Month: June 2025

Jun
21
2025
By Annette Bain
In Conversation with Jan Lemon OAM

In Conversation with Jan Lemon OAM

Local News, , , , , , , , , ,
Glen Innes is celebrating local legend Jan Lemon receiving an Order of Australia Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours List this month. Jan’s commitment to her community is widely known, but we wanted to find out more, so Glen Innes News invited Jan to have a chat with us about her background and achievements and what makes this passionate communitarian tick. Starting at the very beginning, Jan Lemon was born to Claude and Doris Rusbourne at Dalhousie Maternity Hospital, Glen Innes in 1948. She grew up on the family property ‘Caroona’ in the Reddestone area where her parents ran sheep…
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Jun
20
2025
By Newsroom
Applications Open for 2025 Wind Farm Community Fund

Applications Open for 2025 Wind Farm Community Fund

Local News,
Applications are now open for the 2025 White Rock Wind Farm (WRWF) Community Fund, providing local not-for-profit and community organisations with a funding opportunity to support a wide range of projects across the Glen Innes Severn region. A total of $208,020.01 is available this year through the Fund. The initiative supports projects that aim to deliver long-term benefits to the economy, environment or local community. The funding is open to organisations delivering projects in areas such as environmental conservation, cultural events, educational programs and social initiatives. The WRWF Community Fund Committee, comprising representatives from Council and the local community, will…
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Jun
19
2025
By David Lewis
48.3% Rate Rise Endorsed in Heated Council Meeting

48.3% Rate Rise Endorsed in Heated Council Meeting

Council, Local News, , , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council has adopted a revised Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) that includes a cumulative 48.3% Special Rate Variation (SRV) over three years, subject to approval by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). The decision was made during a highly contentious council meeting on Thursday, 19 June 2025. The General Manager described the vote as "probably the most important decision this council will make for a very long time", as the council seeks to address a forecasted $4.7 million deficit and long-term financial challenges. Financial Review Sparks SRV Proposal The proposed SRV follows findings from a Financial…
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Jun
19
2025
By Megan Redfern
New Taxi Service for Glen Innes

New Taxi Service for Glen Innes

Local News, ,
Many people in Glen Innes will already know Ricky Thomas from his dual roles working at the Commonwealth Bank and, for the last six years, driving one of the taxis around Glen Innes. As of 1st July, Ricky will be extending the taxi service by making it his own, Rick’s Taxis Glen Innes.  He has purchased the second taxi from the previous owner and aims to augment the current service.  He hopes to offer a friendly, inclusive, and personalised service, where specialised assistance will be given if needed to the elderly, disabled and mothers with children.  Ricky is fully insured…
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Jun
18
2025
By Newsroom
ANZAC Nature Play Park Design Open for Community Feedback

ANZAC Nature Play Park Design Open for Community Feedback

Council, Local News, , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council is inviting community members to share their thoughts on the proposed design for the new ANZAC Nature Play Park. The planned nature-themed playground aims to encourage exploration, spark imagination and provide inclusive play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. Construction will begin following the current consultation period, which concludes on 9 July 2025. What's Planned? The new playground will replace the existing play space within ANZAC Park, covering approximately 40 x 35 metres. The design embraces a nature play theme, incorporating natural-look materials such as ModWood and powder-coated steel in earthy tones, as well…
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Jun
17
2025
By John Rhys Jones
Standing Stones to Shine at Winter Solstice

Standing Stones to Shine at Winter Solstice

Local News, ,
Saturday 21st June is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year and this will be marked with gatherings at the Australian Standing Stones. At 11:30am, The Australian Standing Stones Management Board will mark the solstice with a gathering to see the longest solar noon shadow of the year – all are welcome to come along. We’ll start at the centre of the monument at 11:30am to get our bearings, then walk over to the solar noon array accompanied by piping from Glen Innes Pipe Band members. We’ll have a short talk as the shadow cast by the high…
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Jun
16
2025
By Newsroom
With a Little Help From our Friends

With a Little Help From our Friends

Local News, , , , ,
The team at Glen Innes News has something to smile about, thanks to a generous $3,000 donation from the Friends of the Library Committee. The not-for-profit newspaper, which is run by locals for locals, relies on community support to keep the presses rolling — and this latest contribution is a big boost. Friends Treasurer Lindy Stevenson said the decision to donate was an easy one. “We are so fortunate that we have within our community people who so willingly donate their time and efforts to bring our local news and information at no cost to us all,” she said. “And…
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Jun
14
2025
By David Lewis
Council to Decide on Revised 48.3% Rate Rise

Council to Decide on Revised 48.3% Rate Rise

Council, Local News, , , , , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council will consider a revised Special Rate Variation (SRV) proposal at its meeting on 19 June. The revised recommendation follows a six-week community engagement process, “Shaping Tomorrow”, which closed on 6 June 2025. Financial Pressures Prompt Action The Council has reported significant financial pressure in its General Fund, forecasting an average annual operating deficit of $4.7 million from 2025/26 without a rate increase. To help address this, Council has implemented a series of savings measures, identifying more than $600,000 in efficiencies, reducing staff recruitment, and deferring some projects. Additional business improvement measures worth $65,000 annually for five…
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Jun
13
2025
By Newsroom
Council Works Program – Period Ending Friday 19th June 2025

Council Works Program – Period Ending Friday 19th June 2025

Council,
The following works are scheduled  subject in the period ending Friday 19 June 2025 to weather conditions and unforeseen delays:  Jetpatching in the Glen Innes Township, Grahams Valley Road, Old Grafton Road; General street sweeping around the Glen Innes Township; The Roads Construction Crew will be working  on Wellington Vale Road; Maintenance grading is scheduled for Glen Legh Road (spring damage and grading), Millers Road, Ben Nevis Road, Aqua Park Road, Pitlochry Road, Cameron's Road, Jenkins Road, Marcantelli  Road and Waterloo Road; The Heavy Patching Crew will be undertaking urban heavy patching crew will be working on Tablelands Road; The Bridge team will…
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Jun
13
2025
By Newsroom
Year 12 Students Race into Fundraising

Year 12 Students Race into Fundraising

Local News, School News
Students from Glen Innes High School’s Year 12 cohort added a splash of creativity and community spirit to this year’s Athletics Carnival by taking part in a light-hearted “Box Car Race” to raise funds for Beyond Blue and for the school formal. Each Year 12 group traditionally selects a theme for the carnival, and the Class of 2025 opted for homemade cardboard vehicles. With the support of Ms Squires, Mrs Biddle and Jaime Porter—and plenty of hot chips to keep energy levels high—the students spent an afternoon designing, building, and painting their imaginative cars. In the lead-up to the event,…
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