Baradine was on song last month when 290 children from over 71 schools and 22 local government areas came together for one of Moorambilla Voices’ annual residency camps.Cobar, Coonabarabran, Baradine, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Coolah, Dunedoo, Narromine, Trangie, Collarenebri, Nyngan, Bourke, Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Warren and Brewarrina were all represented by young people from local schools.Well known for its amazing work with young people, Moorambilla Voices encourages young people to think big, dream wide and connect to country through their annual multi-arts program.There are plenty of learning opportunities to choose from including choral singing, Japanese Taiko drumming, dance, and visual arts – all aiming to empower participants to find their voice, passion, and their path for the future.The theme for 2024’s program is ‘The Spirit of Water’ and this year’s camp drew inspiration from Uncle Badger Bates’ extraordinary leadership. Badger (William Brian) Bates is a Barkandji Elder who was born in Wilcannia. In May he led an artistic and cultural immersion at Murawintji National Park.https://moorambilla.com/Founder, Artistic Director, and conductor of Moorambilla Voices, Michelle Leonard OAM said it was wonderful to see the children at the Baradine camp being able to absorb themselves in the images and sounds of the landscape and waterways experienced during the Immersion, thanks to the new audio-visual infrastructure at Baradine Hall.“For the first time, we had use of a large screen onto which we could project images from the immersion, so while the kids were learning the new pieces that were informed by this important place, they could see and almost feel it all around them,” she said.This technology also allowed organisers to share a preview of the short film their MAXed OUT ensemble created at the Taiko Intensive camp held in April earlier this year.“They were so delighted to see themselves and their hard work realised up on screen. Especially because, often in art, you work hard and don’t always see the results for yourself as an ‘audience member.’ It was powerful and exciting for the kids to do so,” Ms Leonard said.“The Moorambilla residential camp experience puts our young performers well out of their comfort zone. And yet, with a determination that belies their age, we see children from eight to 18 work in sessions facilitated by professionals to create performances that are deeply connected to Country with an energy that is a true reflection of their collective ability".Fun facts from Baradine Organisers reported some 'fun facts' from the camp.The residency camp included 290 kids, 3612 meals, 49 volunteers, 15 professional artists and an untold number of smiles, games of Uno, giggles, and friendships. And no doubt plenty of exhausted adults!At the August camps, children learned new skills in a new environment, collaborated, made new friends, developed confidence, and ultimately come together to create a body of work that we will be performed at the Dubbo Regional Theatre over three gala performances on September 28 and 29, 2024.For more information on the camps, and the upcoming performance in Dubbo, head to www.moorambilla.com.

Debate continues over where the balance should lie between irrigation and river health following the Expert Connectivity Panel's recommendations to preserve the Barwon Darling River System. The panel report, released in July, calls for the NSW Government to introduce flow targets at the end of river systems and to restrict flood plain harvesting. The report says lawmakers should not wait for 'perfect information' before taking measures to protect the river system, an idea also known as the 'precautionary principle'. Irrigators say the principle would take water unnecessarily from their activities, although cattle producer Garry Hall, also chair of the Macquarie Marshes Landholders Association, said he supports the principle. "There will be some restructuring taking place. I don't expect one megalitre will be removed from an irrigator's entitlement without due compensation," Mr Hall said. "We all accept that the water market is in place. People borrow money on the strength of their assets, that being land and water nowadays, so there's no suggestion whatsoever that rule changes would be impacting on landholders' equity. "It's all about providing those flows in the river to improve connectivity and give much needed baseflows."Barwon-Darling Water spokesperson Ian Cole. PHOTO: suppliedThe Macquarie Marshes grazier was in Sydney on 15 August to push NSW MPs to adopt the panel's recommendation in full . He spoke alongside other representatives of the Nature Conservation Council to government and crossbench MPs. Ian Cole, a spokesperson for Barwon-Darling Water representing irrigators along the Barwon Darling, said the report was "unclear" on what the environmental benefits would be if the NSW government accepts new water rules. "Most people acknowledge that things went too far back in the 1990s, but there has been a swing back the other way where a lot of water has been brought back for the environment," he said. "We all know we've got to have an irrigation industry. Without intensive agriculture, which includes irrigation, we can't feed our population. "We know we've got to take some water out of rivers and lakes, and from underground, to have theses industries. The question is how much do we take out of any particular river or water source." The report was chaired by Amy Dula from the Natural Resources Commission, after being set up in August 2023 by the NSW government.

