Harder prediction of weather events has led to Telstra spending months inspecting thousands of sites around the country to ensure its network is ship shape in case of incidents that could affect customers heading into 2025.So far 21 payphones have been upgraded in the central, Orana and western NSW area and recovery equipment is on standby along with extra mobile data for customers, in preparation for what is considered peak disaster season.“We know how critical it is, for Australians to remain connected during a natural disaster and while we can’t predict what mother nature will throw at us, we’re as ready as can be,” according to Telstra Regional General Manager for Northern NSW Michael Marom.Telstra Regional General Manager for Northern NSW Michael Marom - image courtesy Telstra“We have a long history of responding to extreme weather events and the Telstra Response Team are often first on the ground after emergency services to assess and help restore our network.”“While our network and other infrastructure like electricity can be affected during a natural disaster, we continually work to find better, faster ways to reconnect affected communities.”Payphones in the region are being upgraded with free Telstra Wi-Fi, USB charging ports and back-up power to keep communities connected during a natural disaster.“If your mobile isn’t charged, or you’ve had to evacuate, a payphone might be the only way to contact family and friends to let them know you are ok,” Mr Marom said.Telstra has deployed 110 trailer-mounted, high powered generators across Australia. The generators are part of a co-investment under the Federal Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program.“Extended power outages are often a major cause of network disruption, however the quicker our network sites are powered up, the quicker we can reconnect a community,” said Mr. Marom.Nyngan SES workers - Image courtesy Nyngan SES Facebook “Every plan or piece of infrastructure that is put in place, is invaluable,” said a western area SES worker.“To be able to communicate with all types of services before, during and after an incident is of the highest importance, and it is good to see that Telstra has made it a priority.”“Sometimes it can be a matter of life and death, so if rescue workers know these systems are in place, it can save a lot of time,” he said.

 The cost of living crisis is troubling young people in the Central West, the 23rd annual Mission Australia Youth Survey reports.  Forty-nine people between the ages of 15 and 19 responded to the Mission Australia Youth Survey distributed in April.  Four out of five respondents said they were either very or somewhat concerned about the cost of living.  Nearly half of the respondents said they had to be careful with money in the past year and 38 percent said they had trouble paying for things."It's great that young people can vocalise these issues and we get a really broad range of feedback from young people," Megan Boshell, Mission Australia Area Manager for Central and Far West NSW said.  She said the survey's outcome reflects her experience engaging with young people in real life.   Adding to the cost of living crisis is the lack of affordable housing opportunities for young people.  "We know that a lot of the young people we work with are experiencing homelessness directly or are at significant risk of homelessness. That's associated with the cost of living," Ms Boshell said.  "The challenges in terms of just being able to pay rent as well as pay for the necessary items that people and families need is really difficult at the moment." The lack of accommodation options is particularly glaring in regional and rural areas. The only homelessness shelters in the Central West are in Orange and Bathurst.  There are no homeless shelters in Far West NSW.  "There may not be any private rentals available at all and people in these communities may experience homelessness."  Fifty-seven percent of respondents in the Central West listed mental health as their main obstacle to working or studying."We know accessing mental health support in a timely manner is quite difficult in regional and remote communities," Ms Boshell said.  "For people living outside of Dubbo or Orange finding mental health services has become increasingly difficult."  The majority of respondents said they were happy or very happy with their lives.  "We work with a lot of young people who will engage in art or different sports. For us, there's a big focus on making sure we align young people to the things that make them feel happy and give them positivity in life."

