Good news for the town of Ivanhoe, with Central Darling Shire providing the solution to an ongoing cause for concern. With the announcement that Ivanhoe Post Office would close by the end of the year if it was not sold, people in the community became concerned essential services such as banking, bill paying and other services the post office provide would be lost to them.Central Darling Shire has confirmed a solution, and have secured everything needed to fulfil the contract. “Recent correspondence from Australia Post advised they would fund the improvements needed structurally and upgrades,” Mr Hill said. “This is a great step, and one that will allow council to provide much needed services to the Ivanhoe community.”Mr Hill had been previously informed Australia Post management Council will not sign an Australia Post contract unless financial assistance is made available, to implement minor infrastructure and security requirements needed.Mark Coulton MP then wrote to the Communications Minister to seek assurances that the postal services will be retained at Ivanhoe.Best of all, no interruption to postal services will occur at Ivanhoe during the changeover.Locals Ray and Jan Longfellow had run the Post Office for some 40 years, and are looking forward to their much needed retirement.These services will recommence under the council October 9.

Volunteer organisations in the Parkes electorate are invited to express their interest in the 'Small Grants for Volunteer Involving Organisations' program, which is being administered by The Centre for Volunteering on behalf of the Department of Social Services.What's up for grabs?Grants between $10,000 and $20,000 to support your projects.What kind of projects?One-off, time-limited initiatives that:Strengthen your volunteer management skills.Help your organisation better support vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the community.Applications close at 4:00 pm AEST on Friday, October 4th.For more information, visit www.volunteering.com.au/strong-and-resilient-communities-activity/This is a fantastic opportunity to boost your volunteer program and make an even greater impact in the Parkes community.

The Labor Government has introduced its long-awaited Aged Care Bill into Parliament, marking a significant step towards reforming Australia's aged care system. The support from the Coalition demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring a strong and sustainable system that can meet the needs of an aging population.Recognizing the urgent need for reform, the Coalition has engaged in constructive negotiations with the Government to ensure that any changes are fair, transparent, and provide dignity for older Australians.Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton says "We have fought hard to make sure that Australians who have worked hard all their lives to save for their retirement are dealt a fairer deal. We achieved the inclusion of grandfathering arrangements so that no Australian already on their aged care journey will pay a cent more than they currently do; lifetime caps on contributions to give certainty to the maximum amount any Australian will ever have to pay; a much lower taper rate to slow the rate that contributions increase; and we got assurances that the Federal Government will remain the majority funder of aged care - not the consumer." The Coalition has always recognised that rural and regional aged care homes face unique challenges and need more support from the Government. "That is why we fought for additional funding of $300 million to support aged care providers in the bush, who are struggling to remain open under the Labor Government. This is in addition to the increase in care funding that will be directed to these communities over coming months. I look forward to seeing the Government have an open conversation with older Australians, their families and the sector about the proposed reforms, particularly through the open and transparent Senate Inquiry process." Coulton admits.

Road safety starts with you. So, if you’re drinking or taking drugs, take the bus or ask a mate to pick you up. Never drive while under the influence.Road safety starts with you this Rural Road Safety Month You might feel well after consuming alcohol or drugs, but you should still avoid driving. No one drives well after consuming alcohol. It is impossible to calculate your BAC, it will begin to rise as soon as you start drinking and may continue to rise for two hours after your last sip. Using illicit drugs causes changes in the brain that can impair your driving ability and increase your crash risk. If you’re affected by alcohol or other drugs after a night out, trying to drive or ride home puts you and other road users in danger.For your own safety and the wellbeing of others, have a Plan B to get home.You're 23 times more likely to have a car accident with alcohol or illicit drugs in your system. Between 2019 and 2023, 55 people were killed due to Illicit drug involvement on NSW roads.

