⚠️ Advice: Willara Crossing and Wanaaring flooding ⚠️The NSW SES advises people in Willara Crossing and Wanaaring to stay informed about predicted Minor to Moderate flooding on the Paroo River:You should stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by NSW SES on their website, listening to your local ABC radio station, and checking the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.What are we expecting?The Bureau of Meteorology advises Moderate to locally heavy rainfall has been observed across the Paroo River catchment in Queensland over the past week. This rainfall has resulted in areas of significant major flooding along the Paroo River in Queensland.As these floodwaters arrive from the Paroo River in Queensland, significant flooding similar to the 2010 flood is possible at Willara Crossing from around Sunday 6 April, where minor flooding is currently occurring. Major flooding is possible at Wanaaring early in the week commencing Sunday 6 April, with further rises to the 2010 flood level possible.No significant rainfall is expected over the next couple of days. Further rainfall is forecast from the middle of the week and this rainfall is likely to prolong the flood peaks currently moving through the Paroo River system.Forecasts will be refined as upstream peaks are observed in Queensland.There is major flood warning current for the Paroo River (QLD).The situation is being closely monitored and this warning will be updated as required.Paroo River (NSW):Major flooding may occur along the Paroo River (NSW) at Wanaaring. Minor flooding is occurring at Willara Crossing.The Paroo River at Willara Crossing is currently at 1.64 metres and rising, above the minor flood level (0.70 m). The Paroo River at Willara Crossing may reach around 4.30 metres from around Sunday April 6, similar to the 2010 flood level (4.34 metres). Further rises are possible, peak predictions will be provided once upstream peaks have been observed.No latest observations are available at Wanaaring. Based on the upstream gauge, the river level is currently expected to be below the minor flood level (2.40 m). The Paroo River at Wanaaring is likely to exceed the minor flood level (2.40 m) from Tuesday. The river level is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (3.30 metres) towards the end of the week and may exceed the major flood level from the second week of April. The river may reach levels similar to the 2010 flood, further rises are possible. Peak predictions will be provided once upstream peaks have been observed.Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:Low lying areas adjacent to and along the river.Low-lying roads and bridgesLow-lying farming and rural areasAny unsealed roadsView the full warning: https://hazardwatch.gov.au/a/TUl3AXDownload the Hazards Near Me App and set up ‘Watch Zones’ to receive warnings in real time. https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-appFor emergency assistance during a flood or storms call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

“We remain hopeful that rural Australia will not be overlooked”The Federal Budget for 2025-26 is a mixed bag for rural, regional and remote Australia in terms of funding for healthcare, according to The National Rural Health Alliance. The peak body says while certain aspects of the budget benefit rural populations, there is a lack of a targeted strategy to address the unique health challenges these communities face.The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) said they acknowledge the contribution of rural populations to Australia’s economy in many areas including exports, tourism and agriculture. “We remain hopeful that rural Australia will not be overlooked and urge all parties to consider the needs of these communities and their major contribution to Australia’s economic wellbeing in the upcoming Federal election.”“We are encouraged to see some of the Federal Government’s pre-election healthcare promises reflected in the 2025-26 Budget,” said NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen. “We welcome the $8.5 billion investment to strengthen Medicare, which includes funding for an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits per year, 400 nursing 400 scholarships, and expanded GP training opportunities. “However, the benefits are mostly for city-based and corporate practices that have higher throughput. Not all rural practices are able to bulk bill every patient due to the depth, breadth and complexity of services provided and the higher cost-of-service delivery.“We call on the government to commit to ongoing Medicare reform, flexibility in funding and policy for thin and failing markets. This will ensure all rural healthcare providers including general practice, pharmacy and allied health services are able to sustain their multidisciplinary practices to meet population health need.”Ms Tegen also highlighted the $689 million pledge to reduce the maximum cost of many medicines listed on the PBS from $31.60 to $25. “This is good news for rural, regional and remote populations who are already facing financial pressures,” she said. NRHA says there are also some positive measures to help Close the Gap in Indigenous health by increasing the availability of culturally safe and qualified mental health supports and building the First Nation’s health and medical workforce. “We welcome the availability of more university medical places focused on primary health care, and the previously announced 100 Commonwealth Supported Places from 2026 increasing to 150 per year by 2028.“With a large increase in health spending overall in this Budget, we remain concerned that rural and remote Australia will not receive an equitable share, despite making up 30% of the Australian population.The NRHA remains disappointed by the lack of dedicated rural funding and of a comprehensive National Rural Health Strategy. “Such a strategy would coordinate Commonwealth, State, and Territory investment in health, disability and aged care service delivery for rural Australia.” Additionally, NRHA continues to call for the establishment of a National Rural Health Fund to support block and infrastructure funding which includes but is not limited to health facilities, housing and childcare, tailored to rural clinician and health student needs.Rural, regional and remote Australia already has worse health outcomes and die up to 13.6 years earlier than those in urban areas. Almost 18,500 Australians still lack access to essential primary healthcare services within an hour's drive from their homes. Despite these stark disparities, the annual healthcare underspend in rural Australia remains $6.55 billion.“With the Federal election on the horizon, it is not too late to prioritise rural health. “We owe it to the 7.3 million people who live and work in those communities,” said Ms Tegen. “We call on all political parties to commit to delivering specific health packages for our rural communities as part of their election campaigns. Rural Australians are integral to the nation’s socio-economic health and wellbeing. Without them, the rest of the nation’s economic health hangs in the balance.”The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) comprises 53 national organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the over 7 million people in rural and remote Australia. Our diverse membership includes representation from health professional organisations, health service providers, health educators, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector and students.

