Following the opening of the GIL Hub Library earlier this year, the Gilgandra Shire Council's brand new Business Innovation Space is now available to lease.   After the town's local Target shut-down in July 2019, the building was bought by council then turned into the GIL Hub Library.   The dedicated Business Innovation Space, opens on to Miller Street in Gilgandra’s CBD. It comes furnished with installed cabinetry, lockable drawers and cupboards, a fully functional sink area, and mobile desk plus two office chairs.  Inside the GIL Hub Library Business Innovation Space. Image: Gilgandra Shire Council  New or existing businesses can rent the space on a short-term lease of up to six-months to test out their ideas or expand their business.   Economic Development Committee (EDC) chair, Councillor Nick White said the space was designed with opportunity in mind.   “GSC is excited to see the community-driven opportunities that will emerge through the leasing of this space, and encourages anyone interested to reach out to the team to discuss their big ideas  "The GIL Library Hub Business Innovation Space will support interested innovators through business training and networking opportunities, planning guidance, promotional opportunities and events."   GIL Hub Library also includes two other spaces businesses can book to host meetings or run workshops in.   The business space is part of GSC's Gilgandra Activation Blueprint, which included the 'Grow Gilgandra' and 'Shop Local' programs, with a goal of reaching a population of 5000 in the coming years.    Tourism and Activation Co-ordinator at GSC Gillian Foran says GSC is "open to anyone's ideas,"  "We don't have an ideal business in mind.   "The only parameters are either they already have a business in Gilgandra or that they're looking to establish one."   Any businesses who want to lease the space can submit and EOI until the closing date on 23 June.  

At 9pm Tuesday 10 June 2025, two men (aged 25 and 18) were conducting contract pest control at a property on Marsden Road, Fairholme, about 43km north west of Condobolin, when they saw a Toyota Landcruiser trespassing.Police were told the two men confronted the driver of the Landrcruiser before he allegedly picked up a firearm and aimed it towards the two men who were asking them to leave.The two men returned to their car, left the property and contacted police.Officers attached to Central West Police District commenced inquiries into the incident.Following inquiries, about 3.30am, yesterday (Wednesday 11 June), police were patrolling Bushmans Street, Parkes, when they stopped a Toyota Landcruiser that was reported earlier for an alleged intimidation.After speaking with the driver – a 45-year-old man – he was arrested and taken to Parkes Police Station.Following a search of the vehicle police located and seized, two bolt action rifles, five firearm bolts, ammunition, and unauthorised prescription medication.He was charged with:Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harmNot keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearmPossess loaded firearm public placeEnter enclosed agricultural land possess/discharge firearm, andPossess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance.He given conditional bail and will appear at Parkes Local Court on Thursday 24 July 2025.

Latest Bureau of Crime Figures released Wednesday (June 11) indicate motor vehicle theft is down 20 % in the Western Plains(January to March 2025 ) but local police are asking about two cars left burnt out in Narromine, urging local help. A stolen ute was left in bushland on the Warren Road completely burnt out . It is understood it was used at a service station and but the petrol not paid for. It was taken from Burroway between Narromine and Dubbo between Sunday 8 and Monday 9 June.In a second incident in Craigie Lea Lane, a vehicle was stolen and set alight on Saturday 7 June. It is not only a problem in smaller western towns but alo in bigger regional centres like Dubbo, Orange and Bathurst. In Orange a community meeting held with Police and PCYC highlighted community anger about the destructive and dangerous behaviour of young people aged 13 to 16, stealing and burning cars and even slashing tyres.A state government review into youth crime released their preliminary findings on 29 May [Nip youth crime in the bud early: Inquiry report] but are not due to complete their work until early 2026.It is not known if teenagers were the offenders in the latest crimes.Narromine has become something of a focal point for the issue following an exclusive Sydney Morning Herald story on Tuesday 9 June 9. ''It’s a moment on the side of a NSW country road, the sun beating down on a crumpled car wreck, that now defines the high stakes of policing youth crime for Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos."Three months ago, a group of teenage boys embarked on a 300-kilometre high-speed rampage after allegedly stealing a Toyota FJ Cruiser from a service station near Narromine, in the west of the state."A person died in the incident."“My heart goes out to our police facing the dilemma of trying to protect the community and enforce the law at the same time in what is more often than not youth with complex backgrounds.”  Police have urged community to come forward or contact crime stoppers over the latest incidents.