Cobar Shire will see more people coming to the region with the official opening today of NSW's newest critical minerals mine. Aurelia Metals' Federation mine is about 110 kilometres south of Cobar and is expected to support more than 140 skilled jobs in its first eight years. The mine will produce up to 600,000 tonnes each year, with largely underground work focused on zinc, gold, copper and lead. “The Federation mine will bring immediate employment and investment benefits to Cobar, but it will also support more jobs and investment through supply chains and towns right across the Far West," NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said. “Mining has a long and proud history in NSW, and opening the Federation mine today shows it also has a bright future. “The critical minerals and high-tech metals from mines across NSW will help build the products for a clean energy future. With deposits of 21 of the 31 nationally identified critical and strategic minerals, NSW is well placed to be a global leader."A drone shot of Federation mine. PHOTO: NSW Government As part of its initial project targets, the mine is expected to produce four metric tonnes of ore containing 328,000 tonnes of zinc, 192,000 tonnes of lead, 12,000 tonnes of copper, 116,000 ounces of gold and 772,000 ounces of silver. The mining and exploration company has invested $143 million into the project and is expected to pay $74 million in royalties over its initial project life.  The site was discovered in 2019 and received development approval in 2023 to mine until 2036. Minerals from the mine will be processed locally at Aurelia Metals' Peak and Hera facilities. About 40 per cent of the local workforce is directly employed in the mining industry. “Federation is one of the highest-grade base metals development projects in Australia and is a key building block to unlock Aurelia’s growth potential in the Cobar Basin," Aurelia Metals CEO Bryan Quinn said. “It is remarkable to be opening a brand new mine only discovered in 2019. The short turnaround is testament to the excellent collaboration of NSW government agencies, the Aurelia team and strong support from the community. "Cash flow generated from Federation will help to advance Aurelia’s next organic growth project, which is the Great Cobar deposit.” Metals like zinc, copper and gold can be used to make renewables like solar panels. The opening of the region's newest mine comes as the Endeavor silver, lead and zinc mine looks to restart production in 2025.

The Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council (Brewarrina LALC) will have its work ahead of it to make use of the land transferred to it under an historic resolution to a land claim that went for 40 years.The land transfer was part of a native title resolution formalised in an open-air court at Cobar's Newy Reserve on 14 August. At the court, Justice Melissa Perry delivered a determination recognising the native title rights of the Ngemba, Ngiyampaa, Wangaaypuwan and Wayilwan peoples across 95,000 square kilometres of land and water (12 per cent of NSW). The patchwork of land runs from the Barwon River in the north, to the Lachlan River in the south, the Castlereagh River in the east and Ivanhoe to the west.Acting Brewarrina LALC CEO Urayne Warraweena said the resolution will allow the land council to create more employment opportunities, such as ranger jobs, and to protect the environment of their lands."This is a monumental moment in Brewarrina's history," she said.However, Ms Warraweena pointed out they will rely on government funding to bring their ideas off the ground."We are looking at ways of creating revenue. We need to be able to sustain ourselves as a land council," she said. "We do need money to do it. Land councils obviously don't get funded very well, so everything will have to come through government grants."Because that's what happens a lot with land councils. Government will give land back, but with no help in how to activate and use it. So, it becomes a debt."We have a fair few businesses popping up now in Brewarrina with language programs, cultural dancing, so now to actually have property and space to do this, that's going to be very significant."Because it was crown land, there has been a lot of destruction with feral and farming animals, so we would like to have access to a clean space where we can practice culture."Dancing in Cobar at the site of an history native title settlement in August. PHOTO: suppliedNSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the outcome had been a long time coming."The resolution of the Brewarrina Common claim is the product of years of hard work and a strong partnership between the Government, Brewarrina LALC, and NSWALC,” he said. On 13 August 1984 Ernest Gordon, who was chairperson of the Brewarrina LALC at the time, made a claim for 3,760 hectares under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act.The Act was introduced in 1983 for the return of eligible Crown Land to Aboriginal Land Councils. However, under the Aboriginal Lands Act, Aboriginal land claims cannot be made to land that is subject to an application or approved determination of native title. “During the seven years of negotiations between the Land Council and Native Title with the ILUA (Indigenous Lands Use Agreement) a compromise was made between both parties," Ms Warraweena said."Whereas Native Title would extinguish their claim in order to receive some of the land in the ALRA claim. In doing this Brewarrina was able to make history that will benefit everyone.”

