Flow-MER and Nari Nari Tribal Council project assesses wetland healthIn a pioneering effort to safeguard the ecological heart of the Lowbidgee floodplain, rangers and scientists have deployed cutting-edge drone technology to monitor the health of lignum, a critical wetland plant. This marks the first annual survey in a significant four-year project between Flow-MER and Nari Nari Tribal Council (Hay and Balranald) aimed at understanding the intricate relationship between flooding patterns and lignum vitality.Flow-MER is the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder’s Science Program that assesses how the environment responds to environmental flows in the Murray–Darling Basin, to inform management of Commonwealth environmental water.Conducted in March 2025, the initial survey at Gayini Conservation Area (formerly Nimmie-Caira) saw a collaborative approach, with scientists working hand-in-hand with the Nari Nari Tribal Council. The invaluable on-Country knowledge shared by the Nari Nari rangers proved crucial in guiding data collection, ensuring the research was both scientifically robust and culturally informed.Why Lignum MattersLignum, a native shrub, is the cornerstone of healthy floodplain ecosystems, providing:Essential nesting spots for a diverse range of waterbirds.Crucial shelter for aquatic animals during flood events.Vibrant habitat supporting a wide variety of wildlife.However, altered river flows due to agricultural needs and urban water supply have led to reduced flooding in some floodplain areas, threatening lignum populations. Regular inundation is vital for its health, and a lack of water can lead to weakening or even die-back. By closely observing lignum's response to varying water conditions, researchers aim to develop strategies for its protection and restoration.High-Tech Insights from AboveTo gather precise data, the research team utilized a specialised drone equipped with a multispectral camera. Unlike standard cameras, this advanced technology captures wavelengths of light that reveal the health of plants.The drone meticulously surveyed 24 plots, each roughly the size of a soccer field (70 x 70 metres), spread across four diverse sites. These sites represented a spectrum of flooding histories, from recently inundated to areas that hadn't seen water in years.The aerial mission collected three distinct types of data:True-colour images at an exceptionally detailed 1 cm resolution.Multispectral images at 2 cm resolution, using bands like Near-Infrared and Red Edge to accurately gauge plant health.Structure-from-Motion (SfM) data, which generates intricate 3D models of lignum shrubs and the surrounding terrain.This comprehensive data allows scientists to construct a clear picture of lignum health and its direct correlation to water levels over time.Early Findings Confirm Water's ImpactInitial analysis of the drone imagery and 3D models has revealed clear patterns:Greener, healthier lignum plants were consistently found in plots that had experienced more recent or frequent flooding.In contrast, plants in areas that had been dry for one or two years appeared weaker and thinner.The 3D models further illustrated that lignum in wetter zones was taller and fuller, while in drier areas, it was shorter and more open.These findings emphatically underscore the profound impact of water availability on lignum's vitality. The drone's high-resolution capabilities enable the detection of even subtle changes in the plants without disturbing the sensitive wetland environment. Annual surveys of this kind will be instrumental in understanding lignum's long-term response to changing flood patterns.The Road Ahead: Protecting Our FloodplainsThe 2025 survey establishes a crucial baseline for this ambitious project. The team plans to return in March 2026 to the same locations to track changes and build upon this initial dataset.Looking forward, the project will also explore the use of satellite data to extrapolate findings across the broader Lowbidgee floodplain. The ultimate goal is to seamlessly integrate drone data, satellite imagery, and invaluable local knowledge to inform vital decisions regarding:Strategic delivery of environmental water.Restoration and protection of key habitats.Sustainable land and water management that benefits both communities and nature.This collaborative project, by weaving together cutting-edge science, innovative technology, and deeply rooted traditional knowledge, is poised to create a healthier, more resilient landscape for the Lowbidgee floodplain.

Central Darling Shire Council has announced that nominations are now open for the annual Outstanding Community Service Awards, celebrating the individuals, volunteers, and events that continue to make a meaningful and positive difference across the Shire.The awards programme recognises residents who have significantly contributed to their community, with presentations typically held around Australia Day each year. These prestigious awards acknowledge the efforts of individuals and groups who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others and make the Central Darling Shire a better place to live.Award CategoriesThis year's awards feature several categories designed to recognise different types of community contribution:Citizen of the Year honours an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the community through their service, leadership, or achievement.Young Citizen of the Year recognises exceptional community service by a person under 17 years of age, celebrating the next generation of community leaders.Service to the Community encompasses various forms of contribution, including acts of bravery, local business initiatives that benefit the community, and environmental stewardship.Volunteer of the Year acknowledges the dedicated volunteers whose unpaid service makes such a vital difference to community life.Outstanding Local Event celebrates events held in the previous year that brought the community together or provided significant benefit to residents.Nomination ProcessTo be eligible for nomination, individuals must be residents of the Central Darling Shire, or in the case of events, they must have taken place within the Shire boundaries.Community members can submit nominations online through Council's website at https://www.centraldarling.nsw.gov.au, or collect printed nomination forms from Council offices during business hours.A panel comprising community members and the General Manager will review all nominations, selecting recipients based on merit and adherence to the award criteria.Recognising ExcellenceThe awards provide an important opportunity to publicly acknowledge the contributions of community members, fostering a sense of pride and encouraging continued community engagement.Central Darling Shire Council's own commitment to community service was recently recognised when it became a finalist in the 2025 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards. The Council was acknowledged for its work on the Baaka Cultural Centre and the Local Emergency Management Committee's exemplary response during a significant power outage, demonstrating the Shire's dedication to serving its community.Award recipients to be announced and celebrated at a special ceremony around Australia Day 2026.For more information about the awards or to submit a nomination, visit Council's website or contact Central Darling Shire Council offices.

