Mussel Muster by Roslyn Lockhart (Jeithi Jerilderie Aboriginal Corporation)A Refreshing Rivers event, the 2025 Mussel muster took place at The Cape, Billabong Creek, Jerilderie on Fenbruary 22, 2025.Organisations involved included Murray Local Land Services, Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council Inc., Jeithi Jerilderie Aboriginal Corporation.It was a beautiful Saturday morning, the flags were out for directions to The Cape on Billabong Creek, Jerilderie. Andrea, Ben and I were waiting, wondering. Who might be interested in mussels? Will it just be the three of us?Then the cars started coming down the track. It was a wonderous sight to see.Twenty two interested people, who dived into finding, measuring, recording and talking about freshwater mussels. Wet to our gills, but proud to be part of our first Mussel Muster.The things I contemplated:The memories as a young child with my grandmother talking about how you can eat the mussels. When asked about how to cook, Nan would say, “You just throw them in the ashes and when they pop open, they will be cooked.” I also asked why we cannot eat them now. My Nan talked about the water no longer being clean, that the water used to be clear and now it is too muddy.But I kept whining about trying one. We cooked one.I questioned my 94-year-old great Aunty (Aunty Gert) just before the Mussel Muster. She spoke about the mussels being something they ate. Again, her response was, “Throw them in the coals, turn them over and when they open, they are cooked”. Before the Mussel Muster, I did some reading around the mussels culturally. The shells were used for scrapping and cutting. Fishing hooks where also made from the shells and the inside was used as bait for Murray cod.When mussels were plentiful, my Nan and Aunty Sos would paint the inside of the shell to sell. I don’t remember the shells having as much damage in the past as we saw at the Mussel Muster.The humble mussel could be stored in a dried creek bed for extended periods of time as they can survive up to two years buried in damp soil. This was a way that Aboriginals stored this food, for later use.Regarding ongoing cultural practices, the decline in the mussel numbers means I cannot in good conscience harvest or use these mussels. They are too precious to the system. Our wants and needs are not more important than our environment. We are just the caretakers for future generations.The exciting thing was seeing so many people at the mussel muster with a passion to learn about the humble mussel.References: https://www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/fact-sheet-aboriginal-freshwater-middenshttps://www.mdb.fish/traditional-knowledgehttps://www.mdb.fish/Thank you from Ros:"A big thank you too all," said Ros."Andrea, thank you for the work you do."I wished to thank Ben for the work he did for the day."Nicole McCasker for being with us in spirit and her wealth of knowledge"Ashley my beautiful cousin who sent us info and thoughts for the day."The Jeithi Jerilderie Aboriginal Group for being amazing volunteers and generous with your time and passion."I am really thankful for all who attended."

Not quite a teenager yet, Dean Skinner of Booroorban and former Hay Public School student, fought his way at the weekend to take first place in the teens/adults division of the All Stars Martial Arts Academy’s continuous karate sparring tournament. In only his fifth year of training with All Stars, Dean hopes to do his Black Belt grading by the end of the year. Students from the Deniliquin and Finley Dojos of All Stars Martial Arts Academy joined in Deniliquin to compete in the tournament. Dean is the son of Rick and Renee Skinner of Booroorban. Renee shares her son’s passion for martial arts and also competed in the tournament at the weekend. Dean (left) is pictured with NSW Head Instructor, Shihan Daniel Zrajko (right) and All Stars Martial Arts Academy Head Instructor, Kancho Rod Catterall (back) who made the trip from Melbourne to help officiate the event. Image supplied.

