Fantastic news, with NSW Ambulance set to trial stab-proof vests for paramedics.This comes after the fatal stabbing of a paramedic in 2023. The trial is intended to determine if the vests are suitable for paramedics to wear while performing their duties. The trial was prompted by the stabbing death of 29-year-old paramedic Steven Tougher outside a McDonald's in Campbelltown.The stabbing led to a petition by Tougher's father, Jeff Tougher, calling for stronger laws and protections for emergency service personnel.Tougher's father said that the trial was well overdue and a stab vest might have saved Steve's life.Stab-proof vests are lightweight and can be worn under clothes. They can protect against edged weapons like knives and broken bottlesLatest crime figures show there has been a spike in the number of assaults on frontline paramedics in NSW with at least three people charged for assaulting and threatening paramedics in the line of duty in the last two months.

Are you interested, or know a person who is interested or would suit a career in law enforcement?Point them in the direction of Griffin Plaza!Sounds odd I know, but let me explain.Murrumbidgee Police District are hosting Be a cop in your Hometown.Head on down to the Griffin Plaza Griffith from 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm on Thursday February 27.The program was implemented for those who live live in regional areas.The NSW Police force wanted to make it easier for recruits to join the NSW Police Force while staying connected with family, lifestyle and community.You Should Be A Cop In Your Hometown gives you confidence about where you’ll be working once you join. That means you can live and work in your own community.When you join the NSW Police Force, you can identify where you would like to work, such as where you live now, and have confidence about where you’ll be working once you become a police officer.You can start your career with the NSW Police Force, and as long as there’s nothing that would prevent you from living in your hometown, you can stay connected with your community.To find out more about the program visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/careers_and_salary/be_a_cop_in_your_home_townTo check out the incentives for police officers in regional areas visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/careers_and_salary/regional_incentives

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.”

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.

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

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 man is recuperating in hospital after picking up Japanese encephalitis (JE) while camping in the region. This is the first recorded case in the area for the summer.NSW health executive director of health protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said the man probably caught the disease in late December to early January.This case, along with recent discoveries in pigs and mosquitos in NSW and discoveries in Victoria and Queensland, highlights the need to be extra careful about the danger of contracting this harmful illness.JE spreads after a mozzie bites an animal who has the disease, like as a pig or water fowl, and then bites a person.Signs of JE can include high temperature, headaches and nausea.In extreme cases JE can cause shakes, delirium, seizures and incapacitation.Humans cannot spread the disease to other humans and cannot pick it up from eating animal products or touching infected animals.A safe and free vaccine for JE can be given through your doctor through pharmacists.Other pre-emptive actions to take are puting on repellent, wearing long and light loose-fitting clothing and using fly screens at home and when camping.

Community groups, schools, and local community groups, pay attentionPhysical activity and exercise can do wonders for your heart health and general wellbeing.The Heart Foundation's Active Australia Innovation Challenge offers grants up to the value of $30,000 for new, innovative programs that get more people moving in schools, universities or local community groups.Applications are open until 5pm March 3.Community groups, councils, schools (primary and secondary), tertiary institutions (universities, TAFEs, colleges), and other organisations are encouraged to come up with an innovative idea. The project idea should encourage physical activity in a chosen group or community and be submitted via an online application form. Eligible ideas will be identified using the guidelines and put forward for shortlisting. Finalists will be given the opportunity to present their project proposal via video link in front of a national judging panel of experts.Learn more about the how to apply, what information you need and what our judges are looking for in the Heart Foundation’s application guide.Visit the link for more informationhttps://www.heartfoundation.org.au/active-australia-innovation-challenge?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_scuoakew09

Western Local Lands Services’ Aboriginal Community Advisory Group (ACAG) is heading to Tibooburra next monthWestern Local Lands Services’ Aboriginal Community Advisory Group (ACAG) is heading to Tibooburra next month and wants to catch-up with local Aboriginal community members. The role of ACAG is to provide a forum for improving connections and nurturing partnerships between our organisation and Aboriginal communities.ACAG members provide community perspectives, traditional knowledge and cultural advice on all Western LLS plans, strategies and programs.By attending the meeting, local community members can get an update on and have input into LLS projects and programs, opportunities for partnerships with Aboriginal communities and land managers and upcoming project work on the Caryapundy Swamp Ramsar site. If you'd like to attend the meeting, contact Josh Clarke on 0499 537 311 or email [email protected].

Everyone can get in on the fun at Moulamein Sunday fun dayMoulmein is a bustling, attractive little village with a lovely swimming pool.As the season is almost drawing to a close, Moulemein are holding a Sunday Fun Day at their pool.Throw on your leis Sunday and head on down to the pool, the day having a Hawaiian theme.Starting at 11 am and going until 3pm, the cost is $5 for non-members and free for members.You can also buy a sausage off the barbie when you get hungry.The kiosk will also be open for food and drinks.There will be games and activities on throughout the day.There are prizes for best dressed, based on the theme of the day.Attendees are advised to bring a floatie if they wish as there are limited floaties available.Children under 10 will need a person over the age of 18 supervising them.

