n addition to the work the Royal Flying Doctor Service has been doing to provide vaccinations for our normal territory in regional and remote NSW, the pandemic has seen us head to a host of new locations to provide assistance.

It started with additional clinics across the Far West at the request of the Federal Government but has expanded since then to include the New England, Upper Hunter and even South Coast regions. 

While our regular clinics are based out of Broken Hill, these additional clinics have been organised from our Dubbo base. What started with small teams who flew and drove from Dubbo in early August to places like Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Grawin, it quickly expanded, requiring more staff and more vaccine.

EXACTLY ONE YEAR since Santos’ polluting and expensive Narrabri Gas Project was approved, a new report has found the gas this project would produce isn’t needed.

The report by energy analysts Northmore Gordon, which was commissioned by the Climate Council, reveals that New South Wales could reduce its annual gas demand by the same amount that the Narrabri Gas Project is forecast to produce, as soon as 2030.

“This report effectively renders the Narrabri Gas Project redundant. We already know that this project will drive up greenhouse gas emissions, worsen climate change and do nothing to reduce power prices. Now we also know the project is completely unnecessary when it comes to meeting the state’s energy needs,” said Climate Council Senior Researcher, Tim Baxter. 

“To ensure the New South Wales Government is capable of reaching its newly announced target to halve emissions by 2030 – it needs a plan to reduce gas use across the state. This new report shows them how to do it,” said Baxter.

“This is the first-ever plan that spells out how we can wean Australia’s most populous state off polluting and expensive gas using common-sense measures. This is a pathway to healthier, more affordable, and more efficient gas-free homes and businesses,” he said. 

Report Key Findings: 

• Gas demand within New South Wales could be 70 percent lower as soon as 2030, and ​​eliminated altogether as soon as 2050, using readily available, commercially viable technologies.
• With the right policies in place to support technologies like electric resistance heating and renewable hydrogen, gas use can be reduced in emissions-intensive industries like iron and steel manufacturing. 
• Homes and commercial buildings are responsible for almost half of New South Wales’ gas use and meeting their needs with electricity is readily achievable with existing, commercially available technologies. 
• Putting common-sense measures in place to reduce gas demand in New South Wales, such as electrifying homes and upgrading commercial buildings, would make the expensive and polluting Narrabri Gas Project redundant.
• There is no shortage of gas anywhere in Australia with the growing demands of a swollen gas export industry driving supply issues, higher energy bills, and worsening climate change.
• It is critically important for our economy, health, and climate that every state and territory transitions away from fossil fuels like gas as quickly as possible.

Police were called to contain a brawl between students at Walgett Community College after simmering tensions within the community erupted on school grounds, forcing teachers to intervene and leaving a police liaison officer with a minor injury.

A student filmed the incident on Tuesday morning and posted the footage on social media. It shows several students fighting and others being attacked when they stepped in to intervene.

Hi Folks,

I hope this Round-Up finds you well. It’s been a very full two weeks, I have been in Walgett a couple of times, Bourke, Nyngan, Carinda, Warren and even managed a stop off for a good lunch at the Nevertire Hotel.

As I write this I am in Argent St Broken Hill, preparing for very full days at the Western Division Conference that has an agenda packed with Ministers and Shadow Ministers and Mayors and Councillors from across western NSW. It’s a great chance for Ministers and Shadow Ministers to understand what is happening in western Councils.

Welcome to 2020 - it is certainly off to an unprecedented start, with communities across the length and breadth of the country dealing with fires, and others going into their eighth or ninth year of drought. Add to that relentless dust storms, and the odd flood event - there aren't many places experiencing a 'normal' season.

However, we have also seen Australia's generosity in response to the fires, with an outpouring of support . We have been overwhelmed with the way people want to help, both here in Australia and across the world

“There is no shortage of gas in Australia, there’s a shortage of common sense in Canberra when it comes to gas export policy and domestic gas reservation policy,” says Member for Barwon, Roy Butler. 

Mr Butler’s comments follow the new energy deal struck by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Are you happy in your marriage?

Certain habits will either make or break your relationship. 

Many people, however, only learn how to co-exist with their spouses after they get into a marriage. Making an effort to establish healthy boundaries and habits before getting into a relationship can be the difference between a sad and happy marriage.  

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler is calling on people across the electorate who know a remarkable senior volunteer to nominate them for the 2020 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards.  “Seniors provide invaluable skills and help our community thrive in so many ways,”
said Mr Butler.  “This year in Barwon as part of the statewide Seniors Festival we’ll be recognising our senior volunteers – those selfless individuals who donate their time, energy and efforts to volunteering in our communities.

We have all heard that one glass of wine from time to time isn’t bad for health, but how exactly does wine contribute to health? 

The answers appear to be almost endless as new studies continue to continually back up the health benefit claims of drinking wine moderately. 

From attacking cancer cells to a decreased mortality rate, a glass of wine a day has proven to be good for your body both now and in the long run. 

