Read all about the latest news from Roy Butler MPParliament returned last week after a long break over December and January. Like most first sitting periods, it was a pretty big week, not least because I introduced a bill to split the Hunter New England LHD. But also, because there were plenty of issues that I have been hearing in my travels around Barwon that I needed to raise with the government. This week should see things settle into something approaching a routine, but in parliament things can change very quickly. My colleague Helen Dalton, Member for Murray, has also introduced a bill to split the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, which will affect Lake Cargelligo in my electorate. I will give my support to her bill if it means that regional areas will receive better outcomes for health. Vale Dave Gallagher I am sad to report the passing of Broken Hill Councillor Dave “Gal” Gallagher, a former police officer, and a friend. When he retired from the force in 2021, was the longest serving officer at Broken Hill. In 2010 he was awarded the Australian Police Medal for 30 years of service. Dave grew up in regional NSW, near Mungindi, and served some for a decade in Sydney but later went to Broken Hill, which he said was the “best place in the world to live.” In my time as Regional Manager of the Western Region of the NSW Police Force, I got to work with Dave, who was then head of the Target Action Group at Broken Hill. While conducting audits - talking to him about his account books, his vehicles and portable equipment - I got to know him well. Our friendship continued into my time in NSW Parliament and in his roles with Regional Development Australia Far West and with Broken Hill Council. Dave was someone who showed his love of the community of Broken Hill through his involvement in many local events and organisations. A keen sportsman, he was a life member, former patron and chair of Outback Rugby League, president of the Silver City Racing Club, but also served as a member of the Country Universities Centre Far West board, supporting people in the Far West pursuing tertiary education. He was well-known in Broken Hill and would joke with people saying “G’day, my name’s Dave, but people call me ‘The Legend’.I offer my sincere condolences to Dave's wife, Julie, as well as to his family, friends and former colleagues. He will be missed, and I will miss him. Storms Notice and Power Outages Last year we saw storms cause damage and power outages in the far west around Broken Hill, as well as in Carinda. With more storms across Barwon last week, I felt compelled last week to bring them to the attention of parliament with a Notice of Motion. I asked that the parliament takes note that: 1. Storms have damaged power infrastructure in Western NSW, leading to widespread supply interruptions.2. Acknowledges the vulnerability of remote communities and properties on a single supply line with no redundancy plan.3. Agrees the answer lies in network resilience and local storage and generation.4. Expedite plans for microgrids and stand-alone power stations in remote areas.5. Appreciates the hard work Essential Energy does in remote, rural, and regional NSW.

Hay Emergency Services are currently attending an incident on the Murrumbidgee River Road.A motor vehicle accident occurred at approximately 5.50 am this morning, on a nearby property.Update 10.40 am: The driver of the vehicle has passed, and the passenger, a man in his 20s also sustained minor head injuries in the crash.The passenger was taken by road ambulance to Griffith Base Hospital for further treatment.NSW Police are also on the scene investigating the circumstances, with a report to be prepared by the coroner.

Griffith City Council is urging residents to be vigilant following reports of stolen water meters. If your water meter has been or is ever stolen, you must report the theft to the Police and notify Council as soon as possible. Council will arrange for a new meter to be installed promptly to minimise any disruption to your water supply. Water theft is a serious offence under Clause 12 of the Water, Sewerage, and Drainage Regulations of the Local Government Act 1993. Only Council staff, acting in the course of their duty, are permitted to tap a Council main. Any unauthorised connection to Council’s water supply system is considered an illegal connection and will be reported and investigated as a suspected instance of water theft. Council reminds the community that water is a valuable resource, and the theft or tampering of water meters impacts not only individual property owners but also the broader community. Residents are encouraged to be alert and report any suspicious activity near water meters to the Police and Council. For further information or to report a stolen water meter, please contact Council at 1300 176 077.To try and prevent theft, install a meter cage to protect against theft and vehicle damage, install a durable galvanized or powder coat finish, and prevent tampering with shut off valves.

