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

If you or your organisation are involved in shooting, you should look into the Safe Shooting Program.This program aims to enhance sport shooting facilities across New South Wales to provide safe, inclusive and accessible shooting settings for local communities. Up to $800,000 is available in 2024 and 2025 to support safe shooting facilities across NSW, with grants of $10,000-$50,000 available.Applications open September 25, and close at 1 pm, October 23.Application assessment completion will be from February 2025 onwards Successful applicants should expect to see funds from 31 May 31, 2025, with the project wrapping up by May 31, 2026.Organisations who should apply are NSW incorporated, community based not-for-profit shooting organisations (clubs and associations) that are approved by the NSW Firearms Registry. Shooting ranges in NSW approved and administered by the NSW Firearms Registry. NSW State Sporting Organisations relevant to the sport of shooting including NSW Amateur Pistol Association, NSW Clay Target Association and NSW Rifle Association. 

Unleash your pedal power this school breakStuck for ideas to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays? Look no further than AusBike! The incredible one-off programs are the perfect way to introduce your child to the joy of bike riding in a safe and fun environment.Here’s what make AusBike School Holiday Programs the perfect choice:Perfect Introduction: Ideal for kids who are new to bike riding and want to give AusBike a try before committing to a full term.Action-packed Session: AusBike will cover all the essentials, from mastering the basics to building confidence on two wheels.Fun For All: AusBike's engaging instructors will make sure your child has a blast while learning valuable bike riding skills.Holiday Time Saver: Say goodbye to those “I’m bored” blues and fill their day with an activity they’ll love.Wilcannia Central SchoolSession date: 30/09/2024Register hereGoolgowi Public SchoolSession date: 10/10/2024Register here

The Australian Government are working hard to make internet access inclusive and uniform across the nation. They have introduced the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) to provide free internet access to eligible families. The SSBI provides internet access to up to 30,000 families with school-aged children who are currently unconnected. The free internet access will be provided until 31 December 2025.Eligible families are families who have a child living at home enrolled in K-12 at a NSW school and have not had an active National Broadband Network (NBN) internet service in the previous 14 days. Having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility.They must live in a premises that can access a standard NBN service, and will undergo a suitability assessment conducted by the National Referral Centre (NRC).To contact the NRC and check your eligibility call 1800 954 610 (Monday to Friday from 10 am-6 pm AEDT). Visit the NRC website. Callback and webchat are available. Email [email protected]

