The Lachlan River at Condobolin Bridge peaked Tuesday 27 September at 6.74 metres, with major flooding but the area remains on high alert. The river level at this spot now remains steady at 6.71 metres, however as this flood peak extends downstream and further rain events occur, locals are warned to continue playing it safe at this very hazardous time.   "The water we've got at the moment is actually all unmetered water," said Condobolin's SES Unit Commander, Susan Bennett, "It's water coming in over land, not through the river gauges so the creeks are all just flowing which makes it dangerous," she said.    The Condobolin SES unit are responsible for a large area that runs from just below Jemalong weir through to Euabalong and up to West Wyalong, Lake Cargelligo and Ungarie. This means that locals are being warned to be extra sensible.   "Please don't take risks and don't drive through the floodwater – find a way around it or call us," said Susan.   "We have a helicopter and a high clearance vehicle so we have the ability to reach you if needed," she said, "but just be sensible." There are now at least 24 properties on the Kiacatoo Road that are completely isolated, with many finding that the only way to move around is by boat.  Condobolin SES have been busy with aerial deliveries of sandbags and other items. PHOTO: Condobolin SES facebook.The flood water means that many roads in the shire are currently closed, and the Lachlan Shire Council has issued strong warnings to residents about acknowledging road closure signs.  "It is an offence to remove or relocate closed road signs. This puts other motorists at risk. Offenders can be prosecuted by the NSW Police Force," said Roads Manager, Stephan Taylor.  "Rain events from last week continue to impact roads across the network," he said "there are a lot of roads that have not been inspected due to inaccessibility and many creek crossings are likely to be inundated and unsafe to cross." "Motorists are asked to use extreme caution when travelling on roads and causeways impacted by flood and storms," he said.It is important to keep an eye on local road conditions as they can change quickly. PHOTO: Condobolin SESAll unsealed roads excluding detours within Lachlan Shire have been closed to vehicles over three (3) tonne GVM until 11.00am Wednesday 28 September 2022, when the condition of the roads will be reviewed. To find recent updates on road closures in this area, click here: Lachlan Shire.  While water continues to run at Condobolin, it is those further downstream that are now being issued with high alert warnings.  It is expected that the Lachlan River at Euabalong may reach around 7.00 metres during Friday or Saturday with major flooding. "We've had eighteen requests for assistance so far," said Susan, "ranging from pulling people out of bogged situations to helping people who were stranded in flood water." "We haven't had any actual emergency situations out here as yet, and we don't want to. So please be careful, she said."   Road Updates can be found in the Weather/Reports on this app at Live Traffic NSW  For the latest weather warnings, rainfall and river heights visit the Bureau of Meteorology  For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.  In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately. 

An investigation has been launched by the Central West Police District after a firearm robbery took place at Owens Rural Supplies in Condobolin in the early hours of yesterday morning.  Officers from the Central West Police District determined that the break and enter took place just after 3am on Tuesday 27 September 2022, when three males wearing dark clothing forced entry to the store by reversing a stolen car through the front doors.  The three men stole a number of firearms, ammunition and knives.  At about 4am, a house in McGregor Street was then targeted by the men, who threatened the occupants of the house with firearms and demanded personal property.  The occupants, a 76-year-old woman, a 78-year-old man and a 46-year-old man, were shaken but not injured. Among the possessions stolen was a grey Ford Ranger utility vehicle that was later found abandoned and burnt out on Reservoir Hill in Condobolin.  Police have established crime scenes at both locations where investigations are ongoing.  The aftermath of the ram raid at Owens Rural Supplies in Condobolin. PHOTO SUPPLIED."It's not like a normal theft... stolen guns usually raises some eyebrows and I believe this incident is connected to a number of other incidents around the area so the police are working hard to investigate as quickly as possible," said Malcolm Parnaby from Owens Rural Supplies.  "We've now got front doors to put back on, they're boarded up so we look a bit like a shanty town at the moment."  Whilst access through the front doors is currently restricted, Owens Rural Supplies remains open for business and the building is well-secured.  Police ask that anyone with information contact Condobolin Police on 6895 6600 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

There’s likely going to be long lines to the fuel bowser today, with the fuel excise reduction set to end, meaning that the 23 cent cut to prices will finish at midnight tonight (28 September). Authorities have reported, however, that we shouldn’t see a price rise just yet and that consumers should be wary of price gouging. While the cut to the fuel excise was put in place by the former federal government in a time of increasing cost of living pressures and fuel climbing well above 200 cents per litre, the current government has maintained that it was temporary, costing the federal budget $3 billion in six months.Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said that the ACCC will be keeping a close eye to watch for price gouging from tomorrow. “(The) industry estimates that there’ll be more than 700 million litres of lower excise fuel in the system when the fuel excise is reintroduced. This is 700 million reasons why the price shouldn’t shoot up the full 23 cents on the night that the excise relief ends,” Mr Chalmers said. While the increase in price may be temporarily delayed, it will happen. According to FuelCheck, Unleaded 91 prices around the Western Plains vary at around 180 cents/litre, while diesel varies between 190-215 cents/litre. NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe said using the FuelCheck app is a simple way to help make sure you’re getting the best deal. “The state government requires fuel prices to be updated to the app in real-time, so you can easily find out if there are savings to be had just down the road,” Mr Lowe said. “Particularly for the larger operators who carry our food and freight around, the end of the excise discount is going to significantly increase the cost of transport,” he said. Inevitably, locals will begin to feel the pinch as trips cost more and more.Climate Council Head of Advocacy Dr Jennifer Rayner said that a longer-term solution is needed. “The fuel excise was merely a temporary band-aid solution and did nothing to address the real issue of spiralling fuel costs in the longer term, which placed even more pressure on top of sky-rocketing bills. It was short-sighted. What we really need is fuel efficiency standards,” she said.“The fact is, Australians are being totally ripped off when it comes to how we get around”Dr Rayner suggests that owners of electric vehicles could save around $1,600 a year compared to a petrol car, but Australians don’t have much opportunity to buy them. “The Australian Government has started the conversation with its National Electric Vehicle Strategy, but we need it to move quickly and decisively to catch up with much of the rest of the world. The longer we wait to put fuel efficiency standards in place, the more Australians will be exposed to fuel price spikes and harmful pollution.”  For now, it is estimated that the FuelCheck app could save drivers up to $800 a year by using it regularly.

