BREAKING: a car experienced a rollover on the Cobb Highway, just north of Wanganella.Amulance, Fire and Rural Fire Service, and Police services are attending. The driver was trapped, but has been released from the vehicle.

Barwon MP focusing on youth justice reformMember for Barwon Roy Butler attended the inaugural meeting of a group set up to address youth justice and reforms to address youth crime issues."It has become a serious problem these days that far too many young people are ending up involved in crime and too many thereafter entering the criminal justice system," Mr Butler said. "During the sitting weeks I went to the inaugural meeting of the Parliamentary Friends of Youth Justice Reform, a group that is dedicated to reducing the numbers of young people who end up involved in anti-social behaviour and custody, which often leads to a life of reoffending. "One of the special guests at the meeting was Robert Tickner, former Federal Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, now the chair of the Justice Reform Initiative, who spoke passionately about the need for reform."Our youth justice system isn’t working, we need to work on solutions, and it needs to be a bipartisan, non-political solution." To learn more about the Youth Justice Initiative see www.justicereforminitiative.org.au

There are some people you look at and wonder - how are you the way you are?Ambitious, driven, have the ability to juggle a million things in tandem, and is a wonderful person to boot. This is Lisa O’Keefe, co-founder of Koolamon designs, a bespoke jewellery company, and one of the guest speakers at 2024 Hatfield Happening.Lisa is a wife, and mother to three beautiful children.She co-founded Koolamon designs with her sister. Lisa was raised in a farming family near Wangaratta.“When September came, it was time to pray for the rain to stop there, here it is time to pray for rain to start,” Lisa said.Lisa and her younger sister were into craft long before it became cool. Her maternal grandmother sparked that interest, always sewing, baking and creating something out of nothing.The pair would often spend the holidays with her.For her 21st birthday Lisa asked for, and received, a sewing machine.After school she started a Bachelor of Business majoring in accounting, before changing to Agricultural Science.Lisa was entering an industry where women were like hen’s teeth; women were only recognised in the Australian Census in 1994, the year after she finished high school.This change highlighted the shifting landscape for women in agriculture. Her first career role in agriculture was as an agronomist in Forbes. Although there was another female agronomist in Condobolin at the time, Lisa was the first female agronomist in her workplace.It was a pioneering role in GPS prescription agriculture, and in an area where women were very unrepresented. As she was leaving her job in Forbes, Lisa’s boss admitted he’d never employed a female agronomist before, but he would definitely consider it in the future, perhaps because of, or in spite of memorable moments like the time while loading the four-wheeler in the back of the ute she managed to drive it off the other side, breaking her wrist in the process.Her journey in agronomy led Lisa to Deniliquin, and eventually Euston, driven by love. She moved to Koolamon on a date she will forever remember; February 2, 2002.“Anyone here who has married into a farming family will empathise with me the challenges of living on and in the family business,” Lisa laughed.Life for Lisa has been a blend of managing the family business succession plans and navigating the challenges of living and working with in-laws and husband.She credits drought and demands of family and family farming as shaping so much about her.After realising the role of agronomist was not going to be family or pregnancy friendly, she worked as manager at the local TAFE campus.After her first child was born, Lisa taught agriculture and horticulture programs, and did project work for the local council.Her next addition arrived soon after, and Lisa began searching for a flexible job to facilitate a better work life balance.They have since discovered Eliza, her second born is autistic and neurodivergent and as she grew needed lots of assistance in learning. Immensely grateful for the opportunity to receive baby bonus under John Howard’s regime, Lisa and her sister used these funds to launch Koolamon designs.While they were not the first personalised jewellery company in Australia, they were the first to hand stamp each piece one letter at a time, creating jewellery in their signature, highly polished look. “Working with my sister is the best part of the business,” she said.“Despite the 450 kilometres between us, we make a great team, with Stacey handling the finer details and me focusing on the big picture.“We started with eight pieces and one necklace type, and today we have over 150- pieces in our collection, with sterling silver produced overseas and crafted in Australia.” Lisa and Stacey prefer to sell at boutique fairs, field days, and expos around Australia and New Zealand, and online, which they feel allows them to connect with their customers. The original goal in 2007 was to earn enough money to pay for their weekly groceries.Neither of the sisters thought their idea would turn into a real source of income and neither did their husbands. It created the opportunity to generate income to support through tough times such as droughts, but also as a way to have flexible employment.“Running your own business is one of the toughest jobs around, whether it is farming or retail,” Lisa said.“Sometimes I’d wondered if it wouldn’t be so much easier to collect a pay cheque at the end of the week and to walk out of the office at the end of the day and not give it another thought until the next working day.“However, the rewards have been worth it. The business has provided myself, my sister and the people we hire with employment; flexible employment.Most of our school holidays have been spent on the farm with our children and extended families.“We are so proud of how far we have come; Koolamon began with a $7000 investment and grew into a company with a million-dollar turnover and a varied and regular presence in online and print media.“We’ve proven anyone can achieve success with a unique idea, supportive network and determination.” Lisa’s life has come full circle, something which she loves.She is highly involved in the farm, and proudly calls herself a farmer. She has her wonderful children who she relishes spending time with, and a weekend on the farm with everyone together is something she finds a real treat. Lisa is a true inspiration on so many levels; she is proof of what you can accomplish on the daily and in the long term if you put your mind to it, and with a friendly disposition.