A rare auroral event has thrilled seasoned astronomers and casual skywatchers.In an extraordinary display of nature's grandeur, the night sky over the Warrumbungles and various regions across southern Australia was illuminated by the Aurora Australis on Sunday 1 June.Usually confined to polar regions, the southern lights made a rare appearance in mid-latitude areas, reaching as far north as Tamworth in New South Wales with observers in the Warrumbungles treated to a vibrant aurora that was visible to the naked eye.Local resident, Paula Duggan had her eyes on the skies prepared to capture images of the aurora.“I headed up to Coonabarabran Aerodrome and took lots of photos of the sky at approximately 9pm on the Sunday night,” she said.“You could see just a faint light on the horizon but no colours really; it just looked a bit like the start of daybreak.“The photos were taken with an iphone on night mode and a long exposure and that is when the colour of the aurora really bounced out! I am so pleased to have captured the images as it probably was a once in a lifetime event.”The unusual occurrence was the result of a severe geomagnetic storm, rated G4 by the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre, following a powerful M8.2 solar flare that erupted on 31 May.Image of the aurora taken by the Siding Spring Observatory all-sky camera showing as a red glow in the south. [IMAGE: SSO]Coonabarabran physicist, Andre Phillips says that a geomagnetic storm is caused when the Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere is impacted by a large globule of ionised gas that has been recently ejected from the sun. “Periodically the sun has surface eruptions that throw off large blobs of ionised gas into space,” he explained. “These blobs are known as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and when the Earth just happens to located in the direction that one of these blobs has been hurled, fireworks can occur in the Earth's upper atmosphere, particularly with increased auroral activity and aurora occurring away from the usual polar regions.“At the latitude of Coonabarabran (~31° South) aurora are rare, but generally when they do occur, they are observed as a red glow on the southern horizon. Because of their low elevation in the sky, such aurora is best seen with a clear southern horizon, such as atop hills in the Warrumbungles.”DisruptionAndre added that a powerful geomagnetic storm can potentially cause widespread disruption and damage to Earth’s technological infrastructure.“Extreme geomagnetic storms can disrupt and damage Earth orbiting satellites, and may cause major damage to national power grids, such as the storm that occurred on the 13th March, 1989” he said.  “This caused a major power outage in Quebec Canada, lasting days, and fried a satellite or two.“There are satellites parked at locations around Earth's orbit which monitor the sun and can spot CME's heading toward the Earth. "Although they can give warnings of a probable impact of a CME with the Earth, it's difficult to tell whether the CME will make a 'glancing blow' to the Earth, or a direct hit. "If it's a big CME and a direct hit, then the effects can be very spectacular indeed.  “There was one such monster storm that occurred on the 28 September 1909, which had many of Coonabarabran's townsfolk staring at the sky in wonder with many terrified that it marked the end of the world! "However, this type of activity is very rare.”Astronomers anticipated that the auroral displays would persist into the Monday night and early Tuesday, offering continued opportunities for observation.The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre extended its geomagnetic storm warning until 3 June maintaining a G4 rating due to the ongoing solar activity.For those who missed the spectacle, experts advise keeping an eye on space weather forecasts, as heightened solar activity may offer more opportunities to witness the Aurora Australis again in the near future.

The Police Association of NSW says they have told officers to stop transferring prisoners to jail from 7 July. The union's president Kevin Morton said that police in regional stations are being tied up transferring prisoners hundreds of kilometres to and from prison. He said Corrective Services should be responsible for custody and transfer once a prisoner is refused bail. “Once they wear green, police will not be seen,” Mr Morton said.“This will free up our police to focus on police work and protecting our communities, not performing the duties of other agencies.“For too many years, police have picked up the slack when it comes to prisoner management.”Walgett Court House. IMAGE: River McCrossenIn a press release, the PANSW said their executive has also directed police to stop attending court to guard bail-refused prisoners.They also directed officers to not allow prisoners from Corrective Services or Juvenile Justice into police custody facilities.However, they will still allow those services to use police cells if the prisoner remains in the custody of Corrective Services staff.Minister for Police Yasmin Catley said Acting Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell is meeting with the NSW Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong to discuss a resolution.  "Community safety is the top priority for this Government and the NSW Police," Minister Catley said. "Developing a plan to ensure all agencies involved in prisoner transport keep the community safe while performing a difficult and demanding task is a priority for both Commissioners." Barwon MP Roy Bulter said "something's got to give" and that Corrective Services and Juvenile Justice will need to provide more resources for transport."They're going to need to put on more people and more vehicles, essentially, to be able to meet the demand," Mr Butler said."If that means they've got to seek additional funds from the government, then they'll have to."I think police have been pretty patient."Shadow Police Minister Paul Toole backed the move and accused the government of failing to sufficiently resource Corrective Services. “Regional police are being pulled from frontline duties to drive prisoners hundreds of kilometres, often sleeping overnight in stations and leaving entire communities without police coverage," Mr Toole said.

The Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets is a powerhouse of the Australian livestock industry, selling more than 1.3 million sheep and 200,000 cattle each year, with many coming from properties from the west.With that scale comes questions about the general sustainability and climate impact of methane, and where the responsibility falls on producers and related industries.Across New South Wales, agriculture is calculated to be responsible for around 14 per cent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.Of that, methane from livestock accounts for more than 80 per cent.This has led to several innovative ways to measure and mitigate methane, including using eGrazor collars and a methane dashboard, in an upcoming trial by the NSW Government.But there's a new angle that might tip the methane debate on its head.What is methane, and why should we care?Methane is produced by the digestive systems of ruminant animals like cattle and sheep.It’s a potent greenhouse gas, about 30 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in terms of warming potential.But unlike CO₂, methane is short-lived.It stays in the atmosphere for about a decade before it breaks down into water and carbon dioxide, which plants then absorb in the natural process of photosynthesis.This cycle - known as the biogenic carbon cycle - is what researchers and graziers are calling key to a more balanced conversation about livestock and climate.Cattle get a lot of blame when it comes to methane, but a leading scientist has said we may be looking at the problem the wrong way.Speaking at the recent Cattle and Climate forum hosted by Cattle Australia, Professor Frank Mitloehner of UC Davis said livestock can actually be part of the climate solution, especially in regions likewestern NSW where producers manage vast areas of land.“Methane warms our climate differently than CO₂, which sticks around for hundreds of years,” he said.Are cattle really the bad guys when it comes to methane emissions?“That also means we have a unique opportunity: if we reduce methane, we can cool the climate faster.”And it’s already happening.In California, the dairy industry is well on its way to cutting methane emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, thanks to a combination of feed additives, improved genetics, and manure management systemsthat capture methane and convert it to energy.Professor Mitloehner says the key was working with farmers, not against them.Back home, Cattle Australia CEO Dr Chris Parker is calling for a similar approach.“Australian cattle producers manage 50 per cent of Australia’s land mass and as a result, the beef industry offers a massive opportunity to sequester Australia’s carbon emissions and improve our natural capital, but policy settings need to change to provide producers with both the tools and economic incentives to achieve this,” he said.Dr Parker is urging the government to reinstate the “Beef Herd Method” which is a policy that rewards producers for grazing more efficiently and improving herd performance, and to recognise the biogenic carbon cycle in national carbon accounting.“Let’s stop blaming burping cows and instead back our producers, who are already doing the hard work of caring for country,” he said.

 It’s one of Australia's most famous traditions in clubs and pubs, a flutter on the races.These days it’s not a winner for hospitality venues, it’s a cost, with the Sky Racing screens costing $1000 a month. Hotels and club did receive commissions on turnover, the money gambled on by punters.But this is all about to change and the tip is that smaller venues will take the biggest hit. Tabcorp’s decision to alter its retail strategy and invest in the in-venue experience rather than paying widespread commissions to hotels and clubs is going to affect country venues. The TAB won't be paying commissions anymore.Pauleen Daniels from popular venue Narromine’s Royal Hotel says ‘’Its definitely not a financial winner for the pub but it does bring in lots of customers.’’She said the pub would be looking into it further.The nearby Courthouse Hotel also has people who come there to watch racing but say "It's very hard to promote because we have not got pay out terminals and the only way is to bet on your phone.""Having the screens which cost the pub dearly also make it tough as electricity costs are high and it's expensive if they break down so it's cost negative," Manager Liza Beattie said."It can be anti-social when people are gambling on their phones."The TAB's strategy driving betting on its App is for a new generation of punter but has won the cautious support of the CEOs of both Racing Queensland and Racing NSW.Tabcorp announced last month that it would change the way it engages with venues, in a bid to better leverage its retail monopoly across most of Australia. Interim Racing Queensland chief executive Lachlan Murray told the Australian Financial Review that the strategy, spearheaded by CEO Gillon McLachlan, made sense.“Tabcorp must keep innovating because consumer preferences are changing. "History will decide whether the venues are better off or not based on whether they’re able to get increased patronage and spend,” he said.“What I’m interested in seeing is whether the advancements in retail offerings grow the wagering turnover pie because that’s when everyone wins.”Peter V’landys also supports the initiative McLachlan has shown, despite the misgivings of the Australian Hotels Association.“He is trying to eradicate that monopolistic attitude that Tabcorp has had and realises they’re in a very competitive market. "He’s really trying to shake it up,” the Racing NSW CEO told the AFR.The Australian Hotels Assocation CEO Stephen Ferguson says smaller clubs who bank on small commissions and rebates will be the big losers.  

