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Latest news and issues


Bendigo agency move part of community bank cull
BENDIGO and Adelaide Bank has continued its assault on its community bank network, forcing the closure of 28 agencies run by community franchises.
All the agencies are in regional Australia and 17 of the affected towns will be left with no banking services after the closures.


How did 100 Bendigo Banks close without anyone noticing until now?
BENDIGO Bank has hit the headlines for closing 10 branches shortly followed by an announcement it was getting rid of all of its regional agencies but there are another 90-odd Bendigo-branded banks that have disappeared over the past five years it has managed to keep quiet.


Calling bull#%*t on the better big bank branch network
WITH the announcement that Bendigo Bank is closing two of its regional branches at Yarram and Korumburra this week, it’s time to again call bull#%*t on the claims this corporation makes about the size of its branch network.


Regional Australia still waiting on bank reforms outlined in senate report
ONE of the most important Federal Government inquiries into welfare issues specific to regional Australia in decades handed down its final report a year ago this week.


ANZ at cashless tipping point after fundamental change to bank business model
WHEN does a bank cease to be a bank? Seven months ago, at a hearing of the Federal Government’s House Economics Committee in August 2024, Labor MP Tania Lawrence attempted to ask ANZ Bank chief executive Shayne Elliott about ANZ refusing to accept cash at the counter from customers.


Hard NO to cash mandate that will do more harm than good
The Federal Government has published a proposal for a cash mandate that will only apply to a legislated list of “essential” goods and services and give express permission to more than 97 per cent of businesses in Australia* to refuse to accept cash.


Does the Treasurer have a god complex or is he just trying to avoid the really hard reforms?
THE Senate inquiry into regional bank closures, which delivered its final report in May this year, was an important investigation by...


ANZ's bid to outsmart Suncorp contract reaches new low
JUST when it seemed ANZ’s attempts to justify the closure a regional NSW branch in defiance of a condition of the Suncorp acquisition deal not to close any regional sites for three years could not get any more farcical, the bank has upped the ante.


ANZ blows up 'legally binding' Suncorp deal over Katoomba branch
ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott made frequent mentions of “reputational risk” while giving evidence to the house standing committee investigating the big four banks in Canberra on Friday.
Latest sport - equestrian


Welsh, other breeds put on a perfect performance in SA
THE Welsh Pony and Cob Society of South Australia once again proved why it is one of the hardest-working breed societies in the state, delivering another jam-packed performance event that felt more like a picture-perfect spring show than an outing in the depths of winter.


NSW breeders show off their latest crop of youngsters
WINTER is the time of year when many hug their fireplaces with a book and warm lap rug but it’s also when breeders of horses and ponies like to brave the cool breezes and join together at shows to compare their youngstock.


Wind, rain, mud and tears of joy all part of the excitement at Melbourne 3DE
THE Melbourne International Three-Day Event has again delivered a long weekend of highlights in spades.


Woady Yaloak declares full house as competitors line up for popular horse trials
THE 2025 Friends of Woady Yaloak Horse Trials at Smythesdale Victoria was so popular organisers had to close the entry book almost a month out and start a wait list.


Ponies, para, HRCAV and open - this dressage series has it all covered
JADE Woodhead Butler is one of those people you can’t help but admire for her ability to get jobs done. As a rider, coach and mother of a young baby, she was also the event director of Dressage and Jumping with The Stars, while at the same time still managing to keep one of the best dressage series in Victoria running.


Mansfield a top location for a team effort
THE Yarra Hills Hillbillies team of Jessica Welch, Annika Collins, Beth McCann and Paul Buckland from the Yarra Hills Equestrian Club was the winner of this year’s Top Teams Horse Trials.


Adelaide turns on the magic for 25th birthday celebration
ADELAIDE’S city parklands have been once again transformed into the stage for one of the most prestigious equestrian events on the international calendar.
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival, the only five-star eventing competition in the Southern Hemisphere, returned with four days of elite competition, drawing top riders from across Australia and New Zealand to contest the three phases of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping—right in the heart of the South Australian capi


Dynamic duo makes spotting a future champion look easy
THERE’S an old saying, "he's got a good eye for a horse". It means someone is skilled at recognising all-round quality and that undefinable “something” that is a combination of conformation, temperament and suitability for a specific purpose, such as racing or riding.


SA crowns its new state champions after a solid four days of jumping
THE 2025 South Australian State Jumping Championships showcased the diverse showjumping talent in the region. Held across the ANZAC Day weekend at Talunga Park, Mount Pleasant, riders competed in two rings at the Equestrian South Australia event, culminating in a series of thrilling finales on the final day.
Latest lifestyle and features


Guardian of the dressage gate always ready with a kind word
ABOVE: Les Limpus is a familiar face at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. Picture: TY MANNING EACH year at the Adelaide Equestrian...


The Clydie cross a policewoman just couldn't leave behind
ABOVE: Tiffany Williams and Toby, captured by Sydney Morning Herald photographer Steven Siewert. THE Clydesdale cross is one of the most...


What goes on inside the curious world of a cat's mind?
TOM came to us for unknown reasons. A stranger in our midst, yes, but feral? He was clearly somebody’s pet but having learned from other...


Story of the stock saddle a ride worth strapping in for
I HAVEN’T enjoyed a book more for ages. I am deep into Wild Ride, The story of the Australian Stock Saddle by Fiona Carruthers and have...


Four lambs! Tale of Queenie the supermum launches new author
SHEEP farmer Suzanne Lewis has just published her first children’s book and had no further to look for something to write about than her...


Dogs, gardening and welcoming a new puppy into the family
COLUMN: PEOPLE who love dogs often love gardens, and often, keeping mental peace while loving the two can be fraught. Many people have...


The Master: inside the world of an Olympic showjumper
BOOK REVIEW: OLYMPIC showjumper John Fahey’s memoir, The Master, pulls no punches. It is a great read for any horse lover, even if...


Horses put on the map with our national monument and art trail
TRAVEL: AUSTRALIA is a horse-loving country and we are all familiar with the names that have moved into folklore. Our greatest racehorse...


'Big Four' banks casting a dangerous shadow
Are cashed-up and bankless towns just watching the money go round and round? CASTERTON, Grenfell, Home Hill, Nathalia and Toukley. Five...
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