Nita Gleeson is a lady of the land. A true throwback to days past, and forever with a smile on her face. Honest as the day is long, she sugarcoats nothing, and her candour is incredibly refreshing. A mad Broncos fan, her room at Haydays Retirement Hostel is peppered with the maroon and yellow of her team. “I’ve been a fan of the Broncos since Wally Lewis,” she said with a smile. “Those days were different back then; the players would come out and mix with the crowd after the game.” Nita recalls her mother never drank or smoked, and had excruciating arthritis. She could not walk by the age of 63, and sadly passed away at the age of 64. Nita herself has weathered a few storms; suffered a broken neck and three strokes. “It’s ironic, I am still walking around, God only takes the good,” she said stoically. Her children come up several times during the course of our chat, it is plain to see Nita is incredibly proud of them, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. All of Nita’s daughters, Kelly, Shirley and Michelle ended up in the nursing and carers sector. Shirley put herself through her nursing education, Kelly works at Hay Hospital and Haydays, and Michelle also is in the nursing sector. Her sons, Tommy and Michael, were both shearers for many years. Michael is now Irrigation Manager at Toogimbie, and Tommy works for Rowan and Sarah Houston on their property. “They have all done so well for themselves,” Nita said. “I am so proud of them all.” Nita recalls being a rather spoiled girl when she was young, getting up to all sorts of antics, as children often do. “I would throw a tantrum because I wanted to ride the horse at midnight, or if it was raining, I always wanted to be on my horse. I would jump off the tin fence straight onto the horse’s back and ride, I never thought about what that was like for the poor horse,” she chuckled. “I used to hate babies as a child, and had little patience. Once I tied up my sister so I could wash my hair. Another time, I tied up my cousin so I could gallop without her following me. “She would chase me along every day, asking for a ride on the horse, and would fall off every day. “That never stopped her though.” Nita’s grandfather would ride the horse and sulky into town to work every day. He would leave at 8am, and saddle up at 7am. “I would meet my boyfriend, Henry, who was an electrician and TV technician, from 7 until 9,” Nita recalled. “Then, before I would go to school, I’d tell Grandpa it was time for him to go to work and he wouldn’t realise what I had done.” Nita’s first boyfriend, Dennis. known as Henry, would become her first husband. They had been seeing each other since Nita was 14, and Henry was 19. They married when Nita was 16. “He was sadly killed at the age of 32,” she said. “We didn’t part on bad terms, it was just his time in the army meant we grew apart, and we went our separate ways.” Tragically, Nita lost a baby five months along while she was married to Henry, something which was not spoken about much in society in those days. “A lot of women in the 60s experienced this, and it broke their hearts,” she recalled. “The way people deal with it these days is so much better; having a funeral, naming the baby and going through the process. In those days, sometimes they were just thrown in the incinerator, and mums had to figure it out on their own.” It would be five years before Nita would become pregnant again. “I would look at babies in prams and cry, I never thought I would have any of my own,” she said. “Five years or so later when I was in a little town called Skipton in Victoria, I had an operation, which set things right, and now I have five beautiful children.” Nita met Morrie when she was walking down Lachlan Street one day. Morrie walked out of one of the shops, and the pair hit it off. They were married, and by the time Nita was 20 they were near Albury for Morrie’s work as a shearer. “They had just sacked the shearer’s cook, and I had to step in and do it,” she said. “I was nervous, but Morrie knew what they wanted; fresh cakes, sandwiches, stews and the like. “They would want more than just one thing at a meal, so if I cooked a stew, I would make a salad to go along with it.” She was the first one up in the morning and the last one to go to bed at night. “You wouldn’t get a lot of sleep as a shearer’s cook,” Nita recalled. “We would travel a lot, to Adelaide, and throughout Queensland and Victoria. “The only place I went to by myself was Tasmania.” Nita had a few car accidents, each of them in a Mini. Her mini had just come from the mechanics, and she recalls the mechanic telling her not to take it on dirt roads, but she did it anyway. “After the accident, people told me to sue him, but I said no because he warned me and I did not listen,” Nita said in her straightforward manner. Nita recalls she was pregnant with Michael when she had the car accident which broke her neck and also injured two of her