Navigating the digital world with children is a hot topic for many parents, and perhaps the most common concern revolves around just how much screen time kids are getting. Frankly, if I could wave a magic wand, I'd shift the conversation entirely. Instead of fixating on the amount of screen time, we should be talking about the quality of screen engagement.Yes, there are guidelines – both here in Australia and internationally – that set limits based on age. For instance, the recommendation for two- to five-year-olds in Australia is no more than one hour a day, and for five- to 17-year-olds, it's typically two hours of sedentary screen use daily, not counting schoolwork. However, many Australian parents find these time-based rules incredibly hard to stick to. In fact, surveys show that excessive screen time is a top health worry for parents, with the vast majority seeing it as a significant issue.But focusing solely on the clock feels increasingly out of step with reality. This time approach only tells us about quantity; it completely ignores what children are actually watching or doing, and how they are engaging with it. This isn't an argument for letting kids watch screens all day – absolutely not! – but it is a call to redirect our attention to what content is being consumed and the way children are interacting with it.The early years are fundamental, deeply influencing long-term health and well-being. Vital activities like play and physical activity are crucial for healthy development. Therefore, any screen use should rightly be just one part of a child's broader life.Think about the sheer variety of ways screens are used in homes every single day. One child might catch a brief, dramatic fight scene while a sibling watches something. Both parents and researchers group anything with a screen together and call it screen time, but there are so many different screens used for so many different reasons. The good news is that researchers are actively looking at how children can best use screens in our increasingly digital world. And crucially, our everyday conversations need to move beyond rigid, inflexible rules that often just end up making parents feel guilty.So, what does quality screen use actually look like? There are two main strategies that stand out.The first key approach is to actively engage with what your child is watching or playing. The idea here is to use the time children spend with screens, whether it's watching TV or playing a game, as an opportunity for conversation, boosting language skills, and improving comprehension. You can ask them questions afterwards, like "What were you noticing in that show?" or "Which parts did you really like?". This shared experience is also a perfect moment to gently discuss family values if something on screen doesn't quite align – for instance, pointing out that talking problems through is usually better than fighting. It also helps children start thinking critically about the media they consume.The second vital strategy is to make thoughtful choices about the content your children watch. This gives parents the power to select material that not only aligns with their family's values but also supports learning and growth. Not every single show has to be overtly educational, but there are plenty of programs and games out there that can genuinely help kids develop skills. Certain shows can spark an early interest in numbers, encourage physical movement, build emotional resilience, help with self-regulation, or introduce concepts like the prehistoric world. Classic children's programs remain popular for good reason. Similarly, some video games can surprisingly help develop fine motor skills or teach teamwork. And, of course, it's perfectly fine – just like it is for adults relaxing with their favourite show or movie – for children to watch something purely for enjoyment sometimes.The fundamental message is that parents and caregivers have the opportunity to make conscious, quality-focused decisions. Instead of just switching on a screen and stepping away, the real value lies in actively engaging with what our children are watching and playing.

By Jenny DwyerBroaden your understanding of Cultural Burns to reduce exotic weed, promote native ground cover and increase drought tolerance.Hay Plains Landcare is excited to offer the opportunity for landholders and the community to learn more about Cultural Burning at a Cultural Burn Workshop on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 3 and 4, 2025, facilitated by Dean Freeman, Local Land Services, and the Wiradjuri Cultural Burn Team from Tumut.Cultural Burning, also known as Indigenous or Traditional Fire Management, is a land care practice used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for tens of thousands of years. It involves the application of low-intensity, patchy fires at the right time of year, in the right places, and under the right conditions.These cool burns clear away exotic weeds and thick leaf litter, without damaging the soil or mature vegetation, creating space and light for native species to regenerate.Many native plant species are fire-adapted, meaning they have evolved to respond positively to this kind of disturbance and some even rely on it to germinate.Unlike hot, uncontrolled bushfires, Cultural Burns are designed to encourage biodiversity and help maintain open, grassy ecosystems that are dominated by our valued native species.In turn, landscapes with native groundcover will build drought tolerance by protecting the soil from erosion, retaining moisture, and reducing evaporation.Healthy ground cover will also improve the soil's organic matter and structure, allowing it to absorb and hold water more effectively which is essential in times of low rainfall."The Australian landscape has been modified by the use of Cultural Burning as a land management practice for many thousands of years by First Nations People," Hay Plains Landcare Chair Bert Matthews said."Science is increasingly understanding the merit of Cultural Burns to reduce wild fire risk and manage groundcover in all landscapes."We need to learn more about adapting traditional revegetation techniques to modern land management systems."This workshop is not only about achieving positive ecological outcomes, it will strengthen Cultural understanding, support intergenerational learning and preserve First Nations Heritage.All are very welcome to attend. Registrations essential: https://bit.ly/cultural-burnHay Landcare said this project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund, made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

