This is probably not the page you’re looking for Written by: The Cowra Phoenix On Thursday 24th April Cowra RSL sub-Branch began ANZAC Day commemorations by presenting services at Weeroona and Bilyara Nursing Homes Mayor of Cowra was a speial guest at these services sub-Branch President Nathan Flannagan welcomed everyone and spoke briefly on the meaning of ANZAC and the reasons we commemorate it Lieutenant Jodie McInnes from the Salvation Army led the prayers and wreaths were laid for each of the armed services by RSL members Residents laid wreaths from their nursing homes Both the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems were played to conclude the ceremonies A large crowd gathered in the early morning of April 25th to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings at the dawn service This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Australia service in the Korean War and the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency Members of the sub-Branch welcomed special guest Rear Admiral Brett Sonter Members of the Cowra Cadets mounted a Catafalque Party at the Cenotaph After the parade formed up and marched to the Cenotaph the service was led by sub-Branch President spoke of the sacrifice of servicemen in all conflicts Lieutenant Jodie McInness led the prayers and wreaths were laid to represent the armed forces and conflicts in which servicemen had been involved The Cowra Vocal Ensemble presented moving renditions of Abide With Me and the Recessional accompanied by the Cowra Band the service concluded with the singing of the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems The Dawn Service was followed by the 10.30 Morning Wreath Laying Service joined RSL sub-Branch members and visiting service and exservice personnel in this part of the commemoration Nathan Flannagan and he was joined by RSL Padre Special guests at this service were Ms Stephanie Cook Member for Cootamundra and Councillor Paul Smith Many community groups and organisations laid wreaths at the Cenotaph at which had an Honour Guard from Cowra Cadets posted The cadets also acted as flag and banner bearers for the service and march This service was followed by the march to River Park for the Community Service Cars provided by the Cowra Classic Car Club were used to transport those veterans who were unable to march in the parade The Community Service included an address were given by Paul Smith the Cowra Shire Mayor Ms Stephanie Cook the Member for Cootamundra Rear Admiral Brett Sonter and a Commemoration Address given by a representative of the Royal Military College The Cowra RSL sub-Branch would like to thank all those who participated in and attended the services Sign up now for the latest news from the Cowra Area direct to your inbox 1 Rowston Lane, Cowra NSW 2794 Phone: 6341 1022 Email: news@cowraphoenix.com.au We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form. Ten rescue and special operations paramedics will start on the road in regional NSW from tomorrow following a two-month intensive training program The first NSW Ambulance rescue course for 2025 consisted of qualified paramedics already in the service seeking to extend their qualifications to access and provide care to patients in hazardous environments Paramedics learn a range of skills including road crash rescue breathing apparatus operations and large animal rescue The graduates include Intensive Care Paramedic Aaron Nielsen who will move to Singleton to work as a Rescue Paramedic This latest class will be posted across the state at Ambulance Rescue stations located at Rutherford Bomaderry and Wagga Wagga as certified Rescue and Special Operations paramedics “Emergency services play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe and these paramedics are now even better equipped to respond to a wide range of emergencies,” said NSW Health Minister Ryan Park “Their training ensures they can deliver expert care in some of the most demanding and unpredictable circumstances.” New and expecting parents can now access life-changing support for perinatal depression and anxiety in Cowra thanks to a successful partnership between the Gidget Foundation Australia and early parenting service provider Tresillian the former Government invested $12.2 million dollars to Tresillian to establish six new outpatient centres in regional towns including Cowra This funding also supported a collaboration between Gidget Foundation Australia and Tresillian at Cowra to ensure rural and regional families had access to early parenting services and mental health support under the one roof Steph Cooke congratulates Gidget Foundation Australia on their launch of Gidget House Cowra today and that is exactly what Gidget House and Tresillian Cowra have established in our community,” Ms Cooke said “New and expectant parents can be assured that these services and their dedicated staff are here to help support them through the ups and downs of raising an infant.” Gidget House provides a range of services to help expectant and new parents who are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing Perinatal depression and anxiety during or after pregnancy Perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) is a treatable mental health condition which impacts 1 in five 5 new mothers and 1 in 10 new fathers Ms Cooke said it’s fantastic that parents in Cowra and surrounds can access Gidget House’s specialised services without the need to travel long distances “When parents feel overwhelmed and need a helping hand the idea of traveling to a larger centre to access support can be a significant barrier,” Ms Cooke said “It’s been two years since I officially opened the Tresillian Family Centre and since then hundreds of local families have benefitted from this wonderful service.” “The addition of Gidget House will go that one step further in ensuring mum dad and bub have access to the support they need.” Cowra is preparing to mark 110 years since Australian soldiers landed at ANZAC Cove and express its gratitude to the brave men and women who have served or continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force Australians will gather at solemn ceremonies to recognise those who lost their lives in the line of service those who returned from war with physical and mental wounds and the defence personal who serve today while understanding the realities of conflict Also being commemorated this ANZAC day are the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean war and the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Malayan Emergency The Cowra RSL sub-Branch is hosting commemorative services morning service and wreath laying at 10.20am Those ex-servicemen and servicemen who wish to participate in the dawn service are asked to form up in Bartlett Street at 5.50am for the service to begin at 6.00am and those wishing to participate in the march should form up in Brisbane St at 10.00am There will be marshals to direct groups to their places At the conclusion of the march a Commemorative Service will be held at River Park The Cowra RSL sub-Branch also attends the local nursing homes to conduct commemoration ceremonies for the residents and staff This year these will be held on Thursday 24th April at 10.30am at Weeroona and 2.00pm at Bilyara This battle was fought during the Korean War on 22-25th April 1951 between United Nations Command and the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army 59 Australians were wounded and 32 were killed Chinese casualties were estimated at about 2000 said ANZAC Day was a day of great pride in Australia “ANZAC Day is a time for us to reflect on the profound impact our servicemen and women have had on our nation and honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedoms,” she said The Albanese Labor Government is making cheaper medicines even cheaper – with a script to cost Australians no more than $25 under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Having already slashed the cost of medicines – with the largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS in 2023 – we’re now going even further with this $689 million investment in the budget This is a more than 20 per cent cut in the maximum cost of PBS medicines which will save Australians over $200 million each year The last time that PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004 Pensioners and concession cardholders will continue to benefit from the freeze to the cost of their PBS medicines with the cost frozen at its current level of $7.70 until 2030 This builds on action we’ve already taken to deliver cost of living relief through with a 25% reduction in the number of scripts a patient must fill before the PBS Safety Net kicks in The largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS with the maximum cost of a script falling to $30 60-day prescriptions saving time and money for millions of Australians with an ongoing health condition with co-payments not rising with inflation for all Australians for the first time in 25 years in the Coalition Government he cut $50 billion from public hospitals Cheaper medicines with a re-elected Albanese Government “The Albanese Government has had the cost-of-living crisis we inherited at the forefront of our thinking across the three budgets we have delivered and it will be at the forefront of the next one,” Riverina ALP candidate Whilst Interest rates & inflation are coming down and this is another step towards providing cost of living relief for those everyday Australians who need the help the most.” can I afford to get this prescription filled “People being able to look after their health leads to stronger communities Uber Eats is now live in Cowra - serving up greater convenience and fresh earning opportunities to locals and visitors The launch comes as demand for convenient online ordering options grows across the country with restaurant partner signups to the Uber Eats platform experiencing double-digit growth over the past year Uber Eats is putting online food delivery on the menu in Cowra making it easier than ever for locals to support the restaurants they know and love The expansion into Cowra is part of Uber Eats’ broader commitment to regional growth this year Uber Eats will expand into 67 new regional locations - more than doubling its footprint and bringing its services to over 100 towns and communities across Australia for the first time By leveraging its technology to support small businesses and residents nationwide Uber aims to unlock meaningful economic opportunities and deliver the same level of convenience enjoyed in metro areas to previously underserved communities Cowra is one of 15 NSW towns turning on today including: Uber Eats Australia and New Zealand Ed Kitchen said: “This is a game-changing year for Uber Eats and regional Australia Together we’ll generate tens of millions of dollars in new revenue for small businesses I’ve lived in regional Australia my entire life—and given the choice I’m running for office in the Riverina because I believe in building Australia’s future—not cutting it down I’m standing on a platform of cost-of-living relief That makes it easier for families to take control of their finances and lead stable we inherited an economy with rising interest rates Labor has delivered real progress: interest rates are falling inflation is back within the 2–3% target band and aged care and the NDIS are being restored Labor is delivering for regional Australia We’ve established Regional University Study Hubs in Tumut and Cowra so more local students can study from home We’ve secured $25 million to upgrade the Barton Highway and funded further infrastructure improvements across the electorate Cost-of-living relief is at the centre of everything we do—and infrastructure comes a close second Anyone who’s driven through the area knows the NBN