children, Tommy and Shirley. Tommy suffered a broken right femur, and Shirley had left arm paralysis, and a skull fracture. Kelly removed Shirley from the car, as she was frightened the car would catch alight, and carefully laid her down on the ground, and then removed Tommy, putting a pillow under his head. Kelly then ran after young Michelle, who was running down the road crying out for her dad. A nurse returning home to Griffith came upon the accident, rendered assistance, and called for help. When the Royal Flying Doctor Service was ready to take Nita and her children to Adelaide, torches and lanterns had to be held along the runway so the plane could take off, as it was night by then. They were taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. “When I woke up, I was assured my two children were here with me,” Nita said. “I panicked, because I have four. When you wake up and are told about your two children, you think the worst. Ernie and Val Cox drove all the way to Adelaide with the other two, to see me and reassure me they were OK.” Nita was six months pregnant with Michael at the time of the accident. “They tried to deliver him early three times, but I refused each time. It was too early,” she said. Morrie signed the form to allow the medical staff to deliver Michael early, as they explained to him Nita would have a better chance of making it. “I refused,” Nita said. “They wheeled me into theatre three times to try and take him and I refused. "Mary Smith, the Registered Nurse always gave me hope. "She said, “Where there is life, there is hope,” and I went by that. "And Michael turned out fine and was the most athletic of them all.” When Michael was young, he earnt the nickname Freak. This was because he could run all the way from the irrigation area into town. He played almost every sport there was; cricket, all codes of football, and would head away to represent in swimming at a state level, return home and immediately head to cricket or whatever sport it was at the time. Nita spent six weeks in hospital after the accident which broke her back, and was very grateful family and friends stepped up to help with the children during this time. Both hands were in plaster, and she was in traction for this time. Four nurses would come and rotate her every two hours, and Nita looked forward to this. She went straight back to work after being allowed out of hospital which, was against doctor’s orders.Her hands did not heal properly, although it never held her back. “We went to Menindee and Wilcannia as soon as I got out of hospital, and I cooked for 14 crutchers, four jackaroos and one governess,” she said. “The plaster came off and the pins started sticking through, but the doctor said they couldn’t do anything as I’d gone back to work too early.” Shirley recovered amazingly, and Val Cox helped rehabilitate her. Tommy was in plaster and Mick Cox cut down a pram to create something Tommy could use to get around in. Her daughter Kelly was seven at the time of the accident, and Nita recalls her being a tower of strength. “At her young age she walked the other children to school, and worked hard to take care of everyone,” Nita said. “She has always been a hard worker. She looked after everyone every day.” In Nita’s time, she had her truck licence, fixed windmills with Morrie, was a shearer’s cook and lived life on the land with Morrie, who was a shearer. There was no rest for Nita, and that was the life she loved. Nita would return to work immediately after giving birth, and work up until she was ready to deliver the next child. “I worked for a lot of local growers in my time too, picking,” she said. “I’d always had to be a worker all my life, and that’s the way it was.” Nita cherished the times she would spend six months of the year in Tasmania, when Michelle lived there. “We went all over Tassie,” she recalled. “We would go over on the boat and come back on the plane, and the trip over was half the fun. I would stand on the deck and enjoy the trip. "Morrie did not like boats or planes so he wouldn’t come, he stayed in Hay. “When Morrie had cancer, he had to be fed via his nose, but he did not need to go to hospital for anything. “The girls took turns in caring for him, so he was able to stay at home.” Nita recalls Morrie being a doting father, spending time with the children and giving them back rides. Some of Nita’s favourite times in her life was when her, Morrie and the children would ride horses together on the weekend. “We are all very close, it is good having a big family,” Nita said. “If something happens with one of us, the rest are all not far away, and are always there to help and support.” What a legacy you have created, Nita. You have everything that really matters in life; a big, close family, love and support. You are kind, honest and straightforward, and have passed those qualities on to your family as well. It was a true delight to talk to you and hear your story.

