Lake Cargelligo Central School PE teacher Andrew Carter was top of the class at the ICN World Natural Games in Canberra early this month, taking home the win in the Men's Bodybuilding 40+ and Men's Novice section.  The first competition the 40-year-old won was three years ago. After a two-year break, Andrew returned this year and qualified for the world titles, competing against bodybuilders from 20 different nations.  "I never expect to win. All you can basically do is make sure you're ticking all the boxes, eating correctly, and pushing hard in the gym. That's all you can control," Andrew said. He has been competing in bodybuilding for a decade but his love for fitness dates back to his childhood.  "I grew up watching all the 80s action heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.  "I developed an appreciation for the physique and realized they achieved that through weight training so that is what I gravitated towards," Andrew said.  The bodybuilding champion said his hobby was unique among his peer group.  "When I was a kid in high school, I took to it without any encouragement. I educated myself through books and different magazines and started to develop my own method," Andrew said.  Since first entering the world of bodybuilding, Andrew said his approach has changed drastically.  "I've become a lot more structured. My sessions are all planned out in advance. "I didn't really have a complete understanding of nutrition and diet. Particularly when it came to preparing for competition, you have to get down to very uncomfortable body fat percentages."  Andrew currently trains by himself and sets his own routine. Photo: suppliedHe has always stayed on the natural side of the sport.  "I never wanted to go down the path of taking performance-enhancing substances. Being a PE  teacher that obviously goes against everything you preach to the kids."  Combining teaching and bodybuilding usually only gets tough when nearing the deadline for the competition and Andrew has to cut his calories.  "You're just so low on energy and fatigued. It impacts your sleep and your mood." If Andrew's students didn't know about his hobby before, they do now.  "I have to apply a fake tan. So, the weeks after the competition, I'd come to school looking quite Donald Trump-esque," Andrew said.  "I don't see a finish line. I just enjoy it. It's a part of who I am."

The number of violence related assaults reported in Western NSW is exceeding the state-average.As we focus on domestic violence in White Ribbon Month, statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), show that assaults in regional NSW have increased over the past two years. The statistics show that the Western region significantly surpasses state averages.Figures show that reported assaults in the Western Region are three-times higher than the state average. Experts are unsure whether the increase in reports may partly reflect greater awareness and willingness to report incidents, rather than a genuine rise in the occurrence of violence.They say it is also important to note that reported assault figures only scratch the surface and do not reflect all domestic violence incidents, as many still go unreported.And there’s widespread reporting that the rate of violence against indigenous women is far higher than their Caucasian counterparts.According to anti-violence campaigners, ‘Our Watch,’ a third of women killed allegedly by men’s violence since June are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women – despite making up just four per cent of the population.A spokesperson for Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS), said it is not clear whether violence against Indigenous women is increasing or simply being reported more frequently.“Historically, Indigenous women have been less likely to report domestic violence, making it difficult to determine whether the actual incidence is rising or if there is merely more reporting and discussion about these issues,” they said.“The factors that increase domestic violence-related incidents are complex. These can include racial discrimination and economic exclusion, gender inequality and societal norms that condone violence, poverty and trauma within communities, and reluctance to involve authorities due to fear of various repercussions.“However, on the flip side of that, community-led services, culturally appropriate support, education and awareness programs that promote respectful relationships, and better data collection can help drive change.”Educating the communityThe spokesperson said to educate the community, we need to work with local leaders and groups, continue to expand programs in schools like "Love Bites" to teach kids about healthy relationships, provide easy-to-access support services, and keep talking about domestic violence in the community.“The more we bring it up, the better we can educate the community and future generations,” she said.“Some wins in the local community include more people reporting and being aware of domestic violence, services tailored to Indigenous women's needs, and community events like coercive control talks and activities by the DV Collective that support victims. “Challenges include stigma and fear that stop victims from speaking up, lack of resources and funding, cultural barriers, and intergenerational trauma. Mental health issues also play a big part, and talking about mental health is often seen as taboo,” the spokesperson said.White Ribbon monthWhite Ribbon Month in Australia is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about and preventing domestic and family violence. It is observed from 18 November to December 13. The campaign aims to mobilize individuals and communities to take a stand against violence towards women, working to create a society where women can live free from fear and violence.The White Ribbon campaign in Australia involves various activities and events that focus on:Raising Awareness: Promoting conversations and education about the impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities.Challenging Attitudes: Encouraging individuals to challenge and change attitudes and behaviours that contribute to or condone violence against women.Supporting Victims: Providing support and resources for victims of domestic and family violence, as well as promoting initiatives to prevent such violence from occurring. 