remains patchy Labor is committed to finishing the job the Coalition abandoned in 2013 A reelected Albanese Government will complete the broadband rollout that began under Labor in 2007 We are a government that stands with the community Stronger communities lead to a stronger society—and a stronger economy Labor has delivered nearly 40,000 extra bulk-billed medical visits and made prescription medicines more affordable I’ve also secured federal funding towards the first steps to securing a bypass Inland Rail—reducing traffic delays for those heading to Wagga Hospital I’m also fighting to keep Rex Airlines flying It’s a vital piece of regional infrastructure—and grounding it would come at a serious cost to families and businesses Labor believes every student deserves a quality education no matter where they live or which school they attend That’s why we’re investing $4.8 billion into New South Wales schools over the next decade—with much of that flowing to the Riverina and opportunities for all Australians—or a Liberal-National Coalition intent on cutting the very services our communities rely on The Riverina is set to benefit from more than $27 million under the Coalition’s commitment to renew the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program with $1 billion “The announcement of $1 billion for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is a huge reaffirmation of the commitment the Coalition has to regional Australia,” Mr McCormack said “This funding will be split through two dedicated funding streams “These are: Resilience and Community Infrastructure Stream – open to all councils this stream will help strengthen communities against natural disasters and fund essential infrastructure to support local growth; andRoads Stream – targeted to regional councils to fix potholes “The $27,130,181 the Riverina is set to benefit from includes $14,643,039 from the Roads Stream and $12,487,142 from the Resilience and Community Infrastructure Stream upon the election of a Coalition Government “I have reached out to every Mayor in the redistributed Riverina electorate to inform them of the announcement I can confidently say Councils are excited to see this funding come through “This new funding builds on top of more than $69 million already delivered across the Local Government Areas of the redistributed Riverina electorate under the preceding rounds of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program “I am very proud that the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program was first established whilst I was the Deputy Prime Minister “The program delivered vital upgrades across our country but was inexplicably axed as part of Labor’s most recent Budget the Coalition and I have been listening to the concerns of ordinary “We hear the concerns about the state of regional roads we hear the concerns about the lack of investment into the regions by Labor we know regional Australia deserves the same level of investment as the big cities The last weekend of March saw Cowra host an extended celebration of the longest-running student exchange program between Australia and Japan – recognising the 55th anniversary of the Cowra-Seikei Student Exchange Programme Since its inception in 1970 under the auspices of former mayor Ab Oliver so many in the wider community have been a part of this program or as classmates of Seikei students here in Cowra One of Mr Oliver’s key aims in promoting the exchange was that young people would come to understand each other’s language and that this would enhance enduring peace between our 2 nations All these people and more were represented in Cowra over the weekend and enjoyed 3 days of events and excited catchups and former exchange students attended from Japan and other Japanese guests included the Deputy Consul General the Australian NZ Manager of Japan Airlines in Australia and his wife which conducted the exchange for most of its history and the Principal and Japanese teacher from St Raphael’s Catholic School which is now hosting the exchange The highlights of the evening included wonderful speeches by Keiji Takezawa one of the early students to attend Seikei They reflected warmly on their time as exchange students and the difference it has made to their lives Japanese guests enjoyed a tour of Canowindra on the Saturday special guests included the Mayor and his wife the inaugural Cowra High Principal when the exchange began and a number of former exchange coordinators Mr Oliver’s sons Robert and Len and their wives were also honoured guests Secretary Treasurer of the programme alongside Ab Oliver for the 1st twenty years Many former Cowra students attended the weekend of festivities and the buzz of excited reunions and chats was palpable at the dinner and at a BBQ at the Japanese Garden the next day A wonderful inclusion was young Saya Mizuno She arrived on Friday and despite her tiredness The deep and enduring friendships formed by this exchange were evident throughout the weekend and showed that Mr Oliver’s ideals in starting the exchange have fully come to fruition Seikei High School will be hosting the return leg of the celebrations and many former students from Cowra have already indicated their keenness to attend The Cowra-Seikei Student Exchange Committee would like to thank all who participated in the festivities including The Cowra Vocal Ensemble who sang both the Australian and Japanese National Anthems and especially those who assisted financially or in kind with the celebrations Dianne Crooks (nee Barker) 2nd Student from Cowra in 1972 Cowra Shire Council has called for all parties and candidates in this year’s federal election to put our communities first and commit to increased funding for Australia’s 537 local governments Mayor Paul Smith said “Councils are taking on more responsibilities every year Local governments like ours are being stretched thin facing rising costs without sustainable support reliable funding so we can continue delivering for our communities.” Cowra Shire Council has endorsed five national funding priorities for local government $1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply $500 million per year for community infrastructure $600 million per year for safer local roads $900 million per year for increased local government emergency management capability and capacity $400 million per year for climate change adaptation This funding should be provided to all councils on a formula-basis – similar to the way Financial Assistance Grants and Roads to Recovery funding have been for many years – so that every Australian community benefits sustained funding helps our communities move beyond the pressures of short-term grant cycles and have meaningful conversations about where we want to go we could progress important projects like improving our local road network and planning for future housing in a more strategic and measured way rather than piecing them together year by year.” Stated Mayor Smith Mayor Paul Smith also stated “Local challenges need local solutions place-based outcomes that not only support our communities but contribute to national priorities like housing Every dollar invested in councils stays local — it creates jobs and strengthens our economy from the ground up.” Donate Today Monday 5 August 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the breakout of approximately 545 Japanese prisoners from No 12 Prisoner of War Compound - known as the Cowra breakout Looking west showing the compounds of the 12th Australian Prisoner of War Camp at Cowra, with the Group Headquarter buildings in the foreground.064284 By August 1944 there were 2,223 Japanese prisoners of war in Australia Of these 1,104 were housed in Camp B of No They were guarded by the 22nd Garrison Battalion in response to information that the Japanese were discussing a mass outbreak notice was given that all Japanese prisoners below the rank of Lance Corporal would be transferred to the Hay Prisoner of War Camp About 2 am on Saturday 5 August 1944 a prisoner ran shouting to the camp gates Soon afterwards an unauthorised bugle was heard and prisoners rushed from their huts and began breaking through the wire fences Sentries opened fire but several hundred prisoners escaped into open country while others who remained set fire to the camp buildings Approximately 545 Japanese attempted escape In the following nine days 334 prisoners were retaken 234 Japanese were killed or committed suicide and 108 wounded On the night of the breakout three Australian soldiers were killed and another three were wounded who were overwhelmed while manning a machine gun post were posthumously awarded the George Cross Burial of Australian soldiers killed during breakout of Japanese prisoners at camp 12B, Cowra prison of war and internment group compound, 05-08-1944.044119 The Cowra camp remained open until 1947 when the last of its prisoners and internees were repatriated many of the buildings re-used elsewhere at government facilities and the barbed wire and fencing sold off to local farmers The 80th anniversary of the Cowra Breakout will be commemorated in the Last Post Ceremony on the evening of 5 August 2024 with the service of Private Charles Henry Shepherd to be remembered The ceremony is held in the Australian War Memorial Commemorative Courtyard In the early hours of the morning on 5 August Australian Army personnel in the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) were awoken by the noise of almost a thousand Japanese prisoners armed with gardening tools Lieutenant Harry Doncaster was an AIF officer from Victoria who had served with the 2/8th Battalion of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force At the time of his death he was posted to 19 Infantry Training Battalion at Cowra He was leading a group of trainee soldiers attempting to round up escapees when the search team came upon a group of escapees Japanese fighter pilot Hajime Toyoshima sounded the bugle that signalled the beginning of the Cowra breakout the bugle is part of the national collection at the Australian War Memorial a poignant reminder of the largest escape attempt from a prisoner-of-war camp in Australia – and a reminder of the lives that were lost Your generous donation will be used to ensure the memory of our Defence Forces and what they have done for us and what they continue to do for our freedom remains – today and into the future Help preserve Australia's history by transcribing records from the National Collection Enhance accessibility and discoverability for all Australians is a new initiative designed to record the locations and photographs of every publicly accessible memorial across Australia The Australian War Memorial is open for visitors as we work to expand our galleries Entry is free and tickets are not required 10 am to 4 pm daily (except Christmas Day) In preparation for the daily Last Post Ceremony galleries are progressively closed from 3:40 pm Subscribe My name is Christine Onley and I am the Libertarian Candidate for the Riverina area where I live and work I am extremely supportive of our regions varied electorates townships and its people and am committed to helping our region survive and thrive I believe we should have less government interference Reducing the costs of living by removing net zero targets and protecting our farmlands and natural environment by ceasing the wind and solar farm madness which has contributed to higher energy costs and increased prices for groceries and other daily necessities As a party we will be removing the fuel excise permanently putting more money back into our pockets Public lands should be accessible for sensible use by everyone Our Defence Force should be strong and nationally supported for our peace and independence with strong allies and removal from global entities Immigration numbers should be greatly