The $2.8 million Roads to Home upgrade at the Willow Bend Village in Condobolin is complete. The NSW government funded the Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) to upgrade the infrastructure in the village and protect it from flooding from the nearby Lachlan River.  "The Roads to Home infrastructure upgrades will benefit residents of the Willow Bend Village which is home to about a dozen families as well as visitors and service providers to the community who will also use that infrastructure," a Property and Development NSW spokesperson said.  According to the spokesperson, the last flood event in Condobolin did not reach the houses at Willow Bend.  “The infrastructure upgrades have made a big difference. The village looks a lot better than it did before and the improvements have given residents ownership and pride in the community.," Condobolin LALC CEO Louise Davies said.  The upgrades include stormwater drainage, streetlighting, house fencing, upgrades to the community basketball and tennis courts, a community yarning circle, and a new village entrance. The new sign welcoming visitors and locals to Willow Bend Village. Photo: suppliedMP Roy Butler said the upgrades were a necessity for the residents of Willow Bend Village.  “Things like reinforcing the levee to prevent inundation from the Lachlan river, along with upgrading the roads and building an amenities block, are not luxury items but they bring residents some much-needed improvements that make Willow Bend a much better place to live," Mr Butler said.  The Roads to Home project also provided training and work opportunities to 18 residents.  “As part of the project, local residents got work and training with machinery including excavators and backhoes, and in fencing. and concreting," Mr Davies said.  “The Roads to Home program is correcting an historic injustice where Aboriginal communities on former missions and reserves across NSW were left to fend for themselves without the types of infrastructure and services that communities in the rest of the state take for granted," Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said.  Part of the upgrades included adding cultural designs to the area. Photo: supplied

The Warren Shire Council has solidified its team for the 2024-2028 term, welcoming a blend of new talent and experienced hands to lead the region through the coming years. Six new Councillors have joined the ranks, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table.The newly elected Councillors include Tony Wass, Mark Kelly, David Cleasby, Penny Heuston, Bob McKay, and Pauline Serdity. Notably, Ms Serdity is returning to the Council after a three-year break, having previously served for 22 years. Meanwhile, in Ward C, a close contest between Joanne Van Eldonk and Roslyn Jackson concluded in Jackson’s victory, with the results officially declared on Wednesday, October 2.In addition to the newcomers, returning Councillors Greg Whiteley, Sarah Derrett, Noel Kinsey, Andrew Brewer, Ros Jackson, and Dirk McCloskey ensure stability, as the Council continues its work for the community while introducing new initiatives.Gary Woodman, General Manager of Warren Shire Council, expressed optimism for the future.“We are excited to work with both new and returning Councillors to implement our four-year delivery program. This team is well-equipped to lead community engagement, ensuring that Warren Shire continues to thrive,” Mr Woodman said.As the Warren Shire Council looks ahead, it also paid tribute to the contributions of retiring Councillors; Mayor Milton Quigley, Kevin Taylor, Heather Druce, Katrina Walker, and the late Ron Higgins, who passed away earlier this year. Mr Quigley, who has served on the Council for 20 years, including six as Mayor, has left a lasting legacy of leadership during some of the Shire’s most challenging times.“As we welcome the newly elected Councillors, I am filled with optimism. Their dedication will drive forward our shared goals and improve the quality of life for all residents,” Mr Quigley said. “As I step down after two decades of service and six years as Mayor, I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my fellow Councillors, Shire staff, and the community for their trust and support. My deepest gratitude also goes to my wife Jenny for her unwavering support.”Mr Quigley concluded with confidence in the incoming team. “We have built a strong foundation for the future, and I am certain the new Council will continue this important work with passion and purpose. It has truly been an honour to serve Warren Shire,” Mr Quigley said.The new Council representation from October 2024 is as follows:Ward A: Pauline Serdity, Greg Whiteley, Noel KinseyWard B: Sarah Derrett, Penny Heuston, Bob McKayWard C: David Cleasby, Mark Kelly, Ros JacksonWard D: Dirk McCloskey, Andrew Brewer, Tony WassCouncil will meet on Thursday 10 October to elect a Mayor and Deputy Mayor. 

Are you in need of assistance with your government services? Well Service Australia has you covered.  The Golden Wattle Mobile Service Centre van travels to rural areas to help regional customers with available services and payments.  The van which travels all over the countryside gives people the opportunity for face-to-face consultation for those who don’t usually have access to these services in their town.  Help with family payments and Medicare or Centrelink, along with Department of Veteran Affairs programs and support services for veterans and their families are part of the assistance on offer.  "Everything we're doing while we travel, we do in the service centre, but I just feel like we get to spend that little bit more time with customers" according to Lia Service Centre Operator. "So far we've had really good feedback from all of the customers," she said. "I’m pleased to see the Mobile Service Centre van will be spending time in the Parkes electorate over the next month," said Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton. "It will provide residents in communities that don’t have direct access to Services Australia staff with face-to-face support for a range of government services including Centrelink, Medicare, NDIS and veterans’ affairs matters. Staff can also help people create a myGov account if they haven’t already got one. "You can’t beat in-person support, so I encourage everyone to take advantage of the van when it comes to town," said Mr Coulton. In times of natural disasters and emergencies Mobile Service Centres can also offer on-the-ground support for disaster recovery efforts.  Where When Carinda, near the playground, Shakespear Street 8 October, 10:30am to 3:30pm Brewarrina, Visitor Information Centre car park, Bathurst Street 9 October, 9am to 4 pm Brewarrina, Visitor Information Centre car park, Bathurst Street 10 October, 9am to 12 pm Menindee, near the community hall, Yartla Street 16 October, 10am to 3:30 pm Wilcannia, near Baker Park, Reid Street 17 October, 11am to 4 pm Wilcannia, near Baker Park, Reid Street 18 October, 9am to 2 pm Cobar, near the Services Australia Agent, Barton Street 21 October, 9am to 3:30 pm Nyngan, Nyngan Museum car park, Pangee Street 22 October, 9am to 4 pm Warren, near Warren Services Club, Dubbo Street 23 October, 9am to 4pm Trangie, in front of the library, Dandaloo Street 24 October, 9:30am to 3pm 

