Drones are a critical part of the clean-up following the aftermath of the devastating storm that hit Carinda last weekend.  Nine residential and four commercial properties suffered significant damage in a storm that tore through the town on Sunday 17 November.  Wind gusts reached around 100 kilometres tearing the roofs off the Memorial Hall, local pizzeria, and general store.  The aftermath of the Carinda storm. Photo: supplied. Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Hazardous Materials crews (HAZMAT) deployed drones to detect asbestos-containing material without having to send in staff.  The drones can access hard-to-reach areas, such as under eaves, which could hide hazardous asbestos-containing material.  "Using drones allows us to quickly assess the extent of the damage from a safer location while providing detailed insights to guide the recovery process," FRNSW Inspector Chris Cusack said.  “By completing assessments faster, we’ve been able to provide vital information to the NSW SES much earlier, accelerating the response and ensuring the residents of Carinda can start returning to their normal routines as soon as possible.” Drones have been used increasingly often during emergency operations over the past ten years, according to an FRNSW spokesperson, for example during the 2022 Lismore flooding.  They help keep crews safe and capture accurate data for commanders to make decisions.  "They are also being used in bushfire preparedness activities including hazard reduction and bushfire response for overall situational awareness and intelligence gathering for incident commanders," the spokesperson said.  The FRNSW will remain in Carinda as long as State Emergency Services (SES) require. 

The Western Plains region of NSW faces alarmingly high rates of drug and alcohol abuse, prompting Charles Sturt University to partner with the Western NSW Local Health District and local communities to combat the crisis.The Rural Applied Drug and Alcohol Research group (RADAR) was formed as a result of extensive research into the rising ates of drug and alcohol misuse within western NSW.RADAR aims to address the region's critical challenges, including limited access to treatment, stigma, transportation issues, and resource shortages.By focusing on the unique complexities of rural areas, RADAR is working to reduce substance-related deaths and build healthier communities.According to statistics provided by NSW Health, there was at least 18 deaths per 100,000 people in NSW due to alcohol use between 2020 and 2021.Within this, the Far West Local Health District (LHD) and Western NSW LHD experienced the highest death rates during this period, with 33.9 and 25.7 deaths per 100,000 population, respectively.Charles Sturt School of Rural Medicine Director Research and Evaluation Dr Catherine Keniry welcomes input to research from Western Plains community members.Charles Sturt School of Rural Medicine Director Research and Evaluation Dr Catherine Keniry told Western Plains App that our region was of particular interest to the research.“When we were founded, we decided we would get up try and get some funding to very specific research,"she said."The first aim was to do a strategic analysis of all of the drug and alcohol services that are being delivered across western New South Wales Local Health District."To do this we were looking at an audit of all of LHD data and other data points to see who are the people that are accessing those services, and the main drug abuse,” Dr Keniry said.“After that, we're surveying all of the staff that work across the LHD in drug and alcohol services, and then following on from that survey and information that we came from that we're actually calling focus groups with those specific staff to understand from them what are the barriers and facilitators to access for patients that are meeting to access these services.”“The aim of that project is to really understand what the issues are - who is accessing services, what services are doing well and what services are not doing well, and therefore, what further research can we do to improve the services.”The RADAR project was launched this week in Dubbo and Dr Keniry said it was all about trying to get more people aware of the significant issues of drug and alcohol across western NSW.“It's the first time we're actually promoting it more broadly."We have set ourselves up with a really great group of people we've got a lived experience representing women on the community as well,” she said.Dr Keniry said the research team welcome anyone interested in discussing research or issues, or if they have any lived experience, they'd like to share they can get in touch on [email protected].

Fears that family farms will endure a forced sale due to superannuation changes were tempered with anger in Federal Parliament question time this week when Agriculture and Small Business Minister Julie Collins’ comments left farming families and small business owners speechless.Ms Collins was commenting on Labor’s proposed changes to superannuation where there would be a tax on super balances above $3 million.When asked whether the changes would result in a tax bill on unrealised gains even in years with zero or negative income, the Minister confirmed farmers would have to find the cash – potentially forcing the sale of family farms.Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF) are a common tool in small businesses to manage assets and business succession.In the case of agriculture, older farmers will often hold their assets in a SMSF and lease the operations to their children, providing both retirement income for them as well as an opportunity for the next generation to start farming.Farmer advocacy groups, such as NSW Farmers and the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) are furious, stating the sector’s concerns about taxing unrealised gains.Farm leaders have urged the Federal Government to consider the unique circumstances of family farming businesses in changes to superannuation laws that passed the House of Representatives this week. “The farm sector has consistently flagged that this Bill will leave farmers in a terrible situation where they may have to sell their assets out from under the next generation,” NFF Deputy CEO Charlie Thomas said.“This whole idea of taxing farmers for fluctuations in the property market is an absurd precedent which has no place in our tax system.”The SMSF Association provided evidence to the Senate Economics Committee Inquiry, revealing that over 17,000 SMSF accounts held farming land in 2021/22.Of these, more than 3,500 are directly affected by the new tax, with many others likely to be impacted in the future.Additionally, it was estimated that 13,000 SMSFs holding business real property will also face consequences under the new tax.NFF Deputy CEO Charlie Thomas called the proposed tax an "absurd precedent"A NSW Farmers spokesperson told Western Plains App that the current situation is high on the agenda for their group. Business Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe said the changes would impose new taxes on unrealised gains in superannuation holdings, including family farms – meaning farmers could be taxed for income they will never see.“This law is not going to affect the people with hundreds of millions of dollars in their superannuation accounts, but rather the hard-working Australians who own their businesses or farm assets in structures such as self-managed superannuation funds,” Mr Lowe said.“Self-managed superannuation funds are a common tool farmers use to manage their farms and aid business succession, and now, their farms are at risk because the government wants to rush through new tax laws without considering how agriculture operates.”As several accounting bodies and financial associations also raised their concerns around the bill, Mr Lowe said it was critical that any changes made to tax laws did not place unfair financial pressure on family farms among other small, family-owned businesses. “These proposed changes could well force many farmers to sell the farm they operate or lease to their children, unless they’re able to take out even more loans to try and meet new tax obligations,” Mr Lowe said. “NSW Farmers supports sensible amendments to super – not taxes that will enable the super-rich to continue unaffected, while the small businesses and farm family businesses suffer.“Aussie families and young Aussie farmers all deserve to be able to run their own businesses without crippling bureaucracy and taxes and there’s no doubt we need our family farms to stay if we want to have our own, homegrown food and fibre.”Small business will also sufferWhile the question was related to farming families, Council of Small Business Associations of Australia CEO Luke Achterstraat said these same issued apply to small and family business owners. “What we saw today by the Minister for Small Business sends an alarming signal not just to farming families but to Australian small business owners.  “This new tax on the unrealised gains on assets held in the SMSF may see an increased obligation that represents a significant proportion of an owner’s annual income, or even exceed it. “This may see farmers left in a terrible situation where they may have to sell their assets to meet this new tax obligation or increase lease rates to their children so much that their own children’s business may become unviable.“The Government has consistently said this Bill targets the top end of town, people with hundreds of millions of dollars in their super accounts – not hard-working, family-run small businesses. What we saw from the Minister today shows that is simply nottrue.”

