President Jenny Goldie says rural women are denied access to legal abortionsThe NSW branch of Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) says a Bill introduced to NSW Parliament by Greens Dr Amanda Cohen to remove remaining barriers to abortion deserves the support of all parties.SPA NSW president Jenny Goldie says that, while abortion was decriminalised five years ago, women are still being denied access, particularly in rural and regional areas.“Many doctors in the Riverina, in particular, object to abortion and not only refuse to provide the service but also fail to refer patients to places where they can obtain one,” says Ms Goldie. “The Bill would require health practitioners with a conscientious objection to refer a patient to an abortion provider. It would require local health districts to ensure accessibility of abortion services.“It would also allow nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to prescribe medical abortion, as recommended by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.“And the Bill would remove onerous and bureaucratic mandatory reporting requirements for health professionals.”Ms Goldie says women everywhere have a right to a full range of reproductive services no matter where they live.“This includes a full choice of contraceptive methods. If they have those, then abortion will only be necessary on rare occasions,” she says.“AMA NSW and Family Planning Australia have developed a model to embed abortion within existing pregnancy services and link public hospitals with GPs, private clinics and other community-based providers.“This model must be fully funded and integrated by the NSW government across the state,” says Ms Goldie. SPA describes themselves as an independent not-for-profit organisation whose aims are to protect the environment and Australia’s quality of life by ending population growth in Australia and globally, while rejecting racism and involuntary population control. SPA is an environmental advocacy organisation, not a political party.

 Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe is touring the Farrer electorate in an effort to gain supportMichelle Milthorpe is a school teacher, based in Jindera, and has thrown her hat into the ring, to contest the seat of Farrer.The federal seat has been held by Sussan Ley, deputy leader of the Liberal Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition since May 2022. Ms Ley has held the seat of Farrer since 2001.“I’ll be travelling through Hay, Balranald, Wentworth and then back to Deniliquin for the Deni Show,” Ms Milthorpe said. “If you’re in the area, come along for a chat!”Wednesday 26 February – Hay: South Hay Hotel from 5:30pmThursday 27 February – Balranald: Discovery Café from 10-11 am Thursday 27 February – Wentworth: The Crown Hotel from 5:30pm Friday 28 February – Wentworth: Lock 10 & Weir Restaurant from 10am Saturday 1 March – Deniliquin: At the Deniliquin Show, DeniliquinSunday 2 March- Deniliquin: "Meet Michelle" and "Courageous Contributions" workshop from 10am at the Deniliquin campaign office in Cressy St “Coming up soon will be trips to Griffith, Narrandera, Leeton, Hillston, Carrathool, Finley, Berrigan, Oaklands, Walbundrie, Holbrook, Corowa and lots of places in between,” Ms Milthorpe said “Keep an eye out to find out when I'll be visiting a place near you.”Ms Milthorpe was recently a guest on former detective Gary Jubelin’s podcast “I Catch Killers” speaking about her advocacy work for the survivors of child sexual assault.

Mallee Family Care are partnering with Angela Izard First Aid Services Mildura to offer free first aid training for Balranald families.This training is for families with children aged 0-6 years old.Places are limited, register your spot today and gain valuable knowledge and skills to confidently recognise and respond to emergency situations requiring first aid.The training is on from10.30am-2.30pm, Tuesday March 18 at Balranald Central School, 53-55 We Street, Balranald.Food will be supplied.Contact Ashlee James to register or learn more: 5027 7600, or email [email protected] first aid is crucial because it equips individuals with the ability to provide immediate, potentially life-saving care in emergency situations.Stabilising a casualty's condition until professional medical help arrives can significantly improve the chances of survival and prevent further injury; it also builds confidence to act in stressful situations and can help relieve pain for the injured person. 