Father Pat Austin, parish priest of Balranald, is a member of the religious order, the Missionary of the Sacred Heart. “It is quite unusual for a member of a religious order to be on their own,” Fr Pat told me. He gets news from the Order all the time, and always knows wherever he ends up in the world, he will be back at the order. Last year, he was invited to go back to the order, but during a journey to visit his brother in Bendigo, fate took a different turn. Father Pat was passing through Balranald on the way to see his brother for his birthday. An Indian priest who came from Hillston told him there was a big shortage of priests in Balranald, and he should come back. “I knew he was right, so after I saw my brother in Bendigo for his birthday, I immediately made plans to return to Balranald, I have a great fondness for, and a happy connection to the town, from my time here before,” Pat said. On his way home from Bendigo, Fr Pat stopped in Balranald and presided over two Mass services. He was back in residence in Balranald in December 2023. Fr Pat was ordained into the Catholic faith in 1968, when he was 28 years old. “My family encouraged me, and I wanted to be like the priests I knew and admired,” Pat said. “I became a parish priest, which is like a doctor of souls. People come to the church where all spiritual things take place, then return to their lives, and live their faith.” The first 10 years of his life as a priest was spent in the Northern Territory. “I was sent first to Melville Island, North Darwin, where there were tribal Aboriginal people,” he said. “One older man, named Bob Curry, sent word he wanted to be baptised.” Father Pat was asked to go to Bob’s camp. Bob was sitting on the ground with his two wives. There were little aluminium pots and pans around, and a little white dog. The trio did not speak much English, but conveyed they wanted to be like the early missionaries. Not speaking the language, Father Pat recited the creed; I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. “Each phrase I would speak, the man would say in reply, ‘Him right,’ and I felt this was an adequate baptism. “Sometime later, it was late at night and I was driving to the island next door when a man tried to wave me down. “I don’t know how I saw him as this was in the dead of night. “When I got out of the car, he said Bob needed me, and led me over to where Bob was, lying on the ground, his two wives with him. One of the wives was cradling his head in her hand. “I directed them to act fast and we will get the man in the truck and to the first aid post. “I was told, ‘No father, he want baptism, he dying,’ and they repeated this. “I asked them if they had any water with them, and they did. “I was still trying to think, and asked him if I were to baptise him as Bob – his name. “I was told, ‘no no he wants to be baptised James’. “I knelt down and began baptising, and the man died the next day. “He wanted to be like the priests and the Catholic missionaries he saw, I feel it was a good demonstration of the power of example.” The wonder of how Father Pat managed to see the trio in the pitch black of night is something which has stayed with him. “During my time there I was lucky enough to meet Doctor Charles Osborne, who had studied the Tiwi tribe extensively, and taught me the language,” he said. “I invited a doctor who was beautifully versed in the Tiwi language to share my house, so he could teach me about the Tiwi people. “He was there until the cyclone hit in Darwin.” Fr Pat knew the Tiwi had a very deep culture and wanted to find out all he could. Incredibly dedicated to his work, he knew connecting with and understanding the people was the key. He also spent time in a foreign mission in Papua New Guinea, from 1988 to 1998. “I was a bit surprised to be asked,” he said. “I was 48, and knew the challenges, and wanted to go. “I contracted Malaria in the first week there, and was sick for a month. “The beauty of it there was the bishop presiding allowed the different groups on different islands to be in charge of their own religious undertakings. “I loved living in Papua New Guinea. “They were such a happy race. “Women were in charge of everything, and they got things done.“Because the women accepted the church, that’s how it was. “A lot of work has been completed over many years to translate the Bible into many different languages, including their language.” After a time, Father Pat became quite ill. His beloved German Shepherd dog, a girl named Sheba, was four years old, and sadly “I became a parish priest, which is like a doctor of souls. People come to the church where all spiritual things take place, then return to their lives, and live their faith.” had to be left behind. “I was just too sick,” he recalled sadly. “I had no other choice, and really missed her. “I couldn’t wait for the quarantine and governmental protocols. I was distraught.” Fr Pat has also served in Brisbane for a year, and in Victoria for eight years. “There were two parts of my post in Victoria, the parish was one part, and there was also school in the Western District of Hamilton. “They were lovely people, sheep farmers. It was not far from the Grampians, a great part of the world.” Fr Pat went back to Milne Bay in the Southern Province of Papua New Guinea for 10 years, then back to Hamilton, before arriving in Balranald. He first came to Balranald in 2006, was away 2013 to 14, returned in 2015 for a year, and then made Balranald his home once again in December last year. He vastly enjoys life in Balranald, and the people in the town. He gardens every day, believing it is good for the body, mind and soul. He regularly ‘keeps the cafes in business,’ as he calls it, dining out with good friend Andrew Le Cornu, proprietor of a local motel. His beloved Labrador, Sweetheart is always by his side, and even comes to church to sit in on services. Speaking with Fr Pat, it is quite clear he was born for his vocation. He just has a special something which is observable, but like an itch you just can’t scratch – you know its there but can’t quite get it. His serene nature would calm and restore faith to even the most obstinate of doubters. It was such a pleasure to meet Father Pat and Sweetheart, and hear his story

Great news for women experiencing menopause.A new menopause referral site has opened in Wagga, in response to many community requests for a hub to be available within the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.With women having to often travel to major cities for many treatments, the relatively rural location can only be a step forward, however small.The service is one of four sites of its ilk in the NSW and will provide heightened support for women undergoing severe or multifaceted symptoms associated with menopause.As a part of this network, the Wagga based service is designed to assist women whose symptoms have not responded to prior treatments, or who face additional complications from other medical conditions.MLHD menopause coordinator Mary Bartusek said the service would guarantee that females of all circumstances and variety could access the specialised services provided by the site to address more patients with complex symptoms.“This is an inclusive service which includes all women who may experience health inequities,” she said.“For example, women who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, women from a non-English-speaking background, women with a incapacity, women who are victims of family and/or domestic violence, and women living in rural and remote areas of the local health district.”

