Police have charged a man over an armed alleged robbery in the state’s south last month.About 4.35pm on Friday October 17, officers from the Barrier Police District responded to reports of an armed robbery upon a financial institution in Darling Street, Wentworth, approximately 260km south of Broken Hill.Police were informed that a man entered the business allegedly armed with a pole making threats towards staff and customers.The man left the site with a sum of cash, last seen running west along Adelaide Street. There were no injuries reported. Officers established a crime scene and began investigating the incident.Following extensive inquiries, a 32-year-old man was arrested as he left a bus at the Darling Street and Armstrong Avenue intersection in Dareton, about 4.30pm yesterday October 31.He was taken to Dareton Police Station and charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon.The man was refused bail to appear at Court on a later date.

The Deniliquin & District Transport Wall of Fame has inducted six remarkable individuals for 2025, recognising lifelong contributions to the road transport industry that have left an indelible mark on the region and beyond.This year's inductees, Edward "Ted" Fitzmaurice, Jacqueline "Lady John" Southern, Neville John Jones, Stuart McCallum, Graeme "Pegleg" Unwin, and Wayne Scott, represent decades of dedication, skill, and passion that have kept Australia's wheels turning.Among the honourees, three stand out for their extraordinary stories of perseverance and pioneering spirit.Jacqueline Emily Southern, known throughout the industry as "Lady John", broke barriers in an era when women drivers were a rarity. Born in Urbenville in 1929, she began her transport career alongside her husband Colin, carting firewood in Blackall before moving into mail runs.Remarkably, between 1948 and 1972, Lady John raised 10 children whilst building her reputation behind the wheel—a testament to her extraordinary determination and work ethic.After relocating to Cobram, she drove for Kortum Brothers before spending many years with Neville and Phyllis Jones, hauling wool, aggregate, and grain across the country. Her favourite? The B Model Mack, though she expertly handled everything from Internationals to Kenworths throughout her career.Lady John's son Gene Palmer accepted the award on behalf of his late mother, who passed away in 2017 at age 87. In a fitting tribute, her family scattered her ashes from a truck window near Grong Grong on the Newell Highway, a final journey for a woman whose heart belonged to the open road.Four of her sons and a grandson followed her into the transport industry, cementing the Southern family's legacy in Australian trucking.Neville Jones, who passed away after a lifetime of service to transport, was honoured with an induction accepted by his son Wayne, alongside his mother Phyllis, herself a past Wall of Fame inductee.Born in Dandenong in 1939, Neville's journey into transport began at just 16, when he moved to Hay for what was meant to be a six-month job. That brief stint turned into a decade of road construction work, operating a Caterpillar grader and forming many of the outback roads around Booligal that remain in use today.Entirely self-taught, Neville became highly skilled in road construction and irrigation works before transitioning to trucking, initially working for his father on gruelling runs to Darwin in a 160hp International, on dirt roads, with no bunk or air conditioning.In 1969, Neville and his wife Phyllis took a leap of faith, launching Jones Transport with a second-hand B61 Mack and a sheep crate. Their first regular client, Dennis Jacka of Ivanhoe, became a lifelong friend and helped establish the foundation of what would become Jones of Hay, a name synonymous with reliability and hard work.Over the years, the family business grew to operate B, R and F Model Macks, Benzes, Kenworths, and Western Stars, with their children Debbie, Glynn, Wayne, and Les all contributing to the family legacy.Wayne Neil Scott, who tragically passed away in March 2010, was remembered for his extraordinary achievements and generous spirit.Born in Deniliquin in 1958, Wayne grew up immersed in the family business, Neil Scott's Transports. He left school at 16 to work alongside his father and brother Bruce, and by 19 had become the youngest semi driver in New South Wales, and one of the youngest to cart four decks of sheep.Wayne's favourite truck was the 1985 SAR with a 350 Cat engine, though he spent most of his early career in the company's Volvo and later Kenworths. When the family business was sold in 1989, Wayne continued driving for various operators including Ian Hood, Deniliquin Freighters, and Purtills.His daughters Natalie and Jammi accepted the award surrounded by friends and colleagues who remembered Wayne not just for his skill behind the wheel, but for his loyalty and willingness to mentor younger drivers.The Deniliquin & District Transport Wall of Fame continues to preserve the stories of those who built Australia's road transport industry from the ground up, individuals who drove through dust storms and flooded roads, who maintained their trucks with their own hands, and who created the networks and relationships that still underpin regional freight today.This year's nominees also included Sydney Michael Grimison and Stuart Schifferle, whose contributions to the industry were recognised alongside the inductees.The ceremony serves as a reminder that behind every delivery, every tonne of wool or grain, and every highway journey, there are people whose dedication and expertise have shaped the nation's transport landscape for generations to come.

