In ShortA $2.4M Partnership: CSU and MLA have launched the NextGen Data Capability Program to bring 15 data specialists into the red meat supply chain.Tech-Driven Solutions: Graduates will focus on AI-driven production efficiency, carbon footprint tracking, and enhanced biosecurity measures.Closing the Gap: The initiative aims to turn complex data theory into practical, on-farm tools that increase market returns and sustainability.A new partnership between Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Charles Sturt University (CSU) aims to integrate graduate data specialists into the red meat supply chain to address challenges in traceability, biosecurity, and on-farm decision-making.The NextGen Data Capability Program, a $2.4 million strategic initiative, was officially launched at the evokeAG conference in Melbourne. Jointly funded by CSU and the MLA Donor Company, the program will be overseen by the Integrity Systems Company (ISC).Focus on Real-World ApplicationThe initiative will place approximately 15 graduate students into MLA offices to work alongside ISC staff. These students, specialising in data engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), and analytics, will focus on several priority use cases identified by the industry, including:Production Efficiency: Maintaining product quality while improving output.Sustainability Tracking: Calculating carbon footprints per animal to estimate emissions.Market Insights: Using AI to drive higher returns through value optimisation and customer analytics.Research Accessibility: Developing AI-driven insights from existing industry research libraries.According to the program organisers, the goal is to bridge the gap between advanced digital theory and the physical realities of the red meat industry.Industry PerspectivesIntegrity Systems Company Chief Executive Officer Jo Quigley stated that the initiative represents a practical step toward turning strategy into delivery.“Data is one of our industry’s most powerful tools. To fully realise that potential, we need to have both advanced digital systems and the people who can design, build, and apply them to complex real-world problems,” Jo said.Ms Quigley further noted the collaborative nature of the partnership with Charles Sturt University, which maintains a significant presence in regional New South Wales.“Charles Sturt University has strong capability in advanced data disciplines. What their students need is access to real-world agricultural problems. This program brings those two strengths together in a shared solution that benefits everyone.”“It accelerates delivery of our Data Strategy and provides a scalable model for embedding digital and data capability across the sector. If successful, it could become a template for future MLA capability development and a key lever for fast-tracking industry digital transformation.”Regarding the expected outcomes for the participants and the sector, Ms Quigley added:“Under this program, everybody benefits. The students gain the benefit of working on live, complex, important problems. ISC and the broader industry will benefit from brilliant young minds bringing modern skills to a technologically evolving sector. I anticipate that we will learn as much from them as they do from us.”Program ImplementationThe MLA states that the program aligns with its 2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritises data-led transformation to maintain transparency within the supply chain. Students participating in the program will be academically supervised by CSU while working on defined industry outcomes.Applications for the NextGen Data Capability Program are currently open through Charles Sturt University.

IN SHORT A $250,000 reward has been announced for information leading to the arrest of Julian Ingram, 37, also known as Julian Piermont, who is wanted over the alleged murders of Sophie Quinn, 25, her aunt Nerida Quinn, 50, and John Harris, 32, at Lake Cargelligo on 22 January 2026. Sophie's unborn child also died. Kaleb Macqueen, 19, was shot but survived. Police have searched more than 60,000 acres and believe Ingram is alive and being supported by someone in the community. He was last seen driving a white Ford Ranger ute, NSW registration DM-07-GZ. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000. The NSW government has announced a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Julian Ingram, wanted over the alleged murders of three people and an unborn child at Lake Cargelligo nearly seven weeks ago, as police continue an extensive search across one of the state's most remote and challenging landscapes. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley made the announcement alongside Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos and Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland from Western Region at a press conference today, urging anyone with even the smallest piece of information to contact Crime Stoppers immediately. "Lives have been shattered, as we well know, and we want a community to feel safe again," the minister said. "We believe that there is somebody out there that can help us find Julian Ingram and give these community and these families peace of mind." The alleged murders occurred on January 22 2026 when Sophie Quinn, 25, her aunt Nerida Quinn, 50, and John Harris, 32, were fatally shot. Sophie's unborn child also died. A fourth person, Kaleb Macqueen, 19, was shot but survived his injuries. An arrest warrant was issued for Ingram, 37, also known as Julian Piermont, who has been missing since the day of the incident. The funerals of Sophie Quinn and Nerida Quinn are set to take place in Lake Cargelligo on March 12 2026, with police describing the coming days as a significant and sorrowful milestone for the town. "This week in Lake Cargelligo is significant milestone and sorry business for that town and that community," Deputy Commissioner Pisanos said. "The significance of this reward announcement at this moment is a major milestone for the community." Police established Strike Force Doberta to investigate the murders, with extensive searches conducted across more than 60,000 acres of difficult arid terrain in the region, including around the remote outpost of Mount Hope, approximately 90 kilometres northwest of Lake Cargelligo. Rural crime investigators have continued to visit properties and speak with landholders throughout the search. Despite the scale of that effort, there have been no confirmed sightings of Ingram since the day of the shootings. His mobile phone and banking records have shown no activity during that period. Assistant Commissioner Holland said investigators believed Ingram was alive and receiving support from someone known to him, and warned that anyone found to be assisting him would face arrest and prosecution. "Against seven weeks in the arid country and the arid land, he would have to have support," Assistant Commissioner Holland said. "We believe that he is alive and getting support, and that is why the reward has been put out there." Deputy Commissioner Pisanos said information received from the public had slowed in recent weeks, which was among the reasons police moved to announce the reward now. "We believe there are persons out there that do have information that could assist us," he said. "What we are after is that information. $250,000 is a significant amount of money, and we are very, very hopeful." Ingram is described as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165 to 170 centimetres tall, of medium build, with short dark hair and brown eyes. He was last seen driving a white Ford Ranger utility vehicle with NSW registration DM-07-GZ, bearing council signage, high visibility markings, a metal tray back and an emergency light bar on the roof. Police emphasised that tips to Crime Stoppers could be made entirely anonymously, urging community members not to let concerns about identification prevent them from coming forward. The minister said seemingly minor observations, such as changes in shopping habits or unusual activity at nearby properties, could prove critical to the investigation. "The slightest, slightest piece of information could just be the turning point in this case and lead to an arrest," she said. "As insignificant as you might think a tiny piece of information is, it can actually be the answer to resolving what is a very complex matter." A significant police presence will be maintained in Lake Cargelligo in the lead up to, during and after the funerals on March 12, including public order and operations support unit teams. Police said they had no specific information suggesting Ingram posed an active threat to the community, but the presence was intended to ensure residents felt safe. Deputy Commissioner Pisanos said the investigation remained as resolute as it had been from the beginning. "We've been committed since the 22nd of January," he said. "We're committed to trying to find justice for the families, justice for these people that were brutally murdered, and that is unwavering." Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Julian Ingram is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.