Riverina Classic Catch and Release Fishing competition great successThe weekend of February 7, 8 and 9 was a raving success, as the Riverina Classic Catch and Release Fishing competition reeled in over 800 keen anglers from around the district.An impressive total of 1418 fish were caught; 1138 Murray cod, 87 silver perch, 20 yellow belly, and 173 carp.Fishers trawled the Murrumbidgee between Gogeldrie Weir and the Carrathool Bridge, and sent in happy snaps of their biggest catches.Over $20,000 was raised and donated to Rural Outreach Counselling Inc.Money will also be allocated to restocking the river with fingerlings.Organisers were over the moon with the 12th successful event, noting it is a wholesome family weekend which raises a good amount of funds for a terrific cause.Category winners and results:Junior Female Yellow Belly: 34cm, caught by Peyton HopwoodJunior Male Yellow Belly: 55cm, caught by Blake NewmanSenior Female Yellow Belly: 52cm, caught by Chloe BuckleySenior Male Yellow Belly: 56cm, caught by Charlie MartinBiggest carp: 74cm, caught by Amy McCollJunior Female Biggest Cod: 79cm, caught by Indie CroweJunior Male Biggest Cod: 86cm, caught by Zane RocheSenior Female Biggest Cod: 94cm, caught by Kylie FraserSenior Male Biggest Cod: 110cm, caught by Reece GaddChampion Anglers:Senior - Corey Roche with a 13.45m cumulative lengthJunior - Tylen Roche with a 9.45m cumulative length

Thirty years ago, a group of locals came together to raise some money, as they all agreed the elderly needed a place to live in their twilight years. People formed a committee years before it was officially opened in 1994 and it became a registered charity. Some pledged a yearly amount, some made a lump sum donation, and every single dollar was valued. Recently, these hardworking volunteers were invited to Bidgee Haven as a way of thanks; to have morning tea and reminisce on how it all happened. The memories flew thick and fast as everyone thought back to the days before it became what it is today; a pleasant, successful home away from home. Bright, happy, cheerful, with the freedom for residents to maintain their interests and hobbies. Bidgee Haven fast became an asset to the area, and a credit to those who made it, and those who run it. After raising $750,000 34 years ago, the best thing about Bidgee Haven is a lot of the people involved are enjoying the facilities themselves or enjoying their friends being able to stay with them, in the community they love so much.

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)

There is something to watch out for if you own pigs or horses - or have feral pigs on your property.There is something to watch out for if you own pigs or horses - or have feral pigs on your property.A mosquito-borne virus has been detected in two Queensland piggeries, feral pigs in NSW and mozzies in Monto, Goondiwindi and Inglewood.The virus (Japanese encephalitis) can cause unexplained stillbirths in pigs and inflammation of the brain in horses, and can potentially cause serious illness in humans.The virus could spread to the Desert Channel region through feral pigs.People who work or live near pigs, including feral pigs, should look out for signs of the virus; including unexplained birth complications in pigs, or imbalance or poor vision in horsesIt is not possible for people to catch JEV directly from pigs, horses or from meat; only from a bite from infected mosquitos.If you suspect a case of the virus, report it to your local vet.What you should do:- Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing when working near pigs or feral pigs.- Take measures to avoid mosquito bites and wear insect repellent where possible.JE was first detected in piggeries in NSW in February 2022 Human infections were first reported in NSW in March 2022 The outbreak was genetically linked to a case detected in the Tiwi Islands in February 2021 JE was previously detected in tropical far north Queensland in the 1990s.In February 2021, a case was identified on the Northern Territory tropical coast

Local councils are calling on the next government to put communities firstThe Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has officially launched its funding priorities ahead of the Federal election.In a statement announcing the launch of its 2025 Federal Election campaign, the Association said Councils were calling on the next Australian Government to ‘Put Our Communities First’ by providing:$1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply;$500 million per year for community infrastructure;$600 million per year for safer local roads;$900 million per year for increased local government emergency management capability and capacity; and$400 million per year for climate adaptation.“These new funding programs should be distributed across all councils, on a formula-basis, similar to Financial Assistance Grants or Roads to Recovery funding, which has been provided for many years,” said ALGA President, and Gladstone Mayor, Matt Burnett (pictured).“I have briefed Federal Ministers, Shadow Ministers and crossbenchers on the importance of these long-term funding reforms.“I urge you to engage with your local federal MPs and candidates to stress the need for long-term sustainable funding for your communities.“We need certainty of funding to deliver national priorities through local solutions,” he said.Learn more at: www.putourcommunitiesfirst.com.au.