With World Sleep Day returning on Friday, March 14, this year's theme is a vital reminder: "Make Sleep Health a Priority." With mental health issues increasing, sleep often begins to fall by the way-side, but it has many more benefits than one might think, including: Weight management, heart health, growth and development and immune system. Organised by World Sleep Society, this annual event aims to raise awareness about the significance of sleep and its role in maintaining physical and mental health. This year, the call to action is clear: it’s time to prioritise rest. Remember, quality sleep is not a luxury, but a necessity. Let's work together to make sleep health a priority in 2025 and beyond. Simple Steps to Better Rest You don't need a complete overhaul to improve your sleep. Here are a few practical tips: Establish a Regular Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Wind down with a warm bath, a book, or some gentle stretching and/or meditating. Optimise Your Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light emitted from electronic devices can interfere with sleep. Prioritise Relaxation: Practise mindfulness or deep breathing exercises to calm your mind. Be Mindful of Diet: Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime. Listen to your body: Everyone's sleep needs are different. Pay attention to your body's signals and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. If you continue to struggle with sleep, consult with your doctor or a sleep specialist. This is not medical advice, this column is to raise awareness.

An article by Krista Schade described as a powerful and courageous piece of journalism has won a national award. Australia’s largest association of independent news publishers acknowledged the very best of the best at the Country Press Australia national awards in Adelaide last month, with The Riverine Grazier story, Explosive Allegations winning the Best Story category. The judges said the article was a reminder of the challenges a local paper can sometimes face when reporting on a significant story unfolding in their own back yard. The article, which appeared on the front page of The Riverine Grazier on October 25, 2023 reported on the serious allegations the owners of Gundaline Station were facing from former employees about their management practices. These were particularly in relation to staffing and biosecurity measures which were strenuously denied. The Sturt Highway property was purchased by Chinese company, Smart Shirts through its subsidiary, Ausuntech Pty Ltd in January 2023. Finalists in the Country Press Australia awards were drawn from the reigning winners of relevant categories from awards nights held in 2024 by state associations in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, with more than 240 papers eligible to enter. The 2025 CPA national awards will be announced at the joint VCPA/CountryPress NSW conference on Friday, October 24 in Yarrawonga.

About 12:15pm on Friday the 14th of March 2025 officers attached to Hay Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle for roadside testing. The male driver was a 28 year old Coffs Harbour resident, the driver failed the road side drug test, after concluding the test police spoke to him where they established cause to search the vehicle.Upon searching the vehicle police located several different drugs within the vehicle including cannabis, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA, LSD as well as a large amount of unknown tablets.The 28 year old male was arrested and taken to Hay Police station where he was charged with 3 counts of supply prohibited drug >indictable <commercial quantity and 1 count of possess prohibited drug. Police are also awaiting the results of the unknown tablets and the oral fluid results. The man was granted conditional bail and ordered to surrender his passport, he is required to appear at Hay local court at a later date.

The broadacre cropping and pistachio lands of Noongaburra Station have hit the market. The price guide for the 5,814 hectare property is $65 million. The property was last purchased in 2015, by Dutch businessman Ron Meijer. Located on the northern side of the Murrumbidgee River west of Hay, the Noongaburra sale also includes more than 13,000 megalitres of water entitlements, across various NSW and Victorian licences. 3,054 hectares has been developed to irrigation, 325 hectares to dryland cropping, and 181 hectares has been planted to a pistachio orchard. As well as pistachios, Noongaburra also produces cotton, corn, wheat, barley, canola and chickpeas as well as pistachio production. The property sale includes three homes, workshop and office extensive shedding, grain storage and a weighbridge. The Property is being offered for sale in one-line as a total holding, or as a standalone broadacre opportunity, with the vendor retaining the pistachio orchard and related support land and buildings. Selling agents in conjunction are Elders and LAWD. Expressions of interest close 12pm (AEST) on Thursday 10 April 2025.

