For his major milestone birthdays, long-serving Warrumbungle Shire councillor, Baradine farmer and local identity Denis Todd has created a tradition of using his private celebration to give back to the community he loves.  This year, for his 80th birthday, he raised $18,360 for a number of local groups, with the money being handed over recently at a gathering in Baradine Library.  "That's the third one of them. It went quite well," said Mr Todd with quiet understatement. For his 60th birthday, Dennis raised $14,000 for the Flying Doctor and for his 70th $8,000 for the memorial hall.  "This time, we're giving some more to the hall to put in a new hot water system in the kitchen," his partner Evelyn Hampton said.  The money was donated by the over 100 guests at his birthday party on 8 June, with others unable to attend still contributing to his birthday chest. "Some of them made quite substantial donations. We are exceptionally grateful to the very generous people." said Ms Hampton. Baradine Aged Care, the Hospital Auxiliary, and the Memorial Hall Committee each received $6,000.  Ms Hampton believes all these local groups play a vital role in the community.  "If it weren't for aged, we wouldn't have a doctor," she said, as the aged care facility in Baradine owns the doctor's surgery. .  "The doctor gets a free house. They pay for the maintenance, insurance, upkeep of the surgery, and new equipment." Ms Hampton said the Hospital Auxiliary ensures the patient's welfare by providing them access to entertainment equipment. She hopes that the money fundraised during her partner's birthday will go towards buying smart TVs for acute care.  "It takes a lot of cake stalls to raise $6,000," she said.The remaining $360 went towards a four-burner barbeque for the new nurses' quarters in hopes of attracting and retaining staff.  "Summer is coming up and it would be nice to have a communal garden for the nurses," Ms Hampton said.  She hopes the money will attract and retain more nursing staff.  "We're really reliant on agency staff. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be able to operate."  

Nyngan Community Hub and Nyngan Health Council have come together to host a “Welcome to Nyngan” session in the hopes of bringing together new residents to the town and to share the services the town has to offer.  The evening will take place on September 12 at the Bogan Youth and Community Centre commencing at 5.45pm, with catering on offer.  Nyngan Health Service initiated the idea following the arrival of new staff to the hospital sector. Upon discussion, it was discovered other businesses also had new staff and it would be a great idea for the whole town to become involved, so Community Hub jumped in.  “Following a discussion at a regular Multi-Purpose Service working group meeting, the idea was discussed to have such an event but unfortunately no takers to run it,” said Jenny Griffiths Manager Nyngan Health Service. “Nyngan Health Service jumped in, and with the number of new nurses and their families that had moved into town we felt it was a great idea.” “The Community Hub are co-hosting the event and have some great contacts and are working hard at getting support from local groups and organisations,” Mrs Griffiths said. “There is so much available in our community we just needed someone to look. The Health Council want to welcome the new staff and the families and other new people to town and show them what our community has to offer,” she said.  The Community Hub, a Red Cross initiative, is, as the name describes, a hub for everyone in the small town to go to for information, assistance or help in any way.  PHOTO: Jenny Griffith  Nyngan Health Service Manager Run by Nyngan local Wendy Beetson, the Hub can be seen out and about in the town, running or attending events and collaborating with other organisations.  “The Community Hub is very happy to be collaborating with the Nyngan Health Council to welcome new residents to our town and shire,” said Mrs Beetson.“We have many new people making Nyngan their home, including some from different cultures and traditions. The welcome evening is a lovely way to help people settle in and get connected to community in an informal and friendly setting,” she said.