In the quiet expanse of Whitecliffs, where the red earth meets an endless sky and the heat shimmers like a living thing, twenty-four-year-old Shakira Brown has found something most people spend a lifetime searching for; a life lived on her own terms, with her nineteen-month-old daughter Millicent by her side. Born and raised in Broken Hill, Shakira made a decision at seventeen that would shape the trajectory of her life. She chose the bush over town, trading the familiar streets of her childhood for the vast silence of station life. It wasn't a decision born of desperation or escape, but of a quiet knowing, a pull toward something more authentic, more real. "I just really wanted to do it," she said simply, and in that simplicity lies a profound truth about the courage it takes to follow your instincts when you're barely more than a child yourself. Now, as a station hand managing a station while the owners are away, Shakira has created a life that would be unrecognisable to many her age. There are no colleagues, no office politics, no rush-hour traffic. Instead, there's the rhythm of checking dams and troughs, the rumble of the buggy across the land, and the constant, joyful presence of little Millicent, affectionately known as Millie, strapped into a car seat beside her.What makes Shakira's story particularly beautiful is how she's sharing this life with her daughter. While other toddlers navigate playgrounds and daycare centers, Millie's playground is the Australian outback itself. She rides alongside her mother every day, learning the land before she learns to read, understanding the language of weather and water before mastering her ABCs. "She comes with me, so she's by my side the whole time," Shakira explained, and you can hear the quiet pride in her voice. "It's pretty good having her by my side." In the evenings, when the heat finally breaks, Shakira trains her new pig-hunting dog, with Millie watching from her perch in the trough in the house yard. It's an unconventional childhood by any measure, but it's rich in ways that can't be quantified; in freedom, in closeness to the natural world, in the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter forged in shared experience. Two months ago, Shakira faced a crossroads. She had the opportunity to return to town, to return to the familiar. Without hesitation, she chose Whitecliffs. She chose the quiet. She chose the life she and Millie have built together in this far-flung corner of New South Wales. "I love it out there, nice and quiet," she said. "Everyone gets around each other." There's something radical about Shakira's contentment, something that feels almost revolutionary in our age of constant striving and digital distraction. She's not looking for the next big thing, the next upgrade, the next milestone. She has what she needs; a roof over their heads, work that fulfills her, a daughter growing up wild and free, and a community that rallies around its own. "You don't need nothing flash," she reflected. "As long as you got something over your head."When asked about the future, Shakira maintains the same easy grace that characterises everything about her. She's happily winging it, taking life as it comes. When Millie reaches school age, they'll base themselves in Whitecliffs, as the town has a primary school, and Shakira is considering getting her truck license, keeping her options open without forcing a plan. There's wisdom in this approach, a refusal to be constrained by the anxiety of over-planning. She's living proof that you don't need to have it all figured out to live a good life, that sometimes the best path is the one you're already on. In a world that measures success in promotions and possessions, Shakira and Millie represent something different. Theirs is a life measured in shared sunrises, in the satisfaction of checking water levels and ensuring stock are thriving, in the pure joy of a toddler watching her mother work, learning by osmosis what it means to be capable, independent, and content. "I wouldn't change it for the world," Shakira said of motherhood, but really, she could be talking about the whole package; this life she's chosen, this place she's claimed as home, this partnership with her daughter that began when Millie was born and will continue to deepen with every dusty mile they travel together. As the sun sets over Whitecliffs and the temperature finally drops to something bearable, you can imagine them there, Shakira and Millie, two hearts beating in sync with the ancient rhythm of the land, writing their own definition of what it means to live well, to love deeply, and to be exactly where you're meant to be. "If you've got the opportunity to go out there and do something, just do it," Shakira advised anyone considering a similar path. It's advice born not from recklessness, but from the quiet certainty of someone who took the leap and discovered she could fly.

New South Wales has delivered a decisive blow against plastic pollution, recording a 45 per cent reduction in plastic litter, well beyond the state's 30 per cent target and equivalent to removing 2,000 buses worth of plastic waste from the environment.The milestone achievement, announced this week by Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, marks a significant victory in the fight against plastic pollution that threatens the state's waterways, wildlife, and marine ecosystems.However, authorities warn that despite the progress, plastic items still dominate litter found in NSW waterways, with confectionary wrappers, snack bags, and food packaging continuing to plague the state's rivers, beaches, and oceans.The star performer in NSW's litter reduction arsenal has been the Return and Earn container deposit scheme, which has driven a remarkable 73 per cent drop in littered bottles and cans since its launch.The 10-cent refund programme has proven wildly popular with residents and will expand by mid-2027 to capture additional containers, including wine bottles, in a move expected to further reduce landfill waste.The scheme's success demonstrates how financial incentives can reshape consumer behaviour and create tangible environmental benefits, a lesson that could inform future policy interventions.Environment officials emphasise that even the smallest piece of litter carries serious environmental consequences. When plastic fragments enter soil and waterways, they break down into microplastics that infiltrate ecosystems and accumulate in the food chain, affecting everything from microscopic organisms to apex predators, including humans.Wildlife pays a particularly heavy price. Birds, fish, and other animals routinely mistake plastic debris for food, leading to internal injuries, digestive blockages, and death. Small pieces of plastic that seem harmless on a footpath can become lethal when consumed by marine life or waterbirds."Small pieces of litter may not seem important, but they add up and become big pollution problems," authorities warned in the announcement.Despite the overall reduction, the NSW Environment Protection Authority's Key Littered Items Study reveals plastic remains the dominant form of litter in waterways.Leading the list of offenders are confectionary wrappers and snack bags, particularly plastic lollipop sticks, followed by miscellaneous plastic bags, beverage container lids, and other food packaging materials.These findings highlight the challenge of addressing convenience packaging that's designed for single use but persists in the environment for decades or centuries.Buoyed by exceeding the initial target, NSW has set its sights on an even more ambitious goal: a 60 per cent reduction in all litter by 2030.To achieve this, the government is reviewing additional measures under its NSW Plastics: The Way Forward policy framework. Potential actions include targeted campaigns against the most commonly littered items and regulatory changes to eliminate harmful chemicals from plastic products during manufacturing.The state is also pressing the Federal Government to introduce stronger national packaging regulations and more stringent packaging reduction targets that would apply across Australia.Minister Sharpe painted a sobering picture of the stakes involved in the plastic pollution fight."By 2050, there may be more plastic in the ocean than fish," she said. "That's why we are pulling every lever at our disposal to address this problem, from bans and phase-outs of single-use plastic items, to expanding Return and Earn and introducing landmark product stewardship laws which enable better design and recycling of plastic products."This news shows that these types of actions make a difference. Every time a person chooses not to throw a piece of rubbish on the ground, it stops that plastic going into our environment."The government's strategy combines regulatory measures, including bans on problematic single-use plastics, with incentive-based programmes like Return and Earn and community partnerships through litter prevention grants.Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen highlighted the importance of grassroots partnerships in achieving the result."Exceeding our litter reduction targets is a win for our wildlife, our waterways, and every community that's done the hard yards by backing successful programs like Return and Earn," Ms Haylen said."But with plastic still making up the majority of litter in our waterways, we know there's more to do. The NSW Government is continuing to partner with fantastic reuse organisations, like Reverse Garbage right here in Marrickville, targeting highly littered items."The 45 per cent reduction proves that coordinated government action, supported by community engagement, can deliver real environmental outcomes. However, the persistence of plastic in waterways demonstrates that changing deeply ingrained consumer habits and addressing systemic packaging issues remains a formidable challenge.As NSW charts its course towards the 2030 target, the state's experience offers valuable lessons for other jurisdictions grappling with plastic pollution. The combination of bans, financial incentives, public education, and industry partnerships appears to be delivering results, but the ultimate success will depend on sustained commitment and potentially more aggressive interventions to tackle the plastic items that continue to escape into the environment.The EPA's litter data and reduction targets are available on the agency's website for residents wanting to track progress or learn more about the state's anti-litter initiatives.

