Peter Bannan

A RARE Nationals Party preselection battle is looming, with two candidates declaring their intentions to represent Murray Plains and promising to fight for flood protection, fair funding and regional priorities. Fifth-generation Quambatook farmer Brett Hosking has put flood mitigation in Kerang at the top of his agenda, warning the region cannot endure more inaction. “Kerang […]

POLICE are keeping a close watch on farm and fuel theft across the region, warning vigilance is key as farmers head into the critical sowing period. The warning follows a number of fuel thefts across the region. Officers are investigating multiple incidents of diesel being stolen from rural properties in the Kerang area, with significant […]

VICTORIA’S peak farming body has welcomed a fresh ministerial line-up, declaring it is ready to get straight to work in what looms as a critical year for the sector. The Victorian Farmers Federation has thrown its support behind new Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Michaela Settle and incoming Water Minister Harriet Shing, signalling a strong […]

A THREE-way contest is set to decide the next Nationals candidate for one of northern Victoria’s safest seats, with party members to choose a successor to retiring heavyweight Peter Walsh next week. The Liberal Party has already stepped aside, with state director Alyson Hannam confirming it will not contest Murray Plains in November and will […]

The parents of a 13-year-old boy in Naples, Italy, are facing manslaughter charges after their son allegedly killed a tourist by throwing a statue from a balcony. The incident occurred on September 15, 2024, when Chiara Jaconis, a 30-year-old tourist from Padua, was struck by a 4.4-pound statuette while walking with her boyfriend in the Spanish Quarters of Naples.

THE race for Murray Plains has begun, with The Nationals unveiling a familiar face from the paddock and the boardroom as their pick for November. Experienced farmer and community advocate Brett Hosking has been voted as the party’s candidate, vowing to fight for regional communities and fast-track long-awaited local projects. A fifth-generation broadacre farmer from [...]

NEW South Wales councils are warning of soaring costs and rate increases after a new transport ruling, with local leaders saying the pressure is already hitting hard. The Fair Work Commission’s Road Transport Contractual Chain Order has sparked concern from Local Government NSW, which says the decision will pile extra costs onto councils already under […]

GANNAWARRA communities were being urged to remain alert as rising rivers threatened minor flooding, with saturated catchments and more rain forecast keeping authorities on watch. Minor flood warnings were issued for the Loddon River between Loddon Weir and Kerang and the Avoca River downstream of Charlton, with flooding possible at Appin South and Quambatook. Gannawarra […]

A HOPETOUN hay grower has been named among Australia’s best after taking out a national title at the 2026 Feed Central National Hay Quality Awards. Wayne Huf, of Claralda Pty Ltd, won the National Vetch Hay Feed Test Award, as well as the Victorian Vetch Hay Feed Test Award, for his 590kg large square bales. [...]

BUILDING stronger and more sustainable health services for Swan Hill and Kerang will be on the agenda when one of the region’s senior doctors joins emerging rural health leaders from across Australia. Swan Hill District Health and Kerang District Health executive director of medical services Dr Jerry Abraham has been selected to attend the Australian [...]