IN SHORTA 58-year-old man was arrested at a rural property on Kidman Way, Tharbogang on February 16, 2026 and charged with 11 counts of larceny after police allege he stole 544 litres of fuel from a bowser at a Hanwood property over five months.The Rural Crime Prevention Team says fuel theft is one of the most under-reported rural crimes in NSW, and is urging landowners to report suspicious activity — even if they believe no crime has been committed.Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside warned that criminals who steal fuel are often committing other crimes in the same area, and police need reports to be able to target offenders effectively.A man has been charged with stealing more than 500 litres of fuel from a rural property near Griffith after police allege he returned to the same bowser eleven times over five months — and detectives say the case is far from unusual.Officers attached to the NSW Rural Crime Prevention Team arrested a 58-year-old man at a rural property on Kidman Way, Tharbogang at about 7.35am on February 16. Police allege 544 litres of fuel, with an estimated value of nearly $1,100, was taken from a fuel bowser on a property in Hanwood between September 2025 and February 2026.The man was taken to Griffith Police Station and charged with 11 counts of larceny with a value less than or equal to $2,000. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Griffith Local Court on Wednesday March 18.Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside from the Rural Crime Prevention Team said the arrest highlighted a problem that was far bigger than any single case — and far bigger than most landowners realise."Fuel theft is one of the highest under-reported rural crime offences that is having a significant impact on rural landowners," he said. "The biggest challenge for police is that rural landowners are not reporting these matters."Whiteside said there was a pattern investigators were seeing repeatedly. "Often criminals that steal fuel are committing other crimes in your area. To ensure the Rural Crime Prevention Team can target these offenders, police need to be aware of the crime or any suspicious activity."The warning carries particular weight at a time when fuel prices across the Riverina and Far West have surged sharply, raising the value of on-farm fuel stores significantly. With bulk diesel now well above $2 a litre and supply disruptions affecting the region, the incentive for theft has only increased.Police are encouraging all rural landowners who have noticed unexplained drops in fuel levels, unfamiliar vehicles on or near their properties, or any suspicious activity to come forward — even if they are not certain a crime has occurred.Reports can be made online via the NSW Police Community Portal at portal.police.nsw.gov.au or by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. In an emergency, call 000.

IN SHORT- Griffith Mayor Doug Curran attended the opening of the latest exhibition at the Griffith Art Gallery, describing the experience as emotional and encouraging the community to visit as often as possible.- Mayor Curran and his wife also attended a Little Wings charity event hosted by the Westpac and St George branch, where a local family shared their experience using the service for their young daughter.- The Mayor is encouraging Griffith residents to look up Little Wings, noting that the service exists for moments when families need help they may not be able to anticipate.Griffith Mayor Doug Curran has shared reflections on a week of community events, opening with a quote from Aristotle and closing with a simple reminder to be kind — to others and to yourself.Mayor Curran began his message by attending the latest exhibition opening at the Griffith Art Gallery, an event he described as particularly emotional."It took me back to where I spent quite a lot of time as a youngster with my grandparents," he said."It reminded me of the importance of art, not only to evoke emotions, but also to nourish our souls."Mayor Curran praised the gallery team for the quality and consistency of their exhibitions and issued a direct invitation to the broader community."The team at the gallery do such a wonderful job on all of the exhibitions and I strongly encourage more of our community to visit the gallery as often as possible," he said.Later in the week, Mayor Curran and his wife attended an event hosted at the local Westpac and St George branch in support of the Little Wings charity. The evening included a personal account from a Griffith family who had used the service for their young daughter, which Mayor Curran described as a touching moment.Little Wings is a charity that provides free flights and ground transport for children from rural and remote New South Wales who need to access medical treatment in the city, allowing families to stay together during what are often the most difficult periods of their lives."I strongly encourage you to look up Little Wings and what they do," Mayor Curran said. "We never know when we might need some help."The Mayor closed his message with a reminder that has become a familiar sign-off for Griffith residents who follow his updates. "Stay safe, stay well and above all else be kind to each other and yourself," he said.

IN SHORT:David Littleproud, 49, has resigned as leader of the National Party, telling reporters at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday afternoon that he was "buggered" and had "had enough." Littleproud, who led the party since 2022, said he no longer had the energy to continue but would remain as the MP for the Queensland seat of Maranoa. A party room meeting will be held later this week to elect a new leader. David Littleproud has resigned as leader of the National Party, declaring he no longer has the energy to lead and that it is time to hand the party over to someone new. The 49-year-old made the announcement alongside his wife, Amelia, at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday afternoon, saying months of being a "human punching bag" had left him exhausted. "I'm buggered and I've had enough," Littleproud told reporters. "I've got to a juncture where I believe it is time. I believe that it is now time to transition to a new leader. It would be wrong for me to say I'm the right person to have the energy. I am out and done." The Queensland MP, who has led the Nationals since 2022, said he had "done all I can do, and all I want to do" and intends to remain in federal parliament as the member for Maranoa, one of the safest seats in the country, to "throw a few grenades" and enjoy himself. A party room meeting will be held later this week to elect a new leader. Littleproud notified the Nationals Chief Whip, Michelle Landry, of his decision shortly before the press conference. Littleproud pointed to a turbulent period since the 2025 federal election as a key factor in his decision. He announced in May 2025 that the Nationals would not renew the Coalition agreement with the Liberals over policy, before both parties reunited. A second split took place in January under his leadership, following a dispute over hate speech laws, before the parties reconciled again. Fellow Nationals were reportedly blindsided by the announcement, with one senior MP telling The Australian, "I did not see this coming." Despite the turmoil, Littleproud was defiant about his record, pointing to his opposition to the Voice to Parliament and the Nationals' role in shaping the Coalition's nuclear energy policy. He said he remained proud of his efforts to represent the 30 per cent of Australians who live in regional areas. "You all told me I was going to be on the wrong side of history during the Voice debate, and you were probably right at that point," he said. "Only 30 per cent agreed with us. By the end of it, over 60 per cent agreed with us. That's what it means to stand for something." Liberal leader Angus Taylor praised Littleproud, saying he had made a great contribution in four years as leader. "He is a man of his word, he is a man of his handshake," Taylor said. "I think David is a man of great dignity who has led his party with great energy and commitment." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute, saying the two men shared a mutual respect for the honour of serving in parliament and had been able to work together on issues affecting regional communities and the national interest. Littleproud said with two years until the next federal election and the Coalition relationship restored, now was the right time for a fresh start. "I love the National Party," he said. "To the day I die I will be green and gold. It's time for me to feel normal again."