Get on air: 2 Hay FM's community radio presenter trainingCommunity radio station 2 Hay FM is offering local residents an exceptional opportunity to develop broadcasting skills through their comprehensive Radio Presenter Training programme. This initiative represents a genuine chance for community members to gain professional media experience whilst contributing to local broadcasting.The training is delivered through two distinct pathways. The intensive five-day course provides a thorough grounding in all aspects of radio presentation, covering sector fundamentals, podcasting basics, community and internet radio distinctions, and government regulations. Participants learn scripting techniques for both scripted and unscripted formats, develop presenting skills including timing and microphone techniques, and master the use of running sheets.Technical training encompasses media law, music licensing for CDs, vinyls and MP3s, weather and traffic reporting, interview techniques, and sponsor announcement protocols. The programme concludes with emergency announcement procedures, core radio concepts, show planning methodologies, and a practical test broadcast.For those preferring a more gradual approach, the Senior Radio Presenters Course runs monthly sessions from August through December. Scheduled for the third Monday of each month (18 August, 29 September, 20 October, 17 November, and 8 December) from 6pm to 9pm, this format allows participants to absorb skills progressively whilst maintaining other commitments.Station Manager Matt Christie brings considerable expertise to the training programme. With 29 years in education and extensive broadcasting experience across Australian and UK radio networks as both presenter and producer, he offers participants genuine industry insight. His credentials include nominations for Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Awards and current work as a Grant Assessor for the Community Broadcasting Foundation.Matt's journey began with a Channel 7 News Reader competition at Griffith University in Queensland in 1996, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to broadcasting excellence. His volunteer commitment to training community members reflects the collaborative spirit that drives community radio.Beyond technical skills acquisition, the programme offers significant personal and community benefits. Participants gain a new hobby whilst developing confidence in public speaking and media presentation. The training creates opportunities to meet like-minded individuals who share interests in community engagement and media.Community radio participation provides a meaningful way to give back to the local area whilst supporting mental health through creative engagement and social connection. The skills developed extend beyond broadcasting, enhancing communication abilities applicable in various personal and professional contexts.Participation RequirementsThe Senior Radio Presenters Course requires participants to be at least 18 years old. All volunteer presenters must complete the training before receiving on-air privileges, ensuring consistent standards and understanding of codes of conduct. Junior presenters can access alternative training through school holiday media programmes conducted during term breaks.The training covers essential elements including codes of conduct, presenting techniques, show preparation, technical skills development, and research methodologies. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for the responsibilities of community broadcasting.Training sessions are conducted at Hay Railway Station, with detailed information available through the station's website at www.2hayfm.com.au. Interested participants can register directly through the online form at https://form.jotform.com/241708493743867, or contact the station on 0414 740 778 for additional information.This training represents exceptional value for community members interested in media, communication skills development, or meaningful volunteer engagement. The combination of professional-standard instruction, comprehensive curriculum, and supportive community environment makes this an outstanding opportunity for personal growth and community contribution.Community radio thrives on volunteer participation, and 2 Hay FM's commitment to proper training ensures new presenters are well-equipped to maintain the station's broadcasting standards whilst developing their own unique on-air presence.

