Traffic incident closed the Cobb Highway at Hay bridgeEmergency services were called to a single vehicle crash on Lachlan Street, Hay about 9.30pm, yesterday, January 22, 2025.The driver was freed and taken to Hay hospital with minor injuries. The road was cleared about 10.15pm.

WaterNSW has issued a Red Alert warning for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae for the Lake Menindee.The Red Alert warning applies only to untreated water at the identified location and will remain in place until monitoring and test results confirm that the risk is sufficiently diminished.People should avoid consuming untreated water from this waterbody and prevent pets and livestock from drinking this water.People should avoid recreational activities such as swimming, water skiing, canoeing and any other activity that brings them into contact with this waterbody until the red alert warning is lifted.

Broken Hill Service NSW has moved houseDid you know Broken Hill's new Service NSW centre has opened for business?The doors at Shop MM003A, Westside Plaza, 5 Galena Street, Broken Hill opened at 9am on Friday January 17.The re-located Service Centre will make it easier to access a range of NSW Government services including: • Far West power outage support grants • driver knowledge and practical driving tests • driver licence and photo card applications and renewals • Working With Children Check applications • applications for birth, death and marriage certificates • vehicle and vessel registration applications and transfers • boat licence applications • cost of living support and more. The existing Service Centre in Bagot St closed on Monday 13 January.Many NSW Government transactions online but opening hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit Service NSW or call 13 77 88.

Local heroes celebrated by receiving Australia Day award nominations for 2025Balranald Shire Council received four nominations this year for the Australia Day Awards, Citizen of the Year 2025. Each of the four nominees have given tremendous amounts of time and energy to improve their communities and the lives of the people in them. They have worked in many different areas, such as education, youth opportunities, health, domestic violence prevention and sport and recreation. Although there can only be one winner, Balranald Shire Council would like to acknowledge the tremendous work and achievements of each nominee. Small communities thrive and survive thanks to the dedication and hard work of amazing people such as these. Thank you to all community volunteers who generously offer their time to serve in committees, clubs, churches and schools. Our towns would not be what they are without you all. Tony Conway As well as being a local business owner and raising a family, Tony has worked behind the scenes for many years with Balranald Football Club, Balranald Racing Club, Southern Districts Racing Association and Swan Hill District Cricket Association. Tony has served as a committee member, timekeeper, umpire, fund-raiser, auctioneer and coach. He is ready to help out with whatever needs doing. As President of Balranald Racing Club since 2005, he supports other small racing clubs and advocates for the continuation of country racing. Tony also volunteers his time for St Joseph’s annual school fete and as a stand-in meals-on-wheels driver when needed. Tony has lobbied the Police, Ambulance and Teacher Housing Authority for better housing conditions for professional people and their families. He is also a strong proponent for the expansion and development of Bidgee Haven Retirement Hostel. Emma Moore Emma is mum to three young boys and works as Nurse Manager for Maari Ma Health in Balranald. She has completed multiple post-graduate nursing courses with the aim of offering extended and improved health care services in Balranald. On top of her work duties, she has been involved with the organisation of successful service expos and health promotion events. Emma is a member of the Western Primary Health Network, Far West Community Advisory Council, the Lower Sector Violence, Abuse and Neglect Interagency Group and Council’s Strengthening Community Access, Inclusion and Wellbeing Advisory Committee and St Joseph’s School Committee. Emma is also secretary of the Balranald NAIDOC Committee, St Joseph’s School Parents & Friends Association, and Balranald Soccer Club, of which she was a founding member. In an interview for Women’s Week in March 2024, Emma stated “I hope that I can inspire and empower other women to set a positive example for their kids and families. I’m firstly a proud Mum, but my heart expands to all my other commitments and community, where I hope to influence positive change.” Glenn Stewart Glenn was a secondary school teacher for 22 years, and since then has worked for many years in various government organisation roles, working to improve local education, youth training and employment. Glenn’s passion to see improved services to the people of the Euston-Robinvale area also extends outside of the workplace. Through his roles on several boards and advisory committees, Glenn strongly advocates for improvements in such areas as economic development, vocational training, higher education, indigenous affairs, youth affairs, school education and AFL administration. He has been an active member of the Euston Progressive Advisory Committee for the past four years. With Glenn’s local industry connections and extensive experience, he works hard with local government and the community to improve the small town of Euston. Rachael Williams Rachael works with her husband in managing their farm, while also running her own business and raising three children. In addition, she gives her own time in many areas to improve opportunities and services in our community. Rachael played a key role in developing Advisory Committees to work with the Council’s Administrator. She is Chairperson and Secretary for the Strengthening Community Access, Inclusion and Wellbeing Advisory Committee and a member of the Executive of Chairs Advisory Committee. Rachael has also assisted with community engagement to help guide positive outcomes in areas such as community development, business growth and tourism.Rachael works in several areas for local children and youth. She has advocated for early intervention initiatives, recognising that addressing challenges faced by young people at the earliest stages can have a transformative impact on their futures. She has served several terms as President and committee member of the St Joseph's Parents & Friends Association, as well as being a member of the School Committee, dedicating countless hours volunteering and raising funds to support our local school children. Keen to see our rural youth succeed, Rachel has been secretary of the Local Country Education Foundation for over a decade. This foundation provides financial support to local students aged 16-25 transitioning from school into further education or the workforce. Rachael volunteers her time to source funding, assess applications, interview candidates and communicate outcomes. Rachael has helped to organise events such as ‘White Ribbon’ nights in support of victims of domestic violence, the annual Health, Wellbeing and Support Services Expo and Women’s Health Pamper Day. Rachael’s passion, commitment, and tireless work ethic have made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals in Balranald. She has worked relentlessly to advocate for improved healthcare, mental health support, women's health, youth and early childhood services and domestic violence resources in the community, always striving to create a better, more inclusive environment for all.