The NSW Governor will stop in Hillston tomorrow (February 26) as part of a regional tour.Her Excellency, the Honorable Margaret Beazley AC KC, will be in Hillston to meet with a major local business, organisations and Carrathool Shire Council.She will be accompanied by Mr Dennis Wilson, who also travelled to Hay and Balranald when Her Excellency visited the region in 2024.To start her visit Her Excellency will tour the farms and packing facility of potato producer Mitolo Family Farms.In addition to Carrathool Shire Councillors, she and Mr Dennis Wilson will also speak with the Hillston Creative Council and members of the Hillston Lions Club.The Governor and Mr Wilson will also travel to Murrin Bridge to meet with Elders from the Local Aboriginal Land Council and visit the pre-school. In Lake Cargelligo they will meet health service staff and young people involved in the Down the Track program, and tour Durotank a leading manufacturer of bulk fuel storage tanks.In West Wyalong, the Governor and Mr Wilson will meet with local organisations at a community afternoon tea and visit schools and the hospital, before being guests of honour at a dinner being held by Bland Shire Council.Their visit to Lake Cowal will include meeting staff and volunteers at Lake Cowal Conservation Centre and a tour of Evolution Cowal Gold Operations.Their trip will conclude next Saturday, March 1, after also visiting Coolamon, Junee and Wagga.

Fire and Rescue NSW have sent advice about a fire.Fire and Rescue NSW have attended a grass fire in Short Street, Hay today. The status of the fire is being controlled.

It's so easy, and it makes you feel good - bake cupcakes, raise money, have a chat about mental health on R U Ok Day, September 12. And you should feel good - every single person who draws attention to and normalises discussions about mental health should feel good for it.These days, mental health is more discussed and taken into consideration than it ever has before.Hold on, what am I talking about mental health in February for, September is a good 6/7 months away?Have you ever asked someone if they're ok in February, or any of the 264 days which aren't R U Ok day?If you have, have they ever said no?It's often an automatic phrase spoken so many times a day - 'Hi, how are you?' It's ALWAYS 'Good, you?' isn't it?Other cultures do not say this. Some countries and cultures do not even say hello unless they are going to get in an interaction with the other person. Bowing, hand gestures, or slight nods are often used in these instances to convey greetings without the need for a verbal "how are you". Some European cultures like Hungary where a direct "how are you" might be considered too personal with strangers.So, where did it become largely commonplace in our culture to do this? Most would say because we care about how the other person is, but if the unspoken expectation of the answer to that question is 'Ok,' or 'Good, thanks,' is that really true?What would you do if someone said 'No, I'm really struggling?'I'm not saying that sitting down and asking the question with the desire for a real answer and getting that real answer is going to magically break ground or change and fix someone's life, but being ready to follow up is important.If you ask "R U OK?" and someone says "no," it means they are not okay and are likely signaling that they want to talk about something that is bothering them.Often, being brave enough to say actually no I'm really not ok takes a lot, and to be then fobbed off can make it much worse.Like disclosing trauma or something like a sexual assault, if a person who has struggled so much with information they've kept inside for so long is met with incredulity or a negative response, they aren't likely to want to give that information out a second time, or seek help.It is important to actively listen, offer support, and encourage them to share what's going on, while respecting their boundaries and asking how you can help. Don't rush them, simply be present and let them express their feelings without judgment. Ask open-ended questions such as "What's been going on?" or "Can you tell me a bit more about that?" can help them elaborate. Acknowledge their emotions with phrases like "That sounds tough" or "It's okay to feel that way". Ask if there's anything specific you can do to help, whether it's just being there to listen or suggesting professional resources if needed. Check in with them later to see how they are doing and if they need further support. Don't pressure them to talk if they don't want to.Respect their boundaries and let them know you are available when they are ready.If they express thoughts of self-harm or suicide, take immediate action and reach out to emergency services or a crisis hotline.About ten years ago, I actually has a trusted friend tell me they did not know how to help, but let's go to the doctor together and I will be there with you. As hard as it is to admit you need help, or life is not perfect, in the right circumstances, sometimes a helping hand extended will be a helping hand accepted.If you feel overwhelmed by the conversation, it's okay to suggest talking to another trusted person or professional. CASE HAY is a resource people in the district have at their disposal; to get the ball rolling, call 0428696248.Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one need help, you can call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week or chat online.MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.Head to Health gives advice and will connect you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 or chat online.If you're feeling lonely:FriendLine supports anyone who's feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. You can call them 7 days a week on 1800 424 287, or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous.There are also helplines available for people with different backgrounds or needs.For young people who need mental health support, and their parents or carers:Kids Helpline is Australia's only free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800.headspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends. Call 1800 650 890, or chat online.For people with complex mental health issues:SANE Australia provides support to anyone in Australia affected by complex mental health issues, as well as their friends, family members and health professionals. Call 1800 187 263 or chat online.Blue Knot Foundation Helpline is the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma. It provides support, education and resources for the families and communities of adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380.

