The Macquarie River saw a population boom recently when the Warren Shire Council released over 21,000 native fish fingerlings into the Bob Christensen Reserve. On Monday 12 January locals and council members took part in the releasing of over 10,000 Golden Perch fingerlings and 11 000 Murray Cod fingerlings. Warren Mayor Greg Whiteley says it was the latest in a string of annual releases to preserve the native ecosystem. “This release will give the Macquarie a boost and help strengthen native fish populations for years to come. "It was great to see locals get involved and make a real contribution to caring for the river,” he said.  Event Organiser Sylvester Otien says three families turned up to help the council rehome the fish for the fourth annual release. He says due to environmental factors, the native fish need to be restocked often. Although Mr Otien says the January heatwave has not impacted the lifestyle of the fish, introduced carp pose an ongoing threat to the natives. Carp are widely viewed as a pest across the state due to their destruction to the environment, through their bottom-feeding habits and consumption of native life. "Carp make life harder for the released fish," Mr Otieno says. The stocking was supported through the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) $2-for-$1 Native Fish Stocking Program for 2025/2026, which aims to conserve and protect the unique biodiversity of NSW inland river systems. Through the Program, Council contributed $6,000 and received $12,000 from NSW DPI, enabling the purchase and release of native fish fingerlings.  

The renewables roll out has been a hot topic in many areas, but a meeting set with state planners to discuss a proposed solar farm near Narromine has been called off ten days out due to an apparent lack of local interest. There had been some concerns expressed on the solar farm near Narromine and organisers were surprised no one has put their hand up to speak to The Independent Planning Commission Panel appointed to determine the project's development application. The local meeting scheduled for Thursday 12 February 2026 at Rawsonville Soldiers Memorial Hall was cancelled yesterday due to the Commission receiving no speaker registrations from the community. However some local stakeholders say they had been intending to go to the event to listen to what others had to say. Local councillor Judy Smith said she had received feedback in community on the Burroway development. ‘’I had listened to people in the community who had concerns about traffic and the fast roll out of renewables in our area so I was keen to attend and hear community views. "Other councillors also wanted to gauge public opinion," she told the Western Plains App. The Narromine community were invited by the NSW Independent Planning Commission to have their say about the proposed Burroway Solar Farm by Edify Energy.The proposed project includes a 100 megawatt (MW) facility and associated infrastructure, along with a 100 MW /400 MW-hour battery energy storage system. The solar farm would be located approximately 20 kilometres north of Narromine, to the east of Eumungerie Road. It would connect to the grid at the nearby 132 kV transmission line.IMAGE: Edify Energy The solar farm is projected to create up to 250 construction and seven operational jobs.It is also expected to generate enough renewable energy to power up to 40,000 homes. The Commission said key issues identified in the Department’s whole-of-government assessment of the development application include the energy transition, land use compatibility and traffic and transport. The Commission is the consent authority because the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure received more than 50 public submissions objecting to the proposal, of which over 90% were from outside the local area. Commissioners Andrew Mills (Chair) and Sarah Dinning have been appointed to determine the development application. "The Commission wants to ensure that people who live nearby and may be most directly impacted by the project can have their say to help inform the Commission’s decision," said Mr Mills. The Commission says it had invited members of the local community to register their interest for an in-person meeting with the Panel when it visits the area to conduct a site inspection and locality tour.  It intended to hold local meetings with individuals for 10 minutes each . Edify has already engaged with Narromine Council and has other local projects in community.The Commission says it is still accepting written submissions on the Burroway Solar Farm project until 11:59pm on Tuesday 17 February 2026.

NSW consumers are still feeling the ripple effects of a worsening scam crisis, with Australians across the country losing millions of dollars to fraud late in 2025.Many victims are left to grapple with ongoing debt and financial harm.While state breakdowns aren’t publicly released by the national Scamwatch program, combined figures from Scamwatch and new frontline data from the Consumer Action Law Centre show scams continuing to devastate households, including here in the Western Plains.In the final three months of 2025, callers to Consumer Action’s services reported $7.1 million lost, with a high proportion of victims experiencing compounded financial vulnerability.Almost 78 per cent of those who reported losses lived with at least one pre-existing vulnerability, and one in three people had three or more.The most commonly reported scams included ATO/GST scams, romance scams, investment/crypto scams and employment scams.National Scamwatch statistics also show that Australians have reported hundreds of millions of dollars in combined losses across 2025, with thousands of reports logged through the year - a clear signal that scams remain widespread and costly.Beyond direct losses, many victims are now facing further financial pressure.Nearly 32 per cent of people who reported losing money said banks or lenders were holding them liable for ongoing debts linked to the scam, while 28 per cent reported scam-related ATO debts.In the first nine months of 2025, online-related content such as fake websites, online ads and social media contact were responsible for about 47 per cent of overall scam losses reported to Scamwatch.Consumer Action CEO Stephanie Tonkin said the figures underscored the persistence of the scam problem.“This data shows the scam crisis has not gone away - in fact, sophisticated technology is only increasing our vulnerability to scams,” Ms Tonkin said.“People aren’t just losing their savings."Many are being hounded over debts incurred during a scam, compounding the trauma and placing them at risk of severe and ongoing harm.”The organisation has called on the Federal Government to strengthen its proposed Scam Prevention Framework (SPF) - long delayed in implementation - with broader and clearer obligations for industry and stronger protections for consumers.Critics say the current proposal contains delays, gaps and deficiencies that could leave NSW and other Australians exposed unless tightened, particularly around business responsibilities to detect and prevent scams, inclusion of high-risk digital platforms such as dating apps and online marketplaces, and guaranteed access to fair compensation for victims.“We need a dispute resolution system for scams that supports people, not one that deepens their harm or alienation,” Ms Tonkin added.Consumer advocates say they will raise these concerns directly with Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino, urging faster action and a genuinely consumer-focused framework.