Dance 2873 in the small community of Tottenham has only been in operation for a year, but it is already making a mark with its new Outreach Dance program.  Studio owner Natasha Levick, (or Miss Tash as the kids call her) is on a mission to provide bush kids with a chance to dance from wherever they are situated.To this end, she dedicates a weekday solely to students who are unable to physically make it into a dance studio, whether it be because of distance, disabilities, difficulty for parents due to work commitments. Mrs Levick just really wants kids to dance.She says it took a head clearing run in the paddock for the idea to come to fruition. “One day on a run I was thinking about all my gorgeous dance kids from Tottenham, particularly the kids that don’t quite fit in our very sport orientated community, in terms of physical activity. “These kids often get lost or worse still lose confidence in themselves and unlike their peers they simply don’t enjoy sport. "It made me think how these kids flourished in the creative arts setting of dance."Students of Dance 2873 from the tiny town of Tottenham. [IMAGE SUPPLIED] “In my mind’s eye I could picture the little kid driving their mum mad on a rural property, dancing around the kitchen but with no access to dance and so my idea was born," she said. “I knew there would be a way to share dance and the way it can truly help a child’s confidence, love for themselves and movement, no matter where they lived or how isolated they were." Baby dancers at Tottenham after a happy lesson. [IMAGE SUPPLIED] Students who enrol hop online each Tuesday in school term and are taught live by Miss Tash in real time, learning full routines and skills in the comfort of home in genres of ballet, jazz and musical theatre for both junior and senior students. “At the end of term 3 students will receive costumes in the mail and a video will be taken to share with family and friends."If any of the students are close enough to Tottenham and available to attend rehearsals, they are free to attend in person and perform in the annual concert, which would be so exciting,” said Mrs Levick. Students of Dance 2873 Tottenham at 2024 end of year concert. [IMAGE SUPPLIED] Lisa Masters is situated between Condobolin and Tullamore, has enrolled daughter Claire and says she is looking forward to taking part in the program. “Having the Outreach program for us makes it easy to give Claire the opportunity of dance, which we couldn’t have done otherwise. We have one excited little girl,” said Mrs Masters. Mrs Levick believes the program will allow rural kids from across the country to learn the joy of dance, being taught by a rural teacher who understands country life and with students already enrolled from Pooncarie, Wee Waa, Tullamore and Condobolin she is well on her way to making dreams come true for country kids. Ready to dance. [IMAGE SUPPLIED] Mrs Levick was successfully chosen to take part in the Australian Ballet Immersion program in 2024, which gave her the opportunity to spend a week at the Australian Ballet and see the amazing work they do firsthand and to take home new skills for her students. “It’s not about being a Prima Ballerina but rather finding a love for dance and creative endeavours. A safe space for a child to be themselves and enjoy movement,” she said. 

The Australian Government should bulk bill overnight sleep apnoea tests for truck drivers and other safety-critical workers, according to Australian Trucking Association (ATA) Chair Mark Parry and TruckSafe Chair Paul Fellows.The pair made the call while releasing a joint ATA and TruckSafe submission to the National Transport Commission’s review of health screening for commercial vehicle drivers.The NTC is considering changes to include enhanced screening for heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders in the Assessing Fitness to Drive standards.“The ATA has argued for many years that the commercial standards should include preventative screening for the key health risks to road safety,” Mr Parry said.“Our submission argues that these low or no cost screening tests should be prescribed in the standards. A GP undertaking a commercial medical would work through the screening procedure and, if needed, refer the driver for specialist follow up,” he said.One of the key concerns raised is the prevalence and danger of obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition in which a patient’s airway is repeatedly blocked during sleep, leading to fatigue and increased crash risk.A 2012 study found 41 per cent of Australian long-distance truck drivers have sleep apnoea.Costly diagnosis is a barrier“The case for acting on sleep apnoea is compelling."Our submission documents its toll of deaths, serious injuries, and ruined lives,” Mr Parry said.“One of the barriers to addressing sleep apnoea, however, is the cost of confirming the diagnosis after a driver’s GP refers them to a specialist for investigation.“An overnight sleep study at a clinic can cost $1,500, with the driver needing to find $997.60 in out of pocket costs after the Medicare rebate."The most effective treatment for sleep apnoea is with a CPAP machine."The machines cost about $2,000; follow up appointments are needed to calibrate them.“The Government should offer incentives to encourage sleep clinics to bulk bill sleep studies for truck drivers and other safety critical workers."It should also fund a long-term loan scheme for CPAP machines, similar to the one run by the New Zealand hospital system."TruckSafe Chair Paul Fellows said changes to the standards must ensure truck drivers' jobs are protected.Paul Fellows, Chair of Trucksafe said high risk medical conditions like sleep apnoea need specialist follow up.“The screening tests that we are talking about highlight if further investigation is needed."They are not diagnostic,” Mr Fellows said.“That’s why AFTD needs to be amended so a driver who is referred to a specialist as a result of health screening can continue to drive unconditionally, provided they make an appointment to see the relevant specialist at the earliest practicable opportunity.”Mr Fellows also stressed the need for greater awareness about managing high-risk conditions.“Doctors, employers, and drivers need more information about high-risk medical conditions and how to manage them.“TruckSafe led the way on this by requiring our member companies to provide drivers with health information in the 1990s and 2000s."Our new TruckSafe safety management system has a sample worker health and wellbeing policy that requires the development and implementation of health management programs."Call for national screeningMr Parry said the rollout of the proposed changes should be accompanied by a national screening initiative.“Our submission recommends that the Government provide with $1 million per year over four years to deliver 16,000 health screenings and distribute health awareness resources, including mental health resources, to 40,000 drivers,” he said.The urgency is underscored by the latest crash figures.As of June 1, 2025, Transport for NSW reported 50 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks across New South Wales in the previous 12 months.This represents a decline from the five-year total of 252 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks recorded between 2020 and 2024.The figures include both articulated and heavy rigid trucks.The Australian Trucking Association represents the 60,000 businesses and 200,000 people who make up the Australian trucking industry through its 11 member associations.TruckSafe is the ATA’s not-for-profit safety and business management system.An interactive website from Transport NSW shows road crash statistics from all regions, and supplies information about gender, weather, region and other crash variables.It can be found here.