Bourke’s abattoir is finally back in business with new owners, after the $60 million facility closed in 2019 following an unviable first year of business.The facility is under the new ownership of Thomas Foods International (TFI), who acquired it late last year from Darling River Goat Exports.TFI Chief Executive Anthony Stewart said the necessary initial upgrade works had been completed and the site was now operational. “It’s great to have Bourke back up and running,” Mr Stewart said.“TFI is excited to re-open this facility and we’re looking forward to working closely with farmers, providing jobs for local workers and economic support for the community."While the lengthy drought rendered the business unviable with goats few and far between rather than in surplus with strong seasons and a confident owner, Mr Stewart is optimistic for the abattoir’s future. “We see strong growth potential in Bourke and we’re investing significantly in this facility for the long run. Our current focus is to be processing around 3000 head per day of goat and sheep in the coming months as we build the local workforce,” he said. While the business has created a significant number of jobs for the community, as skill shortages continue to take hold of the state, local concern was growing that the workforce wouldn’t be easily found. After opening this week, TFI has seemingly overcome those barriers, with the company purchasing a local hotel to provide accommodation for staff where housing availability is low. The facility’s opening was accompanied by $5 million support from the NSW government to upgrade the small-stock facility and expand the operation, with new freezers, conveyor systems and storage. Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said that the grant could help TFI become a state leader in supporting regional jobs.“This $5 million investment will see Thomas Foods International boost local operations and provide a more efficient model for local farmers, enabling them to process stock locally and cut freight costs,” Mr Toole said. “This funding will also incentivise ongoing investment in Bourke and surrounding areas and give local producers processing options closer to the farm gate, keeping supply chains and jobs in our regions." While operation has begun, a delay is expected in the abattoir gaining US accreditation, one of the main overseas markets.  The facility will process stock from western NSW and Queensland. 

Signs saying 'Large four wheel drives and heavy vehicles only’ direct motorists on the Oxley Highway north of Warren as floodwater from the Ewenmar Creek continues to pour across the road and throughout surrounding paddocks, as its been doing periodically for the past two months. Peeling bitumen and large potholes just three kilometres from town have necessitated Warren Shire Council to install 'temporary' traffic lights directing traffic to one lane, and road crews have been spreading gravel in an attempt to remediate the road surface.  The Ewenmar is just one of a large number of swollen waterways that have escaped their banks in recent months and last week’s rain event saw upwards of 60mm fall in the area, causing further runoff and ongoing headaches for both travellers and landowners. Warren Shire Council’s website currently advises all unsealed roads within the LGA are closed, along with the Wambianna Road, Ellengerah Road, Gradgery Lane, Kiameron Road, Gibson Way, Carinda Road (160km north of Warren), Rifle Range Road, Industrial Access Road, Canonba Road, Bundemar Road and Warren Road (at the Tenandra Bridge).Others are open with extreme caution and drivers travelling to Dubbo are advised to use the Oxley and Mitchell Highways via Nevertire and Trangie. Long detours and conditions that change quickly are making it difficult for landowners to plan trips to town and access properties and stock, and with the local SES conducting a number of flood rescues in recent weeks, the stakes remain high for making the wrong decision.Oxley Highway 6 kilometres from Warren on Monday 26 September. Warren Shire Mayor Milton Quigley says he’s relatively pleased with the way the public is responding to the situation, “Apart from a few silly drivers who have driven around road closed signs and through deep flood water, most people have been very cooperative,” said Cr Quigley. As of this afternoon (Tuesday 27 September) Water NSW is releasing 13,800megalitres/day from Burrendong Dam (129.4% full) and the Macquarie River is at 9.05 metres at the Warren town gauge (down from a peak of 9.44m).“Nine metres is major flood level. If it drops below that we’ll definitely be in a better situation and once the water level drops below 8.5 metres we‘ll be able to open the stormwater gates back into the river from within the levee,” said Cr Quigley. “In my view the river level is being managed very well and we are now seeing a slight easing of the situation, with water levels slowly receding. If it doesn’t rain in the next 10 days we should see significantly more reprieve, but we just have to work with what’s in front of us.”In any direction from Warren roads are awash. This is the 5 Mile Cowal on the Marthaguy Road. Swollen waterways, runoff across paddocks and access issues continue to cause challenges for primary producers including weed proliferation, waterlogged winter crops, difficulty handling stock and delayed ground preparation for summer crops. Sheep and cattle producer Colin Irving on ‘Old Bundilla’, 45km north east of Warren, has been checking calving heifers on horseback.“The Wemabung Creek flows right through the paddock they’re in and I can’t get to them any other way,” said Mr Irving. Boating across the Merrigal Creek.Colin and brother Warwick have also had to use alternative yards for lamb-marking due to flooding and can only get to town using a boat to cross the Merrigal Creek. With the Bureau of Meteorology sticking to its La Nina forecast for the next few months, travellers and landowners in the Warren Shire are likely to be facing further challenges.

