A solar plant built in the 1980s in a remote opal mining town has been recognised for its pioneering contribution to the renewable energy industry.

In a remote corner of NSW, a decade-long project has been trying to reverse the extinction of native animals by re-introducing them back into the landscape.

Stawell Gift winner Olufemi Komolafe has been suspended from competing for 12 months following a positive drug test.

A fish passageway allowing fish to travel upstream into the Menindee Lakes has reopened for the final season of its three-year trial, as low water levels and poor water quality raise concerns about another potential fish kill in the Darling-Baaka this summer.

A horror weekend of suspected domestic violence-related deaths in NSW has exposed a huge gap in the response to the issue plaguing Australia, after police revealed they didn't know the alleged offenders.

A new generation of students from north-west Victoria is learning about their culture and taking it to the Melbourne stage.

Mosquito alert: A mosquito expert says it is important people protect themselves from bites because there's no cure for some diseases carried by the insect. Mosquito numbers are likely to increase with warmer weather, and residents are encouraged to use mosquito repellent and wear light, loose-fitting clothes. NSW Health Pathology mosquito expert Cameron Webb says people need to be vigilant during the summer season.

Picture supplied: NSW Health Pathology

New street sweeper: Broken Hill council general manager Jay Nankivell says the state government is likely to provide the city with funding for a second street sweeper to help reduce the spread of lead dust. Exposure to lead can cause issues including learning disabilities, behavioural problems and slow or abnormal growth. Mr Nankivell says while they already have one street sweeper in operation, it covers the high impact lead zones around the centre of the city.

Races cancelled: The committee of the Silver City Races has cancelled its November race meet for the second year in a row. The Silver City Racing Club says the decision to call off the races scheduled for November 7 was not made lightly. It says a number of factors, including a lack of sponsorship, concerns about hot weather and the continuing rise in fuel prices all contributed to what it describes as a "disappointing" outcome. The club has thanked the community, volunteers, sponsors and trainers and says it looks forward to working towards future events in Broken Hill.

Pool changes: Central Darling Shire Council will trial unsupervised swimming pool access across all four of its pools this season. Under the new operating model, no lifeguards will be present at council pools and people will need to undergo safety training before getting an access card. General manager John Sevil says the decision was made due to lack of available lifeguards, but mitigating risk strategies have been put in place.

Domestic violence accommodation: Broken Hill Council is in the process of establishing a working group to help increase the number of accommodation options for those leaving domestic violence situations. The city's rate of domestic violence assault is still almost four times the state average and rose 13 per cent to 299 incidents in the 12 months to June. At a recent meeting councillors voted unanimously to create a group which will identify additional housing needs and work towards getting grants to fund them. Mayor Tom Kennedy says it's an important issue to address

Legal aid support: A free, specialist legal service is being made available to victim-survivors of sexual violence across New South Wales. The state and federally funded initiative will operate as part of Legal Aid, and will provide advice and in some cases, legal representation. New South Wales Women's Minister Jodie Harrison says the money will go to hiring more staff to give people trauma-informed support.