Murray River Council will commence $5,697,485 worth of major construction works along Kyalite Road in mid-March 2025, kicking off a project aimed at improving road safety and usability.The project will upgrade an 11.8 kilometre stretch of Kyalite Road, located between Arundel Road and the Balranald Shire Council border, approximately 2.5km east of Kyalite. The upgrades, funded through the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads program, will include reconstruction of the road surface and shoulders to improve durability, upgrades to drainage infrastructure to improve water flow management, installation of a safety barrier over Forest Creek, and additional general safety improvements for road users.The project will be completed in six stages over two years, starting at Arundel Road, with each stage covering approximately two kilometres. Motorists should plan for minor delays of five to 10 minutes at construction zones.Murray River Council’s Acting Director of Infrastructure, Daniel Hughes highlighted the long-term benefits of the project.“These upgrades will significantly improve surface conditions and drainage, reducing wear and tear on the road,” Mr. Hughes said.“Kyalite Road is a vital transport link between Kyalite and Moulamein, and these works will provide more reliable conditions for residents and visitors. "We thank the community for their patience and cooperation as we work on this project.”NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the Minns Labor Government was proud to be investing in safer, more reliable roads for regional communities. “Projects like the Kyalite Road upgrade not only improve road safety and durability but also enhance connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors,” Minister Aitchison said.“These investments are vital for supporting regional economies and ensuring that everyone can travel with greater confidence.”

Services Australia's Mobile Service Centre (MSC) ‘Blue Gum’ Bus will be available at the below locations from 9am - 4pm to assist you with payments, services for Medicare and Centrelink, as well as information about Department of Veterans' Affairs programs and services.The bus will be at Robinvale, Bromley Road on Tuesday February 18.The bus will then head to the Balranald, Visitor Information Centre Wednesday 19 FebruaryServices Australia's MSCs allow Services Australia to take government services to people who wouldn’t usually have access to them. If you live in a part of Australia that’s far away from a traditional service centre, this service means they can provide a face to face service to you.Staff can help you and your family with payments and services for Medicare and Centrelink.During natural disasters and emergencies, MSCs can provide on-the-ground support for disaster recovery efforts.For veterans and their families, staff can help you connect to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) phone line and online services.

According to the industries peak body, farmers across the nation are celebrating the Federal Parliament’s decision to discharge the Biosecurity Protection Levy, effectively binning the tax.National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke welcomed the decision and thanked the Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, for listening to farmers’ concerns.“This is a huge win for farmers. The Minister and the Senate have listened – this tax was deeply flawed and unfair to farmers. We appreciate the Minister’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the sustainability of our biosecurity system.“I also tip my hat to our members, industry stakeholders and the thousands of farmers who voiced their concerns about this tax.“Together we put up a fierce fight and we are relieved to close the book on this idea.“The agricultural sector was united in its opposition to this tax and we are just as united in our commitment to protecting our country’s biosecurity.“Farmers already contribute significantly to the system, and we look forward to working with the Government on policy that strengthens our defence against pests and diseases without adding extra costs on farmers.”

Have your say about transport in the White Cliffs community.Transport for NSW is interested in finding out the impacts that the trial flexible bus service to Broken Hill has had on the White Cliffs community. A two-year trial bus service between White Cliffs and Broken Hill was launched in 2024 and they are calling for feedback.The information collected from surveys will be used to gain feedback on the current service and community needs.They want to hear from the local community and their thoughts about transport services, gaps and opportunities. The information collected from the survey will be used to help plan, prioritise and trial potential transport services for the region.Feedback closes at 5:00pm on February 26.