Back to Tilpa is on October 5 and 6, organised by Tilpa Community Committee Inc (TCCI).This wonderfully motivated community group is offering a slew of fun and activities for the weekend.Saturday 2 to 5pm the pig races are on, and is a five-race event, with prizes for the best dressed hat, along with face painting.Tilpa street party is on at 6pm, with live music from band Burnt Earth, and a buffet dinner (bookings are essential).This buffet dinner is a sit-down dinner created by The Gourmet Chef.The menu is nothing short of sublime.Main meal offerings include roast pork or beef carved at the table with accompaniments, grilled barramundi fillets with lemon and tartare aioli, veal tortellini with caramelised onion and roasted pumpkin cream sauce and crispy prosciutto, roasted marinated chicken breast, herb chat potatoes, and tossed salad.For dessert you can partake in either caramelised citrus tart with cream, or chocolate cheesecake. For the kiddies there are chicken nuggets, chicken schnitzel, party pies, and ice cream. Sunday fun begins nice and early, with bacon and egg rolls offered from 8.30am. There is a memorial wall dedication at 9am, a Tilpa A History book launch with Michael McInerney at 10am, before the Cricket, bowls and tennis kick off at 11am. TCCI will be selling a barbeque lunch each day from 12pm with Saturday being steak and sausages, And Sunday steak and hot dogs. Soft drinks, snacks and merchandise are also available for purchase. Camping is available, with shower and toilet facilities, there will be a coffee van, and kids’ entertainment.Tilpa was once a bustling trade port for paddle steamers. Originally a busy port servicing the river trade and local agriculture, it was a ‘crossroad’ in the Outback as the bridging of the river here served as a stock crossing and port for the wool clip being transported down to Wentworth and onto either Echuca or Adelaide.In the 2016 Census, there were 44 people in Tilpa, and the town is known for its charming outback pub and welcoming community. The old pub is a true classic and has been welcoming travellers and locals for over 100 years. The walls of this timber and corrugated iron pub are covered with traveller’s graffiti. It has the only Boer War Memorial that includes a commemorative to Harry (The Breaker) Morant.It also has the shortest heritage trail in Australia comprising just two signs on either side of the main road.The Tilpa Cemetery is the only one in Australia with no one in it.It is well worth the road trip for the long weekend, and to see this amazing little country town.For more information visit tcci.my.canva.site/home

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, says a new Water Register she has convinced the NSW Government to introduce will help stop money laundering as well as the secret purchase of Australian water by foreign governments.She introduced the bill to parliament late last year, with the aim to force NSW politicians to declare their water interests on our conflict-of-interest form. This includes any water they previously owned in the last five year and any water their spouse owns. Change the application process for getting a water licence so people can't hide their identity when they apply for their licence. All current licence holders will also have to provide more information about company directors, shareholders and related corporations. Change the online water register to allow people to search for water holdings of people, companies and government departments. This includes water holdings held within irrigation corporations. Protect the privacy of mum-and-dad farmers by ensuring the public register does not publish personal phone numbers, emails or residential addresses. "Until now, Australians have never known who owns our water," Ms Dalton said. "But this Water Register will finally lift the lid on who owns what." "That means criminals will no longer be able to hide their proceeds of crime by purchasing and trading water. It also means that foreign governments will no longer be able to secretly buy up Australian water without us knowing." "This will help farmers by restoring common sense to our water markets," Helen said. "From now on, the people who buy water will be buying the water for the right reasons. They will be using water to produce the food and textiles that make this country great.” "Water Minister Rose Jackson is very smart and she understands how strongly voters care about this issue. “Farming communities are sick of criminals and foreign governments using our precious water for all the wrong reasons." "The passing of this Bill will be proof that Parliamentarians can, and must, work together on important issues that voters care about. Issues like this are above politics."

Central darling road report - updated September 27, 2024. (secondary update 2.30pm)

Residents of South Hay have been surprised by the sudden appearance of a deer in the street.The animal was spotted in Lang Street, hopping from garden to garden, though the grounds of Comfort Inn Bishop's Lodge Motel, before heading along the busy Sturt Highway.It appears to be an adult male, which can become aggressive, so residents are urged not to approach.Feral deer populations now exist in many regions across Australia, and are classed by the Invasive Species Council of Australia and the countries worst emerging pest problem.

