Local Land Services (LLS) is offering the 2024-25 $13.1 million Feral Pig and Pest Program on behalf of the NSW Government, from August 2024 to June 2025.It builds on the control actions that LLS has synchronized with landowners statewide in earlier years.The program aims to support landholders in controlling feral pigs and pest animals, reduce the impacts of feral pigs and pest animals on agricultural and environmental assets, build landholder capability in feral pig and other pest animal management, and maintain workforce capability to support pest animal control and coordination.Key activities of the program are many, and include a coordinated broadscale control programs targeting feral pigs and other priority pest animal species in key locations across the state to further support existing landholder driven programs.providing land managers with the knowledge, skills and support to implement control programs on their land, promoting and employing best practice management techniques for reducing feral pig and other priority pest animal populations.educating landholders in their General Biosecurity Duty responsibilities related to managing pest animals under the Biosecurity Act 2015engaging landholders to participate in control programsmaintaining a trained biosecurity workforce with the skills, experience and capacity to assist landholders to manage invasive speciescontinuing the role of the NSW State Feral Pig Coordinator to lead and coordinate the programestablishing localised monitoring programs of feral pigs and other priority pest animal speciesproviding subsidised 1080 poison to eligible landholders for feral pig baiting.Support for landholders includes coordinating regional aerial and ground control programs, delivering capacity building events to equip landholders with the latest tools and advice to continue actively managing pest animals on their property, providing free Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training (VPIT) courses online and face-to-face at various locations around the state, fully subsiding the cost of 1080 poison to eligible landholders up to 30 June 2025 to help control feral pigsLandholder participation in control programs is essential. The more landholders taking part in control programs, the more successful we will be in reducing pest animal numbers and impacts, protecting farming operations and the environment.Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, all landholders have a responsibility to manage pest animals on their land, and this program assists landholders in meeting their General Biosecurity Duty (GBD). Your local biosecurity officer has the expertise to support you with advice to suit your situation. To get involved in the Feral Pig and Pest Program or find out what activities are happening in your area, call LLS on 1300 795 299 and ask to speak with your local biosecurity officer.

Do you know someone in the Central Darling Shire who has done fantastic things for the community? Nominate them for the Central Darling Shire Outstanding Community Service Awards.Awards will be presented in January 2025 for the following categories:  • Citizen of the Year • Young Citizen of the Year (aged 17 and under in 2024) • Service to the Community (examples; bravery, local business, environment etc.) • Volunteer of the Year • Outstanding Local Event (2024)The community benefits greatly from the contributions of residents and volunteers who work to improve the lives of others and make the Central Darling Shire a better place to live. The Outstanding Community Service Awards recognize Central Darling Shire residents who have made a significant contribution to the Shire and its community.Each year these awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of outstanding residents by publicly thanking them in a spirit of community pride.Nominations close at 4pm November 8. For more information, email Gabrielle Johnston at [email protected] or phone 0472 787 022.There is an option to place your nomination online or to print out a form and fill it in on Central Murray Darling website.

The man accused of transporting pipe bombs along the Sturt Highway pled guilty and did not apply for bail at a recent court appearance.33-year-old Timacoy Jason Williams remains in custody after pleading guilty to all charges at his October 4 appearance at Griffith Local Court.Appearing via video link, Williams faced two charges of possess explosive device in public place, two charges of prohibited drug and one charge of custody of knife in public place.The charges relate to the discovery of two suspected pipe bombs in a vehicle stopped on the Sturt Highway near Hay on September 30.The discovery resulted in 50 kilometres of the highway being closed for eight hours between Hay and Maude, while police investigated.The court heard Williams acted suspiciously during a routine traffic stop, where he was the passenger in the vehicle.Police said officers could smell cannabis in the vehicle and said Williams was not wearing his seatbelt correctly. When asked for his ID, an agitated Williams gave a false name.The driver produced a positive drug test on the roadside, leading Police to further search the vehicle. Officers searched the car and found a black sports bag in the passenger side footwell, which contained cannabis and two silver metal cylinders with fuses which officers identified as pipe bombs.A jewellery box and a satchel bag containing a wallet with Williams' true name on it were also found.The box and bag were searched and police found cannabis and a clear resealable bag containing a crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine. A 29.5-centimetre knife was also found under the passenger seat.Police also found other items including a 'Mongrels' outlaw motorcycle gang vest, a black ski mask and black tactical gloves.The court heard Williams has ties to bikie gangs and had what was referred to as an “extensive criminal history.” The magistrate adjourned the matter for sentencing on November 30.

