Many towns in the region took their names from Scottish figures, literature and places. Ivanhoe is believed to be named after Sir Walter Scott's novel, chosen by storekeeper George Brown Williamson. Booligal's name comes from an Aboriginal word, possibly meaning windy place. Hillston was renamed after publican William Ward Hill, who died in 1867. Maude's naming remains unresolved, with officials rejecting an earlier proposed name without recorded reasons.
Colin Jacka has volunteered for 12 years at Balranald’s Southern Cross Museum, driven by a childhood fascination with Charles Kingsford Smith. He secured replica aircraft, including the Southern Cross and Lady Southern Cross, housed in a venue donated by local resident Allan Ferguson. The museum also showcases unpatented local inventions alongside national history. Jacka is the great-nephew of Albert Jacka, the first Australian awarded the Victoria Cross for Gallipoli.
Murray MP Helen Dalton says her bill to split the Murrumbidgee Local Health District would separate management and budgets but keep clinical links between hospitals and specialists. She said decisions across the region are currently made from Wagga Wagga and that services at the new Griffith hospital are not yet operating as promised. The proposed Western Riverina district would run from Leeton to Balranald. The Murrumbidgee district opposes the bill, as does the AMA (NSW). Health Minister Ryan Park said he is not convinced a split is the best way forward. The bill awaits a Legislative Assembly vote.
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Applications are open for the 2027 Hay Inc Rural Education Program, which trains young people aged 18 to 25 in sheep and cattle stockmanship. The program runs in three five-day blocks in early 2027 and costs $500. Separately, the Balranald Country Education Fund is accepting applications until October 31 from people aged 16 to 25 for study, trade and training costs. Since 2008 the fund has supported 105 students with $91,780 in financial help.
Balranald jet sprint driver Brendan Doyle and navigator Tina Huff finished second in the 400 class at the American Sprint Boat Racing season finale in Lewiston, Idaho. Racing their boat, The Girlfriend, on Saturday October 3 at ECMX Park, they finished behind Leighton Lillie and Sami Gustafson. Doyle carries Balranald IGA branding on the hull, alongside Rogers Motors. The track described him as the 2023 Group A Australian champion, ranked second in the world, and thanked him for travelling across the globe to race.