reduced It is essential to safeguard women’s spaces increased health services for us all and initiate a Royal Commission into the Covid-19 response I am driven by the belief that governments work for us and should place the Australian people first by listening values and freedom of speech and ensuring the Riverina is never forgotten in government plans Residents of Cowra Shire will not head to the polls on NSW Local Government election day on September 14 with only eight nominations received by the NSW Electoral Commission for the nine seats on Cowra Shire Council This means each of those nominees have already been declared elected with a by-election to be held at a later date The following eight candidates will form the new Cowra Shire Council in accordance with section 311 of the Local Government Act 1993 Cowra Shire Council issued a statement last week congratulating each successful candidate NSWEC confirmed on Friday voters in local government areas that did not have more nominees than the number of seats Cowra and Junee Councils and Lachlan – Ward E have received fewer candidate nominations than the number of councillors required for their councils and a by-election will be held to fill those vacancies at a later date,”it stated in a media release on Friday “Voters enrolled in these council areas or wards are not required to vote in the September Local Government elections Voting in subsequent by-elections is compulsory.” Uncontested elections (where only the required number of candidates (or less) have been nominated) have been declared for the following council Primary and secondary school students have honoured our ANZACs with another huge response to an annual writing competition organised by the Member for Riverina Mr McCormack said he had been impressed by the depth of feeling for ANZACs among the more than 680 entries from 23 schools submitted for his 15th writing competition This year’s theme was “ANZACs: Heroes all” “Many entries displayed a deep empathy for what our heroic ANZACs endured during their service to our nation but also for Veterans from subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping operations as well as their families and even war animals such as horses and dogs,” Mr McCormack said “The high quality of writing came from not just study Mr McCormack thanked all students for their entries as well as their families “Without their support the competition would not be possible,” Mr McCormack said Every student who submitted an entry will receive a personally-signed participation certificate featuring a watermark of the front cover of this year’s annual ANZAC Day commemorative booklet which will arrive in letterboxes across the electorate in the coming weeks Entries were put into Primary and Secondary categories and divided into North Each of the 16 winning and highly commended entries have been published in the 36-page booklet which also contains fascinating articles about the extraordinary deeds performed by ordinary residents who went to war and often performed extraordinary deeds These 16 students will also receive a book prize from the Australian War Memorial The booklet also contains all the ANZAC Day service times from locations across the Riverina Primary schools winning book prize recipients Primary schools highly commended book prize recipients Murrumburrah Public SchoolWest: Noah Burns Secondary schools winning book prize recipients Secondary schools highly commended book prize recipients Wagga Wagga Christian CollegeEast: Katelyn Leseberg Cootamundra High SchoolWest: Elliane Reynolds We’re writing to ask for your support for a special cause close to our hearts here at Mulyan Public School is living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)—a progressive condition that affects his muscles and makes everyday tasks increasingly difficult Leu Boon uses a manual wheelchair and needs assistance to get around We’re aiming to raise $30,000 to purchase a powered wheelchair which would give him the independence to move freely and take part in school and social life without relying on constant physical support We are reaching out to local businesses in the hope they might consider supporting this cause Your donation—big or small—will go directly toward the cost of the wheelchair Any excess funds will be donated to the Caculitan family to support Leu Boon’s ongoing care needs To donate, please visit: https://portal.schoolbytes.education/other-payment/1992 We would be incredibly grateful for your contribution If you have any questions or would like to get involved further please feel free to contact Mulyan Public School on (02) 6342 2531 Thank you for helping us support Leu Boon on his journey toward greater independence Warm regards,Daisy Heilman & Sam Ryan,Mulyan Public School from award-winning Australian filmmakers Hailey Bartholomew and ParentTV founder Sam Jockel is challenging the way we understand parenting Backed by cutting-edge research and leading experts SEEN reveals the urgent need for parents to be truly present—showing that even 20 minutes of genuine connection daily can rewire the brain and foster emotional resilience in children SEEN exposes how unexamined childhood experiences shape adult parenting styles featuring raw and deeply personal case studies Joe Williams (41) – Indigenous former NRL player (South Sydney Rabbitohs Canterbury Bulldogs) who battled mental illness and addiction he transformed his approach to fatherhood and now helps others break the cycle Anne Unwin (39) – Once nicknamed “the brick” for her emotional restraint Anne – who now has a female partner – now teaches practical strategies for helping kids navigate emotional outbursts.Zidia Valdebenito (49) – Overcame a traumatic childhood and alcoholism to become a counsellor and a present SEEN spotlights healing for families everywhere with new data showing how healing the past creates a better future – and how it’s never too late to start offering hope and tools for transformation and how to bust negative generational patterns World-renowned QUT neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett Group Leader of Translational Neuroscience at the Translational Research Institute “We’ve seen a big spike in the mental health crises – and no surprises Featuring scientific experts in psychology and attachment theory including Maggie Dent and Dr Billy Garvey “It’s an invitation to spark the healing journey Parenting expert Maggie Dent describes the documentary as essential viewing “Your children have come to trigger you to heal.” COWRA's Karly Woods has joined Emma Rippon of Parkes in the Australian-Indian Women's Cricket Association (AIWCA) for an international tournament facing off against ranked international teams from the region With players standing their ground against the Cook Islands the ten day tour tested the endurance of the ad-hoc team assembled for the comp against established national players emerging from a Cowra summer into humidity presented its own challenges whose team was attending the event for the second year running "We weren't representing Australia as a whole" Karly said with the more established national teams assuming the AIWCA girls would not measure up - their names being unknown to the other coaches "We were thinking 'wow this is a big international team we're going to get smashed' but when we did come in The AIWCA crew managed to stand their ground bagging a swag of certificates for player and team performance additionally picking up 3rd and 2nd places over the ten day tournament Karly said the team had learned a lot from the process and managed to carve a name for itself and its players I'd trust the process more; getting out and believing in my training and myself" said Woods adding that she'd learned not to have expectations about a game "Don't expect to lose or win everyone's in the running: there's no definitive outcome Indonesia were the toughest team and we still gave them a run for their money three times of course we didn't win on this occasion - but that's cricket" The event also presented the opportunity for recognition of up and coming talent "You don't realise the career you can pursue with these opportunities There were contracts on offer for players at higher levels Even if you might not perform at your best for a few days These events are the things that get your name out and I think our team overall made a name for itself I like when one of our players walks on and you know they're saying 'watch out for her'" Gumisha Garg and Aimee Ravot were singled out for good performance during the awards ceremony Telstra will be upgrading its mobile base station at Cowra to bring a better 4G user experience and new 5G coverage to the community Mobile services in the area will be temporarily affected while the upgrade works are underway. Telstra Media contact: media@team.telstra.com “We know how important mobile connectivity is for Australians whether you’re in the city or the country,” said Telstra Regional General Manager Chris Taylor “As data use over our mobile network continues to grow adding extra 4G capacity to our mobile site in the area and bringing 5G to the area is a major mobile milestone It will deliver higher capacity to the region “While disruption is required during the upgrade work we’ll only be switching off the site when we need to and will have it back online and working better than ever as quickly as possible.” Temporary disruptions Telstra mobile customers will receive texts advising of the upcoming work and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted The site will need to be switched off during the following periods: From 7am on Tuesday 11 February to 6pm on Wednesday 12 February 2025 the sector providing coverage to the northern part of the township will be off air for the entire period From 7am on Thursday 13 February to 6pm on Friday 14 February 2025 the sector providing coverage to the east of the township will be off air for the entire period From 7am on Saturday 15 February to 6pm on Sunday 16 February 2025 the sector providing coverage to the main area of the township including the CBD will be off the air for the entire period The entire site will be off the air for 1 hour during the day on Monday 17 February Minor disruptions may occur between 7am and 6pm on Tuesday 18 February and Wednesday 19 February 2025 while call testing takes placeTips for improving connectivity while works are underway Telstra customers can continue to make calls and send texts during disruption to mobile services by switching on Wi-Fi Calling This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to make and receive mobile calls while connected to Wi-Fi We also encourage business owners talk to their bank about connecting their EFTPOS terminals to their nbn or Wi-Fi connection to prevent delays in processing transactions market reporter at Meat and Livestock Australia Numbers reduced slightly and quality slipped a little throughout while the supplementary fed lambs were well presented There were mainly heavy lambs penned along with trade weights and a few stores were offered All the buyers were operating except for one and competition was solid with the market holding and dearer in places Light lambs to the processors sold from $90 to $138 while restockers from $114 to $142/head Medium and heavy trade weight lambs were a couple stronger and averaged from 780c to 800c/kg cwt Heavy weight lambs were dearer by $3 to $4/head and averaged 795c to 810c/kg cwt Heavy weight lambs sold from$212 to $215 while extra heavy weights sold from $220 to a top of $270/head Mutton numbers fell and quality was varied with some good heavy sheep throughout and prices were firm to a couple dearer for heavy sheep Extra heavy first cross ewes sold from $128 to $174.20/head or 430c/kg cwt Total Yarding: 3700 (-1180) | Sheep Yarding: 750 (-380) | Lamb Yarding: 