by Evelyn HamptonA tiny school in the heart of the Pilliga Forest has celebrated 100 years.Past students, teachers and residents gathered earlier in the month to pay homage to Gwabegar School, 139 kilometers south west of Narrabri. Bobby Williams, Tim Currey, Ted Dewson and Gary Worrell catching up at the Gwabegar centenary celebrations.( Photo E Hampton)The school is at the heart of the largest naturally forming cypress pine forest in the Southern Hemisphere and was once at the centre of the timber industry.Established in 1924, it began in a time when there were a large number of timber mills in the area and families had settled in the town, coming from all around the state looking for work.In the early 1900s Gwabegar was integral in the ‘sleeper cutting’ process that largely enabled the creation of a railway across Australia. Sleeper cutter camps and koala colonies are points of interest in the area.The Goonanyah Post Office opened on 15 August 1912 and was renamed Gwabegar in 1924. Gwabegar is the historical terminus of the Gwabegar railway line, which is now truncated to Binnaway.The now closed railway station opened in September 1923, and many travelled from Sydney up to the town to find work. The Gwabegar railway line is a railway line in the Central West and North West Slopes of New South Wales, which passes through the towns of Mudgee, Gulgong, Dunedoo, Coonabarabran and terminates at Gwabegar.The centenary celebrations began on 8 November with special guest, Mayor of the Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens. Local Aboriginal Land Council representative Michael Ross conducted a smoking ceremony led and the crowd was entertained by a performance by the current students. Lil Head, Laura Purdy(nee Milson),Jan Milson & Jo Milson-Comerford had a great catch up at the Centenary Celebrations, (Photo E Hampton). Principal Tracey McGlashan and teacher Samantha Alderton and a keen committee had a big display of photos out for the crowd to see and the students made a tableau of the township as it was in the 1930s.The township may only have a population of about 160 but it is a strong community and the school serves as the centre of that, with 21 students currently enrolled.Cutting the Centenary Cake, all students gather around Director Chris Jackson. The students in this image are Oceania Gold, Hunter Gold, Campbell Fester, Reahna Dunn, Kayla-Rose Townsend, Leelan Howe, Trinity Collison, Shaun Sherwood, Isabell Hall, Nate Martin, Sarvahna Dunn, Lawana Gold, Charlie Bowling and school captains Lily Hall and Dallas Fester.( photo Tracey McGlashan) 

Rural towns and communities are being left high and dry as bank branches close leaving people with no access to bank services. Treasurer Jim Chalmers recently announced plans that will require all businesses in Australia selling food, fuel, medicine and health care supplies to accept cash for payment by 2026. With the details to be worked through in 2025, the government has told banks to keep regional bank branches open or they will pay a levy. Change.org and Cash Welcome organisation are pushing forward with campaigns and petitions to make sure that people in rural and regional areas get the banking access they deserve. Image courtesy Cash Welcome Organisation “Millions of Australian consumers and businesses trust and rely on cash for their everyday needs and for budgeting purposes. Even Australians that don’t attend banks or use cash regularly need access to face-to-face banking services and physical money sometimes,” according to Change.org. Without a guarantee of access to full banking services and physical cash and a guaranteed right to use cash to buy food and essentials, they say:·    Local economies are weaker and vulnerable to system outages.·    Vulnerable people are effectively excluded from the economy.·    Businesses are harder to manage.Image courtesy Cash Welcome OrganisationCash Welcome has been campaigning via a petition for mandated acceptance of cash and access to services. "This is exactly what we have been asking for," said Jason Bryce, spokesperson for the Cash Welcome campaign. "Now it seems Australians will always be able to access cash and use cash to buy the food, medicine and fuel we need to live," he said. "The cashless society is dead in Australia, rest in peace! "There will be more cash in circulation in the future, not less, because of mandated acceptance, and the huge market signal this sends - Australia will never 'go cashless.'" He said with the laws coming into effect in 2026, there would be plenty of discussion to be had about the exact shape of mandated cash acceptance. "I urge all Australians to get engaged in this debate, this is important for our children, our communities and the future of the way we pay, save and budget into the future," said Mr Bryce. Image courtesy 9 NewsAccording to a Western area local charity, cash must be available or many rural communities will struggle. “The majority of elderly people in small communities are not up to scratch with the ever-changing technology and do not feel comfortable with cards or ATM machine," a spokesperson for the charity said. “They are most comfortable with cash so why should they not be able to access it via a visit to the bank,” she said. “Add to that the joy of giving cash to grandchildren for gifts or buying things from local street stalls and markets, cash is still a vital part of life. “Many country people are also fearful of overriding technology failures that means they cannot access their money in the bank, so like to have some cash at all times for a just in case moment.” “The fact that some businesses deny cash payments is disgraceful and only shows a lack of care for and lack of knowledge of customers in their communities”.Losing bank infrastructureThe Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority and the Australian Payments Network reported Australia lost 926 ATMs in total over the last financial year and 8,326 in the last seven years.  Australia lost 230 bank branches in the last financial year, 2,334 in the last seven years; 52 bank branches were closed last financial year, outside of major cities, and 847 over the last seven years. Australia lost 63 Bank@Post agencies (Australia Post outlets offering banking and cash services) in the last year, 150 over the last seven years, with the total value of Australian banknotes circulating in communities rising by 37 percent. And there is evidence that Australians like to use cash, evidence with an estimated one million ATM withdrawals made in Australia each day. 

