Narromine turned on its charm for last weekend’s Dolly Parton Festival, with crowds flocking to enjoy a weekend of sunshine, song, and sequins in true country style.Narromine Shire Council Mayor Ewen Jones said the event was a great way to bring the community together and showcasing the best of the region.“From my point of view, it was an amazing success,” Cr Jones said.“Good entertainment, weather was great, and the town looked terrific thanks to our staff and the community in general.”The festival, which has now secured funding for three years, drew strong crowds throughout the weekend.“We’re still waiting on the final wrap-up of actual attendance numbers,” Cr Jones said.“But now that we’ve got funding for 2026 and 2027, we’ve got to make it last."Part of the conditions of the funding was that we don’t charge an entry fee.”To help offset costs, the event included a bar and market stalls, which proved popular with visitors.“Apparently it went very well.""They ordered less stock than last year because they didn’t get through much, but this year they ended up having to go and get more,” Cr Jones said.Will the real Dolly Parton please stand up? “That’s always a good sign.”Entertainment was front and centre, with performances from local and visiting artists, schools, and community groups.“Saturday morning down the street, all the kids were doing the singing and dancing with the Narromine Line Dancers,” he said.“Then we had the Indigenous dancers from Trangie who came in and did a little performance, which was a really nice part of the agenda."We had the Gospel Choir too."We had lots of different acts, and people hung around pretty much to the end.“It got a bit warm, but people moved along the shops and came back.”New additions to the program were also a hit.We had the car club do a little parade - that was different, we've never done that before,” Cr Jones said.“I got a ride in an LC Torana, which was one of the first little cars to win Bathurst, Peter Brock used to race them.”Local pride was on display in the shopfront decorating competition, with “Style 33 Espresso" taking out top honours.“So many shop fronts got involved and really got into the Dolly spirit," which is great,” Cr Jones said.“The town just looked amazing.”Council played a major role in coordinating the event, but Mayor Jones emphasised it was a community effort.“It was driven by the council, but we still incorporated the last committee," he said."For example, Rachel, who was on the original committee, now works for council in that space."We also involved all the former committee members who wanted to be part of it so they all still had input.”The Narromine community got "Dolly-fied" for their annual festival.He also paid tribute to Phil Johnson, Council’s Director of Economic Development.“He puts in a huge effort," Cr Jones said."Phil was up early in the morning and late at night picking up rubbish on the oval on Saturday night."He’s not scared to get his hands dirty."A highlight for many was the free “Dolly Express” buses running between venues. “Last time we only had little buses, but this year we had the big ones and that was great,” Cr Jones said.As for whether the Mayor donned a wig for the occasion?“Local business were making shirts with the big Dolly star on the front, so I wore that and I had my Dolly hat on too,” he said.With its growing reputation and fresh three-year funding commitment, the Dolly Parton Festival is now firmly part of Narromine’s events calendar.“It’s great for the town, for our businesses, and for community spirit,” Cr Jones said.“Everyone just had a great time, and that’s what it’s all about.”

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew has been busy in the Western Plains with two critical incidents this week.Yesterday (Wednesday 15 October) at around 11am, a Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to a person suffering a cardiac arrest at Collarenebri, north of Walgett.A woman in her 20s was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical team before being transported to John Hunter Hospital. On Monday 13 October at around 6.40 pm, NSW Ambulance sent the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to Baradine.A man in his 30s was treated at the scene by the NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and a NSW Health doctor from the helicopter’s critical care medical team after a medical episode.He was transported to a Sydney Hospital in a critical condition.It’s the second incident in a few weeks a passenger winched after breaking an ankle at Warrumbungle National Park.A paramedic was praised for staying with the patient overnight before being airlifted to safety.