For many victim survivors, one of the most distressing moments in court is hearing the person who harmed them described as someone of “good character” - a practice long criticised for minimising trauma and privileging social reputation over lived experience.Moves are underway to stop convicted offenders relying on evidence of their ‘good character’ during sentencing proceedings, with legislation this week aimed at reducing trauma for victim survivors and ensuring greater fairness in the justice system.The reform follows recommendations from the NSW Sentencing Council’s review into the use of ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor at sentencing, and responds to longstanding concerns that such evidence can perpetuate social disadvantage because it is not equally available to all offenders.Under the changes, victim survivors will no longer have to sit in court and hear the person who harmed them described as someone of ‘good character’, a practice advocates say can be deeply retraumatising.At present, child sexual offenders are already restricted from relying on ‘good character’ or a lack of previous convictions where those factors assisted them to commit an offence - a provision known as the ‘special rule’.For all other crimes, courts may currently consider an offender’s ‘good character’ at sentencing if it is deemed relevant.The Government on Wednesday introduced legislation to amend the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, abolishing ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor for all offences and repealing the existing ‘special rule’.The reforms will establish a uniform approach to sentencing, aimed at ensuring the law is clear and consistent.The changes follow sustained advocacy by Your Reference Ain’t Relevant cofounders Harrison James and Jarad Grice.While ‘good character’ will no longer be considered, courts will still be able to take into account other relevant factors, including an offender’s prospects of rehabilitation and the likelihood of reoffending.A lack of previous convictions will also remain a mitigating factor, though it will no longer be used to demonstrate that an offender is of ‘good character’.Your Reference Ain’t Relevant cofounder Harrison James said his group has advocated for changes of 'good character laws' for some time.Attorney General Michael Daley said the reform was about prioritising victim survivors and preventing offenders from minimising their actions.“Victim survivors shouldn’t have to sit in court and hear the person who hurt them or their loved one described as a ‘good person’,” Mr Daley said.“We know some offenders try to use their reputations and social standing to commit serious crimes and then minimise their culpability.“No offender should be able to rely on the fact they are of ‘good character’ to mitigate the consequences of their criminal behaviour.“I want to thank Your Reference Ain’t Relevant cofounders Harrison James and Jarad Grice for their tireless advocacy on this vital reform.“It is another step the Government is taking to protect victim survivors and hold perpetrators to account.”Your Reference Ain’t Relevant cofounder Harrison James said the reform represented a historic shift in how sentencing is approached.“As a survivor of child sexual abuse, I pursued this reform for the child who was told to be silent."Today, I stand proud to contribute to a historic shift in justice,” Mr James said.“This reform ensures survivors’ lived trauma outweighs an offenders’ social reputation, and I thank the Attorney-General and NSW Government for listening and acting on our campaign.“This is one of the most monumental shifts in how the courts approach sentencing."After years of relentless advocacy, seeing it become reality is a dream come true.”Full Stop Australia CEO Karen Bevan welcomed the changes, acknowledging the work of survivor advocates in driving reform.“Full Stop Australia supports this important reform and acknowledges the work of survivor advocates in raising awareness of this issue,” Ms Bevan said.The Your Reference Ain’t Relevant campaign championed this change and worked tirelessly to achieve it.“The court system is re-traumatising for many victim survivors of sexual assault who have sought accountability for the crimes committed against them.“We heard over and again how much distress the use of character references in sentencing causing and we welcome this change.”

Water for agricultural purposes is a perennial hot topic and users can fall foul of the complex web of rules and legislation.Irrigation customers in parts of regional New South Wales will soon have access to a faster and fairer dispute resolution pathway, following reforms supported by the NSW Government.From July 2026, customers of the state’s five statutory irrigation corporations will, for the first time, be able to seek free and independent assistance from the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) for water-related complaints.The reform applies to Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Coleambally Irrigation Co-operative, Jemalong Irrigation, Murray Irrigation and Western Murray Irrigation, giving their customers the same protections already available to other water and energy consumers.EWON will manage complaints relating to water supply issues within irrigation corporations, including billing, affordability, metering, customer service and land access.The Ombudsman handled nearly 28,000 energy and water complaints last year, and has more than 25 years’ experience in independent dispute resolution.The change delivers on reforms introduced under the Water Management Amendment (Water Access Licence Register Reform) Act 2024, which requires irrigation corporations to be members of a prescribed dispute resolution body.Minister for Water Rose Jackson said the reform would strengthen fairness, transparency and confidence in how water is delivered across regional NSW.Minister for Water, Rose Jackson said new access by the state’s five statutory irrigation corporations to the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW will strengthen fairness, transparency and confidence.“This is about fairness and transparency for irrigation customers,” Ms Jackson said.“For the first time, farmers and landholders connected to these irrigation corporations will have access to an independent, expert body to resolve their water supply complaints.”Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW Janine Young said expanding EWON’s jurisdiction would improve consumer outcomes for rural customers.“Expanding our jurisdiction to include irrigation complaints ensures that customers in rural NSW have access to a fair, independent dispute resolution process,” Ms Young said.What does this mean for the Western Plains?While the reform applies to irrigation customers in the state’s major statutory irrigation districts, it does not extend to Western Plains irrigation systems.Across the Western Plains, river systems including the Macquarie–Bogan, Castlereagh, Barwon–Darling, lower Bogan and the western reaches of the Namoi are not statutory irrigation corporations and do not deliver water as a “service provider” in the way the Murray or Murrumbidgee irrigation systems do.As a result, these schemes do not fall under the EWON expansion announced by the NSW Government.Instead, irrigation in the Western Plains is managed through WaterNSW infrastructure and river operations, with water access governed by individual licences and existing regulatory and compliance frameworks.The NSW Government and EWON will work with the irrigation corporations in the coming months to finalise operational arrangements ahead of the July 2026 start date.

