It’s one of Australia's most famous traditions in clubs and pubs, a flutter on the races.These days it’s not a winner for hospitality venues, it’s a cost, with the Sky Racing screens costing $1000 a month. Hotels and club did receive commissions on turnover, the money gambled on by punters.But this is all about to change and the tip is that smaller venues will take the biggest hit. Tabcorp’s decision to alter its retail strategy and invest in the in-venue experience rather than paying widespread commissions to hotels and clubs is going to affect country venues. The TAB won't be paying commissions anymore.Pauleen Daniels from popular venue Narromine’s Royal Hotel says ‘’Its definitely not a financial winner for the pub but it does bring in lots of customers.’’She said the pub would be looking into it further.The nearby Courthouse Hotel also has people who come there to watch racing but say "It's very hard to promote because we have not got pay out terminals and the only way is to bet on your phone.""Having the screens which cost the pub dearly also make it tough as electricity costs are high and it's expensive if they break down so it's cost negative," Manager Liza Beattie said."It can be anti-social when people are gambling on their phones."The TAB's strategy driving betting on its App is for a new generation of punter but has won the cautious support of the CEOs of both Racing Queensland and Racing NSW.Tabcorp announced last month that it would change the way it engages with venues, in a bid to better leverage its retail monopoly across most of Australia. Interim Racing Queensland chief executive Lachlan Murray told the Australian Financial Review that the strategy, spearheaded by CEO Gillon McLachlan, made sense.“Tabcorp must keep innovating because consumer preferences are changing. "History will decide whether the venues are better off or not based on whether they’re able to get increased patronage and spend,” he said.“What I’m interested in seeing is whether the advancements in retail offerings grow the wagering turnover pie because that’s when everyone wins.”Peter V’landys also supports the initiative McLachlan has shown, despite the misgivings of the Australian Hotels Association.“He is trying to eradicate that monopolistic attitude that Tabcorp has had and realises they’re in a very competitive market. "He’s really trying to shake it up,” the Racing NSW CEO told the AFR.The Australian Hotels Assocation CEO Stephen Ferguson says smaller clubs who bank on small commissions and rebates will be the big losers.  

Dance 2873 in the small community of Tottenham has only been in operation for a year, but it is already making a mark with its new Outreach Dance program.  Studio owner Natasha Levick, (or Miss Tash as the kids call her) is on a mission to provide bush kids with a chance to dance from wherever they are situated.To this end, she dedicates a weekday solely to students who are unable to physically make it into a dance studio, whether it be because of distance, disabilities, difficulty for parents due to work commitments. Mrs Levick just really wants kids to dance.She says it took a head clearing run in the paddock for the idea to come to fruition. “One day on a run I was thinking about all my gorgeous dance kids from Tottenham, particularly the kids that don’t quite fit in our very sport orientated community, in terms of physical activity. “These kids often get lost or worse still lose confidence in themselves and unlike their peers they simply don’t enjoy sport. "It made me think how these kids flourished in the creative arts setting of dance."Students of Dance 2873 from the tiny town of Tottenham. [IMAGE SUPPLIED] “In my mind’s eye I could picture the little kid driving their mum mad on a rural property, dancing around the kitchen but with no access to dance and so my idea was born," she said. “I knew there would be a way to share dance and the way it can truly help a child’s confidence, love for themselves and movement, no matter where they lived or how isolated they were." Baby dancers at Tottenham after a happy lesson. [IMAGE SUPPLIED] Students who enrol hop online each Tuesday in school term and are taught live by Miss Tash in real time, learning full routines and skills in the comfort of home in genres of ballet, jazz and musical theatre for both junior and senior students. “At the end of term 3 students will receive costumes in the mail and a video will be taken to share with family and friends."If any of the students are close enough to Tottenham and available to attend rehearsals, they are free to attend in person and perform in the annual concert, which would be so exciting,” said Mrs Levick. Students of Dance 2873 Tottenham at 2024 end of year concert. [IMAGE SUPPLIED] Lisa Masters is situated between Condobolin and Tullamore, has enrolled daughter Claire and says she is looking forward to taking part in the program. “Having the Outreach program for us makes it easy to give Claire the opportunity of dance, which we couldn’t have done otherwise. We have one excited little girl,” said Mrs Masters. Mrs Levick believes the program will allow rural kids from across the country to learn the joy of dance, being taught by a rural teacher who understands country life and with students already enrolled from Pooncarie, Wee Waa, Tullamore and Condobolin she is well on her way to making dreams come true for country kids. Ready to dance. [IMAGE SUPPLIED] Mrs Levick was successfully chosen to take part in the Australian Ballet Immersion program in 2024, which gave her the opportunity to spend a week at the Australian Ballet and see the amazing work they do firsthand and to take home new skills for her students. “It’s not about being a Prima Ballerina but rather finding a love for dance and creative endeavours. A safe space for a child to be themselves and enjoy movement,” she said. 

