A pre-election promise by the Federal Government is now being acted on by the NSW Government to give an old lease of life to old mines at Cobar and Nymagee and could ignite further investment and jobs in an large expansion of mining across the wider region.As governments ramp up financial support for exploration to support new mining opportunities, reassessing the potential of mothballed sites is already reaping rewards.Cutting edge scientific processes have found 28 current and historic mine sites which could have critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits hidden inside their old waste.A Geological Survey of NSW’s Mine Reuse Project collected more than 1,200 samples.These specimens were then run through the latest sampling techniques and underwent high precision chemical analysis to identify critical minerals.This uncovered elevated concentrations of 11 critical minerals and high-tech metals, including copper, cobalt, silver and antimony.“The Mine Reuse Project is a direct outcome of the government’s commitment to a Critical Mineral and High-Tech Metals Strategy that drives investment and innovation in the exploration and mining sector through the provision of world-class and targeted pre-competitive geoscience," said Chief Geoscientist and head of the Geological Survey of NSW, Dr Phil Blevin."The results of the Mine Reuse Project is just another example of this."Historic mines where sampling occurred include CSA in the Central West, Queen Bee, Great Cobar and Nymagee in the Far West, Endeavour Elura and Endeavour McKinnons in the Central West, and Hillgrove in the Northern Tablelands.Current mines where researchers were looking for additional materials include Peak Gold Mine and Tritton near Cobar, RASP and Southern Operations near Broken Hill, and Stratford in the Upper Hunter.Critical minerals and high-tech metals are crucial for clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, along with aerospace applications. The International Energy Agency estimates that, over the next 20 years, the global economy requires six times the current amount of critical minerals to reach net-zero carbon emissions.“The release of this data reinforces that NSW really is the state to be for explorers looking to find the next big critical minerals project," said Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos.“As key ingredients in our solar panels, wind turbines, EVs and batteries, critical minerals and high-tech metals are integral to our economic future."More exploration means more jobs and more investment in regional NSW."The release of data from projects like this shows explorers and miners where to find the best opportunities for development and could see an increase on the 190 critical minerals exploration titles already being pursued across NSW.The work for the Mine Reuse Project was undertaken in collaboration between the Geological Survey of NSW with the Sustainable Minerals Institute at The University of Queensland and Geoscience Australia.This latest data release is part of the NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024-35. With both the NSW and federal governments backing the push for mining across the state, it is 'watch this space' for western plains districts with rapid take-up expected.Government funding delivers targeted precompetitive geoscientific data including the recent commencement of the Central Lachlan Seismic Survey around Euabalong to Bathurst and Nyngan to Gilgandra.NSW has also recently contributed $2.5 million to co-investment fund for critical minerals explorers and offered a $250 million 'royalty deferral initiative' for new critical minerals projects.As well as exploration assistance, commercial interests say there is a growing need for governments to allow more new mines in the regions.“This initiative recognises the ongoing growth in global demand for many of the valuable mineral commodities we have here in NSW," said NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee.“It also highlights the need for more mine approvals in NSW so we can play our role in meeting this global demand while also delivering economic benefits to regional communities.” 

Warrumbungle Shire Council leaders have called for the NSW government to pause decisions on projects in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. Over 20 people filled the public gallery at Dubbo Regional Council Chambers on 16 May for a parliamentary committee hearing on the zone's impacts on rural communities. Senior council representatives urged for a REZ-wide cumulative impact assessment to be completed before individual projects are approved.Council's environmental consultant, Adjunct Professor Warwick Giblin, said they also want to see measures to mitigate potential issues like heavier traffic. "We wish to see these remedial, mitigative actions, especially on social matters, particularly the things that require additional resources like police, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital beds, mental health services," Prof. Giblin said. "The NSW government clearly sees there is a need for this strategic cumulative impact assessment. "That work has not been done, yet the government is determining these projects now, and in our view there is a material and significant procedural error in the state government's planning and assessment process."A map of the Central-West Orana REZ. SOURCE: NSW government Prof. Giblin also said there is a risk of a judicial review in the NSW Land and Environment Court if an assessment is not completed. The NSW government chose the area for the REZ in 2018 and announced in April 2025 that construction would begin within months. Construction includes over 200 kilometres of transmission lines to connect renewables projects in the area to the electricity grid. The project also drew criticism from landholders at the hearing, who said consultation has been inadequate.  Farmer Nigel Roberts owns a sheep stud about 40 kilometres southwest of Dunedoo, which borders two proposed renewable projects. He says he's concerned about visual impact and liability insurance. "What is to happen if a fire I'm responsible for burns out the $1.8 million worth of neighbouring infrastructure?" the fourth-generation farmer said."I'm still yet to receive an adequate answer on what is happening in this scenario. "We're witnessing a common pattern."Each energy project seems manageable when assessed as a standalone project. However, they are not being assessed collectively, which is what our community requires."Mr Roberts joined other landowners speaking at the hearing. He says his family will leave the area if the projects are built. Committee members also heard from emergency service VRA Rescue, which serves Narromine, Mendooran and Coolah. The volunteer non-profit's director Peter Rothwell said increased traffic and service demand will make their job more difficult. "The workforce in this area is set to explode, with many centres more than doubling their population," he said. "The industrialisation of the region will put further strain on our members and organisation through the requirement of specialised training, including vertical rescue."Sadly, this will mean more accidents and a higher workload for our volunteers. "It would seem little thought has been given to the impact on rural emergency services. " The NSW government has so far greenlit ten renewable energy projects, including solar, wind and battery storage, to connect to the incoming transmission line. They would be capable of powering 2.7 million homes in peak periods by 2031, according government figures.