Nine volunteers from the Western Plains area who have dedicated decades of their lives to supporting organisations that benefit the community have been recognised with the Crown Lands Service Recognition Award.  The recipients include:  Over 30 years: Barbara Moritz from the Lightning Ridge Historical Society Over 20 yearsBeryl Leigo from the Lila Leigo Centre Reserve at Wanaaring Over 10 years: Betty Taylor from the Lila Leigo Centre ReserveDeborah Myors from the Lila Leigo Centre ReservePeter Jackson from the Lila Leigo Centre ReserveJohn Pickering from the Cumborah Recreation ReserveJames Warden from the Cumborah Recreation ReserveDavid Smith from the Walgett Pistol Club ReserveGraham Anderson from the Lightning Ridge Historical Society  "Congratulations to all Barwon recipients of the Crown Lands Service Recognition Award," MP Roy Butler said.  "It takes a special kind of dedication on the part of these great volunteers to do what they do. "These dedicated people often go under the radar, but they deserve some recognition, and these awards make sure that their significant contributions do not go completely unnoticed," Mr Butler said.  Barbara Moritz joined the Lightning Ridge Historical Society in 1993. "The old timers saw I was a reliable person with genuine interest and passion. They told me stories and gave me memorabilia," Ms Moritz said.  "It's been over 30 years of learning and giving back to Australia through establishing an attraction to Lightning Ridge."   Barbara Moritz, Lightning Ridge. IMAGE: Mark Coulton MPMs Moritz was born in the United States and spent time living in Germany.  She said it was a "big surprise" to receive the award.  "All I wanted to do was my job and explore an interest I had. "It's nice of Crown Lands to keep an eye on us," she said.Ms Moritz hopes that with the arrival of the new Opal Centre coming soon to Lightning Ridge more visitors will also drop in at the Lightning Ridge Historical Society to learn more about how the regional town came to be. Overall, in the Barwon electorate, 24 people received the Crown Land Service Recognition award.   "It is good to have Crown Land Reserves, but when you think about it, they would not exist without the efforts of the volunteers who look after them," Mr Butler said. 

Childcare for Baradine district residents has taken one giant step forwards following the announcement of grant success. The Baradine Preschool has been awarded $225,120 from the NSW Government’s ClubGrant Infrastructure program for stage one of their project to construct a long day care centre.This project is one of 46 projects across NSW sharing in $6.4 million under the latest round of funding in the grants program and include projects in the areas of sport and recreation, the arts and culture, disaster readiness and community infrastructure.Baradine Preschool Director, Lauren Harris says that the Baradine Preschool Management Committee is delighted that they have landed the funding.“This project addresses the vital need to establish a long day care service in the town and eliminate the need for families to travel a minimum 100km return trip to access the closest service for children 0 to 3 years old,” she said.“It also addresses the need to invest in local infrastructure to support early childhood care and educational outcomes and support working families.“We have been trying to get a grant for a number of years without any luck and we were getting very close to our development application use-by-date.  This win means we are on track to move ahead with the construction of this much needed facility.”Lauren said that the long day care service will be built alongside the existing preschool facility.“This means that the service will serve a wider range of children, from infancy through to preschool age, creating a continuous, long-term educational journey for children within the one service,” she added.“We want to provide a service that gives parents essential childcare support, allowing them to pursue employment or education opportunities, reducing stress and improving family stability. We believe this project has the potential to attract staff with young children to the town to fill vacancies that exist in businesses such as the hospital, schools and government departments. It will make the town more attractive to new residents if there is an easily accessible day care facility without having to tackle the tyranny of distance.“Our plan is to create a well-rounded, enriching experience for children while supporting families and fostering a sense of inclusive community.  “We view the establishment of a children’s long-daycare service to be a massive game-changer for the whole Baradine community.”

