Lachlan roads will see better days after the NSW government confirmed it injected $9 million for the local shire under the Tripartite Agreement Pilot Program. The agreement, signed between Lachlan Shire Council, NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW in June this year, is aimed at giving better funding certainty for disaster repair projects, known as Essential Public Asset Restorations (EPAR) under the program.It's part of $64 million confirmed by the NSW government for road and infrastructure repair, shared between six western councils including Forbes, Parkes and Lithgow, which they can access before works begin.A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the agency provides "direct support to each council with the preparation" of project funding applications. "Once a tripartite agreement is executed, councils make an application to Transport for NSW, as the administering agency," the spokesperson said."Transport for NSW then makes a recommendation to the NSW Reconstruction Authority and the funding is then released to council."Once a council application is finalised and agreed, the funding receipt usually happens within weeks."Lachlan Shire covers about 4400 kilometres of roads, around 1,000 kilometres of them sealed. PHOTO: Lachlan Shire CouncilThe agency confirmed Lachlan Shire received the $9 million in June 2024, with more expected to follow as other EPARs are approved.There are currently 19 councils taking part in the Tripartite Agreement. Previously, councils have paid flood repair costs upfront and been reimbursed under the NSW and Australian Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.However, western councils have raised concern over long processing times, with senior Coonamble Shire staff telling a state inquiry into local government in Dubbo on 28 June that they had to halt road repairs to remain financially sustainable. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the agreements speed up road repair. “For too long councils have struggled to get timely access to disaster road recovery funding, so the new Tripartite Agreements were introduced to speed up the process," she said in a press release on “Regional communities will now be able to rebuild roads and restore vital transport links more quickly thanks to the collaborative efforts of councils, Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority.”“The Tripartite Agreements have been a huge success as Transport for NSW was able to deliver $296 million into councils’ bank accounts in the last three months alone. “With the $3.3 billion in the budget allocated over the next four years for natural disaster road recovery funding, we will be rolling out funding faster than ever before."

Students of the Coonabarabran get to stand in the spotlight during their performance of Legally Blond - The Musical.  The performances were held on 1, 2, and 3 August at the Coonabarabran High School Hall.  Around 45 students from Years 7 to 11 participated in the play, according to Director Michael Armstrong.  The opening night on 1 August was a huge success.  "I think it was really great for it all to come together after all the hard work that the kids have put in," one audience member said in a video on the high school's Facebook page.  "I know the hours and late nights the kids have done." "It has been a fantastic opportunity to see growth, to see their confidence, and to be able to just see the sheer joy that they have on stage, as did on their opening night," Mr Armstrong said. Cast practicing one last time before the big night. Source: FacebookThe Coonabarabran High School theatre has been entertaining the audience for 30 years, nine years of which Mr Armstrong has been the director.  Mr Armstrong said they had students with a background in drama while some were fresh on the scene. "We've got people who've got significant amounts of experience and some who had very little experience. " The director said the crew worked hard to give the performance a consistent flow.  "The cast has worked really well together to bring together a coherent performance of al the music, acting, and choreography." "It's always wonderful to see that you've got kids who are sometimes fairly new to be able to see the positive responses of the audience," Mr Armstrong said.  The students had been practicing for the play for about 13 weeks.  "It was great to see the enthusiasm and the excitement they had just to be on the stage and be performing this piece." The choice for the musical had been up to the students.  "It was ultimately picked because of the interest of the cast. That was ultimately the option the students wanted to do the most" Mr Armstrong said.  More of the audience's reviews can be seen on the Coonabarabran High School's Facebook page. Dress rehearsal at the Coona High School

Warrumbungle Shire Council’s mayor has praised the NSW Government’s move to upgrade to the  Dunedoo Sewage Treatment Plant for improving efficiency and better protecting the environment. The NSW Government has announced it will upgrade the Dunedoo Sewage Treatment Plant, which it says will deliver modern new infrastructure and provide greater protections for the environment.  The $3.4 million project, funded by the New South Wales Government and Warrumbungle Shire Council, will be rolled out in stages over the next three years.   The first stage is an upgrade to this facility’s maturation pond, which is responsible for disinfecting effluent from the main treatment unit before discharging it back safely to the environment.   Followed by upgrades to treatment and sludge management systems, a new aeration unit, improvements to automation to make the plant easier to monitor and control remotely, new amenities and electrical work, along with a better access road.   Image: Warrumbungle Shire Council. The current plant was built in 1970 and has passed its design life and is struggling to meet Environmental Protection Agency guidelines, with several breaches being recorded over the past nine years.   The rest of the build is being funded by Warrumbungle Shire Council. The Safe and Secure Water Program is supporting more than $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with more than 260 in various stages of delivery.   NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Director – Infrastructure Development, Lisa Hingerty said, “We want to ensure regional councils have the right infrastructure in place to provide modern sewerage services that also safeguard the environment.   Mayor Ambrose Doolan. Image: Warrumbungle Shire Council.Mayor of Warrumbungle Shire Council, Ambrose Doolan, said that sewage treatment is an essential service and by partnering with the Government, Council can strike the right balance between supporting the community and better protecting the environment.   “Upgrading the plant will ensure our treatment processes are up to scratch and working more efficiently for the benefit of our 1,200 residents and waterways,” Mr Doolan said.   “It’s exciting to see the start of this project getting underway, bringing us closer to a safer and more sustainable wastewater treatment facility. Works will commence this month, with the full upgrade expected to be complete by the end of 2026.   