2950 (-800) Cowra Library Extended Library Hours Trial Cowra Library is trialling extended Library opening hours until 5 April Cowra Library is now open an extra hour on weekdays – from 9.30am – 6pm Saturday opening hours have been extended by 4.5 hours from 9.30am – 4.30pm There are also computers for community use and access to free WiFi The extra hours will help us understand the level of community demand for Library services and make it more accessible to everyone especially for those whose schedules might not align with the usual opening times We welcome feedback on the extended Library hours trial. Please call us on 6340 2180 or email us cowra@cwl.nsw.gov.au Knitting Crochet Group at Cowra Library For beginners to Advanced Come and join our local spinners and weavers on Wednesdays at Cowra Library from 10am to 12 noon Library Family Literacy Programs return next week - 10 February Join us for an exciting new Term of Storytimes at Cowra Library on Mondays at 10am we will all become Storytime Investigators Each week will involve a science or STEM investigation Storytime sessions are held every Monday during the school term and cater for preschool aged children and their carers and each session lasts approximately one hour rhymes and activities that are lots of fun for children aged 0 – 3 years old and their carers Carers who spend time reading to their children create nurturing relationships which is important for a child’s cognitive Reading aloud and talking about pictures and words in age-appropriate books can strengthen your baby’s language skills literacy development and parent-child relationships Children who are read to during infancy and their preschool years have better language skills when they start school are more interested in reading and are ready for learning Remember to read age-appropriate books to your children and to make it fun Fridays 1 – 2pmDuring School TermsCowra Library Cowra Library introduces a new early literacy program for children aged 0-5 and their carers called Building Books on Fridays at 1pm Join Amy as she shares a range of fun and easy techniques to build the foundations of literacy and language with entertaining and engaging storytelling Building books will help children develop communication skills including the ability to understand and use spoken words recognise written symbols and have simple conversations through interactive play It’s all about fostering a love of reading Be Connected: Free One-on-One Technology Help Sessions for Seniors Free one-on-one Technology Sessions are being held at Cowra Library every Wednesday between 10am and 12 noon from Wednesday 12 February for seniors We have places available for our free one-on-one technology help sessions Bookings are essential for Be Connected Free Technology sessions at CowraLibrary Reserve your half-hour session by calling Cowra Library on 6340 2180 Aunty Esther is an inspiring advocate for reconciliation and cultural education who has represented Cowra's stories in music offering leadership to juniors and mental health advocacy Ray Johnston has served the area in the SES for over a decade musical theatre stars and young leaders have been acknowledged for their contribution to the Cowra community ahead of the 2025 Cowra Australia Day Awards Ella Meuwisse and Lusi Austin are some of the eleven Cowra Shire residents nominated across three categories Lachlan Valley Railway Society and the Cowra and District Aero Club were nominated for the Cowra Community Group of the Year Award said the judging panel have a hard job ahead of them to decide the winners ‘We always have an impressive collection of individuals and groups nominated and the 2025 candidates are no different the judging panel have an unenviable task selecting one winner in each category I would like to congratulate each of those nominated and thank those who have recognised their contributions,” he said The judging panel for the awards – made up of representatives from Cowra Youth Council and Cowra Australia Day Committee representatives – will assess the nominations before they are presented at Cowra’s Australia Day celebrations on Sunday 26 January 2025 COWRA YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEES A recently elected prefect at St Raphael's Catholic School Elliott Bennett has integrated himself in every facet of town life Elliot has served the Cowra community as a student Ambassador for both the Festival of International Understanding and the Breakout Anniversary He also saw his HSC Major Art Work selected for ArtExpress In 2024 he was proud to be a part of the local production ‘Intertwined’ and he has been an active member of the Cowra Musical & Dramatic Society Elliott will attend JMC Academy to study musical theatre Callie has balanced her commitments with her Year 12 studies and role as Vice Captain at Cowra High The juggling act has included participating in the Youth Peace Forum NAIDOC Week and Children's Week Family Fun Days and planning for Mental Health Month activities Rising up the ranks through Cowra Ballet School bringing her dance skills to Indigenous dance group participating in many welcome and dance ceremonies throughout the community Ella’s small business has quickly become a standout in the community she’s gone from working from out of her home to opening a shopfront on Cowra’s main street Ella has contributed to numerous local events adding vibrant arrangements to occasions such as the Cowra Christmas Festival She also hosts floristry workshops and community events like the Garden Party for International Women's Day Marc is a valued member of the Cowra community offering both outstanding services and leadership Marc actively volunteers with several local boards and charities including the Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre and the Mental Health Project Cowra He mentors two apprentices from Cowra High School equipping students with the skills they need to succeed Marc also donates his time to shaving fundraisers offering free shaves and haircuts to those in hospitals and individuals with limited mobility at home Ray retired as Deputy Manager and became a hobby farmer in Billimari Ray worked as a consultant on manufacturing options for Cowra Shire Ray has also served as Secretary of the Cowra and District Aero Club since 1987 Carolynn has dedicated over four decades to nursing where she has consistently gone above and beyond her duties She’s known for taking patients to appointments and offering emotional support to families in need Carolynn has also served on the Cowra Community Chest for 20 years assisting with client interviews for financial aid she was a member of the Darbys Falls Progress Association Her compassion and service have left a lasting impact on the Cowra community Lusi is a creative force across the region she brings boundless enthusiasm to every project Lusi not only homeschools her children but also mentors local homeschooling families she has brought the Cowra-Japan relationship to life through productions like the Cowra Breakout anniversary plays and her children's book marks a triumphant contribution to Cowra’s cultural heritage Her journey from hardship and racism to becoming a respected Elder is remarkable sharing culture with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and revitalising Wiradjuri language through many Welcome to Country ceremonies She serves as a director for the Cowra Information & Neighbourhood Centre and Wegelli Drug and Alcohol Centre demonstrating her commitment to the local community especially students at Cowra Public School with an outdoor learning space dedicated to her Ray has been a member of the Cowra SES Unit for over 10 years and serving in the SES for more than three decades he has worked tirelessly during flood and storm events to help the community He is a founding member of the Cowra Community New Year’s Eve Beach Party Committee which has become an eagerly anticipated annual event by the Cowra community Ray is also one of Cowra’s town bus drivers and assists Cowra Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Cowra wherever possible Lesley has dedicated over 20 years to public service across the Cowra Shire working tirelessly to improve the lives of others Passionate about valuing older Australians she is always willing to lend a hand and inspire others to do the same she helped save the Gooloogong Country Club from closure by leading a huge effort to revitalise it Lesley has also spearheaded fundraising events for causes such as Royce's Big Walk and the Eugowra floods always demonstrating her unwavering community spirit and generosity Cowra Community Group of the Year Awards Nominees 2025 The Lachlan Valley Railway Society (LVR) has been a cornerstone of Cowra for nearly 50 years it serves as a living reminder of Cowra’s railway heritage The LVR transformed the Cowra Locomotive Depot into a rail heritage centre and undertook major restoration projects such as refurbishing the WWI WWII memorial fountain Recent restorations of Planet Shunting Locomotive No 52 and carriages have revived heritage rail services the Cowra and District Aero Club celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024 Opened at a community day to acknowledg the dedication and determination of club members the upgrades enhance the Club’s capabilities and offer a space to introduce young people to aviation Club members donated approximately $12,500 in materials and labor to complete the project which now supports aero-medical teams 24/7 Richard has been a dedicated and hardworking member of both the Cowra Eisteddfod and the Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society (M&D) for over 35 years Richard has appeared in numerous productions managing finances while also performing on stage including developing online entry systems and editing programs He was made a life member of both organisations in recognition of his outstanding service to the community The $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment has reached a major milestone with the structure of the building now complete The ‘topping out’ of the new hospital is the latest construction milestone for the redevelopment which will significantly enhance access to healthcare for the Cowra community the new hospital building will provide a modern and purpose-built health facility for the region and will include: The latest milestone coincides with the release of a new artist’s impression showcasing the façade of the new hospital building which has been designed to reflect the Cowra landscape Feedback from staff and the community has informed the new hospital’s two-level design which will provide enhanced views of the district as well as improved access and onsite parking and new landscaped areas Construction of the new hospital is providing a boost to the local economy with the engagement of 25 local businesses and well as the direct employment of a number of local contractors work will progress on the internal fit-out deserve high quality contemporary and accessible health care due for completion next year will support staff patients and the community now and into the future,” said Health Minister Ryan Park Health services are continuing to operate during construction with the new hospital on track for completion in 2025 The project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western NSW Local Health District in partnership with Richard Crookes Constructions The NSW Seniors Festival is coming to Cowra and our seniors are spoilt for choice this year with a huge program of events and activities on offer the 2025 Seniors Festival in Cowra will run from Monday 03 March to Sunday 16 March 2025 delivering many FREE and discounted activities and performances for seniors across the Cowra Shire “There are so many ways for seniors to shine and celebrate at the Seniors Festival