Support drivers from Warrumbungle Shire Council's Community Care program were awarded the Orana Volunteer Team of the Year at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards in Dubbo on 1 October. The team will be invited to represent the region in the category for The Centre for Volunteering's Gala State Ceremony in Sydney on 10 December, where the state winner will be announced.The Community Transport Volunteers, who number about 28 drivers, support elderly and disabled residents across the shire with tasks like trips for shopping, hair and medical appointments.   "It's vital. For a lot of our residents in the shire, and especially the elderly, who are transport-disadvantaged, they may not have relatives living nearby- and there's no public transport," said Ngaire Stevens, the council's Acting Director of Corporate and Community Services . "We also run Meals on Wheels, social support services and respite services, so all those together are helping people stay independent in their own homes for longer. "Our volunteers are a very big part of what we do with our community care and it's lovely that they've been honoured."The volunteers maintain quality of life for elderly residents by keeping them in their homes. PHOTO: Western Plains App/ River McCrossen The drivers serve a 12,500-square-kilometre area covering Coonabarabran, Coolah, Baradine, Binnaway, Mendooren and Dunedoo, along with smaller villages in the shire. Not all the drivers could attend the awards at Dubbo RSL given a limit on ticket numbers, so Ms Stevens said a separate celebration will be held. Merrigal mechanic Anton Dieck also collected Orana Young Volunteer of the Year for his service with the Gilgandra SES. He joined the unit as a 16-year-old in May 2022, where he has responded to call-outs during storms, road crashes and other incidents. The win were broken to him by a call from a superior. "I was like 'gosh, getting a call from a deputy zone commander, I must be in big trouble.'"The 18-year-old has completed qualifications including Flood Boat Crew Member, Flood Rescue Awareness, Industrial and Domestic Rescue and Road Crash Rescue. “These awards recognise the exceptional effort of volunteers across the Orana region, The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said. "Whether it’s in the local sports club, in health care, education and cultural centres, legal support or emergency response, volunteers are essential for the ongoing health and viability of local communities. “It’s important for volunteers across the region to know that their commitment is recognised and valued.”

Louise Turner will step back from her role at Western Landcare, after a decade and a half at the forefront of conservation in western NSW.The passionate leader has been at the helm of the organisation, which spans 42 per cent of the state, since its inception.Indeed, she says that one of the highlights of her time was being part of the group who set up the land care organisation.She leaves now with a legacy that Western Landcare is the biggest Not For Profit stakeholder for biodiversity and conservation in the region. It’s influenced countless landholders in how they manage their properties and built a toolkit of knowledge on the impact that biodiversity has in their land management.“It feels good to have been part of the team who set up the organisation back in 2004.”Since then Mrs Turner has held several key roles, including Executive Officer and Regional Landcare Co-ordinator.The next chapter for her will include a small amount of project work with Western Landcare, helping to manage the operations at her sheep property with husband Zane, and then space to find her next professional adventure.“This job has been so incredibly rewarding. I’m really proud of all that we have achieved,” Mrs Turner said.“I just feel like it’s time for me to finish up.The Landcare Enabling Program has been funded by the NSW Government and so it’s now time for other leaders in our organisation to step up and implement that new program,” Mrs Turner said.“I’m contracted to work on another project with the organisation until Christmas, but I’m not sure what I’ll do after that.”Mrs Turner said she had found exposure to the next generation particularly rewarding. “I’m really passionate about teaching the next generation. Landcare is more than just planting trees. So to be able to plant the seeds of knowledge with school aged students who then take those learnings home is really special.”She said she would remain a champion for biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, and would watch Western Landcare’s wins from the sidelines. “Sustainable agriculture is incredibly important to me, and I feel proud to have advocated for that in this role.”

In a shock for all chocolate lovers, the price of the delicious treat is about to skyrocket, thanks to record high cocoa prices.Rabobank’s research arm has just released a report about high cocoa prices, which are putting strong pressure on chocolate producers around the globe. A cost pressure that will likely be passed on to consumers.In the report, ominously entitled, Soaring Cocoa prices: The worst is yet to come, the bank says the main impact of the cocoa crisis still lies ahead, as companies hedge prices and supply contracts up to a year in advance.“Significantly higher chocolate prices will likely hit shelves over the coming months and going into 2025, providing a major challenge for the chocolate sector, which is already battling a longer-term, structural decline in demand,” the report says. But it seems Western Plains chocolate lovers may not need to panic – at least not yet!Monica Stevenson, who manages Bowser Bean in Condobolin said at the moment, chocolate prices were not the issue.“We haven’t noticed the price of chocolate being a standout as far as price increases, but we’ve definitely noticed a decrease in package sizes,” Ms Stevenson said.This tallies with findings from RaboResearch analyst Paul Joules.To combat rising costs, Mr Joules said, chocolate manufacturers across the globe are adopting various strategies.“These include ‘shrinkflation’, which is reducing package sizes while maintaining prices, and ‘skimpflation’, which is altering recipes to use less cocoa and more fillers,” he said.“These tactics, while effective, are often unpopular with consumers.”At Bowser Bean, Ms Stevenson said chocolate products are only a small part of their sales.“We do a bit of everything here, from fuel to groceries to fresh food. Even the hot chocolates don’t really seem to have been affected in price at this stage, but you never know what’s around the corner,” she said.Cocoa-crisis ahead?What is around the corner, according to Rabobank, is a “cocoa crisis” where the cocoa commodity prices have hit their highest levels in nearly 50 years.“Since January 2023, cocoa futures have shattered the calm of their previous trading range, peaking at nearly USD 12,000 per metric ton in the first half of 2024,” Mr Joules said. “This dramatic increase, fuelled by a global cocoa shortage, is primarily due to a disappointing harvest in West Africa, the source of 70 per cent of the world's cocoa,” Mr Joules said.“The International Cocoa Organisation reports a 14.2 per cent drop in global cocoa production for the 2023/24 season, leading to a shortage of approximately 462,000 metric tons and the lowest cocoa stocks in 22 years.”Zest Café in Narromine is a local go-to for delicious meals and hot drinks and agreed with Ms Stevenson that the “cocoa crisis” had not affected pricing at their outlet either.Mr Joules said despite recent price increases, the full force of the cocoa crisis is likely yet to be felt on supermarket shelves globally.“Due to the lag in the supply chain and existing contracts, the steepest price hikes are anticipated in the second half of 2024 and into 2025,” he said.“This would inevitably lead to higher prices for consumers, particularly for dark chocolates with higher cocoa content.’

