No-go for Coonamble greyhounds again: A decision to axe the annual October carnival has stripped the region of a major economic drawcard, the Coonamble Greyhound Racing Club says. Greyhound Racing NSW says the decision was made earlier this year after an audit found $800,000 in upgrades were needed to bring the track up to standard. But Coonamble club president Graham Pickering says they received email confirmation in early May that the event would proceed, which the peak body says was due to "poor communication".
Image supplied: Coonamble Greyhounds
Doctor allegedly held at knifepoint in Walgett:
A 14-year-old boy has been charged in connection to an alleged break-in and armed robbery involving a visiting doctor. Walgett's mayor says the community is "in uproar" after the doctor was allegedly robbed at a residence attached to the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service. Police say four people broke into the Namoi Street house about 10pm on Thursday, June 19, threatening a 73-year-old locum at knifepoint and stealing his phone, wallet and keys before fleeing in his SUV. Police say they later spotted the car driving erratically and initiated a brief pursuit before calling it off because of safety concerns. A teenager was arrested Friday afternoon and charged with multiple offences including aggravated break and enter and car theft. The suspect remains before the
children's court. Mayor Jasen Ramien says the entire community is "taking a strong stance" against the alleged incident. He says the council will meet with representatives from the medical service and local businesses people on July 1 to address its impact as police investigations continue.
Elderly man allegedly threatened with bat: An 89-year-old man was allegedly threatened with a baseball bat after two people broke into his Wee Waa Street home in Walgett earlier this week. Police say the incident happened just after 1am on Tuesday and they were told the pair fled in the victim's SUV. Officers spotted the vehicle just before 1:30am and initiated a pursuit which was called off after they lost sight of it. People with information are being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Body found after house fire: A body has been found after a house fire destroyed a rural property near Dubbo earlier this week. Emergency services were called to the property on Mendooran Road just after 6:30pm on Tuesday to find the house engulfed in flames. Fire crews brought the blaze under control an hour later, but the structure collapsed. Police say a body, believed to be that of a man aged in his 60s who lived at the property, was discovered during a forensic examination of the scene. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Butler welcomes budget money: Barwon MP Roy Butler has welcomed a $21 million boost for his electorate in the state budget. The Australian Opal Centre will receive $1 million for development and more than $13 million has been set aside for major upgrades to the Bourke police station. Some $3.5 million has been allocat | 
