There will come a day sometime in the future when I’m not starting my column with a warning about COVID-19, its not that day yet.

Unfortunately, we’re now seeing a possible second wave of the virus in NSW and Victoria. It’s really important that we follow the public health advice, practice social distancing, wash our hands and use sanitiser, and make common sense decision for our own health and the health of our families.

This week I am around the western side of Barwon visiting Baradine, Coonabarabran, Dunedoo, Leadville, Coolah, Rowena, Burren Junction, Come-By-Chance, Narrabri, and Cryon, meeting community groups to talk about health, community development, drought support, and a whole raft of other topics. If there’s an issue you’d lie to raise with me please get in touch with my offices. I look forward to seeing you out in the community.

Stay safe, look after yourself and your community.

It has been another busy fortnight, one week sitting in Parliament, and since Parliament rose, I have been in Canberra talking water and energy with federal actors. I also managed to slip down to Eden Monaro where Matt Stadtmiller is running for the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party in the by-election. Matt and I spent a couple of days talking to locals and looking at the impact of recent devastating fires. We also turned to locals for advice on what needed to happen to prepare for the next fires.

In early July I am heading out to Coonamble, Walgett and Lightning Ridge. I hope to speak to plenty of people, and report back on the work we have been doing relevant to their communities.

Please keep your guard up on Coronavirus, as we see people moving around more and more, social distancing and hand hygiene is our best defence to keep the virus at bay. You have done an amazing job, hopefully in coming months we can see zero cases, and get back to a more normal life.

Welcome to our Community Funding Opportunities and Awards Program Newsletter where you will find details of grant and funding programs that are available for the Northern Inland Region for community based projects and social enterprises.

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 Business and Infrastructure Grants newsletter to your subscriptions by filling your details into on the left hand side of our website: www.rdani.org.au

We wish you all the best with the Funding Opportunities below and if you are looking for a grant between newsletters, have a look at the grants area of our website which is updated weekly: www.rdani.org.au/our-region/grants-and-funding-opportunities.php

If you need some facts and figures for your applications, a range of data for our region is also available on our website here: www.rdani.org.au/our-region/regional-data.php

Please note the below information is intended as a guide only. Closing dates and other details should be verified using the links provided as they are subject to change by the providers without notice.

It has been an encouraging start to the season across much of New South Wales, with most areas receiving reasonable falls, but across Queensland the majority of growers are still anxiously waiting for rain to assure emerging crops or commence planting.

So if you are back in the office after planting or you’re waiting to start in the paddock you might have time to tune into the GRDC 2020 Farm Business Updates, which will be delivered online from June 22-26.

In a forced break from tradition, the annual Updates will be beamed directly into the homes and offices of growers and advisers, ensuring they have access to expert advice and insights to guide their business through this year and beyond.

Our staff regularly run events across the North West region to support your land management work.

click the heading to see all the events and links through to past events. 

While the town of Walgett may be a long way from Tokyo in Japan, that hasn't stopped Jack O'Brien and his Olympic dreams.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games have been postponed, so Jack has been spending his time helping out on the family farm.

While his return to the property has been a great help to his family during this time, he has also been working hard in his homemade gym, dedicated to his training on an erg machine.

Jack ordinarily lives in Canberra and as a member of the Australian Rowing Team, is working towards realising his dream of representing his country at the Olympic Games.

"I want to continue with rowing to wherever it takes me," he said.

Police seized ammunition and cannabis following a search of a home in the state’s north west last week.

As part of a proactive rural crime operation, officers attached to Central North Rural Crime Prevention Team with the assistance of investigators from Central North Police District, conducted a Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) at a property on the Castlereagh Highway, Walgett, about 3.55pm on Friday 5 June 2020.

During the search, officers located and seized, two rifle bolts, ammunition, cannabis oil and cannabis seeds.

The late Aboriginal musician Jimmy Little will soon be part of the NSW silo art trail after Walgett Council chose to recognise his legacy in a mural painting.

Jimmy is from the Yorta Yorta nation and for a time lived in Walgett. He was the first Indigenous Australian to receive mainstream music success.

At a Walgett Shire Council meeting in March, councillors agreed to paint a mural image of Jimmy on the town's water tower.

It’s been a big week in Parliament. 

The Coal Seam Gas Moratorium Bill came on incredibly fast in the Legislative Assembly. Thank you for your public support of the position we took, it helps to show that Government members are out of touch with community sentiment. 

