Sitting at a table with five other sheep farmers at the Coonamble Show on 15 May, Warren's Andrew McGrath dismisses the Federal Government's plan to end live sheep exports by May 2028. "I think it's ridiculous," Andrew said. "I think it's just to keep people in the city happy and get a few votes. "If Australia doesn't do it, then someone else will. There's obviously a market for it. There'd be other countries that'd take up the slack, which don't have the animal welfare standards that we do." Minister for Agriculture, Murray Watt said the government made the decision to protect Australian sheep and that live sheep exports have been in decline over the last 20 years.Mr Watt also announced $107 million to smooth the 4-year transition from live exports, which includes increasing domestic demand for sheep products. “The community expects Australia to have the world’s best animal welfare practices,” Mr Watt said in a 11 May media release.“I understand that some in the community will want to see the trade stopped tomorrow, and others not at all.“This approach strikes the right balance, based on extensive industry and community consultation - including a detailed report from the independent panel, which we are releasing today."While live sheep exports have shrunk by $338 million over the past 20 years, our sheepmeat exports have grown by over 300% over that same period, with exports to the North Africa and Middle East region more than tripling in value over this period."Gulargambone sheep farmer Paul Fisher is concerned the ban will redirect Western Australian sheep in the NSW market. PHOTO: River McCrossen Andrew, like the other farmers around the table, is not involved in live export.However, Paul Fisher from the village of Gulargambone, near Coonamble, says he expects the ban will still impact local sheep producers."There'll be more of the Western Australian sheep coming to the eastern states. It'll affect our market," Paul said."It's a compounding affect. We don't actually live export ourselves, but it's going to be detrimental."Agriculture industry bodies walked out of the Agricultural Industry Budget Breakfast on 15 May when Minister Watt addressed the event, including the National Farmers Federation.“We turned our back to the Minister just like he turned his back on farmers,” NFF President David Jochinke said. “The walkout represents what this government did to agriculture when it pursued this ideological agenda, disregarding the real-world implications this ban will have on farmers, communities, our trading relationships and animal welfare outcomes. “It appears this Government listens to activists over agricultural experts and farmers. Perhaps if we start behaving like activists it might listen to us. “Overseas farmers are taking to the streets to rebel against governments who won’t listen. We don’t want that here, but is that what our leaders want? “We are putting this government on notice. We are only just getting warmed up. There’s plenty of fight in farmers.”

While many media outlets consider health as one of the winners in last night's budget, it fails to address the ongoing health care inequity between rural and urban Australia according to the National Rural Health Alliance."The Budget falls short of our expectations," said Nicole O’Reilly, Chairperson of the National Rural Health Alliance."It is disheartening to observe the government's lack of responsiveness to rural voices and its failure to commit to comprehensive reforms that would offer sustainable and long-term benefits for rural communities." New health initiatives in the budget included the following -$319.50 a week placement payment for student nurses/midwives/social workers, via means-tested Commonwealth Prac Payment, from July 2025$49.1m to give women with complex gynaecological conditions better access to specialist doctors. Specialist consultations of 45 minutes-plus covered under Medicare from July 1, 2025. 29 extra Medicare Urgent Care Clinics at a cost of $227m. While this may be good news, it doesn't change the fact that the further an Australian lives from an urban centre, the lower their life expectancy. Regional dwellers are also twice as likely to die from preventable illness. Rural men are 2.5 times and women 2.8 times more likely to die from potentially avoidable causes than those in urban areas. Many rural people have no access to primary healthcare services within an hour’s drive from their home. They use Medicare up to 50 per cent less than those in cities, showing that people rather not make the long journey or wait long hours to access health care somewhere else. As a result, the burden of disease in remote areas is 1.4 times than that of major cities.“Evidence is clear that per-person spending on healthcare is not equitable," Ms O'Reilly said."Funding could have enabled rural Australians to access health and medical services in their local communities. We call on the government to make a better commitment at the next opportunity to ensure that our rural communities are looked after."Not just for emergencies: Extra funding in the budget will enable the Rural Flying Doctor Service to expand it's growing role as a primary health care providerMs O'Reilly said the National Rural Health Alliance welcomed the commitment to support rural training opportunities."The establishment of the Charles Darwin University Menzies Medical Program which aims to educate home grown doctors is vital for growing the next generation of rural doctors. We acknowledge the new Commonwealth Prac Payment and the opportunity it will provide to support students to experience rural based clinical placements," she said.“We are also pleased to see the Royal Flying Doctors Service supported with top up finding to deal with the increasing costs of service delivery of vital services they provide to rural communities. But their model is only one that addresses the vast variety of health care needs across rural and remote Australia. There are many struggling rural and remote primary health care services that are on the brink of closure and need support and significant reform.“There is much more to be done to address the inequity in health care outcomes for rural and remote Australians,” Ms O’Reilly said.

