Less than two years ago, the Regional Australia Institute's (RAI) calls to have 11 million people living outside capital cities by 2032 were supported by big banks and businesses, with claims it would deliver a $13.8 billion economic windfall to the country. Last year, RAI reported a surge of millennials to be leaving Australia’s capital cities for country communities. RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the Big Movers 2023 report found an additional 54,000 millennials headed for the regions during 2016-2021 compared to the 2011-2016. However, a serious lack in regional housing may put a dent in these ambitious plans. Luckily, one local Western Plains shire is helping fill the gap with new residential blocks coming up for sale in the near future as it heads towards its own bold population goals. Gilgandra Shire Council is releasing residential blocks for sale at their Aero Park Estate. These fully serviced residential housing lots, ranging from 1242m2 to 1897m2 and priced starting at $82,500. They will soon be listed with local Gilgandra real estate agents. It is a way to attract new residents according to Mayor, Doug Batten. “The project is a key action listed in the Gilgandra Housing Strategy. The spacious lots aim to provide our families room to grow and the opportunity to enjoy the great lifestyle of our rural country town" he said. Mr Batten hailed Gilgandra as a strong, vibrant region which is steeped in history and known for its welcoming community and natural landscape which includes Warrumbungle National Park.The release of residential lots around Gilgandra Aerodrome will make commuting a breeze. IMAGE: AOPA Australia As a sweetener, Council is offering a rate reimbursement incentive to the first five lots sold to complete the construction of their dwellings. This incentive is available provided the dwelling is constructed and occupied within two years of the settlement of the land sales contract. “Over the next few years, Gilgandra is set to experience unique change, not only off the back of the Inland Rail construction phases, but also by the expansion and progression of renewable energy projects within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone," Mr Batten said. "Since these announcements of major construction projects in our region, Council has been identifying ways our region can gain advantages from these significant developments. This project forms part of that strategy. "The additional lots will assist in easing the pressures on current housing availability, whilst making more houses available for more people to Live, Enjoy and Grow in Gilgandra, as a part of our Towards 5000 strategy works.” The Towards 5000 strategy sees Gilgandra Shire Council having a vision of population of 5000 residents. Numbers currently sit at around 4200 and it is hoped these new housing blocks will help boost the numbers. Lots will be listed with local Real Estate agents, MH Thomas and Beyond Twenty One from mid-June.

It's the middle of the night and your mobile phone buzzes with a message.It's quite likely to be from someone masquerading as Australia Post or another freight company about a delayed delivery. Just 'click here' and rather than all your problems being solved, they are likely just about to begin! Statistics released in May show that almost three quarters of Australians receive these type of scams.Research undertaken by Australia Post shows that of the 75 per cent of people targeted by scams about deliveries and packages, 27 per cent fall victim to the ruse which often results in fraud or identity theft. Alarmingly, 5 per cent of people report losing more than $20000. Australia Post’s Group Chief Executive & Managing Director Paul Graham said Australians are losing billions’ of dollars to scams each year. "Scam attempts are becoming more sophisticated, frequent and increasingly harder to detect and our latest research reveals that most of us have already been targeted," Mr Graham said.“With many people being bombarded with fake texts, emails and calls the best way for customers to stay safe from scams is by using the free AusPost app, which tracks deliveries securely.” He went on to say that Australia Post will never call, text or email you asking for personal or financial information including password, credit card details or account information or call, text or email you to request payment. Over 80 per cent of Australians are receiving up to ten scam texts and calls every week with research suggests that 15 per cent of people are receiving 16 or more scam emails a week.  Australia Post is urging people to protect themselves as scams continue to increase and become more convincing.More than half of those surveyed revealed they had initially believed a fake delivery message was legitimate and pursued it before realising the content was fraudulent. Last December, a man from Sydney was charged for allegedly sending more than 17 million scam texts impersonating large businesses such as Australia Post and Linkt.He sent mass texts with fraudulent links across networks nationwide. ACCCs top tips on protecting yourself against scams are as follows - Download the official app and turn on notifications so you can be confident the message is real.Never click on links in texts or emails.Don’t give money or personal information if you are unsure. Scammers will create a sense of urgency, such as telling you your parcel could not be delivered.Don’t rush to act.Act quickly if you think something feels wrong and immediately report it to your bank if you lose money. For more tips on how to navigate parcel and delivery scams visit the Australia Post website. The site also outlines current scams to look out for. The advice is clear when it comes to suspicious text messages regarding deliveries - do NOT click on any unexpected/unusual links or open attachments. The scammers are powerless if you don't play into their hands.