Some patients in rural and remote areas have limited access to psychologists and psychiatrists, and unfortunately, stigma persists around mental health care with some people reluctant to be seen in a psychologist’s waiting room.That observation from the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) captures a struggle that many people across western New South Wales know all too well.In towns such as Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble and Walgett, distance, limited services and ongoing stigma continue to prevent people from seeking the help they need.As Mental Health Month is marked across Australia during October, doctors, advocates and local services are reminding communities that help is available, and that improving access in rural areasremains one of the country’s most urgent health priorities.The RACGP used World Mental Health Day on 10 October to call on all levels of government to improve access to mental health support, particularly in rural and remote communities.The college urged changes to Medicare to allow longer consultations for complex mental health issues, saying the current system encourages “six-minute medicine” that cannot meet patient needs.RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the time to act was now.“Australia is in the middle of a mental health crisis, and more must be done to ensure all patients, including those living in remote and rural areas, can access the mental health services they need,” he said.The college’s Health of the Nation Report 2025 found that 71 per cent of GPs nominated mental health concerns as a top reason for patient presentations, up 10 per cent since the survey began in 2017.RACGP Rural Chair Associate Professor Michael Clements said longer consults were critical to ensure high-quality care.“By boosting patient rebates for longer consults, GPs can take the time needed to deliver the highest quality of care.Complex consults, including for mental health concerns, can’t be rushed,” he said.He added that strengthening GP-delivered mental health services could help offset the shortage of psychologists in smaller communities.Remote access focus“GPs across Australia do a tremendous job helping patients in rural and remote areas experiencing mental health concerns, including through Focused Psychological Strategies consults,” he said.The college is also calling for reforms to decouple GP-provided mental-health consults from psychologist-delivered sessions under the Better Access scheme.The change would allow patients up to 20 Medicare-subsidised mental-health consultations each year, double the current figure.The RACGP says this would have a particularly profound impact in rural and remote areas.Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) also highlighted the role of Rural Generalists in making care accessible, trusted and connected.ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin said Rural Generalists are often the first point of contact for people experiencing mental health challenges and are deeply embedded in their communities.“Rural generalists are not only specialist doctors but also community members who know their patients, understand local environments, and can help people navigate support in ways that feel safe and accessible,” he said.A system rebuild for the mental health sector is recommended by some industry stakeholders, while extra burdens are placed on regional patients as they struggle to get help.He noted that distance, workforce shortages and stigma can make mental health issues more complex in rural and remote Australia, and that Rural Generalists provide whole-person care, bridging the gap between patients and both specialist and community-based supports.Leading psychiatrist Professor Pat McGorry echoed the urgency for reform.Speaking to ABC’s Four Corners program in February 2025, he said Australia’s public mental health system, especially in New South Wales, was “as bad as it’s ever been.”“It’s like working in a third-world sort of environment,” he said.“The moral injury of turning away seriously ill people every day and not being able to provide the care that people need.”Demand keeps risingHe added that governments understood the scope of the problem but lacked the commitment to rebuild the system.“It’s not like they don’t get the problem; what’s needed is for them to commit to a plan to rebuild.”Professor McGorry’s comments reflect what regional communities have been saying for years: demand for help keeps rising while access remains limited.Despite similar rates of mental illness in rural and urban areas, suicide and self-harm rates are significantly higher the further people live from major cities, according to the National Rural Health Alliance.Across western New South Wales, it can take weeks or even months to see a specialist.Some towns rely entirely on visiting clinicians; others depend on overworked GPs or telehealth appointments.Travel costs, workforce shortages and a lack of privacy in small communities all add to the challenge.“Strong access to mental health care matters,” Dr Clements said.“GPs are the first port of call for many patients, and GPs living and working in the bush play a particularly vital role.”The RACGP is also calling for incentives such as housing, childcare and spousal-employment support to help attract and retain doctors in rural areas.ACRRM similarly encourages communities to take action by checking in on someone, starting a conversation, and recognising the vital role Rural Generalists play in local wellbeing.For young people, there is some relief close to home.Headspace Dubbo’s Outreach Program delivers free, culturally safe mental-health support to communities across the region, including Bourke, Brewarrina, Collarenebri, Condobolin, Coonamble, Gulargambone, Lightning Ridge, Nyngan, Walgett and Warren.The program welcomes all cultures and identities, with a focus on First Nations youth.Aboriginal Youth Wellbeing Workers help young people look after their social and emotional wellbeing and connect them with other community services.More information and local contact details are available at headspace.org.au or through Headspace Dubbo.If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.Headspace also offers free counselling and online resources at headspace.org.au.

Gilgandra Preschool stood out from hundreds of services across Australia to win at the HESTA Early Childhood Education and Care Awards on Friday 3 October. A "shocked" preschool director Kristy Hyndes accepted the Outstanding Service Award in Perth from a pool of two other finalists from Shellharbour and Melbourne. An announcement from award sponsor HESTA said the community-run service was recognised for "its inclusive, innovative approach to rural early education."They went home with a trophy and $10,000, which Ms Hyndes said will go towards their programs. "I think it's having passion and dedication for children, putting them at the forefront, having out-of-the-box ideas," she said. "We have a full early intervention program at the preschool where we actually hire an occupational therapist and a speech pathologist who come in and not only deliver programs to children one day a week, but they train our staff in delivering these programs. "We're trying to access children early who might need support so that we can get them in for any referrals." Uncle Ralph Naden teaching children about Aboriginal song and instruments at the preschool. [IMAGE: Gilgandra Preschool]The award panel also applauded the preschool for providing transport, fully-subsidised fees and cultural programs. They include twice-a-week trips to a 25-acre property where children are involved in nature-based learning, connect to the land and explore the natural environment. Ms Hyndes said they also incorporate the Wiradjuri language throughout the service, where close to half the children enrolled are Aboriginal. There were about 250 nominations across three categories. "Just because we live rural, regionally remotely, doesn't mean that we can't do the bigger things," said Eumungerie parent Jess Turnbull said. She began sending her three-year-old youngest Sam to the preschool in 2023 after they moved to the area from Queensland the year before. Children take part in the twice-a-week 'Bush Preschool' on a property owned by the service. [IMAGE: Gilgandra Preschool] "My oldest went to a preschool that is in suburbia, and Sam's been offered tenfold more than what Max was. Our regional location isn't a hindrance. It's a benefit. "This award is such a huge achievement, and they deserve all the successes that follow from winning this."I will be so sad at the end of this year when my youngest is no longer a ‘student’ there."