A 62-year-old man has been charged with hindering police and animal cruelty after allegedly interfering with a drug detection dog during a weekend operation at a licensed premises in NSW, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding the state's controversial sniffer dog program.The incident occurred at 11:47pm on Saturday night when Murrumbidgee Police, accompanied by drug detection dog 'Trigger' and his handler, were conducting inspections at a club on Jondaryan Avenue as part of an operation targeting patron behaviour.Police allege the man waved a condiment in the direction of Trigger, causing immediate discomfort to the animal. When officers approached to speak with him, the man allegedly repeated the behaviour before being removed from the premises.The incident was captured on both police body-worn cameras and the venue's CCTV footage. The man will receive a court attendance notice for the charges.The weekend operation that led to the Jondaryan Avenue incident saw several premises inspected and a number of patrons searched with positive drug detections, with several people removed due to their behaviour. The incident comes as new data reveals significant questions about the effectiveness and cost of NSW's drug detection dog program. Between January 2013 and June 2023, sniffer dogs prompted 94,535 general and strip-searches, yet nearly 75 per cent of these searches yielded no illicit drugs.The program has cost taxpayers more than $46 million over the past decade, with annual operating costs increasing from $3.48 million to $4.95 million. Each deployment requires between six and 10 additional officers to accompany every dog and handler team.NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, who obtained the figures through parliament, described the program as a "huge waste of police resources.""The government cannot say that taxpayers are getting value for money, when the majority of indications result in no drugs being found, yet while causing so much angst and trauma," Faehrmann said.The effectiveness of drug detection dogs has been questioned by Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame, who disputed police claims that the dogs were "about 80 per cent accurate."Police Commissioner Karen Webb acknowledged at a budget estimates hearing that the 80 per cent figure included people who confessed to having taken drugs when confronted by a sniffer dog, not just successful drug finds.Grahame has also warned that drug detection dogs could cause "panic-ingesting" - where people consume large quantities of drugs quickly to avoid being caught - and said evidence suggested they did not deter drug users from consuming drugs.Strip-Search ConcernsThe use of sniffer dogs is closely linked to the controversial practice of strip-searching, as police are legally allowed to search someone if they suspect they have illicit drugs. A recent audit by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission found only 30 per cent of strip-search records over the past two years showed officers had met the "seriousness and urgency" threshold to legally justify the searches.Between 2013 and June 2023, sniffer dogs were deployed 20,477 times across NSW, prompting both general and strip-searches. The NSW police force has received 57 complaints about drug detection dog use over the past decade.Government ResponseDespite the statistics, NSW Police maintain that drug detection dogs are "very effective" and "regularly" find prohibited substances. Police Minister Yasmin Catley said she supported the use of sniffer dogs as a method of "reducing drug-related harm.""Police cannot search someone just because a drug dog indicates, officers must also rely on observations, conversations with the person before determining whether or not to search," Catley said.The Minns government has agreed to introduce a two-strike diversion scheme for people caught with small quantities of illicit drugs for personal use from early next year, but has rejected calls for pill testing, saying other reforms will be discussed at a promised drug summit next year.

More than just a day out: Hatfield Happening brings rural women togetherCome mid-August, women from across a 200-kilometre radius will make their way to tiny Hatfield, some travelling from as far as Ivanhoe in the north and Moulamein in the south. They're coming for something special – a day that started 25 years ago as Women's Health Days and has evolved into something much more."Anything 'happens' at the Hatfield Happening!" says Claire Butler with a laugh, and she's not exaggerating. Over the years, the women of Balranald ICPA Branch have served up everything from escapism workshops to handwriting analysis, photography sessions to massage therapy. "One never knows fully what they're in for," she adds with obvious delight.This year's event on August 15 promises to continue that tradition of surprise and connection. For $15 for non-members and $10 for ICPA members, attendees get more than four hours of activities, friendship, and that special brand of outback hospitality that makes country communities tick.The magic of Hatfield Happening lies in its evolution. What began as health-focused gatherings has transformed into something broader and more ambitious. The most recent iteration featured a 'her horizons' panel of local women sharing stories and tips on being positive voices for their communities. "It was a wonderful example of how helping others gives us greater self-awareness and confidence to build capacity in our communities," Claire reflects.For many rural women, particularly mothers juggling the demands of station life and children's education, these few hours represent something precious – time. The Broken Hill Outback Mobile Resource Unit provides childcare, allowing mums to focus entirely on themselves for once. It's a luxury that's rare in country life, where women often put everyone else's needs first.The Balranald ICPA Branch, celebrating over 50 years of advocacy for rural education, knows the value of bringing people together. Their territory stretches across that impressive 200-kilometre radius, encompassing families from both sides of the NSW-Victoria border. In a region where neighbours might live an hour's drive apart, events like Hatfield Happening create the connections that sustain rural communities.But this gathering is about more than friendship and workshops. Every dollar raised goes directly back into supporting rural education through the Mary Butler School Book Awards and the Country Education Fund in Balranald. They also helped bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to preschoolers across the entire shire – an ambitious project that gives hundreds of young children a stronger start to their education."We're strategically planning tangible ways to encourage the mining and renewable energy industries to implement programs to upskill local youth," Claire explains. It's forward-thinking that reflects the branch's half-century of fighting for rural kids' educational opportunities. They're not just planning for today's needs but anticipating tomorrow's.The logistics of attending couldn't be simpler. A bus runs from Balranald – just contact Tegan at Balranald Hospital to book your seat. The event includes stalls and shopping opportunities, and organisers welcome donations of food for morning tea or slow cookers for lunch. If you're bringing a slow cooker, Claire asks that you let her know in advance.It's details like these that capture the essence of country life – the assumption that people will pitch in, the understanding that a successful community event requires everyone to contribute something, whether it's time, food, or simply their presence.The pink cowboy boots on the promotional image aren't just decorative – they're a symbol of the confidence and character that rural women bring to everything they do. Sometimes, that's exactly what a community needs: women willing to show up, boots and all, ready for whatever happens next.