Emily Stanton is a 32-year-old entrepreneur, as well as a wife and a mother to three busy little boys. Born and bred in the Nyngan district, Emily is so proud of her community that she has invested her heart into it, and it shows.The Western NSW Business Awards took place in Bathurst on Friday 31 May and Nyngan Small Business owner Emily Stanton was awarded Outstanding Young Business Leader for 2024 amongst a field of inspiring young business-people. “I was really surprised to win as it was such tough competition,” said Emily. “I feel so honoured, but also I was very shocked at first.” “It feels really nice to be recognised as I do put my heart and soul into being a business leader,” Emily added. Emily, who manages the Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park, also runs a Building business with Husband James, and both (along with a team of tradies) are currently renovating the iconic pub “The Nyngan”, after many years of it being empty.  “My husband and I own and run several businesses in Nyngan ranging from commercial shops to an Airbnb, a car wash and laundromat, Stanton Building, Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park and our latest project – The Nyngan Hotel. You could say I am a very busy woman,” laughs Emily, “But I very passionate about the businesses we run,” she said. Emily who found her business passion running the Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park, has taken to business like a duck to water.Emily makes her acceptance speech at the Western NSW Business Awards at Mount Panorama on Friday night. IMAGE: Business NSW - Western NSWWith her organisational skills and super-efficient manner, Emily has shown she can wear many hats. “Nyngan Riverside is a family run business. My parents own the park and I have been managing it for the past 12 years. It is like an oasis in the outback, we are located on 15 acres beside the Bogan River, and it really is a beautiful spot.”  “We recently received a TripAdvisors award, which made us so happy as we must be doing something right, and we work really hard to make sure all of our visitors get the very best of travel experiences.” “We are also currently at the final stages of our project The Nyngan Hotel which is due to open on 1 July. We have been renovating the hotel for the past 15 months." Even though life is flat out for Emily, husband James and her family. They wouldn’t have it any other way. “It has been a very busy year but we love it,” said Emily. “Although I hope soon to try to find a better life work balance,” said Emily with a smile. “The Nyngan Hotel has been such a huge task, along with everything else I run so the goal for next year is to find a balance! If that is at all possible.”“The Western NSW Business Awards are all about celebrating and showcasing the diverse array of talent in Western NSW’s business community and this year’s winners should feel incredibly proud to be named as the region’s leading businesses and leaders for 2024," said Vicki Seccombe, Regional Director – Western NSW, Business NSW.“Last year, we saw Orange and the Central West region dominate the awards, but this year, we are celebrating winners from all across Western NSW including Nyngan, Lithgow, Orange, Bathurst, Mudgee and Dubbo.“We continue to see tough trading conditions for many businesses over the past few years, so these awards are a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on our amazing group of finalists from right across the region." The Award for Emily has been the icing on the cake, for a great year so far for her and her team, but she says without her husband and staff to back her she would not be able to achieve as much as she has. “I would really like to thank my husband James,” said Emily. “It is no easy task being married to a woman who has big ideas and a drive to keep pushing the limits in business.” “I would also like to thank all the staff that work across all of our businesses, we have a great team of staff and without them we couldn’t do what we do,” she added. It will definitely be a watch this space for the young Nyngan business leader as she moves forward into the future.

Indigenous and intercultural dance theatre Marrugeku performed 'Nyuju' at Coonabarabran High School for National Sorry Day on 26 May. Nyuju Stumpy Brown was a Wangkatjungka painter and law-woman in Western Australia. As an artist, Ms Brown recreated the desert sites from her childhood. Her parents died when she was young.Afterwards, Ms Brown was raised by her uncle who was a drover.In a 2002 ABC radio interview, Ms Brown said she never saw a white person until she was 15.Her family stories are told through dance, video, and sound by her great-grandson Emmanuel James Brown."We were transfixed as he shared parts of his ancestors' storylines,"  Executive Director of Orana Arts Alicia Leggett said. Ms Leggett said "the journey through movement and projections" inspired her the most. “We were so incredibly lucky to have Marrugeku in Coonabarabran and we hope to bring more works of this nature to the region."If one is open to new ways of experiencing these stories we bring ourselves closer to understanding our First Nations history. For the past ten years, there has been a National Sorry Day March across the Mary Jane Cain Bridge.Mary Jane Cain, affectionately known as ‘Queenie Cain’ was a Gomeroi who secured a parcel of land for her family at Forky Mountain in the late 19th century.She traveled to Sydney in 1885 to secure 400 acres of land as an Aboriginal Reserve.Her request was granted in 1892. Mary Jane Cain recovered an additional 600 acres between 1902 and 1911. On this land, Aboriginal families who had been displaced were able to build a home and find a community even decades after Mary Jane Cain died in 1929.Mary Jane Cain penned out a 23-page manuscript in 1920 including her life story, observations of landowners and workers, and a collection of Gomeroi words. Marrugeku also worked with students from Wellington High School on 19 May and taught them about intercultural storytelling methodologies and telling stories through movement.

A car towing a caravan has crashed on the Castlereagh Highway around halfway between Walgett and Lightning Ridge, near the Strathmore Road intersection.The accident happened at around 1:35pm today, Monday 3 June.Emergency services were called to the site.Motorists are being advised to reduce their speed and allow extra travel time.Traffic flow at the scene is being managed by Transport NSW to allow motorists to pass in both directions according to Live Traffic NSW .

A boy will face court today, Monday 3 June, facing charges after an investigation into a break, enter and steal in Bourke at the weekend.At about 4.10pm on Saturday 1 June, a boy allegedly entered a home on Oxley Street, Bourke, just before the owner arrived home.When the owner arrived home to find the front door open, he sighted a boy flee out the back door and jump the rear fence allegedly carrying two CCTV cameras.Officers attached to Central North Police District attended and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.Their inquiries led police to a home in Bourke at around12.55am yesterday (Sunday 2 June 2024), where they arrested a 12-year-old boy.He was taken to Bourke Police Station and charged with break and enter house steal value.He was refused bail and appeared at a Children’s court via Audio Visual Link yesterday, Sunday 2 June 2024.He was given conditional bail to appear at another Children’s court today, Monday 3 June 2024.