The NSW Government has confirmed that RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge and directors Paul James, Phillip Chin, and Dr Charles New OAM resigned from the state board on Thursday, 9 October leaving the organisation temporarily without a quorum.Media reports suggest that the resignations were precipitated by a crisis meeting that was to consider removing Mick Bainbridge and Paul-Raymond James over alleged breaches of code of conduct and conflict of interest rules.Both were reportedly under scrutiny for their dual roles as RSL NSW directors and legal representatives for a party involved in a dispute with the organisation.While the resignations have prompted government inquiries into how the board will continue operating, local sub-branches say their day-to-day activities will remain unaffected.In a media statement, NSW Minister for Veterans, David Harris noted that Mr Bainbridge, Mr James and Dr New had served on the board since 2023, while Mr Chin had been a director since 2017.All four are veterans, and the Minister for Veterans thanked them for their service.Little impact felt at branch levelIn Cobar, RSL sub-branch secretary Colleen Boucher said the news had been discussed briefly at their Sunday meeting, but members were unconcerned.“It really doesn’t affect us,” she said.“We’re just a small branch, and this sort of thing has been happening at the top for quite a few years – different people getting out of it and new ones coming in."Ms Boucher emphasised that the focus at the local level remains firmly on supporting veterans and their families.“I don’t get involved in politics,” she said.“We’re here to support the vets in Cobar – that’s what we do.”The Cobar RSL sub-branch currently has around 14 members, meeting regularly at the Cobar Memorial Services Club.The club serves as the town’s community venue, with private function areas, a restaurant and lounge area used for gatherings and remembrance events.Youth connection through Army CadetsBeyond traditional Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services, Ms Boucher plays a major role in engaging local youth through the Australian Army Cadets.She runs the Cobar unit every Sunday, giving teenagers aged 13 to 18 a structured, hands-on experience of leadership, teamwork and community service.“We’ve been running the Army Cadets here for about 30 years,” she said.Cobar RSL sub-branch secretary, Colleen Boucher, was recognised in the King's Honour Award in 2024 for her service to the Cobar community.“My husband actually opened the unit, and I’ve been involved for 27 or 28 years, it just becomes part of your life.”The unit recently returned from a week-long training camp at Singleton Army Base, where 15 cadets spent seven days in the field learning navigation, survival skills and teamwork.“It gives them a military experience and they love it,” Ms Boucher said.She noted that the cadets’ involvement strengthens the bond between younger generations and the town’s veterans.“We’ve had three daughters go through, and now our granddaughter too," Ms Boucher said."It keeps that connection going and shows the kids why remembering and service still matter.”Grassroots strengthFor many small-town branches, the latest RSL NSW resignations highlight the distance between state-level administration and local volunteer work.But Ms Boucher believes the heart of the organisation has always been in the sub-branches that quietly serve their communities.“We just get on with what we do,” she said.“We look after our veterans, support the cadets, and make sure Cobar remembers.”While questions remain over governance at the state level, in towns like Cobar the mission remains unchanged – a commitment to service, remembrance and the next generation who will carry those values forward.Although RSL NSW operates independently of government, Minister Harris has written to the organisation seeking information and advice about the issues raised by the outgoing directors.“The NSW Government stands with the almost 130,000 veterans and their families who call our state home,” Mr Harris said.“RSL NSW is an important organisation supporting the wellbeing of veterans and their families, and the Government wants to see it operate with the highest standards of integrity and governance.”

Anti-Poverty Week is shining a spotlight on a harsh reality for thousands of Australians, with a new report stating the number of people living in poverty in Australia has increased to 1 in 7, a startling 14.2% of the population.In total, there were over three million (3,706,000) people in poverty, including 757,000 children in the 2022-23 study, with a 2% increase from the previous two years prior, with around 13.7% in rural and regional areas, higher than their city counterparts.The report found that the poverty line is $584 a week for a single adult and $1,226 a week for a couple with two children. The depth of poverty (average gap between incomes of people in poverty and the poverty line) increased from $372 per week to $390 over the same two-year period.Dr Yuvisthi Naidoo, Senior Research Fellow at UNSW’s Social Policy Research Centre [Image UNSW].According to the new ACOSS and UNSW report 1 in 6 children is living in poverty and Dr Yuvisthi Naidoo, Senior Research Fellow at UNSW’s Social Policy Research Centre says this is unacceptable.“This research shows that 1 in 7 people and 1 in 6 children are now living in poverty. "This is unacceptable in one of the wealthiest countries in the world,” said Dr Yuvisthi Naidoo, Senior Research Fellow at UNSW’s Social Policy Research Centre.“The number of people living in poverty decreased in 2020 due to the temporary effective doubling of Jobseeker through the Covid supplement - but has since sharply risen to be now above pre-pandemic levels, with the removal of the Covid payments and dramatic rising housing costs.“The steep increase in rents in recent years has had a particularly severe impact on people with the lowest incomes.”Nyngan Community Hub Office in Pangee Street [Image Community Hub].Nyngan’s Deanne Walsh, Co-ordinator of the Red Cross Community Hub, says people across the western area are really feeling the pinch.“People are finding it hard to make ends meet. Not only the basic staples, but the rising cost of electricity, insurances and fuel.“I have people coming to me saying we can’t afford to insure their house or pay the rent. "People just can’t get in front, and it only takes one unexpected bill to cause chaos.“The Foodbank in Nyngan has never been so well attended as it is now. "People come and get what they can for free and then they go shopping after with the money they have left over.“People are going back to grassroots, planting fruit trees, putting in Vege patches and even getting chooks for eggs in the hope of saving what little they can.“More and more younger kids in families are leaving school to get jobs so they can take home money to help the family. It’s a sad situation,” she said.Mrs Walsh says there are services that can help and for people to reach out.“If people are having trouble, please reach out to the many services there are available such as Red Cross, The Smith Family, St Vincent’s De Paul or Lifeline if needed. "Hopefully between us all we can help,” said Mrs Walsh.Sharon Calister, CEO of Mission Australia [Image Mission Australia].Sharon Calister, CEO of Mission Australia, said: “More people in Australia are now living in poverty, and this confirms what our frontline staff see every day: individuals and families are being pushed to the brink by soaring housing and living costs, combined with inadequate income support. "Far too many are at risk of or experiencing homelessness as a result.  “Poverty and homelessness are deeply interconnected. "Without adequate income support and access to safe, affordable homes, people can’t meet basic needs or plan for the future. "We urgently need real increases to income support payments, greater investment in social and affordable housing, and early intervention services that keep people safely housed.” 