While the WIlcannia Weir project is on hold, work continues on the additional emergency underground bore for Wilcannia.This project is completely separate to the Weir undertaking and uses separate funds.After investigations, there are two potential locations which the NSW Water team plans to test drill to understand the water quality and yield of the sites.Water NSW ill be in Wicannia to meet with community, golf club, council and to conduct further assessments.They are welcoming people to come and discuss the project.They will be in Baker Park in Wilcannia Wednesday April 16 from 9am to 11am to provide updates and answer any questions.A hydrogeologist investigated a possible site for a bore in September.This will be an independent project to ensure a water supply for the town in a prolonged period of no flow in the river.The Wilcannia community made it clear to the Water department employees present at a community consultation in September that the community will not accept the revised design of the weir and will only accept exactly what was promised. Water has become quite a contentious issue, one spanning over two years as the Wilcannia weir project continues to stagnate.

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton MP has left parliament for the final time after deciding not to contest the May 3 federal electionHe issued a statement following his departure from parliament for the final time."With today’s announcement of a 3 May 2025 Federal Election, my time as the 1,029th member elected to the Australian Parliament and as the Federal Member for Parkes has now officially come to an end," Mr Coulton said.I thank my family, colleagues, staff and The Nationals for their unwavering trust in me to do this job. I will be forever grateful for the people of the Parkes Electorate and the support they have shown me over the past 17 years.I said in my first speech that I have a deep and unshakeable belief in inland Australia; and I still believe that to this day. There is no better place to live in the world than Australia, and no better place in Australia to live than in western New South Wales. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of the Parkes Electorate.Thank you."Jamie Chaffey has been pre-selected as the Nationals candidate in the upcoming election.

