The planned closure of greyhound racing tracks in Broken Hill and Coonamble by June 2026 has prompted concerns from local representatives about the impact on regional communities. Member for Barwon Roy Butler has raised the issue with the NSW Parliament, highlighting worries within the greyhound racing community about the process behind the closures. "I am seriously concerned about the future of greyhound racing in our regional areas," Mr Butler said. "Broken Hill Greyhounds Club has been told to close by June 2026, and Coonamble is in the same boat. These are the only two greyhound tracks left in Barwon." *Mr Butler said there was growing unease about how Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) had handled the closure announcements. "There is a strong sense in the greyhound racing community that a deliberate strategy is underway to phase out country meets, with little transparency or consultation with those directly impacted," he said. The closures are expected to affect more than just the racing industry, with flow-on effects anticipated for local businesses and community cohesion. "There is a ripple effect that track closures cause in regional, rural and remote communities," Mr Butler said. "Local businesses, including food vendors, electricians, and veterinary services, to name a few, will lose vital income, and there are fewer opportunities for the community to come together." Mr Butler was critical of how the governing body had managed the process, describing it as disconnected from regional stakeholders. "The way in which GRNSW has undertaken this process is disappointing and detached from the communities it is supposed to represent," he said. The local MP indicated he would raise the matter with colleagues and the state government. "I will take this up with my crossbench colleagues and the Minister for Racing," Mr Butler said. GRNSW has not yet responded to requests for comment on the closures or the consultation process undertaken with affected communities. The closures come amid ongoing debate about the future of greyhound racing in NSW, with the industry facing scrutiny over animal welfare standards while also serving as an important social and economic fixture in many regional towns.

Clare Public School marked its 40th anniversary on October 18, with Mayor Zaffina joining past and present students, teachers, principals and parents for the milestone celebration. Teaching Principal Mel Scott organised the well-attended event, which honoured the school's journey from an initial idea to a vital educational facility serving isolated families in the region. “Isolated children deserve the opportunity for a great education just like their fellow students anywhere else in the country,” Mayor Zaffina said, praising the ICPA Balranald Branch and all those involved in making the school a success story.

The Balranald Football Netball Club is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, unveiling a string of impressive signings and coaching appointments that signal the club’s ambition to build on recent success. The Roos have pulled off a major coup by securing Chris Moreland, whose résumé reads like a who’s who of Victorian football. The veteran began his senior career with Geelong VFL in 2009 before dominating at Bell Post Hill Football Club, collecting three premierships between 2010-13 and captaining the side in 2011. His five-year stint with Geelong West Giants in the GFL saw him become a regular interleague representative, before transitioning into coaching and guiding Powelltown to back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023. A four-time Vic Country representative and 2012 All-Australian, Moreland brings a wealth of experience and proven leadership to the blue and white. The club is also celebrating the return of local talent, with Khy Jess coming back to continue his family’s iconic legacy in Balranald. After seven successful years with Redan Football Club in Ballarat, where he claimed junior premierships, multiple best and fairest awards, and represented the Ballarat Rebels in the Coates Talent League, the 2024 Ballarat FNL Rookie of the Year brings a damaging left foot and fearless attack to the contest. Jess, who finished runner-up in Redan’s senior best and fairest, will add crucial dynamism to the Roos’ midfield. Another Balranald junior returning home is Liam ‘Flea’ Farnsworth, who made his mark at Redan after heading to Ballarat for school. Breaking into senior football in 2023, Farnsworth showcased his trademark run, composure, and ability to open up the game from half-back and the wing. The club has locked in continuity at the top, with Jake Lockhart and Woody Longford re-signing to coach the Colts in 2026. The duo has overseen a remarkable turnaround, taking the team from no wins in three seasons to a preliminary final this year; a testament to their passion, patience, and ability to build culture and confidence. On the netball side, the Roos are welcoming Lara Antrobus, who brings an impressive résumé from North Ballarat FNC. The natural goal defender capped off 2025 with an U19 premiership and is known for her strong defensive reads, intercepting ability, and calm ball movement under pressure. The club has also announced exciting coaching appointments across its netball program. Maddison Joliffe and Paris Joliffe will lead B Grade, with Maddison returning to Balranald after success with the Meningie Bears and Coorong Cats, while Paris brings local knowledge and exceptional defensive game sense. The A Reserves will be guided by Taylin Barry and Chloe Taylor, both of whom played A Grade last season and are ready to bring that experience to the returning A Res side. With a blend of experienced recruits, returning local heroes, and strong coaching continuity, the Balranald Roos are assembling all the pieces for what promises to be a memorable 2026 season.