 If you see a TikTok account suggesting you can claim your dog as a legitimate work expense this tax time, it’s probably time to put down your phone, says CPA Australia.With the end of financial year approaching, CPA Australia is warning that taking tax advice from social media platforms, especially TikTok, is a bad idea.CPA Australia has seen numerous examples of TikTok finfluencers – some with large followings – making outrageous claims about potential work-related tax deductions.They include:Claiming expenses for your pet as a guard dog while you work from homeClaiming a luxury designer handbag as a work laptop bagClaiming thousands of dollars in fuel costs without needing receiptsCPA Australia Tax Lead, Jenny Wong, said it’s concerning that many Aussies will watch this content and assume they are getting free expert advice.“In many cases the advice from these accounts is simply wrong. In other cases, the claims have an ounce of truth but would apply only to a very small group of workers,” she said.“For example, some farmers may be able to claim expenses related to their sheep dogs, but the idea that a dog owner in a major city can claim expenses for a guard dog while they work from home is simply absurd.“Similarly, many workers can claim the cost of buying a laptop bag. However, we’ve seen TikTok posts suggesting that taxpayers can take advantage of this to purchase expensive designer bags that are clearly not intended for carrying work laptops.“Some finfluencers exaggerate the potential for certain claims to garner attention and likes. This is not serious advice. It should be ignored.“Having a large following on TikTok doesn’t automatically make someone an expert on a particular subject, especially one as complex as the Australian tax system.”Ms Wong said following bad tax advice could result in missing out on legitimate entitlements or, worse, big fines or prosecution.“The ATO uses data-driven profiles to identify which claims are realistic and which look like complete nonsense,” she said. “Work-related expenses must be genuinely vital to allow you to perform your job properly.“Exaggerating a claim can have consequences. Making false tax claims could result in hefty fines, a criminal record or even imprisonment. Arguing that you took advice from a finance influencer on TikTok won’t cut it – your tax is your responsibility.”  Ms Wong extends her warning to include ChatGPT and other OpenAI tools which should also be treated with caution.“Nothing can beat the sound advice of a professional tax agent,” she said. “AI tools are only as good as the information you put into them. It may be tempting to ask AI bots for tips, but they are simply not able to compute the nuances of the Australian tax system or your specific circumstances.”Work-related tax tips:Be thorough: Take time to gather your receipts, logbooks and any other evidence to support your work-related expense claims.Check what type of expenses you could claim that are relevant to your work. The ATO has a comprehensive guide to industry and occupation types.Time is on your side. You have until June 30 to purchase any items you need for work and can claim the deductions this year.Don’t rush. Lodging your tax return early does not mean you’ll get your refund first, but could mean you make mistakes.Remember: the cost of seeking professional tax advice for your tax return is tax deductible.

