News

Appeal to locate missing Narrabri teen

NSW Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from Narrabri. Michael Kirby, aged 18, was last seen at Narrabri Railway Station, on Friday 17 July 2026. When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Oxley Police District were notified about 4pm on Saturday 15 August and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts. Police hold concerns for Michael’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character. Michael is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm-180am tall, of thin build, with short black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing […]

Aug 19, 2026

Community welcomes extension of hospital hours, but fight for doctor and 24/7 service continues

AFTER a hard-fought campaign, community members have welcomed the extension of opening hours at the Wee Waa Health Service but say the fight for an on-site doctor and the restoration of 24/7 operation is far from over. “It’s very positive progress going forward, and we need to encourage our community to use the facilities,” said Wee Waa Hospital Auxiliary president Anne Weekes. “We are really pleased; it’s nearly two years since the Save Our Wee Waa Hospital group started,” said Carmel Schwager, SOWWH member. “We should be like any other small town, like Bingara, Boggabri, Walgett; we should have a […]

Aug 19, 2026

Feral pig control needs coordination with farmers, not fines

shared ali smith NSW Farmers has warned a feral pig control pilot program for the Walgett region will not achieve coordination success with threats of hefty fines for farmers. Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty announced the Walgett pilot program, which will include mandatory landholder participation, at the recent NSW Farmers Annual Conference. The trial will combine baiting, trapping and aerial and ground shooting programs, and official biosecurity directions that compel every affected landholder to participate. NSW Farmers President Rebecca Reardon said local farmers are alarmed that the state government is adopting a ‘big stick’ approach rather than coordination with farmers. […]

Aug 18, 2026

New directors join Cotton Australia board

COTTON Australia has filled three positions on its board at last week’s annual general meeting held during the cotton conference on the Gold Coast. Two new directors were welcomed to the board with a current director successful in seeking re-election. The directors include Andrew Coulton, nominated by the Macintyre Valley Cotton Growers’ Association, and Scott Balsillie, nominated by the Dirranbandi Cotton Growers’ Association. April Cavanagh, nominated by the Central Highlands Cotton Growers’ and Irrigators Association, was re-elected to the board. The North West will continue to have strong representation on the board through Wee Waa grower Daniel Kahl and industry […]

Aug 18, 2026