A second man has been charged after an alleged escape from a Broken Hill correctional facility.Officers attached to Barrier Police District began investigating the whereabouts of two men aged 23 and 28 after they allegedly escaped from a correctional facility at around 9.40pm on Sunday March 9.About 11.30am on Monday March 10, police arrested the younger man and a 31-year-old woman in his company.This was following a police pursuit which travelled through Coomealla, Buronga and Gol Gol.They remain before the courts.Following extensive inquiries, about 9.30am Wednesday March 12, officers attended a home on O’Neill Street, Broken Hill, where they found the older man.He was arrested and taken to Broken Hill Police Station where he was charged with inmate escape/attempt to escape from lawful custody.He was refused bail to appear before Dubbo Local Court today Wednesday March 12.

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has declared South Australians to be Australia’s Worst Water wasters. She is arguing they don’t need, or deserve, access to water from NSW and Victoria. In her new social media video Mrs. Dalton contends that the reason South Australians don’t have enough water is because the State wastes the water it already has. “For too long, South Australia has claimed to be missing out on water from the Murray-Darling Basin,” Helen said. “The truth is that SA gets plenty of water, but for historical reasons they actually send this water out to sea.” In the video, Mrs. Dalton explains how a vast series of manmade drains were built in SA ninety years ago, in order to turn marshland into farming land. These drains are still active today, sending hundreds of gigalitres of water out to sea every year, instead of letting that water flow into the Coorong like it has done for thousands of years. “Politicians have deliberately misled the Australian people,” Helen said. “We need to know about these drains and the environmental devastation they are causing.” Mrs. Dalton is calling for this water to be properly metered, so the federal government has to admit that SA doesn’t need water from upstream. “South Australians must stop wasting water,” Helen said. “And they need to be called out on this waste. “SA just needs to stop sending precious water out to sea.” “Until they do this, South Australians will continue to hold the title of Australia’s worst water wasters.”

There is a bright and bubbly new cohort of staff at Hay War Memorial High School. A couple of faces, Georgia Booth and Marcus Honeyman, are familiar in the town, while Anthony Hogan and Josephine Gibbs are fresh to Hay. Josephine originates from the Philippines. She ran away from home and to a relative in Australia when she was 17. “I was engaged, but needed to have parental permission to marry, and due to this it all fell through,” she said. “I remained in Australia with my relative as to go home, in my culture, a female who had been engaged but did not marry earns you a bad reputation.” Josephine lived in Blacktown Sydney for 30 years. When she first arrived, she went to TAFE and then to university to earn qualifications in pharmacy, and then worked in that field for 10 years. She then returned to TAFE and then university to become qualified in visual arts and design technology (woodwork and metal work). “I love making things,” she said. “I enjoy hands-on teaching, and teaching practical subjects.” When Josephine arrived at Hay War Memorial High School, she noted her class was solely comprised of boys. However, once girls realised there was a female teacher, they started joining in and there are now three girls in her class. Teaching is an immense passion for Josephine, and she has always preferred to teach older students. She is also a qualified teacher of leadership management and business, and has taught adult classes in this, in tandem with her other roles. “It is a common adjustment for boys to have a female teacher in the woodwork and metal work classroom,” Josephine said with a chuckle. “Once they can see I am capable and I can do things, they relax and warm up. There are a lot of barriers and gender stereotypes for me.” Josephine is very happy with her choice to teach in Hay, and is glad she has filled a spot sorely needed. Now she is here, metal and woodwork classes have been able to start up again. She has a fervent belief teaching is not just about imparting content but assisting students in any way possible to become well-adjusted and independent humans. Anthony Hogan is the new Deputy Principal. Originally from Wagga, he has been in the teaching industry since 2007. Some could say becoming a teacher was a stark career change for him. Once concluding his secondary education, Anthony joined the air force, which afforded him to see many parts of Australia and around the world. His foray into teaching is interesting. A self-confessed ‘mediocre’ maths student, the subject has always been something which has bugged him. “I was in the air force working with professionals such as engineers, who had a wonderful grasp of maths, and it frustrated me,” he said. “I knew there were many children out there in the same boat, struggling endlessly with maths,” he said. “So, I decided to become a secondary maths teacher. There is also a perpetual shortage of maths teachers.” Anthony worked nearly 20 years as a teacher before coming to Hay. He finds stark contrast between the inhospitable nature of the terrain of the area, and the nature of the people who live here. “It already feels like home,” he said. “I have had nothing short of a nurturing, welcoming, and comforting welcome to the town, and the people are so friendly. “You walk into a shop, or go anywhere really, and people are very friendly. “You can tell they care when they ask how are you, and strike up a conversation. The town has a wonderful culture.” Marcus Honeyman has lived in Hay for two years with his family, and previously worked at CommBank. “When we moved here, I was lucky and was given employment at CommBank but I had no previous experience in banking,” he said. Marcus and his family had come from Canberra. He grew up in Goulburn. Adept in the art of career change, Marcus worked in Early Education for 18 years. “I started as the centre cook, and worked in every different role available, and worked my way up to managing a few different centres,” he said. He has family ties here. The late June Hunt was his maternal grandmother and he is related to ‘Porky’ Schneider on his father’s side. “We really love life in Hay,” he said. “The change of pace is exactly what we were after when we decided to move. “You get more time back in your day living in a place like Hay, time to put towards what is really important in life.” He is also in the midst of earning his degree in teaching, and will aim to teach geography and social sciences. Marcus will remain in various capacities in the administration sector at the school. Georgia Booth is a Hay local, and attended Hay War Memorial High School. After concluding her secondary education, she has not stopped. She was recognised in the UTS Think Positive Sponsors Choice Award Scarf and Tie Project for her student work, and was awarded the Auscott Limited Education Scholarship Award. Georgia attained her Certificate III in Design Fundamentals at the Whitehouse Institute of Design. She then earnt her Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles at the University of Technology Sydney before returning to university for her Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Design and Technology) in 2021 at Charles Sturt University. Georgia was Assistant Product Developer/ Designer at online clothing retailer Birdsnest and Sales and Digital Marketing Assistant at Brigid McLaughlin Pty Ltd. She has also taught at many locations. “Teaching at other locations has really shown me what fantastic facilities we have here at the school,” she said. “I am really honoured to be back in Hay, teaching here in my hometown.” With such an amazing group of professionals added to an already amazing school, 2025 should be a phenomenal year.