In recent months, Balranald has lost two of its oldest and most active community members; Adrian and Pat Gorman (pictured). Adrian passed away on August 14, just eight weeks after Pat, his wife and soulmate of 70 years. They were immensely proud of their eight children, 28 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Adrian was the youngest of the five children of Richard and Kathleen Gorman who had moved from Berrigan to take up ‘Meilman’ Station, near Euston, in 1926.Adrian spent his early childhood at ‘Meilman’ on the banks of the River Murray and completed his secondary education as a boarder at Xavier College in Melbourne. He moved to ‘Willow Vale’ in the Balranald district in 1950. In 1954, he married Patricia Anne Daly, the daughter of a medical doctor from Sydney. Adrian was an independent thinker who was engaged in community activities throughout his long life. He took action where he identified a community need, such as initiating the Abercrombie Pumping Scheme in 1959 that ultimately supplied stock and domestic water to 15 properties between Hay, Moulamein and Balranald. In 1968, he also purchased a bus to take his and other children from properties east of Balranald into school. Adrian was also willing to enthusiastically take up new projects at various times in his life, such as learning to weld in his 70s in order to produce ‘sculptures’ from parts of discarded farm machinery and other scrap metal. He was an active participant in a range of sports at different stages of his life – VFL for Euston as a youth, cricket for Euston and Balranald, tennis and golf. This included involvement in the construction and maintenance of tennis courts, golf links and bowling greens. Lawn bowls became a great passion from around 1980. In later years, he and Pat enjoyed regular card games with Balranald friends. Adrian had a life-long passion for the history of the district. He believed district history to be a valuable but under-utilised community asset. He was also concerned that the loss of local knowledge and social memory would weaken community resilience and its ability to deal with future crises. In his last years, he self-published three books that record the changes he had seen during his life. However, long before that, he had taken action to record and promote local history. In 1982, he chaired a committee that received a grant from the Commonwealth Schools Commission Country Areas Program (CAP) to establish a program for district schools to study Australian history from local perspectives. It enabled district school children to examine first-hand local links to Australian history through excursions and the use of local resources such as newspaper files, historic photographs and senior residents. Children recorded stories, produced booklets, developed board-games and participated in plays to ‘bring history to life’. The Balranald, Euston, Tooleybuc History Project was developed by David Eastburn. This began a productive 42-year collaboration with Adrian to record the history of the district; to highlight its natural, cultural and environmental assets, and to honour its people by telling their stories. A later collaboration that Adrian was most proud of was the Balranald and district Military Heritage Walk consisting of 47 story-signs honouring local service men and women and eight larger contextual signs. It was triggered by a booklet Adrian compiled in 2005, titled Balranald Boys of the Skies about local airmen who served in WWII. The process made him aware that their stories, and even the stories of those whose names were listed on the local war memorial, were increasingly being forgotten. The centenary of World War I provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of all members of the community – men, women and children - to war efforts.It included stories about the actions of community members both at home and at the front in all wars. The long collaboration directly and indirectly included the production of 120 interpretive signs in the district (at Balranald, Maude village and Yanga National Park); studies of the natural, cultural, economic and political histories of the lower Murrumbidgee floodplain wetlands; major histories of district pastoral stations (‘Paika’, ‘Clare’, and the people associated with ‘Clare’); and numerous booklets, discussion papers and newspaper articles. The benefits of the collaboration were two-way. The contacts made and lessons learnt from the Balranald, Euston, Tooleybuc History Project helped in the development of the Murray-Darling Basin primary schools’ environmental education – literacy – intergenerational equity program, Special forever. That unique writing and art program, involving up to 38.000 children per year, operated throughout the million-square-kilometre Murray-Darling Basin between 1993 and 2010. Adrian was a successful grazier-farmer as evidenced by the fact that after supporting eight children through boarding school and university, he still owned his property! However, he was very happy to hand over the operation of ‘Willow Vale’ to his eldest son Terry, in order to pursue other interests, including overseas travel. Adrian’s enthusiastic and inquisitive temperament appeared to reflect the most positive aspects of his Irish ancestry. However, the actions of his great-uncle Emanual E J Gorman of Berrigan, also made him aware that community members could take the initiative and ‘make a difference’. Around the turn of the twentieth century, E J Gorman played strategic roles in conferences at Corowa which led to the achievement of Australian Federation and to the sharing of the waters of the River Murray. Adrian was unafraid to put forward big ideas, but this was combined with a willingness to work with others to modify them and to use his time and networks to bring them to fruition. In recognition of his lifetime of active involvement in, and services to, the Balranald community, he was awarded the Balranald Australia Day Citizen of the Year in 2019, followed in 2024 by an Order of Australia Medal. Every rural community needs at least one Adrian Gorman, supported by a very understanding Pat: Vale.