A grassfire at Madman's Beach, Hay will be monitored over coming days.A small fire reported at Madman's Beach, at the eastern end of Leonard Street, Hay was attended this morning (Tuesday, October 29) by emergency services.Members of Fire and Rescue NSW and Hay Rural Fire Service (RFS) responded to the report around 7.45am."There is a smoldering tree, but it is in the centre of a cleared, burned out area," an RFS spokesperson said."There is water surrounding the smoldering area, making it difficult to get a truck in to extiguish it, so we will allow it to burn itself out."It is contained."It will probably smolder for several days, but we will continue to monitor it."

Some small measure of relief is becoming available to the affected people and businesses in Ivanhoe, Menindee, Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Wilcannia, White Cliffs and other surrounding communities impacted by the power outages.The NSW Government has announced financial support to residents and small-to-medium sized businesses in the Far West of the state impacted by the major electrical outage in the region.The electrical outage community support package is being delivered by the NSW Government with a contribution from Transgrid. This support will be available as soon as possible through Service NSW.If you live in Menindee, head down to the Menindee Civic Hall on the corner of Yartla and Perry Street today, Tuesday October 29, from 10am to 3pm. If you're in Wilcannia, head down today from 10am to 3pm to the Wilcannia Community Hall, 78 Woore Street.If you are located in White Cliffs, head down tomorrow, Wednesday October 30 to White Cliffs Sporting Club (Beth Street) from 10 am to 3pm.For Tibooburra, head down tomorrow from 11am to 2pm to Albert Hall, 34 Briscoe Street. This follows the severe storm that destroyed seven Transgrid transmission towers on Thursday 17 October, causing significant disruption to the supply of electricity to remote communities. Over 12,000 properties have been without power, many for prolonged periods over the past week causing disruptions to families, businesses and community.The electrical outage community support package will be available to impacted households and small to medium-sized local businesses.Payments of $200 will be made available to each of the residential electricity account holders impacted by the outage. These grants will be available via Service NSW.Payments of $400 will be made available to impacted small-to-medium businesses. These grants will also be available via Service NSW.While these grants are being established, the NSW Government will continue to support people’s immediate needs with pantry staples, fresh produce, food hampers and mobile cold rooms being made available in partnership with Foodbank NSW/ACT at key locations in the Far West to support communities where impacts have been greatest.The NSW Government is also bringing together agencies and industry to support longer term recovery needs including working with the insurance sector to provide clear advice to people, charities and mental health support.The community support package is being provided by the NSW Government and will total $4 million, including a $1.5 million contribution by Transgrid.This package is in addition to a range of actions the NSW Government has already taken in the week since the power outage.A Natural Disaster Declaration was swiftly issued, unlocking State-Commonwealth disaster funding for the Broken Hill and Central Darling Shire Local Government Areas, as well as the Far West Unincorporated Area.The NSW Government has also declared an Electricity Supply Emergency for the Far West region of NSW under the Electricity Supply Act (1995). This declaration allows the Minister for Energy to give directions considered to be necessary to respond to the electricity supply emergency.The situation remains uncertain with work underway to restore mains power to the region. The region is primarily relying on Transgrid’s large-scale back-up generator while the company constructs interim towers which are expected to be in place by 6 November 2024.Transgrid and Essential Energy are getting more generators into the region to reduce reliance on the main back-up generator and it’s hoped that will negate the need for rolling blackouts that keep the wider network stable.To ensure the existing back-up generator can continue to function and meet community needs, particularly during the evening peak, communities are being asked to reduce energy use where possible between 5.30pm and 10.30pm (Australian Central Daylight Time). Key steps include turning off any non-essential appliances, using lights only in occupied rooms, and if you are using air conditioning, consider raising the set point temperature to about 26 degrees and close all blinds, windows and doors.Outside these times, the community should continue to use electricity as they normally would.“NSW communities in the Far West region of NSW are experiencing significant hardship across the Far West, and this package will go some way toward addressing the impacts at home and work,” Independent Member for Barwon, Roy Butler said."I wrote to the Premier on Monday asking for compensation for individuals and businesses, and I thank the NSW Government for such a quick response.“The people of Far West NSW deserve a reliable supply of electricity and a robust back-up system, and the Government is taking action to ensure that is the case going forward.”https://.www.energy.nsw.gov.au/disruption

Maari Ma Health Balranald, Balranald Shire Council, and the Strengthening Community Access, Inclusion & Wellbeing Advisory Committee (SCAIWAC) held another successful Balranald Health, Wellbeing and Support Services Expo. It was another fruitful day, with free raffles, a catered free light lunch, and the students and staff of Balranald Central School and St Joseph’s Balranald attended, asking a lot of questions and catalysing engaging conversation.And lastly, thank you to the Balranald community for supporting this event. Your attendance is appreciated and we hope you gained some information about services in our community.There were Resilience KeyRing and Bracelet making activitiesOver 25 stall holders were there on the day, packed with information, resources, freebies, and keen to connect people to services they may have not been aware were available locally.Stalls included Australian Unity, Service NSW, St Vincent De Paul, Services Australia, Mission Australia, Country Care Group, Free Fresh and Fit – Tackling Indigenous Smoking, Mary MacKillop Services, ROAR, The Hope Project, Local Far West Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Service, Country Universities Online, CatholicCare, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, Axis Employment, Flourish Australia, Homes Out West, Mallee Family Care, amongst others. Congratulations to Emma Moore and the team from Maari Ma, for striving to deliver the pinnacle of services to your town.

Tim O'Halloran was recently celebrated and recognised for 30 years of service to the Homebush Recreation Reserve as a Crown Lands manager. An outstanding achievement, the committee thanked Tim for his long service, dedication and all he has givens to the grounds.“Thanks everyone, I didn’t do it all alone though,” Tim said.“There where others along the way, especially Marianne for her secretarial work for the club, and the trust and her work for writing applications for money, or doing important work to help run events.”Congratulations, Tim, what an achievement.