The Australian Government should bulk bill overnight sleep apnoea tests for truck drivers and other safety-critical workers, according to Australian Trucking Association (ATA) Chair Mark Parry and TruckSafe Chair Paul Fellows.The pair made the call while releasing a joint ATA and TruckSafe submission to the National Transport Commission’s review of health screening for commercial vehicle drivers.The NTC is considering changes to include enhanced screening for heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders in the Assessing Fitness to Drive standards.“The ATA has argued for many years that the commercial standards should include preventative screening for the key health risks to road safety,” Mr Parry said.“Our submission argues that these low or no cost screening tests should be prescribed in the standards. A GP undertaking a commercial medical would work through the screening procedure and, if needed, refer the driver for specialist follow up,” he said.One of the key concerns raised is the prevalence and danger of obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition in which a patient’s airway is repeatedly blocked during sleep, leading to fatigue and increased crash risk.A 2012 study found 41 per cent of Australian long-distance truck drivers have sleep apnoea.Costly diagnosis is a barrier“The case for acting on sleep apnoea is compelling."Our submission documents its toll of deaths, serious injuries, and ruined lives,” Mr Parry said.“One of the barriers to addressing sleep apnoea, however, is the cost of confirming the diagnosis after a driver’s GP refers them to a specialist for investigation.“An overnight sleep study at a clinic can cost $1,500, with the driver needing to find $997.60 in out of pocket costs after the Medicare rebate."The most effective treatment for sleep apnoea is with a CPAP machine."The machines cost about $2,000; follow up appointments are needed to calibrate them.“The Government should offer incentives to encourage sleep clinics to bulk bill sleep studies for truck drivers and other safety critical workers."It should also fund a long-term loan scheme for CPAP machines, similar to the one run by the New Zealand hospital system."TruckSafe Chair Paul Fellows said changes to the standards must ensure truck drivers' jobs are protected.Paul Fellows, Chair of Trucksafe said high risk medical conditions like sleep apnoea need specialist follow up.“The screening tests that we are talking about highlight if further investigation is needed."They are not diagnostic,” Mr Fellows said.“That’s why AFTD needs to be amended so a driver who is referred to a specialist as a result of health screening can continue to drive unconditionally, provided they make an appointment to see the relevant specialist at the earliest practicable opportunity.”Mr Fellows also stressed the need for greater awareness about managing high-risk conditions.“Doctors, employers, and drivers need more information about high-risk medical conditions and how to manage them.“TruckSafe led the way on this by requiring our member companies to provide drivers with health information in the 1990s and 2000s."Our new TruckSafe safety management system has a sample worker health and wellbeing policy that requires the development and implementation of health management programs."Call for national screeningMr Parry said the rollout of the proposed changes should be accompanied by a national screening initiative.“Our submission recommends that the Government provide with $1 million per year over four years to deliver 16,000 health screenings and distribute health awareness resources, including mental health resources, to 40,000 drivers,” he said.The urgency is underscored by the latest crash figures.As of June 1, 2025, Transport for NSW reported 50 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks across New South Wales in the previous 12 months.This represents a decline from the five-year total of 252 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks recorded between 2020 and 2024.The figures include both articulated and heavy rigid trucks.The Australian Trucking Association represents the 60,000 businesses and 200,000 people who make up the Australian trucking industry through its 11 member associations.TruckSafe is the ATA’s not-for-profit safety and business management system.An interactive website from Transport NSW shows road crash statistics from all regions, and supplies information about gender, weather, region and other crash variables.It can be found here.

NSW Ambulance Service and Central West Police District have put out a call for residents in Central and Western NSW to install the Emergency Plus App to assist in locating people who make calls to 000.With tens of thousands of people roaming regional NSW this long weekend, they say it's a great time to get it onto your phone.The Emergency Plus app is a free, life-saving tool for Australians, developed by emergency services and industry partners, using a smartphone's GPS to provide accurate location information to emergency call takers, allowing for faster response times. The app also provides information about when to call Triple Zero (000) and who to call for non-emergency situations. Its key features include:Accurate Location Sharing:The app displays the phone's GPS coordinates, allowing callers to easily share their location with emergency operators. Triple Zero Guidance:The app provides information on when and when not to call Triple Zero (000). Non-Emergency Contacts:The app includes contact information for various non-emergency services, like SES and the Police Assistance Line. What3words Integration:Emergency+ also utilizes the what3words system for even more precise location sharing. Image courtesy NSW Ambulance Service.“In an emergency, knowing your exact location is critical,” according to NSW Ambulance.“The Emergency Plus App is a powerful tool that will help you call Triple Zero (000) quickly, while enabling you to provide accurate details of your location to emergency services. “When you are unsure of your location, this is when the Emergency Plus App can make a difference – it uses your phone's GPS to pinpoint your position accurately, potentially saving valuable minutes. “Ensuring your location is clearly provided can help paramedics find you quickly – if it is safe to do so, have someone wait outside to signal the approaching ambulance. Image courtesy NSW Ambulance Service.“This App is a life saver for us in the Western area, as it is such a large area with so many back roads and farm names and nicknames for roads that locals know but we don’t,” said Ben Loiacono Nyngan Ambulance Service and Senior Deputy Captain Nyngan HQ Brigade.“Having the incorrect address reduces our response time, so this technology allows us to provide the best patient care with the fastest possible response for not only Ambulance but Police, RFS and SES services as well.Ben Loiacono Nyngan Ambulance Service and Senior Deputy Captain Nyngan HQ Brigade - Image supplied.“A lot of fires are out in the middle of paddocks and difficult for people to explain the exact location, which once again reduces our response time to assist, so having this GPS system from the App will get us to the emergency much faster and hopefully providing a better outcome,” said Mr Loiacono.Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

