One of the region's leading DV service providers has hit out at the state government for preventing it from competing in a tender for new specialist service funding because they are not considered Aboriginal controlled.  Earlier this month, CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes were told by the NSW government it cannot compete for funds under the' New Specialist – Family Domestic and Sexual Violence Workers' tender because priority has been given to Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).  Currently, CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes operates across 52% of NSW in Western and Far West NSW in places like Bourke, Cobar, Condobolin, and Wilcannia. The organisation is the main DV service provider in Forbes and Bourke and manages the women’s refuges in both towns.  CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche says the government’s approach is concerning. “There are 148 positions in total, and 23 in our areas we should have been allowed to compete for, and the government is only allowing us to apply for two positions,” she said. “Those two positions are in Cobar and Warren, and it feels like that is only because they could not find an ACCO to fill those jobs. “One of the priority areas for the NSW government is to get more Aboriginal workers in DV, which is appropriate in the regional and remote areas where we work However, we already do this – for example in Forbes 43% of our team members and 44% of our clients identify as Aboriginal."Image: llu.edu Ms Mioche said that in Bourke 100% of their team members are Aboriginal. “To add insult to injury the government seems to have gone out of its way to knock us out of the competition, telling us we could compete in places such as the Snowy Valley LGA and the Warrumbungle. That’s hundreds of kilometres from our nearest offices".  In a statement, member for Dubbo and NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said  "It was disappointing to hear today that the Minns Labor Government has only delivered 5 of the 118 additional front line domestic violence workers that were promised by June 30".  "What’s more concerning is that women’s shelters across the Central West, including CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes and The Great Lakes Women’s Shelter, were among those that missed out because they were deemed “ineligible” to tender" he said. Incidents of Assault (Domestic assault) from January 2023 to December 2023. [per 100,000 population] SOURCE: BOCSAR Crime Mapping ToolThe top 48 local government areas in NSW for domestic violence assaults were in regional NSW in 2023 including LGAs in the western plains region. Walgett notes the highest rate at over eight times the state average with 3625.8 incidents per 100,000 people. NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) notes that domestic violence numbers in Western Plains local government areas remain at the top of the most common offences, with statistics as of January 2024 as follows , Bourke (179), Coonamble (119), Lachlan (77), Narromine (73) and Warrumbungle (72).  Half of the 26 women who have been killed so far this year have been in regional parts of the country – though not all have been domestic violence incidents.  Offenders proceed against in 2023 for violent crime remain overwhelmingly male but do not appear to be predominantly Indigenous.Age, gender, and Aboriginal status of persons of interest proceeded against for violent crime by region: 2023. SOURCE: BOCSAR report Crime in Regional & Rural NSWThe recent report - Crime in Regional & Rural NSW in 2023: Trends & Rates - showed that 55% of the persons proceeded against for violent crime in regional NSW were non-Aboriginal (41% adult male, 14% adult female) with 27% of Aboriginal background (18% male, 9% female).Statistics relating specifically to the characteristics of domestic violence victims in regional NSW were not readily available.Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison says the government are rolling out the program and a tender is now live."Evidence shows that there are better outcomes for Aboriginal victim-survivors of DFSV (domestic-family-sexual-violence) when services are delivered by Aboriginal-led organisations," she told the Western Plains App."We will work with communities to ensure positions are filled in areas where there is most need." 

Australians trust in their rural communities has reached an all-time high in the five years Agrifutures has been running its annual survey.  While just 3.5 million out of Australia's 26 million live in rural Australia, the rest of the population has a deep-seated trust in what we do the latest survey has found.  In 2023, 91.4% of respondents agreed that rural industries are important to our way of life in Australia, marking a notable increase from 88.2% in 2022. Additionally, community acceptance of rural industries rose by 12%, matching the highest level recorded since the program started.  "Australians believe fishers, farmers and foresters play an important role in society and are a vital part of Australia’s history, however there are areas of community uncertainty that present risks and opportunities for the sector"  Image: Australian Ageing Agenda.   3028 survey respondents put management of environmental performance by rural industries was the strongest driver of trust in 2023.  "Similar to 2021, other influential drivers of trust included animal welfare, industry responsiveness, distributional fairness (i.e. the extent to which Australians feel like they get a fair share of the benefits created by rural industries), and confidence in regulation of rural industries," the report said.  Image: realestate.com.aju  The report also warned that "younger Australians hold less positive views about rural industries" and there is a decline in people who feel "connected to farmers" and who agree that "rural industries are part of my heritage".  Most Australians get their information about rural Australian from TV news and current affairs followed by social media.  The Agrifutures research commenced in 2019 canvassing almost 20,000 Australians over three years.  It showed again this year that Australians are worried about a rising set of issues in rural Australia – water security, use of chemicals  

