Warrumbungle Shire Council has expressed disappointment following separate acts of vandalism at Mendooran Oval and Baradine Oval recently, with newly upgraded community facilities damaged.At Mendooran Oval, the new amenities building was targeted, with toilets and facilities covered in dirt and rubbish and a baby change table ripped off the wall.Council recently invested $502,176 into constructing the facility.Council said senseless vandalism puts this investment at risk and may impact local user groups, including the football club, through potential closures and costly repairs.In a separate incident this week, Baradine Oval was again vandalised.Damage included destroyed door frames, a new stainless-steel splashback in the canteen sprayed with a fire extinguisher, and damage to the exterior of the old canteen.A fire was also lit on the floor of the ladies’ amenities.Council recently invested $176,908 in upgrading facilities at Baradine Oval.The latest incident follows vandalism at the Baradine sports oval early last year, when sections of the grandstand were defaced with objectionable graffiti.At the time, Baradine Magpies Football Club president Adrian Worrell described the damage as deeply disheartening.This baby change table was ripped from the wall at Mendooran Oval in senseless act of vandalism.“Warrumbungle Shire Council has worked hard to maintain and upgrade this vital recreational area in our town to make it more enjoyable for the community,” Mr Worrell said.“So, to see it vandalised in this way is not only a waste of ratepayers’ money but also makes the area unsightly and unwelcoming.“Graffiti vandalism is a crime.”Council said repeated vandalism diverts limited public funds away from improvements and into repairs.“Our staff had to step away from scheduled works and planned tasks to make the facility safe and usable again,” council said.“This takes time and resources away from other projects across the Shire.”Council said vandalism costs the whole community.“It disrupts events, wastes public funds and affects the people who rely on these facilities.”The Baradine matter has been reported to NSW Police, with forensic officers attending the site.Anyone with information is urged to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or lodge a report via the NSW Police Force Community Portal under Intentional Damage here.Council encouraged residents to look out for antisocial behaviour and report suspicious activity.

A new ranking of the number of rooftop solar installations by electorate shows that Barwon has the most homes and businesses with rooftop solar in the state, with over 24,500 installations producing power in the region. "From the Far West to the Northern Rivers, regional NSW is leading the charge on rooftop solar," said Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe.NSW is the top state for solar installations, with over one million homes and businesses having rooftop solar and rooftop solar and solar farms combined providing 32% of the state’s electricity in the last quarter of 2025. Member for Barwon Roy Butler says it is no surprise the west is setting the example. “Because Barwon covers 44 percent of the state, and is in a part of the state that receives higher average sunshine than other parts, it stands to reason that solar power is a good fit for many residents and businesses," he says. Gilgandra is the top contributor in the Western Plains, with 1394 homes and businesses equipped with roofing solar. Narromine comes next in line, with 1345, and Cobar has 1207 solar installations. Solar power makes for a cheap way to produce energy. The NSW Government says an average 4-person household with a 6.6kW solar system could save up to $1,400 per year. "Any savings that can be made through domestic use or small business solar programs are more than welcome and people know that good installations will save them money over time," Mr Butler says. Farmers for Climate Action CEO, Verity Morgan-Schmidt, said the real “rush to renewables” is on rural rooftops. “Solar saves you money. Country people know it. It’s that simple,” Ms Morgan-Schmidt said. Ballina was second to Barwon, with 22,743 roofs topped with solar, and Lismore third, with 22,162. 

Discontent over the condition of the NSW Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR) has led to Drovers & TSR group leader Paul Murphy addressing the issues formally with Local Land Services (LLS). With reports of faulty fences and weak water reserves across the state, regional stock drovers claim to be putting up with routes that fall well below what they pay for. NSW routes are on Crown Lands, and LLS is in charge of managing the TSRs on behalf of the NSW Government. Mr Murphy said drovers across the state are unhappy with the LLS's upkeep and management of routes. "We're trying to work with them and try and come up with a solution," he said. "It's just a matter of everyone working together. Hopefully they'll sit with us and try and work out where we can go with it or if we can help them with it."Local cattle drover Les Trindall says the TSRs around Coonamble don't meet requirements. "There's a lot of stock on the routes and I wouldn't know what amount of money they collect on average for the year, but they don't seem to be pumping anything back in," Mr Trindall says. "Some of the dams haven't had the catchments done for years. "It's sort of just a swamp; the water's buggered in a lot of places." Mr Trindall says the LLS need to look after the waterways.Another Western Plains drover who wishes to remain anonymous says the routes were in great quality years ago, but now there is not much to show for the money put in. The drover's contractor pays around $16,000 monthly to the keep drovers on TSRs. "They don’t seem to be putting any of it back into the infrastructure," the drover says. LLS Central West Team Leader Matt Lane says there are around 13 workers in his zone, including two field officers and one ranger to look after the TSRs and they are on top of the route maintenance. "It's a difficult job to keep up with, but the fellows up there do a great job planning and getting around and trying to always maintain the reserves," he says.  The Drovers & TSR group sent a letter to the LLS addressing the issues on behalf of drovers NSW on 10 February. "There are experienced drovers that are willing to work with new inexperienced rangers, making it easier for the rangers to better manage TSR’s and Travelling Stock," the letter reads. "We want to work with you and resolve this issue, moving on for the benefit of the communities." Committee members come from across the state, including areas surrounding Coonamble, Lankey's Creek, Hay and Sandy Creek. The group is currently waiting for the LLS to respond.

