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.

“Our family has a proud history, building a winemaking business that we believe is a true Australian success story. It has been achieved through hard work, self-sufficiency, determination and vision, built on foundations laid by Vittorio and Giuseppina De Bortoli who carried their dreams of a better life from the alpine foothills of Italy’s north to the fertile Riverina region in New South Wales.From humble beginnings we now have an international business, employing more than 450 Australians and making wine that is enjoyed throughout the world, and in doing so bringing valuable dollars into our nation.But I have concerns for the future and I believe my fellow Australians, especially those in capital cities, need to understand the pressures being applied across the board to those who grow the quality food and beverages, including wine, that you enjoy.We are being asked to carry an unfair burden, not in the name of the environment or sustainability, but merely to appease ill-informed ideology.For example, in the Riverina we need water to grow grapes, rice, fruit, vegetables and a whole range of other produce. That should not be a problem because, in reality, there is enough water available to both grow food and protect our environments.Some people, mainly those living in cities, may argue this is not the case, though we do not often see them in our fertile food growing regions, educating themselves and listening to those with lived experience. They mostly remain within inner-city confines, sipping their latte and glibly expressing their ideologies that impact others, especially those in rural areas.My issue is they generally do not understand what is needed to grow food, and have even less understanding of water management and sensible ways to use this precious resource for productive and environmental benefit.I am writing this letter as an appeal to my fellow Australians. I am passionate about protecting rural communities from unnecessary and often ill-informed environmental ideology.So please think carefully about this, including how you cast your vote at any upcoming election. We need politicians who are prepared to listen, learn and develop policy that not only protects our environment, but also my fellow citizens in rural Australia and the cost of living for all of us. If we do not provide the platform and resources for those who grow our food, ultimately everyone will suffer.I don’t generally get directly involved in elections or political parties, but like so many others across rural and regional Australia I am seeing unprecedented damage to our way of life from illogical policies and their implementation.For the sake of our farming communities, and to ensure we can continue to grow fresh, clean Aussie food, this needs to change.”Darren De Bortoli Managing Director – De Bortoli Wines, Griffith

Mallee Family Care are holding a free BBQ and playgroup on Wednesday February, 26.This is a great opportunity for families with young children to get together, have a chat and learn about the different services Mallee Family Care has to offer, including playgroups, self care, parenting groups, first aid, and supports and referrals.Raising families is hard, and there can never be enough supports to fall back on, and everyone is welcome.It is on at Greenham Park Hall from 11am to 1.30 pm. Mallee Family Care was established in August 1979 in response to the needs of the communities of north west Victoria and south west New South Wales. Commencing as part of Melbourne Family Care, it was separately incorporated in 1984. Today it’s a locally accountable provider of health, welfare and family services.Playgroups offer many proven benefits for children and their families, including helping children develop social and emotional skills, and make friends. They help children develop literacy and numeracy skills, and learn about the world around them. 

Look into these grants to make life easier for you, your business or your organisation.We're all so busy these days, it feels like nobody can afford time to do anything.But think of it this way: if you missed out on money you, your business or your organisation was entitled to and could dearly use, can you afford to miss out?Take five or ten minutes and visithttps://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding?suburb=2711%2C+HAY&lat=-34.3783&lon=144.8609&page=3Type in your location into the search criteria and see what pops up.There are so many grants available out there these days.Here's just one example. Did you know the Robinvale District Local Health service was smart enough to benefit from the Community Benefit Payment Scheme.What's that, you may ask? The Community Benefit Payment Scheme Community benefit payments are intended to benefit local communities and to offset the potential harm of increased gaming machines in a local government area. Community benefit payments are generally given to local not for profit and charitable organisations to support communities in the local government area where the funding is generated. When a venue applies to Liquor & Gaming NSW to increase the gaming machines on its premises, it may be required to complete a Local Impact Assessment which examines the impact that the additional machines may have on the local area. The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority uses the Local Impact Assessment to determine if approving the application will have an overall positive impact on the community.If the application is approved, the venue must make community benefit payments to the Responsible Gambling Fund. The payments are calculated by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority and are distributed to organisations that support the social wellbeing of communities in the local area.The Robinvale District Local Health Service was able to hire a social worker/counsellor to perform cross-referral and collaboration with GambleAware Far & Western NSW for two years.Community War Memorials Fund, Drought Ready and Resilience Fund loans, boarding scholarships for isolated students, scholarships and allowances for rural students, Prevention Innovation and Technology grants, $1000 Safe Work small business grant, and so much more.Yes it is time out of your day, but even one time in five times of taking a five minute scroll might prove a game changer for you, the organisation you volunteer for, or your business. Can't really put a price on that can you?

