A Carinda cotton-farming operation is facing prosecution over the death of a farm worker in December 2022.   Safe Work NSW has commenced action in the Industrial Court of NSW with charges laid against P&J Harris and Sons farming partnership, for allegedly failing to comply with their duties under the Work Health and Safety Act.According to the ABC, a 28-year-old man was fatally injured when the backhoe he was operating slid more than 2 metres into a culvert and landed on its side.   SafeWork NSW said the worker was ejected from the machine and pinned under the cabin.   A spokesperson for SafeWork NSW stated that, ‘Peter Harris and Jane Harris, as directors, are being charged for allegedly failing to ensure the companies complied with their work health and safety duties.’   Additionally, ‘Jack Harris (has been charged) for allegedly failing to comply with his duties as a worker under the Act.’  P&J Harris and Sons farming partnership did not enter a plea.  The matter is before the NSW Industrial Court and the prosecutor is required to serve the final brief of evidence in May, before the next court mention in June.    

NSW SES say they are responding to ongoing flooding across multiple districts in Western NSW as floodwater from Queensland moves south. "We have a significant number of volunteers and pre-deployed assets in Western NSW, along with local volunteers actively supporting the community." a spokesperson said."Moderate to major flooding is expected on the Paroo and Warrego Rivers early next week, similar to the 1990 and 2010 floods."Communities could be isolated for up to six weeks in areas including Wanaaring, Hungerford, Yantabulla, Fords Bridge, Gumbalie, and Enngonia."Shorter isolation periods are expected for Wee Waa, Pilliga, and Gwabegar." NSW SES is assisting with resupplies for isolated communities over the coming weeks. Some roads are already impassable, impacting supply routes and limiting access to services.Minor flooding is likely to occur near Walgett over the weekend. A minor flood warning has been issued for the Barwon River.  State Emergency Services (SES) cautioned people to not enter floodwater and avoid low-lying areas in Walgett and surrounds.  The heavy rain has led to isolated properties in Bourke and Walgett districts. IMAGE: Hazard Watch website Western NSW Update as at Saturday 5 April, 4.45pm.Goodooga and surrounding areas have been issued a flood advice.  The Birrie River and Bokhara River are expected to remain above the minor flood level until Sunday.  The Bokhara River is currently at 2.86 metres and falling after peaking at 3.16 metres on Tuesday morning while the Birrie River is at 3.2 metres and falling.  Further upstream in Queensland multiple flood peaks at the Balonne, Culgoa, and Narran River are occurring leading to renewed flooding along the Culgoa, Birrie, Bokhara, and Narran River over the weekend and into next week.  A NSW SES spokesperson said they are prepared for any flood events in Northwestern NSW. "We have a large amount of extra resources in the area. We've got helicopters, additional high clearance vehicles, as well as, volunteers and SES crew from Collarenebri, Walgett, Bourke, and Wanaaring."High clearance vehicle and helicopter used by SES. Photo: NSW SES  The SES said they have to wait until they see peaks further upstream to be able to predict when the water moves further south. Anyone who requires assistance during the storm is encouraged to call the NSW SES on 132 500.  "They are able to get a reference number from the operations centre and they call their providers, supermarkets, chemistry, pharmacies, or AG stores in Bourke or Walgett, place and pay for their orders and organise transport to isolated properties." Landholders who need assistance with livestock management can call the Agricultural and Animal Services hotline on 1800 814 647. 

“Need help getting out of the mud? There are plenty of mates out there that can give you a tow, or even just take the time for a yarn.”Collerriena Hall was the venue for a men’s catch-up last week as Mary O’Brien of ‘Are you bogged mate?’ travelled out to the small rural centre to discuss helping country blokes talk about mental health and suicide and to spread awareness around depression in the bush.The Hall is 15 kilometres from the official geographical heart of NSW, at Buddabadah between Nyngan and Tottenham.“It was a great event,” said Ms O’Brien founder of ‘Are you bogged mate’. So good to get a group of blokes together out there.“Depression in the bush is a lot like getting bogged in the mud. "It might have been just a sticky patch of the road or paddock where the vehicle stopped moving, maybe you needed low range or to winch yourself out."Mary O'Brien Founder of "Are you Bogged Mate" - Image courtesy AYBM“But what happens when you get properly bogged? When it’s down to the running boards, sitting on the chassis, you are not getting out of this one easily – that’s the kind of bogged we mean.“Country blokes are facing challenges like never before, but it doesn’t mean you need to get stuck in the mud. "There are plenty places to go to get a tow and it takes guts to admit you’re bogged. We’re making sure you’re connected with the right hands to pull you out.“There are multitudes of factors that lead to depression in rural men – droughts, floods, rising input costs, falling commodity prices, pressure from banks, family pressure, feeling compelled to stay on the farm, etcetera."Locals gather for Are you bogged mate event in Collerreina - Image supplied.“Today rural men and particularly farmers have additional pressures to previous generations. They are expected to be soil scientists, agronomists, hydrologists, accountants, meteorologists, chemical experts, mechanics, engineers, marketers, environmentalists and the list goes on. “The suite of skills needed to live and work in the rural sector has never been greater and yet the divide been city and country has never been bigger. “And if all that isn’t enough pressure for rural blokes, what about adding a sick child, the loss of a loved one or a marriage breakdown into the equation. It’s a lot.”Organiser Jeff Fragar said the event was brilliant - Image supplied.Organiser Jeff Fragar said it was a great night and good to see so many men from around the district attend.“Mary did a brilliant job and got us all thinking a bit about mental health for men. Men being men we don’t find it easy to talk about things that are troubling us.“With the high rate of suicide – around one a day, Mary gave us tools to deal with any feelings we may have and how to reach out if we need to.“Not only do you get an idea of what help is available, you also realise you are not the only one in that scenario. It was very helpful to all who attended," said Mr Fragar.“There’s a lot of challenges of living in the bush and it takes guts to speak out if you’re bogged. Look out for your mates and help them reach out to the right people,” said Ms O’Brien.Click here for more information on Are you bogged mate?