The dark clouds hanging over Coonamble Greyhound Track reflected the mood of the community, after plans by Greyhound Racing NSW to close the facility were revealed late on Thursday afternoon 30 May. The next morning, around forty community members, including past and present club members, business owners and council representatives, gathered to show their support for the Club and their horror at the decision. "It guts you pretty well when you do all the work and they just make a decision in the boardroom," said Coonamble Greyhound Club President Graham Pickering. "It's going to hurt the town." Coonamble is one of three regional tracks tagged for "permanent closure" under what GRNSW are calling a statewide "Organisational Reset" designed to reduce costs and streamline business efficiencies amid "tough trading and market conditions." Non-TAB racing will cease altogether in NSW, with one exception being Potts Park (Yagoona) in Sydney, While Moree, Young and Coonamble are to be shut down, and others downgraded to trial tracks, an $18.2 million capital investment program will see new tracks constructed at the regional centres of Tamworth and Wagga, along with upgrades to up to 20 other tracks.Crowd at a carnival in Coonamble. IMAGE: Greyhound Recorder "It is regrettable that many of you would have first heard about this in the media," GRNSW CEO Rob Macaulay told stakeholders in a statement on Thursday afternoon."We were in the process of contacting impacted stakeholders when it was leaked."I can advise you that the Board of GRNSW met this week to approve the Strategy and consider a raft of strategic matters that arose out of its consultation, GRNSW operational and financial needs and the expectations of the community following the McHugh Inquiry and the Greyhound Industry Reform Panel that nearly saw our industry shut down.""The decisions arising will see many significant track improvements, but unfortunately also some closures."These decisions have not been taken lightly. They have been arrived at after careful consideration of industry needs, intersecting with GRNSW’s statutory obligations."There are various clubs and groups that will consider themselves adversely, and perhaps even unfairly, effected by some of these decisions."President of the Coonamble Greyhound Racing Club Graham Pickering would sit squarely in that camp."I just can't see with all the money they've spent here, I think it adds up to about half a million dollars they've spent in the past few years," he said."It's all just going to go to waste."He argues with "not much more" investment the Coonamble track would meet TAB racing standards."You would find you'd have a lot more races here," he said. "It's an excellent track and the safety has improved. I could name a few TAB tracks that are not as safe as ours."The annual Gold Cup Racing Carnival is the club's flagship event, drawing trainers, dogs and supporters from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast, many of whom stay in the town for a week, injecting money that circulates around the district.Deputy Mayor Adam Cohen says the annual carnival is "a massive social event" for the town."The amount of money the event puts into the town is huge," he said."Coonamble is a small town and having the opportunity to have a large event here has a big impact. Last year we had Shannon Noll here and this place was packed."It's such a big money spinner for the town and these big events get more people into our communities to show what these towns in our region can do."Coonamble's James Doolan with greyhound Lottie and Coonamble Greyhound Racing president Graham Pickering with Beryl. Picture: Dylan Robinson, Daily Telegraph August 2016.It is not the first time the town has fought to prevent the closure of it's track.In 2016, then Premier Mike Baird threatened a statewide greyhound racing ban.A report prepared by Coonamble Shire Council at that time showed that the local economy stood to lose $1.88 million per year, flowing on to a loss of seven jobs if the ban went ahead. Barwon MP Roy Butler has indicated his support for the Coonamble club and, following a conversation with Mr Macaulay, welcomed confirmation the October carnival would be permitted to go ahead this year.“Greyhound racing at Coonamble is an important social and economic activity," Mr Butler said."During the October Long Weekend racing carnival restaurants, motels and other businesses in the town benefit greatly from the influx of people who come to the races."I am pleased that Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has confirmed that they will still be holding the 2024 carnival and I welcome GRNSW’s commitment to travel to Coonamble to meet with the community to discuss.”

The love of a local church combined with writing creative non-fiction has paid dividends for writer Sharon Bonthuys of Narromine. She was recently awarded a prize in the Regional NSW category of the walk.listen.create Neighbourhood Narrative competition which offers a prize for creatives living and working in Regional NSW and writing about Regional NSW. "This particular competition was a maximum 350 words and anyone in the world could enter," Ms Bonthuys said. "I was really excited to be told that I was shortlisted and then I received the Orana Arts Prize for the Australian entry which was great." A journalist, Ms Bonthuys said she wrote a non-fiction piece that was of journalistic in style. "I've done a few stories on Dandaloo Church," Ms Bonthuys said. "It's about 57 kilometres west of Narromine. There used be a town there but now the church is pretty much all there is. It was actually immortalised in two poems by Banjo Patterson."Dandaloo Church. IMAGE: Michael McKenzie on Australia247 Orana Arts' Executive Director, Alicia Leggett congratulated Ms Bonthuys on her win, saying her story captures the history of a place in the heart of the state that could very easily be lost over time. "Partnering with walk · listen · create on Neighbourhood Narratives was a wonderful initiative to not only capture and share some of the wonderful place-based stories we know exist across Regional NSW but an opportunity for regional writers from Australia to test their storytelling skills in an international arena," she said. "Supported by some of our regional writing groups, the format of flash, creative non-fiction was a great starting point for many who may not have tried writing in this style or entered a competition before. We were pleased to see Regional NSW so well represented amongst the entries." Ms Bonthuys said Dandaloo was a thriving place back in the late 19th century but when the railway moved away, it died off.The church is still used for monthly non-denominational church services thanks to local caretakers. IMAGE: Michael McKenzie on Australia 247"My story is called Still Standing because the church was built back in the 1880s and survived floods and other things," she said."It's right on the banks of Bogan River so when the river floods, it floods as well, but it's still there after136 years. The most recent flood was back in 2022 when a metre of water went through." "A local family, the McKinnon's are the caretakers, they're the ones how keep it going and they still have a monthly church service." Ms Bonthuys said she has already picked out her subject for the next competition. " I'm not telling anyone what it is but it's another part of the central west that interests me," she said.