Western Plains real estate agents have weighed in on the the NSW government's plan to end no-grounds eviction early next year. The changes will mean landlords can no longer evict tenants in order to increase rent.Premier Chris Minns announced the reform last week at the NSW Labor Conference in Sydney, as well as the introduction of Australia's first portable bonds scheme.Labor Duty MLC for Barwon, Stephen Lawrence, said the changes put downward pressure on rents and longer-term tenancies, although some local real estate managers do not agree.Fiona Foodey from Halcroft & Bennett Real Estate in Coonamble said these recent changes will affect property investors big time. "I really think it will slow our market down," Ms Foodey said. "It certainly seems property owners will have way less rights." Stephen Lawrence has a different opinion. “Landlords will of course still be able to evict tenants who do the wrong thing and for a range of other reasons, including if they wish to sell the property or put family in," he said. "Those exceptions are entirely valid, but this will put an end to landlords evicting people solely to increase the rent drastically and circumvent the provisions that prevent this being done to existing tenants. Only a Labor government would have undertaken this ‘tenant friendly’ policy and the renters of country NSW should be rightly question why the last government didn’t implement this reform given the housing crisis we face." In contrast, Ms Foodey said that while it is currently very difficult to get a rental property, these changes will make things even worse, with investors potentially shying away from regional investment. "Investors aren't going to want to be buying houses if they've got this additional pressure," she said. "A lot of investors come from the city, buying out here because of the high rental return and this change just makes things tougher. It's a worry - who's going to buy the houses?"Currently, landlords in NSW are able to end rolling leases at any time without reason.The only requirement is to give the tenant 90 days' notice.Bond transfer a positive - Lawrence  “Millions of renters will also soon be able to transfer their bond with them because we are investing $6.6 million to develop and deliver the nation’s first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme," Mr Lawrence said."This is being done in a particular context, around 330,000 tenancies turn over every year across the state, with the average tenancy 1.6 years. Moving house costs on average around $4,000 and people have to pay a new bond before their old one is returned. The new scheme will make it easier for renters when moving by allowing eligible tenants to digitally transfer their existing bond to their new rental home. I know this will be welcome news across country NSW where the housing crisis is hitting so hard” While the impact of these changes remains to be seen, Ms Foodey says she expects the rental market to get worse. "While my main responsibility is police and education housing, I think across the board things are going to get tough for everyone."Mixed opinions on rental reformCameron McIvor, a property and rentals manager covering Bourke, Brewarrina and Narromine at Schute Bell Badgery Lumpy, said removing no-grounds eviction is "not a biggie" for investors."I think we can live with it," he said."It was more of a move taken by the state government to help people who are in a rental crisis where I understand it's quite difficult to find rentals in Sydney, whereas regionally it's not quite as hard.""It's been spoken about for quite a while and I'm not too sure if it's going to help solve the rental crisis or not."Most of the properties that we deal in are purchased by investors and they're actually looking for a tenant or they want a continuing tenant in them."So, it's not going to be a biggie."Story by Kristin Murdoch and River McCrossen.    

