They're not complaining too hard, but they're not singing from the rooftop either. That's the reaction coming from some western mayors after the NSW Government released its budget for the 2025-26 financial year. Infrastructure projects in the budget include existing funding commitments, like $13.3 for upgrades at Bourke Police Station, while the Lightning Ridge will receive $1 million in extra funding to develop the Australian Opal Centre. "There's been an increase in overall funding in our area, but a lot of that is wage increases and things for the public service in terms of police, nursing and teaching, which is great, and our communities need all of those people," Bourke mayor Lachlan Ford said. "But there's not a lot of infrastructure funding that can assist us with any of our projects that we're trying to get. "We do understand it's pretty tight at the moment too. I'm not bagging them out in any way. It's just this is where it's at."An aerial view of Bourke.  Cr Ford said projects needing funding in his council area include sports oval upgrades and sealing 14 kilometres of the Wanaaring Road northwest of Bourke. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey delivered the budget on Thursday 24 June, which is projecting a return to a billion-dollar surplus in the 2027-28 financial year. NSW Country Mayors Association chair Rick Firman said the projected surplus was "commendable," although he found little support in the budget for rural economies recovering from natural disasters. "Regional, rural and remote councils do great work above and beyond their core obligations and are also major employers in smaller economies, but they are really struggling with their financial sustainability. We would've liked to have seen something in the budget to assist this end," said Cr Firman, who is also the mayor of Temora. Lachlan Shire mayor John Medcalf said that regional NSW didn't get "much of a look in," although he noted funding for feral animal control. His Coonamble counterpart Danny Keady said he wants clarity over whether investments in policing and domestic violence victim support will reach regional communities. The budget includes an additional $227 million over five years for government support services for victim-survivors. “I will be seeking an assurance that the budget provides for retention of the existing police services in Gulargambone, and for additional services to deal with domestic violence and to help its victims," Cr Keady said. Local Government NSW president Phyllis Miller welcomed budget inclusions like $4.2 billion in estimated disaster relief over the next three years. She also welcomed an extra $100 million in biosecurity funding, which includes developing a better detection, protection and response model against pest animals and weeds. However, she said a seven per cent increase in the Emergency Services Levy, paid by councils and insurers, will be "devastating." "While the cost of the increase to councils will be largely recovered through an increase in the rate peg for each council, it is still a cost to our community members that will have to be collected by councils,” Ms Miller said. The rate peg is the maximum amount each council can raise the rates each year.Barwon MP Roy Butler said the government has taken requests for funding in the electorate seriously.  "It’s meant substantial funding for Barwon, in what is a pretty tight financial environment," Mr Butler said. “I will be following up with the government to make sure Barwon receives its fair share of this state-wide program funding. “I do note that there was only $25.413 million allocated towards the Regional Development Trust, compared to $50 million last year, which is one area of concern with this Budget.”

Western Plains locals have donated at least 350 hay bales under an effort to keep Taree farmers kicking after May floods devastated farmland in the region. Gulargambone Lions Club members helped organise to transport 120 bales from local farmers in June, with another 30 expected to hit the road in early July. Another 200 have been donated from Narromine and ten from Coolah. The donations are part of a broader effort by Lions Clubs Australia after the Mid North Coast town copped over 700 millimetres of rain in a month. "They've got nothing. It's been a month since it happened and nothing is growing. It's all dirt and mud. It's still wet," Gulargambone Lions member Colin Ryan said in June. "We also sent a Lions Christmas cake for each drop off with the truck driver."IMAGEThe Gulargambone Lions Club pooled hay bales from local farmers. IMAGE: suppliedTruck drivers from Geurie, about 30 kilometres southeast of Dubbo, collected bales last week from Gulargambone. The NSW government's Rural Assistance Authority will cover costs to transport the feed. Taree experienced its annual rainfall in just days in May, with floodwaters in the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions isolating farms and washing livestock away. Bales damaged by water are also a health risk to animals due to potential mould. Anne Jones has been coordinating the hay donations within Australia Lions Club's N4 District and said they will accept them "for as long as it's needed." "Farmers treasure their hay because who knows what's going to happen with the winter being so cold at the moment and nothing growing," Ms Jones said.