Two teenagers have been charged over an alleged home break-in at Gilgandra this week. Police said they received multiple calls from community members about three motorcyclists riding dangerously around Waugan Street at around 3:30pm on 15 May. The riders left the scene before officers arrived. At around 4:35pm on the same day, police took a report of an alleged break and enter where three motorcycles were allegedly stolen from a home on Naden Street between 13 and 14 May. "Following further inquiries, police attended a home in Gilgandra and arrested two 15-year-old boys and recovered the three motorbikes," a police spokesperson said. "They have been charged with take and drive conveyance without consent of owner; they’ve been given conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 7 July." The spokesperson said inquiries are continuing under Operation Soteria.

NSW Farmers have issued a fresh safety warning to rural travellers this National Road Safety Week as the state’s road network remains riddled with billions of dollars in damages.With long distances, additional hazards like kangaroos, feral pigs and sharing the road with agricultural machinery, rough surfaces and eroded edges can create a deadly mix.The warning comes as motoring website www.drive.com.au has ranked the Newell Highway the second most dangerous highway.‘’Out of the 340 people who passed away on New South Wales roads in 2024, approximately 68 per cent – or 234 people – died on regional roads."The Newell and Pacific highways ranked first in terms of the highest rate of collision, with 10 fatal crashes in 2024. "The Hume and New England highways followed in second, both with eight, while the Central Coast, Gwydir, Princes and Snowy Mountain freeways recorded four deaths each.’’A recent report by NRMA estimated $3.4 billion in funding was needed by NSW’s local councils to repair their roads to a safe condition. NRMA’s Peter Khoury is travelling statewide to put the case to Federal and State Governments for more funding and was in Orange on Wednesday.NSW Farmers’ Wagga Branch Chair David Meiklejohn said the state of the roads in rural areas were a disgrace, with the transport of food from farm to fork becoming increasingly impossible.“You only have to drive out the farm gate and you’re faced with everything from dangerous potholes that can ruin your tyres to whole sections of road crumbled into oblivion,” Mr Meiklejohn said. “Floods have left many roads near impassable in the north, while down south, a similar neglect to repair our roads has meant we’re battling to get fodder on farm and truck livestock off – making this drought even harder than it already is. “If you’re planning on driving anywhere in rural NSW, my message to you is simple: buckle up, and be ready for the roads to be a mess.”Mr Meiklejohn said an unprecedented effort would be necessary to get NSW’s rural and regional roads back on track, with all levels of government urged to immediately invest in road repairs and upgrades across the state. “Boosting federal support for Financial Assistance Grants to fix our roads would go a long way to getting us back on track, but we also need to see billions, not millions, in funding from our state and federal governments to shift the dial,” Mr Meiklejohn said.“Every day we leave our roads like this is another day where our families, our friends, our truckies and our tourists are put at unnecessary risk. “The productivity benefits that would also flow if we could just get inputs on-farm – and food and fibre off it – would be second to none.“It’s a no-brainer: fix our roads, and you’ll keep our families safe, and food on the table for the nation.”  

Newcastle-based real estate and hotel seller Moore and Moore says the sale of the Tottenham Hotel will be a big boost for the country town."There were a number of people who looked at the popular pub and while it took a little time it's an astute purchase," said Deane Moore, co-owner of Moore and Moore.Manenti Quinlan & Associates, partnered up with Moore and Moore Real Estate, announcing the successful sale of the iconic Tottenham Hotel, a cornerstone of the central NSW community and a significant asset in regional hospitality space.The Tottenham Hotel is renowned as "The Soul of The Centre." This grand two-storey establishment at 77 Umang Street, built in 1931, boasts a full wrap-around verandah and occupies a prominent corner location on a substantial 2,023 sqm (approx.) block. It includes a main bar, bistro, commercial kitchen, beer garden, 13 accommodation rooms, and a three-bedroom manager's residence. The agents say the hotel has been meticulously maintained, with recent renovations preserving its historical charm while enhancing its facilities. The property also includes three valuable poker machine entitlements and a fully functional two-court squash centre, offering additional income opportunities through events and private functions.‘’The owners are from the North Coast and are looking for a tree change but have assets in the industry," Mr Moore said. ‘’The price and owners are not being disclosed for now but they keen to be part of the community."The asking price was $1.5m at sale time. "The sale of the Tottenham Hotel underscores the enduring appeal of well-positioned, high-performing regional hospitality assets," said Leonard Bongiovanni, Director of Manenti Quinlan & Associates."The hotel’s rich history, combined with solid trading figures and diverse revenue streams, made it a well-received and attractive proposition.”

