Sufi conference in Broken Hill: The imam of the Almiraj Sufi and Islamic Study Centre in Broken Hill says he's excited to see people come from near and far to explore the mystical and spiritual branch of Islam in Broken Hill. More than 100 people are expected to convene in the city this weekend from across the country and the world. There will be 15 special guest speakers. It will be the first international Sufi conference to be held in Australia in more than 20 years. Muqaddam Dawud Abu Junaid Gos (pictured) says the broader community is also welcome to attend.
Photo credit: ABC News/Oliver Brown
Bail for accused drug offender: A man accused of supplying and possessing a significant quantity of cannabis has been granted bail at the Broken Hill court. Broken Hill officers arrested Moree Plains man Stephen Munro Cockrill on Anzac Day after allegedly locating 40 kilograms of cannabis with an estimated street value of $800,000 during a vehicle stop near the New South Wales and South Australian border. The 64-year-old has been charged with possessing a prohibited drug and supplying a prohibited drug of a commercial quantity. Mr Cockrill has been granted conditional bail subject to strict conditions, including daily reporting to the Moree Police Station and not leaving the state. He'll next appear in court on June 17.
Darling River snail returns:
A UNSW project documenting traditional knowledge of the Darling River has resulted in the discovery of a critically endangered snail species living near Wilcannia. While collecting oral histories from local Barkandji people and kin over the past six months, the project team heard the Darling River snail, thought to be extinct in that area, had been seen at the local weir. Archaeologist Sarah Martin says this led to several being found in the river and signs they were breeding. She says the snails are now choosing safe, flowing areas of the river to live — protected from predators like carp and birds — and have even been spotted on rocks in the Lower Darling, rather than just inside irrigation pipes, as in the past.
Heritage sites in Broken Hill: Two Broken Hill landmarks are being honoured for their excellence in preserving heritage. The Royal Flying Doctor Outback Heritage Experience — a permanent exhibition showcasing the unique history of the RFDS — and the veranda and facade reconstruction
of the Pirie Chambers Building on Argent Street are among more than 50 finalists named in this year's National Trust New South Wales Heritage Awards. Adjudicator David Burdon says both are commendable examples of heritage conservation. The winners will be announced in Sydney on May 16.
Chaffey wins Parkes: The Nationals candidate for Parkes says he's prepared for the challenge of representing regional communities as a member of the opposition in a majority Labor government. Jamie Chaffey will replace retiring Nationals member Mark Coulton, who had held the seat since 2007. Fellow first-time candidate from the Labor Party Nathan Fell conceded defeat to Mr Chaffey on Saturday night, but was pleased to see Parkes had a swing towards Labor.
Willyama High demolition works begins: Work has commenced to demolish the old Willyama High School after a mould infestation was discovered in January last year. The works will include site establishment, disconnection of water and electrical services, the removal of hazardous materials, followed by the demolition. Full removal of the old school is expected to be completed by October this year.
Calls for Far West/DV charity partnership: The founder and chief executive of a domestic violence charity says he would like to partner with organisations in the Far West to collect phones to help victims. Started in 2020 by Ashton Wood, DV Safe Phones collects pre-owned phones and gives them to victims
. It has a goal of giving out 20,000 phones by next year, and has already given out more than 12,000. The closest collection points to Broken Hill are WeKare Disability Support Services in Mildura and Regional Australia Bank in Cobar. Mr Wood says both non-profit and corporate organisations can sign up to help.
If you need someone to talk to, contact Lifeline on 131 114.
Heritage app popular: The administrator for the Central Darling Shire Council says it's been getting excellent feedback on its heritage app Stories Behind the Stones. More than 100 stories of people buried in cemeteries across the shire have been shared on the app thanks to historian Dr Bernadette Drabsch and heritage specialist Ben Churcher. Bob Stewart says it's hoped the work that's gone into the Heritage Trail