Coercive control is now a crime in NSW — here’s what it looks like, who’s at risk, and what the law means for survivors.Coercive control - what is it? NSW laws are now tougherCoercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or isolates another person to control them.From July 1, 2024 coercive control became an offence in NSW.The criminal offence captures repeated patterns of physical or non-physical abuse used to hurt, scare, intimidate, threaten or control someone.Unfortunately, the law only applies to abusive behaviour that happens after 1 July, 2024.Coercive control can be hard to spot because it often starts slowly or builds up over time.Coercive and controlling behaviours can be subtle, and the abuser often hides what they are doing from others, making the victim feel like they are going crazy or "making too much of it."The abuse does not have to be physical.Coercive control can happen in other types of relationships. However, the legislation will be tested in current and former intimate partner relationships in the first instance, according to NSW Government information.Research shows that it is most dangerous within intimate relationships and suggests 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men have experienced intimate partner violence since age 15.In addition, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men reported experiencing emotional abuse by their spouse or de facto partner since age 15.For women, pregnancy, early motherhood and separation can be times of increased risk for women. The abuse might begin during these times, get worse, or happen more regularly.Coercive control is a factor in 97% of intimate partner murders, according to the NSW Government.The NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team found nearly 80% of all victims of intimate partner violence homicides that occurred in NSW between 2000 and 2018 were women.Worryingly, coercive control has been strongly linked to intimate partner homicide.The NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team found that in 97% of intimate partner domestic violence homicide cases, the victim had experienced coercive and controlling behaviours before being killed.Those living with a disability, and the elderly, are also at increased risk of abuse from a range of people, including intimate partners, family members, paid or unpaid carers or other residents in supported accommodation facilities.Coercive control takes many forms, but red flags include:Isolation: A partner consistently prevents the other from seeing family or friends, controls their communication (e.g., monitoring phone calls, social media), or restricts their movements.Intimidation: This could involve threats of physical violence, but also includes threats to harm the victim's loved ones or pets, or using intimidating behaviour to create fear.Control over daily life: The perpetrator dictates what the victim can wear, eat, or how they spend their time. They might make all the decisions about where the victim lives, works, or what they purchase.Economic or financial abuse: This involves controlling the victim's access to money, preventing them from working, or unreasonably restricting their financial independence.Monitoring and surveillance: This can include tracking the victim's movements, checking their devices, or using technology to keep tabs on them.Psychological abuse: Examples include constant belittling, humiliation, gaslighting (making the victim doubt their own sanity), and other manipulative tactics.Shame-based conduct: This involves the perpetrator using shame or humiliation to control the victim. Examples include mocking a partner's weight or appearance, or sulking or becoming angry if sexual advances are rejected.The challenge now comes in the sentencing of those brought before the courts.The first case in NSW to be prosecuted occurred in the Riverina, and came before Magistrate Wright last December.The defendant pleaded guilty to financial abuse, controlling his partner's phone and using padlocked doors to keep his victim isolated.Evidence presented to the Court included a statement to the victim: "This will be your last night, I am going to murder you".In court, NSW Police urged Magistrate Wright to consider the victim's safety."[The offender has] no indication of any remorse," the prosecutor said at the time."[We are] asking you to consider the safety of the complainant as paramount."Magistrate Wright said the 'facts are disturbing' but did not impose gaol time, and instead sentenced the man to an 18-month intensive corrections order to be served in the community.For help, contact 1800RESPECT by calling 1800 737 732, texting 0458 737 732, or using the online chat service.

Recent viral online content, including AI-generated articles and social media posts, has caused confusion among newly licensed Australian drivers by making false claims about extensive, nationwide changes to P-plate laws by the Federal Government.However, it is crucial to understand that the Federal Government does not create or amend road rules. Each state and territory in Australia is responsible for setting its own laws, including those applicable to provisional license holders.Claims circulating online, such as a national extension of the red P1 period to 18 months, a nationwide curfew, a ban on hands-free mobile use for all P-platers, and increased fines across the board, have been identified as false.While these specific nationwide changes are not occurring, New South Wales (NSW) is indeed set to implement some significant changes to its P-plate laws in 2025.Among the most impactful updates expected to come into effect from August 2025 are changes to the provisional licensing period and night driving restrictions. The P1 licence period in NSW is expected to be extended from the current 12 months to 18 months. Additionally, a new night-driving curfew is anticipated for drivers under the age of 216. The August 2025 reforms are also set to impose tighter regulations on mobile phone and digital device usage. Previously permitted hands-free mobile phone functions will no longer be allowed for P-plate drivers under these rules.Beyond the August changes, other modifications to mobile phone rules are planned for NSW in 2025. A 12-month trial will commence allowing P-plate drivers aged 25 and older to use a mounted mobile phone specifically for GPS navigation. This trial aims to assess whether allowing this leads to an increase in accidents.However, for all provisional license holders in NSW, stricter rules on mobile phone use will be implemented. P2 drivers, in particular, will face prohibitions on using any mobile phone function while driving, including hands-free options, even for purposes like navigation or music. The penalties for provisional license holders caught using mobile phones while driving are also set to increase.Other aspects of NSW P-plate laws will remain consistent or see separate adjustments. There will be no changes to the current speed limits for learner and provisional drivers; NSW does not impose reduced speed limits for P-platers. Regarding vehicles, there is no blanket ban on turbocharged vehicles in NSW. Potential changes are also noted regarding passenger restrictions for drivers under 25 on their red Ps, potentially limiting them to one passenger under 21 between 11 pm and 5 am, with exemption processes available.In related news providing cost of living relief, a 20 per cent discount on registration for light vehicles, dealer plates, and caravans will be extended for an additional 12 months in 2025.It is important for provisional drivers across Australia to remember that road rules, including P-plate restrictions on passengers, curfews, and mobile phone use, differ significantly between states and territories. For instance, some states already have passenger limits for P1 drivers under a certain age at all times, while others apply them only during night hours. Similarly, mobile phone rules vary, with some jurisdictions allowing hands-free use for green P2 drivers while NSW prohibits it for all P-platers. Penalties for breaking rules are also determined by each state and territory.These forthcoming changes in NSW in 2025, particularly those expected in August, underscore a continued focus on enhancing safety and responsibility for provisional drivers on the state's roads. Provisional drivers should consult official NSW Government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding these rule changes.