As most of us know, Australia phasing out 3G in its shift to 4G and 5G technologies. So, anyone who had a 3G phone would have upgraded now, so as to not lose coverage.So, all set now, right? Wrong.There are so many other devices which may be affected and no longer work once the 3G network is shut off. And the list of affected items is so much larger than you may have considered.These include livestock monitoring devices, medical alarms, and other medical devices.Mobile broadband modems and Wi-Fi signal repeaters.Power generators, solar panels, smart meters for water, gas and electricity, and energy storage systems.Second-hand or refurbished phones, or phones purchased overseas, smart fencing and gate control systems. Smart watches and other wearables.Antennas and wireless-to-landline links.Autonomous farming robots.Drones and other UAVs.EFTPOS terminals and other finance systems.GPS systems in machinery or vehicle fleets.Weather stations, soil and water sensors and other on-farm data collection equipment.Wired or remote security cameras, closed network security systems and alarms.The key thing is residents are more likely to be directly impacted by the conclusion as there is much more dependence on 3G networks for communication in these areas. There is not too long to go until the shut off happens. Telstra and Optus have extended their switch off date, with both carriers now set to switch off their 3G networks from October 28 this year.Upgrading to 4G or 5G capable devices before this date is essential to ensure continued access to data, voice calls, SMS/text messaging, and emergencyAnother urgent result of the shut down is if you have not upgraded your phone, as of October 28, you will not be able to call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency.Find out what network your mobile service provider uses if you are not a direct customer of Telstra or Optus.Check if device to make sure you are not caught short, and that it does support 4G/5G. To test whether or not your device will be affected, you can text the number 3 to 3498.Search your device's 15-digit IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number via the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA)'s 'Check My Device' tool.Even if your communication device is 4G/5G capable, check if it has VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capability. Follow the same process for your other devices that connect to a mobile network. Contact the manufacturer of a device as soon as possible if you are unsure whether or not it will continue working after the shutdown. 

Incumbent Member Sussan Ley says criticising party politics is “just independents’ rhetoric”After being announced as the Voices of Farrer endorsed candidate Michelle Milthorpe officially launched her campaign for the federal seat.At a gathering in her home town of Jindera last Wednesday, Ms Milthorpe said she was ‘thrilled’ to announce her candidacy.Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe, at the recent announcement of her intention to run for the federal seat of Farrer, supported by members of the Voices of Farrer movement. Image: Voices of Farrer.“I thank Voices of Farrer for their endorsements and their commitment to doing politics differently and giving our communities a choice,” she said.“I'm here to listen and to learn from Farrer communities so that I can represent, represent us and lead Farrer forward. I'm going to be present in communities across Farrer.“I'm going to be present in communities across Farrer to hear what's needed to live our best lives in order to represent the electorate with integrity and authenticity, I will shape my policies through conversation with community and stakeholders.“It's become increasingly concerning for all of us that regional Australia has lost its voice.“Those who are meant to be standing up for us are being influenced by major party politics and they are continually failing to address the needs of regional Australia.“At a time when the cost of living is rising with inadequate access to healthcare, telecommunications and housing, who is confidently and consistently speaking up for us?“Who is listening and collaborating to find solutions, in a time when our community, particularly our food producers, are experiencing uncertainty around energy, water and sustainability?“What we've seen is major party politicians voting along city-centric party lines and not in the interests of regional Australia.“The oppositional nature of the two-party system is failing to meet our needs. Farrer has been too safe for too long, and we're falling behind. It is time to try something new, someone that will lead us to positive change.“I will not falter. I am committed and I am determined. I'm passionate about returning regional Australia's voice to the table.“I am one of you. Party bosses and vested interests will throw everything at Farrer to win, but we are not for sale. I'm in this because Farrer is worth fighting for.”Ms Milthorpe said she had plans to visit as many communities as possible, in the lead up to the next federal election.“I will listen and I will learn from you so that I can genuinely represent and lead us into the future.“It's not going to be easy, but I can do difficult things,” she said. “Let's get to work.”Incumbent member and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley previously said she predicts an election will be held in December.Ms Ley has held the seat of Farrer since 2001 and said she and her party have worked hard for the electorate.“Criticising the traditional political parties is just independents’ rhetoric,” Ms Ley said.“I am proud to represent the Liberal Party in Farrer, and we’re working incredibly hard to return to government with sensible polices which look after all corners of Australia.“We have an energy strategy which doesn’t devastate swathes of prime agricultural land, we want to bring balance back to the Basin Plan and reignite mobile phone and regional development funding which will actually be delivered.    “In the last term of government, I delivered over half a billion dollars in extra federal funding on projects throughout Farrer, boosting this region’s capacity to grow and prosper.“I want to see this happen again, and we can do that by getting rid of Labor and returning a Coalition Government which cares about rural Australia.”