 Latest on flood-affected major roads in NSW:THE NEWELL HIGHWAY is closed to light vehicles in both directions between Narrabri and Coonabarabran due to water over the road at The Pilliga.Motorists should divert via Gunnedah using the Oxley Highway and Kamilaroi Highway.THE SILVER CITY HIGHWAY is closed in both directions from Broken Hill to the Queensland border due to flooding. Motorists should delay their journey as there is no suitable alternative route.The Castlereagh Highway is closed in both directions at Angledool, near the Queensland border, due to flooding at Fingerpost Road.From Walgett, motorists should divert via the Gwydir Highway to Moree and then use the Carnarvon Highway to Queensland. Vehicles over 26 meters must use the Newell Highway from Moree.Some other major roads also remain closed due to flooding:• The Kamilaroi Highway is closed in both directions between Curlewis and Willow Tree. Divert via the New England Highway and Oxley Highway.• The Kamilaroi Highway also remains closed in both directions between Narrabri and Wee Waa. Motorists travelling between Narrabri and Walgett can divert via Moree using the Newell Highway, Castlereagh Highway and Gwydir Highway. This diversion is suitable for all vehicles but will add considerable extra travel time.• The Newell Highway is closed to light vehicles in both directions between Narrabri and Coonabarabran. Motorists should divert via Gunnedah using the Oxley Highway and Kamilaroi Highway. Heavy vehicles are being allowed through at this stage, but should exercise caution.• The Silver City Highway is closed in both directions from Broken Hill to the Queensland border. Motorists should delay their journey as there is no suitable alternative route.In addition to state managed roads, some local roads managed by councils may also be affected Exercise caution travelling in areas that are affected by the adverse weather. There are other roads, including local roads affected, so check the Live Traffic website or the Live Traffic NSW app:Make sure you have 'Council supplied information' ticked.Use the Trip feature, enter your origin and destination to see any hazards on your chosen route, plan ahead accordingly.

The call is out: Young Aboriginal Leaders Program at NSW Parliament is looking for applicants, young Indigenous people who are emerging leaders in their communities.This will be a three-day fully-funded residential program, and will run from June 17 to 20. It is open to young leaders aged 18 to 25 to provide them with an experience focused on leadership, networking, and community impact, as well as providing participants with the opportunity to learn about parliamentary processes.Applications for the program, which is part of the Legislative Council's bicentenary celebrations, are open until April 4. For more information, email [email protected]

“The Budget lacks ambition and a thorough understanding of what business needs.”Household cost-of-living measures were front and centre of Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ pre-election Budget tonight, but the government has failed to deliver initiatives that would improve business productivity, innovation and growth, according to the country’s peak accounting body.“Businesses and their advisers will find little in the federal Budget that will help offset the pain all-too-many small businesses have been experiencing,” CPA Australia Chief Executive Officer Chris Freeland AM said.“The Budget lacks ambition and a thorough understanding of what business needs. Not enough is being done to slash red tape or create the conditions and improve policy development that would shift the dial on Australian productivity and competitiveness."Mr Freeland said new personal tax cuts from July 1, 2026, may capture the public’s attention but would fail to really help most Australians.“SMEs – many of which have thin margins – needed a Budget that would significantly alleviate the cost pressures they face every day,” Mr Freeland said.“The unrelenting rise in insurance premiums and the burden of utility bills, materials, wages, fuel and various other inflationary pressures are hard to manage.“Though the emphasis on relieving pressures on household finances was expected, a more business-centric Budget would have benefitted all Australians because small businesses are significant contributors to the economy and job creation.“The instant asset write-off is a prime example. Tonight, it should have been made permanent – but it remains in limbo. Making it permanent would provide the certainty and opportunity businesses need to invest and grow. They cannot make serious long-term financial decisions when the rules could change every year.”Mr Freeland said the $150 energy bill relief would assist businesses in managing soaring costs, and a national licensing scheme for electricians might serve as a template for other as-yet unspecified occupations.However, the Budget lacked support or incentives to help small businesses innovate and adopt new technologies. As research from CPA Australia released on Monday shows, Australian small businesses trail most countries in the Asia-Pacific region in these areas, and are ultimately less likely to experience growth.“The business community expects the government and Opposition will announce measures during the upcoming election campaign that would significantly reform regulation, taxes and incentives,” Mr Freeland said.