BY JAMIE PARSONS The Narrandera Lizards have taken away the Proten Cup Knockout for the fourth time, bouncing back after fears the club would fold only weeks ago. The men’s team only got together for the first time last week, with club officials ringing around to get enough numbers to play. Coaches Malek Afuamua-Lyons and Barlow Simpson won the shield on their first day as coaches. In the women’s knockout Barellan were once again far and away the best team of the four clubs who entered women’s sides on the day, going through without a point scored against them with a 16-0 win over Ivanhoe, 30-0 over Rankins Springs and then 34-0 over Ivanhoe again in the final. Narrandera started off well with a win over hosts Barellan, who were short a few players for the day. The Rams went down by 4 in that game but bounced back to beat Hillston 12-4.The Bluebirds had a ton of numbers turn up after a very good pre-season however couldn’t quite get it together on the field, going down 16-0 to Ivanhoe in their first game before their loss to Barellan.New boys the Deniliquin Blue Heelers turned up with a full squad in a very good sign. They were soundly beaten in a 32-0 victory for Narrandera in their first game but regrouped for a much better showing in an 18-6 loss to Ivanhoe in their second.The Ivanhoe Roosters had a successful day with a squad full of returning players. Despite wins over Hillston and Deni they just couldn’t get there in the final, going down 16-8 to the Lizards. New coaches Dwayne Evans and Jay Little look to have the Roosters poised to be competitive once again. Their women’s side also had a decent hit out despite missing several stars. In probably the best game of the day the Hens got up over the Bluebirds girls 10-6 with a try on the fulltime siren. In Hillston’s other game they fought out a very tough 0-all draw against the Rankins Springs Dragonettes, with neither side giving an inch. Round 1 is fast approaching with all teams heading to Ivanhoe on May 24. Hopefully the Goolgowi and Rankins Springs boys and the Goolgowi and Narrandera girls can get their sides primed in time for their first hit-outs. Full Knockout ResultsMen’sNarrandera 10-6 BarellanIvanhoe 16-0 HillstonNarrandera 32-0 DeniliquinBarellan 12-4 HillstonIvanhoe 18-6 DeniliquinFinal – Narrandera 16-8 Ivanhoe Women’s Barellan 16-0 IvanhoeRankins Springs 0-0 HillstonBarellan 30-0 Rankins SpringsIvanhoe 10-6 HillstonFinal – Barellan 34-0 Ivanhoe

On Monday the May 12, 2025 officers attached to Hay Highway patrol stopped a white Ford Ranger on Lachlan Street, Hay. The driver, a 25 year old man from Orange produced a positive roadside drug test for methamphetamine and cocaine he was provided with a 24 hour prohibition from driving.Police subjected the vehicle to a search, throughout the search police located two vials of what police to believe to be steroids and secured in a locked safe under the drivers seat police located 359.1 grams of cocaine. Police estimate the items to have an approximate street value of over $140,000.The driver was arrested and conveyed to Hay Police station where he was charged with a number of offences including supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity) and posses prescribed restricted substance.The man was bail refused to face Leeton Local court where he was also refused bail to appear at Griffith Local court at a later date.

