News

Party on the plains: $120,000 raised for WRHS

The small but mighty community of Spring Plains certainly knows how to throw a fabulous party, and for a good cause. On 19 September, the Twilight on the Plains event raised an impressive $120,000 for the vital Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) thanks to the kindness of sponsors, businesses and individuals who donated money, goods, services and time, as well as those who bought event or raffle tickets. “To those who have attended our functions in the past or to those who are here for the first time, thank you for your support,” said Spring Plains Fundraising Committee chair Angus […]

Oct 1, 2026

Kevin and Carmel Roden celebrate 65 years of marriage

Kevin and Carmel Roden marked 65 years of marriage with a special celebration held at Whiddon’s Jessie Hunt last week. Family, friends and residents gathered to share in the joy, with their daughter, Liz Robinson, helping to cut the cake. It was a beautiful afternoon filled with love, laughter, chatter and treasured memories. The Rodens are popular residents who have been actively involved in the community. Mr Roden was proudly wearing his Lions Club T-shirt on the day, and readers would be familiar with the Kev’s Big Breakfast tradition, held regularly at the Wee Waa Namoi Echo Museum. In […]

Oct 1, 2026

WRHS called to region twice in one day

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS) was active in the region twice in one day in late September. Around 2am on Sunday 20 September, a helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance with an urgent inter-hospital transfer from the Narrabri Hospital to the Tamworth Regional Referral Hospital, a WRHS media statement said. A female in her 30s, suffering from a serious medical condition, was stabilised by hospital staff and the NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and the NSW Health doctor from the helicopter’s critical care medical team before being airlifted to Tamworth. And on the same day, just after 10.30am, […]

Oct 1, 2026

Action-packed program for 2026 CREATE Festival

Create Festival is Narrabri Shire’s annual celebration of arts, culture and creativity, bringing together artists, performers, makers and the wider community. Across the festival, exhibitions, workshops, performances and cultural experiences will showcase the talent, stories and creative spirit of the region. Friday 2 October Official unveiling of the wedge-tailed eagle and sand goanna sculptures 6.30pm | Narrabri Visitor Information Centre The festival will begin with the unveiling of two significant public art sculptures celebrating Aboriginal culture and the unique natural heritage of Narrabri Shire. CREATE Festival opening night 7pm | The Crossing Theatre The official launch of CREATE Festival 2026 […]

Oct 1, 2026