are entirely his own, and has no bearing on Balranald Shire Council.

The NSW Government has announced an additional $23.9 million to fast-track thousands of new homes in regional areas, as part of a package to support local councils to deliver infrastructure and strategic planning to support housing growth.From this week, councils outside of Greater Sydney can apply for funding through round four of two key programs:Low Cost Loans Initiative – up to $20.9 million available to help councils deliver critical infrastructure like roads, parks, and enabling infrastructure to support new housing by covering 50 per cent of interest costs on loans;Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund – up to $3 million in grants to support local planning projects that unlock new housing and improve affordability.Grants under the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund range from $20,000 to $250,000 to support work such as housing strategies, masterplans, development control plans, and infrastructure contributions.“We know infrastructure unlocks housing, and this investment is about making sure regional NSW has the roads, water, sewerage and community facilities it needs to support housing growth,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.“The Minns Government’s planning reforms such as the Housing Delivery Authority and NSW Housing Pattern Book are gaining popularity in regional NSW, this initiative will support that housing growth.“By backing councils to deliver these projects sooner and at a lower cost, we’re helping to deliver more homes for people who want to live, work and stay in the regions.”Applications for both programs close on 12 December. To apply, visit NSW Planning.For more information, visit Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund and the Low Cost Loans Initiative.Story via Inside Local Government

Central Darling Shire Council's General Manager, Greg Hill, will be departing the Shire to take up the role of General Manager at Coonamble Shire Council. Mr. Hill will officially commence his new position on December 1, 2025.Mr. Hill has served Central Darling Shire for the past seven years, providing leadership to the Council and the communities of Wilcannia, Menindee, Ivanhoe, and White Cliffs.During his tenure, Mr. Hill oversaw a period of significant progress and reform across the vast Shire. His leadership was pivotal in driving major infrastructure and economic development initiatives, including:The completion of the $57 million Pooncarie Road sealing project.The construction of three water treatment plants, valued at over $20 million.The development of the $9.5 million Wilcannia Baaka Cultural Centre.The process for appointing a new General Manager will commence immediately, with further announcements to be made in due course.The Central Darling Shire Council was placed under administration in 2013 due to long-standing financial and governance issues, leading to the dismissal of the elected councillors. This resulted in an extended period of administration lasting approximately 12 years, during which an Administrator performed the functions of the elected council. The return to democratic representation was a priority for the NSW Government, leading to the creation of a new Rural and Remote Council model. This new model paved the way for the recent historic election held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, which allowed residents to vote for new councillors for the first time in over a decade. The new Council will comprise three locally elected community members and three councillors appointed by the NSW Minister for Local Government, with election results expected in coming weeks.

A Country Universities Centre for Hay is now one step closer, with local Jessie Armstrong appointed as the Centre Manager of the eagerly anticipated Rural University Study Hub (RUSH).Jessie comes from a rural background with a passion for agriculture extension and advisory services, and experience in project management, communications and community education. She is currently studying at university and is excited by the opportunity to support people in Hay to undertake their own studies. “I grew up on a station 130 kilometres away from Hay, so an hour and a half drive,” Ms Armstrong said. “I've done School of the Air, been to boarding school, and now I’ve been doing my own double degree by distance for the last five years.” Ms Armstrong will manage her own study load while working at Hay’s RUSH, working towards a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, so is uniquely qualified to support other students.“I’ll be here for students, offering first-year study support, such as accessing student portals, interpreting your subject outline or your course handbook, downloading any of their software they might need, or navigating scholarship pages. “While we won't provide any tuition or anything like that, we will be able to help students find that within their own institution. “I am available so people don't have to try and battle online learning by themselves.”Newly appointed manager of Hay’s Country University Centre Jessie Armstrong is no stranger to online learning. She is encouraging student to register their interest in enrolling in the local study hub.Ms Armstrong said she is happy to chat with anyone who wants to know more about what Hay RUSH can offer.“We have plenty of resources to give to students to help them figure out goals, like study goals, how to manage workload, time management, well-being, and mental health as well,” she said.“It doesn't matter if you are part-time or full-time studying online, or if you're part-time or full-time on campus, you can still access the centre during holidays and mid-session breaks.“When you're coming home to the region, you can use us as a study centre, which is a good reason to register. “And if you're a student who's coming to Hay to do work placement or some type of work experience, you can also register with us to get access to the centre while you're in town. Ms Armstrong said regional students are welcome to register as well.“The only limitation that people have really when it comes to accessing the centre is how far they're willing to travel.”She said she is also keen to support those who have come to the area to work – as jackaroos or governesses – but who also want to further their education.“Coming from an ag background, I have a soft spot for, obviously agriculture and young people, particularly who take up first-year Jackaroo or Jillaroo positions and then they leave the area in their second year because they decided that they want to go to Uni,” she explained “They end up going to Wagga and leaving the area again. Whereas, if someone registered with Hay RUSH they don’t have to leave that lifestyle of being on farm. They can continue to study on, with our help, and come in of days off. “You can come in and get support.”Ms Armstrong said she is happy to chat online with students“I'm not adverse to spending time doing Zooms or Microsoft Teams calls with people, if they are out on their farm and need support.”Whether it’s well-being check-in, a digital coffee catch-up or just need a good vent, Ms Armstrong said the centre is geared up to help.“Many people from Hay face significant challenges when it comes to leaving Hay to attend university, such as the high cost of living, finding affordable housing and managing family and carer responsibilities,” Chair of the CUC Hay Board and Mayor of Hay Shire Council, Carol Oataway said.“Having a RUSH in Hay will be a game-changer for both younger and older residents who want to realise their career dreams – supporting them to access courses from any university, without having to leave our community.“This also has the potential to bring significant benefits to the broader Hay community, giving us the means to grow our own skilled workforce for the future.”The Centre is overseen by a local, skills-based volunteer Board, ensuring it meets the unique needs and circumstances of the Hay community. Co-location with TAFE NSW is one of those unique attributes, allowing Hay residents to seamlessly access vocational and tertiary education options under the one roof.“I am happy to chat with anyone if they have questions,” Ms Armstrong said.Hay RUSH is located at Hay TAFE in Pine Street, and is open 8.30am to 4.30pm, every week day (except Thursday). You can also call on 0498 683 152, or email at [email protected] is no fee to access Hay RUSH.Expressions of interest for enrolments are now open.Follow on Facebook or Instagram