Police are appealing for public assistance as they investigate the theft of two firearms from a property between Gilgandra and Coonamble. Police say that they received reports that a .22 long rifle and .410 shotgun had been stolen from a property on Seven Mile Road, Tounderburine, about 61km north of Gilgandra, between 11.30am on Sunday 11 May and 11am on Wednesday 14 May. They were told that a quad bike, keys and tools were also stolen from a shed on the property. "As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Coonamble Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," a police spokesperson said.

Royal Far West (RFW) is celebrating 100 years of their vital life-altering work in 2025.   The children's charity is holding their annual Ride for Country Kids from 15-17 May to raise vital money for developmental, behavioural and mental health services for children in rural and regional Australia.  The three-day event involves cycling through more than 380 kilometres of far West NSW.   There'll be 100 riders (to represent the 100 years) setting off at Bourke District Children’s Services on 15 May. After the official launch, ribbon-cutting and breakfast, riders take off to Cobar.   On 16 May, cyclists will go from Cobar to Nyngan then on to Narromine where the ride finishes on 17 May.   Also on 17 May, RFW will hold their 100 Year Gala Dinner in Dubbo.  Among the 100 riders will be Holbrook-based farmer Bill Wearn.  Bill Wearn at RFW's Ride for Country Kids. Image: supplied. Bill's family has a long history with RFW. His grandfather Dr. Walter John Wearn was an expert in dentistry who spent two decades with RFW, providing essential dental care to children throughout regional NSW. Bill's grandmother Polly wrote the 1966 book 'The Magic Shoulder', which tells the early history of the RFW organisation that was founded by Reverend Stanley Drummond in 1924 to improve the health and wellbeing of children living in rural and remote communities.   In the early days, RFW supported children with medical and dental care, but this has changed to incorporate mental health and wellbeing. What hasn't changed is RFW's vision to support country kids.   "There's an embedded sense of goodwill," says Bill.    "I think all of these sponsor organisations and also the staff have been touched by the cause of Royal Far West.  "It's a beacon of light and a way forward because they've been doing it for 100 years."   Bill is a long-time participant, with this year being his tenth time completing the ride. In 2025, he'll be joined by his brothers Rob and Adrian, and nephews Tom and Matt.   "Lots of people have different contributions. Mine is financial, but I see individuals donating their time and their energy as well. "You can't go past the family atmosphere that the Royal Far West organisation brings. It really does care for the soul."  Royal Far West CEO Jacqui Emery said the ride was more than a journey, it is a "lifeline" for country kids.   "By raising crucial funds, we ensure that children in rural and remote communities have access to the health services they so urgently need, that they can’t access because of where they live."   Children like Cindy Amor's five-year-old daughter Lacy are able to access care and support through the RFW organisation. Lacy sees an occupational therapist and speech therapist with Royal Far West.  Lacy at the RFW lodge in Manly. Image: supplied."Being in Parkes, it's hard to access therapists and the supports and agencies that kids really need to succeed," said Lacy's aunt.   "To see a paediatrician could cost up to a thousand dollars for the day, by the time we would have time off work, pay for petrol to go to Canberra, stay the night. "It's just not accessible. And for some families, if they didn't have access to Royal Far West they just wouldn't be able to get help."   Since the beginning of Ride for Country Kids, RFW has raised over $3.9 million to support their essential work in ensuring the health and wellbeing of children living in rural and regional areas. This year, they're hoping to add $750,000 to that tally.  

Farmers in Australia produce 183 million eggs daily 668 billion yearly but customers in the supermarkets have noticed the product is in short supply and prices have risen. The industry does not expect that to change for the next few years.Tens of thousands of birds have had to be culled across a series of large farms in Victoria due to Avian Influenza leading to an egg shortage that is severely affecting many food businesses.But one local farmer says that the egg shortage has flipped the switch on demand for his product.Gilgranda chook farmer Ian Freeth is popular around markets across the Western Plans and Central West.His business is selling laying hens and he says there has been a dramatic upswing in demand for free range eggs, with official figures indicating a 57% increase.‘’Free range is taking up the slack over Caged Eggs which is suffering a major shortage,’’ Mr Freeth said.‘’Free range is taking up the slack.’’ The classic egg producer, the Isa Brown, is having her day in the sun. IMAGE: Central West PoultryHis business, Central West Poultry, is booming with interest in Hens at an all time high.‘’Absolutely unbelievable, I will sell almost 7,000 hens out of our farm on the Collie Road in the next few weeks.’’ Mr Freeth said.He has praised authorities like Eggs Australia and Eggs Farmers Australia for keeping the nation safe in an effort to get the industry back on track. ‘’If the Avian Influenzia strain got here the industry of hard working farmers would be decimated and eggs supply would got even worse.’’ ‘’But I think things are optimistic out here and free range interest is surging in supermarkets, we are upbeat. ‘’ he said.