Farmers who hold properties in self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have had a reprieve – for now – from proposed new regulations that would tax any increases in the family farm’s asset value if it were held in a SMSF worth more than $3 million.Labor’s SMSF tax policy brought widespread condemnation from the farming sector and opposition government and will now be mothballed until after the next election.Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud questioned Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins about the impact of the tax.“Given cyclical nature and cash flows and farming, can the Minister explain under the Albanese Labor Government's changes to superannuation concessions, will a farmer who has their farm held in a self-managed superannuation fund have to pay tax on unrealised capital gains on that farm, and will that tax be paid even when they have had a failed season with no income?”Ms Collins was blunt in response.“The government is targeting tax breaks and superannuation to make them fairer, particularly for individuals with super balances of more than $3 million and all Australians will continue to receive their tax concessions to help them save for retirement."Can I say that all superannuation, including self-managed funds, are required to have sufficient liquidity?"That's already principle and requirement of our current superannuation system."So, under existing superannuation law, funds are required to have some liquid assets to meet any existing and prospective liabilities, cash flow requirements and expected tax concessions and consequences of their investments.”Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins has drawn ire from the agricultural community for her views on the proposed SMSF tax changes. After the Nationals strong campaign against the tax, Mr Littleproud guaranteed farmers they would continue to have his party’s support.“A future Coalition Government will ensure this bad policy never sees the light of day,” Mr Littleproud said.“The Nationals will always stand up for our farmers and that includes their assets."Just last week Labor refused to rule out forcing farmers to pay tax on the unrealised capital gains of a farm in a SMSF, even if farmers have a bad season with no income.“Labor has shown callous disregard for our farmers and thought it would be okay to tax them for on-paper gains during a cost-of-living crisis.”The NSW Farmers’ Association told Western Plains App that they were still concerned about the introduction of the bill in the future.“While it’s pleasing to see this tax on family farmers shelved, it is vital that this bill blocked is for good,” the spokesperson said. “The fact that a common business structure has been completely ignored in these laws is beyond belief, and we can’t stand by and let this superannuation tax fail our farming families.“NSW Farmers would support consideration of fit-for-purpose amendments to super that will set Aussies up for a better future, and that includes our farmers who are feeding and clothing the world.”Mr Littleproud said many families had previously set up SMSFs as their future retirement and savings, unaware Labor could come for their assets.Labor was also unable to say how many primary producers, small and family business owners would be impacted.“Throughout the process, Labor proved they have no understanding of the vagaries of farmers’ cash loss that are impacted by not just weather but commodity prices.“Labor broke an election promise but is now backing down due to fierce backlash. The Nationals will continue to fight for our farmers and their future.” 

The federal court approved an extension of Regional Express (Rex) Airline's voluntary administration by Ernst & Young (EY) Australia on Thursday 21 November.  Rex Airlines entered into voluntary administration on 31 July and ceased service between major cities, costing 600 people their jobs and putting regional air service at risk. The airline found itself in financial difficulty after purchasing a fleet of nine Boeing 737-800s and 57 Saab 340s to compete with Qantas and Virgin Australia, however, that strategy was not as profitable as expected.  Services to regional cities has remained in place to date, but there are growing fears around the implications for travelers if the airline bows out permanently. EY requested the extension to set up a business plan to put Rex Airlines up for sale, including increasing the size of the operational fleet. "On behalf of the EY and Rex teams, our customers, and the communities Rex serves, I'd like to thank Minister King for her strong support for regional Australia," EY Partner Samuel Freeman said. "Through this plan, we're looking to increase reliability and capacity on the regional routes. "An extension will not disrupt the continued operation of the regional network which is such a critical part of regional and rural Australia's connectivity.".  The federal government also pledged $80 million to Rex Airlines as a financial lifeline for Rex to continue to service regional airports, including Dubbo, Parkes, and Armidale.  "We will also continue to guarantee ticket sales made throughout the voluntary administration to 30 June 2025," Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said.  Former employees will maintain access to the Fair Entitlements Guarantee throughout the administration process.  "I welcome the Federal Court's decision to extend Rex Airline's voluntary administration period to 30 June 2025," MP Mark Coulton said.  "Rex provides a vital service in the Parkes electorate with the Dubbo and Broken Hill routes connecting people in both of those centres, as well as surrounding towns and villages with the capital cities.  "It also provides competition for the larger airlines, helping to keep airfares affordable and connections reliable. "I'm hopeful that this extension and the government's $80 million support package will ensure Rex can remain in the air for our regional communities."Parkes MP Mark Coulton MP Mark CoultonEY said they secured the sale of the aeromedical subsidiary Pel-Air and other non-core assets and the sale of the regional network will continue during the extension.

A Supermarket Treasury Laws Amendment (Fairer for Families and Farmers and Other Measures) Bill introduced into Parliament this week is said to be too little, too late by western area consumers and Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud.The bill is part of the ongoing push to put a stop to price gouging and poor treatment of farmers at the negotiation table.The new grocery code was introduced to Federal parliament late on Wednesday afternoon, and under the new mandatory code, supermarkets will face fines up to $10 million.Parliament will debate the bill today, and if passed, it will be come into force from 1 April 2025.David Littleproud said the Coalition has been calling for action into supermarket gouging for two years. “The cost-of-living crisis is now, not next April,” Mr Littleproud said.“Why wouldn't we do everything we can to bring in penalties now, not in six months’ time, and to put regulatory guide rails and a deterrent around the supermarkets?“The Coalition called for the Code to be made mandatory with significant penalties in late 2022 and then for a price inquiry into the disparities between farmgate and retail pricing at Australia’s major supermarkets. If Labor had taken our advice when the Coalition began calling for changes, families could have seen action earlier.Nationals leader David Littleproud“Labor’s infringement notice penalties are just $187,700, compared with the Coalition’s, which is $2 million. Labor’s high penalty will only be for some breaches and other penalties will be just over $1 million," Mr Littleproud said.“In contrast, the Coalition’s plan will give the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) powers to undertake audits of supermarkets to ensure the supermarkets are compliant with the Code and create a Supermarket Commissioner, to act as a confidential avenue for farmers and suppliers to address the fear of retribution.“It will also establish sector-specific divestiture powers – in the hands of the ACCC and the courts, not politicians – as a last resort to address the behaviour of supermarkets and to put an end to instances of price-gouging.”A western area supermarket owner said small rural family-run supermarkets are simply trying to keep their heads above water and do not have the benefit of the bargaining power or the tactics of the bigger chains.“Our business is family owned and run with and for local people,” he said.“We do our best to operate within the realms of the rules and know others in small towns around us do the same, our overheads with transport, purchasing products, paying employees, insurances and the like means we must pass it onto the consumer otherwise we would simply not make a profit.“It will be great if this Bill is passed to make all the bigger supermarkets be accountable for dirty tactics and be more about customers and not just the bottom line for their shareholders."One western plains shopper said it is hard when people in rural areas have little choice of where to shop.“Prices in our town can sometimes be double those of a supermarket price in a major regional centre, but we can’t do anything about it, as for some people it can be two to three hours away to the closest bigger centre.“As a family we have to budget pretty well and if we do get to, say Dubbo, then we do a big shop on non-perishable items to last us a bit longer.“A lot of us are farmers and we don’t think they get a fair go with their products, even following the dairy industry, they don’t get what they should for their milk and the work they do.“Bigger chains are greedy and there is not enough ‘thinking’ going into how farmers can be better represented so this will be a good start and as the saying goes ‘keep the bastards honest’."The Hon Julie Collins MP Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Minister for Small Business says “This is about getting a fair go for families and a fair go for farmers. “Our farmers produce exceptional, high‑quality food and deserve to be on a level playing field with supermarkets,” she added.Hon Julie Collins MP Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Minister for Small Business

