The Country Education Foundation of Balranald has opened its annual grants round for all young people living within the Balranald Shire area (including the towns of Euston, Balranald and beyond). If you are transitioning from school (or a gap year or even a few years of working) into your career, are aged 16-25yrs and need some financial support in meeting your career goals then go to the Country Education Foundation Australia website: https://cef.org.au/apply-for-a-grant/ create a ‘Student Registration’ selecting Balranald as your local Foundation and complete an application form. Applications must be completed online and received by COB 5pm 30th November 2024.

News alert: Fire in Oolambeyan National Park. Status is out of control, emergency services are advising there is no immediate danger, updates will be issued if the situation changes.

If you are a woman in Menindee who is interested in learning about exercise, nutrition, or other healthy living, book in for the Positive Pause program now.There are so many benefits, including personal exercise therapy and group exercise classes, nutrition and diet support, a chance to seek out support from other women going through similar things and from professionals. The program is person specific, so a booking is essential! Book now as time is running out.The program also offers a referral service into the FWLHD Menopause Coordinator service, which provides support and healthcare navigation to those who are experiencing severe menopause symptoms. Educate yourself, the more you know about what you are going through and the available treatment options the better.

Bourke and Cobar will gain over 120 combined childcare places after the State Government committed more than $3 million to increase staff and spaces. The government announced on November 8 it will give Cobar Shire Council $1.3 million to expand family day care and help rehome Cobar Out of School Hours, from a leased church hall to the Kubby House Childcare Centre. Bourke and District Children’s Services will get $1.85 million for a new childcare space and to help attract and retain workers.The service will also have $900,000 to create 20-place out of school hours care program, which would run five days a week for 40 weeks of the year. At the service, which currently has up to 39 childcare places and a waitlist for 46 children, funding will create 20 childcare places for children aged zero to three, plus four full time jobs. The new space will have with three child-accessible bathrooms and two craft sinks. The government said relocation support will be offered to attract new staff and retention bonuses available to encourage long-term service. 

Beginning the start of November, the Australian Government implemented changes to smoking legislation.This is designed to improve public health by discouraging smoking and the use of smoking products, encourage people to give up smoking and stop using tobacco products, and to address the health risks of vaping and using e‑cigarettes.The changes include:continues tobacco advertising bans including restricting sponsorshipsrestricts the advertising and promotion of e‑cigarettes, including via sponsorshipscontinues plain packaging requirementsrestricts the use of appealing brand and variant namesregulates and in some cases prohibits attractive product features, such as crush balls and flavour beadsstandardises tobacco product pack size and cigarette stick sizesrestricts ingredient additives that enhance the appeal of tobacco productsupdates and improves health warnings on tobacco product packagingmandates health promotion inserts that encourage and empower people to quit smokingmandates the disclosure of tobacco product ingredients, pricing and sales volumes, and advertising, promotion and sponsorship expenditureimproves coverage, enforcement and compliance for tobacco controlprovides for a new Illicit Tobacco and E‑cigarette Commissioner within the Australian Border Force.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will continue to service Broken Hill and outer communities to meet increased demand after the government rebates went live after October’s power outage.This will be the fourth week staff will be on the ground to help community members.The outreach centre in Wilcannia will be open Tuesday (November 19) from 9am to 3pm at the Community Hall, 78 Woore Street.The Recovery Assistance Point in Broken Hill will continue to operate from Monday 18th of November to Friday 22nd of November at 9am to 6pm at the old Harvey Norman Building, 329 – 331 Blende Street.What you need to apply:proof of identity.proof of address such as utility bills, or car registration.Australian bank account details for payment (this is essential).Service NSW and Red Cross will be based at the Broken Hill and Wilcannia centres.Residents are being asked to remain vigilant - there are scams targeting residents in Broken Hill with suspicious text messages using the word claim. Payments from the electrical outage support package will be made by Service NSW only.