Vietnam veteran Ted Davies from Narromine has detailed his experiences in the army as a young man during the Vietnam War in his memoir 'Memories of a Nasho'. Nasho is slang for National Serviceman.  "I decided to write it because as you get older your memory slips a bit," Mr Davies said.  At 20 years old in 1968 while working as an apprentice farmer north of Warren, he lodged his National Service registration papers. He served as an infantry combat soldier in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969 with the 9th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.  His first stop after joining the army took him to Kapooka base near Wagga Wagga where his head was shaved upon arrival. "My mother told me that if I had a good haircut before I went into camp, I would be ok, however that was not be," Mr Davies recalled.  "The army barbers had great delight in giving us all 'number one' haircuts." "In my very first official army photograph, there I am, looking like a criminal holding up a large envelope with a number that I have indelibly etched on my brain, my army number which I will take to the grave."  At Kapooka, the recruits were taught about army traditions, such as unclipping the brass buckle on their black webbing belt whenever they passed a photo of the Queen.  The tradition stems from when soldiers carried swords that they could use to threaten the King or Queen. "My strongest memories are of physical fitness, army regulations, order of rank recognition, and drill, drill, and more drill. People from all walks of life were in the army.  "At the army base in 1968, we had hippies, mop tops, rockabillies surfers and the sergeant had 12 weeks to make us into basic soldiers. "He had to be part mother, part instructor, and part mongrel." Mr Davies has written articles about his positive and negative experiences in the army.  Some of the memories of war will haunt him forever, Mr Davies said.  "They follow us along through our lives," he said. "The upside is the army was teaching us organisational, leadership, management, and strategic skills. These upsides led to me being a leader in many other fields." Mr Davies served as a Returned and Services League (RSL) secretary for 50 years after first joining on ANZAC Day in 1970.  "They realised they needed a young person and there I was." The full eight parts of Memories of a Nasho will be published in the National Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Association magazine in December.  Narromine RSL sub-branch members with Ted Davies (second from right) on Vietnam Veterans Day in Narromine in 2022. PHOTO: David Taylor

Elderly people experiencing loneliness are at a higher risk of developing dementia, a study from University NSW (UNSW) Sydney's Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) revealed.  Thirty-five percent of people aged over 65 living in rural and remote areas in Australia reported feeling lonely, according to the Ending Loneliness Report 2023. Clinical Psychologist and Social Health Expert Dr Suraj Samtani is the lead researcher in the study. “Evidence suggests that being socially active reduces risk of dementia by half,” Dr Samtani said.  During the Covid pandemic many programs and clubs that engaged the elderly community in regional and rural areas, closed and never reopened. “I worry about people who withdrew during the pandemic for various reasons and now remain isolated,” Dr Samtani said. Dr Suraj Samtani Photo: UNSW Increasing social engagement is something we can work on to decrease risk of dementia.  “Interacting with friends and family at least monthly and having a confidante, someone you trust, is a critical factor in reducing dementia risk,” Dr Samtani said. “Social connection for us is a basic human need, just like food and water.” Joining local clubs like the Rotary and Lions Club can also keep elderly residents feeling connected with their community.  Volunteer organisations like Meals on Wheels encourage elderly residents to attend social events.  The Coonamble branch for example gives their clients vouchers for restaurants so they can enjoy a meal outside of the house and organises a Christmas dinner for their clients and volunteers.  Engaging with other people online can be another way for seniors in rural and regional areas to fight loneliness. "Online interactions are slightly less powerful than in-person activities in reducing dementia risk, but can still be effective," Dr Samtani said.  While there are aspects of living in regional and rural areas that can contribute to dementia, there are also mitigating factors.  "Some areas are less at risk of loneliness because they have a tight-knit community," Dr Samtani said.  "It changes from community to community but in a lot of cases, there isn't a dementia-friendly group available for people to go to.  "That’s why we’re doing an online study to explore the power of social connections in keeping our brains healthy." The Maintaining Social Engagement is open to people aged above 55 living anywhere in Australia. People join online group sessions over Zoom, do activities, and have discussions. "We hope that the social interactions help us to keep our brains healthy and increase our happiness," Dr Samtani said. You can express your interest in the University of New South Wales study Maintaining Social Engagement here: https://forms.office.com/r/98m0ZyYJBB