Families of over 60 students at Collarenebri Central School were gifted specially-made portraits of their children as part of a project helping connect with their history as NAIDOC Week marks 50 years. Over three days, a professional photographer from Bathurst took the students, who posed in regalia they made themselves. The students then drew words and sketches on the photos describing their thoughts on their identity. Collarenebri-raised Aunty Roslyn McGregor helped the students find their words with her knowledge of local and family history. "Aboriginal people, we weren't allowed into the school 'till 1941," said Aunty Roslyn, who is also the president of the Collarenebri Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. "Aboriginal parents tried to enrol their children at school in 1941 and 14 kids came that day."Non-Aboriginal parents kept their kids away."Thirty-six white children went to school when their Aboriginal peers first enrolled, while over 60 were kept home by their parents in protest. "It was on the strength of those 14 that we get to be here today. That's the legacy they left," Aunty Roslyn said. "They (the 2025 students) wrote about being kind, being good at understanding others."They get their strength from their family and friends and being respectful."There's a vision they have for themselves." The portraits were framed and presented at a school assembly on 2 July, where at least 200 people attended. Aunty McGregor said the project aided school attendance, while students also took part in sessions last week involving Indigenous language and baking Jonny cakes. The project received a grant $1000 grant from non-profit Outback Arts and is based around the NAIDOC theme 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.' "It's about dhaiiyaan (family), as they say in the Kamilaroi," principal Natalie Cavaleri said. "This is something where families didn't have these pictures in their home. Now, they've got these pictures, these beautiful pictures that symbolise the strength of their child, the vision and the future generation that they all are." NAIDOC was established in 1975 to celebrate Indigenous cultures. The official week will run between 6-13 July, although the school held their NAIDOC assembly before the end of Term 2 this week.

With NSW Nurses rates of pay currently sitting behind other states, the recent budget did little to address the matter, leaving rural and regional frontline workers feeling frustrated.The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) has rebuked the NSW government for its lack of thought around wages while welcoming its other funding to improve performance and wellbeing for NSW Nurses.Treasurer Daniel Mookhey announced $34 billion in health funding and $3.3 billion in capital investment in the 2025-26 budget, but according to NSWNMA nothing for a wage rise or funding to expand the rollout of Safe Staffing ratios.NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said the Treasurer’s third budget was a missed opportunity to tackle the pay disparity with other states and territories.“The Queensland and Victorian governments are investing in nurses and midwives’ wages to help grow their frontline health workforce, yet we are not seeing this long-term planning in NSW,” said Ms Candish.“We welcome the additional money that’s been allocated for infrastructure upgrades and hospital redevelopments, but unless the NSW government is prepared to direct serious funding towards public sector nurses and midwives’ wages, we will remain behind.“The Special Commission of Inquiry acknowledged nurses and midwives are struggling, and that the state’s public health system is stretched and underfunded, but rather than act with urgency the government has chosen to leave it for the industrial umpire to decide an outcome.“Until the government invests in our workforce, more nurses and midwives will continue to flee NSW for better pay and conditions to the north and south,” Ms Candish.NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish [IMAGE - NSWNMA]According to a Western area nurse there is still a long way to go for rural nurses.“We need our union and government to let us have input and be heard to develop better policies and remuneration around work-life balance for nurses, midwives, and carers.“To be heard on rostering, shift work and flexible work practices considering rurally we don’t have adequate childcare and the distances some of us travel to work.“In the bush we are heavily relying on overseas nurses who aren’t staying because of the pay disparity between the states and because there is inadequate support in the community like childcare or cheap housing”, she said..NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites, said while the $83 million allocated to maternity care, including 53 additional midwives for regional areas, will help improve access to continuity of care models, he says better pay and conditions would attract and retain staff.“Creating additional midwifery positions is important, but we know sites struggle to recruit to existing positions. Unless we close the pay gaps for our nurses and midwives, they’ll struggle to fill the positions,” added Mr Whaites.“Despite acknowledging the pressures families are under, the Treasurer has focused on private sector investment and capital works over improving the lives of nurses and midwives.“It’s important to address housing supply and affordability and to ensure there’s new developments for population and productivity growth, but the government also needs to significantly lift its investment in its biggest public sector workforce.“Money that’s been allocated to better support injured workers is welcome, but we remain opposed the government’s cruel proposal to stop workers compensation claims for psychological injuries.”The NSWNMA says it will continue to advocate for better pay and conditions across the state’s public health system.