Brewarrina Shire will get $10 million from the federal government to build a new sports centre and youth hub.  The Brewarrina PCYC Youth Hub and Indoor Sports Centre will have a community gymnasium, basketball and netball court, boxing facilities and general community space, according to the council's General Manager, David Kirby.  He said the council also will contribute half a million dollars to the "hybrid facility," which will be built on Bre's main street, Bathurst Street, and replace the old centre on Young Street. "Probably the best comparison I can use to our current youth centre is it looks more like a shearing shed than a youth centre," Mr Kirby said.  "So, having the opportunity to bring infrastructure such as this into the community, and getting to spend $10 million in doing it, will ensure that we have a state-of-the-art facility that can cater for the whole community.  "I'm sure our community's going to be a much better place for it."    The federal government announced the funding on 16 May as part of the Growing Regions Program, which awards between $500 000 and $15 million to help local governments and non-profits to deliver infrastructure projects in rural and regional areas.  The centre could also serve as the base for a Brewarrina branch of the Police Citizens Youth Clubs.   "At this stage, we're still working through the final details with the PCYC in terms of the management of the facility," Mr Kirby said.  "That'll come at a later date, but obviously the main thing for us is ensuring that it maintains community ownership and obviously that they have the greatest input into the future use of the facility."  Mr Kirby said Brewarrina Shire will look at pre-existing design templates, tailored to local needs, to speed up the facility's initial planning and approval stage. IMAGE: Wikipedia  Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO John Reidy he was "exuberant" over the announcement.  "Being a health and fitness fanatic, not having a fitness centre and fitness in infrastructure in the community was a real disappointment," Mr Reidy said.  "We've been connecting with multiple players over the years trying to get some really good assets for our youth.  "As places like Walgett and Bourke have it, we've always felt left out, so to now have some health and fitness infrastructure, potentially a PCYC, it's very exciting."  Mr Kirby said Brewarrina Shire will still make use of the old youth centre. "At the moment, we actually lease half the space out to different community organisations."  "So, we're obviously talking to some of those stakeholders and looking at what their needs are moving forward and the potential to keep utilising that space.  "There definitely wont be any sheep being shorn in there." Brewarrina Shire Council's General Manager David Kirby Federal government senator for New South Wales, Deborah O’Neill, said project applicants for funding were selected on merit.   “Each of these projects was assessed through a merits-based process initially involving Senators and Members from across the parliament, and then was further assessed by the Department which determined the final successful bids," Ms O'Neil said.    “No NSW representatives were involved in assessing the projects in our own state, because Labor knows that probity standards matter to Australian taxpayers.   “Each of these projects will bring significant benefits for these communities, making a real difference for people in Moree, Brewarrina, Narrabri, Caroona, Gunnedah, Dubbo and surrounding communities." 

Walgett Shire Council mayor Jason Ramien has told the Western Plains App that the runways at Lightning Ridge airport should be urgently upgraded because it is preventing some medical flights from taking off at the airport. The shire's GM Megan Dixon met with the the Border Regions Organisation of Councils (BROC) to show the shire's support for be made by BROC on behalf of member Councils, to the Australian Government for improved funding for rural airports.  It comes as it was rejected for funding in Round 10 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, with Nyngan Airport the only location in the western plains to receive support in that round. Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton explained Bogan Shire Council received $116,550 to undertake a lighting upgrade at Nyngan Airport. “I recently met with the Mayor and General Manager of Bogan Shire Council, who had been anxiously waiting for this funding so that they can begin upgrading the lighting at Nyngan Airport, to enable planes to safely land at night. “However, I am disappointed that Bogan Shire Council was the only recipient in New South Wales". Mark Coulton. Image: Supplied “I know for a fact that numerous other councils in my electorate applied for this funding and have unfortunately missed out. I’m hoping that further funding for the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program will be made available in next week’s Federal Budget.”  In Tuesday's Federal Budget the Australian government announced an additional $101.9 million over five years from 2024–25 (and $0.8 million per year ongoing) to extend the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program and the Regional Airports Program for two additional rounds, and continue the Remote Aerodrome Inspection Programme to improve aviation safety and access at remote airstrips and regional airports.  "We are hoping we get this upgrade as soon as possible" Cr Ramien said.  

Sitting at a table with five other sheep farmers at the Coonamble Show on 15 May, Warren's Andrew McGrath dismisses the Federal Government's plan to end live sheep exports by May 2028. "I think it's ridiculous," Andrew said. "I think it's just to keep people in the city happy and get a few votes. "If Australia doesn't do it, then someone else will. There's obviously a market for it. There'd be other countries that'd take up the slack, which don't have the animal welfare standards that we do." Minister for Agriculture, Murray Watt said the government made the decision to protect Australian sheep and that live sheep exports have been in decline over the last 20 years.Mr Watt also announced $107 million to smooth the 4-year transition from live exports, which includes increasing domestic demand for sheep products. “The community expects Australia to have the world’s best animal welfare practices,” Mr Watt said in a 11 May media release.“I understand that some in the community will want to see the trade stopped tomorrow, and others not at all.“This approach strikes the right balance, based on extensive industry and community consultation - including a detailed report from the independent panel, which we are releasing today."While live sheep exports have shrunk by $338 million over the past 20 years, our sheepmeat exports have grown by over 300% over that same period, with exports to the North Africa and Middle East region more than tripling in value over this period."Gulargambone sheep farmer Paul Fisher is concerned the ban will redirect Western Australian sheep in the NSW market. PHOTO: River McCrossen Andrew, like the other farmers around the table, is not involved in live export.However, Paul Fisher from the village of Gulargambone, near Coonamble, says he expects the ban will still impact local sheep producers."There'll be more of the Western Australian sheep coming to the eastern states. It'll affect our market," Paul said."It's a compounding affect. We don't actually live export ourselves, but it's going to be detrimental."Agriculture industry bodies walked out of the Agricultural Industry Budget Breakfast on 15 May when Minister Watt addressed the event, including the National Farmers Federation.“We turned our back to the Minister just like he turned his back on farmers,” NFF President David Jochinke said. “The walkout represents what this government did to agriculture when it pursued this ideological agenda, disregarding the real-world implications this ban will have on farmers, communities, our trading relationships and animal welfare outcomes. “It appears this Government listens to activists over agricultural experts and farmers. Perhaps if we start behaving like activists it might listen to us. “Overseas farmers are taking to the streets to rebel against governments who won’t listen. We don’t want that here, but is that what our leaders want? “We are putting this government on notice. We are only just getting warmed up. There’s plenty of fight in farmers.”