Twelve young people in Coonabarabran spent five days learning about leadership development, mental health, and themselves during the Empowering Youth Week from July 12 to 16.  The program was for 18- to 24-year-olds and was intended not only as an educational opportunity but also a chance to meet and connect with other young people in the region, as part of a collaboration between the Warrumbungle Shire Council and the local 2357 Development Group. It is a part of a nine-month project which will end in March 2025. "It's a good way to meet new people in Coona, especially since I'm fairly new," 22-year-old Lilja Johnson said. She came to Coona two years ago from Brisbane.She said the best part of the Youth Empowerment Week was learning about youth mental health first aid."Having a template when you're confronted with a situation like that is great to have," Ms Johnson said.The 22-year-old said that if anything she wished the Youth Empowerment would focus as well on personality disorders on top of the depression and anxiety disorders that were touched upon."There is still some stigma in that area," Ms Johnson said.The leaders of tomorrow coming up with creative ideas and events"We really want to empower these youth to take it further than an event and then it stops,"  Vivian Evans 2357 Development Group Project Coordinator said.  The youth gained a Youth Mental Health First Aid certificate during a two-day intensive course within the program.  They also analysed their own leadership and communication styles with the help of a questionnaire.  "They all got to participate and connect. It was super exciting because these youth were a mixture of people, young men and women, working and not working, people from Coonabarabran and some Baradine," Ms Evans said.  "We had some guitar playing near the end and a bit of line dancing on the final day."  The following phase of the project will focus on connections and creating a thriving tomorrow.  Students have already come up with ideas for the next phase about connections. Presenters of Building Tomorrow's Leaders Priscilla Jaya and Nicolas Goorbarry "One of the ideas they brainstormed is to understand more the Indigenous, cultural aspects of the land and understand what services are available to support mental health for all ages," Ms Evans said.  

A Vietnam veteran from Coonabarabran recognised for his military service during a special presentation recently says he will never forget the comradeship of the war he fought in as a 20-year-old.  But while that friendship is something he holds dear, Donald Harrod said community opposition to the Vietnam War was something that lead him to be unfairly victimised by protestors when he returned to Sydney in 1970. Don served as a Corporal in the 5th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment from February 1969 to March 1970 in south Vietnam.  “I lived in West Australia and I joined the army and was sent to the eastern states. I was only in it for probably 15 months before I was sent to Vietnam,” he said. Image: Unsplash.com “I was in an infantry battalion and infantry battalions were broken up into four rifle companies, a support company and an administration company. I was in one of the rifle companies.”  “You'd start off at about 5.30am - 6am with silence and after that, well that’s when trouble often started,” Don said. “We were trained to defend our country against communism because we were told by politicians that communism was likely to come to Australia and so it was up to us to stem it in that country. We didn't realise, I mean I was only two weeks past my 20th birthday when I went there,” he said. Don said that he later believed the war was political and “we were there purely because the Americans were there.”  Don enjoys his life in Coonabarabran. Image: visit NSW. He said that when he came back to Australia “people resented the fact that the Vietnam War was on and they took it out on the diggers”. Don stayed in the army for another nine years after Vietnam, followed by time working with the RSPCA in Sydney before settling in Coonabarabran to retire. It’s a town he loved from the outset. “A lot of people who come here never leave,” he said. Federal recognitionFederal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton this month presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Don, in recognition of his service in the Vietnam war.“Certificates of Appreciation are just one way that the Australian Government expresses its gratitude to those who have given so much in protecting our country’s interests and helping to restore and maintain peace around the world,” Mr Coulton said. “We are grateful for the dedication and sacrifice demonstrated by our veterans’ service to Australia, and it’s important to recognise this.” 

Government officials will hold a series of workshops across the Western Plains to engage and provide opportunity for feedback on NSW's first Aboriginal Water Strategy and Action Plan.The draft plan, expected to be finalised in 2024-early 2025, aims to strengthen involvement from Aboriginal people in water planning and management, work more closely with them in sharing knowledge and protecting water-related sites, and provide ownership and access to water for cultural and economic purposes.The draft plan is on public exhibition from 15 July to 25 August.Staff from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have been visiting towns including Narromine, Walgett, Bourke and Brewarrina to encourage input from local Indigenous community members.Aboriginal Water Program Director Sharni Jones said the workshops are a chance for Aboriginal people to have their say on policy affecting their livelihoods."We're looking at culture, we're looking at health and well-being, caring for country, meaningful engagement, economic benefits, cultural and environmental benefits. So, it's really important to get the strategy right," she said."It needs to be co-designed by Aboriginal people and stakeholders in a genuine way."We have a number of avenues to let people know the sessions are happening. So, emails that have been distributed, social media posts and just getting on the phone and calling Aboriginal community members that we know."I've been doing a number of radio interviews, which also includes Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander media."Coonamble-based Phillip Wright attended a local workshop last week.People of Aboriginal descent can apply for a licence to use up to 10 megalitres of water a year - about four Olympic-sized swimming pools - for cultural purposes.That can include rehabilitating land, protecting cultural sites, providing a safe swimming area for children or irrigating plants and nurseries to supply food and medicine.However, the water currently can't be used for financial gain so activities like growing crops or vegetables to sell at local markets are ineligible.Phillip Wright, a member of the Macquarie-Castlereagh Regional Aboriginal Water Committee who attended a Coonamble workshop on August 1, sees the new strategy as a chance to change that."If we start to build up the economic base of our Aboriginal communities, providing jobs, you open more opportunities for people," he said.He would also like to see funding from the department earmarked to enable water projects like the community garden on King Street being developed by the Coonamble Aboriginal Land Council."It's no good having cultural water in the Water Management Act when we haven't got the resources," he said."We don't have the money to put a spear in the river."That'd cost thousands upon thousands, I'd imagine, to run the water to our community garden. Why hasn't the water department got money for such things?"Workshops had been slated to take place next week in Brewarrina, Walgett and Bourke, but were been postponed due to "ongoing Sorry Business" according to the NSW government.Scepticism and consultation fatigueBrewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Urayne Warraweena said she's "a bit sceptical" at the current round of State Government engagement."They consult the crap out of you and it confuses people," she said."With so many water consults happening at this moment with different government organisations, it's a bit hard to commit or trust or know what's actually going on."They roll out the same programs and they roll out the same consults, but to different people. So, it's like 'but which one do we follow?'"That’s where a lot of people get sceptical."