Heavy rainfall to the south and east of the Bogan Shire last week has resulted in increased river heights on the Bogan and Macquarie which is currently causing moderate flooding across the region. The Bogan River expected to peak in Nyngan on Thursday at a height slightly higher (4.10 metres) than the moderate flood level recorded earlier this year which resulted in low lying areas around the river and the Nyngan Golf Course to be inundated. The rise is the result of heavy rain to the south last week which caused heavy flooding around Tullamore and district. The river rise is not posing a risk to the residential area inside the Nyngan flood levee bank but will likely inundate Rotary Park and the lower weir precinct. The approaching river rise sent Angie and Mike Armstrong into action on the weekend, preparing their accommodation and function facilities at Callubri Station 60 km south of Nyngan for the expected flooding. Mrs Armstrong said the water was beginning to seep over the banks of the Bogan on Sunday as they were pulling up newly laid carpet in a guest cottage and raising the furniture onto bricks to keep it above the expected water level. The Armstrongs were also moving their horses to higher ground in readiness, and also using the tractor to relocate whatever else they could. Ever positive, Mrs Armstrong managed to find her sense of humour sharing a photograph of her new beeswax candle with a large mouse bite out of the top before she packed it away. “I was not sure whether to laugh or cry.” “After four years of drought and dust storms, a mouse plague, a pandemic and now flooding surely 2023 will be a cracker!”.Carpets and furniture stacked up in a guest cottage at "Callubri Station" 60km south of Nyngan Several Council roads have been closed due to being inundated with floodwater including Merryanbone, Moonagee, West Bogan, Dandaloo, Peisley and Pangee Roads. Bogan Shire Council Director of Engineering and member of the Local Emergency Management Committee, Graeme Bourke said there will be more roads with floodwater over them as the peak comes through this week. The Pangee Creek in the south west of the Shire was running and had resulted in the closure of Pangee Road which would inconvenience traffic travelling southwest. Meanwhile in the northern and eastern parts of the Bogan Shire, floodwater from the Macquarie River combined with controlled dam releases from Burrendong Dam to reduce levels, had made its way down tributaries from Warren including the Gunningbar, Duck and Belaringar Creeks inundating floodplain country and cutting road access. In the north west of the Shire where the Macquarie tributaries meet the Bogan landholder Bruce Yabsley “Murrawombie” was keeping an eye on the flooding situation which has been ongoing for most of the year. “The Duck Creek was dropping well until last Friday before the rain. It then started rising and has risen 40cm since then.” So far Mr Yabsley said the water had only backed up in low lying areas but not caused inundation.Furniture on bricks in a function room at Callubri Station

The Narromine community is mourning the loss of an iconic advocate in Wiradjuri woman Aunt Neita Scott who passed away this month. Her legacy is the vast improvements in the lives of Indigenous people in her community and beyond. Aunt Neita made her mark on the community in a plethora of ways, committing her life to the improvements of others. Becoming the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) Councillor for the Central Region in 1988, Aunt Neita not only worked extensively in Aboriginal housing locally, but advocated for the Indigenous community, women, and health on a national and international scale.Narromine Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) CEO Shelly Bayliss said that Aunt Neita was generous with her ambition. “She did a lot of work…so that all people were on the same level playing field. She wanted Aboriginal people to have the same opportunities and chances and education as everybody else,” Ms Bayliss said. Since beginning at the NSWALC, she later was awarded an inaugural “40 Years Strong” Chairperson’s Award in 2017 for her service. During that time, Aunt Neita represented the NSWALC at the United Nations in Geneva on several occasions, advocating for Land Rights on the world stage. Beyond that, she was a Board Member at the Aboriginal Housing Office, a member of the Aboriginal Housing Development Committee, as well as a Member of the Premier’s Council for Women, the Rural Women’s Advisory Council and Narromine Health Council. Ms Bayliss said that Aunt Neita’s impact on Narromine alone was impressive. “She introduced Aboriginal Housing, the LALC now has 32 houses, supported the CDEP (Community Development Employment Projects) program, lots of things,” she said. “She would help anyone and everyone,” Ms Bayliss said. NSWALC Chairperson Councillor Danny Chapman says Neita Scott will be long remembered by her family, community and many friends. “Neita Scott leaves a strong legacy as a Land Rights warrior and a highly respected woman committed to good relationships and partnerships at personal, local and state levels. She was a quiet achiever, and tireless in her work to support Aboriginal community controlled organisations and their ability to empower our people,” he said. “On behalf of the Land Rights network, I send my very deepest condolences to Neita’s family at this very sad time.”