NSW Ambulance Service and Central West Police District have put out a call for residents in Central and Western NSW to install the Emergency Plus App to assist in locating people who make calls to 000.With tens of thousands of people roaming regional NSW this long weekend, they say it's a great time to get it onto your phone.The Emergency Plus app is a free, life-saving tool for Australians, developed by emergency services and industry partners, using a smartphone's GPS to provide accurate location information to emergency call takers, allowing for faster response times. The app also provides information about when to call Triple Zero (000) and who to call for non-emergency situations. Its key features include:Accurate Location Sharing:The app displays the phone's GPS coordinates, allowing callers to easily share their location with emergency operators. Triple Zero Guidance:The app provides information on when and when not to call Triple Zero (000). Non-Emergency Contacts:The app includes contact information for various non-emergency services, like SES and the Police Assistance Line. What3words Integration:Emergency+ also utilizes the what3words system for even more precise location sharing. Image courtesy NSW Ambulance Service.“In an emergency, knowing your exact location is critical,” according to NSW Ambulance.“The Emergency Plus App is a powerful tool that will help you call Triple Zero (000) quickly, while enabling you to provide accurate details of your location to emergency services. “When you are unsure of your location, this is when the Emergency Plus App can make a difference – it uses your phone's GPS to pinpoint your position accurately, potentially saving valuable minutes. “Ensuring your location is clearly provided can help paramedics find you quickly – if it is safe to do so, have someone wait outside to signal the approaching ambulance. Image courtesy NSW Ambulance Service.“This App is a life saver for us in the Western area, as it is such a large area with so many back roads and farm names and nicknames for roads that locals know but we don’t,” said Ben Loiacono Nyngan Ambulance Service and Senior Deputy Captain Nyngan HQ Brigade.“Having the incorrect address reduces our response time, so this technology allows us to provide the best patient care with the fastest possible response for not only Ambulance but Police, RFS and SES services as well.Ben Loiacono Nyngan Ambulance Service and Senior Deputy Captain Nyngan HQ Brigade - Image supplied.“A lot of fires are out in the middle of paddocks and difficult for people to explain the exact location, which once again reduces our response time to assist, so having this GPS system from the App will get us to the emergency much faster and hopefully providing a better outcome,” said Mr Loiacono.Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

How can schools help students whose learning and lives are being derailed by family violence if they don't know about it?Recent research has found that less than one in five students (12-17 per cent) reported their experience of violence to someone in their school community, with students resorting to skipping school as a coping method and saying that they feel dismissed or retraumatised by school staff if they do report.This is just one of the mountains schools have to climb if they are to provide suitable support to their students.A Monash University study has recommended comprehensive re-work of support systems for Australian school students who are experiencing family and domestic violence.With schools playing a critical role in children’s lives, being where they spend their second most time, the study says family and domestic violence support and intervention is a must.One western area high school student who wished not to be named, said while she has not experienced family or domestic violence, she knows of fellow students who have.“I have heard kids talk about stuff happening at home, who just shrug it off or make a joke of it. Rarely do they ever tell the teachers, but they will tell their friends," she said.“I can see they feel ashamed and frightened and it’s hard to know what to say.“I think it is just as important to educate the kids at the schools, because often it is us giving advice to each other and sometimes we are not sure of the best advice to give and we don’t want to appear to be dobbing by telling teachers."But the research published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues said more needs to be done to provide schools with the skills to intervene earlier to prevent future harm and to support the children whose lives are being adversely impacted by domestic and family violence.“Drawing on findings from a national survey of 1651 young people who reported experiences of DFV, the research enhances current understandings of how DFV impacts education and the effectiveness of school-based help-seeking for young Australians experiencing DFV. “Centring on the voices of young victim-survivors, our findings question the degree to which schools are presently equipped to recognise, respond to and support students who experience DFV,” the researchers reported.“Educators seek to connect child and family services to endeavour to provide multi-faceted support that includes housing, education, counselling, food provision and safety,” according to a western area teacher.“Educators play a significant role in the child’s life through daily check in’s, following up support provision, family support around educational decisions and pathways an academic & social learning.“Undertaking High Impact Learning (HIPL) including Trauma Informed Practises is one way in which educators are equipping themselves to provide additional layers of support, currently this training is optional, although it would be invaluable for all school staff,” she said. A former western area Assistant Principal says schools are nowhere near equipped to cope with these issues.“I agree that schools and teachers are not, nor are the few counsellors allocated to school settings equipped to recognise, respond to and support students through DFV experiences.“Yet schools would be one of the richest ‘playgrounds’ to source genuine information to formulate programs, systems and initiatives to combat DFV,” she said.Researcher Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor at Monash Business School - Photo courtesy Monash University.“Schools should be supported to provide trauma and family and domestic violence informed training to all school staff, so that they feel confident to respond appropriately to disclosure from students,” said Researcher Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor at Monash Business School.“The impacts of family and domestic violence are nuanced and complex. "In addition to places of learning, schools should be safe spaces for students to share experiences of abuse, seek help and be connected with support,” said Professor Fitz-Gibbon.“The experiences of young people in our study also demonstrate why flexible attendance and academic policies for students impacted by DFV would be beneficial."Steven Roberts, Professor and Head of Monash School of Education, Culture and Society - Photo courtesy Monash University.“Young victim-survivors reported family members who withheld the tools they needed to complete homework, like an internet connection or access to technology, as part of their pattern of abuse,” said researcher Steven Roberts, Professor and Head of Monash School of Education, Culture and Society.“Other young people reported experiences of exhaustion from being up all night listening to family members fighting, describing being unable to concentrate during class.“Without effective school-based supports to support school-based engagement, young victim-survivors of domestic and family violence are at higher risk of disengagement.” 