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging communities not to be complacent this bush fire season and undertake their own preparations, as conditions continue to hamper hazard reduction efforts. RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said with the official start of the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) commencing for most of the state tomorrow, all of NSW needs to remember it only takes one ember to destroy an unprepared home. “Most homes lost during bushfires are destroyed by embers, not flames, which means even those who don’t live right next to the bush need to be aware of their risk this season,” Commissioner Curtin said. “These small sparks can impact neighbourhoods more than 20km from a fire front, quickly igniting leaves in your gutter or debris in an untidy lawn.” Heavy rains over recent years have led to prolific vegetation growth and limited opportunities for hazard reduction.   “Fast-moving grass fires are capable of threatening lives and properties, as well as valuable crops and farming land,” Commissioner Curtin said.  While some areas have already entered the BFDP, the statutory bush fire season runs from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026. Acting Minister for Emergency Services, Anoulack Chanthivong said a few hours spent preparing could save lives and property if a bushfire emergency ignites.  “Our firefighters are at the ready to respond to emergencies 365 days of the year, but it’s every homeowner’s responsibility to be equally prepared to help protect yourself and your family from the threat of bushfires,” Minister Chanthivong said. “Doing simple things like cleaning your gutters, removing flammable items from your garden, and trimming back overhanging trees can make a significant difference. “Now is also the time to update and discuss your bush fire survival plan with your household. Whether you live on the urban fringe, in regional towns or on rural properties, it’s critical everyone in NSW knows what they will do if fire threatens.” Now that most of the state is in the BFDP, landholders must obtain a Fire Permit before lighting fires, take care when using fire on your property and note the rules around Total Fire Ban days. Information about hazard reduction burning, obtaining permits and required notification is available on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP

The Labour Day long weekend traffic operation has now concluded, with three lives sadly lost on New South Wales roads.Operation Labour Day 2025 commenced at 12.01am on Friday 3 October 2025 and concluded at 11.59pm yesterday (Monday 6 October 2025).The high-visibility operation saw police across the state targeting drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, speeding and seat belt and helmet offences, with double demerits in place for the duration of the four-day operation.Across the state, police issued 11,389 Traffic Infringement Notices, including 4,026 for speed related offences, 302 for mobile phone usage, and 174 seatbelt/helmet related offences.Police conducted more than 214,906 breath tests, with 300 drink driving offences and conducted 11,283 drug tests with 724 drug driving offences detected, with 285 major crashes reported.Since Wednesday 1 January 2025, 277 people have been killed on NSW roads.Over this long weekend three people lost their lives – all of which occurred in northern NSW.Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Ryan Park said still too many lives are being lost to recklessness on our roads.“Three people lost their lives over the weekend, not because of bad luck, but because of bad decisions taken on our roads,” Minister Park said.“These crashes aren’t accidents, they’re preventable. Every time someone speeds, looks at their phone or drives under the influence, they’re putting lives on the line.”“As we head into one of the busiest times of year on our roads, the message couldn’t be clearer. Slow down, pay attention and never drive if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs.”“Police will be out in force again coming up to Christmas, targeting dangerous driving, speeding, distraction and impairment. Real change starts with every driver taking responsibility. One careless decision is all it takes to destroy a life.”Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver APM said even one incident that sees road users putting lives in danger is one too many.“Officers this weekend saw several incidents of drink and drug driving, speeding, and not following the road rules and it’s devastating that families are now mourning the loss of loved ones.”“While most drivers are doing the right thing, we are disappointed that we continue to see people choosing to put themselves and other road users in danger.”“While this traffic operation has concluded, drivers can always expect to see police out on our roads, and we will continue to target dangerous driving to ensure the safety of our communities.”Incidents of note include:About 4.20pm on Friday (3 October 2025), officers attached to North West Traffic & Highway Patrol Command stopped a vehicle for stationary testing in Dundas. The driver – a 21-year-old man – was subjected to a roadside drug test which returned a positive result. A vehicle search was conducted with police allegedly locating and seizing cocaine, cannabis, MDMA pills, and methylamphetamine. He was arrested and taken to Parramatta Police Station where he was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug greater than small and less than indictable quantity, possess prohibited drug, and two counts of supply prohibited drug greater than indictable and less than the commercial quantity. He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Sunday 5 October 2025.About 6.20pm on Friday (3 October 2025), officers attached to Hume Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle allegedly speeding at 134km/h in a signposted 110km/h on the Hume Highway, Goulburn. The P2 Provisional driver – a 25-year-old man – was subjected to a random drug test which returned a positive result. A search was conducted on the man with police allegedly locating several packages of cocaine and cash. He was taken to Goulburn Police Station where a secondary analysis was conducted and returned an alleged reading for cocaine. He was charged with supply prohibited drug greater than indictable and less than commercial quantity, possess prohibited drug, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. He was issued an infringement notice for P2 driver exceed speed limit over 30kmh and his licence has been suspended.About 11.30am on Saturday (4 October 2025), officers attached to Bathurst Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle on the Northern Distributor, Orange, allegedly travelling 17km/h over the signposted speed limit. The driver – a 26-year-old man – was subjected to a roadside breath test, which allegedly returned a positive result. The man was arrested and taken to Orange Police Station where he was charged with drive with high range PCA. He is due to appear at Orange Local Court on Thursday 30 October 2025.About 10.10pm on Saturday (4 October 2025), officers attached to Coffs Harbour Highway Patrol allegedly detected a vehicle travelling on the Pacific Highway, Dirty Creek, at 183kph in a 110kph zone. The 19-year-old male driver was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous and P2 driver exceed speed > 45 km/h – Lidar to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday 2 December 2025. It will also be alleged that the vehicle was not displaying P plates. The driver was also issued a $330 for not comply P2 licence condition not display P plates. He was also issued a licence suspension notice.About 10:25am on Sunday (5 October 2025), officers attached to Grafton Highway Patrol stopped a 17-year-old girl allegedly travelling at 157kmh in 110kmh zone along the Pacific Highway, Pillar Valley. She was issued a $3,054 infringement and a six-month licence suspension notice.About 4pm on Sunday (5 October 2025), officers from Mid North Coast Highway Patrol stopped 40-year-old man on Lighthouse Road, Port Macquarie, for a random breath test where he allegedly returned a reading of 0.241. He was charged with High Range PCA – 2nd offence. His licence was also suspended.About 8.05am yesterday (Monday 6 October 2025), officers from Nepean Highway Patrol were conducting stationary random breath testing along the Kingsway, Werrington. It will be alleged that as a vehicle approached the site it stopped and the driver – a 19-year-old male P licence holder – ran from the vehicle. Following a foot pursuit the man was arrested in nearby bushland. An oral test allegedly returned a positive reading to cocaine. Further analysis is to be undertaken before any further action is taken. The mans licence has been suspended.About 8.25am yesterday (Monday 6 October 2025), officers from Lake Illawarra Highway Patrol allegedly stopped a vehicle travelling 124kph in a 110kph zone along the Princes Highway, Dunmore. Inquiries revealed the 45-year-old male driver’s Provisional licence was disqualified in 2011 until 2042. He was served with a Field Court Attendance Notice for drive motor vehicle during disqualification period - 2nd offence and is due to appear at Kiama Local Court on Monday 3 November 2025. He was also issued a $592 infringement for class A motor vehicle exceed speed > 20kph – Lidar.

