Tom and Emily Hancock always wanted to ensure the Collie Hotel wasn’t just food and drinks, they wanted to make a fun entertainment venue and destination for families.Mission accomplished, the Hancocks say it's now time to move on.‘’We have been here for ten years and we never expected our big social media campaign to be so successful but it brought travellers from all over Australia we’ve had fun," Mr Hancock said.It was put on the market and not long later after it was offered the hotel was snapped up.Hugo Weston from Savills, who acted as agent, said it was an exceptional investment opportunity as a highly regarded freehold pub and hotel."As the only pub in Collie, this thriving venue serves as the town’s primary destination for food, beverages, accommodation, and events, attracting locals and tourists alike travelling through the region."Located between Gilgandra and Warren it became a destination for fun.In the 1800’s it was a half way house for travellers, one of the original mud-huts, and established as a pub in 1901. "The Collie Hotel attracted clientele from across the country, hosting popular events such as rodeos, car shows, and live music concerts," Mr Weston said.“Positioned as the local watering hole for the region’s large cotton farms and cattle stations, and with no direct competitors, this asset has thrived on its loyal clientele for many years.’’Tom Hancock said some of his creative social media was talk of the town but he and his wife want to relax with their kids.‘’The social media impressed people and events like the Kingswood Day brought a lot of people to visit us as a tourist destination."But its time to take the kids to soccer and watch them and enjoy their lives with them.’’The hotel holds untapped development potential, spanning 4,295 square metres, with land available to expand the accommodation offering and capitalise on high demand from contractors, truck drivers, and tourists.Hugo Weston says the new owners have settled in and while price is not disclosed but it was on offer at above $1.7million.“The consistent growth, paired with the planned infrastructure developments in the area, positions this asset as an exceptional investment with significant potential for further expansion,” he said.‘’The future of this area is strong and we expect more sales of quality hotels in the near term around the region .’’ A Cobar classicMeanwhile Cobar’s famous Empire Hotel is also under new ownership.Andrew Barnden of Rodgers Reidy, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group announced the successful sale and settlement."The Hotel was sold via an on-market process which garnered interest from an array of hospitality and commercial investors," he said."The venue was ultimately purchased by an experienced hotel operator citing the potential of the bottle-shop as the predominant drawcard for the acquisition.’’As well as in-house food and beverage sales the hotel enjoys the benefit of having the only drive-through bottle shop within Cobar which proved an attractive proposition.The hotel is positioned on a large landholding of 3,127 square metres and incorporates a labour-efficient single bar operation.The hotel also has the added benefit of operating with a highly sought, late trading 2am licence.It was purchased by the New England Pub Company for a price not disclosed.Ben Ryan and Mark Neilson own the New England Hotel Armidale and are ready to embrace the Cobar opportunity.''It’s a great vibe out here and we are making changes to spruce the place up a bit,'' Mr Ryan said.Empire Hotel circa 1949. IMAGE: Noel Butlin Archives Centre, ANUThe pair are not strangers to the hospitality industry having operated various venues in regional NSW and Queensland alike.The Imperial’s history dates back to 1869 and is said to have been constructed by Cobar's first mayor Hopkin Lewis.It was partly destroyed by fire in the 1920’s and was once struck by a cyclone but now it’s a thriving pub in Cobar’s main street.

More superannuation changes are afoot, and many smaller businesses are nervous, as they face a double-whammy of increased costs.As well as an extra 0.5% of guaranteed super from 1 July this year, bringing payments to 12% of gross wages, revised rules could see 'payday super' introduced next year.Under current law employers are only required to pay super quarterly, but proposed changes would require employers will have to pay super at the same time as they pay employee's wages (weekly or fortnightly) from 1 July 2026.  According to the Superannuation Members Council, it is estimated that a total of 2.8 million workers missed out on approximately $5.1 billion in super between 2021-22. Over 9 years to June 2022, Australians missed out on $41.6 billion.   The issue of unpaid super particularly affects young people, lower-income earners, migrants, and people in insecure work, according to SMC.   Payday super aims to tackle that inequality, helping nine million Australians to have their super paid earlier.   Under the amendments to the law, employers that fail to pay contributions in full and on time would be liable for the super charge guarantee, a payment greater than the super owed that employers get charged if they don't pay super on time.   Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASAF), the peak body for the superannuation industry, says the changes will benefit workers, because regular fortnightly payments will produce more compound interest than quarterly payments.   "So a median-earning 25-year-old will be on track to be $6,000 better off in retirement from that change," said ASAF Chief Executive Officer Mary Delahunty.   However, not everyone agrees with the decision.   Coonamble-based accountant Geoff Secombe says the decision will disproportionately impact small businesses.   "I think payday super will prove a disaster for small business. I think they should abandon the concept and just stick to what they currently have, which is difficult enough for most small businesses to contend with," he said.   "Because the time frame available to small business and the lack of resources that small business have will make it too hard for them to do it on time, which means they will be constantly penalized by the tax office.   "We often see people who can't make the deadline for 28 days after the end of each quarter, principally because trying to get all the details out of employees, and particularly in the pastoral industry, is really difficult.  "The only thing this payday super is going to do is make more money for the tax office, and they'll get it faster."  CPA Australia Superannuation Lead Richard Webb. IMAGE: CPA Australia.  Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) Australia has expressed similar sentiments, calling for a delay to payday super's implementation.   CPA Australia’s Superannuation Lead Richard Webb said that while the company supports payday super, it doesn't believe businesses are ready for the switch yet.  “One of our main concerns is that the superannuation transmission network will not be ready to manage the increased traffic by July next year,” said Mr Webb.  “We believe it is vital to postpone the start date for Payday Super by at least a year, ideally 24 months, to allow all stakeholders sufficient time to comply with the new logistical demands on the system."  While industry and accountants believe the roll-out will cripple businesses, unions are supportive of the decision.   Australian Council of Trade Union's Assistant Secretary, Joseph Mitchell said the changers were critical for workers, and would grow their retirement funds significantly.   “Payday super is critical to improving workers’ retirement outcomes and stopping super theft. By making super paid at the same time as wages, workers will retire with thousands of dollars more in their superannuation accounts.  “Superannuation is workers’ retirement savings, not the cash of employers. When workers earn superannuation, they should be paid at the same time as their payday.  “All Australians deserve to retire in dignity and the Government’s payday super legislation will make a significant contribution to realising this.”  Australian Council of Trade Union Assistant Secretary Joesph Mitchell. IMAGE: Australian Council Trade Unions.  But according to Mr Secombe, the payment of super at the same time as wages will be of minimal benefit to employees.   "$6,000 over your working life of what? 40 years? Doesn't strike me as a big deal.   "The only people who are going to be better off are the big industry super funds and the ATO [Australian Taxation Office]."   Between 14 March and 11 April, the government was accepting submissions on the draft legislation through the treasury website.   Pay day super is not officially law yet.   

