Get together in the Ivanhoe community while learning some information about important issues.Funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund has allowed Rural Connect to put together what promises to be an amazing event.Where is it you ask? Ivanhoe RSL Club on Columbus Street, Friday March 7 from 9.15 am to 3pm.Come along, learn new skills and enjoy a fantastic community day.It will be a fun-filled day of activities, connection, and delicious food!Savor complimentary morning tea and lunch while diving into engaging interactive sessions tailored for everyone in the community.Doctor Mia Ciccio and Doctor Meg Withers will be conducting an informative lunch time session on osteopathy and pain management.There will also be a first aid session, suitable for both children and adults.Rural Connect is a partnership between the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Contact.​While separate services, Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section (RFDS SE) and Contact are working towards finding ways to address health and wellbeing needs for isolated children, families, and community in an outback, remote area service delivery context. ​RuralCONNECT is the resulting Contact and RFDS SE partnership ‘product’ working towards health and wellbeing outcomes for remote and isolated outback children, young people, and their families. ​To date, RuralCONNECT’s focus has been upon north-western NSW regions encompassing the small villages of Louth, Tilpa and Wanaaring and surrounding regions. ​A shared approach with families and the community forms the basis of all RuralCONNECT actions

A man is recuperating in hospital after picking up Japanese encephalitis (JE) while camping in the region. This is the first recorded case in the area for the summer.NSW health executive director of health protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said the man probably caught the disease in late December to early January.This case, along with recent discoveries in pigs and mosquitos in NSW and discoveries in Victoria and Queensland, highlights the need to be extra careful about the danger of contracting this harmful illness.JE spreads after a mozzie bites an animal who has the disease, like as a pig or water fowl, and then bites a person.Signs of JE can include high temperature, headaches and nausea.In extreme cases JE can cause shakes, delirium, seizures and incapacitation.Humans cannot spread the disease to other humans and cannot pick it up from eating animal products or touching infected animals.A safe and free vaccine for JE can be given through your doctor through pharmacists.Other pre-emptive actions to take are puting on repellent, wearing long and light loose-fitting clothing and using fly screens at home and when camping.

Community groups, schools, and local community groups, pay attentionPhysical activity and exercise can do wonders for your heart health and general wellbeing.The Heart Foundation's Active Australia Innovation Challenge offers grants up to the value of $30,000 for new, innovative programs that get more people moving in schools, universities or local community groups.Applications are open until 5pm March 3.Community groups, councils, schools (primary and secondary), tertiary institutions (universities, TAFEs, colleges), and other organisations are encouraged to come up with an innovative idea. The project idea should encourage physical activity in a chosen group or community and be submitted via an online application form. Eligible ideas will be identified using the guidelines and put forward for shortlisting. Finalists will be given the opportunity to present their project proposal via video link in front of a national judging panel of experts.Learn more about the how to apply, what information you need and what our judges are looking for in the Heart Foundation’s application guide.Visit the link for more informationhttps://www.heartfoundation.org.au/active-australia-innovation-challenge?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_scuoakew09

Western Local Lands Services’ Aboriginal Community Advisory Group (ACAG) is heading to Tibooburra next monthWestern Local Lands Services’ Aboriginal Community Advisory Group (ACAG) is heading to Tibooburra next month and wants to catch-up with local Aboriginal community members. The role of ACAG is to provide a forum for improving connections and nurturing partnerships between our organisation and Aboriginal communities.ACAG members provide community perspectives, traditional knowledge and cultural advice on all Western LLS plans, strategies and programs.By attending the meeting, local community members can get an update on and have input into LLS projects and programs, opportunities for partnerships with Aboriginal communities and land managers and upcoming project work on the Caryapundy Swamp Ramsar site. If you'd like to attend the meeting, contact Josh Clarke on 0499 537 311 or email [email protected].