Member for Farrer Sussan Ley will visit Hillston today to chat with voters.From 5.30pm she will be available to meet locals at the Club House Hotel.

The Lunchbox Rally is coming to town! Starting off in Hay, the Lunchbox Rally is an amazing adventure thand opportunity for adults and children to explore outback Australia in a safe, friendly and community environment, all in the name of charity. The rally runs from September 27 to October 1.It is formatted the same as Shitbox Rally with a few kid friendly differences such as less nights, less kilometres and kid friendly entertainment in the evenings.The first night they will travel to Cobar, night two’s destination is White Cliffs, night three is Pooncarrie, and then it’s back to Hay to get over the finish line. Daily travel works out to be around 400 kilometres, with a mix of sealed and unsealed roads.The aim is to experience a truly unique, fun and memorable adventure, introducing kids to the rally family and fundraising, creating friendships and bonds that will last a life time. Most importantly this rally is for those who want to raise much needed money for charity and by partaking in the rally you are building the future generation of fundraisers to join the rally family.Each team is made up of one adult and one child aged from seven to 15. They make this rule to keep room for passengers of ‘Shitboxes’ that don’t manage the entire journey.Rallies under the box umbrella have donated to the Cancer Council a whopping 49 million dollars overall to date.You can follow the progress on the Lunchbox Rally by finding them on Facebook.

R U OK? Day aims to keep the conversation going in regards to people’s mental health and well-being. Former local girl Kate Boyce shares with The Riverine Grazier her journey of mental health. When was the earliest you had begun to experience mental health issues? Were there any supports – school, home, doctor or did you battle alone? I began experiencing mental health issues prior to my 18th birthday. For me I felt I was stuck but also confused and scared. I wouldn’t leave my unit unless it was for work. I stopped playing sport. I stopped catching up with friends and found myself a little isolated. It wasn’t until I decided to leave Hay unexpectedly (run away). I had no idea where I was going. But I had to get away. I planned everything the night before and woke up early and left. Fortunately for me, a wonderful Hay resident who I always call my Guardian Angel (Kerry Aldred) found me whilst I was on my journey to leave. She had known my family for a long time. She saw the signs and encouraged me to seek help. Now I look back on my journey of mental health, I feel the signs were there before I was diagnosed. I just didn’t know what to look for or how to ask for help. My pride and stubbornness got in the way. When did you seek help? What was your experience with the mental health system like? I sought help right before I left Hay back in 2006. My experience wasn’t great. The education around mental health I felt was very limited. Maybe even a little brushed off. I was told that I most likely had depression and anxiety and that was it. No flyers about it shared. No further appointments. No recommendations to speak with anyone. I absolutely love my hometown, but back in 2006, it was a hard journey to begin in Hay. Dealing with the shame of being seen as weak and vulnerable in a community where I was known and lived. I was so blessed that my Guardian Angel made time for me to visit her and gave time so I could speak with her about how I was feeling. I felt at ease knowing I had someone who was connected but disconnected to my everyday life hear me and share advice. But most importantly she listened to me with with no judgement. Do you believe there is a disparity between mental health assistance access and services rurally as compared to city areas? (Especially Hay and areas like Hay). Back when I was diagnosed, absolutely. I mean I was diagnosed in under 30 minutes, during my lunch break and told I had Depression. No additional information given, basically left the appointment and that was it. After leaving Hay, I moved around a bit to other regional towns before relocating to Melbourne in 2008. I sought help again in Melbourne as I was really struggling with not knowing who I was and what I wanted. I began spiralling again. I found the most amazing GP and she encouraged me to speak with people who specialise in Indigenous mental health. As a young Koori woman, I saw the importance of speaking with someone who knew about some of the issues our mob face and how things can affect mob in a different way. I mean for me at first Mental Health was just Depression. But because I sought help from services who understood me as a person and not just my mental health issues. I was able to be diagnosed correctly with Moderate Depression, Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Since being diagnosed I have had access to some amazing treatments – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which has taught me about changing my thinking patterns. It helped with the struggles and stressors I face with Anxiety and Depression. Was there something different you wish was around when you were younger/ in need of help and unable to receive it? Absolutely, I would have appreciated access to people who understood mental health issues so I could understand the journey I was about to take. Not just being shrugged off as quickly as I was. I felt like I was a burden or a ‘too hard basket’ to the health services. I could have absolutely benefited from having a mental health service to speak with in person, rather than having to ring Kids Helpline when I was at the crisis stage. My life could have turned out so different and I am so grateful I am where I am right now. So I try not to think about the what ifs, but be thankful for the fact that I was able to build resilience through a tough time. Be thankful that I learnt to find my stressors and triggers by myself. You mentioned you work with younger people these days, is there anything you’ve seen/experienced that might be useful or worth looking into for Hay? It all starts with education. I am a Mental Health First Aid provider. I completed the training in Sydney recently and am hoping to be a facilitator in the near future. The key to everything is education. Removing the stigma and the barriers and make it OK to talk about it. Don’t be scared to have the hard conversations, it needs to be done. This one’s a little close to my family’s heart. For rugby league or even sporting communities of Hay, speak with Roberta Butler who founded the Hayden Butler Foundation. She lost her son a few years ago to Suicide. She and her wonderful team are working hard to break the stigma and educate families in the sporting scene on what to look out for and what services are available. Also accessing services like 13 YARN, Beyond Blue and EAP. Now Hay has a wonderful Aboriginal Medical Services, I see the supports are already growing out in Hay. That makes my heart happy knowing that people are there to talk to when or if ever needed.