Picture this: it's 7pm on a Thursday night in Hillston, you've got a serious craving for pepperoni pizza, and you're told there's going to be an hour's wait. For most of us, that's when you either settle in with a beer or head home to raid the freezer for a frozen number.But for one local woman last Thursday evening, the wait for her $25 pizza proved a bit more explosive than expected.Staff at the restaurant could tell she'd had a few drinks when she arrived, but took her order anyway – pepperoni pizza, one hour wait due to the dinner rush backlog. Fair enough, she paid up and settled in to wait.About 40 minutes in – so close to pizza paradise, yet so far – patience apparently ran thin. The woman returned to the counter with some choice words about the service, and things escalated from there.In what can only be described as a moment of spectacular poor judgement, she grabbed two beer bottles from the counter. One got smashed on the bar, the other hit the deck. Staff, no doubt wondering if this was some new extreme form of restaurant criticism, refunded her $25.But the drama wasn't over. The woman then insisted she'd actually paid $37, leading to further heated discussion with staff who were probably just trying to get through their Thursday night shift without any more flying glassware.Police were called, and by the time they arrived, she'd left the scene. Her partner, displaying the kind of community spirit that keeps small towns running, came in to apologise to staff and paid for the broken bottles. You've got to respect someone who cleans up after their other half's pizza-related meltdown.When police caught up with the woman at home later, she apparently wasn't any more ready to chat calmly, talking over officers and generally not making their evening any easier either.The upshot? One infringement notice for offensive behaviour, some cleanup at the restaurant, and presumably still no pepperoni pizza for dinner.It's a reminder that we've all had those moments when hunger meets frustration and things don't go quite to plan. The difference is most of us manage to keep the glassware intact while we wait for our dinner.The restaurant staff, showing admirable restraint throughout what must have been a bewildering evening, got back to serving customers. Because that's what you do in a small town – you clean up the mess, fix what's broken, and get on with the job.Though they might be keeping the beer bottles a bit further from the counter next time someone's waiting for their pizza.

Carrathool Shire councillors gathered at Goolgowi on July 15 for their monthly meeting, with all but two members present after Councillors CM McKeon and NJ Smith were granted leave of absence.The two-hour session covered the usual mix of infrastructure updates, financial reports and policy decisions that keep the shire ticking along.Road improvements get the green lightThe biggest spending decision of the day saw councillors approve $100,000 from the Local Roads Reserve to fix up the troublesome intersection at Milton and Cowper Streets in Hillston. The corner has been causing headaches for drivers, and council finally decided it was time to do something about it.Council also received updates on their ongoing culvert program and the Regional and Emergency Road Works funding, which still has two years to run with around $2.4 million available each financial year.Water policy changes aheadIn a move that will affect local residents, council voted to put their revised Water and Sewer Subsidy Policy on public exhibition for 28 days. The policy removes the water usage subsidy that Carrathool Public School currently receives, with the school to be formally notified of the change.If no objections come in during the exhibition period, the policy will be automatically adopted.Electricity bill dispute continuesThe ongoing saga with Rankins Springs Sport and Recreation Ground Committee took another turn, with council firmly declining to pay the facility's electricity bills. Councillors made it clear they expect the committee to cover operational costs from user fees and charges.All Section 355 committees across the shire have now been asked to provide financial reports for the year ended June 30.Water leak detection programOn the infrastructure front, council noted that an Active Leak Detection Program will roll out across the water supply network from July, with repairs to follow up any leaks the survey discovers.Conference delegates chosenLooking ahead to November, Councillors A-M Young and B Furner were selected as delegates to the Local Government NSW Annual Conference in Penrith, with Councillor Furner nominated as the voting delegate. The shire's Management Accountant will also attend.Financial snapshotCouncil confirmed payment of accounts totalling $5,770,804.31 for June and noted their investment portfolio was performing in line with policy requirements.The meeting wrapped up just before noon, with the next ordinary meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 19 at 10am, though the venue is yet to be confirmed.Two councillors declared non-pecuniary conflicts of interest relating to agenda item 10.17, with Mayor DL Jardine noting his wife's role as secretary of Hillston Ladies Golf Club, and Councillor HJ Lyall declaring her positions as president of the golf club and treasurer of the local CWA branch.