The Labor Party has announced Nathan Fell as their candidate for the Parkes electorate in the 2025 election.  Mr Fell has lived in Broken Hill for the past 22 years, after moving from Katoomba at the age of nine.  Despite his young age 29-year-old Mr Fell says he's ready for the role.  "I've got plenty of life experience even if I don't have the decades under my belt that other candidates have. "We need younger people to get into politics and start making this area more attractive for young people." He's spent most of his life working in the mining industry which Mr Fell said allows him to understand the impact federal government policy has on workers.  "We want to make sure our jobs are well paid, safe, and consistent. And we don't want to worry about downturns and losing jobs. I think worker's rights are a massive thing for people." Another of the biggest challenges he sees for the Parkes electorate is access to higher education and healthcare.  "It's really hard for us to get doctors and specialists to stay in these regional centres. "Nine out of ten times, they'll fly out of major cities and if Rex goes under that's going to be a massive blow to many communities out here," Mr Fell said.  From now until the election, Mr Fell plans on talking to as many people as possible to hear what's important to them.  He will be touring the electorate starting next Friday. 

Two more people, an 18-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy, have been charged in relation to a break-in at a Bourke motel in late February where a group threatened two people.  Police were called to a motel on Anson Street in Bourke around 4:50 am on Saturday 22 February following reports of a break-in.  A group of people allegedly threatened first threatened a 24-year-old man and a 52-year-old man with knives and stole cash, bank cards, and mobile phones.  The older man suffered a minor cut to his neck. No other injuries were reported. The group then crashed through a locked gate with an allegedly stolen white Holden sedan and fled the scene.  Specialist officers examined the crime scene.  Around 11am on Saturday 22 February, officers attached to Central West Police District located the sedan on Lewana Place in Orange.  The vehicle had front-end damage to the windscreen and hood was seized for forensic examination.  Following inquiries, an 18-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were charged and remain before the courts. Police attended two homes on Cullie Street and Adelaide Street in Bourke on 2 and 3 April and arrested the 18-year-old man and 13-year-old boy.  They were taken to Bourke Police Station and charged with aggravated breaking and entering, committing a serious indictable offence while armed, and being carried in a conveyance taken without consent of the owner.  The man was refused bail before Lightning Ridge Local Court on Thursday 3 April and will appear before Bourke Local Court on Thursday 5 June.  The boy was refused bail and will appear before children's court on Friday, 4 April. 

 NSW Parliament began their inquiry into the management of cat populations in NSW 11 October 2024, holding hearings in December 2024 and April this year.   The committee heard from a wide range of stakeholders, including animal welfare groups, wildlife organisations, veterinarians and representatives from local councils and the NSW Government.   In a submission to the inquiry, the RSPCA recommended reforms to the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998, which it described as having "no definitive clarity as to obligations in relation to cat management." Under the current law, cats are allowed to roam freely on private and public property, except in food preparation areas and wildlife sanctuaries. The Invasive Species Council reports that roaming pet cats kill 546 million animals per year in Australia, 323 million of these being native. It is estimated that since colonisation cats have driven 27 native animals to extinction, and currently threaten at least 124 more native species.   In regional areas, the problem of roaming stray animals is particularly pronounced.   In 2022, the NSW Government gave the RSPCA NSW a $2.5 million grant from the NSW Environmental Trust to implement the Keeping Cats Safe at Home (KCSAH) project in 11 council areas across NSW, including Walgett Shire Council. The KCSAH included a targeted desexing project, which saw an 81 per cent decrease in cat nuisance complaints between 2022-23 and a 99 per cent reduction in shelter intake between 2023-24 in Walgett. Targeted desexing programs also saw a decrease in euthanasia rates for cats, with regional areas like Weddin and Walgett seeing a 100 per cent reduction in euthanasia rates between 2023-34.   Brewarrina Shire Council and Walgett Shire Council will be partnering with the RSPCA for a research program addressing stray animals after a funding grant from the NSW Government’s Environmental Research Round 2023/2024. The research project will be run over two years and will look at range of solutions, including community education and consultation, targeted desexing, and accessible pathways for surrender, rehoming or euthanasia of unwanted owned pets.   Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby, said the program aims to find long-term solutions to the issue of stray animals in the shire.   “Council staff will be working closely with Vets and Zoologist, including Dr Gemma Ma and Dr Brooke Kennedy, the Local Lands Council and Elders Groups over the next three years to evaluate the impact of a number intervention programs, including targeted de-sexing and microchipping programs on an ongoing basis."   The Chair of the Animal Welfare Committee, the Honourable Emma Hurst MLC, said the committee will be considering the viewpoint of all the stakeholders that present before them.    "It is clear that cats are a companion and source of joy for many in the community. The appropriate management of cat populations is an important issue that must be approached thoughtfully and with careful consideration of the various options available.  "The evidence from both hearings, as well as from the large number of submissions we have received, will help inform the committee's report as well as the recommendations we ultimately put to the NSW Government." 