IN SHORTThe United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering a war now in its second week. Australia is not a participant in the fighting but has deployed military assets to help bring stranded Australians home from the Middle East.Australia has roughly 34 to 36 days of fuel in reserve — the highest level in 15 years — but panic buying has depleted some service stations and analysts warn petrol prices could rise by around 40 cents a litre as global oil markets react to the conflict.There are no food shortages on shelves at present. The risk to food prices is indirect and longer-term, flowing through higher transport costs — but farmers relying on diesel should ensure they are not running on empty.A war that started on the other side of the world on February 28 is now being felt in Australian fuel prices, and there are legitimate questions about what it means for people living in places like Hay — far from a city, reliant on diesel, and dependent on supply chains that stretch a long way.Here is a plain guide to what is happening and what it actually means for you.The war is between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. It started when the US and Israel launched a military campaign — called Operation Epic Fury — striking targets inside Iran. Iran has been hitting back with missiles and drones aimed at Israel, Gulf countries including Dubai and Bahrain, and US military bases across the Middle East. The conflict is now in its second week and showing no sign of a quick resolution.Australia is not fighting. Defence Minister Richard Marles has confirmed the country is not participating in the US and Israeli military actions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has deployed military assets to the region, but solely to help bring home Australians stranded in the Middle East — not to engage in combat. The government has been explicit: no ground troops, no offensive action.On fuel, the picture is more complicated. Australia entered this crisis in better shape than usual, with an estimated 36 days of petrol, 34 days of diesel and 32 days of jet fuel in reserve — the largest stockpile in 15 years. But that is still well below the international standard of 90 days, and the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow shipping route through which roughly one in five barrels of the world's oil travels — has effectively been shut down by the conflict. When that much oil stops moving, prices go up.Energy Minister Chris Bowen has urged Australians not to rush to the service station. "I understand people's concerns, but it's vital that they know we have a good stock of petrol in Australia. There is no immediate danger to petrol supplies," he said. The reality on the ground, however, is already messier than that. Some service stations have run dry — not because Australia has run out of fuel, but because panic buying has outpaced the speed at which stations can be resupplied.The problem has spread beyond retail. United Petroleum, one of Australia's largest independent fuel wholesalers and retailers, has suspended all customer allocations while it assesses its supply position. Tamworth-based Transwest Fuels, which supplies more than 2,000 farmers and agricultural customers, has declared it currently has zero petrol supply at Newcastle and Brisbane terminals. In regional NSW and Queensland, service stations in multiple towns have run out of fuel entirely as a result. One Queensland distributor reported being allocated just ten per cent of its usual daily supply from Brisbane.Closer to home, NSW Farmers Association grains committee chairman Justin Everitt confirmed this week that fuel shortages were being felt throughout the Riverina. "Some service stations are out of fuel, and while you can generally find somewhere to fuel up your vehicle in a town like Albury it requires a bit of driving around, not to mention the massive hike in prices we've seen over the last week," he said. On bulk fuel orders, the picture is worse. "We're having some with orders they had placed not being supplied, others being offered partial supply — and again, this is just factoring in the supply side of things, not the massive extra costs these price rises will cause when going through thousands of litres of fuel."Retail diesel prices have jumped to more than 225 cents a litre in many regional centres, up from around 175 cents before the US launched its offensive. Analysts say petrol prices could climb a further 40 cents a litre before the market settles. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has written to consumer watchdog the ACCC warning against price gouging.The timing could not be worse for farmers. Everitt said the crisis has hit right as growers are looking to secure fuel and fertiliser for the autumn planting season. "Our farming seasons do not wait for bureaucrats or supply chains to catch up. If farmers miss their window, the production is lost for the year." Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MLC Mark Banasiak added a sharper warning, saying the NSW government had admitted it had done no modelling and had no plan to ensure farmers could access fuel during a supply disruption. "Agriculture runs on diesel. Without it, tractors stop, irrigation stops, harvest stops and food stops moving," he said.The NRMA has urged motorists not to stockpile fuel at home, calling it economically pointless and physically dangerous. The message from every authority is the same: fill your normal tank, don't fill jerry cans, and don't make a manageable problem worse.On food, there are no shortages on shelves right now. The Australian Retail Council has confirmed retailers have not reported supply chain issues at this stage. The risk to food is indirect — if fuel costs stay elevated, transport costs follow, and that eventually flows through to prices at the supermarket. That is a longer-term concern, not an immediate one.The bottom line for Hay and the surrounding district is this. Fuel prices have already risen sharply and will likely go higher. Wholesale shortages are real — some Riverina service stations are already out of fuel and bulk orders are being partially filled or refused. Panic buying is making short-term availability worse, not better, so filling your usual tank is sensible and filling jerry cans to stockpile at home is not. For farmers heading into the autumn planting season, now is the time to check your on-farm diesel storage — not to hoard, but because the supply chain is genuinely under pressure and delays are real. Food supply is stable for now, but prices will follow fuel costs upward over coming weeks.Australia is not at war. Prices are rising. The Riverina is already feeling the pinch on diesel. Get what you need — then leave some for your neighbours.

In ShortChildren take their emotional cues from adults, staying calm and honest is more important than having all the answers, and brief, grounded reassurance goes a long way.Keeping routines rock solid including meals, bedtimes, school and sport is the single most powerful thing parents can do to help children feel safe during uncertain times.Limiting children's exposure to rolling news and social media, and giving them a small, active role in family preparedness, significantly reduces anxiety and builds resilience.When the world feels unstable, children look to the adults around them for cues. Not primarily for information, but for feeling. They want to know, before anything else, whether the grown-ups are alright. Whether the family is safe. Whether ordinary life is going to continue. The words we choose matter, but our tone and our steadiness matter far more.The temptation when frightening news breaks is to either dismiss it entirely or to become consumed by it. Neither serves our children well. Telling a child that everything is absolutely fine when you yourself are anxious creates a disconnect they can feel, even if they cannot name it. On the other hand, allowing them to absorb the full weight of adult worry about a distant conflict plants seeds of fear that can grow quietly into anxiety.The most helpful approach is honest and brief. Something like: there is a big conflict happening in a country very far away, and the grown-ups are paying attention to it. We are safe here. Our job is to go to school, eat dinner together and keep doing the things we do. That is genuinely true, and children can hold it.Questions will come, especially from older children who have access to phones and social media. Answer them as directly as you can without expanding into speculation or worst-case scenarios. Match the depth of your answer to the depth of the question. A seven-year-old asking whether there will be a war needs a different answer than a fourteen-year-old asking about Australia's military alliances. Both deserve honesty, calibrated to what they can reasonably process.Limiting exposure to news and social media is important for children of all ages right now, and frankly for adults too. Social media in particular tends to amplify the most frightening and speculative content during a crisis, often well ahead of verified facts. The rolling cycle of alarming images and commentary serves anxiety rather than understanding. One or two reliable news checks per day, from outlets such as ABC News, is enough to stay genuinely informed without being overwhelmed.Routine is the most powerful tool available to parents during a period of uncertainty. The predictability of mealtimes, bedtimes, sport training, school drop-off and family rituals tells a child's nervous system that the structure of their world is intact. Keep the routines even when you do not feel like it. Especially when you do not feel like it.Giving children something active to do also helps. Let them help pack a few extra tins into the pantry. Ask them to find the torch and check the batteries. Give them a small, concrete role in the family's preparedness. Action is the antidote to helplessness, for children and adults alike.For teenagers, the conversation can be more direct. Acknowledge that the situation is serious and that it is normal to feel unsettled by it. Talk about what Australia is doing and what our emergency systems look like. Remind them that Australians have navigated world wars, recessions, droughts, pandemics and fires, and that communities like ours have shown remarkable resilience through all of it. Encourage them to talk to you rather than processing their fears alone through a screen.Managing your own uncertainty is the foundation of all of this. It is difficult to be a steady presence for your children if you are consumed by anxiety yourself. The same advice applies: limit the news, take practical action where you can, talk to people you trust. If you find the worry is becoming intrusive or affecting your sleep and daily function, speak to your GP or a counsellor. That is not weakness; it is exactly the right response.The truth, which is worth saying plainly, is this: rural New South Wales is a long way from the Persian Gulf in every meaningful sense. We are safe. Our community is intact. The uncertainty is real, but so is our capacity to face it together. Keep that in view.