By sipping a glass of chilled white or red wine, here is how you will be helping your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

Water is scarce! So here are some water-saving tips that you can do right now. 

While Australia is well and truly the lucky country it is also the driest continent on this planet outside Antarctica. It means that we are constantly at risk of drought and It is usually a case of how severe and how long rather than when. 

There is no denying that we have seen some of the harshest conditions in Australia over the last few years with warmer and drier weather. The data below is information from the Bureau of Meteorology and just shows how hot and dry it has been.

It is easy to lose focus throughout the year. Before you know it, 2020 is upon us. We get it. You get busy, jobs start to pile up, bills need to be paid and before you know it, you are buying Christmas presents! Make 2020 different. Before anything gets too wild, it's time to make a plan and set your business up for success in 2020.

These 3 key things will make sure you have the structure and rigour for business success in 2020! 

Water Royal Commission is the way forward

Leaving the Basin Plan will not solve the issues we have with the allocation and management of water in this State. It will not see any more water in our rivers, or return any water back to farmers.

The Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party have been calling for a Federal Royal Commission for over a year now, with the sole intent of untangling the mess water management is in.

The mismanagement of water is destroying our rivers, communities and industries. That’s why myself and Helen Dalton have been pushing hard on pausing the Basin Plan and conducting a Royal Commission.

Ever wondered what the fuss was about the gluten-free diet?

There's actually a variety of health benefits to be had from eliminating gluten from your diet.

From increased energy levels to greater digestive comfort. There's plenty more that come with this great health move!

Whether you travel frequently or rarely, travel insurance is one of your most valuable expense especially for the inexperienced.

Travel insurance can be beneficial for various reasons, especially if you're travelling to an unfamiliar destination. 

Without travel insurance, disruptions to your trip can end up costing you a fortune.

Insurance ensures that in any circumstance, you are covered and here's five things to help prove it to you.

Moving home can be quite a frustrating task, especially if you've accumulated a lot of items over-time.

When it comes to packing everything we own into boxes, it becomes more of a task we think is both time-consuming and a burden to our daily lives.

Sometimes we even wish we could pay someone to do all the hard work for us.  So, here are some hints you need if you're looking to make packing less of a task and more of an experience, especially if you're moving into your dream home. 

RDA Orana will host a two-day discussion focussed on migration as part of the organisation’s commitment to regional workforce shortages.

“Locally-led migration strategies have provided a response to issues facing rural and regional communities, including shifts in workforce and population,” RDA Orana Director for Regional Development Megan Dixon said.

The event will begin with an employer forum to discuss visa options for employers who may be interested in hiring migrant workers. This will be followed by a workshop about migrant experiences and a roundtable to look at regional settlement.

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler is calling on the NSW Government to take action and establish more residential rehabilitation centres in the west of the State.

Drug related crime figures, presentations to emergency departments, and Ambulance call outs for drug related incidents are all on the increase.

In the Far West, amphetamine use and possession has increased by 61 per cent between April 2017 and March 2019 – the highest increase in the State. 

Do you have a wedding on the horizon?

First things first...CONGRATULATIONS!

Now, onto the most important question - are you spray tanned ready?!

Looking beautiful on your big day is more than a matter of self-confidence. When you’ll look back on the photos for a lifetime, feeling sexy in your skin is super important.

Ready for your first home?

You might be tossing up between building a new home or buying an existing one. 

Read this article to discover the pros and cons of each and find out which option is right for you.

Do you want to increase the value of your home?

There are plenty of small changes you can make to your house to give you the best chance of adding value on auction day.

Here are 5 proven ways to increase the value of your home before it comes time to sell.

Welcome to our Business and Infrastructure Funding Opportunities Newsletter

Welcome to our Business and Infrastructure Funding Opportunities Newsletter where you will find details of grant and funding programs that are available for the Northern Inland Region for businesses and infrastructure projects.

Due to the number of grants that are available, we send two funding opportunities newsletters a month; one for Business and Infrastructure and another for Community Projects and Award Programs. These newsletters are a free service that we provide, and can you can add the Community Funding Opportunities and Awards Programs newsletter to your subscriptions by filling your details into on the left hand side of our website: www.rdani.org.au

Two Gold award winning students read their works at the ceremony, Erin Kruger from Masada College and Gabriel Siemer from Bourke Walgett School of Distance Education.

Six year old Gabriel has lived the devastating effects of the drought most of his young life on the family farm outside Walgett. They haven’t harvested a crop since 2016 and had to sell all their sheep and cattle due to the drought.

Young Gabriel and his older brother Rafael ‘attend’ the School of Distance Education by satellite link two or three times a week, leaving mum Casey to supervise their work and run the farm. Dad works as a movie and TV stuntman and due to the drought has been away from home much of the year.

Local residents are set to benefit from special rates offered as new air services take to western NSW skies next month.

With the support of the NSW government and the Far North West Joint Organisation (FNWJO), the airlines are able to offer a 'local fare'.