Farmers across Australia have descended on Parliament House to protest federal rule changes. At least 2000 people were at the rally, according to organiser the National Farmers Federation (NFF). The NFF has published a list of grievances including water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin and a phased ban on live-sheep exports by sea. Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said people he met at the protest, including at least one person from Warren, were angry. "They didn't want to give up a day at work to come to Canberra," Mr Coulton said. "There was a big focus on the live-sheep trade in Western Australia being stopped, but with it no longer being a market option, that's going to impact on the price of sheep on the eastern states. So, that one has a direct impact on sheep producers in our area. "I think we'll probably see a campaign now. Hopefully we'll see one from the famers organisations."Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) with rally goers. PHOTO: Office of Mark Coulton MP A convoy of about 100 trucks lapped the ring road around Parliament House before the crowd heard from farmer representatives and Coalition politicians including Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton. State member for Barwon, Roy Butler attended the rally. "We deserve to be respected. However, the reason why you are here today, the reason why I am here today, is because we feel like we are getting stiffed," NFF president David Jochinke told the crowd gathered on the lawns outside Parliament House. "Any policy that they develop, and when I say 'they' I mean these people in the house behind us, needs to have their key stakeholder. And you know who that is? Us. "We need to be at the table, that is where we are going to get outcomes."The rally also focused on a move to remove the Diesel Fuel Rebate for farmers, changes to the working holiday visa rules and the "reckless" pace of renewables progress NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin took aim at the Murry Darling Basin Plan, which aims to improve river health by limiting the amount of water that can be taken from it. "You can't grow anything without water," Mr Martin said. "The Murray Darling Basin Plan is one of these really bad ideas that are making things worse, madly modelled in the millennium drought, this plan has done little but cause crippling pain within our once-healthy Basin communities. "They're just turning the tap off to the bush."Irrigators council speaks against water buy backsThe NSW Irrigators Council joined the rally. CEO Claire Miller said the water recovery measures environment must not have social or economic impacts on the Basin communities “With costs rising across the board and many operations struggling to make ends meet, this could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for many small to medium family farms,” Ms Miller said. "Any water recovery for the environment must not have social or economic impacts on the communities that depend on water for their livelihoods. ABARES has already warned the Government that buybacks will drive up production costs, particularly for rice and dairy."

They only opened just over a fortnight ago, but Collarenebri's bore baths are already attracting more visitors to the town. Local business owner, Tattersalls Hotel-Motel's Phyllis Dunn said she has seen a clear increase in traffic to the area. "There's a hell of a lot of tourists, grey nomads and that, coming through and staying," she said. "Most times through the day you can look up the main street and see three or four or five caravans parked. "They're coming and going all the time, so it's hard to say, but there's definitely a marked improvement." Ms Dunn said she's heard nothing but rave reviews from those who have tried the the new baths.Walgett Shire Director of Infrastructure and Compliance Kazi Mahmud, Councillor Alf Seaton, Mayor Jasen Ramien, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and General Manager Megan Dixon at the official opening PHOTO: Mark Coulton (supplied)"Everybody says it's fantastic. I haven't heard one negative comment." Walgett Shire received a $920,000 grant in 2021 to build the site with the council contributing around another $600,000 to $700,000. The bore water temperature will sit between 40 and 42 degrees. Walgett Mayor Jasen Ramien and General Manager Megan Dixon joined outgoing federal Parkes MP Mark Coulton for the official opening on 5 September. “This project generated 25 jobs during construction, with six ongoing operational jobs," Ms Dixon said. “It has triggered new investment in town, with a private investor buying and re-opening businesses, including a laundry and café.”