A 17-year-old boy will face court today after allegedly assaulting police in Coonamble. At around 1:50pm yesterday, officers attended a home at an undisclosed street to speak with the teenager. A police spokesperson said they entered the home and arrested the teenager. "It will be alleged the teen resisted arrest while making threats before he spat at an officer and hit another in the face," the spokesperson said. He was taken to Coonamble Police Station and charged with: Intimidate police officer in execution of duty (two counts),assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm (three counts)hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty, andbreach of bail. He was refused bail to appear at a children’s court today.

The National Rural Health Alliance has told the Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee 3G Mobile Network Shutdown inquiry that the move to 4G could limit people’s access to telehealth in regional areas. However, Telstra and Optus have dismissed calls to delay the 3G mobile network would cause any threats to public safety. Telstra is expected to close the ageing network on August 31, having delayed its June deadline, while Optus will shut down in September.TPG/Vodafone already closed its operation in January. Image: Youtube.  The main concerns are that the proposed 4G coverage will not match that of the current 3G network, but the telcos claim that equivalent coverage will be provided.  Telstra submitted that, as at April 2024, only 112 sites out of 11,700 were still to be upgraded from 3G to 4G,19 while Optus has identified 110 sites that will need to be upgraded. Interim report highlights risksThe Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee’s interim report published on Thursday August 1 concluded that “The shutdown of the 3G mobile network poses significant risks for those who rely on medical alarms and personal emergency response systems (PERS).""PERS refers to a wide range of devices that are typically worn as a bracelet or necklace that enable the wearer to seek help in an emergency. They usually operate on wireless networks, including wi-fi, or via a mobile connection.” Susi Tegen. Image: National Rural Health Alliance.  At the committee’s public hearing National Rural Health Alliance CEO Susi Tegen said  “Low-quality connectivity outside of Australia’s cities is an ongoing issue. This is exacerbated by the 3G network shutdown for people living in rural areas,” said Ms Tegen. She added that Governments’ investment in digital technologies and infrastructure has increasingly provided opportunities for both economic and social benefit. However, for many people living in rural Australia, these benefits cannot be realised without fit-for-purpose, reliable telephone, internet and Global Positioning System connections that are both accessible and affordable.   “This telehealth service relies on the availability and effectiveness of telecommunications connectivity,” she said. National Farmers Federation (NFF) Deputy CEO Charlie Thomas also featured at the hearing saying that “Since its introduction in 2006, the 3G network has been a steadfast lifeline for many consumers across the country, but arguably for none more so than those living in regional, rural and remote Australia”.  While the NFF told the inquiry it was concerned that: Anecdotal reports that service is diminishing or shifting in the lead up to the shutdown. Whether the shutdown will lead to poorer connectivity outcomes. Unforeseen impacts on devices, such as ag tech and handsets. Customers’ ability to raise concerns and resolve issues quickly and efficiently. The Senate committee has recommended the Minister for Communications (minister) urgently meet with Telstra and Optus to seek their agreement to extend the shutdown of the 3G network until the minister is satisfied” that a number of conditions are met including that “the 4G network provides coverage equivalent to or better than the coverage provided by the licensee's 3G network.” The committee’s full report is expected to be released in November this year.