Now with a population of around 40, Wanaaring has produced its second Order of Australia Medal recipient*, this time for services to the local community.Raymond Hughston, known as Bruce, moved to the village 200 kilometres west of Bourke with his family as a twenty-one year old. Originally from near Taree, he had been working with his father as a commercial migratory beekeeper, following the honey flow over parts of NSW and Queensland.“In 1964 Dad and I eventually decided to travel out west to the channel country of Wanaaring on the Paroo,” said Mr Hughston.“We came here as a typical shift, with the intention to work the honey flow and move onto the next district.”However by working the different plants native to the region, they found they could have honey production for about eight months of the year.Their nomadic life over, the family settled into the town moving all their hives into the area, buying houses and building a factory.For Mr Hughston, and his family, part of settling in was stepping up to help the community – through involvement with the RFS, SES, Progress Association, Tennis Club, Golf Club, river water associations, public facilities management and generally being an active community volunteer to this day.“I like helping where I can, and although it took a lot of time it gave me pleasure,” said Mr Hughston, who believes his wife Lee is just as deserving of the award as he is.She has not only given guidance behind the scenes but has been hands on herself, often working with him.From 2011-15, they were the village’s ambulance volunteers and first responders (until the service closed). And while, at 82, Mr Hughston has been Captain of the region’s Wamprelea Rural Fire Brigade since 2017, Mrs Hughston is still serving as his Senior Deputy Captain.“We have really a skeleton crew now. If there was anyone else there to do the position I would step down,” he said.“I can see it is going to be quite a problem to maintain the brigades in remote rural areas. A lot of people seem to busy now, but you can always make time if you want to. It’s a very rewarding experience to be there for your community.”* The first recipient was Joan Myers, for services to the CWA.

Mariah Delaney of Nyngan has been announced as a state finalist in the Allied Health Assistant/Technician/Support person of the Year category. Mariah who has worked at Nyngan Multi-Purpose Service for four years is a much-loved team member and has immersed herself into the role going above and beyond for the patients.The NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards is an annual event that honour the passion, dedication, and contributions of allied health professionals and their support staff across NSW. They also highlight NSW Health's commitment to the vital role allied health plays in providing patient-centred care.“Western NSWLHD commenced a pilot project in 2023 to address allied health service gaps in rural sites. Part of this amazing project was the employment of Allied Health Assistants to work with the Virtual Allied Health Service providers (VAHS),” says Nyngan Health Service Manager Jenny Griffiths.“Nyngan was lucky to be included in the project and Mariah was successful at interview for the position.It has been a privilege to watch Mariah grow and develop in the role. Mariah Delaney with patient Val Pahlow [Image NMPS]“Mariah is an awesome AHA and it was amazing for her to be recognised at the Western NSWLHD AHA of the year in 2025 and now for state level in 2026. “Mariah works at the top of her scope of practice to support 7 different allied health services on the ground in Nyngan.We are so proud of Mariah and the amazing work she does - from the light-hearted footy banter with residents, doing their exercises, to putting on a cast to save a family a trip to Dubbo to complex multidisciplinary discharges home, Mariah covers it all.“Team Nyngan were excited to hear that Mariah has been selected as a finalist in the NSW Health Allied Health Awards - Mariah is an awesome AHA and it great that she was been recognised at a state level,” said Mrs Griffiths.“I’m more than grateful to hear the news of this award, although I don’t think I deserve all the credit,” said Mariah.“Nyngan MPS and the Virtual Allied Health team deserve the award as much as I do as they have driven the project and supported me throughout this job with no hesitation.“I love my job, it’s so rewarding. “I don’t have words to describe how I feel to be a finalist. I don’t need to win, I’m happy with the feeling of getting this far!” says Mariah.Western NSW Local Health District team congratulated Mariah on her nomination.“We are very excited to announce Mariah Delaney as a finalist in the NSW Health Allied Health Awards,” says a WNSWLHD Spokesperson.A huge shout out and congratulations to our Mariah Delany, an allied health assistant at Nyngan MPS is a finalist in the Allied Health Assistant/Technician/Support person of the Year category. “We are so happy for her, and we wish her all the best.” said the spokesperson.The winners will be announced at the award ceremony on March 26th.The awards are organised by the Workforce Planning and Talent Development Branch– Allied Health Team, partnering with the Chief Allied Health Officer.

Cobar Shire council General Manager Peter Vlatko says a fire which broke out on Saturday 31 January at the local tip is nothing to be alarmed about.He says quick action to douse it was it was a tribute to local council workers together with help from Cobar Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue. Mr Vlatko said the tip is closed now but action is being taken."There is nothing suspicious about it, it was not lit by vandals.," he told the Western Plains Appp.‘’It was caused by smouldering ashes and this has happened at other facilities because of the extreme weather we have been receiving.‘’It gives us the opportunity to look into it and other preventive measures to make community safe.‘’Garbage collection including skip bin collection has not been impacted at this stage."The fire happened around 7pm on Saturday and NSW Fire and Rescue's Kevin Smith said it was impossible to determine what caused it to ignite.IMAGE: Cobar Shire Council''In landfill you have to expect the unexpected," he said.''I have been to a bunch of landfill fires so no one knows whats above or below ground or what materials might have caused it.''Commercial operators are contacting Cobar Shire Council to arrange entry by appointment.Mr Vlatko outlined the latest to keep community safe.Council has placed skip bins near the Council Depot for residents’ use. • General household waste only• NO large items• NO pallets• NO bricksHe said community cooperation helps keep everyone safe and ensures these facilities remain available for everyone.