The Federal Government’s lifeline for Rex Airlines to maintain regional airline services and prevent its collapse has been welcomed by ALGA.The Government has announced it is prepared to acquire the airline, which entered voluntary administration last year, in the absence of any other buyers.ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett said: “We thank the Government for their strong support to safeguard regional aviation services and protect local economies for regional and remote communities.“These communities rely on consistent and reliable airline services to put food on tables, connect friends and family, and ensure access to vital healthcare services.“In August last year, we called for strong and decisive action by the Government to ensure regional communities remain connected and accessible in the wake of the airline entering administration.“We also jointly convened a crisis meeting with impacted local governments from regional areas and Federal Local Government Minister Kristy McBain.”Mayor Burnett said: “Many of our councils also play a crucial role in owning and operating airports and aerodromes that function as important gateways to our local areas and regions.“We look forward to continuing to work with the Government and councils to ensure there’s continued support for rural and regional communities as any disruption to airline access would be devastating.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton has called for a split from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD)Addressing NSW Parliament on Thursday the independent member said MLHD has "failed communities.""In Parliament, I called for a split from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District to create the Western Riverina Health District," Ms Dalton said."For too long, MLHD has failed our communities- and has not followed through on a number of issues such as the two orthopaedic surgeons that were promised in 2021. "Yet four years later we still have none."This Western Riverina Health district will include Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Berrigan, Finley, Leeton, Griffith, Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, Balranald, Barham, Moulamein and Tocumwal."By bringing healthcare decisions closer to home, we can work toward proper staffing, improved services, and better outcomes for Western Riverina residents. "A local health focus will save local lives.I’ll be speaking with NSW Health Minister Ryan Park urgently on this. It's time for real change."

Australia Post has revealed its top ten picks for the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts this year, and it seems the way to an Aussie’s heart is through wineBased on 2024 delivery data from Australia Post, wine deliveries saw the largest increase in the lead up to V-Day, with some cellar doors seeing a spike of up to 7000%, with Australians predicted to wine, not dine, their loved ones this year - or drown their single sorrows. Along with enjoying a nice glass of vino, Australia Post predicts the top ten picks for the most loved-up V-Day gifts this year will be: Wine Fashion clothing Lingerie Skincare Romantic novels Craft sets Health and wellbeingJewellery Music Hampers  Over 10 million parcels are expected to be delivered nationally in the two weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day this year. However, for a lucky few, their love will burn extra hot when they receive a firefighter calendar following last year’s delivery boom for these products, with a surge of over 500%. Where is the love? Across Australia, only one state can claim the title of the country’s love capital, and this year Cupid’s arrow is expected to hit the Northern Territory, taking the crown as the most romantic state according to last year’s data. Inspired by their deep red deserts and pink sunsets, Territorians were left swooning on Valentine’s Day as parcel deliveries spiked by 25% in the two weeks prior. Tasmania and Queensland came in second and third place for most romantic states, seeing an 8% and 7% increase respectively. Meanwhile over in Western Australia, couples will have a lot of making up to do this year as the least loved up state saw an unusual 2% decrease in parcel deliveries in the lead up to Valentine’s Day last year, leaving many lovers out in the cold.  Australia Post Executive General Manager Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services Gary Starr said the nation’s love for Valentine’s Day continues to reach new, thoughtful heights. “This is one of our favourite dates in the calendar at Australia Post, and we are expecting another busy delivery period in the lead up to Valentine’s Day. “We love how Valentine’s Day gifts continue to evolve as customer habits shift, and that romantics might be more inclined to share a glass of wine with their loved one this year, or surprise them with their favourite romantic novel. “For gifts that require an element of surprise, we remind customers to consider directing gifts to their nearest Parcel Locker,” he said. Most loved-up states – full list  NT – 26% increase in parcel deliveries in the two weeks to Valentine’s Day 2024TAS – 8% increase SA – 7% increase QLD – 6% increase ACT – 5% increase NSW – 4% increase VIC – 3% increase WA – 2% decrease 