Pat and Kay Ticehurst have been recognized for 125 years of service for St.Vincent de Paul and are being celebrated in their Condobolin community for their love and care for those less fortunate.Events in the Vinnies Shop and Can Assist are proving the community adore the couple. Pat joined the Society in 1950 from the Marist Brothers College Forbes Junior Conference out of High School.When he returned home from boarding school, he would make visitations to the hospital with a fellow Vincentian and press clothes for the Mission in a wool press.As well as general conference activities, Pat also cut rags for the centre two days a week for approximately 30 years.Pat was awarded Life Membership in 2015 and continues to regularly attend Central West Regional meetings. Pat said at 89 ’’ Vincentian work has always been very special to me."I am so blessed to have been able to be there to assist those in need for so many years and thank God our wonderful, caring Society still exists.’’He has been with Vinnies for 75 years.Kay and Pat Ticehurst with some of their biggest fans. [IMAGE St Vincent de Paul]The former farmer has been married to Kay for 65 years, they have 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grand children."He loves a chat and mixing with people and has always been dedicated loving and caring to family and his community," his wife said.Kay Ticehurst was recognised for her 50 years of service at the recent National Volunteer Week event and has held many roles including Conference President, Conference Treasurer, Regional President, Central Council Vice President, Twinning Officer, Spiritual Adviser and shop volunteer.Kay was also awarded Life Membership to St. Vincent De Paul in 2015."I have always felt a need to help people to reach their needs at the time. I do love helping people," she told the Western Plains App.‘’Can Assist and Organ Donor committees keep me busy. Health issues haven’t helped in recent times but you have to go on.‘’It's just hard to say no."Mrs Ticehurst says finding volunteers is the biggest problem these days and has forced the Condoblin Vinnies store to close on Tuesdays.‘’While so many bigger shops closing here there is nowhere to find affordable clothing in town so we and try to fill the gap . Lots of mums come in and it makes a big difference for them.’’‘’I think helping people is so important and I stress you must listen and no judgement.’’ Despite her family asking her to slow down, Kay celebrated her 87th birthday on July 1 by going to an interagency meeting in the day and a Can Assist meeting that night.It is Pat’s birthday on Friday 3 July.

Two teenage boys have been arrested following an alleged break-in at Walgett involving a 89-year-old man on Tuesday 24 June on Wee Waa Street. Police said they executed a search warrant against a 15 and 14-year-old in the morning on Friday 27 June under the three-day Operation Soteria. A police spokesperson said they found keys to a stolen SUV when they searched the premises where the 15-year-old was located. A 14-year-old was arrested the same morning in relation to a separate break and entre on Namoi Street. "After a review of a mobile phone seized during the search warrant, the boy was also charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner in relation to the incident in Walgett on 24 June," the spokesperson said. The 15-year-old was taken to Walgett Police Station where he was charged with six offences including: • Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – armed• Face blackened/disguised with intent to commit indictable offence• Take and drive conveyance without consent without consent of owner• Police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed• Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty. He was also charged with breach of bail. The boy was refused bail before appearing via audio-visual link before Parramatta Children’s Court on 28 June, where he was refused bail to appear at a children’s court on 7 July 2025. The 14-year-old has also been charged with aggravated break and entre over the Namoi Street incident on 19 June. He was refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Children’s Court on 1 July, where he was granted conditional bail to appear in a children’s court on 14 July 2025. Operation Soteria ran between 26-28 June and saw 33 people charged across the state, including with drug, break-and-enter, and driving-related offences.

Over 50 people gathered in Walgett yesterday, Tuesday 1 July, to chart the way forward on local youth crime after four teenagers were arrested and charged in relation to an attack on a locum doctor last week. Community members joined representatives from the local schools, hospital, service providers, Aboriginal community groups and Walgett Shire Council to probe what they can do to keep community safe and keep young people out of jail. The meeting was called by Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service, the Walgett Community Working Party and the Walgett Cultural and Community Aboriginal Corporation. AMS CEO Christine Corby told the meeting that safety concerns are making it harder to keep medical professionals. "Home invasions, abuses. You name it, we've had it," she said. "This is not the first time a doctor has been abused. This is not the first time a nurse has been abused. This is not the first time our local Aboriginal people, local non Aboriginal people, employees, have been abused to high heaven."AMS CEO Christine Corby. IMAGE: River McCrossenThe gathering occurred at Walgett Sporting Club, with attendees endorsing plans to organise talks with young residents to figure out their needs, as well as establishing a committee to find strategies to deal with youth crime.   There was a strong push to involve the town's young people directly in the conversations. "We're all talking about what we think they should want. Let's go back to them and go 'listen, how can we help you? What do you need?' We mightn't be able to fix it, but at least give them a voice," Walgett-based police inspector Craig Jordan said. "We're all talking about them and they're probably talking about us, so let them have their say." Inspector Jordan suggested that any consultation be community-driven for better outcomes. "It wouldn't be a police-driven thing because as soon as we get involved, there'll be an element that won't want to be involved." NSW Police Inspector Inspector Craig Jordan. IMAGE: River McCrossenOver about one-and-a-half hours, residents took part in an emotional - and at times heated - debate covering social media, drug use, parental responsibility and night-time services. A panel with representatives from police, the local council and Barwon MP Roy Butler's office also took questions. One of them was the council's Interim General Manager Andrew Brown, who has a background as a rural crime researcher with the University of New England. He warned against assigning blame for youth crime. "Saying that it's the parents, it's the kids, doesn't actually solve the problem," he said."We need to go back to social and developmental crime prevention, and we know that things like education, we know that things like health care, we know that things like activities are really important. "Council, obviously, is not the leader when it comes to a lot of this. We're a support agency. "We're happy to be here to help. So with Roy Butler's support, we can do some of this stuff. We can get the programs." The council currently run a free youth centre on Pitt Street, which Mr Brown said they are open to operating on some weeknights to give young people a place to spend time at night. However, he said funding and staffing are a barrier, and that Roy Butler's office can help secure financial support to operate the facility. One of the community members at the meeting was Noreen Ward, who said she wants to see more support services for parents dealing with children at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. "Getting everyone to being more on the same wavelength, the same level, that's a good outcome," Ms Ward said. "It's a work in progress but we'll get there as a community."