The Member for Barwon Roy Butler has called for a bounty to address feral animal control."Good seasons for farming are, unfortunately, also good seasons for pests, which is why we are seeing an explosion in the number of vertebrate pest species in Barwon and across regional NSW," Mr Butler said."I have always said I support a bounty of feral pest species. However, it needs to be one component of a holistic approach to tackling this issue, including baiting, trapping, fencing, and ground and aerial shooting."No one method is enough. The pathway to farmers applying for authorised campaigns needs to be made simpler. "We need to ensure our farmers are equipped with the hardware, such as category D firearms, and LLS supplied traps, to manage pests as is their legal obligation on their land."We have been in consultation with peak groups and the government about a more comprehensive, holistic approach to pest control."The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry estimates vertebrate pests European foxes, European rabbits, feral pigs, wild dogs, and feral goats cost $866 million each year in control costs and lost productivity.

It might surprise many to know that the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) isn't just about farm kids and boarding school students. “At ICPA we represent and work together for equity of access to education for all students who live in rural and remote Australia,” Hay ICPA branch president Michelle Spence said. “This includes students who live in Hay and attend local schools or early childhood services, and tertiary students or apprentices who need to move away or travel for study or training. “ICPA lobby directly to government on issues that challenge all types of students and families who are studying and learning in a rural location. "Our local branch is linked in with ICPA NSW and ICPA Australia and has advocated on various issues such as telecommunications and IT, Centrelink subsidies, specific education needs, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), incentives for rural educators and much more. "It's important that we hear from a wide range of people so we can lobby for the right issues at a higher level." ICPA is a well-regarded volunteer organisation and has made a positive impact in the lives of isolated families because of the passion behind the cause, and the strength of a collective voice. “We really encourage families, school communities or supporters of young people in Hay to join our branch and let us know what’s affecting your education journey,” Michelle added. There is no obligation to actively participate in branch meetings and activities. For more information about joining ICPA visit www.icpa.com.au/nsw or contact Hay branch President Michelle Spence on [email protected] or 0427 519 006.

Mallee Accommodation and Support Program’s Youth Mentoring Program is headed to Tasmania from Saturday for a five-day hike through the Tasman Peninsula National Park. Since it began in 2006 the program has enriched the lives of over 220 underprivileged and disconnected youth in the Sunraysia area, supporting them through mentoring and exposing them to positive life experiences and challenges. “The trip to Tasmania was the culmination of the hard work and dedication of the mentors and mentees in the program to train over a number of months in preparation for the hike,” MASP Acting CEO Charmaine Calis said. “MASP is proud to be making a difference in the lives of these young people through the mentoring program and would like to thank our wonderful mentors for giving their time to serve the community and be role models for their mentees.” The seven program participants and their mentors experienced the Tasman Peninsula, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Three Capes throughout the 56- kilometre journey. “A lot of work went into training for this trek, and the mentees hopefully built even greater connection with their mentors while finding out more about their own resilience and ability to overcome challenges,” MASP’s Manager – Children, Youth and Families Andrew Ball said. “From this it is hoped they will be able to increase their capacity to build positive connections and help improve their self-confidence and physical and emotional wellbeing.” To follow the MASP Youth Mentoring Program journey follow MASP on Facebook, visit this link.

Free mental health support for young people now available Did you know that 12- to 25-year-olds can access a program called Headspace? In rural areas such as Balranald, getting access to mental health assistance and a helping hand can feel like an impossibility. Headspace can facilitate access to skilled clinicians in the field, with video consultations. This is completely free, and means young people can access quality care, while remaining in their community, not having to spend money and time travelling away regularly. NSW Department of Education has engaged Headspace to deliver support via video link in Balranald Central School. There are options to engage services through email, phone video chat or web chat. This happens during school hours, and school staff members will arrange it all. All you need to do if you want to schedule an appointment is to see the front office, chat to a teacher, or get in touch with Mrs White or Mrs Matarazzo. Your appointment and information remain completely confidential. At the first appointment you fill in a registration form, complete a brief anonymous survey, and talk to someone about whatever might be troubling you. Getting support early means you can get the ball rolling, cut your stress, build strengths, and work toward achieving goals. The earlier someone engages in mental health help, the lesser the chance of it building up into something overwhelming.