Housing in Western NSW remains affordable despite a nationwide decline in regional rental affordability, according to the 2024 Rental Affordability Index.  "Anything you see happening in a city or urban area, we see happening amplified in regional zones," CEO of Shelter NSW John Engeler said.  The index measures rental affordability based on what people pay in rent in relation to their gross annual income.  The gross annual income for households in NSW outside of the Greater Sydney area was identified as $89,277, compared to $123,415 in the metropolitan area.  "In regional Australia, incomes are a bit lower,"  economic consultancy firm SGS Economics and Planning principal and partner Ellen Witte said. Cobar, Coonamble, Walgett, and Warren were all ranked as affordable with an index score above 200, meaning that on average renters pay 15 percent or less for their rent.  Coonabarabran, Gilgandra, Lightning Ridge, Nyngan, and Trangie also received an affordable index indicating that around 15 to 20 percent of the gross annual income went towards rent.  Bourke, Condobolin, and Narromine received acceptable scores with around 20 to 25 percent of the average income going towards rent.  The index scores are all within the acceptable rate, according to the study. "Whenever people start to pay 30 percent of their income or more on rent, they're in situational housing stress.  "That means they would not have enough funds to pay for their primary needs, such as food, electricity, transport, education, and medical needs," Ms Witte said.  Data on other household profiles, such as pensioner couples, single working parents, and hospitality workers was largely unavailable in the index for the Western Plains region.  For Cobar, the data showed that for a single person on benefits renting would find the average rent unaffordable. For other areas, there was no data on this household type. In the index, all areas outside of the metropolitan cities, such as Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne are classified as regional.  Despite rentals remaining affordable in the Western Plains area, the residential vacancy rate remains low leaving renters with few options.  For example, according to SQM Research, Coonabarabran had a vacancy rate of 0.5 percent as of October 2024 Brewarrina has not had any vacancies since February 2020 while there have been no residential vacancies in Bourke since November 2022. Residential vacancy in Bourke. Photo: SQM Research

Regional residents of New South Wales have been reminded that incidental sun exposure adds to the risk of developing skin cancer.In this, National Skin Cancer Action Week (17-23 November), health experts say incidental exposure shouldn’t be underestimated in the battle against developing skin cancer.With rates of skin cancer and melanoma increasing across rural Australia, rural doctors say that it’s never too early or too late to reduce your risk of skin cancer.Dr Sarah Chalmers, President Elect of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) said that there were many ways to help minimise your risk.“Often called Australia’s ‘national cancer’ rates of melanoma are increasing in rural Australians at an alarming rate,” Dr Chalmers said.The reality is that our older rural Australians are the most likely to suffer from melanoma, and men are twice as likely to die from melanoma as women.“While skin cancer can occur at any age many older people, particularly those living in regional, rural and remote areas have an increased risk of melanoma due to longer unprotected UV radiation exposure and a history of burning during childhood.“So for older Australians, taking action not only means protecting yourself from further exposure to UV radiation, but also to do regular skin checks. Start with these at home with your partner or friend, using tools such as Self-Skin Checks, No Regrets to identify unusual spots, moles or lesions. More than two out of three (69%) rural Australians have detected their own skin cancer,” Dr Chalmers saidDaily habits required – Cancer CouncilThe Cancer Council is encouraging all Australians to make sun protection a daily habit to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.Often called our ‘national cancer’, Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Approximately two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime.When exposed to UV radiation, it doesn’t take long for skin damage including sunburn to occur, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. In fact, over-exposure to UV radiation causes up to 95% of melanomas. In every region across Australia, it is likely to reach extreme levels of UV over the summer months.Incidental sun exposure adds up"It’s a great time of year to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. When you’re out doing daily activities, such as walking the dog, gardening or hanging out the washing, you can get caught off guard by UV radiation you’re not aware of, so it’s important to keep sun protection top of mind.“Protecting your skin during those ‘incidental’ moments of sun exposure when you’re out and about will reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Sun exposure that doesn't result in burning can still cause damage to skin cells and increase your risk of developing skin cancer,” a spokesperson for the Cancer Council said.“Evidence suggests that regular exposure to UV radiation year after year can also lead to skin cancer,” they said.Don’t let the sun catch you off guardMessaging is evolving to broaden awareness on the risk of UV exposure. The traditional Slip Slop Slap has now expanded to include:Slip on sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.Slop on SPF50 or SPF50+, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant sunscreen. Apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply every two hours afterwards.Slap on a hat—broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.Seek shade.Slide on sunglasses—make sure they meet Australian Standards.“It’s important to get to know your skin and what looks normal for you. If you notice any changes in the size, shape or colour of an existing spot, or the development of a new spot, you should get it checked by a GP or your dermatologist as soon as possible,” according to the Cancer Council.Melanoma hotspotsIn a recent survey of where the most prevalent occurrence of melanomas were to be found in NSW, the Western Local Health District (WLHD) came in fifth, behind the Northern Rivers and Coffs Harbour at the top of the list.State Health Minister Ryan Park said the release of the latest melanoma hotspot map was a timely reminder, particularly as we head into summer, to always take protective measures when outdoors.“Most melanoma hotspots are in regional areas but it’s important to remember that no matter where you live, the risk of skin cancer is ever present.“Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world and as a community, it’s imperative we take the threat of skin cancer seriously and follow the simple, life-saving steps needed to reduce our risk of this deadly disease.NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM concurred. “Two out of three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime which is why protecting our skin from the sun from a very young age, and into adulthood, is key to reducing our risk of this devastating disease.“In NSW, UV radiation levels are high 10 months of the year and even short bursts of exposure to the sun can be deadly,” Ms O’Brien said.“Whether you’re going to the beach or hanging the washing or walking to the shops or train station, I urge everyone to do the simple things like seeking shade when outdoors, wearing sunscreen, putting on a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing to safeguard themselves from harmful UV radiation from the sun.”