Picture this: you're halfway through your day and your phone's already begging for a charger. Sound familiar? If you're constantly hunting for power outlets, you're not alone – and the culprit might be hiding in plain sight on your home screen.Thomas Davy knows a thing or two about technology's hidden energy guzzlers. As CEO and co-founder of CloudExMachina.io, he spends his days optimising cloud performance, but he's also noticed something telling about our everyday devices. "Social media apps like Facebook and Instagram consume battery by constantly refreshing in the background," he explains. "They download new content, videos, and advertisements regardless of whether you're actively using the app."It turns out Facebook tops the list of power-hungry apps, and it's not just because we spend hours scrolling through it. Even when your phone's tucked away in your pocket, Facebook is still hard at work – updating your feed, checking for notifications, and tracking your location. Instagram, being part of the Facebook family, does much the same thing.The good news? You don't need to delete these apps or go completely off the grid. "This small change can extend your battery life by even two hours per day in some cases without affecting your social media experience when you actually open the app," Davy says. He's talking about something beautifully simple: turning off background app refresh in your phone settings.Here's another easy win – disable location services for social media apps. "Facebook doesn't need to know where you are 24 hours a day," Davy points out. "Location tracking is a massive battery drain." Fair point. Unless you're actively checking in somewhere or sharing your location, there's really no need for Facebook to keep tabs on whether you're at the shops or sitting in your lounge room.Navigation apps present their own challenges. Google Maps and Waze are incredibly useful, but they're also battery vampires. "Map apps use GPS, mobile data, and screen brightness simultaneously, creating a perfect storm for battery consumption," Davy explains. The solution here is straightforward: download offline maps when possible and actually close these apps when you've reached your destination. "Many people leave these apps running in the background, which continues to drain power."Then there's our love affair with video. Netflix, YouTube, and TikTok all place hefty demands on your phone's processor and data connection. "Streaming video at high resolution forces your phone to work harder and use more data, both of which deplete your battery," Davy notes. His suggestion might surprise you with its simplicity: reduce video quality to standard definition when you're using mobile data. "Most phone screens can't display the full quality of 4K video anyway, so you're wasting battery for no visible benefit."The beauty of these fixes is their simplicity. You're not giving up the apps you love or dramatically changing how you use your phone. "Simple changes to app settings can significantly extend battery life without sacrificing the functions people rely on," Davy reflects. "Most users can gain significantly more battery life by optimising just their top five most-used applications."It's worth remembering that technology should work for us, not against us. "The goal isn't to stop using these services, but to use them more efficiently," he adds. Sometimes the best solutions are the ones hiding in plain sight – a few taps in your settings menu, and suddenly your phone lasts the whole day without that familiar battery anxiety.Your phone doesn't have to be a constant source of stress about finding the next charging point. These small adjustments might just give you back that freedom to head out without frantically checking your battery percentage.

So, you're settling in for another chilly winter evening, maybe flicking through the local news, when the familiar reminder pops up again – COVID cases are on the rise. It's not the headline any of us particularly want to see, but here we are.NSW Health released their latest figures last week, showing 3475 people tested positive for the virus – that's a 10 per cent jump from the week before. And if that wasn't enough to keep the health authorities on their toes, influenza levels are sitting at moderate levels right across the state.Dr Jeremy McAnulty from Health Protection NSW put it simply: COVID is circulating at moderate levels in our communities. The concerning bit? The biggest increase is happening among our most vulnerable – people aged 90 and over.What's particularly telling is that these 3475 cases probably represent just the tip of the iceberg. Most people with COVID these days don't bother testing, so the real numbers are likely much higher than what's being reported.The timing couldn't be more frustrating for local event organisers. Over in Menindee, the much-anticipated 60s night at Sunset Strip has had to be pushed back to August due to the rising numbers of both COVID and flu cases making their way through the community."Organisers are sorry for any inconvenience," came the announcement, though you can bet they're just as disappointed as everyone who was looking forward to dusting off their dancing shoes and reliving those classic tunes.It's a reminder that we're still very much in this together, even as life feels more normal than it has in years. The health authorities are making their renewed plea for vaccination – not because they want to be the fun police, but because they're seeing the numbers climb week after week since May.For now, the Sunset Strip crew will be working on new dates for August, and the rest of us will be keeping an eye on those case numbers, hoping they start heading in the other direction soon. In the meantime, it might be worth checking if your vaccinations are up to date – especially if you're planning on any winter gatherings of your own.