Following an investigation into multiple break-and-entering offences at several rural properties in Dunedoo and Gulgong, a 32-year-old man was charged with 17 offences.  The first incident took place on Sunday 15 December 2024 when police attended a rural property on Golden Highway in Dunedoo following reports of break-and-enter sometime between Wednesday 11 December and Sunday 15 December.  Two registered firearms and ammunition were believed to have been stolen in the incident.  On Saturday 11 January, police were called to a separate address on Golden Highway in Dunedoo after an SUV was stolen.  The vehicle was found abandoned around 4pm on Thursday 16 January on Montaza Road in Tallawang. The car was seized for forensic examination.  On Wednesday 15 January around 5 am, a car battery, front and rear number plates, a mechanical tool, and a trail camera were stolen from a business on Station Street in Gulgong.  Police believe that the incidents are all linked.  Officers with help from the Operations Support Group executed a search warrant on a home on Caigan Street in Dunedoo around 9am on Wednesday 3 April and arrested a 32-year-old man. During the search police seized ammunition, illegal substances, including 1.2g of Cannabis leaf and 2.1g of alleged amphetamine, mobile phone devices, and mechanical tools.  The 32-year-old suspect was taken to Mudgee Police Station and charged with 17 offences including seven counts of having suspected stolen goods on premises two counts of stealing a firearm or imitation firearmthree counts of acquiring a firearm subject to a prohibition orderThree counts of larcenyStealing a motor vehicle Acquiring ammunition subject to a prohibition order.  He was refused bail and will appear before Lithgow Local Court today, 4 April.  Inquires under the Strike Compartment established by the Rural Crime Prevention Team (RCPT) and the Orana Mid-Western Police District, continue. 

There are changes afoot for the water source under our feet as the NSW Government nears the final stages of updating the Water Sharing Plan for the Great Artesian Basin.Comments on amendments to the plan for the NSW Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Sources 2020 are still open until 6 April.   The water-sharing plan establishes rules for bore water use in the GAB, including distance restrictions between bores. The latest version was released after officials took on board earlier feedback from consultation in 2023. Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Sources. Photo: NSW Government.  "During this time and afterward, we heard from stakeholders both supporting and opposing these proposed amendments," a NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) spokesperson said.  "Some people wanted more information and others suggested additional changes. "The feedback we receive during this latest round of consultation will be considered carefully before any final decisions are made." The plan has been re-opened for comment since 17 March.  "To ensure the community was informed, we sent a direct email update to over 1500 stakeholders to let them know they had 3 weeks to have their say, alongside a social media post and a story in our newsletter, Water News, which reaches thousands of readers across regional NSW including Great Artesian Basin communities," the NSW DCCEEW spokesperson said.  The amendments to the water sharing plan included the removal of distance restrictions from property boundaries and other bores in the Eastern and Southern Recharge groundwater sources.  These restrictions are in place to ensure that one bore does not affect water levels or pressure from a neighbour's bore.  Another amendment included that ministerial discretion can approve an application for a basic landholder right (BLR) bore within a restricted distance in the Central, Warrego, and Surat Groundwater Sources, as long as there is only a minimal effect on other bores. A BLR bore can only be used for domestic and stock watering purposes. Previous concerns about the water-sharing plan included the possible effect on a neighbour's bore, the sustainability of the changes, and minimal explanation from the Department.  One commentator said, "The assessment criteria does not take into account variabilities in extraction, particularly in time of drought." While another stated, "I cannot see there would be a huge demand for this change. " Some stakeholders also spoke out in favour. "Subdivided small blocks (less than 5 acres) out of town water limits are unable to obtain a bore for basic residential needs."  Stakeholders can access the questionnaire here. 