From 30 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, midwives relocating from metro NSW or interstate to rural and remote NSW will receive a $20,000 sign-on bonus.As part of the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, the midwifery sign-on bonus is offered to experienced midwives working in metro NSW or interstate who are looking to relocate to rural or remote NSW. This sign-on bonus aims to attract and recruit midwives to these locations in NSW.Midwives who start work with NSW Health in these locations will receive a $20,000 flat-rate sign-on bonus under the NSW Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme (RHWIS) and help deliver outcomes that matter most to our NSW community.The midwifery sign-on bonus is open to registered midwives starting work with NSW Health in a Commonwealth Government Modified Monash Model (MM) level 3 to level 7 location.Inclusions and eligibility for the scheme are:Midwives moving from work in an NSW MM1 and MM2 location to work in an NSW MM3 to MM7 location (inclusive)Midwives moving from interstate to work in an NSW MM3 to MM7 location (inclusive)Eligible midwife classifications include Registered Midwives Year 2 to Year 8 and thereafter, Clinical Midwife Specialists, Clinical Midwife Educators, Clinical Midwife Consultants, Midwifery Unit Manager, and Midwife Managers. Midwives who are already working in NSW MM3 to MM7 locations are not included for this scheme.What are the terms and conditions?In order to receive the sign-on bonus, you must relocate and start work with NSW Health in an eligible location and position according to the above criteria.The $20,000 sign-on bonus is based on a full time equivalent health worker's hours (average of 38 hours per week across a year).For employees who don't work full time, this amount is pro-rata'd to your contracted hours or ordinary working hours.You must commit to working for 18 months in that position with NSW HealthIf you were to leave before the 18-month commitment, then you would have to repay a percentage of the sign-on bonus relative to your time servedHow is the sign-on bonus paid?Once you start work with NSW Health as a midwife in an eligible location and position, your sign-on bonus will be paid as a lump sum through your payroll.The sign-on bonus is paid to you because of your employment with NSW Health and is subject to PAYG withholding.You may also be eligible for other incentives and benefits under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme after your first 12 months of service. The value of your incentive package will depend on the MM classification of your location and the vacancy classification of your position. You can find out more about incentives and benefits offered to you at Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.

ALERT: There was a small grass fire in Hay, in the laneway behind McGregor Street. A neighbourhood resident extinguished the small fire before emergency services arrived, and was deemed resolved before the emergency services left the scene.

