“What will become of all the surplus masks when the COVID crisis winds down?” a Topical reader wonders. “I have several dozen strategically left at home, at work and in the car in case I forget one. There must be millions lying around.”This recalled for Topical the huge waste disposal controversy of quite a few years ago – where to site a ‘toxic waste’ incinerator in NSW? Various regional sites were mooted, including in Narrabri Shire but it was considered a very undesirable facility to have in anyone’s area. Where did it eventually go? Another controversy of yesteryear swirled around the location of a new gaol in country NSW. Narrabri was considered after the Narrabri gaol was closed – meetings, petitions and letters to the editor ensued but ultimately the new Narrabri gaol idea faded.

A Regional Banking Taskforce has been established by the Morrison government to look at the impact of bank branch closures on regional communities. We have seen many closures of bank branches in country towns, including Wee Waa. The closures bring significant disruption and inconvenience to country communities and as the government says, impact on the ‘liveability’ of country towns.

Sleep underpins our quality of life and now a timely study will delve into just how vital a good night’s sleep is. Hunter New England Health has launched the investigation to better understand farmers’ sleep and sleeping issues, as well as their general health and wellbeing and work habits. This information will be used to improve treatment and management strategies and as a result, farmers’ physical and mental health.