Letter to the Editor I am writing to inform the Hay public that the Hay hydrotherapy pool has at this stage been shelved. As reported in your paper recently the tender for the project came in $500,000 over budget. I would like to point out that the views of this letter are mine personally and not necessarily the views of the Hay Hydrotherapy Pool committee. I would also like to say that the reference to Council administration in this letter is to the General Manager, David Webb because he is the man who pulls the levers. Firstly, I would like to congratulate Hay Shire Council on successfully getting the funding for the 50 -metre pool replacement. A wonderful result for a lot of hard work and a fantastic asset for Hay going into the future. An old mate of mine, who incidentally donated the first $500 to our pool project said to me, “in life you have to take the s##t with the sugar, so to Council administration, you have just had the sugar. After five years of working to get the pool built with Hay Shire Council, I can honestly say that our committee – Sally Smith Jean Woods, Lofty Walter, Jenny Dwyer and Prue Pocock did all they possibly could to get this facility built and operational and to get crunched at the end with a $500,000 shortfall was a cruel blow to us, and more so to the people of Hay who have been waiting for a heated pool for 30 years. I would like to thank our committee for their efforts. I could not have worked with a more dedicated and supportive group of people than these individuals who have been doing volunteer work in our community for decades. You don’t raise $1.1 million without having a crack. Hay Shire councillors have over the last five years been by and large supportive of the therapy pool, with one councillor donating $1000 to the project. They proved that in May last year when the General Manager sent out a memo to all the councillors the night before the council meeting, and I quote: “Given that Council is grappling with whether it can afford the pool replacement then I feel that we (Council and the community) certainly cannot afford the hydrotherapy pool. The project should be parked and not proceed, and grant funding received be returned with the community raised funds to remain in a separate Council reserve for future use.” Unquote. Our committee had no warning that this was the General Manager’s position and neither did the councillors. Fortunately, after a passionate address to Council the next day, it voted 8-0 to proceed with the pool. We had to overcome a lot of obstacles along the way and I am preparing a full report of the five years we spent working with Council on the hydrotherapy pool so the public can be fully informed of what occurred. Grant money to be returned – oh my goodness. The events of the last two months since the tenders were announced have been a confronting and extremely stressful time for myself and our committee. I have been doing volunteer work in Hay since 1980 because I enjoy it, but have never experienced the treatment our committee was subject to following the completion of the tender process in November. It is completely unacceptable for this to happen because volunteers for community projects are as scarce as hen’s teeth and their views and decisions should be respected. The reason why our committee decided to return the money to the grants office was because it was given to us to specifically to build a therapy pool and nothing else. Bendigo Bank gave us a $60,000 grant towards the project and withdrew that money for exactly the same reason. So, for the last five years of working with Hay Shire Council and the General Manager putting in countless hours at meetings, putting forward budgets under the General Manager’s guidance, sorting tens of thousands of bottles and cans, travelling to Temora, Bendigo and Echuca to visit therapy pools for research and organising auctions which raised $24,000 thanks to our generous public, we raised $1.1 million to build the therapy pool. Do readers really think we do not have the community’s interests at heart? And for all this effort, we stand condemned for returning the money. Well, we take that blame as a ‘golden handshake’ from Hay Shire Council for our daring to dream of building a therapy pool in Hay. I think if you want to sit in judgement as an armchair critic, you should get in the driver’s seat and have a crack yourself. Council has given up on building a therapy pool in Hay but I haven’t. Council had three opportunities to build a therapy pool in Hay in the last five years, and did not take on any of those opportunities. This is not so much a letter to the editor, but a blue print for battle lines. Yours sincerely Sandy Symons.