While many media outlets consider health as one of the winners in last night's budget, it fails to address the ongoing health care inequity between rural and urban Australia according to the National Rural Health Alliance."The Budget falls short of our expectations," said Nicole O’Reilly, Chairperson of the National Rural Health Alliance."It is disheartening to observe the government's lack of responsiveness to rural voices and its failure to commit to comprehensive reforms that would offer sustainable and long-term benefits for rural communities." New health initiatives in the budget included the following -$319.50 a week placement payment for student nurses/midwives/social workers, via means-tested Commonwealth Prac Payment, from July 2025$49.1m to give women with complex gynaecological conditions better access to specialist doctors. Specialist consultations of 45 minutes-plus covered under Medicare from July 1, 2025. 29 extra Medicare Urgent Care Clinics at a cost of $227m. While this may be good news, it doesn't change the fact that the further an Australian lives from an urban centre, the lower their life expectancy. Regional dwellers are also twice as likely to die from preventable illness. Rural men are 2.5 times and women 2.8 times more likely to die from potentially avoidable causes than those in urban areas. Many rural people have no access to primary healthcare services within an hour’s drive from their home. They use Medicare up to 50 per cent less than those in cities, showing that people rather not make the long journey or wait long hours to access health care somewhere else. As a result, the burden of disease in remote areas is 1.4 times than that of major cities.“Evidence is clear that per-person spending on healthcare is not equitable," Ms O'Reilly said."Funding could have enabled rural Australians to access health and medical services in their local communities. We call on the government to make a better commitment at the next opportunity to ensure that our rural communities are looked after."Not just for emergencies: Extra funding in the budget will enable the Rural Flying Doctor Service to expand it's growing role as a primary health care providerMs O'Reilly said the National Rural Health Alliance welcomed the commitment to support rural training opportunities."The establishment of the Charles Darwin University Menzies Medical Program which aims to educate home grown doctors is vital for growing the next generation of rural doctors. We acknowledge the new Commonwealth Prac Payment and the opportunity it will provide to support students to experience rural based clinical placements," she said.“We are also pleased to see the Royal Flying Doctors Service supported with top up finding to deal with the increasing costs of service delivery of vital services they provide to rural communities. But their model is only one that addresses the vast variety of health care needs across rural and remote Australia. There are many struggling rural and remote primary health care services that are on the brink of closure and need support and significant reform.“There is much more to be done to address the inequity in health care outcomes for rural and remote Australians,” Ms O’Reilly said.