Everyone can get in on the fun at Moulamein Sunday fun dayMoulmein is a bustling, attractive little village with a lovely swimming pool.As the season is almost drawing to a close, Moulemein are holding a Sunday Fun Day at their pool.Throw on your leis Sunday and head on down to the pool, the day having a Hawaiian theme.Starting at 11 am and going until 3pm, the cost is $5 for non-members and free for members.You can also buy a sausage off the barbie when you get hungry.The kiosk will also be open for food and drinks.There will be games and activities on throughout the day.There are prizes for best dressed, based on the theme of the day.Attendees are advised to bring a floatie if they wish as there are limited floaties available.Children under 10 will need a person over the age of 18 supervising them.

Riverina Classic Catch and Release Fishing competition great successThe weekend of February 7, 8 and 9 was a raving success, as the Riverina Classic Catch and Release Fishing competition reeled in over 800 keen anglers from around the district.An impressive total of 1418 fish were caught; 1138 Murray cod, 87 silver perch, 20 yellow belly, and 173 carp.Fishers trawled the Murrumbidgee between Gogeldrie Weir and the Carrathool Bridge, and sent in happy snaps of their biggest catches.Over $20,000 was raised and donated to Rural Outreach Counselling Inc.Money will also be allocated to restocking the river with fingerlings.Organisers were over the moon with the 12th successful event, noting it is a wholesome family weekend which raises a good amount of funds for a terrific cause.Category winners and results:Junior Female Yellow Belly: 34cm, caught by Peyton HopwoodJunior Male Yellow Belly: 55cm, caught by Blake NewmanSenior Female Yellow Belly: 52cm, caught by Chloe BuckleySenior Male Yellow Belly: 56cm, caught by Charlie MartinBiggest carp: 74cm, caught by Amy McCollJunior Female Biggest Cod: 79cm, caught by Indie CroweJunior Male Biggest Cod: 86cm, caught by Zane RocheSenior Female Biggest Cod: 94cm, caught by Kylie FraserSenior Male Biggest Cod: 110cm, caught by Reece GaddChampion Anglers:Senior - Corey Roche with a 13.45m cumulative lengthJunior - Tylen Roche with a 9.45m cumulative length

Thirty years ago, a group of locals came together to raise some money, as they all agreed the elderly needed a place to live in their twilight years. People formed a committee years before it was officially opened in 1994 and it became a registered charity. Some pledged a yearly amount, some made a lump sum donation, and every single dollar was valued. Recently, these hardworking volunteers were invited to Bidgee Haven as a way of thanks; to have morning tea and reminisce on how it all happened. The memories flew thick and fast as everyone thought back to the days before it became what it is today; a pleasant, successful home away from home. Bright, happy, cheerful, with the freedom for residents to maintain their interests and hobbies. Bidgee Haven fast became an asset to the area, and a credit to those who made it, and those who run it. After raising $750,000 34 years ago, the best thing about Bidgee Haven is a lot of the people involved are enjoying the facilities themselves or enjoying their friends being able to stay with them, in the community they love so much.

