“Why do we have a shed policy?” The question was asked by Cr John Perry at last month’s Hay Shire Council meeting when he objected to a Development Application for a shed outside of the policy guidelines. “We’re opening a Pandora’s Box,” he said. The proposed shed on Lang Street is contrary to Council’s shed policy by 700mm to the eave and less than 500mm at the peak. There were no objections from the neighbours when the DA was advertised by Council. A motion by Cr Perry to defer discussion so the applicant could re-visit her plans in order to comply with Council’s policy was lost when there was no seconder to the amendment. Cr Lionel Garner suggested a visit to the shed to check it out, but was reminded it had not been built yet. “There’s no shed, this is a Development Application,” General Manager David Webb said. Council resolved to adopt a recommendation from staff to approve the application, with conditions. At a recommendation by Cr Geoff Chapman, Council also resolved to review the shed policy.

Incher and Hulk take out Open title at Shear Outback’s 14th annual championshipBY ALIX MCFARLANDAdaminaby trialler Dean Incher has continued his success on the plains taking out top honours at the 14th annual Shear Outback Hay Championship Yard Dog Trial on Saturday with Hulk.While Dean was placed in the Open event with Hulk in the past, his previous first place wins in 2019, 2022 and 2023 were with another of his top dogs Raffa, with whom he placed second this year.Last year's open winner Dale Thompson took out third place with Giles Creek Clay.A capacity 60 Open/Improver entries and 90 Novice/Beginner entries travelled from as far as South Australia to be tested by TA Field Wyvern Station wethers.Handlers and their dogs were met by a cool start and warmer, blustery conditions as the day progressed.Trialling started the minute adequate daylight was available and presentations were made just prior to sunset.Thank you to all of our competitors and congratulations to all of our winners.A big thank you to judges Matt Sherwood (Open/Improver) and Ben Wade (Novice/Beginner) who were impressed by both the standard of handling and sportsmanship.An exciting evolution saw live streaming and electronic scoring introduced this year. Thank you to Danny Ruben for bringing your expertise to us and to those who commentated.A big thank you also goes out to valuable sponsors, loyal supporters and hard working volunteers for contributing to another successful trial, and to the Hay Rodeo Club team for their yard work and delicious catering.Full Results:OPEN 1st - Dean Incher & Hulk - 185 2nd - Dean Incher & Raffa - 184 3rd - Dale Thompson & Giles Creek Clay - 183 4th - Sarah Lee & The Lee's Rock - 180 (Fastest time 5m 49s) 5th - Neale Taylor & Pat - 144IMPROVER 1st - Neale Taylor & Pat - 90 2nd - David Lee & The Lee's Zeus - 88 3rd - Herb Cooper & Axle - 87 Fastest time - Peter Fisk & Spider - 6m 6sNOVICE 1st - David Lees & The Lee's Zeus - 191 2nd - Sam Yates & Trump - 189 3rd - Fred Rains & Nina - 188 4th - Denis Mitchell & Jimmy - 178 5th - Kahlee O'Leary & Dude - 170 Fastest time - Peter Fisk & Spider - 3m 48sBEGINNER 1st - Audrey Martin & Rehea - 69 (Fastest time 5m 37s) 2nd - Grace Harrison & Shadow - 58 3rd - Grace Harrison & Rose - 442025 Hay Working Dog Trials winners circleBeginner winners Audrey Martin (right) with second and third place winner Grace Harrison.Opens category judges and place getters (from left) Jake Varena (6th), Dale Thompson (3rd), judge Matt Sherwood, winner and runner-up Dean Incher, Neale Taylor (5th) and Sarah Lees (4th and fastest time).Judge Matt Sherwood with Improver winners Neale Taylor (1st), David Lees (2nd), Herb Cooper (3rd) and Peter Fisk (fastest time).Novice/Beginner judge Ben Wade with Beginner event winner Audrey Martin. Audrey also achieved fastest time in the Beginner section.