Are you or someone you know moving this year to attend university?Look into the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP).A payment to help students with the cost of moving from regional or remote areas for tertiary study, the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a one-off payment of up to $5,000. It’s to help eligible students with the cost of moving to study. This is for study after you’ve finished year 12 or equivalent.To get the payment you need to meet some rules. These include moving from a regional or remote area for tertiary study, and starting tertiary study in the year after finishing year 12 or equivalent.Regional areas are places that aren’t in or near a major city. You can check if your family home is in a regional or remote area using the Student Regional Area Search.You can claim this payment in your first year of tertiary study only.You can still claim TAP if you get ABSTUDY, Youth Allowance or Relocation Scholarship in your first year of study.https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/tertiary-access-payment?fbclid=PAY2xjawIWOzZleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqxW-rv-rVgGmglR_5U0EzbqBgfe5MavwTF23YCJ3NdlHeZT7CYQ3aNErvOd65FZFz0BO_aem_Ro_e4bxdb8ASUW31iqNu1A&utm_campaign=doe-tap-202501&utm_content=video2-parents-and-students-burst&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=facebook+

Don't miss out on having your sayGriffith City Council is inviting residents to take part in its first Community Opinion Group (COG) meeting of the year on Wednesday, February 26, at 7pm at the Yenda Diggers Club. The COG provides an opportunity for community members to bring forward issues, ideas, and concerns in a relaxed setting, engaging directly with councillors and council staff. Council is currently calling for agenda items, with submissions closing at 4pm on Thursday February 20. Residents are encouraged to put forward topics they would like to see discussed. Mayor Doug Curran said the new initiative aims to strengthen communication between Council and the community. “We want to ensure our residents have a platform to voice their concerns and ideas in an open and welcoming environment,” said Mayor Curran. “The Community Opinion Group is about listening to our community and working together to shape the future of Griffith.” To submit an agenda item, contact council on 1300 176 077.

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton's weekly catch upFree student broadband extendedWith many across the electorate already back in school or about to start school this week, now is a great time to remind families of the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).Through this initiative the Australian Government aims to bridge the digital divide and expand educational opportunities for students who do not have home internet access.I am pleased to see SSBI has been extended, now offering free home internet to eligible families until 30 June 2028.To qualify, participants must:Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school;Not have an active NBN network internet service at home or in the past 14 days (having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility); and,Live in a premises that can access the NBN network.This extension is available to all eligible families, whether they are existing participants of SSBI or new to the program.Only 30,000 places are available. To check your eligibility, call 1800 954 610 or visit: https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet/ .For more information, visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/internet/national-broadband-network/school-student-broadband-initiative-ssbi 2025 NAIDOC GrantsApplications for the 2025 NAIDOC Local Grants are now open to provide a co-contribution to the cost of activities and events being held around National NAIDOC Week (6 to 13 July 2025).Activities and events should align with the annual National NAIDOC Week theme The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.More InformationReturn to ParliamentParliament returned for the first sitting fortnight of 2025 last week. It was a bittersweet week for me, marked by the reality that it was my last ‘first week’ back in Canberra.Speculation on when the election will be called was rife within the walls of Parliament House, but it was still business as usual for me with plenty of meetings, debates and events to partake in.It is clear that the Labor Government has realised, on the slim chance that they do win the election, they’ll have nothing to do because they have spent their entire term in government happily announcing and opening projects which were funded by the previous Coalition Government. I suggested to the House that they could maybe have a sod-filling ceremony for the section of Inland Rail that they stalled; they could also have a game of cricket on the parched cotton fields where water has been diverted to win South Australian Senate votes; or perhaps they could even try beating a road train across the Newell Highway where funding was cut for the $44 million overpass at Moree. These suggestions were unfortunately laughed off by those in Government, because they are only interested in opportunities which make themselves look good. The truth is Labor only cares about making promises and then fails to deliver.On Wednesday I also took the opportunity to speak in the Federation Chamber on the closure of Wee Waa Hospital. The community of Wee Waa have been very angry and upset by the decision, and despite reassurances from the Independent State Member and the New South Wales Health Minister, there appears to be no action by Hunter New England Health. It's time for the leadership of Hunter New England Health to get their skates on, get in the car and come to Wee Waa to find a solution. Basic health care is something that all Australians should have access to, and I'm backing the people of Wee Waa on this.