As the long weekend brings thousands of people to the spectacular Warrumbungle National Park, local shire Mayor Kathryn Rhindfliesh says she is concerned about a possible hit to the much-loved and iconic tourism site with a big rise in camping and booking fees.The NSW Government says ‘ghost bookings’ where people book but never arrive is driving up costs is and is why they want to secure its national tourism sites.Warrumbungle Mayor says she and her councillors are aware of a tabled e-petition."I am hoping people take the opportunity to visit the park," Cr Rindfleish said.''It’s a review on charges so we are watching this closely.''The Warrambungle National Park receives 35,000 visitors per year,Its estimated tourist value is $61.5m alongside its Siding Sidings Observatory.  A formal ePetition has been launched to oppose a NSW Government proposal that will see a big hike in camping fees in National Parks across NSW.The Warrumbungles are a key attraction for the western region. [IMAGE: NPWS]The NSW Opposition has teamed up with Michael Atkinson, also known as ‘Outback Mike’, to bring the petition to Parliament after concerns fees in some parks could go up by 600 per cent.Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson said the decision will put some of our most treasured natural assets behind a paywall in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.“When I asked the Minister for Tourism about this in Question Time last month, he refused to acknowledge the issue, despite the heavy impact it will have on the tourism sector by deterring people from wanting to camp in our National Parks,” Mr Anderson said.“The Government needs to go back to the drawing board and find better ways to save money than hitting hard-working families who are just looking to get out and enjoy nature."Upper House MP Scott Barrett, who brought the petition forward, said National Parks should be more accessible for everyone.“This proposal will put camping out of reach for many families and that’s why I believe it’s important to support Outback Mike with this petition," Mr Barrett said.“Some of my favourite moments have been spent with my family in our state’s iconic National Parks and limiting those experiences for other families based on cost is extremely frustrating.”‘Outback Mike’ is famous for his survival skills and wilderness adventure videos and has publicly expressed concerns over the Government's decision on social media, urging people to take action by signing the e-Petition.“We’re hoping to gather as many signatures as possible to show the Government how much we care about our National Parks. "Everyone should have access to the beauty of our natural spaces, regardless of their financial situation,” Mr Atkinson said."This is something that will affect all of us, and our families, for generations. "If these fee increases go through now, they’ll never go back down.”The ePetition also calls on the NSW Government to fund National Parks adequately rather than relying on new end-user fees and to increase the number of campsites commensurate with park visitation.The petition is open until August 21 and can be viewed here.

Submissions are open for an NSW inquiry to curb deaths on regional roads caused by unsafe driving. The Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety announced the inquiry on 29 May and will probe what can be done to reduce crashes due to speeding, fatigue, drink and drug driving.  Transport for NSW recorded 332 road deaths in 2024, 224 in country areas. "Our regional friends are over represented," said Road Trauma Support Group NSW's interim board director Tom Daher, who advocates against illegal road acts. "If you do have a crash on a regional road, it may take a lot longer for first response, first responders - police, ambulance paramedics - to arrive to administer lifesaving treatments. Regional hospitals may not be equipped fully to deal with head trauma. "The other thing that contributes to it is many people feel that since there's no other cars on the road, you can speed a little bit more than what the speed limit is. And that is a recipe for disaster."SOURCE: Transport for NSW He said they want the government to consider 'victim impact panels' where repeat driving offenders have to hear stories from families of road trauma victims to help "change their behaviour before it's too late."    He also wants more policing and average speed cameras, and for the government to highlight complacency on regional road in its safety campaigning. Inquiry submissions close on 25 July. The government is aiming to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries 30 per cent by 2030, with an "aspirational" target of zero fatalities by 2050. However, Mr Daher said he doesn't think they are on track for the 2030 target given fatalities have trended upwards recent years. Australian Road Safety Foundation's co-founder Russell White agrees and said he supports the inquiry "as long as it produces results." Road Trauma Support Group NSW interim board director Tom Daher. IMAGE: supplied"We'd want to make sure that it's not just a just a general discussion," Mr White said. "What are we doing to educate the next generation of road users? What are we doing to address work related road safety? That's especially a huge thing in the in regional NSW. "Media generally reports on the incident, but don't I think we deep dive. I don't think we ever really deep dive enough to go 'well, what's driving this?'" Mr White also said reducing road trauma shouldn't only be left to government and police. "We own the issue," he said. "Government can facilitate - and certainly there's a role in infrastructure and all that - but ultimately the community has to figure out that we own it." As at 6 June, 161 people have been killed on NSW roads in 2025, most of them men. 

