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The NSW Governor is heading to Hillston
The NSW Governor is heading to Hillston

25 February 2025, 4:00 AM

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.

What to do after asking 'R U Ok?'
What to do after asking 'R U Ok?'

25 February 2025, 1:00 AM

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.

Fay Newell Scholarship now open for those studying in Broken Hill
Fay Newell Scholarship now open for those studying in Broken Hill

24 February 2025, 10:00 PM

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

Thank you for coming to Hay Mr Wilson
Thank you for coming to Hay Mr Wilson

23 February 2025, 10:00 PM

Kevin Bloody Wilson performed in Hay on February 21, as part of a large Australian tour. This man is an Australian comedy icon, singer and songwriter of tracks such as D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F., Living Next Door to Alan, Hey Santa Claus, amongst adults-only humour tracks. Not quite sure what to refer to him as, I called him Mr Wilson, and he replied in shock with an expletive and said he had never been called that before. “We went to Hay years ago, it is a wonderful place,” said Kevin. Kevin refers to himself as a professional hobbyist. “I love what I do,” he said. “I considered myself retired at the age of 37.” Earlier on in his career, he was arrested four times and ended up in court three times. “Being arrested didn’t worry me,” he recalled. “Turns out you couldn’t say f*** on stage. “I was in the back of the wagon, and there were two detectives and the police officer who was driving the car. One of the officers piped up, “You’re a funny little **** aren’t you?” “They said they sat there and watched half the show, and then did what they had to do, so arrested me, when it was finished.” His six-way bypass in 2023 did not slow him down at all, in fact it had very little impact on his life. “I have always loved life and that is something which will never change. “So, the experience did not give me a surge of happiness or a new lease on life, I just got well again and carried on with things as normal.” There have been infinite funny things happen over the course of Kevin’s life and his career, and he says he just takes everything in his stride. “All parts of life can be funny, and funny moments turn up when you least expect them,” he said. “I have been to funny funerals. "A man I knew named Lenny passed, he played darts at the Kalgoorlie Pub where my band and I played. "All the darts players showed up graveside to pay their respects with their shirts on. “When it came time to toss the traditional sod onto the coffin, one man leaned in to do so and his pack of smokes dropped onto the coffin. “One of the other men said, ‘Geez you’re trying to kill him’.” After Kevin finishes his Australian leg, he will be off to New Zealand performing for a month, and then the UK for a month. The massive trips filled with almost daily performances do not worry him. “Like I said before, I love what I do, and my family comes with me. So we all get to see the world together, and be together.” Kevin’s wife has a background in accounting, so the team is well rounded. His daughter, Jenny Talia volunteered to be his support act. A successful country artist in her own right, she had three albums up her sleeve, and was a popular presence on the Tamworth scene. Eventually, Jenny Talia moved to Nashville to the country scene there, and is married with two children. Kevin was set to start touring England, which was a three-month tour with very little breaks; 75 dates over 90 days, solo. “She called me, and told me I needed a support act,” he said. “I had been thinking for a while I would like a female support act, to kind of level things out. “She told me she could be my support act, and I said no you can’t you have a lot going on and a successful career as it is, and she was emphatic she could. “So, I told her to put 10 songs together on an album and come back to me. “She did, most of which she wrote herself and some of mine she regendered. And the rest is history.” His son Travis was in a band with his daughter but then decided he would like to pursue a career in aviation, and is now a pilot for Qantas. “One time we actually got to fly on a flight Travis was piloting, so we were all on the same plane together, although Travis was on the pointy end.” Kevin’s favourite places to perform are where he lives, Perth, and Gallway Ireland. “I performed there in 2024, and they have this snake-like winding cobble stoned main street,” he said. “Everywhere you turn there are buskers, entertainers, musicians, and this bright, happy, chirpy slightly insane energy, I really love it.” Kevin loves what he does, genuinely. “I get to travel the world doing what I love, and taking my family with me,” he said. “We get to see some of the best parts of the world together.” He said it has been a long road since he started out, and he never thought it would become the long-lasting success it has been. “My mates got me into it, telling me what I was writing was really funny and I should make recordings,” he said. “And I did, and they bought them. “Next thing I knew I had record companies bashing down my door, wondering who I was and why I had knocked the likes of Jimmy Barnes and Dire Straits off the number one spots on the charts. “The radio stations were not even playing my stuff, this was on record sales only, and those records I delivered to the shops myself.”