People in rural areas are more likely to delay seeking medical care leading to more grievous health issues down the line, figures released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare have shown. In 2021-22, 3816 potentially preventable hospitalisations were recorded per 100,000 people in the 'Bourke - Cobar - Coonamble' statistical area, which includes, Nyngan, Warren, and Walgett. In the 'Dubbo' statistical area, which includes Gilgandra, Narromine, and Coonabarabran, 2628 potential preventable hospitalisations were recorded per 100,000 people. By comparison, the highest rate among the Sydney statistical areas was 'Eastern Suburbs - South' with a total of 2,350 per 100,000 people.National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Suis Tegen said the data shows many illnesses in rural Australia could have been prevented with better access to primary care. “We often see rural communities neglecting or putting off their health issues due to limited access to primary care, exacerbated by the tyranny of distance and cost of services.”“This leads to a cascade of problems, including overwhelming an already strained hospital and emergency system,” Ms Tegan said. John Fetuani, CEO of the Bourke Aboriginal Corporate Health Service (BACHS) said distance is one of the main factors but there can be a multitude of reasons why people in rural and remote areas put off seeking medical care.“One significant reason is the perception that their symptoms are minor or something they can manage at home.“Another contributing factor is the lack of awareness or understanding of the severity of certain illnesses, like whooping cough, which can be mistakenly seen as a minor issue rather than a serious condition requiring medical attention," he said.“Additionally, there is a level of mistrust in the healthcare system among many Aboriginal people, rooted in historical experiences of discrimination and a lack of culturally appropriate care.“This mistrust can make individuals hesitant to engage with health services unless absolutely necessary.”John Fetuani, BACHS CEO Photo: LinkedInRegardless of the reason, Mr Fetuani said the impact can be severe. “When individuals put off seeking treatment, conditions that could have been managed or treated early often become more severe leading to worse health outcomes.“For example, in the case of whooping cough, delaying treatment not only puts the individual at greater risk but increases the likelihood of the illness spreading within the community, particularly among vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.“This can lead to more significant health crises that strain the already limited healthcare resources in remote areas,” Mr Fetuani said. The solution to more proactive medical care lies in comprehensive health education and delivering culturally sensitive care, according to the BACHS CEO. “By increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of serious illnesses and educating the community on the importance of early medical intervention, we can reduce the likelihood of individuals delaying care," he said.“Additionally, improving access to healthcare by providing more local services and ensuring that care is culturally sensitive and respectful can help build trust within the community.” Ms Tegen also advocated for more funding to go towards healthcare in remote areas. “We strongly advocate for greater investment in rural health care for communities which enable multidisciplinary and place-based solutions according to needs.”

 The residents of Warren Shire now have access to four new or improved facilities. Yesterday Mayor Milton Quigley, MP Roy Butler, Warren Shire councillors, and some community members welcomed the upgrades to the Warren Airport, at the racecourse, Ewenmar waste depot, and an augmentation to the bore flat water supply.  The Ewenmar waste depot project saw the addition of a structure that allows visitors to load their general waste into a small truck from overhead, as opposed to going down to the pit which can become muddy and dangerous.  The council will then empty the truck as it begins to fill up. "Warren was one of the last waste facilities where people were able to tip at the pit, which had significant risk associated with it," Councillor Andrew Brewer, who is part of the economic development and promotions committee said.  The changes will allow the waste depot to be kept open even during wet weather. It took the Warren Shire Council less than a year to finalise the changes.  It will also reduce the delivery of unaccepted waste items, such as tires, chemicals, and materials that belong in recycling.  Project costs for the Ewenmar waste facility totalled $340,000.  Around $155,000 of the funding comes from an Environment Protection Authority grant, as part of the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative. Airport investmentUpgrades to Warren Airport have been around five years in the making.  The original building constructed in 1960 did not meet modern comfort standards, according to the Warren Shire Council. Yesterday saw the official opening of the brand new building after the demolition of the old building last year, along with work on the runaways, taxiways, and aprons, the installation of a backup generator for the runway lighting, drainage improvements, and an automatic weather station.  "We've also put a fuel tank there so aircrafts can refuel in Warren. That was always a problem," Cr Brewer said.  The new Warren Airport Terminal Building. Supplied by Warren Shire CouncilThe upgrades will benefit services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, aero medical services, air freight services, charter operations, aerial firefighting for NSW Rural Fire Services, and the private aviation community.  The new building also features additional amenities, including showers, toilets, a kitchen, a meeting room, and offices.  Cr Brewer said they are the types of upgrades that will entice a Bankstown flying school to come out and do training there.  The Airforce already flies out from Newcastle regularly to have training sessions on the bitumen and gravel runways.  The Warren Airport Improvement Facilities project received $2.37 million in grant funding from the NSW Government's Drought Stimulus Package, $185,000 of the funding went towards the terminal building upgrades. And they're racing! The Falkiner Lounge at the racecourse also saw a general makeover with automatic doors, air conditioning, and carpets. Guests now also have a more accessible entry thanks to a ramp that was installed. Final GB Falkiner Lounge. Photo supplied by Warren Shire CouncilLast year, the Warren Shire Council also updated the equestrian facility at the race track but saved the official opening for this week. "These projects represent our commitment to creating a more modern, useable, inclusive, and safe Warren Showground Racecourse Complex for our nine different user groups and their guests," Mayor Quigley said.  "The arena has been amazing for the pony club," Kate Barclay from the local riding group said.  The project was supported by $3.6 million in grants and in-kind donations.  The Council is still finalising exclusion fencing at the racecourse to keep out kangaroos and other wildlife through the NSW Showground Stimulus Program. Improved firefighting capacity Warren's firefighting capability also improved thanks to the augmentation to bore flat water supply which is now linked to the river water system if needed in times of drought.  A new 2.5 km pipeline will move water between the Bore Flat and Ellengerah bore fields.  "The last drought we went very close to having to evacuate the hospital because there was no firefighting capability on that side of the river because the river was so low," Cr Brewer said.  "By doing this we drought proofed the firefighting capability inside the levy bank."  Bore Flat Tanks. Supplied by Warren Shire CouncilAdditionally, there are three new crossover connection points along the town's existing pipelines that when opened allow the transfer of bore water into the river pipeline for firefighters to source in an emergency. Control devices ensure that no untreated river water enters the bore mains.  "Providing a greater connection between the two bore fields along with new storage and state-of-the-art chlorination systems that purify the water onsite is also a major win for our residents," Mayor Quigley said.  Cr Brewer said it's been fulfilling to see these projects come to a close at the end of this council's term.  "It's really good to look back and see projects that we started years ago come to fruition and make significant improvements to the town." 