Last June it was announced that more than 1.7 million drivers would be eligible to have a demerit point scrubbed from their licence record through a NSW Government trial to encourage safer driving. Drivers needed to maintain a clean record until January 17 this year to qualify to have a demerit point removed from their record. The opportunity was grasped by many drivers including a large number across the western plains where many people rely on their cars to get to work due to lack of pubic transport. Described by NSW Government as a "meaningful reward" for drivers doing the right thing, local LGA's have seen many motorists get rid of a demerit point through maintaining a 12-month spotless driving record. Data broken down by local government area shows Bourke Shire had 219 motorists lose a demerit point with other councils showing similar impressive statistics; Brewarrina – 93 motorists, Walgett – 511 motorists, Cobar – 354 motorists, Lachlan – 590 motorists, Gilgandra - 360 motorists and Narromine - 720 drivers. Over the entire state more than 1.2 million drivers qualified for the demerit point reward for maintaining a clear record during the initial 12-month period up to 16 January 2024. Minister for Roads John Graham said the scheme was "a carrot of reward for good behaviour". “If you drive for a living then the reward for safe driving could be the difference between ongoing employment and losing your livelihood," he said. “Every demerit point wiped from a licence under this trial is the result of a full 12 months of safe driving by a motorist on NSW roads." A recent analysis of car ownership in 2021, indicates 55% of households in regional Australia had access to two or more motor vehicles, compared to 53% in Australia. The ability of the population to access services and employment is strongly influenced by access to transport.  Stephen Lawrence MLC for Barwon, said even the removal of a single demerit point can make a huge difference. “Earning the removal of a demerit point can mean a lot, especially to motorists who rely on their cars to drive the kids to school or to get to work.” Mr Lawrence said. “It’s great to see drivers rewarded for their safe driving. Our community knows how important road safety is and this program is driving that message home." The demerit return trial has been extended for a second year as the NSW Government continues to sharpen its focus on road safety in 2024 amid a rising road toll.    

Local Nyngan Nurse Jacqui Chapman was recently named as a finalist in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Nursing and Midwifery awards and recognised along with other recipients at a presentation dinner on 9 May. The awards are a nod to the passion, dedication and significant contribution nurses and midwives provide to patients and communities across Western NSW.Small communities would be lost without the amazing nurses that staff our hospitals. In her nomination, Jacqui was acknowledged for consistently demonstrating the characteristic of a nursing leader, as well as being an all-rounder with nursing at the centre of her professional practice. Jacqui’s role is developing leadership and capability within the WNSWLHD people and culture directorate and along with eight others was nominated for the award. Jacqui was surprised to hear of her nomination but thrilled, nonetheless. “I was honoured to be nominated for the award as a recognition of the passion I have for leadership in nursing.” According to Jacqui’s nomination, “Her approachability, calm nature and rational approach assists others with working through challenges to ensure optimal outcomes.” “Her ability to interact with other members of the (department) demonstrates her leadership talent,” according to Jacqui’s nominator. “Jacqui is respectful and professional in her practice which always supports the delivery of safe and quality nursing care as well as the maintenance of a safe working environment for all staff. Jacqui models the concept that she wouldn’t ask a clinician to do something she wouldn’t do herself.” “I’ve loved my nursing career,” says Jacqui. “I was Nurse Manager at Nyngan Hospital for 14 years. I then took up a district position in leadership and capability, providing in facility mentoring to new and emerging learners and managers in both rural and remote facilities and mental health drug and alcohol directorate.” “It has been an amazing journey which I am most grateful for,” added Jacqui. “All eight recipients of this year’s Nursing and Midwifery Awards were truly deserving,” said Adrian Fahy, WNSWLHD executive director quality, clinical safety and nursing, “I was thrilled to present them with their awards, as well as acknowledge all the nominees and those who received honourable mentions in each category.” “As always, we were faced with the difficult task of selecting recipients in each category having received some wonderful nominations this year, but that’s a great problem to have.” Mr. Fahy said the evening’s events celebrated the fantastic work of these exceptional staff but provided an opportunity to recognise all the dedicated and hardworking nurses and midwives in the region.“In WNSWLHD, we employ more than 3300 nursing and midwifery staff, by far the greatest proportion of our workforce, and they work incredibly hard to deliver essential services in our hospitals, health centres and in community settings,” Mr. Fahy said. The recipients from these local award categories will now be put forward as nominees for the state health excellence awards. “I have a deep passion for leadership especially in rural and remote facilities in the northern sector. I look forward to many more years of looking after both patients and nursing staff in Western NSW,” added Jacqui.