Applications are now open for the Fay Newell $5,000 Scholarship for studies in Nursing and Medicine.The scholarship is awarded to encourage excellence in the education and training of students in the practice or study of medicine as a doctor of medicine or a specialty in medicine, nursing, with the essential qualifications to excel in Emergency Care and/or end-of-life care, aged care services, or a student with the qualification and special attributes to specialise as a Doctor or Nursing Specialist to care for newly born infants and their mothers and fathers, care of toddlers, children and young adults.To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be undertaking studies in one of the areas as listed above, and must reside and work in Broken Hill.Ms Newell was a Registered Nurse at the Broken Hill and District Hospital, having begun her nursing career there in 1954 and retired from nursing in 1991. In 2009, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Broken Hill as a nursing sister, mentor to nurses and allied health professionals, palliative care volunteer and historian. The previous year, she was named Broken Hill's Citizen of the Year in the annual Australia Day awards for her contribution to the community. Ms Newell passed away in Broken Hill on 24 August, 2020 at the age of 82 years old.Applications for the scholarship close Friday, March 28.Visit the below link to apply.https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MQRY76X

Applications are invited for the 2025 Limondale Community Benefit Fund, with a closing date of Friday April 4. To get your hot little hands on a 2025 application form, please email [email protected]. Applications received by March 28 will be eligible for feedback and resubmission prior to the closing date.The Limondale Solar Farm in New South Wales, Australia has had multiple grants and funding sources, including a Community Benefit Fund and a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement. RWE, the owner of the Limondale Solar Farm, established a Community Benefit Fund that contributes $40,000 annually to community events and organisations.The fund became operational in 2022.AEMO Services awarded a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement to the Limondale BESS project.The BESS project is a battery energy storage system that will be built next to the solar farm.Innogy was a financial partner in the project before acquiring ownership in 2018. Downer Group was the Australian engineering company that constructed the solar farm. BELECTRIC is the O&M contractor for the solar PV power project. The Limondale Solar Farm helps New South Wales meet its renewable energy targets. The project creates employment opportunities. The project contributes to a more diverse energy mix and increases energy security. 

Fantastic news, with NSW Ambulance set to trial stab-proof vests for paramedics.This comes after the fatal stabbing of a paramedic in 2023. The trial is intended to determine if the vests are suitable for paramedics to wear while performing their duties. The trial was prompted by the stabbing death of 29-year-old paramedic Steven Tougher outside a McDonald's in Campbelltown.The stabbing led to a petition by Tougher's father, Jeff Tougher, calling for stronger laws and protections for emergency service personnel.Tougher's father said that the trial was well overdue and a stab vest might have saved Steve's life.Stab-proof vests are lightweight and can be worn under clothes. They can protect against edged weapons like knives and broken bottlesLatest crime figures show there has been a spike in the number of assaults on frontline paramedics in NSW with at least three people charged for assaulting and threatening paramedics in the line of duty in the last two months.

Are you interested, or know a person who is interested or would suit a career in law enforcement?Point them in the direction of Griffin Plaza!Sounds odd I know, but let me explain.Murrumbidgee Police District are hosting Be a cop in your Hometown.Head on down to the Griffin Plaza Griffith from 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm on Thursday February 27.The program was implemented for those who live live in regional areas.The NSW Police force wanted to make it easier for recruits to join the NSW Police Force while staying connected with family, lifestyle and community.You Should Be A Cop In Your Hometown gives you confidence about where you’ll be working once you join. That means you can live and work in your own community.When you join the NSW Police Force, you can identify where you would like to work, such as where you live now, and have confidence about where you’ll be working once you become a police officer.You can start your career with the NSW Police Force, and as long as there’s nothing that would prevent you from living in your hometown, you can stay connected with your community.To find out more about the program visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/careers_and_salary/be_a_cop_in_your_home_townTo check out the incentives for police officers in regional areas visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/careers_and_salary/regional_incentives