Three months supply estimated for White Cliffs The continuing dry period has resulted in stage two restrictions being placed on the Central Darling township of White Cliff’s.Council discussed the issue at the February meeting, and learned the outback community has approximately three months supply of water remaining.White Cliffs town water supply is sources from the Wakefield Tank, and if it does not rain in the catchment, Council expects to be carting water by June. Council will be eligible for a 90- per cent water transport subsidy from the NSW Government.In the neighbouring community of Ivanhoe, the town water supply is currently being sourced from Morrison’s Dam. Morrison’s Dam capacity is 300 megalitres, with nine months’ supply remaining. Ivanhoe also has five bores equipped for town supply usage.Wilcannia’s potable water supply is sourced from the Darling River Weir Pool and the estimated supply once weir stops flowing is six months. At present the flows are continuing.There are also three emergency bores in Wilcannia, equipped for town supply usage. They were all maintained in good working condition, according to the Council report.Works updatesThe White Cliffs water treatment plant (WTP) is at practical completion stage, Council heard. The project next moves into a defects liability period of 12 months. All work required under the contract for White Cliffs new WTP has been completed in a satisfactory manner by SNG Engineering in February 2025, subject to the discovery of defects after final completion, and except for items specifically excluded in the letter of final acceptance. The water treatment plant is capable of producing potable water and training for water operators is in progress, with closely monitoring from the Engineering Department. The White Cliffs Reticulation works commenced 22 May 2023. Approximately 97 per cent of the town reticulation water mains have been completed with connections into individual properties are progressing well. The Commonwealth Government has allocated an additional $2,765,000 to complete the original scope of works outlined in the Restart NSW funding deed. The deed of variation had now been finalised. White Cliffs WTP, Reticulation, Rising Main and Reservoir Augmentation works are currently funded by Restart NSW. Ivanhoe and Wilcannia WTP’s are funded by the Safe and Secure Water Program. The Ivanhoe Water Treatment Plant Tender was awarded to Liquitek Pty Ltd following Council resolution at the Ordinary Meeting of Council, May 2024. Final designs were approved, and construction was planned for this quarter. Council received an amended executed funding deed for the Ivanhoe WTP to the value of $5,850,000. The additional amount of $3,350,000 was provided by the Commonwealth Government “Far West Water Treatment Plants” project funds. The Wilcannia New Water Treatment Plant tender has closed. NSW Department of Health provided advice on upgrading the UV system to ensure the new WTP is capable of treating possibly contaminated raw water supply from the proposed new weir pool. This has been reflected in the tender documents. Council will assess and evaluate the submitted tenders to award the contract as soon as practicable. Council received an amended executed funding deed for the Wilcannia WTP to the value of $7,385,000. The additional amount of $3,885,000 was provided by the Commonwealth Government “Far West Water Treatment Plants” project funds. Tilpa Village emergency water supply works including a 17-kilometre pipeline and bore were completed by June 2023. NSW Public Works has been engaged to study the current water supply system, design and provide proposal for an elevated reservoir for water storage.