Transgrid executive general manager of delivery Jennifer Hughes and Carbonix CEO Philip van der Berg. Image: Transgrid.Transgrid has launched an innovative trial of advanced drone technology to inspect its high-voltage transmission network in NSW and the ACT to help keep local communities safe from bushfires.“We take preparation for bushfire season very seriously and the safety of our people, landowners and communities is our first priority," Executive General Manager of Delivery Jennifer Hughes said.“We are trialling the use of cutting-edge drone technology to conduct 3D-laser surveys of our network using LiDAR* technology to detect vegetation growing in the vicinity of the transmission easement and enable us to undertake timely vegetation management.“Transgrid embraces innovation to continually improve how we manage the network and drive efficiency in delivering access to affordable, safe and reliable energy to more than three million homes and businesses in NSW and the ACT.”As part of its annual bushfire prevention program, Transgrid uses conventional crewed aircraft (helicopters or light planes) to carry out LiDAR surveys to detect vegetation encroachments across its 13,000km network – the equivalent distance of travelling from Sydney to Perth four times.Australia’s largest transmission business has now engaged Sydney-based, fixed-wing drone manufacturer Carbonix to trial the use of its long-range, hybrid powered un-crewed aerial vehicles. These vehicles are CASA approved units and are operated by licensed pilots.The Carbonix Ottano drone, which is capable of flying 500km in a single mission, has already been tested in the Megalong Valley in the Blue Mountains.The fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing drone captured data insights and high-quality imagery of transmission lines at a speed of approximately 90km/h and an altitude of below 400ft making it a safer and significantly more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.Ms Hughes said specialist drones have the potential to drive even greater efficiency in Transgrid’s comprehensive asset management program and provide genuine safety benefits for personnel and communities.“Compared to conventional crewed aircraft, drones would provide significant operational and environmental benefits, reducing costs and carbon footprint while improving safety and efficiency,” Ms Hughes said.“In fact, drones could reduce the need to conduct 185 hours of LiDAR inspections using a crewed aircraft, resulting in a reduction of more than 12 tonnes of CO2 emissions.“Drones are also more easily deployed than conventional aircraft, potentially accelerating asset inspection cycles, and ensuring early bushfire risk identification and mitigation.”The trial is also assessing the potential for drone technology to lower noise and disturbance for landowners, livestock and wildlife.Carbonix CEO Philip van der Burg said the company was proud to support Transgrid in the initiative.“The Ottano’s ability to cover vast distances and capture high-quality imagery at speed and lower altitude ensures thorough inspections without the logistical challenges and environmental impact of traditional crewed aircraft,” he said.“This trial represents a significant step forward in modernising asset management and demonstrates the tangible benefits of drone technology in real-world applications.“It not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with our shared goal of reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices. Together, we are setting new standards for safety, reliability, and environmental stewardship in the energy sector.”Trials with the Carbonix Ottano 6.5m carbon-fibre drone, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight missions, will continue this year.Transgrid plans to progressively introduce specialist drones to conduct annual LiDAR surveys of the network from 2025.*LiDAR, an acronym for "light detection and ranging", helps build a 3D-model of transmission lines by targeting objects with a laser beam and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP has been active in NSW Parliament in recent weeks, as reported in his community newsletter."The sitting weeks kicked off for me with a hearing on the Review of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which is a joint select committee of which I am a member," Mr Butler said."The committee heard from a range of stakeholders including NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers AFSM, NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan, NSW State Emergency Service Acting Commissioner Debbie Platz APM, Acting Deputy Commissioner Nicole Hogan and the Acting Chief Executive of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Ms Joanna Quilty. "There were also representatives from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Office of Local Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Premier’s Department. "They spoke about their experiences with the now defunct Resilience NSW and discussed what could be done to improve emergency management and coordination of all organisations under the Reconstruction Authority."The Committee’s report is due on November 28.Mr Butler also moved a notice of motion in Parliament of NSW regarding the Wilcannia weir replacement project.The motion to the house read,Notes the original consultation that resulted in an agreed design for Wilcannia Weir was nominated for an award.Observes that the design was changed without community consultation for contentious reasons.Recognises that the Wilcannia Community does not support the revised design.Agrees, as a disadvantaged indigenous community, Wilcannia should not be short changed.Asks the State and Federal Government to listen to the Wilcannia community and build the weir they agreed to and deserve."Since the revised design was unveiled in December last year, I have been talking to the Wilcannia community and to the government to find a way forward with the project, one that will take notice of what the community is asking for and will deliver what they need," Mr Butler said.Mr Butler also shared details of the work he has been doing on the Regional Communities Consultation Standards Bill."In about January my team and I began working on creating a bill that would set standards for community consultation on government projects," Mr Butler said. "That bill made it onto the business paper in May and last week it was finally voted on in Parliament."Fortunately, the bill received support from the government, with amendments that helped sharpen some aspects of the bill and did not affect the intent." The Bill now moves to the Legislative Council, where the Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, has carriage of the bill, before it returns to the Legislative Assembly to become law."It is a long process, but it makes sure that everyone has their say and that the bill does what it is supposed to do," Mr Butler said. "I want to make sure the voice of regional NSW communities is heard and considered in the decision making for both agencies and NSW Parliament. This bill goes a long way to ensuring that."Mr Butler is also working on improving regional manufacturing in the bush."Years ago, in Australia, we made things—cars, fridges, lawnmowers. But a lot of our manufacturing has gone offshore," he said. "During the pandemic, we discovered this left us open to supply chain issues and greatly impacted our cost of living."I moved a motion for the Public Interest Debate (PID) in NSW Parliament. PIDs are a way of discussing topics that, as the name suggests, are relevant to the public. "My motion drew attention to NSW's vulnerabilities to supply chain disturbances, noted the commitment of the NSW Government to support manufacturing, and urged the parliament to revive manufacturing in Regional NSW."The motion received bipartisan support, and both sides spoke very respectfully about the need to see more local manufacturing. There was wide agreement that regional NSW is ready, willing, and suitable to contribute to a stronger NSW."To see the debate, head to the linkImages: Roy Butler MP