Police pursued an alleged stolen vehicle.Around 3.10pm Monday January 20, officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District were patrolling on Cobb Highway, near south of Hay, when they attempted to stop a white Chery SUV, with a dangerous driving manner.  When it failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.The pursuit continued through to the southbound of Cobb Highway, however it was terminated due to a communications issue.Further checks revealed the vehicle was reported stolen from Queensland.As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Applications are now being invited for the Rob Seekamp Memorial ScholarshipThe scholarship is in tribute to the late Rob Seekamp of Woolcunda Station and Past President of Isolated Children and Parents Association (ICPA) and Pastoralists' Association of West Darling (PAWD). Rob had a strong interest in promoting educational opportunities for people living in outback NSW. Students from the Western Division of NSW and surrounding areas are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will receive $2,500.The objective of the Scholarship is to encourage a student to pursue a course of study in a field which will benefit the area. The applicant’s tertiary course of study must be relevant to employment within the Western Division and is open to full-time and part-time students. Guidelines and application forms are available by messaging PAWD on Facebook, or emailing [email protected]. Applications close January 31, 2025. An independent panel will select the successful applicant.

Coulton’s Catch Up - Monday 20 January, 2025Coulton's Catch-Up• Another chance to boost connectivity on Back Country properties• NBN upgrades• New grants available for aged care providers • Disappointment follows funding announcement, by Dubbo airport benefitsAnother chance to boost on farm connectivityThe Labor Government has announced it will open a third round of the On Farm Connectivity Program later this year.While I welcome this investment into the ag-tech grants program, I hope the application process for this next round will be improved to make it fairer for all farmers after the debacle of Round 2. Applications for Round 2 were open for less than a week before the $18 million in funding was exhausted, meaning many farmers in the Parkes electorate missed out.The program provides rebates of up to 50 per cent for eligible equipment and technology for farmers to aid with monitoring livestock, improving efficiency in water use and improving soil quality through smart farming. For more information about the On Farm Connectivity Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/ofcpNBN upgradeLast week NBN CO announced it will upgrade the remaining Fibre to the Node network across Australia, benefitting about 622,000 homes and businesses with more than half located in regional Australia.More than 95 per cent of these homes and businesses will have the option to upgrade to nbn full fibre via nbn Fibre to the Premises, which is faster and more reliable than Fibre to the Node. Faster broadband speeds will enable more people and devices to be online at the same time with minimal disruptions, meaning smoother streaming, faster downloads and uploads, and stronger connections.While details about specific locations are yet to be announced, I’m hoping towns across the Parkes electorate will benefit from this upgrade. To register for updates to find out if your home or business is eligible, visit: www.nbnco.com.au/checkGrants to support transition to new aged care actA new grant opportunity is available for providers of Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to assist with the required changes they’ll need to make to meet the obligations under the Australian Government’s new Aged Care Act 2024.As part of the aged care reform, the Support at Home (SaH) program will replace the HCP program from 1 July 2025. HCP providers will require changes to their IT systems to meet new obligations for claiming payments for services delivered and reporting under the SaH program and the Aged Care Act 2024. CHSP providers will also require changes to their IT systems to meet the new reporting obligations.I encourage providers in the Parkes electorate to apply for one-off funding of $10,000 to upgrade their IT systems. Grants informationWin for Dubbo, disappointment for other communitiesI’m pleased that Dubbo Regional Council has been awarded $14.6 million under Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program to upgrade the runway at Dubbo Regional Airport.This project will upgrade and strengthen the main runway, associated taxiways and aprons to support the operation of large air tankers and emergency services, ensuring the airport remains a reliable gateway to the region.However, I'm disappointed this was the only project in the Parkes electorate to receive funding under Round 2 of the Growing Regions Program when we have so many worthwhile projects that desperately need funding.It’s also interesting that Round 2 has been announced before Round 1 recipients are yet to even sign a contract, let alone receive a cent of the funding that was promised to them back in May last year.Those five projects – the Brewarrina PCYC Youth Hub and Indoor Sports Centre, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre Redevelopment, Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Centre and Keeping Place, Gunida Gunyah Community Cultural Hub, and Narrabri Shire Tourism and Cultural Precinct – cannot start until a contract has been signed.It’s extremely frustrating for those communities which have been waiting for eight months to see these important projects get underway. I’m worried the continued delays are just a way for the Labor Government to avoid parting with this money altogether before the federal election, further starving our regions of funding.