A timely new tool, personalised childhood vaccination schedule has recently been released by NSW Health as data has revealed childhood vaccinations are declining and increasing cases of measles are circulating in communities.Parents can create a customised vaccination schedule based on their child’s date of birth, which provides personalised guidance and practical reminders to help parents ensure vaccinations are received when required and give their children the best protection from serious diseases.The aim of the tool is to keep the community safe from the spread of serious illness by improving ways to reduce pressure on the health system and to enable better access to care for families.One week before vaccinations are due, parents will receive a reminder that will establish a phone calendar entry for the day vaccinations are due.The customised schedule was informed by research commissioned by NSW Health, which found many parents and carers felt unsure and overwhelmed about where to start when it came to vaccinating their child.Families can also use the new ‘add to calendar’ feature, which automatically adds a child’s vaccination dates to their parent’s phone calendar.Acting Director of Health Protection at NSW Health Dr Vicky Sheppeard. [Image ACPCC]“Delaying vaccines can leave children unprotected during important stages of development so we are strongly encouraging parents to book their children in at the recommended ages. This is when the vaccination works best,” said Acting Director of Health Protection at NSW Health Dr Vicky Sheppeard.“Even if your child has a runny nose or a mild cold, don’t delay vaccination. Talk to your doctor or nurse to make sure your child is protected as early as possible.“We know that most missed childhood vaccinations in NSW are due to delays from parents who are time poor, overwhelmed or confused from the amount of information out there, so we wanted to create a trustworthy, easy-to-understand tool that reflects their child’s individual needs,” said Dr Sheppeard.Consultation with immunisation providers before a child is administered a vaccine is very important for parents and carers to make sure everyone is onboard with procedures before they go ahead.Parents will receive a reminder one week before the vaccination date, along with a calendar entry on their phone for the day the vaccination is due. The personalised vaccination schedule is a guide only.According to NSW Health, Parents should always speak with their immunisation provider before their child has a vaccine.Vaccinations in NSW are free for whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox, which are highly contagious amongst children, and the immunisation schedule indicates the best age for children to receive each vaccination.Experts select the timing so each child will receive the optimal level of protection for each disease.Parents are warned that delaying or missing a vaccination will increase the risk of serious disease, and despite more than 90 per cent of children in NSW fully immunised, it is imperative to improve this rate to keep children and the community safe from serious illness.Vaccinations are available from GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, some local councils and some community health centres. You can also find a vaccination provider on the healthdirect website.If your child has missed a vaccine, speak to your GP, nurse or Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS). For more information, visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaccinate

Bogan Shire Medical Centre has received donations from two local organisations to purchase much needed equipment to aid in recovery and rehabilitation for local and surrounding area patients.Nyngan Ag Expo and Duck Creek Races committee have put their hands up to pay it forward by donating the funds and both committees say they are more than happy to help the community that helps them.President of Nyngan Ag Expo Ben Fanning said the team at Expo hopes the community benefit from their donation.“We were really happy to contribute, along with Duck Creek Race Committee, to the recent purchase of physiotherapy equipment for the Bogan Shire Medical Centre (BSMC),” said Mr Fanning.“Being a not-for-profit event, Expo has supported various charitable causes for many years and is especially happy to help local causes such as our medical centre.“One exercise bike, one patient mirror, and one machine to work on range of movements for knee and hip replacements has been received and installed and already in use.“This will serve not only patients from the Nyngan area, but has already been used by patients from Bourke, Brewarrina and further afield, which reduces the need for patient trips to Dubbo or Sydney,” said Mr Fanning.Specialist exercise bike that will assist patients following hip and knee replacements [Image Bogan Shire Council]“The new equipment will greatly assist those recovering from lower limb surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements,” according to BSMC Physio Pia Hingorani.“People at risk of falls can also benefit, to build up strength and motion in their lower bodies.Testing out the new equipment. [Image Bogan Shire Council]Bogan Shire Council General Manager Derek Francis says the Nyngan community is good at looking after their own and Council is very appreciative of their donations.“It’s exciting to see ongoing growth of services at the Bogan Shire Medical Centre. The new equipment adds to what can be offered by our physiotherapist and it is great that the community has got behind us through the donations made,” said Mr Francis.Bogan Shire Council General Manager Derek Francis says Council appreciates donations. [Image A.White]President of Nyngan’s Duck Creek Races Rowen Cleaver said the committee loves that they can pay back the community with donations like this one.“The Duck Creek committee is committed to Nyngan, and we give back around $50 thousand dollars a year, more if we have a successful day.Duck Creek Races President Rowen Cleaver. [Image supplied]“We shop locally for everything, so that the whole town can benefit and we love that we can help each other out off the back of the hard work of the many people who volunteer to make Duck Creek Races such a successful event.“We hope that our donation is useful for many people in and around our area,” said Mr Cleaver.