The NSW Government today passed a new bill that would strengthen abortion access across the state.   The Abortion Law Reform Amendment (Health Care Access) Bill 2025 is intended to strengthen the Abortion Law Reform Act 2019, by allowing nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to prescribe abortion medication, and requiring greater public reporting of information about abortion access.  Greens Upper House MP and spokesperson for Health and Western NSW Dr Amanda Cohn introduced the Abortion Law Reform Amendment (Health Care Access) Bill 2025 earlier this year.   While abortion is legal in NSW, some women experience barriers in accessing medical or surgical termination due to distance and financial barriers.   The University of Sydney 'Access all Areas: Abortion in Australia' report, which was released in December 2024, found that out of NSW's 220 public hospitals only three (Broken Hill hospital, John Hunter in Newcastle, and Royal Women's Hospital in Sydney) routinely provide abortion services.The report also found not all abortion services were openly advertised and could often be difficult to find.   A 2024 report from Family Planning Australia found 37 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in NSW did not have a doctor providing medical abortion scripts.Many Western Plains App LGAs were on this list, including Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Cobar, Walgett, and Warrumbungle.  Increased access to abortion medications like MS-2 Step medication will be available under the new rules. Family Planning also reported that in 2022 there were 10 medical abortion prescriptions issued for every 1000 women in remote NSW, compared to only 4.2 medical abortion prescriptions for every 1000 women in major cities.   The Bill was passed 25 to 15 in the Legislative Council last week before passing 65 to 20 in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday 14 May.   Dr Cohn said the Greens were "incredibly proud" to have driven the change.   “At a time when advocates for women’s rights and reproductive rights have been anxious that our hard-fought rights could be eroded, it’s significant for the NSW Parliament, across party lines, to not only safeguard reproductive rights in NSW, but improve them," said Dr Cohn.   “Abortion is health care and that has been re-affirmed by the Parliament today."   Dr Cohn's original proposal required doctors with moral objections to termination be legally required to refer patients to another practitioner who would provide the service.However this part of the bill was removed due to lack of support in the Upper House.The original bill also wanted to make it a legal requirement that abortion services be provided within a "reasonable distance" of a person's home, but this was also removed.  NSW Premier Chris Minns, Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, and Health Minister Ryan Park all voted in support of the new Bill.

The state's longest serving Justice of the Peace, Trangie-born and Wongabion elder Bill Phillips, says 50 years is an achievement, but he wants to continue to serve people with ‘’No fanfare no bells and whistles, just to be valued for helping others.’’Mr Phillips was among around 150 Justices of the Peace (JPs) from across the state to be honoured for their volunteer efforts at a ceremony at NSW Parliament on 7 March marking half a century of their service to the community. Mr Phillips is a trailblazer, one of the earliest Indigenous JPs in the state.“I’ve been pretty active in the community my whole life," he told the Western Plains App.“In my early thirties I was working as a union official in Sydney and when papers needed to be witnessed Aboriginal people didn’t really have anybody. So, I thought I’d sign up.’’“As an Official Visitor I was able to assist inmates in a practical way by helping them get access to writing materials or other requests, and escalating issues," Mr Phillips said."They’re little things but they make a big difference. I tried to build rapport with staff who’d been in the system a while, and then they’d follow up with the inmates.‘’I am active in country and born and raised in Trangie and sometimes it goes unheralded but that’s not important, its to help people from indigenous to non- indigenous communities,.‘’I also help people with their documents signing them and sign references to improve their lives.’’ Uncle Bill signed up to become a JP at the age of 33 while working in Sydney, where he lived for 30 years. However the process wasn’t exactly straightforward.After submitting his paperwork, he received a call from the police asking him to come down to the station. In a case of mistaken identity, a man known to local authorities had used Bill’s name and date of birth to mislead police. Thankfully, his time as a JP has been far less dramatic since then.Uncle Bill has long been a passionate advocate for Aboriginal rights and his role as a JP led him to a lifetime of service in the community to improve justice outcomes for First Nations people.For five years Uncle Bill was part of Dubbo’s Circle Sentencing program, which involves Aboriginal communities in the sentencing process to reduce recidivism. He was also an Official Visitor in NSW prisons for more than 10 years, providing support and advice to Aboriginal inmates at Wellington Correctional Centre and other locations in the state’s far west.Uncle Bill was also the Chairperson of the Central Region Aboriginal Land Council and on numerous other committees, championing issues on behalf of his community.His contributions have been recognised by agencies and leaders including the NSW Judicial Commission, Corrective Services NSW, prison governors and government ministers, mostly in a private capacity, through letters and other official correspondence.These days, Uncle Bill spends most of his time with friends and family – including his 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren - and witnessing the odd document or two.JPs are volunteers who certify documents for official or legal purposes. They provide an important service to the community and legal system, which is coordinated by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).There are approximately 63,000 JPs across NSW and First Nations status started being recorded in February 2024.DCJ has been running a campaign to recruit more Aboriginal JPs, with more than 600 sign-ups since the start of last year when approximately just 22 registered JPs identified as Indigenous.  Attorney General Michael Daley said “Justices of the Peace play a vital role in the community and Aboriginal JPs like Uncle Bill Phillips have long been a part of that.“Mr Phillips has dedicated his life to advocating to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians caught up in the justice system and his story is a great example of where JP service can lead.“Having a familiar face people can trust is integral to being a JP, especially for First Nations communities. That’s why we are focused on recruiting more Aboriginal JPs to provide these important services for future generations.” 

