In Short:Janaya Singleton, 34, is wanted on outstanding warrants for domestic violence and other offences and is known to frequent the Griffith areaThomas Christian, 26, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for domestic violence offences and is also known to frequent GriffithPolice advise the public not to approach either person if seen but to call Triple Zero immediatelyGriffith Police are seeking public assistance to locate two people wanted on outstanding arrest warrants in the Riverina region.Janaya Singleton, aged 34, is wanted on outstanding warrants for domestic violence and other offences. Police have advised that Singleton is known to frequent the Griffith area and have urged members of the public not to approach her if seen, but to contact emergency services immediately.Thomas Christian, aged 26, is also wanted on an outstanding warrant for domestic violence offences. Like Singleton, Christian is known to frequent the Griffith area and police have issued the same warning against public approach.The appeals come as police continue efforts to execute outstanding warrants across the western Riverina region. Domestic violence remains a priority area for law enforcement, with police working to ensure the safety of victims and hold offenders accountable through the court system.For residents across Hay, Balranald, Carrathool and the Central Darling, the police appeals serve as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance in supporting law enforcement efforts. While both individuals are known to frequent Griffith, police acknowledge they may travel to surrounding areas.Anyone who sights either Singleton or Christian is urged to call Triple Zero immediately rather than approach them directly. Police have emphasized this precaution to ensure public safety while allowing trained officers to execute the warrants appropriately.People who may have information regarding the whereabouts of either individual are encouraged to contact Griffith Police Station on 02 6969 4299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information provided to Crime Stoppers can be given anonymously.

Member for Murray Helen Dalton says a royal commission into water management is a mustIn ShortSystemic Failure: Current water management is criticised for a decade of disputed science, broken accounting, and decisions made behind closed doors.Economic Impact: Lack of transparency has led to hollowed-out regional economies, lost jobs, and the destruction of family businesses.The Solution: Dalton says Federal Royal Commission is required to compel evidence and provide the "sunlight" necessary to fix national food security and environmental health."Australia needs a Federal Royal Commission into Australian water management," said Member for Murray Helen Dalton MP."After more than a decade of damage, secrecy, and failed assurances, the current system has lost the trust of the people it governs.Decisions about our rivers and water resources have been made behind closed doors, based on disputed science, broken accounting, and shifting political priorities.This is a systemic failure.Communities across the country have been stripped of water, jobs, and opportunity, yet no one has ever been properly held to account.Water has been taken, economies hollowed out, and family businesses pushed to the brink — all without a full, independent examination of how or why these decisions were made.What on earth are Australians supposed to trust?The same agencies that design water policy are allowed to assess their own performance.That is not accountability.When livelihoods are destroyed and food production reduced, Australians deserve more than internal reviewsand political talking points.A Federal Royal Commission has the power to compel evidence, examine decisions across jurisdictions, and expose how Australia’s water system has been run.Without it, the truth will remain buried.If we are serious about the environment, regional communities, and national food security, then sunlight is essential.Our water should never be managed in secrecy. It is too important to be protected by silence.I will continue to push for a Federal Royal Commission into Australian water until Australians get honest answers about what has happened and who paid the price.We can fix this system — but only if we are prepared to confront the truth.Avoiding scrutiny is no longer acceptable.Australians deserve answers.And I will not stop until they get them."

IN SHORT:*Elders Deniliquin is accepting rural product donations including dogfood, fencing supplies and chaff for bushfire-affected communities*Cash donations cannot be accepted but purchases can be made in store for products to be donated*The Deniliquin branch will organise freight to get donated supplies to communities in need Elders Deniliquin has opened its doors as a collection point for rural supplies destined for communities recovering from the recent devastating bushfires that have torn through parts of regional Australia.The Albert Street branch is accepting donations of essential rural products including dogfood, fencing supplies and chaff, with the business organizing freight to transport the goods to affected areas. The initiative comes as rural communities across the firegrounds face the massive task of rebuilding infrastructure and caring for livestock that survived the blazes.While the branch cannot accept cash donations, community members wanting to contribute can make purchases in store specifically for donation purposes. This ensures that the most needed supplies reach the communities requiring assistance while maintaining proper records of all donations.The collection point addresses a critical need in bushfire recovery efforts, as many affected properties require substantial quantities of rural supplies to begin the rebuilding process. Fencing materials are particularly crucial as landholders work to restore boundary fences and create safe paddocks for livestock, while animal feed supplies help sustain cattle and sheep through the recovery period when pastures have been destroyed.For residents across region who want to support their fellow rural communities, the Deniliquin location provides a central location. The branch's commitment to organising freight removes a significant barrier to donation, as transporting bulk rural supplies can be prohibitively expensive for individual donors.Anyone wishing to contribute or requiring further information can contact the Elders Deniliquin branch on 03 5890 5100 or speak directly with Jarrod Gray on 0439 131 408. The branch is located at 351 Albert Street, Deniliquin.

In Short:*The 2026 Southern beef and lamb school will be held at Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga from February 17 to 19. *The event features expert presentations on grass-fed beef and lamb genetics, nutrition, animal health and sustainable production*Places are limited and the event is supported by the Australian Government through Climate Smart Agriculture fundingLivestock producers across the southern grazing regions have the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge at the upcoming Southern beef and lamb school, scheduled for Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga from February 17-19.The event brings together some of the brightest minds in livestock production for two and a half days of intensive learning focused on grass-fed beef and lamb enterprises. Participants will gain insights into the latest developments in genetics, nutrition, animal health and sustainable production practices through a combination of morning presentations and afternoon workshops.The school format allows producers to engage directly with industry experts and fellow graziers, creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing that extend beyond the formal program. The afternoon workshops provide hands-on experience and practical demonstrations, allowing attendees to apply new concepts in real-world scenarios.For producers, the event represents a valuable investment in skills development that can translate directly to improved productivity and profitability in beef and lamb enterprises. The focus on grass-fed production is particularly relevant to the extensive grazing operations common across the western Riverina and far west regions.The program has been developed to suit producers at various stages of their careers, from those just entering the industry to seasoned operators looking to refine their practices. Whether participants are emerging producers seeking foundational knowledge, seasoned advisers wanting to stay current with industry developments or established graziers aiming to optimize their operations, the school offers relevant content for all experience levels.Places are limited and organizers are encouraging early registration to secure a spot. The event is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the National Heritage Trust under the Climate Smart Agriculture program, delivered in partnership with Local Land Services as part of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.Registration can be completed by scanning the QR code available through the event promotional materials or by visiting the New South Wales Local Land Services website. For further information, contact Charlotte Thomson from Local Land Services Farming Systems on 02 6173 3857 or email [email protected].