 Monthly Update from Hay Mayor, Carol OatawayCommunity Strategic Plan 2025-2035Hay Shire Council is in the planning stages of developing our Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035, a blueprint designed to guide our region's growth, development, and well-being over the next decade. This plan is the result of extensive consultation with our residents, ensuring that community voices shape our priorities and future direction.A recent community survey highlighted what matters most to our residents. The results showed that a strong sense of belonging, the success of locally owned and operated businesses, the excellent condition of our public open spaces, and a feeling of personal and neighbourhood safety are the top priorities for our community. These values will be at the heart of our strategic planning.To ensure we captured the views of all our residents, Councillors took the draft plan out to the communities of Maude, Booligal, and Hay. We also conducted dedicated consultation sessions with our youth, people living with disabilities and senior citizens. Their insights were invaluable, reinforcing the importance of inclusiveness and shared responsibility in shaping our Shire's future.Based on this feedback, a draft Community Strategic Plan has now been formulated. In the coming months, we will once again take this draft out to the community during April and May. We encourage everyone to engage with this process, share their thoughts, and help refine the plan to ensure it reflects the hopes and aspirations of all who call Hay Shire home.Your participation is crucial as we build a stronger, more connected community for the future. Keep an eye out for upcoming consultation sessions and have your say in shaping our Shire's next chapter. Together, we can ensure Hay Shire continues to thrive as a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place for all.

Coolabah Metals will formally enter the binding joint venture agreement for mining operations at the Pinnacles silver-lead-zinc mine in Broken HillBy Olivia Thomson via Australian MiningCoolabah exercised its option under its heads of agreement (HOA) with Pinnacles Mines and Broken Hill Pinnacles by paying the second option fee worth $600,000.Coolabah will now become the exclusive operator of Pinnacles, which currently has a mineral resource estimate of six million tonnes at 10.9 per cent zinc equivalent.Originally announced in September 2024, the binding joint venture agreement aimed to gather two of the three companies controlling all current silver-lead-zinc operations in Broken Hill, an iconic mining region.Simultaneously, Coolabah revealed it would acquire 100 per cent of the issued capital in Broken Hill Mines, which held a binding agreement to acquire the Rasp silver-lead-zinc mine and associated assets alongside the binding BOA for Pinnacles.The company confirmed it had completed the acquisition of Rasp and its associated assets in October 2024.Mined ore from Pinnacles will now be transported and processed at the Rasp processing plant located 15km away and, in honour of the Rasp and Pinnacles transactions being finalised, Coolabah will soon be renamed to Broken Hill Mines.Under an agreed net smelter return calculation, Coolabah will receive 70 per cent of the profits generated from Pinnacles’ operations, while Pinnacles Mines and Broken Hill Pinnacles will receive the balance.Coolabah, Pinnacles Mines and Broken Hill Pinnacles are now progressing a standard operating agreement to document future mining operations at Pinnacles.