The annual Rainbow on the Plains Festival is set to return to Hay from Thursday, November 13th to Sunday, November 16th, 2025, operating under the theme of "Transition." IN SHORT:Dates & Theme: The annual festival runs from Thursday, November 13th to Sunday, November 16th, 2025, in Hay, operating under the theme of "Transition."Key Entertainment: The lineup includes high-profile performers Thndo, PAULINE & ZOE BADWI, and top drag acts like Shelita Buffet and Angel Cupcakes across four days of events.Economic Impact: The four-day event is expected to provide a significant economic boost for Hay and businesses along major travel routes, with travellers advised to book accommodation well in advance due to high demand.The four-day Pride event is expected to attract visitors from across the region and beyond, promising an economic boost for businesses in Hay and bringing visitors together for the annual celebration.The festival, which celebrates the LGBTIQA+ community and rural inclusion, has become a key date on the Riverina's events calendar, bringing much-needed foot traffic and tourism revenue to the wider western Riverina. Local accommodation providers, service stations, and food vendors in towns along the key travel routes are tipped to benefit from the influx of attendees.Festival Lineup and Key EventsOrganisers have announced a diverse schedule of events catering to various age groups, highlighted by several high-profile performers.The weekend kicks off on Thursday, November 13th, with an event at the South Hay Hotel hosted by drag performer Shelita Buffet. The main concert, "Rainbow on the Greens," takes place on Friday, November 14th, featuring singer Thndo, along with a lineup of drag performers including Angel Cupcakes and DJs, concluding with a fireworks display.The iconic Street Parade will move through Lachlan Street on Saturday, November 15th, followed by the Angie Fair Day at Hay Park—a free family event with markets, food, and youth activities.The festival’s adult-only closing event, the Saturday After Party (strictly 18+), will be hosted by Ringmaster ZA! N and headlined by performers PAULINE & ZOE BADWI. The weekend wraps up on Sunday, November 16th, with a send-off brunch at the Hay Bakery.Focus on Community and InclusionThe "Transition" theme for 2025 is noted by organisers as a way to acknowledge and celebrate journeys of growth, self-discovery, and the resilience of the trans community.The festival’s strength lies in its commitment to providing an inclusive space for rural and remote LGBTIQA+ community members and their allies, ensuring a welcoming environment for all attending from the surrounding areas.For residents travelling from Central Darling, Carrathool, or Balranald, accommodation is expected to be tight in Hay. Visitors are advised to book well in advance or consider day trips or booking in nearby townships to support a broader range of regional businesses.The free and family-friendly events, particularly the Street Parade and the Angie Fair Day, provide easily accessible ways for locals to engage with the festival without requiring paid tickets.Festival organisers encourage visitors to check the official website and social media for ticketing and any schedule updates.A History of Pride: The Rise of Rainbow on the PlainsThe Rainbow on the Plains Festival has rapidly evolved from a small, local gathering into a significant annual event, shining a spotlight on rural LGBTQIA+ issues and bringing an economic boost to the western Riverina.Established in 2018 in Hay, the festival's history is rooted in a simple idea that quickly gained momentum.Grassroots Beginnings (2018-2019)The Concept: The festival began as a grassroots initiative by local residents. It was originally conceived by a group of three local mothers as a small fundraising event where friends could gather to watch the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras television coverage.Rapid Growth: The initial concept quickly expanded. With support from community partners like ACON, the idea snowballed into a three-day festival, dubbed 'Rainbow on the Plains.'The First Parade: The inaugural 2018 festival was marked by enthusiasm, featuring its own street parade, local entertainment, and strong community engagement, designed to show that rural Australia is changing and welcoming to all.Early Success: By the second festival in 2019, attendance had reportedly doubled. Organisers noted that the town's main accommodation was booked out for weeks, indicating a significant early boost not only for Hay but also for outlying regional towns whose accommodation capacity absorbed the overflow of visitors.Navigating Challenges and Cementing its RoleThe Drought and Funding: Even in its early years, the festival was recognised for its dual importance: promoting inclusion and providing a vital economic stimulus. In 2019, the festival secured federal funding through the Tackling Tough Times Together program, explicitly aimed at keeping money flowing through local shops and supporting businesses during severe drought.The Pandemic Interruption: Like many events, the 2020 and 2021 festivals were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interrupting the annual flow of tourists and revenue to the region.Resilience and Return (2022 onwards): The festival made a strong return, continuing its tradition of high-profile entertainment and community-focused events. The 2022 festival, for instance, successfully broke a national record for the largest "human rainbow," symbolising the number of allies the rural community has.The Festival's Core MissionOperated by the Hay Mardi Gras Incorporated and run solely by community volunteers, the festival has consistently maintained three core goals, which directly impact the wider region:Inclusion and Visibility: Providing an important opportunity for rural and remote LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies to be seen, heard, and acknowledged, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere across the Hay Plains.Mental Health: Maintaining a focus on mental health and the unique challenges faced by all rural and remote residents.Economic Benefit: Serving as a significant tourism drawcard, the festival's aim is not to make a profit for the committee, but to ensure that money is brought into the local economy.The festival has clearly established itself as more than just a party; it is seen by its founders and supporters as an opportunity to change lives and create a welcoming, strong, and positive environment in the rural heartland.

