I was recently lucky enough to sit down with a trio of inspiring women; Alice Watts from Links for Women, Madeleine Rossiter, Links for Women/Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) Manager, and Ann Jones who covers Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services. These women often have multiple clients they are supporting, each with their own complex tandem issues, including mental health, culture, religion, and other complex issues. These various compounding issues can truly impact on the decision to leave, and they are often supporting women who have not yet made the choice. When asked how they continue and survive in a role which most would find emotionally draining and difficult to navigate, the trio agreed it was all about self-care. “You have to take care of yourself,” they said. “Be good to yourself; go to the gym, have a glass of wine at the end of the day, whatever it means for you,” they said. “We also are a big support for each other, with the office being a space where we can debrief and support each other, a non-judgmental space.” The three colleagues agree the system works hard for victims and survivors, but the court process and outcomes are not consistent. “The police do their jobs, but the court process is wanting,” Ms Jones said. “Magistrates really need external domestic violence training and trauma informed responses for the victims.” Linking Communities Network (which is the umbrella in which the different programs these women cover sit under) has a no wrong door approach to their services. Clients can come to LCN through any of justice system right away, there are so many ways we can help.” their services and programs for support. If they can’t directly assist someone, they will direct them to another service. LCN services the entire Western Murrumbidgee District including Griffith, Darlington Point, Leeton, Narrandera, Coleambally, Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, Ardlethan, Barellan and West Wyalong. Their services include Early Intervention and Prevention, Rapid Rehousing Response, Crisis and Transitional Response, Intensive Support and Complex Trauma Response, Emergency Accommodation Options and Outreach Services. There have been many changes in the delivery of service over time. The Court Advocacy Service is now located in the police station, so they can hear and have access to potential people in need. Even in the last decade, services have become so much more coordinated, meaning the clients can experience a more holistic help and support. There have been cases in the past where a person has been let down so profoundly, they will not engage services again. “I have had women refuse to report it, as they fear when it goes to court it will be reported on and people will know it was them,” Ann said. “That has indeed happened in the past, where the woman was not named, but the circumstances were described in such specific detail it was known who it was.” The trio say support before a person leaves is just as important as support for those who have already fled domestic violence situations. “Knowing what to do in the lead up, steps to take and ways to prepare yourself to leave, these are important things to consider,” they said. “Even if a person does not want police or to go through the formality of going through the The Griffith Women’s Refuge is still open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even on Christmas Day. The trio agree one of the hardest obstacles faced is lack of understanding of what constitutes domestic violence. “There are so many different ways a person can be a victim of abuse,” they said. “Coercive control has seen a big rise in understanding and consequence for a perpetrator. “If you are feeling unsafe, needing to walk on eggshells, are unhappy and being made to change who you are and the way you are, then there is something wrong in a relationship.” This is another aim of the programs, to try and educate on what are healthy and unhealthy relationships. While there is an increase in the number and variety of services and resources victims can access over the years, sometimes the one size fits all approach in the delivery of these resources can prove hard. “Say it’s a $5000 payment, which is fantastic, but then there is a mum with five or six kids,’ Alice said. “Once you’re doing something such as paying $1500 in rent you need to catch up on because your partner would not pay it, or catching up in other ways, or needing to buy all new furniture and beds, it doesn’t go a long way,” Alice said. Alice will engage with local services, to see if they are aware of anyone who may need help or assistance due to domestic violence, before she quietly and discreetly offers help. “Sometimes people just aren’t aware of what is out there, and until they do they cannot get that help.” Staying Home Leaving Violence Program is for women who have left their partner, and are in stable accommodation. Madeleine Rossiter (right), Links for Women/Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) Manager, and Ann Jones who covers Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services. The program can assist with establishing a safety plan, conducting a safety audit of the property, investigating safety upgrades to maximise safety, assist with court support and advocacy, information and referrals to other services such as counselling and financial referrals. They offer support for women to continue to live free from violence. Madeleine’s grandmother was part of the women’s refuge movement for over 45 years. Her mother was also heavily involved for over 20 years, so she was part of a family of strong helpful women and was inspired to keep it going. “I love my job, I love to see women and children become safe and to help them achieve good positive outcomes,” she said. The bottom line for articles such as this is to let people know they are not alone, there are many different ways to get help. Reach out and grab help, contact Linking Communities Network to get the ball rolling.

The Back Country's history has been fundamentally shaped by climate extremes, with devastating droughts and catastrophic floods creating cycles of prosperity and disaster that influenced everything from settlement patterns to political decisions. The first major drought recorded after European settlement occurred in the early 1840s. This prolonged dry period, lasting several years, devastated the newly established pastoral industry. Stock died in massive numbers, and many squatters faced financial ruin. Some properties were abandoned entirely, their owners unable to sustain operations without reliable water. The 1864-66 drought proved even more severe. Rivers stopped flowing, waterholes dried up, and pastures turned to dust. Contemporary accounts describe horrific scenes; dead and dying sheep carpeting the ground around dried water sources, desperate stock attempting to eat bark from trees, and pastoralists shooting animals they could not sustain. This drought triggered the first serious discussion of water conservation and irrigation. Pastoralists recognised that relying entirely on natural rainfall and river flows left them vulnerable to catastrophic losses. The seeds of ideas that would eventually lead to the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area were planted during this period. The Federation Drought, lasting from 1895 to 1903, coincided with economic depression to create a period of extreme hardship. This drought, affecting most of eastern Australia, caused sheep numbers nationally to fall by more than half. The Back Country suffered severely, with some properties losing 70 to 80 per cent of their stock. The social impact was profound. Rural workers lost employment as properties destocked or closed operations. Families abandoned selections they could not sustain without water. Towns contracted as businesses failed and people left seeking work elsewhere. The drought contributed to support for Federation and government intervention in rural affairs. Between droughts, floods could be equally devastating. The Murrumbidgee River system, while generally reliable, could produce catastrophic floods. The 1870 flood inundated vast areas, destroying fences, drowning stock, and isolating communities for weeks. The 1891 flood, occurring during an already difficult period, caused severe damage throughout the riverine country. Hay experienced significant flooding, with water entering the town and forcing evacuations. Pastoral properties lost fences, infrastructure, and stock. The combination of flood damage and ongoing economic depression nearly broke some long-established pastoral operations. The 1917 flood remains one of the largest recorded on the Murrumbidgee. The river at Hay peaked at levels not seen before, inundating the town and surrounding properties. Residents evacuated to higher ground, and the main street became navigable by boat. The flood lasted weeks, causing enormous economic damage. Ironically, floods could sometimes provide drought relief. The floods deposited nutrients on floodplains, creating excellent pasture growth when waters receded. Some pastoralists regarded occasional flooding as beneficial, recognizing the fertilization effect even while acknowledging the immediate damage and inconvenience. The World War II drought, from 1937 to 1945, tested the region severely. Combined with labour shortages due to military service and restricted access to equipment and supplies due to wartime constraints, this drought created immense challenges. Some properties reduced stock to minimal breeding herds, simply trying to survive until better seasons returned. Post-war, river regulation through dams and irrigation development changed the flood-drought cycle. The Snowy Mountains Scheme, completed in the 1970s, and other water infrastructure projects stabilised Murrumbidgee River flows. Major floods became less frequent and severe, though they still occurred. However, regulation created new problems. Reduced flooding affected floodplain ecology, native fish populations, and river red gum forests that depended on periodic inundation. The environmental costs of flood mitigation became increasingly apparent through the late 20th century. The Millennium Drought, from 1997 to 2009, represented the worst sustained dry period since European settlement in many areas. This drought differed from earlier ones in occurring within a highly regulated water system. Irrigation allocations were slashed, threatening the agricultural industries that had developed in the MIA. The political and social responses to the Millennium Drought reflected changed circumstances. The Murray-Darling Basin Plan, developed partly in response to the drought, attempted to balance agricultural water use with environmental needs. This proved contentious, with irrigators, environmentalists, and different government levels disagreeing about appropriate water management. The 2010-11 floods, breaking the Millennium Drought, demonstrated that extreme events persisted despite changed water management. The Murrumbidgee flooded extensively, with Hay experiencing its highest flood levels in decades. While river regulation prevented the flood from reaching the extremes of earlier eras, significant damage still occurred. Climate change adds new uncertainty to the region's future. Climate models suggest more extreme variability, with more intense droughts punctuated by more severe flooding events. Average rainfall may decline, while extreme rainfall events become more frequent. These projections create challenges for water management, agricultural planning, and community resilience. The history of droughts and floods in the Back Country demonstrates both the vulnerability of European settlement to climatic extremes and the resilience developed through repeated exposure to these events. Communities and industries have adapted repeatedly to survive extreme conditions, though each drought or flood tests this resilience. Understanding this climatic history provides context for current debates about water management, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. The region has always experienced extremes, and managing these extremes while maintaining viable communities and industries remains the central challenge, as it has been since European settlement.

