A phenomenal weekend was enjoyed by a whopping 400 competitors.Plenty of fish caught over the weekend and it was hard work with the weather conditions.Results:OPENLongest Murray Cod: 89cm - Hayden Bladier2nd Longest Murray Cod: 73cm - Brendan Smith3rd Longest Murray Cod: 72cm - Scott AdamsLongest Golden Perch: 54cm - Terry Higginbottom2nd Longest Golden Perch: 50cm - Daniel Mase3rd Longest Golden Perch: 49cm - Lachlan FordLongest Carp: 77cm - John DesboroughJUNIORS:Longest Murray Cod: 66cm - Hudson Berrigan2nd Longest Murray Cod: Austin HowleyLongest Golden Perch: 52cm - Grayson Gammond2nd Longest Golden Perch: 42cm - Aaron JewLongest Carp: 77cm - Isla StandenThere were incredibly impressive prizes on offer, thanks to a lot of highly generous sponsors.1st Prize: 430 Mako Craft Boat - 50 HP Mercury Motor and Trailer (value: $37,000 - Lake Boga Marine) - Lachlan Jew2nd Prize: 3.7m Tinny boat and Trailer (Hunter Marine) - Shaun Campbell3rd Prize: Honda Package (value: $3,000 - Swan Hill Power Products) - Jordan Hageman4th Prize: Engel Portable Fridge/Freezer (Swan Hill Truck Specialists) - Ernie Snowball5th Prize: Drill Set Kit - Shane EadeKyalite Fishing Club accomplished great things with the funds raised from these classics, such as releasing a huge 15,000 fingerlings back into the river in late 2024.

The NSW Government has announced the appointment of 15 learn to swim providers to deliver its new statewide learn to swim program.Under the new program, those most at-risk of drowning will be able to access as many as 10 lessons free of charge to ensure they develop basic swimming and anti-drowning skills.The providers will deliver free learn to swim and water safety lessons to all major at-risk demographics including people from low socioeconomic groups, multicultural communities, First Nations people and people in regional areas.“Being able to swim at your local pool, beach or river is one of the best things about living in NSW,” said Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper.“The NSW Government is supporting communities at the highest risk of drowning by funding the delivery of free learn to swim and water safety lessons by learn to swim providers at swimming pools across NSW.“Critically, it will mean more NSW residents can swim safely next summer and provide cost-of-living relief at a time when those groups need it most.“This was reinforced by the results of the National Drowning Report 2024 that found multicultural communities, disadvantaged communities and people living in regional areas had higher rates of drowning than other parts of the community.“The learn to swim and water safety programs delivered by the providers announced today will provide our most at risk members of the community with vital swimming and water safety skills.”Recent drowning statistics have shown that the previous approach was not working, it showed that people born overseas and those living in the most disadvantaged areas of NSW are at the highest risk of drowning.Parramatta Aquatic Centre has been appointed as one of the 15 swim lesson providers.Lord Mayor of City of Parramatta Councillor, Martin Zaiter said learning to swim was an important life skill.“And here at Parramatta Aquatic Centre, we have the best facilities to bring people together and teach them how to swim,” he said.“Since opening in 2023, Parramatta Aquatic Centre has had over a million people through the turnstiles, with about 13,000 people on average visiting each week this summer.“We have local residents from 128 nationalities who speak 117 languages, so it’s vital that we support people of all ages and backgrounds to learn to swim.“This investment by the NSW Government will help us deliver these essential Learn to Swim classes. This funding will not only save lives but help build community and lifelong skills.”Royal Life Saving NSW has welcomes the Government’s investment in water safety education.“After a challenging summer, this initiative ensures that more individuals—especially those at risk—gain vital water safety skills for life,” said Chief Executive Officer Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (NSW, ACT, Tasmania), Michael Ilinsky.“Learning to swim is a life skill. This government funding will provide many with their first aquatic experience, preparing them for a lifetime of safe aquatic participation.“Royal Life Saving NSW applauds this activation, which prioritises access to quality water safety programs in the communities that need them most.“This initiative will break down barriers, ensuring participants, regardless of background, have the opportunity to learn vital swimming and water safety skills.”The providers will commence delivery of the learn to swim programs in the coming months. NSW residents can find their local program by visiting: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/learn-to-swim-program.

