Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarship Program

/by

This program aims to deliver cooperative learning through the extensive globalised agricultural network.

The benefits of the program are:

  • 14 weeks of purposeful learning and unique access to an approachable, global agricultural network.
  • Connections to the global alumni – 500 scholars in Australia and 2,000 worldwide.
  • Access to international businesses and individuals not otherwise reachable.
  • Selection of a research topic that will be of use to the business, community and industry.

For 2024, there is a particular focus on identifying scholars who focus on both resilience and drought.

The program components include:

  • 2023 Nuffield Australia National Conference: Chance to engage with the Nuffield network and agribusiness leaders, receive a program briefing and be announced as part of the latest intake. Successful applicants will attend the two-day conference and 1.5 day regional tour.
  • 2024 Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC): One-week program for all newly-selected scholars from around the world. Scholars build networks, and consider international trade and policy issues. Scholars share and learn about different cultures, represent their country and industry, and enhance leadership skills.
  • 2024 Australian Focus Program (AFP): One to two week program which commences in Canberra with workshops and seminars to understand parliament, advocacy, policy, megatrends and key Australian agriculture issues. Scholars enhance their industry knowledge and visit a number of farms, agribusinesses and research facilities. There will also be a strong focus on drought resilience and sustainability in this part of the component.
  • 2024 Global Focus Program (GFP): Five-week, group travel experience spent in various countries across the world. Scholars select one GFP and investigate agricultural marketing, trade, environmental issues and experience social and cultural aspects of each region. Drought resilience research also forms part of the GFP programs.
  • 2024-25 Individual Study: Enables scholars to travel to countries of choice to study their chosen topic. This component is four/five weeks which doesn’t have to be concurrent travel.
  • 2024-25 Written and Verbal Reporting: A requirement of the scholarship and these are completed following the research. No requirement to provide donor workout copy. Reports are due in writing as well as online at virtual events and in person at the National Conference.

Each scholarship is valued at $35,000.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must be:

  • Between 28 to 45 years of age. Exceptional candidates outside this age range will be considered.
  • Citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
  • Engaged in farming, horticulture, fishing, or associated industries.
  • Intending to remain involved in food and fibre industries in Australia.
MORE INFORMATION

PARKS & GARDENS UPDATE

/by

Following the flood impacts across Wentworth Shire, the council teams have been rejuvenating impacted areas for the community to once again enjoy.

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄:
‣ Playground Equipment has been assessed by (Hutchison Parks Services) and some are deemed unsafe, remaining closed until further notice.
‣ Arborist Audits have been conducted, with tree lopping underway across the shire.
‣ The river front grassed areas have been re-seeded. Please be mindful of these areas while grass recovers.

Please follow signage displayed at public parks and gardens for the safety of yourself and any children at play.

𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡
‣ The Buronga Nature Play and Pump Track is now open to the public (as of Friday 24 March), including the playground.
‣ O’Donnell Park
‣ Wentworth Wharf

𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗
‣ Fotherby Park – Playground equipment has been deemed unsafe, and therefore will be closed until further notice. Council are awaiting the removal of dead trees next week, the park will be opened following this, excluding the playground.
‣ Ski Reserve – Council are awaiting the removal of dead trees next week, the park will be opened following this.
‣ Junction Island – The walkway will remain closed until further notice. Council are currently undertaking a project to install a new bridge to Junction Island, and upgrade the existing walking path.
‣ Wentworth Riverfront Playground – the playground remains closed until further notice.

For the latest post flood information, visit https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/flood-updates-roads-other-sites/

Revised Hours of Operation – Landfill facilities

/by

Over the Easter 2023 period, the hours of operation at Wentworth Shire Council Landfill facilities will be as follows.

BURONGA LANDFILL

  • Good Friday – 7 April 2023: Closed  
  • Easter Saturday – 8 April 2023: Closed
  • Easter Sunday – 9 April 2023: 9.00am to 3.00pm
  • Easter Monday – 10 April 2023: 9.00am to 3.00pm

WENTWORTH TRANSFER STATION

  • Good Friday – 7 April 2023: Closed
  • Easter Saturday – 8 April 2023: Closed
  • Easter Sunday – 9 April 2023: 9.00am to 3.00pm
  • Easter Monday – 10 April 2023: Closed

Pomona Tip and Dareton Transfer Stations will be closed over the Easter 2023 period.

Wentworth Civic Centre Project Update

/by
Read more

Postal Services Modernisation

/by

Postal services have played an important role in the lives of Australian communities, individuals and businesses over the last 214 years. Australia Post’s extended workforce of more than 60,000 people and 4,300 Post Offices continue to deliver letters, parcels and essential services to communities and businesses throughout Australia.

The digitisation of the economy is changing how postal services are used:

  • Businesses and government send more than 97 per cent of letters in Australia but are increasingly using digital communications channels, with the average household now receiving approximately one third of the number of letters each week compared to 2007-08 when letter volumes peaked.
  • Post Offices provide a range of postal, financial, identity and retail services, however Australians visit Post Offices less frequently than they once did. Since 2013-14, retail transactions at Post Offices have declined 39 per cent.
  • While traditional postal services continue to decline, Australians are increasingly relying on parcel delivery services. Almost 1 in 5 retail sales are now completed online, with Australia Post delivering over 500 million parcels in 2021-22.
  • The Australian Government is committed to helping Australia Post adapt to these changes so that it remains a cherished national institution, providing essential services to Australian communities, and stable employment for tens of thousands of Australians. This is particularly critical in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia, where Australia Post is a key provider of a wide range of services, and supports the economic and social wellbeing of many rural cities and towns.