Dubbo livestock agents say moves by their local council to look at leasing or selling the Dubbo Regional Livestock Market (DRLM) could hit the region's producers - and the Dubbo economy - where it hurts.Dubbo Regional Council called for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to buy or lease the facility in April with a deadline of Tuesday 14 May but the timeframe has now been extended to 23 May, just a couple of days ahead of the Council's May meeting on 25th.Industry stakeholders around the region have been vocal in their opposition to the direction they believe the Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) is taking.The Dubbo Stock & Station Agents association (DSSA) say the facility is a major income-generator for both council and the wider community, and that the process being undertaken smacks of a pre-determined outcome.A delegation of concerned users is expected to attend the May 25 meeting as they continue to make their argument in favour of keeping the facility under Council ownership.Thirteen licensed livestock agents operate at DRLM, and sales are supported by meat companies, butchers, farmers and feedlot operators from across a wide region of central and western New South Wales."Understandably, the DSSA are upset with the Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) and extraordinarily little, if any, feedback was asked for from the Producers or Users of the facility, or the ratepayers of Dubbo LGA," agent Andrew Peadon said recently in a statement."The DRC have not reached out for any data or statistics whatsoever in relation to what areas the livestock come from or what states and towns support the DRLM."President of Dubbo Stock & Station Agents Association, Martin Simmons. IMAGE: EldersAs President of the DSSA, Elders’ agent Martin Simmons sits alongside councillors and other stakeholders on the DRC's advisory committee for the saleyards.He says even he hasn't seen the report which convinced DRC councillors to advertise for parties interested in leasing or buying the facility."It was a confidential report only for councillors," he told the Western Plains App."I understand there were up to 120 pages in that report. It raises concerns over why they chose to look at leasing or selling at this time."One key question, he says, is whether "a modified status quo has been floated as one of three options.""We've been told at the committee level that the yards can no longer remain operating under the current arrangements but in their motion moved last month there was no mention of looking at the status quo - only lease or sale."Recent figures show a throughput of more than 1.1million sheep and 156,000 cattle at the DRLM, making them first in NSW and third in Australia in terms of cattle throughput, and third in NSW for sheep.“The privatisation of similar selling facilities in NSW had proven to cost stakeholders more to operate with the same outcomes,” said Dubbo agent Paul Dakin.“Producers must be aware that fees may increase by double, as has happened in other centres who faced the same shift to privatisation as we are,” he said.“All rate payers should be alarmed at the speed of which this process to sell or lease the facility has been managed by Council rather than being presented during the upcoming election where a democratic outcome is achieved and greater thought and consideration can be given to such a large decision for the region.”The Dubbo council's own website attributes $60.902M in total output and 307 full time equivalent positions in their local economy to the flow-on effects of the DRLM.While there appears to be no argument around the sizeable revenue the DRLM delivers to the Dubbo Regional Council, there are clearly different ways of looking at the bottom line.“People look at the income of $3.3million but turnover is different to profit and the saleyards have costs of $5.1million including depreciation so we know sustainability is a big issue,” says DRC Mayor Matthew Dickerson."It does inject money into the Dubbo economy, but we don't think it's running the best it can be.”"It's all about getting the best outcome for the community."Cr Dickerson says changes to regulations around work health safety, anti-competition and animal welfare laws are all scenarios involved in bringing on a saleyards review."No one at council thinks Dubbo should lose the facility but if we continue to own the saleyards the charges will go up," he said."On a day-to-day basis it is cashflow positive but after depreciation and upgrades it is not."We are looking at all our assets. We need to make sure we optimise their operations."Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Matthew DickersonCr Dickerson says the status quo "is not the best model" and that agreements with the DSSA are outdated and probably need to be reviewed."It would be remiss of us not to look at all the options before making a decision," he said. "A review has to start somewhere. We're starting, not ending, the process."He said DRC is conducting “an internal review simultaneously” with the EOI process which will include possible changes to the current operating arrangements.Malcolm Kater, from Egelabra at Warren, is a major supplier of prime cattle and sheep to the Dubbo selling centre. He said he was unable to understand why a facility like the DRLM would be sold if it is profitable. “The question needs to be asked if there is a revenue issue or budget black hole within Council that is forcing a review of the saleyards that will culminate in the decision being made to sell or lease it,” he said. “You don’t sell a cow in full milk so why should the saleyards be any different?”Dubbo Regional Livestock Market. IMAGE: Dubbo Regional CouncilOnce the EOIs are received Cr Dickerson says the information will then come back to councillors."We have no way of making a decision until we have the numbers to work with including lease or sale."A report is due to come to DRC at their June ordinary meeting seeking "a direction not a decision"."If we like the lease idea we'll go with a more formal process."Councillors are expected to participate in a workshop on 6 June with council staff to discuss the options for the saleyards.Whether information from the review comparing potential improvements to the existing operating model will also be included in the report for comparison purposes is not clear."As councillors we have to make sure we get the best outcomes for the community," said Cr Dickerson"We have 66,770 people to look after. We have to make sure we don't focus on a small group of individuals, we've got to make sure the assets provide optimum value for the whole community."As for the DSSA, President Martin Simmons says that they expect a good turnout of saleyard users at the May 23 meeting."I suggest any users interested in the future of the facility come to that meeting or get in touch with the councillors well before a decision is made," he said.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted in relation to an outstanding arrest warrant in the Enngonia area. Cayden Kelly, aged 32, is wanted on an outstanding warrant in relation to traffic-related offences. Officers attached to Central North Police District have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts and now seeking public assistance to locate him. Cayden is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm tall, of medium build, with short black hair, unshaven and brown eyes. He is known to frequent the Enngonia and Bourke areas. Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to not to approach him but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Tuesday night's Federal Budget threw a lifeline to women escaping domestic violence.The Government will put in place $5000 in financial support to help women leave a violent partner – including $1500 cash and $3500 in goods and services – under the Leaving Violence Program - a $925.2m investment over five years. This week also saw the announcement of legal reforms making it more difficult for those accused of serious domestic violence to get bail. Domestic violence is high on the list of crimes across the Western Plains, closely followed in many cases by the associated crime of 'Intimidation, Stalking and Harassment'. New reforms include reversing the assumption of bail for offenders - instead they will need to demonstrate why they should be in the community.This will apply to serious DV offences including sexual assault, strangulation, kidnapping or coercive control (which will be a criminal offence as of July 1st). Premier Chris Minns said these new reforms will make it more difficult for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail.“These are long overdue, targeted and will help keep women and children safer," Mr Minns said.Premier Chris Minns has so far announced two major packages aimed at reducing domestic violence. IMAGE: ABCOther changes include requiring electronic monitoring of people charged with serious domestic violence who are on bail and expanding the categories of offences for which bail decisions can be ‘stayed’.That means the accused person remains in custody while prosecutors challenge their release in the Supreme Court. This will act as an additional safeguard to prevent the release of dangerous domestic violence offenders.For all other domestic violence related offences, laws will require bail decision-makers to consider, where relevant:domestic abuse risk factors, including ‘red flags’ such as behaviour that is physically abusive or violent; behaviour that is sexually abusive, coercive or violent; behaviour that is stalking; behaviour that causes death or injury to an animal; behaviour that is verbally abusive; behaviour that is intimidation.the views of victims and their family members, where possible, about safety concerns for all domestic violence offences.Changes to make it easier to prosecute perpetrators who use tracking and surveillance devices as a tactic to maintain control over their victim are also on the cards as well as changes to weekend bail courts across NSW, to ensure bail decisions are made by magistrates (for example, using audio visual links) with consultation on the design and rollout of the scheme.NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) notes that domestic violence number in Western Plains local government area remain at the top of the list of local offences, with statistics as of January 2024 as follows - Walgett (200), Bourke (179), Coonamble (119), Lachlan (77), Narromine (73), Warrumbungle (72), Brewarrina (61), Warren (53), Gilgandra (37), Cobar (28) and Bogan (26), .Karen Bevan, Full Stop Australia. Full Stop Australia is an organisation that works with the NSW government to end sexual, domestic and family violence.They have acknowledged that these bail law reforms are in accordance with a large and well-established evidence base and hope this drives further reform that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors of sexual, domestic and family violence. “We are broadly supportive of these changes, which respond to known risks in serious domestic and family violence matters." Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia said."As the government has recognised, reforming bail laws won’t end the sexual, domestic and family violence crisis. But ensuring that bail decisions appropriately prioritise victim survivor safety, and considers well-established risk factors, is one of many important steps." "We commit to continuing to work alongside the government to increase safety and support to victim-survivors of these most heinous crimes. These reforms must be backed in by increased resourcing of the sexual, domestic and family violence frontline services sector, rapid deployment of housing options, and increases to income and employment supports for people seeking safety." Call the NSW Domestic Violence Line for free counselling and referral services. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Call 1800 656 463.Call Emergency Triple Zero (000) if you or your children are in immediate danger.