NFF chair and Member for Murray oppose Federal "Critically Endangered” listing for Lower MurrayIn Short• The Federal Move: The Lower Murray has been officially listed as "Critically Endangered," triggering the highest level of federal scrutiny for new developments.• Industry Backlash: The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and local leaders argue the region is already over-regulated, claiming the move adds "unnecessary red tape" without clear environmental gains.• Economic Fears: Irrigation groups warn the listing could block infrastructure projects and economic diversification, potentially forcing more water buybacks in the region.The federal government’s decision to list the Lower Murray as "Critically Endangered" has sparked a sharp divide between conservationists and those who manage the land and water that drive the local economy. While environmental groups view the move as a necessary alarm bell, industry leaders and regional representatives warn of red tape and potential threats to future development in the Back Country.The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has led the charge against the listing, arguing that the region is already one of the most heavily regulated landscapes in Australia.Concerns Over Red Tape and DuplicationFor many rural communities, where water security is the driver of the local economy, the addition of a new federal layer of protection is seen as a complicating factor rather than a solution.NFF Water Committee Chair Malcolm Holm said the listing adds another layer of complexity to an already heavily regulated system, without clear environmental benefit.“The Murray River corridor is already one of the most tightly regulated landscapes in the country,” Mr Holm said. “Adding an EPBC listing on top of the Basin Plan and existing state and federal laws creates unnecessary duplicative complexity and will potentially interfere with existing water regulatory processes.“We're still trying to understand the detail of this decision, but right now it's unclear why more red tape is needed when we have existing mechanisms like the Basin Plan and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, or if this will compromise the Basin Plan Review.”Mr. Holm suggested that if the government were serious about biodiversity, it should focus on the real curse in the system, European Carp, by declaring them a Key Threatening Process and funding eradication efforts.A Challenge to Local History and ScienceThe reaction from regional political leaders has been equally pointed. NSW Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, whose electorate covers much of the impacted region, criticized the decision as one that ignores the natural history of the river system.Ms. Dalton argued that the decision "ignores both science and history," noting that the Murray did not always naturally run full all year round.“Before man-made dams existed, records show the river stopped flowing over 5 times across the past 150 years. Yet today, productive irrigation water is being forcibly bought back using taxpayer funds and flushed out to sea to sustain artificial outcomes like the fake lower lakes and the diminishing aquifer from the South-East Drains.“The National Farmers' Federation has warned this new EPBC listing adds more red tape to an already over-regulated system, with no clear environmental gain. What we are witnessing is political blame-shifting disguised as environmental protection.”Implications for Future DevelopmentIrrigator groups have specifically flagged concerns that the "Critically Endangered" status could act as a barrier to non-purchase water recovery projects and local infrastructure upgrades.In a submission prior to the decision, the NSW Irrigators’ Council warned that the listing could trigger costly federal assessments for projects aimed at diversifying local economies or reconfiguring farm infrastructure. They argued that the move could inadvertently set "non-purchase" water recovery options up to fail, leaving buybacks as the only remaining tool for the government, a prospect that remains a major point of tension for rural and farming communities.While Minister Murray Watt has insisted that existing farming activities like cropping and grazing are exempt, the "Critically Endangered" tag ensures that any major new development in the region will now face the highest level of federal scrutiny.

In short:A 41-year-old man went missing after falling from a paddleboard at Lake Cargelligo on Saturday afternoonPolice divers located a body on Monday afternoon following a two-day multi-agency search operationThe incident has prompted questions about water safety as the region heads into the peak summer periodA two-day search for a missing paddleboarder at Lake Cargelligo has ended in tragedy, with police divers recovering a body on Monday afternoon.Emergency services were called to the boat ramp on Lake Street about 3pm on Saturday, 17 January, after a 41-year-old man failed to surface after falling from his paddleboard.The paddleboard was quickly recovered, prompting an extensive search operation involving Central West Police District officers, specialist police divers from the Diving Unit, members of the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, as well as Volunteer Rescue Association and SES personnel.Just before 2pm on Monday, 19 January, police divers located the body of a man in the lake. Authorities believe the body is that of the missing paddleboarder.The incident has cast a shadow over the popular recreational waterway during what is typically one of the busiest times of year for water-based activities across the Lachlan Shire.Lake Cargelligo remains a drawcard for locals and visitors alike during the summer months, with paddleboarding, swimming and boating among the most popular activities on the lake.A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety, particularly during the peak summer period when waterways across the Hay, Balranald, Carrathool and Central Darling regions see increased activity.Authorities continue to urge anyone using local waterways to wear appropriate safety equipment, inform others of their plans, and assess conditions before entering the water.

The federal government has officially listed the River Murray (downstream of the Darling River) as Critically Endangered, a move that carries significant implications for land management and conservation efforts.In short:• Highest Protection Status: The federal government has listed the River Murray (downstream of the Darling) as Critically Endangered, triggering strict new legal protections under the EPBC Act.• Regional Impact: The Macquarie Marshes, near Warren in far west NSW, are now listed as Endangered.• Policy Shift: This move is expected to force proactive recovery plans, potentially reshaping future water distribution and irrigation policies within the Murray-Darling Basin.Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt announced the decision last week, following recommendations from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee. The listing, made under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC), also includes associated aquatic and floodplain systems, along with the Macquarie Marshes in northwestern NSW, which received an Endangered status.For residents in the Riverina and Far West, where the health of the Murray-Darling system is tied to both the economy and the local environment, this shift in legal status marks a new chapter in how these floodplains are regulated.Focus on Biodiversity and RecoveryThe new listing highlights the vulnerability of the ecosystems that stretch through our local government areas. BirdLife Australia, a national conservation group, welcomed the move, noting that these regions are vital corridors for bird populations that are increasingly under pressure.BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar noted that the listing will help protect the many bird species that depend on these unique habitats.“The River Murray ecosystem is home to a dazzling variety of birds, including waterbirds, raptors and parrot species. At the Murray Mouth and Coorong, we’re leading important actions to protect Hooded Plovers and colonies of Fairy Terns in partnership with traditional owners. And the Macquarie Marshes, a Key Biodiversity Area, are home to more than 70 species of waterbird including 43 species that breed there. These are spectacular places of immense importance to Australian birds and are internationally recognised."Impact on Local EcosystemsThe River Murray downstream of the Darling - encompassing sections of the Wentworth and Balranald regions - is now classified at the highest level of threat. For the elusive Australasian Bittern, a species often found in the reed beds of our local wetlands, the listing is seen as a formal recognition of the threats posed by extended dry periods.Ms. Millar described the news as "bittersweet," reflecting the complexity of environmental management in the basin.“It’s bittersweet when ecosystems or species are listed under the EPBC act. On the one hand, it’s concerning that they are threatened enough to be eligible, on the other, it’s positive that their needs are being formally recognised,” Ms Millar said.What Happens Next?For communities in across the Back Country, the primary question remains how this listing will influence future water policy and land use. Under the EPBC Act, a "Critically Endangered" listing usually triggers the requirement for proactive recovery plans.Ms. Millar emphasized that listing is only one part of a broader system required to support the region's birdlife.“To end Australia’s extinction crisis, it’s critical that the habitats they depend on are safe from destruction and degradation. Putting in the work to secure and revitalise habitat, including the continued implementation of the Murray-Darling Plan, is central to building the resilience of birds in the face of a changing climate. We should expect that listing an ecological community, or a single species, as endangered will result in proactive recovery plans and key actions to bring them back from the brink.”

