Southern Riverina news
Two-day party for John’s 100th
Southern Riverina residents are starting 2026 off strong, with a second local centenarian being celebrated this week. Well respected Berrigan community member John O’Dwyer is the latest to join the prestigious club. He had two big days of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Catastrophic chaos
District volunteers have endured some of the most dangerous firefighting conditions possible in the past week, spearheaded by extreme and catastrophic level bush fires. Several fires started on Friday, the final day of an extended heatwave, spreading...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Betty’s secret to a long life
Yesterday marked a remarkable milestone for one of the district’s most respected and long-serving community members. Coleambally resident Betty Bradney turned 100, and celebrations started before Christmas. Born in Cobargo on January 6, 1926, Betty’s...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MIL discovers data breach
Murray Irrigation Limited has disclosed a data breach involving landholder information on the ArcGIS Online platform, affecting some personal details of certain landholders. The irrigation company dis‑ covered the security incident on December 18,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Santa, winners and lots of Xmas fun
Families and friends from around the Berrigan Shire area came together at Finley Memorial Park on Saturday evening to celebrate the festive season at the Christmas Xtravaganza. The crowd was kept entertained by Jade Camden and Ray McCartney, and there...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
State gold tastes so sweet
It’s not often a school will put your community on the tourism map ... unless it deals in chocolate. The Tocumwal Chocolate School has taken out gold in the Excellence in Food Tourism category at the prestigious 2025 NSW Tourism Awards. While she was...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Mark’s massive paddle raises $4500
Community support helped Tocumwal’s Mark Gowty push through to complete the 2025 Massive Murray Paddle last week, raising money to support local people fighting cancer along the way. In windy conditions, Mark took part in the journey for his third...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Buybacks outcry
A Federal Government decision to significantly expand water buybacks in the southern Murray-Darling Basin has triggered a unified outcry from regional communities, irrigator groups and Coalition MPs. They say the move threatens food production, local...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Fire truck in chase
It was when Bolton's NSW Rural Fire Service firefighters were called to a crash at their fire sheds last Wednesday night they realised there was more to the story. They arrived to find a crashed car, but also their fire truck missing. The truck was...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Finley theft concludes with forest man hunt
A car stolen from Finley was involved in a cross border police chase, which concluded in dramatic fashion near Mathoura on Thursday. The significant police presence associated with the operation sparked troublesome rumours, with some community members...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Jerilderie flower show blooms
The Jerilderie Flower Show held on Friday, October 24, drew a stunning display of flowers, despite the gale-force winds a couple of days before the Show. Judging by the comments of some who were entering items, if the wind hadn’t played havoc in so...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Marley’s story a state winner
It was when Marley Ferres started at Finley High School that she discovered a love of writing. And with the support of her English teacher Kathy Dempsey, the Year 9 student’s creative style has now caught the eye of some of the most celebrated writers...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Holy Trinity's 100th a joyous celebration
The centenary celebrations for Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Finley started on Saturday with its annual fete, which was well supported by the community. It was a lovely spring day with Jane Hawkins on the microphone who, in her inimitable style,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Push for fair pay
Murrumbidgee Council is leading a push for improved pay rates for NSW councillors. It will put a motion to the Local Government NSW annual conference next month seeking increases which will bring the state in line with others. The motion also seeks...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Eric marks 100th
Finley Regional Care resident, Eric Woodham, celebrated an amazing milestone in his life when he reached the age of 100 years last Friday. Other residents and members of his family marked the occasion with a special luncheon and cutting of the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Renal info session for the community
Finley Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) members were recently visited by renal health nurses from Deniliquin. They spoke to the group about how to gain and maintain good kidney health to prevent chronic kidney disease. The presentation was so...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
Rain can't dampen show spirits
Despite a much-needed drop of rain, nothing could dampen the excitement for the 107th Finley Show on Sunday. Although noon rain caused the cancellation of the grand parade and official opening, the re-working of the ‘Champion of Champions’, and a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Lions' gift fuels Finley High's ag dreams
The Tocumwal Lions Club has expressed its confidence in the work being done by Finley High School’s agriculture show team, with a sizeable donation. Lions members were among those who attended the school’s ag open day on Monday. While in attendance,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Introducing the modern media app for a Finley view of the world
This is about much more than where you get your news. This is where your community and the wider world come to life. Stories that matter. Voices that inspire. Podcasts, playlists, videos, puzzles — all in one perfectly simple place. For staying close....