The Future Drought Fund has released two new grant rounds to help build resilience in the Australian outback through drought and climate variability.  The Federal Government released two new grant rounds involving the long-term trials of drought resilient farming practices program and the resilient landscapes program.  The long-term trials of drought-resilient farming practices are going into their second round with $40.3 million available through an open competitive grant process for projects worth between $3 million and $8 million from 20224/25 to 2029/30. Agricultural industries including cereal, broadacre crops, horticulture crops, and livestock have been included in the second round following feedback from the first round.  The Resilient Landscapes program also has $40 million available through an open competitive grant process for projects between $2 million and $6 million from 2024/25 until 2029/30. Coonamble farmer Henry Moxham who is the former Coonamble Show Society President said he received funding through the Building Resilient Communities program from the Future Drought Fund to help finance infrastructure upgrades at the Coonamble Showground in 2022.  The upgrades helped build a new arena, pavilion extension, poultry extension, and cattle shed.  In total, Mr Moxham said they received $500,000 through the future drought fund. "It was fantastic. I think we received the biggest one they gave out," Mr Moxham said.  He said the infrastructure at the Coonamble Showground was old and in desperate need of repair.  "Essentially we injected $500,000 into the local economy. "We could have kept it running but the funding helped dramatically improve the quality of infrastructure."  Mr Moxham encouraged other farmers to apply for the Fund.  "The only thing I would recommend is outsourcing a grant writer because that's I think what got us getting the bigger grant." As a community organisation where everyone is volunteering, we are all a bit light on time. We thought outsourcing writing the grant application was money well spent."Grant applications close next month. For more information on the Long-term trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Program click here and for the Resilient Landscapes Program click here.

Teams from the Western Plains will be some of the first to play in the men's draw of one of the biggest Indigenous sport events in Australia. Over 140 rugby teams will play across the women's, men's and junior's sections in the Koori Knockout in Bathurst from 4-7 October. Walgett will field three men's sides, with reserve team Walgett Aboriginal Connection Dragons (WAC Dragons) facing the Castlereagh All Blacks in Pool A at 9am. First graders Walgett Aboriginal Connection (WAC), not to be confused with the Dragons, will then face the Wellington Wedgetails in the same pool at 9:50am. In Pool C at 12:20pm, the Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers (WAR) Veterans side verse Sydney All Blacks, while Bourke Warriors square off against Cuz United. Walgett Young Guns take on Newcastle All Blacks in the same pool at 1:10pm. Castlereagh All Blacks president Dewayne Sampson said WAC and WAR were teams to look out for on the field.  "Both of them are stacked. A lot of money and a lot of resources," he said. "WAC are always a hard team. They beat us a couple year ago in the grand final. "It's all about family and all about community. It's good to get back in touch with them and get along with the brothers."Pool A9amBoomerang Sports Club vs Mt Druitt United 1Brothers United vs Wild Card Brothers WAC Dragons vs Castlereagh All Blacks 9.50amWalgett Aboriginal Connection vs Wellington WedgetailsToomelah Tigers vs Gundungurra GoannasRedfern All Blacks vs Tweed ConnexionsWiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers vs Western WarriorsBye – Dhinawan Boys Toomelah Pool B10.40amMt Druitt United 2 vs Waterloo StormNext Generation Kangaroos vs Maitland UnitedQueanbeyan Kanberri Connections vs Blacktown Red Belly Warriors 11.30amDindima vs Narrungderer WarriorsWilcannia Boomerangs vs South TareeDarkinjung Waters vs Cabbage Tree Island 1Leroy Davis Memorial vs Combined CountriesBye Tamworth CrowsREAD MORE  Pool C12.20pmWiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers Veterans vs Sydney All BlacksKamilaroi Galamaays vs Erambie All BlacksCuz United vs Bourke Warriors 1.10pmEnngonia Outlaws vs Cabbage Tree Island 2La Perouse Panthers 1 vs Griffith Three WaysNewcastle All Blacks vs Walgett Young GunsStewart Family Warrawong vs Bundjalung Warriors BaygalsBye Campbelltown Ghosts Pool D2pmNanima Common Connection vs Maal DhiiyaanSouth Coast Sea Eagles vs Waterloo Storms Next GenerationNarwan Eels vs Narrandera Wiradjuri Warriors 2.50pmBlacktracker Bloodlines vs Dubbo Aboriginal KinnectionsShane and Sheldon’s Bulldogs vs Baryulgil DescendantsLa Perouse Panthers 2 vs Narrugdera UnitedNewcastle Yowies vs Country King BrownsBye Wahluu Warriors