Expressions of interest for the 2025 National Regional Arts Fellowship Program opened on 20 January 2025. Expressions of interest close February 23.The National Regional Arts program is contemporary, flexible and relevant to artists practicing, working and living in regional, rural and remote Australia. It is designed as an applicant-led approach, addressing the needs of the individual in that time and place; offering a guaranteed income (for a short period) for an artist/ practitioner to develop their work, skills and networks or research.The fellowships value best practice, build connection, generate exchange and strengthen that national network of regional artists and communities.Two streams of fellowships will be available, with a total funding pool of $120,000.Stream one is for creative and professional development.There is $20,000 funding per recipient, and five fellowships available.The Creative and Professional Development Fellowship provides $20,000 to regional artists and arts workers to support creative practice or professional development, with a focus on sustainability. At least one Creative and Professional Development Fellowship will be awarded to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicant, and at least one will be awarded to a deaf applicant and/or an applicant with lived experience of disability.Stream two is for early career development.There is $10,000 funding available per recipient, and two fellowships available.The Early Career Development Fellowship provides $10,000 to regional artists and arts workers who are in the early stages of their practice or career and have had less access to funding opportunities. It supports the development of creative practice or professional development opportunities, with a focus on sustainability. At least one Early Career Development Fellowship will be awarded to an applicant who is under 25 years of age.

Knock, knock Canberra… rural docs are at the door!Rural doctors from all across Australia are heading to Canberra to meet with federal politicians to discuss plans for better access to health care for rural patients.President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), Dr RT Lewandowski, will be leading the charge down parliamentary halls to knock on the doors of MPs and Senators in advance of the Budget and the 2025 Federal Election.“RDAA has developed a five point plan for better health care for rural Australians, and we are going to make sure it is in front of as many politicians as possible before key decisions are made,” Dr Lewandowski said.“Rural patients need more access to GPs, better access to specialists, and there needs to be a coordinated plan to achieve this.“One of the key elements of our pre-Budget submission and our Federal Election Priorities is the development of a National Rural Health Strategy. “This strategy should be developed by the government’s own National Rural Health Commissioner Prof Jenny May, who has the skills, understanding and authority needed to consult with the sector and to enable outcomes from recent reviews to be considered in the rural context and progressed in ways that actually work for rural communities.“There is a very urgent need for improved access to care for rural Australians. We want to help the government deliver that, and to build a sustainable medical workforce for rural and remote Australia,” Dr Lewandowski said.“Our election priorities deal with these issues and provide not only the short-term help needed to improve access to health care, but also integrate into a longer-term plan.”RDAA will also be hosting a networking function that will bring together rural doctors from every state in Australia with representatives from rural health stakeholder groups, the Department of Health and federal politicians.“We quite literally have rural doctors from all sides of Australia attending the networking event,” Dr Lewandowski said.“From Albany in the west, Darwin in the north, Tasmania… north Queensland… to as local as Temora in NSW.“We will have every aspect of rural and remote health covered; Aboriginal health, rural obstetrics, anaesthetics, emergency, and of course the complex care delivered by rural GPs who provide a level of service well beyond that required in urban GP practice.“We will be discussing our Pre-Budget/Election Priorities in-person with the opportunity for doctors to explain to key decision-makers, one-on-one, why this will make a real difference to rural and remote patients.“Attending the event will be Assistant Minister for Regional and Rural Health, Emma McBride, and Shadow Health Minister Senator Anne Ruston, along with representatives from peak health organisations.”In the days prior to the networking event RDAA representatives will be meeting with Minister for Health Hon. Mark Butler, with Assistant Minister McBride, and Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney. Meetings have also been arranged with Leader of the Opposition Hon. Peter Dutton, Shadow Minister for Health Senator Anne Ruston, Shadow Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Dr Anne Webster, Secretary of the Department of Health Blair Comley PSM, along with other key politicians and executives involved in rural health.“It is always an exciting and rare opportunity for us to gather rural and remote doctors in Canberra, and this year in the lead up to the Federal Election it is particularly important,” Dr Lewandowski said.“What rural communities need and want when it comes to health services is simple: better access to medical services; more local health services; less waiting times.“RDAA has a plan to achieve this. We now need our elected representatives to get behind these practical solutions and lock them into election promises.”