A NSW parliamentary inquiry says there are "real challenges for regional and rural patients to access medicinal cannabis."The First Report on the Impact of the Regulatory Framework for Cannabis in New South Wales was tabled in parliament on 31 October. The inquiry recommended small steps towards the legalisation of cannabis by giving easier access to cannabis users with genuine medical reasons.  The process includes relaxing certain rules around cannabis use, such as allowing for a medicinal use defense for driving with "a presence of the prescribed illicit drug in oral fluid, blood, or urine." The report added that in return the mixing of cannabis and alcohol would contribute as an aggravating factor to the relevant criminal offence. "This framework should begin with a relaxation but not elimination of the criminalisation of cannabis," the report stated.  Veteran Wayne Craft from Coonamble has been using medicinal cannabis for pain management and anxiety for the past two years.  "It's brilliant," Mr Craft said. "Far better than Panadol. It's like chalk and cheese." The Department of Veteran's Affairs covers the cost of his medicine which gets shipped out from Queensland and Victoria.  "Mine is all funded by the DVA so it's not impacting me financially but if you had to pay for it, it would be fairly expensive," Mr Craft said.  He said that it takes about six weeks for his medicinal cannabis to arrive after he puts an order in.  "There needs to be further investigation of reported barriers to accessing medicinal cannabis in New South Wales, including high prices, low coverage in regional and rural areas, and a complex system that is difficult to navigate," the report said.  The committee, chaired by Legalise Cannabis MLC Jeremy Buckingham, also recommended changing the maximum penalty for personal possession of cannabis, adding that the punishable quantities for cannabis are too low.  Jeremy Buckingham in a field of cannabis in Tasmania. Photo: Jeremy Buckingham Facebook"The criminal prosecution of minor cannabis offenses can cause considerable harm to the individual which is disproportionate to their actions." According to the report, the barriers that are in place are forcing people with genuine medical needs to turn to the illicit market.  The government has until 31 January 2025 to draft a response to the inquiry. 

Lachlan Shire mayor John Medcalf has been elected to the Executive of the NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) at the organisation's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sydney on Friday 15 November. Over 130 eligible voters cast their ballot from a crowded field 13 of candidates at Parliament House. Temora Shire mayor Rick Firman was also elected unopposed as Chairman. "I'm pretty excited actually, and it does help with the profile of our council. The Country Mayors is a good place to advocate for different issues," Cr Medcalf said. "Not only can I bring the issues from our Lachlan Shire, but also from the western area." Cr Medcalf said that some of issues he wants to bring to the table include crime, telecommunications and water and road quality, especially the Great Western Highway across the Blue Mountains.CMA Secretariat Gary Fry,Temora Shire General Manager Melissa Boxall and CMA Chairman Rick Firman. IMAGE: Country Mayors Association It isn't his first stint on the Executive, being first elected in 2021. He'll serve a two-year term with Phyllis Miller (Forbes Shire Council), Sam Coupland (Armidale Regional Council), Sue Moore (Singleton Council), Josh Black (Dubbo Regional Council), Russell Webb (Tamworth Regional Council) and Sharon Cadwallader (Ballina Shire Council). "Financial sustainability is the number one issue at present, which is a significant matter for us,” Chariman Firman said. "Obviously, housing, rural crime, health, roads and transport, skills shortages, connectivity are among those serious issues we’ll be immersing ourselves in, alongside our Government and Opposition, to find potential solutions. "I know our Executive Board and I will work hard alongside our members to advocate for the priorities which our membership so determines." The CWA also held its last conference of the year that day, which was themed 'Skills and Education' and attended by mayors and General Managers from Cobar, Walgett, Warren, Coonamble, Bourke and Gilgandra shires.Warren mayor Greg Whiteley, Coonamble mayor Dan Keady and Warren General Manager Gary Woodman. IMAGE: suppliedThey had the chance to mix with NSW politicians in Sydney, including Barwon MP Roy Butler. "We went out to dinner with Roy Butler and the Walgett councillors, and then we had lunch with the Warren and Walgett councillors the next day," Coonamble mayor Dan Keady said. "It was probably a good opportunity swap have a few ideas and see how everyone's going."

