Reconstruction has commenced on the historic Warroo Bridge.Motorists are advised to look out for changed traffic conditions around the bridge, located 46 kilometres west of Forbes and 55 kilometres south-east of Condobolin. Originally slated for preservation, the historic bridge was part of a review in 2019 where it was identified for removal. Primary reasons were that it had deteriorated considerably, is is very narrow and not suitable for use by modern agricultural equipment or heavy vehicles with higher mass limit loads. The plan for replacement did not come without issues. Being the only major bridge crossing of the Lachlan River linking the Lachlan Valley Way to the Henry Parkes Way, closure of the Warroo Bridge meant motorists faced a 93 kilometre detour to travel from one side of the bridge to the other. Consequently, a decision was made by the Warroo Bridge Replacement Project to construct a new concrete bridge a few metres upstream from the existing one. This includes building new approach roads on either side, and removing the old bridge once the new bridge is operational.Tenders for the construction closed in late April and while work will begin in earnest in 2025, preliminary earthworks have started this week. As reconstruction commences, there will be changed traffic conditions for motorists in the area. Work will be undertaken on the bridge between 7am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday. Speed limits will be reduced to 80 km/h on Lachlan Valley Way from the intersection with Warroo Road during work hours. A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will also be in place on Warroo Bridge Road during work hours, with intermittent stop/slow traffic control required at times. The speed limit will return to the posted speed outside of work hours.“Once completed, the new Warroo Bridge will deliver a smoother ride for all road users, improved safety through wider lanes and better road approaches, increased load capacity for heavy vehicles, improved access for wide vehicles, and reduced ongoing maintenance costs and closures," Transport for NSW Director West Alistair Lunn said.  “All motorists are reminded to keep to the reduced speed limits, follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs throughout this work, and allow up to five minutes of extra travel time."Preliminary earthworks on the new Warroo Bridge will take about eight weeks to complete, weather permitting. Historic truss bridge Between the 1860's and the 1930's, more than 400 timber truss bridges were constructed in New South Wales, many across the Western Plains. During this time, iron and steel was an expensive import while good quality local hardwood timber was plentiful. Of more than 400 timber truss bridges built between 1860 and 1936, 48 remain, with 39 managed by Transport for NSW.

Updated version of an earlier storyThe results of the first day of counting in the Local Government election results are out, although postal votes have yet to be included and there are likely to be many rounds of preference counting to follow before all of the positions are declared.Below are the key results from those councils who went to vote in our coverage area yesterday:Bogan Shire CouncilIn Bogan Shire Council, Mayor Glen Neill got the overwhelming majority of 35.90 per cent of the first preference votes counted so far, but another 600 votes of the 1934 residents are yet to be counted.The Mayor was miles ahead of his counterparts with fellow councillor Karl Bright the nearest at 12.49 per cent of the first preference votes so far.With ten candidates standing for the nine positions, it is too early to say who will miss out after preferences are distributed.Bourke Shire CouncilWith the votes of only 962 of the 1733 electors counted on Saturday, and ten councillors to be elected out of 14 candidates, the results are far from clear. Currently, just a few percentage points are separating Patricia Bates-Canty on 12.59 per cent of the first preference votes, Maxime Nina on 10.89 per cent and Scott McAdam with 10.35 per cent.Brewarrina Shire CouncilIn Brewarrina, just over half of the 945 voters' first preferences have been counted.Mayor Vivian Slack-Smith was the clear front runner in the first preference votes, with 16.46 per cent.  Deputy mayor Angelo Pippos is close behind on 15.21 per cent and newcomer Belinda Colless is performing well on 11.46 per cent.Coonamble Shire CouncilAt close of counting on Saturday night, Coonamble Shire Council newcomer Daniel Keady had 15 per cent of the first preference votes, with Pip Goldsmith at 12.13 per cent. Paul Fisher and former mayor Al Karanouh were close behind with just over 10 per cent of the votes each.With around 900 votes still to be counted, and preferences to be distributed, it is still unclear which five candidates will not make it into Council. However Karen Churchill, Steve Butler, Adam Cohen and Paul Wheelhouse are the strongest contenders at this stage.Gilgandra Shire CouncilThere are also 900 votes to be counted for Gilgandra Shire Council, with ten candidates vying for nine council roles.Ashley Walker is polling most favourably, with 15.56 per cent of the first preference votes, followed by Madeline Foran on 12.88 per cent, Ian Freeth on 12.28 per cent and Paul Mann on 11.78 per cent. Again it will all come down to postals and preferences.Lachlan Shire CouncilIn Lachlan, only Ward C was required to vote, with Wards A and B uncontested.Jaunita Wighton has a strong result with 57.20 per cent of the first preference votes, followed by Peter Harris with 34.16 per cent. However only 253 votes out of an enrolled 835 have been counted.Narromine Shire CouncilFifteen candidates are fighting for nine council positions in Narromine.After the first day of counting Ewen Jones is leading the poll, with 16.74 per cent of the first preferences of 3371 of a total of 4703 voters, followed by long-term mayor Craig Davies on 13.91 per cent and Judy Smith on 11.98 per cent.Walgett Shire CouncilIn Walgett Shire Council, nine councillors are to be elected from 13 candidates.With only half the vote counted (no pre-polls or postals done yesterday) Mayor Jasen Ramien may have a comfortable return to council with 18.13 per cent of the first preference votes, followed by fellow councillor Alfred Seaton with 16.14 per cent. Warren Shire CouncilIn Warren Shire Council, only voters in Ward C were required to vote, with Wards A, B and D uncontested.Results from Saturday’s vote for Ward C saw David Cleasby with a comfortable majority on 38.93 per cent of the first preference votes ahead of Mark Kelly on 35.11 per cent. Distribution of preferences is likely to decide the third spot, although only 273 of the 468 votes have been counted.