If you asked a young Jackson Goonrey of Cobar and Lottie Rae of Trangie if one day they would feature on TV in the show ‘Australian Survivor’ in Samoa, according to the pair, they would have laughed.Fast forward to 2026 and the two country kids are front and centre in this year’s show ‘Survivor: Redemption’ and Western NSW is up for it and cheering them on.Pro Wrestler Jackson Goonrey (aka Scott Green) is Cobar born and bred and describes himself as a ‘small-town country kid, living his dream and doing the best he can’, while Lottie Rae is an artist from Trangie, married to her husband Ned, a farmer, Lottie has two children (Ted and Jimmy) and a passion for art that has taken her places she never imagined.Between the two, in real life and on the show, they encompass just what country kids are capable of, and that distance or life in the country is no handicap when it comes to living a big life.Jackson Goonrey from Cobar says being on 'Survivor' is a country thing to do - get in and have a go. [Image Channel 10]“Growing up in Cobar you either go to the mines to work, or you leave. I left,” said Jackson.“Since I was a kid, I’ve always just wanted to chase my dreams and have a good time doing it.“I became a Pro-wrestler and through that I made the connections and acquired the weird skills you’d need to be entertaining on TV, which landed me in a random jungle in the middle of Samoa, fighting for my life.“It was never my plan to end up there, but I’m a big believer of just jumping at any fun opportunities and having a crack, I think that’s a very country thing to do, to just get in there and have a go.”“That’s what really helped me on Survivor too, because it’s hard to meet 12 new people at once in an environment where you know everyone is kind of after you, but country people have a certain charm about them that you can dance through those situations.“We also have a chip on our shoulder, everyone is always looking at the cities, they forget about the country, so we work harder to get noticed, sacrifice more to get what others take for granted and that makes resilient people.“My advice to anyone out there that reckons they got a bit more than the farm or the mines in them. YOU DO YOU!“If I can go do it, you can. It’s not easy, you have to work so so hard, but in the hard work you find purpose."I practically jump out of bed every morning these days and people always ask why I’m up early, and I just say ‘If you were going where I was going, you’d want to be there early too.“Get out there and have a go. You don’t want to be 80 years old with no stories to tell. Go start livin,’ said Jackson.Lottie Rae is out to prove that country kids CAN. [Image Channel 10]Anyone who knows Lottie Rae will tell you she’s a typical country girl. Lottie is at home in any classy art gallery, pub, or rodeo. She is down to earth and quietly competitive.A self-taught contemporary artist, Lottie works from a studio at her home, and while she says she can talk to anyone, she is not relying on her fitness and endurance to bring her the win, she says laughing.Her character filled pieces of art combine Australian folklore with modern day Aussie culture of bush, Rodeo’s, beach, cowboys and cowgirls, bright and provocative they have caught the eye of insightful collectors across Australia and Internationally.Lottie has formed collaborations in many arenas making her one of Australia’s most successful regional, rural creators, which led to her appearance on the first season of Portrait Artist of the Year Australia (ABC) where she won her heat after painting Ken Done, much to Lottie’s delight meeting her idol.Lottie is out to prove that country kids CAN and hopes that her appearance will inspire other people to step out and have a go.“I’m repping the little guy. I’m from a small town, but that doesn’t mean we can’t go big. And I’m going to prove it,” said Lottie.Jackson and Lottie with other Survivor Cast members. [Image Channel 10]

etectives are appealing for information following what they now say is a suspicious building fire in Lightning Ridge last month.Officers attached to Central North Police District were conducting patrols of the Lightning Ridge township about 1am on Saturday 24 January 2026, when they came across a building fully alight on Sunflash Street.Additional emergency services were called, and the fire was extinguished. The building was destroyed, with no injuries reported.Investigators attached to Central North Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the incident under Strike Force Aumsville.As inquiries continue, police would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries. He is described as being of Caucasian in appearance, 180cm tall, in his mid-20s, of thin build, and wearing a black t-shirt, grey shorts and black slides-style footwear.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Walgett Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or visit them online. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A significant jump in Brucellosis cases has local vets concerned for dog and human health across the region.Brucellosis is a reproductive disease carried by pigs that can infect and cause serious illness in dogs and humans.With one human case recorded in Western NSW last month, NSW Health and local vets are urging piggers and dog owners to keep informed about the disease.Any dogs used for pig hunting are at risk and can become infected by contacting infected pigs when hunting or by eating raw pig meat or offal.NorthWest Vets’ Lydia Paine said brucellosis can be contracted when a dog contacts the bodily fluids from a feral pig."So blood, urine, saliva and especially birthing fluids," Dr Paine said. “Dogs can also contract it by eating pig meat, either carcasses when pigging or if the owner feeds pig meat at home.”Dr Paine said the pigging community should be aware of the disease and how to prevent it.Dr Kylie Parry said the Coonamble and Walgett veterinary clinics have diagnosed more cases in the past six months than they had in the previous decade."There is definitely an uptick," she said.Humans can contract brucellosis through open wounds or broken skin, though NSW Health reports human cases to be extremely rare.Dr Parry said it is important for dog owners to understand the disease, as a spike in diseased dogs could lead to an increase in human cases.The clinical signs of Brucellosis in dogs can include back pain, lameness, swollen testicles, abortion / birthing difficulty, and fever."If your dog is showing any of these clinical signs, please make an appointment with your local veterinarian for a health assessment," Dr Paine said."A blood sample to test for Brucellosis can be collected at this time.”"While awaiting test results, precautions should be taken to prevent human infection including wearing gloves and a mask when handling the dog/s, isolating them from other dogs and minimising handling as much as possible."Currently, there is minimal evidence to support Brucellosis testing of healthy, asymptomatic dogs with no history of close contact with a diagnosed positive dog.To protect your dogs when pig hunting, NSW DPI recommendations are as follows:Clean equipment, clothes and vehicles appropriately whilst wearing protective gear (goggles, mask and gloves) after each hunt.Do not feed raw feral pig meat, bones, blood, offal, testicles or other reproductive organs to dogs.Do not allow dogs to play with or feed on animal carcasses.Wash dogs after each hunt, preferably prior to leaving the hunting site, whilst wearing above listed protective gear and away from others.If dogs are wounded whilst hunting, use protective gear whilst administering first aid (cleaning and covering).For more information about brucellosis visit this DPI website.Note: Brucella suis causes illness in pigs, dogs and humans. It is NOT the same disease as Brucella ovis, which causes reproductive losses in sheep.

Baradine was buzzing on Saturday 21 February when three specially painted trucks visited town to support Beyond Blue and spark conversation about depression. Locals raised at least $7,880 for the mental health charity during a barbeque, raffle and auction at Reggie's Tattersalls Hotel, where publican Sue Fuller said roughly 200 people showed up. The truck 'Muttley' was decked in multicolour print as a conversation starter on mental health, while 'Pink Diamond' was designed to honour women truckers. "It's just for them to think 'I'm not on my own, I can talk to somebody, I might just drop into the pub and have a chat and see what information's there'," Ms Fuller said. "It might reach out to somebody who may be feeling depressed or anxious or having thoughts of self-harm. "People are worried about the drought coming, and food dropping off and being able to keep their stock."Coonamble Feedlot owners David and Angus Chadwick. The trucks also made a stop there on their way back to Queensland. IMAGE: supplied] Another truck had a print recognising the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service. A beautifully decorated Akubra went for $650 at the auction, while kids (big and small) had a hoot climbing trucks and tooting the horn. Donations continued after the event, including $1000 given by an individual on Monday 23 February. The trucks drove from Queensland especially for the fundraiser. The event was organised by Del McNaught-Brooker, whose husband Graeme works for the freight company that supplied the trucks.If this story has raised any issues for you, please contact:Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)Beyond Blue: 1300 22 463613YARN: 13 92 76 (First Nations crisis support)

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) are warning residents in the Mount Gunderbooka area to prepare for possible minor flooding as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warns of heavy rainfall across parts of far north western NSW. Flooding was occurring along the Paroo River, roughly 200 kilometres west of Bourke, at the Willara Crossing, according to a midday update from the SES. The emergency service says people in low-lying areas along the river should stay informed on local conditions. “Prolonged rainfall means flash flooding remains a significant risk, particularly where heavy rain falls in a short period,”  SES Deputy Western Zone Commander Joshua Clark said. “We are asking communities to stay informed, remain prepared and be ready for changing conditions.” At this stage, the BOM says river levels along the Barwon-Darling River are expected to remain below minor flood levels, but localised flooding is possible. A severe weather warning is also in place for parts of three states and the Northern Territory, including heavy rainfall.SOURCE: BOM Residents in Tibooburra, Broken Hill, Wilcannia, White Cliffs, Wanaaring and Menindee are being advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. While the storms approach the western boundaries of Bourke and Cobar Shires, the BOM currently doesn't predict falls travelling much further east over the coming week.

