eNews #20

• 15th October - Guyra Seasonal Farmer Update 
• 21st October - Staying Safe and Savvy Online Armidale
• 17th November - Botany, Biosecurity, Bugs & Birds Uralla

The Balala Wind Farm is a proposed utility scale renewable energy development located approximately 10 kilometres west of Uralla, within the Uralla Shire Local Government Area.

The proposed project includes the development of up to 60 wind turbine generators, a 200MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), access roads, and ancillary facilities.

Pending approvals, construction is anticipated to commence in late 2030 with a peak construction workforce of approximately 210 full-time equivalent workers. Once completed, the project will generate approximately 420 MW of electricity each year, enough to supply around 150,000 households.

A new Australian documentary, Rehydrate Australia, shares real stories of farmers, land managers and communities working to restore landscapes using Natural Sequence Farming.

The film traces the origins of this approach back to the 1940s, when a young Peter Andrews witnessed sheep buried alive during severe dust storms. That early observation sparked a lifetime of work understanding how Australian landscapes function — and how restoring natural water cycles can rebuild soil health, biodiversity and drought resilience.

Filmed across the country, from the New England Tablelands to inland and coastal regions, the documentary showcases practical examples of landscape rehydration in action. Viewers will see degraded drainage systems transformed into chains of ponds, dry landscapes returning to productivity, and landholders applying simple principles such as slowing the flow of water, improving soil function and working with natural patterns rather than against them.

This year’s Mental Health Month theme, “A Little Connection Goes a Long Way” https://wayahead.org.au/mentalhealthmonth/about-us/ , highlights how everyday moments of connection can support mental wellbeing.

Life can throw plenty our way, drought, floods, financial pressures, isolation, family worries or simply the day-to-day grind. When we’re under pressure, it can be tempting to keep our heads down and carry on. Staying connected is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and for the people around us.

Research shows that feeling connected can support mental wellbeing by reducing stress, improving emotional balance, and making it easier to cope with challenges. A quick yarn at the gate, a call to check in, or even a wave across the fence reminds people they’re not alone. Strong relationships can help catch problems early, share the load, and keep hope alive when things feel heavy. Community isn’t just a backdrop, it’s essential.

It also pays to know what is available in our own backyard. Don’t wait until things reach breaking point before finding out where to get help. Get to know the local health services, community organisations, counsellors and support groups. Knowing who to contact, having a familiar face or number to call, can make taking that first step a whole lot easier.

Three New England programs have teamed up with local halls to host events where rural people can have an evening of fun, food and entertainment and most importantly, a chance to check in with each other.

New England Family Support Service, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program and ASPIRE are sponsoring a free Band and BBQ Family Fun day at:

Tenterden Recreation Reserve
• 17/10/26, 5pm start please RSVP tenterdenrecreationreserve@outlook.com

Ben Lomond Soldiers Memorial Hall:
• 24/10/26, 5pm start please RSVP Dorothy Every 0448 689 171