Police have declared a home in Coonamble safe following a bomb scare over what turned out to be a vest used for paintball.Tape restricting traffic at the intersections between McMahon and Railway streets was lifted on yesterday afternoon, although the Western Plains App observed two police vehicles still outside the property at around 6:45pm yesterday."The home on McMahon Street, Coonamble, has been deemed safe following a police operation and inquiries are being made into a vest that is utilised as a paintball/airsoft vest," a police spokesperson said. Emergency services were called to the property at yesterday morning after a man found what appeared to be a tactical vest with plastic tubes in the container. The owner of the property told the Western Plains App he went to investigate when he noticed the container was welded shut. The paintball/airsoft vest which sparked a bomb scare in Coonamble. IMAGE: supplied"That’s what peaked my curiosity," he said. "You don't weld a shipping container unless you're hiding something."I cut it open with an angle grinder."A precautionary exclusion zone was set up and specialist officers attended the site, although a spokesperson was unable to confirm whether a specialist Rescue & Bomb Disposal Unit had been called in.

Regional air travellers using Regional Express (Rex) Airlines are still safe from cancellations, thanks to a flight guarantee from the Albanese Government on Thursday 15 August.The guarantee ensures that Rex flights either go through or passengers get their money back.The arrangement covers all regional flights with Rex. Regional airports in NSW that Rex services include Parkes, Dubbo, and Armidale. The company entered voluntary administration on 30 July and cancelled flights between major cities.The voluntary administrators for Rex Airlines are Samuel Freeman, Justin Walsh, and Adam Nikitins from Ernst & Young Australia (EY Australia). Despite Rex Airlines vowing to continue to service regional areas, the process sparked fears that regional routes would be cut.“It has the potential to have fairly large impacts but those questions won’t be answered until the administrator determines if they can sell the operation or keep it going," a spokesperson for AirLink Airlines said.“I think if Rex were wound up then it would have a big impact on regional areas because there would be less competition."“It really comes down to what happens after the administration period,” the spokesperson said. In the Western Plains, Bourke, Lightning Ridge, and Walgett are served by AirLink out of Dubbo where flights connect with QantasLink and Rex services to other regional centres and major cities.The company says the administrative process has not affected them so far but they are concerned about what the end of Rex Airlines could mean to regional NSW. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said in a press release that she hopes the guarantee will keep up the demand for regional flights. “This will give customers the confidence to continue booking regional flights with Rex, flights that allow them to stay connected with family, friends, healthcare, and other services, while also helping to maintain regional aviation in Australia."Besides AirLink, Fly Pelican is also active in the Western Plains region, servicing Cobar. 

Baradine Central School says a recent visit from NSW Department of Education officials has proved to be beneficial. Murat Dizdar, NSW Department of Education Secretary, paid a visit to the school to meet with and have discussions with teaching staff. The visit was part of a whirlwind road trip around rural and regional schools in north west NSW.  Mr Dizdar visited a total of six schools over two days to hear directly from the ground about local issues.  School principal, Chris Clarke, said the meeting encompassed discussion on leadership, current operations and the school's past successes and future challenges. “Mr Dizdar was interested to learn about the school's unique context including the farm and agricultural program with its cattle and sheep breeding operations,” she said.“We also talked about the school's approaching sesqui-centenary in 2026 and he took great interest in viewing historical images of the school taken in 1918. “He was impressed with the inclusive opportunities our small school has provided to our secondary students over recent years, including interstate excursions to Uluru, the Barrier Reef and Tasmania, along with the 2020 excursion to Canada. All these were done as a result of considerable community fundraising to minimise costs to students.”Mr Dizdar and Mrs Clarke with studentsMrs Clarke said that some indication was given on how the department might support the school in the future. “Mr Dizdar talked about the implementation of a new curriculum across primary and secondary with a broad range of supports for schools,” she added.  “There were also indications of likely support with some infrastructure works to support programs for students with complex needs.“He took the opportunity to interact with primary students at morning lines and with secondary students in the playground. All round it was a visit that resulted in some very positive vibes.”Mr Dizdar said he was excited to get on the road with his executive team and connect with schools in regional New South Wales.“It was a great opportunity to discuss our shared priorities for supporting student outcomes,” he said. “Staff attendance at these events was important in ensuring that we heard diverse perspectives and understand how the department can support the needs of schools in rural and regional areas effectively.“It was fantastic to visit Baradine Central School, which has served the community for almost 150 years. I spoke with students and staff as well as reconnected with the Rural Cafe students.“Christine Clarke and her students have a 100-acre agricultural plot with prize winning cattle. Top work!”

