Balranald SES keeping up to date for their communityMembers of the Balranald SES Members practicing their knots at training on Saturday February 22.This is in addition to their recent Knots Practical training, Stabilisation Theory training, and Stabilisation Practical training.

In response to the letter from Jane Hanna in last week’s Grazier, Mayor Carol Oataway has prepared the following mayoral minute for the Council meeting yesterday. “In order to provide transparency to the community of Hay, I would like to provide the following information: Council decided at its November 2024 meeting not to award a tender to build the hydrotherapy pool after quotes came in more than $500 000 over budget,' said Mrs Carol Oataway.The Hydrotherapy Committee held grant funding of $692,524 and council held community raised funds of $320,000 that was quarantined for use to build the hydrotherapy pool. In an effort to ensure the grant funding and community raised funding was still used to benefit the community, councillors engaged with the Hydrotherapy Pool Committee or a representative of the committee, on four separate occasions to explore and discuss options. Unanimously, councillors decided that the best use of the funds was to incorporate a heating system into the new pool currently being built. This would extend the swimming season by several months, allowing for therapy, exercise therapy, and learn-to-swim programs— delivering significant health and well-being benefits to a broader range of residents. This was the proposal Council put to the Hydrotherapy Pool Committee. Despite these efforts to negotiate, the Hydrotherapy Pool Committee remained firm in their position that the grant funding should only be used to construct a dedicated hydrotherapy pool. The Hydrotherapy Pool Committee asked Council to provide the shortfall of $500,000 to build the hydrotherapy pool. Furthermore, there was an expectation that Council would take on the ongoing financial responsibility of owning, maintaining, and operating the facility—an additional asset that would have imposed significant long-term costs on the community. No clear or realistic plan on how the hydrotherapy pool was to be run or funded into the future was ever provided to council by the committee, despite their promises that they could run the facility through fundraising. A stalemate was reached with the Hydrotherapy Pool Committee deciding to hand $692,594 back to the funding bodies. Council has resolved to use the $320,000 of community raised funds in developing a heating system to be installed into the new pool build. Council's priority has always been to ensure the best possible outcome for the people of Hay. Having the new pools incorporate a heating system will provide enormous benefits for a wide range of users, including those requiring therapy, young children learning to swim, and the broader community wanting to stay active for longer each year. It is incredibly disappointing that the grant funding could not be utilised for this purpose but it is wonderful that the money raised by the community for a dedicated heated pool is finally able to be used after over thirty years of fundraising. Council remains committed to delivering infrastructure and facilities that provide the greatest benefit to the Hay community and will continue working towards sustainable and practical solutions to support health and well being initiatives.”

Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe says residents are “fed up”“There is an urgent need for policy adjustments and government action to better support regional communities.” That was a key message to Independent candidate for Farrer Michelle Milthorpe during a recent southern Riverina ‘listening tour’. “Ensuring local voices are heard in decision-making processes is critical to achieving long-term sustainability and prosperity. Whether I’m talking to people in Deniliquin, Moama, Barham, Berrigan or surrounding communities, the message is the same. “Residents are fed up with governments ignoring their issues, and the lack of representation on their behalf. There is a groundswell of support for an Independent candidate who will put the interests of the electorate first, instead of prioritising party politics,” Mrs Milthorpe said. “The issues aren’t new, but people are getting frustrated at the lack of action. There are ongoing concerns around infrastructure, water buybacks, health, telecommunications and cross-border discrepancies. They get raised over and over again, but nothing happens. “I want the opportunity to change that; to work for the people of Farrer, not for a political party.”Mrs Milthorpe said regional communities deserve policies that reflect their needs, not city-centric decisions that leave them worse off. She said if the concerns are to be addressed, the region needs strong representation, sustained advocacy and genuine investment in the future of these communities. She said the impact of water buybacks was a common theme on her listening tour. “If elected, I will not only be opposing buybacks but will also do everything in my power to convince other Independent candidates that there is a better way to deliver the Basin Plan. “I keep getting told there are viable alternatives, but the Government will not listen and the Water Minister, Tanya Plibersek, has totally ignored the region, refusing numerous requests to visit and learn more. That’s a key issue with too many politicians; they won’t listen to local concerns. I want that to change.” Mrs Milthorpe said there are also issues with local government that need to be addressed, in particular funding levels. Federal and state governments keep putting a bigger financial burden on local councils, while at the same time reducing their financial contribution. “Regional councils provide much more than their city counterparts, yet don’t have other revenue sources such as parking fees. They generally have to maintain many kilometres of roads, deliver essential services and provide swimming pools, sporting facilities and the like. Yet the financial pressure this brings is not recognised with appropriate federal funding. “We need far greater collaboration between the various levels of government in regional communities so essential services are provided. “It is time to stop ignoring our region. If we want more of the same, keep voting the same way. If we want change, it’s time to elect an Independent candidate who puts the needs of the community first. I would welcome the privilege of being that local Member of Parliament,” Mrs Milthorpe said.