It’s a fitting time for a boost to Bourke and Brewarrina SES Units, as ongoing rain and flowing rivers is seeing floodwaters inundate the Western Plains. The Bourke SES Unit is receiving a $38,000 Light Storm Trailer from the NSW Government, while the Brewarrina Unit will benefit from a $90,000 General Purpose Vehicle. Announced this week, both pieces of equipment are a part of a fleet replacement program for rural, regional and remote parts of NSW. The new equipment follows heavy flooding in both areas last year that saw many locals isolated, but also comes just as the region is set to see more flooding. SES Far West Zone Commander Mark Coulter said that the new equipment will help the unit support the community with floods on the horizon. “The trailer comes fully self- sufficient and has solar panels, AC inverters, backup generators, all the latest Milwaukee tools, along with height safety harnesses for roof jobs,” Mr Coulter said. As emergencies seem to continuously roll through the region, the extra resource is critical when volunteer numbers slump. “Unfortunately, a lot of the volunteers in the area are transient which means a lot of school teachers who we may only have for three or four years, but they are extremely valued,” Mr Coulter said. “We’re always looking for new volunteers willing to give up their time to support the communities,” he said. Minister for Emergency Services and Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said that volunteers across the region have been tireless in their ongoing response to the slow-moving flood event since November 2021. Ms Cook said the new equipment will “ensure SES volunteers have exactly what they need to support their communities while keeping themselves safe.”SES Commissioner Carlene York said volunteers at the Brewarrina Unit are also being recognised for their ongoing contributions with a number of long service awards.   “It is always an honour to present awards to our volunteers for their dedicated and continued service to the community,” Commissioner York said. “Our SES volunteers have come off the back of their busiest year ever and are continuing to respond to requests for assistance, as well as helping their communities prepare for continued flooding events,” she said. At the time of reporting, minor flooding is occurring along the Darling River at Bourke and is set to rise to 10.70 metres. The Barwon River is steady at 5.94 metres at Brewarrina, but continues to rise at Walgett, which has reached 9.72 metres. 

Have you had a difficult time dealing with builders, suppliers, certifiers or insurers? Do you feel that there are regulations within the construction industry that could be improved upon? Now is your chance to speak! Anyone who has an opinion on the Construction Industry is being encouraged by the NSW Government to give their input on proposed changes to building laws in NSW.  NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Natasha Mann, said the NSW Government is conducting public consultations focusing on ensuring compliant design and building work in shared accommodation and residential care facilities, and enhancing fire safety measures across all buildings. “Whether you work in the building industry as a tradie, designer, supplier, or if you’re building or renovating your home, if you have an opinion on the building industry in NSW - we want to hear from you,” Ms Mann said. Feedback will be sought on a number of topics, including safer home building practices and materials, regulating prefabricated and manufactured homes, strengthening building compliance and enforcement, licensing commercial and home building work, upskilling the building and construction industry and securing prompt and fair payment for building work.Total value of building approvals in the Orana RDA region show approvals in 2021-22 amassing to the value of $401.858 M, the second highest since 2016-17. In Gilgandra shire, the highest number of dwelling approvals was recorded in 2021-22 (7), while data for the broader Orana region reflected 2021-22 to have the second highest number of building approvals since 2016, suggesting the government’s timing couldn’t be better. Gilgandra Building Approvals show 2021-22 to have the highest number of dwelling approvals (7). The lowest number of dwelling approvals was recorded in 2018-19 (0). “The feedback will refine proposals to improve building regulatory standards across the State that have been co-designed through our ongoing engagement with key industry and community stakeholders,” Ms Mann said. “We want those who work in the industry and members of the community to help us to improve rules around the design, construction, certification, and ongoing safety of NSW buildings,” she said.  So, to have your say, contribute to the below consultations that are currently open to the public. To have your say on more compliant and fire-safe buildings, visit: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/more-compliant-and-fire-safe-buildingsThe consultation is open until Friday 7 October 2022. To have your say on reforming building laws in NSW, visit: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/reforming-building-lawsThe consultation is open until Friday 25 November 2022.