The NSW and ACT Governments say they are taking important steps towards developing the first joint water trading framework to deliver an extra 6.36 gigalitres (GL) of water to the environment.Both jurisdictions say they are working closely together to develop a “robust water trading framework” that will help them meet their commitments to the Commonwealth’s Murray-Darling Basin Plan.“As a fellow signatory to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, we want to support the ACT in meeting its environmental water targets and ensuring everyone is doing their bit to restore our rivers,” NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said.“The reality is the national capital is landlocked by our state, and they can’t deliver this water back to the system without our help.“The proposed water trading framework will not only be good news for the environment – it will also allow us to explore how we can work together to improve access and support greater regional development in the future.”Once in place, the framework will enable environmental water from the ACT to be released into the Murrumbidgee River in NSW through Burrinjuck Dam, supporting healthier rivers, ecosystems and communities.Currently, there is no way that water can be transferred into NSW from the ACT under the Murrumbidgee Regulated River Water Source Water Sharing Plan, so the NSW Government is proposing to amend these rules by 1 July 2025.“This is an important step which will benefit our local waterways and fulfill our commitment to return water to the system,” ACT Minister for Water Suzanne Orr said.“Improving river flows within the Murrumbidgee River catchment not only helps support the Murray-Darlin Basin but also catchment health, the environment and regional communities.“I look forward to continuing to work closely with the NSW Government to progress this critical work.”Targeted information sessions and consultations that will provide more detail on the amendments to establish a water trading framework will be carried out in late February 2025.

Minister Plibersek concedes that the accreditation of water resource plan is unlawfulBrendan Kennedy (Chair MLDRIN) and Grant Rigney (Deputy Chair MLDRIN), in front of the Federal Court on Monday. Image: Cassandra Hannagan.Legal action taken by MLDRIN, a Confederation of First Nations from the southern half of the Murray-Darling Basin, has led to the Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek conceding she made a mistake in accrediting the NSW Fractured Rock Water Resource Plan (WRP). The Minister conceded that she made a mistake in accrediting the Plan during the Federal Court hearing of MILDRIN’s case this week. The Minister was required by law to read the Plan prior to accrediting it.The Minister has now admitted that she did not have a copy of the Plan before her when she accredited it, as required by s 63(5) of the Water Act.“The Minister’s failure to lawfully accredit the WRP has led to First Nations feeling that our rights and interests are no more than a ‘tick and flick’ process just as they were under the previous Coalition government," MLDRIN Chair, Brendan Kennedy said."The Minister was the key authority that could have listened to our concerns, but she did not."This left MLDRIN with no other option than to seek legal remedy."This legal case is really important to us as it brings to the forefront how the water management system disenfranchises and marginalises First Nations, through 'tick and flick’ processes.”Read MoreImage: Cassandra Hannagan

 Infrastructure Investment Key to Unlocking Housing Supply, Says HIAThe Housing Industry Association (HIA) has called on the Federal Government to commit $12 billion of the upcoming federal budget toward critical infrastructure to unlock land and ease the housing crisis.  HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin, said that addressing the nation’s chronic housing shortage requires a significant injection of funding for enabling infrastructure, such as roads, water and sewerage, to accelerate the delivery of new homes. “Right now, the single biggest obstacle to housing supply is the lack of shovel-ready land. Without essential infrastructure in place, land cannot be developed, and homes cannot be built,” Ms Martin said.  “This budget is the government’s chance to invest $12 billion over the next five years to deliver the roads, water and utilities that will make new housing developments a reality. “Without this investment, Australia will fall further behind its housing targets, leaving families and renters to bear the brunt of rising prices and worsening affordability. “We need to build 240,000 homes every year just to meet demand, yet last year we fell 60,000 homes short. The government’s promise to deliver 1.2 million homes over five years is at risk unless there is a clear and coordinated commitment to infrastructure.” HIA’s Pre-Budget Submission highlights how infrastructure costs are often passed on to homebuyers, driving up prices and worsening the affordability crisis.  “The burden of funding this infrastructure has been unfairly placed on developers, who then have no choice but to pass those costs on to buyers.  “It is essential that the government shares the responsibility for these costs to ensure more Australians can afford a home. “Prioritising regional housing must be part of the solution. Regional Australia is growing, but the infrastructure simply has not kept up.  “This investment must also include a focus on our regions, making it easier to deliver affordable homes in areas where they are needed most. “Housing supply cannot keep up with demand without the infrastructure to support it. This $12 billion commitment is the critical step we need to fast-track land supply, reduce costs and deliver homes to Australians.  “The federal budget must put housing and infrastructure front and centre – it’s the foundation of a strong economy and a secure future for Australian families.”  

