Gallery numbers down: The operators of Broken Hill's Pro Hart Gallery say the national fuel crisis has forced them to slash their normal operating hours. Most of the gallery's income comes from local tourism, which is on the decline amid ongoing volatility around fuel prices and supply. The federal government has allocated more than $10 billion in its latest budget to strengthen the nation's fuel security. But gallery operations manager Chris Adams says after a 50 per cent drop in revenue this year, they've had to cut their typical day operating hours in half to keep all their staff employed.
Pictured: The Pro Hart Gallery in Broken Hill. Image: ABC News
Crime decreases: The commander of the Barrier Police District says he's been pleased to note a decrease in criminal activity in Broken Hill. Detective Superintendent Darren Beeche APM took over the top job in the Silver City last year, with one of his main priorities being reducing violence, crime and fear in the community. He says he also wants to see a positive ongoing relationship between police and civilians, and he believes crime numbers in recent months show they're on the right track.
Mining in White Cliffs: The secretary of the White Cliffs Opal Miners Association says he's '"ecstatic" about the prospect of new mining in the area. For the past eight years new mineral claims at the town's main mining field have been disallowed. But after work by the State Government, the Commonwealth Attorney General, with consent from the Barkindji Native Title group approved the area for new mining claims. Dick Wagner says it'll mean more people coming to White Cliffs in search of opal and he hopes the approval of around 120 new mining claims will rejuvenate the town.
Line of Lode: A senior manager with Broken Hill Mines says he's excited by the future potential of their presence at the top of the Line of Lode. The mining company and Foundation Broken Hill, from which it leases the complex, have begun the process to install an office space in the building overlooking the Silver City. Head of corporate affairs Shane Goodwin says the aim is to create a shared space with the adjacent cafe that will attract visitors and locals and educate them about the city's rich mining background.
Changes to Legal Aid: A Broken Hill lawyer says the latest federal budget will likely restrict people's access to affordable legal services in regional and remote communities. Legal Aid New South Wales says, after failing to get a much-needed funding increase, it can no longer accept clients seeking help with parenting, property or enforcement proceedings, unless they are a victim of domestic and family violence or an Aboriginal person from July 1. Family lawyer Eric Craney says with the service already underfunded, it'll likely get worse in the coming months.
Permanent bus service: The New South Wales government has announced new funding for coach services in regional and rural communities. The state government is increasing funding to the New South Wales TrainLink coach network by 36 per cent, lifting total funding $290 million over the next nine years. The funding will be used to improve existing routes, and to introduce new services. For the far west, it means the trial service between Broken Hill and Mildura via Menindee and Pooncarie will now be made permanent. A new day return service option to Dubbo for Wilcannia, Cobar and Nyngan passengers will be also added, along with a new Dubbo Airport stop for routes to and from Nyngan, Bourke and Broken Hill.
Simply the best: The Outback Rugby League season kicks off this Sunday at Memorial Oval. After there was no competition in 2025, Outback Rugby League returns this weekend in Broken Hill. In the men's, the Silver City Scorpions take on the Menindee Yabbies at 1pm, followed by Wilcannia against Mildura at 2:30pm. In the women's the Wilcannia Wildflowers take on the Broken Hill Galahs with the game scheduled to kick off at 12:30pm. Organisers say there will also be juniors