New Bill Aims to Improve Abortion Access in Rural NSW
New Bill Aims to Improve Abortion Access in Rural NSW

23 February 2025, 7:00 PM

A new bill has been introduced to the New South Wales parliament that would allow nurses and midwives to prescribe abortions. Greens MP Amanda Cohn, who is also a former GP, introduced the legislation to increase access to pregnancy termination. The proposed law seeks to ensure that individuals across NSW can access abortion services when they need them.The bill addresses several key areas.Allowing nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to prescribe medical abortions, in accordance with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) guidelines.Requiring local health districts to ensure abortion services are accessible.Removing certain mandatory reporting requirements for health professionals.Requiring health practitioners with a conscientious objection to refer patients to an abortion provider.The introduction of the bill follows debates regarding the difficulties in accessing abortions in regional areas. In the Riverina, for example, there are no public facilities offering surgical abortions, and few practitioners are accredited to administer medical terminations. According to Dr. Cohn, this creates unacceptable barriers, especially for those who cannot afford private services or travel to other locations. The bill aims to support people in the Riverina by enabling them to access abortion care closer to home.The proposed legislation responds to a NSW Health review of the first five years since abortion was decriminalised. The review included stakeholder feedback and recommendations, such as allowing nurse practitioners, endorsed midwives, and other registered health practitioners to prescribe and provide services according to TGA guidelines. It also noted that current legislation regarding conscientious objection and referral requirements may not be properly implemented, creating barriers to access, and that mandatory reporting requirements for medical practitioners are considered burdensome.For the bill to pass, it will need support from either the Labor or Liberal party.

Broken Hill Mine Fire Raises Safety Concerns
Broken Hill Mine Fire Raises Safety Concerns

23 February 2025, 4:00 AM

A fire at Perilya's Southern Operations mine has sparked concerns about worker safety and the use of the ground stabilizing chemical polyurethane, known as PUR1. The incident occurred about 980 meters underground, when the chemical self-heated and ignited while miners were using it to prevent rock wall erosion on January 12. The fire was extinguished and then reignited before being fully put out.The New South Wales Resources Regulator is investigating the cause of the fire. Their preliminary investigation found no immediate breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act, but they recommended the mine operators review their chemical manifest. The regulator is considering whether additional controls are required across the mining industry, but will not be conducting further investigation into non-compliance issues or prosecutorial action.The miner's union is advocating for stricter regulations on PUR use in mineral-producing mines, as workers fear potential long-term health problems resulting from the fire. An information sheet from the mine site indicated that combustion of the chemical could release toxic carbon monoxide fumes, acrid smoke, and potentially explosive mists. Although there were no reported injuries, workers reported fumes and vapor when using the substance and retreated to fresh air bases, but evacuated when the fumes did not subside and the area caught alight. Some workers have reported feeling unsteady.The Mine Workers Alliance has started a register for workers potentially exposed to the fumes. This will create a log in case health complications arise in the future.According to a mining occupational health and safety expert, PUR can ignite if not mixed properly, reaching temperatures as high as 150 degrees Celsius.Prior to the fire, some workers were told that PUR was not combustible, which is raising concerns.The union is calling for industry-wide safeguards, noting that PUR is more heavily regulated in the coal industry compared to mineral mines.They have contacted the NSW Natural Resources Minister to advocate for legislative changes and adopting best practices from other sectors to better protect mine workers

Ivanhoe community day
Ivanhoe community day

23 February 2025, 1:00 AM

Get together in the Ivanhoe community while learning some information about important issues.Funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund has allowed Rural Connect to put together what promises to be an amazing event.Where is it you ask? Ivanhoe RSL Club on Columbus Street, Friday March 7 from 9.15 am to 3pm.Come along, learn new skills and enjoy a fantastic community day.It will be a fun-filled day of activities, connection, and delicious food!Savor complimentary morning tea and lunch while diving into engaging interactive sessions tailored for everyone in the community.Doctor Mia Ciccio and Doctor Meg Withers will be conducting an informative lunch time session on osteopathy and pain management.There will also be a first aid session, suitable for both children and adults.Rural Connect is a partnership between the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Contact.​While separate services, Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section (RFDS SE) and Contact are working towards finding ways to address health and wellbeing needs for isolated children, families, and community in an outback, remote area service delivery context. ​RuralCONNECT is the resulting Contact and RFDS SE partnership ‘product’ working towards health and wellbeing outcomes for remote and isolated outback children, young people, and their families. ​To date, RuralCONNECT’s focus has been upon north-western NSW regions encompassing the small villages of Louth, Tilpa and Wanaaring and surrounding regions. ​A shared approach with families and the community forms the basis of all RuralCONNECT actions