A plan which will see businesses sharing employees to overcome labour challenges and new investments in local housing, amongst a raft of other priorities, was launched in Hay last week. The Hay and Carrathool Regional Drought Resilience Plan is the result of over seven months of collaboration between more than 300 people from community, industry and government. The Plan sets a vision that by 2035, communities across Hay and Carrathool will have greater capacity to adapt to climate, environmental, social, and economic challenges and opportunities while remaining healthy and vibrant, with safe places to live, work, and raise future generations. Hay Shire Mayor Carol Oataway thanked those who contributed to the Plan. “This level of community engagement reflects the leadership and strengths of this vibrant region and demonstrates the passion that local people have for its future,” Cr Oataway said. “Thanks to your input, this Plan is a powerful guide that will help us work together strategically to strengthen our region in the next decade. “We’re the ones who know what our region needs. “The plan highlights priority actions for us to focus on include setting up community hubs where people can connect, working groups so businesses can ‘share’ employees, innovative ways to provide care to groups that need it, an initiative to collect and use environmental data, and a roadmap to strengthen our economy. “State and federal governments need to support regionally-led solutions like ours.” The Plan shows there is a significant opportunity to keep local communities and economies strong, now and into the future. Cr Oataway said the Plan has already mobilised many people. “To put it into action, we need community, industry and government to work together to strengthen our capacity to deal with risks and seize opportunities,” she added. “The Plan will help our region continue our long, proud history in agriculture, and see us benefiting from our local industries and natural environment for generations to come.” The Plan sets out five strategies: Inclusive & Empowered Communities, Future Ready Businesses, Reimagined Care Economy, Placemaking with Purpose and Coordinated Action for Climate Resilient Economic Development. Under these are 26 priority actions, with key partners to lead and participate in each of these priorities. Organisations The Next Economy and the Australian Resilience Centre worked with the local councils and communities to deliver The Hay and Carrathool Regional Drought Resilience Plan. It has been developed as part of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, which is jointly funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government under the Future Drought Fund.

News from Helen DaltonThis month in parliament I called for the splitting up of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District in order to provide proper local health care across the electorate. I informed Parliament via a Notice of Motion that I intended to amend the legislation that binds us here in the seat of Murray to the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. The proposed amendment will split the MHLD into two separate districts, creating a new district called the Western Riverina Health district for all of us West of Wagga. The new Western Riverina Health District will cover Leeton to Balranald including Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Berrigan, Finley, Leeton, Griffith, Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, Balranald, Barham, Moulamein and Tocumwal. It will have it’s own board, budget and recruitment process. We all know that for too long, all of us in the Western Riverina region have been treated as second class citizens by the bosses at the MHLD. The MHLD has consistently downgraded the status of our hospitals through poor recruitment practices and a lack of services, and this deliberate decline in services must stop right now. I believe we need a closer focus on the health needs of the people of the Western Riverina, and by splitting up the MHLD we can achieve this. Planning practices in the MLHD are way too centralised and ignore local knowledge and expertise. Local health focus will save local lives. It’s that simple. I will be speaking with the NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park, urgently about the matter over the coming months. Stay tuned.

Hay Country University CentreEarlier this month, Minister Clare made the welcome announcement of the establishment of a new Regional University Study Hub in the Hay community. Hay was named as one of 10 new university study hubs across Australia after submitting a successful application. To meet skills challenges of the future, the number of people holding a tertiary qualification needs to significantly increase, especially in underrepresented groups such as those from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations people and those from regional, rural and remote communities. This study hub will bring university closer to students living in Hay, removing barriers such as distance and financial constraints. The new hub is expected to be operational from May of this year and will be located at the TAFE Connected Learning Centre.Study hubs provide student support and campus style facilities for students who are doing a university degree without having to leave their community. Almost one in two young people in their 20s and 30s have a university degree but not in rural and regional Australia. This study hub in Hay will mean more people will have the opportunity to stay in the local community, near their support networks while they undertake study. The Hay Country University Centre will enable students in the Hay Shire to access tertiary education and succeed in their chosen area of study. The Hay Country University Centre will provide the comprehensive wrap around supports required for tertiary students, ensuring more students gain qualifications that will benefit themselves and their local community. As the Mayor, I am deeply committed to fostering educational opportunities in our local area, and I believe that the Country University Centre will play a pivotal role in making higher education accessible to students in Hay and its surrounding regions.