Investigation reveals systemic failures as banned worker continues in sector for four yearsA major investigation has uncovered alarming deficiencies in NSW's childcare regulatory system, with newly released data showing the state's primary regulator failed to take enforcement action in approximately 70 per cent of investigations into alleged child abuse.The figures, obtained through Freedom of Information laws, reveal that between 2020 and 2025, the NSW Education Department's Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority investigated nearly 2,000 allegations of child sexual or physical abuse, but concluded the vast majority with no punitive measures against accused workers or centres.The disclosure comes as pressure mounts on the NSW Government to overhaul a fractured regulatory system that former officials describe as "broken" and riddled with dangerous gaps in information sharing.Nearly 2,000 Allegations, Limited ConsequencesChildcare providers across NSW have reported 1,856 allegations of sexual or physical abuse involving staff members to the ECEC Regulatory Authority since 2020. Reports have been climbing steadily, with more than 400 allegations lodged in 2024 alone.Despite this surge in reporting, the data reveals a troubling pattern: strong enforcement action remains rare.The regulator's most powerful tool, "statutory compliance action", was used in only 180 investigations over the five-year period, representing approximately 10 per cent of all cases. These actions can prohibit individuals from working in childcare, impose financial penalties on centres, or result in provider licences being cancelled.Another 13 per cent of investigations resulted in "administrative compliance action", which includes less severe measures such as monitoring arrangements, formal meetings, warning letters, or official cautions.The remaining cases, more than 1,300 investigations, resulted in no action whatsoever.Data from the Office of the Children's Guardian, which handles Working with Children Checks, indicates that around 60 of last year's 414 reports related specifically to sexual offences or sexual misconduct.When approached for comment, an ECEC Regulatory Authority spokesperson insisted the organisation investigates all allegations with appropriate rigour."Where allegations are substantiated or there is an unacceptable risk to children, the regulatory authority will not hesitate to act to protect children's health, safety and wellbeing, including by prohibiting individuals from the sector, suspending or cancelling service approvals or taking legal action where necessary," the spokesperson said.The authority noted it has prosecuted 37 people and banned more than 200 individuals from the childcare sector since 2021.Banned Worker Slips Through the CracksEven more troubling than the low rate of enforcement action are revelations that communication breakdowns between regulatory agencies have allowed prohibited workers to remain in the sector.Documents tendered to a recent parliamentary inquiry exposed a case that exemplifies the system's failures; a childcare worker banned from the industry in 2019 by the Department of Education was later issued a new Working with Children Check by the Office of the Children's Guardian, enabling him to continue working casually at four different centres in Sydney's north until 2023, four years after being prohibited.The case demonstrates what two former senior government officials, speaking to the ABC, characterised as a "significant problem" with information sharing between the state's childcare regulators.NSW's regulatory structure is split between two bodies: the Department of Education oversees the state's approximately 6,000 childcare and outside school hours care services, whilst the Office of the Children's Guardian administers all Working with Children Checks—the primary mechanism for preventing unsuitable individuals from accessing children.Although the OCG can bar individuals from holding a WWCC, one official revealed that staff processing these checks are not always notified when the other regulator is investigating a worker.The friction between agencies has persisted for years, with ongoing disputes about what information should be shared and how quickly it should be transmitted.Information sharing problems also exist within the OCG itself. A former bureaucrat told the ABC that unclear legal guidance left teams uncertain whether they could share information about potential high-risk offenders with colleagues in the WWCC processing unit.Top Police Officer Steps InThe information sharing dispute became so entrenched that in 2024, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, who heads NSW Police's Child Abuse Squad, intervened personally to broker a solution.Detective Superintendent Howlett facilitated negotiations for a memorandum of understanding between the ECEC Regulatory Authority, the OCG, and NSW Police to establish clear protocols for information sharing between the three agencies. The agreement has yet to be finalised.The OCG's organisational problems extend beyond information sharing. A recent separate inquiry into the agency exposed what was described as a chaotic and dysfunctional workplace culture, ultimately resulting in the removal of the authority's head over an alleged undisclosed conflict of interest.Former government officials with direct knowledge of the childcare regulatory system expressed profound concern about its effectiveness."Child protection has so many silos," one former official said. "Information sharing has always been a problem, particularly in childcare, where there's a blurring of roles between the two regulators."After these horrendous offenders have done the damage, you can piece it together and each agency had enough there from the beginning to arrest him and stop him in his tracks."Another official offered a stark assessment: "I think the whole child protection system is broken. It really is. When the stakes are so high, it's appalling it's so wrong so frequently."The NSW data emerges as part of a broader national investigation into childcare sector safeguarding. The ABC's Four Corners has identified almost 150 childcare workers nationally who have been convicted of, charged with, or accused of sexual abuse and inappropriate conduct with children. Five cases in NSW are currently before the courts.The NSW child sex offender register contained more than 5,300 names as of July 2024.The revelations are likely to intensify demands for comprehensive reform of NSW's childcare regulatory framework. Questions are being raised about whether the current split-agency model is fit for purpose, and whether structural changes are needed to ensure seamless information flow between bodies responsible for child safety.With abuse reports increasing but enforcement action remaining stagnant, parents and advocacy groups will be demanding urgent answers about how the system allowed so many allegations to be investigated without consequence—and what the government intends to do to fix it.The data suggests that whilst childcare workers and centres are increasingly willing to report concerns, the regulatory response has not evolved to match this increased vigilance, leaving potentially dangerous gaps in the protection of some of NSW's most vulnerable citizens.