Consumers, keep your eyes peeled, there has been a food recall.Mars Australia Pty Ltd are conducting a recall of their Masterfood Creamy Chicken and Mushroom stovetop cooking sauce. This recall only applies to the products that do not declare the allergen, the fact there is the presence of an undeclared allergen - egg. The product has been available for sale in Coles stores in NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, WA, TAS, and ACT. The product was also available for sale in Woolworths stores nationally, and independent grocers including IGA in NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, WA, and NT. Any consumers who have an egg allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed. Consumers who have an egg allergy or intolerance should not consume this product. Consumers can dispose the product or return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice. For further information please contact: Mars Australia Pty Ltd 1800 816 016 [email protected] See www.foodstandards.gov.au/food-recalls/alerts for Australian food recall information

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on arrest warrants, as part of Operation Amarok.Stephen BROWN, aged 40, is wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants in relation to Domestic Violence related Offences.He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 180 to 185 cm tall, medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.Stephen BROWN is believed to frequent the Euston and Mildura areas.As police continue to conduct inquiries into his whereabouts, they are urging anyone who may have information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Operation Amarok is a statewide operation aimed at arresting persons wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants for domestic and family violence offences.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on arrest warrants, as part of Operation Amarok.Andrew McBRIDE, aged 40, is wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants in relation to Domestic Violence related Offences.He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160 to 165 cm tall, medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.Andrew McBRIDE is believed to frequent the Broken Hill, Cobar & Menindee areas.As police continue to conduct inquiries into his whereabouts, they are urging anyone who may have information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Operation Amarok is a statewide operation aimed at arresting persons wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants for domestic and family violence offences.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on arrest warrants, as part of Operation Amarok.Brett BROWN, aged 49, is wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants in relation to Domestic Violence related Offences.He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 180 to 185 cm tall, medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.Brett BROWN is believed to frequent the Broken Hill & Menindee areas.As police continue to conduct inquiries into his whereabouts, they are urging anyone who may have information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Operation Amarok is a statewide operation aimed at arresting persons wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants for domestic and family violence offences.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

President Jenny Goldie says rural women are denied access to legal abortionsThe NSW branch of Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) says a Bill introduced to NSW Parliament by Greens Dr Amanda Cohen to remove remaining barriers to abortion deserves the support of all parties.SPA NSW president Jenny Goldie says that, while abortion was decriminalised five years ago, women are still being denied access, particularly in rural and regional areas.“Many doctors in the Riverina, in particular, object to abortion and not only refuse to provide the service but also fail to refer patients to places where they can obtain one,” says Ms Goldie. “The Bill would require health practitioners with a conscientious objection to refer a patient to an abortion provider. It would require local health districts to ensure accessibility of abortion services.“It would also allow nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to prescribe medical abortion, as recommended by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.“And the Bill would remove onerous and bureaucratic mandatory reporting requirements for health professionals.”Ms Goldie says women everywhere have a right to a full range of reproductive services no matter where they live.“This includes a full choice of contraceptive methods. If they have those, then abortion will only be necessary on rare occasions,” she says.“AMA NSW and Family Planning Australia have developed a model to embed abortion within existing pregnancy services and link public hospitals with GPs, private clinics and other community-based providers.“This model must be fully funded and integrated by the NSW government across the state,” says Ms Goldie. SPA describes themselves as an independent not-for-profit organisation whose aims are to protect the environment and Australia’s quality of life by ending population growth in Australia and globally, while rejecting racism and involuntary population control. SPA is an environmental advocacy organisation, not a political party.

 Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe is touring the Farrer electorate in an effort to gain supportMichelle Milthorpe is a school teacher, based in Jindera, and has thrown her hat into the ring, to contest the seat of Farrer.The federal seat has been held by Sussan Ley, deputy leader of the Liberal Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition since May 2022. Ms Ley has held the seat of Farrer since 2001.“I’ll be travelling through Hay, Balranald, Wentworth and then back to Deniliquin for the Deni Show,” Ms Milthorpe said. “If you’re in the area, come along for a chat!”Wednesday 26 February – Hay: South Hay Hotel from 5:30pmThursday 27 February – Balranald: Discovery Café from 10-11 am Thursday 27 February – Wentworth: The Crown Hotel from 5:30pm Friday 28 February – Wentworth: Lock 10 & Weir Restaurant from 10am Saturday 1 March – Deniliquin: At the Deniliquin Show, DeniliquinSunday 2 March- Deniliquin: "Meet Michelle" and "Courageous Contributions" workshop from 10am at the Deniliquin campaign office in Cressy St “Coming up soon will be trips to Griffith, Narrandera, Leeton, Hillston, Carrathool, Finley, Berrigan, Oaklands, Walbundrie, Holbrook, Corowa and lots of places in between,” Ms Milthorpe said “Keep an eye out to find out when I'll be visiting a place near you.”Ms Milthorpe was recently a guest on former detective Gary Jubelin’s podcast “I Catch Killers” speaking about her advocacy work for the survivors of child sexual assault.

Mallee Family Care are partnering with Angela Izard First Aid Services Mildura to offer free first aid training for Balranald families.This training is for families with children aged 0-6 years old.Places are limited, register your spot today and gain valuable knowledge and skills to confidently recognise and respond to emergency situations requiring first aid.The training is on from10.30am-2.30pm, Tuesday March 18 at Balranald Central School, 53-55 We Street, Balranald.Food will be supplied.Contact Ashlee James to register or learn more: 5027 7600, or email [email protected] first aid is crucial because it equips individuals with the ability to provide immediate, potentially life-saving care in emergency situations.Stabilising a casualty's condition until professional medical help arrives can significantly improve the chances of survival and prevent further injury; it also builds confidence to act in stressful situations and can help relieve pain for the injured person. 

The NSW Governor will stop in Hillston tomorrow (February 26) as part of a regional tour.Her Excellency, the Honorable Margaret Beazley AC KC, will be in Hillston to meet with a major local business, organisations and Carrathool Shire Council.She will be accompanied by Mr Dennis Wilson, who also travelled to Hay and Balranald when Her Excellency visited the region in 2024.To start her visit Her Excellency will tour the farms and packing facility of potato producer Mitolo Family Farms.In addition to Carrathool Shire Councillors, she and Mr Dennis Wilson will also speak with the Hillston Creative Council and members of the Hillston Lions Club.The Governor and Mr Wilson will also travel to Murrin Bridge to meet with Elders from the Local Aboriginal Land Council and visit the pre-school. In Lake Cargelligo they will meet health service staff and young people involved in the Down the Track program, and tour Durotank a leading manufacturer of bulk fuel storage tanks.In West Wyalong, the Governor and Mr Wilson will meet with local organisations at a community afternoon tea and visit schools and the hospital, before being guests of honour at a dinner being held by Bland Shire Council.Their visit to Lake Cowal will include meeting staff and volunteers at Lake Cowal Conservation Centre and a tour of Evolution Cowal Gold Operations.Their trip will conclude next Saturday, March 1, after also visiting Coolamon, Junee and Wagga.

Fire and Rescue NSW have sent advice about a fire.Fire and Rescue NSW have attended a grass fire in Short Street, Hay today. The status of the fire is being controlled.