Pauline Hanson's One Nation candidate for Farrer Emma Hicks responds to BCB News' big questions, ahead of the May 5 election.What are the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing our electorate today, and what role do you see yourself playing in addressing them?Water is the biggest issue for farmers in our electorate. Across the board, the cost of living and health are also key priorities.One Nation will move to reverse changes made to the Water Act 2007 and the Basin Plan by:  - Restoring the 1500 GL/year cap on buybacks;  - Restoring the 320 GL/year recovery target in the northern Basin; and  - Reinstating the original socio-economic test for the 450 GL/year ‘Water for the Environment Special Account’.We believe all other forms of water recovery should be exhausted before buybacks, including:  - Investment in water-efficient distribution infrastructure;  - Research into precision irrigation and improving soil water-holding capacity; and  - Utilising other sources such as the South-East Drainage Scheme in SA.We will also reform water trading by:  - Restricting foreign ownership of water and water assets;  - Introducing transparency with a public registry of water ownership and transactions.Cost of Living and HealthElectricity:  - Change NEM rules to support cheaper coal and gas-fired baseload power, while planning for nuclear in the medium term.  - Aim to reduce power bills by 20% immediately.Fuel:  - Halve the fuel excise to 26 cents/L for 3 years, with a review after 12 months.Tax Relief:  - Allow aged and veteran pensioners to earn more without penalty.  - Support income splitting and joint tax returns for couples with dependent children.  - Raise the tax-free threshold to $35,000 for self-funded retirees.Beer Tax:  - Remove the excise on beer and spirits in venues.Healthcare:  - Increase Medicare rebates to support bulk billing.  - Crack down on Medicare fraud, estimated to cost $3 billion/year.  - Offer three-year contracts for new medical professionals in exchange for full HECS-HELP repayment.Can you give an example of how you have helped others, in the past?As much as I don’t like to publicise this, I want to answer honestly. I have covered people’s grocery bills when they could not afford it. I’m not saying I could afford it myself, but I had a job I could rely on for income, whereas these people, for the most part, did not. It’s important to help people when they need it and not turn a blind eye when they are down on their luck.What is your top priority – the job you will tackle first - if elected?My top priority is securing water access for our farmers. I’m also committed to securing the funding for a greenfield hospital in Albury — a critical health hub for the wider region.Describe your own personality and why it would make you the ideal person to form Government.I am honest and direct. I cannot be bought. I have integrity and a genuine passion to help improve living conditions in Farrer.

US investor group withdraws from deal to purchase iconic NSW farmland aggregationParties are remaining tight-lipped following reports of the $780 million deal to sell some of the Riverina's most well-known properties.In September 2023, Australian Food & Agriculture Co (AFA) advertised the sale of 13 farms, covering more than 225,405 hectares.The sale consists of three major freehold title land aggregations within the Deniliquin, Hay and Coonamble districts including Boonoke, Burrabogie, Wanganella and Wingadee stations.AFA agreed to terms last year with Agriculture and Natural Solutions Acquisition Corporation (ANSAC) with a sales price believed to be $780 million.ANSAC is a group of investors, including Bert Glover, founder of the Australian and US-owned specialist agricultural investment and development firm Impact Ag Partners, which has offices in Armidale in NSW and Montana in the US.In a document released to the US Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, ANSAC announced the "termination" of the agreement by "mutual consent".In its own company report, released in March, ANSAC made reference to issues plaguing the deal."The parties are currently discussing the best path forward for the business combination in light of the increasingly volatile equity market conditions, including potentially mutually terminating the business combination agreement," the report said.The document also hinted at tariffs and trade barriers, and the potential of further deterioration of trade relations between Australia and the US, despite the Australian Government giving approval to the foreign sale in late 2024.It is thought AFA will again seek a buyer for the aggregation as a whole, rather than consider listing properties for sale separately.

