News

Past few weeks come with shock of fuel price rises

The past few weeks have come with the shock of fuel price rises – again. We’ve all had enough of the constantly escalating cost of living. We are dealing with a crisis that I hear about daily across the electorate of Parkes – seniors who are going without everything but the basics, families where even two full-time jobs is not paying the bills. In the past two weeks alone, I have heard from small businesses doing it tough in Dubbo during a visit with the Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson and struggles with regional aged care during a forum in Mildura […]

Oct 2, 2026

Richard Barry seeks updates to shire’s national honours board

Narrabri resident Richard Barry recently addressed Narrabri Shire Council about updating an Australian honours board in the shire. Mr Barry spoke in the public forum component of the August meeting, and said that The Order of Australia Association New England and North West Regional Group had raised the matter of an honour board with the council in July 2020. More recently, the matter has come up again and the need to update the board with new recipients. Mr Barry had also sought to include people who were recognised for service to Narrabri Shire but received their national honour after leaving […]

Oct 2, 2026

Narrabri gas project two steps from approval: Santos CEO speaks at forum

Santos chief executive Kevin Gallagher has told The Australian Energy Nation forum that the company is just two approvals away from proceeding with its Narrabri gas project. Mr Gallagher said the company is waiting on Native Title and a pipeline licence from the NSW government before it can proceed. He also warned proposed changes to Australia’s domestic gas policy could put the economic viability of the Narrabri project at risk, despite the company remaining committed to developing the long-awaited project. “All we need now is that Native Title to the project, and then the pipeline licence from the New South […]

Oct 2, 2026

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