News

Ride for the chopper

Did you spot the cyclists in town? The Courier and Wee Waa News received calls and messages asking about the cyclists travelling through the region recently. We tracked them down, and the cyclists were more than happy to share that they were part of the 2026 Ride for the Chopper, raising funds for the vital Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The eight-day, seven-night mountain bike adventure was all about having fun, reaching goals, discovering new places and supporting an important cause. The 24th annual ride took the crew through the stunning North West region, from the unique outback landscapes of […]

Oct 5, 2026

Coalition petrol shield plan

The Coalition has announced a proposed Fuel Price Shield that would automatically halve fuel excise when the two-week average closing price of Brent crude rises above US$100 a barrel. Under the proposal, the tax reduction would be worth about 27 cents a litre, or around $15 for a typical tank of fuel. The policy would also temporarily reduce the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero, which the Coalition says would provide direct relief to truck and bus operators while reducing costs across the broader economy. Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said sharp increases in global oil prices quickly […]

Oct 5, 2026

Kevin Anderson continues push to repurpose Banksia House

DYLAN SMITH State Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has continued his push to have Banksia House repurposed into a regional mental health, alcohol and drug detoxification and recovery centre. A parliamentary petition calling on the state government to retain and refurbish the facility recently closed and received 2,462 signatories. The call-to-action was initiated by Samanthan McBean and supported by Mr Anderson as well as local leaders including Gunnedah Shire mayor Colleen Fuller. “This petition from residents of New South Wales draws to the attention of the house (House of Assembly) the significant unmet need for alcohol and other drug detoxification […]

Oct 5, 2026

Financial future strategy to address sustainability challenges and essential service delivery

Financial sustainability challenges and the delivery of essential services are front and centre in a strategy document tabled by Narrabri Shire Council. The Financial Future Strategy 2026–31 has been developed to strengthen the council’s long-term financial sustainability and ensure the continued delivery of essential services, infrastructure and community outcomes. It was tabled at the most recent council meeting. “Councillors have identified financial sustainability as a key priority, reflecting a desire for greater visibility of council’s financial position, improved financial reporting, and stronger oversight of financial performance,” the business paper states. The council’s director of corporate and community services, Mark Watt, […]

Oct 5, 2026