A final clean-up for remaining kerbside waste in Carindais underway this week after storms wreaked havoc on the village in November 2024.A Gunnedah contractor will begin on 13 May clearing storm-damaged waste, general refuse, and green waste left by residents.The contractor will also remove asbestos-contamination from the Carinda Waste Facility, with work slated for completion by early June."Additional dates for clean-up will be issued once the contractor mobilises," a Walgett council spokesperson said."Council is not using its internal workforce for this operation due to the scale and complexity of asbestos handling."Walgett council says elderly residents unable to bring waste to the kerbside will be supported.Contractors will dispose of waste at the tip, which has been closed since November, after a suspicious fire exposed friable asbestos.The material poses a high risk when you can easily crush it into a powder and breathe it in.Council said they will work with NSW Public Works and the Reconstruction Authority to develop a new landfill when the old one is closed.Private buildings, like the former Carinda Store, will take much longer to recover. IMAGE: River McCrossen"I think most people are fairly optimistic. We're just disappointed with our tip still being closed," Carinda Hotel publican Peter Saunders said on 9 May before the council confirmed the clean-up.The council release said "ongoing weather conditions" delayed the clean-up.The storms severely damaged shops and homes, and tore roofing from the Carinda Hotel, although that hasn't deterred local enterprise.Peter and partner Maz channelled "pure madness" and bought the hotel two months ago."You wouldn't take the steps we've taken if you weren't a little bit optimistic. Or mad. One of the two," he said."It had to be rejuvenated, and it's the hub of the town."Since the purchase, they've begun installing a 150 square metre beer garden and plan to create a camping and caravan area.The venue claims its fame as a film set for David Bowie's 1983 famous music video 'Let's Dance'.It inspired the village's annual Bowie tribute festival, which draws hundreds of visitors and will go ahead this year.

It can be a long, rough road to the maternity ward when your baby is due and too many women in the regions have learned this the hard way.In rural and remote areas 5 per cent of women give birth before arriving at hospital, including on the roadside, compared to just 0.7 per cent of women statewide. Now, Jen Laurie, a perinatal and early infancy mental health professional based in Armidale, is leading the Bush Babies Matter campaign which is calling for an inquiry into maternity care for women in rural and regional areas. Ms Laurie is an accredited social worker, a Newborn Behaviour Observation (NBO) clinician, a qualified Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC) practitioner, a PhD candidate, and founder of perinatal mental health service provider Her Herd.She says there is no linear answer to the decline in maternity services, but sometimes it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. " When we talk to some midwives, particularly those who work in hospitals that are frequently by-passed, they might have 35 births on the cards for January to February 2025. But because of the categorisation of risk, funding, and lack of resources, of those 35 women who were booked only two or three could be facilitated in that hospital," said Ms. Laurie. "Therefore, the data looks like that of all of those women, they only did three births. But that was because they could only facilitate three births, they've been bypassed. So you have this kind of self-fulfilling prophecy of 'oh that's an underutilized, underused service.' " It's not a true reflection of how many babies were actually born in that community and could have used that touchpoint service, because they're being referred on to a networked centre. And because in New South Wales we fund by birth, we don't see services increase."Ms Laurie (right) with her family. Image: https://jenlaurie.com.au/ More than 140 rural maternity services have closed nationwide in the last 20 years, however Ms. Laurie says an open maternity service doesn't necessarily guarantee women can give birth in their own town. "Those 140 services closed nationally represents the ones that are gone forever. But on closer inspection, we might actually be worse off than that. "Sometimes a service might say open but actually the lights are on, but no one's home. And that's when we see those bypasses or centralisations or women being categorised out and sent onto the next major centre. "That's the true data that we can't really articulate because some services are open, but only for a given time. For instance, Kempsey is only operational so many days a week." Dr Amanda Cohn, a Member of Legislative Council and NSW Greens spokesperson for Health, Emergency Services, and Western NSW, said the Bush Babies Matter campaign highlighted the inequities people living in regional and rural areas face in accessing maternity care. "As a country GP who provided antenatal and postnatal care before I was elected to Parliament, I've seen firsthand the challenges to accessing quality and timely care in the regions, and the expense or the distance some women must travel to access care that should be accessible closer to home."Some of these stories are devastating."Dr Amanda Cohn. Image: NSW Greens. Dr Cohn also said the pay disparity between healthcare workers in NSW compared to other states was contributing to the issues. "NSW continues to lose valuable health workers including midwives and public hospital doctors to other states that offer better pay and conditions."To stop the exodus, health workers must be paid at least what they would earn in other states. "The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association have been campaigning for years for safe staffing ratios for midwives."Safer working conditions for staff also mean safer care for patients. We also need to support more GPs to develop and maintain the skills they need to practice as GP Obstetricians or GP Anaesthetists in regional hospitals." Last year, the Victorian branch of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery association signed a pay deal with the Victorian Government for a 28.4 per cent compounded wage increase by November 2027.In comparison, NSW nurses and midwives received a 4.5 per cent pay increase in 2023, with an interim three per cent in 2024.The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association continues to campaign for a one-time 15 per cent pay increase. However, pay isn't the only factor in getting staff to regional areas. "The job isn't the only thing that attracts health workers and their families to move to particular areas - all levels of government need to support regional communities to ensure access to things like childcare and quality public education, transport, recreational opportunities, and jobs for family members working in other industries."The 'Attract, Connect, Stay' program operating in Glen Innes is a great example of this," said Dr Cohn. 'Attract, Connect, Stay' is a wholistic program, designed to help healthcare workers settle in and create strong connections within the communities they live and work in.Glen Innes was the first town in NSW to adopt the program, which had previously been successfully running in Shepparton, Victoria. The Bush Babies Matter e-petition was debated in the Upper House of NSW Parliament by the NSW Legislative Council on the 26 March."People in the bush do not care about politics. They do not care about what members say in this place," said Gunnedah-based Nationals MLC Sarah Mitchell told the council members."They just want to be able to go to their local hospital to have a baby and feel safe and cared for. This is what we should make sure happens."The Western Plains App will follow the progress of the Bush Babies Matter campaign.