The Sunraysia Solar Farm, located in Balranald, continues its strong history of community engagement and funding through its annual community sponsorship program. This initiative provides crucial funding to local groups and businesses, supporting a variety of projects across the region.The program has been a consistent feature of the solar farm's commitment to the community, offering annual funding to support local initiatives. As part of this ongoing effort, the Sunraysia Solar Farm will again be providing its Annual Community Sponsorship Funding this year.Local groups, clubs, and organisations are encouraged to submit their applications for this year's funding round. Applications can be sent to [email protected]. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, July 4.Looking back, the program has a proven track record of supporting valuable community projects. For instance, in 2022, a total of $20,000 was made available for community projects, with proposals due by July 8, 2022. The program has supported a diverse range of initiatives over the years. Past projects include support for the Balranald Football Netball Club, the Balranald Community Growth Strategy Forum, and the Five Rivers Outback Festival.The sponsorship program is specifically designed to prioritise projects that significantly benefit the local community. It also focuses on initiatives that support the natural environment and those that promote health and well-being within the area.Beyond the sponsorship program, the Sunraysia Solar Farm maintains a broader commitment to working transparently with the local community. The project aims to keep residents informed, actively address concerns, identify opportunities for local business involvement, and provide feedback on how community input helps shape outcomes. Establishing open dialogue with local residents and stakeholders is a key objective.It's also worth noting that regional areas like Sunraysia can potentially benefit from other funding avenues, such as the NSW Government Regional Community Energy Fund, which supports energy projects in regional parts of the state.Community groups seeking funding from the Sunraysia Solar Farm's program are encouraged to reach out for any questions about the funding process.

Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has been elected as the leader of the Liberal PartyMember for Farrer Sussan Ley has been elected as Party leader by the Liberal Party in a partyroom ballot today (Tuesday May 13, 2025).The history-making appointment makes Ms Ley the first female leader of the federal Liberal Party, and is the first regionally based opposition leader since Alexander Downer in the 1990s.Ms Ley was the deputy leader, under Peter Dutton, and is one of the longest-serving female MPs in Canberra.Ms Ley received 29 votes, and narrowly defeated opponent Angus Taylor (25 votes)Ley’s deputy will be Ted O’Brien, the former energy spokesperson. Queensland MP Phil Thompson also contested the ballot for deputy. O’Brien won the ballot 38 votes to 16.

Balranald grapples with persistent vandalism as latest incident hits senior citizen amenitiesThe Balranald Shire is once again dealing with the costly aftermath of vandalism, with the latest incident occurring on Saturday, May 10, targeting the Balranald Senior Citizen amenities. This follows a previous act of vandalism at the very same amenities earlier last week, which had already necessitated repairs.Balranald Shire Council highlighted the direct financial impact of these incidents, stating on social media that "the cost of vandalism comes directly from your rates, reducing the money available for Council’s other services such as road maintenance." The Council is actively seeking community assistance in curbing vandalism across the shire.This recent act is the latest in a concerning series of alleged vandalism incidents that have affected the Balranald Shire. In September 2024, Council issued a media release expressing significant disappointment over similar spates of alleged vandalism in both Balranald and Euston. Those incidents allegedly involved rocks and debris being thrown at caravans and vehicles, with some caravans also being hit with golf sticks.The alleged vandalism in 2024 had significant repercussions, leading to bad reviews on social media, particularly on platforms like WikiCamps Australia, which many travellers use to plan their trips. This has resulted in tourists potentially avoiding the Balranald Shire, which has a significant and direct impact on local businesses. These businesses work hard to promote the shire as a tourism destination, and tourism makes a vital contribution to supporting local jobs and employment.Council has stated that this "abhorrent behaviour will not be tolerated" and needs to cease immediately, noting its significant impact not only on businesses but also on the Council from a tourism perspective and the community from a safety perspective.The Balranald Shire previously enjoyed a very good reputation with travellers as a safe and desirable destination, a reputation Council is determined to restore. Police have been responding to reports, but they can only act if incidents are reported. Residents are strongly encouraged to report any acts of vandalism.Information regarding vandalism can be reported directly to the police via their database online. Alternatively, individuals with information can contact Council, or contact the police anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the NSW Police online system. When contacting police regarding vandalism, quoting report number E101122574 is helpful.

