2024 School Leavers’ Guide now availableFederal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton encourages school leavers in the Parkes electorate to pick up his free guide to assist with life after school.Mr Coulton said the 2024 School Leavers’ Guide contains information about further education and training opportunities, financial assistance available, finding employment, and mental health support services, as well as important advice about obtaining a Medicare card, applying for a Tax File Number and enrolling to vote.“Completing school is an exciting time for young adults who have lots to look forward to,” Mr Coulton said.“However, it can be daunting entering ‘the real world’ after years of schooling. “There’s a lot to think about when deciding what to do after school. There are so many opportunities and many different pathways to get there.“That’s why it’s important to explore all your options and have up-to-date information to ensure you make the best choice for you.“This School Leavers’ Guide is a great resource for all graduating students, providing relevant information that can help set them up for the future.”Mr Coulton will be sending a copy of the 2024 School Leavers’ Guide to all high schools in the Parkes electorate to pass onto their students.There will also be hard copies available for students or parents to pick up from each of his electorate offices – in Dubbo, Moree and Broken Hill.“If you require any further assistance, or would like a copy sent to you, please contact one of my offices and my staff can arrange postage,” Mr Coulton said.“It’s also important to remember to enrol to vote if you haven’t already. Please contact one of my offices and we can send you an enrolment form.“All the best to every graduating student in the Parkes electorate on this next exciting chapter.”To receive a copy of the 2024 School Leavers’ Guide, email Mr Coulton at [email protected] or call (02) 6882 0999 (Dubbo), (02) 6751 1251 (Moree) or (08) 8087 7649 (Broken Hill).

Road safety starts with youNow in its seventh year, Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) Rural Road Safety Month national awareness campaign targets regional and rural road safety throughout September. A national community-based road safety initiative, it is designed to highlight the additional risks when driving on rural and remote roads across Australia. Despite being less populated areas, deaths on rural and remote roads accounted for almost two thirds of the 2023 road toll. "All road users are encouraged to get involved to help make a significant reduction in road trauma," and ARSF spokesperson said."Road Safety is a community issue, and it’s up to all of us to minimise the risk of crashes and to save lives."We work with partners, governments, councils, school and workplace communities, likeminded groups and individuals to find innovations and practical solutions to address the issue." Throughout the year, ARSF runs several awareness campaigns, events and educational programs. ARSF has developed ideas on how to get involved and a variety of digital assets to help you build road safety awareness throughout your community. Some ideas include: Hosting a promise event during one of ARSF's annual signature road safety campaigns, such as Fatality Free Friday (April/May), Rural Road Safety Month (September) or Christmas Road Safety (December/January)Parents can also complete RoadSet with teens and tweens or businesses can consider becoming a corporate partner.RoadSet is an interactive online road safety learning experience that is designed to educate and empower our youth (14 – 15 years) to become safer, better road users. The self-paced experience led by a narrator, features original relatable animation and interactive gamified learning. RoadSet helps to develop road awareness skills across a range of conditions, environments, and scenarios.https://www.youtube.com/embed/jqUVpZJv1yA?showinfo=0

Wilcannia Service NSW agency change to operating hours Residents are advised that the Wilcannia Service NSW agency will be closed on the following dates. • Closed: Tuesday 24 September and Wednesday 25 September 2024. The agency will reopen at 10am on Thursday 26 September. The reason for the closure is because of staff training. • Closed: Monday 30 September to Wednesday 9 October 2024. The agency will reopen on Thursday 10 October. The reason for the closure is because of staff availability. The Wilcannia Post Office will be open as usual during these times.