Family First Enters Farrer Race: Rebecca Scriven to Fight for “Family Values" in Post-Ley By-ElectionIn ShortNew Contender: Family First has preselected Albury-based candidate Rebecca Scriven to contest the Farrer by-election following Sussan Ley's resignation.Core Platform: Scriven’s campaign focuses on "defending family values," protecting faith-based education, and rolling back ideologically driven energy policies to lower power bills.Crowded Field: With the Nationals expected to run for the first time since 2001 and a strong Independent presence, the May 9 vote is set to be the most unpredictable in decades.Family First has officially entered the race for the upcoming Farrer by-election, announcing Rebecca Scriven as their candidate to contest the seat vacated by former Liberal leader Sussan Ley.Mrs. Scriven, who lives just north of Albury, enters the field with a campaign centered on "defending family values" and easing the financial "strain" she says is currently squeezing regional households.Originally from South Australia, she moved to the region several years ago and currently works at an independent Christian school.A seasoned operator in the political sphere, Mrs. Scriven brings a resume that includes stints in two state Ministerial Offices and the South Australian Legislative Council. "Rebecca is asking for support to give families a voice in our nation’s capital," a party spokesperson said. "She is ready to advocate for life, religious freedom, and the preservation of the family unit."She argues that her background in governance, paired with her active role in the local church community, provides the necessary grounding to represent the electorate in Canberra.The Family First candidate is running on a platform deeply rooted in what she describes as Judeo-Christian values. Mrs. Scriven has been vocal in her critique of the current political landscape, claiming that "leftist agendas" have captured government decision-making to the detriment of local communities.Key pillars of her campaign include:Education: Protecting the right of faith-based schools to operate according to their specific ethos.Cost of Living: Rolling back what she calls "ideologically based" energy policies that she claims are driving up power bills for families and small businesses.Housing: Advocating for practical measures to increase housing affordability.Social Policy: Strengthening laws to protect the unborn and the vulnerable, while seeking better resourcing for palliative care.The by-election, scheduled by the Australian Electoral Commission for Saturday, 9 May 2026, is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable contests in the seat’s history.With the Liberal Party facing a leadership transition following Ms. Ley’s resignation, the National Party is expected to contest Farrer for the first time since 2001.

In ShortVolunteers needed: Murrumbidgee Police District is actively recruiting for its Custody Support Program, which provides welfare and communication support to people held in police custody.Diverse backgrounds especially welcome: People from Aboriginal communities and non-English speaking cultural backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply, reflecting the region's community makeup.How to apply: All volunteers are fully vetted and trained. Interested community members can contact A/Inspector Lynch on 6969 4299.Being taken into police custody is, for most people, one of the most stressful and disorienting experiences they will ever face. Whether it is a language barrier, a lack of understanding of their rights or simply the shock of the situation, people in custody can quickly become overwhelmed, and that is exactly where the Murrumbidgee Police District's Custody Support Program steps in.Police are actively seeking volunteers from across the Murrumbidgee region to join the program, which places trained community members alongside police to help meet the welfare and communication needs of people in custody. Volunteers provide a calming, supportive presence and help ensure that detainees understand what is happening and that their basic needs are being met.Of particular interest to the Murrumbidgee Police District are applicants from diverse cultural and non-English speaking backgrounds, reflecting the rich and varied communities that make up the Riverina and surrounds. Police are also specifically continuing to recruit Aboriginal Custody Support Persons, who play a particularly important role in supporting Aboriginal people in custody, a group who are significantly overrepresented in the justice system and who can face unique barriers in a custody setting.Prospective volunteers should not be deterred by the thought of entering a police environment. All applicants undergo thorough background and suitability checks to ensure the safety and integrity of the program, and successful volunteers receive full training before they begin. The role is carried out in collaboration with police, not independently, providing a supportive framework for those taking it on.The program is a well-established part of policing across New South Wales and is designed to ensure that anyone held in custody, regardless of their background, language or circumstances, has access to a trusted support person who can communicate with them clearly and compassionately.If you are interested in applying or would like more information, contact Acting Inspector Lynch at Murrumbidgee Police District on 6969 4299.

IN SHORTThe NSW Government has placed the Wilcannia Weir replacement project on indefinite hold after the Australian Government declined to commit further funding, with costs blowing out from $30 million to $130 million following a controversial government-led redesign.The original weir, built in 1942, has been non-operational for decades — and Wilcannia's community has been waiting on a replacement since feasibility studies began in 1969.Critics including local councillors, federal and state MPs, and the Australian Floodplain Association have condemned the decision as a broken promise that threatens the town's fundamental right to sustainable water.A project more than three decades in the making has been placed on indefinite hold, with the NSW Government confirming it will pause work on the replacement of the Wilcannia Weir after the Australian Government declined to commit further funding.Central Darling Shire Council Chairman Bob Stewart said the community was "extremely disappointed" by NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson's announcement."We need to ensure that the weir project goes ahead. It has been needed for more than three decades for critical human water supply requirements," he said.The Council has indicated it expects to formally invite Minister Jackson to visit Wilcannia to explain the decision in person.The original weir, built by hand in 1942 using simple stone blocks, has long been non-operational. Feasibility studies for its replacement date back to 1969. Under the former Coalition governments, both the NSW and Federal governments had committed $15 million each toward a $30 million design that the community had been widely consulted on and supported.Following a change of government in NSW, that design was set aside and a redesign was initiated — one the community did not support — which ultimately drove the estimated project cost to $130 million.Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said the delays caused by that redesign process were directly responsible for the cost blowout."This is the remote north-western town of Wilcannia's source of sustainable water, and yet they have waited through feasibility studies, design processes, consultation processes, talkfests, and inspections — and still, no weir," he said."I will continue to call out the Federal Government and the NSW Government and urge them to work with the Wilcannia community to get this project off hold and back on track."NSW Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke described the announcement, which was made late on a Friday afternoon, as a deliberate attempt to avoid scrutiny."Late on a Friday afternoon, when newsrooms in the Far West were logging off for the week, the Minister for Water quietly announced the Wilcannia Weir project will no longer be going ahead," she said."Let's call this what it is — a broken promise and a failure of leadership."The chair of the Australian Floodplain Association said putting the weir "on hold" was "playing with people's right to water."Local independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler described the funding shortfall as a bitter blow, stating that the state's contribution should have been sufficient to compel federal action, and warning that without federal support, regional infrastructure projects like the Wilcannia Weir would continue to struggle.Minister Jackson said the NSW Government remained committed to improving water security in Wilcannia through other means, including a new water treatment plant, an emergency groundwater bore, and network upgrades to reduce leakage."We remain committed to transparency and to keeping our community informed every step of the way," she said.