Central Darling Shire Council is inviting residents to have their say on a proposal to classify three recently acquired properties as operational land. This classification change is a significant step that will allow the council greater flexibility regarding the future use or potential sale of these parcels.The properties in question were purchased by the Council in February 2025 at a sale of land for unpaid rates auction. The Council now proposes classifying them as operational land in accordance with section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).Why classify land as operational?Changing the classification of land to operational enables the council to put the land to an operational use. Crucially, it also allows for the potential disposal of the land in the future should the need or demand arise. This differs from community land, which is typically held for public use and enjoyment and has stricter limitations on its management and disposal.The three specific properties the draft resolution addresses are:•49 Yartla Lane / 49 Menindee Street: Identified as Lot 2 DP 397881.•44 Paringa Street, Menindee: Identified as Lot 7 Section 27 DP 7586691.•21 Cleaton Street, Wilcannia: Identified as Lot 2 DP 5248321.The Council is seeking public submissions regarding this draft resolution. This is your opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed classification of these particular properties.How to make a submission: Submissions must be made in writing. You can send your comments via:•Mail: The General Manager, Central Darling Shire Council, PO Box 165, Wilcannia NSW 28361.•Email: [email protected]'s important to note that submissions sent via social media will not be accepted.The deadline for all submissions is 4pm on Friday, May 30.Residents are encouraged to review the draft resolution and make a submission if they have any comments or concerns about the proposed classification of these land parcels.

People in Wilcannia and surrounds should take advantage of the great opportunity; a free vaccination clinic. It's on this Friday, May 16 from 10am to 2pm at the Wilcannia Community Hall. The clinic is offering Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccinations, and 2025 Influenza (Flu) vaccinations. No bookings are required, you will just need your Medicare Card and identification.About Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV): Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious illness caused by being bitten by a mosquito infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). People who work or do outside activities (e.g. camping, fishing, gardening) in high-risk areas are more likely to get Japanese encephalitis virus.To reduce the risk of serious disease from JEV, it’s recommended eligible people aged two months and older get a JEV vaccine.About Influenza (Flu): Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. People can get influenza at any time throughout the year but is most common in autumn and winter. Severe cases can result in breathing difficulties and pneumonia. People in NSW can die from flu-related illness. Everyone aged six months and over is recommended to get an annual flu vaccine to protect themselves from influenza.The clinic is delivered by Far West Local Health District in partnership with RFDS.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner, following the death of an 18-year-old on the weekend.At about 10:30 am on Saturday, May 10, emergency services were called to the scene of a crash involving two motorbikes on an unnamed dirt track near Nancarrows Lane, Rankins Springs. Officers from the Murrumbidgee Police District were told a male rider had collided with another motorbike, ridden by a man in his thirties. Despite the efforts of Ambulance Paramedics and first responders, the 18-year-old male could not be revived. The other rider was treated at the scene for cuts, abrasions and a sprained shoulder. He was later airlifted to Wagga Base Hospital for further treatment. Police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Flushing Water Mains -Monday May 12, Council will be conducting maintenance works on raw and filtered water mains. There may be temporary discoloration (rusty colour) in the filtered water and muddiness in the raw water during this process. This should run clear after water has been run for a few minutes.Also, Reminder to restrict use of outdoor (raw) water from Monday, May 12 as we fill up the raw water tower with filtered water to conduct the necessary works on the towers.Please limit your lawn and garden watering.Balranald Shire Council is upgrading digital water meters and chlorination systems. They are also undertaking road works on McCabe Street, Balranald. The council supplies filtered water to properties within a defined area and prohibits its use for external domestic purposes, including swimming pools. Service connections are limited to one 20mm nominal diameter per assessment, with larger connections possible with development application approval. 

