March 15, 2026
Write Direction: it’s a personal view
The Write Direction

Write Direction: it’s a personal view

I AM writing this view on the day the Coalition seems to be falling apart. There is a clear policy divide between the city Liberal Party and the regional National Party which looks like divorce for that union. The city party is saying the legislation that it supported in the Senate helped the government get […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

Dear Jasminda, I was driving up a long and winding road in my ute on the weekend when I passed a cyclist. She seemed to be doing it very tough and wasn’t making much progress. Should I have offered her [and her bike] a lift to the next town? I’m now regretting that I didn’t […]

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The Write Direction: comparison time of the year
The Write Direction

The Write Direction: comparison time of the year

THE way the weather is at the present time, we have the opportunity to remain inside and see what new changes have been made to contracts for our largest expenditures. Our Council rates are a good starting point and despite the barrier to cost increases, (IPART etc.) they only seem to climb each year, usually […]

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Honours list: gender balance ‘cause for concern’
Opinion

Honours list: gender balance ‘cause for concern’

CONGRATULATIONS to the 680 Australians recognised in the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours list, which we the Council of the Order of Australia, recommended to the Governor-General. This represents the highest number since Australia Day 2024. The recipients come from all parts of the country and their service, achievements and impact […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, Frequently when I go shopping someone pushes a trolley into my ankles. How do I avoid this painful scenario? Jim R. Dear Jim, In the wrong hands, a trolley can be a weapon of mass destruction, thrust into the legs of an unsuspecting shopper when they are simply trying to reach for a […]

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