Landowners along the Murrumbidgee River are being urged to seek expert advice as the NSW Government begins negotiating flood easements under its ambitious Reconnecting River Country Program. Since August 29, 2025, the Government has been approaching property owners between Darlington Point and Balranald to secure easements that would allow increased water flows to environmental wetlands and floodplains. The stakes are considerable; the maximum flow limit at the Wagga Wagga gauge could nearly double from 22,000 megalitres per day to 40,000 megalitres per day. Bobbie Pannowitz, a solicitor at Griffith based Cater & Blumer Solicitors, says the program represents a significant shift in water policy with potentially substantial impacts for affected landowners. “The NSW Government has embarked on a very ambitious piece of water policy with the Reconnecting River Country Program,” Ms Pannowitz said. “The program is designed to relax constraints along the Murrumbidgee River to deliver more environmental water, more often, to off-river wetlands and floodplains. “To secure these flows, the NSW Government needs to obtain easements from landowners, to enable flooding or inundation of parts of their land.” The timeframes are tight. Landowners who receive invitations to negotiate have just 28 days to respond, followed by a 12-month negotiation window. While the increased flows won’t commence until 2031, negotiations are happening now. “Landowners should expect to receive invitations to negotiate, or may have already, which they will then have 28 days to respond to, and a further 12 months to negotiate,” Ms Pannowitz explained. The Government is required to compensate landowners for the easements, considering factors including the extent of inundation, current land use, impact on third parties, and the market value of the land. However, there’s a catch; if landowners fail to reach an agreement, easements could be compulsorily acquired. Recognising the complexity of the negotiations and the need for landowners to understand their rights, Cater & Blumer Solicitors is hosting a free Easement Negotiation Information Session at midday Thursday November 13 in Balranald. "At Cater & Blumer Solicitors, we identified a need for landowners to obtain more information about this Program and how to negotiate the best possible outcome, they need to engage in negotiations and get the right advice to do so,” Ms Pannowitz said. “We strongly encourage affected landowners to attend and learn more about their rights.” Interested landowners can register for the session through the Cater & Blumer Facebook page, Instagram page, or website.

 Man in serious condition following ultra-light crashAbout 11am today (Wednesday 5 November) emergency services were called to a paddock on Nullagong Road, near the Cobb Highway, about 30km north of Hay to reports of an ultra-light plane crash.NSW Ambulance responded and commenced CPR on a 39-yearo-old male with serious injuries. He was the sole occupant of the plane.He was taken to Hay hospital in a serious condition.Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District responded and established a crime scene.The incident has been referred to Recreational Aviation Australia

Broken Hill Distillery has claimed the prestigious Overall Winner Outback Spirit Award at the 2025 Far West NSW Excellence in Business Awards. The distillery also won the Excellence in Innovation category, cementing its position as one of the region's standout businesses. Regional Development Australia Far West NSW announced the winners across 15 categories, recognising excellence and achievement in business throughout the far west region. Major award winners Natural Revolution Group was honoured with the Dave Gallagher Award for Commitment to Community, while Tibooburra Water took out Excellence in Social Enterprise/Outstanding Community Enterprise. The Gallery Broken Hill was named Best New Business, and Adkins True Value Hardware won Excellence in Small Business. Far West Rural Supplies claimed Excellence in Business, while Country Universities Centre Far West was recognised for Excellence in Customer Service. The Old Saltbush Restaurant & Catering won Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality, and Far West Helico took out Excellence in Presentation & Marketing. Broken Hill businesses featured prominently in the People's Choice awards, with Jagged Edge named the Region's Most Popular Business, and Caroline and Dirk from The Shed Broken Hill winning Service with a Smile. Milparinka Sporting Club was voted the People's Choice Community Organisation. Samantha Thompson from Golf Broken Hill Inc was named Outstanding Employee of the Year, while the business also claimed the Employer of Choice award. Veronica Sunman from MBElectrical won Apprentice/Trainee of the Year. Broken Hill City Art Gallery was recognised as the Outstanding Arts & Cultural Organisation. The Business Awards are an initiative of Regional Development Australia Far West NSW.

A person has died after their ute left the road and burst into flames in a single-vehicle crash near Barellan, about 50 kilometres east of Griffith. The burnt-out vehicle was discovered just off Kolkilbertoo Road on Saturday morning, with emergency services called to the scene around 9.30am on November 1. The driver's body was found inside the wreckage, but authorities have not yet been able to confirm their identity. Police believe the crash occurred overnight, though the exact timing remains unclear. The remote location of the incident meant the vehicle wasn't discovered until the following morning. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to formally identify the victim and determine the cause of death. Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash, including how the vehicle left the road and what caused it to catch fire. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact local police.