The next opportunity to raise concerns is through the Independent Planning Commission process. I will be making a submission, advocating for the strongest possible protection of groundwater for the sake of communities and agriculture. I encourage you to do the same. 

In this edition:

• Australian rainfall (week ending 7 June 2020)
• Summary of climate indicators
• Multi-week Guidance
• Year-to-date rainfall deciles (Jan-May)
• Explaining increased rainfall intensity - the latest R&D
• 2019 +IOD Ignites African Locust Plague 
• Save the date - Extreme events forecasting webinar (25 June)

Walgett Shire Council have introduced the scholarships to all emerging artists in forms identified below that reside within the Walgett Shire. The new Scholarships are a tribute to world renowned Aboriginal artist, singer and songwriter Mr. Jimmy Little and seek to support those emerging talents across our Local Government Area.

Extended to 16th June 2020

To learn more about this fantastic opportunity follow the link: https://www.walgett.nsw.gov.au/jimmy-little-memorial-schol…/

Due to the current situation with COVID -19 Council and local services are still unsure if any inclusive community events can be staged during Reconciliation Week 2020
In a bid to inform young people and create conversations around reconciliation and what it means to people Council have partnered with Mission Australia and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service to stage an “all inclusive” Art competition for all young people.

The Westpac Foundation Rural Community Grants program provides funding for education and training projects delivered in rural communities to create pathways out of disadvantage.

With higher rates of socioeconomic disadvantage in rural and remote Australia compared to cities and metropolitan areas, the program can help respond to these challenges, which are exacerbated by the drought, fires and now COVID-19.

To apply for a $10,000 grant and learn more about the program, visit: http://ow.ly/dM0G50zfp4H

The NSW Government has adjusted the Community War Memorials Fund application rounds. The dates for the 2020/21 rounds are:
Round 1: Opens Saturday, 25 April 2020 (Anzac Day) – Closes Monday July 27 2020
Round 2: Opens Wednesday, 11 November 2020 (Remembrance Day) – Closes Thursday 11 February 2021
 Round 1 is now open. Eligible organisations can apply online for grants of up to $10,000 to protect, conserve or repair local war memorials in New South Wales. Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 27 July 2020.
Further information about the Community War Memorials Fund can be found on the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs website at https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund/?fbclid=IwAR0jOFjF-hH5WCB1twXoZkWZDNs1hH8QHJ8GezbzeTfWjyXaiuGNFE5mraY

Applications open now! The Small Business Support Fund has been created to provide fast relief for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Grants of up to $10k are available to small businesses, not for profits, and sole traders. For full eligibility criteria and to apply head to https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-small-business-covid-19-support-grant Service NSW

Registrations are now open for the Australian Government’s small business wage subsidy, to cover 50% of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage paid during the 9 months from 1 January to 30 September 2020. For more information: contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider: https://hubs.ly/H0qrPkB0

Established in 1997 in memory of the artist Penny Meagher, the emphasis of the Windmill Trust Scholarship is to support professional artists from regional NSW to develop and or present their work. This scholarship provides assistance towards the cost of, independent artistic research or practice such as studio rental, material or labour costs, professional development and education, presenting work in new ways, exhibiting work such as framing, space rental, promotion, artists' fees, freight, installation and documentation.
The Funding available for each individual or group will be up to $10,000 + GST.
Applications are now open and close 23:59 AEST Sunday 19 July 2020.
More information HERE »

Applications will open NOW for the Community Building Partnership Program

$300,000 is available for projects in the Barwon Electorate, councils and non-for-profits are able to apply for the funds to deliver projects with social, environmental and recreational outcomes. 

Applications will open on Monday 4 May and close at 5pm, Friday 12 June. 

For more information and to check your eligibility visit www.nsw.gov.au

We’re here for you! In response to Coronavirus and the many challenges facing creatives, makers and artists in our region, Outback Arts has launched their very own Micro Grant program. Professional individual artists, art organisations and groups can apply for funding up to the amount of $1,000 to support their practice through the supply of materials and equipment, training, or the delivery of projects such as workshops. The entire application process is quick, simple, and flexible. Apply on our website HERE »https://www.outbackarts.com.au/projects/micro-grant-fund-by-outback-arts

Do you have Hudson pear on your property or mining claim?

The new biocontrol mass-rearing facility at Lightning Ridge is stocked with the Hudson pear cochineal and they are ready to be released.