The first windfarm in the Warrumbungle Shire has been approved near Coolah with the build to begin in 2026-27. But mayor and general manager are frustrated with elements of the project.The NSW Independent Planning Commission has approved it (Thursday 12/6) but firmly saying it must support community projects and first nations people.The Warrumbungle Shire clearly has strongly and consistently raised their concerns with how the proposal has progressed.In a letter to NSW Principal Legislative Council Officer (13/6) a day after it was approved, Council General Manger Lindsay Mason wrote, ''We need fair dinkum meaningful consultation – but the developers hold the power and won't relinquish it.''He says the process favours developers and suggested in his letter a two-day workshop with the developer, Council and community would be a better way of discussing likely impacts on the area of further projects. Warrumbungle Shire Mayor Kathryn Rhindfleish says she is not pleased."We see a lack of understanding on the cumulative impacts on Coolah and surrounds.''Mitigation measures have not been implemented, and our concerns are driver safety on the Golden Highway.''She is also concerned about community services and local infrastructure in the area.Local farmer Grant Piper told 7News ‘’It shows that despite the objections, the numbers opposing it, the Independent Planning Commission panel didn’t get it, they disregarded it.’’Billionaire and Green Energy investor Andrew ‘Triggy ‘ Forrest has told Newscorp Media that taxpayers should subsidise compensation for landholders who host wind turbines and also increase compensation to people who live within 10 kilometres of a wind farm.He has the support of the Green Energy Council. ACEN Australia the developer of ‘Valley of Winds’ says it will back the local community.It's website outlines their Social Investment Program, a voluntary contribution which is already available to the Coolah community and surrounds.The funds are available to not-for-profit community-based activities only. The NSW Planning Commission statement said a voluntary planning agreement with Warrumbungle Shire is immediately enacted at the beginning of the project to support roads, infrastructure and community projects at 1.5% of capital expenditure .Those funds will be discussed by the Council and the ACEN group.The site of the Valley of the Winds is approximately 40 kilometres north of Gulgong, between Coolah, Leadville and Uarbry within the Warrambungle Shire local government area.The panel of the NSW Planning Commission said in a statement :ACEN Australia Pty Ltd sought approval for the state significant development (SSD-10461) which includes a a 943 MW wind farm with a 320 MW battery energy storage system (BESS).The Valley of the Winds Wind Farm has the capacity to generate enough energy to power about 519,000 homes per year and will contribute to the NSW Government’s net zero targets and renewable energy objectives.The energy storage system would enable renewable energy to be stored for dispatch to the grid, increasing grid stability and energy security.The project was referred to the Independent Planning Commission for determination because more than 50 public objections were made to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure during its assessment of the Project, and because Warrumbungle Shire Council objected to the proposal.The Warrumbungle Shire's concerns are not just around this project but relate to the combined impacts of multiple Renewable Energy projects and the pressure on the LGA's infrastructure. They asked for the Planning Commission Panel to pause projects.The three-member Commission Panel, comprising Richard Pearson (Panel Chair), Suellen Fitzgerald and Sarah Dinning met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and locality tour, and held a public meeting where they heard from 33 speakers, and received a total of 58 written submissions. They then gave their approval, with a series of conditions which ACEN Australia will have to meet.The Commission considered the concerns raised by community members relating to visual impacts, aerial firefighting and agriculture, biodiversity, traffic and transport, socio-economic impacts, decommissioning and rehabilitation, water resources and the cumulative impacts of this and other nearby developments.In its Statement of Reason for Decision, the Commission found that the site was “suitable for renewable energy development given its location close to the approved CWO REZ transmission line, available wind resources, design to avoid major environmental constraints and access to the regional road network”.  All documents relating to the assessment and determination of this proposal can be found on the Commission’s website.

