The close-knit community of Forbes is appalled and saddened that such a murder has happened in the town. The death of much-loved Molly Ticehurst is so profoundly sad, so shockingly unnecessary.

Reaching for the stars💫

Congratulations to Katherine Bennell-Pegg who has become the first Australian-badged astronaut.

Many of us dreamt of going to space when we were kids, but it’s a credit to Ms Bennell-Pegg’s tenacity that she is now able to fulfil her lifelong dream.

The Chiko Roll was born at the 1951 #WaggaWagga Show – end of debate!

Local artist Chris Roe has created a tribute to the Aussie fried food staple as part of his Rogue Thoughts exhibition, showing at the Ambo Gallery until 28 April.

For more, go to: croe.com.au

Attention local sporting champions! 🏏⚽🏉
Grants of up to $750 are available for local sporting coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 under the Local Sporting Champions program.

Applications close 30 April.

More info: sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_fun…

Fantastic to bump into & chat with two local footy stars of yesteryear, Colin Hounsell & Bill Burgess. They were back for Collingulie GPFNC’ reunion, at which no doubt “Blossom’s” Sydney Swans’ days & Bill’s 5-goal best afield efforts in the 1982 GF v MCUE Goannas were mentioned!

Afternoon sorted … signing the more than 1,100 “Keeping the ANZAC spirit alive in the Riverina and Central West” participation certificates is a pleasant task because it shows the level of interest by local school children who participated in my 14th annual writing competition.

She’ll be apples … a Saturday drive on a great Autumn day to beautiful Batlow comes with a mandatory visit to Greg Mouat’s Farm for a bag of 🍎 and one of his famous 🥧 before drop-ins to Tumut to see some live music and a quick visit to Adelong. Lovely towns, wonderful people.

.Soil Science Australia patron, the Hon. Penny Wensley AC, & CEO, Michael Walker, to discuss Parliamentary Friends of Soil upcoming events, soils in the South Pacific & other important issues.

SSA continues to do great work in advocating for responsible management of soils.

Caught up with Chris Kenny on Sky News Australia to discuss the disturbing report of more than 500 slaughtered horses near the farm at which I grew up, close to #WaggaWagga .

Hear from Madeline Ingram, first-year medical student at UNSW’s Wagga Wagga campus, about what the soon-to-be finished $21 million Biomedical Sciences Centre will mean for her and her colleagues. So wonderful to support training doctors in the regions, for the regions.

It’s almost here — the $21 million UNSW Biomedical Sciences Centre has just topped out and will soon be supporting medical students to study, from start to finish, to be a doctor. All right here in the #Riverina . Can’t wait to see it deliver a vital impact for decades to come.

Always a pleasure to be on ABC News’s Afternoon Briefing to chat with Greg Jennet and Sam Rae.

The interview covered the Bondi attack tragedy, the concerning escalating conflict in the Middle East and a Senate inquiry into deportation powers for non-citizens.

Construction of the UNSW Biomedical Sciences Centre has reached its greatest height today.
This $21m investment, part of the $95.4m Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network, will pay everlasting dividends to our community and support training regional doctors in the #Riverina .

Wonderful to drop in at #Jugiong 's @LongTrackPantry, an inspiring #Riverina #SmallBiz .

With lots of local goodies and produce for sale, there is something for everyone.

As always, beautiful Jugiong makes for a perfect place to unwind or make a day trip out of.

If you're struggling after today’s events, know that help is available 24/7.

Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737

Thoughts for the victims and first responders at the unfolding incident at Bondi Junction this afternoon.

A Grand Final for the ages! 🦗🦁

Coolamon Rovers prevailed over GggmlionsFNC 3.6 (24) to 2.5 (17).

Sophie Gaynor snares a second-successive GF Best on Ground – this time in a victorious Hopperettes’ side, denying the Lionesses a three-peat.

Great all round for women’s footy!