On Saturday 17 September, around 30 artists, art lovers and community members gathered at the Outback Arts gallery to celebrate the official opening of the 2022 Outback Archies.Eighty artworks, all under the overarching theme of 'Legends and Landscapes', are featured in the exhibition, showcasing the diverse and widespread talent of our region's artists.Outback Arts Executive Director, Jamie-Lea Trindall said, “The joy the Outback Archies brings to such an extended audience each year is remarkable, as is the quality and diversity of entries. Its success is a credit to our region's artists that continue to inspire others to keep creating.”With entrants from across seventeen Local Government Areas, competition was tough this year across the four major artwork categories - Photography, Sculpture, Ceramics and Two Dimensional.Those attending the official opening were blown away by not only the sheer amount of entries in this year's Outback Archies exhibition, but also the level of skill and creativity demonstrated by the entrants.First place of the Photography category was awarded to Adam Edwards of Broken Hill for his image titled 'Derelict', whilst second place went to George Williams of Walgett for 'Stand by Me'.In Two Dimensional, the first prize place went to Merren Turnbull of Bourke for her pastel artwork, 'Life Blood of the Outback', with second place going to Corey Brooks of Bourke for 'A Moment Between Dances'.The Ceramics category was won by Kylie Lamph from Tamworth (formerly Carinda) with her jug-shaped vessel titled 'Parched'.Second place was awarded to local Coonamble artist, Anna Kennedy for her piece 'Landscape on a Vase' which incorporated the textures of found leaves and twigs.Gilgandra-based artists dominated the Sculpture category this year, with the first place prize going to Brendon Schembri for his large-scale metal artwork titled 'Take Me', and second place going to Melissa Kelly with her piece 'Little Wild Thing'.PHOTO: Melissa Kelly with her work titled ‘Little Wild Thing’.The judging panel found this year's youth entries for the Young Outback Archies especially challenging, resulting in an equal first place being awarded in the Primary School category.The winners were Pollyanna Wass from Warren for her work 'Vase of Flowers', and local girl, Lexie Trindall for her painting 'The Dam at Dark Time'.Winner of the Secondary School category was none other than Coonamble's man of many talents, Patrick Forbes for his ceramic work titled, 'Yarning with Nan Bertha'.PHOTO: Patrick Forbes with his prizewinning piece ‘Yarning with Nan Bertha.’Second place was awarded to Charli White of Warren for her collage on paper titled 'The Arizona'.The judging panel, which consisted of Phil Aitken (Education Officer at Western Plains Cultural Centre),  Hannah James (Assistant Curator of Visual Arts at Campbelltown Arts Centre), and Biance Edmundson (Secondary Visual Art Teacher), were also motivated to award Walgett siblings, Hilda and Darcy Hartog, a Young Curators award for their portraits of their parents.Abigail McLaughlin from Warren was awarded the Open Curators Award for her landscape painting titled 'Duck Creek #1'.The Aboriginal Art Prize for this year was awarded to Coonamble's own Young Archies entrant Remi Cohen who expressed the exploration of her cultural identity through both her entries.Anna Kennedy also won a Packing Room prize, which was awarded by the staff who unpacked and installed the exhibition, for her piece 'A Big Enduring Prayer for Country'.The overall Outback Archies winner, who the judges deemed to have explored and represented the theme at the highest level through a well-resolved artwork, was awarded to George Williams of Walgett for his emu egg carving titled 'Acknowledging of Identity'.Viewers have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork for the People's Choice award, which will be announced at the close of the exhibition at the end of October.

Emily Mosely was just 12 years old when she drove out the dusty front drive of her family farm near the western New South Wales town of Cobar in search of a quality education. Fortunately, with her sights now set on a career in agriculture, Cobar is unlikely to permanently lose her to alternative career and employment opportunities in a bigger, better resourced town. But that’s not the story for many of her fellow graduates.“With agriculture as a career path, coming home is easier for me than for people in other industries,” said Emily. Fewer employment options, higher proportions of lower socioeconomic residents and a lack of essential services in regional areas have long been drivers of rural decline and deterrents for graduates; creating a significant cost to regional communities.And it’s a cruel circle.In a 2006 publication, the OECD highlighted the cyclical nature of rural decline, in which a lack of critical services and educational opportunities supported further out-migration and therefore shrinking populations.However, Emily believes the solution lies firmly in the development of stronger partnerships between rural communities and education providers.“I certainly feel that if we can support people to go away to study and then help them come back, bringing those services back with them, then there's got to be something in that,” she said. A potential pathway towards developing stronger relationships was recently uncovered by The Country Education Foundation (CEF).They found that by partnering a local business with a tertiary education provider, they were able to provide financial support for students to study and then guarantee their employment once they returned.Coleambally Irrigation Co-Operative Limited (CICL) was the first to test this model with local student, George Payne. George commenced his agriculture degree in 2019 at the University of Melbourne with help from CEF Coleambally-Darlington Point. As intended, after he graduated, George returned home to begin working with CICL.“I loved having the security of knowing that I had a job after I had graduated,” said George. “This has been great as I have been able to utilise my skills and bring them back to my regional area,” he said. PHOTO: George Payne was awarded the inaugural CICL Grant Latta Bonded Scholarship to support his studies at Melbourne University. George now has full time employment in his hometown with Coleambally Irrigation Co-Operative Limited (CICL).Proof of the success of this pathway to combating rural decline has led many to question why more universities aren’t jumping on board. And, while many higher education providers continue to invest in assisting lucrative International students find placements in Australia, struggling communities are arguing that their priorities may be in the wrong place. Executive manager of the University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) student equity team, Sonal Singh, says that while UTS is committed to improving educational outcomes in regional areas, there are limitations to consider and other factors at play. “Major concerns for regional students are mostly to do with accommodation, travel and finances,” she explained. “We’ve also found that, for rural students, connection to place is really important so many choose not to access higher education because they feel guilty for leaving home.” Sonal says that the needs of international students differ greatly in that they are often from asylum seeker backgrounds or are seeking a higher quality of education, and that it is the unique needs of each group that dictate the approaches the university takes to help.An announcement made earlier this year by Regional Education Minister Bridget McKenzie, revealed the launch of a program that UTS is leading in partnership with the Country Universities Centre (CUC) to help meet the unique needs of rural and regional students. “People in regional Australia are less than half as likely to complete a university degree compared with people in cities,” said Minister McKenzie.“We want to reverse this trend by creating localised partnerships between regional communities and tertiary education providers, to engage regional students and create accessible ways for them to access higher education,” she said. The program will see a collaboration of 25 universities and 16 Regional University Centres across Queensland, NSW, ACT and Victoria join forces to build tailored outreach programs for rural students.“This partnership is very much about talking to the community to find out what the challenges are and then designing our outreach programs based on that,” said Sonal.PHOTO: UTS will lead 24 other universities in a partnership with the Country Universities Centre and 16 local communities to encourage more people from the regions to go to university.While the program is still in phase one of community consultation, the latest census data on projected population decline suggests that its potential offerings to regional communities shouldn’t be ignored. And, while students like George and Emily have been lucky, they want to see more students be granted the same opportunities. “I think it’s really important to expand your experiences, knowledge and understanding,” said Emily. “For me, that’s only made me want to go home more because it’s made me realise how important home is to me.” PHOTO: Emily Mosely has a strong connection to her family farm near Cobar (pictured), but she knows the true value of education and wants more rural students like her to be granted the same opportunities she has.Programs that bring education to rural communities and provide pathways for access have, therefore, not only shown a great deal of promise for reversing the trend of rural decline, but given hope to a generation of country kids who refuse to be taken out of the country.

