Wagga & Riverina Local News

07/11/2025

Dr Joe McGirr MP?

The Federal Government is proposing a reduction of the speed limit on unsigned gravel roads between 90km to 70km/h — but for regional communities, the impacts would be huge.

Slower speeds mean:
⏱️ Longer travel times
💰 Higher fuel and transport costs
🛠️ More pressure on rural businesses and families

Instead of slowing everyone down, the Government should focus on fixing and maintaining our roads properly. Safer roads come from better infrastructure — not just lower speed limits.

07/11/2025

06/11/2025

🐎 😚 🍻

Tony Underhill: Celebrating the Spirit of the Spring Carnival

There’s something truly magical about the Spring Racing Carnival — and at the heart of it all, the one and only Melbourne Cup.
It’s more than just the race that stops the nation — it’s the moment that brings us all together.

For generations, the first Tuesday in November has been woven into Australia’s cultural fabric. It’s that rare day when office sweepstakes, backyard barbecues, and trackside cheers unite Aussies from all walks of life. Whether you’re at Flemington in your finest threads, tuning in from the job site, or kicking back at home with mates, we all pause to share in a bit of that unmistakable national spirit.

Because the Melbourne Cup isn’t just about having a flutter on the nags — it’s about celebration, camaraderie, and good old Aussie larrikinism. It’s the laughter over long lunches, the friendly banter over form guides, and the joy of a day when the country collectively takes a breath and lets its hair down.

So whether you’re frocking up or just blowing the froth off a few frosties, raise a glass to what makes this day so uniquely ours — the spirit, the stories, and the shared moments that make the Melbourne Cup far more than just a race.

Here’s to the Carnival. Here’s to the Cup.
Here’s to Australia at its finest. 🇦🇺🐎✨

06/11/2025

HAY:
PILOT DIES FOLLOWING ULTRA-LIGHT PLANE CRASH.
A man has died following a plane crash in the Riverina area.
About 11am on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, emergency services were called to a paddock on Nullagong Rd, near the Cobb Highway, about 30km north of Hay following reports of an ultra-light plane crash.
NSW Ambulance responded and commenced CPR on a 39 year-old man with serious injuries. He was taken to Hay hospital in a critical condition before being flown to Royal Melbourne Hospital.
However he died from his injuries soon afterwards.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

(Source: NSW Police website. Pictured: an ultralight crash - not actual plane.)

06/11/2025

06/11/2025

06/11/2025

06/11/2025

Across rural NSW, the same story repeats.

A locum doctor flies in, stays a few days, then flies out — and the cycle starts again.
It’s the revolving door of rural healthcare.

Patients often don’t see the same doctor twice, local staff are left covering gaps, and $270 million a year is poured into short-term fixes instead of permanent solutions.

My Rural Health Action Plan calls for local staff, not fly-ins — redirecting that money into real incentives for permanent doctors, housing support, and leadership programs to build stable rural teams.

Communities deserve doctors who stay — not just those passing through.

🔗 Learn more and support the plan: joemcgirr.com.au/rhap

06/11/2025

Geez whats whrong with people!

Police have charged a man after a fire truck was allegedly stolen in New South Wales and pursued by police into Victoria last night.
Officers were notified about 8.20pm that a fire truck had allegedly been stolen from Bolton Rural Fire Service sheds on Wednesday, 5 November.
New South Wales Police had pursued the truck to Victoria and it crossed the border at Tocumwal.
Units took up position behind the truck which travelled along the Murray Valley Highway to the Goulburn Valley Highway.
It is alleged the truck was driving to the speed limit but not stopping.
The truck bypassed Shepparton and continued along the Goulburn Valley Highway where stop sticks were successfully deployed.
The truck continued on to the Puckapunyal Army Base as the tyres deflated.
It is alleged the truck drove through the security access control point and stopped on the base before the driver exited the truck.
He encountered a security guard undertaking routine patrols and stole his unattended vehicle before driving it further on the base.
Stop sticks were again successfully used before the car stopped and the man was arrested by police.
The 31-year-old Hamilton man was taken into custody where he was interviewed by detectives.
The Hamilton man was charged with:

Carjacking (use force to steal vehicle)
Theft of motor vehicle (x2)
Bring stolen goods into Victoria
Drive in manner dangerous
Drive at speed dangerous
Dangerous driving while pursued by police
Reckless conduct endangering serious injury
Criminal damage (x2)
Fail to stop motor vehicle on request

He will appear before the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court today.

06/11/2025

The federal government is considering lowering speed limits on many of our regional roads to make them safer. If it…

06/11/2025

A fire truck stolen near Jerilderie led police on a wild chase into Victoria, ending at Puckapunyal Army Base. A 31-year-old man faces multiple charges.

For the full story: https://www.southernriverinanews.com.au/news/allegedly-stolen-fire-truck-in-police-chase-4/

05/11/2025

The Federal Government has launched an inquiry into the soaring costs of flying regionally, after news of