Member for Pakes Mark Coulton (far right) with farmers at the national rally. Image: suppliedAccording to the Federal Member for Parkes Prime Minster Anthony Albanese has refused to attend the National Farmer Rally outside Parliament House, ignoring farmers who travelled from the Parkes electorate to plead with the Labor Government to stop its anti-farming agenda.Mark Coulton MP said the Prime Minister had once again demonstrated complete contempt towards farmers and rural, regional and remote Australia.“For the Prime Minister to ignore our farmers, many who have spent days on end driving to Canberra, shows that Labor doesn’t care about our agriculture industry,” Mr Coulton said.“Our Prime Minister isn’t interested in helping or even listening to those who produce our nation’s food and fibre.“Agriculture Minister Julie Collins didn’t attend the rally either, which is incredibly disappointing given she has only just been appointed as Agriculture Minister. “The Labor Government continues to decimate the industry and the anger and frustration being felt by farmers is sadly understandable. All our farmers want is a fair go and to continue feeding and clothing the country.”Mr Coulton said the National Farmer Rally organisers were calling for sensible changes including scrapping the truckie tax, scrapping new taxes for biosecurity and superannuation, scrapping water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin and protecting the Great Artesian Basin, scrapping unnecessary red tape from emissions reporting, known as Scope 3, and scrapping reckless renewables which will rip up prime agricultural land, protecting the 88-day backpacker visa, as well as overturning the decision to ban live sheep exports by sea.“These requests are common sense solutions and without changes, Labor will make farming unviable,” Mr Coulton said. “The National Farmer Rally is the biggest in a generation – it has been more than 40 years since farmers have had to march on Parliament House because a federal government has made them feel so aggrieved.“The Nationals proudly support those attending the rally. We will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our farmers and will continue to fight for farming and the future of regional, rural and remote Australia.”

As spring rolls in, you are wheezing, a little short of breath, and coughing, think twice before you pop an antihistamine and write it off as Hay fever. These signs are also a potential indicator of seasonal asthma, which can be life threatening.It is difficult to differentiate the two conditions. They can also happen at the same time and have similar causes and symptoms.Hay fever is also an important risk factor for developing thunderstorm asthma.Thunderstorm asthma events are thought to be triggered by an unusual mix of high levels of grass pollen and a certain type of thunderstorm. During these storms tiny pollen grains from grasses can be swept up in the wind and carried long distances. When exposed to this air, the tiny particles of pollen are breathed deep into your lungs, triggering an asthma flare-up or attack. Certain types of storms can deliver an allergen deep into the lungs. This means rest of the year you won’t have asthma, but are at a danger of undergoing asthma during these storms even if you just have hay fever.Even if you never get asthma symptoms, but do get indications of hay fever, chat to your GP or pharmacist, and be aware of the risks of thunderstorm asthma.“They were people who really had no history of asthma and [yet] were so bad on that night that they had to present to emergency.”The dangerous fact is people might not realise that it’s possible to have asthma that occurs only in spring.It is important to be aware, know your body and be proactive about your health to avoid disaster.

“This is about cats that destroy thousands of native animals every day.”NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is recruiting tow full-time cat control officers in the department’s first-ever dedicated feral cat control team.The advertised package includes a base salary between $93,295 - $102,941, employer's contribution to superannuation, plus a 9.7% loading for working irregular roster patterns.NPWS are recruiting for two full time temporary roles, up until 30 June 2027.According to NPWS every year, feral cats kill around 1.5 billion native animals across Australia. They are a key cause of Australia having the worst mammal extinction record in the world and are a direct threat to over 200 at-risk species.After three good rain seasons in western NSW, feral cat numbers are up and will be putting huge pressure on threatened species populations in regional conservation areas and parks. To tackle this problem, NPWS say they are establishing a team of expert feral cat controllers to protect threatened animals like the yellow-footed rock wallaby, dusky hopping-mouse, grey grasswren, and Barrier Range dragon.Experience with hands-on control of feral cats and a commitment to the safe operation of firearms and animal welfare are essential for these roles. The team members will undertake ground shooting, baiting and trapping as well as managing remote sensors and cameras.Member for Parkes Roy Butler MP supports the move.“Uncontrolled cats can be devastating to native species,” he said on social media. “NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is looking for people to be involved in cat eradication. “This is not about the desexed moggies that stay inside or in runs, this is about cats that destroy thousands of native animals every day.”Based in Broken Hill, Dubbo or Bourke, details for the new positions can be found on the ‘I Work for NSW’ website. Applications close on September 22, 2024.Essential role requirementsExperience in development and delivery of programs and projects in a timely manner.Understanding of contemporary project management principles and practices.Experience in the use of pesticides, firearms use, ability to fly in light aircraft and undertake remote fieldwork and animal trapping.Current Class C Driver’s License.Current firearms license, or ability to obtain a firearms license within the first six months of commencing in the role.This is a physically active role suited to candidates of all genders who are fit and enjoy working outdoors as part of a team. Applicants must meet the requirements of a pre-employment medical.

Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoening, has put in place a legislative safeguard to ensure Balranald Shire Council continues to thrive when it returns to having an elected council.Balranald Shire Council held an extraordinary council meeting recently to discuss a Performance improvement Order (PIO) Issued by the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoening. In the documents, it was said the Performance Improvement Order was not a reflection on Administrator Mike Colreavy, or any actions taken by Council representatives in the past four years. The POI, issued under Section 438 A of the Local Government Act 1993, was instead issued to ensure the immense headway Council has made in the past four years does not decline. In the document, Mr Hoening said he wanted to ensure the legacy of council was continued, and clear expectations were given to the incoming elected council, for the future of the governance and operations of council.Detailed in the list of actions were council needs to maintain budget discipline and stability, especially given Council’s intent to retain ownership and operation of Bidgee Retirement Hostel.Other actions included in the PIO are council needs to ensure and maintain access to appropriate staff expertise and engagement to provide advice for the councillors on financial governance and regulatory matters.Council also will need to continue to address actions listed for completion in the 2017 Performance Improvement Order and the recommendations of the McCullough enquiry. The latest PIO will run for 12 months, and is required to be completed in this timeframe. Balranald Shire Council was invited to make submissions by Mr Hoening, after meeting the requirement of tabling the PIO in an open meeting, by way of resolution, if it determined.However, the PIO was accepted by resolution by Council, in its current form, and Mr Hoening was advised by council that a detailed action plan will be formulated to ensure the detailed actions are addressed in a timely manner.

Forever chemicals, also known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of man-made chemicals that are incredibly resistant to breaking down. This means they can last in the environment for a very long time, hence the name "forever chemicals." PFAS are used in a wide range of products because of their unique properties. They are heat-resistant, grease-resistant, and water-repellent. This makes them ideal for things like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, and firefighting foam. Some other products which have PFAS in them are pizza boxes, food wrappers, take out containers, microwave popcorn bags, disposable trays, carpets, rugs, furniture textiles, window treatments, car seats, stain-proof and waterproof clothing, outdoor gear and umbrellas.While PFAS are useful in many applications, they pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Because they don't break down easily, they can accumulate in our bodies and the environment. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to various health problems, including kidney disease, liver damage, and certain types of cancer.If PFAS have contaminated local water sources, drinking that water can expose you to these chemicals. PFAS can also contaminate food, especially if the food is grown in areas with contaminated soil or water. PFAS can be released into the air, and breathing this contaminated air can expose you to the chemicals. Governments are implementing regulations to limit the production and use of PFAS in certain products. Efforts are underway to clean up areas that have been contaminated with PFAS. Public awareness campaigns are being conducted to inform people about the risks of PFAS exposure. While governments and organizations are taking steps to address the PFAS problem, individuals can also play a role in reducing their exposure. Look for products that are labeled as PFAS-free.Consider using a water filter that can remove PFAS from your drinking water. Advocate for stronger regulations to limit the use and production of PFAS. By understanding the risks of PFAS and taking steps to reduce exposure, we can help protect our health and the environment.