Dubbo livestock agents say moves by their local council to look at leasing or selling the Dubbo Regional Livestock Market (DRLM) could hit the region's producers - and the Dubbo economy - where it hurts.Dubbo Regional Council called for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to buy or lease the facility in April with a deadline of Tuesday 14 May but the timeframe has now been extended to 23 May, just a couple of days ahead of the Council's May meeting on 25th.Industry stakeholders around the region have been vocal in their opposition to the direction they believe the Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) is taking.The Dubbo Stock & Station Agents association (DSSA) say the facility is a major income-generator for both council and the wider community, and that the process being undertaken smacks of a pre-determined outcome.A delegation of concerned users is expected to attend the May 25 meeting as they continue to make their argument in favour of keeping the facility under Council ownership.Thirteen licensed livestock agents operate at DRLM, and sales are supported by meat companies, butchers, farmers and feedlot operators from across a wide region of central and western New South Wales."Understandably, the DSSA are upset with the Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) and extraordinarily little, if any, feedback was asked for from the Producers or Users of the facility, or the ratepayers of Dubbo LGA," agent Andrew Peadon said recently in a statement."The DRC have not reached out for any data or statistics whatsoever in relation to what areas the livestock come from or what states and towns support the DRLM."President of Dubbo Stock & Station Agents Association, Martin Simmons. IMAGE: EldersAs President of the DSSA, Elders’ agent Martin Simmons sits alongside councillors and other stakeholders on the DRC's advisory committee for the saleyards.He says even he hasn't seen the report which convinced DRC councillors to advertise for parties interested in leasing or buying the facility."It was a confidential report only for councillors," he told the Western Plains App."I understand there were up to 120 pages in that report. It raises concerns over why they chose to look at leasing or selling at this time."One key question, he says, is whether "a modified status quo has been floated as one of three options.""We've been told at the committee level that the yards can no longer remain operating under the current arrangements but in their motion moved last month there was no mention of looking at the status quo - only lease or sale."Recent figures show a throughput of more than 1.1million sheep and 156,000 cattle at the DRLM, making them first in NSW and third in Australia in terms of cattle throughput, and third in NSW for sheep.“The privatisation of similar selling facilities in NSW had proven to cost stakeholders more to operate with the same outcomes,” said Dubbo agent Paul Dakin.“Producers must be aware that fees may increase by double, as has happened in other centres who faced the same shift to privatisation as we are,” he said.“All rate payers should be alarmed at the speed of which this process to sell or lease the facility has been managed by Council rather than being presented during the upcoming election where a democratic outcome is achieved and greater thought and consideration can be given to such a large decision for the region.”The Dubbo council's own website attributes $60.902M in total output and 307 full time equivalent positions in their local economy to the flow-on effects of the DRLM.While there appears to be no argument around the sizeable revenue the DRLM delivers to the Dubbo Regional Council, there are clearly different ways of looking at the bottom line.“People look at the income of $3.3million but turnover is different to profit and the saleyards have costs of $5.1million including depreciation so we know sustainability is a big issue,” says DRC Mayor Matthew Dickerson."It does inject money into the Dubbo economy, but we don't think it's running the best it can be.”"It's all about getting the best outcome for the community."Cr Dickerson says changes to regulations around work health safety, anti-competition and animal welfare laws are all scenarios involved in bringing on a saleyards review."No one at council thinks Dubbo should lose the facility but if we continue to own the saleyards the charges will go up," he said."On a day-to-day basis it is cashflow positive but after depreciation and upgrades it is not."We are looking at all our assets. We need to make sure we optimise their operations."Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Matthew DickersonCr Dickerson says the status quo "is not the best model" and that agreements with the DSSA are outdated and probably need to be reviewed."It would be remiss of us not to look at all the options before making a decision," he said. "A review has to start somewhere. We're starting, not ending, the process."He said DRC is conducting “an internal review simultaneously” with the EOI process which will include possible changes to the current operating arrangements.Malcolm Kater, from Egelabra at Warren, is a major supplier of prime cattle and sheep to the Dubbo selling centre. He said he was unable to understand why a facility like the DRLM would be sold if it is profitable. “The question needs to be asked if there is a revenue issue or budget black hole within Council that is forcing a review of the saleyards that will culminate in the decision being made to sell or lease it,” he said. “You don’t sell a cow in full milk so why should the saleyards be any different?”Dubbo Regional Livestock Market. IMAGE: Dubbo Regional CouncilOnce the EOIs are received Cr Dickerson says the information will then come back to councillors."We have no way of making a decision until we have the numbers to work with including lease or sale."A report is due to come to DRC at their June ordinary meeting seeking "a direction not a decision"."If we like the lease idea we'll go with a more formal process."Councillors are expected to participate in a workshop on 6 June with council staff to discuss the options for the saleyards.Whether information from the review comparing potential improvements to the existing operating model will also be included in the report for comparison purposes is not clear."As councillors we have to make sure we get the best outcomes for the community," said Cr Dickerson"We have 66,770 people to look after. We have to make sure we don't focus on a small group of individuals, we've got to make sure the assets provide optimum value for the whole community."As for the DSSA, President Martin Simmons says that they expect a good turnout of saleyard users at the May 23 meeting."I suggest any users interested in the future of the facility come to that meeting or get in touch with the councillors well before a decision is made," he said.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted in relation to an outstanding arrest warrant in the Enngonia area. Cayden Kelly, aged 32, is wanted on an outstanding warrant in relation to traffic-related offences. Officers attached to Central North Police District have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts and now seeking public assistance to locate him. Cayden is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm tall, of medium build, with short black hair, unshaven and brown eyes. He is known to frequent the Enngonia and Bourke areas. Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to not to approach him but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Tuesday night's Federal Budget threw a lifeline to women escaping domestic violence.The Government will put in place $5000 in financial support to help women leave a violent partner – including $1500 cash and $3500 in goods and services – under the Leaving Violence Program - a $925.2m investment over five years. This week also saw the announcement of legal reforms making it more difficult for those accused of serious domestic violence to get bail. Domestic violence is high on the list of crimes across the Western Plains, closely followed in many cases by the associated crime of 'Intimidation, Stalking and Harassment'. New reforms include reversing the assumption of bail for offenders - instead they will need to demonstrate why they should be in the community.This will apply to serious DV offences including sexual assault, strangulation, kidnapping or coercive control (which will be a criminal offence as of July 1st). Premier Chris Minns said these new reforms will make it more difficult for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail.“These are long overdue, targeted and will help keep women and children safer," Mr Minns said.Premier Chris Minns has so far announced two major packages aimed at reducing domestic violence. IMAGE: ABCOther changes include requiring electronic monitoring of people charged with serious domestic violence who are on bail and expanding the categories of offences for which bail decisions can be ‘stayed’.That means the accused person remains in custody while prosecutors challenge their release in the Supreme Court. This will act as an additional safeguard to prevent the release of dangerous domestic violence offenders.For all other domestic violence related offences, laws will require bail decision-makers to consider, where relevant:domestic abuse risk factors, including ‘red flags’ such as behaviour that is physically abusive or violent; behaviour that is sexually abusive, coercive or violent; behaviour that is stalking; behaviour that causes death or injury to an animal; behaviour that is verbally abusive; behaviour that is intimidation.the views of victims and their family members, where possible, about safety concerns for all domestic violence offences.Changes to make it easier to prosecute perpetrators who use tracking and surveillance devices as a tactic to maintain control over their victim are also on the cards as well as changes to weekend bail courts across NSW, to ensure bail decisions are made by magistrates (for example, using audio visual links) with consultation on the design and rollout of the scheme.NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) notes that domestic violence number in Western Plains local government area remain at the top of the list of local offences, with statistics as of January 2024 as follows - Walgett (200), Bourke (179), Coonamble (119), Lachlan (77), Narromine (73), Warrumbungle (72), Brewarrina (61), Warren (53), Gilgandra (37), Cobar (28) and Bogan (26), .Karen Bevan, Full Stop Australia. Full Stop Australia is an organisation that works with the NSW government to end sexual, domestic and family violence.They have acknowledged that these bail law reforms are in accordance with a large and well-established evidence base and hope this drives further reform that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors of sexual, domestic and family violence. “We are broadly supportive of these changes, which respond to known risks in serious domestic and family violence matters." Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia said."As the government has recognised, reforming bail laws won’t end the sexual, domestic and family violence crisis. But ensuring that bail decisions appropriately prioritise victim survivor safety, and considers well-established risk factors, is one of many important steps." "We commit to continuing to work alongside the government to increase safety and support to victim-survivors of these most heinous crimes. These reforms must be backed in by increased resourcing of the sexual, domestic and family violence frontline services sector, rapid deployment of housing options, and increases to income and employment supports for people seeking safety." Call the NSW Domestic Violence Line for free counselling and referral services. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Call 1800 656 463.Call Emergency Triple Zero (000) if you or your children are in immediate danger.