Heavily armed police arrested a man in Coonamble yesterday afternoon following a break-in where firearms were stolen. Police said they attended a home in Ross Street at around 3:15pm on 20 November, where they found an 18-year-old wanted over an alleged break and enter in Coonamble's Arthur Street between 22 and 21 October, where "personal items" were also stolen. Officers were seen in tactical response gear as a section of the street was closed around the house. Witnesses said police used a megaphone to tell the man to come out. The 18-year-old surrendered himself to police and had blood on his face when led to a paddy wagon at around 5:30pm. Dozens of spectators on the street began to disperse and the street was soon reopened to traffic. An officer near the house where the man was arrested. IMAGE: Western Plains App/ River McCrossen"Police seized a number of firearms during a search of the property," a police spokesperson told the Western Plains App. "It was a little bit of excitement for the afternoon," one street resident said. The man was taken to Coonamble Police Station and charged with break and enter and breach of bail. He was refused bail to appear before Dubbo Local Court today.

Bogan Shire Medical Centre (BSMC) has recently appointed a new Aboriginal health worker enabling indigenous community members to receive care for their cultural, physical, social and emotional needs. Judy Carney was born and raised in the Warren and Nyngan area and with a background in Indigenous family health, she has been able to provide a valuable link between the Aboriginal community and health care providers at the BSMC. Known for her kind and empathetic nature, since starting her role in September, Judy has been able to connect with many locals assisting them on their health care journey and says she is loving her role so far. “This new role is so important to our people,” said Ms Carney. “It is such a positive thing, where we can help them in an holistic way by transforming their idea of the medical centre into a health plan reality. “It is such an amazing facility, and, in my role, I can help patients understand what they can utilise, whether it be a visit to the podiatrist, the physio or family planning, by showing them what is possible, I can provide more help when needed and that is very rewarding to me. “I gained invaluable work and training at Gosford Hospital and Wyong Medical Centre,” said Ms Carney. “I worked in a mums and bubs program and assisted with child and family health for local people, and I was able to get out into the community where I witnessed problems first hand.” “Despite Nyngan being a small community we have a lot of Aboriginal people coming to our town from Cobar and Bourke as well, so if we can continue getting more and more services, we can help so many people,” said Ms Carney. Judy Carney pictured with her mum Betty, Marie Johnson NLALC and Veneta Dutton NLALC - Image supplied According to Bogan Shire Council – the area has around 17 per cent of the local population identifying as indigenous - thus recognising the need for a dedicated Aboriginal health worker, the council successfully applied for funding to secure the position. “The BSMC is equipped to deliver clinical services to our local Aboriginal community including specialty areas of drug and alcohol, mental health, diabetes, as well as eye and ear health. “Australia-wide, the burden of disease for Aboriginal people is 2.3 times that of non-indigenous Australians and statistics show indigenous Australians have significantly higher rates of psychological distress and chronic disease,” said the Council. “Judy, a proud Aboriginal woman descends from the Wiradjuri/Weilwan nation understands the significance of having an Aboriginal face within the health system,” says Marie Johnson, Chairperson Nyngan Local Aboriginal Land Council. “For our mob, it’s about feeling connected, knowing there’s someone they can trust. “The presence of an Aboriginal Health Worker ensures that cultural practices and beliefs are respected, enabling patients to feel safe and valued. This is particularly important for a community that has often faced systemic inequities in healthcare,” said Mrs Johnson. “For many, her appointment signals a step forward in delivering healthcare that truly meets the needs of Aboriginal people. It’s about walking together, not just in health, but in life,” she added. Marie Johnson, Chairperson Nyngan Local Aboriginal Land Council - image supplied"I'm committed to supporting the Close the Gap initiative by providing culture sensitive healthcare and advocating for improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, involving partnerships between governments, indigenous organisations, and communities, highlighting the importance of cultural safety, self determination, and holistic approaches to health and well-being," said Ms Carney. “I would really love Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to come into the Medical Centre and have a yarn with me. I have seats in my office, and we can sit and talk what about what is available to them.”  “We really welcome everyone and want to make your healthcare journey the best it can be,” Ms Carney added.

The second round of the federal government's On Farm Connectivity Program has broken records, with applications opening and closing within a week, making short work of the $18 million on offer.However, Parkes MP Mark Coulton has called the program "disingenuous", saying the "insincere application process for grants has created more frustration and heartache among the farming community."The program had a total purse of $33 million with two rounds over two years to support primary producers in adopting connected machinery and sensor technology.In this round rebates between $1000 and $30,000 were available to contribute up to 50 per cent of the cost of equipment, plus installation and training.Eligible digital technologies included soil moisture probes, water flow and pressure monitors, livestock monitoring systems, pump controllers and security systems.Notice of the opening of Round 2 of the On Farm Connectivity Program was posted on the government's online Business Grants Hub on Friday 8 November.Government representatives could not say where else the opening had been announced, but advised that the department responsible had sent out communications to notify stakeholders of the opportunity.By Friday 15 the website was displaying a notice that funding had been exhausted and the round had closed to new applicants.Applications received are being assessed.Member for Parkes Mark Coulton says he was very disappointed to hear that the program had closed so quickly."My office was not notified when applications opened on Friday 8 November, nor was there a media release from the Minister announcing the opening of applications," he said."There was communication from the Minister when Expressions of Interest opened for businesses interested in being approved suppliers for Round 2 back in August this year, so I don’t understand why it wasn’t publicised when the program opened this month.""It’s baffling how $18 million worth of rebates can be exhausted in just one week when this opportunity wasn’t even publicised, especially when you consider that $15 million was available in Round 1 and it took roughly six months for that funding to be exhausted."IMAGE: Ag Tech Finder"Perhaps this is evidence of the popularity of the program, but I still can’t understand how so many people even knew to access these rebates when there was very little communication, unless eagle-eyed farmers were sitting on GrantConnect just waiting for it to open," Mr Coulton said.A spokesperson from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts told the Coonamble Times "the Australian Government is supporting Australian farmers with the cost-of-living through its On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP)."The Government boosted the total funding available and expanded eligibility so more farmers could take advantage of the rebates to embrace ag-tech and on-farm connectivity solutions."Such was the demand for this highly successful program, within a week of opening OFCP Round 2 to applications the total funding allocation had been reached."Australian farmers and primary producers are innovators and adaptors."The Australian Government’s On Farm Connectivity Program is an investment in their future and the future of Australian farming and agriculture." Mr Coulton says he is starting to receive feedback on the program.“I’ve heard from a few suppliers in my electorate who have been frustrated by this process, which they said was time consuming and complicated. They were only notified of the opening of round two on the morning applications opened and then had to do a lot of work to help clients and customers apply. “Suppliers have told me many growers missed out because it was too hard for them to apply, while others had spent all day filling out the application, only to discover by the time they completed it the website had shut down and the program had closed. “This process needs to be reassessed to ensure it’s fair for everyone. I do hope that there were many farmers in my electorate who were successful, but there were certainly people who missed out.” 

