Cr Carol Oataway has been re-elected mayor of Hay Shire Council.

The mayor retained her seat after surviving a challenge from newly elected councillor, John Perry in an open vote, 5 – 3.

Hay has a new deputy mayor after a tightly contested election between Crs Martyn Quinn, Lionel Garner and Geoff Chapman.

The three-way vote concluded with five votes in favour of Cr Quinn, pictured with Mayor Oataway.

A suggestion by Cr Lionel Garner to again patch up Hay swimming pool rather than replacing the three pools was quickly dismissed by Council.

“We can’t do it,” General Manager David Webb said.

“The pool cannot be patched up any more. It leaks and is ready for a catastrophic failure any time.

Awards for Best News Story, Best Special Publication and Best Print Advertisement as well as runner-up awards for Best Human-Interest Photo and Best Front Page were presented to The Grazier team (from left) Margie McClelland, Tertia Butcher, Krista Schade and Cheyenne Hurst.

Thirty-five years ago, Peter Bisset joined the staff of Hay Lands Office as a Lands Officer, with a commencing salary of $18,492 per annum. He was one of 13 employed in the iconic old building in Lachlan Street.

On December 20 this year, Peter is likely to be the last one from the Hay Lands Office to shut the door behind him. The Department says at least three other NSW Government staff will continue to occupy the building. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Tertia Butcher.

Regional politicians have released their expenses for the three month period of April to July 2024. We have the details of MPs Sussan Ley, Mark Coulton, Micheal McCormack and Senator Perin Davey.

Read on to see how $380k was spent in Farrer.

Senior Manager for Community Bank Western Riverina, David Wilkes was in Hay last week and said it was great to see Bendigo Bank join forces with other intuitions for the benefit of all customers. Mr Wilkes (right) is pictured with branch manager, Paul Lenon and Customer Relationship Manager, Sandra Dolan. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Margie McClelland.

Co-owners Tertia Butcher and Krista Schade have taken a stand against sharing children's photographs online in a plea for ensuring they will remain safe.

The man accused of transporting pipe bombs along the Sturt Highway pled guilty and did not apply for bail at a recent court appearance.

33-year-old Timacoy Jason Williams remains in custody after pleading guilty to all charges at his October 4 appearance at Griffith Local Court.

Appearing via video link, Williams faced two charges of possess explosive device in public place, two charges of prohibited drug and one charge of custody of knife in public place.

The 2024 ginning season came to an end last week at the Australian Food and Fibre (AFF) gin south of Hay.

The ginning season ran for five months and processed 45,000 round modules into 199,000 finished bales, making 2024 one of the Hay gin’s biggest runs.

Woodpark Poll Merinos enjoyed a full clearance at their annual ram sale on September 23.

The top price of $15,550 for Woodpark Poll 23-404, was paid by Grassy Creek Merinos, Reids Flat.

All 150 rams on offer sold to an average of $3,110.

Year 12 students attended their final assembly at Hay War Memorial High School on Friday, heralding the official end to their secondary schooling.

Organisers of the Bill Baird Memorial Highway to Hell Challenge proudly presented a cheque to Ivanhoe Central School on the weekend.

After being announced as the Voices of Farrer endorsed candidate Michelle Milthorpe officially launched her campaign for the federal seat.

At a gathering in her home town of Jindera last Wednesday, Ms Milthorpe said she was ‘thrilled’ to announce her candidacy.

“I thank Voices of Farrer for their endorsements and their commitment to doing politics differently and giving our communities a choice,” she said.

“I'm here to listen and to learn from Farrer communities so that I can represent, represent us and lead Farrer forward. I'm going to be present in communities across Farrer.

Wrap up of the 2024 Ram sales at Boonoke, Wanganella and Avenel.

Read more here.

Local Government Election - the battle for the top eight continues, with thrilling results in Hay and Balranald Shire.

Read here for the current tally.

Hay's annual spring sheep sale saw Yarto again reached top prices for their Merinos.

Read the full sale results here.

By Andrew Schreyer, President of Country Press Australia has released a statement on the vital role country journalism plays.

Survivor advocate Michelle Milthorpe has been endorsed by the Voices of Farrer Group.

Ms Milthorpe will contest the seat of Farrer, long held by incumbent Sussan Ley.

Editor Tertia Butcher provides updates on the race to form Councils in the Hay, Balranald and Edward River (Deniliquin) local government areas, following Saturday's elections.

Ram sales in the Hay region are in full swing. At Caroonboon the top priced ram reached $5,500 and East Loddon achieved almost a full clearance, with 113 head sold.