A multi-agency search is currently underway following reports of a missing paddleboarder at Lake Cargelligo.The search was sparked on Saturday, January 17, when emergency services, including officers from the Central West Police District, the Rural Fire Service, and NSW Ambulance, were called to the Lake Street boat ramp at approximately 3:00 PM.Witnesses reported that a 41-year-old man fell from his paddleboard and failed to resurface. While search crews have successfully recovered the paddleboard, the man has not yet been located.Local authorities are coordinating extensively to cover both the water and the surrounding shoreline. Residents in the neighbouring LGAs who may have been visiting the lake over the weekend are encouraged to assist police with any relevant sightings.The search remains a recovery and rescue operation. Authorities are urging anyone with information, or anyone who may have been at the Lake Street boat ramp around the time of the incident, to come forward.Contact: Central West Police DistrictCrime Stoppers: 1800 333 000

The Menindee Lakes system is often described as the beating heart of the Darling-Baaka river system, but in the halls of Canberra and Sydney, it is also a vital "battery" for the Murray-Darling Basin. As we move into 2026, the lakes find themselves at the centre of a major policy shift - the "rescoping" of a controversial water-saving project that has pitted engineering efficiency against cultural survival.The System: A Natural Network Re-EngineeredThe Menindee Lakes consist of seven main lakes, four of which (Wetherell, Pamamaroo, Menindee, and Cawndilla) were heavily modified in the 1960s with weirs and regulators. This allows them to store over 1,730 GL of water -more than three times the volume of Sydney Harbour.Under the 640/480 Rule, once the lakes hold more than 640 GL, control shifts to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) to supply downstream users in South Australia and the Murray. When they drop below 480 GL, control returns to NSW to manage local town water and irrigation.The 2026 Rescope: Why the Plan ChangedThe original Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDLAM) project aimed to save 106 GL of water annually by reducing evaporation, essentially by keeping the lakes "smaller and deeper." Locals and First Nations groups called this "draining the lakes."Following the 2023 mass fish kills and sustained community pressure, the project has been rescoped.4 In early 2026, the "concrete-heavy" engineering solutions have been sidelined in favour of:• Water Quality Infrastructure: Automated oxygenation and monitoring to prevent future fish deaths.• Operational Flexibility: Re-evaluating the 640/480 triggers to keep more water in the lakes for longer during dry spells.• Cultural Restoration: Moving away from decommissioned lakes and toward managing the system as a single, living cultural landscape.Latest Storage Levels (January 2026)As of the second week of January 2026, the system is sitting at approximately 58% capacity (999 GL). Here is how the individual lakes are currently being managed:LakeStorage (Approx)Operational Status (Jan 2026)Lake Wetherell~190 GLReleasing. Contributing ~750 ML/day to maintain base flows.Lake Pamamaroo~270 GLHolding. Being preserved as a "high-quality" reserve for local supply.Lake Menindee~380 GLActive Release. The primary source for downstream demands (~2,700 ML/day).Lake Cawndilla~150 GLStatic. This lake is often the first to be "isolated" due to its high evaporation rate.The MDBA is currently drawing heavily from Lake Menindee to meet Murray demands while trying to keep Pamamaroo and Wetherell as full as possible. This stratified release strategy is designed to ensure that if the northern inflows dry up, the community still has a reliable upper pool of water.The Voices: First Nations and Politics"We aren't just stakeholders; we are the owners," says a spokesperson from the Barkandji Native Title Group.They are pushing for the lakes to receive Ramsar Wetland status in 2026, which would provide international legal protection against further efficiency drains.Independent for Murray Helen Dalton MP has labelled the rescope a "victory for common sense" but warns that the government is still trying to find "phantom water" to satisfy the 450 GL Basin Plan target.Member for Farrer and leader of the opposition Sussan Ley MP maintains that while the original project was flawed, "some form of infrastructure upgrade" is necessary to stop the lakes from becoming stagnant pools that kill fish every three years.Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP is focused on the Town Water Security aspect, pushing for the Menindee-to-Broken Hill pipeline to be utilised more effectively to allow the lakes to be managed for ecology, not just as a pipe for Broken Hill.

Long-awaited relief for slow internet speeds is on the horizon for Balranald residents as NBN Co prepares to kick off a major fibre upgrade program across the township.In ShortThe Timeline: Construction begins Monday, 19 January, and is slated for completion by 30 June 2026.The Technology: Crews will use "lawn-friendly" directional drilling to install FTTP (Fibre to the Premises), minimizing property disruption.The Benefit: Eligible residents can expect a massive speed boost, with some plans jumping from 100 Mbps to 500 Mbps+.Starting tomorrow, Monday, 19 January, contractors will begin civil construction works to transition the local network to full fibre. The project, which is expected to run until approximately 30 June 2026, aims to provide more reliable and significantly faster broadband for homes and businesses.Beating the HeatLocal crews are planning to make the most of the cooler morning hours to combat the summer sun. Residents may notice NBN teams onsite as early as 6am for setup, though the use of heavy machinery—including directional drills, excavators, and Vac trucks—will be kept to a minimum until after 7:00 am.NBN Co has indicated that the majority of the work will involve directional drilling. This method is designed to be "lawn-friendly," allowing teams to install the new infrastructure underground while avoiding the need to dig up front yards.What to Expect in Your StreetAs the rollout moves through Balranald, contractors will also be upgrading and installing new Telstra/NBN pits. This process will include the safe removal of existing asbestos from older pits to make way for the modern upgrades.While the works are underway, the community is asked to remain alert. Field Supervisor Adrian Saboisky has urged residents to exercise caution when driving or walking near work zones and to be mindful of contractors working in the street.Is Your Home Ready?Once the physical infrastructure is in place, many Balranald residents will have the opportunity to upgrade to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). Depending on your current connection, this could mean an increase in typical speeds - with some qualifying plans jumping from 100 Mbps to as much as 500 Mbps or more.NBN Co says shift to full fibre is expected to support:• Smoother Streaming: High-quality video with less buffering.• Better Working from Home: More reliable cloud access and fewer drop-outs during video calls.• Multi-Device Households: Stable speeds even when everyone is online at once.For those with specific questions regarding the construction near their property, NBN Field Supervisor Adrian Saboisky can be reached on 0409 948 867.