Australians are travelling in two distinct directions, according to a new data-led report from travel consultancy Forward Travel – with some sticking to short-haul comfort zones, while others venture further in search of authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.“Australian travel is running on two tracks – the familiar and the fearless,” says David Smyth, founder and director of Forward Travel. “The biggest rewards now lie just beyond the usual favourites – in places that offer new perspectives and untold stories.” Drawing on figures drawn from the Department of Home Affairs’Overseas Arrivals and Departures (OAD), the report analyses travel patterns between 2021 and 2025, revealing shifting favourites, new contenders and unexpected drop-offs – and highlighting the destinations set to define 2026.The report highlights seven key insights into Australia’s evolving travel habits – and where we’re headed next:1. Indonesia: The Unshakable No 1Indonesia has dominated every year, starting third in 2021–22 and holding the top spot from 2022–23 onward. Its combination of affordability, proximity and variety has kept it far ahead of regional rivals. “Indonesia has become a ‘set-and-forget’ choice – easy flights, great value and incredible breadth from Bali to Raja Ampat. It’s the Swiss Army knife of Aussie holiday,” says Smyth. 2. Japan: The New StarJapan saw the most dramatic growth of all destinations, leaping from 20th in 2021–22 to fourth in 2024–25, driven by a favourable exchange rate, ski tourism and cultural appeal. “Travellers want connection, not just sightseeing. Japan blends heritage with modern life – it’s exciting and easy to reach,” says Smyth. 3. Luxury Redefined in 2026Forward Travel’s data and client insights show a reimagining of luxury – from five-star hotels to five-star experiences. “Travellers today want experiences that feel genuine and unscripted, whether that’s trekking through remote mountain villages, meeting wildlife researchers in the field or exploring former conflict zones. It’s not about luxury in the traditional sense anymore – it’s about access, connection and stories you won't find in a guidebook,” says Smyth.4. The Invisibles: Untapped and ExtraordinaryDozens of countries recorded fewer than five Australian visitors a year between 2021 and 2025, with many – from Guatemala and Panama to Angola and El Salvador – barely appearing on the travel map. “Distance, cost and awareness keep these regions off most itineraries, yet they deliver some of the world’s most rewarding travel. “Off-the-beaten-path destinations like these harbour untouched ecosystems and rare species, giving travellers a chance to see wildlife and landscapes in their most pristine form. Exploring little-visited regions encourages curiosity and adaptability, often leading to unexpected adventures, hidden gems and personal growth,” says Smyth.5. Steadfast FavouritesIndonesia, Singapore and New Zealand remain the bedrock of Australian travel, barely shifting in rank across the four years. Destinations such as Fiji, the UAE, the USA and Thailand also held firm. “These are the comfort corridors – destinations Australians trust. Reliable connections and familiarity keep them strong, even as new contenders rise,” says Smyth.6. India: The Wildcard India proved the most unpredictable of all markets, swinging dramatically in and out of the Top 20 ­– from 13th to 19th, dropping out entirely, and then re-emerging in 2024–25. “India fascinates Australians but can still feel daunting. As confidence returns and travellers seek deeper cultural immersion, India is perfectly placed to become one of the next great rediscoveries,” says Smyth. 7. One-Hit WondersSeveral destinations, including Italy, New Caledonia, South Africa and Sri Lanka, appeared in the Top 20 just once before disappearing. Their brief moment in the spotlight in 2021–22 reflected the unusual dynamics of the post-pandemic rebound, when border rules, flight bubbles and limited routes temporarily reshaped travel choices. “Those early rebound years produced a few statistical quirks. When borders reopened, Australians grabbed whatever flights were available – not necessarily where they’d normally choose to go,” says Smyth. Read the full report on the Forward Travel website.