The NSW Government has formally responded to the Select Committee inquiry into PFAS contamination in the state’s waterways and drinking supplies, offering support for the majority of the committee’s findings.In Short• The NSW Government has formally supported 25 out of 32 recommendations from the PFAS inquiry, focusing on long-term "forever chemical" management.• Testing across 83 regional utilities confirms that all supplies, including those in Hay and Balranald, currently meet updated Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.• The Government "noted" rather than supported certain recommendations involving Defence sites, citing Federal responsibility for RAAF bases and Commonwealth land.Of the 32 recommendations handed down by the inquiry, the Government has supported—or supported in principle—25. The response comes at a time of heightened awareness regarding "forever chemicals" (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and their long-term impact on regional environments and public health.For communities across the Hay, Balranald, and Ivanhoe districts, where water quality is central to both domestic life and the agricultural industry, the Government’s commitment to risk-based monitoring remains a key focus.Testing conducted earlier in 2024 across 83 regional water utilities initially showed that 80 supplies met the draft guidelines. While the Government confirmed it has been working with the three utilities that exceeded those levels, it noted that those supplies currently meet the updated Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.A spokesperson for the NSW Government stated that management of the contaminant would remain a priority for regional areas.“In regional NSW, risk-based monitoring is taking place to ensure the NSW Government and local water utilities can respond promptly to ensure continued compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines,” the Government stated.“We understand the community’s concerns about PFAS, particularly in our state’s waterways; our management of PFAS is informed by the best available science and evidence. That is why we supported the NSW Chief Health Officer convening the NSW Health Expert Advisory Panel on PFAS to review the latest evidence and provide independent advice.”PFAS, a group of manufactured chemicals used in firefighting foams and industrial products, has become a "legacy contaminant" that persists in the environment. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has already assessed more than 1,100 legacy sites across the state.While many of the recommendations were accepted, some were not supported or simply "noted." The Government cited jurisdictional boundaries as a primary reason, particularly regarding matters of Defence, which remain the responsibility of the Australian Government—a significant factor for regional areas near RAAF bases or federal land.“For those recommendations not supported or noted, it is for reasons of: jurisdictional responsibility (matters of Defence are a matter for the Australian Government), existing expert advice on PFAS as a contaminant (such as on blood testing and site testing), and existing systems that already address the inquiry’s concerns,” the response noted.The Government also emphasized that work on the issue is far from over.“Our work dealing with this legacy contaminant is ongoing in NSW: more than 1100 legacy sites have been assessed by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), and the NSW PFAS Expert Panel and the PFAS Technical Advisory Group continue to provide cross-government assessment and advice.”“Regular testing is now in place to ensure the NSW Government and local water utilities can respond promptly to ensure continued compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. We understand the community’s concerns about PFAS, particularly in our state’s waterways; our management of PFAS is informed by the best available science and evidence.”The Government said they have pledged to maintain a level of transparency.“We remain committed to ensuring transparency and community awareness and working alongside the Australian Government where jurisdictional responsibility requires it. We thank the committee for their work, and community members for taking the time to share their views and expertise throughout the inquiry.”Read the reports HERE

Katerina Pastellis (pictured above) and her family have been pleasantly surprised over the years, realising home away from home for cancer patients, Lilier Lodge, is not actually only there to support cancer patients and their families. Whenever vacancies allow, this haven will open its doors to people who are needing to be in Wagga for any medical reason. “I didn’t know of Lilier Lodge before I needed it, and it is a wonderful thing,” Katerina said. “It is only five minutes’ walk from the hospital and everything you could ever need. “My mother and father have stayed there while attending to various medical needs, and my husband Keith stayed there while I was undergoing a serious medical issue. “Even when I have had to go back to Wagga for check-ups, we have stayed there.” Katerina said the friendly and caring atmosphere at Lilier Lodge makes an incredible difference. “Being surrounded by people who are often going through much the same thing is comforting,” she said. “The staff also know what you are going through, and they are so kind and caring.” Katerina remembers the first time she needed to travel away; it was a scramble to find somewhere for Keith to stay while she was in hospital. It was especially hard as at the time the annual field days were on, leaving no accommodation options. “It just takes such a load off your mind, to know you and your family have somewhere to stay, and are not stranded or forced to battle the dangerous roads with kangaroos and wildlife,” she said. Lilier Lodge is an oasis, a friendly and welcoming place for people all over the district. It opened in 2004 and was purpose built by Can Assist and Cancer Council NSW, together with the support of local and regional communities. It is a not-for-profit 21 room accommodation facility which helps over 1400 people each year. The Lodge provides accommodation for people undergoing cancer treatment at nearby facilities including the Riverina Cancer Care Centre, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and Calvary Hospital. It is also a drop-in service for cancer patients who travel daily for their treatment and for community transport drivers while waiting for clients. The Lodge is also a meeting place for local volunteers and community groups. Guests can have family and friends come and visit while staying at Lilier Lodge. As well as guest rooms, there are garden and communal lounge and dining areas that can be used for spending time with visitors. Wagga’s Lilier Lodge has won a national award for its outstanding support for recovering cancer patients. The cancer accommodation won the Thank You Small Business competition and will receive a new solar system valued at $13,000. The lodge landed the prize from 300 nominations and will receive a fully installed solar system for its business to a maximum of 10kW. Before this, the Lodge currently spent $16,000 a year on electricity but with the solar system it would receive a big boost, and the money saved on energy would be invested in improving guest accommodation. Lilier Lodge has received more than $7000 in funding from Riverina Water to upgrade the facility’s water irrigation system. At the end of 2024, Lilier Lodge released a fabulous cookbook, at the reasonable price of $25. The recipes were written by volunteers, guests and supporters of the Lodge. There is also a small store of gifts available for purchase. All items, many handmade, have been donated to raise money to support Lilier Lodge and its guests. Fundraising efforts over the years have included high teas, quilters groups and other crafters donating blankets, Heavenly Charity Masquerade Ball, garage sales, working bees, wooden platters, donations of foods for people staying at the lodge, and donations of goods to sell in their shop. The Lodge provides that extra bit of support and care cancer patients need during the harrowing treatment progress. All in the same boat, to be surrounded by other patients provides that extra bit of comfort.

As we gear up for the holiday season, have you thought about the whole picture? Safety, and not just the fun? An incorrectly loaded caravan can lead to snaking, swaying or loss of control of your caravan and vehicle. Caravan popularity is high, with over 901,000 registered in Australia as of January 2024, a 27 per cent increase since 2019. Caravan and camping trips account for a significant portion of domestic travel, making up 56 per cent of trips, 62 per cent of nights, and 70 per cent of spending in this sector. While families and the "grey nomad" demographic remain strong, the 30-54 age group is now the dominant segment, representing 46 per cent of trips and 42 per cent of nights in 2024. When loading your caravan, make sure that the heaviest items are packed low and centred over the caravan’s wheel axles and the lightest items are packed up high and distributed across the vehicle. It's an easy and safe way to prevent sway!Do you know the rules about digital screens in vehicles? Sometimes in our excitement and pressure to pack and head off, we can forget things.If you have a full licence, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can only be used while driving to make or receive calls, play audio or as a driver’s aid (e.g. navigation). All other functions including texting, emailing, social media and web browsing aren't allowed as per the regular mobile phone road rules.What about L, P1 and P2 drivers? Well, restricted licence holders aren't permitted to use their mobile phones at all while driving, whether it's connected to a screen or not. The best place for your phone if you're a restricted licence holder is on silent and in your bag!For a quick Australian holiday, prioritize sun protection, be prepared for vast distances by flying or planning travel time, and pack accordingly, as southern states are cooler in winter and northern areas are hot year-round. Always swim between the flags and be aware of the emergency number for your location. Here are a few extra tips to make your holiday seamless and enjoyable, with a just a little extra thinking involved.Pack for the climate and conditions where you are heading.The UV index is high; use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade, even on cloudy days.Pack comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for exploring cities, national parks, and beaches.Beach safety: Always swim between the red and yellow flags to be in a patrolled area.Health: Get a health check and any recommended vaccinations before you go, and ensure you have enough prescribed medication, along with a doctor's letter and copy of the prescription. Plan for distances: get that podcast playlist sorted, charge up the kids screens, pack travel board games, and double check you all have the little creature comforts you like to make travel as bearable as possible. Driving: If driving, be aware that distances between towns can be very large, with no services in between. Take breaks every couple of hours.Cook your own meals: Eating out can be expensive, so try self-catering or buy alcohol from bottle shops instead of bars.Free wildlife spotting: Visit national parks to see native animals like kangaroos and koalas in the wild, instead of paying for sanctuaries.Look for deals: Use websites like Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide to compare prices on activities, or Bookme for last-minute deals.Work or volunteer: If child free, consider opportunities like WWOOFing or working in a hostel for accommodation to save money