Lachlan Shire Council’s General Manager Greg Tory has resigned to take up a new position after seven years in the role. Mr Tory began as GM in July 2018, and has overseen multiple projects in his time at the Lachlan Shire Council, including council's Renewable Energy Program, the Visitor Information Centre project, and the redevelopment of Foster Street and the CBD in Lake Cargelligo.He also oversaw the establishment of a secondary water supply for Condobolin, which will be operational within the next few months. Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf OAM reflected on the triumphs of Mr Tory's time as GM.  “Greg has led the team at Lachlan Shire through a period marked by great difficulty and great success," said Mr Medcalf. “During his tenure, Greg helped us navigate the challenges we encountered through drought, Covid 19 Lockdowns, mouse plagues and the record floods of 2022. "Greg’s ability to ensure that our funding is used to deliver the best value for our Shire has been one of his strengths and I will miss his experienced guiding hand.”Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf. IMAGE: Lachlan Shire Council.  Mr Tory will begin his next role as Chief Executive Officer with Glamorgan Spring Bay Council in Tasmania later this year, giving Lachlan Shire almost three months to secure a replacement.In a statement he described his mixed feelings on his resignation, but said he enjoyed his time with Lachlan Shire Council. "I have thoroughly enjoyed the past seven years in this challenging and rewarding role."I have been fortunate to work with a great group of councillors and a dedicated team of people."However, I am also looking forward to new challenges and am excited to take up my new role in September.”

A Narromine local has died in a horrifying weekend of deaths on regional roads.Emergency services were called to a property on the Narromine Road to Dubbo, about 14 kilometres east of Narromine at about 8.30am on Sunday 29 June, following reports of a vehicle being found on its roof.Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District attended and found a utility had rolled onto the property.The driver – a man believed to be aged in his 20s – was located deceased at the scene.Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.Investigators believe the crash occurred at around 10.30pm on Saturday 28 June 2025.A report will be prepared for the coroner.As inquiries are ongoing, anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.About 1.15pm (Monday June 30) emergency services were called to Henry Parkes Way, Yarranbandai, about 58kms west of Parkes, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Central West Police District attended and found a truck had left the roadway and crashed into bushes.The driver – a man believed to be aged in his 60s – was located deceased at the scene.

E-scooters have become increasingly popular in the past few years, but not everyone is aware of the rules around their use and there are growing safety concerns for both riders and pedestrians.Residents in towns around the region are warning that it is 'just a matter of time' before someone is seriously injured.However regulations around their use remain unclear for most people while the government works towards creating the laws to allow this 'new form of conveyance' to be ridden in public areas."I've seen two near-misses lately," said one local resident."We nearly hit a young person on an e-scooter just over a week ago."They were riding beside the highway on dusk and suddenly scooted across the road in a badly lit section."We only saw him at the last minute and luckily had time to brake." At the moment in New South Wales personal e-scooters are illegal on roads and road-related areas, including footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes.They can only be used on private property.According to Transport for NSW, e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles but cannot be registered as there are "currently no applicable safety standards for them".Under the NSW Road Rules 2014, electric scooters would be considered a motor bike, which is defined as a motor vehicle with two wheels, and subject to the same licensing and road rules as motor bikes.But we're not there yet.The NSW Government have said that they have plans to change the situation in the interests of "transforming personal mobility and boosting active transport"."Devices such as electric scooters and other similar technologies have the potential to move people out of single occupant cars for first mile and last mile trips, freeing up capacity on the roads for people who need to travel further," the TfNSW website says.The State Government has run some trials in designated areas across the state, including Kogarah, Albury, Lake Macquarie, Armidale, Western Sydney Parklands and the Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan. In non-trial areas, including all towns across the Western Plains, it remains illegal to ride privately owned e-scooters on public roads or footpaths.Although the NSW Government is looking at changing e-scooter laws, it is clear that many riders either aren't aware of or don't care about the current rules.President of the Safer Coonamble Group Dennis Glover said safety concerns around e-scooters has been brought up frequently in meetings, with many members experiencing their own near-misses in recent months.Most e-scooters are ridden by children and young people."I know they don't realize the road rules, and people don't tell them," said Mr Glover."They are dangerous because footpaths are for walking on, and especially for older people because they get skittled easily."They're not following road rules, they're dangerous to pedestrians and they shouldn't be on the footpath."