A new analysis of the proposed scale and land impact of Australia's transition to renewable energy has drawn attention to the vast footprint of planned projects across the country. The data, compiled by Rainforest Reserves Australia and Steven Nowakowski, is presented in a publicly accessible mapping tool that outlines the location and size of 1,126 energy projects.The analysis focuses on the land requirements for the proposed rollout, which includes hundreds of wind and solar projects and their associated infrastructure.Key Findings from the MappingThe data shows the scale of land and infrastructure needed for a significant portion of the planned clean energy transition:Solar Projects: The map identifies 545 new solar projects requiring an estimated 443,000 hectares of prime land. The total number of proposed solar panels is estimated to be 584 million.Wind Projects: The analysis covers 296 onshore wind projects and 28 proposed offshore wind projects. This scale of development requires an estimated 44,895.5 kilometres of new haulage roads for construction logistics.Total Projects: The overall count includes a variety of technologies:545 solar296 onshore wind28 offshore wind205 BESS (battery energy storage system)24 pumped hydro13 hydro13 hydrogen2 tidalTotal: 1,126 projectsRegional Concerns and Call for a Balanced ApproachFederal Member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, highlighted the data's relevance to regional areas, including his own electorate."This mapping clearly illustrates the immense impact these projects will have on agricultural farmland, forests, and natural landscapes," Mr Chaffey said. "The concerns I hear from people in the Parkes electorate are validated by the sheer size and scale of this planned rollout."He emphasised that the data shows a need for a broader strategy in Australia's energy future. "We need to ensure a carefully considered, technology-neutral energy mix to prevent unintended and permanent impacts on our prime agricultural land and naturally beautiful areas. "The scale shown here underscores the necessity of a balanced approach that includes all viable generation options, such as nuclear energy, to minimise the footprint."Most Comprehensive Mapping to DateEnvironmentalist and co-analyst Steven Nowakowski stated that the mapping, which was a three-year volunteer project, is the most comprehensive to date for Australia's clean energy pipeline."This is a trillion-dollar industry, yet detailed mapping of its physical footprint hadn't been compiled in this way before," Mr Nowakowski said. "Australians can now go online and see the exact size and location of every project. It’s an essential tool for understanding the real-world impact of the energy transition."The full interactive map and data can be found at: https://www.rainforestreserves.org.au/renewablestruthmap

A 58-year-old man has been charged after a traffic stop on the Cobb Highway near Hay, and alleged sets his dog on police.Police allege the man was stopped by on October 3, after being observed speeding.A subsequent drug test returned a positive result and the man was placed under arrest.Police further allege 90 grams of cannibis and a large hunting knife was discovered, during a search of the man's vehicle.The driver allegedly refused to attend hospital to give a blood test after being unable to provide a saliva test, and was issued a court attendance notice.Police allege, after being given paperwork, the man removed a large dog from the rear tray of his ute, and attempted to set it on the officers.The man was arrested a second time, after assaulting an officer and taken to Deniliquin Police Station.He was charged with multiple offences and refused bail.

The NSW Government has announced it will address community concerns about water security in Western NSW by reviewing the designs of fishways to ensure they have no impact on local weir heights.The $56.8 millionFish Passage: Reconnecting the Northern Basin Project aims to improve native fish migration and boost river health, supporting a 70 GL reduction in water recovery targets in the Northern Basin under the Basin Plan.In a statement, the Government said it was committed to building a better NSW with safer and more secure water supply, and acknowledged the communities of Louth, Tilpa, Walgett, and Collarenebri are strongly opposed to any reduction in their local weir heights.“This is a great example of why getting boots on the ground and taking time to have conversations directly with locals is a critical part of the decision-making process,” said Minister for Water, Rose Jackson.“I have attended dozens of meetings with stakeholders to listen and understand the different perspectives. While residents understand the need to improve native fish movement, they have been abundantly clear that it cannot be at the expense of their town water storage.“That’s why I have stepped in to get this issue sorted. It’s great that we’ve been able to find a potential compromise that suits all parties without reducing the weir height at all and still delivering the fish passage we need.“While we’ll still need to do the regular checks and balances, we believe we’ve found the answer and we’re looking forward to returning to the community in the coming weeks with this design.”The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has been working closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development – Fisheries to finalise a new design for the fishways.The new design includes a small capping sill across part of the weir crests that will allow the fishways to operate effectively and maintain the current full supply level.The work will not just install fishways, it will fix the leaks in the weirs to bring water loss down, the Government says.Technical investigations will be undertaken to confirm this approach and drop-in community sessions to discuss the updated designs will be held in late October 2025, with exact dates and details to be confirmed soon at this website.“I’d like to thank Minister Rose Jackson and Federal Minister Murray Watt for hearing the concerns of these communities,” said Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.“It’s still fresh in our minds how devastating the drought in 2018 was and it’s understandable these communities were opposed to any reduction in the capacity of the weir pool.“This new proposal allows for a very important passage of fish but also acknowledges community concerns about water security.”The project is funded under the Australian Government’s Northern Basin Toolkit.Via: Inside Local Government

Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) is now a regional provider for the Federal Government’s Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity – Emergency Relief Program. The Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity aims to assist financially vulnerable individuals and families by providing emergency relief services. This includes immediate financial assistance, food parcels, clothing, and vouchers for essential items such as utilities and petrol. MASP CEO Charmaine Calis acknowledged the Federal Government’s support in providing the funding, which will help those facing crisis in North West Victoria and Far West New South Wales rebuild their lives. “The Emergency Relief program is designed to help people manage their immediate financial crises to then be able to be referred to relevant services that can help them further,” Mrs Calis said. “If you’re in a financial crisis you can access this emergency relief and with no citizenship or residency requirements we can ensure anybody is supported no matter their background.” For more information on the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity – Emergency Relief Program and how to access it go to https://masp.org.au/how-we-help/emergency-relief program/