A Lightning Ridge business owner is furious that the NSW Government has not created a shorter alternative route from his business into town. A series of dips in Lorne Road’s bitumen has led to its closure. Walgett Shire Council resolved in February to close the road to all traffic, following an assessment which discovered large cavities beneath it and Fred Reece Way within 500 metres of Kangaroo Hill. The road is the main route that connects the town to those living and travelling from the south east.The cavities are thought to be between four and ten metres underground and stretch over hundreds of metres, linking back to mining activity from 1910.  Image: Walgett Shire Council. “While the current road does not exhibit external signs of distress, anecdotal reports from the investigation team indicate that the substantial size of the cavities poses a risk to road users, particularly with the increased traffic from heavy vehicles, trucks and machinery” the council said a statement – with Mayor Jason Ramien telling the Western Plains App the council was very limited in what it can do as it does not own the road.  Lorne Station Caravan Park owner Dan Waterford told the Western Plains App that first of all people just drove around the blocked sign, but then they put up bollards. “It’s impacted us majorly. It means the only alternative access is a 38 kilometre ground trip to town and back. People will not want to stay in the caravan park if that is the case”. “There is an alternative track which could be set up by the department has not come to party on that”.  He said the Department did not notify them and made no efforts to create viable alternative arrangements. Image: Walgett Shire Council. A spokesperson for NSW Government said “NSW Resources commissioned geotechnical report in April 2024 to investigate underground cavities resulting from opal mining that occurred in the early 1900s beneath Lorne Road and Fred Reece Way at Lightning Ridge”.  A journalist from the Western Plains App contacted Council this week and was told there was still no date scheduled to reopen the road. 

Coonamble's Sons of the Soil Hotel will pass hands again after shire councillors voted to sell the historic venue to Melbourne-based construction company Contract Control Services (CCS). Coonamble Shire Council voted unanimously at an extraordinary meeting last night to accept an offer from the company, just over two weeks before they go into caretaker mode ahead of the September 14 local government elections.Mayor Tim Horan said a written agreement between the council and CCS included a condition that the site purchase will not be complete until planned development is finished and an occupancy certificate signed.  "The proposal hit the table last Monday and it came as a timed offer because CCS has other projects in the wings," Cr Horan said. "It was attractive to council because it was about saving the hotel as is, having accommodation upstairs and offering a supermarket opportunity to local businesses as a first right of refusal. "As far as we're concerned it meets all of what we were trying to achieve when we bought the site." Senior council staff Barry Broe and Paul Gallagher with councillors Bill Fisher, Pat Cullen, Brian Sommerville and Mayor Tim Horan. PHOTO: River McCrossen.He said conditions include a development completion deadline of up to 24 months, as well retaining as much of the building as possible in any redevelopment. Council agreed to provide on-site parking for the development. That cost will be added to what council considers their financial "contribution" towards the project - the difference between the amount spent to date to purchase and conduct reports on the site and the actual sale price. Cr Horan said he could not disclose how much the council sold the hotel for. "It is part of a contractual arrangement," Cr Horan said. "But I promise it is not a secret and everyone will know. "I expect it will be included in the quarterly budget review this September. "It is not a small amount but that contribution will be delivered back to us in terms of savings and in benefits to the community one hundredfold." Council owned pubCouncillors opted to buy the hotel in October 2023 for about $825,000 including GST, with plans to partially or fully demolish the site for redevelopment. Cr Horan had supported the proposal to boost foot traffic in the town's main street, although it drew community opposition over the building's heritage value.  Formerly named the Tattersalls Hotel, the venue was established in 1930. Despite a small crowd of concerned locals who greeted the announcement regarding the sale with trepidation, councillors and senior staff were united in their enthusiasm for the outcomes. "I think it's a great thing for the main street, we can only go forward from here," Councillor Brian Sommerville said. Local, Maree Crawford, an opponent of the demolition of the pub, said she hopes SCC will "work with community on what we want to do with the building." "I don't get why they (Council) bought the building in the first place to sell it a year later. What was the point?"For the background on the original purchase, see more here. 