An earthquake monitoring station near Cobar picked up a 3.1 magnitude tremor at about 250 kilometres away on Saturday. The station detected the quake at around 1:35pm on 28 June, emanating from an epicentre approximately 35 kilometres southwest of the town of Wanaaring. So far no reports are on Geoscience Australia's 'Felt Grid,' which gathers public reports of feeling an earthquake. "Nothing was felt here," Wanaaring Store and Caravan Park owner Colin Brown said. "Nobody's mentioned it. "I did sort of read about it, but that was all."The stations where the earthquake was detected. SOURCE: Geoscience Australia The scientific research agency reported that the tremor went ten kilometres deep. Stations as far as 944 kilometres away detected it, including in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

A Coonabarabran business was closed after an inspection on Thursday 26 June revealed that the entity was operating as a supplier of prohibited tobacco products.The joint effort by Warrumbungle Shire Council, NSW Health and NSW Police is part of a proactive multi-agency approach being echoed across the state.New rules designed to help rein in the black market trade come into force tomorrow (1 July). Warrumbungle Shire Council says observations conducted by their officers indicated "highly unusual out of business hours activities being conducted at the identified premises".A statement from Warrumbungle Shire Council said they were working with state agencies to address the proliferation of illegal tobacco premises within the region."Information received indicated organised syndicates from Melbourne and Sydney are involved in the establishment and operation of illegal tobacco premises and for that reason Warrumbungle Shire Council engaged in a joint agency operation."This proactive strategy in monitoring illegal activities led to a comprehensive business compliance inspection at a premise located within the Coonabarabran Business Centre," the statement said."NSW Health Officers seized over 230 cartons of prohibited tobacco, several kilos of loose-leaf tobacco known as ‘chop chop’ and hundreds of vapes during the inspection."Warrumbungle Shire Council says their officers also detected a number of serious fire safety breaches throughout the building, resulting in an Emergency Closure Order being issued against the operator of the business.Coonabarabran Police Station."This joint agency operation underscores the importance of Whole of Government collaborative efforts in tackling illegal activities and safeguarding the community from harmful practices." NSW Premier Chris Minns last week warned retailers of illegal tobacco that their 'time is up' and those caught would be shut down with offending operators evicted from premises and fined up to $11,500.''NSW is introducing a new tobacco licensing scheme from 1 July 2025," said NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamonth."Under the scheme, it will be compulsory for all retailers and wholesalers who sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products to hold a valid licence."The licence will need to be renewed annually at a cost of $1,100.  Retailers and wholesalers can apply for a tobacco licence from 1 July. To continue trading a valid licence application must be submitted on or before 1 October 2025.If a licence is granted, retailers and wholesalers may continue to sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products.If an application is rejected, retailers and wholesalers must stop selling tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products.New penalties have been introduced for anyone selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a valid licence.The maximum penalties will be $11,000 for a first offence for an individual, or $44,000 for a second or subsequent offence for an individual and $220,000 for a corporation.Warrumbungle Shire Council confirmed it is currently reviewing potential charges against both the operator and the building owners, "emphasising the commitment to enforcing compliance and ensuring public safety."Investigators are currently reviewing the evidence with the view of laying charges under the provisions of the environmental planning and assessment act for breaches of the development approval in place and for serious fire safety breaches.The specific concerns identified related to high levels of combustible and flammable material detected throughout the premises in circumstances where there was a lack of regulated essential fire safety measures.