Narromine topped the list of residential structural fires last winter and households across western NSW are being urged to check their smoke alarms as Fire and Rescue NSW’s annual ‘Winter Fire Safety’ campaign gets started. Ten fires broke out in residential homes in Narromine shire in 2024, the worst figures in the Western Plains, even passing Dubbo's 8 fires. "In the Narromine Local Government Area (LGA) there were 10 residential fires last winter," said Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell. "In 80-per cent of those local cases, smoke alarms weren’t present or did not activate.’’  Its why Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging the community to avoid life-threatening complacency this winter and ensure at least one working smoke alarm is fitted in every home. Last winter there were 1,039 residential fires in NSW. In 44-per cent of those cases, the home either did not have a smoke alarm or if one was present, it did not operate when the fire broke out. Across the state 12 people died and 107 others were injured in residential fires.IMAGE: Narromine Fire & Rescue Walgett had 2 fires in homes and Gilgandra 2. Mr Fewtrell has urged residents to protect lives and property by ensuring homes are each fitted with at least one smoke alarm and if there is already one installed, to make sure it’s working. “The risk of fires in our homes increases during the colder months as we seek to stay warm and cookmore hot meals in general,” Commissioner Fewtrell said. “Kitchens represented the main area for winter blazes in homes across the state last year (41.58%). “Our statistics indicate many people are being distracted in the kitchen during the winter season as ‘hu-man factors’ are by far the main cause of those fires (48.99%).IMAGE: Narromine Fire & Rescue “Keep looking while cooking," he said. “Never throw water onto a fat fire…it will flare up and make the situation worse…invest in a fire blanketand extinguisher and keep them close by. “Above all, make sure you have a smoke alarm installed nearby.“It can provide you with those crucial seconds to get everyone out of the home safely.” If you are unsure about how fire-safe your home is, you can contact your local Fire and Rescue NSW station through the FRNSW website and book a home fire safety visit. A fire crew can visit your home to provide important advice and install a 10-year smoke alarm free of charge.

Today, Saturday 7 June, the Gulargambone Show 2025 will be having a shot at their first Long Weekend event.The Show Society will squeeze plenty of action into their one day program and there's a new angle to many of the usual competitions.Classic cars on show"This year we're welcoming the Coonamble Auto Club members for the first time," said Show Society member Angus Patrick."We expect about six or eight classic vehicles to be on show for people to look at and talk about."Anyone who has a car and would like to bring it along is also very welcome. They're great conversation starters."Yard Dog TrialsThe super popular Gular Yard Dog Trials will be running for the second time with the Show."We have Junior, Local, Encouragement, Novice, Maiden and Open events," said steward Matilda Taylor."We're affiliated with NSW Yard Dogs so we're part of their overall competition and run on their rules."This year we've also started a Castlereagh Area Challenge between seven local trial venues involving places like Tooraweenah, Baradine and Mendooran."So competing in Gular you can earn points and we'll be having an overall winner by the end of the year."Their day started at 7am."We' probably have around 100 runs for the day over the two arenas," Matilda said. "We had 108 last year so we're banking on it being around the same."We'll probably go right till sundown."She says judges Adrian Newton, Ian Webber, Jake Varena and Scott Bridges are always helpful."They do give a lot of feedback, especially in the Encouragement, Local and Junior events," she said."It's a very, very supportive sport. Everyone who trials loves to answer questions."The organisers will also be running a Working Dog School on Sunday."We're doing it while we've got the yards set up," said Matilda. "It will be really good for local people, even those who don't want to go into competition, just teaching them how to use their dogs and improve their efficiency on their farm."Fancy dress for horsesIn the horse events, there'll be three rings running - for hacks, galloways and ponies - and first-time steward Georgie Kelly says there's some extra fun in store."We've introduced a new fancy dress competition for the pony ring," she said. "It's a dress-up for horse and rider so it will be fun to see what people come up with."Coonamble Shire Council have just mowed our arenas and it's all looking lovely and lush."Cleve Olsen shows how it's done at the Gulargambone Show 2024.Livestock and local participationSpectators can also get up close to the action in the cattle and sheep classes.Gulargambone's Junior Judging competition always attracts a strong contingent of regional youth, from primary school to 24 years, all keen to hone their observation and explanation skills while aiming for a share of the $500 in prizes.The Pavilion will have a feast for the eyes and keen competition for prizes in the photography, art, baking, handicrafts and vegie-growing sections.Sports Shear + Speed ShearWoodchopping demonstrations run throughout the day and one of the crowd favourites is the Sportshear competition organised by Steve Mudford.Gular has one of the best viewing arrangements with spectators seated out of the wind and weather while shearers battle it out on the raised shearing platform.Two competitions will run today.Sports Shear starts at 9am with the finals at around 4.30pm and presentations including the Brian Mudford Memorial Trophy.Tim McKenzie in the Sports Shear 2024. Gular is second off the rank in the new year of competition in the NSW Sports Shear circuit, so some of the state's top shearers will be keen to get points on the board early.Around 40 shearers will compete across four different grades.This year, between the semi-finals and the finals of the Sports Shear, at around 3pm a Speed Shear competition will also be held with the Willy Redington Memorial Trophy up for grabs."Speed Shear is slightly different," says organiser Steve Mudford. "It's more crowd spectacle based on speed and quality."The Sports Shear is more of a clean shear or 'show shear'."Prize purse this year is $5000 in the Sports Shear and $3500 in the Speed Shear, with $2000 going to the winner in each.All up, the competitors will likely shear around 400 sheep on the day, all of which are supplied by Brian Mudford's parents Noel and Norma.The Show Society will make all ages welcome with some sideshow rides, morning tea, a bar and barbecue, and market stalls.Head to Gulargambone Showground today for the Gulargambone Show 2025.