The Federal Government’s decision to overhaul its proposed superannuation tax for farmers has been welcomed across the bush.Under changes outlined by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the plan to tax unrealised gains in super has been dropped.The proposal will now be indexed, with balances between $3 million and $10 million taxed at 30 per cent, and balances over $10 million taxed at 40 per cent.NSW Farmers’ President Xavier Martin said years of advocacy had helped steer the policy away from taxing paper gains.“The government wanted to tax money people hadn’t earnt, because they’ve supposedly made money on assets they hadn’t sold – and it’s good to see they’ve finally seen sense on this super tax,” Mr Martin said.He warned the original draft would have hit families who hold land in self-managed super funds.“Thousands of Aussie farming families have their businesses or farm assets in self-managed superannuation funds, and this tax would have crippled them if it had gone ahead unchanged,” he said.“Farmers now have a shot at a brighter future, where they can continue to feed the world and use superannuation structures to support succession planning, without senseless taxes to cripple them."It’s a good day to be a farmer, and we’d like to thank our Treasurer and those on all sides of Parliament who drove these changes on the nation’s behalf."They’ve done the right thing by the people who feed and clothe our wonderful country.”On the ground in the Central West, Murray Darling Partners Accountants and Business Advisors accountant Richard Heckendorf ho is based at Trangie, said the original plan set off alarm bells for clients holding farmland within SMSFs.“It was a concern."We had some clients that were impacted and would have had to make some significant changes to their affairs to deal with it,” he said.One of the major concerns of the implications of the proposed super tax was the impact on passing the land down to future generations.“The compliance burden around valuing farm assets every year was an issue in itself."It wasn’t clear how exactly they were going to do it, but it involved having to get formal valuations done every 12 months."The extra compliance, and then cost of complying with that tax, just added another layer of complexity.”Cash flow, he added, was the obvious pinch point when the “gain” exists only on paper.“Most those super funds that held these sort of properties, but no cash to actually pay the tax itself,” he said.“Essentially, the only way to resolve it, for a lot of these people was to actually sell the property or transfer it out."If you’re under retirement age, you’ve got a big problem. "Selling the property is obviously not an option - that’s the family farm.”While the unrealised-gains element has been shelved, Mr Heckendorf cautioned farmers to stay engaged with the ever changing superannuation sector.“My clients are relieved for the time being, but new legislation and rules are introduced all the time," he said.The changes remove the immediate threat to intergenerational planning and reduces a compliance impost that would have landed hardest in regional Australia, meaning farmers can get back to doing what they do best.“The shift away from taxing unrealised gains means families can keep focusing on running their businesses and planning succession, rather than scrambling to fund a tax bill based on “thin air,” Mr Heckendorf said.

A man and a woman head to court today after a man was allegedly set alight in Coonabarabran yesterday (13 October). Police say a 19-year-old man was walking on Cowper Street at about 6pm on Monday when a man and two women approached him. "Police have been told a member of the group allegedly poured a liquid onto the man before he caught alight," a police spokesperson said. "Passers-by extinguished the fire and the man before he was taken to hospital for treatment. "A short time later, police were called to the same street after reports of a public order incident. "Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District responded with the assistance of detectives."It isn't yet clear what motivated the incident. [IMAGE: River McCrossen] The spokesperson said a crime scene was established.  They also said a 45-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were arrested at a nearby property. They were taken to Coonabarabran Police Station, where the man was charged with causing grievous bodily harm and affray, while the older woman was also charged with affray. They were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 4 today. The teenage girl was released pending further investigation. Police are urging anyone with information on the incident is to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

In 1965, Charlie Perkins led a group of 30 University of Sydney students in a bus through rural towns to protest against Aboriginal exclusion from venues like swimming pools and cinemas.Now, as part of the 60th anniversary, the NSW Government are calling for local community members to get involved in a planned Blue Plaque Trail to commemorate the historic ride. Charlie Perkins was one of only two indigenous students enrolled in the University at the time.The route ran from Sydney through western towns including Gulargambone and Collarenebri and Dubbo, as well as Lismore, Taree and Newcastle closer to the coast.In Walgett the group held signs outside the local RSL club in protest against a ban on indigenous servicemen. ''The timing was right for this but many others would do it in a different way,’’ Mr Perkins said later. Patrick Bourke, a local amateur historian, says Heritage NSW want communities along the Western Plains to engage with the new Freedom Ride Trail.He says the Blue Plaque trail would include plaques similar to the one placed at Walgett's Memorial Freedom Ride Park in February this year.It is one of just two blue plaques already unveiled.Crowds honoured the Freedom Ride in Walgett in February 2025. [IMAGE: Heritage NSW]The Freedom Ride bus made various stops during its two-week journey. Significant things happened at many of these stops, from protests and public meetings to information gathering and awareness raising.‘’They are asking us to help identify which stops along the route could be commemorated with a blue plaque," Mr Bourke said."Heritage NSW want to know where important interactions with local communities happened. What was their lasting impact.’’"This online survey will run concurrently with our community outreach on this important project," a spokesperson said.  As a student Ann Curthoys was one of the original 'freedom riders' in 1965.She has since published a book, based on her diary of the time, and is now a respected Professor.Prof. Curthoys attended the anniversary with fellow riders Chris Page, Aidan Foy, Beth Hansen and Alec Mills.At the time of the Walgett plaque unveiling she says it was clear the community had rich memories.‘’It makes you feel very pleased that you're involved in something that was so important to some people, and that helped change some of their lives," said Prof. Curthoys."I think people who know their history can have a strong sense of identity and community."Ann Curthoys was one of the students on the 1965 Freedom Ride. [IMAGE: Wikipedia]"I'm a historian, so I always think remembering the past is important, mainly to know where you came from," she said."It can be a kind of a spur to action, the fact that there's a tradition to be carried on."There's an inheritance."  Nominations for the Blue Plaques are open until 30 November 2025.“NSW has profoundly changed as a result of Charles Perkins and the students who drew attention to racial injustice in our state," said Penny Sharpe, Minister for Heritage.“By listening to Aboriginal voices, supporting Aboriginal-led initiatives, and committing to real action, we can follow in the footsteps of the Freedom Riders to build a more just and equal Australia,” said David Harris, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.You can read the stories behind the plaques at the Wayside Chapel in Sydney’s Potts Point and the Walgett Freedom Ride Memorial Park here.