A proposed regulatory change aims to provide more immediate access to water for landholders, improving response time in an emergency fire situation.The NSW Government released the “What We Heard” report after receiving community feedback on a landmark proposal to improve access to water by landholders for bushfire preparedness and firefighting needs. The statewide review explored if changes should be made to allow individual property owners to take small volumes of water from local rivers and bores to prepare for and fight bushfires. Currently, only rural fire brigades and their workers are permitted to draw from a water source to extinguish or control a fire without a license. Landowners are only allowed to do so if there is an emergency and they have received a lawful direction from an authorised officer. Luke Robinson, District Manager of the RFS in Coonamble said proposed changes could offer an opportunity for quicker response times.“Currently rural fire brigades are permitted to access water for fire extinguishment without license, but farmer firefighting units can only do so if there's an emergency, and they have received direction for an authorised officer,” Mr Robinson said.“At the moment, a RFS Deputy Captain and anyone ranking above can give permission to farmers to access water, which wouldn’t be necessary under these proposed changes.”The proposed exemption within the existing legislation would allow water to be taken and used by landholders for firefighting purposes without needing to hold a water access license or various approvals.According to the Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, while no decisions have been made yet, if approved, the exemption would be subject to strict conditions. “Bushfires are an inevitability in our country, and we know in a hotter, drier climate that danger will only increase. It’s up to all of us to ensure we’re as ready as possible by getting on the front foot with bushfire preparedness, including improving access to water for landholders,” NSW DCCEEW Executive Director Strategy and Policy – Water, Kaia Hodge said.Mr Robinson said often the farmers took water from RFS tankers to help with fire-fighting, and so were accessing water sources anyway.“They may not directly take it from the source, but they might be indirectly doing so by taking it by filling up from our tanks,” he said. “We fill from a water source and then they fill from us, so we are really giving permission in that way. In a real emergency, farmers would possibly fill up where they can but are likely helping out their neighbour by doing so. Quick response time is always important.”Ms Hodges said, if approved the policy change could be a game-changer for many farmers and rural property owners if they’re ever in the unfortunate situation where a bushfire is threatening their property and nearby water sources could be used to better defend it.  “Responsible water management is at the heart of our approach. That’s why we’ve been listening carefully during this consultation period to see if there are changes to the policy settings that could and should be made,” she said.To view the What We Heard report, click here. 

A Bourke nurse is urging people with asthma to be vigilant as the Western Plains heads into the peak season for triggers. Weeds, trees, plants and grass release pollen into the air during Spring, which often means a spike in asthma attacks. Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (BACHS) Community Nurse Amandy Zaky said it's "essential" to be on top of the condition. "It can often occur with little to no warning," she said. "The impacts can range from mild shortness of breath to respiratory arrest depending on the severity of the individual’s illness. "It is also essential for individuals who are diagnosed with asthma and have been prescribed a preventative mediation to take this as per the doctors’ recommendations. "It is important for people with asthma to know their triggers and to manage these as best they are able."Australia recorded 467 asthma-related deaths in 2022, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). That increased from 355 in 2021. PHOTO: Flickr/ Alan LevineThat could mean avoiding certain types of food and animals, although triggers may vary from person to person, according to Asthma Australia.  Household items like dust and mould can also contribute to asthma symptoms. Ms Zaky said people with asthma should create an Asthma Management plan with their doctor. "An accurate up-to-date Asthma Management Plan is vitally important as if used correctly can greatly improve quality of life and in some instances even save lives," she said. "People in Bourke are able to attend BACHS and see a GP who would be able to assist them with developing an Asthma Management Plan." Ms Zaky said the plan should include best ways to manage the illness on a day-to-day basis and an action plan in case of an asthma attack. She also said to always have an inhaler on hand. Over 460 asthma hotspotsThe advice follows research published in June this year by Global Health Research Policy which found asthma in 0-14-year-olds was more prevalent in poorer areas. The peer-reviewed work identified 465 asthma hotspots across Australia. Of those, 393 were in areas with above-average Indigenous populations. "More than 60 per cent of the identified asthma hotspots were located in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas," the report said. Researchers found the average prevalence of childhood asthma across Australia sits at around 6.3 per cent. Areas were classed hotspots if they were next to other areas which also had a higher than average prevalence, and locations have yet to be released.