The deadline for submissions about the proposal to reduce the default speed limit where not marked by signage, from 100 kilometres per hour to 70 kilometres per hour has been extended by two weeks.Representatives say there has been more than 1,800 public submissions already received on the proposal.A significant concern for regional and rural residents is the increased travel time. For those with long commutes for work, or farmers, truck drivers, and tradespeople who depend on these roads, the change could add a substantial amount of time to their daily travel. Some argue that these longer, slower journeys could even increase driver fatigue, rather than reduce it.The trucking industry has specifically voiced opposition, noting that slower speeds would increase freight costs. The slower movement of goods and services could harm regional economies and increase costs for businesses."Lazy" alternative to road maintenance: Many critics argue that lowering speed limits is a poor substitute for properly investing in and maintaining regional road infrastructure. Instead of fixing the poorly maintained roads, the government is being accused of placing the burden on drivers by slowing them down.Lack of transparency and data: The National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) has highlighted a lack of crucial data in the regulatory impact analysis. They point out that information about the number of un-signposted roads, traffic volumes, and the crash history on those specific roads is missing from the government's own documents.argue that not all un-signposted rural roads are the same. A "blanket" speed reduction fails to consider the individual characteristics of each road, such as design, maintenance level, and traffic density. A more targeted, evidence-based approach is suggested instead.Some suggest the real motivation behind the proposal is generating revenue from fines, rather than genuinely improving road safety. In defense of the proposal, Federal Minister for Regional Development Kristy McBain has highlighted the rising national road death toll and stated the government's commitment to improving road safety. The proposal is also backed by some road safety groups, who point to research showing that even small reductions in speed can lead to significant decreases in crash severity and fatalities. Ultimately, the proposal has sparked a heated debate between safety advocates, who prioritize speed reduction, and regional communities and industry groups, who feel the plan unfairly penalizes them and fails to address the root causes of road accidents.To have your say, make your submission by visitinghttps://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/regulatory-impact-analysis-reduce-open-road-default-speed-limit

Griffith City Council has endorsed proposed changes to how the city’s stormwater management charge is applied, introducing a fairer, more sustainable structure to help maintain and improve local drainage infrastructure.At the meeting on Tuesday October 28, Council supported a proposed new tiered stormwater charge for business properties, replacing the previous flat rate that has been in place since 2006.Funds raised each year through the stormwater management charge support vital drainage maintenance and upgrades across Griffith’s urban areas. Until now, all residential and business properties have paid a single flat rate of $25 per assessment ($12.50 for strata units and $5 for strata businesses).The proposed new model introduces a tiered approach based on property size for business assessments, while residential properties will remain unchanged. The change means smaller businesses will continue to pay around the same amount as before, while larger commercial and industrial properties will make a greater contribution towards maintaining and upgrading the shared stormwater network.Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said the updated structure reflects a fairer way of sharing the cost of maintaining the city’s essential infrastructure.“This change ensures Council can continue to look after the stormwater system responsibly, while keeping the contribution for most businesses at a reasonable level,” Councillor Curran said.“By linking the charge to property size, we’re making sure the system is sustainable and reflects how stormwater infrastructure is used across the city. “Council wants to be transparent about the process and the community will have plenty of opportunity to have their say when the draft 2026/27 Budget and Revenue Policy are placed on exhibition next year.”The new charge will take effect from 1 July 2026, as part of the 2026/27 Budget and Revenue Policy. 

The site of the former Royce Curtis and Treloars service stations in Lachlan Street, Hay, will kick off the new year with a complete renovation. According to developer Michael Badaoui of Badaoui Group Pty Ltd works on the mid Lachlan Street site will commence in late January. “The service station will be owned and operated by Pearl Energy, and branded Mobil,” Mr Badaoui told The Riverine Grazier. “Pearl Energy currently operates in excess of 150 service stations and their business model is to discount the fuel, so the people of Hay will benefit from increased competition.” The site has not operated as a fuel station for many years, and will undergo a complete revamp, to include drive through service and new construction. The approval of the development application was given by Hay Shire Council at the September meeting of Council, which was attended by Mr Badaoui. The development application was not without local objections, with some fearing noise disruptions for nearby motels, and traffic issues in the town’s main street.