Real hope for a big helping hand for families around Australia, with a recommendation regarding childcare from the Productivity Commission, the Australian Government’s independent research and advisory body on economic, social and environmental issues affecting the welfare of Australians. The Productivity Commission has recommended the federal government should eliminate the childcare subsidy activity test and make childcare free for families earning less than $80,000.The commission has made 56 recommendations for the government to reform early education and after-school care.If the changes are adopted, the commission found every child aged from 0 to 5 would have access to ECEC for at least 30 hours or three days a week for 48 weeks of the year. Research has found quality early education and care early leads to better health, education and employment outcomes later in life. It lays the foundation for lifelong development and learning. Additionally, children who attend preschool are generally better prepared to start primary school.This is aiming to make it more accessible, inclusive and affordable for all Australian families, including those on low incomes and living in regional and remote areas.The board was asked to figure out how to bring in early childhood education and care (ECEC) across the board in Australia.The commission found to achieve a long-term goal, the government should cut the activity test and increase the rate of the childcare subsidy to 100 per cent for low-income families.Families earning up to $80,000 or families with children aged under five with an income of $140,000 would obtain free childcare.The subsidy would then gradually decrease to nothing for families who bring in over $500,000.

A 65-year-old Hillston man will face court after allegedly allowing his 14-year-old nephew to use his rifle – a weapon with which the boy accidentally shot himself. It is believed the incident allegedly occurred September 8.The uncle, a licensed firearm holder, allegedly allowed his nephew to use a .22 calibre rifle on his farm at a property on Mays Road, Hillston.The teenager was chasing a crow in a paddock when he stumbled, falling and discharged the loaded firearm he was holding into his right elbow. A .22 calibre round entered the 14-year-old near the right elbow area, exiting two inches after entry.The boy’s uncle was just over 40 metres away, and ran over to render first aid via compression strategies, before driving the boy to Hillston Hospital with injuries deemed non-life threatening. The boy was airlifted to Westmead Hospital for further treatment and evaluation.The 65-year-old man’s firearms and ammunition were taken by police and his firearms licence suspended. The man is to face court, charged with allowing/permitting the minor to possess a firearm.

Hay Plains Landcare is excited to host its Nursery and Demonstration Site Open Day next Thursday, September 26, between 10am and 1pm. The site is located on the western side of Hay Gaol Museum block. "All members of the community are invited to be involved and your support of this project will help Hay Plains Landcare grow, literally," said Hay Landcare's Jenny Dwyer. The day will showcase Hay Plains Landcare’s “Restoring native species and rehabilitating ecosystems in the Hay Shire” project. Guests will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves for some earth-friendly, hands-on activity fun. Propagate some native seed, roll native seed balls, plant a seedling or make your lasting mark with a handprint on the growing mural. You can also sample some fresh-cooked Bush Tucker and enjoy a free barbecue lunch. Above: Hay Landcare's Jenny Dwyer (left) is organising an open day, and ecologist Martin Driver (right) will be on hand to share his knowledge.Hay Plains Landcare Project Officer, Jenny Dwyer will give an outline of the Landcare project, milestones to date and Hay Plains Landcare’s conservation plans for the future. Ecologist Martin Driver will also share his extensive knowledge and experience regarding the district’s endemic native species, highlighting their importance in the local landscape and how everyone can protect and enhance their existence. For the past two years, Hay Plains Landcare has been implementing its project, assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. "This project has given the opportunity to develop the Nursery and Demonstration Site as a place where the community can access training, knowledge and resources to successfully establish native vegetation, grown from locally collected endemic native tree and shrub seed," Mrs Dwyer said. "These local provenance seedlings will be the most suitable plants for landholder rehabilitation sites, travelling stock reserves, crown land, Hay Shire land and gardens, giving the best chance of successful rehabilitation of our region."