It's so easy, and it makes you feel good - bake cupcakes, raise money, have a chat about mental health on R U Ok Day, September 12. And you should feel good - every single person who draws attention to and normalises discussions about mental health should feel good for it.These days, mental health is more discussed and taken into consideration than it ever has before.Hold on, what am I talking about mental health in February for, September is a good 6/7 months away?Have you ever asked someone if they're ok in February, or any of the 264 days which aren't R U Ok day?If you have, have they ever said no?It's often an automatic phrase spoken so many times a day - 'Hi, how are you?' It's ALWAYS 'Good, you?' isn't it?Other cultures do not say this. Some countries and cultures do not even say hello unless they are going to get in an interaction with the other person. Bowing, hand gestures, or slight nods are often used in these instances to convey greetings without the need for a verbal "how are you". Some European cultures like Hungary where a direct "how are you" might be considered too personal with strangers.So, where did it become largely commonplace in our culture to do this? Most would say because we care about how the other person is, but if the unspoken expectation of the answer to that question is 'Ok,' or 'Good, thanks,' is that really true?What would you do if someone said 'No, I'm really struggling?'I'm not saying that sitting down and asking the question with the desire for a real answer and getting that real answer is going to magically break ground or change and fix someone's life, but being ready to follow up is important.If you ask "R U OK?" and someone says "no," it means they are not okay and are likely signaling that they want to talk about something that is bothering them.Often, being brave enough to say actually no I'm really not ok takes a lot, and to be then fobbed off can make it much worse.Like disclosing trauma or something like a sexual assault, if a person who has struggled so much with information they've kept inside for so long is met with incredulity or a negative response, they aren't likely to want to give that information out a second time, or seek help.It is important to actively listen, offer support, and encourage them to share what's going on, while respecting their boundaries and asking how you can help. Don't rush them, simply be present and let them express their feelings without judgment. Ask open-ended questions such as "What's been going on?" or "Can you tell me a bit more about that?" can help them elaborate. Acknowledge their emotions with phrases like "That sounds tough" or "It's okay to feel that way". Ask if there's anything specific you can do to help, whether it's just being there to listen or suggesting professional resources if needed. Check in with them later to see how they are doing and if they need further support. Don't pressure them to talk if they don't want to.Respect their boundaries and let them know you are available when they are ready.If they express thoughts of self-harm or suicide, take immediate action and reach out to emergency services or a crisis hotline.About ten years ago, I actually has a trusted friend tell me they did not know how to help, but let's go to the doctor together and I will be there with you. As hard as it is to admit you need help, or life is not perfect, in the right circumstances, sometimes a helping hand extended will be a helping hand accepted.If you feel overwhelmed by the conversation, it's okay to suggest talking to another trusted person or professional. CASE HAY is a resource people in the district have at their disposal; to get the ball rolling, call 0428696248.Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one need help, you can call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week or chat online.MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.Head to Health gives advice and will connect you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 or chat online.If you're feeling lonely:FriendLine supports anyone who's feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. You can call them 7 days a week on 1800 424 287, or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous.There are also helplines available for people with different backgrounds or needs.For young people who need mental health support, and their parents or carers:Kids Helpline is Australia's only free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800.headspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends. Call 1800 650 890, or chat online.For people with complex mental health issues:SANE Australia provides support to anyone in Australia affected by complex mental health issues, as well as their friends, family members and health professionals. Call 1800 187 263 or chat online.Blue Knot Foundation Helpline is the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma. It provides support, education and resources for the families and communities of adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380.

Applications are now open for the Fay Newell $5,000 Scholarship for studies in Nursing and Medicine.The scholarship is awarded to encourage excellence in the education and training of students in the practice or study of medicine as a doctor of medicine or a specialty in medicine, nursing, with the essential qualifications to excel in Emergency Care and/or end-of-life care, aged care services, or a student with the qualification and special attributes to specialise as a Doctor or Nursing Specialist to care for newly born infants and their mothers and fathers, care of toddlers, children and young adults.To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be undertaking studies in one of the areas as listed above, and must reside and work in Broken Hill.Ms Newell was a Registered Nurse at the Broken Hill and District Hospital, having begun her nursing career there in 1954 and retired from nursing in 1991. In 2009, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Broken Hill as a nursing sister, mentor to nurses and allied health professionals, palliative care volunteer and historian. The previous year, she was named Broken Hill's Citizen of the Year in the annual Australia Day awards for her contribution to the community. Ms Newell passed away in Broken Hill on 24 August, 2020 at the age of 82 years old.Applications for the scholarship close Friday, March 28.Visit the below link to apply.https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MQRY76X