Board members and staff of Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service were treated to a feast of rugby union on the weekend with a trip to Sydney that also paid dividends for their Fair Dinkum Choices health promotion campaign.CAHS have embarked on a partnership with Western Plains Rugby to engage young Aboriginal sports stars who will be developed through regional Rugby training camps to maybe one day make it to the big stage.Over the weekend, staff and directors of CAHS were invited by NSW Rugby and the Waratahs, to attend a formal function in Sydney for the launch of the co-design health promotions of ‘Fairdinkum Choices' (TM).The launch was broadcast on Stan TV and seen around the world. Early on Friday morning 10 May the CAHS delegation attended the Captains Run at the Waratahs Headquarters in Daceyville Sydney.The Board of Directors, Executive Officer Beau Ewers, CEO Phil Naden and Event Co-ordinators Pam Renata and Kylah Fernando were on hand for the presentation of the Koori design on the Fairdinkum Choices guernsey’s to the Captain of the Waratahs Jake Gordon, by Dubbo-based artist and Aboriginal Health Practitioner Coen Naden.With Western Plains Rugby and other signed partners, CAHS are working to co-design their Fairdinkum Choices campaign that encourages healthier choices for lifelong wellbeing in communities across the region.Their health education slogan is "If you're serious about your health, isn’t it time you made some Fairdinkum Choices?”Warathas Captain Jake Gordon and artist Coen NadenCAHS CEO Phil Naden says by selling licence agreements to key partners, CAHS can step away from a reliance on government grant programs to get their health messages to the grassroots."It means we don't go to the government cap in hand for promotions and workforce, to keep our staff employed," he said.The deal has already seen the delivery of rugby gala days in Coonamble and Gulargambone, with another planned soon for Walgett."We provide first aid, health checks, and registrations are through the Fair Dinkum Choices app," Mr Naden said."We look after the back end stuff and let Western Plains Rugby do the rugby."We have demonstrated that CAHS can think outside the box and we can demonstrate to Government, that we can achieve the same outcomes to those organisations that are receiving large amounts of funding."I am super proud the work CAHS are doing in this space, but more impressed that the Board have supported the initiative and worked with the Executive to get this to where it is today. "CAHS Board members with Western Plains Rugby repsHe thanked co-ordinators Kylah Fernando and Pam Renata for bringing the weekend together."There were many highlights on the weekend - watching the Junior Western Plains Rugby teams play on the big stage, launching the co-design of Fairdinkum Choices (TM) with NSW Rugby Union and the Waratahs, as well as getting to meet local boy Ned Hanigan who managed to find time to spend with our team whilst we were in Sydney.”CAHS will be working with many more organisations across the region to co-design our Fairdinkum Choices (TM) health promotions. 