Motorheads had plenty to keep them happy last weekend when a wide range of interesting vehicles pulled into Coonamble Golf Club for the town's annual car show. Sixty-six exhibits - from bikes, cars and trucks, to a tractor and even a beach buggy - were on show on 7 September. Some looked in critical need of some love, others had been on the road almost 70 years but were in showroom condition. Around 400 votes cast by spectators and entrants on the day decided the winners from 14 categories, including Grand Champion and best American, European and Japanese vehicles, with Coonamble Auto Club member Margaret Lane also awarding the Gerry’s Pick prize.  Winners from each section each received a $50 fuel voucher and $150, with Grand Champion Jamie Smith winning $250 plus a trophy. “There was some good cars, I thought,” Jamie saidNarromine boiler maker Bob McKinnon won the 'other' section for his modified Supa Sport beach buggy. PHOTO: River McCrossenHis 1977 Holden SL Torana wooed the crowd to take home the top prize. He bought it semi-restored off the old owner in Singleton, around 75 kilometres northwest of Newcastle. “It had no interior, “ he said. “No carpet or good lining or seats. “We changed the gearbox. “I’m going to send a picture of it to the bloke I bought it off to show him the Grand Champion.” The show began in 2019 and this year it was accompanied by a car boot sale which included clothes, jams, children’s toys and - of all items to appear in the bush - a pair of skis. Organisers said around 300 people passed the ticket table on the day, including spectators from Walgett, Narromine, Dubbo and the Blue Mountains. Erica Baigert’s family came from Geurie, just south of Dubbo, in their 1973 Volkswagon Kombi and won the prize for being the furthest travelling entrant to the show. “We thought it’d be a nice trip out and a few of our Dubbo antique automobile club were coming up. “These small gatherings are some of the nicest. They have a good feel to them.” Coonamble's Leon Jackson with his 1956 FJ Holden. PHOTO: River McCrossen There was another entrant from Geurie, so organisers drew randomly between the two entrants to award the prize. Auto Club president Stephen Lane said there was a “good variety” of vehicles. “There was a couple of newcomers, including a couple from Dubbo and also around the Baradine and Coona area, and from Narromine too. “There’s usually other events which, if they’re closer to them, they’ll tend to go to. “But obviously we’ve had luck our way that they were able to turn up.”