Helen Dalton’s petition for the NSW government to say no to Commonwealth Water Buybacks from Basin irrigators is gaining momentum.“We all need to act as one right now and stop Tanya Plibersek running a wrecking ball through rural communities,” Dalton said. She is asking for people to sign and return to one of my offices or send in by post. Visit https://helendalton.com.au/petitions for more information.Additional forms can be sent to you if required, call the office of Helen Dalton on 02 6962 6644Dalton also has active petitions for better regional healthcare, and Proposed Modification: Four Month Daylight Savings Time from 1st Sunday of November to 1st Sunday of March.

Mental Health is something which so many of us struggle. The stigma relating to mental health has lessened, but still lingers, even in 2024.We all know someone, or are someone who struggles with mental health.Mental disorders (or mental illnesses) are conditions that affect your thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior. They may happen over a short period of time or come and go. Some can be chronic (long-lasting).Everyone tells you to reach out if you’re feeling mental distress, but sometimes reaching out is really hard. Stigma, shame, and prejudice all contribute to people feeling unable to reach out when they’re going through tough times. It can be so hard to watch and know someone is going through mental issues. The human desire to help is strong, but putting it into practical practise is another thing entirely. The theme of WayAhead's Mental Health Month for 2024 is Let's Talk About It.“Let’s Talk About It” emphasies the significance of open dialogue and communication regarding mental health across various platforms and settings. The theme’s “Talk” aspect highlights the importance of inclusive discussions, considering diverse needs and utilising different mediums for conversation. Meanwhile, the “It” component, is open-ended, allowing individuals to choose the topics they want to discuss. This could encompass conversations of lived experience stories, navigating mental health systems, or seeking resources and support. By embracing this flexibility, we empower people to engage in discussions that are meaningful and relevant to their own experiences. Whether it’s sharing coping strategies, advocating for better access to mental health care, or simply lending a listening ear, the “It” component encourages a wide range of conversations that promote understanding and support of mental health.42.9% of people aged 16–85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life.21.5% of people had a 12-month mental disorder, with Anxiety being the most common group (17.2% of people aged 16–85 years).38.8% of people aged 16–24 years had a 12-month mental disorder.WayAhead is the organisation behind Mental Health Month. They work every day to educate people throughout New South Wales on mental health and wellbeing and link them to services and resources that improve their mental health.Their vision is for a society that understands, values and actively supports the best possible mental health and wellbeing.Visit their website https://mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au/ to find free resources and things you can do to sup[port and promote mental health.Share information about mental health on your social media, keep the conversation alive, and we can all work together and make people feel comfortable enough to share their experiences and reach out if they need help. If you or someone you know are needing to reach out for help, there are resources out there.Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978Kids Helpline: 1800 551 80013YARN: 13 92 76