After a wet start to the bore bath season in Goodooga, residents and visitors can now fully enjoy the newly opened Splash Park.  The splash park opened on 25 March and Mayor Tom Stanton has already dipped his toes in the water.  "The new facility is fantastic," Cr Stanton said.  "We've had some very welcome rain in the past few weeks, so it's not been the most ideal Splash Park weather, but the community response so far has been wonderful. "The local kids love it and even in the cooler months, the new space will be a great place for locals and travellers to enjoy thanks to the large grassed area, BBQ, and picnic tables." The water was funded with $200,000 from the Stronger Country Community fund and has been a year in the making.  "We pushed really hard to get the water play area finished and open in time for the summer heat with the remainder of the landscaping and shade completed this year," Cr Stanton said. The splash park has been well received by the community. Photo: supplied.  The Goodooga Bore Baths were closed from November last year until early March to make time for repairs and maintenance work.  "This was the first off-season we closed the baths. During our scorching summer months, the appeal of a hot spring significantly diminishes," General Manager David Kirby said.  The baths will also benefit from $1 million funding through the Active Transport Funding bringing solar lights, cultural signage, water fountains, and shaded rest areas to the Brewarrina Shire.  “This funding is an exciting opportunity for our community, which will not only help connect our most popular tourist attraction with the town but help our locals get around safely and more easily,” Cr Stanton said.  "Recognising this, the decision to briefly close the Goodooga Baths during the off-season was the right move, from both a resource management and maintenance consideration, ensuring that the facility is in top condition for peak visitor times." The number of visitors is starting to pick up with cooler weather in sight, Cr Stanton said.  "It's still been very hot since the Bore Baths opened at the beginning of the month, but we are definitely starting to see an increase in visitors.  "The recent rainfall, flooding and road closures across the region will have an impact but as it dries, the cooler weather arrives and with the upcoming school holidays, we expect to see an influx." Visitors can access the splash seven days a week from 8am to 8pm all year round for free. 

Doctors and medical professionals are urging everyone to have their flu shot before the start of the flu season. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) warned that people are in for a horror flu season if immunisation rates don't pick up.  The southern hemisphere bases its predictions for the flu season on what happened in the northern hemisphere.  “Countries like the United States had a very severe influenza season, with the Centre for Disease Control estimating at least 41 million illnesses, 540,000 hospitalisations, and 23,000 deaths from influenza during their season so far,“ Dr McMullen said. In the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) and Far West LHD, influenza notifications have so far only slightly increased compared to the year prior.  In the WNSWLHD, there have been 323 influenza notifications, and in the Far West LHD, 20 notifications this year between January and March.   In the same timeframe last year there were 161 notifications in the WNSWLHD and in the Far West LHD 17. Experts say there are a number of factors that contribute to the sinking vaccination rates.  “We know there’s some vaccine fatigue out there following the pandemic, and some wildly misleading and damaging information on social media, and this is contributing to fewer people getting their shots,” AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said.Last year, NSW had the second lowest vaccination rates for people aged 65 and older and for people aged 50 to 65, according to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS).  "Anyone who has a compromised immune system is at risk of getting sick pretty quickly if they were to get influenza," Dr Martin said. A further challenge for rural areas is having enough qualified staff on hand to administer the shot, the President of the Australian College of Rural and Remote, Dr Rod Martin, said.  "The supply is there. You need to have the structures to be able to deliver the vaccines," Dr Martin said.  "In locations where there isn't a doctor, hopefully there is a vaccination-certified nurse."Since 2020 trained pharmacists have been allowed to administer influenza vaccines to patients aged ten and up. Dr Martin, who is based in Armidale, said personally, he has seen an increase in the number of people getting their flu shots at the pharmacy.  "Having that co-ordination is important. There's some structures there for it but it's not complete yet."  ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin. Photo: ACRRM He says he best time for elderly people and people with a weak immune system to get the flu shot is in April and May.  Young people on the other hand can get vaccinated throughout the year.  "People with a normal immune system and lung function can get it pretty much any time because your body is going to do a good job of remembering the vaccine," Dr Martin said. Dr Martin reminded everyone that getting the Covid vaccine is still important too.  "Keep on getting your Covid vaccines as well. There's a new Covid strain that came out probably six weeks ago. We can give Covid and flu shots at the same time."