BY MICK CATTANACH In an unprecedented day of representative cricket, Hay as the current holders of the O'Farrell Cup and the Creet Cup, took on both challenges on Sunday, Wagga and respectively. It was a tough day for both teams but a great testament to the strength of Hay cricket that it could field competitive teams in both competitions. The O'Farrell Cup team took on a very strong Wagga team and unfortunately lost the toss giving Wagga first opportunity to post a score. This did not worry the Hay bowlers and fielders who as they did against Albury the week earlier, threw the first punch. Rupert Lilburne, in his second over, got an opener caught at second slip and then removed the number three caught by his brother Digby. The following over Jack Cattanach got the new batsman for a duck to see Wagga in all sorts of trouble at three for 13. The Wagga bats then consolidated to get the score to 114 before the return of Rupert to the attack as he got a batsman caught behind. The next over, Simon Bunyan got the Wagga skipper LBW to see Hay getting back on top at five for 115. These wickets brought Wagga batsman Jack Harper to the crease. He looked aggressive straight away, looking to get on top of the Hay bowling. Jack Cattanach picked up another Wagga batsman caught behind. A couple of overs later Dean Aylett got his first wicket and then in his next over picked up another to see Wagga eight for 163. The trouble for Hay was Jack Harper at the other end was scoring quickly and hitting balls cleanly. At this point an evenly balanced contest quickly shifted. Jack Harper got hold of the Hay bowlers putting on an additional 100 runs for the last two wickets as he hit 122 runs off only 62 balls. He was eventually caught on the boundary off the bowling of Digby Lilburne with the Wagga total on 263. An amazing innings, it essentially took the game away from Hay. Hay struggled to rally with the bat and were under the pump from the first over where they lost opener Jensen Hargreaves without a run on the board. Wickets fell in quick succession as the Wagga opening bowlers bowled a challenging length with enough movement to cause the Hay batsman trouble. Jack Cattanach offered some resistance and combining with Dean Aylett they kept the Wagga attack at bay. Unfortunately it was only brief and the Hay boys were dismissed with 62 runs on the board. The week earlier everything had fallen into place for Hay as they won the toss and got the momentum of the match. On this occasion it was Wagga who won the toss and despite being under pressure early had in one excellent innings taken back the momentum of the match. Hay was unable to wrestle it back. Wagga 263 all out (R Lilburne 3/40, D Aylett 3/75, J Cattanach 2/38, D Lilburne 1/42, S Bunyan 1/63) defeated Hay 63 all out (J Cattanach 23, D Aylett 10 not out). In the Creet Cup, the Ardlethan/Barellan team won the toss and batted very well to get the score to 66 in over 20. Hay finally struck with Charlie Wythes trapping one of the openers LBW with his second ball. From this point Charlie, bowling unchanged, brought the Hay team back into the game with an excellent spell. Picking up the entire Ardlethan/Barellan middle order, he took five wickets with his nagging stump to stump bowling. Conrad McGinty doing the hard stuff, bowling into the wind, picked up the over opener. He then got a couple of other wickets to see the opposition eight for 126 at the end of over 39. Unfortunately, the tail wagged as Hay could not pick up those last two wickets and Ardlethan/Barellan managed to get their total to 155 at the close. In response the Hay innings started disastrously slumping to five for 11 in over 11, against some good opening bowling from the Ardlethan/Barellan bowlers. At this point the Hay batsman dug in, with Zach O'Neil and Will Simpson both grinding out runs and keeping the bowling at bay. While Zach departed for seven, Ben Phillips then combined with Will to keep the scoring going as they gave the Hay boys a chance. Unfortunately, a couple of quick wickets took any chance in the game away. Will was then well caught in the deep as the last man out. The Hay team had gone down despite a gutsy batting performance by the bottom half of the batting line up, led by Will in his best innings in Hay. Ardlethan/Barellan 9/155 (C Wythes 5/24, C McGinty 3/32, B Phillips 1/18) defeated Hay 84 all out (W Simpsons 32, B Phillips 17)

There is something to watch out for if you own pigs or horses - or have feral pigs on your property.There is something to watch out for if you own pigs or horses - or have feral pigs on your property.A mosquito-borne virus has been detected in two Queensland piggeries, feral pigs in NSW and mozzies in Monto, Goondiwindi and Inglewood.The virus (Japanese encephalitis) can cause unexplained stillbirths in pigs and inflammation of the brain in horses, and can potentially cause serious illness in humans.The virus could spread to the Desert Channel region through feral pigs.People who work or live near pigs, including feral pigs, should look out for signs of the virus; including unexplained birth complications in pigs, or imbalance or poor vision in horsesIt is not possible for people to catch JEV directly from pigs, horses or from meat; only from a bite from infected mosquitos.If you suspect a case of the virus, report it to your local vet.What you should do:- Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing when working near pigs or feral pigs.- Take measures to avoid mosquito bites and wear insect repellent where possible.JE was first detected in piggeries in NSW in February 2022 Human infections were first reported in NSW in March 2022 The outbreak was genetically linked to a case detected in the Tiwi Islands in February 2021 JE was previously detected in tropical far north Queensland in the 1990s.In February 2021, a case was identified on the Northern Territory tropical coast

