Regional coverage
Regional News
WALGETT Shire Council is calling on the Federal Government to reverse proposed funding cuts to the Services Australia Agency in Lightning Ridge. Council warns the reduction would result in reduced operating hours and make it harder for residents to access essential Commonwealth services locally. Council has received advice from Services Australia of its intention to [...]
Regional News
ARMIDALE Regional Council is building a sustainable workforce while creating real career opportunities for women through a new civil construction apprenticeship initiative, the Building Futures program. Four women have recently commenced apprenticeships at council as the first cohort of the Building Futures program. They will complete their qualifications as a group, rotating through key operational [...]
Environment
AN innovative trial at Pindari Dam north of Inverell is delivering exciting results for native fish habitat and inland river biodiversity health in New South Wales, by addressing one of the major factors in environmental decline – cold water pollution. Launched earlier this year, the trial of the $26.2 million bubble plume project is already [...]
Heavy Rains
COMMUNITIES across northern and eastern New South Wales are being urged to monitor conditions as the NSW State Emergency Service responds to widespread rainfall and thunderstorms. NSW SES members have responded to more than 240 incidents, as scattered thunderstorms bring moderate rainfall to the central east, northeast and northern inland. Rainfall is forecast to increase [...]
Local Government
CHAIRMAN of the NSW Country Mayors Association, Rick Firman, has expressed concern that councils across New South Wales must now “wind the clock back” on the implementation of the 2025 Local Government Model Code of Meeting Practice as a result of the passing of a Disallowance motion last week. “It is unfortunate that our representatives [...]
Volunteers’ Week
JULIE Dowleans has been named Narrabri Shire 2026 Volunteer of the Year this week as part of National Volunteer Week. Narrabri Shire Council today hosted a morning tea ceremony attended by finalists, community members and representatives from a range of local organisations, all coming together to recognise the invaluable contribution volunteers make across the Shire. [...]
Heavy Rain Relief
SOME big falls of much-needed rain have been recorded across the district, with more than 50mm falling in the Moree township since 9am, Wednesday. Regionally, falls of between 25mm and 70mm have been recorded, with the rain still tumbling down early Thursday. More than 40mm has fallen in the Garah district, with falls exceeding 55mm [...]
Country Mayors
SKILL shortages and labour solutions was the theme of the recent general meeting at the Country Mayors Association of NSW in NSW Parliament House. While recruitment challenges continue to impede economic development and housing projects in rural, remote and regional New South Wales, CMA members were encouraged by some impactful programs and genuine commitment to [...]
Regional Tourism
THE Big Chill Festival at Armidale has reached new heights, with record ticket sales this year as its reputation as a regional favourite continues to grow. As the region’s biggest ticketed event, the festival is carving out a name for itself by bringing back an authentic festival experience with a community focus. With no major [...]
Border News
GOONDIWINDI Regional Council has extend an incentive that waives building application fees as well as applicable water connection, plumbing and drainage fees for new residential dwellings. The initiative aims to stimulate new housing construction and ease local housing pressures. The waiver applies to eligible building applications lodged until June 30 2027, offering savings of around [...]