A building that has always been at the heart of Gilgandra has impressed judges at this year’s regional architecture awards, coming away with three major prizes.The GIL Library + Community Hub was recognised at the Australian Institute of Architects 2026 Regional Architecture Awards, announced at a gala event on Friday, February 13.The project received a Named Award for Urban Design, along with Awards for Public Architecture and Sustainable Architecture.Designed by DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design on Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Wailwan Country, the project has transformed a former Target Country building into a vibrant civic hub in the centre ofGilgandra’s heritage precinct.Gilgandra Shire Council Mayor Doug Batten said the recognition reflected years of planning, collaboration and community vision.“This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the significant planning, collaboration and passion that went into delivering this landmark in the heart of our CBD,” Cr Batten said.“We were very excited to hear that it was recognised across multiple categories at the 2026 Regional Architecture Awards."It speaks not only to the quality of its architectural design, but to the strong community vision that shaped the project from the very beginning.“Since re-opening almost 12 months ago, the GIL Library Hub has quickly become a vibrant and welcoming place for education and learning, connection, play, and community and we are incredibly proud to see this celebrated on a regional stage with national recognition.”The awards submission included a formal project mission statement - a concise summary provided by the architects outlining the purpose, intent and broader impact of the redevelopment.The fresh and inviting GIL Library + Community Hub has won architecture awards for its designers, DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design. Photo: DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design.It states:“The GIL Library Hub transforms a former Target Country building into the town’s vibrant civic heart, demonstrating how adaptive reuse can revitalise heritage main streets while delivering exceptional community value. 'Located at the centre of Gilgandra’s heritage precinct, the library accommodates diverse programming from youth robotics competitions and music recording to business incubation and community events.'The design extends beyond the building to include a reimagined plaza that creates an ‘outdoor living room’ connecting Miller Street to the Castlereagh River through native landscaping and event facilities. 'Flood-resilient design ensures century-long durability, while flexible interior planning supports the ambitious programming envisioned by GSC Librarian, Liz McCutcheon.'The project exemplifies sustainable civic infrastructure, retaining embodied energy through adaptive reuse while creating a dynamic community asset that strengthens Gilgandra’s cultural and economic capacity for future generations.”In essence, the statement outlines how the redevelopment was not simply about refurbishing a building, but about reshaping a key site into a long-term community asset - one that links the main street to the river, supports a wide range of programs, and is built to withstand local environmental challenges.Cr Batten also acknowledged the architects and project partners behind the redevelopment.“We extend our sincere thanks to the team at DunnHillam for their submissions to the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2026 Regional Architecture Awards, and their work and commitment throughout the design and delivery of this intergenerational community asset,” he said.DunnHillam Principal Architect Ashley Dunn said the awards were a proud moment for both the practice and the town.“This building has always been at the heart of Gilgandra, and it's been a real pleasure working with Council and getting to know the community over the life of this project,” Mr Dunn said.“Our job was to listen carefully and help the building find its next chapter."It's a proud moment to see three architecture awards recognise what Gilgandra already knew, that this building had so much more to give, and with the right care, it'll be serving the town for another hundred years.”By retaining the structure’s embodied energy and breathing new life into a long-standing building, the GIL Library + Community Hub has strengthened Gilgandra’s cultural life while reinforcing its civic and economic future.

A lack of taxi services in Narromine has prompted Narromine Mayor Ewen Jones to lobby the NSW Government to reduce the cost of registration and insurance for regional operators, warning the situation is creating road safety risks and leaving vulnerable residents without transport.Cr Jones recently moved a Notice of Motion at a Narromine Shire Council meeting, calling on the State Government to address the high cost of operating a taxi in regional NSW.At the meeting, the motion was carried eight votes to one.“As a result, Narromine Shire Council has written a letter to the Minister for Regional Transport Ms Jenny Aitchison MP, asking her to consider our request of a fee reduction,” Cr Jones said.Cr Jones has also put the issue before the Alliance of Western Councils, a group of 13 councils, ahead of its meeting in Warren this Friday, in a bid to escalate the matter through regional advocacy channels.“I’m hoping they support my idea and write to Jenny again, from the Alliance, and then we’ll take it up to the Country Mayors level,” he said.“We’ll just keep pumping it up the food chain until we can hopefully get a bit of a reaction out of the government because it is killing the taxis.”Narromine no longer has a taxi service operating, a situation Cr Jones said mirrors nearby Wellington.He said it all comes down to costs.“A regional taxi operator is up for about $14K, to register and insure a taxi."This makes it unviable to operate in smaller regions,” he said.Cr Jones explained Narromine has had taxi services in the past, with services operating in the 1980s and 2000s.The most recent operator was linked to a local club, which at one stage had two taxis.“They took one off the road and made it a courtesy vehicle for their club, which makes sense," Cr Jones said."That left one as a taxi, but it didn't always operate due to breakdowns and was often off the road for up to a month,” he said.Eventually the plates were handed in as it wasn't viable to keep the taxi running.Cr Jones said the absence of taxis has broader consequences.Narromine Mayor Ewen Jones is pushing the need for taxis to be more viable in regional NSW."It is really a road safety issue, and I hope the NSW Government considers my suggestions,” he said.He said he had been told by a television news reporter there had been a spike in drink-driving charges in Narromine.“Of course, everybody knows they shouldn’t drink and drive, that’s a poor choice to make, but there’s not a lot of Plan Bs out there,” he said.“We need to avoid people taking that risk."Community transport options are limited.Volunteer drivers assist with trips to Dubbo for medical appointments, and the club courtesy vehicle operates only to and from its venue.“These community drivers don’t work overnight and the club courtesy vehicle only is for to and from that venue, which is fair enough,” Cr Jones said.He believes part of the problem stems from regulatory settings that changed when rideshare services entered the market.“I think the government basically deregulated taxis as such, through the back door when they let Uber in."They certainly compensated all the taxi plate holders at that time,” he said."We need to look into getting taxis on a level playing field with Uber, for example, because they just pay normal car registration.”Without change, Cr Jones fears regional towns will continue to lose essential transport services.“No taxi also leaves a gap for the elderly, or anyone who doesn’t own a car to be able to get around,” he said.For now, Narromine Shire Council will continue pressing the issue at regional and state levels, hoping to restore a service Cr Jones says is vital for safety and community access.

