Denise’s Desk: A Little Backpack, A Big World
Denise McHugh reflects on her granddaughter starting kindergarten, highlighting the importance of early education and thanking the teachers and staff who shape the future.
LATEST >
Denise’s Desk: A Little Backpack, A Big World
QW: Politicians need to stop talking and start doing
Three back-to-school conversations to boost kids’ resilience and coping skills
OPINION >
Opinion: Nationals can now really represent bush
Mal Peters argues the Nationals split is a welcome move, freeing them from the Liberal “handbrake” to truly represent the bush. He backs David Littleproud to lead a strong opposition while criticizing Barnaby Joyce’s superficial politics.
Opinion: It’s the shared bonds that are our nation’s greatest strength
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese writes that Australia Day is a chance to celebrate the shared bonds and “fair go” spirit that unite the nation, while marking the 125th anniversary of Federation.
Opinion: Is it too late for the National Party?
Marking the National Day of Mourning
IDEAS >
Three back-to-school conversations to boost kids’ resilience and coping skills
Triple P experts share three simple conversations parents can have this week to help children feel confident and prepared for the new school year, focusing on positivity, open communication, and consistent routines.
Opinion: Cost doing business
Mal Peters says he has seen some pretty tough times, but for some reason it seems harder today than he can recall.
Macca’s weeds: Getting inoculation right for bumper yields
Macca discusses the critical importance of Rhizobia bacteria and correct inoculation techniques for maximizing nitrogen uptake and yields in legume crops like Mungbeans.
REGIONAL >
Armidale Airport: Ratepayers urged to have a say
Do We Have Responsive Governments? New England’s Dilemmas as we approach end of 2025
REGULARS >
Opinion: Be careful what you wish for
Letter: Joyce sideline
Rural people have always had conflict with the Nationals saying one thing in the bush and another when they went to Canberra. The perils of Coalition.…
Keep readingLetter: Your Coulda Woulda Shoulda stories
Deni McKenzie writes: A huge thank you! Just to be clear, ALL the subjects you tackled including the $400,000, Hospital figures and roads add up to…
Keep readingLetter: More voices added to call for better rural health
Jack Arnold writes that Dr McGirr is to be commended for acting on the rural health situation.
Keep readingLetter: Barnaby’s political manoeuvring has consigned the electorate to irrelevance
Jack Arnold writes that Barnaby Joyce has always put his personal ambitions before the best interest of voters.
Keep readingLATEST COMMENTS >
Does not know his arse from his elbow useless prick both of them.
Oh so they haven’t been really representing the bush…..so they are fakes
ENGAGE POLL >
SOCIAL ISSUES >
Opinion: Morality, Law and the Question of Gun Ownership
Patrick Carr from Hillvue writes that the question of gun ownership is not just a legal issue – it’s a moral one.
ENVIRONMENT >
Native pollinators need more support than honeybees in Australia – here’s why
Scientists argue thousands of Australian bee species and other native pollinators don’t enjoy nearly the same support as European honeybees.
SOLUTIONS >
Macca’s weeds: How resistance travels on the wind
Recent research shows pollen from herbicide-resistant plants can travel kilometres on the wind or via bees to pollinate susceptible plants. Macca explains how resistance spreads and why Area Wide Management is vital.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT >
Chaffey’s Corner – Confronting antisemitism
Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey calls for a Royal Commission into antisemitism following the Bondi tragedy, arguing new gun laws are a diversion. Despite the sombre start to 2026, he looks forward to the Parkes Elvis Festival.