MASP calls for adaptable BTR housing solutions to meet regional affordability crisisThe Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) is calling on the Federal Government and property developers to adapt the Build-To-Rent (BTR) initiative for regional communities, in an effort to address the growing housing crisis outside metropolitan areas.MASP CEO Charmaine Calis believes the BTR model—where developers maintain ownership of properties while leasing them to tenants—could be modified to better suit the needs of country towns and regional centers."Incentives to provide housing solutions fit-for-purpose for regional living, not necessarily those larger scale apartment settings typically seen in metro areas, could go a long way to entice developers to look at affordable solutions in places like the Mallee," Mrs. Calis said.The Federal Government passed legislation in late 2024 requiring at least 10 percent of BTR developments to be dedicated to affordable housing.[MASP supports Built-To-Rent, calls for wider application] Additional regulations finalised in early April include a minimum tenancy of five years, with affordable tenancies defined as being available to people on moderate and low incomes.The regulations also specify that at least 20 percent of the affordable tenancies will be available to low-income earners where rents are capped below 74.9 percent of the market value or 30 percent of household income, whichever is lower.[REIA Build-to-Rent Report 2024 (PDF)]While BTR developments have proven successful overseas, they're relatively new to Australia and typically feature large-scale apartment complexes in urban settings—a model that may not translate directly to regional needs.The housing shortage in the region has reached critical levels. According to MASP, the Victorian Housing Register recorded over 500 applicants on the Priority Access List for the Mildura District alone as of December, with nearly 450 more on the Register of Interest."This would help alleviate the incredible stress on the system," Mrs. Calis said. "Something must be done."MASP has previously advocated for diverse housing solutions through its submission to the Victorian Legislative Assembly's inquiry into regional housing supply.[MASP Submission to the Inquiry into the Supply of Homes in Regional Victoria (PDF)] The organisation emphasised the importance of accommodating various living arrangements for different individuals and families seeking social and affordable housing."We welcome any measures that would help increase housing supply and cater for the most vulnerable in our community," Mrs. Calis added.As regional communities continue to grapple with housing affordability and availability, MASP's call for adaptable BTR models represents one potential pathway to addressing these persistent challenges.[Rent.com.au Regional Rental Market Snapshot]

Eleven knives were seized and a tomahawk during a proactive rural crime-related operation in the state’s south - Infringements issued near Deniliquin and Booligal.Investigators attached to the Rural Crime Prevention Team (RCPT), established Operation Brushwood to target rural crime-related offences throughout Southern Region.The three-day operation was conducted in the Murray River Police District between Friday 18 April 2025 and Monday 21 April 2025 involving officers attached to the Rural Crime Prevention Team with assistance from the Murray River Police District, patrolling National Parks and state forests, stock reserves and public roads.Notable incidents include;About 11.30am on Sunday 20 April 2025, police stopped a utility with Victorian number plates on the Cobb Highway, approximately 5 kilometres north of Deniliquin. Police seized five knives from the vehicle, which weren’t secured.Two hunting dogs were also searched and were compliant.The 35-year-old man was issued with an infringement notice for possess knife in a public place.About 11.45pm on Friday 18 April 2025, police were patrolling Cobb Highway, Booligal, about 1km north of Merungle Road, when police pulled over a utility on the Cobb Highway with Victorian number plates. Police seized a throwing axe and four knives within the vehicle. Officers also checked four hunting dogs with the men, with one dog allegedly suffering four puncture wounds to its neck allegedly as a result of hunting several days earlier. The dog had not been taken to a vet for treatment. The 20-year old man was issued with an infringement for possess knife in a public place. The 17-year-old owner of the dog was issued with an infringement notice being in charge of an animal fail to provide vet treatment and a caution for animal cruelty and possess knife in a public place.The following results were achieved;16 vehicle stops and 2 vehicle searches11 hunting style knives and one Tomahawk/ throwing axe were seized16 Firearm Safe Storage Inspection - 3 failed and 20 firearms and ammunition seized2 people issued with Firearms Suspension Notices issued33 infringements issued for traffic offences18 hunting dogs inspected under the Animal Companion Act1 Apiary Inspection1 Travel Stock Statement Inspection1 Macropod Harvester Inspection3 licensed premises inspectionsOperation Brushwood continues.Images: NSW Police