Hermidale Public School continues to catch the eye of Regional and National Media for its Future Farmers Project which see the schools seven students learning all about farming first-hand as part of its school curriculum.   State MP Roy Butler, State Upper House whip Scott Barrett and Federal MP Mark Coulton, have all heaped praise on the school for its innovative project, titled Hermidale Future Farmers, which has been embraced by the local community and sponsors from around Australia.   The students, under the guidance of teachers and local farmers, have planted an 85-hectare paddock next to the school with a wheat crop and have been thrilled and excited to take part in each step, learning and discovering the processes of wheat farming and eagerly awaiting its harvest. The proceeds of the crop will fund their Interstate School Trips for the next three years in an innovative cropping immersion project.  MP Mark Coulton was especially thrilled with his visit to the School taking to his Social media with high praise for the Project.   “Perhaps the highlight of my travels last week was getting out in the paddock with the students from Hermidale Public School, looking at the 85-hectare spitfire wheat crop they’ve been growing.”   “It’s part of the small school’s Hermidale Future Farmers project, which sees all seven students involved in the entire cropping process. It’s not only about teaching them about all aspects of farming, but it’s helping to equip them with valuable skills for life,” he said.   “I’m very impressed with what they’re doing and I’m looking forward to seeing the crop develop. Well done to everyone involved and best of luck with the upcoming harvest.” MP Mark Coulton inspecting the crop with the Hermidale students. The School has definitely seen its fair share of limelight recently, with the kids taking it in their stride.   “Our students have been so engaged through this process”, said Principal Skye Dedman. “They are connecting there learning within the classroom with what is happening outside” she said.  According to Mrs Dedman the entire focus of the project is to show students what the agriculture industry can offer them in the future.   “There’s a lot of talk about climate change, so we are teaching our students about sustainable farming practices, because for them the world is going to look very different in 20 years’ time, she said.   “We have been so grateful to our small community and wider community for all of their support and are excited to see the results”, she said.  Local Farmer Darren Mudford with daughters Matilda and Ruby. PHOTO: Angie White Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, recognised the school's efforts recently in Parliament saying, “The kids are so excited, it is a great way for them to learn how much work goes into being crop farmers”, he said.  It’s not just the kids who are totally invested in the project, all of the local families and farmers who are putting in the work to see it come to fruition are keenly following its progress.  Local Farmer Darren Mudford, who has two children at the school, is playing an integral role in the project. “I’m pretty happy to help out and do my bit”, said Mr. Mudford.  “I wish I had the chance to do something like this when I was at school, I might have listened a bit more. I’ve been enjoying sending in farming maths questions for the kids. They are still learning maths, just making it more relevant which I think makes it easier to learn”, he said.  This year’s crop will even see a Harvest cut out party and it will be here where the kids, teachers, sponsors and supporters will gather to celebrate year one, of the three-year project, by kicking up their heels and recognising the success of this wonderful innovation. Mark Coulton and teacher Rebekkah Coddington with the students in their crop.

In 2019, Bourke featured in the New York Times following a spate of uproar that local water wasn’t only running out, but was unsafe to drink. The new water security system due to be completed in the town this year is less of a reward, but rather a human right being delivered far too late. The new $10 million water treatment plant will accompany a $5 million water security project, delivering four new bores, two pipelines and a pump station. The plant has been deemed a ‘game changer’ by Minister for Water Kevin Anderson, which promises the delivery of safe drinking water during times of drought. Currently, the town’s backup bores are without an effective filtration system. While Australia’s standards of drinking water are 180 parts per million of sodium chloride, Bourke’s backup bores have delivered 300 parts per million, almost double the national standards for aesthetic (taste) limit. Only used when in drought, 2019 saw reports of Bourke locals sacrificing their health even further by resorting to mixing cordial with the water in an effort to mask its flavour and smell. "The new water treatment plant is a game changer, producing up to 3.3 megalitres of water a day, providing the town's 2,000 residents with safer, cleaner drinking water that meets Australian standards – a huge improvement on the old plant that was built in 1964, which was prone to failure and could not treat water to an acceptable level," Mr Anderson said.During the drought in 2019, the government was required to deliver a reverse osmosis plant to treat the bore water. The four new bores are connected to the water treatment plant via 30 kilometres of new pipeline which will serve as an emergency water source during the drought. Additionally, a new reservoir in Charles Street due to be delivered at the beginning of December will be able to hold one megalitre of potable drinking water. Bourke Mayor Barry Hollman said it marks a new ear in water security for the region. "This is a once-in-a-generation project for Bourke, and having infrastructure that is fit for the 21st century has been life changing for our community," Mr Hollman said.   "You cannot underestimate the importance of having access to clean, top quality drinking water or being able to rely on an alternative water source when the Darling River levels are low,” he said. The bore will only be used as an emergency water supply. The final stage of the project, which involves connecting the new pumps to the power grid to eliminate the need for diesel generators, will be completed before the end of the year. 