Graeme Dowton (below) has the patter of an experienced yarn teller, which is what makes joining one of his underground opal mine tours so enjoyable.My work mate Kimbery Grabham and I arrived in the outback town of White Cliffs mid-afternoon, just in time to join the group of visitors at the Red Earth café, owned by Graeme and partner Sascha Sullivan, for one of the daily tours.We gathered round as Graeme introduced us to the history of opal mining in White Cliffs, and stunned us with tales of prying the prized opal from the walls of his mine.The tiny outback post is the only place where the unique and rare Opal Pineapple formations are found, and Graeme is arguably the master, having found some of the most valuable examples.Fans of TV show ‘Outback Opal Hunters’ will be familiar with the distinctive, palm-sized Opal Pineapple, but for the rest of us, being able to see them at the start of our tour was a treat. In short, they are spiky formations, that look like, well, pineapples.Opal Pineapples are one of the rarest mineral specimens on earth, with only a small number being unearthed whole and intact. Graeme explained to us (and the other kids in the room) that they formed around 120 million years ago, under frozen conditions. Beginning as a hydrous mineral called Ikaite, as temperatures rose to around 4 degrees Celsius, the water is released left a Calcified webbing.Elsewhere in the world it is re-calcified to form what’s known as a Glendonite, however in White Cliffs it is then later again replaced during the opal forming event about 40 million years ago, to become known today as the Opal Pineapple.After Graeme handed around fossils, opalised ancient squid and other treasures from his personal collection, for us to ooh and ahh over, we followed in our vehicles, up the hill, and out onto the infamous White Cliffs opal fields.“Is anyone likely to go fossicking before they leave town?” Graeme asked. I didn’t want to appear to keen, so I remained silent but it did seem like finding opals was almost a given, so I was relieved when a few spoke up.“Ok,” Graeme said. “I came out here a while back after some rain.” He gestured around at the white rocky ground we all stood on. “I stepped out of the car and found an opal worth $2,000.”That got all our attention. Suddenly, everyone’s gaze went down.“We're looking for glassy pieces that might be red, green, or blue, clear, white, or gray,” Graeme explained. “If I see one, I'll drop a circle around it and let you find it in the circle.”Now, we didn’t exactly push kids out of the way when our tour guide scraped a small circle in the dirt with the toe of his boot, but let’s just say - the adults definitely crowed in as fast as the kids did.There was a buzz of excitement but I admit that I still couldn’t tell one rock from the next.Brief fortune hunt over, we followed Graeme to an opening in the ground, with a sloping path and a metal hand rail to guide us underground. As we descended, I was surprised to realise that the ground was clay. Flaky, slightly damp clay. Not hard rock or stone that needed to be chiselled away. These miners were spending lifetimes underground, in tunnels dug out of damp, wet dirt. That was sobering for a moment, but we pressed on, trekking further underground, powered by faith in the tunnel building skill of the guy in front of us.To me, every turn or twist of the tunnel looked alike, but Graeme obviously knows the mine like the back of his hand. He showed us ancient stones, unearthed by his digging and stopped to regal us with stories of past finds and triumphs.In one section of mine, he has left a few damaged examples of Opal Pineapples in the wall, so we could see exactly how they are uncovered. Obviously the precious, valuable ones had long since been removed, and instead we were treated to a high-res iPhone image instead, to fuel our growing opal lust.At one point, we stood in just the light of one small candle, so we could all imagine how 19th century miners worked in near darkness.“In that poor candle light, those miners were also listening for their opal,” Graeme explained. “If you have that glassy seam running through the wall and you hit that with a pick, you'll hear that little crunching of broken glass."“It was also known for miners then even to blow their candle out and just work there in the darkness to try and save themselves a few cents on candles. You would have to imagine back then there was a lot of people who were finding really little to nothing to survive on"“They lost a lot of good pieces on the floor that people today can still pick up on the surface.” Cue everyone looking at the ground again.Graeme’s patter was unstoppable. He pointed out fault lines, explained geology and kept up an endless stream of information that was equally parts educational and entertaining. It would be remiss of me to share too many of his stories, because I suspect his banter has been honed over years of tours, and I don’t want to ruin it for any reader.Suffice to say, I think you should visit White Cliffs and join a Red Earth tour yourself.Tours operate daily, and take you 45 feet (15 metres) underground in the mine Graeme still operates as a commercial business.

