Chris Beckhouse

A local apprentice is flourishing in his new role at Coolamon Shire Council, with his position supported by the NSW Government’s Fresh Start Program. William Cottom is a second-year heavy vehicle apprentice from Narrandera, who is gaining hands-on experience servicing and repairing a wide range of equipment, including front-end loaders, compaction rollers, and motor graders.

Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, has criticised the Health Minister’s latest health update, saying it delivers more talk and paperwork while patients and frontline health workers across the Myall Lakes electorate continue to be left waiting. Mrs Thompson said the public release of another Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Manning Hospital Stage 2 redevelopment is being presented as progress, despite no certainty around timelines or construction.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has been reappointed as NSW Shadow Minister for Water and Shadow Minister for Crown Lands, following yesterday’s announcement of the refreshed NSW Liberals and Nationals Shadow Ministry. Ms Cooke said the reappointment was both an honour and a responsibility at a critical time for the management of water resources and public land across New South Wales. “These portfolios sit at the centre of how our communities grow, adapt and thrive,” Ms Cooke said.