A 29-year-old Griffith man has been charged after allegedly slashing the tyres of 13 vehicles parked along a residential street in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Police allege the man damaged a total of 48 tyres on cars parked on Banna Avenue, Griffith, around 3.15am on October 28. Murrumbidgee Police executed a search warrant at an address on Binya Street, Griffith, at 1.10pm on Wednesday, October 29, where the man was arrested. During the search, officers seized several items of clothing that police allege were worn by the man during the offences. The man was taken to Griffith Police Station and charged with 13 counts of destroy or damage property. He was refused bail by police and appeared before Parramatta Bail Court on Wednesday, October 30. The matter will return to court at a later date.

Two men have been charged after allegedly stealing items from the Tharbogang landfill facility while attempting to conceal their vehicle's registration plates. Police were conducting patrols near the tip around 10.20pm on Monday, October 28, following recent reports of trespassing and theft at the site. About 10.30pm, officers spotted a silver Nissan Navara inside the landfill facility with surgical face masks covering the registration plates. Police stopped the vehicle and spoke with two men, who were also wearing face masks. Officers allegedly found a red pushbike and a sewing machine inside the vehicle, which police claim had been taken from the landfill facility by the pair. Both men were arrested and taken to Griffith Police Station, where they were charged with stealing and entering enclosed lands. The matter will be dealt with by the courts at a later date.

The ICPA Hay Branch is calling on community members to share their views about the future of Booligal and Carrathool public schools through an online survey. The information gathered will be used to advocate to government about local educational needs in the region. ICPA Hay Branch president Michelle Spence said the survey was open to all community members with an interest in the schools' future. "We encourage all Booligal and Carrathool community members, or others with an interest in the use of the schools, to complete the survey," Ms Spence said. "This includes business owners, potential employers and community groups." The survey will remain open until December 18 and can be accessed at https://form.jotform.com/252648892217063. Community members are encouraged to share the survey through their networks to ensure broad participation in the consultation process.

Moulamein residents are being invited to help shape the future of their town through a series of community consultation sessions this Thursday. Project managers from Tomkinson Pty Ltd will be in Moulamein on 6 November 2025 to gather community input for the Moulamein Masterplan and Community Action Plan. Three sessions will be held throughout the day, with no bookings required. The day will begin with "Catch up with Tomkinson - Understanding the Issues" at the Moulamein Bowling Club from 8am to 9am. This will be followed by "Walk Moulamein with Tomkinson" from 9am to 11am, starting at the bowling club and finishing at Morago Street. The final session, "Chat with Tomkinson - Reimagining the Future," will be held at the Moulamein Bowling Club from 5pm to 6.30pm. Community members are encouraged to attend whichever sessions suit their schedule to contribute their ideas and concerns about the town's development. Those unable to attend can still provide input online at https://yoursay.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au/moulamein-masterplan.

Police have charged a man over an armed alleged robbery in the state’s south last month.About 4.35pm on Friday October 17, officers from the Barrier Police District responded to reports of an armed robbery upon a financial institution in Darling Street, Wentworth, approximately 260km south of Broken Hill.Police were informed that a man entered the business allegedly armed with a pole making threats towards staff and customers.The man left the site with a sum of cash, last seen running west along Adelaide Street. There were no injuries reported. Officers established a crime scene and began investigating the incident.Following extensive inquiries, a 32-year-old man was arrested as he left a bus at the Darling Street and Armstrong Avenue intersection in Dareton, about 4.30pm yesterday October 31.He was taken to Dareton Police Station and charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon.The man was refused bail to appear at Court on a later date.