The 2024-25 budget was handed down on Tuesday night, and there is a lot of 'political speak' to wade through. At the Western Plains App, we have sifted through the information to provide our readers an outline of what Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ third budget might mean for you. HouseholdsAll households will receive a $300 energy rebate. There is also an allocation of $3.4m to list new medicines on the PBS and a five-year price freeze for pensioners and concession card holders. The ACCC will hold 12-month supermarket sector inquiry and CHOICE will publish quarterly supermarket price comparison reports. Taxpayers earning above the tax-free threshold of $18,200 are to get a tax cut under Labor’s changes to the previous stage three tax cuts. Average household expected to be about $1900 better off. Workers and small business owners $90m has been allotted to address skilled construction worker shortage through 20,000 new fee-free TAFE and VET places and pre-apprenticeships. The $20,000 instant asset write-off, which was to end on June 30 this year, will be extended for another 12 months. One million small businesses will also benefit from a $325 energy rebate, if they meet the eligibility criteria. 12 per cent superannuation to be paid to those on commonwealth parent leave payments. Indigenous affairs The $700m remote jobs program, contained in February’s Closing The Gap document was part of Tuesday's budget, along with a $4bn remote housing program for the Northern Territory. HealthThe budget announced a $319.50 a week placement payment for student nurses/midwives/social workers, via means-tested Commonwealth Prac Payment, from July 2025. There is also a $49.1m pledge to give women with complex gynaecological conditions better access to specialist doctors. Specialist consultations of 45 minutes-plus will be covered under Medicare from July 1, 2025. Women$5000 will be available in financial support to help women leave a violent partner – including $1500 cash and $3500 in goods and services – under the Leaving Violence Program. StudentsHECS will no longer be a dirty word for some university students with $3bn worth of HECS debt wiped for over three million Aussies, backdated to July 1, 2023. There is also a $319.50 a week payment for student teachers on professional placement, from July 2025. Access to means-tested Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme for about 68,000 eligible higher education and 5000 VET students a year. $350m for fee-free uni-ready courses was also announced. FarmersFuture drought preparation funding for farmers and regional communities sees them have access to $519.1m. There is also $625m to help farmers and rural communities reduce emissions and better prepare for climate change and drought. Sheep farmers aren't so thrilled and say phasing out live exports by May 2028 is not feasible, despite $107m transition support package. While this doesn't cover all budget items (we haven't got that much space!), these are some of the highlights. The not so good news, for some, is as follows. Consultants to GovernmentThe Albanese government say they will cut back on use of consultants, contractors and labour hire to result in savings of $1bn. Home buyersWhile the cost of building a new house rose almost $20,000 in the past year, the budget did not include any assistance to help homebuyers with these property buying costs. MotoristsDon't expect any decrease in your costs at the servo! The Government expects to rake in record sums from diesel and petrol tax in coming years, with fuel revenue to increase by about $1bn a year for the next four years. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the pros and cons of Mr Chalmers latest budget, but hopefully gives some insight. If its all too much, take advantage of the new fast-track passport applications. From July 1st this year the five-day service will cost applicants $100. This is estimated to generate $27.4m in the five years to 2028-29. Bon voyage!

A massive potential identity fraud risk has been uncovered, with cybersecurity crime squad detectives looking into data breaches at hospitality venues across NSW. The Cybercrime squad detectives say there is a threat of sharing the personal details of over one million people. Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Anderson said the Minns Labor Government is running the risk of losing public confidence over the efficacy of their trial into cashless gaming. "The Minister must ensure that the cashless gaming trial protects all participants, or risk losing the public confidence in the government’s pokies plan," he said. This comes after the NSW Government’s Independent Panel on Gaming Reform agreed on a bigger and broader cashless gaming trial last December. This expanded trial included around 4500 machines across 28 clubs and hotels across 24 metropolitan and regional local government areas. To participate in the trial, minimum requirements included harm minimisation protections, anti-money laundering protections, data security and privacy protections. Five technology providers were given conditional approval to participate in the extended trial, subject to essential cybersecurity requirements. “There has been a lack of information from the Labor Government about the panel’s work and that’s causing concern from the community and the industry who are seeking confidence when it comes to privacy protections,” Mr Anderson said. During the cyber breach in early May, officers attached to State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad were alerted to a website which had published the personal information of patrons who signed-in using their drivers’ licences at specific premises across NSW. One premises was the Hornsby RSL Club who told its members they deeply regret any distress, concern or inconvenience this has caused. In part, their statement read as follows - 'At 1900 hours on 29 April 2024, Hornsby RSL Club was informed that one of our former external service providers suffered a cyber security incident. Our internal IT systems have not been impacted. The impacted provider supplied technology and services to assist us with our Club sign-in process from 1 January 2021 to 31 July 2023. We have been informed that data held by the provider has recently been taken and posted onto the internet.' Commander of the Cybercrime Squad, Detective Acting Superintendent Gillian Lister, said this breach should act as a remind for people to check their personal cyber security. The Minns Government has already implemented a number of reforms to reduce gambling harm and prevent money laundering: reduced the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new poker machines from 1 July reduced the state-wide cap on gaming machine entitlements by more than 3000 banned political donations from clubs involved in gamingremoved VIP gaming signage across NSWinvested $100m into gambling harm minimisation over the next four years. Mr Anderson is not satisfied.Kevin Anderson MP“The Minister needs to make the work of the panel public to restore confidence in process of moving to cashless gaming in NSW and must provide transparency on what the Government is doing to protect the privacy of trial participants" he said.“The Government needs to provide certainly that they have the issue under control and their trial has not been jeopardised. This is not the first time a cyber breach has occurred and while the hospitality industry is keen to proceed with a cashless gaming, this latest breach is a major setback and a clear reminder that more work needs to be done on privacy and data protection.  Commander of the Cybercrime Squad, Detective Acting Superintendent Gillian Lister, said this breach should act as a remind for people to check their personal cyber security.“Now is the optimal time to make sure your cyber hygiene is good; you have strong passwords and are using two-factor authentication where possible,” Det A/Supt Lister said. “If you think your details may have been compromised, use extra caution when reviewing emails or texts and never click on a suspicious or unfamiliar link.“Always make sure to report incidents of cybercrime through the Australian Cyber Security Centre or Scamwatch.”

Over 800 people gathered as the sun set to witness the Corroboree at this year’s Baiame's Ngunnhu Festival on Friday 19 April. As everyone gathered on the banks of the Ba-wun river, Weir Park, Brewarrina for its 9th year celebrating the tribes connected to one of the oldest human-made structures in the world, you could feel the excitement.   The Corroboree was opened by Lacey Boney and Maddy Hodgetts of Ngungilanha leading over 20 local dancers after their week-long Ngemba dance residency with Norman Shillingsworth and David Clarke at the Brewarrina Boat Ramp. David Clarke's own Yangkay Cultural Connect followed by kicking up the dust.  Lacey Boney of Ngungilanha said “As we danced, the river roared louder over the weir wall as the rain fell, it was so magical.” As the rain came down the community were too immersed in the wonder they were witnessing to notice it as Mura Biri Gururu dance group. Ngambaa Dhalaay followed with an impromptu performance by representatives of Bourke. The night ended in a spectacular fashion with its first ever Pow-Wow in Western NSW from First Peoples performers from Turtle Island (Canada) from the performing arts company Aanmitaagzi (he/she speaks). Aanmitaagzi and Moogahlin have been collaborating on Serpent Water Stories since 2019. After their performance the Turtle Island people invited the Indigenous dance groups to join them in a shake a leg/pow-wow, which got dozens of community members up and on their feet to join in. Sid Bob from Aanmitaagzi talked about his group he spoke about the power of culture. “Our company goes from the bush and creation story to the stage, and we believe that the reason they took our art and culture is that's what lights our fire, our spirit and it gives us the tools to see ourselves in a beautiful, powerful way and to see each other in a powerful way. "So, when we get to share our stories, I’m already feeling more powerful and fuller by hearing the stories from here.” Because the festival is to celebrate the ancient Aboriginal Fish Traps (Baiame’s Ngunnhu) Moogahlin puts on a fish feast which is usually done on the Sunday, but because the Sunday was cancelled this year the fish feast was during the Corroboree. The South Brewarrina Butchers provide the barramundi and salad, and for the first time ever sixty locally caught yellowbelly were provided by local man Karl Knight. They were prepared by Tony Nargy, Bryan and Marcus Barker, and cooked by Retta Ferguson. Not only was there fish but the Aboriginal Child and Family Centre made a huge curry and damper.  The 9th Baiame’s Ngunnhu Festival was an outstanding performance and a great night and I am sure the community is excited to see what the 10th year is going to bring. 