President of Country Press Australia has released a statement addressing the vital role of local journalism plays.By Andrew Schreyer, Country Press Australia.As we are about to mark World News Day on September 28, it’s a fitting moment to highlight the critical role that local journalism plays in sustaining our regional, rural, and local communities.While global headlines often dominate attention, it is the local stories that matter most to the day-to-day lives of people across Australia.Public interest journalism in small towns, rural areas, and local communities acts as a lifeline, connecting residents with their local councils, businesses, and neighbours in ways that larger media outlets often overlook.Country Press Australia represents over 230 member newspapers, each of which serves as an essential voice in its community.These publications don’t just report the news—they are embedded in the fabric of local life. Whether it’s covering local elections, holding regional authorities to account, or celebrating community achievements, local papers ensure that the concerns and aspirations of their readers are brought to the forefront.This role is even more crucial as regional, rural, and local communities face their own unique challenges, from economic pressures to infrastructure needs.Public interest journalism is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. In a world increasingly overwhelmed by misinformation and sensationalism, local newspapers stand out as bastions of fact-based, reliable news.At Country Press Australia, our mission is to uphold the highest standards of journalism while reflecting the true character of the communities we serve.The rise of social media has undoubtedly revolutionised how we share and access information, but it has also brought with it a troubling surge in disinformation.From deep fakes to viral conspiracy theories, the digital age has made it easier for falsehoods to spread and harder for people to trust the news they consume.Unregulated content flow leaves many questioning what is real and what isn’t, which can harm the very foundations of informed public discourse.In contrast, the newspapers that make up Country Press Australia continue to provide a much-needed antidote to this information chaos.Our journalists work tirelessly to ensure that the news we deliver is accurate, balanced, and rooted in the realities of the communities we cover.These local stories are vital, offering context and insight that reflect the true needs and interests of regional, rural, and local Australia.While media and technology are constantly evolving, the core mission of local journalism remains unchanged: to inform, to hold the powerful to account, and to serve the public good.The 230-plus member newspapers of Country Press Australia are committed to this mission, ensuring that the stories and concerns of regional, rural, and local communities are not just heard but taken seriously.In an era of increasing digital noise, local newspapers remain a trusted source of truth.By supporting your local newspaper, you are not only helping to keep your community informed but also supporting the crucial role of public interest journalism in upholding democracy. Together, we can ensure that facts, fairness, and community spirit continue to guide our regional, rural, and local towns towards a brighter future.Andrew Schreyer is the president of Country Press Australia and publisher of the Warragul and Drouin Gazette.