“Any money we can save through renewable energy can be put back into the community in roads, footpaths, and jobs,” Mayor Tom KennedyBroken Hill City Council is set to make a major shift to renewable energy across its operations after receiving $2.5 million in funding through the Commonwealth Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund.The Council says the funding will go toward a $5.8 million project which will see the construction of carpark shelters with integrated solar panels at the Airport and Council Administrative building.The project will also see rooftop solar and battery installations completed at almost all Council facilities, including large premises such as the Civic Centre, airport, new library, and Aquatic Centre.Mayor, Tom Kennedy said the new installations would be of financial community benefit in the long term.“Any money we can save through renewable energy can be put back into the community in roads, footpaths, and jobs,” he said.“This project will have paid itself off in around five years and will continue to be a net benefit for Council and the community for years to come.“I commend the Government for supporting this project and helping to reinforce the financial and environmental sustainability of Council and Broken Hill.”Council’s General Manager, Jay Nankivell said the project would be a big boost in helping Council achieving its sustainability goals.“We’re very conscious of reducing our carbon footprint and also our operating costs, and this will help achieve both of these goals,” he said.“This move to renewable energy aligns with what the community has asked for through the Community Strategic Plan, and is also in line with what Council is looking to achieve through its Renewable Energy Action Plan.”

After a lot of rain in the area, all unsealed roads are closed.The Central Darling Shire released a Road Conditions Report. Also please check road conditions for surrounding Shires as this may affect your journey. For information on road conditions in the Unincorporated Area please monitor the Live Traffic NSW website. https://www.livetraffic.com/Roads condition map from Central Darling Shire.

Carrathool Shire Councillors voted re-establish the current Alcohol-Free Zones in Hillston.The zone will remain unchanged and run from High Street between Keats and Haines Streets, McGee Street between Bank and Molesworth Streets, Haines Street between High and Molesworth Streets Aiden Street between High and Florence Streets, Florence Street, Loughnan Street and Hughie Cameron Park.Recommendations from Police to increase the numbers of signs indicating the alcohol-free zone were accepted.The zone will remain in place from 1 July 2025 for a four-year period, ending on 30 June 2029.

Central Darling Shire approves donation Central Darling Shire approved a community grant allocation of $1,000 to the organisers of the White Cliffs Gymkhana and Rodeo.The White Cliffs Gymkhana and Rodeo is one of the last remaining bush events in the Western Division of NSW, Council heard. The Gymkhana has been held annually for more than 100 years and is one of the few continuing successful weekends, outback events. The family orientated weekend attracts young and old alike, with people travelling from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and everywhere in-between to enjoy what the weekend has to offer. Gymkhana events are held on Saturday followed by a twilight tug ‘o’ war and novelty events for non-horse-riding people of all ages with the main attraction, the rodeo, held Sunday afternoon. In their submission the committee said the cost for holding this event is the rodeo at approximately $9,500. Funds are raised through the gate fees and the bar to cover the costs. The nomination fees for the rodeo all goes back into the prize money for the riders. The Club also hires a band, rodeo announcer, clowns, judges, pick up men and horses, to a cost of around $9,000. Money raised over the weekend goes towards local charities and organisations as the local hospital, White Cliffs Public School and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Money is also reserved for maintenance and upgrades to the facility.