Twenty-three loyal volunteers from across the Far West region of NSW have been awarded Crown Lands Service Recognition Awards for over 10 years or more service on land manager boards, taking care of public land on behalf of their communities. Crown land is public land set aside for public benefit and plays a vital role in supporting thriving communities across NSW. There are over 2,500 volunteers involved in Crown reserve management across the state, freely giving their time, skills and energy for the good of their local communities.   The award recipients are all volunteers who manage reserves from all corners of the Far West region, including Broken Hill, Walgett, Ivanhoe, Lightning Ridge and Wanaaring.  Recipients include stalwarts like Broken Hill’s Christine Adams, who received a Crown Lands Service Recognition Award for 14 years longstanding service managing and helping drive the success of the Sulphide Street Railway and Historical Museum. Ms Adams’ colleague Dennis Turley was also recognised earlier this year for over 30 years of volunteer service on the museum’s board. Several land managers of the Broken Hill Regional Events Centre Reserve, which is the city’s main racecourse, received awards for over 10 and 20 years of service, including the Chairperson Cheryl Krutli and Kevin Taylor who have both been acknowledged for over 20 years of service on the board. Further north, Barbara Moritz received recognition for 31 years on the board of the Lightning Ridge Historical Society. Ms Moritz, alongside her fellow volunteers, has been instrumental in creating and maintaining this unique museum in the heart of NSW’s opal mining capital. Graeme Anderson was also acknowledged for 14 years’ service on the board. The historical society building was formerly a 1930s opal miners hut and has an interior furnished with items from that era. The hut offers tourist information about the region’s opal mining industry and a tantalising glimpse into the area’s past. On the same lot is a relocated and restored 1915 nurses’ cottage honouring the essential outback medical support of nurses in the Lightning Ridge region. More long-term Crown land volunteers will receive award certificates for their service over coming months. There are over 700 Crown reserves managed by volunteers whose efforts ensure public assets are taken care of and can be accessed by everyone.  Crown Lands Service Recognition Award certificate recipients in the Far West region Over 30 years Barbara Moritz – Lightning Ridge Historical Society Dennis Turley – Sulphide Street Station Railway and Historical Museum in Broken Hill Clive Linnett – Ivanhoe Racecourse Reserve Brian Thomas – Ivanhoe Racecourse Reserve  Raymond Longfellow – Ivanhoe Racecourse Reserve Timothy O’Halloran - Homebush Recreation Reserve  Rex Scott – Hatfield Recreation Reserve in south western NSW  Over 20 years Raymond Longfellow – Ivanhoe Public Hall Reserve Cheryl Krutli – Broken Hill Regional Events Centre Reserve Kevin Taylor – Broken Hill Regional Events Centre Reserve  Beryl Leigo – Lila Leigo Centre Reserve at Wanaaring  Over 10 years Christine Adams – Sulphide Street Railway and Historical Museum Wayne Krutli – Broken Hill Regional Events Centre Reserve  Barry King – Broken Hill Regional Events Centre Reserve   Selina Larovere–Nagas – Broken Hill Regional Events Centre Reserve  Peter Stewart – Broken Hill Regional Events Centre Reserve   Betty Taylor – Lila Leigo Centre Reserve  Deborah Myors – Lila Leigo Centre Reserve   Peter Jackson – Lila Leigo Centre Reserve   John Pickering – Cumborah Recreation Reserve near Lightning Ridge James Warden – Cumborah Recreation Reserve   Claire Butler – Hatfield Recreation Reserve   David Smith – Walgett Pistol Club reserve  Graham Anderson - Lightning Ridge Historical Society 

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has released a new Drought, Fire, and Flood Recovery Guide designed to support producers across NSW facing the challenges of extreme weather events.It addresses the unique issues faced by NSW farmers on the road to recovery from drought, bushfires, and flooding events.  It accompanies the Managing Drought, fire and flood guide released earlier this year which focuses on preparedness and response.  The recovery phase following any extreme event presents a valuable opportunity for producers to assess and improve their strategies, ensuring they are better equipped to face future challenges. To help achieve this, key features of the guide features informed decision-making strategies tailored to assist farmers in navigating the complexities of recovery. Practical advice and guidance on livestock, farm management, and sustainable practices related to soils, pastures, cropping, and natural resources. Resource Information and direct access to relevant resources from NSW DPIRD and Local Land Services (LLS). For more information and to access the Drought, Fire, and Flood Recovery Guide, please visit NSW DPIRD Drought hub website - https://www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/drought-fire-and-flood-recovery-guide