This week the Coonamble Times newspaper celebrates 140 years of publishing as an independent, locally owned small business. The people of Coonamble are proud and rightly so. Established in 1885, in an era when newspapers were the primary form of public communication, the local newspaper was essential to the functioning of households, businesses and government alike. At the time there were around 150 newspapers in NSW country towns and by 1891 a newspaper census named 191 papers in 121 towns.  It’s impossible to fathom the changes in technology over 140 years and how creating a newspaper in 1885 could so differ to 2025, yet the challenges remain fundamentally the same, with technology at the top of the list. The introduction of radio in the 1920’s, television and computers in the 1970’s, the internet in 1983, followed by social media 1997 and now Artificial Intelligence, have been battles local newspapers have had to both compete and collaborate with to stay alive. With many small country newspapers absorbed into distantly-managed big companies and digital news outlets, the Coonamble Times community has helped it stay independent and locally-owned. Coonamble Times Editor Lee O’Connor says it is "humbling and a little bit sobering, to reflect on the trials and triumphs of 140 years."Perhaps the first Coonamble Times office (late 1800s). IMAGE courtesy Ray Green with thanks to Sedg White Photography. “Irish Immigrant John Richardson McWilliam was the founder of Coonamble Times, who despite living in Mudgee, where he worked on the paper there, had business in Coonamble and saw an opportunity to start his own. There was already a newspaper in operation, The Coonamble Independent, but McWilliam forged ahead. Competition was intense, many towns had two or more rival papers at that time.  In the 1930s, Gilgandra-based H.E.O Campbell purchased the two local newspapers and combined them into the one, naming it the Coonamble Times. “From then the baton has passed through the hands of a vast multitude of people - owners, managers, editors, journalists, print crews, paper boys, bookkeepers, sales and office staff - who have carried on as custodians of the local news across the decades,” said Mrs O’Connor. In 2017 Mrs O’Connor purchased the publication and started to learn the ropes of running a newspaper.Anne Mackay (bookkeeper), Lee O'Connor (Managing Editor), Angie O'Connor (Design & Production), Neil Ruttley (Admin & Sales), Sue Hargans (Volunteer Proofreader), Lily Plass and River McCrossen (Journalists). IMAGE: Coonamble Times “With the help of clever and passionate home-grown and imported 'locals' we have tackled the latest in the newspaper's technology challenges and now publish a print and an online digital edition each week on our own website and use social media to help lead people to our news. “The tools of trade may be different, but the focus remains the same - delivering real local news. “Our essential partners in this ongoing endeavour continue to be the businesses and groups who pay to advertise, the volunteers who contribute their talents through words and pictures, and the present and past residents who buy and read the paper. “The Coonamble Times belongs to the people of Coonamble and surrounds and for that we are very proud,” said Mrs O’Connor.

A 15-year-old boy has been charged following an investigation into a break-in at a Bourke motel on 22 February.  Around 4:50am, officers attached to the Central North Police District were called to a motel on Anson Street in Bourke following reports of a break-in.  Police were told a group of around four unknown people allegedly armed with knives forced entry into staff accommodation and threatened the occupant, a 24-year-old man, before stealing cash, bank cards, and mobile phones. The group then broke into a second motel room and threatened the occupant, a 52-year-old man,  with long knives, before fleeing with cash, bank cards, and a mobile phone. The older man suffered a minor cut to his neck, with no other injuries reported. The group then crashed through a locked gate in an allegedly stolen white Holden sedan before driving off.  Specialist officers examined the crime scene.  Around 11am that same day, officers located the Holden on Lewana Place in Orange.  The vehicle had front-end damage to the windscreen and hood. It was seized for forensic examination.  Police believe the break-and-enter at the Bourke motel is linked to another break-and-enter incident earlier that day at a caravan park on Becker Street in Bourke.  Following inquiries by detectives from Central North Police District police arrested a 15-year-old boy in Short Street, Bourke around 9am on Tuesday 1 April.  The boy was taken to Bourke Police Station and charged with five offences, including aggravated breaking and entering, committing a serious indictable offence while armed, taking and driving a conveyance without the owner's consent, committing a Section 112 offence and disseminating (post and boast), stealing, and being carried in a conveyance taken without the owner's consent.  He was refused bail and will appear before children's court today, 2 April.  Investigations into the break-and-enter at the Bourke motel continue. 

