The firearms buyback starts 2 November, and Grafton Police Station is one of the first collection points. The Nationals say the rules aren’t even written yet, and Tamworth’s music festival is in the way.
Politics
Posted inFeature, Federal Politics, Social Media
Chaffey urges kindness after Haines attack
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey says words can hurt and words can heal, as parliament pays tribute to Dr Helen Haines. His message to Australians after the attack: “Let’s continue with kindness.”
Posted inFeature, NSW Politics, Social issues and services
Gun buyback starts before rules are set
The NSW gun buyback starts next week, but the rules on who can keep extra firearms aren’t final. In Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Inverell, you can’t hand anything in until January.
Posted inFeature, Moree Plains Shire, Politics, Workers and Unions
Minister threatens to suspend Moree council, dodges safety questions
The Minister for Local Government is asking Moree Plains Shire Council why he shouldn’t put them into administration, but has not answered questions about why he failed to act to keep councillors and staff safe.
Posted inFeature, Federal Politics, Health
Fears for regional prostate cancer care
Regional men with prostate cancer could lose specialist nursing support when federal funding ends in June 2027. Jamie Chaffey wants a guarantee no community is left worse off.
Posted inEnvironment, Feature, NSW Politics
Plastic phase-outs passed in NSW
Bread tags, balloon sticks and lollipop sticks are on the way out in NSW. Coffee cups are not banned, but cafes will have to offer mugs and accept keep cups from 2028.
Posted inFeature, Grants and funding, Parkes Electorate
Community groups have until 2 November to chase $20,000 grants
Up to $20,000 is on offer for hall upgrades, new equipment and better access, but groups and councils in the Parkes electorate must lodge expressions of interest by 5pm on Monday, 2 November
Posted inFeature, Glen Innes Severn Shire, Gunnedah Shire, Long Read, Moree Plains Shire, Politics, Social issues and services, Social Media, Tenterfield Shire
The cost of civility: how do we learn to disagree again?
WEEKEND LONG READ: Regular abuse online. Targeted campaigns of lies. Threats of violence, rape and even death. As Australia asks how it treats its politicians after the alleged attack on Helen Haines, local female politicians say they have been living the challenge, and agree we need to hold social media accountable – and find a way to disagree with civility.
Posted inFeature, Immigration, NSW Politics, Workers and Unions
Butler warns visa cuts would hit the west
No visa workers, no pub meal, no aged care staff? Barwon MP Roy Butler warns that deep migration cuts could bring country services to a halt, and has put a motion to Parliament.
Posted inEnvironment, General News, Local politics and councils, NSW News
Tree vandals face $500,000 penalties
Poison a tree and you could pay $500,000. New laws will let councils chase tree vandals through the courts for the first time, on public and private land.