A woman will face court charged with multiple driving offences after allegedly being involved in two pursuits - in Sydney on Wednesday evening and Coonamble less than 48 hours later.Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol were patrolling Bridge Road, Stanmore, at about 5.40pm on Wednesday 8 May, when checks revealed a passing hatchback had cancelled registration.Police activated their warning devices and the female driver stopped; however, after returning a positive roadside drug test to methylamphetamine, the woman drove off along Salisbury Road.Officers commenced a pursuit and she was followed through to Petersham where it was terminated due to safety concerns.About 7.55am on Friday (10 May 2024), officers attached to Walgett Highway Patrol were conducting patrols when they attempted to stop a hatchback on the Castlereagh Highway, Coonamble, due to it allegedly being driven at excessive speed.When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated. It was terminated a short time later.Following inquiries, police attended a home on Pages Terrace, Coonamble at about 1.45pm the same day and arrested a 29-year-old woman.She was taken to Coonamble Police Station and charged with six offences:Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerouslyRefuse or fail to provide oral fluid sampleUse unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on roadDrive motor vehicle not carry licenceEscape police custody, andHinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.The car was later located in an abandoned block on Broad Street, Coonamble.The woman was refused bail to appear at Dubbo Local Court on Saturday (11 May 2024), where she was given conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday 4 July 2024.

What was originally introduced as a hedge plant from South Africa is now a serious weed threat which covers the majority of New South Wales. The African Boxthorn is a nightmare weed to control due to its establishment as dense, impenetrable and thorny thickets, its prevalence across a broad range of landscapes and continued spread. The CSIRO say it is one of the major weed threats to the semi-arid rangelands of western NSW and a declared noxious weed in most parts of NSW (see map). Landholders continually work closely with groups such as the Western Local Land Services to battle the weed. In 2023, around 25 landholders were contracted to carry out control works for African boxthorn, mesquite and cactus, using a variety of control methods suitable for local conditions. “One landholder is getting good results using granular herbicide applied at the base of boxthorn plants,” Senior Land Services Officer, Andrea Cashmere said at the time. “This method is the most time efficient and effective for them because the plants are scattered over a large open grassland. Opportunistic control is also undertaken while mustering sheep.” But, the battle continues!Setting-up a site for monitoring the impact of the biocontrol agent on African boxthorn.  IMAGE: CSIRO Biocontrol is the latest tool to be used to control the weed with a CSIRO led project to introduce a rust fungus, Puccinia rapipes, that infects the leaves of African boxthorn. Carried out through Local Land Services, the project is looking for volunteers to get involved. The fungus was isolated from diseased boxthorn plants in South Africa, and through extensive host-specificity studies undertaken by the CSIRO, was shown to be highly specific to African boxthorn and poses no danger to native Australian vegetation. In 2021, the fungus was approved for release into the Australian environment as a biocontrol agent to assist with the control of African boxthorn.  The rust fungus infects young leaves which cause yellowing, followed by the development of pustules. The pustules produce fungal spores dispersed by wind, landing on nearby Boxthorn and under humid conditions they will germinate.In the Australian environment, the fungus is not expected to kill African boxthorn. Provided that the biocontrol agent is established widely and causes severe disease symptoms on African Boxthorn, it is expected to reduce the productive output and growth of the weed in the long term. This will in turn reduce its invasion potential in various ecosystems but will not eradicate it altogether.   CSIRO have already completed one trial and their aim now is to set up a second trial. CSIRO scientists believe if they can get enough landholders involved across NSW it will help reduce the population and spread of boxthorn.  If you would like to get involved in the second trial, CSIRO will provide registered participants with a biocontrol agent release kit. Each kit contains a vial of the rust fungus spores, along with step-by-step instructions and material to apply the spores to the target African boxthorn plant. The kits will contain enough material to spray 8 or more boxthorn branches.  The project will continue until 2026 Read more about the project and how to register your interest to participate.   