Funding for isolated aged care providersResidential aged care facilities in the Parkes electorate have the opportunity to apply for funding under the 2024-25 Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) Transition Fund.Up to $500,000 is available for aged care providers in isolated and remote communities or those that have at least 50 per cent Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander residents. Funding can be used for a range of expenses to help cover the higher costs of delivering care.Eligible providers will be invited to apply. Applications close at 2pm on Thursday 12 September. For more information, visit GrantConnect.Grants available for innovative ideasApplications for the 2024 Innovate with nbn Grants Program are now open.The initiative aims to help regional based businesses and individuals transform their great ideas into game-changing achievements. A total of $125,000 in funding is up for grabs to support regional and remote businesses drive the development and adoption of their ideas. Across seven categories – Agriculture, Arts, Education, Health, Indigenous Business, Tourism, and Women in Regional Business – each winner receives $15,000.The overall Innovate with nbn® Champion will be awarded an additional $20,000 grant to help take their idea to the next level. Applications close on midnight Sunday 29 September. For more information and to apply visit nbn co.

Hay Shire Council is urging residents to support a petition led by local member for Murray, Helen Dalton MP, which seeks to protect regional and remote communities from the potential impacts of Commonwealth Water Buybacks. The petition which needs 10,000 signatures, calls on the NSW Government to ensure that no water transfers occur without a detailed and transparent report into the expected impact of any Commonwealth buybacks, including the potential economic, social, cultural and environmental consequences of water resources being diverted away from local communities. The petition can be signed in the Council main office in Lachlan Street or at the library. A copy can be downloaded from www.hay.nsw.gov.au and filled in by hand and dropped off at Council. "Hay Shire Council asks that residents take the time to come in and sign the petition so that our rural voices are heard," Hay Shire Council General Manager David Webb (pictured) said. "Council, our fellow RAMJO Councils, and in fact communities from across the Basin, deserve to know the economic and social impacts of water buybacks. "Council knows that the return of water for efficiency infrastructure projects, rather than just the purchase of water, has a better long-term outcome for our community."

When I sat down with Gregory Andrews (pictured above) in the cool of the New Crown Hotel in Hay’s main street, it was following an incredibly blustery trek of 170 kilometres across the Hay Plains. On the day he arrived in Hay, the strong September winds and a flat tyre had delayed his arrival from Balranald by several hours, which he admitted was thirsty work.Travelling solo, on an eBike, Mr Andrews spoke passionately about his trip around Australia and the reasons behind it.“I started because I wanted to promote renewable energy and de-politicise it,” Mr Andrews told me.“The fossil fuel industry and some politicians like to trick us but what is good for the weather is good for the wallet.“Of course we have a way to go, in the bigger four-wheel drives, but in my own home, we charge our EVs (electric vehicles) from our solar system. So it’s not woke, or right-wing or left-wing, it’s just good economics.”“I want to promote that concept in the bush. We need to shift to renewable energy for a safe future for our kids.”Mr Andrews left Cottesloe Beach on August 8, and had covered more than 3,900 kilometres by the time he arrived in Hay on September 6. After planning to travel 100 kilometres a day and take seven weeks to finish, he has sometimes covered up to 200 kilometres and should arrive in Bondi Beach around the 14th or 15th of September.Mr Andrews was keen to explain that renewable energy can have lasting economic benefits to individuals and will help stabilise the energy market, at a time when cost-of-living pressures are forefront in the minds of most families.“There are benefits for energy security and independence because we aren’t going to be affected by price spikes from wars in the Middle East, because the sun shines and the wind blows – it doesn’t care what’s happening in the rest of the world,” he explained.He has been overwhelmed with the kindness of people on the roads. Grey nomads and people in the bush have helped him along the way.“I was in the outback, and there was a couple trying out their new-to-them small caravan, and they said ‘would you like to use our power?’ Then they offered me a bacon and egg sandwich and a coffee, so I have really enjoyed connecting with people.”A flat tyre just en route to Hay delayed Gregory Andrews arrival in town. Mr Andrews described the districts roads as "the worst by far' after travelling more than 3,900 km. Image: Lyrebird Dreaming.When he left Hay the next morning, Mr Andrews chose the back roads to Narrandera, rather than taking the most direct route along the highway, preferring a more circular yet connected journey.Mr Andrews is a passionate advocate for the environment. He was Australia’s very first threatened species commissioner when he led the development of this country’s first threatened species strategy. He visited the Hay region frequently as part of his work around the protection of the tiny Plains-Wanderer bird, the protection of which has become synonymous with the region.Mr Andrews also worked as an ambassador to West Africa and represented Australia at the United Nations climate change negotiations from 2010 to 2013 as the deputy chief negotiator.Mr Andrews’ unique action on climate change is well-known. In 2023 he underwent a hunger strike for climate action out the front of Parliament House.You can follow Gregory’s journey by visiting his website www.lyrebirddreaming.com, and checking out his socials.#eBike4Australia

Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) welcomes the announcement of $4.7 billion over 5 years for Family Violence Support Workers and other measures to combat Family Violence from July next year agreed to by the Commonwealth National Cabinet on Friday.The five-year national plan announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will focus on four areas: supporting frontline services, preventing perpetrators from escalating their violence, providing more support for young victims and addressing the impact of alcohol on violence.Part of the funding will also increase financial support for legal services.MASP Manager – Family Safety Amy Cupper said the funding agreement would help boost MASP’s capability to work with families experiencing violence.“With the rise in Family Violence across society as a whole, particularly in the Mallee, more Government investment in programs will go a long way towards supporting our work in helping those experiencing Family Violence,” she said.“We look forward to working with Governments at all levels on ways to combat Family Violence.”For more information on MASP’s Family Safety Program and how to access services go to https://masp.org.au/how-we-help/family-safety/

The Riverine Grazier is getting behind this year’s R U OK? Campaign. In upcoming editions of the newspaper, we will share copies of official R U OK resources The Mateship Manual and Staying Connected. The Mateship Manual is a 12-page booklet written to help someone who's doing it tough in a rural and remote location. Staying Connected is an activity book of games, puzzles and quizzes with personal stories and conversation tips to help senior Australians feel more connected and supported. Copies of each will be included inside your newspaper, courtesy of the team at The Riverine Grazier and R U OK? Day organisers. In 1995, much-loved Barry Larkin was far from OK. His suicide left family and friends in deep grief and with endless questions. In 2009, his son Gavin Larkin chose to champion just one question to honour his father and to try and protect other families from the pain he endured: 'Are you OK?'. While collaborating with Janina Nearn on a documentary to raise awareness, the team quickly realised the documentary alone wouldn’t be enough. To genuinely change behaviour Australia wide, a national campaign was needed. And from this realisation, and with Gavin and Janina’s expertise and passion, R U OK? was born. Gavin remained a passionate champion of the fact a conversation could change a life, even as cancer ended his in 2011. His legacy is a national Conversation Movement that is equipping Australians with the skills and confidence to support those struggling with life. R U OK? was born from lived experience. The valuable insights, storytelling, and expertise of those with lived experience continues to be weaved throughout everything we do. Across our team, Board, Advisory Groups and Ambassadors, we remain respectful and proud of those who share their journeys to help continually improve our work.

A male from New South Wales was the first to be charged under the state's new coercive control laws.Police arrested the 44-year-old man at a Leeton home, in response to a police report made earlier that day, July 26, by the man’s 39-year-old partner.Coercive control is ongoing abusive and manipulative behaviour, dominating and intimidating another. This can include threats, surveillance, insults and withholding money.The man was transported to Leeton police station where he was charged with a range of domestic violence offences, including stalking/intimidation intending fear of physical harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and coercive control.He faced Wagga Wagga Local Court the next day, where bail was refused.Police also applied for an apprehended domestic violence order against the man to protect the alleged victim.Research reflects police received 23 reports of coercive control in the first month after the new laws came into effect on July 1, including one report concerning harming a child and another relating to animal abuse.According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, almost all victims who came forward were female, at 91 per cent.More than 60 per cent of the reported occurrences involved accusations of threats and intimidation, while 48 per cent involved alleged humiliating or degrading behaviour.Almost half of the cases involved alleged harassment, monitoring or tracking of victims and 39 per cent involved financial abuse.The coercive control laws were passed by NSW parliament in 2022.The state's police force underwent close to a year training its officers on enforcement of these laws.It's anticipated more coercive control charges will be laid in NSW in coming weeks and months.