Road closure map - Central Darling ShireUpdates: Live Traffic

With another election campaign unofficially underway, voters may feel it hasn’t been long since they were last at the voting booth.By Jill Sheppard, Senior Lecturer, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University, via The ConversationAustralia’s Constitution dictates: every House of Representatives shall continue for three years from the first meeting of the House, and no longer, but may be sooner dissolved by the Governor-General.This allows the sitting government to call an election sooner than three years after taking office, but recent norms are for governments to use the full term length available to them.But how do politicians and the public feel about this format, and could this change anytime soon?Early electionsIn 1998, the John Howard Liberal government called an early election seeking voters’ support for its ambitious plans to introduce a goods and service tax. It came very close to defeat, but clawed its way to victory and nine more years of power.In 2016, the Malcolm Turnbull Liberal government took a similar punt, calling an early double dissolution election ostensibly on the issue of union corruption. Again, it came very close to defeat but clawed its way to victory (and six more years of power).Despite their reasons for calling early elections, both Howard and Turnbull faced declining global economic conditions and arguably moved tactically to avoid campaigning in the worst of the headwinds.Most governments have less appetite for capitalising on external events – like interest rate cuts – when calling an election. Voters already largely distrust politicians, and cynical early elections will only confirm their beliefs.Fixed versus non-fixed parliamentary termsThe ability of a government to unilaterally decide the election date is unusual.The political systems most similar to Australia – New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States – all have fixed election dates. Australian states and territories have also increasingly moved to fixed dates, where the government of the day has no discretion over election timing.As prime minister, Julia Gillard effectively relinquished her right to manipulate the 2013 election date in her favour. She announced it more than seven months ahead of time. Her government lost the subsequent election.Unsurprisingly, there is little political will to move to fixed dates for federal elections. Only current Special Minister of State Don Farrell has expressed even passing support for the idea (and then, only if voters were clearly in favour).Fixed terms would undoubtedly benefit voters, who could plan their calendars well in advance. They would also benefit non-government parties and independent candidates, who could budget and plan campaigns around a known election date.Who wants longer terms?Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supports four-year terms, reflecting long-term Labor Party policy.The Liberal Party has generally been more ambivalent. Howard was supportive but “not mad keen” in 2005 and supportive, but resigned to failure in 2024.Current leader Peter Dutton also backs longer terms, but observes that, among voters, “generally, there is a reluctance to do anything that makes the life of a politician easier”.Beyond voters’ reluctance to grant a one-year extension to politicians’ tenure, the issue of senate term lengths is an obstacle to reform.Current tradition sets senate terms twice the length of House of Representatives terms, however, Penny Wong has argued that eight-year terms are too long.Both New South Wales and South Australia have experience with eight-year terms in their upper houses, but no other states have yet followed.How could (and will) terms be changed?Any change to federal parliamentary terms would require a successful referendum. The question has been put to Australians once before, in 1988. Only 33% of voters supported the proposal, and no state achieved majority support.Polling from April 2024 finds only 38% support, with 18% unsure. Independent and minor party voters – the fastest growing group in Australian politics – were also the most strongly opposed to longer terms.As Dutton noted, voters have been reluctant to support “politician-friendly” referendums in the past. There seems almost no chance the 48th parliament would consider a referendum on the issue.Would 4-year terms make politics better?David Coleman, recently promoted to the Liberal Party’s frontbench, has confidently declared “businesses and consumers tend to hold off on investment during election periods and the phoney war that precedes them”, and so longer terms would improve the domestic economy.The business sector seems to agree.Are they right? And what about non-economic outcomes?Academic research backs up the assumption governments are less likely to announce major tax reforms in the months leading into an election. Shorter terms might also make governments less likely to introduce austerity (strict cost-cutting) measures.The weight of academic evidence suggests that whichever party is in power matters far more than the length of the electoral cycle.Researchers have struggled to find differences in how politicians with longer terms (usually four years) behave from those with shorter terms (usually two years). Activity levels for the shorter-term politicians appear slightly more frenetic – more fundraising and expenditure, more campaigning – but the outcomes are similar.Longer terms do not seem destined to fix Australia’s political malaise.

Multiple roads across the Back Country are closed due to rainfall and localised flooding. Motorists are encouraged to visit https://www.livetraffic.com/ for individualised updates.

Sussan Ley is travelling the electorate promising community projectsMember for Farrer Sussan Ley MP is announcing a series of project funding promises, if the Liberal Nationals Coalition wins government in the upcoming federal election.Among the pledges Ms Ley said an elected Dutton Liberal Government has committed to deliver upgrades to the Corowa and District SHE Shed – a local haven for women to learn, create, and connect.First established in 2017 by utilising a generous local’s garage, the SHE Shed opened its doors to a permanent home in Corowa’s western industrial area in 2023 and now hopes to add a mezzanine floor to its facility.Ms Ley said a $14,000 commitment will cover the majority of an estimated $18,000 project.Other pre-election commitments announced include:$480,000 to upgrade the lighting around hockey pitches at Alexandra Park, Albury.$230,000 to help the Holbrook Golf Club build new female-friendly changerooms.$180,000 towards lighting, fencing and resurfacing Albury’s St Patrick’s Tennis Club.