Board members and staff of Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service were treated to a feast of rugby union on the weekend with a trip to Sydney that also paid dividends for their Fair Dinkum Choices health promotion campaign.CAHS have embarked on a partnership with Western Plains Rugby to engage young Aboriginal sports stars who will be developed through regional Rugby training camps to maybe one day make it to the big stage.Over the weekend, staff and directors of CAHS were invited by NSW Rugby and the Waratahs, to attend a formal function in Sydney for the launch of the co-design health promotions of ‘Fairdinkum Choices' (TM).The launch was broadcast on Stan TV and seen around the world. Early on Friday morning 10 May the CAHS delegation attended the Captains Run at the Waratahs Headquarters in Daceyville Sydney.The Board of Directors, Executive Officer Beau Ewers, CEO Phil Naden and Event Co-ordinators Pam Renata and Kylah Fernando were on hand for the presentation of the Koori design on the Fairdinkum Choices guernsey’s to the Captain of the Waratahs Jake Gordon, by Dubbo-based artist and Aboriginal Health Practitioner Coen Naden.With Western Plains Rugby and other signed partners, CAHS are working to co-design their Fairdinkum Choices campaign that encourages healthier choices for lifelong wellbeing in communities across the region.Their health education slogan is "If you're serious about your health, isn’t it time you made some Fairdinkum Choices?”Warathas Captain Jake Gordon and artist Coen NadenCAHS CEO Phil Naden says by selling licence agreements to key partners, CAHS can step away from a reliance on government grant programs to get their health messages to the grassroots."It means we don't go to the government cap in hand for promotions and workforce, to keep our staff employed," he said.The deal has already seen the delivery of rugby gala days in Coonamble and Gulargambone, with another planned soon for Walgett."We provide first aid, health checks, and registrations are through the Fair Dinkum Choices app," Mr Naden said."We look after the back end stuff and let Western Plains Rugby do the rugby."We have demonstrated that CAHS can think outside the box and we can demonstrate to Government, that we can achieve the same outcomes to those organisations that are receiving large amounts of funding."I am super proud the work CAHS are doing in this space, but more impressed that the Board have supported the initiative and worked with the Executive to get this to where it is today. "CAHS Board members with Western Plains Rugby repsHe thanked co-ordinators Kylah Fernando and Pam Renata for bringing the weekend together."There were many highlights on the weekend - watching the Junior Western Plains Rugby teams play on the big stage, launching the co-design of Fairdinkum Choices (TM) with NSW Rugby Union and the Waratahs, as well as getting to meet local boy Ned Hanigan who managed to find time to spend with our team whilst we were in Sydney.”CAHS will be working with many more organisations across the region to co-design our Fairdinkum Choices (TM) health promotions. 

The 2024-25 budget was handed down on Tuesday night, and there is a lot of 'political speak' to wade through. At the Western Plains App, we have sifted through the information to provide our readers an outline of what Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ third budget might mean for you. HouseholdsAll households will receive a $300 energy rebate. There is also an allocation of $3.4m to list new medicines on the PBS and a five-year price freeze for pensioners and concession card holders. The ACCC will hold 12-month supermarket sector inquiry and CHOICE will publish quarterly supermarket price comparison reports. Taxpayers earning above the tax-free threshold of $18,200 are to get a tax cut under Labor’s changes to the previous stage three tax cuts. Average household expected to be about $1900 better off. Workers and small business owners $90m has been allotted to address skilled construction worker shortage through 20,000 new fee-free TAFE and VET places and pre-apprenticeships. The $20,000 instant asset write-off, which was to end on June 30 this year, will be extended for another 12 months. One million small businesses will also benefit from a $325 energy rebate, if they meet the eligibility criteria. 12 per cent superannuation to be paid to those on commonwealth parent leave payments. Indigenous affairs The $700m remote jobs program, contained in February’s Closing The Gap document was part of Tuesday's budget, along with a $4bn remote housing program for the Northern Territory. HealthThe budget announced a $319.50 a week placement payment for student nurses/midwives/social workers, via means-tested Commonwealth Prac Payment, from July 2025. There is also a $49.1m pledge to give women with complex gynaecological conditions better access to specialist doctors. Specialist consultations of 45 minutes-plus will be covered under Medicare from July 1, 2025. Women$5000 will be available in financial support to help women leave a violent partner – including $1500 cash and $3500 in goods and services – under the Leaving Violence Program. StudentsHECS will no longer be a dirty word for some university students with $3bn worth of HECS debt wiped for over three million Aussies, backdated to July 1, 2023. There is also a $319.50 a week payment for student teachers on professional placement, from July 2025. Access to means-tested Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme for about 68,000 eligible higher education and 5000 VET students a year. $350m for fee-free uni-ready courses was also announced. FarmersFuture drought preparation funding for farmers and regional communities sees them have access to $519.1m. There is also $625m to help farmers and rural communities reduce emissions and better prepare for climate change and drought. Sheep farmers aren't so thrilled and say phasing out live exports by May 2028 is not feasible, despite $107m transition support package. While this doesn't cover all budget items (we haven't got that much space!), these are some of the highlights. The not so good news, for some, is as follows. Consultants to GovernmentThe Albanese government say they will cut back on use of consultants, contractors and labour hire to result in savings of $1bn. Home buyersWhile the cost of building a new house rose almost $20,000 in the past year, the budget did not include any assistance to help homebuyers with these property buying costs. MotoristsDon't expect any decrease in your costs at the servo! The Government expects to rake in record sums from diesel and petrol tax in coming years, with fuel revenue to increase by about $1bn a year for the next four years. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the pros and cons of Mr Chalmers latest budget, but hopefully gives some insight. If its all too much, take advantage of the new fast-track passport applications. From July 1st this year the five-day service will cost applicants $100. This is estimated to generate $27.4m in the five years to 2028-29. Bon voyage!