Contact Mat Savage on 0427 253 463 to collect your plastic tub (for collecting clean Hudson pear segments - no ants or soil). Swap your tub of clean segments for a tub of cochineal-infected ssegments. Mat will advise you on how to release the cochineal and record the release data.
North West Local Land Services Walgett Shire Council North West Plains Sustainability Group

The Berejiklian government has rushed to defeat a private member's bill to derail the controversial Narrabri gas project as anti-coal seam gas groups were preparing to target National party seats.

In a rare move, the Coalition suspended the day's parliamentary agenda on Thursday to debate a coal seam gas moratorium bill in a bid to fast-track its demise in the Legislative Assembly.

It comes after the bill, put forward by independent MP Justin Field, passed the NSW upper house on Wednesday night with the support of Labor and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.

The Member for Barwon, Roy Butler today carried the historic Coal Seam Gas Moratorium Bill in the NSW Parliament’s Legislative Assembly.

“Much will be made of me carrying the CSG Moratorium Bill, but it should not surprise to people that I have followed through on my commitment to not support any extractive industry that puts water, our most precious resource at risk,” said Mr Butler. 

“I committed to do it through the campaign, and I kept my word.

A former Dubbo-based magistrate who presided over 25 Indigenous circle sentencing cases in Walgett said only one person had since reoffended.

Circle sentencing is a method in which Aboriginal offenders are sentenced through a discussion involving local elders, family members and sometimes victims. 

Magistrate Claire Girotto worked for several years on the Dubbo and Walgett circuit and is calling on the program to be expanded in New South Wales, after a study supported her experience that participants had better outcomes. 

"I'm a big fan of it," Ms Girotto said.

She said the process allowed offenders to take ownership of their crimes and their futures.

Welcome to the Winter edition of CRDC's Spotlight magazine! 

In this edition:

• Our industry's five-year sustainability report card is released;
• Creating disease suppressive soils; and
• The CCA survey shows species shift in herbicide resistance.

... plus much more!

Spotlight has been landing in the mailboxes of our subscribers over the past week, in preparation for the start of Winter.

Effective crop destruction is an important part of the management of a Bollgard 3 system.

Ratoon cotton poses a resistance risk as it extends the amount of time Helicoverpa are exposed to the toxins contained in Bt cotton outside of the cotton growing season. Ratoon cotton is a host for pests and diseases. Pests such as aphids, silverleaf whitefly and mealybug can use ratoon cotton to survive over winter and re infest the following cotton crop. Ratoon cotton can also carryover disease such as verticillium wilt, black root rot and fusarium wilt. In other crops and subsequent cotton crops, ratoon cotton is considered a weed and can affect yield through plant competition.

My dad and his family grew up in a tin humpy on the banks of the Namoi River in Walgett, New South Wales. My grandmother worked on a station, raising the station manager’s children, and never received her pay during her lifetime.

Growing up my father was denied an education and instead given a football; he left school at 15 and later in life was drafted with five other Aboriginal men to play rugby league for the Gundagai Tigers. That year Gundagai saw their first grand final win. Gundagai loved Dad until he retired from football and needed a job. 

My journey towards becoming a business owner started standing on the Gundagai overpass, waving goodbye to my father as he hitchhiked for work, as no one wanted to employ an Aboriginal.

Hello everyone,

As I write this, it is the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. In the spirit of reconciliation, FRRR acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which our programs are delivered, and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders - past, present and emerging. We encourage everyone to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. As I reflect on the extraordinary times we continue to experience as a nation and global community, it seems especially appropriate that this year's theme is In This Together - as we certainly are.

The Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party have been told by Treasurer Dominic Perrott that the

proposed public sector wage freeze is “just the beginning” of changes the Government will make to

regain the economy and employment in New South Wales.

Following a meeting, this morning with the Treasurer and leader of the Upper House Damien

Tudehope the SFF’s position remains.

Things aren't growing the way they should. My place is going backwards.

This is how some farmers across the country have felt. And for many, this has started their journey with Best Environmental Technologies. And they haven't looked back.

Best Environmental Technologies is a family-run, 100 per cent Australian-owned company, and for business manager Darren Falconer, the mission is to help farmers of all kinds improve soil health.

"Our goal is to help producers reduce inputs, minimise risk, both financial and health, improve soil structure and produce nutrient-dense food," he said.

Welcome to our Community Funding Opportunities and Awards Program Newsletter where you will find details of grant and funding programs that are available for the Northern Inland Region for community based projects and social enterprises.