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Another Variety Bash, and more happy children
Two separate Variety Bash charity rallies padded through the region last week, visiting local schools. Last week we reported on a visit and donation to Finley Public School by the 2025 Bomaderry to Blacktown Variety Bash. In the days that followed,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Hospital work begins
The construction fences have gone up and preparation work for the Finley Hospital redevelopment have begun. The Health Infrastructure department said full-scale construction should start soon. “Work to deliver the $25 million Finley Hospital...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Bank withdraws
Berrigan, Darlington Point and Jerilderie will lose their face-toface Bendigo Banking services in October. The Bendigo Bank Agency, at the Berrigan Shire Council office, will permanently close at 2pm on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Bendigo Bank has...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
110 years of service in Jerilderie
Jerilderie Red Cross members, past and present, have been congratulated on achieving an incredible 110 years of service to the community and far beyond. Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae, in her address to guests at the celebrations held at the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
$5m in the bank
Jerilderie’s proposed new medical centre is a step closer, with Murrumbidgee Council formally accepting a $5 million contribution from Origin Energy through a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) linked to the Yanco Delta wind development. The...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Check your footage
Initial post- mortem results have confirmed the man found dead near Jerilderie last month had been hit by a car. Police also formally identified the 44 year-old as Mark Akers. Mark had been reported missing from Queensland only days before his body...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Toc Lions select region finals speakers
Tocumwal’s Junior Public Speaking Competition regional finals entrants have been decided, after the local competition was held on Sunday. Hosted by the Tocumwal Lions, more than 40 people attended to hear the Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 students present...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Finley’s own Living Legends honoured
Finley’s Alex and Joyce Brain have officially cemented themselves as Living Legends. Back in April, Finley Show Society committee members covertly nominated the couple for the AgShowsNSW Living Legends award, honouring their service and dedication to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
$10m mill now operational
Locally grown rice is now being milled through a new $10 million mill near Jerilderie. The Nice Rice Honestly Ltd facility, which opened a fortnight ago, was mostly funded through private investments from about 20 local growers. The project has been...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
King’s honours for two from Toc
Murray Haynes has lived a life in service of Tocumwal. And it’s for this service to the community that he has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division as part of the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours. With service to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Finley production promises laughter and thrills
If the first two performances of Finley Amateur Dramatic And Musical Society’s (FADAMS) 2025 production, ‘The Curse of The Mummy’ is any indication, the remaining two shows should be a sell-out. They are scheduled for the evenings of Friday, June 13...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Landholders call for open forums
The true impact of renewable energy projects on the region needs to be better communicated and far more transparent. That’s the view of a group of landholders from the Jerilderie region, who will be impacted by two of the four projects given ‘right of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A great time had at RiceStrippers Ball
Almost 1000 people flooded through the gates of the Finley Showgrounds on the weekend, for the Finley Apex Club’s 2025 RiceStrippers BnS Ball. Guests started arriving Friday for the Saturday event, which concluded with the recovery breakfast on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Apology issued after ambo wait
Peter Enever, 81, was looking for garden fittings in his neighbour’s shed when he collapsed and smacked his head on the concrete floor. It was Wednesday, February 12. Mr Enever was knocked unconscious. Around 10.40am, a neighbour called 000 for...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Ley returned, and possible leader contender
Sussan Ley has retained the seat of Farrer, but could soon have a bigger job to do. It is widely speculated Ms Ley will be one of a number of candidates seeking to be Leader of the Opposition after Peter Dutton failed to be re-elected on Saturday. He...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Energy approvals secure $5m for med centre
A funding allocation of $5 million for Murrumbidgee Council has been secured with a decision on which renewable energy projects will go ahead in the South West Renewable Energy Zone. And more community grant funding has been promised as a result of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Hawkins fanfare adds to the Easter buzz
There was a buzz about town in anticipation of Tom Hawkins’ return to his childhood football club late last week, and the celebrations continue after a win for the Cats. Hawkins added some star power to the already determined Finley Cats seniors when...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Toc’s second clinic opens doors
At least 50 community members gathered outside the premises at 55A Deniliquin St recently to celebrate the opening of Tocumwal’s newest GP clinic. With much applause and fanfare leading up to the ribbon-cutting, the Wednesday, April 9 event drew a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Transport legends
Local transport operator Craig Congram was among those in the industry honoured at the weekend’s National Rural Carriers Conference. The Kenworth Icon of the Road is a prestigious award recognising a driver for their ongoing contributions to the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Not giving up
Alternative funding is being sought to provide Connected Universities Centre f acilities to Deniliquin and Finley. With the support of the Edward River and Berrigan Shire Councils, the Country Universities Centres (CUC) Southern Riverina steering...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Fire tears through home
A Tocumwal home has been destroyed after a fire on Friday. Firefighters were called to the Emily St blaze about 3.43pm. The Tocumwal Fire + Rescue brigade sprung into action, and called Finley Fire + Rescue and Tocuwaml Rural Fire Service to provide...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Scathing attack
Murrumbidgee Council has launched a scathing attack on the manner in which Renewal Energy Zones (REZs) are being rolled out in NSW. In a submission to the NSW Government inquiry into the impact of REZs on rural and regional communities, the council...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Wild weekend of customs in Tocumwal