The Riverine Grazier and Back Country Bulletin recently had a fascinating Letter to the Editor arrive in our office. Pease read the following piece on the turning off of 3G, written by local Caroline Booth.We want to hear from you! Please give us your thoughts and experiences by emailing [email protected] wedge between city and country - Caroline Booth Since the turning off of 3G, much of rural NSW has had another wedge placed in the divide between city and country. Where people were once able to make phone calls or even be able to just send a simple text, they have nothing. Left unable to run their business, stay connected with family members, or even make medical appointments. And god forbid if it was needed to call emergency services! Communication has become an integral part of rural business. The number of businesses that we deal with throughout our day in order to put dinner on the table for city folk that require them to call you back has dramatically increased. You call to order something, make an appointment, etc., and they then tell you that there will be a call back.When 3G was on, you could then get on with work and they would call you back on the mobile, but now you either have to wait around the house or just leave it until another day when you would be around. People have become accustomed to being connected. Recently, during a spate of fires caused by lightning, people were disconnected as they were in an area where they once could get phone service, but now there is nothing. Communication was difficult, causing increased stress in an already stressful situation. We have spent the last 10 years using 3G to help us get dinner ready for the nation. Now, we have taken a step backwards. Is it fair that technology for rural Australia gets worse while it gets faster for more populated areas? So if your breakfast, lunch, or dinner is late to the table, enjoy the high-speed downloads!

The Australian government has provided Regional Express (Rex) with an $80 million lifeline to keep the airline operating regional routes. This funding comes after the airline collapsed in July and entered administration. The decision has been met with anger from smaller airlines, who say they offered to take over Rex's routes but were rebuffed. Rex's Collapse and its ImpactRex collapsed following its unsuccessful expansion into capital city routes, where it faced stiff competition from Qantas and Virgin Australia. However, the airline remains a major player in regional Australia, and its collapse has had a significant impact on airfares. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported that airfares have spiked since Rex’s exit from certain major city routes. For example, fares between Adelaide and Melbourne have increased by 95 per cent. Government Intervention and CriticismTransport Minister Catherine King announced the $80 million funding package, which will support Rex’s operations until June, following the next federal election. The government has not clarified whether the funding is a loan or a grant. Smaller airlines have criticized the government’s decision, stating they had proposed solutions to maintain service to regional communities without requiring government funding. Rejected Acquisition BidThe sources reveal that Renaissance Partners submitted a bid to acquire Rex, but it was rejected by the administrators, EY, and the investment bank managing the sale, Houlihan Lokey. Kym Lennox of Renaissance Partners claims their offer would have secured the airline's future without government intervention. They expressed confusion over the government's decision to become financially involved. Emails from a major investment bank, whose name was not disclosed, suggest their willingness to finance the acquisition, pending due diligence. EY declined to comment on the matter. Current StatusSince entering administration in July, EY has sold Rex's Pel-Air air ambulance business to Toll Holdings and property assets to the airline's majority shareholder. EY administrator Sam Freeman said the $80 million from the government will allow Rex's regional network to continue operating uninterrupted and will lead to network enhancements during the extension period.

Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has slammed members of the National Socialist Network in parliament recently.“I rise with a message from my electorate of Farrer: those who try to divide us will only make us stronger,” Ms Ley said in her opening statements. In October, up to 50 Neo-Nazis dressed in black, with their faces covered, converged at Corowa in NSW, as part of an organised white supremacist rally.Ms Ley condemned the men who took part.“These men sought support for a publicity stunt. They failed miserably. Corowa rebuked the mob, demanding they leave town immediately. When I visited (Corowa) the next day, the message was clear: your views are not welcome in our town.”The group had also assembled at Albury's war memorial, alone on a cold midwinter evening, sprouting what Ms Ley called “white supremacy rubbish.” Saying their views should be “disappearing into the void of a dark night.” “You might meet in secret or sink into backroom social media sites, but as soon as you come out of the dark, you will be rejected,” she said. “If you think there's a base for you in rural Australia, think again.”

Become part of the growing Natural Capital Asset movement by joining Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc for their free, Nature’s Balance Sheet: Understanding Natural Capital Assets two-part program.By Jenny Dwyer, Murrumbidgee Landcare Local Landcare CoordinatorAbove : Stacey Lugsdin at her Warrendale sandhill restoration site that will be toured as part of the program. Image: Supplied.As a farmer or land manager, you manage natural capital: plants, animals, soils, water, and the services they provide. Enhancing natural capital on your farm can create value for your farming business or property management, as well as improving the environment and supporting the broader economy.Murrumbidgee Landcare Local Landcare Coordinator Jenny Dwyer says “natural capital remains a hot topic and we’re pleased to provide this opportunity for everyone to learn more from specialists in the field.”During the program, you will learn from Riverina Local Land Services, Primary Industries and Regional Development and NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust the value of the natural assets on your farm, how to improve productivity, build resilience, expand or safeguard market access, save on input and finance costs and boost your knowledge and confidence navigating environmental market opportunities.Part I on November 26 will be an Introduction to Natural Capital and Asset Tour of Warrendale, Hay. The visit will include discussions about basic concepts related to natural capital and how to get started, including a walk-through of the Warrendale Natural Capital Profile.Part II on December 3 will be a Carbon Management Workshop, facilitated by DPI’s On Farm Carbon Advice Team, detailing emissions analysis, calculating your on-farm emissions, market drivers and current and future approaches to reducing emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration.Cassie Douglas from the Biodiversity Conservation Trust will also be available to discuss the agreements and assistance the Biodiversity Conservation Trust can offer private landholders to enhance and conserve biodiversity on their property.More information and registration