By Hazel Dalton (Senior Research Fellow, Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University) and Karen Hayes (Occupational health researcher and lecturer, School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University)In ShortThe Proposal: One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce suggests requiring new doctors to complete a period of regional service to gain a Medicare provider number.The Risk: Experts warn that "coercive" service often fails to provide long-term continuity of care and could discourage graduates from choosing general practice.The Alternative: Critics argue for expanding existing incentive programs that reward doctors for staying in the bush rather than forcing them.According to the latest polling, the right-wing populist party, One Nation, is gaining significant political ground.But the party has also made headlines for its controversial proposal to make new doctors complete a period of regional or rural service, in return for getting a Medicare provider number. This number is essential for accessing Medicare services such as bulk billing, where patients pay no out-of-pocket expenses for seeing a GP.One Nation’s proposal is a blunt solution to a real problem. But could this policy actually work?What exactly is One Nation proposing?Earlier this week, One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce raised the idea of requiring doctors to work regionally before they can work in cities. If they don’t do a regional stint, they would essentially be blocked from practising under Medicare, Australia’s national health insurance scheme.As a result, they would not have the option to bulk-bill or refer patients for pathology tests, such as biopsies and blood tests. This means patients can’t get rebates for seeing a doctor. For a ten-minute consultation which costs about $90, for example, the patient would not get the $43.90 rebate back.At this stage, the proposal is short on detail. It’s unclear if it will apply to all medical graduates, and how long they will required to stay in a rural or regional location. But Joyce has suggested the length of service vary by remoteness. This would mean doctors who work in more remote locations would serve shorter terms.So, could this policy work in practice?Probably not. Australia has both a shortage of GPs and an unevenly distributed GP workforce. And a compulsory rural service policy does little to address either problem.While the number of GPs in Australia has grown, particularly between 2018 and 2023, this growth has not kept pace with the demand for doctors. And the gap is even wider in rural areas.A compulsory period of service might increase the number of newly qualified GPs in some rural communities. But research suggests they won’t stay long. Many forced service programs struggle to retain people after the service period ends. And even if existing doctors leave and are replaced by new ones forced to work in the country, this is a problem because local patients can’t benefit from continuity of care.One American study tracked 240 international medical graduates who, because of their visa requirements, had to work rurally for three years. It found most relocated to urban areas within two years of fulfilling that visa requirement.If you look at the distribution of our GP workforce, there is a clear pattern: GP numbers drop as remoteness increases. As a result, small rural towns have the fewest GPs relative to their population.This matters because these communities are often too small to sustain a private general practice. And they are usually too far from larger regional centres for residents to easily access care.Unfortunately, these are structural problems a coercive rural service policy are unlikely to fix. Instead, we should focus on programs which reward doctors for working in the regions.One example is the Workforce Incentive Program (Doctor Stream). This program offers medical graduates an annual payment which increases according to their year of service and level of remoteness.Funding is also available for rural doctors seeking professional development. These include the Rural Procedural Grants Program and the Australian General Practice Program. As of 2026, the Australian General Practice Program has an additional 100 places dedicated to training rural GPs.Are there any downsides to this policy?Yes. Here are three.First, this policy devalues regional communities. If we force doctors to go to rural communities, it reinforces the idea that rural places aren’t worth choosing. Medical schools already tend to frame metropolitan practice as the goal, and rural practice as the back-up plan. Forcing graduates into rural service may deepen that stigma. So instead of strengthening rural health care, this policy would discourage the long-term commitment rural communities actually need.Second, it may increase medical costs for rural patients. Based on Joyce’s comments to date, doctors without a Medicare Provider Number will not be allowed to bulk-bill. This means they will charge fees, shifting the cost of health care to patients.Third, this policy might discourage people from pursuing general practice altogether. Australia is already facing a GP shortage, which is only expected to get worse. For young medical students, a period of compulsory service scheme might become another barrier to pursuing a career in general practice.One Nation’s proposal may sound straightforward. But without considering the details and potential risks, it may just exacerbate our current shortage of rural and regional GPs. So to find a solution, we may have to go back to the drawing board.This article first appeared on The Conversation

Children will soon be banned from riding e-bikes in New South Wales, with the State Government moving to overhaul the rules governing the rapidly growing technology amid mounting concerns about safety and the surge of illegal high-powered models on public streets.In ShortAge limits coming: An expert review will recommend a legal minimum riding age of between 12 and 16 for e-bikes in NSW, with a decision expected after June 2026.Stricter standards from March: NSW is adopting the European EN15194 safety standard, capping e-bikes at 250 watts and 25 km/h — and reversing the former government's decision to allow 500-watt models on public roads.Three-year transition: Higher-powered e-bikes purchased legally under previous rules can remain on the road until 1 March 2029, after which only EU-standard bikes will be road legal in NSW.Under sweeping reforms, NSW will introduce a minimum riding age and adopt strict European safety standards, targeting bikes that critics say behave more like motorbikes than bicycles. An expert review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age of between 12 and 16 for riding an e-bike. The review will also consider whether children and teenagers have the skills, maturity and road awareness required to safely carry passengers.With an estimated 760,000 e-bikes already in circulation across the state, the rapid rise of the technology has sparked both a transport revolution and growing safety fears. Under current NSW road rules, a child of any age can ride an e-bike and riders of any age can carry passengers if the bike's design allows it. But unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes are heavier and faster, increasing the force involved in a crash, heightening the risk of serious injury and making them considerably more difficult to control, particularly for younger riders.The government will consult experts in child development and road safety as part of the review process, including the NSW Office for Youth and Young People, as well as seeking feedback from parents and young people directly. Advice will be provided to the Transport Minister and Roads Minister by June, with a final decision on the age threshold and passenger rules to follow.Transport Minister John Graham said the reforms were about striking a balance between encouraging active transport and addressing mounting safety concerns. "We want children outdoors and active but keeping them safe is paramount," he said. "I am concerned that we have primary school-aged children trying to control e-bikes that in some cases are heavier than them." He said community concern about teenagers riding together on high-powered fat bikes had also prompted closer scrutiny. "I acknowledge the concern in the community about groups of teens piling onto fat bikes — often three to a bike, and sometimes breaking simple road rules."The proposed age limits build on reforms already announced by the government, including new powers for NSW Police to seize and crush illegal e-bikes and a trial of portable dyno units to measure e-bike speeds during roadside compliance checks. The government has also reversed the former Coalition's 2023 decision to allow 500-watt e-bikes on NSW roads, and introduced tighter standards for lithium-ion batteries to reduce fire risks linked to e-bikes and e-scooters.From March, NSW will adopt the European safety standard EN15194, joining Western Australia in requiring the benchmark. Under the standard, e-bikes must have a maximum power output of 250 watts, with power assistance cutting out at 25 km/h. No power assistance can be delivered above 6 km/h unless the rider is pedalling. The standard also includes strict battery, electrical and fire-safety requirements, along with anti-tampering protections designed to prevent speed and power limits from being altered. "The community has spoken against souped-up motorbikes masquerading as e-bikes," Mr Graham said, "and this new standard makes clear that e-bikes must perform like bicycles, not motorbikes."Recognising that hundreds of thousands of higher-powered e-bikes were purchased legally under previous rules, the government will introduce a three-year transition period. From 1 March 2029, only e-bikes meeting the European standard will be road legal in NSW. The transition period reflects the typical lifespan of an e-bike and is intended to give households, retailers and manufacturers time to adjust. Following consultation, retailers will also be required to clearly specify whether a bike meets the EU standard and is road legal in NSW.Police Minister Yasmin Catley said officers were already seeing the consequences of misuse first-hand. "By introducing sensible age settings and cracking down on illegal, high-powered bikes, we are helping police prevent dangerous behaviour before more people are seriously hurt," she said.