Trangie marked Australia Day 2026 with a packed evening of recognition, celebration and local pride at the Trangie Bowling Club, as residents came together to honour the people who help shape the town’s strong community spirit.Hosted by the Trangie Action Group, the celebration drew a strong turnout of locals keen to acknowledge the volunteers, leaders and achievers who contribute to life in Trangie.The evening was led by Trangie’s 2026 Australia Day Ambassador, ABC Western Plains Radio sports journalist Geoff Mann, who praised the town’s enduring volunteer culture and the people who continue to give their time for the benefit of others.“Communities like Trangie don’t just happen, they’re built by people who care deeply and show up time and time again,” Mr Mann said.A highlight of the night was the announcement of the 2026 Trangie Citizen of the Year, Terrie Milgate, whose name was met with a warm and heartfelt response from the crowd.Ms Milgate is widely regarded as the driving force behind the iconic Trangie Truck and Tractor Show and serves as President of the Trangie Action Group.She is also a dedicated member of the Trangie and District Retirement Units Committee.Her contribution extends far beyond any single role, with countless hours devoted to strengthening the community and delivering events that promote Trangie both locally and beyond.Often working quietly and without expectation of recognition, Ms Milgate’s commitment has had a lasting impact across the town.Other 2026 Australia Day award recipients included Senior Citizen of the Year, Kath Bennett, Junior Citizen of the Year, Tawhiao Selway, Sportsperson of the Year, Adam Bond and Junior Sportsperson of the Year, Kate Hoey.The Trangie Truck and Tractor Show was named Event of the Year.Narromine Shire Council congratulated all award recipients and nominees and thanked the Trangie Action Group for hosting another successful and well-attended Australia Day celebration.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association has wrapped up a series of visits to western New South Wales communities, with senior union representatives travelling through the region in January, to meet nurses and midwives on the ground and hear firsthand about the challenges facing rural healthcare.The visit formed part of the Association’s ongoing advocacy for safer workplaces, fair pay and better resourcing for nurses and midwives working in regional, rural and remote areas.NSWNMA organiser Sarah Sims said one of the most concerning issues raised during the trip was the lack of security support for frontline health workers in small western towns.“What’s been really obvious and quite concerning is the lack of security services for our nurses and midwives trying to perform their jobs to the best of their ability, often without having security on site,” Ms Sims said.The travelling party visited several areas including Warren, Trangie, Dunedoo and Gilgandra.Ms Sims said in some towns there were no police stations operating locally, and even when staff activated duress or danger alarms, help was not always close at hand.“Their towns don’t have police stations at times, and then when they do require assistance and they press dangerous alarms, these alerts get sent back to Sydney,” she said.Despite those challenges, Ms Sims said the resilience and pride of western NSW nurses and midwives stood out throughout the visit.“The spirit was really obvious with the nurses and midwives that we met along our way,” she said.“We had lovely tours of their workplaces. We were welcomed with open arms, often moved to tears.”After completing a trip across the Western Plains, NSWNMA President O’Bray Smith said there is a clear disparity between city and country health services.Ms Sims said the experience reinforced her commitment to advocating for regional members.“What that’s enabled me to do is reflect on these experiences and be able to bring it back and be able to deliver the best that I can do towards this beautiful Western community in New South Wales as their organiser,” she said.NSWNMA President O’Bray Smith said the visit highlighted the stark contrast between metropolitan and regional health services.“I’ve been in health for a long time now - over 20 years - and for the majority of that time, I’ve worked in health management,” Ms Smith said.“Seeing what I could, as a manager, facilitate for my staff in the city compared to what the staff are working with the resources they have in your communities - it was hard.”She said nurses and midwives in western NSW continue to turn up for their communities despite chronic understaffing and limited resources.“They turn up to work every day to help their community, and their hands are tied behind their backs,” Ms Smith said.“They come to work every single day with a smile.”Ms Smith said she was struck by the pride staff took in both their profession and their towns.“They showed us around their facility, introduced us to everyone, and they were so proud of their community, so in love with their profession,” she said.“The fact that they’re doing that with not enough resources or pay is heartbreaking, and I felt for them, and I felt for the community that aren’t getting the same resources and the same staffing levels that they would get in the city.”The NSWNMA said visits like these were critical to ensuring the voices of regional nurses and midwives were heard in policy and funding discussions at a state level.

More than 400 homes and businesses in Baradine are now eligible for nbn fixed wireless under the NSW Government’s Regional Digital Connectivity Program.  The New South Wales Government has contracted nbn to deliver fast, reliable nbn fixed wireless internet connectivity to homes and businesses in parts of regional NSW, including the Baradine area.The infrastructure is now in place and ready for connection. In Baradine today (Thursday 5 February) and tomorrow (Friday 6 February) residents and businesses are being invited to obligation-free information sessions to find out how to take advantage of the new technology now at their fingertips.  With works now completed by nbn’s delivery partner, Ventia, including the installation of new fibre backhaul to a co-located fixed wireless tower, Baradine can now receive better broadband.An nbn fixed wireless service can enable access to a faster, more reliable nbn broadband service, delivering a range of benefits, including smoother, higher-resolution video calls, enhanced streaming, faster downloads, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously. With an nbn fixed wireless connection, the nbn broadband signal travels from the transmission tower using 4G technology and 5G mmWave technology to an antenna installed on your roof, helping to deliver more coverage, minimise congestion, and offer access to speeds of up to 250Mbps.  “The nbn Fixed Wireless network is a critical part of our infrastructure, supporting regional Australian homes and businesses with faster speeds and more reliable connectivity than ever before, even during the busiest times," said Head of nbn Local NSW Tom O’Dea. “Australians deserve access to fast, effective broadband, regardless of whether they live in a major city or a country town. “I encourage the community to participate in the upcoming events to discover how this upgrade can impact them positively.”An information stand will be set up at the Embassy Cafe in Wellington Street, Baradine from 11am to 2pm.If you miss today's session, the nbn crew will be back later in the month.Check out the details of this month's sessions: nbn Local Community Information Stand - BaradineTo find out more about the benefits of nbn fixed wireless and to check your eligibility for other nbn services and preferred retail service providers, visit www.nbn.com.au/CheckRegional.