The Minns Labor Government recently unveiled its Consumer Energy Strategy: Powering our People and Communities, which it says will make it easier for households and businesses to access energy saving technologies like solar, batteries and energy efficiency upgrades, that will help reduce their energy bills and ease cost of living pressure.The government says the strategy is designed with people at the centre, committing $290 million in new funding and outlining 50 actions to help households and small businesses cut their energy bills to help address cost of living pressures and increase the uptake of energy savings technologies.“Our vision is for NSW to be a leader in the energy transition, and this strategy is a crucial step towards achieving that goal," NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said.“We want to make it as easy as possible for residents and small businesses to benefit from the energy transition, creating a more sustainable and affordable energy future for all.“By prioritising accessibility and equity, we are empowering households and small businesses to upgrade their homes and businesses. This will not only lower energy bills but also benefit our environment.“The NSW Consumer Energy Strategy is our plan to supercharge the energy transition and put households and small businesses at the centre of this work.”Premier Chris Minns (left) and Minister Penny Sharpe. Image: supplied.Last year the NSW Government commissioned the independent Electricity Supply and Reliability Check Up.The Check Up recommended that a NSW Consumer Energy Resources strategy be developed, which was accepted by the NSW Government.Key actions outlined in the strategy that the NSW Government has committed to implementing include:Developing a new incentive and rebate scheme to help households upgrade to energy saving technologies. This includes a $238.9 million new Home Energy Saver program with financial support targeted towards eligible households. The program will be designed and rolled out by the end of 2025.Introducing new home energy ratings from 2025 so renters and buyers have more information about the cost of heating and cooling their potential homes.Setting the first targets in Australia for solar and battery uptake, virtual power plant participation (which allows solar panels and batteries to share their capacity across the grid) and installation safety. This includes a target of 1 million households and small businesses having access to both a rooftop solar and battery system by 2035, rising to nearly 1.5 million by 2050.Improving the safety and reliability of installations by increasing the number of electrical safety inspectors.Providing practical resources and outreach so people can make informed decisions to improve energy efficiency and cut bills. This includes funding community organisations to conduct outreach.“There are many houses across the state that are too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and as a result, energy prices and costs for the household skyrocket," NSW Premier Chris Minns said.“Through the strategy, we are making it easier for households and small businesses to access the cost saving benefits of solar panels, batteries and heat pumps, while they reduce their emissions.“Having more energy saving technologies in homes and small businesses is the best way to help households and small businesses reduce energy bills, reduce emissions and improve electricity grid reliability.”The government says the actions outlined in the strategy will build on the good work that is already underway and will contribute to our vision for the future of energy in NSW, where all households and small businesses can enjoy the energy security, climate, health and cost of living benefits of energy saving technologies, and that the actions have been developed through close consultation with industry and the community.The Consumer Energy Strategy comes on top of the $435.4 million for annual energy bill rebates and debt relief, $200 million to support the roll-out of public EV charging stations and $175 million to make energy savings upgrades for 24,000 social housing homes.

A Hillston man is fighting for his life.The man was shot by an intruder in his home.He was shot in the stomach about 2.30am on Friday at his Burns St home in Hillston according to police.A 31-year-old man and 56-year-old woman were inside the home when three people entered, one with a firearm.The male resident at the home, was shot twice before the intruders left.The man was treated at the scene, before being taken to Griffith Hospital.He has since been airlifted to a major metropolitan hospital and is in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries.Inquiries are now underway, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