Police are appealing for public help to locate a man who allegedly stole a police car in Narromine. Police say 18-year-old Cruz Cook is wanted on an outstanding warrant for the alleged theft and other offences.  A spokesperson said Cruz is described as being of Caucasian appearance.  "175cm tall, medium build, with brown hair," the police spokesperson said. "He is known to frequent the Nyngan, Narromine, Warren and Cobar areas. "Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged not to approach him but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately." People with information can also contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Local government councillors would be subject to the same public disclosure rules as NSW parliamentarians under code of conduct changes proposed by the Government. The proposed changes would also largely ban private council staff briefings to councillors, remove private investigators from council conduct processes.In a separate move, the changes suggest 'local government privileges committees' should be established to assess behaviour complaints. Submissions are open until close of business on Friday 15 November for a discussion paper outlining the NSW Government proposals aimed at making local government more transparent.  The proposal would simplify the Model Code of Conduct and cut it down from over 100 pages to up to three.  The report said the current system allows too many "vexatious" and "political" complaints to clog the pipeline.  “It is too open to weaponization, with tit-for-tat complaints diverting critical council resources and ratepayer money from the things that matter most to communities," Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said. “The sheer volume of vexatious complaints being made is preventing the Office of Local Government from focusing its attention on getting crooks out of the local government sector. “The options presented in this discussion paper put the onus back on addressing and resolving issues of councillor misbehaviour at a local level, rather than escalating complaints for the state government or private investigators to fix. “It also puts forward options to strengthen the role of the Office of Local Government as the sector regulator, including expanded investigation powers for serious conflict of interest breaches and the ability to issue penalty infringement notices."Narromine's mayor says he welcomes a cut down code of conduct. PHOTO: River McCrossenAccording to the report, there were 4289 code of conduct complaints lodged with the Office of Government (OLG) over three years between 2020 and 2023.  Of those, 420 were referred for preliminary enquiries and then discontinued. One hundred and two were investigated as potential misconduct, while 36 related to public interest disclosures and two to political donations. Narromine mayor Craig Davies said the current code of conduct can be difficult for new councillors to wrap their head around."Simplification of the rules and regulations as they relate to code of conduct would be most welcome right throughout local government," Cr Davies said. The paper also proposes that public interest disclosure requirements align with those expected of NSW members of parliament.  That includes revealing sources of income over $500 outside the office salary, shares in corporations, positions in unions and business organisations and interests in property.  It also proposed public interest disclosures by councillors be "similarly extended" to interests from relatives, partners, employers and companies the councillor is a member or shareholder of.  Cr Davies welcomed tighter disclosure rules. "There's needs to be better transparency. "I also believe the onus of councillors to declare conflicts of interest should be stronger." Local Government NSW President Darriea Turley encouraged local councils to make a submission on the proposed changes. “This issue has been the subject of long conversation for councils and the eventual framework will be a cornerstone in maintaining integrity, transparency and trust in local government across the state and this next step in the consultation process is very much welcomed by the sector,” Cr Turley said.

Forty-four Brewarrina children will have the chance to learn to ride and maintain pedal bikes under a 12-month pilot to promote cycling in the area. Children from public and central schools in Brewarrina, Weilmoringle and Goodooga were at the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council (Brewarrina LALC) on Tuesday 3 September for their first 'Bike Kitchen', painting helmets and assembling bikes together purchased with $37,000 from the NSW Office of Sport. "The kids loved it today, they really did," Acting Brewarrina LALC CEO Urayne Warraweena said. The Bike Kitchen workshop will be open every Thursday from 3pm-5pm at the land council for help maintaining the bikes. There will be three more workshops over the 12 months, where bike mechanics from Tune Cycles will take children through bike handling and maintenance skills. “When we put together sporting activities like seasonal football our kids not only revel in the activity but it reveals a talent base of young athletes with extraordinary ability," Ms Warraweena said.The workshop on the Tuesday. PHOTO: supplied “Our Bike Kitchen will upskill a local person to provide repair services. We hope this leads to other exciting developments in physical activity like walk and run groups, and we are now looking at getting a PCYC which will be a great future base for our bike program." The program is delivered by Tune Cycles through a $73,555 grant awarded under the NSW Government’s Transport Access Regional Partnerships (TARP) program. The government hopes the pilot will increase mobility in the town, where 20 per cent of residents do not have access to a registered motor vehicle, more than double the NSW average. There are no bike shops for parts in the town, so Ms Warraweena said she hopes the program will continue after the pilot period."The problem is if anything goes wrong there's nowhere to fix them," Ms Warraweena said. "The hope is that this program will keep going, that it'll keep being funded. There is a need for it. "We've got to make sure the program will work." Program participants ranging from Years three to six were chosen based on their performance at school. Funding permitting, the pilot could set the foundations for a broader roll out in other communities in western NSW. A spokesperson for the Transport for NSW said the this will be assessed on students attending, maintaining their bikes, meeting learning goals and building riding abilities. "Each participant has received a journal to track their riding hours and note their progress, participants who ride to school throughout the duration of the pilot will be noted by schools and feedback will be obtained through engaging with the stakeholders of the program," the spokesperson said. 