The Australian Taxation Office received 250,000 tip-offs from the community about tax avoidance and other dishonest behaviours since July 1, 2019. More than 47,000 tip-offs were reported in the 2023–24 financial year alone. ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding said Australians are fed up with dodgy behaviours in the community and are stepping up to help level the playing field by tipping off the ATO about taxpayers not declaring income, demanding cash from customers, paying workers in cash to avoid paying tax and super, not reporting sales, and where someone’s lifestyle doesn’t appear to match their income. The ATO estimates there is around $16 billion in stolen taxes because of businesses doing things like cash jobs each year. Building and construction, cafes and restaurants and hairdressing and beauty services topped the list of industries the ATO was tipped off about in 2023–24. Ninety per cent of tip-offs analysed by the ATO in 2023 24 were deemed as being suitable for further investigation by a specialised teams and task forces within the ATO, including the cross agency Shadow Economy Taskforce.

What’s on after Halloween and before Christmas, and is a mainstay of love, togetherness and unity on the Hay and district Calendar? Rainbow on the Plains! It’s on this year from November 14 to 17, and the theme of this year’s event is reflection. This aims to prompt people to reflect on their own journey; we all have different experiences and we need to look at how we can share and support each other into the future. Reflection aims to inspire people to build those connections, and make people feel welcome and at home. There is so much to look forward to this year, including the biggest list of drags acts Justin Teliqure, Fembot XYZ, Victoria Bitter, Krayola, Max Drag Queen, Shelita Buffet and Angel Cupcakes. This is all supported but the talented DJ’s Pop Chops, and to see the amazing and charismatic Zain Mitchlan again. It all kicks off on Thursday evening at the South Hay Hotel, with ACON (NSW's leading LGBTQ health organisation) holding a sip and learn session. The iconic Shelita Buffet will be front and centre stage on Friday, belting out a Pricilla Queen of the Desert tribute at the Hay Services Club as part of Rainbow on the Greens. The amazing Joanne and Zoe Badwi will also be there, ready to reach the stars with their dance hits plus a lineup of wonderful performers. Saturday is the Lachlan Street Parade. The fun gets underway with the amazing Dykes in Bikes and the very special Gari (a giant rainbow serpent). Then it will be time to get down to Hay Park for the ENGIE fair day. The park will be jam packed with stalls, food and entertainment; a great opportunity to hang out and meet new friends, and you can also watch the Pride Cup. Once the sun goes down, it’s time for adult fun at the Hay Services Club after party. Starting with the amazing ZA!N leading the way for a night of drag entertainment with a special performance from Australia’s pop favourites Joanne and Zoe Badwi bring dance tunes together on the main stage. Watch this space to see what fun activities will be held on the Sunday. If you want more information or tickets, visit the Rainbow on the Plains website www.rainbowontheplains.com.au

What we’re watching – ABC mini-series ‘Plum’ is a sometimes tough watch, but highly recommendedBrenda Cowell is a familiar face on our screens, as one of Australia’s most popular male actors, but in the six-part miniseries ‘Plum’ Cowell wear many creative hats.The series is an adaptation of his novel of the same name, and Cowell is cited as the creator, producer and screenwriter, as well as the lead actor.Peter Lum (aka Plum) is a rugby league legend, well past his heydays. After reaching the peak of his footy career, we meet him with a failed marriage behind him, a burgeoning new relationship with an Argentine backpacker and a son on the cusp of his own blossoming sporting career.Plum played hard his entire career, but post-footy the drinking has not slowed, so in the beginning it is difficult to know if his blackouts and forgetfulness is hangover driven or part of something more sinister.The story is full of complicated characters who ultimately pull together in their shared concern of Plum’s condition – CTE or Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a consequence of concussion and head injuries suffered during his days on the field. Plum’s confusion is showed in a series of flashbacks and imaginary characters, as he tries desperately to ignore the worsening symptoms of his condition.Writer and actor Brendan Cowell in the lead role as Cronulla rugby league legend Peter Lum. Image: ABC.This mini-series is at times hard to watch. The characters often aren’t kind to each other, and at the centre of it all is Gavin, Plum’s son, who is ready to leap into his own professional rugby league career, despite the fears of his parents.Gavin is played by Vincent Miller, who portrays the 16-year-old’s struggles within a fractured family really well.The rest of the cast is filled with Australian movie and TV heavy hitters – Asher Keddie plays Plum highly-strung ex-wife, Matt Nable makes an appearance as a journalist determined to ignore the big story and even immortal league legend Andrew Johns pops in for a cameo.Plum is a complex damaged character, who finds himself dealing with a traumatic childhood, and splintered family, while facing a life-threatening illness his beloved sport community refuses to acknowledge.Despite his failings it is hard not to like Plum and wish for a fairytale ending, but Cowell carefully avoided this journey becoming cheesy. Instead, this story is thought provoking and much deeper than one may expect of a tale of a lock forward.All episodes of Plum are now streaming on ABC iView.