The 2025 Western NSW Business Awards finalists have been announced and there are three finalists from Western Plains towns in the running.  Eden Coughlan, Momentum Dance Studios in Cobar has been nominated for Outstanding Young Business Leader.Flying with Grace at Narromine will be contesting Outstanding New Business.Swanny's Foods based at Coonamble are again among the top contenders for Excellence in Small Business.The awards are co-ordinated by Business NSW (formerly NSW Business Chamber) and seek to showcase the best of the best across 21 categories.Top performers from Lithgow to Broken Hill are recognised for their innovation, resilience and dedication.Eden Coughlan - Momentum Dance Studios Ms Coughlan said that the news of becoming a finalist at the Western NSW Business Awards was "very unexpected and exciting". "It’s quite a diverse group, so it was really good to see the different finalists and to be alongside them." The 29-year-old started teaching dance at the age of 14 in Cobar and opened up her first studio in 2017 in Cobar.  Since then, she has expanded her business to Nyngan and Bourke as well where she and nine other staff members teach around 200 students ages two to 18.  Students can learn various dance styles including, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Circus, Acrobatics, and Contemporary.  It is important to foster children's creativity, especially in the bush where there are few opportunities for artistic outlets, Ms Coughlan said. "The children gain confidence and build leadership and teamwork skills." Although the majority of Ms Coughlan's students are girls, she has a special class only for boys where they can explore their creative side in their own space.  "Maybe they don't want to dance with the girls because it's not the cool thing to do, so we run a boy's class which gives them a bit of a safer safe," Ms Coughlan said. Ms Coughlan started her first dancing studio in her early twenties. Photo: supplied.  In the future, Ms Coughlan hopes to expand to other areas as long as Momentum Dance Studio has the capacity and there is a demand for dance lessons.  "It's definitely on the cards but we only want to go as far as we can physically reach and build relationships." Flying with Grace  Grace Walker from Narromine is excited to see her dream of sharing her passion for flying blossom. She opened up her flying school in Narromine in October 2023 after rediscovering a her love for aviation.  Her interest in aviation began as a teenager but she first started flying herself in 2020.  The aircraft she teaches her students with is a Tecnam P96 Golf.  "I found a nice market out this way because there are not many recreational flight schools."  "I feel so at peace when I fly. It's where I was always meant to be."  Now she teaches students from Narromine and all over the country, including Queensland, Canberra, and Sydney. A refreshing sight Ms Walker says is the number of women who signed up for the classes.  Around a quarter of her students are women.  "It's great to have all the women here because usually the ratio is quite low. "Many of the people I meet say, 'I'm so glad you're here. I've always wanted to fly but life hasn't given me the chance yet and now I have it.'" Seeing her students achieve new milestones is a highlight every time for Ms Walker.  "I cry nearly every time watching someone achieve something. I think it is absolutely priceless."  The award has brought Ms Walker much joy.  "I'm both nervous and excited. I'm really grateful for all the recognition and proud of what I've accomplished so far." Swanny's Foods  Hospitality businesses in Western NSW are probably already familiar with Swanny's Foods.  The Swansborough family bought the company, formerly known as Belmac, in 1992 and has since grown it to the reliable wholesaler it is known today.  Swanny's Foods now services Armatree, Baradine, Collie, Coonabarabran, Lightning Ridge, and Walgett. "We're really excited," Manager Rachael Swansborough said. The company was a finalist in the 2024 awards.  "I didn't think we would make it again considering the other businesses we were up against when we went last time."  Swanny's Foods has won several local business awards. Rachael Swansborough holding the most recent Coonamble Business Award. Swanny's Foods had several big milestones last year including opening up a new shop and extending the depot with another freezer.  The new shop front offers customers a safe location to do their shopping away from the hustle and bustle of the depot.  Both local customers and people travelling through town stop by the store regularly to grab a treat.  "Considering that many other candidates are from bigger places, it's exciting that Coonamble is recognised," Ms Swansborough said. Finalists from across the west will converge on Dubbo for the Gala Event on Friday 16 May.

Dubbo based, Nyngan bred racehorse trainer Brett Robb had full confidence in his 2-year-old Comogin heading into the iconic Wellington Boot the richest NSW country gallop for youngsters on Monday.The punters didn’t think that way Sydney’s invaders including Bjorn Baker had 2 smart babies chasing the $200,000 first prize Invincible Phantom sent out (2.15 favourite) in the 1100m dash.But at barrier rise Comogin ($9.50) had the gate speed to storm to the front and wasn’t for catching winning by more than 2 lengths, going from barrier to post. Bjorn Baker’s second stable chance Alabama Charm finished second with Scone’s Bullant third.Brett Robb with Owners of Comogin winner of the 2025 Wellington Boot - Image courtesy RacingPhotography.com.au.The son of legendary Nyngan horse man Rodney Robb had trained his horse to be ready.‘’We freshened him up and he was feeling ready, and Clayton rode a great race on him.’’Jockey Clayton Gallagher said the well-bred two-year-old was full of running. ‘’He felt good out of the stalls and on the turn he just fired.’’Clayton Gallagher bringing Comogin home in the 2025 Wellington Boot - Image courtesy RacingPhotography.com.auIt’s a big week for Brett Robb his 5-year-old gelding Gallant Star is favourite for the $1m Country Championship Final 1400m at Randwick after beating his rivals in the Coonamble qualifier and his fast front running style has captured the eyes of Western Plains sports fans and racing experts.‘’It is going to be a big week can’t wait for it.’’ Robb said.Nyngan and communities across the bush will be cheering for the Robb family for another big racing success.  