Police are still investigating whether an item found in a shipping container in Coonamble is a bomb.Emergency services were called to a property on Railway Street this morning after a man found what appeared to be a tactical vest with plastic tubes in the container.  While a Police spokesperson confirmed an operation is underway, they were unable to confirm whether a specialist Rescue & Bomb Disposal Unit has been called in."Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District, along with specialist officers are in attendance,” they said."An exclusion zone is in place as a precaution and members of the public are advised to avoid the area. "No further information is available at this time."The entry into Railway Street from McMahon Street is also tapped off. The Western Plains App observed police, fire and ambulance services at the scene.Emergency service vehicles in Railway Street, Coonamble this morning. PHOTO: River McCrossenThe owner told The Western Plains App he went to investigate when he noticed the container was welded shut. "That’s what peaked my curiosity," he said. "You don't weld a shipping container unless you're hiding something."I cut it open with an angle grinder." At time of writing, the road is still closed in both directions at the intersection of Railway and McMahon streets, with police, fire and ambulance services at the scene. 

The battle to keep the Macquarie Marshes mining-free is not yet over.Despite a rejection of the Australian Consolidated Gold Holdings’ approval to undertake exploratory drilling for copper and gold in the wetland reserve, the company has a second chance to answer the Natural Resources Regulator's questions and submit further evidence in support of their application. With the deadline set for tomorrow afternoon (Friday 23 August), local landholders and environment groups who have vehemently opposed the proposed drilling are on tenterhooks waiting for an outcome.The exploration activity was initially approved in April of this year. The application was overturned on 25 July, to the relief of landholders and the NSW Nature Conservation Council (NCC). The NSW Resources Regulator claimed that they were not provided with all the relevant and accurate information, making that decision was invalid. “Accordingly, the prospecting approvals (APOs) have been voided and have no legal effect,” a spokesperson for NSW Resources said.  “In order to provide procedural fairness, the applicant has been given the opportunity to provide further information for assessment by the Resources Regulator,” the spokesperson added. Macquarie Marshes IMAGE: Leanne HallInitially the company were given ten days to provide additional information, then a second deadline was set for this Friday 23 August.Landholders at the proposed site, Garry and Leanne Hall, say they’re “in a bit of a holding pattern” while they wait to see what is revealed.“We’re just expecting an answer, an outcome or a response after Friday,” Mrs Hall told the Coonamble Times.“There’s nothing we can do because we don’t know which way it’s going to go.” The proposed drilling attracted widespread interest from environment groups stunned at the initial approval.They too are now waiting to see what the Resources Regulator does next.“We would have preferred the government to ban mining exploration in the wetlands,” Water Campaigner Mel Grey from the NCC said. “It’s disappointing that they didn’t but if they do try again, they must do an environmental impact statement and the community will be very engaged in that process.” The drilling site would be right next to the Ramsar-listed, protected nature reserve. The Macquarie Marshes is one of the largest remaining semi-permanent wetlands in Southern Australia and a vital space for wildlife, such as brolgas, magpie geese, painted snipe, and many more species. The Marshes and the Macquarie River also serve as a nursery for native fish.Opponents say drilling could cause irreparable damage to the wetlands.