Over the past 20 years, RFDS has operated across more than 300 airstrips throughout Far West and Western NSW.Some of these, such as the service's regular clinic airstrips, are part of routine flights, whilst others are access in emergency situations.With so many airstrips available to the RFDS, it is crucial they maintain up-to-date information for each location. This ensures that the airstrips are being regularly maintained and RFDS have accurate contact details for support teams on the ground, should and RFDS crew need to land.If your airstrip is one the Flying Doctors utilise, or if you would like to nominate your airstrip for potential use by RFDS, please complete this form.Airstrip RequirementsFor new airstrips or upgrades to existing ones, we recommend the following specifications to ensure safe operations:• Beechcraft King Air B200: An unsealed strip of 1200m in length and 18m in width is suitable under more conditions (up to 45°C).• Beechcraft King Air B350: An unsealed strip of 1650m or a sealed strip of 1450m and 23m in width is suitable under more conditions (up to 45°C)."Additionally, we recommend that any new or upgraded airstrips are free of shrubbery taller than 30cm for 200m at either end of the runway, the RFDS said."Whilst it is ideal to have maximum clearance on both sides of the airstrip, RFDS requires a minimum clearance of 20-35m from the airstrip’s edges."Please note that inclusion on our airstrip register allows us to quickly assess whether we can safely attend a medical event."Factors such as weather conditions, proximity of livestock or wildlife, and the availability of on-ground support will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis."Upon completion of the form, a member of RFDS will reach out to you to confirm the information provided and to answer any questions you may have.If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

CWA Menindee branch invites all to come and join them for a fantastic morning to learn about 'Menindee's Past and Future' project. featuring the Rainbow Serpent Mosaic and Menindee's Timeline.It will be from 10.30 am Sunday October 20, at the corner of Perry and Yartla Street Menindee.There will be a sausage sizzle while having a chat about the projects journey from start to finish from those involved. RSVP to Barb 0407427742 or Margot 0427437522. Come down and see this fantastic undertaking by CWA Menindee.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler has called for a review into so-called ghost services in regional and remote NSW."Service delivery in regional NSW needs to be better," he said. "We know that.""We also know a lot of funding is coming into our communities through non-government organisations, but there is not enough accountability or monitoring of the outcomes from these funds/services.""I moved a notice of motion alerting NSW Parliament about the "ghost services" issue in regional and remote NSW and asking the NSW Government to conduct a root and branch review of these services."