The Carrathool Shire Council has officially unveiled the nominees for the upcoming 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating the individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond for their community.In ShortGuest of Honour: Paralympic gold medalist Sam Bramham OAM will serve as the 2026 Ambassador, sharing a message of resilience.Top Honours: Finalists have been announced across Citizenship, Sport, and Community categories, honouring local icons like Nadia Clark, Pam Vagg, and John McKeon.Event Details: Celebrations kick off at 11:00 am on Monday, 26 January at Rankins Springs Community Group Hall, featuring a free lunch and kids' activities.The official ceremony is set to take place at the Rankins Springs Community Group Hall on Monday, 26 January. This year's event will feature Paralympic gold medalist Sam Bramham OAM as the Australia Day Ambassador, bringing a message of resilience and "turning disability into ability."Excellence in CitizenshipThe prestigious Citizen of the Year category sees three dedicated community members in the running: Nadia Clark, Pam Vagg, and John McKeon. Their contributions span various facets of shire life, embodying the spirit of local service.In the Young Citizen of the Year (under 18) category, the shire’s future looks bright with nominees Harper Dickinson, Johlee Masters, and Thelma Kaudani recognized for their leadership and initiative.Sporting StarsThe Sportsperson categories are particularly competitive this year, highlighting the shire's diverse athletic talent across all age groups.Sportsperson of the Year (18+): Andrew Streat, Nathan Cahill, Damian Walker, and Jamie Parsons.Junior Sportsperson (12-18 yrs): Hayley Felton, Blake Blight, Eli Williams, and Natasha Peters.Junior Sportsperson (5-12 yrs): Brooklyn Smith, Reagan Liddicoat, and Nora Semrani.Junior Sports Group (5-12 yrs): The Hillston Swans Under 11’s and the Small Schools Cricket Team are both vying for the title.Strengthening the CommunityThe awards also recognize the events and organizations that bring the region together. Nominated for Community Event of the Year are Goolgowi Centenary Ball, Hillston Hogs Long White Lunch, Hillston BCAF.Meanwhile, the Hillston Bluebirds, Hillston Creative Arts Council, and the Hillston Hogs Long White Lunch Committee are the finalists for Community Group of the Year.Celebration DetailsThe community is invited to attend the celebrations starting at 11:00 am on Australia Day. Following the awards presentation, a free luncheon will be provided by the Hall Committee, and kids can enjoy a jumping castle.

The hamlet of Rankins Springs has nominated 11 worthy community members and organisations for the town's annual Australia Day Community Awards.The award will be presented at the Carrathool Shire Awards held at the Rankins Springs Hall, on January 26th starting 11am.Belinda Botes, Conapaira Hotel's Jonathon Streat and Nicola Northey, Andrea Finch, Julie Groat, Tilly Heath, Joshua Jonson, Brent Parsons, Rankins Springs CWA, Andrew Streat, Damien Waker and Zoe Walker have all received nominations.Those planning to attend the award announcement should contact Carrathool Shire, as they need numbers for catering purposes.

The Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, has issued a scathing rebuke of the Minns Government’s latest firearm reforms, labelling the move a “betrayal” of regional NSW and a lazy response to urban security failures.In ShortRegional Betrayal: Roy Butler labels the 2025 firearm reforms a "knee-jerk" reaction to the Bondi terror attack, arguing law-abiding owners are being unfairly scapegoated for intelligence failures.Administrative Crisis: New laws slashing license durations from five years to two are predicted to cause a "train wreck" backlog within the NSW Firearms Registry.Zero Consultation: The Independent MP claims the government bypassed industry experts and rural stakeholders to "bulldoze" the legislation through Parliament without an inquiry.The Independent MP - a former executive of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) - has emerged as the primary political roadblock to the 2025 reforms, which were rushed through Parliament in the final sitting weeks of the year following the Bondi terror attack.Butler’s central criticism is that the government is punishing the state’s 260,000 law-abiding firearm owners for an act of terrorism they had no part in.“This is a classic case of a Sydney-centric government looking for a scapegoat,” Butler said during a heated debate in the Legislative Assembly. He argued that the Bondi attack was a failure of radicalisation monitoring and intelligence, not a failure of the state’s existing, world-class firearm regulations.“You don’t solve a terrorism problem by making life harder for a farmer in Brewarrina or a sport shooter in Broken Hill,” Butler stated.The new laws include a controversial reduction in license durations, moving from a five-year term to just two years. Butler warns this will create a logistical "train wreck" for both owners and the NSW Police Force.Butler claims the Firearms Registry is already struggling with backlogs. Doubling the frequency of renewals will "drown the system in red tape."He remains a vocal critic of broad definitions regarding "firearm precursors," fearing that common tools in farm sheds could be used to criminalize innocent primary producers.Butler fought unsuccessfully against the new limits on firearm ownership, arguing that the cap of 10 firearms for primary producers ignores the practical realities of pest management on large-scale properties.Butler’s frustration also stems from what he calls a "total lack of consultation." He noted that despite the massive impact on regional communities, the government bypassed the Firearms Consultative Council and refused to split the Bill to allow for a parliamentary inquiry.“The government bulldozed this through before Christmas to get a headline,” Butler said. “They didn’t talk to NSW Farmers, they didn’t talk to the industry, and they certainly didn't listen to the people of Barwon.”