Need to catch up? The recent Better Boarder Health Forum is now online.The Better Border Health Albury Wodonga group held a health forum for Farrer candidates last week, and has published the forum on YouTube for those who were unable to attend.“Thanks to the following Farrer and Indi candidates who turned up to the candidates forum on the 16th April,” the group posted on social media.In attendance were candidates Emma Hicks (One Nation for Farrer), Richard Hendrie (Greens for Farrer), Michelle Milthorpe (Independent for Farrer), Michael White (Family First for Indi), Tim Quilty (Libertarian Party for Indi) and Helen Haines (current member and Independent for Indi)Better Border Health Albury Wodonga say apologies for the event were received from Glen Hyde (Labor for Farrer), Peter Sinclair (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers for Farrer), Alysia Regan (Greens for Indi), Athol Thomas (One Nation for Indi) and Mark McFarlane (Independent for Indi).Member for Farrer Sussan Ley was a notable absence, according to those who attended.You can watch the forum online at Better Border Health Candidate Forum - Indi and Farrer - 16 April 2025 - YouTube

The race day was well supportedSix-year old Eamonn’s Memory won the 2025 Rivcott Carrathool Cup, att his years annual race day. The New Zealand gelding took home the $22,000 race winnings after the feature race. The winner was trained by Wangaratta’s Andrew Dale and ridden to victory by jockey Amy O’Driscoll, ahead of six-year-old mare Controversial Miss. In her first showing at Carrathool, O’Driscoll rode four of the six winners past the post. Full results: Race 1 (category one handicap) - First Minesite, second Soo Kiss Me. Race 2 (handicap) First Rockbarton Shout, second Crimosa. Race 3 (maiden handicap) First Hisako Lady, second Mollyullah Miss. Race 4 (handicap) First Trustthesheriff, second Noci Di Corro. Race 5 (open handicap) First Eamonn’s Memory, second Controversial Miss. Race 6 (class 2 handicap) First Calm Buckle, second Jackie Moon.Carrathool Cup presentation: (from left) Jockey Club president Hamish Armstrong, RivCott’s Emmy Robertson, jockey Amy O’Driscoll, Carrathool Jockey Club life member Bill Ryan and winning trainer and part-owner Andrew Dale. Eamonn’s Memory and jockey Amy O’Driscoll (far left) stuck to the rail to take out the 2025 Carrathool Cup.Pictured at the 2025 event are (from left) Ian and Emily Barber, Sandra and Matt Ireson, and Rob and Markeeta Gibson. Max Hillman, Drew Cameron, Pippa, Michelle, Rose, and Brent Millthorpe.Lottie Ryan with grandmotherMary Ryan.Top Harvey and Edwina Bright.Keeping up the family connection with the races (from left) Hedley Burns, Vicky Burns, David Burns and Brandon Burns.Carrathool Jockey Club life member Bill Ryan.Images: The Riverine Grazier 23 April 2025 /Margie McClelland.

South West Renewable Energy Zone powers upFour wind, solar and battery projects have been granted the right to connect to new power lines in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).The projects are Origin Energy’s Yanco Delta wind farm, Spark Renewables Dinawan Energy Hub, Someva’s Pottinger Energy Park and BayWA’s Bullawah Wind Farm:The developments will be located near Hay, Darlington Point and Jerilderie.EnergyCo has granted access rights to wind, solar and large-scale battery projects with a combined generation capacity of 3.56 gigawatts. The NSW Government said that’s enough to power more than 1.6 million homes a year.This follows a competitive access rights tender process by AEMO Services Limited. The strong level of interest and competition between developers is a testament to the high quality of the renewable energy resources in the South West REZ.The grant of access rights provides more certainty to communities in the south west of NSW about the renewable energy projects that will be developed in the region over coming years. The access fees paid by these projects will fund community benefits programs that will deliver legacy benefits informed by community priorities.“The South West Renewable Energy Zone is expected to drive more than $17 billion in private investment in solar, wind and energy storage projects, and this landmark tender shows the high interest in investing in NSW," Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpesaid.“These projects will help ensure NSW has enough renewable energy generation and storage when coal-fired power stations retire. They also give certainty to host-communities, who will directly benefit from the fees paid by these companies to connect to the REZ.”“We had strong interest from industry in the South West Renewable Energy Zone access rights tender," EnergyCo chief executive, Hannah McCaughey said. "The access scheme will also ensure we make the best use of new power lines, to put downward pressure on energy bills for everyone in NSW.“The first projects are expected to come online from 2027 to 2030, which will help keep the lights on and secure our energy future.”What is a Renewable Energy Zone?REZs will group new wind and solar power generation and batteries into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW.Five zones have been identified and will keep NSW electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations retire, delivering large amounts of new energy to power our regions and cities.REZs will help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition and efficient use of the network, while supporting local jobs and business opportunities during construction and operation.Where is the South West Renewable Energy Zone?The South West REZ is centred around Hay and takes in towns including Balranald and Buronga.The location was chosen due to an abundance of high-quality wind and solar resources, proximity to existing and planned high voltage transmission including Project EnergyConnect, relative land-use compatibility and a strong pipeline of proposed projects.At its peak, this REZ is expected to support over 2,000 construction jobs in the region.