Baradine footballers have participated in a suicide awareness course.Members of the Baradine Magpies Rugby League Football Club (RLFC) and supporters rolled up to a mental health skills workshop held at the Baradine Bowling club on Saturday.Presented by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP), Baradine Magpies RLFC treasurer, Neil Cooney said that the club initiative was an outcome from a mental health fundraising event.“The club held a Calcutta auction some time ago initially with the aim of donating funds to one of the mental health charities,” Mr Cooney said. “Then Jason Dewson contacted us after the sad suicide of Matt Dewson and suggested we do something locally in the way of training that would help us to spot signs of suicide in others.“We heard about a football club in the Northern Territory who had started a suicide prevention program called Katherine Mental Mates that has helped players keep an eye on their mates. We decided that we wanted to do something similar and it has progressed from there.“When you or someone you care about is going through a hard time or are experiencing mental health challenges, finding the right support and information can make a huge difference," he said.“We are hoping that some of the other district footy clubs might come on board and do the training as well. It can be very difficult to reach out to a friend that may be struggling with mental health and we received a lot of great information at this session.” RAMHP workshop facilitator, Gabby Schultz talked about mental health and well-being and answered questions on the service options available to meet individual needs."“We discussed various aspects of mental health, including common conditions, breaking stigma, and where to go for help and support,” Ms Shultz said. “We hear a lot about mental health, especially in our small rural communities and it is important to recognise when someone's not coping well or needing support and what supports are available and how to access them.“It was a fabulous group to work with. We had a lot of questions, a lot of input and a lot of people sharing what experiences they'd had.“The difference between the support skills workshop and a full mental health first aid course is that this session was a condensed version, but it still provides essential skills and information. It was held in a conversational style with people in the group contributing.  “It was great to see that there were some young people attending as well some older ones, but of course mental health can affect anyone at any age and does.  There are a lot of people in our rural communities that are impacted in one way or another and today everyone was keen to find out the best way to offer support.”Gabby said that the most important way to help someone is to let them know that they are cared for.  “If you are concerned about someone there are a range of interventions available depending on need,” she added. “Being able to assist them is really important. “Information on services and how to access them can be found on the RAMHP website and we are a funded program so there are no fees for any of the mental health workshops. We are happy to speak to groups, even a very small number of people. “If they are keen to find out, we are keen to give them the information.”

Coonamble's greyhound racing club says it will have more nominations than usual for what could be its last ever annual Gold Cup Carnival, starting today. Close to 250 dogs will take part in races across four days beginning from 2pm, with a total prize pool of over $55,000.Despite confirming in May that the Coonamble track would be closed as part of a statewide 'restructure', peak body Greyhound Racing NSW quickly confirmed that they would support the 2024 October Long Weekend carnival.Organisers are hoping for a good turnout for the event from residents as well as visitors to the region to celebrate and support what has become one of the district's landmark events.The carnival is expecting a strong showing of greyhound trainers and owners from Rockhampton in central Queensland to the bottom of Victoria, some of whom have been attending the event for decades.  "Friday night mostly will see the big action," club president Graham Pickering said. "It's a pretty good thing to come and watch. And for a lot of people that have never done it, they might not get another chance in Coonamble."  Mr Pickering mowing the track ahead of the races. PHOTO: The Coonamble Times/ River McCrossenThere will be 22 races this Friday, ten from 2pm and, after a break in the program, 12 more starting from 7.30pm. Local business leaders are encouraging people to make a show of support for this year's carnival, which they say drives a lot of money into the local economy. "I'm not a regular race-goer, but it's a great opportunity to get out and experience something different," Coonamble Bowling Club chair Steve Butler said. "For people that don't go support it, I recommend that they do because the onflow effect gives their children and their grandchildren the opportunity for a job in the community." "It affects every little business in town," Swanny's Foods owner Shane Swansborough said. "They (trainers and supporters) do spend a lot of money in town. They get accommodation, they eat, get fuel." Future in the balance Coonamble-bred photographer Jason McKeown grew up on greyhound racing. He lived on property right next to the local track and has travelled from his current home in Melbourne almost every year since 2008 to shoot the annual October Carnival. He hopes it will continue, but his gut feeling is that this year will be its last.A photo Mr McKoewn took of Coonamble trainer Aiden Lee at the track in 2022. PHOTO: Jason McKeown Photography"With what's going on within NSW and Victoria, it was inevitable that rural tracks, especially non-TAB tracks, would eventually close," he said. GRNSW is set to meet local committee in the weeks after the October Carnival to discuss the club's future with club representatives trying to stay positive. Mr Pickering hopes a strong turnout will make GRNSW think twice about closure. "You'll see the amount of people that are going to turn up here this weekend, how much money the town's going to lose," Mr Pickering said. Acting Greyhound Racing NSW CEO Wayne Billett said he will attend the races this long weekend. “Like everyone I am looking forward to another tremendous weekend of racing action and events both on and off the track," Mr Billet said. “The club always does a tremendous job and a lot of hard work goes into the weekend."Nominations for the race meetings have been very strong, and I’m sure - as the case is every year - there will be some competitive and exciting racing across the long weekend.”

Subsidised flights to Western NSW will mean that remote communities in the region will have access to affordable travel.The NSW Government announced it would subsidise flights until November 2025, meaning rates for flights from Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge and from Sydney to Cobar would remain low.An audit is also under way of remote and rural airstrips to identify those in most need of repair or upgrade Under the Regional Development Trust’s $15m airstrips improvement package.General Manager of Walgett Shire Council, Megan Dixon said the news was most welcome in her corner of the state.“This is a really important service. From our perspective at Council it means that we can fly consultants up from Dubbo, and support our staff members when needed through things like emergency healthcare.“An example of this would be last year when were able to fly in face-to-face trauma care for staff members.It’s much more effective to do that.Tele-health is available but it doesn’t have the same impact,” Mrs Dixon said.Image: Air Link AirlinesRegional NSW and Western NSW Minister Tara Moriarty says air travel is an easily accessible convenience for metropolitan residents but “not so easy” for western NSW.“This funding will help commercial operators offer a two-way service connecting regional NSW with essential workers, trades, and services that they often depend on,” she said.Independent MP for Barwon, Roy Butler concurred, saying that flights in the remote corners of the state were a necessity, not a luxury.