Coonamble-raised veterinarian Jill Kelly began painting during a drought in 2015. At the time, the soft water colours were an escape from a drab brown world inhabited by skinny animals and sad farmers.  The drought passed, but Jill continued to paint and her artist alter ego 'Miss Vet' is powering on.Last week, ten of her works went on display at the Outback Arts Centre for the 'This Ain't Texas' group exhibition, which made its official opening on Friday 8 November. "It's just a celebration of cowgirl culture, but done the Australian way," Jill said. "It doesn't matter whether you're in love with the horses or the cowboys or the land or you're raising the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls- there's something in here that represents every bit of what each artist does. "I love my job as a vet, where I am knee deep - or elbows deep - in an animal carcass, but I also love putting on a tutu and some lipstick and going out in the town as well."Jillian Kelly, Anna Kennedy and Jamie Lea Trindall at the opening of This Ain't Texas. IMAGE: Coonamble Times/River McCrossen Over 30 people came to the exhibition opening which involved five artists including Gilgandra's Melissa Kelly and Amy Naef, along with Anna Kennedy, Jamie-Lea Trindall and Jill Kelly from Coonamble.Apart from providing a fresh focus for their artwork and those who view them, the exhibition celebrates the unique perspectives of rural female artists. Work on most of the art began within the last three months, some of made of clay, others of ink, pastel and paint. Some works you can look at, others you can drink from. For Jamie-Lea, also the Director of Outback Arts, it was her first time exhibiting in the space she manages. "We just really wanted to have fun and make some artworks that are true to ourselves and true to our community," Jamie-Lea said. "Cowboy artwork has become quite trendy in the last 12 months or more and this is a really nice way of bringing together a group of artists that were already making works inspired by our place, the lifestyle that they have here." The exhibition runs until 20 December.

 The power is back on in Carinda for the buildings that were not damaged too severely in a devastating storm that hit the town on Sunday. Carinda local and owner of the only pub in town Malcolm George said he could see seven buildings with their power on.  "It's one less worry on people's minds," Bec McLellan, owner of the local café said.  She reckons the storm caused between $10,000 to $20,000 to the café. The inside of Ms McLellan's cafe. Photo: supplied Locals are waiting for their insurance companies to assess their claims.  A few of the houses in Carinda have been declared irreparable.  "If they can't be rebuilt, they'll just have to be demolished which is really sad," Ms McLellan said.  The SES are also conducting asbestos checks on the buildings.  "Asbestos and debris are the main issues in town," Western Zone Deputy Commander Colin Jones said.  "Given the age of the properties, it's been set out from Fire and Rescue as a precaution."He confirmed that there are nine residential properties and four commercial properties which suffered substantial damage. The clean-up has also been progressing well so far. "The favourable weather conditions at the moment are assisting us with the clean-up," Mr Jones said "It was unbelievable the damage and debris strewn throughout the community." The storm is unlike anything the community has seen before, according to Ms McLellan.  "We've had wild storms with strong winds but nothing that's lifted roofs. "It was a freak storm. It felt more severe than a cyclone." IMAGE: FRNSWWind speeds were measured around 100 kilometres per hour "It's remarkable that no one was hurt," she said.  SES crews from as far as Broken Hill, Maitland, Tamworth, and the Metro Zone came to Carinda to assist in tarping roofs, clean up, and any other help that was needed.   The SES envisages they will stay in Carinda for another couple of days or as long as their presence is needed.  "Everybody in the community is positive. They're conducting a lot of work themselves through clean-ups," Mr Jones said. View the Fire & Rescue NSW footage below:

Council leaders, landholders and agricultural representatives had mixed views last week on a string of government project ideas to boost water security in the Macquarie Valley. Officials from the Water Group of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's (DCCEEW) Water Group met stakeholders in Warren, Carinda and Dubbo for public consultations pooling thoughts on project options to sandbag the region against drought. Known as the Macquarie-Wambuul Water Security Project, the ideas cover from the Burrendong Dam near Wellington to the Macquarie Marshes. Ideas brought to stakeholders include a water pipeline supplying Nyngan and Cobar from Dubbo, raising the Burrendong Dam level by ten per cent and a new weir between Warren and Narromine to replace the one at Gin Gin. "We're looking at water security as a whole. Water security for residents, stock and domestic, environmental use- that's included in what we're considering. What we're looking at is trying to get the best solution for the valley," said Phillipa Fague, Director of Program Development and Management at the Water Group. "We are really keen to get out into the community and speak to people with a diverse range of backgrounds and viewpoints."The Macquarie River catchment. IMAGE: Wikimedia Warren was hit hard by the Tinderbox Drought which ran between 2017 and 2019 and triggered concern that the local hospital would have to evacuate due to lack of water for firefighting. At the Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre, up to 10 stakeholders watched a presentation by project manager Angus MacDonald on Wednesday 13 November, which showed that by 2070 the probability of another Tinderbox, or worse, will jump from one in 1000 years to one in 30. That is why former local mayor Milton Quigley, who was at the meeting, said he supports raising the wall of the Burrendong Dam to store more flood water for dry times. The dam releases into the Macquarie River, which flows up through Narromine, Warren and Carinda before flowing into the Barwon River between Brewarrina and Walgett. "Let's use some water when it's really little use, and convert it into water of great use during a drought," Mr Quigley said. Some Macquarie Marshes graziers who went to the Carinda meeting on 14 November, were less keen on raising the dam. "That's going to mean that there's less dam spills, and dam spills are what wets the Marshes and creates a healthy environment down there," northern Marshes sheep and cattle grazier Robert McLellan said. Farmer Andrew McGrath, former Warren mayor Milton Quigley, David Duncan and Warren Shire Council General Manager Gary Woodman at the Warren meeting. IMAGE: Tess Van Lubeck/ Warren StarGraziers at the Carinda meeting also dismissed the other project ideas, which they said will not improve connections between the Macquarie River and the Barwon River. On the Dubbo-Nyngan pipeline, Macquarie River grazier and chair of non-profit River Smart Australia, Kate Mildner, said the project would be "very expensive." The town draws water from a weir in the Bogan River and the Macquarie River via the Albert Priest Channel, which also made her question why a pipeline would be needed. "It seems extraordinary that the Macquarie has to supply a town that is on its own river," Ms Mildner said. "Is there other ways that they could guarantee water supply? "Nyngan is an important town. It needs its water in a drought to supply its own community, so is it possible to use groundwater? Is it possible, seeing big, high flows in the Bogan, that they have some methods of storage?" A DCCEEW spokesperson said "robust analysis" of the Bogan found the river does not produce reliable flows during drought, which makes it "far less viable option for water transfer." The spokesperson said Dubbo has access a larger and more secure water supply, and the water is already set aside in Burrendong Dam for Nyngan and Cobar.Better marketing required - attendees Stakeholders in Warren said they were given fair chance to have their say, although attendees at both meetings also said the gatherings could have been better publicised. The spokesperson said they were advertised in media outlets in locations where consultations were held, including the Warren Star and Walgett Spectator. Feedback from the consultations will be considered for the department's $9.35 million final business case, which will shortlist the most viable options and be delivered in late 2025-early 2026. The Australian and NSW governments split the cost 50-50, which goes towards technical studies, environmental and cultural heritage assessments, consultation and the writing of the business case. Whichever party takes government at the federal election next year will decide whether to fund a project.

Grain handlers with the Australian Workers' Union (AWU) have accepted a deal with GrainCorp for a 14 per cent pay rise over three years. The union says 90 per cent of members opted for the deal over 24 hours of voting from 6am on Monday 18 November. The first pay rise of six per cent will be backdated to 1 July 2024.  The second, also six per cent , will kick in on 1 July 2025 before a final increase of two per cent will arrive in pay packets on 1 July 2026. "We are pleased that NSW employees have voted in favour of their Enterprise Agreement. This outcome reflects our commitment to providing a fair, competitive and supportive workplace for our valued team members," a GrainCorp spokesperson said. Workers will also receive a $1250 sign-on bonus. IMAGE: GrainCorpThe vote comes after union members began industrial action last month at Grain Corp receival sites, which the union says included in Gulargambone and Baradine.“Grain handlers backed each other, stood shoulder to shoulder and now they’ve had a great result, they’re stoked,” said Ron Cowdrey, Australian Workers’ Union NSW Assistant Branch Secretary. “Our members can now focus fully on getting in the winter harvest."