The Deniliquin & District Transport Wall of Fame has inducted six remarkable individuals for 2025, recognising lifelong contributions to the road transport industry that have left an indelible mark on the region and beyond.This year's inductees, Edward "Ted" Fitzmaurice, Jacqueline "Lady John" Southern, Neville John Jones, Stuart McCallum, Graeme "Pegleg" Unwin, and Wayne Scott, represent decades of dedication, skill, and passion that have kept Australia's wheels turning.Among the honourees, three stand out for their extraordinary stories of perseverance and pioneering spirit.Jacqueline Emily Southern, known throughout the industry as "Lady John", broke barriers in an era when women drivers were a rarity. Born in Urbenville in 1929, she began her transport career alongside her husband Colin, carting firewood in Blackall before moving into mail runs.Remarkably, between 1948 and 1972, Lady John raised 10 children whilst building her reputation behind the wheel—a testament to her extraordinary determination and work ethic.After relocating to Cobram, she drove for Kortum Brothers before spending many years with Neville and Phyllis Jones, hauling wool, aggregate, and grain across the country. Her favourite? The B Model Mack, though she expertly handled everything from Internationals to Kenworths throughout her career.Lady John's son Gene Palmer accepted the award on behalf of his late mother, who passed away in 2017 at age 87. In a fitting tribute, her family scattered her ashes from a truck window near Grong Grong on the Newell Highway, a final journey for a woman whose heart belonged to the open road.Four of her sons and a grandson followed her into the transport industry, cementing the Southern family's legacy in Australian trucking.Neville Jones, who passed away after a lifetime of service to transport, was honoured with an induction accepted by his son Wayne, alongside his mother Phyllis, herself a past Wall of Fame inductee.Born in Dandenong in 1939, Neville's journey into transport began at just 16, when he moved to Hay for what was meant to be a six-month job. That brief stint turned into a decade of road construction work, operating a Caterpillar grader and forming many of the outback roads around Booligal that remain in use today.Entirely self-taught, Neville became highly skilled in road construction and irrigation works before transitioning to trucking, initially working for his father on gruelling runs to Darwin in a 160hp International, on dirt roads, with no bunk or air conditioning.In 1969, Neville and his wife Phyllis took a leap of faith, launching Jones Transport with a second-hand B61 Mack and a sheep crate. Their first regular client, Dennis Jacka of Ivanhoe, became a lifelong friend and helped establish the foundation of what would become Jones of Hay, a name synonymous with reliability and hard work.Over the years, the family business grew to operate B, R and F Model Macks, Benzes, Kenworths, and Western Stars, with their children Debbie, Glynn, Wayne, and Les all contributing to the family legacy.Wayne Neil Scott, who tragically passed away in March 2010, was remembered for his extraordinary achievements and generous spirit.Born in Deniliquin in 1958, Wayne grew up immersed in the family business, Neil Scott's Transports. He left school at 16 to work alongside his father and brother Bruce, and by 19 had become the youngest semi driver in New South Wales, and one of the youngest to cart four decks of sheep.Wayne's favourite truck was the 1985 SAR with a 350 Cat engine, though he spent most of his early career in the company's Volvo and later Kenworths. When the family business was sold in 1989, Wayne continued driving for various operators including Ian Hood, Deniliquin Freighters, and Purtills.His daughters Natalie and Jammi accepted the award surrounded by friends and colleagues who remembered Wayne not just for his skill behind the wheel, but for his loyalty and willingness to mentor younger drivers.The Deniliquin & District Transport Wall of Fame continues to preserve the stories of those who built Australia's road transport industry from the ground up, individuals who drove through dust storms and flooded roads, who maintained their trucks with their own hands, and who created the networks and relationships that still underpin regional freight today.This year's nominees also included Sydney Michael Grimison and Stuart Schifferle, whose contributions to the industry were recognised alongside the inductees.The ceremony serves as a reminder that behind every delivery, every tonne of wool or grain, and every highway journey, there are people whose dedication and expertise have shaped the nation's transport landscape for generations to come.

In the quiet expanse of Whitecliffs, where the red earth meets an endless sky and the heat shimmers like a living thing, twenty-four-year-old Shakira Brown has found something most people spend a lifetime searching for; a life lived on her own terms, with her nineteen-month-old daughter Millicent by her side. Born and raised in Broken Hill, Shakira made a decision at seventeen that would shape the trajectory of her life. She chose the bush over town, trading the familiar streets of her childhood for the vast silence of station life. It wasn't a decision born of desperation or escape, but of a quiet knowing, a pull toward something more authentic, more real. "I just really wanted to do it," she said simply, and in that simplicity lies a profound truth about the courage it takes to follow your instincts when you're barely more than a child yourself. Now, as a station hand managing a station while the owners are away, Shakira has created a life that would be unrecognisable to many her age. There are no colleagues, no office politics, no rush-hour traffic. Instead, there's the rhythm of checking dams and troughs, the rumble of the buggy across the land, and the constant, joyful presence of little Millicent, affectionately known as Millie, strapped into a car seat beside her.What makes Shakira's story particularly beautiful is how she's sharing this life with her daughter. While other toddlers navigate playgrounds and daycare centers, Millie's playground is the Australian outback itself. She rides alongside her mother every day, learning the land before she learns to read, understanding the language of weather and water before mastering her ABCs. "She comes with me, so she's by my side the whole time," Shakira explained, and you can hear the quiet pride in her voice. "It's pretty good having her by my side." In the evenings, when the heat finally breaks, Shakira trains her new pig-hunting dog, with Millie watching from her perch in the trough in the house yard. It's an unconventional childhood by any measure, but it's rich in ways that can't be quantified; in freedom, in closeness to the natural world, in the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter forged in shared experience. Two months ago, Shakira faced a crossroads. She had the opportunity to return to town, to return to the familiar. Without hesitation, she chose Whitecliffs. She chose the quiet. She chose the life she and Millie have built together in this far-flung corner of New South Wales. "I love it out there, nice and quiet," she said. "Everyone gets around each other." There's something radical about Shakira's contentment, something that feels almost revolutionary in our age of constant striving and digital distraction. She's not looking for the next big thing, the next upgrade, the next milestone. She has what she needs; a roof over their heads, work that fulfills her, a daughter growing up wild and free, and a community that rallies around its own. "You don't need nothing flash," she reflected. "As long as you got something over your head."When asked about the future, Shakira maintains the same easy grace that characterises everything about her. She's happily winging it, taking life as it comes. When Millie reaches school age, they'll base themselves in Whitecliffs, as the town has a primary school, and Shakira is considering getting her truck license, keeping her options open without forcing a plan. There's wisdom in this approach, a refusal to be constrained by the anxiety of over-planning. She's living proof that you don't need to have it all figured out to live a good life, that sometimes the best path is the one you're already on. In a world that measures success in promotions and possessions, Shakira and Millie represent something different. Theirs is a life measured in shared sunrises, in the satisfaction of checking water levels and ensuring stock are thriving, in the pure joy of a toddler watching her mother work, learning by osmosis what it means to be capable, independent, and content. "I wouldn't change it for the world," Shakira said of motherhood, but really, she could be talking about the whole package; this life she's chosen, this place she's claimed as home, this partnership with her daughter that began when Millie was born and will continue to deepen with every dusty mile they travel together. As the sun sets over Whitecliffs and the temperature finally drops to something bearable, you can imagine them there, Shakira and Millie, two hearts beating in sync with the ancient rhythm of the land, writing their own definition of what it means to live well, to love deeply, and to be exactly where you're meant to be. "If you've got the opportunity to go out there and do something, just do it," Shakira advised anyone considering a similar path. It's advice born not from recklessness, but from the quiet certainty of someone who took the leap and discovered she could fly.