January sits in an interesting position in the agricultural calendar, marking neither beginning nor end but rather a pause point in the middle of summer when the year's production outcomes are largely determined but not yet realised. For farmers and graziers across the Riverina and far west, the new year is a time for assessment, planning, and preparation that sets the foundation for the months ahead.Seasonal conditions in January largely dictate what's possible for the remainder of summer and shape expectations for autumn. Assess your current position honestly in terms of soil moisture, pasture condition, crop development, and stock feed availability. This assessment determines whether you're in a position to maintain current stock numbers, whether crops will achieve projected yields, and what management interventions might be necessary in coming months. Hope and optimism have their place in farming, but practical planning requires realistic assessment of actual conditions rather than what you wish they were.Stock management decisions in January have consequences that ripple through the entire year. If feed availability is marginal and no rain is forecast, making hard decisions about reducing stock numbers now rather than waiting until the situation becomes critical protects both animal welfare and land condition. Selling down allows you to match stock numbers to available feed, maintain condition on remaining animals, and prevent degradation of pastures that will cost years to repair. While selling into potentially weak markets is painful, it's typically better than the alternative of supplementary feeding through extended dry periods or watching stock condition deteriorate to the point where they're unsaleable.For croppers, January brings the nail-biting wait as summer crops approach critical growth stages and potential yield becomes clearer. Water management for irrigated crops requires constant attention, balancing water allocation constraints against crop water requirements and making strategic decisions about where to allocate limited water for maximum return. Monitor crops closely for signs of heat stress, disease, or pest pressure, and be prepared to intervene quickly when issues arise. Some problems in January can still be managed; others simply have to be endured while you plan for next season.Livestock health and welfare demand particular attention through the hottest month of the year. Heat stress kills animals quickly and reduces production in survivors, so ensuring adequate shade, clean water, and appropriate management during extreme heat events is essential. Monitor stock daily, particularly animals in feedlots or intensive systems where heat load is higher. Shearing timing affects heat tolerance, so consider whether adjusting your shearing program might improve animal welfare during summer extremes. Parasite control continues through summer, as do fly control measures that protect both welfare and production.Machinery and equipment maintenance can't be postponed indefinitely, and January downtime provides opportunity for servicing and repairs before autumn work begins. Harvest equipment needs thorough cleaning and servicing after the season's work, identifying any worn parts or damage that needs attention before the machinery is stored. Tractors, spray equipment, and other regularly used machinery benefit from scheduled maintenance rather than being run to failure. The time and money invested in proper maintenance saves exponentially more in reduced breakdowns, longer equipment life, and improved reliability when you need machinery to work.Planning for autumn activities begins now while there's time for thoughtful decision-making rather than rushed choices under pressure. Consider what crops you'll plant, what areas need renovation, what pasture management you'll implement, and what infrastructure improvements you want to complete before the busy season arrives. Seed procurement, fertiliser ordering, and chemical purchasing can often be done more economically with early ordering rather than last-minute purchases. If you're planning new activities or enterprises, January provides time for research, talking to other farmers, and seeking advice before committing resources.Financial planning and record keeping deserve attention in January when the pressure of day-to-day operations might be slightly reduced. Review the past year's financial performance, identifying what worked well and what didn't. Update production records, ensuring data is captured while memories are fresh and information is accessible. Tax planning for the coming financial year benefits from early attention, particularly if you're considering significant capital investments or changes to enterprise mix. Professional advice from accountants and financial planners familiar with agricultural businesses provides value that typically exceeds their cost.Risk management extends beyond financial planning to include insurance review and business continuity planning. Ensure all insurance policies are current and coverage is adequate for your actual situation rather than what it was when policies were initially written. Consider what risks your business faces, from weather events to market volatility to personal injury or illness, and whether you have adequate protection or strategies to manage those risks. While paying insurance premiums feels like money going out the door for nothing, the one time you need insurance and don't have it can destroy decades of work.Soil health and land management receive less attention than they deserve, yet they underpin all agricultural production. January conditions often reveal erosion, salinity, or degradation problems that need addressing. Plan soil testing to inform fertiliser decisions, consider whether lime, gypsum, or other amendments might benefit production, and identify areas where earthworks, tree planting, or pasture renovation could improve both production and sustainability. Land is your fundamental asset, and maintaining or improving its productive capacity protects both current income and long-term farm value.Water security becomes increasingly critical as climate patterns shift and allocation reliability declines. Consider your water position including storage capacity, delivery infrastructure, and potential efficiency improvements. Investment in water-saving technology, whether that's improved irrigation systems, recycling infrastructure, or stock water reticulation, often pays for itself relatively quickly while also building resilience against tighter water availability. Water markets provide both opportunities and risks, requiring careful attention to allocation announcements, market movements, and your own strategic position.Networking and information gathering help farmers stay current with industry developments, new technologies, and changing market conditions. Attend field days, join industry organisations, participate in producer groups, and maintain connections with agronomists, stock agents, and other industry professionals. The investment of time in staying informed and connected returns benefits through better decision-making, access to opportunities, and the social capital that helps navigate challenges when they arise.The mental health dimension of farming deserves recognition and attention, particularly given the high stress associated with financial uncertainty, weather dependence, and isolation. January might feel quiet compared to busy seasons, but for farmers facing drought, low prices, or struggling enterprises, the stress is constant and cumulative. Maintain connections with others, seek professional support if you're struggling with anxiety or depression, and remember that asking for help demonstrates strength rather than weakness. Rural financial counselling, farm business support programs, and mental health services all exist to help farmers navigate challenges.Looking ahead to the rest of the year requires balancing optimism with pragmatism, planning for multiple scenarios rather than assuming everything will work out perfectly. Have contingency plans for poor seasons, consider how you'd respond to low prices or high input costs, and think about what decisions you might need to make at various trigger points. Farming has always required managing uncertainty, but explicit planning for different scenarios helps you respond effectively rather than just reacting when problems arise.

Did you know that just 15 minutes of unprotected exposure when UV levels are 3 or above is enough to start causing damage to your skin. This is a crucial fact that many Australians don't realise. In very fair-skinned people, UV radiation starts becoming harmful after about 5 to 10 minutes. For some people, unprotected skin can start to burn (visible damage) in as little as 11 minutes on days with extreme levels of UV radiation.The general rule is to protect your skin when the UV index is 3 or above, which in Australia occurs most months of the year and peaks in the middle of the day, often reaching extreme levels in summer. In South Australia, sun protection is usually needed from the beginning of August until the end of April, though in some parts of the state UV can reach 3 and above all year round. At least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70 .In 2021, 2,220 people died from skin cancer in Australia - 1,455 from melanoma and 765 from non-melanoma skin cancers - Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with the age-standardised incidence rate of melanoma in 2008 being more than 12 times the average global rate. 95 per cent of melanoma and 99 per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The original "Slip, Slop, Slap" campaign told Australians to slip on sun protective clothing, slop on water resistant, broad spectrum, SPF50+ sunscreen and slap on a broad-brimmed hat. In 2007, two crucial steps were added: seek shade and slide on a pair of sunglasses. The Complete 5 Steps:SLIP on sun-protective clothing covering as much skin as possible.SLOP on SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours).SLAP on a broad-brimmed hat (at least 7.5cm brim) SEEK shade, especially between 10am-4pm.SLIDE on wrap-around sunglasses that meet Australian standards.UV vs Temperature: UV radiation is often confused with infrared radiation (heat). Temperature does not affect UV radiation levels - UV can be just as high on a cool or even cold day as it is on a hot one, especially if skies are clear. Even when it's cloudy or cool, you need to protect your skin, as UV radiation and sun damage can happen any day of the year when the UV index is 3 or higher. Intense sun exposure in the first 10 years of life has been shown to nearly double the lifetime risk of melanoma. - Download the free SunSmart Global UV app - Check the Bureau of Meteorology website - Check your phone's weather app - Look in daily newspapers. Outdoor workers receive up to ten times more UV exposure than indoor workers, putting them at greater risk of skin cancer, and should use sun protection every day regardless of the UV rating. For most people, 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight every day is enough to maintain a healthy supply of vitamin D, and regular day-to-day outdoor activities provide adequate sun exposure to maintain optimal vitamin D levels. In Australia, there's no such thing as a "safe tan" - tanning is damaged skin cells producing melanin to protect themselves, and one damaged cell can start a deadly melanoma growing. Always check the UV index and protect yourself when it's 3 or above. With just 15 minutes being enough to cause damage, sun protection should be a daily habit, not just for hot, sunny days.

Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) say they are entering 2026 with a new purpose, but the same commitment to supporting Mallee communities.The diverse community service agency has launched its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, with the new organisational purpose “to empower our community to live with equity, opportunity and dignity”.MASP CEO Charmaine Calis said the purpose change came as a result of community consultation across the six LGA’s MASP serves – Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Wentworth and Balranald - during the creation of the new strategic plan.“Our previous purpose was to empower our community to be free from homelessness, abuse, poverty and disadvantage,” she explained. “Some of the feedback that we received was that purpose could be a little limiting or off-putting to some people who may not identify as one of those aspects. "So what we did was create more of a strengths-based purpose. "What we hope that demonstrates is MASP is here to support anybody that needs it, no matter what your upbringing, no matter what your life circumstances - if we have a program that is available to support you, we are here to provide that support to you.”Mrs Calis said the new Strategic Plan will build on the progress made during the previous four-year period.“We want to look at identifying the genuine needs within community and gaps in service delivery,” she said. “We also want to be looking at the innovative ways that our staff work, whether that's in Mildura or whether that's in Swan Hill or Dareton or Balranald or any of our other communities and how are we using feedback to inform how our programs are developed anddelivered within those communities.”

AER has commenced Federal Court proceedings against Transgrid, following the Far West Power Outage of 2024 The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has concluded its investigation into the October 2024 power system events that led to power outages in Broken Hill and surrounding areas. As a result, the AER has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against NSW Electricity Networks Operations Pty Limited (Transgrid). The AER claims Transgrid failed to: Properly manage and maintain its network to minimise outages (June 2022 – October 2024).Restore power promptly after outages (October 2024).Ensure compliance with its NSW transmission licence (July 2024 – June 2025).Maintain a required compliance program for generators (November 2022 – October 2025). Member for Barwon Roy Butler welcomed the action by AER.“The far west will not soon forget the disruption caused by the outage," Mr Bulter said."This must be a turning point—our communities deserve a transmission and generation network that is resilient, reliable, and prepared for the future. "Accountability today is the first step toward ensuring this never happens again.”