Country MP Sussan Ley has created history becoming the first woman to lead the Liberal Party and the first bush politician to win her party’s honour since Malcom Fraser, a former prime minister in the 1980's.Sussan Ley beat conservative rival Angus Taylor 29 votes to 25 to become the first woman to lead the federal party in its 80-year history.The 63-year-old former deputy leader was expected to be joined by Jacinta Price but she dropped out of the race for deputy after defecting from the Nationals.Ted O’Brien was voted deputy 38-16.Ley said ‘’My election as leader of the Liberal Party sends a signal things have to be done differently.’’Sussan was elected to the Riverina seat of Farrer in 2001.She currently resides in Albury NSW and serves an electorate "roughly the same size as New Zealand".Ms Ley had a diverse work background before entering Federal Parliament.She holds a Commercial Pilot's License and worked as an air traffic controller in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as an aerial musterer in outback New South Wales and Queensland.Before taking up the farming life, Ms Ley worked as a travelling shearers' cook.She took up university study part-time while raising her three children and eventually completed three finance degrees.At the time of the announcement Labor ministers were being sworn in at Government House after their landslide win.

A truck driver is in Canberra Hospital following a collision with a tractor yesterday afternoon, Monday 12 May.The serious accident happened near Gainsborough Road between Tomingley and Narromine.It is understood the male driver was airlifted to Canberra. A man in his 40’s, the driver was trapped in his truck while emergency services worked to treat and release him.Toll Helicopter Rescue from Orange landed near the scene and transported the truck who was in a serious condition. The tractor driver was not injured.Road was closed between Narromine and Tomingley for about 3 hours, traffic diverted to Peak Hill Railway Road.Police are investigating the cause of the accident. 

Around 140 years after they were taken, an Indigenous ancestor's remains have returned to their original burial grounds near Trangie. Attendees at the burial ceremony described a mix of excitement and sadness on Saturday 10 May as the man's skull, wrapped in an Aboriginal flag, was walked from the Wungunja Cultural Centre to a waiting 1971 VG Valiant.  A procession then drove about 20 kilometres northeast of the town to a property in Gin Gin, where a grave dug about a metre deep was waiting."It's hard to put into words really," Wiradjuri woman and Trangie Local Aboriginal Lands Council CEO Karen Hubatka said."To finally get him home and lay him to rest and just bring peace, it's been a great learning journey for us younger ones." The remains were dug up for cranial research between 1884-86 and ended up in the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, where they remained until 1991. Ceremony attendees drop dirt into the grave of the man, understood from grave markings to have been a respected elder. IMAGE: River McCrossenAs part of a movement towards repatriation, they were returned to Australia with about 290 other remains and artifacts. The skull sat in storage at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra before researchers were able to identify its origins in 2020. Members of the local land council travelled to the capital on 27 March and brought him to Trangie the next day, although the original burial date for 29 March was rained out. Trangie LACL's Georgina O'Neill was involved in the repatriation and said much of the wait between identification and burial was to understand cultural protocols before the remains could be settled. "It's very hard when you grow up in a society where you live one way but you know that there's something missing when it comes to your heart and your culture, and without that understanding I think a lot of people struggle," the Wongaibon woman said."The repatriation brings community together and it shows them that even though in modern times we still have adversity, that as long as we're all together culture can continue to be strong." Locals and out-of-towners attended the ceremony. IMAGE: River McCrossenShe said notes from the excavation found the skull had been buried for about five years before it was dug up. His original grave had been marked with three human-modified trees - or scar trees - which Ms O'Neil said was a "significant sign" that he was a respected lawman and elder within his tribe. The trees were removed from the local property in the 1960s, and the Australian Museum in Sydney returned two of them to the local land council in 2017. "I'm proud. It's a privilege to be a part of this," said farmer Jason McCutcheon, whose family bought the property in 1966 where the original burial site is located. "The Aboriginals were here a long time before we got here on this farm. They own it just as much as I do, I think. So, it's good to be able to bury him and be part of that community." Due to the trees' removal, the original grave's exact location could not be precisely located. The skull was buried within a few metres of the perimetre fence adjacent to Ellengerah Road. Community members at the burial were invited to drop a handful of dirt into the grave. The last local burial of stolen Indigenous remains took place in 2002 on property Eastwin, about 25 kilometres drive north east of Trangie on Warren Road.