Twenty medical students from universities across NSW and the ACT, took a trek through Western New South Wales with the Rural Doctors Network's (RDN) 'Go Rural' tour earlier this month. The four-day tour began on Thursday 5 June and eventually brought them to the western plains where they visited Narromine, Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Coonamble and Gilgandra.Students departed from Central station in Sydney and the tour bus drove them to Orange where they visited the local hospital. Their immersive experience at Orange Hospital included a showcase of the virtual Emergency and Critical Care Service, Acute Patient Monitoring, virtualADULTS regional hub, virtual Allied Health, and virtual pharmacy services delivered to the communities and hospitals across the Western NSW Health District.Medical students at the showcase in Orange Hospital. IMAGE: Western NSW Health District.The tour also visited the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, before heading to Narromine in the evening. Friday 6 June, the students visited Narromine Health Service in the morning, followed by a visit to Narromine Family Health Centre where they received a talk from Dr Kelly Bradley. Then it was back on the bus to Bourke, visiting Bourke Community Garden and hearing from local elder Uncle Gavin Gibbs. They also visited the North West Academic Centre facilities and student accommodation, and the Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service.On Saturday of the long weekend, they checked out of Bourke and went to the Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum in the morning, before driving to Walgett for a tour of the Freedom Rides Memorial Park and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service. The tour continued to Coonamble in time for the Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft.The afternoon began with a talk from occupational therapists at Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) and local paramedics, before heading to the Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft in the evening.Students at the Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum. IMAGE: Rural Doctors Network. Melbourne-born University of Wollongong student Alexander Dudley was one of doctors-in-training who went on the trip.Despite living in multiple different countries, from Chile to Vanuata, he admitted he didn't know much about rural Australia before coming on this tour. "It's piqued an interest for everyone," he said. “It’s been a great journey, with lots of cultural highlights and the rural communities have really welcomed us. We’ve learned about some of the challenges of working in the bush - like the doctors shortage - but also some of the great strengths like the relationships health care professionals build with the community in country towns.”Due to the Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft, there were no empty beds in Coonamble, so the group overnighted in Gilgandra. Sunday morning saw them at Dubbo hospital, followed by a showcase at the Royal Flying Doctor Service.After nearly 20 hours of bus-tripping and 1,655 kilometres of travel, the tour finally looped back around to Sydney on Sunday afternoon. RDN Program Lead Sam Zelinski said the tour was designed to give students the opportunity to see what rural healthcare has to offer. "We're trying promote the areas or at least give students a bit more information to make an informed decision when they graduate about whether they'd like to live and work in a rural community." "We've actually had an occupational therapist who now works in Coonamble who came on a previous Go Rural," he said, referring to CAHS' occupational therapist Ella Cleary. Go Rural Program Lead Sam Zelinski and first-year medical student Alexander Dudley at the Coonamble rodeo. IMAGE: River McCrossen. University of New South Wales medical student Nathan Lin described the tour as eye-opening. "Learning from the local Wiradjuri, Ngemba, and Gamilaroi elders has taught me so much about Aboriginal health, the culture and history of the towns I visited," said Mr Lin. "I learnt about Aboriginal Medical Services, and was very impressed by the holistic nature of the care they provide, and their contribution to the whole community. "This experience has been very eye opening and I'd love to continue working towards a career in rural healthcare." The regular Go Rural tours are administered by RDN with funds from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. RDN hopes some of these inspired young student doctors, nurses and allied health professionals will take up positions in rural healthcare in the future.

 The Bald Archy Art Prize returned to Brewarrina this month, with a hilarious line-up of finalists painting portraits of well-known Australian personalities including Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, Penrith Panthers player Nathan Cleary, Kylie Minogue, Robert Irwin and many more! Opening night on Thursday 12 June at Brewarrina Visitors Information Centre saw a crowd of approximately 50 visitors from Brewarrina and Bourke. The artworks were judged by Maude, the infamous sulphur-crested cockatoo. She picked Phil Meatchem's Despicable Ploy, which depicts Peter Dutton playing chess with nuclear power plants, as the winner.Phil Meatchem's Despicable Ploy. IMAGE: SUPPLIED. The Bald Archy is a hilarious and satirical parody of the Archibald Prize. It was originally founded by theatre director Peter Batey OAM, who was a longtime advocate for regional community engagement with arts and culture. Brewarrina Shire Council had a longstanding relationship Peter, and was for many decades the only North Western location in NSW that hosted the collection. After Peter's passing in 2019, he gave the Bald Archy Prize collection and the ongoing administration of the prize to the Museum of the Riverina, which he also had a connection with. The prize and exhibition relaunched in 2023, with Brewarrina continuing its relationship by hosting the annual tour.  Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said he was thrilled to welcome the return on the Bald Archy Art Prize in 2025. “We have a longstanding relationship with the Bald Archy Art Prize, having first hosted an exhibition more than 20 years ago. It’s an annual event I look forward to every year,” said Mr Kirby. “The opening night was a resounding success, with a fantastic turnout from the community and visitors across the region. There was a real buzz in the room all evening, highlighting just how much events like this mean to our local culture." “I encourage everyone to take the time to visit the exhibition, explore the incredible portraits, and enjoy the unique humour that makes the Bald Archy so special. It’s a celebration of creativity and satire that brings people together and showcases the talent we have in Australia.” If you missed out of opening night, don't worry! The Bald Archy exhibition will be on display at the Information Centre from Friday 13 June to Sunday 6 July, 9am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 2pm on weekends.