New South Wales has delivered a decisive blow against plastic pollution, recording a 45 per cent reduction in plastic litter, well beyond the state's 30 per cent target and equivalent to removing 2,000 buses worth of plastic waste from the environment.The milestone achievement, announced this week by Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, marks a significant victory in the fight against plastic pollution that threatens the state's waterways, wildlife, and marine ecosystems.However, authorities warn that despite the progress, plastic items still dominate litter found in NSW waterways, with confectionary wrappers, snack bags, and food packaging continuing to plague the state's rivers, beaches, and oceans.The star performer in NSW's litter reduction arsenal has been the Return and Earn container deposit scheme, which has driven a remarkable 73 per cent drop in littered bottles and cans since its launch.The 10-cent refund programme has proven wildly popular with residents and will expand by mid-2027 to capture additional containers, including wine bottles, in a move expected to further reduce landfill waste.The scheme's success demonstrates how financial incentives can reshape consumer behaviour and create tangible environmental benefits, a lesson that could inform future policy interventions.Environment officials emphasise that even the smallest piece of litter carries serious environmental consequences. When plastic fragments enter soil and waterways, they break down into microplastics that infiltrate ecosystems and accumulate in the food chain, affecting everything from microscopic organisms to apex predators, including humans.Wildlife pays a particularly heavy price. Birds, fish, and other animals routinely mistake plastic debris for food, leading to internal injuries, digestive blockages, and death. Small pieces of plastic that seem harmless on a footpath can become lethal when consumed by marine life or waterbirds."Small pieces of litter may not seem important, but they add up and become big pollution problems," authorities warned in the announcement.Despite the overall reduction, the NSW Environment Protection Authority's Key Littered Items Study reveals plastic remains the dominant form of litter in waterways.Leading the list of offenders are confectionary wrappers and snack bags, particularly plastic lollipop sticks, followed by miscellaneous plastic bags, beverage container lids, and other food packaging materials.These findings highlight the challenge of addressing convenience packaging that's designed for single use but persists in the environment for decades or centuries.Buoyed by exceeding the initial target, NSW has set its sights on an even more ambitious goal: a 60 per cent reduction in all litter by 2030.To achieve this, the government is reviewing additional measures under its NSW Plastics: The Way Forward policy framework. Potential actions include targeted campaigns against the most commonly littered items and regulatory changes to eliminate harmful chemicals from plastic products during manufacturing.The state is also pressing the Federal Government to introduce stronger national packaging regulations and more stringent packaging reduction targets that would apply across Australia.Minister Sharpe painted a sobering picture of the stakes involved in the plastic pollution fight."By 2050, there may be more plastic in the ocean than fish," she said. "That's why we are pulling every lever at our disposal to address this problem, from bans and phase-outs of single-use plastic items, to expanding Return and Earn and introducing landmark product stewardship laws which enable better design and recycling of plastic products."This news shows that these types of actions make a difference. Every time a person chooses not to throw a piece of rubbish on the ground, it stops that plastic going into our environment."The government's strategy combines regulatory measures, including bans on problematic single-use plastics, with incentive-based programmes like Return and Earn and community partnerships through litter prevention grants.Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen highlighted the importance of grassroots partnerships in achieving the result."Exceeding our litter reduction targets is a win for our wildlife, our waterways, and every community that's done the hard yards by backing successful programs like Return and Earn," Ms Haylen said."But with plastic still making up the majority of litter in our waterways, we know there's more to do. The NSW Government is continuing to partner with fantastic reuse organisations, like Reverse Garbage right here in Marrickville, targeting highly littered items."The 45 per cent reduction proves that coordinated government action, supported by community engagement, can deliver real environmental outcomes. However, the persistence of plastic in waterways demonstrates that changing deeply ingrained consumer habits and addressing systemic packaging issues remains a formidable challenge.As NSW charts its course towards the 2030 target, the state's experience offers valuable lessons for other jurisdictions grappling with plastic pollution. The combination of bans, financial incentives, public education, and industry partnerships appears to be delivering results, but the ultimate success will depend on sustained commitment and potentially more aggressive interventions to tackle the plastic items that continue to escape into the environment.The EPA's litter data and reduction targets are available on the agency's website for residents wanting to track progress or learn more about the state's anti-litter initiatives.