It is time for Narromine Shire green thumbs to grab their shovels and head to the local waste facilities where FREE compost is available for a short time.From Saturday, 16 November to Sunday, 14 December, Narromine Shire Council is giving away 1m³ of compost.All residents need to do is head to the Narromine, Trangie, or Tomingley waste facilities during opening hours, chat with the friendly staff for directions, and grab an information handout on the best ways to use this garden gold.And the best thing is, it is recycled from waste that originated from residents.“The compost is made from contents collected from Narromine’s 'food organics garden organics (FOGO)' green bins," Council Director of Infrastructure, Melanie Slimming said."It gets taken to Dubbo by our contractor to a processing facility where they make the compost product.“This is a trial to see whether the community is interested in accessing this compost and it’s about education as well – when you put stuff in your green bins, it can actually be reused down the track.”Ms Slimming said many people accessing the free compost were concerned that the product would spread unwanted weeds on their property.“The product is pasteurised, so no weeds will come from the compost," she said.“The only weeds that will come up will be from soils that the compost is added to."The processors are confident there are no contaminants, and they also test the compost for things like asbestos, to ensure that it is totally safe.”Get it while it lasts! Free compost for Narromine Shire Council residents is available now.While the FOGO system has been in place in Narromine Shire for some time, this is the first-time residents have been able to access the compost product that is created from their own green waste.Ms Slimming said that after this round of compost availability to the public, council would assess what to do going forward.“If we do go with something more permanent, there will possibly be a cost to residents to access the compost,” she said.“At the moment it is obviously free, but that may not be feasible moving forward."I encourage residents to take advantage of this current trial and pop into one of our waste facilities on any day that they are open.“In the new year, we will look at the data from the current program."We are taking names of people, who collect the compost, just to get an understanding of how much it's actually used."We will follow up with a review to decide whether to make the availability of this compost a more permanent thing, or just a temporary thing that occurs a couple of times a year.”If you are keen to get growing, be aware you will need to load the compost yourself.Bring a trailer, ute or sturdy bags to one of the three local waste facilities and remember, it is just one visit per resident, so fill up while you are there, and make sure to bring a shovel.

Improvement works to a causeway to prevent future flooding and road closure has been met with delight by the Baradine community.The Warrumbungle Shire Council has indicated that it will start the upgrade to the causeway known as Maganns Crossing on the Baradine Road next year.Works have been earmarked to get underway after Christmas with the amount of $525,000 allocated from Local Roads and Infrastructure Phase 4 funding included in the 2024/2025 Operational Plan.“The purpose of the project is to replace the low-level causeway at Maganns Crossing with a waterway structure that provides uninterrupted vehicle access during periods of moderate to heavy rainfall,” said a council spokesperson.“The proposed waterway structure at Maganns Crossing is in a separate catchment to the one that impacts flooding in the town. That is, there is no relationship between the proposed waterway structure at Maganns Crossing and town flooding,”Baradine & District Progress Association president, Ted Hayman says that the project has been a long time in coming.“Following the construction of the bridge over Bugaldie Creek back in 2006 it is the only remaining section of the Baradine to Coonabarabran Road that prevents all weather access to and from the town, which creates a significant risk in case of an emergency and frustration from residents,” he said.“Over the years, this main access road has been closed multiple times, making the town inaccessible, disrupting medical and education services, as well impacting commercial and work activities.“Appropriate flood draining and road improvements at Magann’s will eliminate these problems. It will also help the Shire by vastly reducing constant road maintenance costs at this site.“Our Association has lodged budget submissions for this project every year for more than ten years, so we are very happy that the work will get underway in the near future.“Our thanks go to Cr Denis Todd for his constant support and commitment to our town and in supporting this project through to a satisfactory conclusion.”    