Michelle Milthorpe Thanks Supporters, Reflects on Campaign of Integrity and Community Backing Independent candidate for Farrer, Michelle Milthorpe, has expressed deep gratitude to the community for their support during a grassroots campaign driven by integrity, hard work and a commitment to listening. “This campaign was never about politics-as-usual,” Mrs Milthorpe said in a statement to media. “We were a novice team, made up of locals who simply care about our community. We stayed positive, stayed focused, and always led with respect.” With close to 200 volunteers donning their orange shirts, the team letterboxed, doorknocked, and walked thousands of kilometres across the electorate—spreading the message of change, fairness and genuine representation. “We had a small budget, but a strong community. That’s what powered this campaign. People stood beside me because they want something better for Farrer—not more of the same,” Mrs Milthorpe said. The campaign faced some clear challenges, including the spread of misinformation and being denied the opportunity to correct the record. “We ran against a small group who continually circulated misleading claims, particularly around funding. I was fully transparent from the beginning about receiving a donation from Climate 200, and never misrepresented that fact,” Mrs Milthorpe said. “What’s disappointing is that the same level of scrutiny isn’t applied to major parties and their funding arrangements. I would ask the media to reflect on that and be more objective moving forward.” Mrs Milthorpe expressed issue with being incorrectly labelled throughout the campaign. “I ran as an independent, and to repeatedly be referred to in other ways was not only misleading—it was dishonest and insulting. It undermined the intelligence of voters and the integrity of the many hardworking people who supported this campaign.” Mrs Milthorpe also shared her hope that future vote counts might better reflect the nature of the contest, after Saturday night’s count proceeded using a two-party-preferred (2PP) method, despite earlier advice that it would follow a two-candidate-preferred (2CP) approach. “It meant that the live results didn’t give a clear picture of the actual contest,” she said. “I’d like to see more consistency and clarity around how independent candidates are represented in the count—it helps voters better understand what’s really happening.” Looking to the future, Mrs Milthorpe is hopeful that Farrer will no longer be considered a safe seat, saying that increased competitiveness is essential to securing fairer representation. “I’d like to thank people for trusting me with their vote. If nothing else, we’ve shown that this electorate can no longer be taken for granted. That alone is a win for our community.” While no firm decision has been made yet, Mrs Milthorpe is open to standing again. “This campaign might be over, but I’m not going anywhere. I’ll take some time to reflect, but I will always stand up for Farrer. We deserve better—and I’m here to help us get there.”

Hay Shire Council to Host Australia's Biggest Morning TeaGet ready to brew a cuppa for a cause! The Hay Shire Council will once again host an event for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. Mark your calendars for Thursday May 22, 2025. The morning tea will take place outside the Shire Office in Lachlan Street, Hay NSW.Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is a major fundraising event for Cancer Council. It is held annually in May, encouraging individuals and communities across the country to host morning teas to raise funds for those affected by cancer.The core goal of the event is to raise funds to support the Cancer Council's vital work. This includes funding cancer research, prevention programs, and essential support services for individuals and families impacted by the disease.The concept behind the event is wonderfully simple yet highly effective: you host a morning tea and invite others to contribute. It strongly encourages community participation, with hosts able to choose their location, whether it's at home, a workplace, or a community gathering like the one hosted by the Shire.The event has a significant impact, raising millions of dollars each year and bringing people together nationwide to support those affected by cancer.The Hay Shire Council invites everyone to drop by to say hi and enjoy a cuppa and a treat, all while helping the Cancer Council raise vital funds.