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton yesterday [Monday 18 November 2024] delivered his valedictory speech, just a few days short of 17 years since he was first elected as the 1029th Member of the Australian Parliament.Mr Coulton took the opportunity to thank his family, friends, supporters, and current and former staff – many of whom travelled to be there in person – as well as his National party and Coalition colleagues for their support over the past 17 years.He paid special tribute to his wife Robyn who he said has been by his side every step of the way.“We decided to do this as a team,” Mr Coulton said.“So, for the last 18 years – we spent a year campaigning beforehand – we’ve travelled together, and in a big year we’ve probably spent the equivalent of 20 40-hour weeks a year in the front of a car – Robyn reading the emails and me dictating messages back to the office.”Mr Coulton spoke of the great diversity and uniqueness of the Parkes electorate which he said is much more than just the agricultural and mining industries that underpin the economy.He said there are so many projects and “shiny things” he could highlight as achievements over the years, such as the Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo, the Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge, the Baaka Cultural Centre in Wilcannia, the library in Broken Hill, the small animal abattoir in Bourke, and of course, the Inland Rail – “just build it for God’s sake!”The Hon. Mark Coulton with his most valuable supporter, his wife Robyn. IMAGE SUPPLIED.But Mr Coulton said some of the achievements he’s most proud of are those that are more difficult to point to.“Sometimes your successes with issues become invisible, because if you fix the problem people stop talking about it,” Mr Coulton said.“A lot of the things that are achieved here are done without recognition.“When I was Regional Health Minister, I introduced] the generalist pathway, which is training doctors with more skills to work in rural areas.“The medical school at Dubbo had over 520 applicants for the 30 places, so we’re training local doctors in the area.“I graduated the rebate for Medicare. I don’t know that anybody here even knows that if you’re a doctor working in the more remote areas, you get a higher rebate for every patient you see than the ones in the cities.“[As Assistant Trade Minister], I represented the country a couple of times at APEC in tourism and trade. I was at the first ministerial meeting of the TPP-11, which was the biggest trade deal done in the history of the world. But what people wouldn’t realise now, when the farmers are going to the silo and looking at the price of barley, that one of the buyers now is Mexico. They're buying barley to make beer in Mexico because of that agreement that we made.“When [farmers] are having their big crop now and they’re filling up the grain storages that [were funded by a tax deduction] in one year, as a policy to prepare farmers for drought so that they can store their grain and manage it better, they're probably not thinking that that was a decision and a discussion that came out of our party room. But those sorts of decisions are making big changes for people.”In contrast, Mr Coulton said sometimes decisions made in Parliament are not always for the better.“When the distribution priority area changed straight after the last election - and the doctors could now declare Wollongong, Geelong and Newcastle as regional - western New South Wales lost six doctors that week,” Mr Coulton said.“Six that week from some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country. So, decisions here can make a difference.”In his final message, Mr Coulton said regional Australia shouldn’t be taken for granted. He expressed his concerns that regional Australia is being compromised so that city-dwellers can feel good about doing something to lower emissions and “save the planet”.“When you take your family to Disneyland and you tick the box that you want to offset your carbon emissions and pay a bit more money, and that money goes to plant trees on a productive farm, you are then sending a future generation to have to worry about food security,” Mr Coulton said.“If we're going to treat regional Australia as a magic pudding, that every time we want to do something we just pinch a bit away, and every time you lock up a western New South Wales sheep farm and turn it into a national park or you buy productive water out of the Murray Darling Basin, then you are subjecting future generations to have to worry about food security.“And it's not just us. We feed 50 million people outside of Australia, so we've just got to keep that in mind.“I said in my first speech that I have a deep and unshakeable belief in inland Australia; and I still believe that today. It holds the keys to the future prosperity of our country.“There would be no better place to live in the world than Australia, and no better place in Australia to live than in western New South Wales.“It's been an honour and a privilege to serve as the 1029th member elected to the Australian Parliament. But it's time to move on, and I thank you very much.”Please note: the video of the valedictory speech can be viewed online here with timestamp 16:24:23.

Police are appealing to the public to locate a person wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant and known to frequent Cobar.Aaron Hinch, aged 37, is wanted for domestic violence-related assault offences.Officers attached to Central North Police District are conducting inquiries into his whereabouts.Aaron is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, large build, about 165cm tall, with black hair, brown eyes and light brown complexion.Anyone with information into his whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Power in Carinda is expected to be restored this evening as multiple Essential Energy crews work to repair infrastructure downed in Sunday's storm. Extra crews arrived overnight while a generator and service station have been set up in the town, according to an Essential Energy spokesperson. It comes as Barwon MP Roy Butler has written to Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, for "urgent consideration" of a natural disaster declaration for Walgett Shire. The SES says at least 12 properties are uninhabitable and residents have been offering each other shelter overnight. Carinda Hotel owner Malcolm George offered a "decked out" school bus he owns as accommodation to one resident. Local Maz Saunders said an elderly man whose property was severely damaged also made use of a caravan driven to his yard by other community members.Storm damage to one of the business in Carinda. IMAGE: supplied "He didn't want to go, he didn't want to move because he's an old fella," Ms Saunders said. "Everybody will have a bed for someone if they need." Ms Saunders also said she "can't fault" the emergency response, which has included personnel from SES, Rural Fire Service (RFS), Walgett Shire Council and police. "They're (Essential Energy workers) like little Oompa Loompas. There's just a sea of orange, men running around, putting poles up. It's amazing to see the response," Ms Saunders said. The community hall, which was partially damaged in the storm, is also being offered for temporary accommodation. GoFundMe set up for Carinda Sisters Bec Thackery and Kirsty Squires have family in the area and went there as children during the school holidays with "every chance we got." They currently live in Maitland and still visit the town where they can. Yesterday, they set up a GoFundMe to help community members with food, bills and building supplies. "We used to go to church with our grandmother and food shopping with her in the old shop there and of course ice cream," Ms Squires said. "We know that Carinda is a tight community and will work together through this, but we just wanted to show them that we are all here for them and it might not be much, but whatever we can do to help." The fundraiser has raised $415 as at 12:17pm today and has a goal of $10,000.More detail here.  Recovery still underwayEmergency service vehicles on the ground. IMAGE: suppliedFollowing process - ButlerBarwon MP Roy Butler has been in contact with government authorities and said he is expecting a transition from response to recovery "at some point in the next couple of days." "But that won't happen until mains power is fully restored," Mr Butler said. "There's a couple of really important things that have to happen at the moment: that's crop damage assessments, and also we need to get a really good handle on the damage to council infrastructure, because that can impact on the federal assistance that becomes available if we can cross certain thresholds in terms of the value of the damage that's occurred." Mr Butler said he understands many local residences are uninsured or underinsured, which prompted him to reach out to NSW Premier Chris Minn's office to establish a grant scheme similar to the one-off $200 payments offered to people impacted by the power outages in far western NSW last month.