In a bid to increase housing stock in the area, Gilgandra Shire is offering rate reimbursement for the first five houses built on it's new Aero Park Estate. . The reimbursement will cover the first three years of council charges, provided the house is built and occupied within two years of signing the land sales contract. The blocks range between about 1200 and 1900 square metres."It's an incentive by Council to encourage people to build on the blocks straight away," Gilgandra mayor Doug said. "Plus to encourage newcomers. "At the moment there's 22 blocks we're letting out in one street. We've got another 15 blocks in the adjacent street, which we're not releasing yet." Cr Andrews said Council has had trouble attracting private investment into local housing. "And even when Council develops, we only do it on a cost recovery basis," Cr Andrews said. "You've got to secure the land to start with, then you got to put the infrastructure on it. That's the water, the sewer, the curb and guttering, road sealing. "We've priced the land purely on what it costs us to develop the blocks."The incentive, announced 28 May, comes a day after the council published on it's website it's budget for the 2024/25 financial year. Gilgandra ratepayers will pay another 4.5 per cent on general rates, the maximum the council can raise it each year under NSW government legislation. Water charges for Gilgandra township and Tooraweenah village have increased by five per cent, while sewer charges for Gilgandra township have increased seven per cent. The council said the water and sewerage charges increased in the township to cover replacing aging infrastructure. The township's $25 stormwater charge will remain the same.  Cr Andrews said his shire had to raise the general charge out of "basic financial necessity." "You've got a situation where the consumer price index is around six per cent. The government in their wisdom, allow us to increase rates by this cap of 4.5 per cent," Cr Andrew said. "We're dropping behind 1.5 per cent each year by taking the 4.5 per cent."

The Country Majors Association (CWA) has called for minimum staffing agreements for non-24-hour police stations under recommendations submitted to a bi-partisan inquiry into community safety in the bush. The CWA made 24 recommendations, announced 23 May, covering areas including domestic violence, youth crime, bail laws and police workforce issues. They include increased funding to boost front line police numbers in the regions and a call for $10 million annually "to establish Specialist Workers for Children and Young People in every frontline domestic and family violence service in NSW." The submission also recommended 21 Local Government Areas to host hearings, including Lachlan, Coonamble, Walgett, Cobar, Bourke and Parkes. Parkes Shire mayor Neil Westcott says police lack the presence his shire needs. "I really do agree with the report in that it's very much linked to having police on the beat and also making sure that the judicial system supports the police in regards to bail laws, Cr Westcott said. "Coming off the back of the Molly Ticehurst death in Forbes, which is just down the road for us, the domestic violence situation has been brought to the fore and is getting plenty of publicity. It should have been getting it for a long time, so that's obviously a large part of the report as well. "We're not at the extreme end of some of the shires really having to respond very quickly to some quite severe increase in blatant youth crime. "But I'm not burying my head in the sand. It's out there, the figures suggest that they have to acknowledge it."Parkes (picture) sits only about 30 minutes drive from Forbes. IMAGE: Wikimedia 28-year-old Ms Ticehurst was found dead inside her home on Young St in Forbes late-April.Her former partner, Daniel Billings, was charged with her murder and contravening an apprehended violence order.Parkes Shire recorded 137 reports of domestic violence-related assault in 2023, up 11.7 per cent over the five-year trend to December that year. Gilgandra mayor Doug Batten, whose shire was not on the recommended hearing list, said he didn't make a submission to the inquiry. "To put it bluntly, it's the flavour of the month," Cr Batten said. "Next week it's immigration or boat people, they go around in circles. "Any crime's no good, but our crime levels aren't similar to what some of the western towns are - like the Coonambles and Walgetts. They're the ones I'd expect to be making submissions."CMA Chairman Jamie Chaffey said the inquiry, run by the Law and Safety Committee, is an opportunity for "generational change." “Now that the NSW Government has agreed to hold a regional crime inquiry and submissions are rolling in, all eyes will be on the four Labor, one Greens, one National Party and one Independent member of parliament that make up the Law and Safety committee who must take their responsibilities seriously and not avoid this important opportunity to make meaningful generational change," Mr Chaffey said. The Western Plains App contacted committee Chair, Labor Mount Druitt MP Edmond Atalla, for comment on the recommendations. A spokesperson for Mr Atalla said it would be inappropriate for him to comment until he has received all submissions.  While general submissions closed 31 May, the spokesperson said one submitter had been granted an extension to 14 June.  