Cobar's Pearl Blackman was overseas when she heard she had been chosen as the Young Volunteer of the Year for the Orana region.  ‘’I was competing in cross country events in the US which was an incredible and amazing experience," she said just after her return home. ‘’Someone mentioned a Cobar person won a volunteering award and then I was surprised to find out it was me.  "I was too busy at the time for it to sink in properly.  "I volunteer because I like helping people, so I wasn’t after awards for doing it, but it's an honour.’’ She was still away when the awards were handed out in Dubbo last weekend.  The citation from the judges said, ‘’The Cobar High School student and cross-country runner gives her time at the student council, supporting student health and well-being programs, the Little Athletics and Show Girl Committees and many other programs and events.’’ The 17-year-old thrives being a leader and is on the Student Council.  She says being at a small school means you have to pitch in and help, with one of her big missions being to continue to help other students with their mental health.  ‘’There are many issues for youth here, and there aren’t the opportunities for us, so we try to connect and talk about what we can do in the future to improve things,’’ she said. Pearl is also part of the Cobar Show Society, particularly enjoying helping out with Rural Woman of the Year. ‘’It is fun to be involved with arranging everything from the flowers to the interviews with the candidates,’’ she said. Jamie Chaffey MP (centre) with other Volunteers awarded on the night in Dubbo. [IMAGE: NSW Centre for Volunteering]Organising and managing events is already Pearl's dream job.  ‘’I am working with Council at the museum and tourism information centre and when I finish my HSC I would love to study and get work full-time in events management organising big events,’’ she said. Cobar Council General Manager Peter Vlatko has no doubt that Pearl will be successful at whatever she puts her mind to, ‘’The council and community are so proud of her it was no surprise to me she was awarded.’’ Pearl will now head to Sydney for the NSW finals in December, along with the other Orana award winners: multicultural leader Ramesh Sharma (Volunteer of the Year), grief counsellor Kerry Frost (Senior Volunteer of the Year), ambulance volunteer Christopher Milne (Emergency Volunteer of the Year) and the National Association for Loss and Grief (Volunteer Team of the Year). The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said of volunteers, “Their dedication isn’t just admirable; it underpins a more resilient and compassionate society."These exceptional individuals give selflessly - often while juggling careers, study, and family life - yet they still choose to show up for others when it matters most.” 

Community and business leaders in Bourke Shire made their voices heard in a second day of hearings into water buybacks in the Murray Darling Basin on Friday 10 October. Buybacks involve governments purchasing water entitlements from growers to keep it in the river. The topic typically draws criticism from irrigators, who say the measure needlessly deprives them of water for agriculture, and support from graziers who say they help keep the rivers flowing. At the Back O'Bourke Information and Tourism, Louth Chamber of Commerce vice president Gary Mooring said he doesn't believe the policy would place great pressure on his local economy. "The irrigation industry has progressed to where they are not big employers," the grazier said. "I'm not saying that the irrigation industry is not big to the people that have got it, but to the local economy it's not as powerful as what it is when you get up to your Morees, your Narrabris, your Wee Waas."Mr Mooring said he supports any water recovery methods, including water buybacks. He also said licences to extract water for irrigation upstream of Bourke put pressure on users downstream as the Barwon-Darling flows south west. The hearing was part of the Inquiry on "Impacts of the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023 on NSW regional communities."Representatives with the Louth Chamber of Commerce told the inquiry that they are seeing less water flowing through local streams.  Barwon MP Roy Butler leads the inquiry committee, which was established in February 2025 to probe social, economic and environmental impacts of the current buyback scheme. On Friday, they also heard from Bourke Shire mayor Lachlan Ford, irrigators Tony Thompson and Frank Old, and Brewarrina grazier Ed Fessey.Cr Ford said buybacks have had a significant impact on the area's productivity and contributed to population decline."We still need to be able to produce things. Water is a key element to that," Cr Ford said."The loss of productive water for jobs has really hurt Bourke over the years."Your town has to maintain a critical mass of people to be able to have certain things. Every time we lose productive water, that chews into that critical mass around your education, your health, pretty much every part of what makes up the social fabric of the community." He also spoke about controlling European Carp to improve river health.Mr Fessey said increasing compliance with water rules has made as much difference to the environment as buybacks. He also advocated for targeted water recovery depending on what different parts of the system needs. "The bottom line is that old mother nature is highly variable," he said. "You need 80,000 megalitres in the Barwon-Darling to make an end-of-system flow in half-reasonable antecedent conditions."If you had a really dry time, I think you'd probably need 100,000 or 120,000 depending on how hot it is. "We've got to be smarter and, I think, be brave enough to say 'let's try some of these suggestions which are coming from the community.'"Macquarie Marshes graziers Garry Hall and Dugald Bucknell also fronted the committee in Narrabri on Thursday 9 October. 