First the Country Mayors Association called for it. Now it's the Country Women's Association of NSW who say rural areas desperately need 24 hour policing.“Urgent and immediate action to establish 24-hour policing in all larger regional, rural and remote shires” was voted for the CWA following an illuminating panel discussion involving Peter Price, CEO of Crime Stoppers NSW, Adam DeMamiel from Boys to the Bush and Jamie Chaffey head of the Country Mayors Association.Mr Chaffey told the conference that “We can’t arrest our way out of the problem, but it makes a hell of difference if you have police”.The mayor of Gunnedah said there was a lack of “proactive policing in rural communities”.Police Association NSW President Kevin Morton, Country Mayors' Association NSW Chairman Mayor Chaffey and Mayor of Parkes Ken Keith. (PANSW)“We don’t see police officers walking up and down the streets. We need to go into the communities and find people who are going to become police officers”.Peter Price, CEO of NSW Crime Stoppers, shone further light on the growing problem of rural crime saying that his view “was nobody is born a criminal, people become a criminal in the society grow up in.”He said the problem of rural crime could not be divorced from the issue of drugs - in particular crystal meth.“Rural Australia is where a lot of meth is being manufactured” he said.“We have to work together to combat crime - we don’t want to get it to a point where people stop reporting crime to the police because there is so much of it. Crime, especially rural crime, is already under-reported. If you see something, get on the phone, call the police”.A meth lab was discovered near Braidwood in 2022.But it was Boys to the Bush an organisation that runs programs for the most vulnerable youth in NSW, including in Dubbo, which left people gasping with its stories of what many young people’s lives were like before they turned to crime.Their CEO Adam DeMamiel told the conference that when he started the organisation he discovered “kids I never knew existed. Kids who have never, ever been to school. Kids who are kept in cages and chained up”.“We need to stop looking at band-aid fixes and stop putting money in things that have a really short time frame. This is not just a police responsibility. These are not new crimes, the problems are compounding though and everyone can be part of the solution in their own community”.Image: Boys to the Bush. ‘It’s the Problem Everyone Is Talking About”CWA President Joy Beames said that rural crime was a topic on many people’s lips at the conference.“It’s everywhere” she told the Western Plains AppMs Beames said that she took a particular interest in the Boys to the Bush program.“They have had great success” she said “They take the boys out to the bush where they can’t use electronic devices and one of the things they teach them is that it is ok to be bored.”Senior Constable Nikolas Fluro moved to Tottenham in 2023.She explained that Boys to the Bush ran programs such as getting the boys into mechanics programs where one of the beneficial aspects was the boys formed strong bonds with the older men who they work with.“It just grounds them.”Ms Beames said that the congregation were also swayed by Cr Chaffey’s call for a need for 24 policing in all communities with the conference passing the motion calling for more police in regional, rural and remote areas.NSW Police data released in March shows that 90 percent of all police stations in the wider metropolitan Sydney area are open 24 hours a day, compared to regional New South Wales, where only 14 per cent of stations are manned 24 hours.

The skills and dedication of local nurses and midwives has been recognised with success in the latest Nursing and Midwifery Awards from the Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD). The presentation dinner took place on Thursday, May 9th, with plenty of local faces among the award winners. Marli Sharah, a midwife from the Narromine Health Service was the overall winner in the Aboriginal Nurse/ Midwife of the Year category. In her bio, provided by WNSWLHD, Ms Sharah is described as having an unwavering commitment to excellence in midwifery care as an Aboriginal maternal and infant health services."Registered midwife. Marli's dedication to her profession is truly remarkable," the bio states. "She consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care and support to her patients, ensuring that they receive the highest standard of care during such a crucial time in their lives. Her compassion, empathy, and professionalism set her apart as a leading figure in the field of midwifery. "Not only is Marli an outstanding midwife, but she is also a valuable team member who is always willing to lend a helping hand and share her knowledge and expertise with her colleagues. Her positive attitude and exceptional work ethic have a ripple effect on the entire team, inspiring us all to strive for excellence in our own practice." Other local nomineesOther local health providers nominated for the awards included Stacey Edwards from Condobolin Health Service in the Midwife of the Year category.Monica Lama from Gilgandra Multi-Purpose Service in the Pauline Webster-Cox New to Practice Nurse of the Year Award.Angela Hundy - Walgett Multipurpose Service in the Aboriginal Nurse/ Midwife of the Year Award.John Alchin - Gilgandra Health Service, Nurse Manager in the Nursing and Midwifery Leader of the Year Award. The Narromine Health Service and Gilgandra Multipurpose Service were nominees in The Team of the Year Award for their exceptional care and dedication to patients. Adrian Fahy, WNSWLHD Executive Director Quality, Clinical Safety and Nursing, said he was delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate each award recipient, who were celebrated among colleagues and guests at the presentation evening.“All eight recipients of this year’s Nursing and Midwifery Awards were truly deserving and I was thrilled to present them with their awards, as well as acknowledge all the nominees and those who received honourable mentions in each category,” Mr Fahy said. “As always we were faced with the difficult task of selecting recipients in each category having received some wonderful nominations this year, but that’s a great problem to have." “The recipients from our local award categories will now be put forward as nominees for the 2024 NSW Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.” Mr Fahy said.

We are dying because our own heart is failing us - but there is something you can do to help prevent you and your loved ones from succumbing to the condition.New data from the Public Health Information Development Unit at Torrens University shows Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the number one cause of death in our region with an astonishing 256 people dying from the condition - also known as heart attack or angina - between 2017 and 2021 across the Western Plains. Gilgandra topped the list with 43 deaths from CHD over that period, Walgett had 40, Warrumbungle 36, Narromine had 25 with Cobar and Brewarrina having 20. Image: National Centre for Farmers Health. CHD occurs when there is when there is a narrowing or blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle.  CHD is considered preventable with modifiable risk factors including smoking, high blood pressure, physical activity, diet and obesity. Dr RT Lewandowski, President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, said that getting ahead of heart disease by checking heart health before suffering symptoms saves many lives. “People living in regional and rural areas have an increased risk of heart disease and, adding to that, the further a person lives from a major city, the higher their chance of being hospitalised or dying from cardiovascular disease (CDV).""CDV is actually the leading cause of death in rural and remote areas” he said. “People from rural areas are also less able to access to facilities and supports for a heart-healthy lifestyle, such as quality and affordable fresh food, sporting clubs, exercise facilities, and environments conducive to walking and cycling. “While these things do make it harder, it is not impossible, and lifestyle health benefits can be enormous and are well worth additional effort,” Dr Lewandowski added. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - also referred to as emphysema - is the second most likely cause of death in our regions with 180 deaths between 2017-2021. 