Applications are invited for the 2025 Limondale Community Benefit Fund, with a closing date of Friday April 4. To get your hot little hands on a 2025 application form, please email [email protected]. Applications received by March 28 will be eligible for feedback and resubmission prior to the closing date.The Limondale Solar Farm in New South Wales, Australia has had multiple grants and funding sources, including a Community Benefit Fund and a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement. RWE, the owner of the Limondale Solar Farm, established a Community Benefit Fund that contributes $40,000 annually to community events and organisations.The fund became operational in 2022.AEMO Services awarded a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement to the Limondale BESS project.The BESS project is a battery energy storage system that will be built next to the solar farm.Innogy was a financial partner in the project before acquiring ownership in 2018. Downer Group was the Australian engineering company that constructed the solar farm. BELECTRIC is the O&M contractor for the solar PV power project. The Limondale Solar Farm helps New South Wales meet its renewable energy targets. The project creates employment opportunities. The project contributes to a more diverse energy mix and increases energy security. 

Fantastic news, with NSW Ambulance set to trial stab-proof vests for paramedics.This comes after the fatal stabbing of a paramedic in 2023. The trial is intended to determine if the vests are suitable for paramedics to wear while performing their duties. The trial was prompted by the stabbing death of 29-year-old paramedic Steven Tougher outside a McDonald's in Campbelltown.The stabbing led to a petition by Tougher's father, Jeff Tougher, calling for stronger laws and protections for emergency service personnel.Tougher's father said that the trial was well overdue and a stab vest might have saved Steve's life.Stab-proof vests are lightweight and can be worn under clothes. They can protect against edged weapons like knives and broken bottlesLatest crime figures show there has been a spike in the number of assaults on frontline paramedics in NSW with at least three people charged for assaulting and threatening paramedics in the line of duty in the last two months.

Are you interested, or know a person who is interested or would suit a career in law enforcement?Point them in the direction of Griffin Plaza!Sounds odd I know, but let me explain.Murrumbidgee Police District are hosting Be a cop in your Hometown.Head on down to the Griffin Plaza Griffith from 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm on Thursday February 27.The program was implemented for those who live live in regional areas.The NSW Police force wanted to make it easier for recruits to join the NSW Police Force while staying connected with family, lifestyle and community.You Should Be A Cop In Your Hometown gives you confidence about where you’ll be working once you join. That means you can live and work in your own community.When you join the NSW Police Force, you can identify where you would like to work, such as where you live now, and have confidence about where you’ll be working once you become a police officer.You can start your career with the NSW Police Force, and as long as there’s nothing that would prevent you from living in your hometown, you can stay connected with your community.To find out more about the program visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/careers_and_salary/be_a_cop_in_your_home_townTo check out the incentives for police officers in regional areas visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/careers_and_salary/regional_incentives

