Farmer Leila McDougall is determined to raise awareness about farmer suicide after "losing too many people."

Hailing from Tatyoon in Victoria McDougall the 35-year-old began writing the feature film during the pandemic when Mellow in the Yellow, an annual music event she organises to promote mental health, was cancelled during lockdown.

Stream the feature length film now - link in story.

An emotional candlelight vigil was held at Hay Lions Park on Wednesday evening, bringing together a group of more than 30, who each took a stand against family violence.

National vigils are held annual on the first Wednesday of May to remember and honour those who have been killed by domestic or family violence.

This year, the family of murdered Forbes teacher and mother Molly Ticehurst asked the nation to come together or to leave their house light on in her memory, which prompted the gathering in Hay.

Kimberly Grabham reviews Tim Booth best seller “You Called an Ambulance for What?”, a humours tome of the trials of being a paramedic.

Read Kimberly Grabham’s book review on Linda Goldspink-Lord’s touching tribute “Crawling Through the Darkness.”

Whooping cough is surging in Australia. How can we protect ourselves?

In the first three months of 2024, 2,799 cases were recorded in Australia. With more than 1,000 cases being in New South Wales and Queensland.

Hay Public School’s rock ‘n roll fete photo gallery.

The annual Hay Public School Easter Hat Parade was its usual fun and dazzling display of talent on Thursday. Children proudly paraded their Easter Hats, dancing to some lively classic kids tunes.

The second annual Hayland Gathering was held in Hay on the weekend and was another highly successful event.

The Gathering is the brainchild of local dance teacher Kylie Kerr (centre) pictured below with supporters Will Miller and Jenny Dwyer.

Read about local Swifties Elsbeth, Rhyla, Grace and Savannah about Taylor Swift’s Australian concerts.

The University of NSW Business School reports Australian’s lost a staggering $3 billion to scams last year, and where once scams were something that happened to other people, an increasing number of local people are falling victim to incredibly sophisticated cons.

One couple lost their deposit on a new caravan when the email of their supplier was intercepted by a scammer, another couple has had their accommodation business replicated and a young family had their child’s images used in a catfishing scheme.

Hay sports nut, Rob Neill, has dedicated most of his adult life to assisting the Hay community.

On Australia Day, Rob was rewarded for his hard work and dedication when he was announced Citizen of the Year.

Other 2024 award winners: Leo Fitzpatrick-Dedini - Young Person of the Year, Pauline Symons - The Gavin Johnston Memorial Vocational Award and Leanne Congdon, Helen Rogers and Adrian Myers - Achievement Awards.

Check out the photo gallery from the recent skate workshop, hosted by Hay Shire Council.

Hay Youth Taskforce has identified the need for a safe place for young people to gather and socialise.

The community building at Park, which is close to all three schools, is considered underutilised and has the potential to redevelop into a modern youth and community indoor/outdoor space.

Hay Shire Council has successfully applied for funding under the Regional Youth Investment Program to develop concept plans to redesign the space, consult with stakeholders and develop detailed building plans and cost estimates.

The new managers of Discovery Café in Balranald, Mikayla Bax and partner Connor Westcombe, have opened the doors.

Aged 21 and 24 respectively, the courageous pair have decided to branch out for themselves, after Mikayla worked for the former owners for five years. Connor is an electrician, having recently left his job of six years to pursue the venture with Mikayla.

“I always loved working at the Discovery Cafe, and for Sue and Charlie,” Mikayla said. “And I always wanted to branch out on my own. So, when the opportunity arose, we mutually decided to have a go.

Bendigo Bank has dipped into their coffers once again, donating $60000 to the Hydrotherapy Pool Committee.

The donation is the final influx of funds the committee needed to get the project into the construction stage.

“Once again, it is because people in the community bank with Bendigo that we are able to contribute to worthy causes to benefit the community,” Branch Manager Sandra Dolan said.

Photo gallery from Balranald Southern Cross Centre’s open day, commemorating the 90th anniversary of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s visit.

All the photos from the 150th anniversary celebrations at The Riverine Grazier, including the 12-page feature as a FREE download.

There were plenty of glitter and glamour at the second annual Bollywood night at Hay Services Club last Saturday.

The evening raised money for local medical services and brought together the many cultures that make up the people of Hay, with a strong focus on our Indian community.

Members of Hay Plains Landcare travelled to Carrathool and Narrandera recently to hone their skills in composting and propagating.

To fast-track their nursery and demonstration site development, members visited the established nursery at Narrandera to learn effective methods of propagating native seed.

The workshop touched on the different containers and potting media available, labelling and record keeping, watering regimes required, and the seed preparation needed for the hard coated seeds like acacias.

The Hay branch of the Country Women’s Association hosted another successful bi-ennial flower show at Hay War Memorial Hall on Saturday, supported by volunteers from Hay Youth Taskforce.

The most coveted award, for best overall rose, sponsored by Hay Services and Fitness Club, was won by Linda Anderson (nee Headon), pictured above with her bloom and prize.

Two new gardening gurus emerged as winners of the 2023 CWA Flower Show’s Best Garden Competition.

Robyn Vickery took out the Small Garden category and Anna Antonakas the Best Large Garden category.