NSW Nationals' Jamie Chaffey with Ivanhoe local Wendy Aves. Image: suppliedThe NSW Nationals candidate for the electorate of Parkes Jamie Chaffey visited Ivanhoe and Menindee last week, travelling the region's backroads to meet voters."I had a great morning catching up with the locals in Ivanhoe, who were all so welcoming," Mr Chaffey posted to social media."The town is full of proud people who are battling through the challenge of remoteness and trying to hold onto the services they have. "These people don't want to be anywhere else - they love where they live, they just can't afford for their population to decline further."Travelling onto Menindee Mr Chaffey described the village as 'beautiful' and the iconic Menindee Lakes worth the visit.Mr Chaffey, who hails from Gunnedah, is a boilermaker by trade. He was elected to Gunnedah Shire Council in September 2016, having previously served as President of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Having been elected to Council in 2016, Mr Chaffey was then elected Mayor, serving the full five-year term until 2021, when he was re-elected as a councillor and Mayor.He was endorsed as chair of the Namoi Unlimited Joint Organisation of Councils in 2018 and re-elected as chair in 2020. Mr Chaffey was also elected to the Executive of the Country Mayors Association of NSW and is a board member of the AUKUS forum of the Nuclear Advisory Board.Mr Chaffey said he was honoured to be chosen as The Nationals candidate and looks forward to working with communities throughout the Parkes electorate over the coming months.“I am proud to call this region home and I am deeply committed to continuing Mark Coulton’s legacy of delivering for the people of the Parkes electorate,” Mr Chaffey said.“Over the past two years, Labor has left our regional communities behind, and I will fight to ensure they get what they deserve.“We need to get cost of living back under control, improve access to healthcare and education in our regions, and invest in affordable and reliable power. I believe that to build a strong future for our next generation, we must develop industry within our communities to create opportunities for our young people to stay and raise their families here.“I am looking forward to engaging with constituents and listening to their concerns, ideas and opinions as I travel around the electorate on the campaign trail.”Mark Coulton, retiring Member for the Parkes electorate, congratulated Mr Chaffey on his preselection and said he will be a fierce advocate for communities across the electorate.“I have worked closely with Jamie over the years, both in his role as Mayor and through his involvement with The Nationals, and I know he has a deep passion for bettering our region,” Mr Coulton said.“I’m excited the Party has chosen someone of such high calibre. Jamie has been a hardworking community leader; he understands the issues facing our communities and knows that regional Australia is the backbone of our economy.“He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in, and I know he will work tirelessly to ensure the people of the Parkes electorate can continue to thrive into the future.”

A report released last week by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) estimates one in 10 men born in NSW have had Police take some form of action against them for offences related to family and domestic violence.“This is the first estimate of the prevalence of recorded family and domestic violence offending in a population sample in Australia,” the AIC said. “This is an important step towards increasing the visibility of family and domestic violence perpetrators.”The study used criminal history data for three birth cohorts in New South Wales to estimate the prevalence of reported and recorded family and domestic violence offending by the age of 37.9.6 per cent of men – one in 10 – and 3 per cent of women – one in 33 – had been charged with a violence offence against a family member or domestic partner. The report also found that just 1.2 per cent of people were responsible for more than 50 per cent of the recorded offences.The study looked at those born in 1984, 1994 and 2004 and compared examples of when the NSW police force had taken any sort of legal action against a person for a family of domestic violence offence. Action included a referral to court, criminal infringement notices, cautions or other infringement notices.The report found more than half of reported incidents (54%) involved intimate partner violence victims. In the remaining cases, offenders were parents, children, siblings and other relatives, other household members or carers. In the case of First Nations people, violence against a member of their extended family or kin was also included.Professor Jason Payne is the director of the Griffith Criminology Institute and one of the report authors, alongside AIC research manager Anthony Morgan.Payne said the majority of states and territories have only been flagging domestic violence-related crimes for a few short decades. In NSW’s domestic or family violence cases have only been recorded since 1997.Where to find helpIf you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact:National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 73224-hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578). They also have a specific line for the LGBTIQA+ community called the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212SHE (free and confidential counselling and support) on 6278 9090Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811, or after hours 6231 1817Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800 Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14Men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, should contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 Don’t Become That Man helpline on 1300 243 413