The NSW Government has announced it will invest a total of $8.8 million in four Western and Far West NSW projects with funding from its Regional Development Trust to promote economic growth and employment creation.Together with the co-contributions from the four successful applicants, the projects will inject up to $20.5 million of investment into the region.These four projects are:$5 million – Critical Airport upgrades for Broken HillBroken Hill City Council will increase the maximum strength and weight capacity of its tarmac and taxiway to accommodate larger planes.The improvements provide vital access to flights for business, education, essential goods, and health and emergency services for Broken Hill and surrounding areas.The upgrades will also boost tourism opportunities and contribute to long-term economic and sustainability goals for the region.Broken Hill City Council is providing a co-contribution of $1,000,000 towards the total project cost of $15.5 million and is working to secure the additional funding required before construction will commence.The Council is required to secure all necessary approvals and the additional funding within 12 months to enable the project to proceed.$1.8 million – Develop an on-Country cultural centre promoting native food tourism and educationThe Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council will develop the Narrabri Cultural Food Production, Education and Tourism Initiative.The centre will be a barn style air-conditioned shed with storage, landscaped gardens, bathroom facilities, seating for 100+ people set amongst three hectares of established native food gardens and river vegetation used for native food demonstrations.The project will allow for partnerships with local businesses to manage a commercial kitchen offering native paddock-to-plate training and opportunities.$1.24 million – Infrastructure upgrades to enhance the visitor experience at White Cliffs Caravan ParkThe project will see Central Darling Shire Council deliver essential replacements and upgrades at the White Cliffs Caravan Park (pictured) including roads, caravan sites, solar power, signage, fencing and new landscaping.The upgrades and improvement will ensure that the caravan park is fit for purpose for the long-term and continues to add to the White Cliffs visitor economy.$799,999 – Fund Royal Far West to place eight allied health assistants in schoolsThe project will provide funding for eight trained healthcare workers (Allied Health Assistants) to be placed in schools located in Wilcannia and Broken Hill to support developmentally vulnerable children.Over an 18-month period Royal Far West will also work with schools to train them on how to incorporate the Allied Health Assistants into their teams.Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said funding to support upgrades at the Broken Hill Airport will mean bigger planes can land, helping locals stay connected to essential services and giving tourism and business a real boost.“The White Cliffs Caravan Park is a key part of the local visitor economy, and these upgrades will make sure it will be well-equipped for years to come,” said Ms Moriarty.“Putting Allied Health Assistants into remote schools in Far Western NSW will give developmentally disadvantaged kids the support they need to thrive, so they can better engage with their communities and local opportunities.“The new cultural food centre in Narrabri delivers another unique experience and place of interest for visitors and locals who can get to better understand and see local Aboriginal knowledge and food. Demand for this form of on-Country travel experience and training is growing and it’s shown to also strengthen local communities.”Member for Barwon Roy Butler thanked the Minister and the NSW Government for the local funding.“All of these initiatives are extremely welcome,” he said.“Health and early intervention through Royal Far West for young people to assist in overcoming developmental issues in the Far West, maintaining cultural links with indigenous food production in Narrabri with a tourism angle, upgrading visitor infrastructure to encourage more people to visit and stay longer in White Cliffs, are all incredibly important in supporting local economies and communities.“The airport upgrades in Broken Hill are something for which we’ve been advocating for a long time alongside Broken Hill City Council. The Mayor Tom Kennedy is absolutely correct, we now look to the federal government to supplement this funding for the ongoing viability of Broken Hill airport, allowing the vital work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service to continue and for larger aircraft with more passengers and cheaper fares to service Broken Hill.“I will be heading to Canberra soon to talk to the federal minister about their contribution to the upgrades and many other projects.”Broken Hill Mayor, Tom Kennedy said the grant would provide an important platform from which to seek Federal financial support to make much-needed upgrades to the city’s runway.“Council has been pursuing Government funding for airport upgrades for many years, so it’s great to see the level of support we’ve received from the NSW Government in contributing $5 million to the project and we thank the Premier and Minister for their support.“There’s going to be a significant increase in demand for air travel in the coming years as major mining and energy projects ramp up in the region, along with the tourism demand and it is critical that Broken Hill’s airport infrastructure can handle that growth for the betterment of the region.”Central Darling Shire Council Administrator, Bob Stewart always welcomed the funding announcement.“The upgrades will benefit the Caravan Park by making it an even more attractive destination and will also boost visitor numbers and create economic development and employment opportunities across the Far West, including supporting First Nations tourism at the nearby Mutawinji National Park,” he said.“We also hope to see economic benefits flowing through to the economy with an increased number of visitors shopping locally in White Cliffs and the surrounding towns.”Further announcements regarding other successful projects from the Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program will be made in the coming months.For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust.Via: Inside Local Government

From 29 August 2025, the NSW Government will commence negotiations with landowners to secure flood easements along the Murrumbidgee River, between Darlington Point and Balranald, under its Reconnecting River Country Program. Bobbie Pannowitz Solicitor at Cater & Blumer Solicitors based in Griffith, NSW, said of the Program that: “The NSW Government has embarked on a very ambitious piece of water policy with the Reconnecting River Country Program. “The Program is designed to relax constraints along the Murrumbidgee River to deliver more environmental water, more often, to off-river wetlands and floodplains. “To secure these flows, the NSW Government needs to obtain easements from landowners, to enable flooding / inundation of parts of their land. “The impacts could be significant, with the maximum flow limit (as measured at the Wagga Wagga gauge) to be increased from 22,000 ML per day to up to 40,000 ML per day. “While those flows won’t commence until 2031, negotiations are starting now. “Landowners should expect to receive invitations to negotiate (or may have already) which they will then have 28 days to respond to, and a further 12 months to negotiate.” Mr Pannowitz continued: “The NSW Government must compensate landowners for the easements, taking into account the extent of inundation, current land use, impact on third parties, and the market value of the land (among other matters). “If landowners fail to negotiate an easement interest, their land could be compulsorily acquired. “At Cater & Blumer Solicitors, we identified a need for landowners to obtain more information about this Program and how to negotiate the best possible outcome – they need to engage in negotiations and get the right advice to do so. “To assist landowners, we’re holding an Easement Negotiation Information Session at 2 pm, Tuesday 14 October 2025 at the Hay Services Club at 371 Murray Street, Hay.“Please go to the Cater & Blumer Facebook page, Instagram page or website to register. “We strongly encourage affected landowners to attend and learn more about their rights.”For more information, contact Bobbie Pannowitz on 0417 626 230, by emailing [email protected] , or by visiting www.caterandblumer.com. Register your attendance HERE

