The Willows sells at auctionNutrien’s selling agent James Sides described the recent property sale at Carrathool as “exceptional.”The 1,192 hectare grazing holding ‘The Willows’ went under the hammer at Carrathool Hotel recently and attracted seven registered bidders.“The competition was upbeat and competitive with the final result being an outstanding sale price of $1.77 million,” Mr Sides told The Riverine Grazier.The result translates to a sales price of $1,484 per hectare or $601 per acre.The Henwood family of Coleambally were the successful bidders. The Henwoods are a well-known farming family in the region, running both beef and cropping operations across the Riverina, including 40,469-hectare Howlong Station, near Carrathool.

𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘦𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺: 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘕𝘚𝘞'.Patricia Vagg, a researcher from the University of New England, AU’s AgLaw Centre, is interviewing people about what happened when legal help was needed. This is for the project '𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘦𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺: 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘕𝘚𝘞'.𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲:people who live in the Western Division of NSW and have wanted legal help, or lawyers and others who provide legal services for people in the Western Division of NSWYou can talk to the researcher about any sort of legal situation. We want to know about your experiences of legal problems, and of trying to get legal services and solutions, in western NSW. These conversations will be on Zoom and will take approximately 40-60 minutes.If you would like to participate in the research and be interviewed about your experiences of legal problems and legal services in western NSW, email Patricia Vagg Please note: no legal advice will be given during the interview or project. This is a project researching people’s experiences with legal services in western NSW.

Magistrate Rabbidge recently sentenced Robert John Quayle to term of imprisonment of 8 months to commence on 13 June 2024 and expiring on 12 February 2025.Magistrate Rabbidge deemed with a non-parole period of 4 months, on a charge of Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV). With time served in custody, Mr Quayle is due to be released to parole on 12 October 2024. A second assault charge was dismissed.In August 26-year-old Jemarlee Hynch was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of 14 months for possessing child-abuse material and failing to comply with reporting obligations.Hynch was arrested by NSW police in Wilcannia in October 2023, after they received information from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) that he was uploading child abuse material to the internet.When the NSW police attended the address where the man lived with his parents, they discovered several mobile phone devices in his bedroom that were capable of accessing the internet.The phone devices contained 127 items of child abuse material dating from 6 December 2022 to 9 January 2023.Mr Hynch had previously been convicted of using a carriage service to send indecent material to a person, which is a registrable offence. He was required to register any new phone numbers with the police which he had failed to do.He pleaded guilty to the offences on 14 May 2024 and was sentenced by Magistrate Greg Grogin on the 29 May. His imprisonment started on 19 October 2023, and he is eligible for release on the 18 December 2024.

Registrations for the Selling to the NSW Government Micro Skills online course through TAFE NSW will be closing from 31st October 2024.If you are already enrolled or complete your registration before the cutoff date, you will retain access to the course. This means you can continue to log in, revisit the course material, download resources and templates, and save your certificate. After October 31, new registrations will no longer be accepted. If you’ve been considering joining or completing the course, visit TAFE NSW website for details.If you are interested in learning about Selling to the NSW Government but miss the cutoff date, you haven’t missed your opportunity! The NSW Small Business Commission will also be launching a new course from the start of November. More information will be provided soon.Read more: Selling to NSW Government Guide 2023

A man has been refused bail after being found with what police believe are two homemade bombs on a major highway yesterday afternoon.As previously reported by Back Country Bulletin, at about 12pm Monday, police searched a car on the Sturt Highway, west of Hay and found drugs, a large knife and two suspected homemade pipe bombs.Fifty kilometres of the highway was closed for eight hours between Hay and Maude while police investigated.Two men were arrested and taken to Hay Police Station, where 33-year-old Timacoy Williams was charged with bomb and drug-related offences, and having a knife in a public place.He was refused bail in Griffith Local Court today and will reappear tomorrow.A 30-year-old man was released without charge pending further investigations.“Police stopped the car for a routine check and were highly disturbed by their discovery,” Murrumbidgee Police District Acting Inspector Paul Rosano said "As it was a major road, exclusion zones had to be established, the Sturt Highway closed while experts could look at photos. Then specialist officers had to fly from Sydney to dismantle the devices.Acting Inspector Rosano said the find was scarce for the area."We attempted to speak to both males but didn't get any information in relation to why they were in possession of these items," he said.

The Royal Flying Doctors (RFDS) Mental Health, Alcohol and other Drug (AOD) outreach clinic roster for October has been released.The AOD team delivers the 'Take Home Naxolone' program to reduce the mortality and morbidity of people who use opioid drugs and medicines."Through this program we can provide Naxolone to people in community who are likely to need it," an RFDSS spokesperson said."We can supply take home Naxolone at no cost to consumers, carers or family members and provide a brief intervention on how to use the medicine.Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose or adverse reaction. If someone has overdosed on opioids they will be unconscious or awake, but unable to talk. It’s unlikely they will be able to administer naloxone themselves.  Naloxone can be taken by injection or delivery through a nasal spray. It works by blocking opioid drugs, such as heroin and oxycodone, from attaching to opioid receptors in the brain. After administering naloxone it is vital to call an ambulance (000). Naloxone only lasts about 30-90 minutes and the person can overdose again once it wears off. 