The winning candidates of last month's council elections have now been declared for almost all Western Plains shires. Just Lachlan Shire remains incomplete and a 23 November by-election has been confirmed for Ward E. Over the past 48 hours the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) declared elected the councillors for Gilgandra, Coonamble, Narromine, Bourke, Cobar, Walgett, Bogan and Brewarrina shires, along with Ward C in both Lachlan and Warren shires. Warrumbungle and Cobar shires did not hold a contest due to a lack of candidates, as didn't wards A, B and D in Warren and Lachlan shires. Walgett Walgett's results were declared on Tuesday 2 October, with Mayor Jasen Ramien one of seven councillors returning from this term. New in 2024 are Scott Bailey and Jo Coleman, with Ms Coleman gaining her seat in the tenth count. Councillors will vote for their new Mayor and Deputy Mayor on Tuesday 10 October.   RAMIEN JasenRE-ELECTEDBAILEY ScottELECTEDKEIR JaneRE-ELECTEDWALFORD DanielRE-ELECTEDRUMMERY GregoryRE-ELECTEDSEATON AlfredRE-ELECTEDCOLEMAN JoELECTEDKEARL PaulineRE-ELECTEDCOOKE MichaelRE-ELECTED CoonambleCoonamble's election results were declared on Tuesday with an almost entirely fresh set of faces. Immediate past Deputy Mayor Adam Cohen was re-elected as a councillor and is the sole returning councillor in the shire. A contest between Marg Garnsey and Steven 'Jay-Jay' Smith in the tenth round of counting saw Mrs Garnsey pull ahead after distribution of preferences to secure the final seat. Ahmad 'Al' Karanouh and Karen Churchill were elected in 2021 and resigned from council 12 months out from this election, but were given another chance by voters. The mayoral vote will take place on Wednesday at 3pm. CHURCHILL KarenELECTEDBUTLER SteveELECTEDCOHEN AdamRE-ELECTEDKARANOUH Ahmad (Al)ELECTED WHEELHOUSE PaulELECTEDFISHER PaulELECTEDGARNSEY MargaretELECTED KEADY DanielELECTEDGOLDSMITH PipELECTED Bogan A ten-person race for nine council seats saw current councillor Milligan unsuccessful at re-election. Current Mayor Glenn Neil was re-elected in the first round of counting, joining four other returnees. Councillors will elect a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor on Thursday 10 October. ISSA SamELECTEDMENZIES DouglasRE-ELECTEDBOAG VictoriaRE-ELECTEDELIAS JudyELECTEDBOOTLE RichardELECTEDNEILL GlenRE-ELECTEDJACKSON GrahamRE-ELECTEDSTANTON EmilyELECTEDBRIGHT KarlRE-ELECTED  NarromineNarromine Shire Council office. PHOTO: Western Plains App/ River McCrossenThe results in Narromine are yet to be declared at the time of writing. While most candidates were elected in the first and second count of votes, a four-way showdown in the twelfth count saw three people elected: Adine Hoey, Les Lambert and Lachlan Roberts. JONES EwenRE-ELECTEDDAVIES CraigRE-ELECTEDHOEY AdineRE-ELECTEDROBERTS LachlanRE-ELECTED BOHM StaceyELECTEDSMITH JudyELECTEDLEAK BrianELECTEDLAMBERT LesRE-ELECTED HOWE PeterELECTED BrewarrinaThere were six returning councillors when the NSWEC declared candidates elected on Tuesday. Michael Pederson, Jason Morton and Trish Frail were elected in the seventh and final count. Councillors will be sworn in at an extra ordinary meeting on Wednesday 9 October, where the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will also be elected. BROWN MarkRE-ELECTEDGORDON DouglasRE-ELECTEDPEDERSEN MichaelELECTEDSTANTON TommyRE-ELECTEDMORTON JasonELECTED FRAIL TrishRE-ELECTED SLACK-SMITH VivianRE-ELECTEDCOLLESS BelindaELECTEDPIPPOS AngeloRE-ELECTED Bourke Bourke fielded 14 candidates for 10 seats in September. Deputy Mayor Lachlan Ford made it through in the ninth and final round alongside Kylie Baty and Sally Davis. Half the new council will be made of fresh faces in 2024. KERR FrancisELECTEDNINA MaximeELECTEDBARTON SarahRE-ELECTEDFORD LachlanRE-ELECTEDBATES-CANTY PatriciaELECTEDRICE SamuelRE-ELECTEDMCADAM ScottELECTEDBATY KylieELECTED STUTSEL BobRE-ELECTEDDAVIS SallyRE-ELECTED  GilgandraThe council looks largely unchanged after the final results were declared on Tuesday, with seven of nine councillors returning from the previous term. Amber Bunter and Brian Mockler took the last two seats in the eighth round. Councillors will be sworn in and elect their Mayor at a meeting on Tuesday 8 October.  FREETH IanRE-ELECTEDPEART GregRE-ELECTEDWHITE NicholasELECTEDBATTEN DougRE-ELECTEDMOCKLER BrianRE-ELECTED FORAN MadelineELECTEDBUNTER AmberRE-ELECTEDWALKER AshleyRE-ELECTEDMANN PaulRE-ELECTED CobarPHOTO: Western Plains App/ River McCrossenCobar didn't field enough candidates for an election, so those who put their hand up came through uncontested, including current Mayor Jarrod Marsden, Deputy Mayor Michael Prince and incoming first-time councillor Michael Haines. Crs Marsden and Prince were re-elected to their roles at a council meeting on Thursday 26 September. Chris DEIGHTONELECTED UNOPPOSED Peter FLORANCEELECTED UNOPPOSEDMiranda FRYELECTED UNOPPOSEDMichael HAINESELECTED UNOPPOSEDJarrod MARSDENRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDWayne PHILLIPSELECTED UNOPPOSEDMichael PRINCEELECTED UNOPPOSEDLillian SIMPSONRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDBob SINCLAIRRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDHarley TOOMEYRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDNigel VAGGELECTED UNOPPOSEDKate WINDERSRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED WarrenAn election in Ward C saw Joanne Van Eldonk and Roslyn Jackson face off for the last seat in the fourth round. Ms Jackson came out on top and the results were declared on Wednesday 2 October. Of the 12 councillors, five are returning to serve their ward. Council will meet on Thursday 10 October to elect a Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Ward ANoel KINSEYRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED Pauline SERDITYELECTED UNOPPOSED Gregory WHITELEYRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDWard BSarah DERRETTRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED Penelope HEUSTONELECTED UNOPPOSED Robert McKAYELECTED UNOPPOSEDWard CCLEASBY DavidELECTED UNOPPOSED JACKSON RoslynELECTED UNOPPOSED KELLY MarkELECTED UNOPPOSEDWard DAndrew BREWERRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED Dirk McCLOSKEYRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED Anthony EdwardELECTED UNOPPOSED Lachlan In Ward C, Juanita Wighton was elected as a councillor for the first time and will join the returning Peter Harris.  Councillors with take their oath and pick a Mayor and Deputy Mayor on Wednesday 9 October. A vacant seat in Ward E is expected to be filled in a by-election next month, which last term's councillor Judith Bartholomew has said she will run for. Ward AJohn MEDCALFRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED Megan MORTIMERRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDWard BMelissa BLEWITTRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED Melissa REES (IND)RE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDWard CWIGHTON JuanitaELECTED UNOPPOSED HARRIS PeterRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDWard DDennis BRADYRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED Robyn TURNERELECTED UNOPPOSEDWard EPaul PHILLIPSRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED  Warrumbungle Coonabarabran's John Street. PHOTO: Western Plains App/ River McCrossenLike Cobar, Warrumbungle did not go to an election due a lack of candidates. This term sees six of nine councillors return to their seat, barring former Mayor Ambrose Doolan, who did not recontest. Councillors met on Thursday 19 September to elect Kathryn Rindfleish as Mayor and Jason Newton as Deputy Mayor. Debra BELLELECTED UNOPPOSEDKodi BRADYRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDDale HOGDENRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDZoe HOLCOMBERE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDRay LEWISELECTED UNOPPOSEDJason NEWTONRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDKathryn RINDFLEISHRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSEDNaomi TAYLORELECTED UNOPPOSEDDenis TODDRE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED

State politicians heard firsthand in Bourke this week how community leaders think youth crime should be tackled in their shire. The chair of the parliament's Law & Safety Committee, Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla, was at the hearing at Back o’ Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday 1 October as part of an inquiry probing the causes of youth crime in the regions. Bourke PCYC manager Rozaria Suckling told the hearing that young people are running into trouble because they consider jail safer than home. "There's a lot of youth in our community that have gone through a lot of sexual assault, domestic violence, drug and alcohol, and when they're home they just don't feel safe," Ms Suckling told Western Plains App after the hearing.  "They get asked to leave, their parents are drunk and don't want them around. "That's why they go out all hours of the morning and commit the crime, because they believe juvie's a better place."Back o’ Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre. PHOTO: Bourke Shire CouncilThe hearing ran from 11am into the mid-afternoon and heard from invited witnesses including case workers, Council representatives and local Indigenous and community groups.  The committee held discussion on topics including services performance, diversion programs and policing.  Ms Suckling, who was born and raised Bourke, said she felt heard at the inquiry. She also said that youth services and programs are not the full solution. "Everyone tries to put the pressure on youth services to keep running a ridiculous amount of programs, thinking that it's the only way it's going to work," she said. "They are good and they are beneficial, but it's not going to stop the crime. "A lot of kids in our community do attend these programs. It's just that the percentage that are doing the crime, they do not. "It was nice to be heard and to have outsiders to have a better understanding of what the problem is in our community."SOURCE: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research Break and enters into dwellings in the Bourke Local Government Area (LGA) have remained largely stable in the five year trend from July 2019, according to data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR). However, reports more than doubled to 171 between July 2023 and June 2024 compared the previous 12 month period. Reports of domestic violence related assault in the shire also rose 3.6 per cent over the ten-years to June 2024. There were 174 reports of that offence in the 12 months to June 2024.Lachlan Ford has served as a Bourke councillor for 14 years, eight as Deputy Mayor, and spoke at the hearing. The former juvenile justice worker said the inquiry should consider recommending mandatory attendance to diversionary programs as a sentencing option for youth offenders. "Current they've got bail or juvenile detention," Cr Ford said. "We feel like there needs to be another option, whether that's somewhere on country where kids can go and have a bit more of a holistic approach, a bit of education and mental health, some work experience, some general life experience." "A lot of the kids that are in these situations, they don't have some very basic life skills." The inquiry also held a hearing in Broken Hill on 2 October and had been expected to report back in February next year. However, it will now table a first report in May 2025, with a final one by due 30 November 2025. Further hearing dates are yet to be set, with towns across the state calling for their stories and suggestions to be heard by the Committee.

Hotels in the towns of Nyngan, Baradine and Coonabarabran have scored nominations in this years Australian Hotels Award in 13 different categories to the delight of their owners and workers. Owners and operators say the awards are a great opportunity to let the wider world know that bush pubs can deliver an experience that matches many of the urban counterparts.After months of hard yakka renovating an old pub in Nyngan, James and Emily Stanton, opened only three months ago to rave reviews and it seems they have been noticed by not just the public but also the Australian Hotels Association, who informed the couple they have been nominated for eight awards in the 2024 event. The Awards will be held be held Tuesday 29 October at the Winx Stand Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney and the couple and their team are super excited. “We are beyond proud to announce that the Nyngan has made it as a finalist in not only one, but several categories for the AHA awards,” said Emily Stanton of The Nyngan Hotel. Best regional local Best outdoor Experience Best Marketing Activity  Best Deluxe Pub Accommodation Best Regional Development Individual Hotel Operator of the Year Regional Hotel of the year  People’s Choice Awards  The Nyngan Hotel beer garden is a year-round destination. IMAGE: The Nyngan Hotel“The AHA Awards are prestigious awards in the hospitality industry that recognize excellence in various categories such as accommodation, dining, entertainment, marketing, social media, community service, and talented employees,” said Mrs Stanton. “The National AHA Awards specifically honor individuals who have provided exceptional service to their community and the Australian licensed hospitality industry.  “This recognition means the world to us, and we couldn’t have done it without our amazing Nyngan team,” said Mrs Stanton. “We are honored to be finalists in so many categories, and we are proud of what we have created! Hard work pays off,” she said.   There's no hiding a pub that's doing a great job.The Imperial Hotel, Coonabarabran. IMAGE: TripadvisorThe Imperial Hotel in Coonabarabran (dubbed Coona’s favourite meeting place) is no stranger to the awards and is a contender in a total of 4 categories this year. Best Traditional Pub Accommodation (under $150) Best Steak Best Cheap meal (under $20) Best Regional Casual Dining (Western) which they took away the win for in 2023. Manager of The Imperial Hotel Samuel Brown says the management and staff are thrilled to have been nominated once again this year.   “We are happy to have made the finals this year for four nominations for 2024. We won the award last year for best regional casual dining, and this year we have gotten into a few more categories which is great. “We are really happy for the nominations as we try to keep on improving, so it is a testimony to our staff and their hard work,” said Mr. Brown. “We have a great team here and it is a good reward for effort,” he said.   Baradine’s The Thirsty Farmer also scored nominations in the ‘Best traditional Pub Accommodation (under $150), Best Steak and Best Regional Casual Dining (Western).   “We are beyond excited to have received these nominations," said a staff member from the Thirsty Farmer. "We are a dedicated team who works hard, so this is very pleasing for us."