The coronial inquest into the death of Paul Harris, a 43-year-old Indigenous man and father of five, concluded this week. In ShortMissed Diagnoses: Paul Harris died from an undiagnosed blood clot and Q Fever; doctors at Hay Hospital were found to have "tunnel vision," treating him only for pneumonia.Systemic Failure: The Coroner ruled that a vital transfer to Griffith for specialized scanning should have occurred, which likely would have detected the fatal clot.Call for Reform: Recommendations include mandatory staff training to bridge the communication gap between small rural facilities and regional hospitals to prevent future tragedies.Deputy State Coroner Rebecca Hosking delivered the findings at the Lidcombe Coroners Court in New South Wales.The inquest focused on the medical care Mr. Harris received at Hay District Hospital in the NSW Riverina region prior to his death on October 17, 2019.Key Findings of the InquestThe Coroner's findings highlighted several critical failures in the medical management of Mr. Harris’s condition.Mr. Harris died from a blood clot in his lungs (pulmonary embolism) and Q fever (a bacterial infection typically spread from livestock). Both conditions went undiagnosed during his time at the rural hospital.The Coroner found that Mr. Harris should have been transferred from the small facility at Hay to a larger hospital in Griffith for a specialized scan (CT angiogram). This scan would likely have detected the blood clot.Doctors at Hay Hospital treated Mr. Harris for community-acquired pneumonia. Expert evidence suggested they acted on "most likely" scenarios rather than escalating care to rule out more serious, life-threatening conditions when he failed to improve.Given his work at a kangaroo meat processing plant, the Coroner noted that his high risk for Q fever should have been identified much earlier.While the Coroner was unable to definitively rule whether earlier detection of the clot would have saved Mr. Harris's life, several recommendations were made to prevent similar tragedies, including staff training.A recommendation was made for the Murrumbidgee Local Health District to provide training to strengthen relationships and communication between small rural hospitals and larger regional facilities.When delivering her findings, the Coroner acknowledged the "enduring trauma" caused to the family by the six-year delay in reaching an inquest. She described Mr. Harris as a "big personality" and a "larrikin" whose presence is deeply missed.Q fever is a highly infectious bacterial disease caused by the organism Coxiella burnetii. In Australia, it is primarily a "zoonotic" disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. While it is most commonly associated with livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats, it is also frequently found in native wildlife such as kangaroos and bandicoots. The bacteria are incredibly hardy; they can survive for years in soil or dust and are resistant to many common disinfectants. Because the infectious dose is extremely low - inhaling just a few organisms can cause illness - it is considered one of the most infectious diseases in the world.Transmission typically occurs when people breathe in contaminated dust or aerosols containing the bacteria, which are shed in high concentrations in the birth products, milk, urine, and faeces of infected animals. This makes people in rural occupations - such as abattoir workers, farmers, shearers, and kangaroo processors - particularly vulnerable. Once infected, a person may experience severe flu-like symptoms, including high fevers, "drenching" sweats, and intense headaches. While many recover with antibiotics, some develop chronic Q fever, which can lead to life-threatening complications like pneumonia, hepatitis, or inflammation of the heart valves (endocarditis).In Australia, the Q fever vaccine (Q-VAX) is not just a medical recommendation; it is a workplace health and safety (WHS) requirement for anyone entering high-risk environments, particularly in the meat and livestock industries.1. Mandatory Pre-ScreeningThe most unique aspect of the Q fever vaccine is that you cannot be vaccinated until you undergo a rigorous two-part screening process. This is because people who have had the disease previously (even if they didn't know it) can suffer a severe, dangerous reaction if they receive the vaccine.Step 1: A detailed medical history and a blood test to check for existing antibodies.Step 2: A skin test (similar to a TB test) to check for cellular immunity.Waiting Period: You must return to the doctor exactly 7 days later to have the skin test read. Only if both the blood and skin tests are negative can the vaccine be administered.2. Workplace Entry and The "15-Day Rule"Under WHS legislation in states like NSW and Victoria, employers are responsible for ensuring workers are protected.Immunity Lead Time: It takes approximately 15 days after the injection for immunity to develop.Access Restricted: Many abattoirs and meat processing plants will refuse entry to high-risk areas (like the "kill floor" or rendering sections) until 15 days have passed since the vaccination.PPE Requirements: If a worker must enter a high-risk area before they are immune, they are typically required to wear a fit-tested P2 respirator mask and full protective clothing.3. The Australian Q Fever RegisterBecause the vaccine is usually a "one-and-done" (no boosters required), Australia maintains the Australian Q Fever Register.Purpose: This is a centralized database that stores the immunity status of workers.Employment: When applying for a job in the meat industry, employers will check this register. If you are on it, you don't need to be re-tested or re-vaccinated.Documentation: Once registered, workers receive a "Q Fever Card" which acts as their "passport" for employment in rural and agricultural sectors.4. Who Must Get It?While abattoir workers are the most commonly cited group, the requirement extends to:Kangaroo shooters and processors Livestock transporters and shearers.Veterinarians and agricultural students.Contractors (plumbers, electricians, or cleaners) who perform work on-site at meat processing facilities.

Central Darling Shire is looking forward to welcoming one of the world’s elite adventurers to White Cliffs for the 2026 Australia Day celebrations.In Short• World-Class Guest: Andrew Lock OAM, the first person in the British Commonwealth to summit all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, is the official 2026 Australia Day Ambassador for the Shire.• Heroic Pedigree: Beyond mountaineering, Lock is a recipient of the Commendation for Bravery and the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal for his rescue efforts on Everest and in Nepal.• Community Events: Residents of White Cliffs will have the rare opportunity to hear Lock speak on resilience, leadership, and his experiences in the "death zone."Andrew Lock OAM is Australia’s most accomplished high-altitude mountaineer. He is the only Australian - and the first person in the entire British Commonwealth - to climb all fourteen of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks, including Mount Everest twice. This extraordinary achievement places him among a select group of just eighteen people globally who have completed this feat.His climbs have taken him to the most dangerous environments on earth, where he has faced avalanches, extreme cold and life-or-death decisions. In 2004, while filming for the Discovery Channel’s Ultimate Survival: Everest, Andrew risked his own life to rescue three climbers near the summit, an act that earned him a Commendation for Bravery. In 2010, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to mountaineering. He was also awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal for emergency response servicecarried out in Nepal immediately following the 2015 Nepal earthquake in which 10000 people perished.Beyond the mountains, Andrew is a sought-after motivational speaker and leadership consultant, translating lessons from the “death zone” into strategies for resilience, teamwork and risk management. He has authored acclaimed books, including Summit 8000 andMaster of Thin Air, and regularly appears in media and documentaries.His challenge and leadership expertise isn’t limited to high altitude, however. He has led multiple scientific research expeditions to Australia’s most remote Antarctic territory, including Heard Island, sailed yachts to Antarctica and back again, led small teams across the Arctic in the depths of winter, won his division in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race andmotorbiked through the Wakhan Corridor and other remote areas of Central Asia. He has also led national security operations and crisis management teams, reflecting his ability to perform under pressure in the harshest conditions."Central Darling Shire Council would like to acknowledge and thank the Australia Day Council of NSW," a spokesperson said. "The Australia Day Ambassadors program has made it possible for Andrew to visit White Cliffs for Australia Day in 2026. This program sees inspirational Australians from a variety of backgrounds invited each year to speak, about what it truly means to be Australian, at community events across NSW."Information about Australia Day events in the Shire will be available on the Council website.