World Knit in Public day is coming up on Saturday 8th of June and the Bogan Craft Group in Nyngan is ready to knit and purl in public to celebrate the day and share their skills with any would be knitters.   Knitting, which originated in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean around the 5th century, saw the earliest artefacts in the form of Egyptian socks. From there the skill spread to Europe where male guilds used it to make religious garment.    Over time it became an aspect of daily life, practiced by people of all genders and cultural backgrounds, although fast forward to today and it is mostly (but not confined to) a female past time.    Knitting provided warmth and comfort through handcrafted clothing and blankets, socks, scarves and gloves, passing down from generation to generation with the unique cultural influences of the respective regions.   “The craft ladies are hoping to promote this wonderful craft and share their skills with the community to keep the craft alive for generations to come,” said organiser Amy Edwards.   “Everyone is welcome to come along to Rotary Park at 10am and either join in or just watch and have a yarn with the ladies. They are eager to share this skill and happy to teach anyone willing to learn how to knit or crochet.” “We will have knitting needles, crochet hooks and yarn on hand for anyone that would like a lesson,” added Mrs. Edwards. “The group invites seasoned knitters and crocheters to bring along their current or unfinished projects to show off or work on, on the day. Bring along a chair and morning tea.”   Before knitting, there was a needlework technique known as Nålbinding (a Norwegian word meaning “needle binding) which created a similar fabric to knitting by looping and knotting yarn with a single needle. Associated with the Vikings, it was also practised in other parts of the world.   Archaeologists found fragments of nålbinding from as early as 5th century Egypt to 9th century Norway and 7th century Germany proving its widespread use across the globe.   Finger knitting was popular before the needle method took over and was also practised for centuries for those who didn’t have access to needles and children learning the skill.   When knitting machines were designed and used in the Industrial Revolution, this made it easier to produce larger quantities of knitwear, however, hand-knitting still remained a popular and widely practised craft, loved by people from all walks of life.   The Bogan Craft Club has been meeting for over 20 years and member Wendy Clissold has fond memories of the days spent knitting and crafting with friends.   “We are really looking forward to the Knit in Public day. We love sharing our skills with people and because it has given us so much joy over the years, we hope we can pass it on for future knitters.” “We love our craft group,” said Mrs. Clissold. “This club is for anyone who does any kind of craft, but we mainly do Knitting or crocheting,” she said. “You can do paper craft hand sew binding on quilts, sew or knit or just come for a chat. It’s a great social morning to swap ideas, swap patterns, or just as a social outing.” “The Club has been going for over 20 years and we used to meet in homes and on people’s farms. It was such a great day we all loved it. Now we meet at the local Youth Centre and we have a luncheon once a month. We also support local businesses and do what we can to welcome new people,” said Mrs. Clissold. “Knitting brings people together while providing warmth and comfort, you can’t beat that,” she added.   According to Scandinavian Group – Mother Knitter, there is much more to knitting than meets the eye.    PHOTO: Some of the ladies of Bogan Craft Group - photo supplied by Wendy Clissold “Knitting is obviously a great creative outlet for self-expression, can provide a sense of accomplishment, and can boost one’s self esteem, as well as being a fun hobby that can be done alone or with a group.” “From a social perspective, knitting is a great way to bring people together and promote community building. Knitting groups are a popular way to socialise and form new connections while enjoying a shared hobby. Additionally, the popularity of knitting has helped revive traditional crafts and techniques, preserving cultural heritage and promoting cultural appreciation.” “Finally, knitting can also be a form of charity work, with many knitters using their skills to create items for those in need, such as blankets for children, scarves for the homeless, and hats for soldiers,” said the Group.   Report have also shown that regular knitting sessions can help maintain cognitive abilities and slow down cognitive decline in individuals with dementia. Knitting can improve executive functioning, attention span, and problem-solving skills, thus the encouragement in Nursing homes for patients to take up knitting.   “We are looking forward to sharing our skills with everyone, especially the kids,” said Organiser Amy Edwards. “We hope to see everyone there.” 

A consistently earned five-star review from travellers and a top 10 per cent ranking globally has earned Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park a 2024 Tripadvisor Travellers Choice award.   With many reviews by satisfied customers the Park now has the green sticker to prove how good they are, and the managers and hardworking staff could not be prouder.   Emily Stanton Park Manager said they were utterly thrilled to hear the news.  “We were thrilled to receive the award as it is based on guest reviews and we work really hard to keep the standard high, so it’s nice to have the recognition by receiving the award.”   “We are blessed with an incredibly hard-working team at the Park and we love acknowledging them, as well as a big thank you to our guests who give us such great reviews and keep coming back to the Park whether its only for a night or a repeat visit, we truly thank you.”   With descriptions such as great park, great amenities and lots of space on the river, several reviews offered 10/10 for the Tourist Park. One reviewer even expressed a yearning to ‘take one of the cabins Home’, as another declared the Park ‘a little pocket of paradise in the Outback with amazing staff’.   PHOTO: Receptionist Julie O'Brien with Park Manager Emily Stanton  It’s no surprise to the locals as it has been a popular spot for many years, with community members even opting to stay at the Park overnight or for a weekend on the river with family and friends.   The Tourist Park is on a roll as it recently received word of nominations for the Western NSW Business Awards with receptionist Julie O’Brien nominated in the Outstanding Employee category, The Park nominated in the Excellence in Small Business section and the Park Manager Emily Stanton nominated for Outstanding Young Business Leader.   With visitors to the park not only tourists, but business people also, the site is catering to a great need in the small town for accommodation, while also promoting the shire.    The fact that it sits on a beautiful river in pristine surrounds with great staff and fantastic facilities is another reason why they were more than deserving of the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice award for 2024.  