Balranald SES keeping up to date for their communityMembers of the Balranald SES Members practicing their knots at training on Saturday February 22.This is in addition to their recent Knots Practical training, Stabilisation Theory training, and Stabilisation Practical training.

In response to the letter from Jane Hanna in last week’s Grazier, Mayor Carol Oataway has prepared the following mayoral minute for the Council meeting yesterday. “In order to provide transparency to the community of Hay, I would like to provide the following information: Council decided at its November 2024 meeting not to award a tender to build the hydrotherapy pool after quotes came in more than $500 000 over budget,' said Mrs Carol Oataway.The Hydrotherapy Committee held grant funding of $692,524 and council held community raised funds of $320,000 that was quarantined for use to build the hydrotherapy pool. In an effort to ensure the grant funding and community raised funding was still used to benefit the community, councillors engaged with the Hydrotherapy Pool Committee or a representative of the committee, on four separate occasions to explore and discuss options. Unanimously, councillors decided that the best use of the funds was to incorporate a heating system into the new pool currently being built. This would extend the swimming season by several months, allowing for therapy, exercise therapy, and learn-to-swim programs— delivering significant health and well-being benefits to a broader range of residents. This was the proposal Council put to the Hydrotherapy Pool Committee. Despite these efforts to negotiate, the Hydrotherapy Pool Committee remained firm in their position that the grant funding should only be used to construct a dedicated hydrotherapy pool. The Hydrotherapy Pool Committee asked Council to provide the shortfall of $500,000 to build the hydrotherapy pool. Furthermore, there was an expectation that Council would take on the ongoing financial responsibility of owning, maintaining, and operating the facility—an additional asset that would have imposed significant long-term costs on the community. No clear or realistic plan on how the hydrotherapy pool was to be run or funded into the future was ever provided to council by the committee, despite their promises that they could run the facility through fundraising. A stalemate was reached with the Hydrotherapy Pool Committee deciding to hand $692,594 back to the funding bodies. Council has resolved to use the $320,000 of community raised funds in developing a heating system to be installed into the new pool build. Council's priority has always been to ensure the best possible outcome for the people of Hay. Having the new pools incorporate a heating system will provide enormous benefits for a wide range of users, including those requiring therapy, young children learning to swim, and the broader community wanting to stay active for longer each year. It is incredibly disappointing that the grant funding could not be utilised for this purpose but it is wonderful that the money raised by the community for a dedicated heated pool is finally able to be used after over thirty years of fundraising. Council remains committed to delivering infrastructure and facilities that provide the greatest benefit to the Hay community and will continue working towards sustainable and practical solutions to support health and well being initiatives.”

Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe says residents are “fed up”“There is an urgent need for policy adjustments and government action to better support regional communities.” That was a key message to Independent candidate for Farrer Michelle Milthorpe during a recent southern Riverina ‘listening tour’. “Ensuring local voices are heard in decision-making processes is critical to achieving long-term sustainability and prosperity. Whether I’m talking to people in Deniliquin, Moama, Barham, Berrigan or surrounding communities, the message is the same. “Residents are fed up with governments ignoring their issues, and the lack of representation on their behalf. There is a groundswell of support for an Independent candidate who will put the interests of the electorate first, instead of prioritising party politics,” Mrs Milthorpe said. “The issues aren’t new, but people are getting frustrated at the lack of action. There are ongoing concerns around infrastructure, water buybacks, health, telecommunications and cross-border discrepancies. They get raised over and over again, but nothing happens. “I want the opportunity to change that; to work for the people of Farrer, not for a political party.”Mrs Milthorpe said regional communities deserve policies that reflect their needs, not city-centric decisions that leave them worse off. She said if the concerns are to be addressed, the region needs strong representation, sustained advocacy and genuine investment in the future of these communities. She said the impact of water buybacks was a common theme on her listening tour. “If elected, I will not only be opposing buybacks but will also do everything in my power to convince other Independent candidates that there is a better way to deliver the Basin Plan. “I keep getting told there are viable alternatives, but the Government will not listen and the Water Minister, Tanya Plibersek, has totally ignored the region, refusing numerous requests to visit and learn more. That’s a key issue with too many politicians; they won’t listen to local concerns. I want that to change.” Mrs Milthorpe said there are also issues with local government that need to be addressed, in particular funding levels. Federal and state governments keep putting a bigger financial burden on local councils, while at the same time reducing their financial contribution. “Regional councils provide much more than their city counterparts, yet don’t have other revenue sources such as parking fees. They generally have to maintain many kilometres of roads, deliver essential services and provide swimming pools, sporting facilities and the like. Yet the financial pressure this brings is not recognised with appropriate federal funding. “We need far greater collaboration between the various levels of government in regional communities so essential services are provided. “It is time to stop ignoring our region. If we want more of the same, keep voting the same way. If we want change, it’s time to elect an Independent candidate who puts the needs of the community first. I would welcome the privilege of being that local Member of Parliament,” Mrs Milthorpe said.