IN SHORTThe Nationals have selected retired army colonel Brad Robertson as their Farrer by-election candidate after a preselection vote in Griffith on March 8, while One Nation named Narrandera agribusiness veteran David Farley at a rally in Albury on March 7.An early poll reported by the ABC's Insiders program on March 8 reportedly shows One Nation leading with independent Michelle Milthorpe second, with the Liberals and Nationals well behind — making preferences a critical factor.The Farrer by-election is scheduled for May 9, 2026, triggered by former Liberal leader Sussan Ley's resignation after 25 years representing the seat. Labor is not expected to field a candidate and the Liberal Party has yet to name its contender.The race to represent Farrer, a federal electorate that takes in Hay, Balranald, Griffith, Leeton, Deniliquin, Narrandera, Corowa, Wentworth and Albury, entered a decisive new phase over the weekend of March 7 and 8, with One Nation announcing its candidate and the Nationals confirming theirs from a preselection vote held in Griffith.The by-election, set for May 9, 2026, was triggered by the resignation of Sussan Ley, who held the seat for 25 years before losing the Liberal Party leadership to Angus Taylor in February and subsequently announcing her retirement from parliament.The Nationals selected retired army colonel Brad Robertson after the Griffith vote on Sunday March 8. Robertson was raised in Bathurst and spent 30 years in the Australian Army, with his final posting as commander of the Joint Logistics Unit at Bandiana in Victoria. He is currently a board member of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund. His selection marks the first time the Nationals have contested Farrer since 2001, when former Corowa councillor Bill Bott was defeated by Ley in a narrow three-cornered contest. Before Ley, the seat was held by the Nationals from 1984 to 2001 through former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer.One Nation moved the day prior, with Narrandera agribusiness veteran David Farley winning the party's preselection at the Albury Convention Centre on March 7. Farley, 69, is a former CEO of major beef producer the Australian Agricultural Company and current chair of water advocacy group Speak Up 4 Water. He was born and bred in Narrandera and has worked for agribusinesses overseas. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce — who defected to One Nation in December — appeared at Albury's QEII Square on Saturday to endorse Farley before a public rally.Farley said water policy and the cost of living would be central to his campaign, with Murray-Darling Basin reform at the top of his agenda."Why is water being managed as an environmental asset when it should be managed as a sovereign asset?" he said."The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has reached well beyond its remit."Farley also welcomed the decision by NSW independent state MP Helen Dalton not to contest the federal seat, saying it reflected well on her commitment to her Murray electorate."It's good for Farrer and Murray," he said. "On Helen's behalf, it shows that she is looking after her constituents. She has proved her capabilities; she has proved her tenacity and she has runs on the board."Just before his preselection was confirmed, Farley said he believed he had "the capacity, skills and tenacity to represent Farrer on the critical issues that are needed."The first poll of the Farrer contest, reported by the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday, reportedly shows One Nation leading with independent Michelle Milthorpe in second place, and the Liberals and Nationals well behind. With preferences likely to prove decisive, the question of how-to-vote card arrangements between the parties has already entered the debate.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed in during a recent visit to Albury, urging the Coalition to put One Nation last on its how-to-vote cards."They can't just be One Nation lite, coming up with similar policies to One Nation. They need to be responsible going forward. John Howard always put One Nation last on the how-to-vote of the Liberal Party. We'll wait and see what decisions Angus Taylor and David Littleproud are prepared to make," Mr Albanese said.Farley responded by accusing the major parties of attempting to collude against One Nation. "What they're proposing is very disingenuous to the constituents and their rights under our democracy," he said.The Coalition parties have not yet made a decision on their preference arrangements.Milthorpe, who finished second on primary votes at the 2022 election and is backed by Climate 200, has confirmed she will contest the seat again. The Liberal Party — which has held Farrer for 25 years — is the only major party yet to name a candidate. Liberal state Albury MP Justin Clancy had considered running but withdrew from consideration last week.Labor is not expected to field a candidate. The Greens, Family First, People First and several other minor parties have also confirmed they will contest the seat.Enrolment for the by-election closes at 8pm on April 8, 2026.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives has officially set 9 May 2026 as the date for the Farrer by-election, prompting Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe to formalise her campaign for the seat.In ShortThe Date is Set: The Farrer by-election will take place on Saturday, 9 May 2026, following the resignation of Liberal Deputy Leader Sussan Ley.Key Policy Demands: Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe is centering her campaign on a Federal Royal Commission into Water Management and addressing the "triple-digit" spike in water prices.Service Gaps: The campaign highlights a "national crisis" in regional infrastructure, specifically calling for a new hospital in Albury and improved telecommunications in Hay and Wentworth.The by-election was triggered by the recent resignation of former Liberal Deputy Leader Sussan Ley. Ms Milthorpe, a Jindera-based educator and advocate, confirmed she will contest the seat for a second time after finishing in second place at the 2025 federal election.The 9 May poll will be the first major electoral test for the region since the 2025 general election.Regional Priorities and Water ReformDuring a campaign stop in Griffith, Ms Milthorpe addressed several issues she identified as critical to the western and central reaches of the electorate, including the local government areas of Hay, Balranald, Carrathool, and Central Darling.Central to her platform is a call for a federal Royal Commission into water management. Ms Milthorpe attributed recent financial pressures on primary producers to fluctuating water costs."The by-election could not come any sooner, because the people of Farrer have been forgotten," Ms Milthorpe said. "We are tough, and we get on with things, but everyone has their breaking point, and too many people across Farrer are reaching theirs.""We are the food bowl of Australia, we have given so much to this country, but party politicians in Canberra are too busy fighting each other to give us anything in return."Ms Milthorpe stated that the current economic climate for agriculture necessitated federal intervention."We need a federal Royal Commission Into Water," she said. "Generational farmers are selling up because the price of water has tripled in just the past year. This is a national crisis, and a national crisis demands a national response."Infrastructure and Essential ServicesMs Milthorpe’s campaign also highlights disparities in telecommunications and social services across the region. She pointed to specific connectivity issues in the Hay district and surrounding western shires as a primary concern for the community."Water is just one of many ways our electorate has been forgotten," Ms Milthorpe said."We need a new public hospital in Albury to give the growing regional city and its surrounding areas the modern medical care it deserves. We need proper phone reception out in Hay and Wentworth. We need more childcare staff, the waitlist in some towns is now more than 300 kids. And we have a dire need for more aged care support, so people can grow old with dignity in their own communities."The candidate argued that the historical status of Farrer as a safe seat has contributed to a lack of investment in regional infrastructure."These are problems that would be fixed if we lived in the cities," Ms Milthorpe said. "For too long, politicians have overlooked our community because we are a safe seat. Last election showed there was a real appetite for change, and this election we’re ready to finish the job."Candidate BackgroundMs Milthorpe, who was raised in Cootamundra, gained public prominence through her advocacy for child sexual assault survivors. Her campaigning previously resulted in a $64 million commitment from the NSW Government to expand court support services for children in regional areas.