Recent shooting incidents have raised concerns after two separate rural firearms incidentsRecent incidents involving guns in the region have raised concerns over firearm safety.A man is in a critical condition after being shot during a hunting trip near Oberon over Easter.On Easter Friday morning (18 April 2025), emergency services responded to reports of a man being shot on a rural property along Campbells River Road, Black Springs, approximately 20 kilometres south of Oberon.NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 70-year-old man for a gunshot wound to the right shoulder. He was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition.Officers from Chifley Police District have been informed that the man and his 47-year-old son were securing their firearms on the back of a utility when a round discharged from the younger man’s weapon. Both men had been shooting game on the property.A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the incident has commenced.This follows the death of a nine-year-old boy, who died after being accidentally shot at a property near Goulburn earlier this month.About 11.20am on Sunday 13 April 2025, emergency services were called to a property on Fernleigh Close, Windellama, following reports of a shooting.On arrival, officers attached to The Hume Police District arrived were told a 9-year-old boy had been injured after the accidental discharge of a firearm.The boy was treated for serious neck injuries by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.Since then, a man and a teenage boy have been charged over the accidental discharging of a firearm.The man was charged with allowing an unauthorised person to possess a firearm and not keep a firearm safely.He was given a court attendance notice and is expected to appear in Goulburn Local Court on May 14, according to NSW Police.The teenage boy was charged with possessing an unauthorised firearm.He was given conditional bail and is expected to appear before a children's court on May 16.Nina Dillon, the mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, told ABC the incident reminded the community to take gun security seriously."The community takes gun safety very seriously, and for a young child to lose his life in such tragic circumstances is just terrible," she said."Nobody wants to have to live through a tragedy like this."Most rural properties have a gun, at the end of the day … they really need to be very careful as far as security," Cr Dillon said.