A good news story went viral on social media last week after some heart warming action by volunteer fire fighters.It was a lucky escape for two newborn lambs on Saturday, 16 November when a fast-moving grass fire swept through their paddock at Teridgerie, near Baradine.NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) firefighters quickly arrived on scene and used their trucks to muster the majority of the sheep to safety.Checking the burning paddock, Baradine RFS brigade captain, Phil Hensby found two lambs left behind and scooped them up to safety. According to the RFS 170 hectares were burnt, with many units attending including one aircraft and a private plough and grader.The RFS says that the fire was contained without the loss of a single sheep adding that is a reminder to everyone to be prepared for bushfires now that the storm season has started.“Lightning strikes are always likely; if you see a fire starting you should call triple zero immediately,” said a spokesperson.“If you are unsure of the exact position download the Emergency Plus app which gives the exact GPS location.“Make sure you have prepared a fire plan for your home and property so that you are ready; being ready is the key.” For advice on bushfire readiness contact the RFS or go to the RFS website (https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/).

With hot and stormy weather predicted across the Western Plains, NSW Health is urging people to take precautions to avoid heat exposure in the coming week.NSW Health Director of Environmental Health, Dr Stephen Conaty, said people should consider the risk of heat-related illness as temperatures climb over 30 degrees. In the Western Plains high temperatures mixed with rain are expected over the next ten days.Coonamble today is expected to reach a high of 34 with storms expected tomorrow.In Lightning Ridge, temperatures will remain in the 30’s next week, with storms expected this Friday.Storms are expected across the Western Plains this week as temperatures rise. Photo: Supplied.The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is expecting wet conditions in the lead up to the weekend in Bourke, with a high of 36 on Monday, followed by mid-30’s through the week next week.Rain is expected throughout the region over the coming week. Nyngan is forecast to have rain over the bulk of the next ten days, with average temperatures in the early 30’s.While the area is no stranger to high temperatures, NSW Health said it is best for the elderly population to prepare for the extended, high temperatures.“Extreme heat can cause severe illnesses and can be life-threatening, so it is important to know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and take action to stay cool,” Dr Conaty said.  “On a hot day, people can reduce their risk of heat-related illness by closing blinds and curtains early, staying indoors during the hottest times of the day, staying hydrated and carrying a water bottle when outside. If you are working outdoors take extra precautions to keep out the heat in the hottest part of the day, wear a hat, take breaks to cool down, and stay hydrated. “It’s also important to check in on more vulnerable neighbours, friends and family to ensure they are ok. This is especially true for children and the elderly who feel the heat more. “Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.” The community is encouraged to visit the NSW Health website for further advice and tips on how to protect themselves and their loved ones during heatwaves this summer. 

Access to first aid training can mean the difference between life and death, yet for many living in regional and remote areas, attending in-person courses is a challenge.Even basic first aid can save a life, and if you get in quick, there are some free first aid video link sessions available now.Sue Kingwill, CEO of Contact Inc said the video link sessions provide basic first aid sessions specifically designed for rural and remote areas.“These sessions are part of a project that's covering Bourke Central, Central Darling Unincorporated and Wentworth Local Government Areas. "This particular offering is funded through Women Connect so our particular focus is on women, but we won’t exclude men if they are keen to do the courses,” Ms Kingwill said.“The sessions are based on identified needs. "People have shared with us consistently about their isolation and need for confidence in dealing with all manner of things that can happen in people's lives. "With that in mind, we're deliberately broken topics down into four sessions.”Trainer, Fiona Taylor, from Tailored First Aid will be leading on-line sessions for Western Plains residents. Ms Kingwill said the first aid courses were also tailored to children as it is recognised that, in a regional setting, children may be the first responders in an emergency. “We're offering one package to older children and adults and another to younger children,” she said. “We know very well that children may well be the first responders, so they need to be confident and comfortable about dealing with all sorts of  scenarios.”The sessions are capped at 15 participants, so everyone gains maximum benefits.“It's intended to be interactive, and it's not a cold clinical presentation,” Ms Kingwill said. “The presenter has a conversation with participants, gives example, and talks about what this means."Participants then get to try some of the things with her."It's just easier and more comfortable."If we get a good response, we will run more sessions in the future.”The first aid sessions are available for adults and older children (ages 12 plus), with other sessions for children aged 5 - 11.The first session on resuscitation, defibrillation, head and spinal injuries and seizures took place on 26th November with other sessions as follows.Wednesday, November 27: Anaphylaxis, asthma and choking: Adults and older children 10.30am - 12pm; Children 4pm - 5.30pmTuesday, December 3: Bites (including snake bites), stings and poisons: Adults and older children 10.30am - 12pm; Children 4pm - 5.30pmWednesday, December 4: Bleeding, burns and fractures: Adults and older children 10.30am - 12pm; Children 4pm - 5.30pmFor any questions, or to register, contact Ms Kingwill at [email protected]     

