News

Sister cities partnerin Big Pink Slug idea

Randwick City Council has initiated an idea of a ‘Big Pink Slug’ for Narrabri, with its councillors agreeing to assist in finding funding for what it sees as a tourist attraction. The eastern suburbs council, which is a sister city with Narrabri Shire, was presented with rubber pink slugs at a recent Australian Local Government Association conference. They were amused and interested to learn about the slug’s distinctive features and colouring, and with Mount Kaputar being its only known location. The pink slug is iconic for its hot pink hue and is typically spotted up in Mount Kaputar in mornings […]

Oct 14, 2026

From Glamis to Gallipoli: theremarkable life of Jock Langlands

Life changed dramatically for a young Scottish lad when he emigrated to Australia in 1911. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in World War I, survived the conflict on Gallipoli and in the Middle Eastern desert, drew a soldier-settler block near Boggabri after the war and remained there for the rest of his long life. John Roberts (Jock) Langlands grew up in the shadow of Glamis Castle in Scotland, where his father was a shepherd. The young Jock always claimed to have played with the Queen Mother when he was a child. Before leaving for Australia in 1911, he […]

Oct 13, 2026

Local groups urged to apply for Stronger Communities funding

Community groups across the Parkes electorate are being encouraged to apply for up to $20,000 in funding under the latest round of the Australian government’s Stronger Communities Programme. Expressions of interest for round 10 are now open, with $150,000 available for projects in each federal electorate. Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said the program could help community organisations get projects underway or complete existing work. “The Stronger Communities Programme is a great opportunity for community groups to get that important project off the ground, or to finish one that is already underway,” Mr Chaffey said. “In these tough times, […]

Oct 13, 2026

Gunnedah in spotlight as Commonwealth Bank extends regional branch commitment

Gunnedah has been put in the spotlight serving as the backdrop for a Commonwealth Bank announcement about regional bank branches. Last week, the nation’s largest bank extended its commitment to keep all of its regional bank branches open at least until the end of 2030. Commonwealth Bank staff from the region featured as part of an announcement as well as local faces. Gunnedah real estate agent Richard Gallen, business owner Mel Bartlett and chamber of commerce president Michael Broekman were included in the company’s video announcement. “Having a local branch as a rural community, in my opinion, is essential,” Mel […]

Oct 12, 2026