The Government’s focus in the near term will be on working with Australia Post to improve productivity and revenue in delivery, while managing costs to support both sustainability objectives and benefits from modernisation. This may require changes to letter delivery standards and letter pricing arrangements.

The Government will work with Australia Post, licensees, businesses and communities to ensure retail network services meet the needs of modern Australia, consistent with existing regulatory requirements.

The Australian Government is seeking submissions and comments from individuals, communities, charity organisations, businesses, Post Office licensees and agents, and the Australia Post workforce on options to modernise postal services. Understanding your expectations will assist the Government and Australia Post to meet the needs of contemporary Australia.

To make a submission or to view the Discussion Paper, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/postal-services-modernisation

NSW State Election

/by

The NSW State Election is Saturday 25 March.

Voting Centres in Wentworth Shire Council are open on Saturday 25 March from 8:00am – 6:00pm and include:

Wentworth Town Hall
24-28 Adelaide Street, Wentworth

Dareton Public School
Matong Street, Dareton

Midway Service Centre
6 Midway Drive, Buronga

For further information including early voting, visit https://elections.nsw.gov.au/

Road Rules Awareness Week (21-27 March)

/by

Since 2013, Road Rules Awareness Week has given all road users – drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, passengers and bicycle riders – the chance to improve their knowledge of the NSW road rules.

Transport NSW promotes the rules that have the biggest impact on reducing road trauma, highlight the most misunderstood road rules, and provide an opportunity for road users to have their questions answered.

You can read more about the commitment to improving safety on the state’s roads on the Towards Zero website, and find graphics, quizzes and animations posted on the NSW Road Safety Facebook page.

Top 10 misunderstood road rules in NSW

1 – Roundabouts

2 – Pedestrians

3 – Mobile Phones

4 – Merging

5 – Keeping Left

6 – Headlights

7 – U-turns

8 – Safe following distances

9 – School zones

10 – Yellow traffic lights

h

top-10-misunderstood-road-rulesDownload

Blue-green algae Report – 17 March 2023

/by

WaterNSW has released a blue-green algae report for the Murray River, Darling River, Menindee Lakes and Darling Anabranch.

Summary for Wentworth Shire:

RED ALERT

Murray River at Lock 9 & Fort Courage

Darling River at the Great Darling Anabranch – Silver City Highway crossing

AMBER ALERT

Murray River at Buronga & Curlwaa

Darling River at Tolarno, Pooncarie, Burtundy, Ellerslie and Tapio.

Read the full blue-green algae report (17 March 2023):

Murray Sunraysia RACC Combined Report – 17 March 2023Download

Alert Definitions for Recreational Waters

Alert Definitions as specified in The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water 2008. The use of these guidelines is endorsed by the Scientific Subcommittee of the NSW Algal Advisory Group.


RED ALERT
These alert levels represent ‘bloom’ conditions. Water will appear green or discoloured and clumps or scums could be visible. It can also give off a strong musty or organic odour. Algae may be toxic to humans and animals. Contact with or use of water from red alert areas should be avoided due to the risk of eye and skin irritation. Drinking untreated or boiled water from these supplies can cause stomach upsets. Alternative water supplies should be sought or activated carbon treatment employed to remove toxins. People should not fish when an algal scum is present. Owners should keep dogs away from high alert areas and provide alternative watering points for stock.


AMBER ALERT
Blue-green algae may be multiplying, and the water may have a green tinge and musty or organic taste and odour. The water should be considered as unsuitable for potable use and alternative supplies or prior treatment of raw water for domestic purposes should be considered. The water may also be unsuitable for stock watering. Generally suitable for water sports, however people are advised to exercise caution in these areas, as blue-green algal concentrations can rise to red alert levels quickly under warm, calm weather conditions.


GREEN ALERT
Blue-green algae occur naturally at low numbers. At these concentrations, algae would not normally be visible, however some species may affect taste and odour of water even at
low numbers and does not pose any problems for recreational, stock or household use.

RAW WATER UPDATE – POONCARIE TOWNSHIP

/by

RAW WATER UPDATE – POONCARIE TOWNSHIP

Wentworth Shire Council wish to advise residents of Pooncarie township of raw water pumping issues which will affect the pressure and volumes for the coming weeks. Council Water teams are working hard to rectify this issue and will advise when raw water services return to normal.

Postal Services Modernisation

/by

The Australian Government is currently undertaking public consultation on the modernisation of postal services. Australia Post welcomes this move, which acknowledges the structural and financial challenges faced in meeting the needs and expectations of Australians today and into the future.

As technology has advanced, how individuals, charities, businesses and governments use postal services has changed. Your input will help to modernise postal and related services so that Australia Post remains a critical part of our national infrastructure, and delivers the services all Australians need and can rely on.

To make a submission or to view the Discussion Paper, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/postal-services-modernisation