with 15 local organisations contributing to this year’s program It’s these strong community partnerships that allow us to present an exciting fortnight of fun and entertaining events to inspire and engage our seniors,” said Mayor of Cowra The main event for this year’s Festival is the “Our Rock and Roll Journey” free music concert on Wednesday 5 March at Club Cowra This free music concert sees Gold Logie Winner musician and front man from ‘Rock Around the World’ congas and blues harp for 70 minutes of Rock & Roll Monday 3rd March – Seniors Festival Opening Day at the Cowra Aquatic Centre with a free morning tea and giveaway bags Tuesday 4th March – Cowra Cemetery Tour with the Cowra Family History Group Saturday 8th March – Movie Afternoon with a screening of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy at the Cowra Civic Centre Sunday 9th March – Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Train Rides at the Cowra Rail Heritage Centre Monday 10th March – High Tea @ Cowra Information & Neighbourhood Centre Tuesday 11th and Thursday 13th March - Lunchtime Theatre at Club Cowra with Cowra M&D Wednesday 12th March – Annual Seniors Community Luncheon hosted by Cowra-Grenfell Meals-on-Wheels Wednesday 12thMarch – Library-UpLate Author Talk with Nicole Alexander at Cowra Library Sunday 16th March - 17th Great Annual Seniors Trivia Challenge at the Cowra Bowling Club bookings are essential to secure your place 2025 Seniors Festival in Cowra | Cowra Council to download the full program and read how to secure your spot CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) when Cricket NSW was looking to organise one of its first regional junior cricket carnivals during the December and January summer holidays one town that jumped up in venue considerations was Cowra Cowra’s rich history meant that more people in the region would be interested in making a trip of it but also playing great cricket while you’re at it Cowra is ready and prepped for the scale of a junior cricket carnival over two to four days as over 140-odd children are expected to use them during that time and we are excited to hold the first regional Thunder holiday cricket carnival in this town regional location and we want to encourage girls and boys from NSW South and West inland towns and beyond to come and participate in this unique holiday offering and also some useful practice for when junior cricket leagues resume their fixtures in early February.”  TO JOIN AN NSW CRICKET CARNIVAL AS A PLAYER OR TEAM, CLICK HERE  Cricket NSW is hosting nine Sixers and Thunder junior cricket carnivals in five locations Coffs Harbour will see the first Sixers regional carnival while Cowra is all set to host the first Thunder holiday carnival outside of Sydney said:  “The Thunder holiday cricket carnival at Cowra provides to boys and girls to continue to play cricket over the holiday period is a wonderful initiative and is true to the Foundation's mission to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to play and love cricket.”   the Cowra Council and Cowra Junior Cricket Association (CJCA) have been quietly improving cricket infrastructure in the town The council and association were granted $5695 in Round 2 of the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Funding (ACIF) in 2023-24 to repair their training nets at the local Twigg Oval Cowra has been awarded another $7580 to replace two centre pitches at its Raudonikis and Rodwell Ovals they have decided to affect the pitch replacements with synthetic turfs right away through their own funding to be compensated for when the grant comes through in early 2025 when the first regional Sydney Thunder cricket carnival will be played in Cowra The carnival already has seven Stage 2 teams registered with 105 boys and 16 girls under the age of 13 playing matches under Cricket Australia junior cricket rules and officiated by NSW accredited umpires competitive cricket during the summer holidays “The Cowra Junior Cricket Association is a great example of how putting in quality applications at a regional level can improve the quality of the game for our junior cricketers It is impressive that they have put in back-to-back applications for achievable improvements in the town’s cricket infrastructure and worked together with both the city’s council and Cricket NSW to create these wonderful experiences for our junior cricketers “We are working with council and cricket associations across NSW towns to create upgradation plans for local cricket infrastructure based on our audit that was released earlier this year and hope to have many more NSW towns ready for junior cricket carnivals in coming years.”   Junior cricket in Cowra has thrived in recent years CJCA won the Cricket NSW award for Junior Cricket Initiative of the Year and went on to be a finalist at Cricket Australia’s Community Cricket Awards in the category that year The Cricket NSW Foundation has also contributed to the improvement of the facilities in Cowra including donating $1500 for the restoration of turf wickets at McPherson and Oliver Ovals specifically to aid in the hosting of the regional cricket carnival CNSW acknowledges and pays respect to the land and waters across New South Wales We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have walked upon and cared for this land for thousands of years We acknowledge their ongoing connection to this country as the Traditional Owners and we commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation so that together we may bring about equity and equality built on strong and trusting relationships The operation continues across Chifley police district painted black to resemble a working firearm A police operation involving units from several districts has descended upon Cowra in the early hours between Tuesday 7 January and Wednesday 8th of January Officers attached to Chifley Police District Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Rescue & Bomb Disposal Unit saturated Cowra and surrounds under Operation Suppress to proactively target alleged offenders Operation Suppress maintains a particular focus on wanted persons as well as alleged property drug and domestic violence-related offenders • Conducting 21 roadside drug tests (RDTs) (seven returning a positive result) • Issuing seven infringement notices for speeding and six for other traffic offences • Conducting 54 firearm safe storage inspections • Performing 42 random breath tests (RBTs) • Completing 18 apprehended domestic violence order compliance checks • Carrying out nine firearms prohibition searches police released information on the targets of the raids which focused on serious crimes and threats to public safety police conducted a Firearms Prohibition Compliance search at a unit on Bonner Street and arrested a 31-year-old man by virtue of two outstanding warrants for the offences of steal property in dwelling – house and for the additional charge of assault police He was refused bail to appear before Bathurst Local Court on 14 January 2025 police conducted a search warrant at a home on Kendal Street where they seized a mobile phone that police believe will assist with ongoing investigations police arrested a 31-year-old man at Kendal Street who was taken to Cowra Police Station and charged with multiple domestic violence-related offences He appeared before Orange Local Court on Thursday 9 January 2025 police arrested a 46-year-old man at Thomas Street and charged him with aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal He was granted conditional bail to appear before Cowra Local Court on Wednesday 26 February 2025 police conducted a Firearm Prohibition Compliance search at a home on Victor Street Police arrested a 32-year-old man and took him to Cowra Police Station where he was charged with two counts of firearm etc found at premises – subject to prohibition order police arrested a 50-year-old man at William Street and took him to Cowra Police Station where he was charged with three counts of possess prohibited drug possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority supply or make explosive for unlawful purpose He appeared before Cowra Local Court on Wednesday 8 January 2025 where he was formally bail refused to appear before the same court on Wednesday 26 February 2025 has all but taken the 9th seat of Cowra Council following the by-election on Saturday November 23 While counting is still ongoing and the election result has not been officially declared Ms Cave had secured 44% (3097 out of 6926) of the total first preference vote following Saturday’s election giving her a seemingly unassailable lead with over 70% of votes already counted She lead the count in all eight polling locations and also lead in declared institution and postal votes Distribution of preferences are yet to be counted The next closest candidate to Ms Cave is Robert May who secured 22% of the first preference votes Brian Fisher follows with 15% while Theo Giallourakis has just under 7% The distribution of preferences will be counted the week of Monday December 9 The official declaration of the election result will be made by the Returning Officer of the Cowra Shire Council by-election some time thereafter For more information on the by-election go to https://elections.nsw.gov.au/elections/local-government-elections/vote-count-information-2024-berrigan-cowra-junee-local-government-by-elections#resultswebsite ​​The Cowra Community Markets are held every third Saturday of every month at Sid Kallas Oval with a wide variety of local fresh produce Each month at their Markets you can find locally grown fruit and veg Join the Cowra Bowling Club and have a chance to learn to play bowls every week Whether you’re a complete beginner or just want to refine your skills the Cowra Eagles Bowlers will guide you through the game simply contact: Sonia Morgan - 0425 228 505 Mim Shroder - 0417 062 679 Bob Morgan - 0481 244 081 Join friendly staff at the Age of Fishes Museum Canowindra on the frist Friday of every month for some fun Perfect for curious minds and little adventurers this fun and educational session is sure to spark creativity and wonder It's a fun way to play sport in a relaxed and social way Those interested can call Carmel (0409939241) COWRA FESTIVAL OF INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING The 2025 Cowra Festival of International Understanding where will celebrate guest nation The Festival originated in the mid-1960s at a time when the town was coming to recognise the benefits of promoting understanding between nations A specially curated selection of highlights from Flickerfest’s Australian Academy® Qualifying competition programmes in Bondi 2025 See the best entries of this year’s 34th festival All adult tickets include a free glass of wine or soft drink Join Cath Duncan at the Cowra Japanese Garden for a day class on creating and training your own Bonsai All materials and tools will be provided by Cath with her great expertise and knowledge *Please note that admission costs into the Japanese Garden apply separately unless you hold a valid Friend of the Garden membership on the date of this Class Please present your membership card to our staff on entry Cowra's LGBTQI+ community comes together for a night of celebration and connection. embracing the freedom to come together openly and proudly Club Cowra will be hosting a gay social evening on Wednesday This special night offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for LGBTQI+community and their allies in the Cowra community to connect and socialise Guests can enjoy complimentary finger food There will be live music throughout the evening inclusive and welcoming gathering is open to all please contact Club Cowra at (02) 6342 1144 Thursday March 20th to Saturday March 22nd from 8am till close high quality books at the St John's Anglican