Water arrives in Menindee: Large volumes of water have started to arrive in Menindee Lakes in recent days after making its way down from Queensland into the Barwon-Darling system. The Menindee Lakes can hold more than 1,700GL of water, equivalent to around 680,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The fresh flows mean the lakes are around 50 per cent of capacity. Meanwhile, locals like Rob Gregory are taking note of healthy water levels in nearby lake systems, including Lake Weatherill.
Image supplied: Rob Gregory
Report for the coroner: A man has died on a property about 70 kilometres south of Wilcannia at the weekend. Police were called to the property last Saturday, where they found the body of a 63-year-old man with a quad bike located less than two kilometres away. A crime scene was established, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. A spokesperson for SafeWork NSW has confirmed it's making inquiries into the incident.
Chaffey on Nationals split: The federal Member for Parkes says any future relationship between the National and Liberal parties must be a united front. The Nationals announced this week it wouldn't enter into an agreement with the Liberal Party and would dissolve the Coalition. Newly elected Nationals MP Jamie Chaffey says he's pleased the party is standing firm for regional Australians.
TikTok superstars: Broken Hill's Remi, 4, and Huxley Day, 2, have become TikTok favourites after their grandfather set up an account. Standing along Williams Street the siblings wait in anticipation as trucks come past, while they use the arm pump to get the drivers to blow their horns. This video has now eclipsed 38.6 million views, watch it on our Facebook page here.
New fire station: The union representing firefighters says it welcomes the decision to amalgamate Broken Hill's two fire stations in one central location. Fire and Rescue NSW has announced the purchase of the building containing Vines Furniture One to construct a purpose-built fire station for completion by 2027. Almost $8 million was set aside for the project in last year's state budget. Fire Brigade Employees Union country representative Tim Anderson says they've been campaigning for a new facility for 20 years.
Willyama High School correspondence:
The state member for Barwon says he's optimistic concerns about the new build of Willyama High School will be addressed in a timely fashion. Members of the Willyama P&C group, which was formed earlier this year, had been worried about the response time from the Department of Education around specifics of the rebuild, including the number of classrooms. Local member Roy Butler says he's advised the government about the local concerns. The ABC has been advised the Department of Education has since sent a letter to the P&C. In a statement, a Department spokesperson advised it's undertaken extensive consultation and community engagement around the project, with local feedback already informing design changes. This included additional science facilities, a larger wellness hub,
bespoke learning spaces for the support unit, and additional shade.
Pirie building refurbishment honoured: A project which restored a Broken Hill landmark while teaching people new skills in building conservation has won a prestigious state heritage award. The facade and verandah of the Pirie Building on Argent Street were given a facelift over two phases last year. Last week the project took out the New South Wales National Trust Education and Interpretation Award. Broken Hill heritage advisor Liz Vines says she hopes the win will promote a unique approach to conserving architecture.
Local singer off to Canada: Barkindji singer/songwriter Nancy Bates has been invited to take part in the International Indigenous Music Summit in Toronto next month. The summit is the largest global event dedicated to celebrating, creating awareness, sharing resources, and building opportunities for the Indigenous music community. Bates co-produced Songs Inside which won the audience award for Best Documentary at the 2024 Adelaide Film Festival.
Sand mining: Mining company RZ Resources has amended its proposal for a mineral sands mine 75km north of Wentworth in far west NSW, reducing its size. The company submitted an Environmental Impact Statement for the Copi Project in May last year. Under the amendment, the number of pastoral leases the company plans to mine will be reduced from five to two. RZ Resources' proposed mine is still in planning stages and is yet to receive approval from the NSW government. A spokesperson for RZ Resources says details of the Project Amendment are a matter of public record and can be viewed on the NSW Planning portal.
Local AFL results: The Central Magpies have claimed equal top spot on the men's A-Grade AFL ladder, following a 17-point win over North at Memorial Oval on Saturday. In the other game, South had a 46-point win over West at Jubilee Oval, while in the women's North beat Central by 13 points and South kicked 102 against a scoreless West.