The $1 billion solar and battery project that has been approved outside Dunedoo will provide enough energy to power 262,000 homes, and is expected to create 500 jobs at peak construction.The Birriwa Solar and Battery Project received the green light from the Independent Planning Commission last month, and once completed will include a 600 megawatt solar project and a battery energy storage system that can supply an additional 600 megawatts of on demand energy to the grid over a two hour period. It will be located on about 1,300 hectares of mostly cleared grazing land, on a site 20 kilometres south east of Dunedoo. A spokesperson for project owners ACEN Australia said the location was guided by discussions with the local community, project stakeholders, as well as the findings of our environmental, social and economic assessments. “We have been talking to local landholders and the community about the project since 2019,” they said.“We began detailed investigations including site surveys, agricultural, aboriginal cultural heritage, biodiversity and traffic and employment impact assessments from about 2021. “After receiving feedback from the community and other government agencies, we decided to amend the project to include a temporary workers accommodation facility designed to host the workforce required for our project. “This will help better manage demand for accommodation on nearby towns like Gulgong, Dunedoo and Mudgee.”The accommodation will be needed for the 500 workers needed during peak construction. “This includes workers to install the solar tracking and panels, construction of roads, traffic control, fencing and electrical work and other engineering and design roles." Dunedoo is set to benefit from the $1 billion project and influx of construction workers. In welcome news for locals, the company says, “We will be prioritising wherever possible the employment of local workers, suppliers and businesses.”Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, or early 2027.“We would expect it to be fully operational by 2030, with around 15 full time workers on site,” ACEN said. Approval welcomedThe Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) welcomed the approval. “This $1 billion project will deliver considerable economic benefits to regional NSW. Up to $15 million will also be reinvested back into local councils (or 1.5 per cent of capital expenditure) through voluntary planning agreements,” a spokesperson for the Department said. “Renewable energy developments like the Birriwa Solar and Battery project are critical to securing NSW’s energy future. The wider Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone will continue to increase its renewable energy production over the coming years as ageing coal-fired power stations are decommissioned.”

Hundreds of sheep were killed in a truck fire on the Mitchell Highway early Saturday.The animals were being transported by road train travelling along the Mitchell Hwy north of Nyngan, when the truck caught fire about 12.50am.The blaze was extinguished by NSW Fire and Rescue firefighters however an estimated 200 sheep aboard the road train were killed in the blaze.The 32-year-old truck driver was uninjured, and investigations into the fire are continuing.

The National Farmer’s Federation is calling on farmers and supporters to join them in a rally to push back against 'anti-farming agendas'.The rally, being held in Canberra on 10 September – initially called by the ‘Keep the Sheep’ live export campaign – has become an opportunity for the peak farming body to highlight a broader range of farmer concerns.Other than the ceasing of live export, issues in the spotlight will include:calls to scrap the Diesel Fuel Rebateproposed new taxes for biosecurity and on superannuationcalls to scrap the 88 days of specified work for backpackerswater buybacks in the Murray Darling Basin and protecting the Great Artesian Basinunnecessary red tape from Scope 3 emissions reportingthe community impacts of energy and renewables developments.Farmer Michael Davis runs 8,000 head of Merino sheep at Merringina near Brewarrina. He said, while he is not going to the rally, he is fully supportive of the cause.“Where we are located, we don’t send sheep off for live export, although we used to when it was a really big sector,” Mr Davis said.“Live export is mainly concentrated in Western Australia. I think that banning the live export industry is a knee jerk reaction considering the 0.4 or 0.6 losses on the boats.“A much larger proportion than that is lost across farms in Australia on an annual basis. Back about 30 years ago in the Western Division, we were losing about 8 per cent of wethers and nine or ten per cent of ewes annually. That adds up to a lot of sheep across Australia compared to what’s lost on the boats."NFF President David Jochinke (above) said it was important that the industry stood up to its detractors who were increasingly calling the shots in Canberra.Farmers’ confidence in the Federal Government had collapsed by nearly 40 per cent, a NFF survey found, with less than one in ten farmers saying Canberra was listening to them.“We’re seeing a growing number of decisions being driven by anti-farming activism, not evidence, and we’re being drowned out by the noisy minority who want to shut us down,” Mr Jochinke said.“Australian farmers are the best in the world. We consistently deliver the highest quality produce for Aussie families. We want policymakers to work with us to grow more in Australia. Too often it feels like they’re just working with our detractors.”Mr Davis said that government actions were killing the rural industry and its exports.“These things will just bring on more unemployment, this government doesn't understand,”” he said. “ We live on the Culgoa River and while water buybacks in the Murray Darling Basin don’t affect us as sheep farmers, it does affect the community we live in.”“The NFF have my support. The city community thinks food just turns up on their plate. As farmers, we can’t survive without our livestock.” “The Nationals 100 per cent support our farmers attending the National Farmer Rally outside Canberra Parliament House,” said Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud. “This Labor Government has decimated our farming and agriculture industry. It has been over 40 years since farmers last felt so aggrieved to protest against a government.  “It’s easy to understand why our farmers are fed up, after being constantly attacked by Labor and its anti-farming policies, from water buybacks to reckless renewables and its senseless phase out of our live sheep export trade.”Taking concerns to Canberra via a rally was an unusual step for the NFF, Mr Jochinke said.“We hope it will send a powerful message to decision-makers ahead of the next election that these decisions need to stop," he said."We just want a return to common sense. We want policies informed by farmers' lived experience and designed to grow the industry, not diminish it to appease activist agendas.“Whether you’re a farmer or not, I encourage you to join us to celebrate the positive story of Australian agriculture in the heart of Canberra."The rally will commence at 11am on 10 September on the Federation Mall, opposite Parliament House. For details visit nff.org.au