Graziers have less than a month to prepare for the mandatory implementation of electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats.From January 1 all sheep and goats born after that date will need to have eID’s tags prior to leaving the property of their birth. All movement of that livestock needs to be recorded on the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS).NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) said the move is part of the state’s efforts to enhance livestock traceability, biosecurity and disease management.But the State’s peak agricultural body has ongoing concerns and insists there needs to be more work to successfully implement the traceability reforms.NSW Farmers had agreed to the policy providing in-principle support for the national traceability scheme after it was mandated by the previous government, President Xavier Martin said, but there was a need to set a maximum cost amid growing angst from producers.“Farmers are rightly becoming increasingly concerned about the costs associated with implementing eID for sheep and goats,” Mr Martin said.“Our Executive Council has looked at what other state governments are providing their producers and calculated a maximum price of $1 per tag is reasonable for the NSW Government to support given biosecurity benefits everyone, not just producers.”NSW Farmers policy on NLIS for sheep and goats demands that the new system must have:- Have jurisdictional harmonisation- Reduce tag costs to an economically affordable level (ie. national tag tender)- Financially assist farmers and the supply chain to invest in technology- Be underpinned by an equitable funding arrangement across the supply chain- Ensure NLIS database has proven capability- Retain the option of tag free pathways- A staged roll out over a five-year period- Be developed in consultation with producers; and- NLIS is the only system that is available for stock movements“NSW Farmers has been strongly representing our members’ needs in engagements with state and national bodies on this matter, advocating for a positive outcome for farmers,” Mr Martin said.“We still have a long road ahead on these traceability reforms – we still have caveats of our policy that need to be met to maintain our in-principal support of this system. “All producers need to be supported, all the way through the transition. Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and this system applies to all goat and sheep producers – so no one should be missing out on support.”  Staggered implementationNSW DPIRD Director of Sheep and Goat Traceability, Kiowa Fenner, highlighted the importance of the new requirements in strengthening the integrity of the state's livestock traceability system.  “The introduction of mandatory eID for sheep and goats represents a significant step forward in biosecurity and livestock management for the NSW sheep and goat industry,” Ms. Fenner said.   “If you move or sell lambs or kids born next year, they will need an eID device before departure.”  The NSW Government has put in place a staggered implementation of eID to assist understanding and awareness. To this end, all sheep and goat movements will not be required until 1 January 2027.  These changes will improve the traceability of animals across the supply chain, helping us respond more effectively to disease outbreaks and ensuring the continued competitiveness of our agricultural industries.  The implementation is on track, with processors already having commenced scanning eIDs and uploading eID data to the NLIS database from 30 June 2024.  Ms Fenner said we have been actively working with saleyards and stock agents across the state, to ensure they are ready for the changes on 1 January 2025.  “The infrastructure installations at saleyards are almost complete across the state and they are already testing these upgrades as animals with eID tags are sold to ensure they are ready for sale come 1 Jan 2025,” Ms Fenner said.   “NSW DPIRD has also been working to provide producers with the resources and practical skills to make the switch to eID, with workshops and presentations across the state continuing in 2025.  “Producers are encouraged to begin preparing for the shift to eID and for many this will be as simple as simply purchasing eID devices rather than visual tags for their lambs and kids next year.   “When you purchase white 2025 NLIS-accredited devices from your preferred retailer, you will receive a $0.76 discount under the NSW Tag Discount Program until 31 October 2025 or until funds are exhausted.”For more information on sheep and goat eID requirements or to access resources on the implementation process, producers are encouraged to visit the NSW DPIRD website - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/bfs/your-role-in-biosecurity/primary-producers/nlis/eID     

Home renovators were the focus of a recent campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of asbestos.Following on from Asbestos Awareness Week last week, local renovators are being reminded of the risks that come with the hazardous building material, with estimations that asbestos-related diseases claim the lives of around 4,000 Australians each year. That's twice the national road toll. There is a real concern that with tradespeople in short supply and call-out fees soaring, more people and families are rolling up their sleeves, trying to make ends meet by turning their renovation dreams into reality. While this Aussie “can-do” spirit is something to celebrate, it’s also a cause for concern.Renovation expert, Cherie Barber, was the spokesperson for Asbestos Awareness Week.Thousands of Australians are unknowingly exposing themselves and their loved ones to the deadly risk of asbestos poisoning, hidden in homes built or renovated before 1990.And you can find it practically anywhere - hidden beneath carpets, under tiles, inside walls, ceilings, roofs, and even backyard structures like dog kennels, fences and buried in concrete paths.At one stage, asbestos was used in over 3000 building materials. The risk is, when disturbed, asbestos fibres become airborne and can be inhaled, leading to diseases that may not appear until 20 to 40 years later. Coonamble Shire puts asbestos under the spotlightCoonamble Shire Council shares concerns about the the deadly material, and with the bulk of homes being built in the region prior to 1990, the prevalence of asbestos may be higher than the average area.This creates the issue of where asbestos can be disposed of.General Manager Paul Gallagher said asbestos was considered hazardous waste and cannot currently be accepted at any waste management facility within Coonamble Shire. "It is a serious offence to dump illegally, and fines apply," he reminded local residents. Asbestos-containing materials can be disposed of at Walgett, Narrabri, and Narromine.Gilgandra Waste Facility can only accept bonded asbestos that has been double wrapped in an industrial grade plastic.No friable asbestos materials can be accepted at the Gilgandra Waste Facility.Professional renovator, Cherie Barber, was a spokesperson for Asbestos Awareness Week.She said DIY doesn’t have to mean “Do It Dangerously.”While it’s tempting to save money and time by doing it all yourself, the risk simply isn’t worth it.Our health and the safety of our loved ones should always come first.  Ms Barber appears in an informative video about identifying, testing, and removing asbestos in your home, which you can view by clicking the link below.Asbestos In Homes: Complete Guide to Identification, Testing and RemovalThe message is: Don’t cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it! Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! Don’t dump it! And whatever you do... DON’T remove it yourself! Always get licensed asbestos professional because it's not worth the risk.