Sue Armstrong, 77, knows all about change and the seasons of life.     Sue and her husband Brian were the subject of a documentary “Warrawong – The Windy Place on a Hill” which captured the aesthetic and fragility of life on the 4000-acre cattle and sheep station on the foothills of Warrumbungles National Park.     It showed how the couple dealt with mouse plagues, 1.5 hour trips to the GP, and life and death on the farm.  On October 10 last year, Brian Armstrong aged 73 passed away after a long battle with Ideopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.     Mrs Armstrong nursed her husband right up until his final hours. After his death, she was determined to continue farming on her own. She learnt to drive the tractor, round up livestock, fix fences and broken pipes. But it made her realise she was 77 not 27 and she made the very difficult decision to sell.  Mrs Armstrong said selling the farm machinery was quite heart breaking, especially the things that Brian loved like his tractor and ATV.    “Selling the prime livestock, the heifers that were in calf, the cows with calves at foot, even the bulls that he bred, it was quite hard to see them go on a truck - that was very difficult. I cried as the trucks drove away.  “Brian absolutely loved the Warrumbungles and in particular, Warrawong. This is where his heart was,” she said.  “When some people heard that I was selling the farm, they said ‘I hope you’re going into a nice retirement village’ and I thought, you’ve got to be joking”.   Image: Gilgandra Film Festival.    Ms Armstrong not only pioneered the Gilgandra Film Festival, she has extensive involvement with JAS – Justice Advocacy for people who have cognitive disabilities and need assistance in court, at a police station – even in jail. She can assist a person in court in say, a domestic violence situation. Sue was a state committee member for the NSW Country Women’s Association and a volunteer with Lifeline.     She says she doesn’t feel old and while she went through a period where she couldn’t stop crying, she has “always been of the belief that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”     “I’m coping” she said. “In a few years I’ll be 80. How ridiculous is that? I can’t believe it.” Ms Armstrong has now moved to Dubbo where she is still getting used to being able to go down the street to get milk, rather than bulk freezing it. “I can say yoo hoo over the fence to the neighbours instead of driving miles. Isn’t that amazing?”    It’s the prospect of international travel that really gets Ms Armstrong going.   In a few months she is going travelling with a friend in the United States, starting in Utah, going all the way up Canada’s west coast to Alaska.  “I’m hoping my friend’s dog keeps me warm,” she said of the expected cooler temperatures.  “Brian and I used to travel a lot. Just because I’ve got older it doesn’t mean I should give up on those things. I think he would be proud of me. Maybe Japan next year?”     I had one friend say to me “y’know I see a few people in the nursing home, younger than you. They just sit there and watch the fan go round, waiting to die.”    Ms Armstrong says she hopes her decision to leave the farm is an inspiration to others to put succession planning in place, and know that life can be good after retiring from the farm to town.   She says “I have a lot of living to do yet”. 

Cattle being transported had a close call after the rear trailer of a truck they were travelling on caught fire on the Kamilaroi Highway yesterday.The incident occurred 30 kilometres outside of Walgett at around 10am. Rescue services arrived at the scene shortly after.  All the cattle were saved and a vet was on site to attend to any potential injuries.  Traffic was closed off in both directions initially.  The westbound traffic opened again at 11am and eastbound traffic opened again 12:19pm. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, however, the Rural Fire Service believes the cause to be mechanical. 

A 50-year-old man has been charged following a police pursuit today on the Kamilaroi Highway. Police were patrolling the highway in Bourke when they attempted to stop a white Mahindra S5 for a random breath test. A police spokesperson said a pursuit began when the driver failed to stop, but was ended a short time later due to safety concerns. At around 2:45pm today, police spotted again the Mahindra drive along the Walgett section of the highway, this time driving into a driveway and stopping.   "Police activated their warning devices and spoke with driver before he was arrested. The driver was subjected to a roadside breath test, which he refused," a police spokesperson said. "The Mahindra was searched and police seized two firearm stocks, and a knife." The man was taken to Walgett Police Station and refused to submit to a secondary breath analysis He was charged with:Police pursuit - not stop - drive recklesslyDrive motor vehicle while licence suspendedRefuse or fail to submit to breath testCustody of knife in public placeRefuse or fail to submit to breath analysis, andGoods in personal custody suspected being stolen. He was given conditional bail to appear at Walgett Local Court on Tuesday 10 September 2024.

A man faced court yesterday after a Gilgandra home was allegedly deliberately lit.   Emergency services were called to Gumble Street at around 8:30pm last Thursday following reports a house was alight.  Police said a witness approached the home and spoke with another man in the backyard who was armed with a golf club and knife.  "The man in the backyard jumped the fence and began to chase the witness to his home before fleeing on foot," a police spokesperson said.  "Fire and Rescue NSW attended the home and extinguished the blaze.  "Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.  "No one was home at the time."  Police were patrolling the Gilgandra area shorty after the incident when they located a 38-year-old man at the intersection of Wrigley and Strickland streets.  The man was taken to Gilgandra Police Station and charged with:  damage property by fire/exp over $15000 (DV) armed with intent commit indictable offence contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic) stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (domestic) breach of bail.  The man was refused bail on Friday and appeared at Dubbo Local Court, where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Monday 5 August. 

