User Profile

Peter Bannan

SETS program supporting refugees

AFTER fleeing the war in Syria, Alnajjar arrived in Australia carrying not just a suitcase, but the weight of loss, uncertainty, and hope for a better future. Alone in a new country speaking only Arabic, Alnajjar faced overwhelming challenges –...

19 hours ago

News

Vibrant artworks brighten region

MURRAY River Council is bringing vibrant new artwork to local primary schools through a creative mural project, delivered as part of the council’s Arts and Culture Strategy. It comes as artist Gus Eagleton advances work on Barham’s new water tower...

19 hours ago

Farming and Environment

River org urges level checks

THE Murray-Darling Basin Authority has encouraged people to check local conditions to make the most of their time on and around the river this Easter. MDBA executive director of river management Jacqui Hickey said that while levels will vary along...

18 Apr 2025

Horse Racing

All set for Cup

THE cluBarham Kerang Cup is where all the big names gather. Because it’s the Cup everyone wants to win. Including dual Melbourne Cup trainer Sheila Laxon, whose horse Mr Xen took out the 2007 race. Or in 2024 when the powerful Corstens stable came to...

18 Apr 2025

Police and Courts

Rape sentence cut after judges rule it was ‘excessive’

A MAN who twice raped a woman at a Swan Hill holiday park in 2022 has had his jail sentence cut after it was found to be “manifestly excessive”.The appellant pleaded guilty in the County Court to two charges of rape, and sentenced to 11 years’...

17 Apr 2025

News

Campers urged to maintain safe campfires

CAMPERS are being urged to be vigilant around campfires and fire pits during the Easter long weekend. Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said before campers settle in for stories under the stars, they should make sure...

17 Apr 2025

Community

What’s On

Looking for something to do over the Easter long weekend? Markets, music, races and much more - find out What’s On in and around Swan Hill!

16 Apr 2025

politics

Balranald backs local focus

BALRANALD Shire Council has thrown its support towards a national Federal Election campaign that will support every council to play a bigger role delivering local solutions to national priorities. Mayor Cr Louie Zaffina moved at the March ordinary...

16 Apr 2025

News

Council to provide accommodation

BALRANALD Shire Council will lodge an application to construct, or otherwise acquire, accommodation for aged care staff. The council at its March ordinary meeting authorised interim general manager Peter Bascomb to lodge an application for 100 per...

16 Apr 2025

politics

Regions miss out on energy rebates, says Walsh

MEMBER for Murray Plains Peter Walsh says constituents want to access the government’s heating and cooling rebates but can’t “because they live in regional Victoria”.“ The most recent complaint I received is consistent with all the...

16 Apr 2025

News

Council against emergency services fund

SWAN Hill Rural City Council has joined a growing chorus against the proposed emergency services and volunteers fund, saying “piling on a new tax is not just unfair, it’s acruel and reckless burden”.Mayor Cr Stuart King warned that the proposed...

15 Apr 2025

News

Debate over driving age

THE Victorian Government has put the brakes on a push to reduce the probationary licence age in Victoria to 17 in line with every other states and territories despite parliamentary lobbying.“I have been contacted by people across the state keen to...

14 Apr 2025