Fake bank notes have been discovered across the region over the busy holiday period, prompting banks to issue warnings to small businesses and consumers. In Short• Local Outbreak: Fake banknotes were successfully used at several retail outlets in Hay during the busy holiday period, leaving businesses with financial losses.• The "Scrunch" Test: Genuine Australian polymer notes should spring back to their original shape immediately after being squeezed; if it stays crumpled or feels like paper, it is likely fake.• Advanced Features: Check the "Next Generation" clear strip - the wings of the bird should move and change colour when tilted.Back Country Bulletin has received reports that notes have been used in regional towns, leaving several retail outlets short at the till. While Australian banknotes are some of the most sophisticated in the world, the Reserve Bank reminds everyone to remain vigilant against counterfeit currency. A ‘fake’ might look the part at a glance, but the differences are stark. Unlike many overseas currencies, Australian notes are printed on a specialised polymer. This plastic material gives them a distinct feel that is difficult to replicate. A simple way to verify a note is the scrunch test - a genuine banknote should spring back instantly to its original shape when released. If the material stays crumpled, feels like thick paper, or tears easily along the edges, it is likely a counterfeit. The clear window should be a seamless part of the note rather than a separate piece of plastic taped or glued on. On older series notes, you should rub your finger over the white image in the window to ensure the ink does not scratch off. You should also be able to feel a small, raised embossed number corresponding to the note's value. On the latest notes – the Next Generation series - which features a clear strip from top to bottom, look for the flying bird. When you tilt the note, the bird’s wings should move and change colour. These newer notes also include a prominent patch on the opposite side that displays a rolling bar of colour moving up and down as the note is tilted. Holding a note up to a steady light source reveals hidden layers of security - a diamond-shaped pattern on both sides that aligns perfectly to form a seven-pointed star inside a circle. Additionally, a faint shadow image of the Australian Coat of Arms should become visible within the plastic itself. Genuine notes also feature ‘Intaglio’ print, which is a raised dark ink that can be felt by running your fingernail across the portraits or the large numerals. While it is not an offence to accept a counterfeit note, a business will find themselves out of pocket. All fake or suspect notes should be placed in an envelope to retain evidence, and be reported to Police immediately.

