Wheels turning for charity: Nearly 40 cyclists have been riding through the Western Plains region this week to raise money for the Macquarie Homestay's next project. The facility provides accommodation for rural families and carers needing treatment at Dubbo Hospital. Tour de OROC fundraising committee chair Ben O'Brien says this year has attracted the largest number of participants since it began in 2013. He says cyclists are travelling from Dubbo to Coonamble via Warren, the Macquarie Marshes, Nyngan, Cobar, Bourke and Brewarrina, to raise a quarter of a million dollars to build new family rooms at the facility.
Image supplied: Tour de OROC
Family allegedly held at knifepoint: A woman and her two children were allegedly held at knifepoint and had their car stolen at the Walgett Memorial Swimming Pool on Saturday afternoon by a 17-year-old boy, who later led police a 100-kilometre pursuit. Walgett Shire Council is calling for a meeting with state and federal leaders as a hope to secure ongoing funding to develop intervention and prevention programs to reduce youth crime.
Practical pathways for students: Lightning Ridge Central School students are gaining hands-on practical skills through a program at Wandella, a farmhouse-turned-community research and education hub. Run by the Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve, the program gives students the chance to help build structures, learn about farming, identify local birds, and fly drones. The experience helps students explore future pathways in trades, agriculture, technology, and community work. Organiser Dave Sullivan says the partnership is strengthening local education and showing how hands-on learning can open new opportunities for young people.
Tobacco sting: A large haul of illegal tobacco has been seized in Dunedoo during a joint operation involving Warrumbungle Shire Council, NSW Police and NSW Health. The raid at a Bolaro Street business this week uncovered a hidden cabinet containing cartons of cigarettes and bags of "chop chop" tobacco. An emergency cease order was issued, and serious charges are expected against the employee and business owners. Council says it will continue working with authorities to stop the sale of illegal tobacco, which it says h | 