Carrathool Shire Project update - Hillston, and Carrathool Boat Ramps A report to Carrathool Shire Council’s February meeting listed the delays being experienced in finalising the Hillston and Carrathool boat ramps.“At present the projects are waiting for approval from the Griffith Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) as they have a land claim over the sites,” the report read. “The Department of Fisheries will not issue a permit to proceed without approval.”During the meeting General Manager Rick Warren said he had been trying to get the LALC on-site to undertake an inspection.“We have been trying to get them on site, but tying them down is proving difficult,” Mr Warren said.

Central Darling Shire says the restrictions will remain in place until drought conditions improve.The NSW Government has expanded a new free virtual healthcare service to residents in Western and Far West NSW.Residents will be able to access free and safe virtual care for non-life-threatening conditions, right from the comfort of their own home.“We know that the added challenge of accessing healthcare in our part of the world is distance, and this service may provide another way for patients to access care safely in the comfort of their own home,” Member for Barwon Roy Bulter MP said.“It should not be meant to replace face to face attention from a medical practitioner, but looks to take some of the pressure off emergency departments and other overstressed sectors of our health workforce.“It will allow people with relatively minor ailments to seek free medical attention or be provided sound advice on whether to seek further help in person.”Member for Murray Helen Dalton said while it would not replace in-person care, the new service would be a ‘useful tool.’“Virtual health should never be a substitute for in-person health care, but virtual health can be a useful tool to address some health needs in rural communities,” Ms Dalton said.“This service will help address some medical issues in a timely fashion and that’s a good thing.“As part of a wider commitment to rural health, this free virtual healthcare service will be of benefit to the people of rural NSW.”This virtual care service will provide care for urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries including coughs, colds, fevers and flu, respiratory symptoms, vomiting and diarrhoea or minor infections and rashes.The service will be available between 8am and 10pm seven days a week for people aged 16 years and older.You can access this service by phoning HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 where patients will first speak to a registered nurse who will assess your condition, and if appropriate, refer you to the virtual care service.The service uses video conferencing technology to connect patients with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, including doctors and nurses, where clinically appropriate.The NSW Government says virtual care forms part of a broader range of measures to relieve pressure on the state’s busy emergency departments, including $100 million investment for a further two years to continue our urgent care services, providing a pathway to care outside hospital for an estimated 114,000 patients, and $70 million over four years reduce emergency wait times.​