Church Hall Cowra ARTISTS IN CONVERSATION – ELISABETH CUMMINGS Join us for an inspiring afternoon with three of Australia’s established landscape visual artists discussion about their creative processes and experiences with artist residencies both in Australia and abroad Moderated by renowned curator and arts historian Peter Haynes this conversation will delve into the unique artistic journeys of these acclaimed artists and the role of residencies in shaping their practice Four Cowra Shire residents have nominated for the by election for nineth seat of Cowra Shire Council With only eight people nominating for the local government election in September triggering the by election which will be held on Saturday 23rd November Dates: 16 - 22 NovemberLocation: Uniting Church Hall Wesley Centre 147 Kendall Street Cowra NSW 2794Opening Hours:Sat 16 Nov - Fri 22 Nov 2024Mon - Wed: 8:30am - 5:30pmThu: 8:30am - 6:00pmFri: 8:30am - 6:00pmSat: 9:00am - 6:00pm Date: 23 NovemberPolling locations:Billimari Public HallCowra Public SchoolCowra Tennis ClubGooloogong War Memorial HallMorongla Creek Public HallMulyan Public SchoolWoodstock Public School If you are eligible to vote in New South Wales and your enrolled address is in the Cowra council area For more information go to https://elections.nsw.gov.au/elections/local-government-elections/2024-cowra-shire-council-by-election The Mayors of the Central NSW region are encouraging all community members to respond to a survey on health “I represent Council on the Central NSW Joint Organisation Board The Joint Organisation conducted community sentiment surveying which showed that 94% of people in the region ranked health head and shoulders above any other priority,” said Mayor Paul Smith The health survey is a collaboration between the Western & Far Western Local Health districts and the Western NSW Primary Health Network and will inform their programming going forward Your input will make a difference to both primary health care services like doctors and services provided by the NSW government By going to https://engage.wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing-survey you will have access to the survey but homes that suit the entire spectrum of a modern rural community is what Cowra Council is hoping to encourage in the future as it reaches the latest phase of its Housing Strategy project The Cowra Housing Strategy is a comprehensive forward-thinking analysis and plan designed to tackle the diverse housing needs of our growing community now and into the future The strategy aims to support a range of housing options for residents of all demographics At the heart of the strategy is a focus on sustainable use of existing resources with Council working to identify how it can better utilise and develop land and provide appropriate services depending upon the zone and area characteristics This approach aims to meet housing demand while ensuring a balanced sustainable growth model that benefits the whole community we’ve recognised that housing demand doesn’t operate in isolation where changes to one housing stage affect others We knew that focusing on just one housing type such as medium-density or largelot residential What we needed was a balanced approach that addressed all stages of housing demand,” said Cowra Mayor Paul Smith “We’ve listened carefully to the community and business representatives It’s about being smart with what we already have and ensuring that housing options are available for everyone whether they’re looking for a smaller lot in town or a larger block in the surrounding areas,” Mayor Smith added The strategy has identified opportunities for denser development within the town centre close to Kendal Street and essential services where residents will benefit from easy access to amenities It has investigated how to optimise existing R5 Large Lot zoned areas for additional land parcels avoiding the need where possible to rezone valuable prime agricultural land while also planning at a finer scale to ensure future service provision can be integrated later “By focusing on areas that are already zoned for residential use we can increase the supply of housing without compromising the integrity of our agricultural land We’ve also been proactive in ensuring that future infrastructure water and sewer systems can be put in place to support new developments in areas like West Cowra.” The final strategy reflects several updates based on community feedback received during the exhibition process These updates include improved mapping for clarity the inclusion of a Land Capability Assessment Report and the incorporation of new population projections The variances in population projections from state data has resulted in the strategy aiming to pursue high growth but balanced by some prudent land-release staging contingencies to prevent over-supply and landbanking “We’ve made changes where needed to ensure the strategy is as clear and effective as possible The feedback we received has been invaluable in shaping the final document,” Mayor Smith said “This strategy is not just a plan for today it’s a vision for the future of Cowra The strategy also acknowledges the role of Cowra’s villages in meeting current housing demand fragmented RU1 lots being considered for large lot residential developments in areas like Woodstock and Morongla the strategy aims to ensure that housing needs are met throughout the Shire “The Cowra Housing Strategy is all about providing a variety of housing options for our community whether that’s in the township or in our villages,” Mayor Smith said we’re ensuring that our Shire grows in a way that benefits everyone.” the Cowra Housing Strategy is flexible enough to adapt to future population growth Council is committed to working with private developers to implement housing projects that align with the strategy’s goals ensuring that our community thrives and remains a great place to live for generations to come.” The Cowra Housing Strategy will now work towards formal endorsement with the Department of Planning staff will commence tackling the list of actions that have been identified as priorities where they can be further refined before being presented back to the community as part of the next stage of the project Police say they uncovered a 'sophisticated indoor hydroponic cannabis set up' in Cowra. Image - NSW Police The region-wide sweep uncovered prohibited weapons, ammunition and other drugs. Image - NSW Police Police have conducted a two-day high-visibility operation proactively disrupting crime and targeting alleged offenders in the Western Region this week. From Tuesday 26 November 2024 to Wednesday 27 November 2024, Operation Surge saw police officers attached to Chifley Police District saturate the streets of Bathurst, Lithgow, and Cowra targeting drug, property, and firearm related offences. Throughout the operation, the local police were assisted by specialist officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Western Region Operational Support Group and Regional Enforcement Squad, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, Chifley Highway Patrol, Chifley Rural Crime Prevention Team and Correctives NSW, and Special Operations Group K9 Unit. Pictures by Cowra Towing.A tractor has rolled into the Lachlan River in the state's Central West as farm safety advocates raise the alarm on an increasing number of accidents and injuries All articles from our website & appThe digital version of This Week's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other agricultural news sites in your areaContinueThe accident occurred when a man and a woman were thrown into the Lachlan River near Cowra on the afternoon of Wednesday A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance confirmed that the man was submerged and sustained a head injury before being rescued by paramedics and transported to Orange Hospital The woman was assessed at the scene and did not require further treatment Images shared online by a local towing company showed the machinery upside down on the steep banks of the river Farmsafe Australia chair Felicity Richards said the rising numbers of injuries on farms required urgent action "This is not just a wake-up call - it's an emergency," she said "We cannot continue to accept farm fatalities and serious injuries as just part of life on the land .. we will be having the same conversation in another 12 months The latest AgHealth Australia data revealed an increase in serious injuries and fatalities on Australian farms up from the five-year average of 53 deaths to 72 Tractors were involved in eight deaths in 2024 "There is still a lot we don't know around the circumstances of each of these tragic incidents but with figures for deaths and injuries more than doubling the 2023 numbers we must heed the warning," AgHealth Australia's Farm Safety Research Manager "It's clear from the data we must urgently improve our actions and attitudes working in collaboration across the agriculture sector "Even one death on farm is too many and we all have a role to play in bolstering farm safety as the sector aims for zero on-farm fatalities." Work has continued to prepare an Ag Safety Data Net (ASDN) dashboard to highlight the number of incidents and contributing factors Farmsafe's Felicity Richards said the dashboard could help drive home the impact of serious injuries and fatalities on farms "We know that every statistic we review is more than just a number-every stat carries a personal story and represents a human life a family and a community affected by the risks of agricultural work," she said "Our challenge is to transform those numbers into real-life safety awareness messages that resonate deeply and motivate our people to change their attitudes and behaviours towards safer practices ensuring that we all return home safely every day." Eliza is a journalist based in Cowra, in the state's Central West. You can contact her at eliza.spencer@theland.com.au Newsletters & AlertsView allDaily Today's top stories curated by our news team Our twice weekly wrap of the latest in rural property sales Our twice weekly wrap of the big news in the red meat sector Industry news from Australia's dairy sector The week's top stories curated by our news team Recipients of Round 2 of the 2024-25 Cowra Community Grants have been announced - the 20th round of grants since the program’s inception with one underlying goal to benefit a wide range of projects that contribute to community development across the region This funding will assist in a variety of initiatives across key sectors including building and facility development the Cowra Community Grant program has funded 382 projects worth $456,740.94 further cementing its role as a cornerstone in supporting community led growth and well-being Among the most impactful grants this round Woodstock Memorial Show received $2,000 to upgrade the interior lighting and safety exit signs at the Walli Memorial Hall improving the safety and experience for local events was awarded $1,987.05 to install a kitchen and essential facilities to support the community during times of crisis an effort that will directly enhance the region’s emergency preparedness Cowra Rugby League Football Club will use their $2,000 grant to refresh the canteen and clubhouse at the West Cowra Recreation Ground creating a better environment for players and volunteers in a move that supports a number of local organisations Cowra and District Seniors Citizens Club will install a new Daiken Split System Air-Conditioner to ensure a comfortable space for its programs and events “We are committed to supporting our local groups and ensuring that every dollar invested helps create a brighter I’m excited to see how these projects will enhance the lives of our residents and visitors.” The Cowra Community Grants program continues to empower local