Five local government areas (LGAs) in the Western Plains region - Bourke, Cobar, Lachlan, Walgett and Warren - are to receive grants through the second round of the Disaster Ready Fund from the Federal Government. The funding is designed to increase disaster resilience and mitigate the physical and social impacts of disasters.  In total, 27 projects across NSW received $83 million through this round of the program.  Warren will install digital flood warning signs at the Reddenville Break on the Wambianna Road and at the Stoney Crossing on Bundemar Road.  Half of the money for the funding, amounting to slightly over $38,000, will come from the Disaster Ready Fund, with the other half coming from the Council.  "We are really grateful for what we received," Sylvester Otieno, Divisional Manager Engineering Services at the Warren Shire Council, said.  He added that the Warren Shire Council is still trying to gather funding to build a bridge across the Stoney Creek Crossing.  Part of the Disaster Ready funding will also go towards improving floodplain connection to reduce the risk to people's lives and property, including in Bourke, Narromine, Walgett and Warren.  Ten LGAs outside of the Western Plains area will also benefit through this program.  In total, the improving floodplain connections project will cost over $6.8 million with slightly under $3.9 million coming from the respective councils and $2.9 million from another Commonwealth source.  Cobar Shire Council has not received any direct funding from the Disaster Ready Fund in the recent announcement of successful projects. However, Cobar and the other Far North West Joint Organisation (FNWJO) member councils have an opportunity to work collaboratively with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) on a number of activities to address resilience to natural disasters over the next three years. Funding has been dedicated towards the systemic embedding of hazard mitigation and resilience plans and resources which are set to support already existing frameworks to reduce disaster harm. "The ISJO project will help build systemic adaptive capacity for and coordinate alignment of resilience initiatives across a network of nine joint and regional organisation of councils across NSW which represents more than 70 councils," Cobar General Manager and Acting Executive Office of FNWJO Peter Vlatko said. Cobar did receive a grant for the Aboriginal Communities Emergency Management program designed to help Aboriginal communities prepare and respond to disasters. Walgett's NSW Rural Fire Service also received funding to upgrade its station to a neighbourhood safe place in the event of a bush fire. The upgrades include increasing building resilience and establishing Asset Protection Zones.  The next and final round of the Disaster Ready fund, in 2025/2026, will go towards expanding on the programs funded through the first two rounds.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is upping the ante on its efforts to control feral cats.The NPWS launched a recruitment campaign last week for its first ever feral cat control team.Once found, the new five-person team of expert ground shooters will deliver added protection for threatened wildlife by targeting feral cats in locations where cat numbers have increased after good seasonal conditions.  NPWS Deputy Secretary Atticus Fleming said feral cats continue to have a devastating impact on our wildlife, killing over a billion native animals every year. “After three good seasons, NPWS staff are reporting an increase in feral cat numbers, especially in the centre and west of the state. For example, while targeting feral pigs, NPWS staff incredibly shot more than 30 feral cats from a helicopter in Toorale National Park, outside of Bourke,” he said. “There is currently no effective landscape control for feral cats. Intensive, well targeted ground shooting operations will now be part of an enhanced strategy including trials of cat baits, deployment of innovative cat traps, establishing large feral-cat free areas and exploring genetic controls.   “This is a job for anyone who loves being in the outback and who wants to be part of a team dedicated to protecting our wildlife from feral cats. “We want people with practical feral animal control experience and a commitment to the highest standards of safety and animal welfare."Native animals under threatIconic animals under threat from feral cats include mammals like the dusky hopping mouse, the yellow-footed rock-wallaby and the stripe-faced dunnart; birds such as the plains wanderer, the grey grass wren and the hooded robin; and reptiles like the endangered Barrier Range dragon.    The team will be based in Broken Hill, Dubbo and/or Bourke but will be deployed across the state as needed. As well as implementing an intensive ground shooting program, team members will support cat baiting and trapping and collect samples to support possible genetic solutions.   

The Western Plains has cast almost 5000 votes in council elections as NSW enters a final day of pre-polling before election day tomorrow. Early voting centres will remain open until the evening-late afternoon today, although times may vary between locations. Residents can find their nearest voting station via the NSW Electoral Commission's (NSWEC) address lookup tool. “On election day, about 2,100 polling places will be open across NSW from 8am to 6pm. The address look-up tool will tell you the polling place nearest to you,” Acting NSW Electoral Commissioner Dr Matthew Phillips said. "Multilingual election officials will be present at many polling places, wearing badges to indicate the language they speak or voters can call TIS National on 131 450 and ask them to call us on 1300 135 736. "Auslan interpreters will also be available on election day by contacting the Electoral Commission through Skype on NSWelections Auslan or NSWelections Auslan2."The latest update on pre-poll numbers from Western Plains shires and wards. SOURCE: NSW Electoral CommissionPostal vote applications closed on Monday. To be counted, postal votes must be completed by 6pm on election day and received by the NSW Electoral Commission no later than 6pm on Friday, 27 September.  Western Plains shire received 2438 postal vote applications, with 491 scrutinised according last night's update at 10pm from the NSWEC. The latest update on the amount of pre-poll applications received in the Western Plains. SOURCE: NSW Electoral Commission Warrumbungle and Cobar Shires will not hold an election due to an equal number of accepted candidates to seats up for election, meaning they do not have pre-poll voting. The same goes for Warren Shire wards A, B and D. Lachlan Shire wards A, B and D also won't hold a contest, while Ward E will go to a by-election since there were not enough candidates accepted to fill both its two seats. Postal applications opened before candidates nominations closed, which is why they appear in the Commission's statistics even with shires that won't go to an election.

Police have arrested an 18-year-old man following a search over a string of alleged offences including stealing a police car. Emergency services were called to Narromine's Lea Road at around 3:10pm on Friday 6 September over reports of a car fire. When officers arrived they found a vehicle on fire on the train line. "Fire and Rescue NSW officers extinguished the fire and there were no injuries reported," a police spokesperson said. "While officers were conducting inquiries at the scene, a marked police vehicle – a 4WD Mitsubishi Pajero – was allegedly stolen by a man. "The police vehicle was found abandoned on Bloomfield Street, Trundle, on Saturday 7 September 2024." Police made a public call to locate the man on 9 September, who they say is known to frequent the Narromine, Warren, Nyngan and Cobar areas. They arrested the man in Nyngan yesterday. He was taken to Nyngan Police Station and charged with eight offences: Drive conveyance taken without consent of ownerUse offensive weapon to prevent lawful detentionSteal motor vehicleAssault police officer in execution of dutyCommon assaultTake and drive conveyance without consent of ownerDrive whilst disqualifiedBreach bail. He was refused bail to at before Dubbo Local Court today.

