Opinion: The Riverine Grazier’s Krista Schade discusses the rise of Voices movements across Australia, including the electorates of Ini and Farrer, s the country looks towards the next federal election.

Top honours at the 13th annual Shear Outback Hay Yard Dog Championship Trial on Saturday went to Dale Thompson and his dog Jake from Benalla, Victoria.

Dale and Jake took out this year’s Open lifting from 5th place at the 2023 event.

Equal second placings went to last year’s Open winner Dean Incher with both Raffa and Hulk, and top local trial competitor Geoff McDougall and Ace.

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.

Hay and Carrathool Shire Councils are joining forces to develop a 10-year roadmap outlining practical actions councils, business, industries and communities can take to diversify their economies.

This includes building economic, social, cultural and environmental resilience.

The Resilient Economy Roadmap for Hay and Carrathool Shires is being developed as part of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program.

“The roadmap is for the future of our region, to be developed in collaboration with community, industry and government members,” Hay Shire Council General Manager, David Webb said.

Don Deluca is at it again, quietly enriching the lives of many. This time, HCS Preschool was of benefit of his many talents.

Don created a wonderful fence for the Hay Children’s Services (HCS) Preschool Garden, and it is not just any old fence.

Made of corrugated iron, with a ‘web’ towards the top of the fence, carefully constructed insects, a spider mosquito and a fly, live on the web.

Amy Young is a bit of a mystery. Happy, smiling, and unflappably cheerful, one would wonder if she ever gets mad? I think the true, honest answer to that is no.

Everyone who comes across Amy would be struck by that sincere nature. She recently, and deservedly won the Apprentice/Trainee of the Year at the 2024 Hay Business Excellence Awards.

Carrie and Graham Matthews are the fresh-faced, always smiling, happy duo that own Hills Corner Store. A lot of people may think Hills Corner Store is just a shop like any other. They would be wrong.

This is their story.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, and husband, Mr Dennis Wilson visited Hay on Friday and Saturday.

Her Excellency enjoyed a diverse but busy schedule of official visits.

Read all about Jackson Bialobrzeski’s regognition for all his amazing achievements for the youth and community in Balranald.

Women from across the Riverina region gathered at Hay Services Club last week, for Hay Plains Landcare’s highly successful Women of the Riverina Forum.

The two-day event was organised by local Landcare powerhouses Jade Auldist and Jenny Dwyer in recognition of NSW Women’s Week, and brought together inspirational guest speakers on a variety of topics.

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.

To celebrate the 25th annual Shag Gregory Memorial Poker Run, more than 250 entrants gathered to raise funds, share memories and enjoy a ride around Hay.

A decision by a large, faceless US based company miles away in their corporate offices may not seem to have much impact here, out in Hay, or in Balranald or Ivanhoe. Our local newspaper – YOUR newspaper – surely feels no impact from Facebook or Instagram. Or does it?

Macker’s Meats were named 2024 Hay Business of the Year, with Mullin’s Building awarded Small Business of the Year.

Read on for the full list of winners.

Concern was raised at Council last week over safety issues if a Development Application for a service station on the Sturt Highway was approved.

“This proposed development is just a stupid idea. It’s dangerous,” one of the objectors, Judy Jarratt told Council.

Mrs Jarratt, who lives next to the proposed service station between Russell and Moama Streets in South Hay, said she has witnessed near misses due to the speed vehicles travel past her house.

Hay Shire Council has confirmed its support to the local Rural Fire Service in the face of an inquiry into NSW RFS arrangements with Local Government.

With the bushfire season underway, the upcoming inquiry into the effectiveness of NSW RFS's asset management and operations will be undertaken by a parliamentary committee.

The Hay Branch of NSW was reactivated at the recent annual meeting, with Geoff Chapman leading the group.

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

Bishop’s Lodge historic house in Hay, NSW is getting a $175,000 facelift, thanks to Hay Shire Council’s grant via the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Jason McCartney, who became a national hero in the wake of the Bali Bombings in 2002, is guest speaker at this year’s Hay Business Excellence Awards. The gala dinner event will be held on Friday, March 1 at Hay Services Club.

Jason McCartney epitomises the Australian fighting spirit and his story is one of humanity overcoming adversity.

The young Australian with an exceptional talent to play Australian Rules Football, was thrust into the hearts and minds of all Australians through his courageous fight-back from horrible burns he suffered in Bali.