How can schools help students whose learning and lives are being derailed by family violence if they don't know about it?Recent research has found that less than one in five students (12-17 per cent) reported their experience of violence to someone in their school community, with students resorting to skipping school as a coping method and saying that they feel dismissed or retraumatised by school staff if they do report.This is just one of the mountains schools have to climb if they are to provide suitable support to their students.A Monash University study has recommended comprehensive re-work of support systems for Australian school students who are experiencing family and domestic violence.With schools playing a critical role in children’s lives, being where they spend their second most time, the study says family and domestic violence support and intervention is a must.One western area high school student who wished not to be named, said while she has not experienced family or domestic violence, she knows of fellow students who have.“I have heard kids talk about stuff happening at home, who just shrug it off or make a joke of it. Rarely do they ever tell the teachers, but they will tell their friends," she said.“I can see they feel ashamed and frightened and it’s hard to know what to say.“I think it is just as important to educate the kids at the schools, because often it is us giving advice to each other and sometimes we are not sure of the best advice to give and we don’t want to appear to be dobbing by telling teachers."But the research published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues said more needs to be done to provide schools with the skills to intervene earlier to prevent future harm and to support the children whose lives are being adversely impacted by domestic and family violence.“Drawing on findings from a national survey of 1651 young people who reported experiences of DFV, the research enhances current understandings of how DFV impacts education and the effectiveness of school-based help-seeking for young Australians experiencing DFV. “Centring on the voices of young victim-survivors, our findings question the degree to which schools are presently equipped to recognise, respond to and support students who experience DFV,” the researchers reported.“Educators seek to connect child and family services to endeavour to provide multi-faceted support that includes housing, education, counselling, food provision and safety,” according to a western area teacher.“Educators play a significant role in the child’s life through daily check in’s, following up support provision, family support around educational decisions and pathways an academic & social learning.“Undertaking High Impact Learning (HIPL) including Trauma Informed Practises is one way in which educators are equipping themselves to provide additional layers of support, currently this training is optional, although it would be invaluable for all school staff,” she said. A former western area Assistant Principal says schools are nowhere near equipped to cope with these issues.“I agree that schools and teachers are not, nor are the few counsellors allocated to school settings equipped to recognise, respond to and support students through DFV experiences.“Yet schools would be one of the richest ‘playgrounds’ to source genuine information to formulate programs, systems and initiatives to combat DFV,” she said.Researcher Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor at Monash Business School - Photo courtesy Monash University.“Schools should be supported to provide trauma and family and domestic violence informed training to all school staff, so that they feel confident to respond appropriately to disclosure from students,” said Researcher Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor at Monash Business School.“The impacts of family and domestic violence are nuanced and complex. "In addition to places of learning, schools should be safe spaces for students to share experiences of abuse, seek help and be connected with support,” said Professor Fitz-Gibbon.“The experiences of young people in our study also demonstrate why flexible attendance and academic policies for students impacted by DFV would be beneficial."Steven Roberts, Professor and Head of Monash School of Education, Culture and Society - Photo courtesy Monash University.“Young victim-survivors reported family members who withheld the tools they needed to complete homework, like an internet connection or access to technology, as part of their pattern of abuse,” said researcher Steven Roberts, Professor and Head of Monash School of Education, Culture and Society.“Other young people reported experiences of exhaustion from being up all night listening to family members fighting, describing being unable to concentrate during class.“Without effective school-based supports to support school-based engagement, young victim-survivors of domestic and family violence are at higher risk of disengagement.” 

As the long weekend brings thousands of people to the spectacular Warrumbungle National Park, local shire Mayor Kathryn Rhindfliesh says she is concerned about a possible hit to the much-loved and iconic tourism site with a big rise in camping and booking fees.The NSW Government says ‘ghost bookings’ where people book but never arrive is driving up costs is and is why they want to secure its national tourism sites.Warrumbungle Mayor says she and her councillors are aware of a tabled e-petition."I am hoping people take the opportunity to visit the park," Cr Rindfleish said.''It’s a review on charges so we are watching this closely.''The Warrambungle National Park receives 35,000 visitors per year,Its estimated tourist value is $61.5m alongside its Siding Sidings Observatory.  A formal ePetition has been launched to oppose a NSW Government proposal that will see a big hike in camping fees in National Parks across NSW.The Warrumbungles are a key attraction for the western region. [IMAGE: NPWS]The NSW Opposition has teamed up with Michael Atkinson, also known as ‘Outback Mike’, to bring the petition to Parliament after concerns fees in some parks could go up by 600 per cent.Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson said the decision will put some of our most treasured natural assets behind a paywall in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.“When I asked the Minister for Tourism about this in Question Time last month, he refused to acknowledge the issue, despite the heavy impact it will have on the tourism sector by deterring people from wanting to camp in our National Parks,” Mr Anderson said.“The Government needs to go back to the drawing board and find better ways to save money than hitting hard-working families who are just looking to get out and enjoy nature."Upper House MP Scott Barrett, who brought the petition forward, said National Parks should be more accessible for everyone.“This proposal will put camping out of reach for many families and that’s why I believe it’s important to support Outback Mike with this petition," Mr Barrett said.“Some of my favourite moments have been spent with my family in our state’s iconic National Parks and limiting those experiences for other families based on cost is extremely frustrating.”‘Outback Mike’ is famous for his survival skills and wilderness adventure videos and has publicly expressed concerns over the Government's decision on social media, urging people to take action by signing the e-Petition.“We’re hoping to gather as many signatures as possible to show the Government how much we care about our National Parks. "Everyone should have access to the beauty of our natural spaces, regardless of their financial situation,” Mr Atkinson said."This is something that will affect all of us, and our families, for generations. "If these fee increases go through now, they’ll never go back down.”The ePetition also calls on the NSW Government to fund National Parks adequately rather than relying on new end-user fees and to increase the number of campsites commensurate with park visitation.The petition is open until August 21 and can be viewed here.