Following the Albanese Government's announcement they will buy struggling Rex Airlines, big names in Farrer politics have responded.As the Australian government considers acquiring Rex Airlines to ensure the continuity of regional air services, Member for Farrer Sussan Ley MP and the independent candidate vying for her seat, Michelle Milthorpe have responded to the announcement.Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the announcement indicates the Albanese Government has given up."The most extraordinary thing about this announcement is the REX sale process isn’t even finished yet. It really sounds like Labor have thrown in the towel using your money," Ms Ley said."If we are fortunate enough to win government, we’ll redevelop a competitive and sustainable aviation sector through the right policy and regulatory settings, while also ensuring no community is left behind.”Independent candidate for Farrer, Michelle Milthorpe, has called for a comprehensive policy to provide subsidised travel options for regional Australians.“This initiative is crucial given the challenges faced by residents of the electorate of Farrer in accessing major cities for essential services”.Ms Milthorpe said the travel challenge regional Australians face are significant barriers when traveling to major cities compared to their metropolitan counterparts."Flights from regional areas are often less frequent and more expensive than those between metropolitan areas, making day trips impractical. This forces regional travelers to incur additional expenses for accommodation and take extended leave from work, exacerbating financial burdens.“Regional Australians are paying more for less when it comes to air travel,” Milthorpe said.“It shouldn’t cost more to fly from Griffith to Sydney than from Sydney to Melbourne. We need fairer access to affordable travel.”According to the candidate for the Farrer electorate, a recent flight made from Griffith to Sydney cost $480 one way.“When people send me screenshots of one-way regional flights costing over $400, while a quick search shows Sydney to Brisbane flights available all day for as little as $110—and no more than $240—it’s yet another example of regional Australians paying a premium for essential travel."Regional Australians rely on travel to access essential health services, professional development, and business opportunities. However, high costs and limited transport options often prevent them from fully participating. On top of existing connectivity challenges due to poor telecommunications, access to in-person medical consultations, business meetings, and education should not be out of reach simply due to excessive travel expenses.“Take Griffith as an example—driving to Sydney takes over six and a half hours, while a bus journey extends to more than nine. For those with medical conditions or time constraints, flying is the most practical option, yet high costs and limited availability make it inaccessible,” Milthorpe said.“Affordable and reliable regional flights are essential to ensuring equal opportunities for those living outside metropolitan areas.”Ms Milthorpe said the Albanese government's potential acquisition of Rex Airlines, if a private buyer cannot be found, underscores the importance of maintaining regional air services.While this move aims to secure continued flights, Milthorpe said further action is needed to reduce the financial burden on regional travelers.“The government's potential acquisition of Rex highlights just how vital regional air services are,” Milthorpe said.“But it’s not just about keeping planes in the air – we need to make sure regional Australians can actually afford to use them.”"People living in regional areas shouldn’t have to pay more or take multiple days off work just to access specialist medical care or attend a business meeting," Milthorpe said. "This is about ensuring regional Australians can travel affordably and efficiently, just like people in major cities do."In response to these challenges, Milthorpe is advocating for a subsidised travel program for regional Australians, with key objectives including reducing flight costs, expanding flight schedules and addressing healthcare carriers for rural Australians."Our regional communities contribute so much to Australia, yet they face constant barriers when trying to access the services and opportunities that city residents take for granted," Milthorpe said."This is about fairness. It’s about ensuring regional Australians can travel affordably and without unnecessary obstacles."