People invited to make submissions for the inquiryThe Committee on Environment and Planning is inquiring into the major electricity outages in the Far West region of New South Wales in October 2024. The Committee adopted the inquiry on Thursday, November 21, 2024, following a referral from the Minister for Energy, The Honourable Penny Sharpe MLC.On October 17, 2024, a storm severely impacted power supplies to Broken Hill and towns in the Far West of NSW, including Menindee, Silverton, Tibooburra, White Cliffs, and Wilcannia. In the period from October 17 to 31, 2024, impacted communities in the Far West experienced major electricity outages.This had multifaceted and far-reaching impacts on people’s lives and circumstances.The Inquiry will consider the preparation and mitigation strategies in place by electricity providers in Far West NSW in the event of a major electricity outage, the overall effectiveness of these strategies, the role of relevant NSW Government agencies and local government in preparing for and responding to major electricity outages, the implementation of recommendations from previous electricity outages in Far West NSW. It will investigate recommendations on future alternative power supply emergency response and effective redundancy, and the effectiveness of providers' communications strategies regarding electricity outages and responses.Interested and affected parties are invited to make submissions to the inquiry by Monday, February 10, 2025. To make a submission, visit https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details

“The economics of our geology is undeniable and presents us with an enormous opportunity.” Minister for ResourcesA new report from Geoscience Australia, in collaboration with the Geological Survey of New South Wales, has found elevated levels of natural hydrogen and helium in locations throughout New South Wales.This research is an example of the benefits from the Australian Government’s $3.4 billion investment over 35 years into the Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative, under its Future Made in Australia plan. The report provides Australian explorers with geological information and a comprehensive methodology for testing soil gas samples for natural hydrogen, bringing scientific rigour to this emerging field. Sites near the township of Tumut and the regional centres of Broken Hill, Menindee and Wentworth were surveyed, with sites near Tumut showing the most promise for hydrogen exploration.Three of the 19 sites tested in Western NSW - Anabranch North, Hawsons and Menindee – detected hydrogen in the soil gas, according to the report.Australia is considered one of the most prospective locations for natural hydrogen because of our ancient geology. “The economics of our geology is undeniable and presents us with an enormous opportunity,” Minister for Resources, Madeleine King MP said.“This new data grows the wealth of knowledge about NSW’s geological potential, as well as our understanding of natural hydrogen and helium,” Acting NSW Minister for Natural Resources, the John Graham MLC said.“Natural hydrogen has potential as a new energy source and can support the economy’s shift to a net-zero future. Hydrogen, which produces only water and oxygen when burnt, has been touted as an alternative to fossil fuels, such as oil.But manufacturing hydrogen – which is produced by the electrolysis of water – requires a large amount of power.Naturally occurring hydrogen does not need to be manufactured, and the federal and NSW governments say they are confident it can be extracted from the ground like natural gas.Read the full report

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUEST - CCTV - MENINDEEBarrier Police District are investigating 2 stolen motor vehicle incidents that occurred in the early hours of Friday 17th January 2025 in Menindee.Any person in the township that may have CCTV footage between Midnight & 7am & may have captured vehicles driving or persons moving around is asked to contact police.If you can assist Police or have information regarding these stolen motor vehicles, please contact Broken Hill Police Station on 08 8087 0299 & quote E82829023.