Submissions are open for an NSW inquiry to curb deaths on regional roads caused by unsafe driving. The Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety announced the inquiry on 29 May and will probe what can be done to reduce crashes due to speeding, fatigue, drink and drug driving.  Transport for NSW recorded 332 road deaths in 2024, 224 in country areas. "Our regional friends are over represented," said Road Trauma Support Group NSW's interim board director Tom Daher, who advocates against illegal road acts. "If you do have a crash on a regional road, it may take a lot longer for first response, first responders - police, ambulance paramedics - to arrive to administer lifesaving treatments. Regional hospitals may not be equipped fully to deal with head trauma. "The other thing that contributes to it is many people feel that since there's no other cars on the road, you can speed a little bit more than what the speed limit is. And that is a recipe for disaster."SOURCE: Transport for NSW He said they want the government to consider 'victim impact panels' where repeat driving offenders have to hear stories from families of road trauma victims to help "change their behaviour before it's too late."    He also wants more policing and average speed cameras, and for the government to highlight complacency on regional road in its safety campaigning. Inquiry submissions close on 25 July. The government is aiming to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries 30 per cent by 2030, with an "aspirational" target of zero fatalities by 2050. However, Mr Daher said he doesn't think they are on track for the 2030 target given fatalities have trended upwards recent years. Australian Road Safety Foundation's co-founder Russell White agrees and said he supports the inquiry "as long as it produces results." "We'd want to make sure that it's not just a just a general discussion," Mr White said. "What are we doing to educate the next generation of road users? What are we doing to address work related road safety? That's especially a huge thing in the in regional NSW. "Media generally reports on the incident, but don't I think we deep dive. I don't think we ever really deep dive enough to go 'well, what's driving this?'" Mr White also said reducing road trauma shouldn't only be left to government and police. "We own the issue," he said. "Government can facilitate - and certainly there's a role in infrastructure and all that - but ultimately the community has to figure out that we own it." As at 6 June, 161 people have been killed on NSW roads in 2025, most of them men. 

Narromine topped the list of residential structural fires last winter and households across western NSW are being urged to check their smoke alarms as Fire and Rescue NSW’s annual ‘Winter Fire Safety’ campaign gets started. Ten fires broke out in residential homes in Narromine shire in 2024, the worst figures in the Western Plains, even passing Dubbo's 8 fires. "In the Narromine Local Government Area (LGA) there were 10 residential fires last winter," said Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell. "In 80-per cent of those local cases, smoke alarms weren’t present or did not activate.’’  Its why Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging the community to avoid life-threatening complacency this winter and ensure at least one working smoke alarm is fitted in every home. Last winter there were 1,039 residential fires in NSW. In 44-per cent of those cases, the home either did not have a smoke alarm or if one was present, it did not operate when the fire broke out. Across the state 12 people died and 107 others were injured in residential fires.IMAGE: Narromine Fire & Rescue Walgett had 2 fires in homes and Gilgandra 2. Mr Fewtrell has urged residents to protect lives and property by ensuring homes are each fitted with at least one smoke alarm and if there is already one installed, to make sure it’s working. “The risk of fires in our homes increases during the colder months as we seek to stay warm and cookmore hot meals in general,” Commissioner Fewtrell said. “Kitchens represented the main area for winter blazes in homes across the state last year (41.58%). “Our statistics indicate many people are being distracted in the kitchen during the winter season as ‘hu-man factors’ are by far the main cause of those fires (48.99%).IMAGE: Narromine Fire & Rescue “Keep looking while cooking," he said. “Never throw water onto a fat fire…it will flare up and make the situation worse…invest in a fire blanketand extinguisher and keep them close by. “Above all, make sure you have a smoke alarm installed nearby.“It can provide you with those crucial seconds to get everyone out of the home safely.” If you are unsure about how fire-safe your home is, you can contact your local Fire and Rescue NSW station through the FRNSW website and book a home fire safety visit. A fire crew can visit your home to provide important advice and install a 10-year smoke alarm free of charge.