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 Business and Infrastructure Grants newsletter to your subscriptions by filling your details into on the left hand side of our website: www.rdani.org.au

We wish you all the best with the Funding Opportunities below and if you are looking for a grant between newsletters, have a look at the grants area of our website which is updated weekly: www.rdani.org.au/our-region/grants-and-funding-opportunities.php

If you need some facts and figures for your applications, a range of data for our region is also available on our website here: www.rdani.org.au/our-region/regional-data.php

Please note the below information is intended as a guide only. Closing dates and other details should be verified using the links provided as they are subject to change by the providers without notice.

A man has been charged following an investigation by Strike Force Trawler detectives into alleged online child procurement.

In February this year, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from the state’s north west.

Police will allege in court that the man believed he was speaking with a 13-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations about acts he wished to perform on the child and sent sexually explicit material.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 52-year-old man at Walgett about 3.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 27 May 2020).

A short time later, officers executed a search warrant at a home at Lightning Ridge and seized mobile phones and electronic storage devices.

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

We wish you all the best with the Funding Opportunities below and if you are looking for a grant between newsletters, have a look at the grants area of our website which is updated weekly: www.rdani.org.au/our-region/grants-and-funding-opportunities.php

If you need some facts and figures for your applications, a range of data for our region is also available on our website here: www.rdani.org.au/our-region/regional-data.php

Please note the below information is intended as a guide only. Closing dates and other details should be verified using the links provided as they are subject to change by the providers without notice.

Hi Folks, 

Ever since the start of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions my team and I have been dealing with the community fall out. Changes made on the fly always have unintended  consequences, consequences that have a negative impact on our community. We’ve been working hard to sort these issues out and lobby the Government for changes on your behalf, I’m pleased to say we have had a lot of success in this area, changing the Health Orders on many occasions to work better for Barwon.

THE region's primary producers will have a strong voice at a state government level thanks to the latest elected members of representative boards.

Russell Webb (Duri), Rebecca Reardon (Moree), Scott Kermode (Walcha),Grahame Marriott (Inverell), William O'Halloran, (Invergowrie) and Jane Mactier (Tenterden) were the latest members elected to Local Land Services (LLS) boards.

The Northern Tablelands and North West board members will advocate for primary producers across both regions and co-ordinate with LLS on a range of issues.

About 5pm on Tuesday, Nicholas Rosser was found on a property neighbouring the campsite he was last seen west of Walgett.

Police say the 19-year-old is safe and well.

Police would like to thank the community and media for their assistance.

EARLIER, 3pm, May 19:

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing from west of Walgett.

Nicholas Rosser, aged 19, was last seen at a campsite with friends, about 11 kilometres west of Walgett on the Barwon River on Brewon Road.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler has announced that twelve Sporting Clubs will share in more than $92,000 in funding thanks to the 2019-20 Local Sport Grant Program.

Mr Butler said the funding will allow these Clubs to improve their facilities and remove some hurdles for people who are thinking about getting involved with their local club. 

Hi Folks, 

We are two months into something that will hopefully only happen once in a lifetime. I want to offer my thanks to all of you, the people who have followed the public health advice, and the essential workers who have worked with risks to keep us all safe, and services functioning. 

As we move into an easing of some restrictions on Friday 15 May, please remain vigilant with the basic health advice. If you are a business looking to get back to trade, please be safe, and protect your staff and clients. 

The kitchen is considered the heart of every home. With everyone forced to stay indoors to slow down the spread of COVID-19, kitchens are seeing more traffic than any place in the house.  In addition to preparing meals, most people prefer to eat, talk, and even work at the kitchen table, a reason you might want to consider a kitchen renovation. Depending on the condition of your kitchen, a few simple upgrades should give it a fresh new look and improved functionality. 

If there is one positive from the COVID-19 pandemic it’s the widespread realisation that working from home works, says Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.

Mr Butler is calling on the NSW Government to review the suitability of all Public Sector positions for telecommuting, and introduce new requirements for Public Sector roles to be advertised as ‘suitable for telecommuting’. 

The way roles are currently advertised, shows a geographic area where the role is based, inhibiting the attraction of the best possible candidate, no matter where they call home.

“COVID-19 has meant more and more people have shifted to working from home, with videoconferencing for team meetings, and remote access tokens bringing the office to people’s dining room tables and study’s.