The hidden cost of childhood poverty can have long-term consequences, according to a report released by the NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS).   According to the report, 21.5 percent of children in Far West NSW and Orana region are in poverty, while in the Central West NSW, it is 17.4 percent of all children. Childhood poverty can have a long-term impact on a person's trajectory impacting their physical and mental, educational outcomes, and income as an adult. Meanwhile, the economic impact that childhood poverty has is equivalent to $1.89 billion per year in the Central West and $1.27 billion per year in the Far West.  The NCOSS captures the economic impact child poverty can have. Photo: Lasting Impact: The Economic Costs of Child Poverty in NSW (NCOSS)"Child poverty hurts us all, it robs children of their future and steals $1.9 billion from the Central West economy every year," NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said. Across the state that cost translates to $60 billion per year.  Ms Varian hopes the report will be a "lightning bolt" for government action.  "This report is the first in Australia that the economic costs of child poverty have been systematically quantified," Ms Varian said.  She added that after the cost of living spiked in 2023, groups of people, including those in regional and rural areas struggled to make ends meet. "We live in one of the world's wealthiest nations - poverty is preventable and this research shows the immense economic opportunity available to the NSW government if it takes the steps necessary to avoid the long-term consequences of child poverty." In the Western Plains area, Gilgandra and Walgett were the Local Government Areas (LGAs) with the highest rate of children in poverty, according to a report released by NCOSS and the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) at the University of Canberra in 2021.  In both areas, 21 percent of children under 14 were economically disadvantaged. Cobar was the LGA with the lowest number of children at economic disadvantage at six percent.   Ms Varian added that poverty in remote NSW is usually experienced differently than in metropolitan areas, including limited or no regular access to services such as health, education, and transport, higher rates of isolation, and lower incomes.  "The NSW government made a great announcement this year to invest in affordable social housing and we need to see more of that."  Other solutions the NCOSS suggested included substantially increasing base rates of income support payments, guaranteeing all children access at least three days a week of quality and affordable childcare, and committing to joint decision-making to empower First Nations communities in the design and delivery of services. "If we don't address childhood poverty, we submit intergenerational disadvantage at great cost, not only to our children but also our society and the economy," Ms Varian said.

A 13-year-old boy allegedly threatened a peer with a knife at a high school in Bourke yesterday.  Police from the central north district were called to a high school in Bourke at 11am after the suspect threatened another boy.  Around half an hour later police were called to Richard Street in Bourke after reports of a fire were made.  The blaze caused substantial damage to a property before it was extinguished.  The charges laid against the minor included using a knife in school causing a person to fear for their safety, armed with intent to commit an indictable offense, custody of a knife in school, stalking/intimidating intending fear of physical harm, and damage of property by fire/explosion.  Police arrested the 13-year-old boy and took him to Bourke Police Station after investigating the incidents.  No one was injured. The suspect appeared before a children's court earlier today.

Workplaces all over the Western area were reminded of the importance of inclusivity for Inclusion at Work Week last week.Inclusion at work benefits employee health and wellbeing, performance, innovation and creates a healthier workplace for both employers and employees.According to recent data though, employees with a disability are experiencing discrimination at double the rate of other workers in a worrying trend, and nearly one in five of all Australian workers (19%) feeing undervalued, disrespected or unable to contribute and progress at work (a figure which has doubled since 2019), following research from Diversity Council Australia.Nurses at Western NSW Local Health District - Image courtesy WNSWLHDEmployment services provider, atWork Australia, says these findings reflect the urgent need for more inclusive and supportive workplaces.In their advocate role, atWork Australia is urging employers to create supportive, accessible and inclusive workplaces that empower all employees to thrive.One Western Area employee told the App that it was dependent on your career or where you work if the worksite was inclusive.“For instance in rural areas I think in a place where the workers are predominantly men, you will see a lot of banter, which some people may take the wrong way, but if you have an employer who is fully committed to their workers, this will be what it is – just fun, and in a way makes for a happy workplace, but if the employer is not on top of it people may feel disrespected, which is understandable.”“Employers and education are the key,” he said.Bogan Shire Council Workers hard at it - Image Bogan Shire CouncilWill Marr of Nyngan has been a Disability Support Worker for many years, caring for and assisting people to assimilate into work positions throughout the community. “I don’t think as a general rule, employees, in rural areas would feel excluded,” said Mr Marr, “Although I do think that those with disabilities may feel that way at times, depending on the severity of their disability and what hoops they need to jump through to gain employment and keep it, in the first place.“It is difficult as a disabled person to be able to do what an able bodied worker can do so you need employers who will embrace what they can contribute and make the employee feel useful and needed,” said Mr Marr.Workplace environments who embrace diversity set themselves up for long term success with studies providing evidence that inclusive teams outperform their counterparts rippling across the workforce and broader community with positive outcomes.In the most recent McKinsey Diversity Matters report, companies committed to diversity revealed a 39% increased likelihood of outperformance.One young rural apprentice said it takes a while to find your straps at work but once you do its full steam ahead.“When I first started work, I felt a bit left out as I was the youngest worker and I knew so little, but all the older fellas were great, and they took me under their wings and showed me what to do and so I worked even harder to make them proud of me.“Now we have a new apprentice, and I am helping him, just like they helped me, and I can see the importance of working as a team, we have a great workplace, and I am pretty grateful for that as some of my mates don’t have it that good,” he said.James Stanton with his apprentice team - Sonny Knight, Hewett Haycock and Rory Quarmby Both employers and employees need to work together said a local Nyngan business owner.“Having an inclusive workplace is the responsibility of both the employer and employees. No matter how good the employee is, if the workers are not also trying to work well together then it’s a no-win situation.“People just want to come to work in a happy environment, do their job and go home, it’s that simple. Weeks like Inclusion at Work week provide everyone with the opportunity to look and see if they are doing their very best and that is a good thing,” she said.