Today, Saturday 7 June, the Gulargambone Show 2025 will be having a shot at their first Long Weekend event.The Show Society will squeeze plenty of action into their one day program and there's a new angle to many of the usual competitions.Classic cars on show"This year we're welcoming the Coonamble Auto Club members for the first time," said Show Society member Angus Patrick."We expect about six or eight classic vehicles to be on show for people to look at and talk about."Anyone who has a car and would like to bring it along is also very welcome. They're great conversation starters."Yard Dog TrialsThe super popular Gular Yard Dog Trials will be running for the second time with the Show."We have Junior, Local, Encouragement, Novice, Maiden and Open events," said steward Matilda Taylor."We're affiliated with NSW Yard Dogs so we're part of their overall competition and run on their rules."This year we've also started a Castlereagh Area Challenge between seven local trial venues involving places like Tooraweenah, Baradine and Mendooran."So competing in Gular you can earn points and we'll be having an overall winner by the end of the year."Their day started at 7am."We' probably have around 100 runs for the day over the two arenas," Matilda said. "We had 108 last year so we're banking on it being around the same."We'll probably go right till sundown."She says judges Adrian Newton, Ian Webber, Jake Varena and Scott Bridges are always helpful."They do give a lot of feedback, especially in the Encouragement, Local and Junior events," she said."It's a very, very supportive sport. Everyone who trials loves to answer questions."The organisers will also be running a Working Dog School on Sunday."We're doing it while we've got the yards set up," said Matilda. "It will be really good for local people, even those who don't want to go into competition, just teaching them how to use their dogs and improve their efficiency on their farm."Fancy dress for horsesIn the horse events, there'll be three rings running - for hacks, galloways and ponies - and first-time steward Georgie Kelly says there's some extra fun in store."We've introduced a new fancy dress competition for the pony ring," she said. "It's a dress-up for horse and rider so it will be fun to see what people come up with."Coonamble Shire Council have just mowed our arenas and it's all looking lovely and lush."Cleve Olsen shows how it's done at the Gulargambone Show 2024.Livestock and local participationSpectators can also get up close to the action in the cattle and sheep classes.Gulargambone's Junior Judging competition always attracts a strong contingent of regional youth, from primary school to 24 years, all keen to hone their observation and explanation skills while aiming for a share of the $500 in prizes.The Pavilion will have a feast for the eyes and keen competition for prizes in the photography, art, baking, handicrafts and vegie-growing sections.Sports Shear + Speed ShearWoodchopping demonstrations run throughout the day and one of the crowd favourites is the Sportshear competition organised by Steve Mudford.Gular has one of the best viewing arrangements with spectators seated out of the wind and weather while shearers battle it out on the raised shearing platform.Two competitions will run today.Sports Shear starts at 9am with the finals at around 4.30pm and presentations including the Brian Mudford Memorial Trophy.Tim McKenzie in the Sports Shear 2024. Gular is second off the rank in the new year of competition in the NSW Sports Shear circuit, so some of the state's top shearers will be keen to get points on the board early.Around 40 shearers will compete across four different grades.This year, between the semi-finals and the finals of the Sports Shear, at around 3pm a Speed Shear competition will also be held with the Willy Redington Memorial Trophy up for grabs."Speed Shear is slightly different," says organiser Steve Mudford. "It's more crowd spectacle based on speed and quality."The Sports Shear is more of a clean shear or 'show shear'."Prize purse this year is $5000 in the Sports Shear and $3500 in the Speed Shear, with $2000 going to the winner in each.All up, the competitors will likely shear around 400 sheep on the day, all of which are supplied by Brian Mudford's parents Noel and Norma.The Show Society will make all ages welcome with some sideshow rides, morning tea, a bar and barbecue, and market stalls.Head to Gulargambone Showground today for the Gulargambone Show 2025.

Police have charged two people following a probe into alleged supply of illegal drugs in the Bourke area. Officers attached to Central North Police District established Strike Force Hargen in April 2025 to investigate the supply in the area. Police say that they executed a search warrant at a home on Wortumertie Street in the town at about 6.30am on Tuesday 3 June. "Police located and seized, heroin, cash, cannabis, and drug paraphernalia," a police spokesperson said. "A man aged 46 and a woman aged 59 were both issued a Court Attendance Notice for possess prohibited drug." They will appear at Bourke Local Court on Thursday 7 August 2025.

Police are still looking for a man three weeks after they made a public call for his whereabouts. Police said on 15 May that Travis Hohnberg is wanted on an arrest warrant and believed he may be in the Dubbo or Narromine areas. He is described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 175 centimetres tall and about 70 kilogram, with aa medium build and brown hair. Police reappealed for information on social media on Thursday 5 June. People with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or reporting on their website.

A man is in court today (Friday 6 June) charged following an investigation into multiple break-ins and car theft throughout Western and Southern Region.Officers attached to Operation Soteria, with the assistance from Western and Sothern Region officers commenced investigations into a number of stealing, frauds, aggravated break and enters, a vehicle fire, and a stolen car in Lake Cargelligo, West Wyalong, Griffith, Cobar and Leeton areas.About 10.15am yesterday (Thursday 5 June 2025), police attended a home on Cunningham Street, Condobolin, and arrested an 18-year-old man.A short time later, police executed a search warrant at a home on Lorne Street, Lake Cargelligo, and seized a wallet.The man was taken to Condobolin Police Station and charged with:dishonestly obtain property by deceptionbe carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner (five counts)aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence-people there (seven counts)steal motor vehicledestroy or damage propertylarceny valueEnter dwelling with intent (steal)contravene prohibition/restriction in apprehended violence order (Domestic), andbreach of bail.He was refused bail to appear at Parkes Local Court today (Friday 6 June 2025).