Local councils are calling on the next government to put communities firstThe Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has officially launched its funding priorities ahead of the Federal election.In a statement announcing the launch of its 2025 Federal Election campaign, the Association said Councils were calling on the next Australian Government to ‘Put Our Communities First’ by providing:$1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply;$500 million per year for community infrastructure;$600 million per year for safer local roads;$900 million per year for increased local government emergency management capability and capacity; and$400 million per year for climate adaptation.“These new funding programs should be distributed across all councils, on a formula-basis, similar to Financial Assistance Grants or Roads to Recovery funding, which has been provided for many years,” said ALGA President, and Gladstone Mayor, Matt Burnett (pictured).“I have briefed Federal Ministers, Shadow Ministers and crossbenchers on the importance of these long-term funding reforms.“I urge you to engage with your local federal MPs and candidates to stress the need for long-term sustainable funding for your communities.“We need certainty of funding to deliver national priorities through local solutions,” he said.Learn more at: www.putourcommunitiesfirst.com.au.

Mine Fire at Broken Hill Mine Prompts Investigation and Safety ConcernsA recent underground fire at Perilya's Southern Operations mine in Broken Hill is under investigation, raising concerns about the safety of workers and the use of a ground-stabilizing chemical. The incident occurred on January 12, around 980 meters below the surface, involving the chemical polyurethane, known as PUR. The chemical self-heated and ignited while miners were using it to prevent rock wall erosion. The fire was extinguished, but reignited before being fully put out.The New South Wales Resources Regulator is currently investigating the cause of the fire.While a preliminary investigation didn't find any immediate breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act, a review of the mine operators' chemical manifest has been recommended.The regulator is considering whether additional controls are required across the broader mining industry.The incident has led to concerns regarding potential health risks associated with the use of PUR.The miner's union is pushing for stricter regulations on PUR use in mineral-producing mines. According to a mine site information sheet, combustion of PUR can release toxic carbon monoxide fumes and acrid smoke, and create potentially explosive mists6. Workers have reported feeling unsteady.The Mine Workers Alliance has established a register for workers potentially exposed to the fumes, to log potential exposure to chemical fumes, in case health complications arise in the future.According to a mining occupational health and safety expert, PUR can ignite if not mixed properly, reaching temperatures as high as 150 degrees Celsius. Prior to the fire, some workers reported they were told that PUR was not combustible.The union is advocating for industry-wide safeguards, pointing out the heavier regulation of PUR in the coal industry compared to mineral mines. The union has contacted the NSW Natural Resources Minister to push for changes in legislation and to adopt practices from other sectors that would better protect mine workers.

From blank canvas in unforgiving dirt to a garden haven for all the familyA blank canvas for your new garden, boasting two lone mature trees (a Cedar in the vegetable garden and further away, a Peppercorn) and a few gums along the perimeter, red soil and the prospect of less than 300mm rainfall for the whole year.This is what Trish Palmer of ‘Overnewton’ near Darnick, north-west of Ivanhoe, faced after she and husband Philip rebuilt their house six years ago.Not to be beaten, Trish set out to create a lush garden for the whole family to enjoy.First to go in were more trees. Five Chinese Pistachios, 11 stately Manchurian Pears and Platypus Gums are scattered throughout the garden to provide welcoming shade.“I just started, and hoped for the best. A friend north of Broken Hill has Chinese Pistachios and I thought if it grew there, it would grow here,” Trish said.“I just wish I knew about Platypus Gums before. I would have started growing them long ago.”Always working within the conditions of their environment, a tough dwarf oleander hedge provides an informal boundary along the perimeter.There’s a rose arch bought by Philip’s parents from the former Crisp and Halley store in Ivanhoe which remained in storage until Trish found a purpose for it in her new garden.A formal line of small-leaved saltbush topiary closer to the house lends a certain structure and grandeur to the surrounds.With grandchildren first and centre in Trish’s planning, there is much for them to enjoy, create or ‘just play’.Their favourite is the exploratory garden created by the family. “The first thing they want to do when they get here, is to check out the pond, the bird bath and the bird’s nest,” Trish said.The sandpit used by Philip as a child remained intact while builders and tradespeople were milling around, his children’s old Tonka toys neatly lined up.A mud kitchen sits under a tree, right next to the very important tap which ensures water is always on hand for ‘baking’. Old kitchen utensils complete this part of the children’s paradise.And then there are the bowerbird bowers; a must-see every time the grandchildren visit.“Those birds love the colour green,” Trish explained.“They pinch my parsley, take my silverbeet and we’ve even found green Christmas decorations in their bowers.“But that’s not all they collect. There are tech screws, a cartridge, tags and plenty of coloured glass pieces in one bower alone.“They are also excellent mimics, from barking like a dog to crying like a baby.”From scratch, Trish and Philip have created a family home in an almost unforgiving part of Australia; a place where grandchildren are making lasting memories of a childhood filled with old-fashioned play, creating mud cakes and learning about animal behaviour; all within the safe sanction of their grandmother’s garden.