January represents the traditional time for health-focused resolutions and fresh starts, driven by the combination of a new calendar year and the aftermath of festive season indulgence. For people living in regional and rural NSW, accessing healthcare services and maintaining health goals comes with particular challenges including distance from services, limited specialist availability, and the practical demands of rural life that can make health a lower priority than immediate pressing needs.The New Year medical check-up makes practical sense regardless of whether you're experiencing specific health concerns. Many health problems develop silently without obvious symptoms until they're well advanced, and regular screening catches issues early when they're most treatable. If you're over 45, haven't had a comprehensive health check recently, or have risk factors including family history, obesity, smoking, or high blood pressure, make an appointment with your GP for a thorough assessment. This typically includes blood pressure measurement, blood tests checking cholesterol and blood sugar, discussion of lifestyle factors, and screening appropriate to your age and gender.Booking appointments well in advance is essential in regional areas where doctors often have limited availability and long waiting lists for routine consultations. Don't wait until a health issue becomes urgent to discover the next available appointment is weeks away. Establish a relationship with a regular GP who knows your history rather than seeing whoever is available, as continuity of care improves health outcomes and makes consultations more efficient and productive.Women's health screening including cervical screening and breast checks becomes eligible at specific ages and intervals, yet participation rates in rural areas lag behind cities despite higher rates of some cancers. Make sure you're up to date with recommended screening, understanding that while these tests might be uncomfortable or inconvenient, they detect cancers at stages when they're highly treatable. If cost is a barrier, speak with your GP about options including bulk billing clinics or specific programs offering free screening.Men's health often gets neglected as men are statistically less likely to seek medical care and more likely to ignore symptoms until problems become serious. The strong rural culture of toughness and self-reliance works against preventive health care, with many men visiting doctors only when forced by obvious illness or injury. Encourage the men in your life to have regular check-ups, be alert to symptoms including changes in urination, unexplained weight loss, or persistent pain, and understand that seeking medical care is responsible rather than weak.Dental health affects overall health and wellbeing yet often gets deferred due to cost and limited rural access to dental services. If you haven't seen a dentist in the past year, make an appointment for a check-up and clean. Public dental services often have long waiting lists, so get your name down even if treatment isn't immediately urgent. Private dental care is expensive, but neglecting problems invariably costs more in the long term when minor issues progress to major treatments. Some private health insurance policies include dental coverage that might make treatment more affordable.Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health, yet stigma and limited service access in rural areas means many people struggle alone with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. If you're experiencing persistent sadness, worry, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in activities, or thoughts of self-harm, speak with your GP about assessment and treatment options. Telehealth has expanded access to psychological services for rural people, making therapy accessible without hours of travel. Mental health care plans through Medicare provide rebates for psychological sessions, making treatment more affordable.Medication reviews benefit anyone taking multiple medications or who has been on the same medications for extended periods. Speak with your GP or pharmacist about whether your current medications are still appropriate, whether doses need adjusting, and whether any interactions between medications need consideration. Many people accumulate medications over time without regular review of whether they're still necessary or working effectively.Vision and hearing both deteriorate gradually with age, often so slowly that people don't notice the decline until it's significantly affecting their function and safety. If you're having difficulty reading, experiencing headaches, or noticing that you're squinting or holding things at odd angles, have your eyes tested. Similarly, if you're asking people to repeat themselves, having trouble following conversations in noise, or turning the television volume higher, have your hearing assessed. Both vision and hearing problems are usually correctable with appropriate treatment.Preventive health extends beyond medical appointments to lifestyle factors including nutrition, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Rather than radical resolutions you'll abandon by February, consider small, sustainable changes that improve health without requiring complete lifestyle overhaul. Adding one additional serving of vegetables daily, walking for 20 minutes most days, or reducing alcohol consumption from every night to several nights weekly all deliver health benefits without being unrealistic or unsustainable.Weight management generates enormous amounts of advice, much of it contradictory or ineffective. If you're carrying excess weight and it's affecting your health or quality of life, discuss sustainable approaches with your GP or a dietitian rather than trying the latest fad diet. Gradual weight loss through modest changes to eating and activity patterns is more likely to be maintained than crash diets that might produce quick results but can't be sustained long-term.Sleep quality affects everything from immune function to mental health to accident risk, yet many people accept poor sleep as normal rather than addressing underlying causes. If you're consistently struggling to fall asleep, waking frequently, or feeling unrefreshed despite adequate time in bed, discuss this with your doctor. Sleep apnoea is common and underdiagnosed, particularly in men and people who are overweight, and treatment dramatically improves both health and quality of life.Immunisation status deserves checking, particularly if you're in high-risk groups for conditions including influenza, pneumonia, or shingles. The annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone but particularly important for older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and those working with vulnerable populations. Other vaccinations including tetanus boosters may be due without you realising the timeline.Health records and advance care planning might seem morbid but provide important protection if you become seriously ill or injured. Ensure someone knows where your Medicare card is, who your regular doctor is, what medications you take, and what your wishes would be regarding treatment if you couldn't communicate. This is particularly important for people living alone or in remote areas where medical emergencies might involve treatment from practitioners who don't know your history.The New Year provides natural motivation for addressing health issues you've been putting off, but remember that health care is something you can access any time of year. If you don't manage to book appointments or make changes in January, that doesn't mean you've missed your opportunity. Any time you take action to improve or protect your health is the right time, regardless of what the calendar says.

The new year is bringing significant financial relief to millions of Australian families. Here's what's changing and how much you could save.If you've ever felt penalized for not working enough hours to qualify for childcare subsidies, relief is finally here. From 5 January 2026, Australia is scrapping the controversial activity test that left many families in limbo.Here's the game-changer; every eligible family will now receive at least three days of subsidised childcare per week, regardless of whether you're working, studying, or looking for work. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, that's even better, 100 hours of subsidised care each fortnight.The impact? Around 66,700 families are expected to pocket an average of $1,370 in savings each year. That's real money back in household budgets at a time when every dollar counts.The best part? If you're already receiving Child Care Subsidy, you don't need to lift a finger. Services Australia will automatically apply the changes. No phone calls, no paperwork, no stress.More than a million Australians will see their fortnightly payments increase from 1 January 2026, thanks to indexation adjustments that reflect the rising cost of living.Young families doing it tough will see real relief. If you're a single parent on Youth Allowance with dependent children, you'll receive an extra $17.60 per fortnight, bringing your maximum payment to $863.40.For Australia's 680,000 carers, the unsung heroes who provide essential support to loved ones, Carer Allowance will increase by $3.30 to $162.60 per fortnight. While it may seem modest, every increase acknowledges the vital work carers do.Students on Austudy and young people receiving Youth Disability Support Pension will also see increases of up to $17.60 and $17.20 per fortnight respectively.Here's some welcome news for anyone managing chronic conditions or regular prescriptions. From 1 January 2026, the maximum cost of a PBS prescription is dropping from $31.60 to $25, a $6.60 saving per script.If you're picking up multiple medications each month, those savings add up quickly. For someone on four regular prescriptions, that's over $300 back in your pocket each year. For families managing multiple health conditions, the relief could be even more substantial.This change benefits millions of Australians who don't hold a Commonwealth concession card but still feel the pinch of healthcare costs.Parents, here's one for you. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is increasing its coverage by $26 to over $1,158 every two years for eligible children aged 17 or under.Over the course of childhood, this program could provide more than $9,800 in dental coverage by the time your child turns 17. That's significant support for keeping young smiles healthy without breaking the family budget.If you're eligible, watch for a letter from Services Australia in your myGov inbox in early January. No myGov account? They'll send it by post.Here's a startling fact that deserves your immediate attention. There's currently over $271 million in unpaid Medicare benefits sitting unclaimed, owed to nearly one million Australians. Some individuals are owed more than $30,000 each.Why haven't they been paid? In most cases, it's simple, outdated bank account details on file with Medicare.Take five minutes today to log into your Medicare account through myGov or the myGov app and verify your bank details are current. You might discover you're owed money you didn't even know about.For most changes, absolutely nothing. These updates are being applied automatically by Services Australia.The one exception? Check your Medicare bank details to ensure you're not missing out on benefits you're entitled to.Where to get more information:Child Care Subsidy: servicesaustralia.gov.au/childcaresubsidyMedicare bank details: servicesaustralia.gov.au/getmedicarebenefitsPBS information: servicesaustralia.gov.au/pbsChild Dental Benefits: servicesaustralia.gov.au/cdbsSo, between cheaper childcare, increased payments, lower prescription costs, and better dental coverage, many Australian families could save thousands of dollars in 2026. Combined with the potential windfall from unclaimed Medicare benefits, it's worth taking a moment to ensure you're getting everything you're entitled to.In a year that's likely to continue bringing financial pressure to households, these changes represent meaningful relief where it's needed most, in family budgets, at the pharmacy counter, and in supporting the next generation's health and education.Start the new year right: check your details, claim what's yours, and make 2026 count.