Richard Hendries says he will push for a living wage in FarrerGreens candidate Richard Hendrie responded to our calls for details of Farrer electorate issues.“The Farrer electorate is vast, diverse, and deeply resilient—but our communities face urgent challenges that demand immediate, sustained action,” Mr Hendrie said. “Access to timely, equitable healthcare—especially mental health and primary care—is increasingly out of reach. The NDIS remains inconsistent and unfair. “Climate change continues to impact farming, water security, and biodiversity. And the rising cost of living is placing unbearable pressure on families, pensioners, small businesses, and young people trying to get ahead.“These issues are interconnected. Without a coordinated, human-centred response that invests in people and communities, too many in our region will continue to fall through the cracks.As a state award-winning mental health and disability advocate and 2025 Albury Citizen of the Year, I bring lived experience and professional expertise. Mr Hendrie recently attended the Better Border Health candidate forum in Albury“I’ve developed free, inclusive mental health forums and served on state and national boards, advocating for systems that are trauma-informed, rights-based, and fit for purpose. “I speak not only as a professional but as someone with lived experience of mental ill health and as a carer for elderly parents living with Parkinson’s, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and an autoimmune condition. “I understand the stress of navigating complex systems in under-resourced areas—and I’ve spent my life working to make them fairer and more accessible.“One initiative I’m particularly proud of is Talk on Tap, a grassroots program I founded that brings clinicians and people with lived experience together in a safe, honest forum. “These events tackle difficult conversations—suicide, grief, recovery, mental health—with humanity, openness, and care. They’re free, accessible, and built on the principle that no one should have to struggle alone.“If elected, my first priority will be tackling the cost-of-living crisis. This cuts across every aspect of life—from skyrocketing rents and mortgage stress to unaffordable groceries, fuel, and healthcare. Every policy should be tested against this question: does it ease the burden on everyday people?”Mr Hendrie said he will push for:Stronger price regulation on banks, energy companies, and major supermarkets;A Living Wage and expanded income supports;Public investment in regional housing and transport; andUniversal access to bulk-billed GPs, primary care clinics, and integrated mental health care.“I will fight for long-term investment in preventive, community-based health care—because reactive, crisis-driven systems cost more and helpless. “The Greens are the only party calling for full dental and mental health care under Medicare, and I will be a fierce advocate for that vision. “I will also demand that the NDIS be fully funded, transparent, and genuinely co-designed with people with disability—not dictated by bureaucrats or outsourced to profit-driven providers.“I’m not in this for photo ops or headlines. I’m here for real, structural change. I’m collaborative, compassionate, strategic, and driven by positive outcomes. “I’ve worked across political lines, government departments, and community sectors—always keeping people at the centre of the process.”

Joint Highway Patrol Operation Leads to Capture of Wanted Griffith Man Following Easter Monday IncidentNarrandera, April 22, 2025 - A 30-year-old Griffith man is facing multiple charges following a dramatic arrest in Narrandera on Easter Monday after allegedly fleeing police and crashing into a parked vehicle.The incident began around 1:50 PM on Monday when Highway Patrol officers from Hay initiated a pursuit of a black Mercedes-Benz sedan in Leeton. Officers terminated the pursuit for safety reasons.Approximately 90 minutes later, police received reports of the same vehicle driving erratically on Dalgetty Street in Narrandera. At approximately 3:45 PM, Highway Patrol officers spotted the Mercedes traveling eastbound on Dalgetty Street at high speed.According to police, the driver lost control at the intersection of Dalgetty and Racecourse Roads, colliding with a parked car before fleeing the scene on foot. The suspect allegedly entered multiple private properties in an attempt to evade capture.Following a search of nearby premises, officers located the man in the backyard of a property on Dalgetty Street. He was arrested and transported to Narrandera Police Station.The suspect has been charged with numerous offenses including police pursuit (drive dangerously), driving while license canceled, exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 km/h, reckless driving, aggravated breaking and entering, and unlawfully entering premises.Police also indicated the man was wanted in connection with several unrelated break-and-enter incidents, assault on police, and stolen vehicle offenses.The accused was denied bail and is scheduled to appear before Wagga Local Court 22 April 2025.

Investigations underway following suspicious fire – DeniliquinInvestigations are underway following a suspicious fire in Deniliquin recently.About 4.30am on Friday 18 April 2025, emergency services were called to a store on Napier Street, Deniliquin, following reports of a fire.NSW Fire and Rescue officers extinguished the blaze a short time later; however, the store was significantly damaged.Police have received no reports of injury.A crime scene has been established and an investigation by officers from Murray River Police District into the circumstances of the fire are underway.Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online or 1800 333 000.Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A feedback session regarding the revised Wilcannia Weir Project recently took place, drawing approximately 30 attendees and lasting around 2.5 hours. Roy Butler recently expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated in the session.During the meeting, numerous issues were brought up. Notably, some of these concerns, such as the location of the weir, fell outside the purview of the independent review.Despite this, Roy Butler assured participants that all feedback would be communicated to Minister Rose Jackson.The next step in the process involves the finalization of the report. There is hope that with the new information gathered during the feedback session, Minister Jackson will support the original design of the Wilcannia Weir Project.Following the update from Roy Butler, local resident Jillian McNamara highlighted on social media the critical need for more regular flows down the Darling-Baaka River to ensure the river's health at Wilcannia at all times. She also commented on the project's timeline, suggesting that the original design, which had consensus, could have been completed by now. In December 2024, the Minister for Water, Rose Jackson commenced a review of the proposed design for the replacement of Wilcannia Weir. The Minister made the decision to undertake a review following a visit to Wilcannia to meet with the community in June 2024, and has since formed an Independent Review Panel.