HIGHWAY CLOSED AFTER BURONGA CRASHHendy Road (Sturt Highway) in Buronga was closed in both directions near Alcheringa Oval following a truck crash.The NSW Rural Fire Service reported just before 6am a truck left a service station on Hendy Road before losing control and crashing into a property.The service said there were no injuries, but crews are on scene, with significant damage to both the truck and home.

Angie Armstrong of Callubri Station near Nyngan was elected president of Outback Beds at her very first meeting, held at Lake Paika, Balranald recently.Angie joined the dynamic group only a few months ago, and in the words of outgoing president Liz Murray, has the skills needed for the group to move forward. Angie is a Monash University graduate with a degree in Business Systems, has a strong interest in catering and events tourism and is director of Callubri Station, family home for four generations of the Armstrong family.Award-winning author, Heather Cameron of Lower Lila Retreat, Bourke brought along her two chart-topping Amazon listed books and briefly spoke of her struggles growing up with a violent father and then falling into a dysfunctional relationship for 27 years.Heather (below) turned to writing as a form of therapy and publishing her first book, Never Underestimate a Woman in 2023. The second book followed soon and she is now writing her third.This led Heather Cameron, the girl from Bourke with little education, to win the 2024 Global Women of Influence Award in Singapore.“Just to get people to believe in themselves is so important,” is Heather’s sound message.

APDH says myth that hunting achieves nothing has been disproved by dataThe top-down approach to NSW feral pig management needs to be reversed if there is to be any hope of real progress in managing NSW worst agricultural pest, according to the Australian Pig Doggers and Hunters Association.National President Ned Makim said the relegation of landholders and hunters to commentators in the feral pig debate betrayed an ideological blockade that needed to be addressed if there was to be any hope of making progress.“There is this endless head scratching going on about what to do about feral pigs but whenever a change of focus is suggested, we hear the same old ‘not best practice’ dismissal which flies in the face of the evidence.”Mr Makim’s comments came with the release of the final report on the APDHA’s Great Australian Pig Hunt data collection exercise which suggests hunters killed 1.69 million pigs in NSW in 2024 from a national total of 5.38 million Australia wide.“Even if those estimates are divided in half, it still represents a massive reduction in pig numbers let alone their breeding potential and yet, hunting is still dismissed by the shot callers in the feral pig debate. “The issue as we see it is twofold: A feral pig management narrative that holds tight to the myth that hunting achieves nothing and belief that government agencies should be the starting point for all control planning.“We believe that’s upside down.”Mr Makim said the people with the most to lose from feral pigs in NSW were farmers, the people who know the most about feral pigs and their behaviour were hunters and the people with the resources to carry out very focused control measures were Local Lands Services staff.“Why isn’t NSW Farmers, for instance, the agency that drives this machine? Why wouldn’t the NSW farming community be given the authority to say this is the issue in this space at this time.“Hunters can offer advice and be involved in programs aimed at ongoing population suppression and LLS can bring millions of dollars to bear on targeted programs with the advice and guidance of the farming community.”Mr Makim said his comments should not be seen as a criticism of the LLS and its capabilities but a suggestion on the better deployment of those capabilities.“It’s time this debate was had and that many of the assumptions on feral pig management challenged.“Pigs outbreed our current level of adaptive planning. The model just isn’t working and the skills and potential of many in the public and private sector are being underused.”Mr Makim said exclusion of hunting from “best practice models” looked odd when the numbers of pigs killed by hunters were considered.“It starts to look like an ideological thing rather than a management model.“We understand the need for some sort of central co-ordination and we understand concerns about the welfare of the animals considered pests but those things can be managed better by involving the relevant parties and giving them a genuine voice.“The only mention of anything that sounds close to hunting is in relation to ‘ground shooting’ and the context is of that method as a clean-up, presumably after baiting, chopper shoots, trapping etc.“If you want to use a dog it most only ‘flush’ a pig to be shot.“We understand that some people don’t like dogs making contact with the pigs but the ‘flush’ limitation betrays a lack of understanding (based on a lack of consultation) on the use of dogs. We have asked for the word ‘bail’ to be added to best practice. That is the action in which a dog locates a pig and barks or stares at the pig to keep it contained so it can be shot. This is demonstrably a much better welfare outcome for the pig because the shot is taken at a still target.“So far all we have heard is crickets.“That one small change would open the door to greater, co-ordinated and managed hunter involvement in formal control programs and a great deal more dead pigs.“Why the delay? We need much faster movement on feral pig management issues and change to who is calling the shots.”Key findings from the 2024 Great Oz Pig Hunt survey:Estimated feral pigs killed by hunters Australia-wide between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024: 5,387,412Estimated economic input by hunters targeting pigs Australia-wide between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024: $326,882,615Estimated cost per pig to hunters Australia-wide between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024: $60.67Estimated average (pig) yield per month, per hunter Australia-wide between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024: 15.61Estimated average active pig hunters expressed as a percentage of potential pig hunters Australia-wide between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024: 21.73%