Police have charged two people following a probe into alleged supply of illegal drugs in the Bourke area. Officers attached to Central North Police District established Strike Force Hargen in April 2025 to investigate the supply in the area. Police say that they executed a search warrant at a home on Wortumertie Street in the town at about 6.30am on Tuesday 3 June. "Police located and seized, heroin, cash, cannabis, and drug paraphernalia," a police spokesperson said. "A man aged 46 and a woman aged 59 were both issued a Court Attendance Notice for possess prohibited drug." They will appear at Bourke Local Court on Thursday 7 August 2025.

Police are still looking for a man three weeks after they made a public call for his whereabouts. Police said on 15 May that Travis Hohnberg is wanted on an arrest warrant and believed he may be in the Dubbo or Narromine areas. He is described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 175 centimetres tall and about 70 kilogram, with aa medium build and brown hair. Police reappealed for information on social media on Thursday 5 June. People with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or reporting on their website.

A man is in court today (Friday 6 June) charged following an investigation into multiple break-ins and car theft throughout Western and Southern Region.Officers attached to Operation Soteria, with the assistance from Western and Sothern Region officers commenced investigations into a number of stealing, frauds, aggravated break and enters, a vehicle fire, and a stolen car in Lake Cargelligo, West Wyalong, Griffith, Cobar and Leeton areas.About 10.15am yesterday (Thursday 5 June 2025), police attended a home on Cunningham Street, Condobolin, and arrested an 18-year-old man.A short time later, police executed a search warrant at a home on Lorne Street, Lake Cargelligo, and seized a wallet.The man was taken to Condobolin Police Station and charged with:dishonestly obtain property by deceptionbe carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner (five counts)aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-people there (seven counts)steal motor vehicledestroy or damage propertylarceny valueEnter dwelling with intent (steal)contravene prohibition/restriction in apprehended violence order (Domestic), andbreach of bail.He was refused bail to appear at Parkes Local Court today (Friday 6 June 2025).

An interim report into regional youth crime has recommended that the NSW government prioritise locally-managed and delivered intervention programs for young people at risk of offending. The report, released on 29 May by the Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety, probes the drivers of youth crime and made 19 recommendations including "sustained investment in targeted, place-based early intervention programs," including for young women. "Overwhelmingly, the evidence tells us that early intervention is the most effective way to prevent young people from engaging in criminal behaviour," committee chair Edmond Atalla said in the report. "We must be guided by what the evidence tells us works."Tough-on-crime approaches may seem appealing, but they won't deliver lasting change for communities – smart, evidence-based strategies will." The report recommended that the government prioritise funding for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to deliver early intervention for First Nations youth. It also found that a lack of coordination between organisations providing programs for at-risk young people can lead to "critical" support gaps.  Walgett Police Station. The inquiry held hearings in Bourke, Broken Hill last year. IMAGE: Western Plains AppIt said the government should help to map services in rural communities to find and fill gaps. The Safer Coonamble Group (SCG) made a submission to the Inquiry, calling for more accountability from funded agencies saying they are tired of 'ghost services' who are largely absent on the ground but continue to attract funding. SCG president Dennis Glover welcomed the recommendation on community-led programs, although he said much of the report's content is old news. "I think they already know their problems. They've already identified their problems. This is rehashing old things. They should have had them written down by now," Mr Glover said. "Every town is totally different, and run different. So, you need to have control of your own programs. "Everyone goes into the same funding pool and everyone's fighting for the same thing, but you might get ten organisations in the one town that are trying to do the same thing. We need to all work together." The government is due to respond to the report by 29 November 2025. The Far West and Orana region, which includes most Western Plains shires, generally sees higher rates for serious offences than the NSW average. NSW police minister Yasmin Catley said police have been tackling regional youth offending through Operation Soteria, which launched in March 2025. "Not only does Soteria target offending, it also has a strong emphasis on the diversion," Minister Catley said during Parliamentary Question Time on the same day as the report's release. "We’re also continuing to roll out important justice reinvestment grants to fund programs that keep kids away from the criminal justice system. "We know there’s more to do – we’re not blind to the challenges. This is difficult work, and we are committed to making sure communities feel safe." The parliamentary inquiry was established in early 2024 and is slated to release its final report by early 2026.