A truly heartfelt donation is available for palliative care clinicians in the Western Local Health District, offering funds for recipients to further their learning and professional development.The scholarships are offered by Newcastle Permanent, a customer-owned financial institution based in Newcastle. The organisation has a charitable foundation that funds projects aimed at improving community health and well-being for those most in need.It also has employees who not only ‘talk the talk’ of charities, but ‘walk the walk’ as well. Each year, Newcastle Permanent employees donate around $50,000 via payroll deductions and nominate charities for causes they are passionate about. Employees then vote to select four charities each year to receive funding. These latest scholarships come after Newcastle Permanent employee Taylah Vickers nominated Palliative Care NSW to receive a boost in funding.Ms Vickers said the nomination, known as Penny’s Promise, was made in memory of a dear colleague and friend who lost her battle to cancer last year. “I know a lot of people at Newcastle Permanent have great memories of Penny, and nominating a charity in her name for our Employee Donation Program was an easy choice. It’s a way for us, as the organisation where she worked for almost 25 years, to be part of Penny’s Promise and honour her memory,” she said. Two scholarships are available to clinicians working in our region, through the Western Local Health District, which is made up of 247,000 square kilometres and includes Cobar, Dubbo, and Lightning Ridge.Ms Vickers said she was touched that the donation will directly support clinicians and go towards further education opportunities, saying it “is what Penny would have wanted.” Penny’s husband, Paul Heagney, said he was grateful to Newcastle Permanent for making the bequest possible. “Newcastle Permanent was such a large part of Penny’s life. She developed lots of strong friendships with good people during her working days,” Mr Heagney said. “To see Palliative Care NSW receive this funding feels like a shining light at the end of what has been a dark tunnel – you couldn’t find a better cause.” Applications are now open and will close on Friday, October 4, with the recipients to be announced and invited to the upcoming Palliative Care NSW State Conference, to be held in Tamworth, where 250 clinicians are expected to attend. The conference will be held in November and provides a wealth of knowledge for participants including 45 concurrent presentations and seven keynote presentations, on a range of topics including models of care, paediatrics, culturally sensitive care, communication, multidisciplinary team approaches, and technology in palliative care. Further information on scholarships and applications can found by clicking this link. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GXDLDBK  

Police are investigating an overnight house fire that destroyed a weatherboard home in Warrena Lane, Coonamble, in suspicious circumstances in the early hours of Tuesday morning. It's the second time this year that the house has been burned, the last time being January.Emergency services were called to the home shortly before midnight on Monday 30 September.Over a dozen fire fighters and four trucks were on the scene - two from the Rural Fire Service and two from Fire and Rescue NSW.Residents of neighbouring properties watched nervously as firefighters fought to stop the fire from spreading.Warrena Lane resident Trish Selwyn was watching television when she heard two loud noises from outside.Firefighters tackle the house fire in the lane. PHOTO: The Coonamble Times/ River McCrossen"I just thought it was a car door or something banging," Trish said.However, she soon became concerned for her own home when she came outside to see the house next door ablaze. "Embers of the fire were coming down here. They were laying onto the ground before they even went out," she said."I was thinking 'sh*!, my house. I've got gas bottles at the back of the house for the heater. My car's at the back'."Fire fighters brought the fire under control by 12:20am. Police said the property was vacant at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported. “Neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution," a police spokesperson said. "A crime scene has been established, with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident ongoing."

The cost of living is causing low-income households in the Central West to buckle, a recent survey by the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) showed.  The survey conducted among 1,086 people living on low income in NSW showed that 56 percent had not been able to pay utilities on time at least once in the last 12 months and 37 percent went without prescribed medication due to the expenses involved.  Low income is defined as households living on 50 to 80 percent of the median household income after tax and housing costs which comes out at between $560 to $896 per week.  According to the survey, the hardest hit by the cost of living crisis are single parents with nine out of ten going without essentials in the past 12 months.  "We’ve definitely seen an increase in demand from our services and we've seen a significant increase in people who are coming to us for the first time," Sarah Wilson Regional Director of North West NSW for the charity organisation St Vincent de Paul Society said. The area covers around 25 welfare operations in NSW stretching from Gilgandra to Lithgow. Ms Wilson said that in the past 12 months, they helped 6,300 people with donations worth around $720,000.  The survey showed that NSW children were the ones who had to bear the brunt of the cost of living crisis with parents having to cut back on spending for meals, essential healthcare, and education resources. "Children are among the most vulnerable in our population, so if we have any concerns at all about the care or safety of children, then we basically escalate our action and support."  The majority of people, 87 percent, are looking for food assistance, according to Ms Wilson.  "For people who aren't in a predicament, they will drop luxury items, such as holidays, or extra clothes but for these families, it's the difference between being able to put food on the table or not." Even families with two parents both working full-time jobs are struggling to make ends meet.  "By the time they pay for their rent and other utility expenses, they've not got enough money to put food on the table," Ms Wilson said. "Everything has become dearer, so people who 12 months ago could make ends meet with their wages aren't able to now."  Not only are more people asking for donations, it also becomes tougher to get donations. "We just ask people to be as generous as they can. We understand that it's really hard for people to donate because times are tough for everyone. Every little bit helps." 