Police are appealing for information following a suspicious house fire earlier this year.About 6pm on Wednesday May 28 emergency services were called to Rae Road, Griffith, following reports of a house fire.The owner returned home to find the house alight, and attempted to put out the blaze. A short time later, Fire and Rescue NSW arrived and extinguished the fire. The house was damaged and no one was injured.Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District responded and established a crime scene.The fire is being treated as suspicious.Following inquiries, police are releasing CCTV of a man who could assist with their inquiries.He is described as being around 180cm tall, medium build, short shaved dark hair with stubble.He was wearing a maroon-coloured long sleeve shirt, grey knee-length cargo shorts, tanned lace-up work boots and sunglasses.Anyone with information, mobile phone footage or CCTV is urged to come forward and contact Griffith Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Katamatite welcomes new live-in police officerSo, after more than a year without a resident police officer, Katamatite's single-member station is about to spring back to life.Detective Senior Constable Charles Ryall is trading his role with Cobram's Crime Investigation Unit for something entirely different – becoming Katamatite's first live-in police officer in about 12 months."I'm excited. I am up for the challenge," Charles said. "I know there'll be different challenges to what I'm used to, and I'd like to really thank the community for their support."It's a homecoming of sorts for Charles, who spent five months stationed in Katamatite last year during a temporary secondment. The experience left such an impression that when the permanent position opened up, he didn't hesitate to apply.Born in Hay, NSW, Charles brings 12 years of policing experience to the role. He spent several years working as a detective in St Kilda before moving to Cobram Police Station five years ago. But it's his rural roots that have drawn him back to country policing."I went to a really small school, and we looked up to our local police, because of the role they play in the community," he recalled. "The sense of community in those rural places is really strong, and they really appreciate the presence of police."That appreciation was something Charles experienced firsthand during his temporary stint in Katamatite last year."It was very refreshing after over a decade of policing to go back to a rural community and work with the community directly," he said. "I'm very grateful for that, and would like to thank them for that as well."As part of his move, which begins on Monday, July 28, Charles will be stepping back from his detective work – no small sacrifice given his track record. When asked about his proudest achievements, he found it impossible to single out just one case from the many he's closed."I think the most satisfying work we've done here is in our efforts to tackle drug issues," he said. "And they've included major operations, as well as domestic violence matters, which are both really prevalent. Drugs are at the centre of a lot of crime, so you do see the results when we're successful in our prosecution of those offences."Charles will be replacing Leading Senior Constable Phil Armstrong, who served as the interim officer in charge at Katamatite following the retirement of Leading Senior Constable Chris Westrope last year.While he's looking forward to the unique challenges of running a single-member station, Charles admits he'll miss working alongside his colleagues, particularly Detective Sergeant Marcus Boyd."The opportunity to go work in a single-member station is very unique," he said. "So I'm really looking forward to that, and broadening my experience and diversity as well. I'm really happy to be going back."For a community that has been without a resident police presence for over a year, Charles's arrival marks more than just filling a vacancy – it's about restoring that vital connection between law enforcement and the people they serve. Meet the cop taking the reins at Katamatite Police Station | Dairy News Australia

The NSW Electoral Commission is encouraging all eligible voters in the Central Darling Shire Council area to enrol or check their enrolment details before close of roll 6pm Monday, August 11. NSW Electoral Commissioner Rachel McCallum reminded voters that now is a great time to get ready to vote. “With the election approaching, now is the time for eligible voters to ensure their details are up to date so they are ready to have their say," she said. “Whether you need to enrol for the first time, update your details or just check where you are enrolled, it’s quick and easy to do online. “Go to aec.gov.au and you’ll get all the information you need.”  Ms McCallum said it is compulsory to enrol to vote in NSW elections if eligible and aged 18 or over.You can find more information about how to enrol to vote on our website.  So, the election, to be held in Central Darling Shire Council on Saturday, September 20, is its first since it was placed under administration in 2013. The election will be held under a new model proposed for rural and remote councils. Three councillors will be elected by the community and three councillors will be appointed by the Minister for Local Government. Voting is compulsory.  Further information about enrolment and about the 2025 Central Darling Shire Council election is available on the Electoral Commission website. 

BY ROBERT MARMONTThe Southern Zone – Riverine Plains Cluster of the State Emergency Services (SES) conducted an awards ceremony in Hay Thursday last.The presentation of Awards and Certificates were in recognition of Service to the NSW SES. The ceremony was conducted by Superintendent Shane Hargrave from Wagga. SES Members from Balranald, Hillston, Goolgowi and Hay received awards.The Awards were presented by the SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone, Hay Mayor Carol Oataway and Balranald Mayor Louie Zaffina.Each of the presenters gave a short speech in support of their local SES. Hay General Manager David Webb also attended.It was noted that there was over sixty years of service in the room, with another fifty years of service by those who were not able to be present.One National Medal, second clasp was presented to Francis Thompson (also known as Gater) from Hillston for 35 years of dedicated Service to the Hillston SES.Francis also received the NSW SES Long Service Certificate for 35 years diligent Service.One National Medal for 15 years was presented to Lawrence Harris from Goolgowi, along with the NSW SES Long Service Certificate for 15 years diligent Service to the SES.The Commissioner's Certificates of appreciation were presented by Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone to Andrew Manning and Karen Norfolk from Balranald, Inspector Lawrence Harris from Goolgowi, Senior Group Officer Robert Marmont, Deputy Unit Commander and Senior Group Officer, Sechia Darlow Deputy Unit Commander from Hay, and Senior Group Officer Mick Dowd from Hillston.Two five years of service awards were presented to Hay members.The first, to Senior Group Officer Robert Marmont."Robert's association with the Hay SES started sometime in the early 1980's, some 45 years ago when as a NSW Ambulance Officer, he began teaching First Aid to the SES Members of the time," his award read."Robert has trained nearly all of the SES members in basic first aid over the years, some to advanced level. Robert is still teaching first aid to the SES members today."Over the years Robert became part of the local SES team, attending SES training courses and training weekends and exercises. He was often the ambulance officer during RCR training, and this is still happening today."This honorary association continued until October 30, 2018 when Robert officially become a member of the Hay SES, nearly seven years ago, after fifty years as an ambulance paramedic – had to do something in retirement."Robert has undertaken many and varied roles in the SES, from being a member, duty officer, training officer, membership officer rescue officer and acting deputy from time to time."Robert is also the units general handy man. Robert also undertakes mentoring roles in the unit and arranges all the local needs (catering etc.) for courses."Robert was recently promoted to the position of one of the two Deputy Unit Commanders for Hay."Next to receive their five years of service was Sally Ware."Sally joined the Hay SES Unit on March 17, 2020 after the 2019 Tumut area bushfire events," her award read."Sally has a rural background and works with the Local Land Services (LLS)."As part of her work Sally has worked in the Hay control centre during the 2011 floods."Sally worked in the Tumut control centre during the 2019 fires and in 2023 she worked in Griffith during the Varroa Mite National Response."Sally has also been the recipient of the National Emergency Medal for the 2019/2020 bushfires."Sally has continued to undertake courses as she can, work dependent to improve her knowledge and skills in the SES."Sally attends callouts and training when able even though she lives a short distance out of town. Sally always lets the Duty Officer know if she is not able to attend training or jobs."It is not unusual to find Sally standing on the side of the Sturt Highway at her driveway waiting to be picked up if the job is east of Hay."Sally continues to be a valued Member of the Hay SES Unit."Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone thanked everyone on their achievements, not forgetting the partners and families who support the SES member.\Hillston’s Francis Thompson (centre) with Hay Mayor Carol Oataway and SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone.Balranald Mayor Louie Zaffina, valued Hay SES members Sally Ware and Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone.Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone, Balranald Mayor Louie Zaffina, Andrew Manning, Karen Norfolk and Shane Hargrave.