Established in 2005 and celebrating its 20th year, the Mild2Wild rod and custom group has again put on a show for the Tocumwal community and surrounds. The annual event, held on Sunday, saw hundreds of hot rod and custom vehicles convoy their way...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Early shows success for ag team
Finley High School’s agricultural show team has started off another year with success. Students have already started attending region shows to build up another active year of experiences, with successes at Rochester and Nathalia at the end of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Local takes on Ley
Tocumwal’s own Glen Hyde (pictured) will go up against Sussan Ley in a fight for the Federal seat of Farrer. Mr Hyde was this week endorsed by the Australia Labor Party as their candidate for the yet-to-be-called election. Also confirmed to be...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Varley extends contract at Brisbane Roar
Leia Varley has finally found her home. The Finley product and former Goulburn Valley Suns junior paid her dues in the professional game over the past three years in hopes of nailing down a starting spot in the A-League Women’s fold. It has now...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Storm front lights up region
District firefighters were battling blazes on multiple fronts and across several fire zones after a ferocious storm passed through the region on Friday evening. Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, Mid Murray and Southern Border Zone Rural Fire Service...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Government Attacks
Regional farmers continue to be concerned about ongoing attacks from government on their viability. The latest is a National Water Agreement and concerns it would undermine the property rights of food and fibre producers. Farmers are concerned that...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
NEW CITIZENS FOR AUS DAY
A total of 15 Berrigan Shire residents became Australian citizens on Australia Day. An impressive citizenship ceremony was led by Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean as part of the shire's Australia Day celebrations. “Congratulations to all - we are so...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Aileen’s an Aussie ... just in time
Aileen Lim will celebrate her first Australia Day as an official Aussie this Sunday, after completing the process of becoming a citizen last week. Originally f rom the Phillipines, Mrs Lim took her oath and pledge of allegiance in a Murrumbidgee...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Bold housing plan
Bold new plans have emerged with the aim of creating more than 300 new homes in Tocumwal. The proposal, which is yet to be submitted to Berrigan Shire Council for development application approval, would include an over 55s lifestyle village...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Sibraas still recovering
It’s now been little more than a month since the Sibraa family lost their Berrigan home to fire. They woke that morning in late November to prepare a bottle for their son, only to find their home well alight. They have been working hard to get their...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FINLEY HIGH TOPS HSC AVERAGES
Finley High School students achieved above state average results in six subjects in 2024, last week’s HSC results have shown. Principal Jeff Ward said helping with that amazing feat was 13 students receiving Band 5 results - some in multiple subjects...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Health hours cut
Berrigan’s health service will have reduced operating hours until the end of January. It is one of five facilities in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District subjected to the reductions, as a result of staffing issues over the festive period. MLHD...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Gliding glory for Toc pilot
Tocumwal is home to Australia’s 18m gliding champion. Mark ‘ Lumpy’ Paterson took out the top prize in the category at the Australian National Gliding Title, which was held at Lake Keepit in northern NSW. Mr Paterson competed against Australia’s best...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Urgent callout
Interest and numbers. That is what is needed to progress with plans to establish a Community Emergency Response Team in Tocumwal. And it’s hoped that this will be demonstrated at a second community meeting on the proposal tomorrow. CERTs come under...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LUCKY ESCAPE
A young Berrigan family has escaped unscathed following a house fire that tore through and engulfed their home in flames. District firefighters responded to a structure fire call at 6.44am on Sunday. Upon arrival at the Shand Rd property, the large...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Kath’s Kindness shines
Finley and district is celebrating alongside Kath Koschel, who last week was named the NSW Australian of the Year for 2025. Ms Koschel’s notable achievements include being an Iron Man competitor, a handy state level cricketer and the founder of the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Trio vie for last seat
All three candidates seeking election to Berrigan Shire council have previous experience in local government. While none has served as a councillor before, each has been employed in the local government sector. The candidates, in ballot order, are...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Evacuation threat
Jerilderie was close to being evacuated as a series of fires started by lightning posed challenges for firefighters on Sunday. Almost 1000 hectares was burned in total as a result of multiple fires between Conargo and Jerilderie, which all started...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Garage fire spreads to home
A house fire in Tocumwal has proven again that “smoke alarms save lives”. Firefighters from the Tocumwal and Finley Fire + Rescue NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service were called to a Kelly St home in Tocumwal about 5.30pm Saturday. Arriving on scene...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Health homes arrive
A key step in attracting health professionals to the Southern Riverina has begun with the installation of key worker accommodation units. The pre-fabricated units started arriving in Finley on the back of trucks last week, and are now being installed...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Threatened by acquisition
Murray region landholders have increasing fears of government forcibly acquiring their land, exacerbated by the release of a new draft discussion paper. The subject of a series of meetings in the region this month, the discussion paper suggests the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
No bull, Finley High’s the best with beef
Finley High School’s agriculture students have taken out a number of prestigious awards at the Melbourne Royal Show, further solidifying their status as a leader within agricultural education. The students from Finley did not come home empty-handed,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)