As the river height recedes in Collarenebri, Walgett residents are preparing for potential minor flooding over the weekend. The level of the Barwon River sits at Walgett is 9.2 meters and is expected to peak 11.5 metres overnight on Sunday into Monday, according to the latest update at around 3pm from the Bureau of Meteorology.  The minor flood level in Walgett is 10.5 metres. "The main flood peak along the Barwon River passed Collarenebri and is approaching Walgett, where the river level may reach the minor flood level Saturday afternoon," the Bureau update said. Collarenebri's river height sat at 6.21 metres at around mid-afternoon, still above the town's minor flood level of 5.8 metres.  Authorities are urging residents to monitor conditions, respect potential road closures and not drive through flood waters. Mapping of the areas that could be hit with minor flooding over the weekend. IMAGE: Hazard WatchThe NSW SES held a community meeting yesterday afternoon at Walgett RSL. SES volunteers are also ready to assist if needed in Collarenebri, although residents told the Western Plains App there's been little impact on the town."I don't think we're worried about it too much," local Australia Post licensee Carol Colly said. "If we'd had more rain it would have been a different story." However, heading north Gundabloui Road, the Little Weir Bridge around 10-15 kilometres from the Queensland border was heavily damaged by flood waters over the weekend. For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:* NSW SES* RMS Live Traffic NSW * Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations* Early Warning Network* Rainfall ForecastsFor more links and information on western plains Road Conditions check out our Weather/ Reports page.

Regional and rural areas will be feeling the weight of a stamp price increase from $1.50 to $1.70 to $2.70, depending on the weight, starting mid-2025.  Despite more people receiving official communication via email, mail is still a trusted form of correspondence in regional and rural areas, according to Curtin University Adjunct Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management Paul Alexander. "The regions will feel it far more than in the city," Mr Alexander said.  "In regional areas, there are infrastructure issues, older people who are not comfortable with email, and concessional users for whom discounted mail is the most affordable form of communication. "We therefore need to maintain letters throughout the regions at this age, more so than in the cities."  Paul Alexander, Curtin University Adjunct Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management. Photo: Curtin University The last stamp price increase occurred in March 2024 when the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approved a stamp price increase from $1.20 to $1.50. “I have carefully considered a number of factors in making this decision, including the ACCC’s finding that the proposed increases are on a cost-recovery basis," Minister for Communications Hon Michelle Rowland said.  "They're aiming to keep putting the pressure on people to communicate in alternative ways but not every one is ready for that," Mr Alexander said.  In the 2023/24 financial year, Australia Post reported a $88.5 million pre-tax loss with $361.8 million in losses from the letter business.   "To deliver to every single address in Australia no matter what, you need quite a large network," Mr Alexander said.  "The revenue from mail has gone through the floor." Australia sends fewer letters now with a population close to 27 million than it did in 1955 when the population was 9.2 million, according to Mr Alexander.  Fifty-nine percent of all post offices are in regional areas and serve as an important site for banking, business, and community services.  Mr Alexander said he cannot comment on whether regional areas get 'better' service "but it does a commitment to maintaining regional services and the relative expense in doing so."  Editor's note: If you have been impacted by any of the issues mentioned in the article please Contact Us at the Western Plains App.

As the heavy rainfall this month drives weed growth, cotton growers are maintaining vigilance around spray drift potential.  Cotton is particularly vulnerable to Group 4 herbicides such as 2,4-D. "Thankfully the damage isn't significant yet, however, growers are reporting an unusually high weed issue in fields that are fallow after good winter crops and also in the emerging cotton crops," Cotton Australia (CA) Regional manager for northern NSW Bob Ford said. Mr Ford said he already heard of cotton damage in Collarenebri, Narrabri, Rowena, and Walgett.  Bob Ford.Cotton Australia Regional Manager for Northern NSW. Photo: Cotton Australia So far, cotton growers from Walgett haven't noticed much spray drift but that could change soon. "Most people have just finished harvesting, so there hasn't been a lot of spraying. There could be a panic between now and Christmas to get everything sprayed," cotton grower Simon Long from Walgett said.   Last year was an excellent year for the cotton industry.  "We had a great year," Mr Long said. "It was a very challenging year but we had many growers support the industry pretty well. This year is going to be the same I think."  Spraying responsibly is key to keeping everyone's crops healthy, Mr Ford said.  “Potentially any farmer can create a risk for any other farmer if they are not applying herbicides correctly at this time of the year.  "Spray drift management strategies reduce the risk of unintended impacts to neighbours and the environment and ensure more herbicide lands where it should, to maximise weed control," CA policy officer for Research and Development and Stewardship Doug McCollum said.  "Responsible spraying strategies are part of a modern farming system, but everyone needs to follow instructions on the label, consider their neighbours, spray only when conditions are right, and use best practice techniques," Mr Ford said.  “When developing a spray plan, checking the weather forecast and selecting the most appropriate nozzles before spraying are all vital. Conversations with your neighbours about the timing of your spray operations are also encouraged.”  Mr Ford encouraged farmers to map their spraying activity on SataCrop which lets users know the location of sensitive crops and Weather and Networked Data (WAND) towers which can detect and predict hazardous conditions, allowing sprayers to proceed in the best conditions.  The inversion towers have remote sensing capability and new proprietary software to provide growers and spray contractors with up to 24-hour forecasts of real-time weather data that is updated every 10 minutes.  "This is a wake-up call to everyone in agriculture not just cotton, grain, and rice growers, everyone can be impacted in some way," Mr Collum said. 