The district had a wonderful rainfall on Wednesday September 25, with people enjoying solid rainfall over the day. Sometimes it’s tempting for people in the area to get out and do a rain dance, or send prayers to whoever they pray to, so to see the liquid gold is a refreshing experience.In Ivanhoe, they received 22ml of the liquid gold, 6mm in White Cliffs and Balranald, and close to 18mm in Hay, with some properties in the Hay area reporting as much as 33mm. At Buronga, 8mm was reported. 1.2 mm at Menindee, and White Cliffs also enjoyed a sprinkling of a few mm.If anyone put there would like to share news, weather related or otherwise, chat to us at [email protected]

The progress of the proposed Wilcannia Weir replacement continues to stall, as community members await notice of appointments to an independent panel.Central Darling Shire Administrator Mr Bob Stewart reported to the August meeting that no decision had been made by the NSW Government about who would form the Independent Review Panel for the proposed changes to Wilcannia Weir.“Department of Planning and Environment (Water) communicated some months ago that an independent review of the original design of the Wilcannia weir would commence,” Mr Stewart reported. “Several names were recommended to the department by the community to form membership of the Independent Review Panel. “Council understands, from recent communications with the Water Minister’s Office, that negotiations are in progress with potential candidates and no decision has been made on the appointments to the Independent Review Panel.”The Minister for Water, Rose Jackson promised the community an independent review when she visited Wilcannia on June 26, 2024.This came on the back of outrage by locals, when the design plans for the weir abruptly changed, without consultation.In March 2024 the town gathered question the Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Water and Energy's project team. Those in attendance told the department that the original plan was universally accepted, and changes made without consultation were rejected by the community.At the time, Tilpa grazier and Australian Floodplain Association chair Justin McClure told the ABC the town wanted the government to fix the design.“"The community is very, very angry," he said. "They don't want it — take it back, fix it, come and talk to us and build the structure that we want."The town hall meeting told the department representatives that crucial elements of the proposed weir design had been lost, including extra three foot for storage, a gate so that water could regularly be let go if need be, and water under the bridge to greet visitors when they came through town. A rock fishway was also something the community said was vital in order to ensure fish migration in the river.The 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.Described by the NSW Government as the largest investment in water infrastructure along the Darling-Baaka River in decades, the $76 million Wilcannia Weir Replacement Project seeks to improve water security for Wilcannia.The government says the project will “enhance cultural connection to the river for local communities and deliver improved native fish migration along the river system, by constructing a new weir and fishway downstream of the existing failed weir.”

Central Darling Shire road closure report - updated 2pm Wednesday, September 25, 2024

There is NO tsunami threat to Australia.The Bureau of Meteorology today (Wednesday 25 September 2024) issued test posts on the BOM Weather app between 11AM-12PM AEST. This was planned as part of the transition to new tsunami early warning system software. In a statement released today the Bureau acknowledged and apologised for any confusion that this test may have caused. "The test warnings were sent to the BOM Weather app for various locations," the media statement read. "The test warnings were cancelled immediately after they were issued.""Testing is important to help the Bureau and partners prepare and plan for real tsunami threats."The Bureau is part of the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) and this is operated 24 hours a day to detect, monitor, verify and warn of any tsunami threats to the coastline of Australia and its offshore territories.The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre is the national authority and provides the most accurate tsunami warning information for Australia. The Bureau will continue to issue forecasts and warnings via the website and BOM Weather app.

A 46-year-old who was shot twice in the abdomen at a home on Burns Street in Hillston in the early hours of last Friday morning, remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.Detectives from the Murrumbidgee Police District say investigations are continuing, and are calling for anyone with information to come forward.At the time of the incident Police were told the man and two women, aged 31 and 56, were inside the home when three people entered the premises, one of them armed with a firearm."The resident was shot twice before the intruders left," a NSW Police spokesperson said previously.The man was treated at the scene by paramedics before being transported to Griffith Base Hospital before being airlifted to a major metropolitan hospital last week, with life-threatening injuries.His condition is now listed as stable.Investigations into the incident continue and no description of the intruders has been provided to Police at this stage.No charges have been laid.The shooting is one of two incidents in the township of Hillston last week.In an earlier incident a 14-year-old boy accidentally shot himself with his uncle's gun