Kevin Bloody Wilson performed in Hay on February 21, as part of a large Australian tour. This man is an Australian comedy icon, singer and songwriter of tracks such as D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F., Living Next Door to Alan, Hey Santa Claus, amongst adults-only humour tracks. Not quite sure what to refer to him as, I called him Mr Wilson, and he replied in shock with an expletive and said he had never been called that before. “We went to Hay years ago, it is a wonderful place,” said Kevin. Kevin refers to himself as a professional hobbyist. “I love what I do,” he said. “I considered myself retired at the age of 37.” Earlier on in his career, he was arrested four times and ended up in court three times. “Being arrested didn’t worry me,” he recalled. “Turns out you couldn’t say f*** on stage. “I was in the back of the wagon, and there were two detectives and the police officer who was driving the car. One of the officers piped up, “You’re a funny little **** aren’t you?” “They said they sat there and watched half the show, and then did what they had to do, so arrested me, when it was finished.” His six-way bypass in 2023 did not slow him down at all, in fact it had very little impact on his life. “I have always loved life and that is something which will never change. “So, the experience did not give me a surge of happiness or a new lease on life, I just got well again and carried on with things as normal.” There have been infinite funny things happen over the course of Kevin’s life and his career, and he says he just takes everything in his stride. “All parts of life can be funny, and funny moments turn up when you least expect them,” he said. “I have been to funny funerals. "A man I knew named Lenny passed, he played darts at the Kalgoorlie Pub where my band and I played. "All the darts players showed up graveside to pay their respects with their shirts on. “When it came time to toss the traditional sod onto the coffin, one man leaned in to do so and his pack of smokes dropped onto the coffin. “One of the other men said, ‘Geez you’re trying to kill him’.” After Kevin finishes his Australian leg, he will be off to New Zealand performing for a month, and then the UK for a month. The massive trips filled with almost daily performances do not worry him. “Like I said before, I love what I do, and my family comes with me. So we all get to see the world together, and be together.” Kevin’s wife has a background in accounting, so the team is well rounded. His daughter, Jenny Talia volunteered to be his support act. A successful country artist in her own right, she had three albums up her sleeve, and was a popular presence on the Tamworth scene. Eventually, Jenny Talia moved to Nashville to the country scene there, and is married with two children. Kevin was set to start touring England, which was a three-month tour with very little breaks; 75 dates over 90 days, solo. “She called me, and told me I needed a support act,” he said. “I had been thinking for a while I would like a female support act, to kind of level things out. “She told me she could be my support act, and I said no you can’t you have a lot going on and a successful career as it is, and she was emphatic she could. “So, I told her to put 10 songs together on an album and come back to me. “She did, most of which she wrote herself and some of mine she regendered. And the rest is history.” His son Travis was in a band with his daughter but then decided he would like to pursue a career in aviation, and is now a pilot for Qantas. “One time we actually got to fly on a flight Travis was piloting, so we were all on the same plane together, although Travis was on the pointy end.” Kevin’s favourite places to perform are where he lives, Perth, and Gallway Ireland. “I performed there in 2024, and they have this snake-like winding cobble stoned main street,” he said. “Everywhere you turn there are buskers, entertainers, musicians, and this bright, happy, chirpy slightly insane energy, I really love it.” Kevin loves what he does, genuinely. “I get to travel the world doing what I love, and taking my family with me,” he said. “We get to see some of the best parts of the world together.” He said it has been a long road since he started out, and he never thought it would become the long-lasting success it has been. “My mates got me into it, telling me what I was writing was really funny and I should make recordings,” he said. “And I did, and they bought them. “Next thing I knew I had record companies bashing down my door, wondering who I was and why I had knocked the likes of Jimmy Barnes and Dire Straits off the number one spots on the charts. “The radio stations were not even playing my stuff, this was on record sales only, and those records I delivered to the shops myself.”