Murrumbidgee Council has released a report following investigations into an alleged fuel spill at Gundaline Station, east of Hay.In the report, Council’s Director of Planning and Infrastructure Garry Stoll advised no action would be taken.Mr Stoll cites the extended time frame of the alleged incident to the report, the anonymous nature of the allegations and the lack of evidence at the site when inspected in May 2024.In July, The Riverine Grazier published claims that 11,800 litres of diesel had spilled and been drained into a main irrigation channel, causing a fish kill event, in December 2022 or January 2023.The allegations were raised in an unsigned, series of written allegations sent to The Grazier, NSW CEO of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Tony Chappel, Acting Deputy Secretary of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin, District Fisheries Officer Shaun Burke and the regional office of EPA in Griffith.The parcel of information also included photographs and maps.The recent Council report states on August 14 of this year Mr Stoll, Council’s Environmental Health Officer Susie Leeds and NSW EPA Acting Unit Head of Regulatory Operations Michael Waanders met at Gundaline, with a representative of Customised Farm Management (CFM) Richard Malone, to inspect the site of the alleged spill.During this inspection Mr Malone told the inspectors CFM operated an electronic fuel storage monitoring system that would have alerted to a significant fuel loss.He stated that in periods of hot weather it is “not uncommon for fish within the channels, predominately carp, to die off.”The Council report went on to state that on the inspection date of August 12, 2024 no dead fish were found, and the earthen bund around the diesel fuel tank was “in place and no breaches were evident.”CPRCT Consulting is acting for the sources, and has been in contact with Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage and Murrumbidgee Council.“This response is appalling,” a spokesperson said. “It appears this was just a tick a box exercise done months after the report was made. Did they really think or hope the media will not report any further on this matter? “Our plan is to now escalate this matter.“The mention of buried chemicals and excavators as a separate matter desperately needs to be addressed as it is outright illegal.”CPRCT Consulting says it acts for numerous ex-staff and contractors and has documentation to back up their claims, including timestamped photographs, maps and diary notes from Gundaline staff meetings.Background:Fuel spill fish kill alleged at Gundaline Station — The Riverine GrazierMurrumbidgee Council launches investigation into fuel spill — The Riverine Grazier

Last week, in Parliament about the Aged Care Bill 2024 was addressed, this is a critical piece of legislation for our aging population. As the baby boomer generation ages, there will be immense pressure on the aged care system, particularly in terms of funding and staffing. This is especially challenging in regional areas, where workforce shortages are already acute. The Labor Government's mandate for 24/7 registered nurses has further exacerbated this issue, forcing providers to rely on costly agency nurses from cities. This is unfair to experienced local nurses and unsustainable for the sector."I’ve heard from several couples who have been together for 60 or more years and sadly have to spend their final years apart as they’re forced to go to aged care facilities hundreds of kilometres from their hometowns. It’s a terrible tragedy. I believe it’s so important for everyone to have access to aged care facilities in their own town, surrounded by family and friends. It’s a basic human need and one we must strive for. I’m hopeful this legislation will address these issues and consider the unique needs of regional communities." Says Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.

Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, spoke in support of paraquat in Parliament last week in support of friend and colleague; Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster's motion. Urging the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to listen to farmers and science on herbicide dosages, instead of sensationalist journalism.The motion was spurred by an ABC Landline investigation that raised concerns about the potential link between paraquat and diquat exposure and neurological conditions like Parkinson's Disease. "While I acknowledge the distress of those who believe their illnesses may be related to past chemical use, it's important to note that contemporary agricultural practices have evolved significantly" Coulton said. Today, farmers utilize herbicides in controlled environments, significantly reducing exposure risks. M. Coulton spoke from experience; "I know when I was farming and used paraquat, I wore rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt and was in a tractor with a carbon filtered cab. If you follow the recommendations, it is a safe chemical to use. It’s an essential one – one that has enabled our farmers to produce record crops while preserving the soil moisture."