David Littleproud has fought off a challenge from Matt Canavan to remain Nationals Leader. Kevin Hogan was elected his deputy and Bridget McKenzie as leader in the Senate.The vote took place as newly-minted MP for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, entered the scene as one of nine National Party members in the House of Representatives.Senate positions are expected to take another week or three to be finalised."It's a great honour to be leader again," Littleproud said after the announcement."We set the tone on The Voice, Nuclear Energy, and our party room will meet again on Policy."Cost of living and petrol prices will remain high but we still fight for regional people and farmers,’’ he said.New Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey arrived in Canberra on the back of a resounding electoral win, replacing retiring veteran MP Mark Coulton and entered unknown territory going into his first day.Shifting electoral sands saw swings in several booths but with 63.2 % to 36.75 Parkes still remains one of the safest seats for the Nationals.But it’s a long way from his days as mayor of Gunnedah with a leadership challenge on against party boss David Littleproud by Senator Matt Canavan who said before his challenge "the party has deep soul searching to do.""Our renewable strategy, our energy system, our net zero policy is completely stuffed. We need to dump it. We need to get back delivering cheap prices."Party leader David Littleproud had welcomed the challenge saying, "It's good for democracy and it's good Matt is having a go, it's what makes our party unique.""I am proud of my legacy over the last 3 years," he told reporters. "Returning all our House of Representative members."Earlier Australian Prime Minister announced his reshuffled Cabinet with Tasmanian MP Julie Collins remaining as Agriculture Minister, Fisheries and Forestry and Murray Watt to Environment and Water.Regional MP Susan Ley looks likely to be the first regional Liberal Leader since former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser when the Party room meets Tuesday but she has rivals Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor as opponent and also Victorian MP Tim Wilson. 

Carol Mudford, a registered nurse, shearer and wool handler from Gilgandra has been named the 2025 New South Wales AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner for her trailblazing work in suicide prevention and mental health awareness within Australia’s shearing industry.In 2023, Carol founded sHedway, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting positive mental health in shearing sheds across the country. Drawing on her unique dual experience in healthcare and the wool industry, Carol recognised the urgent need for culturally relevant, grassroots support services tailored to the challenges faced by shearers and shed workers..She was also acknowledged by Member for Barwon Roy Butler in NSW Parliament this week.Ms Mudford accepted the award at a ceremony attended by NSW Minister for Women, Seniors, and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison. The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, supported by platinum sponsor Westpac, is Australia’s leading award recognising the innovation, leadership and impact of women in rural and regional industries and communities.With a $15,000 Westpac grant, Carol will expand the reach of sHedway, delivering more mental health support, resources and training directly into shearing sheds, industry events and rural communities. She will also undertake a professional development course of her choice. Later this year, she will represent New South Wales at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra, where the National Winner will receive an additional $20,000 grant and the National Runner-Up, $15,000.IMAGE: sHedwayIn 2024, sHedway delivered 42 events across every mainland state, integrating mental health awareness and suicide prevention into shearing competitions, industry forums and community gatherings. What began as a simple Facebook page has grown into a national initiative, reshaping the way rural industries engage with and address mental health.“sHedway exists because I believe in the strength of our shearing family," Ms Mudford said. "It’s time mental health was prioritised alongside safety and skill. "Our mission is to make sure everyone working in the sheds knows how to look after their mental health as well as they look after their shearing gear."Minister Harrison congratulated Carol on her vision and commitment to rural mental health.“Regional and rural women as some of the smartest and most resilient women I know, and they are unwavering in dedicating their time in supporting their communities to succeed.”AgriFutures Australia Managing Director John Harvey praised Ms Mudford for her innovative, grassroots approach to mental health advocacy.“Carol embodies the purpose of the Rural Women’s Award, leading with impact, insight and care. Her work is saving lives and creating a lasting legacy in the shearing community.”Westpac Northern NSW Regional General Manager, Regional and Agribusiness, Andy Kidd said the award plays an essential role in recognising visionary regional leaders who are creating lasting impact in their communities.“Carol’s dedication to fostering conversations about mental health in regional communities is remarkable. "By drawing on her allied health experience to improve support, particularly in the wool industry, she’s proven what’s possible when women are empowered to lead change, and we’re proud to support her journey.”Congratulations to all New South Wales State finalists, including Dimity Smith and Katelyn Wall.For more information about the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award click here.