High rainfall through winter has built up fuel loads, and residents are urged to be on alert as we enter the fire danger period today.District Manager of the Northwest Rural Fire Service (RFS) Zone Luke Robinson said that the wet weather has caused fuel loads to rise across the Western Plains region. "We're looking at an average fire season, however, the northwest zone in particular has an above-average chance of a later fire season starting in February, March, or even April." Mr Robinson said the late start to the fire season is due to grass and weed growth which will only die off towards the end of the summer thus adding to the fuel load later in the season.  There will not be any additional crew in these areas but the staff that is already present will receive additional training.  "We've been holding meetings and training sessions with our crews to familiarise them with the trucks and the new technology that's been rolled out with mobile data terminals which help give our crew better situational awareness of fire that occur in our area," Mr Robinson said. The district commander added that they have also received new and refurbished trucks throughout the northwest region as well as a new bulk water carrier based in Coonamble to assist the fire departments in getting through the bushfire season.  There have already been a few significant bushfires this year, including in the Coonamble and Bogan Shire.  At the beginning of September, there was a fire on the edge of the Macquarie Marshes in the Coonamble Shire that spanned 1,000 hectares and took four days to extinguish. Firefighters were unable to reach the blaze due to boggy soils.  Aircrafts from Sydney had to be called to monitor the blaze from above.  There was another fire in Coolabah that spread to 1,000 hectares in a single afternoon, which also occurred earlier this year.  The bush fire season is planned to last until 31 March 2025 with either a reduction or extension possible depending on the conditions.  During the official season, residents must apply for a permit at their local fire service or online at least 24 hours before starting a fire.  Mr Robinson advised residents to always monitor any active fire and check the weather conditions before planning a fire.  "Now is also the time to review your Bushfire Survival plans. Make sure you've got in place and have the conversation with your families and loved ones about what you will do in the event of an emergency."

Around 1500 people flooded the main street of Nyngan last weekend to attend the much anticipated ‘Big Bogan Street Festival’.  The free event pulled a crowd from around the district and region, as locals and visitors alike enjoyed the day out.  Following receipt of funding from Transport NSW Open Street program, Bogan Shire staff went into action putting together an afternoon to be remembered under the steerage of Shire staff Haylee Martin and Olivia Ashton.  The event commenced under the shade of the Big Bogan statue, with appropriately, the judging of the ‘Best Bogans’. A line up of mullets, shearers singlets, footy shorts and thongs, gave the judges a tricky job to decide who wore it best. In the end, Andrew Dundas and Barry Mason wowed the judges in the Adult Male Bogan division. Barry, who hitched himself to a proper Bogan sheila 53 years ago (former Nyngan local Mary Cooney), celebrated his win and his wedding anniversary by donating his second prize winnings to the local branch of Can Assist. The cordoned off main street was lined with market stalls from Nyngan and beyond and there was something for all ages to enjoy.  Bogan Shire Mayor Glen Neill said council were thrilled with the event and the organisational skills of council staff to get it up and running.  PHOTO: Mayor Glen Neill with Best Bogan winners Andrew Dundas and Barry Mason (Lithgow). Photo Abigail McLaughlin “What a great day out,” said Mayor Neill “The Festival brought together the community and provided a fantastic day out for our local town, not only did it bring the locals out, but gave a boost to the economy with fuel, food, and accommodation sales from visitors to the town. “The Shire staff did an amazing job to put the event together as it was a large-scale event to organise. The Outdoor staff were flat out and worked really hard in preparation and in clean-up,” said Mr Neill.“We were able to showcase our town and what a great little place it is,” he said.  A line up of music acts, headlined by the well known ‘The Wolfe Bros”, along with support act ‘The Baker Boys Band’, Chinwag, Bec White and Jo Hyndes, filled the air with people jumping up to dance or sitting back tapping their feet.   The Wolfe brothers enjoyed travelling out for the day and said they loved every minute. PHOTO: The Wolfe Bros Band getting into the mood before performing   “In our job we get to travel to many different parts of Australia, Nyngan was a beautiful part of Australia with even better people.” “A real treat for us to play a great community event like that,” according to the band.  The kids didn’t miss out either with shows from ‘The Beanies’ which saw kids jumping and jiving as the group performed.  “We had such a fantastic time at the Big Bogan Street Festival,” said the Beanies. “we’ve toured to Nyngan before just after Co-vid and we always love coming out to see our fan base out west.”  Stallholder Angela Armstrong came along for the day with her ‘The Cocky’s Wife’ mouth-watering food and was really pleased with how she was supported.  The Cocky's wife stall ready for action - photo Angie Armstrong “It was wonderful to see the main street come alive with beautiful music and dance, delicious food and drinks, sunshine and community connection,” said Mrs. Armstrong. “A huge thank you to the council and volunteers for organising such an incredible event in our region,” she said.  Haylee Lane from Hayley’s Country Creations said the event was a credit to the organisers.  PHOTO: Hayley Lane in front of her stall at the Big Bogan Street Festival - Photo. Hayley Lane “The event was well planned out and set up,” according to Ms Lane. “Haylee and Olivia did an amazing job and were so attentive to the stall holders.”“For a first-time event it was bigger than expected and the support of the community was great. It is the type of event you can see growing as the years go on.”   Mayor Neill said that while it would be good to hold the event annually, it was dependent on funding, although, with the success of this event, he was sure the community would be happy to see it take place in 2025.  "Small communities really know how to put on a good show," he said. The Beanies entertaining the crowd - Photo Abigail McLaughlin