Are you having trouble with your telecommunications? The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) says you are not alone. Over 51,854 phone and internet complaints were registered from consumers living in regional, rural and remote Australia between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2024, according to data collected by it. With complaints raging from poor service quality, poor mobile service coverage, faults, outages and accessibility barriers, telco problems are significantly impacting people in the bush.  With lack of access to reliable telco services in regional areas, consumers face difficulties in having repairs completed or gaining access to an alternative service. Consumers across Australia, particularly in regional areas, rely on quality telco services to participate in everyday life, and the TIO is urging Government to re-evaluate the current framework to achieve accessibility that can be relied on.  Roy Butler, Independent MP for Barwon, is frustrated after addressing the issue many times.  "Telecommunications out west are far from ideal, with black spots, outages and old infrastructure. We need to see real investment out here, and it is an issue I have raised consistently with both sides of politics since I was elected in 2019," he said.    "When telecommunications are down, it can put entire communities at a standstill for days, this includes calls to emergency services, operating farms and businesses and just generally getting on with your life becomes extremely difficult. Any investment or attempts to improve telecommunications in Barwon is greatly welcome."  The Ombudsman is continuing to explore ways to expand engagement with regional, rural and remote communities across Australia, with current initiatives including:  regular Outreach programs, where the TIO travels to regional communities to discuss their telco issues  a Consumer Panel, where representatives from consumer groups, including those representing consumers who live in regional areas (such as the Regional Tech Hub, Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association, and Financial Counsellors Association of WA) will alert the TIO to issues relevant to their groups  in line with the recommendations from our last Independent Review, the collection of socio-demographic data to help the TIO understand and improve the accessibility of our service.   Issues such as challenging weather, limited technology types, long waits for repairs, shortage of technicians, long distances from shops providing face-to-face support, unreliable satellite services and poor mobile coverage have been acknowledged by the TIO as difficulties for rural and regional users.  “Telecommunication services are essential services, as important to our health and way of life as the electricity and water in our homes. We rely on phone and internet services in emergencies, for work, banking, telehealth services, social cohesion – everything. We need a policy agenda that reflects the indispensable nature of telecommunications,” according to Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert. “Regional, rural, and remote consumers are getting left behind, and it’s time that serious efforts are made to address the digital divide in this country. “If you’ve told your telco about the problems you’re experiencing and you’re not able to get it resolved with them, contact our office on 1800 062 058. We’re here to help.”  Read more in the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s submission 

With just a month to go, organisers of the region's Dolly Parton Festival say they are ready to go as Narromine prepares for up to 1500 Dolly diehards to descend on the town on Saturday 12 October.  Dandaloo Street will close to traffic from around 9:30am to 1:30pm for the Dolly lookalikes and market stalls to take over. There will be plenty of time to change into Dolly-wear before the festival gates open at 4pm at Cale Oval, for a concert headlined by Dolly performer Brooke McMullen and hosted by country-bred drag queen Timberlina. Organisers had cancelled the festival in May this year over rising costs and a lack of government funding.It was only able to go ahead this year, at a rescheduled date, after it received $150,000 under the NSW Government's Open Streets Program."Dolly-lovers, there's heaps of them out there. The demographic's huge," Festival Committee Secretary Skye Rush said. "Everything's organised. We're feeling very chilled out actually, which is unusual. I think having the funding has really made a big difference to our workloads, so it's been great. "We've got our food pretty much all booked in, we've got a few market stalls coming in the evening and then we've got all our acts ready to go."A bar from the 2023 festival. PHOTO: Narromine Dolly Parton FestivalThe festival is free, although people still need to book a ticket online. The winners will be crowned on the day for Best Dressed Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Festivalgoers will also be treated to a line up from Tanya Andrew, Ballz n All and Graeme Tool as Kenny Rodgers and Friends before the afterparty begins from 10pm at the Narromine Courthouse Hotel.  "We've had about 1000 people for the last two years. So this year, because the tickets are free, we're hoping to get around 1500," Ms Rush said. "Can't wait. It's going to be great." The Dolly Festival, Australia's first, began in September 2022. They hope it will continue to be a regular annual event.

A 17-year-old boy will face court following an alleged domestic violence-related assault in Bourke. Police say they were called at around 8:50am on Tuesday 10 September to a home in Wilson Street after reports of a concern for welfare. "Police have been told a man and boy who are known to each other – aged 40 and 17 – were allegedly involved in fight, with the man sustaining a laceration to his face," a police spokesperson said. The man was taken to Bourke Hospital for treatment, and has since been released. The 17-year-old was arrested and taken to Bourke Police Station, where he was charged with common assault and reckless wounding, both domestic violence-related. The teenager was refused bail and appeared at a Children’s Court yesterday.