organisations enabling them to bring valuable projects to life and ensuring that Cowra Shire remains a vibrant and supportive community for all The iconic Cowra Spring Show is coming back to Cowra on Friday 18th and Saturday19th October!The show will be full of fun and exciting family events such as show rides fireworks and so much more!The 2024 show promises to be full of fun activities for all ages and some very exciting attractions attending the show There will be an exciting new area called ‘The Gully’ where events like the Demolition Derby Young Farmers Challenge and Southern Cattledog Championships will be held This year we have been lucky enough to secure after-action local music entertainment - so make sure you come down and watch the actionThe horse events will be run over one jam packed day this year There will be plenty of quality horses to watch so head down to centre ring to watch themEvery year the community comes together for a fun-filled weekend of festivities and entertainment at the Cowra Show The variety of activities and attractions at the Cowra Show ensures that there is something enjoyable for people of all ages and interests Whether you’re seeking thrilling rides or educational experiences this event guarantees a memorable time for everyone in attendance Visitors can support their prefered competitors in the livestock competitions awe at the deft horsemanship in the championships for showjumping or delight in a range of delectable foods and beverages from vendors The show also includes sideshow activities The Cowra Show is an excellent chance to take in the vibrant community atmosphere while taking part in a variety of fun activities The event promises to offer enjoyable experiences for people of all ages with a wide range of activities showcasing the vibrant community spirit of Cowra The fireworks display will start at 8:30pm on Saturday 19 October A reminder to bring your pets inside while the fireworks take place Admission PricingAdults: $15Children under 10: FREESchool aged children/pensioners: $10Family: $40 Lusi Austin has been announced Cowra’s 2025 Citizen of the Year bringing infectious enthusiasm to every task that she undertakes Lusi has taken a great interest in the history of the town in particular the stories of our first nation people Lusi’s ability to constantly deliver high-quality projects that entertain and educate locals and visitors alike is a unique gift she constantly gives to our community making her a very worthy Citizen of the Year,” Mayor of Cowra Council was also pleased to make a special presentation of the Cowra Community Service Medal to former Cowra Mayor Bill West at today’s Australia Day Service at the Cowra Civic Centre “The Cowra Community Service Medal is awarded by a resolution of Council and at the discretion of Council to recognise a person whose contribution over a period of time both to Cowra and the broader community is so exceptional that this highest of accolades can be given Bill has been a guiding force in shaping Cowra’s growth and development over the past two decades Bill’s strategic vision and tireless efforts have left a lasting mark on our region and he is a very worthy recipient of this award,” Cr Smith said The Citizen of the Year Award was one of a number of awards made today The Lachlan Valley Railway Society was named Community Group of the Year Callie Bridges was named Young Citizen of the Year and Richard Neate received the Dr Warren Whiley Memorial Award for Arts and Culture. Cr Smith said the Award recipients this year had come from a very strong field “We must congratulate all the nominees across all categories for their exceptional contribution to our community; they all deserve our applause and gratitude,” Cr Smith said “Kindness and community leadership continue to shine bright in the Cowra Shire Our people make our community what it is and the Australia Day Awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge the individuals and community groups who are selflessly helping others in our Shire,” Cr Smith concluded Profiles of this year’s Australia Day Award recipients follows: a historian and a creative spirit who has made a significant contribution to our Shire inspiring her to create a series of community-based activities that have spread the story of the Cowra-Japan relationship far beyond Cowra Shire These include writing and directing historical productions for the Cowra Breakout Commemorations; writing and self-publishing the children’s book ‘Jack’s visit to Cowra’; and writing the lyrics for the final act of Nicholas Gentile’s ‘World Peace Suite’ a full-scale musical production focusing on the Cowra Breakout that had its triumphant world premiere in July 2024 Lusi’s “can do” attitude and her ability to constantly deliver high-quality projects that entertain and educate locals and visitors alike is a unique gift she constantly gives to our community Callie Bridges Callie was a 2024 Vice-Captain of Cowra High School a role that she has carried out with responsibility Callie is a senior member of the Cowra Youth Council where she has balanced her commitments with her Year 12 studies including her participation in the Youth Peace Forum NAIDOC Week and Children’s Week Family Fun Days Callie has been a member of the Cowra Ballet School Family for over 13 years She has participated in many community performances over the years and is always ready to give time and guidance to the younger students commitment and reliability are highly valued by both Cowra Ballet School and the Youth Council Callie has also been a member of the Indigenous dance group Wagambirra for several years and has participated in many welcome and dance ceremonies throughout the community Lachlan Valley Railway Society The Lachlan Valley Railway Society (better known as the LVR) has been based in Cowra for almost 50 years and has held a special place in the hearts of many locals as a living reminder of the days when Cowra truly was a railway town including the government’s closure of all operational rail lines in the area changing from an operational rail facility into a rail heritage centre with the support of local Cowra businesses have undertaken extensive restoration projects to refurbish the Cowra Rail Heritage Centre over the years A restored lounge carriage is now used for various functions and once a month becomes an elegant cafe where Devonshire Teas are served The more recent restoration of a Locomotive and two carriages has seen monthly heritage tourist rail services offered cementing the LVR and the Cowra Locomotive Depot’s place as one of the major tourist attractions for the Shire Richard Neate Richard Neate is the sort of member that every community organisation needs and always willing to lend a hand regardless of what needs to be done Richard has been that member to both the Cowra Eisteddfod Inc and the Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society (better known as the M&D) for a combined total of over 35 years Richard joined the Cowra M&D soon after arriving in town in the early 2000s His first on-stage appearance was in the highly successful production of ‘The Crucible’ appearing in a variety of plays and musicals In 2004 Richard was elected to the position of Treasurer of the Cowra M&D and continues in that position today For his dedication and years of service he was made a life member of the society in 2019 Richard has made a significant contribution to the Cowra Eisteddfod Inc where he has held the position of Treasurer since 2010 and his significant volunteer work has guided the Eisteddfod forward with online entries and programming Richard is also a life member of the Cowra Eisteddfod Inc Richard has made a long-lasting and significant contribution to the arts in Cowra Shire and beyond Cost-of-living pressures are weighing heavily on the minds of hard-working Riverina families and struggling small business owners people need to ask themselves: “Are we better off now than we were before this Labor Government took office?”Disappointingly fuel and insurance has increased significantly Housing affordability is a huge issue and rental properties are scarce and expensive The Coalition has a plan to get Australia and the economy back on track The Nationals in Coalition with the Liberals have developed a comprehensive suite of policies which address the issues that matter most to you and will deliver the strong leadership on national security and foreign policy our nation needs delivering immediate cost-of-living relief by cutting the fuel tax in half; delivering cheaper energy with a balanced energy plan which includes gas zero-emissions nuclear and renewables where they do not impact prime farmland; preventing supermarkets from exploiting farmers and consumers with a new competition policy including divestiture powers and a supermarket commissioner; addressing the burden on infrastructure and services by stopping the record levels of yearly net migration by reducing permanent migration by 25 per cent and introducing caps on foreign students; making it easier to build and buy homes by funding essential infrastructure and utilities in housing developments and imposing a two-year ban on foreign investors and temporary residents from purchasing existing homes; and investing $9 billion into Medicare to fix Labor’s healthcare crisis With the vision of an experienced Nationals’ Member for Riverina and the Coalition in Government the Riverina’s and Australia’s potential are unmatched Visit www.nationalsplan.org.au to find out more about the Coalition’s plan Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined Federal Member for Riverina the Hon Michael McCormack Cowra Ability Network Chief Executive Shane Kruger and the local community at a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening of Cowra Ability Network’s new Community Hub The Community Hub marks a game-changing step forward in delivering high-quality disability support services across Cowra and Central West NSW Ms Cooke commended Cowra Ability Network for its dedication to fostering inclusivity and independence “This facility represents more than just a building; it’s a place where people can come together Cowra Ability Network will continue providing invaluable services that make a real difference in the lives of local residents.” The Community Hub is designed to be a welcoming and fully accessible space where people with disabilities can build skills accessible kitchen facilities that support life skills programs the space ensures all clients can fully participate in these programs The development of the Hub was supported by $70,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s ClubGrants Category 3 Fund helping Cowra Ability Network create the new kitchen space as well as its first-ever dedicated staff room expressed his appreciation for the support from the community and the grant that made this project possible “As Cowra’s leading not-for-profit disability provider we are proud of our brand-new community space coming to life and create opportunities for everyone,” Mr Kruger said “This new facility means we can expand our services and welcome even more participants who are eager to benefit from the amazing programs we offer We look forward to continuing our work in this community and providing our clients with the best opportunities to thrive,” Mr Kruger added the Community Hub also offers professional services from Occupational Therapists These services play a key role in helping clients gain independence and participate more fully in their communities The new Community Hub is now officially open ready to serve Cowra and surrounding communities with a full schedule of programs and services I understand and agree that my personal information will be collected, stored and used, in accordance with the PGA of Australia's privacy policy After escaping