Investigation reveals systemic failures as banned worker continues in sector for four yearsA major investigation has uncovered alarming deficiencies in NSW's childcare regulatory system, with newly released data showing the state's primary regulator failed to take enforcement action in approximately 70 per cent of investigations into alleged child abuse.The figures, obtained through Freedom of Information laws, reveal that between 2020 and 2025, the NSW Education Department's Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority investigated nearly 2,000 allegations of child sexual or physical abuse, but concluded the vast majority with no punitive measures against accused workers or centres.The disclosure comes as pressure mounts on the NSW Government to overhaul a fractured regulatory system that former officials describe as "broken" and riddled with dangerous gaps in information sharing.Nearly 2,000 Allegations, Limited ConsequencesChildcare providers across NSW have reported 1,856 allegations of sexual or physical abuse involving staff members to the ECEC Regulatory Authority since 2020. Reports have been climbing steadily, with more than 400 allegations lodged in 2024 alone.Despite this surge in reporting, the data reveals a troubling pattern: strong enforcement action remains rare.The regulator's most powerful tool, "statutory compliance action", was used in only 180 investigations over the five-year period, representing approximately 10 per cent of all cases. These actions can prohibit individuals from working in childcare, impose financial penalties on centres, or result in provider licences being cancelled.Another 13 per cent of investigations resulted in "administrative compliance action", which includes less severe measures such as monitoring arrangements, formal meetings, warning letters, or official cautions.The remaining cases, more than 1,300 investigations, resulted in no action whatsoever.Data from the Office of the Children's Guardian, which handles Working with Children Checks, indicates that around 60 of last year's 414 reports related specifically to sexual offences or sexual misconduct.When approached for comment, an ECEC Regulatory Authority spokesperson insisted the organisation investigates all allegations with appropriate rigour."Where allegations are substantiated or there is an unacceptable risk to children, the regulatory authority will not hesitate to act to protect children's health, safety and wellbeing, including by prohibiting individuals from the sector, suspending or cancelling service approvals or taking legal action where necessary," the spokesperson said.The authority noted it has prosecuted 37 people and banned more than 200 individuals from the childcare sector since 2021.Banned Worker Slips Through the CracksEven more troubling than the low rate of enforcement action are revelations that communication breakdowns between regulatory agencies have allowed prohibited workers to remain in the sector.Documents tendered to a recent parliamentary inquiry exposed a case that exemplifies the system's failures; a childcare worker banned from the industry in 2019 by the Department of Education was later issued a new Working with Children Check by the Office of the Children's Guardian, enabling him to continue working casually at four different centres in Sydney's north until 2023, four years after being prohibited.The case demonstrates what two former senior government officials, speaking to the ABC, characterised as a "significant problem" with information sharing between the state's childcare regulators.NSW's regulatory structure is split between two bodies: the Department of Education oversees the state's approximately 6,000 childcare and outside school hours care services, whilst the Office of the Children's Guardian administers all Working with Children Checks—the primary mechanism for preventing unsuitable individuals from accessing children.Although the OCG can bar individuals from holding a WWCC, one official revealed that staff processing these checks are not always notified when the other regulator is investigating a worker.The friction between agencies has persisted for years, with ongoing disputes about what information should be shared and how quickly it should be transmitted.Information sharing problems also exist within the OCG itself. A former bureaucrat told the ABC that unclear legal guidance left teams uncertain whether they could share information about potential high-risk offenders with colleagues in the WWCC processing unit.Top Police Officer Steps InThe information sharing dispute became so entrenched that in 2024, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, who heads NSW Police's Child Abuse Squad, intervened personally to broker a solution.Detective Superintendent Howlett facilitated negotiations for a memorandum of understanding between the ECEC Regulatory Authority, the OCG, and NSW Police to establish clear protocols for information sharing between the three agencies. The agreement has yet to be finalised.The OCG's organisational problems extend beyond information sharing. A recent separate inquiry into the agency exposed what was described as a chaotic and dysfunctional workplace culture, ultimately resulting in the removal of the authority's head over an alleged undisclosed conflict of interest.Former government officials with direct knowledge of the childcare regulatory system expressed profound concern about its effectiveness."Child protection has so many silos," one former official said. "Information sharing has always been a problem, particularly in childcare, where there's a blurring of roles between the two regulators."After these horrendous offenders have done the damage, you can piece it together and each agency had enough there from the beginning to arrest him and stop him in his tracks."Another official offered a stark assessment: "I think the whole child protection system is broken. It really is. When the stakes are so high, it's appalling it's so wrong so frequently."The NSW data emerges as part of a broader national investigation into childcare sector safeguarding. The ABC's Four Corners has identified almost 150 childcare workers nationally who have been convicted of, charged with, or accused of sexual abuse and inappropriate conduct with children. Five cases in NSW are currently before the courts.The NSW child sex offender register contained more than 5,300 names as of July 2024.The revelations are likely to intensify demands for comprehensive reform of NSW's childcare regulatory framework. Questions are being raised about whether the current split-agency model is fit for purpose, and whether structural changes are needed to ensure seamless information flow between bodies responsible for child safety.With abuse reports increasing but enforcement action remaining stagnant, parents and advocacy groups will be demanding urgent answers about how the system allowed so many allegations to be investigated without consequence—and what the government intends to do to fix it.The data suggests that whilst childcare workers and centres are increasingly willing to report concerns, the regulatory response has not evolved to match this increased vigilance, leaving potentially dangerous gaps in the protection of some of NSW's most vulnerable citizens.