A NSW parliamentary inquiry has found smaller rural councils and businesses struggled to access two grant programs meant for regional development. On 7 August the Legislative Assembly Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development tabled the report from its inquiry into the performance of the Regional Investment Activation Fund (RIAF) and the Regional Job Creation Fund (RJCF). In 2020, a combined $350 million in public money was allocated to the funds to support job and industry creation. The report said the grants achieved "value for money," but presented barriers for small businesses. It found that coastal areas and "existing regional growth hubs" like the Dubbo and Wagga Wagga local government areas dominated applications and made up most of the funding granted. "The Committee acknowledges that a range of factors could contribute to the large number of applications concentrated in some areas," the report said. "However, this unequal geographical distribution should only be acceptable when businesses in all regions have equal awareness of grant programs and equal access to support." Warrumbungle Shire Council made a submission to the inquiry. "It might be possible that most applications to RJCF and RIAF were based in existing regional growth hubs and coastal areas because these areas had more regional development teams and resources." The report also found the funds' eligibility criteria, which in their second round ruled out businesses with primary operations in hospitality, retail, localised trades and administrative services that serve only the local or regional community, was too restrictive. Both funds were paused in April 2023 while the NSW Government undertook a government spending review. Funding was withdrawn from them in the 2023-24 NSW budget. The inquiry was self-referred to the committee on 21 August 2023 and held hearings in Sydney in December 2023 and Wagga Wagga in February 2024. It was tasked with probing the allocation and administration of the funds, as well as "opportunities for regional and metropolitan councils to work together to promote productivity and economic development." Warrumbungle Shire Council made one of 39 submissions to the inquiry. Warrumbungle Shire's Director of Environment and Development Services, Leeanne Ryan. IMAGE: WSC Shire Director of Environment and Development Services, Leeanne Ryan, said the joint funding requirements were difficult for small businesses and rural councils to meet.  "They generally don't have strong economic strength to have readily available funds to pool into a 50% co-fund," she said in the submission, dated 27 October 2023. "The co-funding requirement should be lessened or negotiated for future funds. The funding bodies could also consider lowering the minimum funding requirement to allow smaller industries to apply."She also said her shire may be deemed too far away to attract metropolitan businesses to expand there. "With competition from regional LGAs such as Tamworth, Dubbo and Mid-Western it is unlikley that our LGA would be an attractive alternative," Ms Ryan said "Council suggests that future funding be offered with criteria that successful applications must include business expansion into a smaller rural LGA to assist rural growth, effectively moving the continual expansion away from the already profitable larger regional centres." The 112-page report made over 16 recommendations, including that the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development invest in retaining staff in regional NSW to better maintain institutional knowledge of local businesses and communities. It also recommended that the department streamline and simplify paperwork required from applicants. 

Lachlan Shire's Ward E will go to a by-election after the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) confirmed that only one candidate was accepted for the area. Under election rules, if a ward or council does not field enough candidates to fill all seats, the vacancies need to be filled at a by-election.   Lachlan's five wards are allotted two seats each. Resident Judith Bartholomew said she had nominated before the 12pm deadline on August 14 for Ward E, but had had her application rejected. "It wasn't until 4:30 in the afternoon on Wednesday that I got an email saying it was rejected," she said. "I'm feeling a little bit disappointed. "But I'll definitely be going for the by-election."Just over 6000 people live in Lachlan Shire, around 2500 in Condobolin. IMAGE: NSW Government A NSWEC spokesperson said they cannot speak to individual nominations, "but can say that nominations must have been validly completed by the close of the nomination period to be accepted." "If a nomination were ultimately found to be defective, the candidate or their representative or the Registered Officer (or Deputy Registered Officer) as appropriate, was informed where time permitted. It was then their responsibility to rectify and re-lodge any defective nomination by 12noon, nomination day," the spokesperson said. "At all elections, It is recommended that all nominations are lodged as early as possible so that any defects, which may be found during the checking process, can be fixed in time. "If compliance with the necessary requirements was not met by 12noon nomination day, the nomination was rejected."In Lachlan Shire, Ward C covers a portion of Condobolin township and an area to the south west. SOURCE: NSWECAll other wards in the shire, barring Ward C, will have no election since they had two nominations. In Lachlan's case, if only two candidates are running in a ward, the candidates go through and there is no contest. Ward C voters will have a choice between three candidates: Juanita Wighton, Thomas Macartney and Peter Harris. Lachlan Shire Council declined to comment about the upcoming by-election. Lachlan isn't the only shire to not hold contests this election. Warren Shire voters will also not go to the polls in Wards A, B and D, which require more than three candidates to hold contest.Ward C in Warren Shire encompasses much of the Warren township. SOURCE: NSWEC In Warren's Ward C, there were five candidates: Dwyn Davis, David Cleasby, Joanne Van Eldonk, Roslyn Jackson and Mark Kelly. Cobar and Warrumbungle shires won't hold a race at all, with only just enough candidates accepted to fill all seats. 