When proud Ngarrindjeri and Wayilwan man Peter Mackay first enrolled in a TAFE language course in Warren, he did not know it would grow into a community movement, culminating in local Indigenous children writing and recording an album in Wayilwan language.“I didn’t know a single word of the language when I started the course,” Mr Mackay said.“Neither did my mother, my aunties or my uncles, because back in their day, if they were taught language, they risked being removed from their families."So we all grew up without it.”That loss sparked Mackay’s determination to reclaim and preserve Wayilwan.Over three years, with the guidance of respected teacher and linguist Aunty Beth Wright, the group began building a vocabulary.“Aunty Beth found 100 words to start with, then worked up to 700."She speaks seven languages and works with 26 communities, she’s been amazing,” Mr Mackay said.From TAFE classroom to community hubThe original TAFE course finished, but Mr Mackay and others were determined not to let the progress end there.“I was trying to figure out, how do we keep the language going and not lose it again?"Then all of a sudden, this old building popped up, it was an old Mechanics Institute and pretty run down, but it was donated to us,” he said.That space became the home of Warraan Widji Arts.Together with colleagues Karlene Irving and Phyllis Oates, Mr Mackay began running cultural programs for local children after school.“We had the kids come down every afternoon for an hour or two."We’d do dance, language and music,” Mr Mackay said.Mr Irving’s brother, a musician, volunteered his time to teach the children to play guitar and sing.“He came out on his own time and taught the kids music."They picked it up so quick and within two or three years they were writing songs,” Mr Mackay said.Writing an Album in WayilwanThe children’s confidence and skills grew, and soon the group had a body of songs.“We just kept writing and adding."Now we’ve got about 10 songs in language,” Mackay said.A driving force behind Warraan Widji Arts, Peter Mackay is also a youth worker and Aboriginal Education Officer at the local school.Seven children were directly involved in recording the album, while 16 kids make up the broader Warraan Widji Arts group.The songs reflect both language and place, with deep ties to Warren and its history.“A lot of the songs are made up from the kids’ input."Some are about Warren, where we all grew up and about the old mission where our families lived,” Mr Mackay said.The album was launched in the last week of September, with strong community support.Pre-orders have already been taken, with more information available on the Warraan Widji Arts Facebook page and website.For Mr Mackay, the recording is just one step in a bigger cultural revival.“We’re still learning all the time, even me," he said."The kids have their input into the songs and dances."There’s no one boss, we all work together."If something doesn’t work, we try something else."The sky is the limit!The project is already opening doors.The children’s group, known as the Jirri Ones, will perform in Sydney during Aboriginal Languages Week in October, while Mr Mackay’s senior band, The Dreaming Drifters, continues to support their efforts.“Most of the kids are related somehow," Mr Mackay said."We all share those connections to family, to Warren, and to country, that’s what makes it powerful."For Mr Mackay, the journey has been as personal as it is communal.Born in Warren, he left as a teenager but eventually returned.“It’s still hard to believe everything just happened like this,” he said.He credits Aunty Beth Wright for laying the foundation.“She’s always been part of what we do.Without her, this wouldn’t have been possible,” he said.“We just want to keep going with the flow."This is about making sure Wayilwan is never lost again.”

Warren Shire Council is asking residents to share their flood memories, photos and drainage observations to help shape the Warren Flood Study, which is now underway.The study is being delivered by specialist consultants HydroSpatial Pty Ltd in partnership with Council, as part of the NSW Government’s Floodplain Risk Management Program.It will combine technical modelling with lived experience to build a clearer picture of how floodwater behaves in and around the town, guiding future planning, funding bids and works.Warren Shire Mayor Greg Whiteley said many locals have lived through events that maps alone can’t capture.“We don’t just want data,” he said."We want your stories and local knowledge.“This Flood Study will be stronger and more meaningful if it reflects what people have actually seen and experienced.”Council’s General Manager, Gary Woodman, said Warren’s levees have protected the community for decades, but they can still be tested during major events.“That’s why local insights are critical,” he said.“The community’s photos and observations will validate our models and confirm how floodwaters behave in our town."Combining data and experience will help us plan with confidence, seek funding and design infrastructure that makes a real difference.”While the Warren levies have worked well so far, there is always room for improvement when it comes to flood risk management.Division Manager (Engineering Services) Sylvester Otieno, who is coordinating the technical work for Council, outlined how community input fits alongside the science.“Flood studies are the first step towards managing flooding,” he said.“There are four or five stages, including the Floodplain Risk Management study and plan, and then we go about implementation.”He said the project uses hydrologic and hydraulic modelling that is then checked against what actually happened on the ground.“We need to correlate the modelling with real events,” Mr Otieno said.“People’s experience about where water went, how drains performed, and what roads were cut, helps us confirm the accuracy of the model.”Residents are encouraged to dig deep into their personal records, with Mr Otieno noting that historical material of any age can help.“As far back as people can find information,” he said.Alongside improving preparedness and guiding stormwater and levee rehabilitation, the completed study is expected to assist with fairer insurance outcomes by providing insurers with accurate localflood data.Mayor Whiteley said community participation will help build a more resilient Warren.“Community involvement is essential to the success of this project,” he said.“Local knowledge of flood behaviour will help guide Council’s planning, improve preparedness and strengthen how we protect Warren into the future."I encourage all residents, businesses and property owners to complete the survey or join us at the drop-in session.”How to have your sayA community drop-in session will be held Tuesday 21 October, 10am–2pm at the Warren Shire Library, for residents to speak with Council staff and share information.Locals can also complete the Warren Flood Study Survey online or pick up printed copies from Council’s Administration Centre or the Library.Photos, videos and records can be emailed to [email protected].