Coonabarabran's Rotary bookshop will turn the final page on July 31 after serving the community for around 20 years. The Home Timber & Hardware that housed the shop in one half of the space told volunteers it now needs the rest.Rotary Club of Coonabarabran Executive Secretary Joan Wilkin said moving the shop's 10,000 books is too big a job for the small and aged volunteer group that runs it. "We've made the move several times in the past," told the Western Plains App on 29 May. "We've been at a venue that is now needing it for themselves, so it's no longer available to us. "And look, we're incredibly grateful to these people because the initial arrangement was that we could be there for two years, and we've been there for four. They've been very generous. "We're only a small group of people who now are reasonably older, you might say, so being able to manage the move and the running of the store is becoming more and more difficult. "Sadly, we've come to the decision that we won't move it to a new venue yet again."Coona Community volunteers Ian Bell and Belinda Johnson at the local Rotary club's 75-year anniversary on 13 May 2024. PHOTO: SuppliedThe shop was the brain child of local Rotary member Ian Bell and according to Joan began "soon after 2000," with revenue going back into Rotary community projects. Ian has continued to run it throughout recent years alongside fellow member Colin Welsh and a roster of other volunteers putting in the hours to keep the doors open.Aside from the books now needing a new home, club Treasurer John Sawyer said the closure will leave a hole in the Rotary Club's fundraising efforts. "Not only it brings money into the club, it provides a very good community mental health thing when people come in and do nothing else but talk," he said. "And we've got about 20 to 25 community volunteers who do a shift morning and afternoon. "It's a good mental health program for them." John, who built bookshelves for the store when it began, said the books that aren't sold in the next two months could go to Rotary bookstores in other towns. "I'm going to be ringing them to see if they would like to come and get them. Otherwise, and I don't like the idea, what's not sold and not given away in July, they're going to have to go to the dump unfortunately," he said. Joan asked people with ideas for the books can get in touch with the club.

Brewarrina has the second lowest life expectancy new data from Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU) at Torrens University shows.  The shire of around 1,143 people has a life expectancy of 71 according to PHIDU maps, making for the lowest life expectancy in the Western Plains and second lowest in NSW.  Only Central Darling which includes Wilcannia and Menindee is lower in the state at 63.  This compares to areas of metro Sydney such as Woolhara which sits at 86, the Northern Beaches (85) and Mosman (84).  Brewarrina Mayor Vivian Slack-Smith told the Western Plains App "It is hard to attract trained good quality staff and housing is difficult for all professions".   "We have a doctor permanently here, good hospital facilities. I guess the only other issues is the diet intake of soft drinks, alcohol and lack of healthy take away".  Australia overall has an average life expectancy of 83.   The data shows Walgett has a life expectancy of 75. In Coonamble and Narromine it is 77. It's 72 in Bourke, 79 in Cobar, 75 in Warren and 80 in Gilgandra and Bogan shires.  Warrumbungle Shire Council has the highest life expectancy in the region at 81. A long and healthy life is harder to achieve areas further west. "The further you are from an urban setting, the more likely you may die of disease due to various factors, including the tyranny of distance and workforce shortages,” said the Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen said “Fit for purpose funding is critical to ensure that the necessary policy and infrastructure is in place,” she added. She said small rural towns of less than 5000 people, have access to almost 60 per cent fewer health professionals than major cities per capita, indicating continuing workforce and access challenges in rural areas. Major cities have more choice and more General Practitioners and other health practitioners providing primary care compared to large regional centres, small rural towns, remote areas and very remote areas. “There is clear evidence that per-person spending on healthcare is not equitable, and that this inequity is contributing to poorer health outcomes in rural areas,” said Ms Tegen said  The data showed East Arnmhem in remote Western Australia has the nation's lowest at 49. 

Students from Gilgandra schools will bring their stories to life with the help of audio equipment awarded as part of the Gilgandra Film Festival. Students from Gilgandra Primary, St Joseth's Catholic, Tooraweenah Primary Eumungerie Public made and the Gilgandra Library Tech Club made mini documentaires up to eight minutes long for last weekend's festival.Around 200 people turned out on Sunday 25 May to watch documentaries from national and international filmmakers. Each group will receive wireless clip-on microphones that connect to phones, which provide better sound quality for interviews.  Artistic director Simon Target said the festival aims to encourage documentary film making among Gilgandra shire students. "We went to the schools and said 'look, we're running this documentary festival and we'd love to have kids involved," Simon said. "Some of them are made with a bit of help from parents, some of them made totally by the kids. "There's a sort of unself-consciousness about the way they filmed, which if you're an old documentary maker like me is really inspiring." The audience watched a highlight reel from the students' work, which also screened at the Primary School Students Documentaries the day before.RIGHT TO LEFT: Festival artistic director Simon Target, festival director Sue Armstrong and Simon's wife Dr Beata Zatoska. PHOTO: SuppliedThe festival also featured Simon's 'Warrawong : the wind still blows,' which followed festival director Sue Armstrong on her Warrawong farm after her husband Brian passed in 2023. Sue, who has since sold the farm, was in the audience for the screening. "Simon actually made this wonderful little film, picked all the bits out of it to show at the funeral," Sue said. "And he's now done a little one, only a grand to show what it's like when a farmer dies and what the consequences are if his wife is left trying to do things on the farm. "If I was 40 or 45, it'd be different, but I'm nearly 80. "I can drive the tractor, but I wouldn't drive it before, so I've had to drive the tractor, learn to use the zero turn mower, learn to use all these different things, but do I really want to? "So, this really is a bit of a closing chapter." The international pick, Marjan Khosravi's 'The Dream of a Horse,' featured Shahnaz, a teenager from a nomadic family in the Iranian mountains who wants to study, but who's father wants to marry her off. Also from Simon was a test screening of 'Kozok : Alone across Australia,' which documented photographer-adventurer Michael Kozok and his unmotorised trek across across Australia. The festival began in the 2023 after a chance meeting between Sue and Simon in 2018 at a Country Women's Association event. That led to Simon making a film about Sue and Brian's life as farmers in remote NSW. “There was one film made about Gilgandra and we wanted to show it, so we decided that we may as well show three short films and make it a film festival,” Sue Armstrong told the Western Plains App in 2023.On Sunday Sue said the festival is now shaping up as a yearly event. "We're already looking at next year," Sue said. "And it's very interesting. After having last night, where the children saw themselves on the screen, the children have been heard saying 'I want to do one for next year.'" "Hey, what more can you want than that?"