Kevin Bloody Wilson performed in Hay on February 21, as part of a large Australian tour. This man is an Australian comedy icon, singer and songwriter of tracks such as D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F., Living Next Door to Alan, Hey Santa Claus, amongst adults-only humour tracks. Not quite sure what to refer to him as, I called him Mr Wilson, and he replied in shock with an expletive and said he had never been called that before. “We went to Hay years ago, it is a wonderful place,” said Kevin. Kevin refers to himself as a professional hobbyist. “I love what I do,” he said. “I considered myself retired at the age of 37.” Earlier on in his career, he was arrested four times and ended up in court three times. “Being arrested didn’t worry me,” he recalled. “Turns out you couldn’t say f*** on stage. “I was in the back of the wagon, and there were two detectives and the police officer who was driving the car. One of the officers piped up, “You’re a funny little **** aren’t you?” “They said they sat there and watched half the show, and then did what they had to do, so arrested me, when it was finished.” His six-way bypass in 2023 did not slow him down at all, in fact it had very little impact on his life. “I have always loved life and that is something which will never change. “So, the experience did not give me a surge of happiness or a new lease on life, I just got well again and carried on with things as normal.” There have been infinite funny things happen over the course of Kevin’s life and his career, and he says he just takes everything in his stride. “All parts of life can be funny, and funny moments turn up when you least expect them,” he said. “I have been to funny funerals. "A man I knew named Lenny passed, he played darts at the Kalgoorlie Pub where my band and I played. "All the darts players showed up graveside to pay their respects with their shirts on. “When it came time to toss the traditional sod onto the coffin, one man leaned in to do so and his pack of smokes dropped onto the coffin. “One of the other men said, ‘Geez you’re trying to kill him’.” After Kevin finishes his Australian leg, he will be off to New Zealand performing for a month, and then the UK for a month. The massive trips filled with almost daily performances do not worry him. “Like I said before, I love what I do, and my family comes with me. So we all get to see the world together, and be together.” Kevin’s wife has a background in accounting, so the team is well rounded. His daughter, Jenny Talia volunteered to be his support act. A successful country artist in her own right, she had three albums up her sleeve, and was a popular presence on the Tamworth scene. Eventually, Jenny Talia moved to Nashville to the country scene there, and is married with two children. Kevin was set to start touring England, which was a three-month tour with very little breaks; 75 dates over 90 days, solo. “She called me, and told me I needed a support act,” he said. “I had been thinking for a while I would like a female support act, to kind of level things out. “She told me she could be my support act, and I said no you can’t you have a lot going on and a successful career as it is, and she was emphatic she could. “So, I told her to put 10 songs together on an album and come back to me. “She did, most of which she wrote herself and some of mine she regendered. And the rest is history.” His son Travis was in a band with his daughter but then decided he would like to pursue a career in aviation, and is now a pilot for Qantas. “One time we actually got to fly on a flight Travis was piloting, so we were all on the same plane together, although Travis was on the pointy end.” Kevin’s favourite places to perform are where he lives, Perth, and Gallway Ireland. “I performed there in 2024, and they have this snake-like winding cobble stoned main street,” he said. “Everywhere you turn there are buskers, entertainers, musicians, and this bright, happy, chirpy slightly insane energy, I really love it.” Kevin loves what he does, genuinely. “I get to travel the world doing what I love, and taking my family with me,” he said. “We get to see some of the best parts of the world together.” He said it has been a long road since he started out, and he never thought it would become the long-lasting success it has been. “My mates got me into it, telling me what I was writing was really funny and I should make recordings,” he said. “And I did, and they bought them. “Next thing I knew I had record companies bashing down my door, wondering who I was and why I had knocked the likes of Jimmy Barnes and Dire Straits off the number one spots on the charts. “The radio stations were not even playing my stuff, this was on record sales only, and those records I delivered to the shops myself.”

A new bill has been introduced to the New South Wales parliament that would allow nurses and midwives to prescribe abortions. Greens MP Amanda Cohn, who is also a former GP, introduced the legislation to increase access to pregnancy termination. The proposed law seeks to ensure that individuals across NSW can access abortion services when they need them.The bill addresses several key areas.Allowing nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to prescribe medical abortions, in accordance with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) guidelines.Requiring local health districts to ensure abortion services are accessible.Removing certain mandatory reporting requirements for health professionals.Requiring health practitioners with a conscientious objection to refer patients to an abortion provider.The introduction of the bill follows debates regarding the difficulties in accessing abortions in regional areas. In the Riverina, for example, there are no public facilities offering surgical abortions, and few practitioners are accredited to administer medical terminations. According to Dr. Cohn, this creates unacceptable barriers, especially for those who cannot afford private services or travel to other locations. The bill aims to support people in the Riverina by enabling them to access abortion care closer to home.The proposed legislation responds to a NSW Health review of the first five years since abortion was decriminalised. The review included stakeholder feedback and recommendations, such as allowing nurse practitioners, endorsed midwives, and other registered health practitioners to prescribe and provide services according to TGA guidelines. It also noted that current legislation regarding conscientious objection and referral requirements may not be properly implemented, creating barriers to access, and that mandatory reporting requirements for medical practitioners are considered burdensome.For the bill to pass, it will need support from either the Labor or Liberal party.