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man wanted on an outstanding warrant. The man is known to frequent the Condobolin, Gulargambone and Orange areas. Joshua Reid, aged 18, is wanted on four outstanding warrants for serious assault-related offences. Joshua is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 170-180 centimetres tall, of slim build, and black hair.Joshua Reid. [IMAGE: NSW Police] Anyone with information on is whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Warrumbungle Shire Council continue to walk the talk when it comes to tackling the illicit tobacco trade within their boundaries.On Tuesday 7 October council officers took part in a major enforcement operation in Dunedoo, following a long-running investigation into reports of unlawful tobacco sales. It’s the third time the Council has worked alongside NSW Health and Police to act against illegal tobacco with two raids in Coonabarabran in recent months. A spokesperson for Warrumbungle Council said ‘’Acting on intelligence of large-scale prohibited tobacco sales, officers from Warrumbungle Shire Council, with support from the NSW Police Force and NSW Health, carried out a coordinated inspection at a business in Bolaro Street."During the operation, investigators located a large locked cabinet hidden at the rear of an adjoining property."When the individual on site refused to open it, investigators forced entry and uncovered a significant quantity of illegal tobacco products, including multiple cartons of cigarettes and bags of “chop chop” tobacco."All seized items are now in the custody of authorities for further investigation. ‘’ An Emergency Cease Use Order was issued to the employee on site, preventing any further activity at the premises. Serious charges are expected to be laid against both the employee and the business owners in relation to the alleged offences.No date has been set for court at this stage. Warrumbungle Shire Council says it remains committed to working with the NSW Police Force and NSW Health to stamp out the sale of illegal tobacco in the region."The unlawful sale and distribution of prohibited tobacco pose significant risks to community health and undermine legitimate local businesses," a council spokesperson said.New laws were passed in the NSW Parliament on 11 September and newly appointed Police Commission for NSW, Mal Lanyon, says his force will back NSW Health in their enforcement. All retailers must now hold a valid tobacco licence and display it at the point of sale.Those who continue selling products without a licence will face penalties.It is hoped the tough new laws and higher penalties will finally begin to slow the rapid expansion of illicit tobacco outlets across the country.The new laws include:A new offence for the commercial possession of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment. New penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment.The introduction of short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months) closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco without a licence.New offences and penalties for anyone who breaches these closure orders, including for entering closed premises or selling products from closed premises.Lease termination powers for landlords where a closure order is in place. New offences for falsely claiming to be licensed; resisting seizure; and attempting to retake seized products.  Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer, said the Tobacco Licensing Scheme gives a better oversight of retailers and wholesalers selling tobacco to ensure they are doing the right thing and to take appropriate action if they are not.“Tobacco use remains one of the biggest factors in premature death," she said. "I acknowledge it’s not easy, but I encourage anyone who smokes to think about quitting for themselves and for their loved ones.” Ryan Park, Minister for Health said his government is determined to protect the community from the impacts of tobacco and vapes.“My message to those doing the wrong thing is that sooner or later, we will come for you.” Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale of tobacco products is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. All information is treated confidentially.

The theme of today’s World Mental Health Day is ‘connect with your community’ – to show how powerful social connection and community can be in building strong mental health. With that in mind, the Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Service (BAMS) invited their community to come down, grab slice of cake and an egg and bacon roll, and have a chat about what it good mental health means and how people in their patch can promote it. The event surpassed BAMS's expectations, with over 25 people stopping by to help bring people together. BAMS social and emotional wellbeing worker Chantelle Lee says it created a safe space for the community to discuss issues around mental health, and was aimed to show BAMS is "open to support community". Ms Lee says mental health issues "affect people of all genders, ages, races and abilities." "Good mental health supports personal wellbeing, strength, and meaning, while not paying attention to it could lead to severe issues like depression and anxiety that affect every aspect of life," she says. "Investing in mental health improves overall heath and leads to a better quality of life." Bruno, Nerida Maali and Dallas at the BAMS morning tea today [IMAGE: SUPPLIES].She says there are many issues that come with regional and remote living. Being geographically isolated and having limited access to transport can create challenges for people struggling with mental ill-health. "The lack of appropriate facilities and resources means there are minimal options to help people." However, there are things that small rural communities can do to help ward of some of the primary causes of poor mental health - and Brewarrina's smoko was right on point. A Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) spokesperson says isolation, loneliness and poor social connection are detrimental to an individual's mental health. This World Mental Health day, RANSW want to put relationships as a central topic in the mental health discussion. RANSW CEO Elizabeth Shaw says these issues are "major drivers of mental ill-health." “Every day through our services, we see loneliness and relationship distress as common themes – yet they’re often siloed from mainstream mental health care,” Ms Shaw said. “Whether it’s an older person impacted by abuse, a couple in crisis, or children affected by family conflict, the emotional toll and disconnection can be devastating if left unaddressed. "By investing in relationships and recognising their importance, we are investing in mental health.” Ms Shaw said early intervention and stronger integration between mental health and relationship services are critical. “Feedback from our frontline services reinforces the need for increased investment in early relational mental health support, the inclusion of relationships in mental health reform, and greater community awareness,” she said. In August the NSW Legislative Council released a report The prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness in New South Wales, which outlines the issues around isolation and relationships The report indicates that poor social relationships are a key driver to loneliness and social isolation. It outlines that regional and remote NSW residents can be significantly affected due to geographical isolation, natural disasters, lack of access to services and supports, and isolated working conditions, such as farming. "World Mental Health Day provides a timely opportunity to refocus the national conversation on connection as a key pillar of health," the RANSW spokesperson says. Community events and taking casual opportunities to catch up can help restore that missing link in mental health.