Griffith is poised to significantly bolster its support for women and families escaping violence with the upcoming construction of a new refuge named in honor of Yvonne Wilson, a dedicated advocate for the homeless. The facility, aptly named ‘Yvonne’s Place’, will be built on Kokoora Street by the social service provider Linking Communities Network, where Ms. Wilson currently serves as CEO. This development will effectively double the capacity of the existing refuge located next door, which will continue its vital operations.The driving force behind Linking Communities Network is a powerful vision, to ensure all individuals have access to safe and secure housing, freedom from violence, and the opportunity to reach their full potential, as stated by Ms. Wilson. Her commitment to the sector spans over four decades, and she is widely recognized for her exceptional dedication to assisting those in need. While Ms. Wilson was celebrating a well-deserved holiday and unable to attend the sod turning event on Wednesday, April 9, the significance of this project speaks volumes about her enduring impact.The construction of this crucial refuge is made possible through a substantial $6.4 million investment from the NSW Government. The thoughtful building design comes from Troy Patten and his business, Miestudio. A particularly noteworthy feature of Yvonne’s Place is its pet-friendly policy, acknowledging the strong bonds women have with their animals and removing a significant barrier that often prevents them from seeking safety.Housing Minister Rose Jackson emphasized the critical need for such facilities, stating that women fleeing violent situations often face extremely limited housing options, especially if they have children or pets. Tragically, many women become homeless or are forced to return to dangerous environments due to the lack of suitable alternative accommodation. The “core and cluster” model adopted for Yvonne’s Place in Griffith is designed to promote independent living by providing self-contained accommodation units (‘clusters’) alongside a central ‘core’ offering vital support services. These services will include access to counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support. Murray MP Helen Dalton expressed her delight that this will be the first core and cluster refuge completed in Griffith, highlighting the amazing increase in capacity it will bring.Madeline Rossiter, the facility manager, underscored the refuge’s accessibility, noting that their doors are always open to women and families in need. They accept self-referrals via phone call or in person, operating 24 hours a day, every day of the year. However, Ms. Rossiter also highlighted a significant challenge: securing permanent accommodation for these women in Griffith, where the rental vacancy rate is less than one per cent. The severe rental crisis means that finding affordable private rentals is exceedingly difficult, forcing the refuge to navigate a landscape with very few available options.Despite these challenges, the development of Yvonne’s Place represents a significant step forward in providing immediate safety and crucial support for vulnerable individuals in the Griffith community. Expected to be completed by 2026, this new refuge promises to be a beacon of hope, enabling more women and children in the community to rebuild their lives free from abuse and violence.

Statement from Michelle Milthorpe, Independent Candidate for Farrer"Over the next few days, I’ll be stepping back from campaign commitments to be with my dad at his bedside in Cootamundra. "Family has always come first for me. It’s what grounds us, and it’s what connects us to our communities. "My family is the reason I put my hand up to represent our region — and right now, this is where I need to be. "To my amazing team and the volunteers who continue to give their time and energy to this campaign — thank you. "Your support means our message continues to be heard: that regional voices matter and won’t be left behind. "I’m especially grateful to the palliative care team who’ve made it possible for Dad to be at home with us. "Your care has made a hard time a little bit easier, and we’re so thankful. "And to everyone who’s reached out or kept us in your thoughts and prayers — thank you. It really does mean the world."