Mitch McKinney isn't a professional runner. In fact, by his own admission, he's not particularly a runner at all.Yet this 38-year-old ordinary Australian achieved something extraordinary; running 1,132 kilometres from the red dust of Broken Hill to the sea breeze of Newcastle, completing a marathon every single day for 29 days straight.What makes this feat even more remarkable? He ran 380 kilometres of it with a fractured hip.This story begins not with athletic ambition, but with empathy, the kind that's becoming increasingly rare in our fast-paced world.Mitch's son attends family day care run by Jess and Bree Maguire in regional New South Wales. It was there he met their youngest child, one-year-old Huxley, a beautiful little boy born with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder affecting balance, movement and speech.When Huxley was diagnosed at just four months old, Jess and Bree's world changed forever."You're thrown into this new world that you never even knew existed," Jess recalled. "We had to grieve that life that we had planned for him, but we still have him, and he's still a beautiful little boy."The diagnosis was devastating: Huxley would likely never speak, would probably never live independently, and would require a lifetime of therapies, specialist care and equipment."It was very isolating at first," Jess said. "We had to come to terms with the fact that Huxley would never speak."Jess explains that parents of children with Angelman Syndrome metaphorically "run a marathon every day.""We have to create that neurological pathway in his brain," she told 7NEWS.com.au. "Instead of developing naturally, we have to create that for him. That's why early intervention is key."While Bree goes to work, Jess stays home as a family day-care educator, balancing the care of four children whilst delivering targeted occupational therapy, physio and speech programs for Huxley."I can stay at home with him and I can still earn an income," she explained. "We want Huxley to have every opportunity to thrive. But that means we need help—research, funding, and awareness."Watching this daily marathon, Mitch decided to turn their metaphor into reality.On August 22, Mitch began his journey in Broken Hill with a simple but powerful mission, run from the bush to the beach, one marathon a day, to raise funds and awareness for Angelman Syndrome.His daily routine was brutal in its simplicity."Wake up, eat, hydrate, get dressed, jump out of the car and start rolling. One foot in front of the other. Very basic."Each day, a different child's name was written on a board, Huxley one day, another child living with Angelman or a rare condition the next. Each step was dedicated to them.The 40-kilometre daily grind took its toll. Sore muscles. Injuries. Blisters. Sunburn. Exhaustion.But Mitch kept perspective."Mine will be over. Mine was only ever gonna last the month. Theirs lasts a lifetime," he said while running through Dunedoo, about 300 kilometres northwest of Newcastle."We've got mums and dads and grandmas and grandpas dealing with not only Angelman Syndrome but a whole lot of rare diseases. They don't get a break. They're up all through the night. They're tired for sure."As Mitch approached Cobar, the pain in his hip intensified. Medical staff implored him to stop. He refused.He kept running. Through the pain. Through the doubt. Through 380 more kilometres.It wasn't until he'd completed his mission, all 1,132 kilometres, all 29 marathons, that scans revealed the devastating truth; he'd fractured his hip."What we didn't know was that 380km of that run, he did with a fractured hip," supporters later revealed in a heartfelt update.Mitch was placed on bed rest before flying to Adelaide for surgery, facing six weeks on crutches and the likelihood he may never run again.What followed Mitch every step of the way surprised even him."There's been an enormous show of support," he said during his run. "People are honking horns, yelling out, handing money over on the side of the road, taking photos. I'm more than overwhelmed with the response."He ran through towns often overlooked in national conversations, places like Dunedoo, bringing not just awareness but community pride."This run picks up a lot of little communities that often get missed when you're talking about rare diseases," he said. "It's affecting every demographic and geographic area."Celebrities including Casey Barnes, Fatboy Slim, Lynne McGranger and Brisbane Lions players threw their support behind the campaign.By the time Mitch reached Newcastle, he'd raised an astonishing $164,000 for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics.Despite his extraordinary achievement, Mitch remained humble to a fault.When asked what he expected when he reached Newcastle, he laughed. "There'll be some people, some not. Probably just…"He insisted he only played a "small part" in the campaign. But Jess sees it very differently."Mitch is a hero," she said. "He didn't have to do any of this. He's not related to us, he's not directly affected, but he saw our struggle and decided to step up in a huge way. That kind of empathy is rare."While Mitch's physical marathon has ended, the journey continues for families like Jess and Bree's.Little Huxley has started rolling. Each small win is a major victory."Our kids still need therapies, support, and hope," Jess said. "We're hopeful in the next five years, cures will be available, and treatments could come even sooner. Everything that's coming will only help him more and more and more—it's going to improve his quality of life astronomically."The one bright side of Angelman Syndrome, Jess notes, is that children like Huxley usually have a happy demeanour and smile often, earning them the nickname "angel kids." Though he can quickly become frustrated when he struggles to move or can't communicate what he wants, his joy is infectious."This run means the world to us," Jess said. "Not just the money raised, but the awareness. People are googling Angelman Syndrome. They're talking about it. They're seeing our kids. And that's how change starts."As Mitch recovers from surgery, one thing remains clear, we need more people like him in the world, ordinary people who see extraordinary need and decide to do something extraordinary about it.One foot in front of the other. One step at a time. Running for those who can't.

Jodie Hicks, star defender for the Richmond Tigers, has announced her retirement from elite football at the close of the current AFLW season. A homegrown sporting star, Hicks stunned team mates by making the announcement to them in the Richmond change room, which was recorded and released by the club to fans last week. The 28-year-old’s journey from Hay to the top tier of two national sports - AFLW and professional cricket - has been a source of pride across the district, especially amongst sport fans, who have watched her rise to the elite level. Hicks, who was selected with pick No. 5 in the 2017 AFL Women’s Draft, has played 58 games across eight seasons with Greater Western Sydney and Richmond. She also spent time as a professional cricketer with the Sydney Sixers. Announcing her decision to teammates, Hicks reflected on the significance of her achievement for a regional athlete, hinting that she may soon be returning to the local sporting scene. She confirmed her decade as a professional athlete was coming to a close, stating that her “time was up”. The pride in her regional roots was clear, with Hicks reflecting on her unique journey. “It’s not sad,” Hicks quipped after dropping the retirement bombshell on fellow Tigers team mates. “I have been very lucky. I have made friends all over the world and had a lot of cool opportunities. It is something I never thought a little girl from Hay would be able to do,” she said. “Coming to Richmond, I did not know if it was a really random move, but as soon as I walked in the door, it was the best thing that happened. “Obviously, I still love playing footy, so I might just go tear up a local club, ideally, and play a bit of cricket. “I have bloody loved it.” Her mention of potentially playing for a local club next season will no doubt spark excitement and speculation among local football and cricket clubs across the region. Hicks played all 12 games in her debut season with the Tigers in 2023, including their Elimination Final, and played the opening six matches this year before a foot injury sidelined her for the final month. Richmond Executive Head of Women’s Football, Kate Sheahan, acknowledged Hicks' unique contribution to the club and the league. “Jodie should be incredibly proud of her AFLW career and everything she has accomplished across eight seasons at the elite level,” Sheahan said. “We were thrilled to bring Jodie to Richmond in 2023. “She has been a highly respected member of our team, and there is no doubt she will continue to make her mark in sport beyond this year, with her game sense and deep understanding of both football and cricket, lending itself to exciting prospects. “On behalf of everyone at the Club, I would like to wish Jodie all the very best for the future.” The former Sydney Sixers cricketer's retirement will be effective from the end of the season.