“This has had a stink to it from the very start”, NFF Horticulture Council chair Jolyon BurnettNational Farmers Federation (NFF) Horticulture Council has today drawn a line in the sand, tasking national food safety regulators with taking a long hard look at themselves.Chair of the Council Jolyon Burnett has written to Commonwealth, State and Territory members of the Food Ministers’ Meeting, calling on them to instigate an independent review into the development and implementation of new food standards due to apply to fresh berries, leafy vegetables and melons from today.Primary production and processing (PPP) standards, created by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and applied by relevant food regulatory agencies in each state and territory, are meant to strengthen food safety and traceability throughout the food supply chain.“This has had a stink to it from the very start, when the predecessor body to the Food Ministers’ Meeting kicked off this process without having first consulted industry, expressly counter to their own terms of reference,” said Mr Burnett.“Now, despite a commitment to creating nationally harmonised regulation, we have several states and territories not just departing from the model they’ve been handed but creating additional redtape, not for the purpose of improving food safety, but lining their own coffers.“It’s got more than a whiff of brazen revenue raising to it.“And at the centre sits the Food Ministers’ Meeting, charged with consulting closely with industry, arbitrating between the interests of several food safety stakeholders, and managing their own conflicts as both the creators and enforcers of food regulation.“As far as we can see, it is failing to meet all of these essential duties.“We are calling for an immediate and thorough independent review of its performance and its fitness as a governing body generally, with its role in developing and implementing new food standards for fresh berries, leafy vegetables and melons as a specific focus.“Most states and territories haven’t got the necessary legislation in place to put these standards into effect from today, despite having two and half years to prepare, and so we’re also calling for a 12-month extension where this is the case.“Consumers should not be concerned about the safety of their food but about its increasing cost.“States and territories, without any restriction or accountability, are piling on more redtape, which only returns to them new revenues, more headaches for growers, and more expensive food during a cost-of-living crisis.“Notwithstanding any review, we are also calling on each jurisdiction to align their implementation with the FSANZ standard, including providing for mutual recognition where growers are certified against existing voluntary food standards meeting global benchmarks.”About the Horticulture CouncilThe Council is the recognised peak body for forming policy and advocating on behalf of the national horticulture industry. Established in 2017, it now comprises 19 national commodity and state-based horticulture bodies.It is a member of the National Farmers’ Federation, free to establish and advance its own policy positions and responses issues impacting the horticulture industry.

