Robyn Herron
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Storyteller, getter-of-coffee, drinker-of-whisky, watcher-of-television, mother of two. Former ABC. Wiradjuri country. Thoughts my own. She/her 🌈ally.
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Articles by Robyn Herron
Police taser 'knife-wielding' man in Gulgong street after reports of shootings
Police used a taser to arrest a man after reports of gunshots in a Gulgong street in the state's central west early today. Key points: A 39 year old man was found at a Bungaba property with a gunshot wound to the shoulder He has been taken to hospital in a stable condition Police have cordoned off parts of Gulgong as investigations continue Police responded to reports of shots fired into a shop front on Mayne Street, Gulgong, about 6:30 this morning.
Drag queen Timberlina brings diversity to regional NSW - and the audiences love her
When Tim Jackson was growing up in Gulgong and Dubbo in the state's Central West, drag queens were so thin on the ground, he never saw one.
Shibli is determined his Australian-born children learn the language of their heritage
Dubbo is a long way from Bangladesh, but Shibli Chowdhury maintains connection through language.
Treating generations of one family - why Emily has chosen to study medicine in regional Australia
Among the thousands of university students starting their first year of studies across Australia is a special cohort in Dubbo, studying medicine in the regional New South Wales city.
First the birds, now frogs show Macquarie Marshes drought recovery in full swing
A vital part of the ecosystem of the Ramsar-listed Macquarie Marshes has been restored after the wetland was so ravaged by drought that it caught fire.
Hundreds of families isolating as Omicron wave in Western NSW nears peak
Hundreds of families across Western New South Wales are in isolation as the region approaches an expected peak of COVID-19 cases.
COVID's back in Dubbo after three-week reprieve, as people remove masks in public
There's been a jump in COVID-19 cases across NSW's central and north west, as restrictions are wound back across the state today. Key points: Nineteen COVID cases were announced for the Western Local Health district today Dubbo has recorded its first cases since November 24 It comes as mask wearing and QR code check-in restrictions ease across NSW Nineteen cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the Western Local Health District in the latest reporting period.
Fish exclusion screens to stop millions of fish each year being pumped out of the Macquarie River
Infrastructure to stop fish from being sucked out of the Macquarie River by irrigation pumps is set to help improve the overall health of the waterway.
Fresh fire risk warnings for inland NSW as rainfall fuels grass growth
Heavy rain across inland New South Wales may have drenched the catchments and led to flooding, but there are fears it could also exacerbate the risk of bushfires this summer. Key points: Predictions of above-average fire potential for inland NSW remain Recent rain may increase fuel loads by encouraging grass growth A delayed crop harvest also presents a risk The National Council for Fire and Emergency Services released its summer outlook for fire risk a fortnight ago.
Labor strong, Mathew Dickerson returned, as former mayor Ben Shields falls short in Dubbo contest
A controversial election campaign and a decision to move wards may have cost former mayor Ben Shields dearly, with the 20-year council veteran now unlikely to join the next Dubbo Regional Council.
Residents urged to get tested as COVID-19 comes to Coonabarabran
Residents of Coonabarabran are being urged to get tested for COVID-19 after a spike of infections in the town. Key points: Twenty cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Coonabarabran in three days Additional testing facilities have been made available in the town A local doctor has warned against complacency in the community, despite its high vaccination rate Twenty cases of coronavirus have been identified in Coonabarabran in the past three days.
Families concerned about graves dating to convict era as Wellington cemetery inundated by floodwaters
Wellington residents are calling for authorities to act to stop the Wellington Pioneer cemetery, located about 50 kilometres south-east from Dubbo, from flooding. Key points: The Bell River at Wellington peaked at 6.28 meters on Saturday morning The water was knee-deep in parts of the cemetery The cemetery was also impacted by floods in 2020 and 2016 Parts of the cemetery were inundated by floodwaters from the swollen Bell River on Friday night with many graves completely submerged.