The township of Hay and the wider sporting community have rallied with messages of condolences, following the news of the passing of Peter ‘Parra’ Montgomery. Parra’s death occurred late on Saturday, following complications from a heart attack suffered earlier in the week. It seems poetic that Parra travelled to Hay recently to be part of the 1975 premiership reunion of his beloved Magpies Rugby League Club, taking part in this year’s presentation night. From there he travelled back to Albury, which has been his home for the past seven years, where he and a group of lifelong mates enjoyed one of their legendary catch-ups. When he took ill, Parra was transferred to Melbourne for treatment, surrounded by his wife Pat, children Janine, Michael, and Sharni, family and friends. I had the good fortune to speak with Parra when he was in Hay two weeks ago, and hear first hand his recollections of the 1974 and 1975 seasons, and it is safe to say his recollections were shared with uncanny accuracy. He told me he could simply close his eyes, and games from the past would clearly play out in front of him, as if on film. There was no denying his passion for sport and for Hay and nothing excited him as much as a home grown hero. Whether it was in the pages of The Riverine Grazier or later on social media, the pride he took in celebrating sporting stars such as Nick Edwards, Jodie Hicks and Rachael Pearson was unmatched. And he celebrated small wins as enthusiastically as the big ones. He bestowed nicknames on countless people - whether they wanted them or not - and every one was heavy on the dad-joke humour. He cared little about whether the subject was embarrassed by his lavish praise and repeated the proffered nicknames until many stuck. After a childhood spent in Sydney, Parra moved to Hay in 1966 as part of a transfer with the Lands Department. He has unashamedly repeated to me on countless occasions that it was the best move of his life, not least because it was here that he met wife Pat, and where they raised their family. During his time in Hay, Parra was instrumental in the administration of Hay Magpies and Group 17, Hay Cutters Rugby Union Club and local cricket, but was a fierce supporter of all local sport, from footy to darts. In 1985 Parra and Pat joined Ann and Kevin Goldspink in a business partnership to purchase the Highway Inn Hotel, and construct the motel next door. The mine host lifestyle suited Parra’s love of an epic yarn and the pub took on a new life. Throughout his time, Parra would write sports articles - predominantly Group 17 results - for local and regional newspapers, Rugby League Week magazine and the Sunday Telegraph and Sun Herald. In 1999 Parra formed another important partnership, joining forces with Tertia Butcher and the late Rod McCully to purchase The Riverine Grazier. Parra sat at the front desk and was the paper’s receptionist and sports editor, summing up the week’s news in a regular back page column aptly entitled ‘Parra’s Piece’ After leaving the Grazier in 2007, he continued to contribute stories periodically for the pages of the paper, and Parra’s Pieces also popped up on his Facebook page as well. In 2011 Parra was instrumental in pulling off one of the biggest rugby league coups in country NSW - the Magpies ‘Pie in the Sky’ game pitted a team of current and ex-NRL players against local talent, drawing crowds from far and wide, and there was no doubt Parra was in his element. A life member of both the Magpies and the Cutters, the Magpies unveiled the new digital scoreboard at Hay Park’s number one oval as the Parra Montgomery Scoreboard in 2016. In the years of his retirement, Parra would continue to champion local sport and the people who make it possible, often showcasing those who least expected it; highlighting the unsung hero was a true love of Parra’s. Whether the topic was his memories, Group 9, Group 20, ProTen, local heroes, politics or dad-jokes, Parra always shared his views with an excitement and passion that will be missed by many. Funeral details for the late Peter Montgomery will shortly be announced by the family.

As I hope you would by now be aware, we currently have a survey out to understand the community’s support for or against a split of our local health district. We haven’t been sitting idly by, we have attended the rally held in Memorial Park, met with Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) and sent out letters as requested by the resolution of Council, including to the Minister for Health.Please let me say a couple of things to begin with. I have never said that I or Council are against the proposed split, only that we require more information about the process and the outcome of the split. Secondly, please remember there are staff involved in the outcome of this push. Please respect the doctors, nurses and allied staff who have as much skin in the game as we all do, if not more.We have now provided information on both sides of the debate on Council’s website. You will see information provided by our Local Member as to why we should split and also information from MLHD as to the what the potential split would mean.We are trying to present a balanced argument for the community to make their own mind up about the split, we are not trying to sway anyone one way or the other.However, we do need community feedback via the survey, we have had over 500 surveys completed to date but we need many more to get a good idea about community sentiment. With the additional information, I hope we will see a surge in surveys completed.We must also remember many fellow Local Government Areas will be affected by the potential split, and we also want to hear from them so please spread the word far and wide. This is an extremely important discussion that must take place in our community.Stay safe, stay well and above all else be kind to each other.

In a powerful display of community compassion, a once-lifeless orange tree has been transformed into a beacon of hope, standing proudly in brilliant blue at the corner of Kidman Way and Beverley Road in Hanwood.The stunning transformation, completed by passionate local advocates Grant and Denise Hearn, arrives at a poignant time, World Mental Health month, serving as a vibrant reminder that no one needs to face their darkest moments alone.Far from being just another splash of colour on the landscape, this eye-catching sentinel represents something far greater. It's the newest addition to the Blue Tree Project, a remarkable grassroots movement that has painted hope across more than 1500 locations worldwide, creating a network of conversation starters about mental health and suicide prevention.The genius of the project lies in its simplicity. By taking something dead or dying and giving it new purpose through a coat of striking blue paint, the initiative sends a powerful message: there's always room for renewal, always a reason to reach out, and always someone willing to listen.What was once an unremarkable dead tree now commands attention, inviting passersby to pause, reflect, and perhaps most importantly, talk. In a world where mental health struggles often remain hidden behind closed doors and forced smiles, this bold blue landmark opens the door to honest conversations about wellbeing.Grant and Denise Hearn's dedication to bringing this initiative to Hanwood exemplifies the profound impact everyday Australians can have in their communities. Their efforts have given their town more than just an Instagram-worthy landmark—they've planted a symbol of solidarity, understanding and hope that will stand as a reminder that it's not just okay to talk about mental health, it's essential.As the vibrant blue branches reach skyward, they carry with them a simple but vital message: you matter, your struggles are valid, and help is always available.

Balranald Fire Station is calling for recruits over 18 years of age who live and work within reasonable distance of the station.On-Call Firefighters (OCFF) provide emergency response to fires, accidents, rescues and other incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While not rostered full-time, OCFFs declare their availability a week in advance, allowing them to balance primary jobs and family commitments.In 2024/2025, Balranald Fire Station responded to 47 calls, with 22 per cent occurring during business hours Monday to Friday, averaging approximately 10 calls per year during these hours. Average call duration was one hour and 37 minutes.The role offers a fortnightly retainer plus hourly pay for incidents, training, drills and community events, with leave entitlements and extensive training in emergency life support, teamwork and leadership skills.Interested residents can visit the station, register interest at careers.fire.nsw.gov.au/on-call

