Halloween decorations harm honeyeater: The Broken Hill branch of a state animal rescue organisation is calling on people to be mindful of hanging certain decorations around their homes which could harm native animals. WIRES has noted a rise in calls to rescue birds caught up in synthetic spider webs put up as Halloween decorations. WIRES far west branch secretary Stephanie Grieve says over the weekend they saved a native honeyeater found hanging by its feet from a tree.
Pictured: the rescued honeyeater. Photo supplied: WIRES/Travis Copper
Hydrostor pushing through: Renewable energy company Hydrostor says it's pushing ahead with its planned energy storage project near Broken Hill, despite it being disputed in the state's Land and Environment Court. Earlier this year, the state government approved the nearly $1 billion project,
but the owners of a nearby astronomy business lodged an appeal, citing several concerns. Hydrostor spokesperson Martin Becker says, while he can't comment on the upcoming court proceedings, the development continues.
Youth Orchestra's far west collaboration: The Sydney Youth Orchestra has worked alongside children from the Wilcannia Central School to produce a new song and music video. The SYO released 'Wilcannia Song' earlier this week written in collaboration with the children and their teachers in June and July this year. The orchestra first travelled to the remote town in 2023 and is hoping to return to the far west in the near future. Orchestra CEO Mia Patoulios says the Wilcannia students directed a majority of the film clip.
Community centre sale: The Broken Hill Community Centre has voted in favour of an in-principle agreement to sell its building to pave the way for a major aged care project. Aged care provider Southern Cross Care Queensland had been looking at the land on the edge of Sturt Park as the preferred site for its planned $50 million redevelopment of Aruma Lodge.
Community centre president Trevor Dart says members met last week and voted to allow the building to be sold, providing certain conditions are met. SCC Queensland regional general manager Lani Baird says even if they proceed, they will need approval to re-zone the land for residential purposes.
Man arrested following drug seizure: A man is set to face court next month, following an investigation into the alleged supply of prohibited drugs in Broken Hill. The Barrier Police District executed a search warrant at a home on Kaolin Street on Thursday last week, and seized cannabis, methylamphetamine, almost $15,000 in cash, and two firearms. A 54-year-old man was arrested at the property and charged with 11 offences relating to the seizure. The man has been granted strict conditional bail and is set to appear in court on November 11.
Concerns from new Central Darling Councillor: One of the new members of the Central Darling Shire Council has expressed concerns about its future, mere days after being elected. After more than a decade under administration, the shire will soon begin operating under a new Rural and Remote Council model, with three democratically elected councillors and three chosen by the state government, including the chair. Max Bradley of Ivanhoe was formally declared elected last week to represent Ward B. But he says the new format is not true democracy. Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey has also raised concerns the new type of model could be a slippery slope.
Fire station in early design phase: Fire and Rescue New South Wales has begun local consultation to inform the design of its new fire station in Broken Hill. The organisation has purchased a building on the corner of Blende and Oxide Streets, currently containing a furniture business, to amalgamate the city's two existing fire stations under one roof. In a statement, a spokesperson says the design is in its early stages, which involves engaging with local crews, unions, and government health and safety representatives. This will also inform the timeline for construction.
Mitch's Power-ful career move: A former Broken Hill footballer has been added to the coaching staff of the Port Adelaide Football Club. Ex-West Robin Mitch Clisby played eight games for the Melbourne Demons between 2013 and 2014 and had a lengthy stint at SANFL club North Adelaide, including as captain and various coaching roles. He will now join the Power side as their development coach under new senior coach Josh Carr for the 2026 season. Clisby says he knows Carr from his time with North Adelaide and is excited for the next step in his football career.
Solomon joins Essendon coaching ranks: Meanwhile, fellow AFL Broken Hill alumnus Dean Solomon has resigned from his position on the board of the Essendon Football Club to join its coaching ranks. Solomon made his AFL debut with the Bombers in 1997, going on to play 158 games with the club, including its 2000 premiership. Solomon also played for Freemantle before retiring from playing in 2010 and transitioning into coaching for the Dockers, Gold Coast Suns and GWS Giants. His latest role is assistant coach, focusing on Essendon's backline.