Dubbo to host Rabbitohs, Raiders match as NRL's return to Western NSW confirmed
Western New South Wales will host three major National Rugby League events next season. Key points: NRL Premiership games to be played in Dubbo and Mudgee in April and May 2022 A match in Dubbo this attracted more than 10,000 fans A pre-season charity shield match between St George Illawarra and Souths will also be played in Mudgee in February. The South Sydney Rabbitohs will return to Dubbo's Apex Oval to play the Canberra Raiders on May 22, 2022.
Not all councils will be contested in next month's local government elections
Some local councils will not need to head to the polls next month with the exact number of candidates needed for the Bourke and Narromine Shires, meaning the elections will be uncontested.
Former Dubbo mayor Ben Shields warns media against publishing 'defamatory' allegations
Former mayor and now candidate for Dubbo Regional Council Ben Shields has cautioned media outlets against reporting allegations of misconduct levelled by outgoing Mayor Stephen Lawrence.
Drought and fire lay waste to Macquarie Marshes, now the wetland brims with life
Two years ago the Macquarie River stopped running near Warren, in the New South Wales Central West.
Walgett's only school, children aged 4 months to 13, at centre of latest COVID-19 surge
A months-old baby is among an increase of new COVID-19 cases affecting mostly children in a school outbreak that has Walgett worried about coming out of lockdown. Key points: More than 20 cases have been identified in Walgett in the past week The town's only school is currently closed A number of students is believed to be at the centre of the outbreak Twenty four cases of the virus have been confirmed in the town in the past week.
Increased freedoms blamed for virus 'seeding' among school children, travellers in western NSW
Case numbers in western New South Wales have spiked overnight with health authorities blaming increased freedoms for the virus "seeding" further across the region.
Dubbo Mayor Stephen Lawrence calls for ICAC investigation into his own council
The Mayor of the Dubbo Regional Council is calling for his own council to be investigated by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
New cancer centre in Dubbo will bring treatment into 21st century
A Dubbo oncologist says a PET-CT scanner at the city's new cancer centre will give patients better access to treatment. Key points: $35m cancer centre started taking patients on Monday Facility houses chemotherapy, radiation therapy and a PET-CT scanner Centre was built after a petition of more than 45,000 signatures was presented to the Commonwealth in 2016 The scanner is part of the $35 million Western Cancer Centre that started taking patients this week.
Burrendong Dam's world-first thermal pollution curtain reassessed after multiple failures
A review into a cold-water curtain trial, which has failed twice, at Burrendong Dam in western New South Wales has started. Key points: The world-first cold-water curtain is meant to stop cold water being released into the river from the bottom of the dam The curtain has failed twice since it was installed in 2014 WaterNSW says a full engineering and cost-benefit assessment of the prototype is underway The world-first prototype was installed in 2014.
Dubbo COVID-19 death linked to growing aged care clusters at two facilities
A fourth person has died in the central west of New South Wales from the current outbreak of COVID-19, with 13 cases associated with a nursing home cluster, four arising in the past 24 hours.
Dogs euthanised in Bourke, with rescuers not allowed in due to COVID-19 concerns
Bourke Shire Council says 15 dogs had to be euthanised at its pound because a rescue organisation from another local government area was unable to enter the town due to COVID-19 concerns.
Dubbo lockdown announced as second COVID case confirmed
The Dubbo LGA in regional NSW will go into a snap lockdown from 1:00pm today, the ABC has learned. The ABC has been told there are two positive cases in the region. Health and education officials said a person linked to Dubbo West Public School and the Macquarie Anglican Grammar School tested positive after developing symptoms on Monday. About nine close contacts have been identified and are in isolation, but it is not yet known how transmission occurred.
COVID live updates: The vaccine rollout in Queensland will get a major boost today with the opening of a new mass hub in Brisbane
Around 1,000 Pfizer doses a day will be administered at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre — that will rise to about 3,000 by the weekend as more supplies come in. More than 50,000 people have already registered to receive a shot. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest on how the pandemic is impacting the world Follow the blog below for all of Tuesday's live COVID updates.
RFDS feels the pinch as Sydney lockdown causes drop in regional tourism, fundraising
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) says a marked drop in visitors to its New South Wales tourist attraction due to the COVID-19 lockdown is having a severe impact on its fundraising capability.