Warren Chamber Music Festival Artistic Director Frances Evans had the time of her life recently as she represented the committee and community of Warren at the APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards 2024 at The Malthouse in Melbourne on Wednesday 14 August.  Following her own nomination in July for Excellence in a regional area, Mrs Evans was thrilled to champion the Warren Chamber Music Festival and the work of the local musicians recognised on a national platform.One of only four finalists in the national awards for Art Music in Australia, Mrs Evans said she was "pleased and honoured" to be amongst the nominees on the night.While the group did not take away the win, Mrs Evans could not be prouder of the music they are producing and the recognition they have received. Frances was nominated for her work leading the Warren Chamber Music Festival, directing the SING Warren choir and co-ordinating the Symphonia Jubilee Outback youth orchestra.“My name is listed on the nomination but I'm counting it as recognition in general for our festival's incredible efforts to bring inspiring, empowering and educational concerts to rural NSW,” Mrs. Evans told Western Plains App. “There was stiff competition from across the country in our category - because of course there are some fantastic regional tours out there. "It was an eye-opening night."I was incredibly pleased to represent the Warren Chamber Music Festival committee and community in Melbourne. I had a great night catching up with colleagues and friends!   The Warren Chamber Music Festival facilitates a biennial festival which includes a series of world class concerts, workshops and rural school’s performances.    “The WCMF is committed to providing unique and lovable programs that will entertain and inspire our audiences. We are equally committed to providing truly rural hospitality and services experiences for our guest musicians. There is plenty to celebrate in our region and all past musicians have loved it and always request a return visit,” she said.  “It has been an extremely rewarding experience to work with some of the country's most treasured musicians and composers to facilitate truly world class concerts in the Warren Shire,” said Mrs. Evans. “My hope is that funding bodies continue to support great music making in rural Australia!” With only a small committee of five people, the group continues to produce music opportunities for Warren and surrounding areas that patrons would otherwise have to travel to partake in.  She acknowledged committee members Marieanne Noonan, Phil Leman, John Burke and Rod Sandell, as well as "all the performers that have crossed the seemingly huge gap between city and bush to perform and share."  “We are currently working hard on next year’s festival so watch out for the 2025 'Be Inspired' major festival event which will be star studded with world class musicians! 28 April - 4 May 2025 only in the Warren Shire,” said Mrs. Francis  

A man will face court following an investigation into multiple break and enters in Bourke over the weekend. Police say a man tried to enter several rooms at a motel on Mertin Street at about 2am on Sunday 18 August 2024 before he entered two rooms and stole a wallet. Following inquiries, at about 1pm the next day police attended a home on Adelaide Street and arrested a 38-year-old man. He was taken to Bourke Police Station and charged with: Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-people there.Aggravated break and enter with intent-knowing person there.Two counts of break and enter dwelling-house with intent. The man was refused bail and appeared at Bourke Local Court today, where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Thursday 24 October 2024.

Farmers along the Narromine to Narrabri (N2N) corridor of the Inland Rail are concerned about the impact of land acquisition by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).For Gulargambone farmer Willow (not real name), the Inland Rail project expected to run through her property has "dominated" life for the last few years. She doesn't know how much she and her partner may receive by way of financial compensation, although they say the money isn't the issue. Her real concern is for the habitat on her farm and how construction of the rail line will impact them.The approximate 1700km freight line will run through woodlands of Weeping Myall trees on her land, listed by the Australian Government as endangered since January 2009."They're beautiful trees, but they're (the ARTC) not listening," Willow said of her attempts to communicate her concerns."They'd have to change where the line was going to be, and it's got to be between Melbourne and Brisbane in 24 hours or else it won't be feasible. That's their attitude."Even an environmental issue like that is not important to them."The N2N section of Inland Rail is currently planned to run east of Gulargambone between the Castlereagh River and the Warrumbungle Mountains. ARTC has been contacting local landholders to gain access to land, although the company can 'compulsorily acquire' it if push comes to shove. Willow said that's been a source of stress, especially with a revolving door of stakeholder engagement personnel over the years who she's had to explain the same concerns to.For her, consultation has largely been a box-ticking exercise. "In today's world consultation is expected. I mean, it sounds better, doesn't it?"It's been going on so long and there have been so many changes of staff over that time that it's hard to really develop a relationship with anyone."They're a government body. In the long run, what they want will happen," she said, noting other landholders had buckled under the stress from the acquisition process and sold their properties.Ponding could be an issueLandowners have consistently raised concerns around potential ponding on the eastern side of the line, which will affect a myriad of ephemeral creeks and swamps that carry water from the Warrumbungles into the Castlereagh River.One of them is Gulargambone landowner Sandra Winsor who previously owned land close to the planned line. She said the Gilgai biomes between the mountains and the river are integral to local land function. "Hydrology should just not be messed with in this way. That’s why they built the existing line on the western side of the river a century ago. Not one creek enters the river from the west and drainage patterns were not jeopardised. Obviously we had smarter engineers in 1903," Sandra said."Failing to mitigate properly below culverts is going to cause ongoing erosion. We only have to look at what happened between Narrabri and Moree for examples of how they can get it so wrong."If contouring in spill zones is not right, entire Gilgai systems will miss out on being filled up and the country below just won’t function as it should.“Inland rail have assessed this route from a desktop review, they do not understand the intricacies of Gilgai systems.”"They keep saying 'but we're putting culverts in to let the water through,' but that's going to concentrate all of that water but then they don't spread it properly, you only have to look at the plan to see that."She also fears the route will destroy old Aboriginal walking tracks known as songlines and modified 'scar trees,' including Memsie, Fergusons, Yarrandale and Boxridge roads."Thousands of years of history in the form of culturally modified trees and camps, signposts in this country depicting how the land works, how drainage lines work, high ground , where to camp, all of these signposts are there," Sandra said."Yet it’s all being ticked off and approved to ‘plough through’ from Google Earth desktop reviews. "I honestly don’t know why we are having this conversation when there is an existing corridor. It's economics over environment again."An impacts assessment on the N2N published in February 2023 by the then NSW Department of Planning and Environment identified 152 Aboriginal heritage sites with "high social significance" throughout the project site. It also said it expects impacts to cultural heritage values, with the "potential loss" of heritage sites. The report said limited field surveys had been carried out, including desktop surveys, searches on heritage database the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System, consultation with Aboriginal groups and, where possible, site walk-overs. In their latest update, the Inland Rail team say they "are working very hard to achieve voluntary agreements negotiated in a fair, transparent and well-informed manner."We are committed to ensuring all parties are informed and supported throughout the voluntary acquisition negotiations."Compensation for land acquisition expenses are governed by the New South Wales Government’s Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.*A journalist has reached out to the ARTC for comment but had not yet received a response at the time of publication.