A new inquest will investigate whether the Queensland Police Force should have responded to differently to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the train property in Western Queensland in the lead-up up the slaying of two police officers and their neighbour. Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, and Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, were shot dead by Gareth and Stacey Train along with Nathaniel Train when arrived at the Trains’ property in the Western Downs on December 12, 2022. Nathaniel Train had previously been principal at Walgett High School. Police have said Nathaniel Train, along with his co-offenders, believed in premillennialism and thought that Christ would arrive after a period of mass destruction. The trio had constructed sniper nests and stashed ammunition around their property. Police later learned that Nathaniel Train broke through a NSW-QLD border gate during Covid-19 restrictions and placed loaded guns in flooded waters almost a year before the killings. Ruth O'Gorman. Image: supplied. Nathaniel Train was a missing person and Police had attempted to find him several times at the Wieambilla property. The inquest set to begin on July 29 will investigate whether anything was known to authorities indicating a risk that the Trains would do what they did, Counsel assisting the coroner Ruth O’Gorman KC told a hearing in Brisbane on May 21. The brief of evidence to be examined includes footage of the deaths of the two police officers recorded by their own body worn cameras. The inquest will also examine how Nathaniel Train illegally entered Queensland via Talwood in December, 2021 and the quality of the subsequent police investigation. The inquest would also examine the missing persons report in relation to Nathaniel Train by the NSW Police Force in November and December 2022. Information communicated by the NSW Police Force to the Queensland Police Service in the lead up to the shooting will also be considered as well the decisions made by local police stations to send the four officers on the day of the shooting. Barrister Lachlan Gyles will represent NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb at the inquest. 

Nurses in rural and regional Australia are "burned out", "harassed", "bullied" and work in a "culture of fear" a western NSW health boss has claimed.  Mark Burdack is the CEO of Collarenebri-headquartered Healthy Communities Foundation Australia (formerly Rural and Remote Medical Services).  Rural and Remote Medical Services was formed in 2001 by a group of concerned rural GPs and communities in north-western NSW that were experiencing challenges maintaining local health and hospital services.   Health Workforce Australia research shows that, due to the ageing workforce and the greater health needs because people are living longer, there could be a shortfall of more than 100,000 nurses by 2025, and 123,000 by 2030.  Mark Burdack. Image: Supplied.  While figures from the Western NSW Local Health District shows a heavy reliance of agency nurses across the region – with the costs of agency nurses jumping from $6 million to $37 million over than period.  Mr Burdack said "NSW nurses and health workers are heading for the exits as an epidemic of bullying, harassment and violence takes hold in the hospital system"  He notes a NSW Health employee survey, which had 81,815 respondents, found 16 per cent of respondents claimed to have experienced bullying, with more than 33,500 NSW Health employees have also claimed they are burnt out.  "The 2023 NSW Inquiry into Rural, Remote and Regional Health also found a 'culture of fear' among healthcare staff around speaking out" Mr Burdack said. He said that work culture is the "single most important reason why nurses and other health workers are leaving the health system" and says that rather than providing financial incentives the government should hone in on the concept of vocation.  A vocation is "meaningful work" he said "A vocation is an occupation that one feels compelled to engage in on a personal level."   Image: Supplied.  He said the government needs to focus on helping health workers self-actualise and flourish by making their profession a "vocation".  "Things like incentives, housing and other monetary changes sound like solutions, but we know from the last 20 years that increasing incentives and other rewards is a temporary solution at best, and only increases the price of health care to taxpayers."The challenge for the NSW Premier is to take this word ‘vocation’, and turn it into a mantra for fundamental reform of public and health services". Gilgandra multi-purpose service. Image: Supplied.  It comes as the Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park released a statement saying "rural health worker recruitments and retentions have surged by one fifth in just the last six months of 2024, after the NSW Government doubled the support available under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, from $10,000 to $20,000".  He said one of those who had taken up the scheme was Soumya Baby a registered nurse at Gilgandra Multi-Purpose Service, who relocated from New Zealand to Gilgandra with her family through the NSW Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme in November 2023.