A massive potential identity fraud risk has been uncovered, with cybersecurity crime squad detectives looking into data breaches at hospitality venues across NSW. The Cybercrime squad detectives say there is a threat of sharing the personal details of over one million people. Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Anderson said the Minns Labor Government is running the risk of losing public confidence over the efficacy of their trial into cashless gaming. "The Minister must ensure that the cashless gaming trial protects all participants, or risk losing the public confidence in the government’s pokies plan," he said. This comes after the NSW Government’s Independent Panel on Gaming Reform agreed on a bigger and broader cashless gaming trial last December. This expanded trial included around 4500 machines across 28 clubs and hotels across 24 metropolitan and regional local government areas. To participate in the trial, minimum requirements included harm minimisation protections, anti-money laundering protections, data security and privacy protections. Five technology providers were given conditional approval to participate in the extended trial, subject to essential cybersecurity requirements. “There has been a lack of information from the Labor Government about the panel’s work and that’s causing concern from the community and the industry who are seeking confidence when it comes to privacy protections,” Mr Anderson said. During the cyber breach in early May, officers attached to State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad were alerted to a website which had published the personal information of patrons who signed-in using their drivers’ licences at specific premises across NSW. One premises was the Hornsby RSL Club who told its members they deeply regret any distress, concern or inconvenience this has caused. In part, their statement read as follows - 'At 1900 hours on 29 April 2024, Hornsby RSL Club was informed that one of our former external service providers suffered a cyber security incident. Our internal IT systems have not been impacted. The impacted provider supplied technology and services to assist us with our Club sign-in process from 1 January 2021 to 31 July 2023. We have been informed that data held by the provider has recently been taken and posted onto the internet.' Commander of the Cybercrime Squad, Detective Acting Superintendent Gillian Lister, said this breach should act as a remind for people to check their personal cyber security. The Minns Government has already implemented a number of reforms to reduce gambling harm and prevent money laundering: reduced the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new poker machines from 1 July reduced the state-wide cap on gaming machine entitlements by more than 3000 banned political donations from clubs involved in gamingremoved VIP gaming signage across NSWinvested $100m into gambling harm minimisation over the next four years. Mr Anderson is not satisfied.Kevin Anderson MP“The Minister needs to make the work of the panel public to restore confidence in process of moving to cashless gaming in NSW and must provide transparency on what the Government is doing to protect the privacy of trial participants" he said.“The Government needs to provide certainly that they have the issue under control and their trial has not been jeopardised. This is not the first time a cyber breach has occurred and while the hospitality industry is keen to proceed with a cashless gaming, this latest breach is a major setback and a clear reminder that more work needs to be done on privacy and data protection.  Commander of the Cybercrime Squad, Detective Acting Superintendent Gillian Lister, said this breach should act as a remind for people to check their personal cyber security.“Now is the optimal time to make sure your cyber hygiene is good; you have strong passwords and are using two-factor authentication where possible,” Det A/Supt Lister said. “If you think your details may have been compromised, use extra caution when reviewing emails or texts and never click on a suspicious or unfamiliar link.“Always make sure to report incidents of cybercrime through the Australian Cyber Security Centre or Scamwatch.”

Over 800 people gathered as the sun set to witness the Corroboree at this year’s Baiame's Ngunnhu Festival on Friday 19 April. As everyone gathered on the banks of the Ba-wun river, Weir Park, Brewarrina for its 9th year celebrating the tribes connected to one of the oldest human-made structures in the world, you could feel the excitement.   The Corroboree was opened by Lacey Boney and Maddy Hodgetts of Ngungilanha leading over 20 local dancers after their week-long Ngemba dance residency with Norman Shillingsworth and David Clarke at the Brewarrina Boat Ramp. David Clarke's own Yangkay Cultural Connect followed by kicking up the dust.  Lacey Boney of Ngungilanha said “As we danced, the river roared louder over the weir wall as the rain fell, it was so magical.” As the rain came down the community were too immersed in the wonder they were witnessing to notice it as Mura Biri Gururu dance group. Ngambaa Dhalaay followed with an impromptu performance by representatives of Bourke. The night ended in a spectacular fashion with its first ever Pow-Wow in Western NSW from First Peoples performers from Turtle Island (Canada) from the performing arts company Aanmitaagzi (he/she speaks). Aanmitaagzi and Moogahlin have been collaborating on Serpent Water Stories since 2019. After their performance the Turtle Island people invited the Indigenous dance groups to join them in a shake a leg/pow-wow, which got dozens of community members up and on their feet to join in. Sid Bob from Aanmitaagzi talked about his group he spoke about the power of culture. “Our company goes from the bush and creation story to the stage, and we believe that the reason they took our art and culture is that's what lights our fire, our spirit and it gives us the tools to see ourselves in a beautiful, powerful way and to see each other in a powerful way. "So, when we get to share our stories, I’m already feeling more powerful and fuller by hearing the stories from here.” Because the festival is to celebrate the ancient Aboriginal Fish Traps (Baiame’s Ngunnhu) Moogahlin puts on a fish feast which is usually done on the Sunday, but because the Sunday was cancelled this year the fish feast was during the Corroboree. The South Brewarrina Butchers provide the barramundi and salad, and for the first time ever sixty locally caught yellowbelly were provided by local man Karl Knight. They were prepared by Tony Nargy, Bryan and Marcus Barker, and cooked by Retta Ferguson. Not only was there fish but the Aboriginal Child and Family Centre made a huge curry and damper.  The 9th Baiame’s Ngunnhu Festival was an outstanding performance and a great night and I am sure the community is excited to see what the 10th year is going to bring. 

A woman will face court charged with multiple driving offences after allegedly being involved in two pursuits - in Sydney on Wednesday evening and Coonamble less than 48 hours later.Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol were patrolling Bridge Road, Stanmore, at about 5.40pm on Wednesday 8 May, when checks revealed a passing hatchback had cancelled registration.Police activated their warning devices and the female driver stopped; however, after returning a positive roadside drug test to methylamphetamine, the woman drove off along Salisbury Road.Officers commenced a pursuit and she was followed through to Petersham where it was terminated due to safety concerns.About 7.55am on Friday (10 May 2024), officers attached to Walgett Highway Patrol were conducting patrols when they attempted to stop a hatchback on the Castlereagh Highway, Coonamble, due to it allegedly being driven at excessive speed.When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated. It was terminated a short time later.Following inquiries, police attended a home on Pages Terrace, Coonamble at about 1.45pm the same day and arrested a 29-year-old woman.She was taken to Coonamble Police Station and charged with six offences:Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerouslyRefuse or fail to provide oral fluid sampleUse unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on roadDrive motor vehicle not carry licenceEscape police custody, andHinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.The car was later located in an abandoned block on Broad Street, Coonamble.The woman was refused bail to appear at Dubbo Local Court on Saturday (11 May 2024), where she was given conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday 4 July 2024.