At the October meeting of Carrathool Shire Council, general Manager Rick Warren presented the new councillors with an update on infrastructure matters.Mossgiel RoadPhysical earthworks are completed on the next 2-kilometre upgrade of Mossgiel Road. The sealing over the recently widened Umbrella Creek Bridge and new road works will be completed in early November. The Springs Road Works have commenced on the upgrade of the next 2-kilometre section of the Hillston end of The Springs Road. The works include the widening of 2 culverts and the installation of a new culvert. Sealing of this section is scheduled for early November. Works on the 2-kilometre section at Rankins Springs end of the road are scheduled to commence prior to November. Hillston and Carrathool Boat Ramps Hillston and Carrathool Boat Ramp design and the Review of Environmental Factors are complete. This will be lodged with Council to begin the approval process. This is anticipated to be finalised within a month. IWCM Strategy The monthly October progress meeting was held with the Public Works Advisory, including other stakeholders. Public Works completed a typical residential bill (TRB) analysis and is expected to present financial modelling for all Scenarios for council officers to review in October. The final scenario will be adopted for a draft of the IWCM strategy, which is expected to be completed by the end of June 2025. This project is externally funded and has a completion deadline of 31 December 2025. Telemetry Replacement Aquamonix expects to undertake a first site visit in November 2024 for some hardware installation work, followed by a second visit in March 2025 to test and commission the new telemetry system. This project is internally funded and is scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2025. Hillston Water Mains Construction UGL issued a draft licence agreement for review and execution, this is currently with Council solicitors for review. Construction of the works are currently being planned with the under boring of the rail corridor likely to occur in February. This project is expected to be completed by June 2025. Bunda Water Mains Replacement and Vegetation Clearing The second phase of the remaining water mains replacement work commenced. Works may be completed prior to December 2024; however, this project is externally funded and has a completion deadline of June 2025. Molesworth Street Water Mains Replacement Proposed water mains replacement work commenced. Works may be completed prior to December 2024; however, this project is externally funded under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Phase 4 and has a completion deadline of June 2025. Carrathool Pump Station Solar Panels Solar Mad is appointed to undertake the installation work. Works may be completed prior to December 2024; however, this project is externally funded and has a completion deadline of June 2025. Switchboard Aircon Upgrades (Various Locations) This work is now completed under the 2024-25 capital works program. Seven new switchboard air conditioning systems (Bunda, Yoolaroi, Rankins Springs Rural, Melbergen and Carrathool) have been installed to prevent pump tripping due to overheating, especially during the summer months. Generator (Y2)- McIntyre Hill Pump Station The generator and shed quotes have been received and approved, and the shed has been built. It is awaiting generator delivery, installation, and commissioning. Works may be completed prior to December 2024. Palmyra Channel Doppler Meter and Gate This work is completed. Council intends to measure flow at this location in line with the Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) flow meter and the Palmyra Pump Station to determine water losses in the earthen channel and Palmyra Swamp. Material Storage Shed (Goolgowi Dam) The quote was received and approved. Shed building work is underway and nearing completion. Rankins Springs's additional potable storage tanks Site clearing works have been completed. Tanks are delivered on-site, and pipes are manufactured in Griffith for the installation work, followed by connection to the existing reticulation system. This arrangement will help Rankins Springs Village secure a minimum water supply for a day in case of significant failure or compromise to the existing pump and treatment system. Melbergen Water Mains Replacement This work is completed. A total 1530 meters of new water mains were constructed and commissioned successfully on Redbank Road. Hillston Sewer Mains Relining Initial cleaning and inspection work completed, with further inspection and relining work to commence in the coming months.

Birrang brings Driver Licence Access Program to Balranald and WilcanniaBirrang Enterprise Development Company is bringing its Driver Licence Access Program (DLAP) to the back country, in the final outreach services for 2024.The program will be available in Wilcannia on November 7 and Balranald on November 14.The Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP) is a FREE program providing support to people in NSW who face extra challenges in getting a licence.DLAP is available to Aboriginal communities, refugee and resettlement communities, communities who have limited access to transport options or who are geographically disadvantaged, vulnerable young people, and any other people experiencing social and economic hardship.The program can help you with getting a learner licence, getting on-road driving experience, progressing to a provisional licence or regaining a licence.“Birrang will give culturally appropriate support to get you on the road, driving safely,” a spokesperson said.“We will help you with understanding road rules and road safety improving reading, writing and computer skills to prepare you for licence tests meeting licence application requirements (like getting identification documents), communicating with Service NSW and other government organisations, accessing roadworthy vehicles or helping to manage fines and debts to allow you to get your licence.”Registration information is below, but spots fill quickly, so act now.