Sarah’s ride to healingThe loss of a parent is devastating. Losing both is unimaginable, but photographer and horse lover Sarah Wheeler is turning her grief into hope for others suffering from liver, pancreatic, stomach, bile duct and oesophageal cancers.Raised in the far west of NSW, southeast of Lightning Ridge, Sarah's father died unexpectedly from a heart condition when she was just 12 years old.In 2022, her mother was diagnosed with a rare gastrointestinal cancer, and she passed away just five months later.Taking the reins of her grief, Sarah has embarked on an epic journey to raise funds and awareness and capture the landscape through her lens as she travels outback NSW and Queensland over nine months.After leaving her hometown of Rowena in May 2024, Sarah and her horses, Shifty, Sally and Scout, arrived in Hay last Wednesday afternoon for two days of well-earned rest. They spent this time as the guest of Sarah and Will Cannon, at Rosevale, who had not ever met Sarah Wheeler.“We were asked if we’d have her stay with us because we have horse facilities,” Mrs Cannon said. “And we said sure. We are happy to help. She is such a remarkable role model for our young people.”“The grief of losing my parents has given birth to a mission – a grief and upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer fundraising project called ‘The Outback Long Ride.’” Ms Wheeler explained. “It’s a solo journey on horseback to raise awareness, help me heal, honour my parents’ lives and their love of horses, and do something to incorporate my love of capturing rural life and the people within it.”“Upper GI cancers account for approximately one in five cancer deaths each year. The five-year survival rates for upper GI cancers in Australia today remain worse than outcomes for all cancers observed in 1975.Sarah and her horses travel around 30 kilometres each day, towards a support vehicle manned by her boyfriends, mates and sometimes strangers who want to lend a hand.Expecting to camp is made under the stars, and generous offers to share a family home have been made along the route."That's been a big highlight, just seeing how caring and generous local communities are," Sarah said. “I’ve been welcomed into communities like Hay. People have just opened their arms to me.”On Friday evening, a fundraiser was held at South Hay Hotel, where additional monies were raised from a barbecue and by raffling locally donated prizes. Businesses from Hay, Darlington Point, Deniliquin and Griffith all answered the call for prizes.A large crowd gathered to attend the event, pulled together by Sarah Cannon and Ali McLean. “You display such resilience,” Mrs Cannon said in her address to the crowd. “Your parents would be so proud.”All in attendance were touched by Ms Wheelers raw, honest recollections of grief. Sarah also shared her plans to write a book, work on a documentary of her trek and grow awareness of her charity, A Daughter’s Way. A Daughter’s Way was established to support Australian rural families experiencing grief.“And when I get home (to Rowena), the first thing I will do is invite as many people as possible to ride into the town with me, towards a pub feed,” she said.Mike Cannon was the lucky winner of the major raffle prize of a Sydney holiday; he re-donated it and an online donor was the winning recipient. Will Miller won the second prize of a $1000 Love Hay gift card.Sarah departed Hay on Saturday, bound for One Tree via the Cobb Highway. She was accompanied by local riders Lottie Ryan, sisters Skye and Sophie Cannon and a contingent of proud family members.Sarah’s journey will cover 5,500 kilometres by the time she returns home. So far, her travels have taken her to Longreach, Mt Isa, Charters Towers, Roma Narrabri, Cowra and Wagga Wagga. The next major towns on her way home will be Nyngan and Walgatt before she arrives back in Rowena.All funds raised along the way will support both the Pancare Foundation, the leading organisation inspiring hope, raising awareness, supporting families and funding research for upper GI cancers, and A Daughter’s Way. To donate, visit The Outback Long Ride.

A Total Fire Ban will be in place tomorrow, Wednesday January 15 for the MIA District (Northern Riverina), which includes the LGA’s of Carrathool, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Narrandera and Northern parts of Murrumbidgee. Hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast across the district, increasing the fire danger.Know your fire risk and what you will do if fire threatens.Take action now.Report all unattended fires to Triple Zero (000).

