Economy

A new report says it is more expensive to treat patients at the Canberra Hospital than any other major public hospital in the country, but ACT Health says it is making progress in reducing costs. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report Hospital Performance: Costs of acute admitted patients in public hospitals from 2012–13 to 2014–15 shows the Canberra Hospital...

When Philippe Ravenel was fourteen and growing up in the Swiss village of Trelex, he went to Southern France and saw a blacksmith plaiting metal. “I saw his work and thought: ‘that’s what I want to do," Ravenel says during an open forge at his Cobargo property known as Galba Forge. After completing four years at a trade school in...

A new hotel, cabins among the trees and 50 newly planted zig-zag gardens in the central valley of the National Arboretum are all coming closer as the site grows faster than a rogue willow tree. And that means that what began as a patchwork of forests is rapidly changing shape as it expands commercially. The hotel idea isn't a new...

The start of summer will see water restrictions in the Eurobodalla go up a notch, with Council enforcing level 2 restrictions from Saturday, December 1. Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Infrastructure Services Director Warren Sharpe says the measures will help conserve the Eurobodalla’s water supply as the region moves into its highest water use period. “Council appreciates so many people in our community...

Shabby chic sea change style with a distinctly Australian vintage feel characterises Dee's Funk 'n' Junk shop in Ulladulla. Vintage, retro and 'grungescent' décor is arranged in vignettes that use every last centimetre of the old shed that contains the shop's treasures. Music from a vintage collection of LPs for sale is always playing in the shop, setting the atmosphere...

Some deer hunting regulations have been lifted across the New South Walse allowing licenced hunters to assist local farmers manage deer numbers on their property. Member for Monaro, John Barilaro says its a necessary step to help control wild deer populations at this dry time. “I’ve seen first-hand how much damage deer can cause to a property, and the suspension of deer...

The cries of 'Bail up! Bail up!' will resound across the Yass Valley heritage town of Bowning on the weekend when reenactments of a bushranger hold-up of a Cobb and Co coach punctuate the Rollonin Cafe's ninth Country Fair, in support of cancer charity CanAssist. The replica slab hut cafe built by Renata and Tony Ryan has helped put Bowning,...

Goulburn is no lightweight when it comes to history, reflecting national and state-significant heritage themes – that’s not surprising for Australia’s first inland city. It’s a position that deserves dedicated heritage co-ordination, Doug Rawlinson from the Goulburn Heritage Group says. Just back from a 'reconnaissance' to Bathurst and Orange where heritage is the number one tourist attraction, Doug is adamant...

The frame is up and walls are going in at the new Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre, under construction next to Moruya Library. With just 100 days to go until the official opening, the centre affectionately known as ‘the Bas’ is taking shape. Outside the building works, the heart and soul of the place is ready to bloom. Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Creative Arts Coordinator,...

Tilba's Joanne Lane is about to embark on a global journey to investigate the potential and the possibility of seaweed (kelp) farming off the Eurobodalla coast. Jo and her partner Warren Atkins took over the well established Sea Health Products in 2015. Jo has just been awarded a Yulgilbar Foundation Churchill Fellowship to take the business beyond its hippy origins. "Betty Long...