Around half of Warren will have their water turned off tonight, Monday 23 February, due to a broken water main in town. Between 11pm Monday 23 February to 4am Tuesday 12 February, the water supply will be shut off on the west side of Warren. Houses between Stafford Street and Hale Street from Macquarie River to the railway line are expected to be affected. Engineering Services Divisional Manager Sylvester Otieno says the repairs are to fix a broken water main on Zora Street. "The mains are lying on black soil, and they break with the change of season," he says. "We are also replacing some water valves." The divisional manager reported further work may need to be executed, but the issue is hard to judge when its seasonal shifts causing damage to the systems. "It is not possible to predict when a break will occur. "Water mains generally break at change of season." The Warren shire council are asking residents to plan ahead. 

Western NSW, historically one of the state’s highest land-clearing regions, is back in the spotlight after new analysis revealed more than 677,000 hectares of native vegetation was cleared across NSW in the past 13 years.Although the latest report does not provide a regional breakdown, past NSW Government clearing data has repeatedly shown inland agricultural districts record higher rates of broadscale clearing than coastal zones.A new report warning of continued destruction of high-value habitat under NSW’s land clearing laws has renewed attention on western and north-western NSW, regions historically associated with some of the state’s highest levels of broadscale clearing.The Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) says new analysis by the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists shows that between 2010 and 2023, 677,500 hectares of native vegetation was cleared across NSW.That includes:13,880 hectares identified as high biodiversity value habitat33,682 hectares in sensitive riparian areas - land within 100 metres of a major river, 50 metres of a minor river, or 200 metres from a lake edgeClearing also occurred in habitat used by 709 threatened or migratory species found in NSW.NCC CEO Jacqui Mumford said the findings showed land clearing remained one of the greatest drivers of biodiversity decline.“High-value habitat that should be untouchable is still being bulldozed,” Ms Mumford said.The report found the critically endangered Narrabarba wattle had 16.5 per cent of its mapped NSW distribution cleared, while the threatened Warkworth Sands Woodland ecological community in the Hunter Valley lost 14.2 per cent of its mapped extent.Agriculture remains the largest driver of land clearing in NSW, according to the report.Much of the clearing is authorised under the ‘invasive native species’ (INS) code, introduced under the former Liberal-National Government.Farmers respondNSW Farmers has previously rejected claims that farmers are driving environmental decline, arguing land clearing figures are often presented without important context.In past media statements responding to biodiversity and clearing reports, the organisation has said farming businesses manage large areas of land for conservation outcomes, and that headline clearing figures do not always account for regrowth management, invasive native species control, or land set aside for environmental purposes.Agriculture remains the largest driver of land clearing in NSW, according to the latest comment from Nature Conservation Council of NSW.The peak body has also maintained that farmers operate within a regulated framework and that landholders should not be portrayed as environmental vandals.On the issue of the invasive native species (INS) code, identified in the Wentworth Group report as enabling significant clearing, NSW Farmers has previously supported maintaining practical management tools that allow landholders to control regrowth and maintain productivity.The organisation has consistently argued that biodiversity reform must strike a balance between environmental protection and food and fibre production, warning against policy settings it says could restrict agricultural viability without delivering measurable environmental gains.What does this mean for western NSW?While the media release does not provide a breakdown by Local Land Services region or specific local government areas, historical NSW Government land clearing data has consistently shown higher clearing activity in western and north-western NSW compared to coastal regions.Broadscale clearing has frequently been concentrated in the north-west slopes and plains, the Darling Riverine Plains, the Brigalow Belt South bioregion, parts of the Western Local Land Services region.Previous Statewide Landcover and Tree Study (SLATS) reporting and NSW Department of Planning and Environment annual land management reports have shown that inland agricultural regions account for a significant share of clearing activity.However, the Wentworth Group media release does not specify how much of the 677,500 hectares cleared between 2010 and 2023 occurred in western NSW specifically.Readers seeking region-by-region data can view official government clearing maps here.These platforms provide interactive mapping and annual clearing data by region and bioregion.