Nyngan mother of four and farmer Susan Barclay is one of the people whose experiences with ovarian cancer are highlighted in videos in the latest campaign by fashion designers Carmilla and Marc (C&M) to raise awareness of the disease.Ovaries - Talk about Them. is their latest effort to drive to drive awareness and raise more funds for the University of New South Wales Gynaecological Cancer Research Group to develop an early detection test, this time through t-shirt sales. In just four years, C&M has already raised $1.7 million for the research lab.   “We all come from ovaries, or we have ovaries, we wouldn't exist without them. So, let's get comfortable talking about them. Buy a t-shirt. Make a donation. Join the conversation,” said the siblings, who lost their mother to ovarian cancer when she was just 42. With three women dying of ovarian cancer each day and over 310,000 women diagnosed worldwide each year - 75 per cent of them in late stages - the disease is one of the deadliest to women and yet there is still no test for it. By 2050 it is projected that 503,448 women will be given a diagnosis of ovarian cancer (a rise of over 55 per cent from 2022), with the number of women dying rising to 350,956, an increase of almost 70 per cent. “The statistics are getting worse, and we are running out of time,” said Camilla and Marc.Susan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April of 2022, after having preventative surgery years before to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes once she discovered she was positive for the BRCA gene mutation which increases the risk of ovarian cancer.   Susan with her new granddaughter Matilda: photo supplied.An opportunity for early ovarian cancer detection was missed in testing, and two years later Susan became unwell and was shocked to the core to be told she had stage 4 ovarian cancer, despite doing everything she could to prevent it.  “If the right testing had of been done in 2018, I would have had stage one ovarian cancer,” she said.“This news left me totally devastated.  “It’s taken me two years to be mentally strong enough to tell this side of my story. The video has brought up lots of strong emotions, but I knew I needed to tell the story if only to help others. “Every cent from this C&M Ovaries. Talk about Them. campaign goes to helping fund the researchers who are trying to find an early detection test.   “As there is currently no way of detecting ovarian cancer now, it is, absolutely something we need to keep researching. To catch it an early stage, women have such a better chance to beat this insidious disease compared to detecting it at an advanced stage.  “I just hope I’m still here to hear my granddaughters say, ‘we can’t believe there was no detection test in your day Nan’.”  Camilla and Marc with father David Freeman - raising awareness for Ovarian Cancer. Photo courtesy Camilla & Marc website.The fashion house has partnered with Professor Caroline Ford, Dr Kristina Warton and a team of scientists and researchers at the UNSW Gynaecological Research Group who are leading the development of the world’s first DNA-based early detection test.The aim is for the funding from Ovaries. Talk About Them. to get the ground-breaking test to clinical trials.“We are so close to getting an early detection test for ovarian cancer to clinical trials in the next two years,” they said at the campaign launch.

Graziers have the opportunity to learn about carbon capture on their properties, courtesy of a workshop in Bourke next month Red meat producers are being encouraged to participate in Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) Carbon EDGE program.  To be held on 17-18 October, the workshop will help producers build their understanding of carbon and look at options for improving their environmental footprint whilst improving livestock productivity. Offering independent information, the program will help participants move into a planning and action phase, identifying technologies and methods that could be incorporated into their business to benefit their bottom line and the environment. It is also suitable for advisors and other service providers looking to enhance their understanding of the current operating environment. Delivered by Tanisha Shields from Agrista, the workshop will help producers learn: key terminology and concepts relating to greenhouse gases (GHG) within the red meat industry, such as insetting vs offsetting, scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, carbon footprint, carbon baseline and emissions intensities. in-depth information on the practices to reduce and sequester GHG within a livestock grazing business weighing up opportunities and risks associated with generating carbon credits and how they can be used to benefit livestock businesses understanding carbon neutrality and how it aligns to their business goals developing a carbon action plan that incorporates practical, achievable strategies to meet objectives. To find out more and register, visit Carbon EDGE Bourke 