SW Western Local land services are resnagging the Darling River in 17 sites between Louth and Tilpa to help keep the local fish population alive and thriving. Fourteen out of 17 designated sites have already been resnagged. Snags are trees, branches, and root masses that provide fish with sites to attach eggs during breeding, give them rest from fast-flowing rivers, shelter from predators, and help define landmarks.  They also store carbon in an aquatic environment.  Snags in freshwater systems can be compared to what coral reefs in the ocean. They have to have enough size and volume to provide fish with sufficient shelter and cover their other needs and generally include the root ball with branches trimmed to make it possible to load and transport. For the project between Louth and Tilpa 111 tonnes of bimbil box were used to create 98 fish habitat complexes.  Snags are usually sourced from nearby properties through vegetation clearing as part of farming activity and road construction. In the late 1800s and early 1900s the Darling River was desnagged to facilitate boat navigation, reduce flood damage, and improve appearance.  Desnagging, however, has contributed to the decline of 90 percent of the native fish population since European colonisation.  The native fish habitat shrunk and became fragmented, leaving fish vulnerable to environmental events.  The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) Dr Simon Banks found dangerously low numbers of Murray cod in the Darling Baaka and determined the population requires help to recover.   Juvenile Murray Cod. Photo: Bidgee  Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.Further snags will be installed in projects across the Murray-Darling Basin between March and June 2025. The Golden Perch and Silver Perch are also expected to benefit from this project. "The project will increase the amount of available fish habitat by installing 40-50 large logs or snags per kilometre in this section of the river," Commonwealth Environmental Water Hold (CEWH) Dr Simon Banks said.  The CEWH uses the proceeds of water allocation sales to fund environmental activities in the Basin that enhance the benefits of water for the environment. The water holder provided $900,000 to the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Fisheries to resnag the section on the Darling-Baaka River between Bourke and Louth.  "The Bourke to Louth resnagging project is funded through the CEWH Environmental Activities Framework," Dr Banks said. 

Today is White Ribbon Day and communities across Australia have hosted events to raise awareness to prevent men’s violence against women and girls. The day is a significant part of a month-long focus on violence, with White Ribbon Month forming a global campaign running from November 18 to December 13.The campaign's goal is to end violence against women and girls by promoting gender equity, healthy relationships, and a compassionate view of masculinity.  Many communities across Australia have held events today to support the cause including organisations in the Bogan Shire. Dee Walsh of the Wangaaypuwan Wellness group said the local community organised a morning of activities for the community. “Janine Tulenew from Mission Australia put together a program in the park with other local Nyngan services such as Red Cross Community Hub, Catholic Care and Wangaaypuwan Wellness. “The morning provided information for attendees and to pay respect to the lives that have been lost to domestic and sexual violence across Australia. “Sadly 85 women and 15 children have lost their lives this year,” said Mrs Walsh.Local students taking the pledge against violence at Nyngan - image Dee Walsh  One Western area woman took to Facebook asking people to take a moment today to think about domestic violence and what change you can make to help. “For me it’s to tell anyone who needs to hear it, you do deserve better! You can leave. “To our younger generation of girls, don’t stand for it, look for the red flags and always be a survivor not a victim. “Many years I was a domestic violence victim and this year marks 14 years as a survivor, remember to speak up and reach out for help,” she said. White Ribbon Australia runs programs in schools, workplaces, and communities to address the underlying societal attitudes that drive violence against women.  The Australian Bureau of Statistics highlights heinous data that violence against women is on the rise and programs to fight the issue head on are imperative with educating boys at school a priority.“It’s hard to watch the numbers rise of women being injured or worse murdered,” said a concerned western area man. “There is an unhealthy culture around alcohol and violence, power struggles and lack of education to cope with issues that arise in life situations,” he said. “I honestly believe it all starts at home. We must look inward and start with how we, as men, treat women and make sure we are sending the right message to our sons, which can begin from birth. “Be good to your mother, your wife, your sister, your daughters, all the women in your family and your sons will see your behaviour and follow your lead.” “It is vital, it is simply a matter of respect.”