Griffith has welcomed its new deputy mayor, with Cr Scott Groat taking on the role following his election to the position.Cr Groat, who was elected to council in October 2024, has quickly established himself as an active voice in local government, now stepping into the deputy mayoral role with an ambitious vision for the city's future.The newly appointed deputy mayor has outlined a comprehensive agenda focused on collaboration, community development and inclusive facilities."My immediate plan is to work together with council and councillors to improve relations between developers and planning directors," Cr Groat said."I want to focus on fit-for-purpose compliance and open and honest communication between developers and council."Among his key priorities is improving Lake Wyangan water quality, a matter of ongoing concern for the community.However, it's his vision for new community infrastructure that showcases his commitment to creating inclusive spaces for all residents. Cr Groat has set his sights on developing new play areas, an animal petting nursery, and a water park for the community to enjoy.Particularly noteworthy is his plan for a coffee shop and café designed to provide employment and recreational opportunities for NDIS participants, demonstrating a commitment to creating meaningful work experiences for young people with disabilities.Like many new councillors, Cr Groat has been navigating the complexities of local government procedures and protocols since joining council last year.In September, he found himself at the centre of a procedural matter involving a fire-damaged building, which sparked discussions about proper procurement processes and the council's code of conduct.The incident involved a rescission motion where Cr Groat had sought to overturn a decision about engaging asbestos removal services, claiming he had obtained cheaper quotes. Mayor Doug Curran raised concerns about proper procedures, noting that councillors must follow formal channels when dealing with council contractors and operational matters.Cr Groat explained at the time that he had 'merely asked for the quotes' for himself to understand costs, as Griffith has multiple fire-damaged buildings requiring attention.The matter highlighted the learning curve new councillors face in understanding the formal processes and boundaries that govern local government operations.As deputy mayor, Cr Groat will work alongside Mayor Doug Curran to lead Griffith through the challenges and opportunities ahead, bringing his focus on community development, improved communication and inclusive facilities to the forefront of council's agenda.His appointment represents a fresh perspective on council, with his emphasis on creating spaces where all community members—particularly those with disabilities—can work, play and thrive.

Essential Water has unveiled an ambitious $250 million proposal to rebuild critical water and wastewater infrastructure across Broken Hill and surrounding communities, marking the largest investment in the region's utility services in decades. The proposed rebuild program, detailed in Essential Water's 2026–31 Pricing Proposal released to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) on October 27, addresses ageing infrastructure that has reached the end of its operational life across Broken Hill, Menindee, Sunset Strip and Silverton. At the heart of the proposal is the replacement of two wastewater treatment plants that have served Broken Hill for generations. The Wills Street Wastewater Treatment Plant, approaching its centenary, and the South Wastewater Treatment Plant, now close to end-of-life, can no longer be upgraded to meet modern environmental standards. Essential Water's Head of Water, Ross Berry, said the business proposes building a new 4.8 megalitre wastewater treatment plant to replace both facilities. "Designs are being finalised and the project will go out to tender shortly, with construction expected to begin in mid-2026," Mr Berry explained. The new plant promises greater reliability, reduced odours and improved opportunities for reusing high-quality treated water, benefits that address longstanding community concerns about the ageing facilities. Beyond the treatment plants, Essential Water plans to accelerate the replacement rate of ageing water and sewage pipes throughout the network, a move aimed at reducing emergency maintenance costs and improving service continuity for the region's approximately 18,000 residents. "This investment is not just about pipes and plants; it's about investing in the future of Broken Hill for long-term reliability and sustainability, not short-term fixes," Mr Berry said. However, the scale of investment required comes with a significant cost to consumers. To fund the upgrades, Essential Water is proposing annual price increases of around 15 per cent for water and wastewater services over five years, before inflation. The increases reflect the challenging economics of delivering safe and reliable services in a remote region with a small customer base. Mr Berry acknowledged the financial impact on households. "Our proposal to IPART outlines what the necessary investment would cost our customer base. It's part of the process we need to go through, but we are advocating on behalf of our customers to see if there will be additional government support to help ease the impact on households," he said. "We understand that the proposed annual increase is significant, especially in the current economic climate. We welcome IPART acknowledging our concerns that fully recovering the costs through customers could result in financial stress and that additional government support may be needed." Essential Water has maintained price stability since 2014, with increases only in line with inflation. However, Mr Berry warned that the cost of maintaining and upgrading the network has reached a tipping point. "The reality is, without these upgrades, we risk service outages and escalating emergency costs. There is a real risk of environmental damage to creeks, water pipe bursts causing flooding, and an increase in service outages that disrupt daily life," he said. The utility has committed to a 0.5 per cent annual productivity improvement alongside existing cost-saving measures, demonstrating efforts to minimise the financial burden on customers whilst delivering essential infrastructure improvements. The proposal has been developed through extensive community consultation, including surveys, stakeholder meetings and input from the Essential Water Customer Panel. Feedback revealed that customers prioritise clean drinking water, long-term security, affordability and sustainability—principles that have guided the infrastructure planning. As part of IPART's review process, a community consultation meeting will be held in Broken Hill on November 24, with tickets available online. Essential Water is encouraging all customers to participate and provide feedback on the proposal. The outcome of IPART's review will determine the final pricing structure and may influence the level of government support available to offset costs for households in the Far West region. Essential Water, an operating division of Essential Energy, provides water and sewerage services to around 10,500 customers in Broken Hill, Menindee, Silverton and Sunset Strip, as well as rural customers. The utility operates an extensive network of dams, water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, reservoirs, pumping stations and related infrastructure across the region. Community members can stay informed about the IPART review process through the tribunal's website, with the consultation period providing an opportunity for residents to have their say on the future of water services in Far West NSW.

Hillston's Australia Post Office and newsagency has been extensively damaged by fireA fire has extensively damaged the High Street premises of Hillston Newsagent and LPO (local post office) today (Wednesday October 29)Investigations are continuing but proprietor Manu Bedi said the retail section of the premises have been extensively damaged by fire and smoke.The office section of the building has been smoke affected, but the rear section of the building - where mail and parcel post is stored and sorted - remains intact.Ms Bedi said Australia Post representatives were already on site, and it is expected that mail services will re-commence by the end of next week, probably from temporary premises."We are holding it together but it is a very tough day," she told Back Country Bulletin.Arrangements for the retail and lotto business are not yet confirmed.