Mine Fire at Broken Hill Mine Prompts Investigation and Safety ConcernsA recent underground fire at Perilya's Southern Operations mine in Broken Hill is under investigation, raising concerns about the safety of workers and the use of a ground-stabilizing chemical. The incident occurred on January 12, around 980 meters below the surface, involving the chemical polyurethane, known as PUR. The chemical self-heated and ignited while miners were using it to prevent rock wall erosion. The fire was extinguished, but reignited before being fully put out.The New South Wales Resources Regulator is currently investigating the cause of the fire.While a preliminary investigation didn't find any immediate breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act, a review of the mine operators' chemical manifest has been recommended.The regulator is considering whether additional controls are required across the broader mining industry.The incident has led to concerns regarding potential health risks associated with the use of PUR.The miner's union is pushing for stricter regulations on PUR use in mineral-producing mines. According to a mine site information sheet, combustion of PUR can release toxic carbon monoxide fumes and acrid smoke, and create potentially explosive mists6. Workers have reported feeling unsteady.The Mine Workers Alliance has established a register for workers potentially exposed to the fumes, to log potential exposure to chemical fumes, 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 reported they were told that PUR was not combustible.The union is advocating for industry-wide safeguards, pointing out the heavier regulation of PUR in the coal industry compared to mineral mines. The union has contacted the NSW Natural Resources Minister to push for changes in legislation and to adopt practices from other sectors that would better protect mine workers.

From blank canvas in unforgiving dirt to a garden haven for all the familyA blank canvas for your new garden, boasting two lone mature trees (a Cedar in the vegetable garden and further away, a Peppercorn) and a few gums along the perimeter, red soil and the prospect of less than 300mm rainfall for the whole year.This is what Trish Palmer of ‘Overnewton’ near Darnick, north-west of Ivanhoe, faced after she and husband Philip rebuilt their house six years ago.Not to be beaten, Trish set out to create a lush garden for the whole family to enjoy.First to go in were more trees. Five Chinese Pistachios, 11 stately Manchurian Pears and Platypus Gums are scattered throughout the garden to provide welcoming shade.“I just started, and hoped for the best. A friend north of Broken Hill has Chinese Pistachios and I thought if it grew there, it would grow here,” Trish said.“I just wish I knew about Platypus Gums before. I would have started growing them long ago.”Always working within the conditions of their environment, a tough dwarf oleander hedge provides an informal boundary along the perimeter.There’s a rose arch bought by Philip’s parents from the former Crisp and Halley store in Ivanhoe which remained in storage until Trish found a purpose for it in her new garden.A formal line of small-leaved saltbush topiary closer to the house lends a certain structure and grandeur to the surrounds.With grandchildren first and centre in Trish’s planning, there is much for them to enjoy, create or ‘just play’.Their favourite is the exploratory garden created by the family. “The first thing they want to do when they get here, is to check out the pond, the bird bath and the bird’s nest,” Trish said.The sandpit used by Philip as a child remained intact while builders and tradespeople were milling around, his children’s old Tonka toys neatly lined up.A mud kitchen sits under a tree, right next to the very important tap which ensures water is always on hand for ‘baking’. Old kitchen utensils complete this part of the children’s paradise.And then there are the bowerbird bowers; a must-see every time the grandchildren visit.“Those birds love the colour green,” Trish explained.“They pinch my parsley, take my silverbeet and we’ve even found green Christmas decorations in their bowers.“But that’s not all they collect. There are tech screws, a cartridge, tags and plenty of coloured glass pieces in one bower alone.“They are also excellent mimics, from barking like a dog to crying like a baby.”From scratch, Trish and Philip have created a family home in an almost unforgiving part of Australia; a place where grandchildren are making lasting memories of a childhood filled with old-fashioned play, creating mud cakes and learning about animal behaviour; all within the safe sanction of their grandmother’s garden.

HIGHWAY CLOSED AFTER BURONGA CRASHHendy Road (Sturt Highway) in Buronga was closed in both directions near Alcheringa Oval following a truck crash.The NSW Rural Fire Service reported just before 6am a truck left a service station on Hendy Road before losing control and crashing into a property.The service said there were no injuries, but crews are on scene, with significant damage to both the truck and home.

Angie Armstrong of Callubri Station near Nyngan was elected president of Outback Beds at her very first meeting, held at Lake Paika, Balranald recently.Angie joined the dynamic group only a few months ago, and in the words of outgoing president Liz Murray, has the skills needed for the group to move forward. Angie is a Monash University graduate with a degree in Business Systems, has a strong interest in catering and events tourism and is director of Callubri Station, family home for four generations of the Armstrong family.Award-winning author, Heather Cameron of Lower Lila Retreat, Bourke brought along her two chart-topping Amazon listed books and briefly spoke of her struggles growing up with a violent father and then falling into a dysfunctional relationship for 27 years.Heather (below) turned to writing as a form of therapy and publishing her first book, Never Underestimate a Woman in 2023. The second book followed soon and she is now writing her third.This led Heather Cameron, the girl from Bourke with little education, to win the 2024 Global Women of Influence Award in Singapore.“Just to get people to believe in themselves is so important,” is Heather’s sound message.