A decision on whether a new greyhound track will be built on Perc Griffith Way in Orange is expected in coming days from the Western Region Planning Panel. At a hearing this week residents spoke about their concerns gambling could be further promoted, and argued the land was earmarked for housing in earlier Council plans….

Driving from Mildura through the desert to Townsville in a car worth $1,500. It sounds a little crazy, but a couple from Molong is determined to do it. Greg and Richelle Mills will take the road trip, calling for more infrastructure and staff for cancer care in the Central West, and will raise money for…

Orange and Cabonne’s Local Government Road Safety Program is rolling out free child car seat checks during preschool and kindergarten hours until the end of May. The annual safety program has been running for almost 15 years, and helps parents and carers keep seats properly installed. Also on today’s Podcast A report tendered to Bathurst…

The Orange Hindu Association is looking for a suitable parcel of land for a temple in the region, to give adherents a place to worship outside of Sydney. Also on today’s Podcast Orange Council has narrowly voted not to support a new greyhound track on Perc Griffith Way, with the final decision to be made…

Locals in Cumnock and surrounds are being invited to a paddock walk and site assessment to demonstrate the benefits of a small scale environmental planting. The local Landcare group wants to reduce salinity in waterways and support biodiversity. Also on today’s Podcast The NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention Team is encouraging Central West farmers to…

A Bathurst beekeeper says the wholesale price of honey hasn’t moved in 15 years, with producers being hit by rising fuel costs, varroa mite and low yields. Business owners say it’s important to support local honey producers and stop buying cheaply made and part artificial honey from overseas.

The Oberon Easter markets will get underway on Saturday at the Oberon showground from 9am. Along with the usual stalls the Easter bunny will be dropping in for a visit ahead of a busy night on the job. Also on today’s Podcast The Prime Minister says assistance should be offered to communities impacted by the…

The Mensline Netball Cup begins today, a school competition raising awareness about men’s mental health. James Sheahan Catholic High School in Orange is hoping they’ll take out the competition again, for a fifth year in a row. The Year 12 boys have learned netball- taught by expert girls in their cohort. Also on today’s Podcast…

The Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) bill has been shelved for consultation after Councils came together for protests at State Parliament. The Government argues the changes stop Councils from evicting valuable community services, but Land Councils say that’s not true. The new bill gives the Government powers to overturn existing land claims and expands…

Orange MP Phil Donato says it’s important to get the message out to Sydneysiders the Central West is still open for business over Easter. It’s a key time for local businesses and operators are hoping visitors will brave the Lithgow detour. Also on today’s Podcast Dr Stephen Gapps has researched the Bathurst Frontier War from…