Central Darling Shire is planning for March 2025 electionThe 2024 September Council Elections has been conducted across NSW and polls have been declared by the NSW Electoral Office, allowing Councils to conduct their first meetings.Central Darling Shire has been under administration for many years, and so was not part of the recent elections, but is now planning for a March 20205 election.In his report to the October meeting of Central Darling Council Administration Bob Stewart said planning is underway."The necessary legislation has now passed both Houses of Parliament to create a Rural and Remote Council and we are planning for a March 2025 election," Mr Stewart said. "General Manager Greg Hill and I have been discussing the transition process to an elected body with the Office of Local Government and will meet with them to finalise details." Mr Stewart was appointed as Administrator in 2019 by the NSW Minister for Local Government.The Administrator performs all the functions of an elected Council and is supported by the General Manager and two Directors. Mr Stewart has more than 40 years’ local government experience and is a former senior local government manager who has practiced in the regional NSW councils of Singleton, Quirindi, Griffith, Cabonne and Liverpool Plains.He was General Manager at Tumut Shire from 2008 and was appointed Interim General Manager of the new Snowy Valleys Council following amalgamation and has acted as Interim General Manager at Balranald and Lachlan Shire Councils.

First towers appear as specialists flock to Far West to help restore powersAn enormous reconstruction effort is underway at Broken Hill where specialist crews are working around the clock to repair the 3.5km section of the storm-damaged transmission line and reinstate the Far West region’s primary power supply.More than 100 specialists, technicians and crew have been mobilised to support the reconstruction effort in Broken Hill, coming from all over Australia, including Victoria and South Australia, as well as Transgrid bases at Newcastle, Orange, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Western Sydney and Yass.The first of seven 60-metre-tall emergency response high-voltage transmission towers was safely lifted into place today using a crane.“I want to be clear, we cannot underestimate the size and scale of this operation and the need to ensure the safety and security of the Broken Hill community and our frontline workers at all times,” Head of Transgrid’s Far West Operations Response Sam Pickering said during the NSW Government’s Emergency Response Media Conference in Broken Hill today.“We acknowledge that periodic outages have been experienced since the catastrophic weather event, as our crews work through what is a highly complex and challenging technical and operational environment.“We sincerely apologise for the impacts you have borne following the storms.”While Broken Hill continues to be supplied power from Transgrid’s large-scale backup generator, specialist teams are also focused on securing additional backup generation to provide further supply certainty to the local community, including:Work is targeted to be completed over the next 48 hours on additional portable generation units which will remove reliance on the gas turbineTransgrid has worked to fast-track commissioning of a transmission microgrid, with AGL’s Broken Hill Battery Energy Storage System to provide additional backup generation to the regionTransgrid and Essential Energy are continuing to safely install and operate extra generators across the local network to provide additional backup capacity while repairs to the transmission line are completed.Meanwhile, Transgrid is fully cooperating with IPART on its investigation and is also working with the NSW Government and the various agencies involved in the response to the Broken Hill natural disaster.“I want to thank the community of Broken Hill for their patience and for our crews who are working around the clock to complete the works as quickly and as safely as they possibly can,” Mr Pickering said.

Councillors appointed to Carrathool committeesNewly formed Carrathool Shire Council met for the first time at the extra-ordinary meeting, held on October 15.Appointments to the various committees were made, by agreement among the councillors, however the annual review of the Genral Manager and the plant and roads committees will be undertaken by the entire council.2024 to 2028 appointments and delegations:Bushfire Management Committe - Cr Peters and SmithGoolgowi Hall Management Committee - Cr FurnerRankins Springs War Memorial Hall Management Committee - Cr ParsonsMerriwagga Public Hall Management Committee - Cr SmithRankins Springs Recreation Group Management Committee - Cr ParsonsWallanthry Hall Committee - Cr FensomCountry Libraries Association - Crs Lyall and FurnerMallee Bush Fire Prevention Scheme - Cr Peters and FensomMurray Darling Association - Crs Fensom and FurnerSouth West Arts Project - Cr LyallWestern Riverina Community Libraray - Crs Lyall and FurnerKidman Way Promotional Committee - Crs Lyall and PetersLachlan Floodplain and Rankins Springs Floodplain Management Committees - Cr Jardine, Peters and FensomOutback Regional Tourism Organisation - Cr LyallTraffic and Development Committee - Crs Armstrong and FensomPolice Accountability Community Team - Cr JardineRiverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) - Crs Jardine and FurnerWestern Division Group of Councils - Crs Jardine and FurnerCountry Mayors Association - Cr Jardine

Carrathool Shire Council is undertaking road maintenance in coming weeks.Carrathool Shire is undertaking a two kilometre section of road construction on Lachlan River Road (floodway construction). Works commenced early in September 2024 and Council expects will reach completion late November 2024 (weather permitting).Council is also close to finishing temporary works on Tysons Road, Tabbita where two culverts have been installed on the roadway. In recent weeks Council has also sealed two kilometres of Mossgiel Road and undertaken roadside weed spraying along Lachlan River Road, Lachlan Valley Way (East), Lachlan Valley Way (West), Merungle Road, Mitchells Road, Mossgiel Road, Roto Road, Smiths Road and The Springs Road.During these periods drivers are asked to exercise caution, be considerate of works and follow on site traffic control.Should you have any queries with what has been outlined, please contact Carrathool Shire Council's Will Barr on (02) 6965 1900.