A tough day for Hay cricket
A tough day for Hay cricket

21 February 2025, 1:00 AM

BY MICK CATTANACH In an unprecedented day of representative cricket, Hay as the current holders of the O'Farrell Cup and the Creet Cup, took on both challenges on Sunday, Wagga and respectively. It was a tough day for both teams but a great testament to the strength of Hay cricket that it could field competitive teams in both competitions. The O'Farrell Cup team took on a very strong Wagga team and unfortunately lost the toss giving Wagga first opportunity to post a score. This did not worry the Hay bowlers and fielders who as they did against Albury the week earlier, threw the first punch. Rupert Lilburne, in his second over, got an opener caught at second slip and then removed the number three caught by his brother Digby. The following over Jack Cattanach got the new batsman for a duck to see Wagga in all sorts of trouble at three for 13. The Wagga bats then consolidated to get the score to 114 before the return of Rupert to the attack as he got a batsman caught behind. The next over, Simon Bunyan got the Wagga skipper LBW to see Hay getting back on top at five for 115. These wickets brought Wagga batsman Jack Harper to the crease. He looked aggressive straight away, looking to get on top of the Hay bowling. Jack Cattanach picked up another Wagga batsman caught behind. A couple of overs later Dean Aylett got his first wicket and then in his next over picked up another to see Wagga eight for 163. The trouble for Hay was Jack Harper at the other end was scoring quickly and hitting balls cleanly. At this point an evenly balanced contest quickly shifted. Jack Harper got hold of the Hay bowlers putting on an additional 100 runs for the last two wickets as he hit 122 runs off only 62 balls. He was eventually caught on the boundary off the bowling of Digby Lilburne with the Wagga total on 263. An amazing innings, it essentially took the game away from Hay. Hay struggled to rally with the bat and were under the pump from the first over where they lost opener Jensen Hargreaves without a run on the board. Wickets fell in quick succession as the Wagga opening bowlers bowled a challenging length with enough movement to cause the Hay batsman trouble. Jack Cattanach offered some resistance and combining with Dean Aylett they kept the Wagga attack at bay. Unfortunately it was only brief and the Hay boys were dismissed with 62 runs on the board. The week earlier everything had fallen into place for Hay as they won the toss and got the momentum of the match. On this occasion it was Wagga who won the toss and despite being under pressure early had in one excellent innings taken back the momentum of the match. Hay was unable to wrestle it back. Wagga 263 all out (R Lilburne 3/40, D Aylett 3/75, J Cattanach 2/38, D Lilburne 1/42, S Bunyan 1/63) defeated Hay 63 all out (J Cattanach 23, D Aylett 10 not out). In the Creet Cup, the Ardlethan/Barellan team won the toss and batted very well to get the score to 66 in over 20. Hay finally struck with Charlie Wythes trapping one of the openers LBW with his second ball. From this point Charlie, bowling unchanged, brought the Hay team back into the game with an excellent spell. Picking up the entire Ardlethan/Barellan middle order, he took five wickets with his nagging stump to stump bowling. Conrad McGinty doing the hard stuff, bowling into the wind, picked up the over opener. He then got a couple of other wickets to see the opposition eight for 126 at the end of over 39. Unfortunately, the tail wagged as Hay could not pick up those last two wickets and Ardlethan/Barellan managed to get their total to 155 at the close. In response the Hay innings started disastrously slumping to five for 11 in over 11, against some good opening bowling from the Ardlethan/Barellan bowlers. At this point the Hay batsman dug in, with Zach O'Neil and Will Simpson both grinding out runs and keeping the bowling at bay. While Zach departed for seven, Ben Phillips then combined with Will to keep the scoring going as they gave the Hay boys a chance. Unfortunately, a couple of quick wickets took any chance in the game away. Will was then well caught in the deep as the last man out. The Hay team had gone down despite a gutsy batting performance by the bottom half of the batting line up, led by Will in his best innings in Hay. Ardlethan/Barellan 9/155 (C Wythes 5/24, C McGinty 3/32, B Phillips 1/18) defeated Hay 84 all out (W Simpsons 32, B Phillips 17)

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