The timeline for the arrival of three new regional ambulance helicopter bases remains unclear as a public hearing reveals funds have not been allocated to run them. Before the NSW election in March 2023, the government committed to $70 million to build the bases. A NSW budget estimates hearing on 2 December heard that almost $64 million has been earmarked for construction, which is yet to begin. Asked by Nationals Upper House Member Wes Fang when the first base will be up and running, NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said it will depend on future funding for operations. "Work has been done in identifying the locations that have been modelled. That now has to be considered by the Government. Part of operationalising those bases is to secure ongoing funding," Dr Morgan said. He also said it usually takes two years from commitment to deliver a new helicopter, although there may be "other options" if the governments want them sooner. Dr Morgan did not specify those options.NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan. IMAGE: NSW Ambulance Dr Morgan said NSW Ambulance has identified four priority locations, but did not reveal them due to 'Cabinet in confidence,' meaning information that is currently confidential within the government. The government will consider an assessment for three of the four priority sites. “We look forward to sharing more about the delivery of more ambulance helicopter bases in due course,” NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said when approached by the Western Plains App. Mr Fang said the government hadn't thought past "the bricks and mortar." “In my experience as a former ChildFlight rescue helicopter pilot I know all too well that these bases can’t function without the adequate operational funding and staff."

The iconic Royal Far West (RFW) turns 100 this week and no one is clapping more loudly than Chairperson Joan Treweeke of Angledool. An Australian National Charity, the Royal Far West has spent 100 years improving the health and wellbeing of remote and rural children and Joan has been an integral part of its organisation in recent years.  Joan who has been chairperson of the charity for five years, joined the board in 2014, has been a long-time supporter through her involvement with School of the Air, ICPA, and Royal Flying Doctor Service, and her invaluable work with and for kids in the bush. “The Royal Far West is simply an amazing charity. The work that has been done completely by volunteers, is outstanding and the lives it has touched are immeasurable. So often when I am somewhere, someone will come up and start telling me about their experience and how it changed their life or the life of a loved one, it is so lovely to hear and makes us all happy,” said Mrs Treweeke.Royal Far West Chairperson Joan Treweeke - Image RFW “I first became involved through School of the Air. We got to hear and sometimes see all the kids in the region, and we soon realised that some children needed medical help in one way or another. “Coming from the city and a medical family, I knew what services the city children had access to and soon understood the country kids did not have equitable services out here, so I wanted to pitch in and help. It was a great cry from the bush, where do we go, how do we help our children. “Unfortunately, things have gotten worse in the country for children to access medical care and this makes the services of RFW so valuable. For instance, previously Dubbo had five Paediatricians now they only have two, and they only deal with medical issues not developmental issues, which means children must travel even further to get help. “Our Board consists of a group of people who merge all their talents to work together, we have medical people with expansive backgrounds, dentists, allied health workers businesspeople, media people, who all say they want to give back and support a good cause, their generosity knows no ends.” The charity came about with the foresight of Reverend Stanley Drummond, a Cobar based Minister, who was recuperating on Manly Beach, who had a vision of bringing country kids to the beach for respite, which quickly became a reality with camps for country children. “To think that the original idea 100 years ago to help country kids live a healthy, productive life has progressed to what it is today though dedication, hard work and technology, is a credit to the many volunteers over the years that have made it all happen,” said Mrs Treweeke.Image courtesy Royal Far WestWith big celebrations planned for today (Thursday 5 December), the volunteers and their supporters and local community members will take to Manly beach, where it all began, for a get together focusing on the wonderful work of the last 100 years.Today the charity encompasses the whole of Australia with an estimated 190,000 children across rural and remote Australia that need developmental and mental health support to help them get on track and stay on track. Royal Far West has grown into a specialist child development service that today provides developmental, mental health and disability support for children aged up to 12 and those around the child – parents, carers, educators and health professionals. Its innovative services support country children across four states (NSW, QLD, WA & VIC), 364 communities and 211 schools and early childhood centres from its Centre for Country Kids in Manly, via virtual care or on in-community visits by a multidisciplinary team of paediatric clinicians. Royal Far West’s CEO, Jacqueline Emery, said, “Royal Far West has always been a beacon of hope in the bush. We go where the gaps are to ensure that every child has access to high-quality healthcare and support, regardless of where they live. "From our humble beginnings, we've transformed into a specialist child development service, utilising innovative services and technology, to bridge the gap and bring essential health services to children in remote areas.” One Western area patient who was given access to the service said, “It changed my life in so many ways and I will be forever grateful.”