“This will be a good start” Member for Barwon Roy Butler MPLocal communities in Griffith, Deniliquin, and Lake Cargelligo are set to receive a significant boost to their healthcare services, following a $23 million announcement from the Minns Labor Government. The funding, part of a broader $200.1 million state-wide initiative, aims to address the critical need for key worker accommodation, making it easier to attract and retain healthcare professionals in the Murrumbidgee region.Local representatives have also welcomed the announcement. Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, highlighted the positive impact on Griffith and Deniliquin, noting the success of similar initiatives in nearby towns like Narrandera, Finley, and West Wyalong. “With the new Griffith Base Hospital opening soon,” Ms Dalton added, “it’s a wonderful time to be promoting our community as an attractive destination for healthcare workers looking to take the next step in their career, or enjoy a tree change to our beautiful region.”Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, emphasised the particular challenges faced by Lake Cargelligo. “Accommodation in town is tight at the best of times,” Mr Butler explained, “so providing more places to live for health workers is essential for the community. More accommodation means less pressure on local rental and housing markets. Rural and remote communities desperately need more accommodation for our key workers, and this will be a good start.”The NSW Government said that securing suitable housing is a major hurdle for healthcare workers considering a move to the bush. This new funding aims to tackle this issue head-on, paving the way for improved healthcare access for residents across the region.The Key Health Worker Accommodation program will fund the construction of new dwellings, the refurbishment of existing housing, and the purchase of suitable properties like residential units. Across NSW, the program aims to secure approximately 120 dwellings, supporting the recruitment and retention of over 500 health workers and their families over the next four years.“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities,” said Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park. “Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority, and this $23 million investment will support the attraction of key healthcare workers to the Murrumbidgee.”This investment follows a previous $73.2 million commitment from the NSW Government for key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts, demonstrating a continued focus on strengthening the rural health workforce.

Did you know you can access free legal assistance in the Wilcannia area?Legal Aid NSW makes regular visits to Wilcannia. Legal aid and free legal help in Australia are crucial for ensuring access to justice for all citizens.This is particularly important for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.By providing essential legal services to people who may otherwise be unable to afford them, it maintains equality before the law and prevents potential injustices due to financial barriers. You don’t need to make an appointment, just call in.They will do everything they can to help, and can do follow up phone appointments. Legal Aid is in Wilcannia on the following dates:February 20 from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm REDI.E 35 Reid Street Wilcannia.March 19 from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm at Wilcannia Courthouse 68 Reid Street Wilcannia.March 20 9.30 am to 1.30 pm REDI.E 35 Reid Street Wilcannia.April 23, 9.30 am to 1.30 pm at Wilcannia Courthouse 68 Reid Street Wilcannia.April 24 9.30 am to 1.30 pm REDI.E 35 Reid Street Wilcannia.May 21 9.30 am to 1.30 pm at Wilcannia Courthouse 68 Reid Street Wilcannia.May 22 9.30 am to 1.30 pm REDI.E 35 Reid Street Wilcannia.June 18 9.30 am to 1.30 pm at Wilcannia Courthouse 68 Reid Street Wilcannia.June 19 9.30 am to 1.30 pm REDI.E 35 Reid Street Wilcannia.July 23 9.30 am to 1.30 pm at Wilcannia Courthouse 68 Reid Street Wilcannia.July 24 9.30 am to 1.30 pm REDI.E 35 Reid Street Wilcannia.

A woman has been arrested after allegedly keeping her dog in a locked car on a 35-degree day in Griffith.At about 1:15 pm on February 13 police were called to attend to the vehicle, parked outside a take away restaurant.A witness had seen the dog, which was allegedly inside the vehicle in a distressed state, allegedly panting and shaking.A short time later, police entered the restaurant to locate the owner of the vehicle and dog.Officers will allege a 32-year-old woman approached police yelling, before walking away to the kitchen. Police tried to take the woman outside the restaurant as she allegedly acted in an offensive manner, allegedly resisting and fighting police.Police placed her under arrest and she was taken to Griffith Police Station.NRMA came to the carpark and allegedly opened the vehicle for police to free the dog from.The woman was charged with behaving in an offensive manner in or near a public place and committing an act of cruelty upon an animal. She was released on bail, and will attend Griffith Local Court on April 2.