Consumers, keep your eyes peeled, there has been a food recall.Mars Australia Pty Ltd are conducting a recall of their Masterfood Creamy Chicken and Mushroom stovetop cooking sauce. This recall only applies to the products that do not declare the allergen, the fact there is the presence of an undeclared allergen - egg. The product has been available for sale in Coles stores in NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, WA, TAS, and ACT. The product was also available for sale in Woolworths stores nationally, and independent grocers including IGA in NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, WA, and NT. Any consumers who have an egg allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed. Consumers who have an egg allergy or intolerance should not consume this product. Consumers can dispose the product or return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice. For further information please contact: Mars Australia Pty Ltd 1800 816 016 [email protected] See www.foodstandards.gov.au/food-recalls/alerts for Australian food recall information

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on arrest warrants, as part of Operation Amarok.Stephen BROWN, aged 40, is wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants in relation to Domestic Violence related Offences.He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 180 to 185 cm tall, medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.Stephen BROWN is believed to frequent the Euston and Mildura areas.As police continue to conduct inquiries into his whereabouts, they are urging anyone who may have information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Operation Amarok is a statewide operation aimed at arresting persons wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants for domestic and family violence offences.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on arrest warrants, as part of Operation Amarok.Andrew McBRIDE, aged 40, is wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants in relation to Domestic Violence related Offences.He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160 to 165 cm tall, medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.Andrew McBRIDE is believed to frequent the Broken Hill, Cobar & Menindee areas.As police continue to conduct inquiries into his whereabouts, they are urging anyone who may have information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Operation Amarok is a statewide operation aimed at arresting persons wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants for domestic and family violence offences.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on arrest warrants, as part of Operation Amarok.Brett BROWN, aged 49, is wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants in relation to Domestic Violence related Offences.He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 180 to 185 cm tall, medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.Brett BROWN is believed to frequent the Broken Hill & Menindee areas.As police continue to conduct inquiries into his whereabouts, they are urging anyone who may have information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Operation Amarok is a statewide operation aimed at arresting persons wanted by virtue of outstanding arrest warrants for domestic and family violence offences.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

President Jenny Goldie says rural women are denied access to legal abortionsThe NSW branch of Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) says a Bill introduced to NSW Parliament by Greens Dr Amanda Cohen to remove remaining barriers to abortion deserves the support of all parties.SPA NSW president Jenny Goldie says that, while abortion was decriminalised five years ago, women are still being denied access, particularly in rural and regional areas.“Many doctors in the Riverina, in particular, object to abortion and not only refuse to provide the service but also fail to refer patients to places where they can obtain one,” says Ms Goldie. “The Bill would require health practitioners with a conscientious objection to refer a patient to an abortion provider. It would require local health districts to ensure accessibility of abortion services.“It would also allow nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to prescribe medical abortion, as recommended by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.“And the Bill would remove onerous and bureaucratic mandatory reporting requirements for health professionals.”Ms Goldie says women everywhere have a right to a full range of reproductive services no matter where they live.“This includes a full choice of contraceptive methods. If they have those, then abortion will only be necessary on rare occasions,” she says.“AMA NSW and Family Planning Australia have developed a model to embed abortion within existing pregnancy services and link public hospitals with GPs, private clinics and other community-based providers.“This model must be fully funded and integrated by the NSW government across the state,” says Ms Goldie. SPA describes themselves as an independent not-for-profit organisation whose aims are to protect the environment and Australia’s quality of life by ending population growth in Australia and globally, while rejecting racism and involuntary population control. SPA is an environmental advocacy organisation, not a political party.

 Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe is touring the Farrer electorate in an effort to gain supportMichelle Milthorpe is a school teacher, based in Jindera, and has thrown her hat into the ring, to contest the seat of Farrer.The federal seat has been held by Sussan Ley, deputy leader of the Liberal Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition since May 2022. Ms Ley has held the seat of Farrer since 2001.“I’ll be travelling through Hay, Balranald, Wentworth and then back to Deniliquin for the Deni Show,” Ms Milthorpe said. “If you’re in the area, come along for a chat!”Wednesday 26 February – Hay: South Hay Hotel from 5:30pmThursday 27 February – Balranald: Discovery Café from 10-11 am Thursday 27 February – Wentworth: The Crown Hotel from 5:30pm Friday 28 February – Wentworth: Lock 10 & Weir Restaurant from 10am Saturday 1 March – Deniliquin: At the Deniliquin Show, DeniliquinSunday 2 March- Deniliquin: "Meet Michelle" and "Courageous Contributions" workshop from 10am at the Deniliquin campaign office in Cressy St “Coming up soon will be trips to Griffith, Narrandera, Leeton, Hillston, Carrathool, Finley, Berrigan, Oaklands, Walbundrie, Holbrook, Corowa and lots of places in between,” Ms Milthorpe said “Keep an eye out to find out when I'll be visiting a place near you.”Ms Milthorpe was recently a guest on former detective Gary Jubelin’s podcast “I Catch Killers” speaking about her advocacy work for the survivors of child sexual assault.

Mallee Family Care are partnering with Angela Izard First Aid Services Mildura to offer free first aid training for Balranald families.This training is for families with children aged 0-6 years old.Places are limited, register your spot today and gain valuable knowledge and skills to confidently recognise and respond to emergency situations requiring first aid.The training is on from10.30am-2.30pm, Tuesday March 18 at Balranald Central School, 53-55 We Street, Balranald.Food will be supplied.Contact Ashlee James to register or learn more: 5027 7600, or email [email protected] first aid is crucial because it equips individuals with the ability to provide immediate, potentially life-saving care in emergency situations.Stabilising a casualty's condition until professional medical help arrives can significantly improve the chances of survival and prevent further injury; it also builds confidence to act in stressful situations and can help relieve pain for the injured person. 

The NSW Governor will stop in Hillston tomorrow (February 26) as part of a regional tour.Her Excellency, the Honorable Margaret Beazley AC KC, will be in Hillston to meet with a major local business, organisations and Carrathool Shire Council.She will be accompanied by Mr Dennis Wilson, who also travelled to Hay and Balranald when Her Excellency visited the region in 2024.To start her visit Her Excellency will tour the farms and packing facility of potato producer Mitolo Family Farms.In addition to Carrathool Shire Councillors, she and Mr Dennis Wilson will also speak with the Hillston Creative Council and members of the Hillston Lions Club.The Governor and Mr Wilson will also travel to Murrin Bridge to meet with Elders from the Local Aboriginal Land Council and visit the pre-school. In Lake Cargelligo they will meet health service staff and young people involved in the Down the Track program, and tour Durotank a leading manufacturer of bulk fuel storage tanks.In West Wyalong, the Governor and Mr Wilson will meet with local organisations at a community afternoon tea and visit schools and the hospital, before being guests of honour at a dinner being held by Bland Shire Council.Their visit to Lake Cowal will include meeting staff and volunteers at Lake Cowal Conservation Centre and a tour of Evolution Cowal Gold Operations.Their trip will conclude next Saturday, March 1, after also visiting Coolamon, Junee and Wagga.

Fire and Rescue NSW have sent advice about a fire.Fire and Rescue NSW have attended a grass fire in Short Street, Hay today. The status of the fire is being controlled.