A man has been charged as investigations continue following the suspicious death of a woman in Bourke last week.Officers from Central North Police District were called to Parkdale Road, Bourke, 8am on October 29, after the body of a 47-year-old woman was found outside a home.Detectives commenced an investigation under Strike Force Akitio, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.Initial inquiries led police to arrest a 49-year-old man at the scene shortly after the woman’s body was found.The man was later charged with allegedly threatening a 42-year-old man during an unrelated incident on Sunday October 27. He remains before the court.As part of ongoing inquiries into the women’s death, on November 4 the man was also charged over an unrelated alleged incident at Bourke on October 27, where he allegedly threatened a 16-year-old boy and a 56-year-old man.He was charged with two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic) and destroy or damage property (DV).Additionally, yesterday November 6, the 49-year-old man was charged with wound person intend to cause grievous bodily harm (DV).Police will allege in court the man seriously assaulted the 47-year-old woman prior to her death.The man remains on remand in custody and is due to appear at Bourke Local Court November 7.Investigations into the woman’s death under Strike Force Akito remain ongoing.

Contamination across the three-bin system continues to be an issue and Hay Shire Council will be forced to take action against repeat offenders. “Council staff are constantly finding waste that should not be in your green lidded bin,” General Manager, David Webb said. “If this becomes an ongoing issue at your household, Council will issue you a letter to address the problem. “If the problem continues, a contamination notification sticker will be applied to your bin.” Contaminants found in the green lidded bin in recent weeks include a vacuum cleaner, a tyre, electric cord and hard plastics. To help residents get rid of bulky items that cannot go into bins, Council will have a kerbside clean-up this month from next Monday, November 11. Items which may be put out for collection include furniture, rugs and mattresses, whitegoods, household items such as vacuum cleaners, toasters, heater and kettles and sporting equipment including bicycles. Items which cannot be collected include building material, car parts and tyres, cement items and commercial waste such as large office printers. Chemicals, glass, polystyrene such as pool noodles and beans from bean bags will also not be collected. It is up to individual residents to schedule their kerbside clean-up. To do so, call into the Council office to book your spot. Bookings will not be accepted by phone.

In a bid to restore fairness to the Australian food and grocery industry, the Coalition has introduced a suite of legislative measures. The Food and Grocery (Mandatory) Code of Conduct Bill 2024 would compel supermarkets with annual turnover exceeding $5 billion to abide by a strict code of conduct. The legislation also proposes significant penalties for breaches, empowering the ACCC to conduct audits of supermarkets.To further strengthen regulatory oversight, the Coalition intends to establish a dedicated Supermarket Commissioner. Additionally, the Consumer Competition Amendment (Tougher Penalties for Supermarket and Hardware Businesses) Bill 2024 aims to equip the ACCC with sector-specific divestiture powers, enabling it to address anti-competitive practices more effectively."For too long, the big supermarkets have been taking advantage of consumers and farmers, so this Bill will ensure everyone gets a fairer go with stronger penalties for anti-competitive behaviour. Competitive markets benefit everyone by ensuring lower prices, creating more employment opportunities and fostering innovation." Says Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton.

Transgrid has engaged a big battery to increase the capacity of its network in the Riverina and deliver extra renewable energy to households and businesses without building new transmission infrastructure. Riverina and Darlington Point Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will allow up to 120MW of additional capacity on a constrained section of the Transgrid network between Darlington Point and Wagga Wagga. The BESS facilities are providing voltage support services to Transgrid, allowing additional renewable energy to be delivered to customers in time for the warmer months.The services provided by the combined 150MW/300MWh lithium-ion battery, owned by Federation Asset Management and Edify Energy, will also provide flexibility in the planning of future network augmentations including the South West Renewable Energy Zone and nation-critical VNI West project. “As the nation’s ageing coal plants retire, the need for energy storage becomes ever more pressing. Advanced grid-forming batteries like the Riverina BESS are critical to extracting the maximum capacity from our existing grid infrastructure, allowing timely integration of additional wind and solar generation into the National Electricity Market while our grid infrastructure is upgraded," Federation Asset Management co-founder and head of renewable energy Stephen Panizza said.To find out more about how Transgrid is developing non-network solutions to meet the needs of the consumers through the energy transition, see Chapter 3 of the 2024 Transmission Annual Planning Report (TAPR).For further information about this project visit: https://www.transgrid.com.au/projects innovation/improving-stability-in-south-west-nsw