G’day folks,  Where has the year gone? Halloween this week, less than two months to Christmas, students will soon be finishing the HSC exams, and only a short time before Parliament rises for the year at the end of November. Parliament has just had two consecutive sitting weeks but for the first of those weeks I was in Bougainville, as part of a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Delegation from the NSW Parliament. It was a two-day trip to get there, but it was a rewarding experience and one that will help to bring us closer together. This week I am mostly in Sydney for committee meetings, but I will also be at a meeting (on Tuesday October 28) between the Premier and the mayors of Brewarrina, Bourke, Coonamble and Walgett, to discuss solutions to the problem of youth crime in Barwon.CPA delegation to Bougainville The Autonomous Region of Bougainville is a group of Islands near Papua New Guinea, part of the Solomon Islands Archipelago. With a history of human occupation going back thousands of years, it is Bougainville’s history over the last few decades that resulted in the CPA’s delegation.  After World War II Australia took over the administration of Papua New Guinea, which gained independence in 1975, with Bougainville as part of that new nation. However, the people of Bougainvillean objected to being under Papuan administration and worked, unsuccessfully, to secede and to be recognised internationally as a separate nation. Tensions between Bougainville and Papua became an insurrection in 1988, the catalyst for which was that Bougainville did not receive a fair share of revenues from gold and copper mines on their islands. After a long period of conflict, in 2001 a peace agreement was reached allowing Bougainville some autonomy and later independence. The deadline for independence moved a few times, but earlier this year a new deadline of 1 September 2027, was set. Bougainville now needs to develop its parliament, political system and government to be ready for full independence. That is where the CPA comes in, the organisation offers assistance and expertise to other Commonwealth nations developing their democracy. About half of Bougainville’s 45-member parliament are newly elected. My visit involved taking part in several panel discussions at which I shared a bit about my experiences as an MP, my work on committees and how our government works. I also talked about Barwon, its challenges, successes and complexities. One thing I emphasised was the importance of engagement and communication with a constituency. Bougainville is 9318 square kilometres, compared to Barwon being over 356,000 square kilometres. But Bougainville’s lack of roads, transport, and the presence of villages in remote, mountainous areas means they have some similar challenges in communication and engagement. I also learnt a lot from the Bougainvilleans and I am grateful for their hospitality. Bougainville is a stunning place. I intend to go back there one day, and I urge others to think about visiting.  I wish their parliament every success and hope to see them develop into a thriving, independent neighbour.  After over a decade in administration it is good to finally see the Central Darling Shire has elected three councillors for the first council of its new era. I want to congratulate Peter Sullivan (A Ward), Max Bradley (B Ward) and Daniel Fusi (C Ward) on being elected as Councillors for Central Darling Shire. The new councillors will help steer the council on its journey of transition out of administration. The names of the three appointed councillors (not announced at the time of writing) should be announced soon. I would like to encourage all the communities of the shire to really get behind their new councillors, and get involved with the council, to help make it as successful as possible.   Youth Crime Question in Parliament Although BOCSAR (Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research) figures show that there has been a drop in youth crime in recent years, many people are concerned about a number of incidents in towns around Western NSW.  During the sitting week I posed a Question Without Notice to the Premier asking if he would accept a delegation from councils in Walgett, Bourke, Brewarrina and Coonamble, to discuss how to expedite diversionary programs for troubled youth and talk about community-based solutions to reducing youth crime. He said he would be ready to accept that delegation (which has not taken place at the time of writing) saying that it is “important to listen to what is happening on the ground” in order to implement that changes necessary to reduce recidivism. I will keep you posted about what happens with that meeting. To listen to the Premier’s response to my question go to https://www.roybutler.com.au/video_clips Get ready for Movember November is the time when men around the country and around the world allow their facial hair to run wild. I will be leaving part of my face untouched by a razor for a month as part of Movember, to raise awareness of men’s health issues and to raise money for research and programs that work to keep men healthier - physically and mentally. Once again, I will be growing a mo as a member of team Barwon, but I am looking for other stalwart Barwonians to join me, either by growing a mo, or by raising money and awareness by other means. I will be providing regular updates of my mo-gress and I hope you will come along for my hairy journey. To be part of the team or to donate go to https://au.movember.com/team/2457418   National Parks Private Members Statement In the October sitting weeks I delivered a Private Members Statement about the government’s determination to reserve 30% of the land in NSW as National Parks. In my statement I said that there seems to be no specific reason or rationale for why it has to be nearly a third of the state and there doesn’t seem to be a coherent plan for what will happen with the land acquired to reach that total.  There also seems to be a bit of a disconnect between the decisions made by the management of national parks and what impact their decisions will have or are having on the ground in the communities where the land has been acquired. Since June 2024 thirty properties have been purchased for National Parks, a total of over 113,000 hectares. These were properties that used to contribute in significant ways financially, and socially, to their local communities – once they are turned into National Parks all of those people who lived or worked on the property are gone and so is the money generated leaving a hole in the local economy and taking away all the people who were part of that community. Despite promises that there will be infrastructure created in the parks to generate tourism income to replace the lost income from agriculture, this almost never happens. The parks remain underfunded, invasive species proliferate, fences fall into disrepair, and it becomes a problem for neighbouring properties. This is what prompted an iPetition “No More National Parks in NSW” launched by some of my constituents, asking for a more balanced approach in acquisition of land for National Parks. In my Private Members Statement, I indicated that I will be attempting to change the systems and processes that currently exist for acquiring land for National Parks. Watch this space. 

Balranald Shire Council has provided an update on the progress of the Balranald Reservoir project, with completion now scheduled for Friday November 14 2025.As of Thursday October 23, significant milestones have been achieved on the RMP (Raised Modular Platform) project site. A total of four RMP panels have been installed, with crane operators currently on site for the installation of inlet and overflow pipes. The installation of the FRP ladder base has been completed, along with the midday installation of pipes. A crane lift test has also been conducted to ensure safety measures for pipe access installation, and RMP painting of all bolts fitted to pipe flanges has been finished.Council has outlined the remaining works to be completed by BSC (Building Services Contractor) in the coming weeks. The removal of internal scaffolding took place on Friday 24 October and Saturday 25 October, with the finalisation of roof sheeting and gutter installation, along with painting of safety yellow on the roof platform stepdown, completed on Friday October 24.A white blast floor application and blasting of the anchor bolts were carried out on Monday October 28. On Tuesday October 29, a topcoat will be applied to the floor, which will then be allowed to cure for approximately five to seven days before a soak test is conducted.Additional finishing works include painting bolt numbers internally around the circumference and performing patch repairs at Hobcon's request for a re-test.The council has thanked the community for their patience and cooperation throughout the project.