An interim report into regional youth crime has recommended that the NSW government prioritise locally-managed and delivered intervention programs for young people at risk of offending. The report, released on 29 May by the Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety, probes the drivers of youth crime and made 19 recommendations including "sustained investment in targeted, place-based early intervention programs," including for young women. "Overwhelmingly, the evidence tells us that early intervention is the most effective way to prevent young people from engaging in criminal behaviour," committee chair Edmond Atalla said in the report. "We must be guided by what the evidence tells us works."Tough-on-crime approaches may seem appealing, but they won't deliver lasting change for communities – smart, evidence-based strategies will." The report recommended that the government prioritise funding for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to deliver early intervention for First Nations youth. It also found that a lack of coordination between organisations providing programs for at-risk young people can lead to "critical" support gaps.  Walgett Police Station. The inquiry held hearings in Bourke, Broken Hill last year. IMAGE: Western Plains AppIt said the government should help to map services in rural communities to find and fill gaps. The Safer Coonamble Group (SCG) made a submission to the Inquiry, calling for more accountability from funded agencies saying they are tired of 'ghost services' who are largely absent on the ground but continue to attract funding. SCG president Dennis Glover welcomed the recommendation on community-led programs, although he said much of the report's content is old news. "I think they already know their problems. They've already identified their problems. This is rehashing old things. They should have had them written down by now," Mr Glover said. "Every town is totally different, and run different. So, you need to have control of your own programs. "Everyone goes into the same funding pool and everyone's fighting for the same thing, but you might get ten organisations in the one town that are trying to do the same thing. We need to all work together." The government is due to respond to the report by 29 November 2025. The Far West and Orana region, which includes most Western Plains shires, generally sees higher rates for serious offences than the NSW average. NSW police minister Yasmin Catley said police have been tackling regional youth offending through Operation Soteria, which launched in March 2025. "Not only does Soteria target offending, it also has a strong emphasis on the diversion," Minister Catley said during Parliamentary Question Time on the same day as the report's release. "We’re also continuing to roll out important justice reinvestment grants to fund programs that keep kids away from the criminal justice system. "We know there’s more to do – we’re not blind to the challenges. This is difficult work, and we are committed to making sure communities feel safe." The parliamentary inquiry was established in early 2024 and is slated to release its final report by early 2026.

Police say there will be extended patrols across regional NSW over the June long weekend as double demerit penalties come into effect. Double demerits will run from today until 11:59pm on Monday 9 June. Police says they will be on the lookout for speeding, fatigued, distracted and drink and drug driving.They are also urging motorcyclists to drive safety this long weekend after four riders lost their lives and two teenagers were injured in a three-day period last week. “There are simple things everyone can do to help make our roads safer," Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said. "That includes staying under the speed limit and driving to the conditions, wearing a seatbelt, never driving when tired, not using a mobile phone while driving, having a Plan B before drinking and never, ever driving if affected by drugs or alcohol. “Speed is the number one cause of crashes on NSW roads. In fact, so far in 2025, one third of deaths on our roads has involved speeding as a factor.“One bad decision on the road can cost you more than double demerits – it could cost a life.”SOURCE: Transport for NSW Transport for NSW recorded 332 road deaths in 2024, 224 in country areas. As at 5 June, 156 road fatalities have been recorded for 2025, 124 of them male.  There were two deaths over last year's June long weekend. “Driving a car or truck and riding a motorbike is a complex task and whenever we do a complex task, we need to focus so that we don't make mistakes," said Assistant Commissioner David Driver, Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander. “No death on our roads is acceptable and we want any passenger in the vehicle to call out bad driving because speaking up could prevent a tragedy." Motorists can plan their trip by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app or visiting livetraffic.com.