A new bill has been introduced to the New South Wales parliament that would allow nurses and midwives to prescribe abortions. Greens MP Amanda Cohn, who is also a former GP, introduced the legislation to increase access to pregnancy termination. The proposed law seeks to ensure that individuals across NSW can access abortion services when they need them.The bill addresses several key areas.Allowing nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to prescribe medical abortions, in accordance with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) guidelines.Requiring local health districts to ensure abortion services are accessible.Removing certain mandatory reporting requirements for health professionals.Requiring health practitioners with a conscientious objection to refer patients to an abortion provider.The introduction of the bill follows debates regarding the difficulties in accessing abortions in regional areas. In the Riverina, for example, there are no public facilities offering surgical abortions, and few practitioners are accredited to administer medical terminations. According to Dr. Cohn, this creates unacceptable barriers, especially for those who cannot afford private services or travel to other locations. The bill aims to support people in the Riverina by enabling them to access abortion care closer to home.The proposed legislation responds to a NSW Health review of the first five years since abortion was decriminalised. The review included stakeholder feedback and recommendations, such as allowing nurse practitioners, endorsed midwives, and other registered health practitioners to prescribe and provide services according to TGA guidelines. It also noted that current legislation regarding conscientious objection and referral requirements may not be properly implemented, creating barriers to access, and that mandatory reporting requirements for medical practitioners are considered burdensome.For the bill to pass, it will need support from either the Labor or Liberal party.

A fire at Perilya's Southern Operations mine has sparked concerns about worker safety and the use of the ground stabilizing chemical polyurethane, known as PUR1. The incident occurred about 980 meters underground, when the chemical self-heated and ignited while miners were using it to prevent rock wall erosion on January 12. The fire was extinguished and then reignited before being fully put out.The New South Wales Resources Regulator is investigating the cause of the fire. Their preliminary investigation found no immediate breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act, but they recommended the mine operators review their chemical manifest. The regulator is considering whether additional controls are required across the mining industry, but will not be conducting further investigation into non-compliance issues or prosecutorial action.The miner's union is advocating for stricter regulations on PUR use in mineral-producing mines, as workers fear potential long-term health problems resulting from the fire. An information sheet from the mine site indicated that combustion of the chemical could release toxic carbon monoxide fumes, acrid smoke, and potentially explosive mists. Although there were no reported injuries, workers reported fumes and vapor when using the substance and retreated to fresh air bases, but evacuated when the fumes did not subside and the area caught alight. Some workers have reported feeling unsteady.The Mine Workers Alliance has started a register for workers potentially exposed to the fumes. This will create a log in case health complications arise in the future.According to a mining occupational health and safety expert, PUR can ignite if not mixed properly, reaching temperatures as high as 150 degrees Celsius.Prior to the fire, some workers were told that PUR was not combustible, which is raising concerns.The union is calling for industry-wide safeguards, noting that PUR is more heavily regulated in the coal industry compared to mineral mines.They have contacted the NSW Natural Resources Minister to advocate for legislative changes and adopting best practices from other sectors to better protect mine workers

Get together in the Ivanhoe community while learning some information about important issues.Funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund has allowed Rural Connect to put together what promises to be an amazing event.Where is it you ask? Ivanhoe RSL Club on Columbus Street, Friday March 7 from 9.15 am to 3pm.Come along, learn new skills and enjoy a fantastic community day.It will be a fun-filled day of activities, connection, and delicious food!Savor complimentary morning tea and lunch while diving into engaging interactive sessions tailored for everyone in the community.Doctor Mia Ciccio and Doctor Meg Withers will be conducting an informative lunch time session on osteopathy and pain management.There will also be a first aid session, suitable for both children and adults.Rural Connect is a partnership between the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Contact.​While separate services, Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section (RFDS SE) and Contact are working towards finding ways to address health and wellbeing needs for isolated children, families, and community in an outback, remote area service delivery context. ​RuralCONNECT is the resulting Contact and RFDS SE partnership ‘product’ working towards health and wellbeing outcomes for remote and isolated outback children, young people, and their families. ​To date, RuralCONNECT’s focus has been upon north-western NSW regions encompassing the small villages of Louth, Tilpa and Wanaaring and surrounding regions. ​A shared approach with families and the community forms the basis of all RuralCONNECT actions

A man is recuperating in hospital after picking up Japanese encephalitis (JE) while camping in the region. This is the first recorded case in the area for the summer.NSW health executive director of health protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said the man probably caught the disease in late December to early January.This case, along with recent discoveries in pigs and mosquitos in NSW and discoveries in Victoria and Queensland, highlights the need to be extra careful about the danger of contracting this harmful illness.JE spreads after a mozzie bites an animal who has the disease, like as a pig or water fowl, and then bites a person.Signs of JE can include high temperature, headaches and nausea.In extreme cases JE can cause shakes, delirium, seizures and incapacitation.Humans cannot spread the disease to other humans and cannot pick it up from eating animal products or touching infected animals.A safe and free vaccine for JE can be given through your doctor through pharmacists.Other pre-emptive actions to take are puting on repellent, wearing long and light loose-fitting clothing and using fly screens at home and when camping.