Why are the major parties running a protection racket for the gambling companies?This isn’t over! Gambling companies won’t be allowed to keep stolen money forever.It’s only a matter of time before laws are changed to force gambling companies to give the proceeds of crime back to victims, according to Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton.Ms Dalton’s comments came after Labor and the Coalition joined forces to vote against her Return of Proceeds of Crime (Gambling Companies) Bill 2024.“My Bill would have forced gambling companies to return stolen money to victims of crime,” Ms Dalton said.“It’s outrageous that the major parties did not support this Bill.“Why are the major parties running a protection racket for the gambling companies?“The public will be outraged when they find out that, right now, gambling companies knowingly keep stolen money that is used by gamblers.“My Bill would have meant that when a court rules that money has been stolen, and when that court identifies the person the money was stolen from, gambling companies are required by law to give that stolen money back to the victims.“I cannot find a single voter who thinks the gambling companies should be allowed to keep this stolen money.“So why wouldn’t the major parties support this Bill that would return stolen money to victims?”Ms Dalton’s Bill is similar to other Proceeds of Crime Bills which have been tabled by independent politicians in the federal parliament and the Tasmanian parliament.She said she would not give up, and vowed to change the laws relating to proceeds of crime.“This isn’t over,” Helen said. “I’m not giving up, and the public don’t want me to give up. Watch this space.”

New Tower at The Homestead Now LiveTelstra has expanded its 4G mobile coverage along the Sturt Highway west of Darlington Point with a new mobile base station being switched on at district property, The Homestead.Regional General Manager, Chris Taylor said the new site would improve Telstra's existing coverage in the area and improve connectivity for residents and commuters along the highway."We know the community's been looking forward to this new mobile site and I'm pleased to say we've completed construction and been able to bring this site on-air," Mr Taylor said."Having mobile connectivity is becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives."This new site not only helps reduce a mobile black spot in this area, but it will also improve capacity and mobile coverage and provide additional triple zero connectivity for users on other mobile networks in times of emergency."The latest investment builds on the $11.8 billion investment Telstra has made in its mobile network nationally, including $4.3 billion in regional areas over the past seven years."We're incredibly proud of our network which is the largest and most reliable mobile network in Australia – delivering more coverage than anyone else."We will continue to push the boundaries to deliver the best possible connectivity experience for our customers."

Ashley Sterchow’s Story: Hay and BelongingThe latest Country Change initiative from Riverina RDA (Regional Development Australia) showcases the transformative power of regional career moves through the experiences of two dedicated police officers.Ashley Sterchow, stationed at Hay Police, exemplifies how a move from urban to rural policing can reshape both professional and personal life. Her journey to regional NSW has brought unexpected benefits, including enhanced career development opportunities and a deeper sense of belonging within the local community."The move to Hay has strengthened my confidence levels significantly," Sterchow explained. "The tight-knit community atmosphere has actually enhanced my effectiveness as a police officer. The warmth and openness of locals here create a genuine sense of belonging."The Country Change campaign also highlights Detective Sergeant Colleen Hayden's successful transition to Griffith, where she has discovered the unique advantages of regional living. Both officers demonstrate how country policing extends far beyond professional duties.Regional life offers distinctive lifestyle benefits that urban areas often cannot match. From riverside walking tracks and local sporting activities to a relaxed pace that supports family life, these officers have found their rural postings provide an almost holiday-like quality of living while advancing their careers.The accessibility of essential services and educational facilities in regional centres means residents enjoy convenience alongside the enhanced quality of life that smaller communities provide. For police officers considering a tree change, these stories illustrate how regional appointments can deliver both professional growth and lifestyle rewards.

Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation has renewed calls as a matter of urgency for a new government approach to address high lead levels in Aboriginal children in far west New South Wales. The call comes after the Far West Local Health District released the latest report into lead levels in Broken Hill children. The report showed that more than 700 children aged one to five years attended for blood lead screening in 2024. Of those children tested, 26 % were Aboriginal and 68 % of those children had blood lead levels above the guideline, compared to 35 % of non-Aboriginal children screened. Maari Ma CEO, Richard Weston said it’s not acceptable to see this significant discrepancy year after year. “We are not seeing any change even though we have been working with Aboriginal children under five years of age for many years providing lead testing, health education and intensive multidisciplinary case management. “We’ve said time and time again there needs to be a new and targeted approach for Aboriginal children and families as part of the broader community program. “While we’ve been accessing more Aboriginal children and working with families to provide the initial and ongoing testing and whatever treatments that may be required, it’s clearly not enough. “The gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children’s lead levels remains unacceptably high and we urgently need to look at new ways to address this. “We have recommended for a long time that the community program here in Broken Hill has a greater focus on Aboriginal children as it is Aboriginal children who are carrying the greater burden of high lead levels in Broken Hill. “We have also been recommending that the government focuses on housing as there’s a strong link between blood lead levels and the quality of housing in Broken Hill for Aboriginal families. “We are asking the NSW Government to act now and treat the unacceptably high level of lead in Aboriginal children in Broken Hill as a high priority Closing the Gap issue that needs to be addressed with intense action and a greater sense of urgency than we’ve seen to date.” Mr Weston said.

A request by Rankins Springs Sport and Recreation Grounds Committee has been refused by Carrathool Shire CouncilAt the July meeting of Carrathool Council held at Goolgowi last week, the request to pay the Rankins Springs Sport and Recreation Grounds electricity charges on an on-going basis was declined.The motion was moved by Cr Beverey Furner and seconded by Cr Anne Maree Young In his report to Council, General Manager Rick Warren said he recommend the request be declined."Following the request from the committee to fund future electricity accounts a request was made for financial information and minutes of previous meetings – these were provided and although the Treasurers report was dated 21 October 2024 it shows a balance of $11,399," Mr Warren's report saod."A bank statement dated 1 April 2025 was also supplied with a credit balance of $10,897. Of interest is that the committee for several years (from documentation available) has been capable of paying its operational expenses. It is also acknowledged that there is not a great deal of income received through fees and charges and it is suggested that this be looked at by the committee, as being a Section 355 committee of council is to oversee the operation on behalf of council it does not confer exclusive use or rights to any group or organisation wishing to use the facility. "It should be noted that council through the use of grant funds have expended several hundred thousand dollars at the facility. Council staff are also deployed for regular maintenance of the grounds."

The family of the late Alicia Little is leading a national campaign for change, and have called for a national register of convicted domestic violence offenders.SIGN THE PETITION HEREThe family of former Hay student, Alicia Little, is spearheading a powerful campaign urging for greater cooperation between state borders to combat domestic violence. Their initiative, the Justice for Alicia Little Campaign, calls on Australian authorities to establish a national domestic violence offender database.Remembering Alicia: A Life Beyond ViolenceAlicia Little, a beloved daughter, mother, niece, and friend, tragically lost her life on December 28, 2017, in Kyneton, Victoria, at just 41 years old. She left behind four children and a family shattered by grief. When researching Alicia’s life, online searches are often dominated by the dreadful circumstances of her death. The creation of Alicia’s Law aims to ensure she is remembered for more than a life defined by someone else's violence.Alicia had strong ties to the Back Country region and community, having attended Hay War Memorial High School and boarded at Claughton House while her family travelled with the Showmen’s Guild.The Call for "Alicia's Law"Alicia’s partner, Charles McKenzie Evans, was initially charged with her murder. However, the charge was later downgraded, and he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and failing to render assistance. He was sentenced to four years but served less than three.Alicia’s aunt, Cindy Miller, powerfully articulated the family's anguish and their plea for change. "Charlie Evans took Alicia’s phone, hit her with his vehicle and ran over her," Cindy stated. "He left Alicia lying there bleeding and suffering in pain. He did not bother giving her any assistance or calling an ambulance."Cindy continued. "Alicia died that day because of the brutal way in which Charlie Evans inflicted injuries on her. “Domestic violence is a heinous crime and someone convicted of this should be guilty Australia-wide. “That’s why we are calling for greater co-operation between interstate courts and justice systems."The core of their appeal lies in preventing future tragedies. "No amount of penalty can bring back my lovely niece, but a changed law can help protect other victims like our Alicia from being robbed of their lives, their futures," Cindy emphasised. "This will make it difficult for abusers like Charlie Evans from repeating their violent acts and destroying more lives."Join the Movement: Sign the PetitionThe Justice for Alicia Little Campaign seeks to create a safer future for all by advocating for a unified approach to domestic violence offenders across Australia.You can show your support by signing the petition and joining the push for Alicia's Law, to help prevent further heartbreak caused by domestic violence.