Member for Barwon Roy Butler with Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park on a recent tour of the electorate. Image: suppliedMinister for Regional Health Ryan Park says progress is being made to improve healthcare in the bushThe NSW Government says it is demonstrating its commitment to improving healthcare in rural and regional communities by recruiting and retaining more health workers, offering greater financial assistance for patients, and providing support to sustain the primary care sector.“The Rural Health Inquiry highlighted the need to strengthen the regional health workforce and that’s what we’re doing through initiatives such as the Rural Health Workforce Incentives Scheme which has significantly improved the attraction and retention of health staff in rural areas," Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said.“We made a commitment to implement all the recommendations, and I am really heartened to see we are on track to do this.Through innovative programs like the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) and the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway, the Minns Labor Government says it is enhancing access to high quality healthcare for rural, regional and remote patients.Minister Park recently announced the release of a report detailing progress against each of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Health Outcomes and Access to Health and Hospital Services in Rural, Regional and Remote NSW.According to Mr Park twenty five of the 44 inquiry recommendations have already been completed, with significant work underway to implement the remaining 19 - many of which are on track to be finalised this year."The implementation of the recommendations from the Inquiry is a key election commitment of the Minns Labor Government. Workforce initiatives to attract, train and retain health workers are filling critical gaps and providing a much-needed boost for regional communities."Since its introduction in July 2022, the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme has recruited 3,044 health workers and retained 11,337 health workers in some of the hardest-to-fill and critically vacant positions in rural and regional NSW.In August 2023, the Minns Labor Government announced a doubling of the scheme - from $10,000 to $20,000 for the hardest to fill roles. Between August 2023 and August 2024, 1,936 health workers were recruited, and 3,086 health workers were retained with incentive packages."This incentive package includes a range of additional benefits including salary boost, sign-on bonuses and retention payments of up to $20,000 per annum, relocation assistance and housing, additional leave, and access to training and education.“I would say worker shortages in our regions is the single biggest challenge confronting our health system.“Accommodation is another critical factor in attracting and retaining health workers at rural and regional hospitals and why the Minns Labor Government is investing a further $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across the state.”The NSW Government says patients and their families are benefitting from improvements to IPTAAS made since the Rural Health Inquiry."These enhancements include increased subsidies, expanded eligibility criteria and a simplified application process and are resulting in more people accessing the assistance scheme to reduce the financial burden for those who need to travel long distances for specialist treatment. The average subsidy IPTAAS clients are receiving has increased from $319 to $467."The NSW Government is also supporting the sustainability of the primary care sector with innovative programs like the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway which trains and employs more doctors where they’re needed most. Trainees on the pathway are employed for up to four years by a regional Local Health District, while completing training in both the general practice and hospital settings."The early response to the latest round of recruitment for the 2025 program is very positive, with preliminary offers of employment being extended to doctors for positions in the Hunter New England, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Mid North Coast, Western NSW, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Northern NSW local health districts.A further round of recruitment will open in early-October, specifically to attract more rural generalist trainees in the Far West, Murrumbidgee and Western NSW LHDs.The establishment of Urgent Care Services across regional NSW in locations including Orange, Armidale and Goulburn help ease the pressure on busy emergency departments, and a community centred Collaborate Care approach to address local healthcare challenges have also been developed to support regional communities.Progress on the implementation of the Rural Health Inquiry recommendations can been viewed in detail in the Progress Report.

The Other Bridget by Rachael Johns Published by Penguin Australia, January 2024. Librarian Bridget Jones (yes, named after the famous fictional character), feels like she has found her place in the world, surrounded by books in the Freemantle library. This is a big jump from her life growing up on a remote cattle station. A bibliophile with a big heart for romance, Bridget hasn’t quite found her prince charming yet. And she can be certain it isn’t her new next door neighbour, Sully. He is constantly grumpy, barely sees the light of day and practises his bagpipes at the most inconvenient times. Fabio, the handsome Italian barista she sees on her way to work everyday is much more appealing. Yet, there is something about Sully and his ongoing antics that gets under Bridget’s skin. Sully and Fabio then unexpectedly turn up at Bridget’s monthly library book club. One of them dragged along by their quick-witted Grandmother and the other chasing after Bridget’s heart. Will Bridget find her romantic meet-cute she's been chasing or will this love-triangle take a very unexpected turn? The Other Bridget is such an entertaining read and the perfect romance story for ages 16 and over. Find more book reviews and author interviews from Mel on www.melreviewsherbooks.com