Country councils say the question of who should pay for Rural Fire Service plant and equipment is becoming more urgent, preventing them from allocating funds to essential local infrastructure and services and needs to be resolved.The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) says progress is finally being made on the long-running Red Fleet issue following high-level talks with the State Government, raising cautious optimism among regional and rural councils.CMA Chairperson, Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM, and CMA Board Member and NSW JO Chairs Network Chairperson, Singleton Mayor Sue Moore, met this week with NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib to discuss the ongoing impact of Rural Fire Service assets being recorded on council balance sheets despite not being owned or controlled by local government.“We have lobbied for the Red Fleet issue to be resolved for years now,” Mayor Firman said.“Our CMA members and Board were concerned that the asset audit may have been a stalling tactic that would leave the matter adrift in a bureaucratic never-never.“However, in response to our advocacy, Minister Dib has given the CMA assurances that it is to be completed within six months and that councils will not be paying for it.”The Red Fleet issue has been a long-running concern for councils across New South Wales, with local governments required to carry Rural Fire Service vehicles and equipment on their balance sheets despite having no operational control.The Country Mayors Association of NSW has repeatedly argued the arrangement unfairly distorts council finances, while Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, has previously raised broader concerns about cost-shifting and the financial pressure placed on rural councils.Nationals MP Jamie Chaffey has also acknowledged the need for clearer and fairer arrangements between state and local government.Chairperson of the Country Mayors Association of NSW, Rick Firman, said the organisation is confident the 'red fleet' issue will soon be settled.The issue stems from provisions in the Rural Fires Act 1997, which require firefighting equipment purchased through the Fire Fighting Fund to vest with local councils, even though the assets are operated and managed by the NSW Rural Fire Service.The dispute intensified in 2023 after several councils received qualified audit opinions from the NSW Auditor-General when they exercised their right to exclude depreciation on RFS assets from their books - an option that was permitted under the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice at the time.However, Local Government NSW later revealed the Code had been amended shortly before Christmas 2023, removing that option.LGNSW said councils were not notified of the change, despite the NSW Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee already undertaking an inquiry into responsibility for the Red Fleet.At the time, LGNSW President Darriea Turley said the amendment undermined the inquiry process, arguing councils and communities clearly understood the RFS fleet to be a State responsibility rather than a local government asset.Mayor Firman said CMA welcomed confirmation it would be included in a ministerial working group tasked with implementing the Government’s response to the inquiry.“Minister Dib also agreed that the CMA should be part of his working group to assist in implementing the Government response to the inquiry,” he said.“Knowing that the NSW Government has deadlines and timeframes in mind for this journey has restored our faith in it.”The CMA says it remains confident the Red Fleet issue can be resolved in a way that delivers fair outcomes for councils, the State Government and regional communities.

As families across the Western Plains prepare for the return to school in early February, new national research shows Term 1 is shaping up as one of the most stressful times of the year for Australian parents.A study of more than 1,000 Australian parents, released this week by HP Australia, found 59 per cent of parents experience stress during the back-to-school period, with almost half (47 per cent) saying the start of the 2026 school year feels more stressful than previous years.Across the Western Plains, school Facebook pages are arising from their summer break with announcements of school materials lists and open days for uniforms and enrolments.Western Plains App has previously reported that enrolments were falling across the region.Post Covid, Coonamble High School slipped from 40 per cent to 15 per cent. Gilgandra High School went from 48 to 18 per cent.While Narromine High School went from 51 to 30 per cent.  Even compared with 2021 regular attendance rates fell - Lighting Ridge Central School fell from 37 per cent in 2021 to 19 per cent in 2022 and Cobar Public School from 50 to 30 per cent. Fortunately, that trend how now reversed, but the return to school pressure hasn’t.Parents say the strain often peaks in the first week of Term 1, with arguments, tears, forgotten items and last-minute panic becoming common as households shift from holiday mode back into school routines.Leading Australian child psychologist Deirdre Brandner said the findings mirror what she sees every year as families transition back to school life.“In the weeks leading into the school year, I see a predictable rise in stress, not just in children, but in parents as well,” Ms Brandner said.“Back-to-school anxiety rarely presents as panic."Instead, it shows up quietly through disrupted sleep, short tempers, reluctance at drop-off, headaches or stomachaches, emotional shutdown in teens, or children who hold it together all day and unravel at home.”The research also points to screen fatigue as a major contributor to Term 1 stress, particularly after the long summer break.Keeping routine and resetting sleep schedules at least a week before school returns are just two ways to make the transition back to school much easier.Almost two-thirds of parents (65 per cent) said increased holiday screen time makes the transition back to school harder, while 83 per cent want to reduce their child’s screen use as the school year begins.Despite the challenges, parents were clear about what would help ease the pressure.The study found 87 per cent want the school year to feel simpler, calmer or more organised, while 84 per cent said ready-made printable tools such as planners and checklists would help them feel more prepared.A further 83 per cent believe clearer routines or visual checklists would reduce arguments and stress at home.Ms Brandner encouraged families to focus on small, practical changes rather than overhauling routines all at once.Her advice includes gradually resetting sleep schedules at least a week before school returns, preparing bags and uniforms the night before, allowing children time to decompress after school, and using pressure-reducing language that focuses on effort rather than expectations.She also recommends supporting organisation collaboratively, using simple systems such as printed planners, colour-coded timetables and consistent bag routines, without taking over completely.As families look for screen-light ways to bring calm back to busy mornings, HP’s Education Ambassador Brett Salakas, a former school principal, said practical organisation tools can make a noticeable difference.“When children feel confident and ready to learn, everything changes,” Mr Salakas said.“With the right tools, simple routines and organisation can turn rushed mornings into calm moments of connection, helping kids head to school on the right foot.”The research shows strong support for printed resources, with 79 per cent of parents saying visible reminders like planners and checklists help mornings run more smoothly, and 76 per cent preferring printed planners over adding more digital apps.With the countdown to Term 1 underway across the Western Plains, families are being encouraged to keep routines simple, reduce screen overload and ease into the school year one step at a time.