Parkes police are investigating a fatal recreational aircraft crash, south of Tottenham yesterday afternoon 16 June 2025.Officers attached to Central West Police District were called to Meadowview Road, near Albert.Shortly after 3.40pm, the aircraft was found crashed in a paddock.The 48-year-old pilot, who is a local man, died in the crash.A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner, while an investigation into the crash is being conducted by Recreational Aircraft Australia.Police had been searching the area for the driver of a car – which had reported stolen from a worksite near Narromine about 2pm – when the aircraft crash occurred.Inquiries are continuing into the whereabouts of the driver.Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact Parkes Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 via their website.Information is managed on a confidential basis.The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Gilgandra will be chock-a-block with action this October long weekend. 'Goin to Gil' is back for a second year and will be in full-swing from Friday 3 October to Sunday 5 October.The invitation is out and tickets are selling fast, with surrounding communities from across the western plains welcome to join in the fun. On Friday, the Gilgandra Art Gallery will be displaying works from local artist Catherine Jones. Visitors can also check-out the Coo-ee March Gallery, Joy Trudgett Gallery, Allan Wise Gallery, and the Australian Collection on Friday. You can also duck you head into the Coo-ee Heritage Centre and Visitor Information Centre between from 9am to 4pm to discover more of the town's history. On Saturday, the 'Goin to Gil' street parade will start on Bridge Street, with a showcase of local legends, vintage cars and live music. The 'Shop Like a Local' program will be on from 9am until 5 pm with local shops and boutiques around to give you a good dose of retail therapy. In the afternoon, 'Under the Gums' music festival will celebrate its fifth year. Gates will open at 1:30pm, and the stacked line-up will include local artists, like Phat Brass, and Aussie legends, like Daryl Braithwaite, and kid's favourite Bluey and Bingo, plus many more. Jazz band Phat Brass playing at Under the Gums last year. Image: Gilgandra Shire Council.  Gilgandra Shire Council Community Engagement Officer Kathryn Larkin said the event was all about the community. "It's really about bringing people into the region for longer, or getting our locals kind of to experience what Gil has to offer over the weekend," she said "And it has been driven by our community planning crew. They work with different community groups to come up with a different schedule of events for the weekend, and it's a really incredible community effort in in showcasing what's across within the region." On Sunday 5 October, there'll be a colour run at the Windmill Walk from 9am, followed by the Gilgandra CWA's Watermelon eating competition on Miller Street, then Coo-ee March Re-enactment Committee Coo-ee Call Competition. In the evening, the Gilgandra Speedway Season Opener will roar to life at the Gilgandra District Speedway Club. Last year, an approximately 5000 people came out to 'Goin to Gil' over the weekend, and over 3000 came out for 'Under the Gums" with an estimated $900,000 was directly spend in the Gilgandra region. Tickets are selling fast! Early bird ticket pricing is available until 30 June, so hurry! You can book tickets online now.

Around 8.00am this morning, Monday 16 June, emergency services were called to the Castlereagh Highway, about 18 kilometres east of Mendooran, after a silver Mazda 3 left the road and hit a tree.NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and treated a 41-year-old woman before she was airlifted to Dubbo Base Hospital by a Westpac Rescue Helicopter in a stable condition. The 41-year-old male driver and another passenger, a 12-year-old female – were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries and transported by ambulance to Dubbo Hospital.The woman has since been released from hospital.Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

End of life care is a very difficult subject to navigate but vitally important for patients, their families and health care providers as they encounter this part of the journey of life.Recently in May, Palliative Care Week shone a light on discussing with your loved ones your palliative care wishes particularly those with a life-limiting illness.Palliative health care professionals aim to improve life for both the patient and their families, not only via medical care but supporting those in a caring role and in the grieving process.A key facet of this care is to inform patients of services available to them and providing them with access to the available services.“Palliative care is aimed at helping manage the journey of a life-limiting illness to maximise quality of life until death,” President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia Dr Lewandowski said. President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia Dr Lewandowski - Image courtesy RDA.“No matter which side of the diagnosis you are on, as a patient, family member or health professional, discussing plans around death and dying is usually uncomfortable.“But making sure a patient’s wishes are known really helps everyone feel confident about the decisions made and ensuring that the decisions of the patient will be respected.“Palliative Care is multidisciplinary team care and is shared between GP’s, nurses, specialist, pharmacists, palliative care volunteers, and others,” said Dr Lewandowski.“It is centred around helping manage illness, particularly pain and symptoms, so life can continue to be lived as well as possible while dealing with illness.”A western area family who has just lost a loved one says the care and assistance of the palliative care team was above and beyond for their family.“The process of mum becoming ill to becoming a palliative patient and then passing away was one of the hardest parts of our life we have had to go through.“Having the difficult conversation to even acknowledge that this was mum’s final days was hard enough, the palliative care team helped us navigate it all while being so respectful to our mum and us, and we cannot thank them enough.“I encourage everyone going through this process to lean on your team. They are the experts, and they can assist in so many ways. They helped us make mums final days so much better and still check in with us after mum has passed to see how they can help.“The nurses and hospital staff in small rural hospitals are second to none for their genuine love and care for their patients,” she said.Dr Lewandowski says patients need to think about what is important to them and what their goals are, and to write these down so that everybody knows. “Think about what you would want if you were very sick or at the end of your life and the friends, family and health care team that you would like to help you. Talk to these people about what you feel is right for you. “And remember – you can always change your mind. When things change for you, you may realise that what you felt earlier is not what you feel now. That is OK, you are always able to alter your wishes,” Dr Lewandowski said. Official Palliative Care Week messaging focused on having a plan. “For rural or remote patients your rural GP or Rural Generalist will most likely be the key person providing and managing your care, at home, at the hospital or in other care facilities, so talk to them, make sure your family knows them, and engage them in discussing your palliative care wishes. “If you are a patient, a loved one, or a health provider that is struggling to know how to start discussions about palliative care, and let’s face it – it’s a tricky topic – Palliative Care Australia has developed resources to help have these early conversations."