January marks the height of summer across regional NSW, bringing with it specific challenges and opportunities for property owners. Whether you're managing a working farm, a rural block, or a town property, the New Year is an ideal time to assess what needs attention before autumn arrives and to tackle jobs that are best done in the warmer months.Fire preparedness remains critical throughout January, with the grass fire season often peaking during this month when vegetation is driest and temperatures are highest. If you didn't complete your fire preparation before Christmas, make it a priority now. Walk your property boundaries and check that firebreaks are clear, vegetation is slashed back from buildings, and potential fuel loads are managed. Clean gutters thoroughly, ensuring no leaf litter remains that could catch embers. Check that your pumps are working, hoses are in good condition and properly connected, and you have adequate water access for firefighting. Your bushfire survival plan should be reviewed and discussed with all family members, including children old enough to understand the procedures.Water management takes on particular importance during January when dams, tanks, and bores face maximum demand. Check water levels in tanks and dams, and if supplies are running low, implement water conservation measures now rather than waiting until you're in crisis. Inspect tanks for leaks, check that gutters and downpipes are clear and directing water efficiently, and ensure pumps and irrigation systems are working properly. If you rely on bore water, monitor levels carefully and consider having your bore serviced if you've noticed reduced flow or pressure. For livestock properties, ensure all water points are functioning and animals have access to adequate clean water, as dehydration kills quickly in summer heat.Fencing often deteriorates over the wet season and needs attention in January. Walk fence lines and note any repairs needed, paying particular attention to corners and gateways that bear the most stress. Damaged or sagging fences allow stock to stray, create boundary disputes with neighbours, and compromise property security. If you're planning major fencing work, January weather is generally suitable for getting it done, though you'll need to work early in the day before temperatures become dangerous.Weed control is most effective in January for many species that are actively growing in the heat. Noxious weeds require management under biosecurity legislation, but beyond legal obligations, getting on top of weeds now prevents them going to seed and creating exponentially bigger problems for next season. Target problem areas first, particularly along fence lines, around water points, and in areas you're planning to improve. Chemical control works best when weeds are actively growing, but always follow label directions carefully and consider weather conditions including temperature and wind before spraying.Machinery maintenance can't be put off indefinitely, and January downtime provides opportunity to service equipment before you need it urgently. Change oils and filters, grease fittings, check belts and hoses, and attend to any repairs you've been meaning to do. For farm machinery that's been sitting idle, run engines periodically to prevent deterioration and check that everything still functions properly. Ensure vehicles are roadworthy, particularly if you've been pushing off registration renewals or safety inspections. The last thing you need in an emergency is to discover your vehicle won't start or isn't legal to drive.Garden and yard maintenance becomes harder to keep on top of in January when growth is rapid and water is scarce. Mulch garden beds heavily to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, focusing your limited water on establishing young trees and maintaining productive gardens rather than trying to keep decorative plants alive through the worst heat. If you have a vegetable garden, January is the time for heat-loving crops including tomatoes, capsicums, eggplants, and cucurbits, though they'll need consistent water and shade during extreme heat. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production, and accept that some plants simply won't survive the worst of summer regardless of your efforts.Stock management requires particular attention in January when heat stress, flies, and parasites all peak. Ensure animals have access to good shade and plenty of clean water, and monitor them daily for signs of heat stress or illness. Fly control becomes essential for animal welfare, so maintain your treatment program whether that's tags, pour-ons, or other methods. If you're planning to sell stock, monitor markets carefully as January prices can be affected by widespread selling from drought-affected areas. Supplementary feeding may be necessary if pastures are completely dried off, and you'll need to balance the cost of feeding against the value of maintaining stock condition.Pest control extends beyond agricultural pests to household problems that intensify in summer. Flies, mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches all thrive in the heat, making homes unpleasant and potentially spreading disease. Regular rubbish removal, keeping food properly stored, fixing water leaks, and sealing entry points all help reduce pest pressure without relying entirely on chemicals. For serious infestations, professional pest control may be necessary, but prevention is always cheaper than cure.Building maintenance often gets overlooked until problems become serious. January's hot, dry weather is ideal for exterior painting, roof repairs, and other outdoor work that requires dry conditions. Check roofs for loose or damaged sheets, inspect sheds and outbuildings for deterioration, and attend to any drainage issues before the next heavy rain. If you've been planning renovations or improvements, January weather generally cooperates for outdoor work, though you'll need to work around the heat and ensure tradies have access to shade and water.Record keeping might seem like an indoor job for cooler weather, but reviewing the past year's records in January helps inform planning for the year ahead. If you keep stock records, production records, or financial records for your property, use quiet time to ensure everything is up to date. This is also a good time to reconcile accounts, check insurance coverage is adequate, and ensure any regulatory requirements are met before you receive reminders or penalties.The mental shift into a new year provides natural motivation for tackling jobs you've been putting off. Rather than creating an overwhelming list of everything that needs doing, prioritise the critical tasks that affect safety, animal welfare, or legal compliance, then work through what's achievable given your time, budget, and energy. Some jobs will have to wait, and that's perfectly normal. Properties are never finished, and there will always be more work than time available.Working in January heat requires common sense and caution. Tackle physical jobs in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are more manageable, take regular breaks in the shade, and drink water constantly throughout the day. Heat stroke can develop quickly and is genuinely dangerous, so don't push through warning signs including dizziness, nausea, or excessive fatigue. Some jobs simply aren't safe in extreme heat and need to be postponed until conditions moderate.If you're planning to be away in January for holidays or work, ensure someone reliable is checking your property regularly. Even a few days of inattention can result in serious problems during summer, whether that's stock running out of water, a fire starting and spreading unchecked, or opportunistic theft. Good neighbours are invaluable, and reciprocating by watching their place when they're away maintains relationships that are essential in rural communities.

The January return to work after Christmas holidays comes with unrealistic expectations many of us set without realising it. Understanding what not to expect can make the transition back to work less disappointing and more manageable. Don't expect to immediately return to peak productivity. Your brain has been in holiday mode, your routines have shifted, and getting back up to speed takes time. That first week back typically involves remembering passwords you haven't used in weeks, figuring out what you were working on before holidays, and generally feeling like you're wading through mud trying to accomplish simple tasks. Fighting this reality causes frustration. Accepting it allows you to plan accordingly. Don't expect your inbox to be manageable on day one. If you've been away for two or three weeks, you're returning to hundreds of emails. Some will be urgent and missed deadlines. Most will be irrelevant by now. Expecting to read and respond to everything immediately is unrealistic. Efficient email management means ruthlessly deleting, filing, or marking as read things that don't require action. Search functions exist for finding important emails when needed. Attempting inbox zero on day one is a recipe for staying late and still failing. Don't expect everyone else to have had a relaxing holiday. Some colleagues worked through holidays. Others dealt with family dramas, financial stress, health issues, or spent the entire break doing renovation projects that stressed them more than work. Assuming everyone is refreshed and happy to be back leads to insensitive comments or unrealistic expectations of others' moods. People are dealing with their own stuff, and January is often harder than December for many. Don't expect new year motivation to last. The burst of enthusiasm and good intentions you feel on January 2nd probably won't survive January 31st. Setting 47 goals for the year guarantees you'll fail at most of them. Picking one or two meaningful goals and actually following through beats grand plans that fizzle by February. That gym membership will be wasted if you're realistic about whether you'll actually use it. That meal prep routine sounds great until you're tired on Sunday afternoon and can't be bothered. Don't expect your body to immediately adjust to early wake-ups. You've probably been sleeping in during holidays, staying up later, and generally following your body's natural rhythms. Suddenly shifting back to 6am alarms is jarring. Your body needs a week or two to adjust. You'll be tired. Coffee consumption will increase. Accepting this rather than fighting it means being kinder to yourself during the adjustment. Don't expect workplace dynamics to have improved over the break. That colleague who annoyed you in December will still annoy you in January. Office politics haven't disappeared. The problems that existed before Christmas are still there. The holiday break provides perspective, but it doesn't magically fix workplace issues. Sometimes returning to work means facing realities you'd forgotten while on leave. This can be disappointing, but accepting it prevents surprise and frustration. Don't expect your home routines to immediately fall into place. School lunches, after-school activities, dinner prep, homework supervision, and all the weeknight chaos you'd forgotten about during holidays comes flooding back. That first week especially is chaotic as everyone adjusts. Planning easy meals, having backup lunch options, and keeping expectations low for that first week reduces stress. You're not failing if you serve scrambled eggs for dinner or forget library day. Don't expect the weather to cooperate. January is typically Australia's hottest month. Commuting in extreme heat is miserable. Office air conditioning might be inadequate. If you work outdoors, the heat is genuinely dangerous some days. Planning for heat rather than hoping for mild weather means you're prepared with appropriate clothing, adequate water, and realistic expectations about what can be accomplished in extreme temperatures. Don't expect your social life to immediately resume. Friends you meant to catch up with during holidays but didn't get around to seeing are now back at work too. Everyone's busy. Social plans that felt possible during the unstructured holiday period become harder to organise when everyone's working. This is normal. If friendships matter, you'll find time, but it might not happen immediately. Being patient with yourself and others about reconnecting prevents guilt or hurt feelings. Don't expect yourself to be the perfect employee from day one. You've forgotten things, processes have changed, people have moved roles, new projects have started, and you're playing catch-up. Mistakes will happen. Asking questions is better than pretending you remember things you don't. Most workplaces understand January is a transitional period. Colleagues are dealing with the same adjustment. Being honest about what you need to get back up to speed is more professional than faking competence you don't feel yet. Don't expect performance reviews or goal-setting sessions to be enjoyable. Many workplaces schedule these conversations in January. Discussing goals, performance, and expectations when you're barely back in work mode feels premature. These conversations can feel overwhelming when you're still figuring out what day it is. Preparing for them before they happen rather than going in cold makes them less stressful, though still not necessarily pleasant. Don't expect your financial situation to have improved over the break. Christmas spending has probably blown out your budget. Credit card bills are landing. School costs are due. The car rego you forgot about is suddenly urgent. January is financially tough for many Australians. Expecting to start the year in a strong financial position when you've just spent big on Christmas creates stress when reality hits. Acknowledging financial tightness and planning accordingly prevents panic. Don't expect motivation to come from external sources. Your workplace probably hasn't changed. Your boss hasn't suddenly become inspiring. Your work hasn't become more interesting. Waiting for circumstances to motivate you means you'll wait forever. Finding internal motivation, connecting to why your work matters to you personally, or identifying small aspects of work you do enjoy creates more sustainable motivation than hoping external factors will change. Don't expect everyone to respect your boundaries. That colleague who messaged during your holidays will probably do it again. The boss who expects immediate responses might not have learned to wait. The client who thinks you should be available 24/7 hasn't changed their expectations. Setting and maintaining boundaries is your responsibility. Communicating them clearly and consistently, then following through, is how boundaries work. Some people will push back. That doesn't mean your boundaries are wrong. Don't expect yourself to remember every commitment made before holidays. You agreed to things in December that you've now forgotten. Calendar management becomes crucial. Checking your calendar thoroughly when you return to work prevents missed meetings or double-bookings. Writing things down immediately when you remember them prevents that sinking feeling when someone mentions something you'd completely forgotten you'd agreed to. Don't expect the year to unfold as planned. Plans change, unexpected events happen, priorities shift, and the year never goes exactly as you anticipated in December. Holding plans loosely while having direction prevents devastation when things don't go to plan. Flexibility and adaptability matter more than rigid adherence to plans made before you knew what this year would actually throw at you. The January return to work is a transition that takes time. Being patient with yourself and others during this period, keeping expectations realistic, maintaining routines where possible, and accepting that adjustment is normal makes the process smoother. You'll eventually find your rhythm again, remember what you're supposed to be doing, and feel competent at work. But that first week or two can be rough, and knowing that's normal rather than a personal failing makes it easier to handle.