You don't have to play therapist, but a simple 'are you ok?' can make all the difference according to the Healthy Communities Foundations' Rob Bloomfield. "It's just offering that gentle ear," the Community Engagement Officer said. "If somebody doesn't want to open up, don't push them. Just let them know you're about if they need to talk." He was speaking at the Coonamble Local Aboriginal Land Council this morning, where at least ten people enjoyed a yarn over light food for R U OK Day."We are actually now starting to try to make R U OK Day every day," Mr Bloomfield said. "What you are is just an ear to listen to the person and lot of the time, once that person feels heard, they can sort of take a step back from the precipice."  Barry Murray, Kevin Fuller, Matt Boney, David Dixon and Percy Wallace joined the Coonamble Aboriginal Land Council's R U OK event. PHOTO: River McCrossen Suicide prevention campaigner Gavin Larkin founded the campaign in 2009 following the suicide of his father Barry. Gavin died in 2011, but the day still takes place on the second Thursday of every September. Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) president Dr Raymond 'RT' Lewandowski said the squeeze from cost of living pressures is taking its toll on mental health. “Everyone is feeling the effects of increased living expenses, whether that be the increased cost of rent, mortgage, utilities or groceries," Dr Lewandowski said. "Maintaining social connections when you are under financial pressure is a common challenge, particularly for singles, who may no longer be able to afford to meet friends for dinner or drinks, or have to cut back on dating due to the expense." He also said financial stress is associated with an increased risk of domestic violence. “Particularly for women with children when trying to navigate and exit a relationship, the cost of living is a major prohibiting factor,” Dr Lewandowski said. “Alongside big issues, such as how they will financially be able to support themselves and their children to afford housing, clothing and family law matters, even basic expenses like being able to fill the car with petrol can be the barrier that stops them leaving a dangerous situation.” Domestic Violence and mental health help is available from:1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491 Lifeline's 24-hour crisis line: 131 114

Baradine was on song last month when 290 children from over 71 schools and 22 local government areas came together for one of Moorambilla Voices’ annual residency camps.Cobar, Coonabarabran, Baradine, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Coolah, Dunedoo, Narromine, Trangie, Collarenebri, Nyngan, Bourke, Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Warren and Brewarrina were all represented by young people from local schools.Well known for its amazing work with young people, Moorambilla Voices encourages young people to think big, dream wide and connect to country through their annual multi-arts program.There are plenty of learning opportunities to choose from including choral singing, Japanese Taiko drumming, dance, and visual arts – all aiming to empower participants to find their voice, passion, and their path for the future.The theme for 2024’s program is ‘The Spirit of Water’ and this year’s camp drew inspiration from Uncle Badger Bates’ extraordinary leadership. Badger (William Brian) Bates is a Barkandji Elder who was born in Wilcannia. In May he led an artistic and cultural immersion at Murawintji National Park.https://moorambilla.com/Founder, Artistic Director, and conductor of Moorambilla Voices, Michelle Leonard OAM said it was wonderful to see the children at the Baradine camp being able to absorb themselves in the images and sounds of the landscape and waterways experienced during the Immersion, thanks to the new audio-visual infrastructure at Baradine Hall.“For the first time, we had use of a large screen onto which we could project images from the immersion, so while the kids were learning the new pieces that were informed by this important place, they could see and almost feel it all around them,” she said.This technology also allowed organisers to share a preview of the short film their MAXed OUT ensemble created at the Taiko Intensive camp held in April earlier this year.“They were so delighted to see themselves and their hard work realised up on screen. Especially because, often in art, you work hard and don’t always see the results for yourself as an ‘audience member.’ It was powerful and exciting for the kids to do so,” Ms Leonard said.“The Moorambilla residential camp experience puts our young performers well out of their comfort zone. And yet, with a determination that belies their age, we see children from eight to 18 work in sessions facilitated by professionals to create performances that are deeply connected to Country with an energy that is a true reflection of their collective ability".Fun facts from Baradine Organisers reported some 'fun facts' from the camp.The residency camp included 290 kids, 3612 meals, 49 volunteers, 15 professional artists and an untold number of smiles, games of Uno, giggles, and friendships. And no doubt plenty of exhausted adults!At the August camps, children learned new skills in a new environment, collaborated, made new friends, developed confidence, and ultimately come together to create a body of work that we will be performed at the Dubbo Regional Theatre over three gala performances on September 28 and 29, 2024.For more information on the camps, and the upcoming performance in Dubbo, head to www.moorambilla.com.