Wandering stock is on the radar at Warrumbungle Shire.The Council has put out a reminder to farmers that stock will be seized if it strays onto public land.  According to the NSW Government, land managers have a responsibility to ensure their stock do not wander from their property onto other private land or public property. The Dividing Fences Act 1991 defines what a sufficient dividing fence is and outlines the responsibilities of owners for doing fencing work. Stock can create a biosecurity risk if they are allowed to wander and there is a possibility they may become exposed to pests and diseases if they leave their property. It is for these reasons that the Warrumbungle Shire Council has issued a plea for stock owners to secure livestock. “The safety of our community and the well-being of our roads are our top priorities. We’ve seen too many cases where straying stock have caused dangerous collisions and significant damage,” Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan said. “It’s crucial for stock owners to understand that their responsibilities extend beyond just the value of their livestock. They must also consider the potential civil liability, infringements, and even criminal charges that could arise from negligence.” The Council said there has been an increase in incidents involving straying livestock. They say recent reports have highlighted the significant risks associated with livestock straying onto roads and public lands. These incidents not only endanger lives but also pose potential legal and financial consequences for stock owners. Biosecurity is also under focus. “Biosecurity is a major issue,” Cr Doolan said. “Owners could face liability for any damage caused by their animals if they are found to be trespassing or causing a biosecurity incident. It’s vital that property owners ensure their fencing is up to standard to avoid these risks.” Council say they have observed numerous boundary fences in disrepair and urge all property owners to conduct routine inspections to prevent their stock from straying. “Now is the time for property owners to check their boundaries, lock their gates, and ensure their fences are stock proof," Cr Doolan said. "This is not only about avoiding infringement notices and fines but also about taking responsibility for the safety and security of our community." Livestock owners need to ensure boundary fences are stock proof, boundary gates are locked and fences are regularly maintained. Should you find straying stock and can identify the owner, advice from the NSW Police is to notify them and/or contact the local council ranger or Local Land Services. Anyone who encounters straying stock on public land to report it immediately to Council. If possible, identify and notify the stock owner so they can recover their animals promptly. “Together, we can prevent these incidents and ensure the safety of our roads and communities,” Cr Doolan said. “Let’s all take responsibility and do our part to secure our stock and maintain our community’s safety.” For further information or to report straying stock, please contact Warrumbungle Shire Council’s Compliance Officers on (02) 6849 2000. In other LGA's, contact your local council office.    

A former boiler maker and long-term community leader from Gunnedah has stepped up to contest the sprawling seat of Parkes in the next Federal election.Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey was preselected as the Nationals candidate to contest the seat of Parkes at the next federal election, having won the confidence of the party over the weekend. Mr Chaffey was chosen from two other candidates – Michael Cooper and Peter Strahorn, both from Dubbo – at a preselection meeting in Narrabri on the weekend. Outgoing Federal Member for Parkes and Nationals stalwart Mark Coulton congratulated Mr Chaffey on his preselection and said he will be a fierce advocate for the electorate. “I have worked closely with Jamie over the years both in his role as Mayor and his involvement with The Nationals and I know he has a deep passion for bettering our region,” Mr Coulton said. “I’m excited the Party has chosen someone of such high calibre. Jamie has been a hardworking community leader; he understands the issues facing our communities and knows that regional Australia is the backbone of our economy. “He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in, and I know he will work tirelessly to ensure the people of the Parkes electorate can continue to thrive into the future. “I look forward to working with Jamie until the election is called, helping him meet and get to know as many people in the electorate as possible.” Mr Chaffey said he was honoured to be chosen as The Nationals candidate and looks forward to getting to know communities throughout the Parkes electorate over the coming months. “I am proud to call this region home and I am deeply committed to continuing Mark’s legacy of delivering for the people of the Parkes electorate,” Mr Chaffey said. “Over the past two years, our regional communities have been left behind and I will fight to ensure they get what they deserve. “We need to get cost of living back under control, improve access to healthcare and education in our regions and invest in affordable and reliable power. I believe that to build a strong future for our next generation, we must develop industry within our communities to create opportunities for our young people to stay and raise their families here. “I am looking forward to engaging with constituents and listening to their concerns, ideas and opinions as I travel around the electorate on the campaign trail.” Mr Chaffey has been the Mayor of Gunnedah since 2016 and has also served as Chair of the Country Mayors Association of NSW since 2022, Chair of the Namoi Unlimited Joint Organisation of Councils in 2018, and is on the board of the AUKUS forum of Nuclear Advisory Board. A boilermaker by trade, he is a local businessman and prior to his involvement in local government, Mr Chaffey served as president of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Political legacy The electorate of Parkes takes in over 44 per cent of the state of NSW and stretches from Broken Hill in the Far West across to Narrabri and Moree in the north.The boundaries were extended in 2016 to take in Gunnedah where the new candidate calls home.When he steps down from the role at the next election, Mark Coulton would have served as Member for Parkes for 17 years.     