Tottenham's ambulance service is better serving the town with the arrival of three new paramedics this year as part of a statewide program. The NSW Government confirmed in the last week that they are among 125 paramedics now working across NSW under an election commitment to boost the regional workforce by 500 over four years. The first cohort have also joined stations counting Parkes, Lithgow, Bathurst and Port Macquarie, funded under the $1.76 billion Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) program. Tottenham Rural Fire Service (RFS) member George Greig said the extra paramedics, who began work in June, mean they won't have to call for backup from RFS volunteers.  "We used to support the ambulances if they needed help. They'd send us a text message and we'd go and assist, but that now is not the case," Mr Greig said. "The reason that was happening, and we were quite happy to do that, was that if they got to a patient that was heavy or they got to a patient they needed to treat while we would drive the ambulance." Tottenham previously had one paramedic serving the town, which according to the 2021 Australian Census holds around 450 people. Zone Manager for NSW Ambulance's Central and Far West regions, Superintendent Ben Loiacono, said the extra paramedics increase response times. "Now we're able to have a duel-paramedic response, so two paramedics on the vehicle, in line with all of the other stations across NSW," Superintendent Loiacono said. "These are obviously staffed with two highly trained paramedics allocated to every shift to provide that high level of care for Tottenham and surrounds."  The Government said future locations for extra paramedics will be chosen through consultation between NSW Ambulance, the Health Services Union, local communities and health staff about area needs and resourcing. “The addition of these highly skilled paramedics in the bush will help drive better health outcomes for patients and their families, while also providing more support to our current NSW Ambulance staff across the state," Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said.

Are you passionate about improving your community’s health? Well now is the time to step up.   The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) recently put out the call encouraging people to take part in the 2025 Building Healthy Communities Challenge.   Applications are open to any interested community group in a town or community of less than 5,000 people with an idea for an initiative that could improve people’s health, with two of the initiatives chosen to receive seed funding.    “Leading a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of illness and prevents unnecessary visits to the doctor or hospital. We’re committed to working with our communities to help them take steps to improve their overall health, and build knowledge too,” according to WNSWLHD Health Promotion Coordinator Hayley Vaughan. The Building Healthy Communities Challenge is designed to provide more opportunities for people and communities to do that, which is particularly important in smaller areas of our district which can be geographically isolated and may have poorer health outcomes than larger towns.“We encourage communities to apply if they have an idea which could increase physical activity or healthy eating in their community, reduce smoking and vaping rates or establishing infrastructure which promotes healthy living,” said Ms Vaughan. “Any idea is a good idea, big or small, and they could be as simple as implementing a regular walking group or setting up community gardens to grow healthy food.   An Independent panel will assess the applications and two towns will be selected to compete in the competition.    “The two chosen towns will each receive $8,000 in funding assistance and intensive support from the Health Promotion team to establish and implement their initiative, and we will also provide additional resources and assistance with promotion too,” said WNSWLHD Health Promotion Officer Kelly Cook. “The challenge is designed to promote longevity of initiatives. After the challenge period, an independent panel will assess the success of each initiative and crown a champion to receive additional funding support of $4,000 to help establish the idea long-term. “Our team will also work with the winning town to help embed the initiative long-term. It’s incredibly exciting to establish the challenge this year, and we will thoroughly evaluate its success in the hope of expanding in future years.” Nyngan Health Services Manager Jenny Griffiths, says the challenge is a great initiative.  “This is a fantastic opportunity for small towns like Nyngan to build healthier communities. We know that a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of illness - access to this grant funding will give our communities a chance to positively impact our overall health and wellbeing," she said.    Applications for the Building Healthy Communities Challenge will be open from Monday 2 September to Friday 11 October. Applications will then be reviewed, and successful towns notified before the challenge period, which will run between 4 November 2024 and 4 April 2025.   Any person or organisation interested in taking part or seeking more information on the application guidelines or the challenge can contact the WNSWLHD Health Promotion Team on [email protected]. 