Decision to strip Dubbo's mayor of his fee after medical episode branded 'gutless and disgraceful'
Dubbo Regional Council has voted to remove the allowance paid to any mayor who takes leave for longer than one month, with the decision controversially coming four weeks after Mayor Ben Shields took an extended leave of absence following a sudden medical episode.
'Bricks and mortar don't save lives': Country hospitals inquiry to examine staff shortages and patient outcomes
Claims that patients in country hospitals are receiving poor quality of care will be on the agenda of a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry into the state of healthcare in regional and rural areas.
Men arrested over execution-style murder of Bandidos president Shane De Britt
© Provided by ABC NEWS Shane De Britt, the then-president of the Bandidos' Central West chapter, was slain at his farmhouse in January. (Supplied: NSW Police) New South Wales Police have arrested two men over the shooting murder of a senior member of the Bandidos bikie gang, Shane De Britt. The president of the local Central West chapter of the gang, Mr De Britt was slain in his farmhouse at Eurimbla, near Wellington, in January.
Local government wants to be in National Cabinet - back in the room where it happens
The body that represents more than 537 local councils says there has been continuing silence from the Prime Minister's office about whether it can have a role in National Cabinet.
NSW water projects inquiry begins while plans proceed for fast-tracked infrastructure
A New South Wales Upper House parliamentary inquiry into fast-tracked water infrastructure projects in the state has started, while the NSW Government pushes ahead with the works.
Murrin Bridge Aboriginal community in self-imposed lockdown after woman travels from hotspot
About 70 people in an Aboriginal community in the New South Wales' central west have been asked to self-isolate due to coronavirus concerns.
On-farm meat processing interest grows as coronavirus impacts abattoirs in Victoria
A pork producer in New South Wales' central west region says he has seen an increase in enquiries about on-farm processing since the coronavirus pandemic.
Regional newspaper future will rely on independent publishers, Coonamble newspaper editor says
The editor of a newspaper in Coonamble says towns that have lost publications should consider an independent model. Key points: The print editions of dozens of regional newspapers were suspended earlier this year Independent newspapers are now more common in regional towns The Bogan Shire Council hopes to attract a publication to Nyngan Since the onset of COVID-19, regional newspaper publisher Australian Community Media has suspended dozens of non-daily titles and closed four printing presses.
Flying car technology to be tested in regional NSW to 'overcome tyranny of distance'
Regional New South Wales will be the test site for 'flying car' technology, with officials saying advances in the sector could help those in regional areas overcome the "tyranny of distance".
Dubbo RAAF Stores Depot site that once hosted Silverchair to become residential, business hub
It was the site of a tent village during the Great Depression, the home of a major Air Force stores base during World War II, and once famously hosted a Silverchair concert. Key points: After nine years of planning, work has started on the redevelopment of Dubbo RAAF Stores Depot The base was built during World War II but has been vacant for several years Historic hangars will be retained for business use Now, the former Dubbo Royal Australian Air Force Stores Depot is being redeveloped.
Proposed rehabilitation centre in Brewarrina would focus on mums, children
A proposed drug and rehabilitation facility at Brewarrina would mean women no longer have to travel three hours or more to be treated for addiction.
Rural Fire Services predicts major grass fire season for western NSW as crops and grass bloom
Better than average rainfall has seen western New South Wales plan for bumper crops and grasses, but fire authorities are now preparing for the potential for significant grass fires this summer.
The unexpected effect of a campaign that helped businesses survive the drought
What started out as an initiative to promote rural businesses during the drought has prepared many to survive COVID-19. Key points: The Buy From the Bush campaign generated $5 million for rural businesses in four months Business owners reported learning new skills The boost to income has allowed some to better withstand the coronavirus downturn The Buy From The Bush campaign has reported on its first four months of operation and found businesses saw revenue increase by $5 million.
'It's not what victims want': Daughter of slain parents unimpressed by reform to mental health verdict
A woman whose brother killed their parents says reforms to change the special verdict for the defence of mental illness do not go far enough. Key points: The bill will change the finding of cases involving mentally-ill defendants Verdicts will be be entered at 'act proven, but not criminally responsible' Victims groups say the special verdict does not go far enough The Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act (2020) was introduced to the New South Wales Parliament this week.