Jen Maher was crowned the 2024 Rural Young Woman at Hillston's annual show, held on the weekend.Show sponsors Bendigo Bank judged and presented Ms Maher with her winner's ribbon"We were fortunate enough to have the honour of judging & presenting our Showgirls at this year’s Hillston Show," a spokesperson said."Congratulations to all of the entrants and winners for this year! It was fantastic to see you all attend a wonderful community event!"Pictured: Jen Maher with Bendigo Bank Hillston staff members Ellie and Vicki, and Hillston Show Society President Peter Brettschneider. Image - Bendigo Bank.

NSW Small Business Month starts 1 October. This month-long program is packed with events tailored for your small business. Whether you want to sharpen your skills, gain insights, save money, or rebrand your business, there’s something for everyone.With over 300 events on offer, small business owners and their staff can dive into topics like AI for business, financial management, import/export strategies, branding, protecting creative assets, and more."Be sure to check out the NSW Small Business Month Expos, held across the state," a spokesperson for the NSW Small Business Commissioner said. "These Expos offer expert speakers, advice on key issues for business and excellent networking opportunities all in one place.Join experts like Abbie White and Brad Seymour, connect with government agencies, large organisations, and other small businesses. "It’s the perfect chance to get practical advice and chat with a variety of experts who will be at each event to help you achieve your business goals."View all the free training HERE

Helen Dalton, Independent member for Murray, says Tania Pilbersek and her department could not run a bath. Dalton was recently at Parliament for the second week sitting. She obtained a report from the Inspector General of Water Compliance. It detailed reported failures with the running of the Murray Darling Basin, flawed policies, untrained staff, serious conflicts of interest, failure to protect market sensitive data.Dalton said the audit paints a grim picture.“We've got to look after the Murray-Darling Basin,” Dalton said. “We have got to look into the Murray Darling Basin right now. Pilbersek should stop the buybacks. She needs to take heed of this report and make those necessary changes.”This has been a time of big wins for Helen, with her Water Register Bill being accepted in Government.“It's taken a lot of determination to get to this point but we jumped the hurdles and crossed the finish line,” Dalton said.

Balranald residents are rightfully enraged, after vandals have been to the lawn cemetery and destroyed tributes on people’s graves.People took to social media page, The Balranald Link, to express their outrage.“This behaviour is hurtful and disgraceful - this town is small and there is always someone who knows who does what, so now is the time to step up and report it,” one person commented on the Facebook post detailing the behaviour.“People who do stuff like this are not worth keeping quiet for.“If you know who did it, please also know that you can have the courage to report it knowing that people will have your back - speak up and call out this bad behaviour.”“Disgusting wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the same that are terrorising the town I’m so sorry you had to see her grave like this,” another commented.Call Crime Stoppers to report information about crime and criminal activity on 1800 333 000, or contact the Balranald Police on (03) 5898 4980.

The Department of Planning and Environment (Water) advised some months ago that there would be an independent review of the original design of the Wilcannia weir.Several names were recommended to the department by the community to form membership of the Independent Review Panel.Gleaning from recent communications with the Water Minister’s Office, Council understands negotiations are in progress with potential candidates.No decision has been made on the appointments to the Independent Review Panel.Roy Butler MP Independent Member for Barwon recently moved a notice of motion in Parliament of NSW regarding the Wilcannia weir replacement project.He asked that the house 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, and asks the State and Federal Government to listen to the Wilcannia community and build the weir they agreed to and deserve.“There is an element of frustration from the community that this initial project pause ended in a complete stop,” Central Darling Shire GM Greg Hill said.“Unfortunately, there is no real solution at this time.”Un update on the situation was made on the NSW Government website, detailing that Minister for Water, Rose Jackson promised the community an independent review when she visited Wilcannia on 26 June 2024.It goes on to say Wilcannia Weir Replacement Project is currently paused, pending the completion of an independent review into the environmental impacts, along with the safety and operational concerns that led to the department’s Water Group proposing a new design for the weir.While the review is being conducted, work will continue on other Wilcannia projects aimed at improving water security.This includes works related to the new groundwater bore for Wilcannia as well as working with Central Darling Shire Council on the planned upgrade of the Wilcannia water treatment plant. The department’s Water Group will also continue to engage with the Wilcannia community to co-design Community River Place.The existing Wilcannia Weir was built in 1942 for the purpose of providing a more reliable town water supply for Wilcannia. The existing weir has now failed and there is a need to support long-term town water security for the community by providing suitable water infrastructure, including a new weir.