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is aware of smoke that is venting from the Perilya Mine, Broken Hill, due to an underground fire. Perilya Mines emergency services crew is currently in attendance at the incident.FRNSW is urging residents to remain indoors and to close windows, doors, and vents due to the smoke in the area.

News from Mark Coulton, Member for ParkesHappy New YearI would like to wish everyone in the Parkes electorate a very happy New Year! I hope the Christmas period was one full of rest, relaxation and opportunities to reconnect with loved ones. Here’s to 2025 being a great year for all, bringing plenty of joy, good health and prosperity. Now that we have entered the new year, it is really beginning to sink in that my time as your Federal Member is coming to an end. While we do not yet know when the Federal Election will be held, preparations are now well and truly underway, and I look forward to supporting Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey with his campaign over the next few months. In the meantime, there is still plenty to be done, and I do not plan on stopping just yet. Rest assured I will continue to serve the people of the Parkes electorate with the same fire and passion as I started with until the election is called.Reannounced road fundingLast week the Labor Government announced $40 million in funding to upgrade four intersections on Hargraves Lane and Federation Street in Gilgandra.This project, which will upgrade the intersections that connect with the Newell, Oxley and Castlereagh highways, is very important and will improve the supply-chain efficiency during harvest and reduce the number of heavy vehicles passing through the Gilgandra CBD, as well as better connect the Newell Highway and the Inland Rail.I should know, since I announced this project back in 2021.This is yet another example of the Labor Government trying to claim credit for the Coalition’s worthwhile investments.It’s not new money – the $32 million contribution from the Australian Government was announced as part of the 2021 Federal Budget under the former Coalition Government.So instead of getting on with the job and starting work on this vital project, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has tied up this funding as part of Labor’s lengthy infrastructure review, only to reannounce it now, claiming it as a Labor win.Funding available for community groupsI’m pleased that Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now open for Round 9 of the popular Stronger Communities Programme.Community groups and local governing bodies can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for infrastructure projects that deliver social benefits for local communities. Dozens of local community groups have benefitted from the Stronger Communities Programme since it was established by the former Coalition Government.Some major changes have been made to this round, with greater priority being given to vulnerable groups such as Indigenous Australians, veterans, immigrants and people with disabilities, while broader activities available for funding include environmental and climate focussed projects and those that address gender equity and health infrastructure.I encourage all potential applicants to review the guidelines to ensure your project meets the eligibility criteria.EOIs must be returned to my office by 5pm AEDT Friday 7 February 2025. To download the EOI form and for more information, visit my website: www.markcoulton.com.au/funding-available-to-grow-stronger-communities/

Central Darling Shire has advised residents in White Cliffs that roadworks will begin in March 2025. The project will involve reconstruction and sealing works in Johnston Street and The Blocks. The roads will be sealed and include a small, sealed section at each driveway intersection to suit access.Central Darling Shire says Council will offer residents a light maintenance grade of the existing driveways as part of the construction works. "This service is entirely up to the resident," General Manager Greg Hill said in a public notice. "Those who want this service completed need to phone the Council Engineering team."There have been some requests to seal full driveway access to dugout landings. "This would incur additional construction costs and is not budgeted for in project scope. "Therefore, it would be subject to resident contribution. Counsil says the cost for further driveway compaction works, 14mm primer seal and 7mm final seal will be $30 per square metre."Residents who are interested in sealing driveways should contact Council for further discussion and to arrange a site meeting."All enquiries should be directed to Council’s Engineering Depot (08) 8083 8800.

Sign to promote awareness for injured and dead wildlife stolen, owners call for its return.Outback Geo Adventures together with Lake Paika Accommodation installed an informative sign to promote awareness, and ask people to slow down to reduce the number of wildlife kills on the Ivanhoe Road.Sadly, this sign was recently stolen.“We feel incredibly disappointed that a person or persons would lower themselves to steal our recently installed sign,” a representative of Lake Paika Accommodation recently said on social media.“The sign was installed not only to express our concern for the number of wildlife killed on the Ivanhoe Road but to also echo the sadness of all the visitors to our area at the amount of dead and injured wildlife.“Lake Paika is situated between Yanga and Mungo National Parks and there are thousands of visitors every year who witness these road kills.“We would really appreciate the return of the stolen sign.”Hopefully, the sign is soon returned. Anyone with information should contact local police, or Outback Geo Adventures and Lake Paika Acommodation.