Community groups, schools, and local community groups, pay attentionPhysical activity and exercise can do wonders for your heart health and general wellbeing.The Heart Foundation's Active Australia Innovation Challenge offers grants up to the value of $30,000 for new, innovative programs that get more people moving in schools, universities or local community groups.Applications are open until 5pm March 3.Community groups, councils, schools (primary and secondary), tertiary institutions (universities, TAFEs, colleges), and other organisations are encouraged to come up with an innovative idea. The project idea should encourage physical activity in a chosen group or community and be submitted via an online application form. Eligible ideas will be identified using the guidelines and put forward for shortlisting. Finalists will be given the opportunity to present their project proposal via video link in front of a national judging panel of experts.Learn more about the how to apply, what information you need and what our judges are looking for in the Heart Foundation’s application guide.Visit the link for more informationhttps://www.heartfoundation.org.au/active-australia-innovation-challenge?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_scuoakew09

Western Local Lands Services’ Aboriginal Community Advisory Group (ACAG) is heading to Tibooburra next monthWestern Local Lands Services’ Aboriginal Community Advisory Group (ACAG) is heading to Tibooburra next month and wants to catch-up with local Aboriginal community members. The role of ACAG is to provide a forum for improving connections and nurturing partnerships between our organisation and Aboriginal communities.ACAG members provide community perspectives, traditional knowledge and cultural advice on all Western LLS plans, strategies and programs.By attending the meeting, local community members can get an update on and have input into LLS projects and programs, opportunities for partnerships with Aboriginal communities and land managers and upcoming project work on the Caryapundy Swamp Ramsar site. If you'd like to attend the meeting, contact Josh Clarke on 0499 537 311 or email [email protected].

Everyone can get in on the fun at Moulamein Sunday fun dayMoulmein is a bustling, attractive little village with a lovely swimming pool.As the season is almost drawing to a close, Moulemein are holding a Sunday Fun Day at their pool.Throw on your leis Sunday and head on down to the pool, the day having a Hawaiian theme.Starting at 11 am and going until 3pm, the cost is $5 for non-members and free for members.You can also buy a sausage off the barbie when you get hungry.The kiosk will also be open for food and drinks.There will be games and activities on throughout the day.There are prizes for best dressed, based on the theme of the day.Attendees are advised to bring a floatie if they wish as there are limited floaties available.Children under 10 will need a person over the age of 18 supervising them.

Riverina Classic Catch and Release Fishing competition great successThe weekend of February 7, 8 and 9 was a raving success, as the Riverina Classic Catch and Release Fishing competition reeled in over 800 keen anglers from around the district.An impressive total of 1418 fish were caught; 1138 Murray cod, 87 silver perch, 20 yellow belly, and 173 carp.Fishers trawled the Murrumbidgee between Gogeldrie Weir and the Carrathool Bridge, and sent in happy snaps of their biggest catches.Over $20,000 was raised and donated to Rural Outreach Counselling Inc.Money will also be allocated to restocking the river with fingerlings.Organisers were over the moon with the 12th successful event, noting it is a wholesome family weekend which raises a good amount of funds for a terrific cause.Category winners and results:Junior Female Yellow Belly: 34cm, caught by Peyton HopwoodJunior Male Yellow Belly: 55cm, caught by Blake NewmanSenior Female Yellow Belly: 52cm, caught by Chloe BuckleySenior Male Yellow Belly: 56cm, caught by Charlie MartinBiggest carp: 74cm, caught by Amy McCollJunior Female Biggest Cod: 79cm, caught by Indie CroweJunior Male Biggest Cod: 86cm, caught by Zane RocheSenior Female Biggest Cod: 94cm, caught by Kylie FraserSenior Male Biggest Cod: 110cm, caught by Reece GaddChampion Anglers:Senior - Corey Roche with a 13.45m cumulative lengthJunior - Tylen Roche with a 9.45m cumulative length