Rural and regional NSW councils could feel the impact of changes to the way Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue is distributed across Australia, with the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) talking directly with Treasury officials as part of a national review.Board members of the CMA have joined senior NSW Treasury officials to discuss the Federal Productivity Commission’s Review of the GST Distribution Reforms, with CMA Chairman Mayor Rick Firman OAM of Temora Shire describing the recent online meeting as “constructively positive”.The discussion followed a separate sit-down between Mayor Firman and CMA Board Member Mayor Sue Moore of Singleton Council with NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey to examine the review process and its potential implications for the State.The Productivity Commission review is examining how GST revenue collected by the Commonwealth is distributed among the states and territories.The distribution process, overseen by the Commonwealth Grants Commission, is designed to ensure each state has the financial capacity to provide comparable levels of public services, regardless of differences in geography, population or revenue-raising ability.Changes introduced to the GST distribution system in 2018 altered the way relativities are calculated, with the aim of creating a fairer and more stable framework over time.The current review is assessing how those reforms have operated and whether further adjustments are required.Mayor Firman said the CMA recognises the far-reaching consequences of how GST revenue is allocated.“There is no question that the quantum of funding that NSW receives impacts on the funding available to deliver services and facilities into the remote, rural and regional communities our Members represent,” he said.“The Treasury officials gave us a concise background of the current system and how the 2018 reforms to the GST distribution have impacted on NSW."The CMA believes that it is imperative that NSW, as Australia’s most populous state, receives its fair share of GST revenue.”While GST revenue is paid to state governments rather than councils directly, the level of funding NSW receives ultimately influences the State Budget and the resources available to support infrastructure, services and programs across regional communities.Premier Chris Minns met with representatives of the Country Mayors Association to discuss equity for the regions in regard to GST.Rural, remote and regional councils across NSW manage extensive road networks, community facilities and essential services, often across vast geographic areas with comparatively small numbers of ratepayers.At the same time, many councils are grappling with rising construction costs, insurance premiums, workforce shortages and long-term infrastructure renewal backlogs.Mayor Firman said financial sustainability remains a significant issue for many regional councils.“Rural, remote and regional councils have numerous financial sustainability challenges. It is reasonable to assume that a better deal on GST distribution could result in increased financial support for councils and in turn our communities to relieve those pressures,” he said.“Our CMA slogan is ‘what we want is nothing more than equity’ and while that relates to our rural, remote and regional members, it is perfectly apt for the NSW Government’s and CMA’s efforts to get a fair GST deal for our State.”Both the CMA and the NSW Government are preparing formal submissions to the Productivity Commission as part of the review process.Mayor Firman said ensuring regional voices were heard was critical, given funding decisions made at the federal level ultimately shape the services and infrastructure available on the ground in country communities.The review of the GST Distribution Reforms is ongoing.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman from Lightning Ridge who went missing near Cobar.Deanna Bariesheff, aged 44, was last seen in Lighting Ridge, on Monday 16 February 2026. Police were notified of Deanna’s disappearance yesterday (Saturday 21 February), after her car – a Mitsubishi Challenger with a cracked front headlight and an NSW registration of BZN73P – was located abandoned on Glenwood Road, Gilgunnia about 110km south of Cobar, on Friday 20 February.Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Central North Police District commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.Police and family have concerns for her welfare as she lives with a medical condition and requires regular medication.Deanna is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of a thin build, between 150cm – 160cm tall, and with grey hair.It is not known what Deanna may be wearing.Police believe Deanna is on foot in bushland around the Mt Hope area; however, she is known to frequent the Lighting Ridge and Walgett areas.Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Bourke Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Gulargambone residents went without power for over an hour on Friday afternoon (20 February) following a fire near the local hospital and caravan park. Power was cut at 1:30pm for almost 470 customers, while local Rural Fire Service brigades attended and at least one Rural Fire Service truck from Coonamble was spotted heading towards the scene under lights and sirens. Western NSW Local Health District said just before 3pm that the nearby Gulargambone Multi-Purpose Service had not needed to evacuate. One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said there was a number of civilian cars down Bourbah Street with locals trying to catch a look. "I went for a drive and couldn't get anywhere near it. "I'm just getting a bit hot here. No fans, air con. "The whole town's just covered in smoke."A Rural Fire Service truck heading along the Castlereagh Highway in the direction of Gulargambone earlier this afternoon. IMAGE: Kelsi Davis An update at 2:24pm from the Rural Fire Service said the bush fire was still being controlled. The resident reported at around 2:45pm that power had returned. Essential Energy has also removed an alert from their online outage map for most of the town, although two customers were still affected as at 3:30pm.