What was originally introduced as a hedge plant from South Africa is now a serious weed threat which covers the majority of New South Wales. The African Boxthorn is a nightmare weed to control due to its establishment as dense, impenetrable and thorny thickets, its prevalence across a broad range of landscapes and continued spread. The CSIRO say it is one of the major weed threats to the semi-arid rangelands of western NSW and a declared noxious weed in most parts of NSW (see map). Landholders continually work closely with groups such as the Western Local Land Services to battle the weed. In 2023, around 25 landholders were contracted to carry out control works for African boxthorn, mesquite and cactus, using a variety of control methods suitable for local conditions. “One landholder is getting good results using granular herbicide applied at the base of boxthorn plants,” Senior Land Services Officer, Andrea Cashmere said at the time. “This method is the most time efficient and effective for them because the plants are scattered over a large open grassland. Opportunistic control is also undertaken while mustering sheep.” But, the battle continues!Setting-up a site for monitoring the impact of the biocontrol agent on African boxthorn.  IMAGE: CSIRO Biocontrol is the latest tool to be used to control the weed with a CSIRO led project to introduce a rust fungus, Puccinia rapipes, that infects the leaves of African boxthorn. Carried out through Local Land Services, the project is looking for volunteers to get involved. The fungus was isolated from diseased boxthorn plants in South Africa, and through extensive host-specificity studies undertaken by the CSIRO, was shown to be highly specific to African boxthorn and poses no danger to native Australian vegetation. In 2021, the fungus was approved for release into the Australian environment as a biocontrol agent to assist with the control of African boxthorn.  The rust fungus infects young leaves which cause yellowing, followed by the development of pustules. The pustules produce fungal spores dispersed by wind, landing on nearby Boxthorn and under humid conditions they will germinate.In the Australian environment, the fungus is not expected to kill African boxthorn. Provided that the biocontrol agent is established widely and causes severe disease symptoms on African Boxthorn, it is expected to reduce the productive output and growth of the weed in the long term. This will in turn reduce its invasion potential in various ecosystems but will not eradicate it altogether.   CSIRO have already completed one trial and their aim now is to set up a second trial. CSIRO scientists believe if they can get enough landholders involved across NSW it will help reduce the population and spread of boxthorn.  If you would like to get involved in the second trial, CSIRO will provide registered participants with a biocontrol agent release kit. Each kit contains a vial of the rust fungus spores, along with step-by-step instructions and material to apply the spores to the target African boxthorn plant. The kits will contain enough material to spray 8 or more boxthorn branches.  The project will continue until 2026 Read more about the project and how to register your interest to participate.   

First the Country Mayors Association called for it. Now it's the Country Women's Association of NSW who say rural areas desperately need 24 hour policing.“Urgent and immediate action to establish 24-hour policing in all larger regional, rural and remote shires” was voted for the CWA following an illuminating panel discussion involving Peter Price, CEO of Crime Stoppers NSW, Adam DeMamiel from Boys to the Bush and Jamie Chaffey head of the Country Mayors Association.Mr Chaffey told the conference that “We can’t arrest our way out of the problem, but it makes a hell of difference if you have police”.The mayor of Gunnedah said there was a lack of “proactive policing in rural communities”.Police Association NSW President Kevin Morton, Country Mayors' Association NSW Chairman Mayor Chaffey and Mayor of Parkes Ken Keith. (PANSW)“We don’t see police officers walking up and down the streets. We need to go into the communities and find people who are going to become police officers”.Peter Price, CEO of NSW Crime Stoppers, shone further light on the growing problem of rural crime saying that his view “was nobody is born a criminal, people become a criminal in the society grow up in.”He said the problem of rural crime could not be divorced from the issue of drugs - in particular crystal meth.“Rural Australia is where a lot of meth is being manufactured” he said.“We have to work together to combat crime - we don’t want to get it to a point where people stop reporting crime to the police because there is so much of it. Crime, especially rural crime, is already under-reported. If you see something, get on the phone, call the police”.A meth lab was discovered near Braidwood in 2022.But it was Boys to the Bush an organisation that runs programs for the most vulnerable youth in NSW, including in Dubbo, which left people gasping with its stories of what many young people’s lives were like before they turned to crime.Their CEO Adam DeMamiel told the conference that when he started the organisation he discovered “kids I never knew existed. Kids who have never, ever been to school. Kids who are kept in cages and chained up”.“We need to stop looking at band-aid fixes and stop putting money in things that have a really short time frame. This is not just a police responsibility. These are not new crimes, the problems are compounding though and everyone can be part of the solution in their own community”.Image: Boys to the Bush. ‘It’s the Problem Everyone Is Talking About”CWA President Joy Beames said that rural crime was a topic on many people’s lips at the conference.“It’s everywhere” she told the Western Plains AppMs Beames said that she took a particular interest in the Boys to the Bush program.“They have had great success” she said “They take the boys out to the bush where they can’t use electronic devices and one of the things they teach them is that it is ok to be bored.”Senior Constable Nikolas Fluro moved to Tottenham in 2023.She explained that Boys to the Bush ran programs such as getting the boys into mechanics programs where one of the beneficial aspects was the boys formed strong bonds with the older men who they work with.“It just grounds them.”Ms Beames said that the congregation were also swayed by Cr Chaffey’s call for a need for 24 policing in all communities with the conference passing the motion calling for more police in regional, rural and remote areas.NSW Police data released in March shows that 90 percent of all police stations in the wider metropolitan Sydney area are open 24 hours a day, compared to regional New South Wales, where only 14 per cent of stations are manned 24 hours.