How many times have you tried to spell necessary in your head? Is it one or two ‘c’s? How many ‘s’s? Thankfully, William Weatherall knew the answer, and it’s taking him all the way to Sydney to compete against the state’s finest spellers. Coonabarabran Public School student William Weatherall is making his region proud as he lines up against the best spellers in the state after winning the regional final in the NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee. With just over a month to work on his words, William will compete at the State final of the NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee in Sydney in early November. Over 60 regionals finals took place online over the past fortnight, with 820 schools competing to show off their spelling skills. William said that despite heavy practice in the skill, it can always take you by surprise. “You are not always right in spelling, but can use strategies like sounding out in my head or remembering things like ‘i’ before ‘e’ except after ‘c’,” he said. Nearly 1600 students competed in the online regional finals from a starting pool of 165,000 participating students with the most remote student from Bourke-Walgett School of Distance Education, who lives about four hours’ drive from Bourke. Despite taking the top spot, William isn’t letting himself get too confident before the State finals. “It was the luck of the draw with the words, some people got easier words and some got harder words. My winning word was ‘necessary’.NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said it was exciting to see students across the State testing their spelling prowess.  “I congratulate all the students who have participated in the regional finals – you have already won by making it this far and demonstrating your fabulous spelling skills,” Mr Perrottet said. Will with Mrs Evans. PHOTO SUPPLIED. The Arts Unit Premier’s Spelling Bee Support Officer Desiree Lane said the move to online regionals finals had been well received, particularly in the bush.  “We have had feedback from some of our more remote schools on how wonderful the new format is because it allows them to participate where previously long distances had made travelling to regional finals difficult,” Ms Lane said.  Now in its 19th year, the Premier’s Spelling Bee was introduced in 2004 as a fun way for primary school students to engage in spelling. The program includes activities to encourage all students to improve their vocabulary and spelling and to promote literacy skills in combination with the English K-6 Syllabus.  Junior division includes words such as embargo; cavalcade; notary; and scrupulous, while the senior division participants will wrangle words like besotted; expostulate; hereditary; and subservient.  To compete at the State final a student must have won their school Spelling Bee, their zone and regionals final. 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from Bourke, who may be travelling interstate.Laine Peter, aged 33, was last seen at an address in Kempsey on Sunday 21 August 2022.When she could not be contacted by family and friends and failed to return to Bourke, officers from Central North Police District were notified on Wednesday (21 September 2022) and immediately commenced inquiries to locate her.Family and police hold concerns for Laine’s welfare.She is described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, between 180cm to 185cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.It’s believed Laine may have travelled to either Victoria or Queensland and may be driving a 2018 white Kia station wagon with NSW registration CZ 50 BU.Anyone who may have seen Laine or who may know of her whereabouts is urged to contact police.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Travellers are likely to have some itinerary changes to their trips as floods cut off roads and isolate towns in a pattern that feels eerily similar to last year. As the rain set in, Western Plains locals are already reporting flooding horror stories. On Wednesday night, patrons of Albert’s Rabbit Trap Hotel were enjoying their happy hour when water began to flow in, inundating the hotel’s accommodation. Rabbit Trap Hotel owner Terri Wilson said they’d received around 100 millimeters of rain over the week.Patrons didn't let the water ruin a night out. (Supplied: Rabbit Trap Hotel)“Caravaners are literally in the middle of the road because the caravan park got flooded as well, so they’re all lined up in the middle of the street,” Ms Wilson said. With roads closed in most directions, caravaners have been forced to let waters subside before continuing west. Meanwhile, Ms Wilson is getting to work ripping up carpet and tending to the hotel’s flood damage. “On Wednesday morning at about two or three o’clock in the morning, we were all underwater…I’ve heard that the last time that happened was about 30 years ago,” Ms Wilson said.Serious rescues in the regionLocal damage has extended far beyond the pub, however, with several serious flood rescues carried out across the week.NSW Rural Fire Service helicopters have been assisting the Lachlan region, conducting food, fodder drops and flood rescues. Yesterday afternoon, the helicopter was used to relocate a family into Tullamore after their home was cut off by flood waters. A local family was relocated after their home was isolated by water. (NSW RFS)The Trundle area also saw 18 requests for assistance and four flood rescues yesterday (Thursday, 22 September), according to NSW SES Southern Zone Incident Controller, Benjamin Pickup. "The water is now starting to recede around the (Trundle) township itself, but over the land remains a lot of water around the community," Incident Controller Pickup said. As of yesterday afternoon, the Lachlan River was continuing to rise at Condobolin Bridge and Euabalong, with major flooding expected by the end of September. Towards Warren, major flooding is likely to continue for several days, with the Macquarie River recorded yesterday at 9.43 metres and steady, with major flooding. The SES reported a serious flood rescue, where a car floated away in flood water on the outskirts of Warren. “The driver started to drive through the flood water when their car got pushed off the road and almost completely submerged,” the NSW SES reported. Since the flood event began, the SES has conducted 49 flood rescues and received 543 requests for assistance across the state. Rivers continue to riseThe Macquarie River is continuing to rise at Gin Gin Weir, where it has been recorded at 10.81 metres. Minor flooding is occurring in the Castlereagh River at Mendooran where it peaked at 5.04 metres yesterday. River levels at Gilgandra are continuing to rise, and was last recorded at 4.18. The Namoi River is rising at Bugilbone from 5.93 metres with moderate flooding. Minor flooding is occurring at Peak Hill from the Bogan River after peaking at 3.47 metres, and is steady at 3.21  metres at Nyngan. Moderate flooding is possible at NynganMinor flooding is occurring along the Darling River at Bourke. The Darling River at Bourke may reach around 10.70 metres during Friday with minor flooding.Minor flooding may occur along the Barwon River downstream of Collarenebri to Walgett. The Barwon River at Walgett may reach the minor flood level (10.50 m) during Monday.The Darling River at Bourke may reach around 10.70 metres during Friday with minor flooding.The Darling River at Louth may reach around 10.40 metres 30 September into 01 October with moderate flooding.The Darling River at Tilpa is may reach around 11.00 metres around 7-8 October with moderate flooding.The Tullamore flooding feels familiar to late last year's flood events. (NSW RFS)With more flooding expected, SES Western Zone Deputy Commander Josh Clarke said preparation is important for vulnerable areas.  “If your property has previously been affected by flooding or your access to your property has been affected…we’d really encourage people to take the necessary precautions in preparing for potential isolation,” Deputy Commander Clarke said. “So stocking up on those medications and food staples to ensure that if they are caught off guard, they are prepared.”Locals and visitors should check local councils information for road closures and take care to avoid flood waters. 