The deadly illness has already claimed one life this yearA Victorian resident has been confirmed as the second human case of the potentially deadly Japanese encephalitis (JE).Authorities say this person was exposed to the virus while in the Riverina region of NSW, on the Murray River.The confirmed case comes not long after the first JE death this. NSW Health reported in February that a man in his 70s from northern Sydney died after battling the virus for several weeks. He was also infected while holidaying in the Riverina, and is the third person to lose their life to JE, since it was first detected in May 2022.Health authorities are reminding Back Country residents that a free vaccination is available for people aged two months or older who live or routinely work in several local government areas, including Carrathool, Hay, Balranald and Central Darling Shire.JE is a rare virus, similar to dengue and yellow fever, which is spread by mosquito bites and causes swelling in the brain. The fatality rate of those with severe JE can be as high as 30 per cent.If you are eligible for a free JEV vaccine, speak to your General Practitioner (GP), pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service about getting vaccinated today.NSW Health says residents should make an appointment with their GP, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service and let them know it is for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine as they may require a few days' notice to order the vaccine.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is March Forward. La Trobe University’s academics have gathered to discuss what still needs to be done to achieve gender equality.  Professor Therese Keene is the Associate Dean of Research and Industry Engagement in the School of Education. For more than 30 years, Professor Therese Keane has been a champion for empowering girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). “The gender disparity in VCE Computing in Victoria is striking,” Professor Keene said. “In 2023, only 123 female students sat the Data Analytics exam compared to 549 males, while Software Development had an even greater imbalance with 1411 males versus 191 females. This pattern continues at the tertiary level, where men significantly outnumber women in computer science and engineering degrees.  “Societal expectations, a lack of visible role models and unconscious biases discourage many young women from pursuing IT-related studies. Those who do often report feeling isolated, experiencing bias or lacking encouragement from teachers and peers. Even after entering the workforce, many women leave IT careers within a few years due to hostile work environments, limited advancement opportunities or difficulties balancing personal and professional responsibilities.  “This underrepresentation isn’t just a diversity issue – it has real-world consequences, especially in the age of AI. When AI models are developed primarily by men, they tend to inherit and amplify gender biases, leading to: Flawed facial-recognition systems which misidentify women, especially women of colour, at much higher rates than men. Hiring algorithms that unintentionally discriminate against female candidates due to male-dominated training data.  Voice assistants (like Siri and Alexa) that default to female voices, reinforcing stereotypes of women in submissive or service-oriented roles.  “Diverse teams are more creative, make better decisions and develop more effective technology. Increasing the number of women in IT isn’t just about fairness, it’s about ensuring that the technology shaping our world is built for everyone, by everyone.” Natalie McKenna is a lecturer in Communication, Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy. Thios year during International Women’s Day she poses the question - Do women need to behave like men to succeed?   “Female politicians often avoid discussing their children or families during election campaigns as societal biases can lead to perceptions that their familial responsibilities might impede their ability to serve constituents effectively,” Ms McKenna said“In contrast, when male politicians mention families, it often humanises them and enhances their public image. A notable example is former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who faced scrutiny after being photographed in her kitchen – which appeared pristine with an empty fruit bowl – sparking discussion about her domestic life and its implications for her public persona.  "Female politicians are often criticised more harshly than their male counterparts. Female politicians must be confident in shaping their narrative by crafting a personal brand that highlights their authenticity, expertise and values. A strong, consistent brand helps them connect with voters and stand out in a crowded political landscape. “Visibility and credibility are key for female politicians. By strategically using digital platforms and media engagement, they can shape public perception, build trust and reinforce their leadership identity.” Jennifer Boak is a Research Fellow at the Care Economy Research Institute and the John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research.She says the tide is turning and more men are stepping into caring roles, traditionally the sole burden of women.“As a mum, wife, daughter and nurse, my caring role never stops,” Ms Boak shared. “I think nurses are inherently good carers and are often sought out when something goes wrong. With over 30 years’ experience as a nurse, I have become very good at nurse-mode first, to ensure safety, then 'mum' mode kicks in. “Women are more likely to take on the caring role, however, this tide could be turning. My perception is more men are taking an active role in caring as leave balances are shared and EBAs support caring duties. I think the increased cost of living and the need for both parents to work have influenced some of this change.”  Dr Melanie Bish, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Regional) and Associate Professor in Rural Nursing and Midwifery, aims to encourage women and girls into leadership and decision-making roles.She is also focussed on helping women living in regional and rural areas overcome career progression challenges.“When women lead, communities thrive,” Dr Bish said. “True leadership is not about power — it’s about influence, inclusion and action. We must create pathways for women and girls to step into leadership with confidence, knowing their voices matter and their contributions shape a better future. "Women in regional and rural areas face unique challenges in career progression, but location should never mean disadvantage. By championing mentorship, digital connectivity and flexible career pathways, we can ensure talent is nurtured locally and women are able to contribute to their communities as they meet their professional and personal aspirations.”