In Short Fuel prices are likely to rise as global oil markets respond to the conflict — rural families are urged to fill tanks and jerry cans now as a sensible precaution.Australia's food supply is not under direct threat, but imported goods and freight-dependent groceries may become more expensive in coming weeks.A low-level risk of cyberattacks on Australian infrastructure exists — keeping cash on hand, torches stocked and a basic contingency plan is wise preparation.Life in our parts moves at its own pace, and for many communities, a military conflict on the other side of the world can feel abstract and distant. In one sense, it is. No bombs will fall here. No troops will mobilise in our paddocks. But in the practical, everyday ways that matter most to country families, what is happening right now in the Middle East is worth understanding clearly and calmly.The most immediate concern for rural Australians is fuel. Australia imports a significant portion of its refined petroleum products, and global oil markets reacted sharply on Saturday night to news of the strikes. Petrol prices were already elevated before this weekend; they are likely to rise further. For those of us who drive long distances to work, run farming equipment, or rely on diesel generators, this is not an abstract concern. It is a kitchen table issue.The practical response is straightforward. Fill your tank when you can. If you have jerry cans, fill those too. Store them safely in a shed or garage, away from heat sources, and add a fuel stabiliser if you intend to keep them for more than a month or two. A couple of twenty-litre jerry cans gives a family meaningful insurance against both price spikes and short-term supply disruptions at the bowser.Grocery prices are the second concern. Australia is one of the most food-secure nations on earth. We grow our own beef, wheat, dairy, fruit and vegetables in abundance, and a conflict in the Persian Gulf does not directly threaten our food supply. However, many imported goods rely on fuel to reach us, and freight costs tend to be passed on quickly at the retail level. Prices for some imported products and packaged goods may rise over coming weeks.Building a modest home pantry is sensible preparedness at any time, not just during a crisis. A two to four week supply of staples such as rice, pasta, canned protein, long-life milk, cooking oil and dried goods provides real peace of mind and costs less than most people expect. Buy a little extra each week rather than making one large purchase, which keeps costs manageable and avoids contributing to any shortages at the local IGA or supermarket.There is also a cyber dimension to this conflict worth understanding. Iran has well-documented offensive cyber capabilities, and Australian infrastructure including power grids, water systems and banking networks has been identified in the past as a potential target during times of heightened tension. The Australian Cyber Security Centre is actively monitoring this risk. A simple household precaution is to keep some cash on hand, ensure torches and batteries are stocked, and have a basic plan if power or internet access were disrupted for a day or two.Beyond the practical, it is worth acknowledging what is perhaps most important about living in rural New South Wales right now. Small towns look after their own. The same community networks that mobilise during a bushfire or a flood are the same ones that will carry people through economic stress or uncertainty. Know your neighbours. Talk to your local businesses. Stay connected to your community. That social fabric is, in the end, the most reliable form of resilience any of us has.The Australian Government has not indicated any direct military threat to Australia. Our Defence Force remains on standard alert. The advice from authorities is to stay informed through reliable sources, to take sensible precautions, and to go about daily life. Schools remain open. Businesses remain open. Work continues. This is not the time to panic. It is, however, a good time to be quietly, practically prepared.

IN SHORTNarrandera agribusiness veteran David Farley has won One Nation preselection for the federal seat of Farrer, defeating Leigh Wolki and Guy Cooper at a vote in Albury this morning before being announced at a rally this afternoon.Farley, 69, is a former cotton and cattle industry CEO with decades of experience across the Riverina and Murray-Darling Basin, and has been a prominent critic of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan as chair of Speak Up 4 Water.The Farrer by-election is scheduled for 9 May 2026, triggered by former Liberal leader Sussan Ley's resignation after 25 years representing the seat.A Narrandera agribusiness veteran has become One Nation's candidate for the federal seat of Farrer, winning a preselection contest in Albury this morning before being formally introduced to supporters at a rally this afternoon.David Farley, 69, defeated fellow contenders Leigh Wolki of Albury and Guy Cooper of Boeill Creek to claim the candidacy, emerging from a field that originally attracted more than 80 applicants. Only three made it through One Nation's vetting process, and this morning local party members cast their votes at the Albury Convention Centre before the winner was unveiled to the public.The by-election for Farrer is scheduled for 9 May 2026. It was triggered when former Liberal leader Sussan Ley resigned from parliament in late February following her defeat in a Liberal leadership spill by Angus Taylor. Ley had held Farrer for 25 years, but the seat is now considered genuinely contested for the first time in its history.Farley is no stranger to the region or to big decisions. He was born and raised in Narrandera, the grandson of a First World War Light Horseman and the son of a Second World War naval veteran who went on to work in agribusiness. Those roots run deep, and so does his professional track record.He started out as a jackaroo with FS Falkiner and Sons in Deniliquin back in 1975, working his way up through roles as overseer, station manager and irrigation development specialist. By 1982 he had been appointed to lead the development of a major irrigation enterprise in northern New South Wales. Over the following two decades he built Colly Cotton from 160 hectares to more than 27,000 irrigated hectares, eventually serving as Managing Director for 16 years as the company grew into one of the top ten cotton trading operations in the world. He later served as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Agricultural Company, one of the country's largest cattle enterprises, and has worked across the United States, Africa and the former Soviet Union in agribusiness roles. He owns Matrix Commodities, an agricultural commodity trading and investment company based in Narrandera.More recently, Farley has been a prominent voice on water policy, having been elected chair of Speak Up 4 Water, an advocacy group pushing back against aspects of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. He has long argued that the plan has hurt regional communities, stripped away agricultural jobs and handed too much power to city-based bureaucrats and foreign-owned corporations over water that regional families depend on.Farley joined One Nation roughly six months ago, well before Ley announced her resignation, and he has been direct about why. He said it was Ley's own governance of Farrer, particularly her failure to push back on water policy, that pushed him toward a party he felt had the courage to take on the fight."There are many issues affecting Farrer that are also national issues," he said. "We need to be represented by a party with courage and tenacity, which I don't believe has been demonstrated by the Coalition."The Farrer by-election field is shaping up to be one of the most competitive the electorate has ever seen. The Liberal Party and the Nationals are both contesting the seat, as are the Greens, the People's Future Party and the Freedom and Fairness Party, whose candidate is Rebecca Scriven. Independent Michelle Milthorpe, who actually outpolled Ley in Albury at the 2025 federal election and is backed by Climate 200, is considered one of the stronger challengers. Milthorpe has already been actively campaigning across the electorate.One Nation has been polling strongly nationally in recent months, and the party clearly views Farrer as a genuine opportunity. For Farley, the 9 May poll represents the chance to convert decades of fighting for the Riverina and Murray-Darling communities from the outside into representation from within the walls of parliament.