After 28 years lost to addiction, this inspiring Hay mother of eight has found her way back to what matters most. Amelia Eade was kind enough to come in and speak to me and her son, Elijah, during Elijah’s second week of work experience here at The Riverine Grazier. She sat across from me with Elijah by her side, speaking with a clarity that can only come from someone who has walked through f ire and emerged on the other side. At 47, she’s eight years clean after nearly three decades of drug use, a journey that began with devastating loss and ended with fierce determination. “I don’t live in the past anymore,” she says f irmly. “I live right here, in the present. If you live in the past, it will haunt you and keep you where you are.” Born in Hay in the late 1970s to Neville and Lorna Eade (née Hey), Amelia spent her childhood as what she calls a ‘farm girl’. Her family’s 157-acre property was home to ‘every animal you could think of,’ and young Amelia was there every day, caring for livestock and riding horses for Pony Club. “The most enjoyable time of my life was being on the farm and spending all that time with my mum,” she recalled. “Dad was there in the background.” Neville was always busy working, as fathers typically did in those days, but it was Lorna who filled Amelia’s world. Amelia desribes her mother as ‘hard but good’. Her family’s roots run deep in the district. Her maternal grandmother was a dairywoman before the days of refrigerated milk trucks, and her paternal grandfather worked as a night soil collector, hauling goods with horse and cart. She even has Chinese heritage through a great-grandfather who was a travelling merchant. But, when Amelia was just 19, everything changed. Lorna passed away. “That’s where I sort of hit the drug scene,” Amelia said. “I just lost the plot from there.” What followed were 28 years that Amelia describes as being present but not truly there. She was what’s called high-functioning, her eight children went to school clean and fed, the house was maintained, routines were kept. “I was there to cook, clean, wash, and send them off to school,” she said. “But they didn't get the ‘I love you’ from me because I didn’t get them from my mother. “She loved me through my tummy, feeding me, and buying me stuff.” The grief went deeper still. In 1994, Amelia's sister Michelle was murdered. Family dynamics left Amelia carrying complicated guilt, feelings that she ‘should have been’ the one taken instead of her talented sister who “could do anything with her head and her hands”. Her father Neville, unable to say no to his only daughter from his marriage, became what Amelia now recognises as an enabler. “He fed my habit,” she said. “I didn’t have to go out on the street and sell myself or do bad stuff women do, because Dad never said no to me. He was a big support, but for the wrong stuff.” Then her brother was incarcerated for murder, adding another layer of family trauma. Through it all, Amelia had children, eight of them, including three she describes as being a ‘tummy mummy’ for families who couldn't have their own. One of those children, Marshall, has travelled to America and around the world with his adoptive family. The twins’ parents have since separated, with their father now raising them. In 2017, Amelia had what she calls ‘a little holiday’, a stint in prison that became the catalyst for change. “I saw all these different women that were in there for different things, and some of them were just absolutely stunning, beautiful people picking at their beautiful skin,” she remembered. “You see these people that have got so much potential but they’ve just let it go and chose to do bad shit rather than do something with what they had.” A month or so after her release, she met Shane, who would become her partner. She began rebuilding her relationship with her daughter Kyesha, or Kya, the child she describes as ‘the hardest to win back’. Then came visits with her other children, Richard, Christian, now living in Sydney and working in a factory; Kya, who inherited her great-grandmother’s incredible work ethic; and Jack, a woodcutter whose partner is equally hardworking. “I wanted it,” Amelia says of her decision to get clean. “I did it all without rehab. “There was no counselling. “I didn’t need any of that because I knew I could do it.” Her advice to others struggling with addiction is direct; “Don’t waste any more of the life that you've got left. If you want something bad enough, you can really have it.” Today, Amelia's relationship with her father has strengthened. “Mum couldn't have picked a better father if she’d made him herself,” she said warmly. Neville is a devoted grandfather to all the kids, regularly coming around for dinner. She's also found peace with the past, particularly around her children. “How did I not get a drug user or an alcoholic when they’ve seen what they’ve seen?” she wondered. “Maybe me being the way I was turned them off wanting to do this. I’m quite proud of that, I am very proud of all my children.” One of her sons was the first to tell her he was proud of her, words that meant everything. Now, Amelia helps care for her three grandchildren, Henley, who just started kindergarten at St Mary’s, and two others, which means her daughter can work. It’s a role she treasures, and one where she’s made a conscious choice to break generational patterns. “I tell the grandkids that I love them all the time,” she said. “It’d be nice to hear it every now and again from your kids too, but I understand. It’s a generational thing.” She acknowledges the 20 years that were lost; “I was there, but I haven’t been there,” but refuses to live in that space anymore. As our conversation wound down, Elijah sat quietly beside his mother, a young man who came home to her in June last year after living with his aunt Kya for 12 months. His presence speaks volumes about the family Amelia has rebuilt through sheer determination. “I’m very proud of myself,” Amelia says when asked. “Very.” And sitting across from this woman who has walked through unimaginable loss, battled addiction for 28 years, and emerged with her family intact and growing stronger, it’s impossible not to agree. She should be. You are an inspiration, Amelia, and your life a love letter to others in the midst of struggle. Life is all about lessons, and the strongest amongst us learn from their experiences, take what they have learnt and use it to fortify themselves and make their future all the more stronger for learning.

The New Year brings the annual ritual of resolutions, those hopeful declarations of self-improvement that so often fade by February. For people living in regional and rural Australia, generic resolution advice rarely accounts for the realities of country life, including limited access to gyms and classes, long working hours, isolation, and the practical constraints of living on the land.Health and fitness resolutions top most people's lists, but joining a gym 80 kilometres away or committing to a 5am exercise class isn't realistic when you're already up before dawn for farm work or facing a long commute to your job. Instead, consider resolutions that work with your lifestyle rather than against it. Walking is free, requires no equipment beyond decent shoes, and can be done anywhere at any time. Commit to a daily walk, even if it's just 20 minutes around the property or through town, and you'll see benefits without the pressure of maintaining a complicated exercise regime.If you work physically demanding jobs on farms or in trades, you're likely already getting plenty of exercise, so your health focus might be better directed toward nutrition, sleep, or stress management. Resolving to cook more meals from scratch, reduce processed foods, or simply eat more vegetables are achievable goals that don't require gym memberships or special equipment. Growing some of your own vegetables, even just herbs and salad greens, gives you access to fresh produce while also providing a productive outdoor hobby.Financial resolutions carry particular weight in regional areas where incomes can be unpredictable and heavily dependent on weather, commodity prices, or seasonal work. Rather than vague goals about saving more money, set specific, achievable targets. This might mean building a modest emergency fund to cover unexpected vet bills or vehicle repairs, paying down high-interest debt, or simply tracking spending for a month to understand where money actually goes. Country living often involves higher transport costs and less choice about where to shop, but it also offers opportunities to reduce expenses through preserving food, sharing resources with neighbours, and making do rather than buying new.Connection and community feature heavily in resolutions for good reason, especially for people in isolated areas where loneliness and disconnection affect mental health. Resolve to reach out to one friend or neighbour each week, whether that's a phone call, a text message, or an actual visit over a cup of tea. Join a local organisation, volunteer for a committee, or simply make an effort to attend community events you'd normally skip. These small actions build the social fabric that makes rural communities strong while also protecting your own wellbeing.Learning new skills makes an excellent resolution for country people because practical skills have real value in rural life. Whether it's finally learning to weld, improving your cooking, studying for a qualification that might lead to better work opportunities, or mastering some aspect of farm management, skill development pays dividends. Online learning has opened up opportunities that weren't available to previous generations, allowing people in remote areas to study everything from agricultural science to business management without leaving home.Reading more is a perennially popular resolution that suits country life particularly well. Regional libraries offer excellent services including inter-library loans and e-books, giving you access to far more material than the physical collection might suggest. Set a realistic target rather than an ambitious one – if you currently read one book a year, aiming for twelve in the coming year sets you up for failure, but committing to one book a month feels achievable. Reading before bed instead of scrolling on your phone has the added benefit of improving sleep quality.Reducing stress and improving mental health deserve attention in resolutions, especially given the pressures of rural life including financial uncertainty, isolation, drought, and the constant demands of farm work. This might mean finally seeking help for anxiety or depression that you've been managing alone, learning some basic stress management techniques, or simply being more intentional about taking breaks and time off. Country people often pride themselves on toughness and self-reliance, but everyone needs support sometimes, and reaching out for help is strength, not weakness.Environmental resolutions align well with rural values of caring for the land. You might resolve to improve some aspect of land management on your property, reduce household waste, start composting, or tackle an erosion problem you've been putting off. These resolutions benefit both you and future generations while also often saving money in the long term.The key to resolutions that actually stick is making them specific, realistic, and meaningful to your own life rather than copying what works for someone in a completely different situation. Instead of resolving to "exercise more," commit to "walk for 20 minutes three times a week." Rather than "save money," aim for "put $50 a fortnight into a separate account." Specific goals are easier to measure and achieve than vague aspirations.Start small and build gradually rather than trying to overhaul your entire life at once. Pick one or two resolutions that matter most to you rather than creating an overwhelming list of changes. Remember that progress isn't linear and setbacks are normal. Missing a week of walking or spending more than you planned one month doesn't mean you've failed – it just means you're human.Share your resolutions with someone who will support rather than judge you, whether that's a partner, friend, or family member. Having someone to check in with occasionally helps maintain motivation without creating pressure. Similarly, be realistic about the support and resources available to you. If your resolution requires money, time, or access to services you don't have, rethink it rather than setting yourself up for frustration.Perhaps most importantly, be kind to yourself about resolutions. They're meant to improve your life, not create additional stress or feelings of inadequacy. If a resolution isn't working after giving it a genuine try, it's perfectly acceptable to revise it or drop it entirely in favour of something more suitable. The New Year is just an arbitrary date, after all, and there's nothing magical about 1 January that makes change easier or more likely to stick. Real, lasting change comes from consistent small efforts over time, regardless of what the calendar says.