from “la-la land” on day one Andre Stolz turned the Cowra Lamb Legends Pro-Am into yet another PGA Legends Tour victory today The 2024 Order of Merit leader made it back-to-back 36-hole wins this week by shooting rounds of 66-65 for an 11-under-par total on the NSW Central West layout to secure a four-shot win over Victorian Adam Henwood (65-70) and fellow Queenslander Chris Taylor (68-67) The ACT Senior PGA winner from Wednesday started round two a shot behind Henwood but proceeded to shoot the low round of Saturday to overcome the overnight leader’s challenge Three birdies on the front nine saw him turn in 33 and he then picked up shots at the par-4 10th and 12th holes to seize the lead adding in another birdie on the par-4 17th to seal his 10th PGA Legends Tour title for 2024 Stolz said: “Coming here after Fairbairn I was feeling pretty flat actually and had a slow start on day one I was hitting it nice but I was a bit in la-la land Just managed to spark something earlier on the back nine yesterday by knocking a few close I thought we were going to have one of those days where we’d make eight birdies each He started on fire but cooled off a bit luckily for me “The way we started out I thought we were in for a bit of hustle and bustle all day “My short game has been a bit off lately so I’ve been doing a bit of work on it and it’s probably why there’s been a lack of bogeys the last couple of days.” -7: Chris Taylor (Qld) 68-67; Adam Henwood (Vic) 65-70 -3: Mark Boulton (Vic) 71-68; Euan Walters (Vic) 70-69; Nigel Weldon (Qld) 70-69; Lucas Bates (Qld 70-69 The PGA Legends Tour’s next stop is the Kent Relocation Group NSW Senior PGA Championship at Cromer Golf Club on October 21-22 For the latest news and scores on Australian golf Subscribe © 2025 PGA of Australia | Powered by Advertise with us Cowra Micro is a new art space at Cowra Railway Station founded by Artists of Cowra East (ACE) ​On Sunday the 8th of October 2023 Artists of Cowra East (ACE) launched Cowra Micro a new art space at the Cowra Railway Station with The Colleen a Salon des Refuses for local artists rejected by judges at the Cowra Regional Gallery’s Calleen Art Award cowramicro.weebly.com and how to intersect the past with the present Aboriginal-owned Mimili Maku Arts’ first exhibition with Ames Yavuz is an opportunity to celebrate the milestone of their 20 year anniversary as well as the ways of working that are integral to the centre and Aṉangu culture The finalist portraits in the biggest Australian art award of the year have been announced alongside the winner of The Packing Room Prize: Abdul Abdullah for his portrait of fellow artist Jason Phu The Art Gallery of Western Australia takes key pieces of early 20th-century modern British and Australian painting from their collection and presents them alongside preparatory sketches and drawings systematically creating a narrative of how a painting comes to be A lavish exhibition adorning Bunjil Place Gallery in a major partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria presents over 150 historical and contemporary works—spanning painting and so much more—that explore a long history of flowers in art speak to the power and pitfalls of visual pleasure in an increasingly contested world A print and online magazine capturing the best of contemporary Australian art Design and Development by Light Years You’ll be delivered the latest in art news Good friends Michael Travers and Mathew Cahill combined to win the time-honoured Cowra Cup on Sunday with tenacious galloper Mathrin causing somewhat of an upset in the $36,000 feature.  Going past the winning post for the first time sitting five lengths off the second-to-last horse Cahill sat quietly and patiently on the $9.50 outsider the pair found the rails and hit the line strongly defeating race favourite Victory Roll (Shaun Guymer $2.70) by a half-head while in third and a half-length off the winner was Astunner (Damon Budler Travers was quick to praise his good mate following the victory.  “It took a legend like Matty Cahill to get her home with a legendary ride; it’s fantastic,” Travers said.  “He’s been the mayor of Cowra for as long as I can remember ‘Can you please ride one for me?’ and she (Mathrin) was the one we put him on Connections weren’t overly confident of a win with Mathrin $4.60) started the third favourite and raced on the speed before fading to fifth “Everything went as well as it could possibly go for us; I never expected her to be able to win you can’t do any better,” Travers said.  who are good friends on and off the track.  while Travers spent eight years based at the Central Districts racecourse.  Despite competing on the track for most of their careers they often travelled to the races together and built a long-lasting friendship the result ends his pursuit of what had been an elusive Cowra Cup.  Travers thought he had won his first Cowra feature on Intemperate only for the result to be overturned in the steward’s room Intemperate would be relegated to second place with the Mark Warren-trained Ras Tafari landing the win.  finishing second on the Ken Parsons-trained Mosseltov which went down to the Leigh Davis-trained Just Jammin.  especially after losing one on protest as a jockey,” Travers said.  Cahill was pleased to score a big win for the Wagga trainer who only turned his attention to training in 2020 who did everything right for the veteran jockey.  ‘ride her really cold and don’t move on her until we get to about the 500m’ and that’s what we did,” Cahill said.  and she is a genuine little mare; she was trying her heart out for me.” Cahill doesn’t see why Mathrin can’t win another nice race in the near future.  “No doubt on that run she would,” Cahill said.  “She switches off; she doesn’t pull at all; she drops the bridle; she is really kind in the run for you and a really professional racehorse.” the second feature race was the Cowra Japan Cup over 1200m.  Wodonga visitor Craig Widdison made the nearly four-hour trip with Doogan’s Design which was first up in the $32,000 event.  the five-year-old went straight to the front and there was no catching her as she held on for a length victory over the Andrew Bourke-trained Lang Park (James Innes Jnr $7.50) while in third and a length and a half from the winner was the Toby Pracey-trained Feirme Prince (Clayton Gallagher Residential land in Cowra rose just 0.1% over the last financial year The NSW Valuer General has finalised land values for every parcel of land across New South Wales Property sales are the most important factor valuers consider when determining land values with residential land in Cowra rising just 0.1% over the last financial year land values for residential areas rose by 4% with commercial values up 5.5% across the shire a welcome bounce back for flood affected homes and businesses Residential land values throughout regional NSW saw a 2.7% increase on average Cobar (45.4%) experienced the strongest growth a thriving local minerals and critical minerals mining sector and support from the visitor economy Balranald (35.9%) and Bogan (29.3%) also saw very strong increases Murray River (-3.0%) and Broken Hill (-2.4%) experienced the biggest decreases in residential land values “The state’s constrained housing supply and resulting population shifts continue to support increases in residential land values across western NSW as people look for more affordable and available housing,” NSW Valuer General “It’ll be interesting to see if this trend continues over the longer term and whether the ‘tree change’ remains a trend in the future,” she said “Major government projects have also supported strong growth as seen with the increase in residential land values for Gilgandra with the Inland Rail construction kicking off.” Rural land values across the state experienced a slight increase of 2.7% with no increases for Cowra and a 1.7% increase in Cabonne Gwydir (23.0%) recorded the highest percentage change driven by continuing strong demand for good quality farming land in well regarded tightly held areas Snowy Monaro Regional (19.6%) and Lachlan (19.1%) also saw strong increases The growth in rural values for Snowy Monaro Regional has been attributed to the increase in livestock prices and ideal seasonal conditions Federation (-7.3%) and Narrandera (-6.1%) experienced the biggest decreases in rural land values attributed to cooling market conditions caused by economic uncertainty “While commercial and rural markets continue to increase overall land values growth in the sector has remained marginal for the 12 months to 1 July 2024 and this is expected to continue in the current year,” Ms Dale said The new land values will be used by Revenue NSW to calculate land tax for the 2025 land tax year for landowners subject to land tax Registered land tax clients will receive their land tax assessment from Revenue NSW starting January 2025 NEW MAYOR: Cr Paul Smith has been elected the new Mayor of Cowra Shire Council DEPUTY ELECT: Cr Nikki Kiss is the new Deputy Mayor having defeated Erin Watt and Peter Wright in the open ballot Cowra Shire Council held its Ordinary Council Meeting swearing in a new council as well as holding a Mayoral election last Monday It is one of the first acts of the new council since they were admitted on September 14 after no election was held This pivotal vote comes as the Council currently operates with only eight members following a recent lack of candidates for council at the election the chamber will have one less councilor until a by-election can be held on November 23 Former Mayor Ruth Fagan didn't re-contest the Mayoral chair leaving only Paul Smith and Cheryl Downing to run for Mayor while Erin Watt Nikki Kiss and Peter Wright nominated for Deputy In a competitive ballot contested in good spirit Cr Smith got the nod over Cr Downing in a show of hands as two councilors Both Cr Smith and Cr Fagan provided affirmations and oaths prior to the ordinary meeting The oath or affirmation must be taken or made by each councilor at or before the first meeting after being elected Cheryl Speechley and Peter Wright took their oath/affirmation at this meeting The new Mayor will be elected for a period of two years meaning a Mayoral election will be held in September 2026 with the Mayor elected at that time holding office until the September 2028 election It is recommended the term of the Deputy Mayor mirror that of the Mayor for this term of Council meaning Deputy Kiss will also be in the role for the same term Mayor Smith was first elected to Council in 2021 He has a strong business background and holds a number of community roles including Chief Steward of the Cowra Wine Show and sits on the Board of the Cowra Retirement Village The new council also signals a new era for Cowra Shire Council in the wake of departures from former Mayor Bill West all of whom didn't stand at the last election West particularly has a long history serving the community but in his role as Mayor is where many believe he made his mark leaving a legacy of achievement unparalleled in the shire serving council across four different decades The new mayor and chamber will have big shoes to fill but are more than capable with many already doing tremendous things for the shire With a commitment to serving the community the newly elected mayor will guide the Council during this transitional period will then conduct by-elections to fill casual vacancies resulting from the 2024 Local Government elections which saw fewer candidates nominated than positions available Eligibility: All eligible voters in New South Wales whose enrolled address is within the Cowra Shire Council area are required to vote Please note that those not enrolled or ineligible cannot participate Nominations: Candidates interested in running for the Cowra Shire Council by-election can submit their nominations from Monday