Have Your Say on the NSW Meat Industry Levy RegulationMeat producers and interested parties across New South Wales are invited to provide feedback on proposed changes to the state's meat industry levy regulations. The NSW Food Authority is seeking submissions on the draft Meat Industry (Meat Industry Levy) Regulation 2025. This is a chance for organisations and individuals to comment on any matter relevant to the proposed new regulation. Feedback can be submitted online, via email, or by mail. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, June 1 2025. This feedback period is part of an open process where all comments will be reviewed and could lead to modifications to the draft regulation before it becomes law.So, what's going on?The Meat Industry Levy is a contribution required from meat producers in NSW, specifically occupiers of land who are liable to pay an animal health rate to Local Land Services. This levy supports essential food safety activities throughout the meat supply chain, ultimately benefiting the industry and consumers by ensuring meat is safe and suitable for consumption. The current levy structure requires producers to pay $5 annually plus 0.6 cents per stock unit of notional carrying capacity, with an average levy around $14 and a maximum cap of $130 per producer.The levy funds are crucial for several key activities. These include:•Enforcing the branding of meat.•Ensuring correct food labelling on meat products.•Conducting investigations into issues like meat substitution, illegal slaughter, and unlicensed meat businesses.•Participating in national standard-setting processes related to meat safety.•Educating the meat industry through food safety program audits and inspections.The proposed changes in the draft Meat Industry (Meat Industry Levy) Regulation 2025 are being put forward to remake the existing 2016 regulation. Importantly, the proposed changes do not involve altering the current annual meat industry levy amount. Producers will continue to pay the same calculation method ($5 plus 0.6 cents per stock unit, capped at $130).Instead, the focus of the proposed changes is on administrative amendments. These updates are intended to ensure the regulation remains relevant and fit for purpose, aiming to streamline processes for government and remove unnecessary red tape for producers while maintaining the necessary contribution to food safety activities.Key proposed administrative changes include:•Adjusting the date for issuing notices of levy payable to 31 March to better align with Local Land Services rates notices.•Removing duplicated text concerning notifying changes in land occupancy or ownership, as this is already covered elsewhere.•Eliminating a redundant $5 fee for applying for a certificate showing levies due.•Clarifying that certificates of levies due and payable issued by Local Land Services do not need to follow a specific prescribed format.•Making it easier for producers to dispute the validity of a levy by allowing these objections to be lodged with the Local Court instead of the District Court.•Setting the interest rate on overdue levies at 2% above the Commonwealth Bank's overdraft index rate for businesses, consistent with how Local Land Services calculates interest on other overdue rates and levies.•Removing outdated references to paper-based levy books, as land and producer details are already kept electronically.•Removing the requirement to provide certain property identification and personal details of new landowners when giving notice of sale or transfer of land.•Removing the requirement to provide certain property identification details when applying for a certificate about meat industry levies due and payable.These administrative adjustments aim for improved clarity and efficiency. After the submission period closes on 1 June 2025, all feedback will be carefully reviewed. The draft regulation may be modified based on this input before the new Meat Industry Levy Regulation 2025 is finalised and becomes law. Producers and the public will be notified when this occurs.

HAY SOUTH TO MAUDE: Sturt Highway is closed in both directions between Archer Street and Maude Road due to a truck on fire. Emergency services and traffic crews are on site. Diversions are in place for all vehicles via Maude Road, Cadell Street, Lachlan Street (Cobb Highway) to re join the Sturt Highway. Plan your journey and allow extra travel time.For the latest updates on this incident, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/234140

Funding Opportunity Opens for Far West NSW Community GroupsLocal community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Broken Hill and the Far West NSW region have a chance to secure funding to support their vital work. Transgrid's Broken Hill & Far West NSW Community Partnerships Program has opened applications for its second round.This program represents a new $500,000 funding initiative launched by Transgrid specifically for community organisations and not-for-profit groups in these areas.Eligible organisations can apply for funding of up to $10,000 to support local initiatives aimed at creating long-term community benefits.Applications for this round are now open but will close on Friday, 23 May 2025.The first round of this funding initiative previously closed on December 7, 2024, with funds already distributed to successful applicants. Looking ahead, another round is scheduled to open on Monday, 31 March 2025.This new $500,000 initiative is separate from Transgrid’s $1.5 million contribution to the NSW Government’s community support package, which assists residents and businesses affected by the recent outage.Transgrid has a history of supporting the community through its broader Community Partnerships Program, having contributed over $1 million in the past two years to nearly 250 organisations. These have included a wide range of groups such as sporting clubs, Indigenous groups, social welfare and aged care providers, emergency response services, and youth organisations.To be eligible for the current funding round, organisations must be located in or serve a location that was directly impacted by the October 2024 outage. Eligible postcodes listed for this round include 2648, 2715, 2836, 2879, 2880, covering areas such as Whitecliffs, Wilcannia, Broken Hill, and Menindee.Organisations encouraged not to miss out on this opportunity to make a lasting impact in their community. Apply now. Further information is available on the Transgrid Community Partnerships Program webpage.