Narromine Councillors will be watching closely on the progress of a 'state significant development' of a solar farm near the town.The Council awaits feedback from the developer Edify Energy on three matters requested by the NSW Planning ,Housing and Infrastructure on the Burroway Solar project which is located 18 kilometres from the town.State Planning Commission panel members will look at the land for its suitability for the project under state laws.The NSW Planning Commission also wants to ensure that a voluntary planning agreement is negotiated between the applicant and Narromine Council happens if the project is approved.They are also waiting for further information around proposed approach to workforce accommodation, to occur in consultation with Council.Narromine Mayor Ewen Jones said while the Council would negotiate on these matters, the project's overall approval now rests with the state government. "It's out of our hands as its now with the NSW Planning Commission but we are watching it all carefully."Edify Energy say they are working to meet all necessary requirements to bring the Solar Farm to fruition.Media Spokesperson for Edify Energy Michelle Grogan said "Negotiations are underway for work force accommodation, we want this facility to bring business into the town and we want it to benefit the community.’’Land between Narromine and Dubbo earmarked for Burroway Solar Farm. Construction of the project is expected to take around 18 months and be underway in the 2026/27 financial year, with up to 250 full-time equivalent jobs to be created during construction. Edify’s plans – which include running sheep among the panels – will have to make it through the NSW state planning and environmental approvals process.A Wellington farmer Tony Inder gives the solar+sheep model the thumbs up.Mr Inder sold his farm to a developer and now runs 3,500 sheep between the panels."The sheep get a good pick and I don't have to talk to the bank manager," he said.Narromine's Karin Stark an expert in Renewable Energy says sheep and solar farms will become the future of dual use projects in the future.''The peak bodies National and NSW Farmers need to step up and recommend more renewable projects can be dual use .''She is part of a group called Farmers for Climate Action and has written a guide to help developers.According to the NSW planning portal, the Burroway plans have attracted 84 public submissions so far, just two of which are in support of the project while one is a comment from the Narromine Council.The 81 objections reveal concerns ranging from a lack of trust in renewable energy generation, to damage to the environment, animal cruelty, risk of fire and destruction of farming land.According to the NSW planning portal, Edify is currently working up a summary of, and response to the submissions, which will show more clearly who and where the objections are coming from.Most of the objections have come from outside the Narromine area.“This project represents part of an unreliable energy system that will require a fossil fuel powered system as ‘firming’,” says one anonymous submission from Coolah in NSW.“This so called net zero project will require a 5000% increase in open cut mining, resulting in enormous environmental damage. There will still need to be a fossil fuel generator project to provide 24/7 power.”“This solar/battery swindle is not in the public interest,” says another anonymous submission, also from Coolah.“The devastation caused by the construction of these sites and the unreliable transmission lines that connect them to the cities is a catastrophe,” says an anonymous submission from Victoria.A submission from anonymous in Moulamein, NSW, worries that “the large scale solar field may alter local temperatures and humidity impacting agriculture and livestock" questioning the radiant heat from the solar panels. According to the NSW Planning Commission the most commonly raised matters from public submissions included the following:General impacts to biodiversityReliability of electricity generationImpacts and loss of agricultural landContamination from project infrastructureHealth and safety impacts on the community and neighbouring propertiesImpacts to community lifestyleConstruction and decommissioning waste managementFire risk from project infrastructureImpacts on landscape and visual amenityImpacts on local economy and businessesImpacts on local traffic The main objective of the project is to generate and dispatch renewable energy, consistent with NSW Government policy for renewable energy generation and storage. The project will have a generation capacity of up to approximately 100 megawatts (MW), equivalent to the demand of more than 40,000 NSW households, along with a storage capacity of 100MW/400 MWh.The project is considered to be in the public interest because it will:contribute to energy security and reliability in NSW by diversifying the State’s energy mix, especially with its location within the Central- West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ)contribute to reducing GHG emissions from electricity generation, reducing the impacts of climate change and the community and the environmentalign with Commonwealth and NSW Government electricity policies and strategies and regional plansprovide ongoing economic benefits for both the local economy within the Narromine Shire LGA and more broadly, the regional economyprovide significant employment and business opportunities during construction.The Planning Commission so far believes the impacts of the project have been thoroughly assessed throughout the EIS and submissions report process and can be adequately managed through the proposed design, mitigation and management measures proposed to be implemented during construction and operation. 