Coonamble's visual media landscape will feature in an academic study on local visual news by senior lecturer Dr T.J. Thomson and local residents can be a part of it.Dr Thomson (known as T.J.) works as a senior Lecturer in visual communication and digital media at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and is a fellow at the Australian Research Council (ARC) where he won the Discovery Early Career Research Award (DECRA). T.J. arrived in Coonamble on Tuesday 7 May and will be staying for around ten days.His study focuses on local visual news looks like, who's making it, how it's made and what audiences expect of their local visual news. "A country is more than its capital cities. Australia is a huge country with so much diversity and so many interesting stories happening beyond the coasts and capital cities," Mr. Thomson said. "Yet, regional and rural communities don’t always see themselves represented in the news they consume. Local news plays so many important functions, from establishing social cohesion and a sense of shared identity to providing accountability for how tax dollars are being spent and how politicians are representing us."T.J. grew up on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and started working as a photojournalist when he was 18. "I was always curious about how people reacted to my camera. People were either shy and tried to fade into background or began acting up and appeared more theatrical than normal."He went on to study photojournalism at the Missouri School of Journalism.T.J. has been living in Australia for the past six years and is now a dual American-Australian citizen.For the study, he is taking a closer look at the Coonamble Times & Western Plains App journalists and how they do their work. But it's not only the local publisher's team members who fall under the loop of Dr Thomson's research.He is also seeking five members of the community who would be willing to participate in a diary study. During the study, participants will mark down anything that seems remarkable to them in the news. They can also chat to T.J. about what they think is missing in their local news outlet. In return community members will receive a $100 gift voucher. Locals can also say "g'day" to T.J. at the Coonamble and Gulargambone Shows where he will be handing out $10 gift vouchers in exchange for a few minutes sorting news photographs from most to least engaging. He chose to come to Coonamble after meeting editor Lee O'Connor and her team at the Country Press NSW Conference in 2022 and was struck by Mrs O'Connor's passion for local news and local businesses. Coonamble is the second of eight towns and cities that Dr Thomson will visit as part of his study that is expected to be finalised in 2026.

The Country Women’s Association of NSW have passed a motion at its annual State Conference for the Federal Government to urgently do more on ADHD diagnosis and treatment in regional and remote communities.The CWA’s annual State Conference came to a close in Coffs Harbour on Friday May 10, with its members endorsing more than 25 motions across sectors such as health, law and order, education, transport and the environment.Among its motions were that the “Federal Government adoption of the recommendations made by the Senate Inquiry into the barriers to consistent, timely and best practice assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and support services for children, adolescents and adults with ADHD and/or autism.“A lack of access to medical services means it is taking up to four years to get treatment. By then it is often too late and the situation has become out of hand” explained Joy Beames President of CWA NSW to the Western Plains App.“We heard many stories at the conference about kids not being picked up by the system for years because it has really delayed their whole development”.Over one million—or an estimated one in 20—Australians have ADHD, with Federal Government figures showing ADHD is more prevalent in rural and remote areas.The motion comes as The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care issued warning people with intellectual disabilities, autism, dementia and other neurodevelopmental conditions are being overprescribed psychotropic medicines,.Dr Carolyn Hullick, chief medical officers said there was “limited evidence they were effective for behavioural issues in people with cognitive disability or impairment”.Image: brainfoundation.org.auThe Senate Report released in 2023 found that 'limited availability and long wait times for healthcare professionals to diagnose, and provided medication and other supports to people with ADHD, lack of services in the public health system, especially for adults with ADHD and insufficient services in rural, regional and remote areas'.The Senate's “Assessment and Support Services for People ADHD” report made 15 recommendations including “reviewing eviewing bulk billing incentives to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for diagnosis and ongoing support, shared care models, telehealth, and improving access in rural, regional and remote areas CWA Conference Winds UpAbout 700 members attended this year’s conference and State President Joy Beames said the diversity in the motions once again across a broad range of issues.Image: ABC.“Health has remained a big focus for branches, with numerous motions endorsed by delegates that seek to improve access to services for regional, rural and remote residents and enhance the recruitment of health professionals to these communities,” Ms Beames said.Some of the other motions carried at this year’s conference include advocacy on:Urgent action around bush fire mitigation and management of government-controlled landA transparent, publicly-available water ownership register and the mandating of the registration of elected Members’ interest and foreign investment in waterThe provision of adequate funding for licensed teachers to provide swimming and water safety skills lessons to primary school studentsFunding support or rental subsidies for educators working in early childhood centres in remote, rural and regional locations.  The motions endorsed this week will now be taken forward and form the basis of CWA of NSW lobbying efforts in the immediate future.

Western Plains non-profits are among 31 volunteer groups approved for thousands of dollars under the federal government's Volunteer Grants Program.  Federal Parkes MP Mark Coulton announced on 6 May that Orana organizations received from $1000 to $2000, including Can Assist Nyngan, Condobolin Picnic Race Club, Coonabaranbran Golf Club and St Vincent De Paul Society in Coonamble.  The $66,000 grant pool for the Parkes electorate gave up to $5000 per organisation to buy small equipment items and pay towards training courses and background checks, as well as help reimburse volunteers for fuel and transport costs.  Can Assist Nyngan, which formed in 2012 to support Bogan Shire locals undertaking cancer treatment, got $1580 to buy a microphone and speaker system.  President Lyn Webster said having their own sound equipment will take stress out of organising fundraising events.    "We have functions on where we need a microphone system. So, we've always had to borrow from different organisations, which is not a good thing," Ms Webster said.  "People do loan you the things, but, you know, you're always worried that there may be damage caused.  "We have a High Tea, where we have like 110 people in a hall, once a year. So, that will come in very handy. We have fashion parades."  Can Assist Nyngan volies celebrate the group's ten-year anniversary in 2022. They formed in 2012 and formally became a branch of the charity in 2014. Image: SuppliedThe non-profit has between thirty to forty volunteers and provides financial help for travel, accommodation and medical bills.  "It could be food vouchers. Whatever the people need, to a certain extent we're here to assist them," Ms Webster said.  The historic Condolbolin Picnic Race Club got $2000 to buy some marquees for volunteers to shade under during their annual race day.   Secretary Joy Gibson said she hopes the purchase will attract more volunteers.  "Hopefully we might get a few more, because it's very hot in February on race day," Ms Gibson said.  "It'll just make it more comfortable for them to work around.  "Our race club could use it if we help out other clubs."  Federal MP for Parkes congratulated organisation who received the grants.   “I know many of our local organisations have been struggling during the current cost-of-living crisis as fewer people have the capacity to donate, while their own bills continue to rise," Mr Coulton said.   “These grants will help ease some of that pressure and help our community groups to invest in projects that will enable them to continue the great work they do in communities across the Parkes electorate.   “Our volunteer groups make such a valuable contribution to our towns and it’s all thanks to the selfless volunteers who generously give their time, efforts, talents and skills for the betterment of our communities."  Organisations which were nominated by Mr Coulton as their local MP were invited to apply for a grant in November 2023. Other groups in the western plains to receive volunteer grants were Society of St Vincent de Paul (Coonamble), Warren Meals on Wheels, Coonabarabran Golf Club, and the Anglican Parish of Narromine.