Debate continues over where the balance should lie between irrigation and river health following the Expert Connectivity Panel's recommendations to preserve the Barwon Darling River System. The panel report, released in July, calls for the NSW Government to introduce flow targets at the end of river systems and to restrict flood plain harvesting. The report says lawmakers should not wait for 'perfect information' before taking measures to protect the river system, an idea also known as the 'precautionary principle'. Irrigators say the principle would take water unnecessarily from their activities, although cattle producer Garry Hall, also chair of the Macquarie Marshes Landholders Association, said he supports the principle. "There will be some restructuring taking place. I don't expect one megalitre will be removed from an irrigator's entitlement without due compensation," Mr Hall said. "We all accept that the water market is in place. People borrow money on the strength of their assets, that being land and water nowadays, so there's no suggestion whatsoever that rule changes would be impacting on landholders' equity. "It's all about providing those flows in the river to improve connectivity and give much needed baseflows."Barwon-Darling Water spokesperson Ian Cole. PHOTO: suppliedThe Macquarie Marshes grazier was in Sydney on 15 August to push NSW MPs to adopt the panel's recommendation in full . He spoke alongside other representatives of the Nature Conservation Council to government and crossbench MPs. Ian Cole, a spokesperson for Barwon-Darling Water representing irrigators along the Barwon Darling, said the report was "unclear" on what the environmental benefits would be if the NSW government accepts new water rules. "Most people acknowledge that things went too far back in the 1990s, but there has been a swing back the other way where a lot of water has been brought back for the environment," he said. "We all know we've got to have an irrigation industry. Without intensive agriculture, which includes irrigation, we can't feed our population. "We know we've got to take some water out of rivers and lakes, and from underground, to have theses industries. The question is how much do we take out of any particular river or water source." The report was chaired by Amy Dula from the Natural Resources Commission, after being set up in August 2023 by the NSW government.

Cobar Shire will see more people coming to the region with the official opening today of NSW's newest critical minerals mine. Aurelia Metals' Federation mine is about 110 kilometres south of Cobar and is expected to support more than 140 skilled jobs in its first eight years. The mine will produce up to 600,000 tonnes each year, with largely underground work focused on zinc, gold, copper and lead. “The Federation mine will bring immediate employment and investment benefits to Cobar, but it will also support more jobs and investment through supply chains and towns right across the Far West," NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said. “Mining has a long and proud history in NSW, and opening the Federation mine today shows it also has a bright future. “The critical minerals and high-tech metals from mines across NSW will help build the products for a clean energy future. With deposits of 21 of the 31 nationally identified critical and strategic minerals, NSW is well placed to be a global leader."A drone shot of Federation mine. PHOTO: NSW Government As part of its initial project targets, the mine is expected to produce four metric tonnes of ore containing 328,000 tonnes of zinc, 192,000 tonnes of lead, 12,000 tonnes of copper, 116,000 ounces of gold and 772,000 ounces of silver. The mining and exploration company has invested $143 million into the project and is expected to pay $74 million in royalties over its initial project life.  The site was discovered in 2019 and received development approval in 2023 to mine until 2036. Minerals from the mine will be processed locally at Aurelia Metals' Peak and Hera facilities. About 40 per cent of the local workforce is directly employed in the mining industry. “Federation is one of the highest-grade base metals development projects in Australia and is a key building block to unlock Aurelia’s growth potential in the Cobar Basin," Aurelia Metals CEO Bryan Quinn said. “It is remarkable to be opening a brand new mine only discovered in 2019. The short turnaround is testament to the excellent collaboration of NSW government agencies, the Aurelia team and strong support from the community. "Cash flow generated from Federation will help to advance Aurelia’s next organic growth project, which is the Great Cobar deposit.” Metals like zinc, copper and gold can be used to make renewables like solar panels. The opening of the region's newest mine comes as the Endeavor silver, lead and zinc mine looks to restart production in 2025.

The Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council (Brewarrina LALC) will have its work ahead of it to make use of the land transferred to it under an historic resolution to a land claim that went for 40 years.The land transfer was part of a native title resolution formalised in an open-air court at Cobar's Newy Reserve on 14 August. At the court, Justice Melissa Perry delivered a determination recognising the native title rights of the Ngemba, Ngiyampaa, Wangaaypuwan and Wayilwan peoples across 95,000 square kilometres of land and water (12 per cent of NSW). The patchwork of land runs from the Barwon River in the north, to the Lachlan River in the south, the Castlereagh River in the east and Ivanhoe to the west.Acting Brewarrina LALC CEO Urayne Warraweena said the resolution will allow the land council to create more employment opportunities, such as ranger jobs, and to protect the environment of their lands."This is a monumental moment in Brewarrina's history," she said.However, Ms Warraweena pointed out they will rely on government funding to bring their ideas off the ground."We are looking at ways of creating revenue. We need to be able to sustain ourselves as a land council," she said. "We do need money to do it. Land councils obviously don't get funded very well, so everything will have to come through government grants."Because that's what happens a lot with land councils. Government will give land back, but with no help in how to activate and use it. So, it becomes a debt."We have a fair few businesses popping up now in Brewarrina with language programs, cultural dancing, so now to actually have property and space to do this, that's going to be very significant."Because it was crown land, there has been a lot of destruction with feral and farming animals, so we would like to have access to a clean space where we can practice culture."Dancing in Cobar at the site of an history native title settlement in August. PHOTO: suppliedNSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the outcome had been a long time coming."The resolution of the Brewarrina Common claim is the product of years of hard work and a strong partnership between the Government, Brewarrina LALC, and NSWALC,” he said. On 13 August 1984 Ernest Gordon, who was chairperson of the Brewarrina LALC at the time, made a claim for 3,760 hectares under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act.The Act was introduced in 1983 for the return of eligible Crown Land to Aboriginal Land Councils. However, under the Aboriginal Lands Act, Aboriginal land claims cannot be made to land that is subject to an application or approved determination of native title. “During the seven years of negotiations between the Land Council and Native Title with the ILUA (Indigenous Lands Use Agreement) a compromise was made between both parties," Ms Warraweena said."Whereas Native Title would extinguish their claim in order to receive some of the land in the ALRA claim. In doing this Brewarrina was able to make history that will benefit everyone.”