A tussle is brewing over how mining royalties are shared in New South Wales.For a decade, communities with large mines were backed with royalties from the NSW Government via the ‘Resources for Regions' program.That all changed when the NSW Labor Government changed tack with royalty revenue, sharing it amongst other councils and community groups.Now, councils where mines are based are combining forces in an effort to convince the NSW Government to re-think this approach. A group of Councils called ''Mining and Energy-related Councils'' gathered earlier this month and are working together to get better outcomes for their districts.Cobar mayor Jarrod Marsden says his council did well from the former Resources for Regions program, receiving between $9 and $13 million, but has taken a hit from the new approach."We are not wanting a fight with the government but seeking to gain revenue lost and help with getting extra people at council, especially in planning, with extra mines coming on line we’re stretched," he said."I talked with NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully last week, [and explained] it's not just about building things you need people on the ground.‘’This not about government bashing we want to work with the minister," Cr Marsden said.Meeting chairman and Orange Councillor Kevin Duffy said both mining-impacted councils and those LGA’s nearby who are affected by road damage are looking to launch an awareness campaign to win more support for more funding for their communities.‘’We talked at NSW Parliament (Tuesday 3 June) joined by State MP for Barwon Roy Butler, NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully," Cr Duffy said."It was highly productive but we are going to begin a media awareness campaign to highlight how this money helps our communities and other councils are joining forces and coming on board."Our roads and nearby communities get hit hard without this funding."He said smaller country councils need help with roads impacted by heavy machinery and large trucks.The Orange and Cobar Councils will each contribute $10,000 to the fund, together with other LGA’S. But he says he and supportive councils will quietly negotiate with governments.Resources for Regions was abolished in 2022 after delivering $140 million to NSW councils.It is understood $47 million was available in its last year but the funds were not distributed to councils. 

A man has been charged with multiple property and firearms offences after an extended investigation by the Rural Crime Team.In January 2025, officers attached to Rural Crime Prevention Team (RCPT) and Orana Mid-Western Police District established Strike Force Compartment to investigate break and enter offences across the area late last year.In December 2024, a rural property on the Castlereagh Highway at Mendooran, was subject of a break, enter and steal. Among the items stolen were 13 firearms.Following extensive inquiries, about 8.15am on Thursday 12 June 2025, detectives attached to RCPT at Mudgee, with the assistance from Mudgee Detectives, Dubbo Detectives and the Operations Support Group, executed a search warrant at a home on Yalcogran Street, Mendooran.Among the items seized by police was a complete firearm and firearm parts, a large amount of ammunition and a $7000 mountain bike.On Friday 13 June 2025, a 29-year-old man was arrested just after 11.30am in Merrygoen. IMAGE: ACT PoliceHe was taken to Mudgee Police Station where he was charged with 25 offences including:Three counts of aggravated enter dwelling and steal12 counts of steal firearmPossess unregistered firearmPossess stolen firearmPossess barrel for firearmPossess shortened firearmShorten firearmGoods in custody3 counts of acquire firearm partPossess ammunition subject to prohibition order andStealing.He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court via AVL yesterday, Saturday 14 June 2025.Inquiries under Strike Force Compartment continue.

A motorcyle rider has died in hospital after colliding with a SUV in Coonamble yesterday.About 5.50pm on Saturday 14 June 2025, emergency services were called to the intersection of Hickey and Limerick Street in Coonamble, following reports of a crash.Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District arrived to find a trail bike had collided with a Toyota SUV.The rider – a 20-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious head and arm injuries before being taken to Coonamble Hospital in a serious condition.Police have since been told the rider died in hospital.The driver – a 25-year-old woman – was uninjured and taken to the same hospital for mandatory testing.The scene of the accident in Coonamble yesterday evening. Both vehicles have been seized for forensic examination, a crime scene was established, and police have commenced an investigation into the incident.As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone with dashcam footage or information about the incident to contact Orana Mid-Western Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Aboriginal service provider REDI.E has secured around $165,000 to revamp three bedrooms for youth and crisis housing in Coonamble. The upgrades include internal security fencing, cameras, crimsafe screens and bedrooms furnishing at the organisation's youth centre, which will also house people from surrounding shires like Walgett and Brewarrina. The rooms at Walaaybaa-Li-Burrula (Home to Many) are expected to open within the next four to six weeks, according to REDI.E's Youth, Family and First Nations Language Services General Manager, Kevin Jones. "We've got property there, let's put it to work," Mr Jones said. "If you've got a stable place to sleep at night, then you can start working on the other areas of your life that might need working, whether it be a budget, whether it be mental health support, whether it be general health support, drug and alcohol. "That's the sort of stuff that we're going to offer the participants when they come through. "When we've got someone in Bre, Coonamble, Walgett, any of those areas, they don't have to come off country, or far off country or away from their community to get support."Internal fencing will protect the stairway entrance to the accommodation, which is separated from the youth centre below. IMAGE: River McCrossen Mr Jones said the rooms will cater for individuals and small families for stays of around four to 12 weeks. Current REDI.E staff will operate the facility and work with tenants.  Part of the funding under the NSW government's Homelessness Innovation fund will go towards having a staff member on call for emergency homelessness. Other upgrades involve a new shower and air conditioning, as well as bedroom locks, a kitchen uplift and repainted common areas. “It’s fantastic to see the impact from these grants already taking shape in places like Coonamble, helping vulnerable young people find a safe and culturally appropriate place to stay while they are supported to find more secure long-term housing,” NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson.