The greater bilby is one of Australia’s iconic marsupials and was once widespread throughout arid and semi-arid Australia, including NSW. Due to habitat loss and introduced predators and herbivores, the greater bilby has been locally extinct in NSW for more than a century. The last record of bilbies in the wild in NSW was near Wagga Wagga in 1912.In an attempt to reestablish local communities, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy moved bilbies to semi-arid climate of the Pilliga in late 2018.Their Pilliga project area covers about 35,632 hectares at the northern, more productive section of the Pilliga forests and stretches across the flat, sandy plains and low hills between the Warrumbungle Mountains, near Coonabarabran, and Narrabri.The effort to relocate the tiny marsupials was huge. It involved catching the animals at Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located south of Broken Hill and transporting them on a chartered flight to Narrabri, where air-conditioned vehicles were waiting, fitting them with GPS-enabled radio transmitters, and releasing them after dark into the Pilliga.It was anticipated that in a few years’ time the Pilliga would be supporting a population of 850 bilbies.While these two populations have increased over time and are estimated at 175 individuals in the Pilliga (2023 census) and 116 individuals in Mallee Cliffs (2022 census), they have not reached the population numbers as hoped. However, signs are positive as since the 2023 census, the Pilliga bilbies have dispersed from the smaller breeding area into the wider fenced area.The Australian Wildlife Conservancy's protection zone for reintroducing threatened species into the Pilliga forest is well-fenced and monitored. IMAGE: AWCEcologists reported in March that they have also witnessing a burrowing frenzy in the last 12 months. The prolific foragers and diggers play an important role as ecosystem engineers, turning over 20 tonnes of soil annually through burrowing and digging for food. Their digging improves water infiltration and creates fertile microhabitats where plant seeds can germinate.“The bilbies with their engineering colleagues, the bettongs, have turned over a lot of soil in their search for food and when digging burrows,” said Senior Wildlife Ecologist, Dr Vicki Stokes. “These activities will improve the ecosystem health of the Pilliga forest over time.”During the most recent population survey in the Pilliga, Dr Stokes and her team encountered several baby bilbies.“Two of the female bilbies had tiny baby bilbies, called joeys, in their pouches. We’ve also had increasing bilby activity on motion-sensor cameras across the fenced area, indicating that the population is doing well.”UNSW researchAs this population grows in the Pilliga, new research is looking at returning the bilby to temperate Australian regions, which was their natural habitat. University of New South Wales (UNSW) scientists have just released a study about this, based on a population of bilbies in a large sanctuary near Dubbo.Dr Kate Cornelsen was lead author in the study and her PhD research focused on understanding the habitat preferences and movement patterns of these unique nocturnal marsupials in the Dubbo sanctuary. She said up until now, very little is known about what bilbies do and need in the temperate zone.“If bilbies are to be restored in the temperate zone where they once thrived, we need to know much more about where they like to go and what they need there,” Dr Cornelson says. “We fitted tiny GPS tracking devices to the tails of 20 greater bilbies, which recorded where the bilbies were every hour, giving us a unique insight into their nocturnal habits and preferences in this area. Food biomass or availability essentially had a strong influence on where they preferred to hang out."“They seemed pretty good at working out where the food was. Interestingly though, they also preferred certain soil types, and females were much pickier in this respect than were males.”IMAGE: Australian MuseumIn general, bilbies spent more time in areas further from water sources in most seasons. This was a little surprising to the researchers, as areas close to water are likely to be more productive and have more food available. However, in the temperate zone where this study took place, food might not be so limiting to the bilbies.“Food is probably less patchy and more predictable in this study area compared to the desert where they’ve been studied before,” Dr Cornelsen says. “Areas further from water probably still provide sufficient food for bilbies, and because bilbies get all of the water they need from their food, being further from water might help them avoid competition with other species that do need to drink.”

Walgett Shire recorded over 2500 participants in it's Youth Week program in April, geared at supporting the area's up-and-coming.  In a two-week program from 11 April to the end of school holidays on 26 April, young people in Walgett, Collarenabri and Lightning Ridge took advantage of 32 initiatives including cultural exchanges, life skills training and movie nights.   Part of that involved teenagers from Sydney coming out west to have a yarn with locals.  "They come up and they do different workshops with us like martial arts, theatre, traditional dancing and culture sharing. So, they share their culture with us and we share ours with them," Walgett Council's Youth Development Officer, Sandra Bladen, said.  Ms Bladen said young people were involved in developing the programs.   The two-week program included cultural activities. IMAGE: Supplied"Our focus was bringing to kids together so they have a voice, and just to show the community what the kids can do with pretty much having the run of the show," Ms Bladen said.  "We get them together during our youth councils and our after-school programs to ask the kids what they wanted to see during our Youth Week.  "We sort of spread it out so the kids always have something to do.  “We have amazingly recorded our highest number of youth participation to date and couldn’t be happier with the result.”  Ms Bladen said kids from smaller Aboriginal Villages like Namoi and Gingie were also bused in to take part in the programs.   Other activities covered youth gardening, healthy eating, animal awareness and a young girls’ program with Wirringah’s Elders Group.