A comprehensive NRMA report into 128 councils has found the backlog of road funding they require jumped from $2.8 billion last year to $3.4 billion.The overwhelming majority of the backlog exists among regional councils with $2.8 billion, compared to a backlog of metropolitan councils of $633 million.The Far West has the second largest infrastructure to-do list in the state at $68.8 million according to the report.The NRMA has released its findings in the lead up to National Road Safety Week (11-18 May) as it kicked off its grassroots road safety campaign ‘A Reckoning on Our Roads’.The campaign calls on the community to have its say about what they want done to make NSW roads safer.In a speech to State Parliament Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler highlighted the record rain fall in many areas of electorate damaging the state of roads, cutting off land holders and praised SES volunteers and councils.His mission to alert the State Government that Councils need more funding to keep roads safe and functional.The road safety campaign is being launched in Sydney before making some regional stops at Wagga Wagga (13/5), Orange (14/5) and Newcastle (15/5).The public can have its say on road safety by visiting the NRMA website.Across NSW, 128 councils maintain over 185,000 kilometres of roads, approximately 80 per cent of the state’s network.This chart shows the escalating backlog in regional road funding. NRMA 'Funding Local Roads' report, 2023/24A wave of wet weather events over the last three years has caused considerable damage to the network, particularly across regional NSW.Over the last seven years an average of $547 million in annual funding has been provided to NSW councils from the state and federal government for road maintenance – a four-fold gap in what is required to maintain roads to a safe standard.It puts further pressure on Federal and State governments to act.A seven-year average ratio of the infrastructure deficit to road grant funding is a numerical assessment of the dollar value of the infrastructure deficit against road grants funding.This funding is contained to three streams of grant funding programs that are allocated to all councils annually. This ratio attempts to highlight the size of the infrastructure deficit against regular annual road funding base.Bogan Shire Council has a backlog of 0.6 %, Bourke 0.8, Brewerrina 0.7, Central Darling 1.8 , Cobar 1.8, Walgett 0.9 Coonamble 1.3, Gilgandra 1.2, Warren 0.6 , Narromine 4.2The report calls on the re-elected Albanese Government and the NSW Government to increase funding specifically directed towards councils for road maintenance and to consolidate the disparate funding programs that councils need to access to receive the funding.Road repair critical to reduce the state's road tollThe number of fatalities recorded on regional roads as compared with metro council roads. IMAGE: NRMA 'Funding Local Roads' reportThe report also calls for a full technology-based audit of the state’s road network to enable councils to adopt best-in-its-kind maintenance and repair work to ensure roads are more resilient to extreme weather conditions.NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said the backlog of funding required by NSW councils had jumped 75 per cent in just seven years, which highlighted the need for how and by how much the federal and state government supported councils in this crucial work.“Councils maintain the overwhelming majority of the bitumen we drive on in NSW and as evidenced by this NRMA report they need help, especially regional councils,” Mr Khoury said.“Improving these roads will help bring down the road toll – a challenge the state continues to struggle with – and it boosts economic output – as we know 90 per cent of interstate freight occurs by road.’’The NRMA report is available here.

Friends and family of Coonamble-raised Eleanor Bryant (nee Brien) hope a new scholarship will allow future rural health professionals to follow in her footsteps.The Eleanor Bryant Memorial Fund will award one scholarship to the value of $10,000 per year for three years to a rural Australian student studying early childhood and allied health, both fields Eleanor was passionate about.Eleanor was killed in a freak accident in November 2024, struck by a truck that crashed through a fence and onto the school grounds where she was working in the Victorian town of Riddells Creek.She was 43."Her final moments typified her extraordinarily selfless nature, as she bravely and courageously moved a young child from the path of the oncoming truck, saving the child’s life," scholarship spokesperson Mary Skuthorp said."Eleanor was the type of person who always gave of herself for others and lived her life everyday putting others first."She dedicated her career to education and working with children through her profession of speech pathology."Eleanor was educated in the Coonamble area. IMAGE: River McCrossenThe mother of two worked for over 20 years in hospitals, clinics, homes, schools and early childhood centres in rural communities.She specialised in complex speech disorders and helped children with disabilities and learning difficulties.Her family said she brought warmth, humour "and a touch of country charm" to her speech sessions and made meaningful communication possible for every child.In the wake of her passing they have hatched a plan to fund perpetual scholarships with donations via the Australian Communities Foundation.A local community fundraiser is also set for September in Coonamble."By investing in the future of paediatric therapy in country Australia, the Eleanor Bryant Memorial Scholarship continues Eleanor’s mission: ensuring that all children, regardless of location, have access to the support they need to communicate, connect, and thrive," Mrs Skuthorp said.Eleanor was born to Cynthia and Andrew Brien and was educated in Coonamble and Sydney before eventually making her home in Victoria.Eleanor and her family lived in Coonamble for a six-month stint during the peak COVID period in 2020, and she brought her skills to local schools and early childhood services.She is survived by husband Tim and their young son Charlie and daughter Tully.