The 2024 bush fire period commences on Tuesday, October 1 and now is the time to prepare your property for the fire season. As the hot, dry weather of summer approaches across the Hay and Carrathool area, it is crucial for both rural and town residents to take immediate action to prepare their properties against the increasing risk of bushfires and grass fires. Fires can start and spread quickly, but with proper preparation, you can help protect your crops, homes, and livelihoods from potential devastation. Here are some key steps you can take: Construct and Maintain Fire Breaks. Fire breaks are one of the most effective measures in preventing fires from entering or escaping your land. These cleared areas, free from vegetation, act as barriers to slow or stop the spread of fire. The width of your fire breaks should be based on the density of your crops or pastures — the more fuel available for a fire, the wider the fire break needs to be. Why it matters: Sacrificing a small portion of your crop land to create a fire break is far better than risking the loss of your entire crop or farm. A well-constructed fire break can prevent catastrophic damage. Prepare Your Home — Even in Town Even if you live in town, don’t assume you are immune to fire risk. Ember attacks from bushfires or grass fires can cause spot fires in urban areas, threatening homes that aren’t properly prepared.Well-kept homes are safer homes: A green, well-maintained yard with trimmed trees and bushes can significantly reduce the chances of fire spreading to your home. � Garden maintenance: Ensure that gardens, including flower beds and shrubs, are well-watered and free of dry debris. Well-prepared homes are not only safer but also easier to protect during a fire event. Insurance Considerations: Taking the time to prepare your property can have financial benefits when dealing with insurance claims after a fire. Insurance companies may take the state of your property into account when processing claims, and a well-prepared home may help your case. Fire-resistant property management: Properly maintained homes and properties could result in more favourable outcomes when making claims. Remove Combustible Materials To reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home, it’s important to remove any combustible materials from around the house. What to remove: Firewood piles, outdoor furniture, and even potted plants on patios should be relocated to reduce fire hazards. Embers can ignite these materials and spread fire to the home. Ensure Firefighting Equipment is Ready: In case you need to stay and defend your property, make sure all your firefighting equipment is in good working condition. � Fire pumps and hoses: Ensure firefighting pumps are operational, hoses are in good condition, and you have adequate water supplies. Generators: Power may be cut during a fire, so make sure generators are fuelled and ready to use. Safety gear: Prepare appropriate protective clothing, including long-sleeved cotton shirts, jeans or long pants, work boots, and wool or cotton socks. Avoid synthetic materials, as they can melt and cause serious burns if exposed to fire. Preparing your property before the onset of summer is not just about protecting your home and crops; it’s about ensuring the safety of your family and community. Take the necessary steps now to safeguard against fire risks and reduce potential damage, both physical and financial, from fires. By following these simple but effective tips, you can be better prepared for the fire season and protect what matters most. Why Burn Now? Starting from October 1, residents will need a fire permit to conduct any burns on their property. This change brings with it additional restrictions on what can be burnt and when. Under these rules: No timber or pile burns will be allowed. Fires cannot be lit before 4pm and must be fully extinguished by midnight. What Can—and Can’t—Be Burnt: It’s important to ensure that only natural materials like timber and prunings are burnt. Prohibited items include: Treated pine logs, plastic, tyres or other hazardous materials. These materials not only pose environmental hazards but could also lead to fines if found burning. Mandatory Notification: Avoiding Unnecessary Callouts One of the biggest concerns for the RFS is the increasing number of burns not notified. It is mandatory to notify the RFS before conducting any pile burn—this applies year-round. Failing to do so can result in fire trucks and volunteers being unnecessarily dispatched to attend a burn, often disrupting their personal lives and work. "Volunteers are leaving their jobs, families, and meals on the table to respond to burns that should have been notified," an RFS spokesperson said. "It's frustrating when they arrive to find that no real emergency exists." To avoid this, the RFS asks that residents take just 60 seconds to notify them online before conducting a burn. Not only will this prevent unnecessary callouts, but it could also save residents from embarrassment when multiple fire trucks arrive at a controlled burn site. Moreover, failing to notify the RFS could result in a $1,100 fine.

Daylight savings starts this weekend, on SundayNSW residents will move into daylight savings time, this weekend.We will all go to bed on Sunday night, and lose an hour while we sleep, as the clock jumps forwards at 2am, to 3am.The summer time period will run for six months, which Member for Murray Helen Dalton MP says is too long.The independent member has a petition before NSW Parliament, calling for the period to be reduced to four months.Ms Dalton says the modification to the time period is crucial for people living in rural and regional areas, who work and education are disrupted by the long period of day light savings."The darker mornings during the transition months can pose safety concerns for students commuting to school for a longer period of time, especially bus users, hindering learning outcomes and exacerbating existing challenges in education," Ms Dalton said."Agricultural communities bear a disproportionate burden during daylight saving, particularly during the initial and final months. Farmers rely on natural daylight for their operations, these altered times can disrupt planting, harvesting and livestock management schedules adversely. Additionally, the inconsistency in time can complicate coordination with suppliers, markets and stakeholders, impacting the local economy."Daylight saving 2024 start date:Date: Sunday 6 October 2024Time: 2am Eastern Standard Time (AEST)What happens?: Clocks are moved forward by 1 hour to 3am, giving you more daylight in the evening.Daylight saving 2025 end date: Date: Sunday 6 April 2025Time: 3am Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)What happens?: Clocks are moved back 1 hour to 2am, giving you more daylight in the morning.Learn more.