His descendants walked from Brisbane to Booligal with a baby in a pram. A long, and hard journey which took three years, and saw the birth of a second baby along the way. A farm boy from birth, he has had his fair share of trials and tribulations related to the hardships isolat ed living can bring. Neville Eade is a face that most would recognise, enjoying a happy quiet life, with his only daughter Amelia just across the road. Sharing nightly dinners with her, his grandson Christian working at IGA, and Kyesha with two lovely children of her own. There is so much behind a face. Neville has a wide and winding family tree, the Eade family being a fixture in the district for nearly two centuries. As was very common in his time, Neville did not receive much of an education, a year of high school marking the conclusion of his education. “I left school to go to work on the family farm, Green Tree Farm,” Neville said. “It was 1000 acres across river country, and always had about 500 breeding ewes. Some of it was leased country.” Neville always worked on the farm, although at times there was not enough work with the sheep. His father had various mail runs, including Gunbar, Barnes Place near Jerilderie and West Burrabogie. Neville would often accompany his father on these runs. He also ran the garbage cart, and the night soil collections. Most of the toilets used to be located at the back of the properties, easily accessible from the lanes. On the odd occasion, there would be some not so accessible. There would be boxes at the back of the toilet room, where some would lift out and some did not. On the odd occasion, someone would accidentally leave a dog loose, and Neville’s father would be chased, throwing the pan in his haste to outrun the dog. His brother Colin, had a bad accident at the age of 16. They were in the paddock cutting burrs, and their cousin was staying with them at the time, along with his friend. “They began walking out through the paddock to come and see us, and they stopped at the car, spying the rifle in there, and took it out to play with it. “Geoff, one of my brothers became angry and told them to put it back, it was not a toy. “Next thing we knew, we could hear shots. They had accidentally shot Geoff, and narrowly missed his heart, and hit his spine. He very nearly died.” Out in the bush, they knew that time was of the essence, so they picked him up and laid him in the back of the ute, and drove to Hay Hospital. “We raced right past Dad, but did not have the time to stop and tell him what had happened, but he turned around and followed us,” Neville recalled. He was rushed from there to Melbourne, and spent considerable time in hospital, and then rehabilita tion. It was there that he met Martha, his future wife. In 1970, Neville suffered a terrible accident. which proved close to nearly taking his leg com pletely. To this day, his left leg is a good inch shorter than the right, and he constructs his own lifts onto his left shoes. Neville was a kangaroo shooter for over 25 years. This is something he enjoyed doing for a living. He had his own chillers for the carcasses. “People would ask what happened to my leg,” Neville said. “I would tell them that the rest of it was left out in the paddock.” He was working for Bill Baird at the time, who had the property adjoining his family property. “I would always grease up the machine before starting work,” Neville said. “I had a box that I would put on the slasher that would carry the grease gun, and the pump. “I forgot to put the grease gun in the box, and when I hopped off to pick it up, my foot went under, and then pulled my leg under. “It was a seven-foot cut slasher. “My ute was parked a good 50 feet away, and I crawled over to it. “My mind was reeling, thinking how I was going to keep going, and get to help. “It was a manual ute. I pulled myself up on one leg, so much going through my mind. “I resolved to use my good foot to put the clutch in, and bend down, and use my right hand to push the accelerator. “First gear was good enough, I was moving. When I got into Hay Hospital, the doctor there could not do much for me, he put the leg in a half cast and sent me straight to Wagga. “They pulled pieces of bone out and put it back together. “I spent 10 weeks in traction, basically. There was a foot lock at the end of the bed. “Then the doctor would come to see me, the spe cialist, and told me I could go home for six weeks.” Neville did indeed go home, in a plaster for six weeks’ convalescence. His return heralded bone grafts, and putting the pieces back together, joining the fibula and tibia together with screws, and other interventions. He was allowed to go home for a further eight weeks after this, and then returned for bone grafts. Bed rest for six weeks at the hospital followed, with another return home for six weeks. This cycle continued for some time, with Neville returning for skin grafts, and wearing big army boots on doctors’ orders that came up over his shins. When asked how he dealt with that long road to recovery, he said that he just went with the flow, accepted it, and took things as they came. The hospital ward where he stayed had two patients to a room, and he was in a room with anoth er man who had metal all through his leg. “One night, three nurses were walking past, the other fellow grabbed one of the nurse’s hats, and threw it over to me. He was blocking her way, so she could not get directly past and over to me to retrieve her hat. “She then decided that she would get down on her hand and knees, crawl under the bed, and out of his way. At that unfortunate time, the sister in charge of the ward appeared, and sternly directed the nurse to her office. “Luckily, she must not have gotten into much trouble, as she appeared again the next day. “The specialist commented the next day that ‘us boys must have been playing up last night,’ and laughed. “The sister was not a bad old stick. She caught a patient smoking and threatened that if anyone gave him another cigarette that she would remove all the smokes from the ward.” Neville also recalled with a chuckle having a nightly drink in the ward. “Cyril Weeks, who used to be manager at Hay Services Club for a time back in the day, and then was manager of another in the area at the time I was in hospital, would bring me two longnecks every night. “I would sit with Cyril behind the curtain that divided the room, and enjoy the beer. He would then take home the empties with him. His daughter would come and see me daily, also. They were a very good family.” It was during this time, the blurry time of travel ling for medical interventions, and then coming home for six weeks, that his father tragically passed from a heart attack, at the age of 61. It was a solid 18 months before Neville could stand comfortably on his leg. One time when he travelled home for convales cence, he was laid up in bed, his father suffered a heart attack. The people staying with the family at the time, and Neville’s brother bundled him into the car, but alas he passed before he reached Hay Hospital. They only told Neville what had transpired once they returned home. “I was determined to get out there and make the crosses for the cemetery,” Neville recalled. “I had a lot of help.” Once Neville had finally reached the end of his long bouts in hospital, he knew he had put on a fair bit of weight, understandably. So, after brainstorming what to do next, he settled on rabbit shooting. Beginning this new career path in 1976, he concluded shooting in 1990. He prided himself on his affinity for the task, working professionally, safe ly, and averaging 100 rabbits per night. He could manage this task by 12 am to 1am. “Sometimes I would have a young man that I would hire to come and pick up the rabbits. “I was good to him, pulling up just on the left hand side of the rabbit, and he would just get out, and not have far to go. I enjoyed teaching him the aspects of the job; using guns respon sibly, safety, how to pick rabbits up correctly. “It is never advisable to pick the rabbit up by the leg, it could still be kicking and a person would get blood all over them. “Picking it up by the skin on the back is the better method.” Neville started duck shooting on rice properties, from 2002 to 2011, which he also enjoyed. His emotion when talking about his beloved mother, Annie Parsons, is palpable. “She was a lovely person,” he said. “I still have pictures of her all over the house, my favourite being one that she had taken with Santa Claus. “I was happily devoted to her, doing all the jobs she needed done, and tak ing her away whenever she asked. She was not too far off 100 when she passed away.” He said that he has lived a good life, one for which he is thankful. “My daughter Amelia, lives just over the road, and looks after me. “I go there for dinner nightly. It is really good to have family close by. “Life is funny, I only had one child, my mother’s sister had 21 children, and my father was one of 17 children, and I was one of 10.” Ruth and John Eade settled in Tooragany Creek, Booligal, after arriving in Australia in 1815. Their son George put together the funds to sponsor his parents to come to Australia. One of the babies who made the trek with George and Mary-Ann from Brisbane to Booligal, George Jnr had sadly passed away by this time. Ruth, Mary-Ann, and other family members were all laid to rest at Tooragany once they passed. The mind boggles at travelling from Brisbane to Booligal on foot, with a baby in a pram. John, who was blind, had bought a mare somewhere along the way, and it gave birth to a foal. The foal died, so the couple, accli matised to the times and making do with what they had, used the mare’s milk to feed the baby. Once they made their settlement in Booligal, at Tooragany, George would leave for extended periods, pursuing employment to keep food on the table for his family. While he was away, Mary-Ann had a legitimate fear of wild pigs, animals that were plentiful in the area, and voracious. She sourced a large box which she would stow away in the fork of a tree, where she would hide baby George and John Thomas, and climb in her self. They would often stay there until George or another person would come and scare the pigs away. George proceeded to construct a fence out of twigs for safety. He placed the twigs close together, and in between he fixed post and rails top and bottom to hold everything together. Even after her child died, Mary-Ann steadfastly did everything she could to keep the family going, carrying on with life. Cooking for her family on an open fire, battling the elements such as extreme heat with no luxury appli ances or indeed, anything at all to pro vide respite from the dangerous weather conditions. George had built a makeshift house with bark walls and lignum thatched roof. Earth floors and kangaroo skins serving as mats. This harsh land and start the pair forged together paved the way for gen erations of family to live on that land. The life and family chronicles of the Eade family is one of the most fasci nating rabbit holes to fall into. A taste of the harsh and unrelenting life of settlers in Early Australia, and how they forged on and thrived into one of the oldest and most well known families in the district. The strength and perseverance clearly lives on, clearly seen once given a glimpse into the highs and lows of the life of Hay man, Neville Eade.