Independent Chairperson of the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly (MPRA), Grace Gordon, said it was a proud day recently when the MPRA and University of New England signed a statement of intent which will strengthen educational pathways, workforce participation, and community collaboration for Aboriginal people in western and far western NSW.In a special ceremony held at Cobar, Ms Gordon said it was wonderful for the two groups to work together by committing to the future of young people and the region, telling the gathering the partnership has the potential to shrink and close the education and economic participation gaps between First Nations and non - Indigenous people in the Murdi Paaki Region.Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly is the peak representative structure that represents the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in 16 communities across western NSW.Local Community Working Parties in Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Cobar, Collarenebri, Coonamble, Wentworth, Enngonia, Goodooga, Gulargambone, Ivanhoe, Lightning Ridge, Menindee, Walgett, Weilmoringle, and Wilcannia form the members of the MPRA board.Ms Gordon thanked the UNE team at the signing which included Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Evans, Sanaz Alian, Alex Cook and Dr Judith Burns, while MPRA members told of what education means for their communities and thanked UNE for their genuine commitment to the Murdi Paaki Region.Grace Gordon, MPRA Independent Chairperson & Professor Simon Evans, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of New England “This will be a game changer for First Nations here and elsewhere in New South Wales, said Ms Gordon.“Our people have expressed their worry about the lack of First Nations teachers in schools, the removal of opportunity for post school education, lack of fulfilling work and the withdrawal of professional services, especially in remote areas.“In signing this Statement of Intent we’re opening up doors for education and all that flows on from that”.Ms Gordon told the gathering how she was an example of what a First Nations person in a remote part of NSW could achieve with supported, structured access to education.Ms Gordon speaking at the ceremony   “Education has meant everything to me in my life. It has taken me out of a domestic violence situation, given me a decent salary where I could raise my children without begging and borrowing.“It showed us that getting an education was not a task we couldn’t achieve.“This is more than just an agreement - it’s a commitment to long-term change through trust, cultural respect, and shared learning” she said.With community engagement projects; workforce participation strategies aimed at improving education, training and employment outcomes; higher education pathways and enhancing existing initiatives; developing programs focusing on youth leadership and entrepreneurship: and, establishing a process for joint monitoring and evaluation, the two groups will work closely to assist young people in the region."I congratulate Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly and the University of New England on signing this statement of intent," said member for Barwon Roy Butler.Member for Barwon Roy Butler - [IMAGE: Mr Butler's office]"Indigenous people in remote regional communities can face disproportionate disadvantage in obtaining qualifications and moving into a profession like teaching."We know that levels of educational attainment are lower than average in remote Indigenous communities. We also know that education helps people overcome disadvantage and isolation."It's essential that professionals in communities are representative of the population, that applies to all professions. I will watch this relationship evolve with great interest," said Mr Butler.

Already in place across much of the Western Plains, a coordinated early intervention program aimed at tackling youth crime and supporting at-risk young people is set to expand in regional and remote areas, thanks to a $5.1 million investment announced in the recent 2025-26 NSW Budget.The funding, part of a broader $20.8 million commitment for the NSW Police Force, will support the delivery of Youth Action Meetings (YAMs) across rural and regional New South Wales.These meetings bring together multiple agencies to intervene early and provide wraparound support for young people who are persistent offenders or who may be vulnerable to falling through the cracks.Superintendent District Commander of the Central North Police District, Gerard Lawson, confirmed the program is already active in parts of the Western Plains.“We’ve got them in place in Bourke and in Walgett,” he said.“They’re a coordinated, multi-agency approach to kids at risk, whether that’s their risk of offending or their safety being at risk."These are the only two in the part of my district that is considered as being included in the Western Plains, but there are many other YAMS meetings in other Western Plains shires.”“The extra funding in the budget will not impact Central North as we already have a YAMS coordinator.”Superintendent Lawson explained the referral process to be involved in these youth meetings.“There’s a pathway through other agencies, and we also make our own referrals. It’s a collaborative effort,” he said.“The idea behind this new funding is to expand the model to other areas where it’s needed.”Superintendent Lawson added that the Youth Action Meetings have had a tangible impact in communities where they already operate.“They’re well attended and well run,” he said.“We see strong engagement from all the partner organisations, and it gives these kids a chance to get support early.”The meetings are led by dedicated coordinators who liaise with schools, health services, child protection, police, and community groups to create action plans for at-risk youth.NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Cattley said newly budgeted resources for the police would help strengthen response to regional crime.The program is already credited with improving outcomes for vulnerable young people and reducing recidivism in several districts.NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Cattley told Parliament the funding would help strengthen the regional crime response while addressing the root causes of youth offending.“This is about early intervention and smarter policing,” she said.“Youth Action Meeting Coordinators operate across local Police Districts in every region, and this new funding will ensure more communities across rural and regional NSW have access to this essential support.”Minister Cattley also announced a separate $125.8 million for technology upgrades in the NSW Police Force, including:$24.6 million for a Cyber Security Enhancement Program.$50 million to improve police communications infrastructure, including 000 and the Police Assistance Line.$6 million in new investigative equipment; and$45.2 million to modernise the police payroll system.“These upgrades will keep our officers one step ahead of our worst criminals,” Minister Cattley said.“It’s critical that regional police have the tools, resources, and community-based support to do their job effectively.”