Haydays Retirement Hostel is facing an accelerating crisis, with management confirming they have failed for a second time to secure the vital $5 million federal grant needed to bring the 1968 facility up to compliance standards.The devastating announcement has prompted Hay Shire Council to take the unusual step of assuming leadership in the fight to save the community-run facility, warning that "If Council does not get involved, Haydays will close in two to three years".The community's struggle has escalated from a serious infrastructure concern into an "unfolding crisis" threatening to deny lifelong residents the right to age in place.Staff and board members of Haydays hold grave concerns (from left) Helen Jacka, Marlene Quinn, Carol Oataway, Kim Gibbs, Martyn Quinn, Lois Jackson and chair Lisa Bowen.A BUILDING BEYOND ITS YEARSBuilt nearly 60 years ago, Haydays is now struggling to meet modern Aged Care Commission regulations. Board Chair Lisa Bowen has repeatedly stressed that the funding is not for luxury or expansion, but simply to achieve compliance.Care staff are constantly battling to provide the highest care, often improvising because the building is "beyond the capacity of what the building was built for," according to registered nurse Sharon Weymouth, who has more than 47 years’ experience.The catalogue of infrastructure failures paints a picture of systemic challenges: • Narrow Doorways: Door widths are so narrow they block access to modern ambulance stretchers. Ms Weymouth recounted the humiliating necessity of moving residents: "We have had to move residents out from the bathrooms, out onto a verandah before we could get them onto an ambulance... It's degrading and humiliating process for them to have to go through". • Safety Hazards: Covered verandas used in past minimal renovations become “hot boxes in summer” and “freezing cold in winter,” featuring uneven walkways that pose serious risks for unstable residents. • Lack of Essential Equipment: The antiquated 1960s plumbing frequently requires repairs, and basic infection control equipment, like a bedpan steriliser, cannot be properly installed without major renovations.Cr Martyn Quinn, manager of Haydays, and Mayor Carol Oataway (a board member) noted that the building is now "well past its intended life cycle and is not fit-for-purpose under modern aged care standards".DEVASTATION AFTER SECOND FUNDING BLOWThe core of the deepening crisis is the failure of the federal government to provide the crucial $5 million capital investment Haydays requires. Despite Member for Farrer Sussan Ley visiting the facility and promising to write personally to the Federal Health Minister, Haydays’ second application to the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program was unsuccessful.The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing stated the funding round was highly competitive, receiving 367 applications seeking over $2.4 billion, with only $300 million available.Ms Bowen expressed her raw disappointment following the announcement: “I am beyond devastated... Especially seeing the inequitably distributed funds yet again.” She highlighted the disparity, noting that four other aged care places collectively received a third of the $300 million.This latest rejection comes after Haydays also missed out last year, while a facility near Bowral in the marginal seat of Whitlam received $27.5 million. Ms Bowen does "not understand their thinking in not prioritising those places like Haydays who are gradually becoming not fit for purpose".THE HUMAN COST AND THE WAITING LISTSThe potential closure would have devastating consequences for Hay families. Haydays currently offers basic dementia care, but as residents deteriorate, they must often be moved to facilities with specialised units, usually in Sydney or Newcastle, leading to "devastating separations for local families".“It's a wrench,” Ms Bowen stated, describing the heartache of families having to travel significant distances to visit loved ones.With both local facilities currently full and 14 residents on a waiting list, the loss of Haydays would place unsustainable pressure on the remaining service. Adding to the stress is the growing workforce crisis, exacerbated by new Federal reforms requiring a mandatory 24/7 Registered Nurse (RN) on duty. Mayor Oataway warned that severe and persistent workforce shortages in rural communities make complying with the RN requirement nearly unachievable, potentially forcing the closure of otherwise viable services.COUNCIL FIGHTS BACKHay Shire Council has officially declared the situation a priority, resolving unanimously to contact multiple federal ministers to demand immediate funding for rural aged care compliance.Cr Oataway’s Mayoral Minute declared: “This is not a distant concern; it is a crisis unfolding here in Hay... The consequences of such a closure would be devastating”.Cr Oataway stressed the urgency, stating: "Our elderly residents cannot wait, and Hay cannot afford to lose critical aged care services. Federal action is not optional - it is essential”.In a dramatic move, Council also unanimously supported a recommendation from Cr John Perry to ask the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to investigate the operations of Haydays Retirement Hostel over the past 20 years to understand what went wrong.For the board, the fight continues, with Ms Bowen confirming, “There's no plan B. We are banking on this... If we can’t meet the standard for an aged care facility, what does Hay do? Where do the people go?”.Ms Bowen confirmed she is now trying to find other grants or philanthropic funding to undertake the much needed refurbishments.

The NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) has cautiously welcomed a suite of planning reforms announced by the NSW Government.However, CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM said the Association has concerns about how centralised planning, standardised assessments and processes would improve outcomes for remote, rural and regional communities.“The CMA, of course, support reforms to the planning regime that will make it simpler and faster for all those involved. However, we are concerned about whether the new standardised, centralised approach will have the capacity to accommodate development in remote, rural and regional NSW,” said Cr Firman (pictured below).“As always with major legislative reform, the devil is in the detail. We will be analysing the legislation and the supporting regime to determine what the impacts are on the communities and businesses our members represent.”Cr Firman said councils across NSW had expended considerable resources preparing and adopting State mandated plans such as the Local Strategic Planning Statements which required considerable community consultation.“Councils want to see how these plans and statements which have been informed by the local community will be integrated into the Housing Deliver Authority’s decision-making,” he said.“It is imperative, therefore that once the Government starts fine-tuning the legislation and its implementation, that local government is a genuine part of the process.”Cr Firman said the CMA Board was pleased to see the establishment of the Development Control Authority (DCA), whose role is to act as a clearing house in relation to the approvals required from other government agencies for developments. The ability to obtain approvals from government agencies more swiftly through the DCA’s work is welcomed, he said.“The CMA strongly supports legislative changes that will improve housing stock in NSW, however, it is imperative that other barriers to housing development are addressed at the same time. These include skills shortages for town planners and building inspectors as well as across all the building trades. In addition, the time and costs associated with the provision of supporting infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water and sewerage, which in some non-metropolitan locations can take years, is a significant barrier to growth.”“Cutting the red tape that has grown over the years, as successive State Governments have made amendment after amendment to the planning regime has undoubtedly increased the paperwork involved in getting developments over the line, is definitely overdue.“The CMA will be seeking assurances from the Government, that the HDA’s decision-making processes will reflect the plans, aspirations and goals of NSW’s remote, rural and regional communities. We have written to Minister Scully seeking an opportunity to discuss the reforms.“The CMA Board applauds the NSW Government’s desire to provide faster, simpler development approvals. more certainty for builders and communities and to reduce red tape and duplication in the NSW Planning regime,” Cr Firman said.Via: Inside Local Government