Collarenebri residents are preparing for flooding in the area as the NSW Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) expects the Barwon River to peak 6.3 meters this evening into tomorrow. The river height in the town sits at 6.19 metres, above the minor flood level of 5.8 metres, according to an update at around 4pm today from SES Chief Inspector David Cox. Recent localised rainfall has caused significant river level rises along the Moonie and Barwon Rivers, while the Little Wier Bridge on Gundabloui Road, around 10-15 kilometres from the Queensland border, was heavily damaged by flood waters over the weekend. A sandbag pick up point has been set up on the corner of Herbert and George streets in Collarenebri while Community Liaison teams are out and about in town to check in and share vital information. "If your property is known to become isolated at these heights, prepare early and prepare either to not be at the property and stay with friends or to ensure you have enough supplies," Chief Inspector David Cox said. "If you know the premises is going to be affected at these heights, we advise to lift furniture, hazardous chemicals and hazardous materials, like fuel in sheds, off the ground and above the predicted flood levels." Residents who become isolated can call 132 500 to register with the SES, although Inspector Cox said to call 000 in case of a life-threatening emergency.A map of the affected area from the SES website. IMAGE: SESThe BOM is warning of potential flooding for Walgett later this week as waters head downstream of Collarenebri. The Barwon River at Walgett is currently at 6.99 metres and rising, well below the minor flood level of 10.50 metres, according to the latest update at 10:55am today at from the BOM.The damage at the bridge. IMAGE: supplied For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts: NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.auRMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.comLatest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/outerwest.shtmlLatest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW

Power was been cut off to Carinda again yesterday after a devastating storm tore through the town in mid-November knocking down power poles and ripping the roofs off houses. The power went off shortly after 5:30am on Tuesday 3 December affecting around 80 customers due to a damaged powerline. The outage ran for over 12 hours until about 6:15pm after Essential Energy's failsafe detected a fault and automatically cut power. "A helicopter was used to patrol the power network, and crews identified a cracked insulator on the high voltage powerline as the cause of the outage," an Essential Energy spokesperson said. "The nature of the fault made it difficult to find as insulators sit atop power poles and can be very challenging to locate. "Once identified, crews worked as quickly as safety and conditions allowed." A map of the blackout in Carinda. Photo: Essential EnergyCrew had also been sent on motorbikes to locate the issue. Despite the power outage, the local service station was able to stay open. "Most people are just sweating it out till the power returns," resident Peter Saunders said yesterday. "Many generators have been returned to wherever they came from." The additional downpour early this week delayed clean-up work, but didn't intensify the situation on the ground. "It hasn't really made anything worse," Mr Saunders said.  "NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has received no calls for assistance that any of the clean up or repair works by our hardworking volunteer shave been affected by the storms in the past week," an SES spokesperson said.  On Tuesday morning the town had around 10-15mm of rain after getting more than 50mm over the weekend, less than other towns such as Baradine were it rained over 100mm on the weekend.  Members of the SES Western Zone have attended two incidents in Carinda since 26 November unrelated to damage caused by the storm on 17 November.  There have been no more SES units set up in Carinda since 25 November.  Some people have not yet been able to return to their homes and are staying temporarily in a school bus that was provided by pub owner Malcolm George.  The local tip also remains closed in Carinda. The Walgett Shire Council is looking at next steps to reopen the tip. 

A spike in vandalism in Narromine Shire has prompted the council to offer a reward for information.Council is calling on residents to report any suspicious or unusual activities following an increase in vandalism across the Shire.“We have seen a troubling increase in damage to children’s play equipment, gardens, fencing, and soft fall,” Narromine Shire Council General Manager Jane Redden said.To help reduce the impact of vandalism, Narromine Shire Council has a Vandalism Rewards Scheme Policy, which encourages residents to report any instances of vandalism or related incidents.This scheme offers up to $5000.Narromine Council Mayor, Ewen Jones said he was aware of damage in the community, particularly to the toilet facility at Dundas Park.“It’s a fairly new toilet block and it’s just a pointless act for it to be damaged,” he said.Ms Redden said she was disappointed that vandals had targeted the community facility.“The newly opened public toilets at Dundas Park have also been repeatedly targeted, resulting in significant repair costs," she said."Community safety is one of our top priorities, and we are doing all we can to protect our public spaces."Even with CCTV in place, we rely on the community’s support to help deter and report these acts of vandalism."Council hopes that, reward aside, the community will feel motivated to report any information they may have about these incidents.”Narromine Shire Council Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Melanie Slimming, said she was aware of the need for repairs caused by pointless vandalism.Narromine Shire Council Mayor, Ewen Jones, said the rise in vandalism was frustrating.“We have also had damage to fencing."We've got white picket fencing around some of the ovals and people are just running into it and smashing it up. "We’ve also had people lighting things on fire in a playground."It’s just silly, pointless behaviour.”“We do have fixed CCTV, and at the moment we've got our portable CCTV unit set up at the park to try and capture as much as possible."Using CCTV, along with someone's statement can be really helpful in finding these perpetrators.”The Council’s rewards policy offers up to $5,000 for information that leads to successful legal action, such as a criminal conviction, a formal caution, or a juvenile justice conference under the Young Offenders Act 1997, when vandalism affects Council-owned or managed property.For further details on the policy, visit: https://www.narromine.nsw.gov.au/council/policiesTo report vandalism or suspicious activity, please contact NSW Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. In emergencies, dial 000.