Police are appealing for information following the death of a 17-year-old boy involved in a police pursuit in Bourke in February.  The incident began on Thursday, 27 February, around 11:15pm when officers attached to the Orana Mid-Western Police District responded to reports of a break-and-enter at a service station on Burroway Road in Narromine.   When police arrived they were four teenagers had already fled the scene in an allegedly stolen Toyota FJ Landcruiser Station Wagen with NSW registration FBS88R.  Around 12:08am on Friday, 28 February, the Toyota was located 15 kilometres east of Nyngan on the Mitchell Highway, where police initiated a pursuit, however, it was terminated a short time later.  Police reinitiated the pursuit in Coolabah around 12:45am.  Officers deployed two sets of road spikes on Mitchell Highway in Coolabah and Sydney Road, Bourke.  The allegedly stolen vehicle continued through the township of Bourke before it crashed and rolled on Weir Road around 1:30am.  Police said they immediately rendered assistance to the four occupants of the car.  A 17-year-old boy, who is believed to have been an occupant in the car, died at the scene.  Three other boys, aged 13, 14, and 16, were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before they were taken to Bourke Hospital.  The 14-year-old was airlifted to Randwick Children's Hospital in serious condition and the two other boys were taken to Dubbo Hospital for further treatment.  All teens have since been discharged from hospital.  The Crash Investigation Unit attended the crime scene for investigation. A critical investigation team from Oxley Police District was also deployed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have released CCTV vision of the allegedly stolen vehicle.  Officers are looking for CCTV, dashcam vision, or information about the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident, and are urging anyone with information to contact Bourke Police Station.  The investigation will be subject to independent review. 

Starting April 1, the Macquarie Home Stay will be offer guest concierge services for those staying at the accommodation thanks to the generosity of Dubbo City Toyota and volunteer drivers.With more and more Western area people requiring medical care in Dubbo, this service will provide invaluable assistance during a time of difficulty for many.Macquarie Home Stay is the patient and partner/carer accommodation facility for patients from outlying areas who travel to Dubbo for medical care.It is funded by grants and reliant on donations and fundraising.The new service will assist patients to get around Dubbo by collecting and pickups from bus and train station and Dubbo airport, as well as assisting patients with appointment transfer, getting groceries or picking up scripts from the pharmacy.Andrew Single Macquarie Home Stay President of MHS Board - Image courtesy MHS.Andrew Single Macquarie Home Stay President of MHS Board says the new car is a wonderful thing for MHS.“We knew there was a gap, we had people coming to town on public transport then having to pay a cab to get to MHS, yet another impediment for people that need help to get help.“One of our Directors Allister Rodgers took himself to Dubbo City Toyota and genuinely asked ‘could we have a car’ and they said sure. "Not only that, they are paying the registration and insurance and paying for the services also."One of Macquarie Home Stay Directors Allister Rodgers who approached Dubbo City Toyota for a car - Image courtesy Macquarie Home Stay.“We are in the process of getting volunteer drivers and then we can take people wherever they need to go. Its another piece of the puzzle put together to help the people of the Western area,” Mr Single said.Ben Thompson, Dealer Principal and Managing Director of Dubbo City Toyota - image courtesy Dubbo City Toyota.Ben Thompson, Dealer Principal and Managing Director of Dubbo City Toyota says Macquarie Home Stay is a vital service and the company were only too happy to support such a wonderful cause.“Macquarie Home Stay is something our business is passionate about being involved in. It’s incredible for the community and they need help, and it is something we feel like we can contribute to, so to give them a vehicle just makes sense.“I believe it is our duty to play a role in supporting the community where we can, and we are passionate about this project."Many of the people who support our business have need to use Macquarie Home Stay or assist in the running of the organisation, so it makes sense to us to support them as well."MHS is a great organisation that helps the greater Central and Western areas, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Mr Thompson.Macquarie Home Stay Dubbo - Image courtesy MHS.Upon announcement of the new service people took to online expressing what a great initiative this will be.Shayne wrote, “Macquarie Home Stay you just get better and better. This would mean I could come alone to hospital visits and leave my husband to look after things at home rather than arranging for someone to farm sit for us.”“You guys go from strength to strength. Our region is lucky to have you,” said Michelle.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is breathing new life into its Discovery Program with a full roster of rangers on board.  The first tour will be the Explore the Dark Sky tour on Friday 4 April from the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre near Coonabarabran. "We hope that visitors see some animals, and maybe learn a thing or two about the trees, ecology, or geography, depending on the park. If there's one takeaway we want it to be education and encouraging people to explore the parks more,"Northern Inland Branch Visitor Centre Supervisor Alex Bain said. "We now have eight tour guides which is very exciting because for the customers it means that every time they come tour with us, they're going to have a slightly different experience," Ms Bain said.  The Discovery Program features nine tours in the Pilliga and Warrumbungle National Park, one of which will be released in the coming days. There is also a special 50th-anniversary event for the Werrikimbe National Park. "We have some new tours but also some revamped old ones," Ms Bain said.  Several of the tours run in the Warrumbungle National Park and Pilliga Nature Reserve such as the Pilliga Sculptures and Cave Convoy Tour, Explore the Dark Sky, and Walk on the Wild Side at the Warrumbungles.  For the first time, an Indigenous ranger is also part of the Discovery Program giving visitors a unique understanding of the cultural significance of the National Parks.  The Tara Cultural tour will be led by a local Aboriginal Discovery ranger. Photo: NPWS The Discovery Program is open to people of all ages who are able to walk the distance.  "People don't need to be experienced bushwalkers. We purposefully chose walks that are not too difficult because we want as many people as possible to join," Ms Bain said.  Visitors are encouraged to bring essentials such as water, sunscreen, bug spray, and good shoes.   The proceeds from the tours go towards covering costs and maintaining the national parks. "Our tours aren't for profit. They are for education," said Ms Bain. "There's been a lot of money, time, and effort put into getting people on Park.  "There's something for everybody, whether you're local or a visitor. There's going to be lots of tours and lots of experiences to share and we hope you come out and do." More information on the walking tours can be found here.