New threats to power stability could cost Australians thousands in lost revenue, security breaches and data lossAustralia is bracing for one of its most unpredictable summers yet as power instability meets a rising threat: cyber blackouts. Data from insights agency Gartner shows unplanned power outages can cost businesses up to $5,600 per minute, while digital attacks targeting the grid could further amplify the risks. Experts warn that without preparation, Australian businesses and homeowners could face severe financial losses, corrupted data and compromised securityWhat is a cyber blackout?Unlike traditional outages caused by weather or ageing infrastructure, cyber blackouts occur when malicious attacks disrupt power systems, exploiting weaknesses in increasingly digitised energy networks. The result? Prolonged blackouts that can cripple homes, businesses or entire regions. Australia’s ageing grid, already severely under pressure, creates an open door for such threats.“Cyber blackouts are no longer a remote possibility – they’re a growing global reality and Australia’s energy infrastructure is far from immune,” says Terrence Daniel, General Manager at PSS Distributors, a leader in battery-backup solutions. “For businesses and homeowners, the consequences can be devastating: lost revenue, data corruption and even physical security breaches as CCTV cameras and smart locks fail.“The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has flagged major risks this summer, citing record heatwaves, surging demand and ageing coal-fired plants struggling to meet capacity. Such vulnerabilities not only increase the risk of blackouts but make grid networks prime targets for cyber attacks,” he says.5 key steps to minimise your risk:Enhance cybersecurity: Update software, strengthen passwords and secure networks to prevent attacks.Backup data offline: Store critical files on offline or cloud systems to prevent data loss during blackouts.Invest in a backup battery: Businesses can keep critical systems running, from servers to security, while homeowners can protect essentials like food, devices and safety systems.Add surge protection: Power surges during outages can damage systems. Protect equipment with surge protection tools.Create an emergency plan: Businesses need a continuity strategy; homeowners should prepare family emergency plans.

McDonald’s Australia has partnered with Cricket NSW as part of its Community Grants for 2024.Two young cricket players in NSW will have the opportunity to win $2,500 in development funding, an exclusive ‘money-can’t-buy’ experience at Cricket NSW’s Cricket Central, and an interview opportunity for a crew member role at their local Macca’s.Applications are open now until 11.59pm (AEST) on Tuesday, January 14. Two grants are available for NSW residents aged 14 – 18 (inclusive). To apply, parents or guardians need to submit an application online at this link- https://www.maccascommunitygrants.com/terms-cricketWinners will be notified by email and telephone by 5pm on Monday January 20, for Cricket NSW.

Australian Koala Foundation to re-launch Democracy Booklet ahead of looming electionThe Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) are preparing to re-launch a refreshed version of their ‘Democracy Booklet’ initiative ahead of the federal election this year. The campaign will run for ten weeks and will consist of once-weekly ‘lessons’ in democracy.BCB News will feature the campaign.AKF says the campaign seeks to inform the public - and in particular, younger voters of the Australian democratic process and voting system in a manner that is easy to consume, paired with eye-catching graphics that make the process simple to comprehend.“I feel that many Australians don’t really know how our democratic system works, or how important their vote can be,” says Australian Koala Foundation Chair Deborah Tabart OAM. “I do not want to tell people how to vote, that is a democratic right, but I hope they realise how powerful they can be with their decision.” “There’s never been a more important time to educate people than right now, with a federal election just around the corner. We’ve been shown time and time again that the current and previous governments in power do not prioritise the conservation of Koalas and their habitat for all creatures great and small. "Australia continues to have the worst extinction rates in the world – which has been acknowledged by Minister for Environment Tanya Plibersek, but politics gets in the way. The endangered species list is constantly growing. This will not change unless we as Australians vote in candidates who truly reflect our beliefs and will vote to pass legislation that will protect our native flora and fauna.”AFK says the ‘Democracy Booklet’ will serve as a comprehensive guide for individuals and communities, providing essential information on how to participate in the democratic process to best elect representatives who will pledge to protect Australian wildlife.“We sincerely hope that everyone can educate themselves with this simple guide and join us in this critical mission,” says Tabart OAM. “By equipping ourselves with the appropriate knowledge and tools, we can do our very best to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and the privilege of Australia’s beloved wildlife.”