Baradine Show committee members are delighted that their concerns that next year’s event could be cancelled have been ousted.  The formation of a new executive committee at the Baradine Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural (P.A.& H) Society’s special meeting held last Wednesday has excited members. “The annual Baradine Show is the town’s longest running community event and there were concerns that nobody would step up to take on executive positions for the next twelve months,” said retiring president, Lauren Harris. “All community groups are facing the same problem of not enough volunteers because there has been such a significant decline, particularly when it comes to young people. “There is no doubt that the president, secretary and treasurer have the greatest workload organising the annual show, so we are all very pleased with this result and appreciate the enthusiasm and commitment being shown by our members.” Stephen Coe takes on the position of Baradine P.A & H president, with Tazia Nagy as secretary, Jess Taylor treasurer and vice-presidents Josh Evans and Corey Brand. Members expressed their appreciation and thanks to the outgoing president, Lauren Harris for her five-year term. “As we all know, it takes a lot of time and commitment by volunteers to run an agricultural show every year,” added Lauren. “We had a very successful show this year due once again to all our valued volunteers. “Now we have overcome the challenge of establishing a new committee, we seem to have got the right momentum heading towards more success with the 2025 show.”

A man was flown to hospital in Newcastle after he was injured by a fallen tree in Dunedoo yesterday. The man's partner called emergency services to bushland on a property on the Castlereagh Highway that morning. NSW Ambulance confirmed two ambulance crews arrived along with a single responder paramedic and treated the man in his 30s for multiple injuries. "Around 10am, on Sunday 18 August, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter (WRH) was tasked by NSW Ambulance to assist a man who was injured by a fallen tree," a WRH spokesperson said. The paramedics and the helicopter's critical care team treated the man before he was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. The Hunter New England Local Health District confirm he is in a stable condition. 

Three western councils have come home from the Local Government Week Awards with new trophies to add to their collections. The highly coveted awards, which took place in Sydney on August 1, celebrate councils that demonstrate excellence across a range of categories, such as arts and culture, events, communications and planning.The awards are an opportunity for councils to showcase and celebrate successful projects, campaigns and plans that have significantly benefited their communities. All councils across the state were up for the awards and local wins for Coonamble Shire, Walgett Shire and Gilgandra Shire represent fitting recognition for the work of staff. Coonamble Shire Council won the RH Dougherty Event and Communication Local Government Week Award for its hugely popular Winter Fest Out West.The two-day event featured a 20mx10m synthetic "ice" rink being set up at the Coonamble Showground. Adding to the fun were snow machines and supporting food and market stalls. Council reports that more than 1200 individual skating sessions took place, representing huge participation from across the shire and beyond. General Manager Paul Gallagher said he was delighted that Council, local businesses and service organisations were able to work together to deliver this event to the community. “This was one of the most joyous community events I have seen, with so many children and their families smiling and genuinely enjoying themselves,” Mr Gallagher said. Maddi Ward, Tourism and Events Officer for Coonamble Shire Council said the project was funded from a post covid program that was all about reconnecting regional communities."We were really fortunate to be able to hold Winter Fest for the first time," she said. "It was a great event and we'd love to do make it even bigger, as long as we can find some additional funding."Also receiving recognition was Walgett Shire Council who won the Best Local Youth Week Program section for their Youth Week program in April.The program involved Fun Days and Youth Expression Sessions and was replicated across Walgett, Collarenebri and Lightning Ridge. "To be selected from Shires across the state really shows that the dedication of our youth team is first class," Walgett Shire Council General Manager, Megan Dixon said. "Youth services are a very important part of council's delivery." Gilgandra Shire came home with the Arts and Culture Project Award (population less than 30,000 people) for The Meeting Place Project - Joy Trudgett Gallery. This project as the newest addition to Gilgandra Region's Cultural Precinct and was developed in consultation with the Gilgandra aboriginal stakeholder group as well as MGNSW Advisor Kylie Moppett who drove the project elements and stories. 'The Meeting Place', is an Aboriginal experience that provides a place of connection in the region. The project involves completion of a yarn circle and fire pit for night-time story-telling and a garden. An art and educational area allows it to be a hands-on experience for visitors.Local Government NSW President Darriea Turley congratulated all the award recipients and nominees. “As the peak body for local government in NSW, we are so proud to showcase the wonderful work our NSW councils are doing right across the state for the benefit of their communities,” Cr Turley said. “These awards – as well as Local Government Week – have once again demonstrated how councils have gone above and beyond in what has been another particularly challenging year for many. Whether it be rural, regional or metropolitan areas, it is local government that is on the ground at the frontline, keeping the heart of their communities beating.” 