It's so easy, and it makes you feel good - bake cupcakes, raise money, have a chat about mental health on R U Ok Day, September 12. And you should feel good - every single person who draws attention to and normalises discussions about mental health should feel good for it.These days, mental health is more discussed and taken into consideration than it ever has before.Hold on, what am I talking about mental health in February for, September is a good 6/7 months away?Have you ever asked someone if they're ok in February, or any of the 264 days which aren't R U Ok day?If you have, have they ever said no?It's often an automatic phrase spoken so many times a day - 'Hi, how are you?' It's ALWAYS 'Good, you?' isn't it?Other cultures do not say this. Some countries and cultures do not even say hello unless they are going to get in an interaction with the other person. Bowing, hand gestures, or slight nods are often used in these instances to convey greetings without the need for a verbal "how are you". Some European cultures like Hungary where a direct "how are you" might be considered too personal with strangers.So, where did it become largely commonplace in our culture to do this? Most would say because we care about how the other person is, but if the unspoken expectation of the answer to that question is 'Ok,' or 'Good, thanks,' is that really true?What would you do if someone said 'No, I'm really struggling?'I'm not saying that sitting down and asking the question with the desire for a real answer and getting that real answer is going to magically break ground or change and fix someone's life, but being ready to follow up is important.If you ask "R U OK?" and someone says "no," it means they are not okay and are likely signaling that they want to talk about something that is bothering them.Often, being brave enough to say actually no I'm really not ok takes a lot, and to be then fobbed off can make it much worse.Like disclosing trauma or something like a sexual assault, if a person who has struggled so much with information they've kept inside for so long is met with incredulity or a negative response, they aren't likely to want to give that information out a second time, or seek help.It is important to actively listen, offer support, and encourage them to share what's going on, while respecting their boundaries and asking how you can help. Don't rush them, simply be present and let them express their feelings without judgment. Ask open-ended questions such as "What's been going on?" or "Can you tell me a bit more about that?" can help them elaborate. Acknowledge their emotions with phrases like "That sounds tough" or "It's okay to feel that way". Ask if there's anything specific you can do to help, whether it's just being there to listen or suggesting professional resources if needed. Check in with them later to see how they are doing and if they need further support. Don't pressure them to talk if they don't want to.Respect their boundaries and let them know you are available when they are ready.If they express thoughts of self-harm or suicide, take immediate action and reach out to emergency services or a crisis hotline.About ten years ago, I actually has a trusted friend tell me they did not know how to help, but let's go to the doctor together and I will be there with you. As hard as it is to admit you need help, or life is not perfect, in the right circumstances, sometimes a helping hand extended will be a helping hand accepted.If you feel overwhelmed by the conversation, it's okay to suggest talking to another trusted person or professional. CASE HAY is a resource people in the district have at their disposal; to get the ball rolling, call 0428696248.Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one need help, you can call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week or chat online.MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.Head to Health gives advice and will connect you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 or chat online.If you're feeling lonely:FriendLine supports anyone who's feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. You can call them 7 days a week on 1800 424 287, or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous.There are also helplines available for people with different backgrounds or needs.For young people who need mental health support, and their parents or carers:Kids Helpline is Australia's only free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800.headspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends. Call 1800 650 890, or chat online.For people with complex mental health issues:SANE Australia provides support to anyone in Australia affected by complex mental health issues, as well as their friends, family members and health professionals. Call 1800 187 263 or chat online.Blue Knot Foundation Helpline is the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma. It provides support, education and resources for the families and communities of adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380.

Applications are now open for the Fay Newell $5,000 Scholarship for studies in Nursing and Medicine.The scholarship is awarded to encourage excellence in the education and training of students in the practice or study of medicine as a doctor of medicine or a specialty in medicine, nursing, with the essential qualifications to excel in Emergency Care and/or end-of-life care, aged care services, or a student with the qualification and special attributes to specialise as a Doctor or Nursing Specialist to care for newly born infants and their mothers and fathers, care of toddlers, children and young adults.To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be undertaking studies in one of the areas as listed above, and must reside and work in Broken Hill.Ms Newell was a Registered Nurse at the Broken Hill and District Hospital, having begun her nursing career there in 1954 and retired from nursing in 1991. In 2009, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Broken Hill as a nursing sister, mentor to nurses and allied health professionals, palliative care volunteer and historian. The previous year, she was named Broken Hill's Citizen of the Year in the annual Australia Day awards for her contribution to the community. Ms Newell passed away in Broken Hill on 24 August, 2020 at the age of 82 years old.Applications for the scholarship close Friday, March 28.Visit the below link to apply.https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MQRY76X