Narromine became the country music capital of Australia on the long weekend with sell-out crowds watching and listening to polished performers at the USMC Club for the 10th Annual 'Dusty Boots' Awards.Entertainer and organiser Mal Norton said he was excited to see so many people in Narromine for the ever-growing three-day event. ''I am on a high with busloads of tourists putting money into the local economy and the artists coming from as far as Queensland to entertain the folks for 3 days," Mr Norton said. ''I came home to Dubbo and was in tears showing the awards to my dear old dad who these awards are named after."I held up the awards to the photo of my dad and said 'we did it'.''The 'Dusty Boots' are made from old boxes and turned into plaques and he got the idea from fellow popular muso Dixie Jenkins. The awards were shunned in Dubbo but Narromine doyen Bob Walsh, known for his community and rugby league work and his many years with the Narromine United Services Memorial Club, said ''bring it here and people will love it."''It was an immediate success with some of the best trade we have had for years.," Mr Walsh said.Keith Foote and Sherrie Shines loved the Dusty Boots. [IMAGE SUPPLIED]Country music icon Jean Stafford won the 'Mal Norton Keeping the Dream Alive Award'.''She is known as 'The Queen of Country Music' and has won awards here and United States, born in a tiny town in Tasmania she is still an inspiration to us fellow bushies.''Veteran country music performer Johnny Mac who, like Stafford, has won an Order of Australia Medal also came to Narromine.''Johnny has played with Judith Durham, Keith Potger and Athol Guy from the Seekers and also with Johnny Cash and Jim Reeves, bringing back fantastic memories to the crowds and not bad at 93.''Mal says country music will be back at Narromine in 2026."I reckon we will do it for four days next year, thank you Narromine.''

It is estimated 50 men a day die from preventable causes.Last Movember's Real Face of Men’s Heath Report shows 60 per cent of men wait more than seven days with symptoms before visiting a doctor. Another 63 per cent feel that gendered expectations like the idea of ‘toughing it out’, have affected them seeing a doctor.This week, 9 June to 15 June, is International Men's Health Week and men are being urged to stop making excuses to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing. President of the Rural Doctor's Association of Australia Dr RT Lewandowski says men living in rural and remote areas are among the worst offenders.  “Far too many times, men come to our practices or hospitals after sitting on a significant health issue for way too long, with many never having come in for a preventive health check either," said Dr Lewandowski. "We know rural men are busy, and for those living on remote farms or in towns without doctors it can be a day’s project to get to an appointment with your GP – but it is so important that you make the time to do that.  “Please don’t use the excuse of ‘no time’ to put off seeing your doctor for what could be a life-saving consultation – whether that is for something urgent, or importantly a regular check-up that finds a health issue developing before it becomes a bigger problem."RDAA President Dr RT Lewandowski. Image: supplied.  In Western NSW, men are stepping up and taking care of their mental health through the establishment of Men's Tables, a program where a group of men arrange to meet up once a month, share a meal and talk about their lives.Since it began in February 2025, the Coonamble Men's Table has had five regular attendees. Founder of the Coonamble Men's Table Al Stratton says the group gives much needed connection to men within the community. "There's not a lot of opportunities for men to socially connect in the town. "So it's really a place where men can go and talk to each other about all the sorts of things that are happening in their life, both good and bad."Alisdair Stratton from Men's Table. Image: supplied. Sadly, men in Australia are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellness. Men's Tables give men the opportunity to connect socially, and take care of their emotional and mental wellbeing. One participant from the Coonamble Men's Table said it was an important resource. "It's non-judgmental, and everybody gets a turn to talk about what's going on in their life." "Generally women get together and say 'Look, I'm having these issues,' but men don't as much. It's not seen to be manly to be talking about issues you're having. So it's changing that paradigm." "It's always been men are tough and strong and nothing affects them, and that couldn't be further from the truth." One regular participant at the Coonamble Men's Table is now planning to set-up his own program in his town of Coonabarabran. There are already 15 men's tables in Western NSW including in Cobar, Forbes, Cowra, Orange, and Dubbo.

Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley and her husband Mr Dennis Wilson are coming to western plains communities between Wednesday 18 June to Saturday 21 June 2025. They'll be visiting Narromine, Trangie, Warren, Coonamble, Warrumbungle, Coonabarabran and Tooraweenah on their tour to hear feedback from community members, celebrate local achievements and recognise volunteers who do important work in their communities. First on the list is Narromine, where the local council will host a morning tea for the Governor and Mr Wilson, and they will have the opportunity to meet with Council representatives. Mayor of Narromine Council Ewen Jones said it was a privilege to be able to welcome her to town. "It's probably a once in a lifetime thing for us. As Mayor on a two-year term, it could be the first and last time I get to welcome her. "I'm certainly looking forward to the occasion." Narromine Shire Mayor Ewen Jones. Image: Narromine Shire Council. Following morning tea with the council, the Governor and Mr Wilson will visit Narromine High School, where they'll meet with school students, teachers and youth workers. Afterward, they'll meet with members of the Trangie Local Aboriginal Land Council at the Wungunja Cultural Centre. The tour will continue to Warren, where they'll see the farming operations at Australian Food and Fibre, as well as visiting the Warren Museum and Art Gallery, and meeting with the mayor, staff and local councillors. "We're very pleased to have a visit," said Warren Shire General Manager, Gary Woodman. While presented with the opportunity to meet with the Governor, the council will discuss the some of challenges they experience in a regional area. "Warren shire has challenges with obtaining workforce, challenges funding our assets, particularly roads, telecommunications problems, housing issues, and challenges with the management of Macquarie River and Creek System," explained Mr Woodman.Warren Shire Council General Manager Gary Woodman. Image: Warren Shire Council.  Also on the agenda will be a celebration "Women of Warren", in recognition of 29 women in the Warren Shire who have dedicated endless hours to volunteer efforts within the community. In Coonamble, the Governor and Mr Wilson will attend two exhibitions at Outback Arts, followed by a chance to meet the Shire’s youth leaders, a morning tea and a Civic Reception in the evening to which representatives from key groups and organisations have been invited. After Coonamble, the Governor and Mr Wilson visit the Warrumbungle National Park Environment Education Centre and go on a Tara Caves Cultural Walking Tour. This will be followed by a visit to Australian Premier Genetics, the Castlereagh RFS Control Centre, and Siding Springs Observatory in Coonabarabran, then a walk and talk with locals during the Sky River Path parkrun. Finally, the last stop in the tour will be Emu Logic Emu Farm in Tooraweenah. She'll be given a tour of the farm, followed by an informal morning tea with Warrumbungle Landcare and Rural Fire Service members. "We're never had a dignitary visit before so it's all new for us," says Penny from Emu Logic Emu Farms. "When she comes to visit, we'll give her a tour of our farm, she'll meet our emus and maybe feed them, and meet our locals." The trip is pre-planned as part of the Governor's commitment to cover all areas in NSW across her term of office. She has a total of six trips planned this year to different parts of New South Wales, with additional visits to regional communities affected by natural disasters. "Dennis and I are looking forward to meeting people, support agencies, cultural organisations and primary producers who contribute to this region, known for its strong communities, natural resources, rich history and ambitions for the future," said Governor Beazley. Governor Beazley previously visited Dubbo, Cobar, and Nyngan in 2019.

Two sisters and seven children had a lucky escape after their rental home accidentally caught fire in Coonamble on Thursday 12 June. One of the sisters said an off-duty police officer noticed smoke coming from the house on Arthur Street at around 5pm and called out from the front gate since there were dogs on the premises. "I was cooking and I had my daughter in the shower. I knew nothing," the woman said. "She said 'do you have a fire at the back?' and I said 'no.' She said 'I think your house is on fire.'" "It went quick. As soon as it got through the laundry, then it went through the kitchen," the other sister said. The youngest child recently turned one.Firefighters at the scene on Arthur Street. IMAGE: River McCrossenPolice, firefighters, SES and paramedics shortly began to arrive on scene and the blaze was brought under control by 6:20pm. A HAZMAT team later arrived for potential asbestos contamination and the house's front fence was taped off. Local Fire and Rescue NSW captain Andrew Morley said fireplace ashes were placed in a plastic bucket, which caught alight."It's probably a bit of a warning for people to be vigilant with cleaning out fireplaces. Use a metal bucket," he said."They may seem to be cold enough, but just be wary where you're placing your hot ashes."He also said residents should ensure they have working fire alarms, which the rental did.Firefighters also attended a suspicious small grass fire on the Castlereagh River near the end of Barton Street at around midnight on the same evening.   

Police were forced to use a helicopter to target a speeding driver on the Castlereagh Highway over the Kings Birthday weekend. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander David Driver said it was a bad example of law breaking.Just before 6am on Friday 6 June 2025, police attempted to stop a stolen 4WD on the Castlereagh Highway, Aarons Pass near Ilford. When it failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated; however, was terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.Police later located the vehicle in Dunedoo and initiated a further pursuit, before the 4WD drove onto private property and through multiple wire fences. The vehicle was later found abandoned, and the driver, a 31-year-old man, was located with assistance from the Police Aviation Command (PolAir). He was taken to Dubbo Police Station and charged with take and drive conveyance without consent, exceed speed more than 20km/h, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, negligent driving, police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, destroy or damage property, resist officer in the execution of duty, and possess prohibited drug. The man was refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday 7 June 2025. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, acknowledged the majority of drivers over this long weekend did abide by the road rules but said there remains a group of road users that continue to break the law and this presents a risk to the whole community.“Over the past few days of the Kings birthday long weekend, we have seen three people lose their lives and 75 people injured on our roads,” Assistant Commissioner David Driver said.“Motor vehicle crashes are preventable, however when they occur lives can be lost, and others permanently changed.“I want to really reiterate the message that driving is a high-risk activity, and all road users need to drive their vehicle with care and attention, and importantly adhere to the road rules,” he said.Statewide operation's sobering statistics Operation Kings Birthday long weekend 2025 commenced at 12am on Friday 6 June and concluded at 11.59pm on Monday 9 June 2025.Double demerit points were in force for the duration of the operation for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.During the period, police saw a concerning number of dangerous driving incidents, including excessive speed, high-range drink-driving, and reckless driving.Police issued 4,032 speed infringements, conducted 202,762 breath tests with 275 people charged with drink-driving, 655 positive roadside drug detections after 9,551 random drug tests conducted, and attended 287 major crashes, resulting in 75 people injured.Three people including a motorcycle rider died on NSW roads over the period, the same number during the operation last year.There were 399 mobile phone infringements, 221 seatbelt infringements and 6,665 other infringements issued to drivers.