A man faced court yesterday charged over alleged theft offences from across the state, including Coolah where he was detained. Police said they attended an address in the town's Irwin Street at 4.30pm on Wednesday 8 October to help the Hume Police District with an investigation into alleged stolen property from multiple businesses in NSW's south and west. A spokesperson said they arrested a 33-year-old man on site. "While at the address, police identified alleged stolen property at the premises and subsequently executed a search warrant, locating a vehicle, a trailer, three dirt bikes and a large number of tools," the police spokesperson said. The man was taken to Dubbo Police Station where he was charged with offences including property theft and shoplifting.  He was refused bail to appear before Local Bail Division Court 4 on Thursday 9 October.

Earlier this year, multi-award winning western area musician Greg Storer, daughter Bonnie Storer and Warren musician Frances Evans teamed up to form a three-piece country-folk band with the catchy name of Lawdy Clawdy.Following a successful September tour with Music NSW across the Cowra region, Lawdy Clawdy will be launching their EP, titled True Talk, with a live concert at the iconic Marthaguy Hall at 2pm this Saturday 11 October.The launch is the result of the group successfully applying for funding from both Foundation Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and Outback Arts to archive local stories and history through song, and getting to work finding local people with local stories to write about.“Frances was the main instigator of all this. She came up with the idea that we should have story afternoons in some local pubs in the district, and from there we wrote some songs and recorded them," said Greg.“We had a hell of a time making up a group name and, in the end, we threw our hands in the air and said Lawdy Clawdy will do, and we got on with it."The project gave birth to 12 brand new songs, 6 of which are being released this year on the EP.Greg, Bonnie and Frances are looking forward to this weekend's EP release [IMAGE: Lawdy Clawdy]The first single off the EP, Bullagreen Boy, has just been released to rave reviews. “We are hoping to have some of the people whose stories are a part of the songs we have written present at the launch. Jimmy down the road [from Warren] is the Bullagreen boy, so we are hoping we can get him to come along, and we have a song about Diddles Godson so fingers crossed he can make it,” said Greg.“It is special to be able to play alongside my daughter Bonnie and we are really looking forward to Saturday and what’s to come for our group."Frances has even entered us for Tamworth Country Music awards so if we get nominated we will most definitely go."The first EP has spurred the trio on to continue the work.“We have loved interviewing and listening to locals share their stories and experiences,” said Frances. Recording and preparing songs for the EP [IMAGE: Lawdy Clawdy]“Some really special history has been recorded, and we hope to extend the writing to release a follow-up EP.“We have worked with award-winning Australian producer James Gillard, who was instrumental in bringing our EP to life."One of the songs, Frames on the Wall, is based on a poem written by Frances’ auntie, Warren local Annette Irving. It speaks poignantly of two brothers who served and died in World War I, and features an additional string component.

Greg Hill has been appointed as the new Coonamble General Manager (GM) and the shire's Mayor is excited for what he brings to the table. Beginning on 1 December, Mr Hill has over 20 years' experience in senior local government, with seven of them as the GM of the Central Darling shire. Coonamble Mayor Dan Keady says he is excited to see what Mr Hill brings to the table. "We're very happy to have Greg on board, he's done some great things out in Central Darling. "He had a few hurdles to jump out there so he is used to dealing with regional issues and in particular western area issues." Mr Hill says he is ready to take on the Coonamble challenges. "I am very risk averse and very resilient," the new GM said. "I've had challenges with Central Darling in my seven and a half years, especially around natural disasters and flooding." Along with the obstacles, Mr Hill has also shown his commitment to the role by overseeing some successful major development projects. During his time at Central Darling Shire, he led the $57 million Pooncarie Road sealing project, construction of three water treatment plants valued at over $20 million and the$9.5 million Wilcannia Baaka Cultural Centre. Mr Hill says he is looking forward to jumping into developing projects and finding his footing in the Coonamble region. "The Tooraweenah Road and the Artesian bore baths are two major projects that I'm looking forward to getting involved in," he said. “I look forward to working with the Mayor, councillors, staff and community to support growth, improve services and foster a strong, collaborative council culture." He said the opportunities to improve the town and put "Coonamble on the map" drew him to the position. He plans to help Coonamble thrive, and promote it as a "destination to live, work and play, especially around tourism". After a lengthy recruitment process, Mayor Keady says he is looking forward to "stability" in the council. The Coonamble Shire Council has been looking to fill the GM role since June this year, when Paul Gallagher took early retirement from the position. Phillip Perram has been temporarily occupying the GM seat.