For a region that has lived with copper for generations, the approval of a new mine between Nyngan and Cobar is less about headlines and more about what comes next - jobs, longevity, and keeping the Cobar Basin working.The NSW Government has granted development consent for Aeris Resources’ Constellation Project, marking the most recent new copper mine approved in the state and the first new critical minerals and high-tech metals project approved under the Minns Labor Government.The Constellation Project sits within the Cobar Basin, near Aeris’ existing Tritton Copper Mine.While often described broadly as “near Cobar”, planning documents show the site is slightly closer to Nyngan, around 55 kilometres north-west of the town, and about 45 kilometres north-east of the Tritton processing plant.The approval does not introduce mining to a new area.Instead, it adds another operation to an already active district that includes Tritton, Murrawombie and the long-running CSA Mine near Cobar, making the Cobar–Nyngan corridor one of the state’s most established copper regions.Copper has been identified by the NSW Government as one of the state’s five priority metals, reflecting its growing role in renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, data centres and electrification.The Constellation Project will involve both an open-cut pit and an underground mine, with expected average production of around 500,000 tonnes of copper ore each year.Environmental approvals show the core mine and infrastructure footprint will disturb about 170 hectares, with a broader project area, including access and service corridors, extending across a larger lease area.In a region where water security is always front of mind, the project will not draw on town water supplies.Water will be sourced and managed through approved mining infrastructure, with the project designed to integrate with Aeris’ existing operations in the district. Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said it is encouraging to see the approval of the Constellation Project, with the NSW Government recently supporting 21 copper projects under the Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program.Scale and market momentumAccording to Australian Mining, Constellation adds significant scale to Aeris Resources’ pipeline.The approved open-pit ore reserve includes a probable reserve of 2.3 million tonnes at 2.0 per cent copper, alongside gold and silver, while the total mineral resource stands at 7.6 million tonnes.Aeris executive chairman Andre Labuschagne said securing development consent was a key milestone.“Coupled with our recently declared open pit ore reserve, this places us in a strong position for Constellation to become the next major ore source for Tritton in the near term,” Mr Labuschagne said.The approval comes as NSW copper production continues to rise, increasing by around one-third over the past three years, with about 190,000 tonnes produced last year.Industry forecasts suggest copper production will need to double globally to meet demand driven by the energy transition.Construction of the Constellation Project is expected to start soon, with operations scheduled to begin before the end of 2026, pending construction.The project is forecast to create around 125 jobs during construction and up to 255 jobs during peak operations, including 178 ongoing roles at the mine.Over its expected 16-year life, the mine is forecast to contribute around $42 million in royalties to NSW.NSW currently has 15 major metals and critical minerals mines, employing about 6,000 people, largely across the Central West and Far West.Planning Minister Paul Scully said the approval was another step forward for the state’s clean energy transition, while Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos said rising global demand for copper reinforced the importance of projects like Constellation.

Health worker and firefighter Alice Gordon has claimed Brewarrina's Citizen of the Year. Ms Gordon was recognised for 17 years in NSW Health, where we has worked in child, family and antenatal care over before joining a response team to COVID-19. She now works to ensure children across a swathe of western NSW have access to key vaccinations. "I try my hardest in every aspect that I do, and it's just really nice that someone has noticed," she told the Western Plains App."I actually sit on the Australia Day committee and still didn't know it was happening, so I was shocked."Of her 17 years with NSW Health, about 13 have been in Brewarrina.According to a release from Brewarrina Shire, she played a key role in developing a clinician upskilling program, which so became so successful that it was adopted statewide.That earned her accolades including Excellence in Aboriginal Health Care and Excellence in Multicultural Health Care, which Ms Gordon counted among her highlights from 2025.She also serves as a retained firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW and mentors young women and volunteers on numerous community boards and committees.Brewarrina Citizen of the Year Alice Gordon. IMAGE: Brewarrina Shire CouncilBrewarrina's Australia Day awards recongnised nominees across eight categories.At Brewarrina Memorial Pool, local Peter 'Orch' Orcher took the honour as the town's Australia Day Ambassador.The veteran shearer and advocate for Indigenous participation in the wool industry won Senior Citizen at the 2025 awards.Brewarrina Shire mayor Tommy Stanton acknowledged mixed emotions about the national day. “We recognise that Australia Day is not a simple day for everyone. For many in our community, it is a day of reflection, sadness and resilience. As a Council, we acknowledge this truth and respect the diverse experiences and feelings held across the Brewarrina Shire and beyond,” he said.“At the same time, it remains important that we honour those who inspire us and make our community stronger and more vibrant every single day. These awards are not about celebrating a date; they are about celebrating our people."Today we recognise those who give their time, their skills and their hearts to our community. I congratulate every one of our nominees and award recipients and thank them for the positive impact they continue to make."The 2026 Brewarrina Day award winners are: Senior Citizen of the Year – Gary PetersonCitizen of the Year – Alice GordonSportsperson of the Year – Mackinley CodringtonYoung Sportsperson of the Year – Alaina RichardsCommunity Event of the Year – Brewarrina Central School 150‑Year ReunionAustralia Day Award (Business Category) - South Bre ButcheryAustralia Day Award (Individual Category) - Christopher McHughesAustralia Day Award (Group Category) - Culgoa Community Sports Club