The local fare price for Cobar to Sydney is $249 one way, and the Dubbo to Cobar local fare price is $129 one way.

Walgett in the News this week with a number of articles across the country.

Gloucester's Lyn Stewart had a niggling interest in researching her family history.

Like many Australians, her family tree has a range of convicted criminals, which was partly what first piqued her interest. But it was chasing down that tale of her great great grandmother, Margaret Murphy which inspired her to write a book.

She started researching her relative by first acquiring Margaret's death certificate as it provided details of her date of death, the date and location of her birth, and the names of her parents.

Join the effort in reducing pig numbers this winter!
North West LLS has free grain available for co-ordinated baiting and trapping programs. Speak to your local Biosecurity Officer to access the grain.
Tamworth, Gunnedah & Quirindi 6764 5900 - Grahame Kelly & Greg Lumber
Narrabri 6790 7600 - John Busby & Lucy Collingridge
Moree 6750 9000 - Toni Jericho & Tim Daly
Warialda 6729 1528 - Dave Lindsay
Walgett 6828 6400 - Heidi Mackay

Salt Therapy has been around for over 100 years. It has been used by people of the past to ease symptoms of some illnesses. It is known for its respiratory and skin health properties. There are several areas that salt therapy can be beneficial to our health.

Let’s explore the importance of salt therapy and its health benefits.

If you’re planning on buying a new car through finance, or you’ve finally saved up enough money to move out of your parents’ house and apply for a mortgage, then you need to start building a good credit score. 

Your credit score is essentially a bunch of statistics based on all your financial decisions and hiccups over the last 6 years. In today’s world, it is all too easy for banks to access this report. This makes it all too easy for them to reject your loan application based on a few regretful money mishaps.

 According to financial experts Empowered Finance, “This is because lenders believe they might be taking a higher risk when lending to you. This means your loan application will either be flat out rejected or you will be expected to pay a much higher interest rate.”

Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party MP, Roy Butler is calling on the NSW Government to provide immediate rates relief funding to local government. 
 “Rates relief funding to local government would greatly assist in reducing the financial pressure on our rural and regional communities,” Mr Butler said.
Across western NSW towns and communities are struggling through drought and as a result families and businesses are experiencing extreme financial pressure. 

Grants and awards available.

Birdwatching can be a compulsive pastime, a never-ending quest to see more species and add to a lifetime list.

Key Points
A study reveals birdwatchers generated an economic boom when they travelled to see the rare bird in 2017
Researchers say the study highlights the potential of bird tourism, especially around rare and vagrant birds
Work is now underway to create a bird trail in the lower Hunter Valley, NSW, to encourage tourism
It drives many devoted twitchers to travel long distances in search of unusual and hard-to-spot birds.

When a rare Alaskan shorebird, the Aleutian tern, was spotted for the first time in Australia in late 2017, hundreds of people travelled to catch a glimpse of the elusive species.

The Aleutian tern breeds in Alaska and eastern Siberia and usually spends the southern summer in the North Pacific and parts of Indonesia, so its appearance on a sandbar, off the small New South Wales mid-north coastal town of Old Bar, came as a surprise.

"There was the tufted duck in Melbourne in 2019, there was a black-headed gull in the Northern Territory, there was Australia's first collared pratincole in Perth, there was the grey-headed lapwing in Burren Junction, near Wee Waa … there's been heaps," Mr Callaghan said.

This week I had the honour of delivering my inaugural speech in Parliament. An opportunity to talk about my goals for the next four years.  To you the people I represent I restate my election commitments – to work hard and be honest.   
 
Across the electorate I have met many people who are incredibly passionate about the future of  their  community.  They  want  recognition  that  at  this  moment  in  the  history  of  NSW  the government is faced with a choice. They continue to treat the communities of western NSW in the same manner they have been or they change their focus and reinvigorate the bush.  

As part of our commitment to supporting local communities, NSW Fair Trading invites you or a member of your association to attend a free

‘Running an Association’ and ‘Role of the Committee’ Webinar Modules.   

Hi friends, I suppose most have heard that I have stood aside for the election following public disclosure of a post I made on a Port Arthur conspiracy site on FB, 8 months ago. The Greens found it difficult to refute in this stage of the election which I understand. I really do apologise to all of you who have helped me get this far.

It appears I was targeted by a journo from The Australian using a firm who does handle searches on social media etc, not sure who they are. I really don't think the tragedies of the past need rehashing like this in public view and it must grieve families and survivors of the tragedy to see it being discussed like some political football. I also apologise to those people who are affected in this way, very much.

The map that does not make sense (unless you are the owner of the red box ie Santos).

No business case has been released for this greenfield rerouting of the Inland Rail right through the Pilliga forest (no farms in there!) and the CWA have now joined NSW Farmers and Labor in the call for an inquiry.

"The conference voted to request the federal government hold an independent inquiry into the green field routes and funding for the inland rail project."

https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/6117549/what-we-are-lobbying-for-just-makes-sense-cwa-leader-says/