The Bourke airstrip is receiving improvements and supporting the regional town's blossoming economy thanks to $15 million in funding from the Regional Development Trust.Funding has been allocated to the Bourke, White Cliffs, and Deniliquin airstrips. Upgrades at Bourke will include increasing runways, lengths, widths, and weight limits allowing for heavier planes with bigger loads to land on the strip, as well as safety upgrades such as taxiway, lighting, and line markings. “These upgrades are about making sure we are boosting service delivery to regional NSW and that we are building strong and resilient regional communities now and into the future," Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said.  The airports in Bourke, Deniliquin, and White Cliffs were selected based on consultation with government and health services, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). "Bourke is an important centre for the RFDS and a regional centre for vital services for local communities,"  Mark Davey, Executive General Manager for Aviation and Operations at the RFDS South Eastern Section said. "From here we perform inter-hospital transfers, which is where we transport people from the local hospital in Bourke, or other locations, to more specialist care at Dubbo, or even Sydney." Mr Davey said they have not had trouble getting in and out of Bourke but it is vital that the airport is prepared for the future. "From an RFDS perspective, we have adapted to the unique conditions of operating in rural and remote locations. Most of our aircraft are KingAir B200s and are very adaptable and suitable for most locations we travel to.  "While the airport upgrades program won’t have a material impact on our operations, we recognise how important it is for this critical infrastructure to be upgraded and future-proofed.  "It’s a fantastic program," Mr Davey said. Photograph of Royal Flying Doctor Service VH-VPX in Bourke. Photo: Q8682 Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0The growing economy in Bourke will also benefit from the upgrades. “Business is booming in Bourke, the opportunity to upgrade the Bourke airstrip will allow for larger aircraft to land to service the health and local business sectors, supporting the local economy, and local jobs," Bourke mayor Lachlan Ford said. "It's wonderful news." The goat abattoir is one of the businesses that frequently uses the airport and has experienced significant growth since reopening in 2022, attracting more people to town.  “Investing in our regional airstrips and aerodromes will help ensure rural and remote communities can continue to access the services they need, whether it’s health, emergency, or business services, and especially in times of a critical incident when they are needed most," Ms Moriarty said.  The funding is part of the $400 million Regional Development Trust to ensure remote communities have access to healthcare and emergency services. How the $15 million will be distributed among the three airports has yet to be announced.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton moved a motion in Parliament last week urging Government to continue funding the Royal Far West’s National Paediatric Telecare Service (NPTS) which is delivering crucial paediatric services to country children through their schools.Mr Coulton emphasised the vital work Royal Far West undertakes supporting children in the bush and with funding running out in June next year, is worried as there is currently no Federal funding bucket available for this type of program.“In recent years, it’s become incredibly difficult to access paediatric services if you live in regional Australia,” Mr Coulton said.“I know many families in my electorate are being forced to wait years to get in to see a specialist and fork out thousands of dollars to travel to access much-needed support for their children.Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (centre) met with representatives from Royal Far West in Parliament last week, prior to moving his Private Members’ Business motion.“In 2019, Royal Far West received $19.7 million in funding from the former Coalition Government to establish the NPTS, which is helping to fill this gap in services and enables country children to access the support they need without having to travel.“The service, which is being delivered in schools across rural and remote Australia, provides children with access to various clinicians including speech pathologists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers via Telehealth.The program is currently being delivered in 143 schools and 56 early learning centres in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, with 565 children receiving support each week, and plans to expand to 150 schools if funding is forthcoming.“Last year, the service supported more than 21,000 children – 20 per cent of which are Indigenous and 50 per cent under eight years old. We all know that the earlier a child can receive intervention, the less likely they are to fall behind in their development. It’s not only filling a gap but helping to Close the Gap,” said Mr Coulton.“While I understand that Telecare is not a replacement for healthcare, this service is helping to reach a large number of children to ensure they can get the help they need before it’s too late.” “Royal Far West does a wonderful job in supporting rural children in a practical and meaningful way and this is making a huge difference in communities throughout the country, and I strongly urge the Government to look at providing ongoing funding.”December will see the charity celebrate 100 years of operating – 100 years of supporting the health and wellbeing of country kids, families and teachers. Royal Far West Manly Royal Far West has been working with Narromine Public School for 10 years after the school had concerns about the development of some children starting school, and Mr Coulton says it is a great example of what can be achieved.“The telecare service was a lifesaver for us,” one Narromine mother told the App.“Waitlists were long, and this service allowed us to be seen without having to travel hundreds of kilometres, which would have been difficult for our family.”The RFW organisation was founded in 1924 by Cobar-based Reverend Stanley Gillick Drummond who was recuperating on a beach in Manly and decided the idea of bringing country kids to the coast for respite would be a great plan.“I can proudly say that its roots are firmly planted in the Parkes electorate,” Mr Coulton said.“The first lot of children that came in from the country came from places like Brewarrina, Bourke and Cobar.“Royal Far West has a long and proud history of delivering care to children from remote parts of Australia, largely New South Wales, but it has now expanded into other areas.”