Milthorpe: A great commitment is needed.Commonwealth Governments need to make a greater commitment to public education, according to Independent candidate for Farrer Michelle Milthorpe. She says the Albanese Government’s pledge to deliver adequate funding by 2034, although a step in the right direction, is still “not good enough”. Mrs Milthorpe met with members of the NSW Teachers Federation to discuss the Albanese governments’ commitment to fully fund every Public school in the country. Whilst the promised implementation is welcome, Mrs Milthorpe is disappointed with the timeline proposed. Having trained and worked as a school teacher, Mrs Milthorpe understands the inadequate funding in our public education system and if elected to represent the seat of Farrer in Federal Parliament, she says advocating for education funding will be a priority. “Education is the foundation of opportunity, yet our public schools remain chronically underfunded,” Ms Milthorpe said. “Despite the critical role public schools play in shaping Australia’s future, they continue to receive inadequate financial support compared to private schools.“The recent agreement to increase federal funding to 25 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2034 is a step forward, but it does not address the immediate and pressing needs of public schools today. “We must act now to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or postcode, has access to a high-quality education,” Mrs Milthorpe said. She explained the Gonski Review, released more than 14 years ago, recommended a needs-based funding model to ensure all students receive the resources they need to succeed. “Yet the stark disparity remains: only 1.3 per cent of public schools are funded at the SRS, compared to 98 per cent of private schools. The slow pace of implementing these recommendations has widened the gap between public and private education, exacerbating inequalities in student outcomes,” Mrs Milthorpe said. “Governments must be held accountable for delivering promised funding and ensuring that public schools reach 100 per cent of the SRS,” Mrs Milthorpe continued. If elected, Mrs Milthorpe has committed to advocating for: Accelerating Full Funding to Public Schools by 2028 A Fair and Transparent School Funding Model based on needs Ending the Disparity Between Public and Private School Funding Growth Accountability in Federal and State Education Spending Mrs Milthorpe said recent statements from the Liberal Party suggesting that “if you don’t pay for something you don’t value it” raise serious concerns about their commitment to public education. “Education must remain a right, not a privilege. I will stand against policies that devalue or underfund our public school system,” she said.

An invasive weed known as Spiny Burrgrass has been found in Wilcannia Cemetery, Central Darling Shire Council has advised.The Council warns the weed has a sharp and clingy burr with ability to spread rapidly and tendency to develop into dense infestations in favourable conditions. It is easily spread due to the small sticky burr which become attached to animals, vehicles and clothing.It poses risks to both people and animals including:Injuries to animals such as swelling and ulcers in the mouth;The weed poses a risk by clinging to sheep’s wool and in worst scenarios penetrating the skin of sheep;Causing Inconvenience and discomfort to agricultural workers when harvesting crops, vegetables, fruits and when shearing sheep.The weed has been sprayed by biosecurity officers. However, people visiting the cemetery are being asked to still keep an eye out for the weed and take precautions including:Park in designated areas at the cemetery;Do not bring pets to the cemetery;Do not touch any plants whilst at the cemetery;Check shoes and clothing before leaving the cemetery to ensure no burrs have become attached;Any burrs should be removed whilst wearing appropriate gloves, wrapped up in a bag and disposed of in a bin at the cemetery;Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after visiting the cemetery.The Council says it will continue to monitor the situation.

After weeks of speculation, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the 2025 federal election for May 3. This will be an election for all 150 House of Representatives seats and 40 of the 76 senators (a normal House and half-Senate election).In Farrer the seat held by coalition deputy leader Sussan Ley, two other candidates have emerged: independent Michelle Milthorpe and Labor's Glen Hyde.Parkes electorate is currently held by the Nationals Mark Coulton, who has previously indicated he will not stand in this election. Jamie Chaffey has already been pre-selected at the Nationals candidate, to contest the seat.BCB News will update candidates for both electorates as they are released, as well as pre-poll and polling place information.To check your enrolment information prior to voting day, visit the Australian Electoral Commission.