Panel members have now been appointed to lead the independent review into the Wilcannia Weir Replacement Project, marking a significant step forward in the review process. It comes following the NSW Government’s commitment to undertake a review of the Wilcannia proposed weir design. The panel will look into the environmental impacts, safety and operational concerns that led the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environmental and Water (DCCEEW) to put forward a new design as part of the environmental impact assessment for this project. The review will consider the community’s concerns about the change. The Independent Review Panel members include: • Panel Chair, Geoff Wise – Chairman of the Western Lands Advisory Council • James McTavish – former NSW Cross-Border Commissioner and Regional Town Water Supply Coordinator • Professor Stuart Khan – member of the NSW Independent Water Advisory Panel • A representative from the Murray Darling Basin Authority, as a panel observer Mr Wise and Mr McTavish have extensive experience in community engagement and are well known to the Wilcannia community. Professor Khan will provide technical advice and support, while a representative from the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) will act in an observer role. The panel will focus on ensuring the review process is transparent and considers the views of key stakeholders, including the broader community. It comes after the Department revised the weir design in 2023 following feedback from agencies and stakeholders during the public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement in 2022. Widespread community concern over the change prompted NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson to pause work on the project and to establish an independent review into the reasons for the new design in June this year. With panel members now appointed, the review will commence in the coming weeks and is expected to take several months to complete. "“I have heard the community’s deeply held concerns and disappointment loud and clear. I know Wilcannia feels a promise has been broken, and that’s why I’m backing the pledge I made to support an independent review that will investigate the decisions behind the new proposed weir design," Minister Jackson said."I’m pleased to announce the panel members, who were carefully chosen following recommendations from the community and will help ensure the review has the right balance of expertise and people known and trusted by locals. “This is the safest way to guarantee the review findings are unbiased and the investigation is carried out transparently and in the best interest of the Wilcannia community, because at the end of the day, that’s what this project is all about – improving water security for Wilcannia.“It’s important the panel has the time to get the job done properly, but once the review is complete, we hope to find a way to progress the project and replace the current infrastructure that’s long been causing community frustration and exposing the town to water security issues.”The panel members plan to be in Wilcannia on 11 November and are keen to hear from the community.

Work stoppages to begin next week Grain handlers at GrainCorp sites across NSW have voted to stop work as part of protected industrial action, said the Australian Workers’ Union which represents the workers.The 200+ workers will commence their action with a month of random one hour stoppages at grain handling sites throughout the state beginning next Tuesday November 29.Grain handlers move and store wheat, canola, barley, oats and other grains.Freshly harvested grains are trucked from rural properties to bunker silos for storage before being loaded onto trains for transport to the coast and then shipped to market overseas. Harvesting of winter crops has already begun in parts of western NSW and will ramp up in coming weeks. The Fair Work Commission approved a ‘protected industrial action ballot’ for GrainCorp workers after negotiations with GrainCorp management broke down. A majority of AWU members employed by GrainCorp have voted to commence industrial action with the result of the ballot declared on Wednesday."If GrainCorp management don’t come to the table with a decent offer AWU members at GrainCorp will be left with no alternative other than to stop work, the protected industrial action could include stoppages of one hour, two hours, three hours, four hours, indefinite stoppages and bans on unloading and loading of trucks and trains" a spokesperson said."The workers have seen their pay go backwards in real terms over the last three years." The AWU says in 2021, 2022 and 2023 grain handlers received an annual increase of only 2% a year, despite inflation rising at a rate of 2.86%, 6.59% and 4.10% respectively. The AWU says this means real wages have declined by 7.5%. In 2021 the company made a profit of $139 million, in 2022 of $177 million and $250 million in 2023. “Grain handlers have voted in favour of taking industrial action to fight for a fair go,” said Australian Workers’ Union NSW Secretary Tony Callinan.“This situation has been bubbling away for months and GrainCorp have been avoiding the tough discussions.“Now it’s harvest time and the window for talk is fast closing, unless GrainCorp come to the party workers will send a strong message by simply stopping work while the trucks are lined down the road waiting to unload. “Our members’ have been working hard taking delivery of bumper harvests, delivering big profits, and GrainCorp just kicks them in the guts every time. “This year has been another good year in most areas across NSW and with the grain harvest beginning our members are prepared to do the hard yards and long hours to get the grain safely stored but they want a fair wage rise and they are prepared to fight for it. “Every extra dollar our members earn is spent in the local communities and country towns they live in, their real wages have gone backwards in the last 3 years and it's time GrainCorp shared some of their huge profits with their workforce and in turn the regional communities that provide the grain they profit from.“Our members in NSW do the same work as members in Queensland and only want to be paid the same, that’s the heart of this issue,” said Mr Callinan.