Not filling out the ballot paper can be a deliberate act, even a political statement.But local adult literacy teacher Gail Turnbull says there might be another reason the paper comes back blank - the voter couldn't read it. "Just turning up to a polling booth is very daunting, let alone knowing how to fill it out," she said.It's unknown how many invalid votes are due to low literacy, although the Literacy For Life Foundation estimate at least 40 per cent of Aboriginal adults in the western plains have low literacy. Studies for adult literacy levels in Australia over the last 20 years use different methodologies and definitions, so it is difficult to find comparable statistics between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.However, levels are generally considered lower among Indigenous people. A UNSW household survey of 1177 Indigenous Australians who self-reported their literacy levels, published in 2021, also found 68 per cent of them had "low or very low" literary. Three per cent reported no literacy at all. Jack Beetson, Literacy for Life Foundation. Photo: Joy Lai, courtesy State Library NSW.Literacy for Life Executive Director Jack Beetson, originally from Nyngan and Brewarrina, said low-literacy is blocking people from taking part in the election process."It prevents people from enrolling because they can't fill out the form, they can't read the form," Mr Beetson said. "When you have very low literacy, like many in our (Indigenous) community do, you will also have very low comprehension of ideas and how important it might be to vote. So, literacy cuts into pretty much everything."Voters can ask for help from election officials at the polling booth, although Mr Beetson says embarrassment may get in the way."If they even are brave enough to go in just so they avoid a fine, they quite often won't ask anyone to help because they're embarrassed at not being able to read and write," he said.Voting in the NSW Local Government elections is compulsory for everyone on the electoral roll, with a $55 fine for failing to vote. In the 2021 NSW local government elections, almost 85 per cent of around 4,860,000 eligible voters took part, with 5.5 per cent of votes recorded as invalid, or 'informal.' "Any elector who needs help casting their vote can take a friend or relative with them, or can seek assistance from an election official at a polling place," the NSW Electoral Commission spokesperson said. "Election officials can help mark ballot papers if requested, or put completed ballot papers into the ballot box."We provide an easy read guide and explainer animations to guide people through the process of voting both in person and postal voting."The spokesperson said telephone-assisted voting is available to blind or vision-impaired people, although they confirmed it can't be used by people with low literacy.Polling places can be intimidating for people with low literacy.Gail said how-to-vote sessions and more Indigenous people manning polling booths could encourage low-literacy people to ask for help at the booth and fill out the ballot.Mr Beetson also said a fine exemption for Indigenous people may also increase participation."For a lot of people, I know that their biggest fear is forgetting about it and getting fined, and when you've got people with a very small amount of disposable income that actually becomes the other consideration."So, it might be in order to get Aboriginal people to want to vote is to remove that threat of 'if you forget, you're going to get a fine."You've got to take all this stuff into context with some of the ailments some of our communities are suffering. Places like Wilcannia, the average life expectancy of an Aboriginal man is 38."Those things could prevent them from coming and voting." 

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished an intense fire that’s destroyed a house at Narromine in the early hours of this morning.Firefighters were called to the Temoin Street property at around 3.15am today.They found the public housing property engulfed in flames.The crews, from Narromine, Trangie and Dubbo, set up a defensive perimeter as they battled the blaze for more than an hour.Firefighters evacuated neighbouring homes as they doused the flames.The house had been boarded up after fresh renovations and a paint job that finished on Friday.Those renovations followed another fire at the house around 12 months ago.Fire crews completed mopping up operations by 6am and handed the site over to NSW Police for further investigation.