A big debate over water security in Western Plains communities continues to rage local mayors and leaders appealing for bureaucrats in Sydney to listen to locals over fish passages and weirs. Farmers with generations of experience from Walgett to Bourke and Louth are worried about a bigger looming drought and water security as the NSW Government works to restore fish passage along 147 kilometres of the Darling Baaka.The backlash has sent the government department responsible back to the table.Louth’s Rose Isle Station owner Gary Mooring says lowering weirs along rivers is not negotiable.‘’We have nothing against fishing passages, but we believe they're putting fish before Louth and the village and business,’’ he said.‘’There was a lack of proper consultation and notice on it, the regional guide they put out has fallen at the first hurdle and they seem hold these meetings when our biggest supporter the member for Barwon Roy Butler is in parliament.’’A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment (DCCEEW) says they are returning to engage."Community consultation is at the heart of all our water infrastructure projects which is why we take local feedback seriously. "Since November 2023, we have carried out comprehensive engagement with stakeholders about the Fish Passage project including consultation with 12 community groups, 22 First Nations organisations and representatives, 5 local councils, the Local MP and landholders."‘’We’ve also made regular phone calls, held in-person conversations and conducted site visits building on our collaborative approach with local Aboriginal custodianship of Country. "In 2024, we held three community information sessions at Walgett, Louth and Collarenebri to discuss the work and hear directly from locals about the proposed rock-ramp fishways at Banarway, Calmundi and Louth Weirs."Fishway structure. [IMAGE: DCEEW]The spokesperson said ‘’As a result of concerns raised at these meetings last year about water security and the proposed reduction of weir heights, we agreed to review the fishway designs to find a solution that would work better for everyone. "The community made it clear they did not want us to hold any more information sessions until we had an update on the review – this is exactly what we have done." Walgett mayor Jesse Ramien says his councillors are up for the fight against DCCEEW's Fish Passage: Reconnecting the Northern Basin Project following concerns raised by Council and the local community."We will fight for this, there has a big lack of community consultation, they tried to sneak this through and its not on," he said.He said Council previously raised concerns about the potential impacts of the project particularly the proposed modifications to the Banarway and Calmundi Weirs which could significantly reduce local water storage during dry periods."We will not settle for the lack of proper water security for our towns and villages, the state MP Roy Butler is backing us so they have to come back to the drawing board."Council also highlighted serious issues with the initial consultation process, including inadequate notice and questioned whether key stakeholders such as local Aboriginal groups have been involved. The DCEEW spokesperson said their Aboriginal Engagement team met with First Nations representatives in the Walgett region last month to provide them with updates on the progress of the project. "Elders, Local Land Councils and First Nations representatives were actively involved with planning, site inspections and investigations, and engagement with these representatives was structured around respect for cultural protocols," the spokesperson said. "Once we landed on a new design which balances everyone’s needs while achieving the key project objective of delivering better fish passage, we briefed the Member for Barwon Roy Butler in April and then held online and face-to-face meetings with Bourke, Walgett, Moree, Central-Darling and Cobar Councils, as well as the Louth Chamber of Commerce and directly impacted landholders in early May."He said they are coming back to the community for further in-person meetings at the end of July, including in Walgett, with dates and locations to be confirmed soon.  "The new design brings down the reduction of weir height from 400mm to 100mm, and for only a partial section of the weir wall. We are also investigating off-river storage to further lock-in water security."  Walgett Mayor Jasen Ramien. [IMAGE: Walgett Shire Council] Cr Ramien said his council appreciates that the Department has listened and taken steps to allow more time for community engagement. "This issue has real consequences for our communities and region, and it's vital that people turn up, ask questions and help shape the outcomes."He said while Council remains concerned about the potential impacts of the project on water security, it is committed to working constructively with the Department to ensure future engagement is transparent and inclusive.Council will continue to keep the community informed about upcoming consultation opportunities and will work with DCCEEW to ensure residents are aware of the project and its potential impacts.Project locations. [IMAGE: DCEEW]

Brewarrina arts leader Lily Shearer has been honoured after more than 40 years in her field at Creative Australia's First Nations Arts and Culture Awards. The Murrawarri/Ngemba woman was awarded the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cultural Advocacy and Leadership at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney on Tuesday 27 May. Ms Shearer said she cried when Creative Australia Executive Director Franchesca Cubillo told her in March that the she had been recognised. "I only lost my mum at the end of last year and I can still hear her say to me 'you won't be able to build a career in the arts'. "And then, of course, she was my biggest fan. "I even had her acting in two short films."Ms Shearer (fourth from the left) with fellow winners at the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards. IMAGE: Creative AustraliaMs Shearer was born and raised in Brewarrina before she began attending boarding school as a 12-year-old in 1976 at St Scholastica's in the Sydney district of Glebe. She would sneak out of the premises after school hours to visit the Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre Collage at St James Hall. In 1981, she began as a dancer at the college before returning to Brewarrina heavily pregnant with her daughter Yolanda in 1983. The performing artist started a ballet school in the town and taught Indigenous cultural dances in a park, which was free for her people. She also directs Brewarrina's annual Baiame's Ngunnhu Festival and in 2007 co-founded the registered charity Moogahlin Performing Arts in Redfern to help First Nations performers. "When you get recognized by your peers at such a prestigious award, you think 'oh my gosh, now what do I need to do? Are there responsibilities attached to this? Do I need to step my game up and advocate a bit more?" Ms Sherer said. "It's very validating. Very, very validating." Ms Shearer said she wants to establish a performing arts school in Brewarrina so Indigenous students can learn the craft - including sound, lightning and costume design - on home country. The Red Ochre winners are nominated by their peers and colleague before they are picked by the Creative Australia First Nations Board. “These First Nations individuals and organisations represent the strength, depth and diversity of First Nations creative practices across the country. We take this moment to congratulate and celebrate these remarkable artists and thank them for leading the way for future generations,” said Ms Cubillo, Executive Director of First Nations Arts and Culture at Creative Australia. The Red Ochre awards have been running since 1993.

Coonamble Shire Council General Manager Paul Gallagher is retiring after serving just over two years in the top job. Councillors voted at an extraordinary evening meeting last night, Tuesday 3 June, to accept Mr Gallagher' resignation, cutting short his five-year contract. The council's Director of Corporate Services, Bruce Quarmby, will fill in as Acting GM while recruitment for an interim general manager, and a permanent replacement is underway. "Council wishes Mr Gallagher and family the best in retirement and thanks him for his contributions to the community of Coonamble Shire in the years that he served in the role," a council spokesperson said. Originally from Newcastle, Mr Gallagher officially took the wheel at Coonamble on 5 February 2023. Before then, he was working at Uralla Shire Council after leaving his previous role at Nambucca shire, where he had spent 12 years as Assistant General Manager of Engineering Services. He lived in Coonamble with his family for five years until 2000, when he was Deputy Director of Engineering. During his time as GM, he oversaw the council's controversial purchase of Coonamble's Sons of the Soil Hotel.Other major projects, including a residential development, the Tooraweenah Road upgrade and the district's first crisis accommodation for domestic violence victims are still in the pre-construction stages.