Officers working under Operation Soteria were patrolling the Newell Highway about 2.30 am yesterday (Saturday 28 June 2025), when they saw a sedan which had been reported stolen.When the driver failed to stop when directed a pursuit was initiated, travelling 70km south to Peak Hill where one of the police vehicles was allegedly rammed and the sedan stopped.Police will allege as the officer approached the car, the driver accelerated towards her, and she discharged her firearm.The sedan struck a second police vehicle before a man and three women – allegedly travelling in the stolen car – were arrested and taken to Dubbo Police Station.The alleged driver, a 24-year-old man, has now been charged with five offences:Take and drive conveyance without consent of ownerPolice pursuit – not stop – drive dangerouslyUse of offensive weapon to prevent lawful detentionUnlicensed driving (prior offence)Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of dutyTwo outstanding warrants relating to a revocation of parole were executed.The man, from Redfern, has been refused bail and appeared via AVL in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday 28 June 2025.Three women have each been charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.A 25-year-old woman from Bourke has been refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court today on Sunday 29 June 2025.A 22-year-old woman from Bourke has been granted conditional bail to appear in Dubbo Local Court on 13 August 2025, while a 20-year-old woman from Dubbo has been granted conditional bail to appear in Dubbo Local Court on 20 August 2025.Checks indicate the car was stolen from Marrickville shortly after midnight on Friday 27 June 2025.There were no injuries during the pursuit or subsequent arrests to either police or those arrested.

The Lightning Ridge Opal Fields Reserve has secured more than $135,000 from the NSW government to tackle noxious weeds and pest animals. Just over $100,000 will fund control of cactus weeds like Hudson pear, which can pierce tyres, native animals and opal miners with its spines. The rest will go towards delivering a pest management plan for animals like feral pigs, foxes, goats and Indian myna birds.Local miners say the noxious Hudson Pear is a vicious weed that is extremely difficult to deal with. "They've got a barb on them and it's a hell of a job to pull them out," Lightning Ridge opal miner Col Hundy said. "If you fell into a batch of them, they'd have to be careful getting you out. They would have to fly you to Sydney to get all the sh*t off you. "They're that bad." The opal reserve around Lightning Ridge. SOURCE: NSW governmentOriginally from Mexico, the invasive species was first detected in the Lightning Ridge area in the 1960s.  It can spread when segments break off and make contact with the ground. They travel when their white spines stick into tyres and animals, and are capable of destroying grazing land.  “Controlling noxious weeds and pests also reduces the likelihood that they will spread to neighbouring areas,” Barwon MP Roy Butler said.  “This is a welcome announcement as it allows the work that is currently occurring to continue, but I would like to see an increase in funding that would allow the effort to grow, too." Government officials hope the funding will help protect lands for recreation, farming and mining. However, Mr Hundy said herbicide spraying should not be used for control. He favours burning and physical removal. "If you go and spray them, it's pretty hard to see what's dead and what's not," Mr Hundy said. "If you make a physical sweep over and one does come up, you're going to see it, so you'll get him. It's very simple." Most NSW Hudson pear is found around the Lightning Ridge, Grawin and Glengarry, Cumborah areas, although they have also been reported in the Central West, Hunter and Greater Sydney regions. It's estimated that the cactus has infested around 60,000 to 100,000 hectares in NSW, according to the state government.

A man has been charged following a police operation at Condoblin.Strike Force Hyden, comprising detectives from Central West Police District, was formed in June 2025 to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs and firearms in the Condobolin area.On Wednesday 25 June 2025, police executed a search warrant at a property on Kiacatoo Road.During the search warrant, police seized three firearms, ammunition, prohibited drugs and cash.Following inquiries by Strike Force Hyden detectives into the whereabouts of a 26-year-old man wanted on outstanding warrants, police attended a property on Oppy Lane, Condobolin, on Friday 27 June, and attempted to arrest the man, with the assistance of specialist police resources and Polair.The man allegedly left the scene with a 20-year-old woman in an all-terrain vehicle. The ATV crashed in bushland and the man was arrested a short time later.The man was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries before being taken to Parkes Police Station where he was charged with two outstanding warrants and 12 offences,Possess unauthorised firearm (three counts)Acquire unregistered firearm (three counts)Possess more than three unregistered firearms without a licenceNot keep firearm safelyAcquire ammunition for firearm without a licenceKnowingly deal with proceeds of crimePossess prohibited drug andSupply prohibited drug.The man was refused bail to appear via videolink at Parramatta Local Court yesterday, Saturday 28 June 2025.The woman was also arrested and taken to Condobolin Police Station. She has since been released, pending further inquiries.