Police were kept busy in and around Hay this week.Sturt Highway closed due to smokeThe Sturt Highway between Darlington Point and Hay was the scene of multiple incidents on the afternoon of Monday September 2, 2024 and resulted in the closure of a section of the road. A fire at the cotton gin at Carrathool/Conargo Road intersection caused the highway to be closed in both directions due to a dangerous amount of smoke generated by a fire in the cotton trash . Intense wind conditions prevailed through out the day. Rural Fire Service MIA operational officer, Justin Mackellar said the fire caused a large amount of smoke in the area and made it dangerous for motorists to pass through. RMS was on the scene to advise motorists to detour if possible. The smoke allegedly caused a truck to crash into another vehicle. No one is believed to have been injured in the incident. Road spikes end Police chaseEarlier in the day, police were conducting speed enforcement duties along the Sturt Highway when a vehicle was detected allegedly travelling in excess of the 110km/h zone. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it failed to comply and a pursuit was initiated. Police allege a pursuit of 65km was covered where speeds of 180km/h were reached before road spikes were successfully deployed five kilometres west of Darlington Point. The driver, a 31-year-old man from Ashmont, was arrested at the scene. A female occupant was also in the vehicle but was not arrested. There were no reports of any injuries. The man was taken to Griffith Police Station and charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed, class A motor vehicle > 45km/h – estimated and two outstanding war rants. He was refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Indecent expose and intimidate PolicePolice arrested a Hay man for indecent exposure and intimidation last week. Police received a number of calls regarding a drug-affected man walking around without shirt on talking to him early last Tuesday morning. When police attempted to talk to him, the man allegedly became aggressive and exposed himself to police. Not long afterwards, the same man allegedly threatened two women with a hammer in Lindsay Street. Police drew a taser on the man and arrested him. He was refused bail to appear before Griffith Local Court on Wednesday September 4, 2024, charged with obscene exposure, two counts of intimidation and intimidating a police officer.

Carrathool Shire Council raised the cost of repairing damage caused by acts of vandalism at the August council meeting.One example, tabled at the meeting, involves the replacement of signage, at a cost to Council of up to $2,450, for signs that appear to have been knocked over by a vehicle."Sometimes the signs can be reinstalled other times replacement signs are required," a report to Council read. "While these acts have occurred recently it has been some time since previous acts of vandalism of this nature have occurred."In addition the report claims approximately 1,000 litres have been stolen from Council plant recently, with several instances taking place in the Rankins Springs area. "This has also coincided with several thefts from rural property which included workshop tools and equipment as well as several vehicles from various properties. "There has been also several instances of fences being cut at Rankins Springs and Carrathool Waste Depots." Council says all incidents have been reported to police. All images: Carrathool Shire Council.

Carrathool Council has agreed to undertake the first stage of the proposed Arid Zone Botanic Garden.In 2020 A master plan was developed for the Hillston Arid Zone Botanic Garden project. This plan consisted of 5 stages and had an estimated cost of just over $6 million. A Council committee was formed relating to the project and Council attempted to source funding from various grant opportunities. Above: The concept plan for Hillston's Arid Zone Botanic GardenTo date Council have been unsuccessful in securing grant funding for the full cost of the project.Councils committee decided to break the project into smaller stages with what could be practically achieved. Fencing, earthworks and the provision of water were identified as being achievable however this was all subject to grant funding. Savings have been made in areas of Councils projects that have enabled $190,000 to be made available to undertake these works.Council approved the following $165,803 budget at the August meeting: Earthworks $35,000 (Remove trees from carpark area, flatten out old levee tops for path in the future, clear fence line.) Fence $17,000 (Hinge joint fence with barb line on top.) Carpark/Free Camp $85,303 (Council to deliver, spread, compact, and shape / 150mm road base material.) Water install $8,000 (40mm water service under bored across to the Kidman Way.) Survey $9,500 (Survey boundary.) Signage $1,000 (Estimate.) Contingency $10,000 (Any unused money to be allocated to a tank and pump system.)Quotes are currently being sought to confirm costings for stages 2 and 3 of the projects. Stages 2 & 3 of the Arid Zone Botanic Garden project are expected to be funded by future grant opportunities.This project will be the only arid zone botanic garden in RAMJO region and Council hopes the community will see an increased tourism spend, increased visitor nights and development of significant tourism product along the Kidman Way Grey Nomad route.