A man has been charged with allegedly having homemade pipe bombs inside a car in the state’s Riverina region.About 12.30pm yesterday (Monday 30 September 2024), officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District stopped a vehicle travelling in a westerly direction on Sturt Highway, near Hay, for random breath testing.During a search of the car, police allegedly located cannabis leaf, methylamphetamine, a large knife and two explosive devices believed to be homemade pipe bombs.Police closed Sturt Highway and an exclusion zone was established in both directions for safety reasons.The Rescue Bomb Disposal Unit were called to the scene and confirmed the devices were explosives before they were dismantled.Two men, aged 33 and 30, were arrested and taken to Hay Police Station while police established an investigation.The 33-year-old man was charged with two counts of possess explosive in public place, two counts of possess prohibited drug and custody of knife in public place.He was refused bail to appear before Griffith Local Court today (Tuesday 1 October 2024).The 30-year-old man was released without charge pending further investigations.

The little community of Sunset Strip, near Menindee, is in desperate need for Rural Fire Service volunteers. In small communities such as this, organisations such as Rural Fire Service heavily rely on volunteers.Sunset Strip is in danger of losing their big fire truck and will be forced to downgrade to a smaller one.“That may be viable in the instance sit is a grass fire, but will be ineffective for house fires,” said local Kat Holmes.“If the fire service has to come from Menindee, our houses are in real risk of burning down.”Consider stepping up for your community, becoming part of something bigger, and making a real difference in situations.If you would like to volunteer, please contact Bob Holmes on 0429885994.

Update: A police operation is underway on the Sturt Highway between Maude Road at Maude and the Cobb Highway at Hay.Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District have responded, with assistance from specialist officers attached to the Police Rescue Unit.No other information is available at this time.

It is so easy to put your head in the sand when it comes to stressful situations, such as lapsing in bills like council rates. But the consequences of leaving your rates unpaid without a solution.Council rates are a tax that everyone who owns a home, pays to their local council. Rates pay for things such as waste collection, water and sewerage, parks, libraries, and footpaths. It is so important not to ignore communication from your council, if you run into a situation where you are behind on your rates.Everyone goes through hard times, and to be proactive is the key. Get in front of it and contact your council, and to a financial counsellor by calling 1800 007 007. Catholic Care Wilcannia-Forbes and Legal Aid NSW can assist you in asking the council for a meeting to explain why you can’t pay, a financial hardship arrangement, a payment plan, and a discount on how much you pay if you get Centrelink. If you do nothing, the debt will just grow and grow. You will be charged interest and the costs of recovering the debt. Debts can become much bigger because of interest. Interest is a percentage of the total amount you owe that council charges you because you haven’t paid your rates on time. If you don’t pay your rates, the council can ask you to pay them. The council will send you a letter or email asking you to pay your rates. After they have made this compulsory effort, they will take you to court.The council can ask the court for an order confirming the debt you owe. After the debt is confirmed, the council can ask the court to take money from your pay or bank account, and sell your things. If the council takes you to court, the debt will increase because of court costs, legal fees and interest. If your rates remain unpaid for five years, the council can sell your home and the sale will be advertised in the local paper. Where can I get legal help? When Court is on you can see Legal Aid NSW on Wednesday from 10am to 1pm, then from 2pm to 4pm at REDIE, on Thursday at Catholic Care from 9.30am to 1pm. You can also call the Legal Aid NSW Broken Hill Office on (08) 8004 9600 or the Legal Aid NSW Civil Law Service for Aboriginal Communities on 1800 793 017. You can find more information by searching for unpaid council rates on the legalaid.nsw.gov.au website.

The Sturt Highway is closed in both directions at Maude Road between Maude and Hay due to a NSW Police Force operation.All vehicles can use Maude Road instead.The latest info on this incident is here: https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/209638

A man will appear in court today charged with commercial drug supply, after a traffic stop near Darlington Point.Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District were called to the Sturt Highway, about 25km west of Darlington Point, 1pm Friday September 27, after a car hit a kangaroo.Following inquiries, police searched the vehicle, allegedly discovering more than 44 kilograms of cannabis leaf in the vehicle’s boot.A 30-year-old man was arrested and taken to Griffith Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity).He appeared before Wagga Wagga Local Court on Saturday September 28, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Griffith Local Court today (Monday September 30).

The school holidays begin today and finish up on Friday 11 October.Police are urging road users to stay safe on the road during the school holidays.Their hope and aim is to keep the road toll at zero during the school holiday period, and police will be out in force to ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safely.As of Wednesday September 25, in NSW there had been 221 fatal crashes resulting 244 lives lost compared with 220 crashes and 248 lives lost at the same time last year.Police ask people to remember if you are travelling with extra passengers and luggage the additional weight means your vehicle may handle differently and will require extra distance to stop. Also, if the road is wet, you will need even more distance between your vehicle and the one in front should you have to stop suddenly.They also want to remind people to expect heavier traffic on roads, particularly to popular holiday spots.

Central Darling road report - Updated September 30, 2024. 11am.