With much of the state experiencing severe thunderstorms and flash flooding over the past week, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is urging people to remain vigilant both on the roads and on the water this summer period. Over the past week NSW has been battered by storms, with NSW SES volunteers responding to more than 900 incidents since the storms began earlier this week. These have mostly been for fallen trees and branches, leaking roofs and requests for sandbagging. On Sunday night, SES volunteers responded to nine flood rescues across the state, including in the Northern Rivers, Illawarra, Sydney and Western NSW. NSW SES State Duty Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul McQueen reminded people to stay across the latest warnings and information, and never drive through floodwater. “While all people were safely rescued overnight, it’s a reminder of the dangers posed by taking the risk of driving through floodwater,” he said. “The message is simple – Please never drive, ride, or play in floodwaters. I also want to thank those who do the right thing and turn around to find another way. By doing this, you are saving our volunteers from being put into harm’s way.” More rain to comeThe Bureau of Meteorology has predicted above average rainfall throughout December, and has forecast widespread rain, showers, and thunderstorms with moderate to heavy falls to continue into next week, increasing the risk of flash flooding and riverine rises. Acting Assistant Commissioner McQueen urged residents to know their risk and plan ahead this storm season. “With more rainfall predicted over the summer period, travellers heading to caravan parks and resorts in low lying areas should have a plan and prepare for possible heavy rain, which can lead to flash flooding and riverine rises,” Acting Assistant Commissioner McQueen said. “You don’t know what condition the road underneath the water is in and can’t see hidden obstacles and debris under the surface. Flooded rivers may also contain hidden debris, snakes, spiders, chemicals and sewage.” The NSW SES is also encouraging residents to download the Hazards Near Me app to their smart devices or visit Hazard Watch. "During holiday periods, it's crucial for those unfamiliar with their surroundings to use the Hazards Near Me app. Set a watch zone for your holiday destination to receive alerts about storms, floods, and other hazards, and know how to stay safe," Acting Assistant Commissioner McQueen said. A flood watch is in place for minor flooding for the following catchments:Orara River Colo RiverMacdonald RiverCastlereagh River Macquarie RiverBogan River Lachlan River Belubula RiverMandagery Creek  Tumut RiverUpper Murrumbidgee River to Burrinjuck Dam Queanbeyan and Molonglo Rivers Barwon RiverFlooding is dependent on thunderstorm and rainfall activity which will be closely monitored. Call the NSW SES on 132 500 if you need assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000). 