Attracting new residents is a high priority in Narromine Shire Council's draft Delivery Program as feedback opens for their plans over the next ten years. Five draft documents covering finances, infrastructure projects, management and general priorities are up for public comment until 5pm on 18 June. The Delivery Program runs until June 2029 and in its draft form also commits the council to "promote programs that will minimise crime and assist in crime protection including our young and most vulnerable." “These are important documents that shape the future of our region and reflect the community’s aspirations and expectations,” Narromine mayor Ewen Jones said. “We want to make sure they align with what our community values and needs - so we’re calling on residents, businesses and community groups to take a look and share their feedback. “Of particular interest to residents will be the planned 15 per cent increase in water access and usage charges. The additional funds collected will be allocated to the development of the new water treatment plant for Narromine."Grain silos in the Narromine township. IMAGE: River McCrossenThe draft program has four key themes, which broadly involve ensuring community health and safety, growing the economy, protecting the environment and improving trust in the local government. The document also lists a set of major infrastructure projects over $300,000 and when Council expects to deliver them. That includes the $8.8 million grant-funded Narromine Industrial Subdivision on Craigie Lea Lane, which will be built along the planned Inland Rail project route. Council staff will consider feedback before presenting the final documents for councillors to endorse at their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday 25 June 2025. "I think Narromine's got a lot going for it," Narromine Business Collective co-president Felicity Roberts said. "When people want to move, businesses grow, schools grow, then the hospital is able to have more facilities, more staffing. It's this follow on effect. "I think that's where you work with Council to get some of these things off the ground."Narromine Business Collective Co-president Felicity Roberts (middle of front row) with fellow collective members in May 2025. IMAGE: supplied She is also interested in revamping the shire's 'Shop Local' night towards Christmas, which she said has lost traction in recent years. She said could involve targeting visitors from Dubbo. "It's just reinventing it a little bit. Will there be food stalls perhaps? Can we entice more of the business food owners to open the open their door? Would they do a special cocktail for the night? Do we actually get a bus from Dubbo and market it more?"If you're a resident or ratepayer in Narromine Shire, you can view and comment on the council's plans and documents here.

It’s always a major event for the town and district and this year’s Long Weekend Rodeo & Campdraft is also a milestone event that could break records.With 70 years of making the magic happen, local organisers are taking it up a few more notches in 2025 and planning for a massive crowd.“The main arena has been given a facelift, with the fences painted matt black for better viewing,” President Kris Parsons said.“We’re installing an additional grandstand for extra seating on the northern side and there’s a few more light poles for the food vendors and their customers.”Even with the caravan park overflow opened into Smith Park, all but one powered site and a handful of unpowered campsites there are booked.It’s the same story at local hotels, motels and B&Bs, with barely a bed to spare.Fortunately, the campground created by Coonamble Shire Council across from the rodeo ground is spacious, although tickets there are selling fast.“Ticket sales are going gangbusters on 123tix,” said Rodeo Association Secretary Steven Butler.“Last year was the biggest rodeo in history and we’re anticipating this one being even bigger based on ticket sales so far.“All tickets, including entry and camping, are available on 123tix, and you can get them at the gate throughout the event.”The Coonamble rodeo ground has seen a lot of action over the past 70 years. [IMAGE: Neville Owen]With a huge crowd expected, the in-arena offering and the external entertainment has also been ramped up.“We’ve got a young Coonamble connection, Layla White, singing the National Anthem over the weekend,” Mr Butler said.“Earlier in the year we called for expressions of interest from community groups for donations.“We had a great response and the presentation will be on Sunday in the main arena between 1 and 2pm.”A big investment has been made in post-rodeo entertainment.“On Saturday night Balls n All from Cobar will be performing on the mobile stage in the arena,” he said.“Then on Sunday night Red Neck Gentlemen will be singing in the Pavilion.”As well as the traditional favourite food stalls, the committee aimed to introduce a new offering.After calls for expressions of interest from local caterers failed to yield, thanks to a shortage of workers over the weekend, Narromine’s Saltbush Lamb will be on site with delicious options, including gluten free versions.On Saturday and Sunday nights, the committee will run the first Len Scott Rodeo Memorial Shootout events.Saturday night will see the top six qualifiers from the day in a Saddle Bronc shootout.Then on Sunday night, the top six Open Bullriders will fight it out for a winner-take-all purse.“Tessa Pennell from Stitches & Things” has donated all the shirts for all the riders in those two events,” Mr Butler said.“We’re really pleased to be able to celebrate the decades of commitment from Lenny Scott.”Excitement is also building for non-stop action down in the Campdraft end of the grounds.With over 1800 nominations from would-be competitors, organisers were forced to reduce the acceptances to roughly 1200 to fit within the daylight hours from Friday and Monday.Behind the scenes, the work has continued by volunteers, contractors and council staff.“We’ve been doing repairs on the backyards and arena at the rodeo end,” said Mr Parsons.“The campdraft arena has been scarified and is ready to roll.“The cattle are all sorted for the draft, thanks to our generous donors and the tireless work of the campdraft committee.“It’s one of those events that can’t happen without all our sponsors and supporters, be they major or minor.“Just like the local volunteers and committee, no matter how big or small your contribution it’s all important.“It all goes together to make the rodeo and campdraft happen.”