Two young local women have revealed they saw alleged triple murder Julian Ingram in a paddock on a property near Mount Hope last Saturday 24 January.In an interview with Channel 9 yesterday, Amy and Chelsea said they were on a remote property at Mount Hope in western New South Wales late last Saturday night when they saw the figure of a man."We both just happened to see someone standing there in the paddock and there should be absolutely no one there," Amy said.Police descended on Mount Hope, roughly 90 kilometres north west of Lake Cargelligo, where days earlier Julian Ingram allegedly killed his pregnant ex-partner Sophie Quinn, her aunty Nerida, and her friend John Harris.Amy and Chelsea say they went inside a house on the property and spent two hours on the phone with police before leaving.It was then they came face-to-face with the man again but this time, with a weapon. "[He was] Squatting on the side of the road, holding a gun pointing at us," Amy said."We described him to police and they matched it up with the description of Julian Ingram."Ingram remains on the run after ten days of Police searching in rugged bushland and along the Lachlan River.A further image of the vehicle thought to be driven by Julian Ingram. [IMAGE: NSW Police]More details have come to light about 37-year-old Ingram's movements in the hours before his alleged rampage.A group of female traffic controllers said he gave them roses late that morning, which is something he was in the habit of doing.He was also recorded on CCTV attending the local police station for his routine check-in as part of his bail conditions, after being released for domestic violence offences.Each day this hunt goes on, the community remains in limbo."I can't imagine what the family is feeling waiting for this to be over - what we're feeling is probably one per cent of that," Amy said.Federal Independent MP Zali Steggall has called for a Royal Commission into Domextic Violence.In the wake of the tragedy Independent Federal MP Zali Steggall said the scourge of domestic violence has to be stopped.''I am calling on the Prime Minister to establish a Royal Commission into domestic violence as a matter of urgency. "Too many women and children are being killed. "There must be accountability across state and territory laws, policing and bail systems. "We need to know why this keeps happening and why warning signs are repeatedly ignored.''Australian Minister for Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek says she is heartbroken for families of lost ones in the tragedy but that we don’t need another inquiry to tell us what survivors have been saying for decades''I am heartbroken that Sophie Quinn, her unborn baby, her aunt Nerida Quinn, and her friend John Harris have been killed. "Just as I am devastated that a total of five women have been killed this month and that so many families are starting the year with the greatest loss imaginable.""Out of respect for Sophie’s family, and because this is an open case, I won’t comment further."What I can say — unequivocally — is that we need to change the culture that minimises women’s fear until it becomes a tragedy. "Women need to be believed when they are seeking help to flee violence, and we need to stop defaulting to giving men the benefit of the doubt when warning signs are raised'' she said.. She says her government is already "acting with urgency" by:• Working with the states to strengthen the tracking of high-risk perpetrators, so authorities don’t lose sight of them when they cross borders.• Continuing to implement expert advice to close the cracks in the system — across policing, courts, and frontline services.''Ending this crisis isn’t about words or symbolism,"she said. ""It’s about sustained action, systems of accountability, and all of us refusing to normalise or accept gendered violence.''

Walgett RSL sub branch president Robert Ward together with the local mayor and council General Manager are still bewildered by the lack of respect from young people who shattered the century old ‘Man on the Monument Statue.While recent information indicates the statue's destruction may have been accidental, the state's peak body for veterans says they will fund its restoration.“RSL NSW stands firmly with the people of Walgett," RSL NSW President Vincent Williams said. “We will ensure this memorial is restored, and we will continue to champion respect for the sacred places that keep the ANZAC spirit alive.”Police are continuing their inquiries after a group of young people was allegedly caught on CCTV knocking the statue to the ground late last Wednesday night (14 January 2026), causing it to shatter into pieces.On Tuesday 27 January it seemed there was a breakthrough with Police saying they have spoken to several teenagers alleged to be involved in an incident during which Walgett’s Anzac Memorial was accidentally damaged earlier this month.Officers attached to Central North Police District were called to Walgett Memorial Park on Fox Street about 11.30pm (Wednesday 14 January 2026), after a group of teenagers were allegedly trespassing in the park and damaged the statue of an Anzac soldier by knocking it over.Following extensive inquiries, five boys – aged between 13 and 15 – and a 13-year-old girl, were spoken to by police.Central North Police District Commander, Superintendent Gerard Lawson, said Central North Police were committed to finding answers for the community.“I know members of the community were distressed by the incident and my officers spent many hours examining CCTV and tracking down those involved,” Supt Lawson said.“Following inquiries, police established the teenagers had no intent to damage the statue, and that the incident appeared accidental.“While this matter has been resolved, I want to reassure the community that all matters reported to police will be investigated.”Vincent Williams RSL NSW President backs Walgett. [IMAGE: RSL NSW] Mr Williams said he was particularly troubled by the reported age of those involved.“It is profoundly disappointing to learn that those allegedly responsible are so young,” he said. “War memorials are sacred sites. They are not just pieces of stone; they represent real people, real sacrifices, and real stories of service."This incident highlights the ongoing need for us as a community to continue educating young people about the significance of these places and why they must always be treated with respect.” RSL NSW will ensure the restoration of the Walgett ANZAC memorial is fully supported.“I want to make it absolutely clear that RSL NSW will fund the restoration through the RSL NSW Sub-Branch Support and Assistance Fund so that the Walgett RSL sub-Branch and local community do not have to bear the significant financial burden of repairing this important monument,” Mr Williams said.“We will work hand-in-hand with the local sub-Branch, Walgett Shire Council, and local veterans to make sure the memorial is carefully restored and returned to its rightful place as a focal point for remembrance and reflection.”Mr Williams also welcomed the NSW Government’s recent strengthening of laws protecting war memorials, which increased penalties for those who damage or desecrate monuments.“These tougher penalties send a clear and important message – that attacks on war memorials will not be tolerated,” Mr Williams said. “Our memorials honour the service and sacrifice of generations of Australians. They deserve the strongest possible protections under the law.”