As new tobacco outlets multiply across western NSW, both legitimate local retailers and government agencies are grappling with the double-edged sword of targeted taxes.  NSW Premier Chris Minns is talking tough, calling upon the federal government to reassess the tobacco excise.  Tobacco excise has increased by an additional 5 per cent every year since September 2023.   In March 2025, the excise stands at $1.40 per stick, compared to just 47 cents ten years earlier in 2015.   Minns said the increase is pushing more and more people into buying illegal tobacco.    "This will be the only tax in the history of the world that has doubled and revenue has declined by 33 per cent," said Minns.   "Where is all that money going … into the illegal tobacco sector."  Currently responsibility for controlling illegal tobacco sales falls upon NSW Health, but Minns has talked about the possibility of shifting it to NSW police.  There was a significant fear factor within the western plains community when discussing this issue.   One local IGA owner says the illegal tobacco trade is under-cutting legitimate businesses and the government is doing little to stop it.   "The whole town knows [where illegal tobacco is being sold], but the government is not doing anything."    However, he doesn't agree that a decrease in the tobacco excise would reduce illegal shipments. Instead he believes the Government needs to take greater action.    "An excise is far-fetched at this moment," he said.  "The Government needs to show they are serious about it, because it's not one container that's coming in, it's shiploads."   Another Western Plains business owner, who also wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said the punishment for selling illegal tobacco wasn't harsh enough.   "The only way they're going to fix it is fine them properly when they bust them.   "A $50,000 fine, not a $500 fine. Otherwise they open 10 minutes later with another lot of stock."   He also doesn't believe that a reduction in tax would help undercut the illegal tobacco trade either.   "They sell their cigarettes for $10 or $12 a pack. We pay $28 tax. Even if they take a few dollars away, they're still way cheaper than us.   "Unless they're going to take it [tobacco excise] away totally, so that we're on the same playing field, it's not going to make one iota of difference."    Despite the public pressure, Treasurer Jim Chalmers ruled out the possibility of reducing the tobacco excise.   A state government parliamentary Inquiry into the Illegal Tobacco Trade chaired by the Honourable Robert Borsak MLC is currently underway.   Members of the public are invited to make submissions into the inquiry open until Friday 1 August.   

Fatigue continues to take a devastating toll on regional Australian roads, with a steep rise in deaths and new inspection data showing driver fatigue is far from under control.A recent safety operation by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has revealed just how widespread the issue remains among freight operators.Operation Omega II, held over Easter 2025, saw 2,985 heavy vehicles pulled over across the NSW, SA, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.Of those,131 were found to have breached fatigue-related requirements.There were 426 intercepts each day during Operation Omega II, ensuring drivers both understood how to manage their fatigue and were compliant with the law.Of the 2,985 intercepts conducted throughout the week-long safety operation, 131 were found to be non-compliant with fatigue requirements in some way.Alarmingly, these figures were comparatively higher than the 182 total fatigue actions taken during the earlier Operation Omega held over last Christmas, which involved more than 4,500 inspections.Of the 182, 17 breaches were regarded as critical.NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the figures of the latest operation should serve as a wake-up call.“To put it simply, that’s 131 instances where we could have seen potential tragedy occur on our roads, had our Safety and Compliance Officers not intervened,” he said.Operation Omega II resulted in 46 critical fatigue breaches - the most severe category - where drivers were caught working too long or falsifying logbooks.Australia relies heavily on trucks for freight and transportation across vast distances, but safety is paramount and fatigue is a dangerous passenger. (Image: Mack Trucks)“Fatigue continues to pose one of the most serious safety risks in the heavy vehicle industry and is a known contributor to road trauma,” Mr Salvati said.“It only takes a momentary lapse in concentration for lives to be lost or forever changed.”It’s a problem being felt close to home.According to the NSW Government, fatigue-related road deaths rose by 47 per cent in 2024.Of the 78 lives lost last year, 69 were in regional communities.Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the danger for drivers of smaller vehicles is also magnified on country roads.“Driving on country roads often involves long distances, higher speeds and sharing the road with heavy vehicles, so the fatigue risk is much greater,” she said.Despite making up just two per cent of motor vehicle registrations in NSW, heavy vehicles were involved in more than a quarter of all fatigue-related fatalities last year.According to the Australasian College of Road Safety, fatigue is responsible for up to 30 per cent of fatal crashes in Australia.The College says one of the most effective tools is also the simplest: a power nap.“A short 10–20 minute nap can significantly improve alertness and reaction times, helping you stay safe behind the wheel,” the organisation said.Mr Salvati agrees that enforcement is just one part of the puzzle.“Drivers who feel pressured to drive while fatigued should call the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Hotline on 1800 931 785,” he said.With freight pressures increasing and driver shortages worsening, safety authorities are pleading with road users, especially those in the bush, to stop, rest, and reset.The message is simple - don’t push through the tiredness.Pull over.It may save you from a lifetime of regret.