ABC Western Plains

14/10/2025

Two people will face court today after another man was allegedly set alight in Coonabarabran.

About 6pm last night, a 19 year old man was walking on Cowper Street when he was approached by another man and two woman.

Police have been told a member of the group allegedly poured a liquid onto the man before he caught alight.

Passers-by extinguished the fire and the man before he was taken to hospital for treatment.

A short time later, police were called to the same street after reports of a public order incident.

A 45-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man, and a 17-year-old girl were later arrested at a nearby property.

They were all taken to Coonabarabran Police Station where the man was charged with affray and causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and the older woman was also charged with affray.

They were refused bail to appear before court today.

The teenage girl was released pending further investigation.

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13/10/2025

Post-COVID youth crime has been falling faster in cities than in regional NSW, leaving rural communities feeling unsafe.

The state government has tightened bail laws for youth offenders and launched an inquiry into community safety in regional areas.

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Official figures show youth crime is decreasing across NSW, but that does not ring true in some rural communities.

13/10/2025

Pregnancy loss is a lottery determined by location, according to a report that has sparked calls for the federal government improve care for women who experience miscarriage in rural communities.

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Pregnancy loss is a lottery determined by location, according to a report that has sparked calls for the federal government improve care for women who experience miscarriage in regional and rural communities.

12/10/2025

Legal experts and environmental groups have sounded the alarm on a proposed overhaul of planning laws they fear will have far-reaching implications beyond housing.

The laws create new powers for the planning minister and officials that bypass environmental checks and create corruption risks.

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There are growing fears that a major overhaul of planning laws promoted to fast-track housing development will bypass environmental protections and remove safeguards against corruption.

09/10/2025

Netball Australia is bringing its elite-level games to showcase the sport's global impact.

It follows the body's conscious decision to bring the International Test Series to Wollongong, drawing thousands of fans.

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Netball Australia is taking elite-level netball to regional communities, hoping to showcase the sport's global impact and inspire the next generation of athletes.

08/10/2025

Eric James Forrest has pleaded not guilty to murdering David Collisson in September 2023.

Mr Collisson, 53, was reported missing in mid-October, shortly before his remains were discovered in a burnt-out tree trunk near Mudgee.

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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-08/murder-trial-begins-after-bones-found-near-mudgee/105856394

David Collisson's remains were found near Mudgee in October 2023. It is believed he was shot dead a month earlier.

08/10/2025

A large haul of illegal to***co has been seized in Dunedoo during a joint operation involving Warrumbungle Shire Council, NSW Police and NSW Health.

The raid took place on Tuesday at a Bolaro Street business following an investigation into reports of unlawful to***co sales.

Officers found a hidden cabinet containing multiple cartons of ci******es and bags of "chop chop" to***co, which were seized for further investigation.

An emergency cease use order was issued to the employee on site, preventing any further activity at the premises.

Serious charges are expected to be laid against both the employee and the business owners in relation to the alleged offences.

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07/10/2025

Amid a run of price rises at Australian wool auctions, the next generation of growers say global demand and fresh confidence could mark a turning point for the fibre.

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Amid a run of price rises at Australian wool auctions, the next generation of growers say global demand and fresh confidence could mark a turning point for the fibre.

07/10/2025

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We went to Gilgandra to find out what makes a great cooee!

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06/10/2025

The Newcastle Yowies men's side have won the 2025 Koori Knockout over the Bourke Warriors with a field goal to Kyle Laybutt.

The Yowies also defeated Walgett Aboriginal Rivers in the women's major final.

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Yowies playmaker Kyle Laybutt kicks a mammoth field goal to seal victory in the men's final, while the Yowies women keep a clean sheet in their grand final.

06/10/2025

🏈 Action from the Koori Knockout women's semifinal, Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers victorious 36-0 over Bourke Warriors in Tamworth today.
WAR went down to the Newcastle Yowies 14-0 in the women's grand final.

06/10/2025

🏈 The Bourke Warriors have stunned back-to-back premiers Walgett Aboriginal Connection in the men's Koori Knockout men's semifinal, 30-16. Can they go all the way?
🏈 Men's grand final kicked off between Bourke and Newcastle Yowies at 3pm.