I hope that you are reading this in good health and adjusting to our temporary new normal. Rural communities are experts in remote working and living and while we wouldn’t wish for this situation, it has created a window of greater empathy for the daily challenges that distance can present to delivering services and staying connected and well. One might say this is rural Australia’s time to shine, as rural Australia will be a big part of the COVID-19 recovery and I’m looking forward to FRRR supporting locally-led initiatives that will strengthen their vibrancy and prosperity.

Do you run a small business?

Among all the challenges of a small business, perhaps the most important to overcome is that of cash flow. Some business owners seek real guidance from those who have survived a similar situation and have experienced big business success in the end.”

Money tips for small businesses can help you thrive in today's tough economy.

These tips represent real ideas to help you lower your overheads and cut your costs while still reaching your target consumer base and growing your business.

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler is adding his voice to calls for car registration waivers saying motorists shouldn’t be slogged with car registration fees while we’re being told to stay off the roads.

“The cost of car registration is one of the big bills households face every year – alongside mortgages, rent, and energy bills.

“We’ve seen support announced by banks for mortgage holders, protections for renters announced by government, and energy companies supporting their customers with rebates and payment extensions.

When it comes to food and fibre, consumers want to know who produced it, where it was produced and how it was produced. New AgriFutures Australia funded work not only confirms that building provenance through storytelling is a critical strategy for bringing brands and products to life, but also offers the practical tools to help small business achieve it. 

The provenance toolkit, developed by agricultural market research and digital marketing experts Honey and Fox, offers a suite of practical resources available for download via the AgriFutures Australia website. The toolkit is aimed at Australian producers who want to build an impactful provenance narrative for their food and fibre business and share it with current and prospective clients. 

Sharing your product’s origin story, history or journey to market is a powerful way to connect with your consumers and differentiate brands in the market. It’s an approach that can play a critical role in sustaining, increasing or expanding market share. 

New GrainCorp chief executive Robert Spurway says the company is well placed to bounce back from the devastating drought that has slashed Australia's wheat production, with some farmers planting their biggest grain crops in at least six years.

Mr Spurway, a former chief operating officer of Fonterra's global operations, said the ASX-listed grain giant would be able to handle the much larger grain crop expected this year and could reopen mothballed storage facilities if needed.

Is your little one heading off to preschool soon?

Preparing your child emotionally for pre-school can be a challenge. Between getting them ready (as well as yourself) there are a number of steps you’ll need to take to make sure everyone gets through with as few moments of stress as possible.

Find out here!

As Australia looks to renegotiate trade partnerships with key global markets, a new study reveals the impact of global farm subsidies and agricultural trade policies on the competitiveness of Australia’s rural industries. 

Trade barriers and domestic subsidies have always been part of global farm policies but, since the 2000s, their impact on Australia’s global competitiveness has not been quantified. A new AgriFutures Australia-funded study fills a knowledge gap in the current cost of trade subsidies, arming our rural industries and governments with evidence to inform trade negotiations and policy discussions going forward.  

The NSW Liberal-National Government failed to adequately support farmers during the drought. This meant farmers increased debt levels, let staff go, sold equipment and de-stocked leaving the whole sector in a vulnerable deficit.

For some people the drought was simply too much, they sold up, or were repossessed and left the sector.

The Government can’t say they didn’t know about it, I spoke about it in every session of NSW Parliament, used every mechanism available to me to get drought, and drought assistance on the agenda.

The tragic bushfires showed that the NSW Government can indeed find money, and get it out quickly… when it wants to.

The news is full of Covid-19 right now, but there are other dangers in the world that YOU need to look out for.

One of the greatest dangers comes in the form of your very own car (or someone else’s)

Approximately 40% of all car accidents happen at intersections, with most of these resulting in serious injuries.  

Roundabouts, however, make intersections much safer.

Here's how to stay safe driving around the roundabout.

GRDC Northern Region team members are just back from Grains Research Updates throughout Queensland and New South Wales. It was great to catch up with so many growers, agronomists and researchers at the events and even better to hear many regions had received rain. Let’s hope there is more on the horizon and everyone gets a winter crop in this season.

If you didn’t make it to an Update, you’ll find a lot of the valuable presentations from these events on our website. And if you did attend one of the Updates, you may find yourself or a colleague in social photo galleries from Wagga Wagga, Dubbo and Goondiwindi Grains Research Updates.  To view the latest Newsletter click the heading.