The deadline for submissions about the proposal to reduce the default speed limit where not marked by signage, from 100 kilometres per hour to 70 kilometres per hour has been extended by two weeks.Representatives say there has been more than 1,800 public submissions already received on the proposal.A significant concern for regional and rural residents is the increased travel time. For those with long commutes for work, or farmers, truck drivers, and tradespeople who depend on these roads, the change could add a substantial amount of time to their daily travel. Some argue that these longer, slower journeys could even increase driver fatigue, rather than reduce it.The trucking industry has specifically voiced opposition, noting that slower speeds would increase freight costs. The slower movement of goods and services could harm regional economies and increase costs for businesses."Lazy" alternative to road maintenance: Many critics argue that lowering speed limits is a poor substitute for properly investing in and maintaining regional road infrastructure. Instead of fixing the poorly maintained roads, the government is being accused of placing the burden on drivers by slowing them down.Lack of transparency and data: The National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) has highlighted a lack of crucial data in the regulatory impact analysis. They point out that information about the number of un-signposted roads, traffic volumes, and the crash history on those specific roads is missing from the government's own documents.argue that not all un-signposted rural roads are the same. A "blanket" speed reduction fails to consider the individual characteristics of each road, such as design, maintenance level, and traffic density. A more targeted, evidence-based approach is suggested instead.Some suggest the real motivation behind the proposal is generating revenue from fines, rather than genuinely improving road safety. In defense of the proposal, Federal Minister for Regional Development Kristy McBain has highlighted the rising national road death toll and stated the government's commitment to improving road safety. The proposal is also backed by some road safety groups, who point to research showing that even small reductions in speed can lead to significant decreases in crash severity and fatalities. Ultimately, the proposal has sparked a heated debate between safety advocates, who prioritize speed reduction, and regional communities and industry groups, who feel the plan unfairly penalizes them and fails to address the root causes of road accidents.To have your say, make your submission by visitinghttps://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/regulatory-impact-analysis-reduce-open-road-default-speed-limit

Griffith City Council has endorsed proposed changes to how the city’s stormwater management charge is applied, introducing a fairer, more sustainable structure to help maintain and improve local drainage infrastructure.At the meeting on Tuesday October 28, Council supported a proposed new tiered stormwater charge for business properties, replacing the previous flat rate that has been in place since 2006.Funds raised each year through the stormwater management charge support vital drainage maintenance and upgrades across Griffith’s urban areas. Until now, all residential and business properties have paid a single flat rate of $25 per assessment ($12.50 for strata units and $5 for strata businesses).The proposed new model introduces a tiered approach based on property size for business assessments, while residential properties will remain unchanged. The change means smaller businesses will continue to pay around the same amount as before, while larger commercial and industrial properties will make a greater contribution towards maintaining and upgrading the shared stormwater network.Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said the updated structure reflects a fairer way of sharing the cost of maintaining the city’s essential infrastructure.“This change ensures Council can continue to look after the stormwater system responsibly, while keeping the contribution for most businesses at a reasonable level,” Councillor Curran said.“By linking the charge to property size, we’re making sure the system is sustainable and reflects how stormwater infrastructure is used across the city. “Council wants to be transparent about the process and the community will have plenty of opportunity to have their say when the draft 2026/27 Budget and Revenue Policy are placed on exhibition next year.”The new charge will take effect from 1 July 2026, as part of the 2026/27 Budget and Revenue Policy.