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is predicting dry conditions to intensify around the Western Plains for the next few months, and local farmers say they have felt it all year. As of 31 January 2026, approximately 48% of NSW is in one of the NSW Combined Drought Indicator drought categories, increasing 3% since the end of December.According to the DPIRD (Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development) quarterly seasonal update, the most likely outcome is for drought conditions to expand further into western, central and northern NSW up to 30 April. All areas across the Western Plains are expected to be affected, with exceptions being Cobar and Lightning Ridge. Many graziers and pastoralists watched weather websites in dismay as widely predicted falls of up to 35mm for Saturday 14 February and further rain on Sunday 15, were wiped from the forecast just a day or two out from the weekend. Although media reports of dry conditions have just recently begun to appear for the central west, farmers have said it has already been dry for several months. Running the family property 'Merryoula' west of Baradine, Bill Mackay said the drought is knocking on his front door. "We're sort of already just about there for our place," he said. "We've probably only had maybe 40 mills maybe since September. "We're feeding all our stock, basically." On Narratigah, east of Coonamble, Tony Single said drought is a heavy term to be throwing around, but it is dry nonetheless at his property. "Drought's probably a big word to use at this point in time, but yes, we're significantly dry," Mr Single said. "We've got a large soil moisture deficit." Ben Markey at 'Bowra', west of Coonamble is also going through the hardships of dry weather. "We had 14 mills last Monday (9 February) and that's been the best rain in four months," he said. "Nearly everywhere's the same." He reported his dams were on the way out, with at least two of them dry enough to bog sheep. Although the dams might be drying up, Mr Markey's optimism certainly is not. "Every day is another day closer to rain," he quipped.

The National Vaccination Insights project has found that acceptance barriers to immunisation amongst all parents surveyed have increased, a factor that may influence future vaccination levels. While the study estimated the number of children fully vaccinated at five nationally is still measuring at 93.7% - up from 92.7% in 2024 - it revealed more parents are increasingly influenced by their own beliefs and concerns rather than any practical issue. Study lead, Dr Jess Kaufman, Principal Research Fellow in the Vaccine Uptake Group at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), said the findings were proof of a shift in parental attitudes. “Compared to last year, we’re seeing an increase in concerns about vaccine safety and a drop in trust in healthcare providers. While access issues are still relevant, reduced vaccine confidence is now a stronger influence on whether children receive their vaccinations on time.” The top 6 barriers to childhood vaccination reported in the 2025 study by parents were:feeling distressed about vaccinating (32%)not trusting information about vaccines from doctor/nurse (8.8%)not being able to afford costs associated with vaccination (8.6%)not choosing to prioritise vaccination appointments (8.6%)not believing vaccines are safe (8.3%)finding it difficult to get an appointment (7.7%).According to a Western area psychologist (who did not wish to be named), complacency, passivity and disempowerment, and misplaced expertise are factors that lower vaccine numbers.“Most parents today have not seen a child, much less their child, become severely unwell or die from a preventable disease," she said.“Add to this the mindset that parents must involve the child in decision making, also changes the narrative.“Being a parent is tough and unpleasant decisions in a child’s best interest are hard to make, but parents need to remember that social media is not an encyclopaedia, and a chat at the local supermarket is not rigorous science."Fully vaccinated trends by age group from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and SurveillanceAccording to official health statistics for 2024, the fully vaccinated at 5 years rates in the Western NSW Local Health District (96.5%) and Far West NSW Local Health District (96.3%) were higher than the national average. Nevertheless, when the Western Plains App spoke with over 20 rural parents on the subject there was a varying range of replies that reflected the survey. These ranged from fear of side effects, parental complacency, lack of understanding of how vaccines work, parents misunderstanding the system, childhood fear of needles, social media influencers, conspiracy theorists and the current generation having not seen the horrors of preventable diseases firsthand. While some believed vaccines were not needed, the majority said they wished to protect their children in whatever way they could. One parent who works within the immunisation framework, but who did not wish to be named, said a lot more education needs to be provided to parents, to not only allay fears but on a practical level. “A lot of people who are coming in from overseas are unaware of the immunisation procedures in Australia add to the decreasing numbers, along with anti-vaccers, who have filed forms with Services Australia to cease correspondence (a surge of this occurred post Covid) which means that reminders for vaccination are not sent," she said. “Small communities out west have great community and baby nurses who are only willing to help, with information and practical advice, running regular clinics." The study found parents of partially vaccinated children were far more likely to report negative beliefs about vaccine safety, lack of trust in vaccine information from a doctor or nurse and choosing not to prioritise vaccination over other things.While parents of unvaccinated children stated negative beliefs about vaccine safety and belief that vaccination does not protect others.“Parents still face practical challenges when it comes to vaccinations, such as the cost of vaccination and getting to appointments, but these issues are no longer the main drivers of missed or delayed childhood vaccinations in 2025,” Dr Kaufman said.“The greater challenge is now building trust and ensuring supportive, empathetic conversations with healthcare providers who can respond to parents’ concerns.”