We just wanted to take time to wish all of you, far and wide a happy new year.We are so excited to be delivering you news, and will strive to do bigger and better things in 2026.We hope you all rang the new year in in style, and there are heads which aren't too sore today.

Australian summers can be absolutely brutal, and they're getting worse. Heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster, which is something that catches a lot of people by surprise. Between 2000 and 2018, we averaged 26 heat-related deaths every year, with three-quarters of those happening during heatwaves. That's not counting the people who end up in hospital or the near-misses that happen every summer. The thing is, our summers aren't just hot anymore. Climate change is bringing us more extreme temperatures and longer heatwaves. The Bureau of Meteorology's 2024 State of Climate report isn't pulling any punches either. We're looking at more hot days, a longer fire season, and heavier rainfall when it does come. Just last December, parts of Australia saw temperatures 12 to 16 degrees higher than they should be for that time of year. Some places hit 45 degrees or more. Here's a bit of perspective on just how hot it can get. The highest temperature ever recorded in Australia is 50.7 degrees Celsius, and it's happened twice. Once in Oodnadatta, South Australia, back in 1960, and again in Onslow, Western Australia in 2022. When you're dealing with temperatures like that, you're not just uncomfortable, you're in genuine danger. Your body is pretty clever at keeping itself cool. When it gets hot, you sweat and your blood flow redirects to your skin to help release heat. But there's a limit to how much your body can handle. When it's too hot for too long, or you're not drinking enough water, or you're pushing yourself too hard, your body's cooling system can fail. That's when things get serious. The progression from feeling a bit off to being in real trouble can happen faster than you'd think. It starts with dehydration, which is simply when your body doesn't have enough fluid to do its job properly. We lose water every day through normal things like breathing, sweating, and going to the toilet. Usually, we replace it by drinking and eating. But in extreme heat, especially if you're active, you can lose fluid faster than you're taking it in. Early warning signs are easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Headaches, dizziness, feeling tired or weak, getting irritable, or finding it hard to think clearly. These are all your body's way of saying "Hey, something's not right here." The problem is, a lot of people push through these symptoms, and that's when it can escalate. Heat cramps come next for people who are sweating heavily during activity. Your body loses salt and water, and your muscles start cramping up. It's painful and it's a clear sign you need to stop what you're doing, get somewhere cool, and start replacing those fluids and salts. Heat exhaustion is where things get properly serious. This happens when you've lost too much water and salt through sweating. You might feel faint or dizzy, be sweating excessively, have cool, pale, clammy skin, feel nauseous, have a rapid but weak pulse, and experience muscle cramps. Your core body temperature rises to somewhere between 38 and 39 degrees. At this point, you need to act fast. Get to somewhere cool, lie down with your legs elevated, remove excess clothing, and start cooling down with water. Have a cool shower if you can, or use wet cloths on your forehead, neck, wrists, and groin. Keep a fan on you and drink water steadily. The absolute worst-case scenario is heatstroke, and this is a genuine life-threatening emergency. Your core body temperature hits 40 degrees or higher. You might have stopped sweating despite being dangerously hot, your skin could be hot and dry, your pulse is racing, and you're confused or even unconscious. If someone's showing these signs, call triple zero immediately. Heatstroke can kill, and it can happen quickly. Even if someone survives, it can cause permanent disability, trigger heart attacks or strokes, and make existing health problems much worse.While extreme heat can affect anyone, some people are more vulnerable than others. The elderly, especially those over 65, are at higher risk because their bodies don't regulate temperature as well. Babies and young children can't tell you how they're feeling, and their bodies are still developing. Pregnant women are dealing with extra physical stress. People with chronic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, kidney or lung disease are more susceptible. And people who are socially isolated might not have anyone checking on them. If you've had heat stroke before, you're more likely to get it again. People with dementia or other conditions that affect their ability to recognise and respond to heat are particularly vulnerable. Certain medications can make you more susceptible too, including some drugs for high blood pressure and depression. Even being overweight or having an infection increases your risk. There's no magic number for how long you can safely be in the heat because it depends on so many factors. The temperature, humidity, what you're doing, your age, health status, and whether you're used to the heat all play a role. But here are some practical guidelines. When you're active in the heat, you should be drinking water every 15 to 20 minutes, whether you feel thirsty or not. By the time you feel thirsty, you're already getting dehydrated. Take shade breaks every 30 to 45 minutes during strenuous activity. In extreme heat above 40 degrees, dehydration can start within 30 to 60 minutes if you're active and not replacing fluids. On extreme heat days when temperatures hit 40 degrees or more, outdoor exposure should be limited to essential activities only. Don't do strenuous outdoor work or exercise, and definitely stay indoors between 10am and 4pm. On very hot days between 35 and 40 degrees, keep outdoor activities to 30 to 45 minute blocks with proper breaks, skip strenuous exercise during peak heat, and keep up constant hydration. Even on just hot days between 30 and 35 degrees, you still need to take 10 to 15 minute shade breaks every hour and increase your fluid intake by 50 to 100 percent. Before you even step outside on a hot day, start preparing. Drink plenty of water 30 minutes before going out. Check the weather forecast and UV index. Plan any physical activities for the cooler parts of the day. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabric. Throw on a hat, sunglasses, and apply SPF 50+ sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside. While you're out there, keep drinking every 15 to 20 minutes. Sports drinks can help replace electrolytes, but avoid caffeine and alcohol because they'll dehydrate you faster. If you can, mist yourself with water from a spray bottle. Seek shade whenever possible and wet your clothing, hat, or a bandana with cool water to help keep cool. At home during hot weather, prepare your space to stay cool. Use fans or air conditioning if you have them. Set your air con between 23 and 26 degrees. Every degree colder than that adds about 10 percent to your running costs. Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day. If you don't have air conditioning, spending time in shopping centres, libraries, or other air-conditioned public spaces during the worst of the heat can help. For daily hydration, men should aim for about 10 cups or 2.5 litres per day, and women about eight cups or two litres. But that's just baseline. In summer heat, especially if you're active, you might need to double that. A good way to check if you're drinking enough is to look at your urine. If it's clear or pale yellow, you're probably doing okay. If it's dark, you need to drink more. Kids need extra attention in the heat. For infants and young children, use proper rehydration solutions like Pedialyte rather than trying to make your own at home. Never, ever leave children or pets in a closed car, even for "just a minute." Cars heat up incredibly quickly, even when parked in shade with windows cracked. A child can develop heatstroke in minutes in a hot car. Watch children closely for signs they're struggling with the heat. They might not tell you they feel unwell until it's serious. Make sure they're drinking regularly and taking breaks from play in the shade. Check on elderly neighbours, relatives, and friends during heatwaves. They might not realise how hot they're getting or might not be able to help themselves. Make sure they have working fans or air conditioning and are drinking enough. Help them identify a support network of family, friends, or neighbours who can assist them during extreme heat. If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor about how heat might affect you and what extra precautions you should take. Ask about medication storage too, because some medications can be damaged by heat. Heat can make conditions like kidney disease, lung disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease much worse. Outdoor workers cop it worst during summer. They're exposed to up to ten times more UV radiation and heat than indoor workers. If you're working outdoors, your employer should provide regular shade breaks (at least every hour in extreme heat), plenty of cool drinking water, and modify work schedules to avoid the worst of the heat. Workers need to watch out for each other and speak up if they or a colleague are showing signs of heat illness. You need to stop immediately if you notice certain warning signs. If you stop sweating despite being hot, that's a major red flag for heatstroke. If you're feeling faint, dizzy, excessively sweaty, clammy, nauseous, or your pulse is rapid but weak, stop what you're doing and get cool. Any confusion or difficulty thinking clearly is serious. If your body temperature hits 38 or 39 degrees, you're in the heat exhaustion zone. Call triple zero straight away if you or someone else feels faint, confused, can't drink, has a seizure, or has a temperature of 40 degrees. Don't wait. Don't try to tough it out. Heatstroke kills, and the sooner you get help, the better the outcome. If you've been pushing it in the heat and are feeling the effects, take recovery seriously. Get to somewhere cool and lie down. Remove excess clothing and loosen anything tight. Immerse your hands and feet in cold water if you can. Use cool, damp cloths on your forehead, neck, wrists, and ankles. Keep a fan on. Have a cool (but not freezing cold) shower. For rehydration, drink cool water, sports drinks with electrolytes, or oral rehydration solution. Take small, frequent sips rather than gulping down huge amounts at once. After heat cramps, rest for a few hours before going back to whatever you were doing. After heat exhaustion, give yourself at least 24 hours to recover and watch for any worsening symptoms. ### The Acclimatisation Factor If you're not used to the heat, don't expect to jump right into strenuous activity in hot conditions. Your body needs time to adapt. Gradually increase your time spent outdoors over a period of weeks. Athletes need several weeks to properly acclimatise before competing in hot weather. When you travel to somewhere hotter or at the start of summer, take it easy for the first week or two while your body adjusts. Some rules are absolute when it comes to heat safety. Never ignore symptoms of heat illness because it progresses rapidly. Never leave anyone in a car, even for a minute. Never exercise or do strenuous work in extreme heat; reschedule it for when it's cooler. Never wait until you're thirsty to drink; stay ahead of it. Never assume you're already acclimatised to the heat; it takes weeks for your body to adapt properly. The reality is there's no single "safe" duration for being in the heat. What you can handle depends on too many variables. The key is to monitor yourself and others constantly, take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes for water, rest in shade every 30 to 45 minutes if you're active, and stop immediately if you feel unwell. When in doubt, get out of the heat. Heat illness is progressive. What starts as just feeling a bit off can rapidly escalate to heat exhaustion and then to heatstroke. Each stage is more dangerous than the last. Stay hydrated, stay cool, check on vulnerable people around you, and don't hesitate to call triple zero if someone's showing signs of heatstroke. With climate change bringing more extreme heat events, being prepared isn't optional anymore. It's essential for surviving Australian summers. The old advice to just "harden up" or "she'll be right" doesn't cut it when temperatures are regularly hitting 40 degrees or more. Take the heat seriously, plan ahead, and look after yourself and each other.

