Wheat researchers are going back in time to produce a visual display of just how far the industry has come and to examine what work remains to improve crop productivity.

Seeds from 15 wheat varieties dating back to 1901 have been sown, and by the end of the year will paint a picture of the changes made over the past 120 years.

It is part of the University of Sydney's 60-year celebrations of its Plant Breeding Institute at Narrabri in north-west New South Wales which has been responsible for continually improving wheat lines.

"Farmers always have a favourite, or not-so-favourite, variety," said the university's director of northern agriculture, Guy Roth.

Dear Northern Inlanders,

As our region continues to face unprecedented times, the resilience of our communities continues to shine. As our communities start to reopen with decreased restrictions, it is now time to work together to rebuild from the devastation of not only COVID-19, but also the bushfires and the ongoing drought. While the Australian Government’s support programs have helped us through these times, I am looking forward to hearing further details of the JobMaker program when they become available so we can work towards a stronger economy for our region together.

The results of our Impacts of COVID-19 on Businesses survey are in, and the impact has been significant. Almost half of our businesses have had a downturn of 50% or more of their income, and 67% do not have enough income to cover their operating costs. We are continuing to work closely with the Australian Government to provide feedback about the experiences of businesses in our region during the shutdown and during the recovery period, which will take years of hard work.

A former Dubbo-based magistrate who presided over 25 Indigenous circle sentencing cases in Walgett said only one person had since reoffended.

Circle sentencing is a method in which Aboriginal offenders are sentenced through a discussion involving local elders, family members and sometimes victims. 

Magistrate Claire Girotto worked for several years on the Dubbo and Walgett circuit and is calling on the program to be expanded in New South Wales, after a study supported her experience that participants had better outcomes. 

"I'm a big fan of it," Ms Girotto said.

She said the process allowed offenders to take ownership of their crimes and their futures.

After the year we’re having it’s important to stop and ask yourself and those around you R U OK?

On 10 September as a Nation we come together and ask that question, but it’s important that we keep asking and keep checking in with each other. Times are getting better in Barwon, the crops are looking great and the stock numbers are back on the rise – but never assume that this means mentally everyone’s OK. So ask the question R U OK? and be prepared to stop, listen and provide support.

This past weekend I have been on the road with the Police from the Western Region as part of the 10th Annual Wall to Wall Police Remembrance ride. Every day the members of the NSW Police Force go to work not knowing what to expect, sadly some never come home from their shift. To the Police right across Barwon, stay safe out there and thank you for what you do.

This week I am heading back into Parliament, following the events of last week its sure to be heavy on the politicking.

Check on your strong friends, check on your quiet friends, check on your happy friends, check on each other.

Roy

“Over 400 NSW kids attend boarding schools in Queensland, many of them coming from remote and regional NSW where we’ve had no cases of COVID, these kids and their families were tied up in politicking,” said Mr Butler.