The SES has issued flood warnings in some parts of the Western Plains after significant rains cut roads and power over the weekend.The rainfall varied across Western NSW and brought mixed reactions, with totals ranging from 222mm north of Coonamble to 106cm at Wellington.Muddy paddocks are stretching from Lightning Ridge to Walgett, with 150mms of rain recorded in parts of the north west. State Emergency Services (SES) recorded 116.4 mm at the Coonabarabran showgrounds, 101.6 mm at the Coonamble airport, and 80.6 mm at the Condobolin airport. It's come at an interesting time for farmers, Walgett Stock and Station agent Russell Hiscox predicting the heavy falls will get feed growing and dams filled. "The rain is always welcome in Walgett," Most of the grain harvest in the region has been completed, according to a GrainCorp spokesperson.  "We're ready to get the ball rolling and start again. It's pretty exciting," Mr Hiscox said.  Bob Ford, Cotton Australia Regional Officer for Northern NSW based in Narrabri, said most cotton farmers are also pleased with the rain.  "We were getting quite dry leading into the first irrigation. Growers probably won't have to irrigate for now. They can save that for later," Mr Ford said. "It's good news except there is quite a bit of water on cotton which growers are trying to shift off."  Mr Ford said that unless the cotton seeds were sown in the last week or the cotton is submerged in water for more than a week, the crop is safe.  "One of the strengths of cotton is that it can recover from these sorts of events," Mr Ford said.Power outage and road closuresA lighting strike on a power pole switched the electricity off to 2,886 homes in Coonamble, Gulargambone, and surrounding areas around 3:35pm yesterday. While Essential Energy crews were able to restore power to 627 homes in Gulargambone two hours later, the remaining repairs proved more difficult.  "Crews worked in treacherous conditions to replace the pole and restring the line as quickly as possible, with power restored to most customers around 9:32 pm on Sunday," an Essential Energy spokesperson said.  Staff had to use an excavator and an all-terrain vehicle to reach the area.  Seven customers along the Baradine Road remained without power overnight. SES kept busyThe Baradine Road was closed on Friday due to heavy rainfall at the first causeway west of Baradine. Rainfall on Saturday and Sunday prolonged the closure. The road was reopened Monday morning.  Emergency workers were kept on their toes, with the Western Zone recording 81 incidents from Friday onwards. Of those issues reported, 69 were related to fallen trees, leaking roofs, and sandbag requests.  There were two flood rescues on Saturday in Coonamble and Kenebri. In Coonamble, a vehicle was found in flood water without any occupants and moved off the road, while in Kenebri three kayakers were found safe and well after being reported missing earlier. The SES issued flood advice for Collarenebri around 10am this morning and Mogil Mogil around 5 pm on 1 December. The Bureau of Meteorology noted minor flooding is likely along the Barwon, Warrego, and Moonie Rivers. With motorists urged to monitor updates on the SES website here.Rain is expected to continue throughout the week, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fifteen-year-old Blake Gee has been found safe and well, after being unaccounted for overnight.The teen was reported missing from a property off the Mitchell Highway in Nevertire last night and is believed to have been found at 7:20am this morning.Police media were unable to confirm where he was found at the time of publication.

Police are appealing to locate a teenage boy missing from around Nevertire.Blake Gee, aged 15, was last seen on a property off the Mitchell Highway, at Nevertire, approximately 100km north west of Dubbo, about 9pm last night (Sunday 1 December 2024).Blake Gee. IMAGE: NSW PoliceWhen he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Orana Mid Western Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.Police and family hold serious concerns for Blake’s welfare.Blake is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150-160cm tall, of slim build, with short brown hair, brown eyes and wears hearing aids.He was last seen wearing a light blue jumper, black track suit pants, and white runners.Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

On the telephone line between callers and emergency operators, the location of the incident can get lost in translation.  When Rebel Black from Lightning Ridge called 000 to report a fire 20 kilometres north of Lightning Ridge on the night of 17 November, the operator told her they already had a fire on the Bill O'Brien Way and Benny Walford Crossing in town.  Ms Black called back around 15 minutes later to clarify that these could not be the same incidents as she was trying to report a fire on private property off the Castlereagh Highway.  The Lightning Ridge resident the operator told her, 'It's the same fire, Madam,' and hung up on her.  "Both were incredibly dismissive of me and left me wondering if the reports had happened and if the right help would be received," Ms Black said.   When Ms Black took her story to social media, the response showed that she was not alone in her concerns.  "It's not just Lightning Ridge. It's all rural properties," Ms Black said.  The Lightning Ridge resident said she empathizes with the 000 operators.  "I understand why [the operators] get frustrated if they've had more than one person report something or maybe they think people are pranking. It just highlighted a system that's not working for anybody." "I feel for the people working in the call centres, but to be treated like an idiot isn't fun." NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) used a waterbombing aircraft and heavy machinery to extinguish the blaze spanning more than 100 hectares. Fire and Rescue NSW said there are several ways through which the location of an incident is identified.  "There are a number of location data sources on top of information provided by a caller than can identify locations including the callers billing address, and for mobile phones the GPS coordinates of the handset," a Fire and Rescue (FR) NSW spokesperson said.  "Fire and Rescue operators are also supported by a computer-aided dispatch system which assists in finding the location of the call, identifying the nearest fire resources and helps to alert the most appropriate resources so they can respond to the incident."  "NSW is divided into fire districts with FRNSW and NSW RFS each responsible for particular areas," a FR NSW spokesperson said.  "There are also Mutual Aid Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding in place where agencies assist one another in rural and regional areas. "The dispatch system contains all the necessary information to automatically determine the responsible agency for response."  The RFS announced on 20 November they are introducing changes to improve public information on the Hazards Near Me app and the RFS public website to improve life updates and communication about fire incidents.  This includes a new incident status 'responding' to let users know if crews are on the way.  The Hazards Near Me app recently introduced the' responding' status. Ms Black said she plans to report the incident to the relevant department.