Here are some quirky and fascinating general knowledge facts to entertain you for the hazy period where you don't know what day and time it is:Snails have between 1,000 and 12,000 teeth, though they aren't like human teeth but are found all over their file-like tongue. A chicken once lived for 18 months without a head back in the 1940s in the USA, surviving because his jugular vein and most of his brainstem were left mostly intact. A shrimp's heart is in its head, and it's physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.Octopuses don't have tentacles, their eight limbs are actually considered arms. A horse can produce maximum power of 18,000 watts, which equals around 24 horsepower. Flamingos are born with grey or white feathers and develop pink feathers from eating shrimp and algae, and what looks like their knees bending are actually their ankles.When you wake up in the morning, you're about one centimetre taller because at night when you're lying down, the spine stretches and decompresses. Wearing a necktie can reduce blood flow to your brain by up to 7.5 per cent, which can make you feel dizzy, nauseous and cause headaches. Wearing headphones for just an hour could increase the bacteria in your ears by 700 times.Humans can distinguish approximately 10 million colours thanks to the cone cells in the retina. If you've ever felt like you think better in a warm shower, you're probably right because the warm water increases the flow of dopamine and makes us more creative.Botanically, bananas are classified as berries, while strawberries aren't because strawberries are actually aggregate fruits that form from multiple ovaries of a single flower. There's a fruit called black sapote that tastes like chocolate pudding and sweet custard, native to Central and South America. About four per cent of the world's cheese ends up stolen, with retailers considering it a "high-risk" food.Google Images was created after Jennifer Lopez wore her infamous dress at the 2000 Grammys because so many people were searching for her outfit that the search engine added an image function. The small dollop of toothpaste you see in advertisements is called a nurdle.A cloud typically weighs around a million tonnes, with a volume of around one cubic kilometre. Sound can be minus decibels, with the quietest place on Earth being Microsoft's anechoic chamber in Redmond, Washington, at -20.6 decibels. Venus takes longer to rotate once on its axis (about 243 Earth days) than it does to orbit the Sun (around 225 Earth days).

In the heart of Hay, New South Wales, stands a building that has witnessed nearly 150 years of Australian social history. The Hay Gaol, constructed in 1878, has lived through more incarnations than most buildings could dream of, serving as a prison, a maternity hospital, an institution for girls, and finally a museum. Each transformation tells a story not just of changing architecture, but of evolving social attitudes, community needs, and both the best and worst aspects of institutional care in Australia.When Hay Gaol was completed in 1878, it represented the arm of colonial law extending into the remote Riverina district. The building was constructed during a period when the Australian frontier was still being defined, and institutions of law and order were essential symbols of civilisation's advance into what Europeans considered the wilderness.The gaol was built using local materials and labour, reflecting the practical approach that characterised much of colonial Australian construction. Its thick stone walls and small, barred windows were designed not just for security, but to withstand the harsh climate of the inland—scorching summers and bitter winters that could test both buildings and the people within them.The original design followed standard colonial prison architecture: a central corridor with cells branching off either side, administrative areas at the front, and exercise yards at the rear. The building incorporated the latest theories in prison design of the era, which emphasised isolation, routine, and moral reformation through hard work and religious instruction.The early years of Hay Gaol saw it house a variety of offenders, from petty thieves to violent criminals, reflecting the rough-and-tumble nature of frontier life. The prisoners included bushrangers, cattle thieves, drunk and disorderly individuals, and those who had run afoul of the complex web of colonial regulations that governed everything from land use to licensing laws.Prison records from the period reveal the harsh realities of life in colonial Australia. Many inmates were there for crimes of desperation—stealing food during hard times, vagrancy during economic downturns, or infractions of the complex laws that governed the movement and employment of workers in the pastoral industry.The gaol also served as a temporary holding facility for prisoners awaiting trial or transport to larger institutions. Its location made it a crucial link in the colonial justice system, serving communities across a vast area of the Riverina where the nearest alternatives might be hundreds of kilometres away.By the early 20th century, changing attitudes towards crime and punishment, combined with improved transportation links that made it easier to transfer prisoners to larger facilities, had reduced the need for small regional gaols. Rather than abandon the substantial building, the community found a new use that would serve a very different but equally vital function.The transformation of Hay Gaol into a maternity hospital represented a remarkable shift from a place associated with society's failures to one celebrating its future. The solid construction that had once contained criminals now provided security and shelter for mothers and newborns. The small, individual rooms that had been cells became private recovery rooms, and the exercise yards became areas where new mothers could recuperate in the fresh air.This transformation reflected the growing recognition in early 20th-century Australia of the need for proper medical facilities in rural areas. Childbirth, which had previously been handled by local midwives or family members, was increasingly seen as requiring professional medical supervision. The gaol's conversion addressed this need in a practical, cost-effective manner that exemplified rural Australian ingenuity.The conversion to a maternity hospital required significant modifications to the building's interior. Former cells were opened up and refurbished to create comfortable rooms for patients. New plumbing and electrical systems were installed to meet medical standards. The former prison kitchen was expanded to provide meals for patients and staff, and areas that had once housed prison workshops were converted into medical facilities.Despite its origins, the building proved well-suited to its new role. The thick walls provided excellent insulation, keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. The solid construction minimised noise between rooms, providing the quiet environment essential for recovery. The central corridor design, originally intended for surveillance of prisoners, now allowed medical staff to efficiently monitor patients.As medical facilities in the region improved and purpose-built hospitals became available, Hay Gaol underwent another transformation in 1961. This time, it became the Hay Institution for Girls, a maximum-security facility that would become synonymous with some of the worst abuses in Australia's child welfare history.The institution was opened as "a place of punishment for girls who would not comply with the strict regime" of Parramatta Girls Home, effectively serving as a prison for girls aged 15 to 18. Many were Indigenous children, and many had long been state wards from poor socio-economic backgrounds.What was presented as rehabilitation was, in reality, a regime of systematic abuse, cruelty, and punishment that went far beyond anything authorised by law. The Royal Commission's report highlighted that, although it was operating under the Child Welfare Act 1939, evidence from former residents suggests they were treated severely and received punishment well beyond what the Act allowed.The girls imprisoned at Hay were subjected to horrific physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. They were forced into gruelling labour, including scrubbing floors daily and undertaking pointless, demoralising tasks such as paving footpaths only to be forced to rip them up and repave them again—a cruel form of psychological torture designed to break their spirits.The thick stone walls that had once contained colonial criminals now trapped vulnerable young women in a cycle of abuse and degradation. The isolation of the rural location meant that the cruelty inflicted within those walls went largely unnoticed by the outside world for years.Life at the institution was characterised by extreme control and punishment. Girls were subjected to solitary confinement, physical violence, and sexual abuse by staff members who were meant to care for them. The regime was designed not to rehabilitate, but to break down any resistance or independence these young women might possess.The very architecture that had served the building well as a gaol and hospital became a tool of oppression in this context. The solid construction that had once provided security for new mothers now trapped young women in conditions that would not have been tolerated in adult prisons.Both Parramatta Girls and the Hay Institution were closed in 1974 after a public outcry about conditions. The closure came after years of advocacy by former inmates and their supporters, who fought to expose the systematic abuse that had been hidden behind the respectable facade of "child welfare."The Royal Commission heard evidence from 16 former inmates of Parramatta Girls, four of whom also spent time at the Hay Institution. Their testimonies revealed a pattern of abuse that shocked the nation and led to significant reforms in how Australia approached juvenile justice and child welfare.From Darkness to Light: The Museum YearsToday, the building serves as a museum, where visitors can learn about its complex history. The transformation from a place of punishment and abuse to one of education and remembrance represents both Australia's capacity for change and the importance of acknowledging difficult truths about our past.The museum doesn't shy away from the darker chapters of the building's history. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the importance of oversight, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable people in institutional care. The stories of the young women who suffered within these walls are finally being told, their experiences acknowledged, and their courage in speaking out honoured.The story of Hay Gaol is more than just the tale of a building's changing uses. It's a reflection of Australia's evolving approach to justice, healthcare, and child welfare. From colonial punishment to medical care, from systematic abuse to historical education, each chapter reveals something about the society that shaped its use.The building stands today as both a monument to human adaptability and a warning about the abuse of power. Its thick walls have seen the best and worst of human nature, witnessed both birth and trauma, contained both criminals and innocents. In its current incarnation as a museum, it serves perhaps its most important function: ensuring that the stories within its walls—particularly those of the young women who suffered there—are never forgotten.The transformation of Hay Gaol from lockup to lifeline is incomplete. True redemption lies not just in preserving the building, but in ensuring that the lessons learned from its darkest period continue to inform how we protect the most vulnerable members of our society. The voices of those who suffered within these walls must continue to be heard, their experiences a constant reminder of our collective responsibility to do better.