A quiet revolution is brewing in the world of food, and it's not happening in the paddocks – it's in the pharmacies.

New weight-loss drugs, like the much-talked-about Ozempic, are not only helping individuals shed pounds but are also prompting experts to consider a seismic shift in our food systems, potentially even more significant than the impacts of climate change.

Hay Shire Council has welcomed the announcement that Pottinger Wind Farm (Someva/AGL) and Bullawah Wind Farm (BayWa r.e) have been granted access under the South West Renewable Energy Zone Access Rights Scheme announced last Wednesday.

“This will be a real boost to our local economy,” Hay Shire Mayor Carol Oataway said.

“We’re looking forward to working with both Someva /AGL (Pottinger) and BayWa r.e (Bullawah) to ensure these developments benefit our community now and into the future.

The Australian Government has released figures pertaining to more than $89 million water purchasing contracts for the period March 1 to April 14. Total purchases over the past six week total $210 million.

District water holders have taken advantage of the government buyback scheme, with local agricultural businesses Hazeldean, Budgewah Pastoral Co and M and T Mirabelli listed on the Austender CW website.

Read how our own Kimberly Grabham, credits the support of Alice, from Linking Communities Newtwork, in helping her escape homelessness.

The 1923 police strike and riots in Melbourne rocked the entire nation - The officer at the centre of it all moved to Hay and became a much-loved member of the community.

Read the story of Constable William Thomas Brooks.

Special feature: Celebrating 90 years of Hay CWA. Read about the history of the women’s advocacy organisation and enjoy a bonus recipe for traditional ANZAC biscuits.

The 30,000 hectare Kooba farm aggregation has sold, for a rumoured $500 million. Australian Food and Fibre (AFF), owner of Hay’s cotton gin, will take ownership of Kooba, in a joint venture between Canadian-based agribusiness PSP Investments and the Robinson family.

Trigger warning: Family violence

One woman’s story of surviving an attack that happened while her home town slept, and battling the system to stay safe.

“I started screaming at him ‘You are going to kill me.’ He was in that rage that he didn’t even see the two trucks coming.”

“Flat out of dough”

As construction on a new pool continues, Krista Schade delves into the past, reviving the coverage of the completion of Hay’s first swimming pool.

John Houston, described as the ‘all time president’ led local fundraising efforts.

An estimated 200,000 people live with Parkinson’s Disease in Australia.

As World Parkinson’s Awareness Day approaches, Kimberly Grabham speaks with someone recently diagnosed, and attempts a pancake flip to raise awareness.

Highly respected rural education program Hay Inc has welcomed its latest cohort of students, in its 11th year.

The program teaches young people hand-on skills, from local industry experts and has grown to include an alumni group.

Read about the programs success, by Hay Inc’s own Sandra Ireson.

Hay Cemetery has received a world-class upgrade, with new memorial features including a columbarium, memorial bridge, and pet plaque area. Council has also updated its Cemeteries Policy to reflect legislative changes and address community concerns.

Hay Grains storage facility in east Hay has changed hands, after JEK Rural Investments purchased the depot.

Deniliquin-based Paul and Jenny Fellows have owned the business for the past seven years and say they have enjoyed their time as part of the business community.

“Jenny and I have enjoyed our time with Hay Grains and the relationships we’ve made and loyalty we have seen from customers,” Paul Fellows told The Riverine Grazier.

2025 Debutant Ball - Hay NSW

Check out our photo gallery and behind the scenes video

St Alban’s Church in Booligal has been de-commissioned as an Anglican church.

The service took place last Thursday by Archdeacon Robert Murphy, assisted by Riverina Diocese Registrar, Mandy Walsh and witnessed by parishioners Helen Rogers, Alison Crossley, Bronwyn Turner and Jenny Sheaffe.

“It was with profound disappointment we attended the decommission service,” Mrs Sheaffe said.

“St Alban’s Anglican Church has been more than a building in our community.

Karen and Naz have travelled form Argentina to the tiny community of Ivanhoe, as part of their backpacking adventures.

Kimberly Grabham caught up with Ken recently - read the inspiring story.

Krista Schade’s investigative article Explosive Allegations has won the prestigious Best Story award at the Country Press Australia national awards. The piece, which tackled serious allegations about the management of Gundaline Station, was praised for its courage and impact, demonstrating the vital role of local journalism.

The annual Shag Gregory Memorial Poker Run was a massive success, drawing over 200 participants and 188 poker hands. The event, held in memory of Shag (Edward) Gregory, raises funds for Motor Neurone Disease research and local charities. This year’s route covered Darlington Point, Yenda, and Carrathool, with festivities concluding at South Hay Pub. Winners included Kyle Aloi with the best poker hand and Kurt Woods, who took home a Milwaukee tool kit.

A rare First World War handkerchief, once issued to a local soldier, has found a new home in Hay. Owned by Brian Cunningham of Gunbar, this historic artifact is now safely preserved behind glass. Many such handkerchiefs were designed for soldiers in 1916, but this particular pattern appears to be unique. During WWII, similar handkerchiefs were even used as secret escape maps, hidden in uniforms to aid Allied troops in case of capture.