Locals and visitors will soon take their first dip in Collarenebri's long-awaited bore baths as Walgett Shire confirms it expects the facility to open by the end of the month.The site, complete with toilets and picnic tables, is going through final checks for any build defects before the builder hands it over to the council.Walgett Shire General Manager Megan Dixon could not give a precise date due to the potential for unexpected delays, although she said she's confident that doors will open by September."Everyone knows that it's a priority to try and get it open," she said.Community leaders say the baths will "transform" the town through tourism.Tattersalls Hotel-Motel co-owner Phyliss Dunn. PHOTO: suppliedCollarenebri's Tattersalls Hotel-Motel co-owner Phyliss Dunn said she's seen visitor interest increase over the last six or seven months as the bath nears completion."Last week we had some people out here that had come out hoping that it was going to be open, and they would have definitely stayed at least a week if it was," she said."We've definitely had a lot of inquiries. We also own the cafe in the main street, which we opened on Easter Saturday, and of course we get a lot of people stopping there and checking when they are going to be open."It has the ability, quite frankly, to transform this town."Those are comments echoed by Walgett Shire mayor Jasen Ramien, also from Collarenebri."It's going to make a huge difference to Collarenebri. There's so many people on Facebook and social media saying they can't wait for it to be completed," Cr Ramien said.The council received a $920,000 grant in 2021 to build the site under the Economic Development Program.

More facility upgrades will shortly be underway at the Trangie CWA building, thanks to a $19,000 grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). Trangie CWA was one of three local community groups to receive a share of more than $300,000 in the latest round of grants which were funded through the Australian Government's Regional Drought Fund. The other local recipients were the Isolated Children's Parent's Association (ICPA) and the Narromine Business Collective. Kate Kennedy, treasurer the Trangie CWA said the money will help them further develop the rooms that were turned into a shared workspace after receiving funding last year."The last lot of funding allowed us to turn the rooms into a shared working space with AV facilities," Ms Kennedy said. "We now plan to make some rooms into private offices for visiting professionals like accountants and solicitors, to be able to use.""This will really complement the work we have already done and there isn't many other places in town where you can have access to private offices like this. We will also look at an upgrade to the kitchen area, adding items like a dishwasher and new oven." Ms Kennedy said the Trangie CWA group was a proactive bunch of local ladies who changed their meeting times from afternoon to evening to suit young mothers and workers."It helped in lifting our numbers and meant people were available to step into roles which had been held long term. "People like Jesse Quigley had been with the Trangie CWA for over 50 years which is amazing."We are lucky to have our secretary, Amanda Ferrari, who is a fantastic grant writer and we are so grateful to receive this money." The Isolated Children's Parent's Association received $49,000 in Stream 2 Funding, with plans to deliver eight facilitated workshops on increasing social wellbeing and drought preparedness in Lighting Ridge, Pooncarie and Tibooburra. Tanya Mitchell, President of the NSW ICPA is from Bourke.Tanya & her husband Scott grew up west of Bourke and were both educated via distance education until going off to boarding school for their secondary years and then onto University. Tanya works full-time in town and her husband Scott manages a property north-east of Bourke on the Darling River. They have four children who are all at various stages of their education journey.Scott’s father Wally was a founding member of ICPA in Bourke and both families have been involved in various ways ever since. President of ICPA NSW, Tanya Mitchell. Ms Mitchell said the money the ICPA received would be put to good use to reunite the community after Covid. "While the exact format of the workshops are yet to be confirmed, it's all about connecting people again, and getting those communities back together," she said. "I think during COVID, we did lose a lot of that sense of community and like that togetherness in a few of those areas that we are going to be holding those sessions." "In the last couple of years, we have lost a couple of members of the community to suicide, which is tragic and this is about trying to bring people together for positive reasons. "There's also an opportunity to upskill and build capacity of people in community." Ms Mitchell said she hoped the workshops would help communities become a little bit more cohesive. "We know that it's only a matter of time before it's the next drought, or something else that our communities are going to go through. It's just the nature of where we live, so I guess we want to help build that resilience and togetherness again." "Out here, you absolutely rely on your neighbour or your community around you to support you."