This February, Heart Research Australia invite you to wear RED for someone close to your heart.February. A month synonymous with romance, chocolates, and… hearts. We’re not talking about Valentines – we’re talking about the literal, beating heart – that deserves our most profound attention. Heart Research Australia are inviting you to wear red in Feb. It's a time to not only focus on our own cardiovascular health but also to consider how we can better support those we love who are living with heart disease.Heart disease is still Australia’s leading cause of death and affects families and communities around the country. You can get involved simply by wearing red and donating. Nearly every Australian adult (99%) has at least one risk factor for heart disease.These include not eating enough fruits and vegetables, being inactive, smoking daily, being overweight or obese, having uncontrolled high blood pressure, or having diabetes. (1)The great news is that you can take charge of most of these risks!Take Control of These Risks:SmokingHigh CholesterolHigh Blood PressureInactivityDiabetesOverweight/ObesityUnhealthy DietRisks You Can't Change (but can discuss with your doctor):Age: Risk increases as you get older.Gender: Men generally have a higher risk, which women catch up to after menopause.Ethnic Background: Certain backgrounds (e.g., Indian subcontinent) carry increased risk. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people also have higher risk due to lifestyle factors.Family History: A family history of cardiovascular disease means you should discuss your risk with your doctor.Heart Research Australia supports Professor Gemma Figtree's research to understand why heart disease is increasingly affecting people with no traditional risk factors. These vital findings will improve early heart disease detection beyond current risk assessments and pave the way for personalized prevention strategies.You can show your support and raise vital research funds by hosting a fundraiser or wearing red this February.Find out more HEREPlease note: This article is not medical advice: if you have any concerns, please see a doctor. 

The Albanese Labor Government today announced regional Australia will continue to receive critical aviation services into the future, offering to purchase the struggling airline if no other buyer can be found."Regional Australians deserve access to quality and crucial regional aviation services," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.“We are working collaboratively with the administrators of Rex to ensure that regional services continue beyond June 2025, including looking at what support the Commonwealth can provide.“Regional Australians can be assured that our Government will continue to fight to ensure these regional airfares remain available.”The Government said it will work with the Administrators of Regional Express Holdings (Rex), as part of an upcoming competitive sale process, to ensure crucial regional aviation services continue beyond 30 June 2025."We will work with shortlisted bidders on what support the Albanese Government may be able to provide to maximise the prospect of a successful sale," the press release read.Member for Parkes Mark Coulton MP has previously raised concerns over the amount the Government is spending in the bailout."The Coalition is requesting a briefing on this decision to understand the details to ensure it’s in the best interest of the thousands of regional Australians who rely on Rex, including those in the Parkes electorate," Mr Coulton said.We would like to see a bipartisan approach to the retention of regional aviation services. The Government needs to ensure that the regions are not cut off from the aviation services they need and deserve.Terms of Commonwealth support will be subject to negotiation, but will be conditional on commitments by bidders to provide an ongoing, reasonable level of service to regional and remote communities, the need to provide value for money to taxpayers and good governance."The Government is not a bidder in the upcoming sale process and would like to see a successful market-led outcome. However, in the event there is no sale, the Albanese Government will undertake necessary work, in consultation with relevant state governments, on contingency options, including preparations necessary for potential Commonwealth acquisition."The Federal Government is also providing further support through a waiver of the “use it or lose it” test for Rex regional flight slots at Sydney Airport, which will ensure its access to those slots until 24 October 2026.This comes on top of a loan of up to $80 million to keep Rex’s vital regional routes operating until 30 June 2025, and acquiring $50 million of debt from Rex’s largest creditor, PAGAC Regulus Holdings Limited, earlier this year to ensure the airline could continue to operate.The Government says these actions make clear the ongoing commitment to maintaining access to aviation services for regional and remote communities, and recognises the critical role of the Rex network to local economies."The Albanese Labor Government will back regional aviation just like we back regional telecommunications because we know our great country towns deserve quality services and connectivity just like our cities."Rex Airlines route map includes areas across the Back Country. Image: Rex

Central Darling Shire - sale of lands for unpaid ratesIt is proposed that the land listed below will be offered for sale by Public Auction by Ray White Rural Broken Hill at 10:00 am on 27th February 2025 at Wilcannia Community Hall, 78 Woore Street, Wilcannia, NSW 2836. Registration opens at 9:00 am. All purchase enquiries should be directed Ray White Rural Broken Hill Ph 08 8087 2820.