The Gulargambone Show will go ahead on the same day as the Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft next year, after the show committee decided against trying for a different date. The Committee agreed via text after their Annual General Meeting on 15 August to accept the Saturday 7 June date set by the Agricultural Societies Council (ASC), also known as AgShows NSW. Show President Angus Beveridge said the committee had discussed alternative days to avoid losing numbers to the rodeo. “AgShows NSW suggested an alternative date of 3 May, but we thought that was a little bit early for us,” Mr Beveridge said. “A lot of our stewards and volunteers and workers are busy putting that season’s crop in. “We did also look at the weekend after the one the Coonamble Show has potentially moved to [13-14 May], but the group did not recommend that weekend because we’d be clashing with another show in the Western ASC group. “They try to coordinate shows so things, especially the Showman’s Guild in regards to rides and attraction, don’t have to travel too far to the next show. They’re always moving in a nice-flowing sort of way. “At this stage we’re going to stick with the June long weekend.”Shearing action at the 2024 Gulargambone Show. PHOTO: Lily PlassDates for all shows in NSW are set each year by the ASC in consultation with the Showman’s Guild, and follow a number of routes branching out from and leading back to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Since the date for Easter changes every year, ranging from March 22 to April 25, the dates of the shows also shift around the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The ASC schedule does not account for rodeo and campdraft events. That led to the clash between the shire’s biggest events, with the Coonamble Show originally scheduled to take place on 3 and 4 June, the same week as the rodeo, which traditionally runs over the long weekend. Mr Beveridge said the Gulargambone Show can still be a hit. “This will be a first for us,” he said. “The long weekend will be a challenge, but we’re thinking that perhaps with things like our junior judging it will assist us with school kids being home on holidays. “In our sheep section, we do have exhibitors from our Coonamble area, but we think that they can probably come and exhibit their sheep in the morning and be able to attend the rodeo in the afternoon. “There’s also the very popular working dog competition and working dog high jump plus many other attractions that can keep people entertained and involved who perhaps aren’t into rodeos.” The Coonamble Show Committee is still waiting to confirm a move to 13-14 May. They have approval from the ASC Western Group, although the committee will need the NSW Government to revise of the public holiday on the second day of the event. Contact has also been made with the Showman’s Guild to determine whether the sideshow rides and stalls can adapt to the change.

Residents can now vote early for council elections as Western Plains shires prepare for election day on 14 September. The time for pre-polling for eligible voters may vary between locations to up Friday 13 September, while booths will not operate on Sunday 8 September.  Electors can find a polling station through the NSWEC's address lookup. Acting NSW Electoral Commissioner Dr Matthew Phillips said voting is compulsory for council elections. “Opening hours will vary, so make sure you check when your chosen pre-poll place will be open before heading out to vote,” Dr Phillips said.  “Unlike at State elections, you must vote within your council area or ward at local council elections. There is no absentee voting. “Voting venues, candidates and other key voter information can be found using the address look-up tool at elections.nsw.gov.au."Voting in Coonamble Shire during the 2021 Local Government Elections. According to the NSWEC, people are eligible for pre-poll voting if they will be outside their ward or council area, or more than eight kilometres from a voting centre, on election day. The Electoral Commission also counts illness, religious commitments and disability as eligible reasons to vote early. Residents based in Cobar and Warrumbungle shires will not need to vote since there were not enough accepted candidates to hold a contest. Residents of Warren Shire's wards A, B and D will stay home for the same reason. It's the same situation in Lachlan Shire, where only one of its five wards - Ward C - will go to a general contest. Lachlan Ward E will go to a by-election for one seat, which did not receive enough accepted nominations to fill its two seats. Dr Phillips said the Commission is also responding to strong demand to vote by post, with 376,145 applications received since Tuesday, 6 August.  “It’s great to see NSW voters are planning ahead, but don’t leave filling out your postal pack to the last minute. If you’ve received yours, read the instructions carefully and make sure you’ve completed it before 6pm on election day.”   

Coonamble sheep stud Calga Dohne will pass a major milestone on 11 September as it holds its 20th Annual Production Sale.Seventy rams will be up for sale off the back of the family-owned station winning the Bill Pye Memorial Grand Champion Ram at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show on 20 July.The South African judges were impressed with the Champion 2023 Calga Stud ram.As were visitors from Uruguay, resulting in semen sales to several South American flocks in the last 12 months.Fourth generation farmer Sandy Pye said it’s a challenging industry to reach a 20th production sale.“You feel quite proud that we’ve been pushing for over 20 years,” he said.“It’s so rewarding as well. Some studs start up and only last a few years and it just goes to show that our client base has got confidence in us.“There’s also fierce competition from other studs. It’s quite time consuming and you’ve got to be patient. Very good genetics don’t happen overnight.“You’ve got to be passionate about it.”Calga Dohne Sandy Pye and studmaster Jason Southwell at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show.The stud was founded in 2002 by his parents Bill and Margie, with it joining the show circuit in 2014 the year before Bill passed.The stud began with 50 ET (Embryo Transfer) pregnancies, followed by another 50 six months later. It now has around 1100 pure-bred breeding age ewes.“I think we’ve come a long way since our first sale,” said Mrs Pye.“We got through by having a good quality product to sell, loyal clients and focusing on what they want.”Mr Pye is feeling optimistic about the prospects for Calga Dohne’s sales this year, which will be held in Coonamble on Wednesday 11 September and Wanganella on Thursday 3 October.“With the timing of the rain this year, everyone’s had good sub-clover come through, which will help carry farmers over the summer,” he said.“The buyers will have confidence going back into sheep after a dry year last year.”