Residents of Hay and the district, don’t forget to get down to the Community Building to find out about and get some help with Aged Care. The session will be delivered by Marathon Health, and supported by First Health Limited, and PHN Murrumbidgee.The system is incredibly hard to navigate and wrap your head around, 10am to 12.30pm Wednesday October 9 is your time to seek help. It is a free information session and light refreshments will be provided.

Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has publicly slammed Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, after hearing reports of the Albanese governments plans to review the code of conduct for supermarkets.Speaking to Sky News Australia Ley, who has held the seat of Farrer since 2001 and is also the opposition Deputy Leader, called Ms Plibersek’s announcement “ridiculous.”Ms Ley was referring to the government’s Murray Darling Basin Plan water buy-back scheme.deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has unleashed on the Albanese government and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek for “smashing” farmers in the Murray-Darling Basin with a water buy-back plan.“I’ll tell you one thing Labor could have done,” Ms Ley said.“And that is, not smash my farmers in the Murray-Darling Basin by taking water away from them.“We are going to see less Australian-grown produce on our supermarket shelves and I wonder how much that is going to put up prices.”

People living in Far West New South Wales can access free and confidential legal services locally following the opening of Mallee Family Care’s new Community Legal Centre (CLC) in Broken Hill. Located at 304 Oxide Street, the CLC provides free generalist community legal services including advice, information, referrals and casework. The Centre’s qualified and experienced staff also provide Duty Lawyer services at the Broken Hill Court on matters such as tenancy and minor traffic offences. Mallee Family Care CEO Teresa Jayet encouraged people in need of legal assistance in Far West NSW to contact the CLC. "We are committed to ensuring that everyone in the Broken Hill and Central Darling local government areas, as well as those in unincorporated areas of Far West NSW, have access to the legal support they need," Ms Jayet said. "Our free services cover a wide range of legal issues including family law, domestic violence, welfare rights, consumer problems, and more." Other matters the Community Legal Centre can assist with include employment, equal opportunity/discrimination, credit and debt, wills and Power of Attorney (advice only), driving and traffic offences, motor vehicle accidents and complaints against public organisations and employees. In addition to direct client services, the Mallee Family Care Community Legal Centre conducts community legal education sessions and engages in law reform advocacy activities to promote systemic change and empower the local community. “In just a few short weeks we have actively established our new service to ensure a seamless approach to support community,” Ms Jayet said. Experienced and qualified staff have been appointed to the Mallee Family Care Community Legal Centre in Broken Hill, and recruitment for two additional roles is now underway. “We are thrilled to welcome our new Broken Hill-based staff to the Mallee Family Care team and look forward to providing high-quality, compassionate legal support tailored to the unique needs of the local community.” A place-based Not-for-Profit organisation, Mallee Family Care provides more than 70 services and programs to support families, children and individuals living in North West Victoria, Far West New South Wales and the Riverland region of South Australia.

Supermarket Price Inquiry was released last week from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), accusing Woolworths and Coles of operating within an “oligopoly” and engaging in practices which disadvantage both their customers and suppliers."This came just days after the ACCC announced it had commenced separate legal proceedings against both Coles and Woolworths for allegedly misleading consumers through discount pricing claims on hundreds of products.The Nationals have been calling for supermarket reform since 2022 and in 2023 we called for the ACCC to be directed to start an urgent price inquiry before Christmas. Labor repeatedly ignored our warnings for more than 12 months before finally announcing powers for an ACCC inquiry in late January this year. This interim report vindicates our calls for greater penalties on Australia’s supermarket sector.Introducing divestiture powers, $2 million infringement notices and a Supermarket Commissioner is what’s needed to change the supermarkets’ culture." says MP Mark Coulton.