Krista Schade and I, Kimberly Grabham, ventured to White Cliffs last week to introduce ourselves to the communities we write news about. First stop was Ivanhoe, where we caught up with local shop owner Wendy Aves and enjoyed a ripper beef, cheese, and bacon pie with hot chocolate, the perfect fuel for country travel. From there, we travelled to Wilcannia, where we marvelled at the picturesque historical buildings and had a phenomenal BLT at the cafe. Walking up and down the street, chatting to the friendly locals, we came across many interesting people, including Shirley Evans from the Wilcannia newspaper. It is always wonderful to meet a fellow journalist doing important work in regional communities.But it was our next destination that would truly take our breath away. Intrepid travellers, author Kimberly Grabham, with Krista Schade (rear).Driving into White Cliffs is like driving into another world; words just don't do it justice. As we approached, two distinctive hills rose from the landscape, and as we drew closer, the most wonderful varied collection of houses emerged from underground dwellings. It was one of the most distinctive places I'd ever seen.Our first stop once we’d driven into town was Red Earth Opal, a family-run business thriving in this remote corner of the Australian outback. Graeme Dowton has been living and mining in White Cliffs for over 30 years, and his love for opal mining inspired his wife Sacha to develop REO in 2008 to support their five children. They’re proud to be the source of the world-renowned, extremely rare ‘White Cliffs Opal Pineapple.’ Together, Graeme and Sacha cut, polish, and design opal jewellery from rough opal directly from their family mine.Their passion and commitment to their business, and to each other, inspire them not only to see the opal journey through from beginning to end, but to share its unique story with the final owner. With over 30 years’ experience in opal mining, Graeme took us on an unforgettable journey through his working opal mine, 45 feet underground. We walked down through multiple levels of old and new diggings, diving into the rich history of White Cliffs while learning about the hunt for these rainbow gems.Graeme proved to be a consummate tour guide; funny, entertaining, weaving tales of mining life and anecdotes of big finds. He painted an eloquent and insightful picture of mining in the early years, when dim candlelight was the only thing miners had to see with. Often they worked in complete darkness, ears pricked for the telltale sound of hitting glass, which meant they’d come across the treasure they were seeking.But it was Graeme’s more sobering tale that truly moved us; the story of over 500 children, infants, and people buried in the cemetery. He told us how parents who came to mine faced the heartbreaking and awful choice to leave their children in White Cliffs when they couldn’t make the treacherous journey hundreds of kilometres to Wilcannia and Broken Hill. When water became scarce and heat became impossibly scorching 50 degrees and above, other families in White Cliffs took these children in. After hearing this story, we had to visit the cemetery.Walking through White Cliffs, I met remarkable people like Hayley Atkins. In the red dust and relentless heat, where most people see waste and hardship, this 43-year-old mother of four sees possibility. She’s built an extraordinary life from fragments others discard, turning worthless opal chips into luxury soaps, animal fat into healing balms, and personal heartbreak into business success. Her story reads like a masterclass in rural resilience and creative innovation, proving that sometimes the most unlikely ingredients can create something magical.Then there’s Jacqui Portch, the woman behind the counter at White Cliffs’ only shop. At 53, she moves with quiet efficiency, her smile genuine as she serves customers who've become friends. She radiates a contentment that comes from having weathered life’s worst storms and emerged not just intact, but flourishing. Her journey to this remote corner of New South Wales reads like an epic spanning continents, languages, and lives lived and lost.Jacqui’s story begins in the tobacco fields of Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), where her father’s farm stretched across rich red earth. Her 1970s childhood was idyllic in the way that only hindsight can make clear; endless African skies, wildlife roaming freely, and the security of a life that seemed permanent and protected. Eventually, Jacqui made her way to Australia, found second-time love with Steven Portch, and now lives happily in White Cliffs with him and his family.The crew at the White Cliffs Hotel, including Taylor and Isa, were magical, friendly, and fun. Completely welcoming, they taught me (prolifically terrible at all things sport) the fundamentals of playing pool. The food, service, and hospitality were second to none. By the end of the night, the young adults there were calling me ‘Mumma Kimbo,’ and they were genuinely polite, genuine, and welcoming; the kind of people who restore your faith in the younger generation.The last thing Krista and I did after dinner and pool was go opal hunting. Driving out into the mine fields, we were assured by locals that we were welcome to have a go. Clutching a black light Krista had purchased earlier at Red Earth while we enjoyed a great lunch, we spent time trawling through the darkness, searching for that telltale glow that might reveal hidden treasure. However, when I got spooked by people talking in a nearby camp, I swiftly ran faster than I’d ever run back to the car, much to Krista's amusement. We got back to the hotel empty-handed, but determined to give it a more considered try next time.Driving out of White Cliffs at 6am on Saturday morning, I was genuinely sad to be going home. I felt as though we’d made a million new friends and glimpsed into a one-of-a-kind and amazing community. I was touched by every single story I had been lucky enough to be told there, and it showed me that people come from far and wide, but all roads lead to White Cliffs. The loving and caring community there all choose to be there, and would never want to live anywhere else.White Cliffs is simply a place you’d never want to leave; a reminder that some of Australia’s most extraordinary stories unfold in the most unexpected corners of our vast continent.Stay tuned for further stories from our visit

Hillston State Emergency Service (SES) Unit recently completed its Youth Internship and held a graduation event.Simon Harding and James Raynor were presented with their completion certificates by Unit Commander Allana Dowd, Commander Ben Pickup, Deputy Zone Commander Brett Koschel, Kiara “I am very proud of these two boys and all the effort they put in,” Ms Dowd said. “They even demonstrated their newly found skills for their families. “Congratulations and well-done boys. We hope to see your applications across our desks soon,”

The Edward River Council has officially adopted a new framework designed to secure the region's future: the Edward River 2050 Fast Track for Growth Strategy. This "bold and forward-thinking" plan aims to guide long-term development and prosperity across the region for the next two and a half decades.According to Mayor Ashley Hall, the strategy lays out a clear vision for sustainable growth, providing a coordinated approach to everything from urban expansion to investing in essential services. This includes a focus on health, education, housing, industry, and local recreation."We’ve listened to our community, and we know that to prosper, we need to grow," Mayor Hall told ‘Inside Local Government’. "The Edward River 2050 Fast Track for Growth is more than just a plan; it’s our blueprint for the future. It ensures that growth is strategic, sustainable, and what our community wants."The strategy was informed by a 2023 report that highlighted the need for better local planning and stronger investment. Council CEO Jack Bond emphasised that the final document is the result of nearly two years of research and extensive input from residents, local businesses, and government."This is a fantastic achievement for our council and our region," Mr. Bond said. "We now have a clear, community-driven framework to guide residential, commercial, and industrial expansion. It’s a strategy we are proud to stand behind, and we are committed to aligning all future planning and decisions with its goals."