World's oldest bookmaker hopes Louth races can defy the odds and proceed despite coronavirus
Doug Carroll is 94 and doesn't like being "couped up" during these uncertain times, which is why he is hopeful the iconic Louth races goes ahead in August despite the chaos caused by COVID-19. Key points: Louth is a small village on the Darling River in western NSW The Louth races have been going since 1880 This year's event had been scheduled to run August 8 "It would be lovely, I look forward to Louth ever year.
Calls to expand Indigenous circle sentencing after success in Walgett and Dubbo
A former Dubbo-based magistrate who presided over 25 Indigenous circle sentencing cases in Walgett said only one person had since reoffended.
Indigenous food maker Dreamtime Tuka confident products will be served by Qantas again after COVID-19
The founder of an Indigenous snack food company based in the New South Wales town of Wellington is confident it will bounce back, despite losing 70 per cent of trade due to coronavirus. Key points: Dreamtime Tuka supplies 450,000 slices to Qantas each quarter There has been a 70 per cent downturn in business since the coronavirus outbreak Snack foods are still being supplied to rail services for Transport for NSW Dreamtime Tuka primarily supplies snack foods to Qantas domestic flights.
Coonamble Show cancelled but coronavirus will not dim town's spirit
The Coonamble show is cancelled due to the pandemic but as the New South Wales town recovers from years of drought, empty shops will exhibit quilts, pumpkins and flowers in a 'show-not-show' event. Key points: The Coonamble Show has been running for 137 years The #shownoshow will display exhibits in local shop fronts Coonamble has suffered through three years of drought Many shops in the main street have closed because of the financial downturn brought on by three years of drought.
Soil2Soul program preparing Narromine's young Indigenous people for work bears fruit
By-passers would not expect it, but a lime farm in western New South Wales is changing young people's lives. The Soil2Soul lime farm, near Narromine, employs mostly young Indigenous men between the ages of 14 and 25. The employees are taught the ins and outs of farming — from growing to harvesting and selling. The program's mastermind, Joh Leader from LeaderLife, said the participants were gaining a sense of self-worth.
Burrendong Dam is filling, but will you be able to go back to unrestricted water use by winter?
Posted April 27, 2020 10:59:58 For the first time since 2018, Burrendong Dam is back above 16 per cent capacity thanks to recent rainfall — after being almost empty in February.
Walgett landholders charged with breaching water laws in the Barwon River
Updated April 22, 2020 19:19:20 Two landholders from regional New South Wales will face the Land and Environment Court, accused of breaching water laws. Key points: Two Walgett landholders are facing 14 charges for allegedly breaching water laws. Of the charges, 13 are for allegedly taking water from the Barwon River outside of their approved conditions in 2016 and 2017. The matter will come before the Land and Environment Court in May.
Yarn mills, retailers report increasing demand during coronavirus shutdown
Posted April 21, 2020 12:12:02 Yarn sales have spiked dramatically as masses of Australians find new ways to get creative during the coronavirus crisis. Crafts supplier Robyn Hicks, who owns Yummy Yarn and Co, in Dubbo, has noted an increase in orders both in-store and online. "My phone's been running hot for the last three weeks," Ms Hicks said.
Dubbo council racist email controversy prompts call for greater local government diversity
Posted March 05, 2020 10:31:04 More women and Aboriginal people on councils would improve democracy and make local government more diverse and effective, say female and Indigenous leaders.
Truck driver Robert Crockford, 51, argues coughing fit caused fatal crash near Dubbo
Posted March 04, 2020 17:53:35 A jury has been told that a truck driver had a coughing fit and passed out before crashing into a line of parked cars at a roadworks site on NSW's Western Plains. Robert Crockford, 51, is accused of driving a semi-trailer that crashed into several cars stopped on the Newell Highway near Dubbo in 2018. Hannah Ferguson, 19, and her boyfriend Reagen Skinner, 21, died. Ten other people were injured, including a two-year-old girl.
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