An extra public holiday in the calendar means extra enforcement have been out and about, with double demerits period coming into effect on Wednesday before the National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty the Queen yesterday. As school holidays approaches this weekend, authorities are expecting a busy time for roads as people take the opportunity to get away for the long weekend. Double demerits will continue until 11:59pm on Sunday 25 September, and will be in place for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences. Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation Tara McCarthy reminded drivers not to be complacent throughout the period. “Although this is a sombre occasion, there is still likely to be more people out on the roads over the next few days and over the weekend with the school term ending on Friday, so it is important we all take extra care,” Ms McCarthy said. “The last thing we want to see over this period is an increase in road trauma, which is why double-demerits will be in place like they would for any other public holiday to deter people from doing the wrong thing and putting lives at risk. “Drivers are reminded that this period includes some school days and it is especially important to slow down and take care in school zones at school times – even if you cannot see children near the road.” Despite yesterday's holiday, school is still continuing today and school zones will be in place. Drivers are reminded additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in school zones. The National Day of Mourning was established as a National Public Holiday following the death of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II this month. The day will saw a National Memorial Service held at Canberra’s Parliament House at 11am, when one minute’s silence was observed. Speculation has risen as to the future of the current public holiday celebrating the Queen’s Birthday. While Victoria has announced that the June long weekend - the same date as NSW - will be renamed to the King’s Birthday going forward, other states are yet to announce any changes for the historical date, which varies between states.

A Coonamble boy has been found safe and well after being reported missing five days ago. The 12-year-old boy was last seen boarding a bus in Coonamble en route to Dubbo on Sunday 18 September 2022. After failing to make contact with family members, district police were contacted and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts. Following inquiries and a public appeal, the 12-year-old was found in Mt Druitt about 8pm last night (Thursday 22 September).He was missing for four days. Police have thanked the public for their assistance in locating the Coonamble boy.

The new year will bring changes to local Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) in Western NSW following extensive reviews, with a revised Integrated Team Care (ITC) Program designed to improve the capacity of local services. The ITC is designed to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents living with a chronic disease, and has been delivered by Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation since 2016. Following a 2021 review, the redesigned program will change hands on January 1, changing how Coonamble, Gilgandra, Brewarrina, Walgett, Condobolin and Bourke implement ITC. CEO of Coonamble, Dubbo and Gilgandra AMSs, Phil Naden, has welcomed the funding from Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) for the ITC Program.  “I’m looking forward to a strengthened approach in working with WNSW PHN and I’m keen to commence the project in our locations to service Aboriginal Clients in the region.” Under the 2021 review of the existing ITC program, it was found that there were various areas requiring improvement, including assistance patients to navigate complex pathways to receiving the right level of care, such as access to specialist services. Local delivery of the program was also identified as vital for residents to ensure the service can be tailored to specific community and individual requirements. Walgett AMS CEO Christine Corby said that local residents had been feeling the pinch of distance in maintaining their health and accessing services. “WAMS recognise the financial impost for some of their clients to receive allied health and specialist care outside of their place of residence. The ITC Program will enable clients to access much-needed care that could not necessarily be available to them,” said Ms Corby.WNSW PHN CEO Andrew Coe, says that patients accessing the existing program are the priority focus as the transition of services takes place, reassuring that the service was never going to be defunded. “Maari Ma has been provided with full funding to continue delivering the existing ITC Program under the Marrabinya name through to the end of December (2022) and we will be corroborating diligently with the existing and new service providers to make sure the experience of patients is as smooth as possible during this transition period,” Mr Coe said.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with a chronic illness will be able to access the ITC program from their local AMS from January 1, 2023.