The new managers of Discovery Café in Balranald, Mikayla Bax and partner Connor Westcombe, have opened the doors.Aged 21 and 24 respectively, the courageous pair have decided to branch out for themselves, after Mikayla worked for the former owners for five years. Connor is an electrician, having recently left his job of six years to pursue the venture with Mikayla.“I always loved working at the Discovery Cafe, and for Sue and Charlie,” Mikayla said. “And I always wanted to branch out on my own. So, when the opportunity arose, we mutually decided to have a go.“We are just over the moon, from the time I started working for Charlie and Sue, I knew it was all I wanted to do.Mikayla is a known and beloved local, and recently moved back to the town after living with Connor and their gorgeous baby Willow in Robinvale. The process of applying for the Discovery Café was very quick. The pair saw it advertised, applied, and then three weeks later got the phone call. Despite moving, and preparing the business for opening all in a short time, they were absolutely delighted.Described by locals as a pocket rocket, Mikayla was baking up a storm of sweet treats before the pair opened the doors on December 22.“It works out really well,” Mikayla said with a chuckle. “I love hospitality, and cooking, and Connor loves to eat my food.“We have created our own menu, similar to a Melbourne style but modern, home cooking with a twist.“The locals have been incredibly supportive, when they discovered we were taking over.“They were delighted in being able to have coffee again.”One can visit the Discovery Café and enjoy scintillating delights such as kale and apple salad with balsamic dressing, house made chunky steak and cheese pies, pesto pasta salad, beetroot and feta salad and more.Call into the Discovery Café and say hi to these happy, friendly and amazing people, and enjoy the atmosphere and the wonderful service.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (above) will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of farmers from across the country next week, in an unprecedented rally against Labor’s anti-farming ideology. Mr Coulton said Labor is destroying agriculture and making life impossible for the nation’s producers of food and fibre, due to endless cuts to the regions, anti-farming legislation and unnecessary red tape.“The Nationals 100 per cent support our farmers attending the National Farmer Rally outside Canberra Parliament House,” Mr Coulton said.“This Labor Government has decimated our farming and agriculture industry in the Parkes electorate. It has been more than 40 years since farmers last felt so aggrieved to protest against a government.  It’s easy to understand why our farmers are fed up, after being constantly attacked by Labor and its anti-farming policies, from water buybacks to reckless renewables and its senseless phase out of our live sheep export trade.” The Nationals are demanding 10 key changes by Labor;Reinstate the live sheep export trade.Bring back the Agriculture Visa and fix Labor’s PALM scheme mess.Stop Labor’s water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin.Introduce a container levy (so our own farmers don’t pay for the biosecurity risk created by international competitors). Reverse Labor’s cuts to regional infrastructure. Stop Labor’s truckie tax and vehicle efficiency standard.Create a mix of energy, rather than Labor’s all-renewables approach, which is destroying agricultural land.Scrap harmful emissions profiles, or Scope 3.Stop Labor’s proposed taxes on superannuation, which will impact family farms.Ensure the 88-day backpacker work visa remains in place for the agriculture sector. “These 10 key areas are crucial to farming, agriculture and regional Australia,” Mr Coulton said. “The Nationals will not stop fighting until common sense prevails and our farmers get a fair go.”