The skills and dedication of local nurses and midwives has been recognised with success in the latest Nursing and Midwifery Awards from the Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD). The presentation dinner took place on Thursday, May 9th, with plenty of local faces among the award winners. Marli Sharah, a midwife from the Narromine Health Service was the overall winner in the Aboriginal Nurse/ Midwife of the Year category. In her bio, provided by WNSWLHD, Ms Sharah is described as having an unwavering commitment to excellence in midwifery care as an Aboriginal maternal and infant health services."Registered midwife. Marli's dedication to her profession is truly remarkable," the bio states. "She consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care and support to her patients, ensuring that they receive the highest standard of care during such a crucial time in their lives. Her compassion, empathy, and professionalism set her apart as a leading figure in the field of midwifery. "Not only is Marli an outstanding midwife, but she is also a valuable team member who is always willing to lend a helping hand and share her knowledge and expertise with her colleagues. Her positive attitude and exceptional work ethic have a ripple effect on the entire team, inspiring us all to strive for excellence in our own practice." Other local nomineesOther local health providers nominated for the awards included Stacey Edwards from Condobolin Health Service in the Midwife of the Year category.Monica Lama from Gilgandra Multi-Purpose Service in the Pauline Webster-Cox New to Practice Nurse of the Year Award.Angela Hundy - Walgett Multipurpose Service in the Aboriginal Nurse/ Midwife of the Year Award.John Alchin - Gilgandra Health Service, Nurse Manager in the Nursing and Midwifery Leader of the Year Award. The Narromine Health Service and Gilgandra Multipurpose Service were nominees in The Team of the Year Award for their exceptional care and dedication to patients. Adrian Fahy, WNSWLHD Executive Director Quality, Clinical Safety and Nursing, said he was delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate each award recipient, who were celebrated among colleagues and guests at the presentation evening.“All eight recipients of this year’s Nursing and Midwifery Awards were truly deserving and I was thrilled to present them with their awards, as well as acknowledge all the nominees and those who received honourable mentions in each category,” Mr Fahy said. “As always we were faced with the difficult task of selecting recipients in each category having received some wonderful nominations this year, but that’s a great problem to have." “The recipients from our local award categories will now be put forward as nominees for the 2024 NSW Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.” Mr Fahy said.

We are dying because our own heart is failing us - but there is something you can do to help prevent you and your loved ones from succumbing to the condition.New data from the Public Health Information Development Unit at Torrens University shows Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the number one cause of death in our region with an astonishing 256 people dying from the condition - also known as heart attack or angina - between 2017 and 2021 across the Western Plains. Gilgandra topped the list with 43 deaths from CHD over that period, Walgett had 40, Warrumbungle 36, Narromine had 25 with Cobar and Brewarrina having 20. Image: National Centre for Farmers Health. CHD occurs when there is when there is a narrowing or blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle.  CHD is considered preventable with modifiable risk factors including smoking, high blood pressure, physical activity, diet and obesity. Dr RT Lewandowski, President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, said that getting ahead of heart disease by checking heart health before suffering symptoms saves many lives. “People living in regional and rural areas have an increased risk of heart disease and, adding to that, the further a person lives from a major city, the higher their chance of being hospitalised or dying from cardiovascular disease (CDV).""CDV is actually the leading cause of death in rural and remote areas” he said. “People from rural areas are also less able to access to facilities and supports for a heart-healthy lifestyle, such as quality and affordable fresh food, sporting clubs, exercise facilities, and environments conducive to walking and cycling. “While these things do make it harder, it is not impossible, and lifestyle health benefits can be enormous and are well worth additional effort,” Dr Lewandowski added. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - also referred to as emphysema - is the second most likely cause of death in our regions with 180 deaths between 2017-2021. 

Coonamble's visual media landscape will feature in an academic study on local visual news by senior lecturer Dr T.J. Thomson and local residents can be a part of it.Dr Thomson (known as T.J.) works as a senior Lecturer in visual communication and digital media at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and is a fellow at the Australian Research Council (ARC) where he won the Discovery Early Career Research Award (DECRA). T.J. arrived in Coonamble on Tuesday 7 May and will be staying for around ten days.His study focuses on local visual news looks like, who's making it, how it's made and what audiences expect of their local visual news. "A country is more than its capital cities. Australia is a huge country with so much diversity and so many interesting stories happening beyond the coasts and capital cities," Mr. Thomson said. "Yet, regional and rural communities don’t always see themselves represented in the news they consume. Local news plays so many important functions, from establishing social cohesion and a sense of shared identity to providing accountability for how tax dollars are being spent and how politicians are representing us."T.J. grew up on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and started working as a photojournalist when he was 18. "I was always curious about how people reacted to my camera. People were either shy and tried to fade into background or began acting up and appeared more theatrical than normal."He went on to study photojournalism at the Missouri School of Journalism.T.J. has been living in Australia for the past six years and is now a dual American-Australian citizen.For the study, he is taking a closer look at the Coonamble Times & Western Plains App journalists and how they do their work. But it's not only the local publisher's team members who fall under the loop of Dr Thomson's research.He is also seeking five members of the community who would be willing to participate in a diary study. During the study, participants will mark down anything that seems remarkable to them in the news. They can also chat to T.J. about what they think is missing in their local news outlet. In return community members will receive a $100 gift voucher. Locals can also say "g'day" to T.J. at the Coonamble and Gulargambone Shows where he will be handing out $10 gift vouchers in exchange for a few minutes sorting news photographs from most to least engaging. He chose to come to Coonamble after meeting editor Lee O'Connor and her team at the Country Press NSW Conference in 2022 and was struck by Mrs O'Connor's passion for local news and local businesses. Coonamble is the second of eight towns and cities that Dr Thomson will visit as part of his study that is expected to be finalised in 2026.