IN SHORTMaari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation has quit the Broken Hill Environmental Lead Response Group, citing the NSW Government's persistent failure to act on its recommendations.A NSW Chief Scientist report confirms Aboriginal children in Broken Hill carry a disproportionately higher burden of elevated blood lead levels than non-Aboriginal children, with progress in reducing exposure slowing in recent years.Maari Ma has long recommended greater program focus on Aboriginal children and improved housing quality — two key factors linked to the ongoing disparity.The withdrawal comes in the wake of a report by the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer which, consistent with numerous studies over many years, found that Aboriginal children in Broken Hill continue to carry a disproportionate burden of elevated blood lead levels compared to non-Aboriginal children. The report noted that progress in reducing lead exposure across the community has slowed in recent years.Mr Weston has long called for a new and targeted approach specifically focused on Aboriginal children and families."We have recommended for a long time that the community program here in Broken Hill has a greater focus on Aboriginal children, as it is Aboriginal children who are carrying the greater burden of high lead levels in Broken Hill," he has previously said."We have also been recommending that the government focuses on housing, as there is a strong link between blood lead levels and the quality of housing in Broken Hill for Aboriginal families."Maari Ma has provided lead testing, health education, and intensive case management for Aboriginal children under five years of age for many years. Despite that work, Mr Weston said the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children's lead levels remains unacceptably high.The Broken Hill Lead Program offers voluntary and free annual blood lead screening for all local children under five through the Broken Hill Child and Family Health Service and Maari Ma's Primary Health Care Service.

In ShortDawn raid on Argyle Street: Police executed a search warrant at a residential address on Argyle Street, Leeton, at around 7:40 am on Wednesday 25 February.Significant seizure: Officers allegedly found prohibited weapons, fireworks, illegal drugs, ammunition and items consistent with the supply of drugs at the property.Bail granted, court date set: A 45-year-old man was arrested, initially refused bail, then granted conditional bail to appear at Leeton Local Court on 10 March 2026.A 45-year-old man is set to face Leeton Local Court later this month after police executed a search warrant at an Argyle Street property in the early hours of Wednesday morning, uncovering a significant collection of weapons, drugs, ammunition and suspected drug supply materials.Officers from the Murrumbidgee Police District arrived at the property at around 7:40 am on Wednesday 25 February and, following a search, allegedly located prohibited weapons, fireworks, a quantity of illegal drugs, ammunition, and items police believe are consistent with the supply of drugs.The 45-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Leeton Police Station, where he was charged with multiple offences spanning weapons, drug and ammunition categories.He was initially refused bail and appeared before Bail Court Division 5, where he was subsequently granted conditional bail. He is due to appear at Leeton Local Court on 10 March 2026.Police have not publicly named the man at this stage of proceedings. The investigation is being handled by the Murrumbidgee Police District, which covers the Leeton, Griffith, Narrandera and surrounding areas of the Riverina.The execution of a search warrant at a residential address typically follows an investigative period in which police gather sufficient evidence to satisfy a magistrate or authorised justice that there are reasonable grounds for the search. The discovery of items consistent with drug supply — such as scales, bags or deal quantities — alongside drugs and weapons is frequently a factor in bail decisions.

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has officially ruled out contesting the upcoming federal by-election for the seat of Farrer, opting instead to remain in the New South Wales Parliament.In Short: The Decision: Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has officially declined to contest the federal by-election for Farrer, choosing to remain in the NSW State Parliament.The Focus: Dalton cited a need to hold the State Government accountable for "passing the buck" to Canberra on regional water rights and Murray-Darling Basin policy.The Ultimatum: She will only endorse a federal candidate for Farrer who commits to a Royal Commission into the Murray-Darling Basin and her seven-point reform plan.The announcement, released Thursday, clarifies Mrs Dalton’s intention to continue her advocacy within the state legislature, where she claims pressure must be intensified on governments regarding Murray-Darling Basin policies.For residents in the Murray electorate, the decision means their state representative Ms Dalton will maintain her current seat rather than seeking a move to the cross-border federal electorate.Mrs Dalton stated that her decision followed discussions with constituents who expressed a desire for a more aggressive approach to water rights."People across the Murray are beyond frustrated. They are watching their communities suffer while governments keep shifting blame and dodging responsibility," Mrs Dalton said."I have no intention of stepping away from this fight. If anything, the pressure is about to increase".State Government Held to AccountBy remaining in the NSW Parliament, Mrs Dalton argued she can more directly challenge the state government’s handling of regional water interests. She alleged that the current administration has frequently deferred responsibility to federal authorities."The NSW Government cannot keep passing the buck to Canberra while communities in the basin pay the price," she said."For too long, basin communities have been treated as expendable in political negotiations over water. That has to stop".The Member for Murray indicated her ongoing legislative priorities include a push for a Royal Commission into the Murray-Darling Basin and the implementation of her seven-point plan for reform."Let me be very clear. I am not going anywhere and I will not be backing off," she added."Until basin communities get the transparency and protection they deserve, this fight will only get louder".Potential Endorsements in FarrerRegarding the federal vacancy in Farrer, Mrs Dalton noted she would only consider endorsing a candidate who demonstrates a "genuine commitment" to her proposed water reforms."I won't be endorsing anyone who is weak on water," she said."If candidates want the trust of basin communities, they need to prove they are prepared to fight for a Royal Commission and real reform, not more political excuses".Residents seeking further information on the Member’s stance or the proposed reforms can contact her electorate offices in Griffith, Deniliquin, or Buronga.