Narromine residents are being urged to strictly conserve water this weekend after a critical bore pump failure reduced the town’s water supply to just 70 per cent of normal capacity.Narromine Shire Council Mayor Ewen Jones said the mechanical failure of one of council’s main raw water bore pumps had forced the immediate introduction of extreme water restrictions to ensure sufficient supply for essential use and firefighting.“One of our main pumps has failed, it’s one of those unavoidable mechanical things,” Cr Jones said.“We’ve brought a reserve pump online, but it’s only giving us about 70 per cent of our normal supply.”With Narromine experiencing extreme heat - reaching 44 degrees on Friday - and reservoir levels already low, Cr Jones said council had no option but to act quickly.“To make sure we can maintain water for firefighting and essential household use, we’re asking people to stop watering lawns, washing cars and filling swimming pools,” he said.Under the extreme water restrictions, residents may continue to use water for normal household purposes, but the following activities are prohibited until at least Monday, or further notice:Garden wateringFilling of swimming poolsWashing of vehiclesFailure of a pump has put stress on Narromine Shire's water supplies.Cr Jones stressed that the restrictions were not excessive given the circumstances, but community cooperation was vital.“In the big scheme of things, it’s not extreme, but it is very important,” he said.“You don’t want to be in a position where you don’t have water available for fire."That’s critical.”Council has confirmed that water quality has not been affected, and the town’s water supply remains safe to drink and use.Repairs to the failed bore pump are scheduled to begin on today, with council staff working to restore full supply capacity as quickly as possible.Cr Jones said the system was expected to return to normal early next week, subject to repair progress and reservoir recovery.Council has been sharing updates through social media and local radio to reach residents as quickly as possible.“We’ve put it out on Facebook and spoken with the radio station this morning,” Cr Jones said.“We’ll keep people informed as the situation develops.”Residents are urged to comply with the restrictions and remain water-wise until council advises otherwise.Every drop saved matters!

Gulargambone’s Graham Peart has been closely involved with many of the developments in the wool industry since beginning his career as an agronomist at the research station at Trangie in 1965.Mr Peart's research into rotational grazing of lucerne was just the beginning of work that would have impacts across the industry in changing practices and improving production.His efforts were formally recognised on Australia Day when he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to the industry.“Our sheep are vastly better in wool production, they are considerably finer than they used to be, and they are much more efficient [breeders],” Mr Peart said, noting that these are all things aimed for in their research at Trangie.“We used to think that 105 per cent lambing was a good return, whereas now they can rear 110 or 120 without much trouble.“You still have to be a good manager to get those results, but they weren't even available from good managers back then.”The development of dual purpose merino, bred for their meat and wool, is another way the industry has changed for the better.“Two lots of income a year is hard to go past,” according to Mr Peart.“The wool might fall off shedding sheep, but there are only very few times in the wool cycle where the price is so low you can let it fall off in the paddock and think that is an advantage. "You're throwing away a lot of the income.”Asked what he is most proud of in his long career - which included being a director and chair of the Australian Wool Corporation’s Wool Stockpile Selling Board during a very turbulent time in the Seventies and Eighties - Mr Peart cited the establishment and continuation of the Gulargambone Rural Association for Sheep Selection (GRASS) Stud, located at his property at Armatree near Gilgandra.The co-operative ram breeding group was started by 10 farmers (including him) 50 years ago, and is continuing strong today.“People have stayed on or passed on to the next generation but they are still members of the GRASS Merino Stud, and very supportive and faithful to the common aims of improving their sheep and the whole sheep industry,” he said. [IMAGE: GRASS Stud]Mr Peart’s desire to help the whole of the industry also shone through when he was a director of Meat & Livestock Australia's Computer Aided Livestock Marketing (CALM) initiative.“It was a great effort to improve the selling of livestock and wool. I tried to think outside the square and push for improvements that would help every wool grower in Australia, not just a particular stud group through inefficient brand name selling,” he said.He is optimistic about the industry’s future, believing it has been a good time to get into the sheep industry for a while.“Supply and demand control prices - supply has dropped dramatically and the quality of the product has improved dramatically,” he said.“It is time to pay a bit more as you can see from the dramatic rise in the wool price over the last 3 or 4 months.”Mr Peart, 83, has recently retired as business manager of the GRASS Stud and now lives at Valla Beach near Nambucca Heads, although his heart remains in Gulargambone.