It’s a simple cross of nails mounted on a small wooden plaque. But the story behind the cross and how it came to be a powerful symbol of peace and reconciliation after the Second World War is a poignant one. The cross is believed to be a Coventry Cross of Nails, made from nails salvaged from Coventry Cathedral in England after it was destroyed by German bombing in November 1940. It was discovered at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Hay, NSW, and gifted to the Australian War Memorial recently by the Anglican Diocese of Riverina at a service at St Alban’s Cathedral in Griffith. Emily Hyles, an assistant curator at the Memorial, said it was extremely rare to find a Coventry Cross of Nails in Australia, and the only other known example is at St David’s Cathedral in Hobart. “This is something exceptional, a truly significant object,” Hyles said. “Until last year only one Cross of Nails was known to exist in Australia. I went to Griffith in July last year to see another war relic in the church. "This was part of the portico from St Paul’s Cathedral, London, which was damaged during the Blitz – when very unexpectedly, Reverend Dean Rob Harris brought out a Coventry Cross of Nails that had originally come from St Paul’s, Hay, and asked me if I knew what it was.” At 7.20 on the evening of 14 November 1940, the first wave of more than 400 German bombers appeared over the industrial city of Coventry as part of Operation Moonlight Sonata. Over the next 11 hours, more than 500 people were killed; three-quarters of the buildings in the city centre were obliter ated; a third of the factories flattened; and more than half of all homes were destroyed. In the medieval heart of the city, the 500-year-old cathedral was left in ruins; only the outer shell of the walls and the tower remained standing. “The raid on Coventry was the most concentrated attack on any British city till then,” Hyles said. “The first wave of German bombers dropped thousands of magnesium and petroleum incendiary bombs, setting the city alight. Hundreds of fires burnt across the city, and at around eight o’clock, Coventry Cathedral began to burn. Volunteer fire fighters managed to put out the flames, but direct hits followed and the fire quickly spread out of control. “Then at 9.30 pm, 500 tonnes of high explosive bombs were dropped, flattening buildings and cratering roads. Gas and water mains, the electricity supply, houses, buildings and factories were destroyed. “The scale of destruction was awesome.” The raid continued into the morning of 15 November, and the Luftwaffe was so pleased with the huge scale of destruc tion that it coined a new verb, ‘to Coventrate’: meaning to reduce a city to rubble, almost obliterating it by air through concentrated bombing. “It was a perfectly planned and executed attack designed to cause maximum devastation,” Hyles said. “The operation went so well the Luftwaffe had time to film the attack; and not a single German bomber was shot down.” In the days that followed, two powerful symbols emerged from the ruined cathedral. Two charred roof beams had fallen in the shape of a cross, and the cathedral’s stone mason bound them together and placed them where the altar had been. A local priest then took three of the long medieval nails that had held the roof together and fashioned them into what was to become the original Cross of Nails. After the war, crosses made from the iron nails, known as roof spikes, were gifted to churches and organisations around the world as a symbol of destruction and forgiveness. These became known as the Coventry Crosses of Nails, a potent sign of friendship and hope in the postwar years. How a Coventry Cross came to be in the small NSW town of Hay is unknown, but it is believed to relate to the service of the Reverend James Hardingham. Hardingham enlisted in the AIF in December 1914 and landed on Gallipoli with the 7th Battalion on 25 April 1915. He was shot through the lower leg two weeks later and treat ed at Malta before returning to the peninsula two months later. In the heat of the August offensive, he suffered deaf ness and enteric fever, and was sent to hospital in Alexandria. Invalided to Australia in late 1915, Hardingham recovered at St John’s Theological College in Melbourne and was ordained as an Anglican priest two years later. He took appointments at Beaudesert, Port Pirie, Adelaide, and became the Archdeacon at Hay in 1940. The following year he enlisted for service again and was appointed as an Army chaplain. He remained at Hay for the duration of the war, ministering to both the town population and the internees at the Hay prisoner-of-war camp. “I feel certain Hardingham had an affinity with those pris oners,” Hyles said. “His own son Malcolm had enlisted in the army in July 1940 and was appointed as a driver in the 8th Division Ammunition Sub Park, responsible for the transport of ammunition to each division. “Malcolm Hardingham was captured by the Japanese at the fall of Singapore, taken prisoner, and died a wretched death slaving on the infamous Thai–Burma railway. He was 22.” At Hay, Reverend Hardingham commissioned local Italian prisoners to make six ornate wooden candlesticks for his church. Hyles believes it is likely that Hardingham acquired the Coventry Cross after the war as a symbol of destruction and absolution. “Reverend James Hardingham believed in God and in Empire, and clearly in forgiveness,” she said. Hardingham died in February 1962, and is buried in the crypt in the Warrior Chapel of St Margaret’s, Mildura. The words on his tomb read ‘Here Lies an Anzac’ with a rising sun, his name, rank and battalion. The Cross of Nails was rediscovered when St Paul’s, Hay, was deconsecrated in 2020, and its furnishings were rehoused at churches and museums in NSW. The cross was sent to St Alban’s Cathedral, Griffith, the mother church of the diocese, and is now part of the National Collection at the Australian War Memorial. “This is a truly significant object,” Hyles said. “It tells a powerful story in both a global and a very local context. It spans two world wars and is a small but powerful example of the depths of human behaviour and what man is capable of. “It not only speaks to the intensity of destruction on that night in November 1940, but it also tells the story of post war reconciliation by civilians deeply affected by war. “It will assist our visitors to remember, interpret and understand our experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.” Story by Clare Hunter, orginally published May 17, 2021, on the Australian War Memorial website.

Chaffey's Corner with Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey MP"It’s 2026 and we are all approaching the new year a little older and hopefully a little wiser than before.Last year brought with it a horrifying event as we headed into Christmas. The terrorist attack at Bondi Beach shocked Australians and put the spotlight on the rise of antisemitism in our country.While two gunmen with hatred in their hearts held the weapons, it is people across Australia, particularly in the largely rural and remote electorate of Parkes, that will pay the price.New gun laws passed by the NSW Labor Government are an attempt to divert attention or discussion from the reality that what we are dealing with here primarily is antisemitism. These men would have found some way to carry out this heinous act.There is no place for such hatred in our community. Antisemitism and violent Islamic extremism must be confronted: there is no room to be weak on this issue, and we cannot allow this to grow.So many Australians have now called for answers through a Commonwealth Royal Commission into antisemitism. Business leaders, Jewish community leaders, former AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty, organisations such as the Minerals Council, Former Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, sporting personalities and, most importantly, the families of many of the victims have all sent a plea to the Prime Minister for a good, hard look at how this could have happened. And we need to know it is not going to happen again.I will continue to lend my voices to those who have had enough of hatred and intolerance in our country. Fifteen innocent people died and that is fifteen too many. A Royal Commission into antisemitism is a positive step towards putting an end to this threat to freedom and safety.In the interim, Labor Governments have turned their attention towards guns and not the people pointing them, a sleight of hand directing us away from the ever-escalating cost of living and other issues such as extravagant spending on travel.I will be continuing to monitor developments in this space and hold the current Federal Government accountable for the way they have responded and continue to respond to this tragedy and the rise of antisemitism in our great nation.As we address the terrible impact of this attack, there is always hope in the everyday events that make up our lives.Above: Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey with Elvises and Priscilla at the launch of the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival late last year.This week, I am attending the Parkes Elvis Festival, recognised as one of the top three festivals and events in Australia. Parkes has really developed a great festival that attracts people from around the country and around the world to celebrate their shared love of Elvis and the rock and roll era.I’m looking forward to it.Australia Day is also coming up, with events and celebrations planned across the Parkes electorate. This year, I’m planning to be in Coonamble for Australia Day, but I know that in towns from Narrabri to Lightning Ridge, and Broken Hill to Forbes, people will be showing just how proud they are to be Australian."