For years, the determined footsteps of Marg Symes have echoed across the Far West of New South Wales, each stride a testament to her unwavering commitment to mental health and wellbeing. This year marks the culmination of her incredible efforts, as she embarks on her third and final charity walk.Looking back, two years ago, Marg undertook a tremendous solo walk from Tibooburra to Broken Hill. This arduous journey was her first dedicated effort to raise funds and awareness for the Royal Flying Doctor Service Wellbeing Place in Broken Hill. Her commitment shone brightly as she traversed the challenging outback terrain, setting the stage for future acts of incredible generosity.Now, Marg has once again laced up her boots.This year, Marg is replicating a similar journey, starting in White Cliffs and heading through Packsaddle on the way to Broken Hill, the current 360km journey is expected to take about a fortnight to complete. This walk, described as "an incredible 300 plus kilometre walk across the outback" and "walking over 300km this summer", continues Marg's mission to raise vital funds and awareness of rural mental health. The money raised this time will go directly back to the Broken Hill Wellbeing Place.Throughout her years of dedication, Marg has already raised over $51,000 for the RFDS and their wellbeing programs. This remarkable achievement underscores the impact of her selfless endeavors. Even in preparation for this final walk, Marg has been training hard, including completing strenuous hikes while in Phuket.The community has rallied around Marg and Alli, with opportunities to show support along the way. A fundraiser event was held at the Packsaddle Roadhouse on Saturday, December 2nd, featuring raffles and the drawing of a major prize raffle. Locals and supporters are also encouraged to follow their journey and donate online1.Marg's final Walk for Wellness is not just the end of a chapter, but a powerful testament to the enduring impact one person's dedication can have on the lives of many. As she takes her final steps for this cause, the Far West community will undoubtedly be cheering her on, celebrating the miles of meaning she has walked for their wellbeing.To support Marg on her journey you can donate using the link https://walking-for-wellness-2025.raiselysite.com/

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has contained and rendered safe a large chemical spill after a fatal truck crash on the Sturt Highway in Euston in the state's Murray Region.All emergency services responded to reports of a crash between two trucks around 5:30pm on Wednesday, April 9.One driver had self evacuated.Unfortunately, the other driver was killed in the crash.The crash caused a large spill of hazardous chemicals onto the roadway.On arrival, FRNSW firefighters established an exclusion zone and created bunding to contain the spillage.FRNSW firefighters, wearing chemical protective clothing, entered the hazard zone to identify the chemicals and size of the spill.In consultation with the NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a hazardous material recovery plan was developed and implemented by FRNSW with the support of all other emergency services, including the Rural Fire Service (RFS), NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, Victoria's Country Fire Authority (CFA), and the EPA.FRNSW rendered the site safe of the hazardous chemicals just after 10 last night, almost 30 hours after the incident occurred.The site was handed over to Transport for NSW, which oversaw the salvage and recovery of the vehicles.FRNSW Superintendent, Adam Dewberry, stated incidents like this are extremely complex."Unfortunately, this incident was fatal, involving a large hazardous material spill and the recovery of two heavy vehicles in a remote location," Supt. Dewberry added."The recovery efforts are a credit to all attending emergency services, which worked efficiently and collaboratively throughout this incident."

The start of the year has been a whirlwind for Hay Shire Councillor Will Miller, with the first three months of 2025 marked by significant Council activity and community initiatives. “It’s certainly been a busy period,” Will reflected. “We’ve been focused on a number of key areas, including infrastructure development and community services.” He encouraged residents to stay informed about Council projects by visiting the Hay Shire website, where meeting papers and minutes are readily available. One of Cr. Miller’s key priorities this term is to encourage greater community participation in local government. He is eager to see more residents step forward to run for Council in the next term, ensuring fresh perspectives and a strong future for the Shire. “New members always bring new ideas, and that’s vital for progress,” he said. Despite his full schedule, Will is also playing a key role in organising the highly anticipated Rainbow on the Plains Festival 2025. In addition to his day job, Council work, and community engagement, Will and his husband, Brett, are making a generous commitment to give back to the Hay Shire. The couple has pledged to donate Will’s entire Council allowance—more than $10,000 per year—directly to local charities and not for-profit organisations. “We feel it’s important to give back to the community that has given us so much,” they said. “We’re particularly interested in supporting groups that need equipment or resources to continue their vital work.” Local charities and not-for-profits are encouraged to reach out and share their needs directly with Will and Brett, as this initiative is set to make a meaningful impact on the Hay Shire community.