Drew Lloyd (pictured) is kicking goals, literally.A beloved local boy and mainstay of the Balranald Roos, Drew has made his presence felt.Throughout the entirety of his football career to sate, Drew has racked up some impressive stats.He has played 247games, 238 total goals and been voted Best Player 108 times.The talented forward has made a name for himself with his elite skills, goal-kicking ability, and sharp footy sense and judgement. His great presence has earned him a spot at VFL club Port Melbourne, with him choosing Rochester as his home club.If there could be anything more important than footy however, it could possibly be Drew’s humble nature and love of his home town.This love is reciprocated, with Balranald cheering Drew on regardless if he is wearing the Roos blue and white or another team’s colours.“I spoke to one of the Balranald coaches and they were very encouraging,” 22-year-old Drew said. “They told me to go for it, saying I have the talent and need to do these things while you’re young.”A couple of clubs in the region had expressed interest in Drew coming on board, and asked Drew what he wanted, what his aspirations were. Expressing his desire to reach state level, one of the clubs mentioned their connections, and before he knew it, he had a two-week trial with Port Melbourne. After the trial he was given a 12-month contract. He is understandably over the moon with this. “Hopefully I will be able to put my best foot forward and keep working towards the big leagues,” said Drew, forever humble.Drew’s biggest supporters have to be his family. Grandmother Linda Nelson follows every move Drew makes, and he is in constant contact with his family. He is in Melbourne, having keenly hit the ground running to secure employment, and get into a good work life football balancing routine.“I worked for the Canally Almond Farm for four years or so, and they were also very encouraging, telling me to go for it while I am young. That is the best advice I could give to any person in my shoes, or thinking about making a big change or taking a risk; do it. At least you’ll have done it, instead of regretting it later.”Congratulations Drew you are so inspiring! Not only do you have the talent to make it big, you have defined your dreams and are doggedly pursuing them.The worst thing about not taking a chance is always wondering what could have been.I just hope Drew remembers he said I could chat to him again as he makes it further and further up the ladder.

As the use of cheques as a payment method continues to decline, the Australian government announced its Cheques Transition Plan in November 2024.Under the plan, cheques cannot be issued in Australia after 30 June 2028 and will not be accepted by financial institutions or as a form of payment after 30 September 2029.However, many major financial institutions have already ceased the use of cheques, meaning businesses could be caught short if they accept them.Rabobank stopped processing cheques in May 2024 and Macquarie Bank in October 2024. If a cheque from either of these institutions is accepted as payment, it cannot be deposited at any bank in Australia, and neither bank will process cheques from other institutions.Since June 2023, Commonwealth Bank has removed cheque facilities from new accounts, and Bendigo Bank no longer issues cheque books on any new or existing accounts.According to the Australian Banking Association the use of cheques has dropped almost 90 per cent in the past decade.Banking institutions no longer processing cheques include: Rabobank RACQ Bank Bank Australia  Suncorp  People First Bank  Macquarie  AMP  Police Bank Credit Union Australia  Teachers Mutual Bank  Deutsche Bank AG Warwick Credit Union Heritage Bank United Financial Services Arab Bank of Australia Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

Council’s Toyota Coaster bus is to be replaced with wheelchair-friendly smaller vehicle.General Manager, David Webb said the bus was due for replacing due to its age and changing community needs.Mr Webb said the bus was purchased in 2006 and has had minimal use for a vehicle of its age with around 130,000km of usage. “It is in relatively good condition apart from a scrape on one side awaiting repair but is a year-by-year proposition,” he told Council in a report to the February meeting.“As a community transport provider, you are expected to replace your vehicles every 15 years, however you can exceed this under low usage conditions such as ours. “Currently the bus is used up to two days a week depending on demand and for special requests, usually for persons requiring wheelchair accessibility. “Council is fortunate to have ample cash reserves to replace the bus. However, it can no longer buy a vehicle outright under the funding conditions.”Council resolved to lease the replacement vehicle and has sought quotations for a modern small people mover with wheelchair accessibility that would provide five seats including the driver and a wheelchair, for a period of five years.Mr Webb said vehicle options were very limited at the moment due to the availability of suitable vehicles that can be converted. “The vehicle is much more manoeuvrable than the bus and has the added advantage that the driver does not require a light rigid licence,” he said.“Currently, Council does not have a dedicated bus driver and has failed to fill this position after many attempts. “One of the key issues in this case is to what level does Council wish to get into the community transport space, given that there is a current commercial service provider. “Given the constraints in finding drivers and administrating the service, it is recommended that Council only service eligible clients during normal hours with the occasional trip outside of hours for those requiring wheelchair accessibility. “That is of course providing the service can access a driver after hours which may not always be possible. “It is not proposed to provide an alternative service to the current commercial operator. “Given the comfort of the vehicle there would also be the potential to do out of town trips if there was sufficient demand and the service was feasible.”