Farmers across Australia have descended on Parliament House to protest federal rule changes. At least 2000 people were at the rally, according to organiser the National Farmers Federation (NFF). The NFF has published a list of grievances including water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin and a phased ban on live-sheep exports by sea. Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said people he met at the protest, including at least one person from Warren, were angry. "They didn't want to give up a day at work to come to Canberra," Mr Coulton said. "There was a big focus on the live-sheep trade in Western Australia being stopped, but with it no longer being a market option, that's going to impact on the price of sheep on the eastern states. So, that one has a direct impact on sheep producers in our area. "I think we'll probably see a campaign now. Hopefully we'll see one from the famers organisations."Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) with rally goers. PHOTO: Office of Mark Coulton MP A convoy of about 100 trucks lapped the ring road around Parliament House before the crowd heard from farmer representatives and Coalition politicians including Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton. State member for Barwon, Roy Butler attended the rally. "We deserve to be respected. However, the reason why you are here today, the reason why I am here today, is because we feel like we are getting stiffed," NFF president David Jochinke told the crowd gathered on the lawns outside Parliament House. "Any policy that they develop, and when I say 'they' I mean these people in the house behind us, needs to have their key stakeholder. And you know who that is? Us. "We need to be at the table, that is where we are going to get outcomes."The rally also focused on a move to remove the Diesel Fuel Rebate for farmers, changes to the working holiday visa rules and the "reckless" pace of renewables progress NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin took aim at the Murry Darling Basin Plan, which aims to improve river health by limiting the amount of water that can be taken from it. "You can't grow anything without water," Mr Martin said. "The Murray Darling Basin Plan is one of these really bad ideas that are making things worse, madly modelled in the millennium drought, this plan has done little but cause crippling pain within our once-healthy Basin communities. "They're just turning the tap off to the bush."Irrigators council speaks against water buy backsThe NSW Irrigators Council joined the rally. CEO Claire Miller said the water recovery measures environment must not have social or economic impacts on the Basin communities “With costs rising across the board and many operations struggling to make ends meet, this could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for many small to medium family farms,” Ms Miller said. "Any water recovery for the environment must not have social or economic impacts on the communities that depend on water for their livelihoods. ABARES has already warned the Government that buybacks will drive up production costs, particularly for rice and dairy."

They only opened just over a fortnight ago, but Collarenebri's bore baths are already attracting more visitors to the town. Local business owner, Tattersalls Hotel-Motel's Phyllis Dunn said she has seen a clear increase in traffic to the area. "There's a hell of a lot of tourists, grey nomads and that, coming through and staying," she said. "Most times through the day you can look up the main street and see three or four or five caravans parked. "They're coming and going all the time, so it's hard to say, but there's definitely a marked improvement." Ms Dunn said she's heard nothing but rave reviews from those who have tried the the new baths.Walgett Shire Director of Infrastructure and Compliance Kazi Mahmud, Councillor Alf Seaton, Mayor Jasen Ramien, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and General Manager Megan Dixon at the official opening PHOTO: Mark Coulton (supplied)"Everybody says it's fantastic. I haven't heard one negative comment." Walgett Shire received a $920,000 grant in 2021 to build the site with the council contributing around another $600,000 to $700,000. The bore water temperature will sit between 40 and 42 degrees. Walgett Mayor Jasen Ramien and General Manager Megan Dixon joined outgoing federal Parkes MP Mark Coulton for the official opening on 5 September. “This project generated 25 jobs during construction, with six ongoing operational jobs," Ms Dixon said. “It has triggered new investment in town, with a private investor buying and re-opening businesses, including a laundry and café.”