Gilgandra got to see a part of history on wheels when the Dubbo Antique Automobile Club (DAAC) hosted the annual Country of Heritage Motor Club's (CHMC) rally on Sunday 30 March.  Around 100 entrants from antique car enthusiasts across the state including Narrabri, Port Macquarie, Newcastle, and the South Coast joined in on the ride. "We chose our route due to the amazing support from the Gilgandra Shire and community," Rally Director Matt Lack said. Antique cars have to be at least 30 years old and to be considered vintage a car has to be 94 years or older.  Around 20 cars that are part of the DAAC are considered vintage.  Antique car enthusiasts work hard to keep cars in tip top shape. Photo: River McCrossen. Each year a different car club hosts a rally in regional towns.  The rally started out in Dubbo before they headed to Mendooran for morning tea and Gilgandra for lunch.  Each year the CHMC organises an annual drive through different towns across the country and this year it was DAAC's turn.  Some of the oldest models among the ranks include Model T Fords between 1911 and 1915.   With 100 antique cars, the road can sometimes be a bumpy one.  "There are always mechanical issues that arise. Part of owning an old car is that things do break, so that's part of the challenge, or I guess enjoyment, of keeping the cars on the road," Mr Lack said. "It's part of being in a good community with the car club that people stop and help." Mr Lack's passion for antique cars began in his childhood.  "My father was always in the shed tinkering with cars. I've grown up in the car movement and got to meet the wonderful people that are involved in the hobby."  Mr Lack drives a 1929 Reo that he first rode in as a child in Tasmania. Twenty years ago, he had the opportunity to buy the car from the man who restored it.  Now, Mr Lack is passing on his passion for cars to his children.  "They've got good knowledge and enjoy the people and places they get to visit. That's what encourages them.  "They love travelling in the old car because people always wave and come to talk to us.  "They notice the big difference to travelling in a modern car where no one blinks twice when you're going past," Mr Lack said.  At the end of the day, the DAAC headed back to Dubbo for their presentation at the Dubbo Showground.  The next annual CHMC rally will be held around the same time next year with the location yet to be announced.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler is calling all young Indigenous people in the western area aged between 18-25 years to apply to take part in a new Young Aboriginal Leaders Program.It's a step out of the comfort zone, but it could be the start of better things for all our communities.A tailored initiative, brought to life by members of the Legislative Council as part of their Bicentenary celebrations, is designed to empower and inspire young leaders across the state.This first-of-its-kind residential leadership program to be held in June 2025 will provide a culturally grounded experience focused on leadership, networking, and community impact. “We are looking for young Indigenous people who are emerging leaders in their communities to take part in the Young Aboriginal Leaders Program at NSW Parliament,” said Mr Butler.“This will be a three-day fully funded residential program, and will run from June 17 to 20."It is open to young leaders aged 18 to 25 to provide them with an experience focused on leadership, networking, and community impact, as well as providing participants with the opportunity to learn about parliamentary processes."During the program participants will:Develop leadership and communication skills.Learn about parliamentary processes.Engage with Aboriginal leaders and real-world case studies.Deliver a speech in the Legislative Council Chamber at Parliament House.Joe Stewart Parliament of NSW Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer - Image courtesy NSW Parliament. Joe Stewart Parliament of NSW Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer says the program is designed to equip the Aboriginal leaders of the next generation with the skills, confidence and networks they need to promote positive change in their communities.“If you know someone with leadership potential, encourage them to apply, this immersive experience could be life-changing,” he said.President of the NSW Legislative Council, the Hon. Ben Franklin said the program is more than a leadership conference.“It’s about connection, empowerment, and equipping young Aboriginal people with the tools to drive change."We want young leaders from across NSW to be part of something truly special," said Mr Franklin.Fully funded the selected participants will have all travel, accommodation, and meals covered – ensuring young leaders from every part of NSW can participate.​The interior of the Legislative Assembly Chamber in the Parliament of NSW - Image NSW Parliament. Applications for the program, which is part of the Legislative Council's bicentenary celebrations, are open until 4 April 2025. For more information, email [email protected] can contact the Aboriginal Engagement team with any questions or if they require assistance to complete this form.