Opposition to data centres is emerging as an unusual point of agreement among Republican and Democratic voters in the United States. Pew Research Center data show the share of Republicans saying data centres harm nearby residents' quality of life rose from 24 per cent to 42 per cent between January and August 2026. Most new facilities are planned in rural areas, many in states won by Donald Trump in 2024. Trump has strongly backed data centre expansion, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for sweeping restrictions.
Hundreds of people gathered in Wodonga on Wednesday night to support independent MP Helen Haines after an alleged attack on Monday. Attendees praised her compassion, her support for young people and her ability to bring people together across political divides. Former independent MP Cathy McGowan called for greater safety in politics, particularly for women in rural communities, saying the violence must not be allowed to win.
Swan Marsh dairy farmer Jason Smith says open conversations about mental health matter in rural areas. The story focuses on seeking support for people living and working in the bush.
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Warialda's Louisa Gilmour has received the 2026 Audi Foundation – Country Education Foundation Community Alumni Champion Award at NSW Parliament House. The award recognises her work promoting regional Australia through storytelling and the creative arts. Country Education Foundation chief executive Wendy Mason praised Gilmour for sharing regional stories and highlighting challenges such as drought and isolation. Gilmour said she wants rural Australia represented authentically by people who understand it. She now works at Spectrum Films at Disney Studios in Sydney.
A morning forum in Armidale on Friday, 16 October, will ask how academic research can better prepare regional, rural and remote Australia for disruptive futures. The event was initiated by Warwick student Elizabeth Ure and is hosted by The Australian Sociological Association and the University of New England. Ms Ure said research often fails to reach the places it is needed. The forum runs from 9:30am to 1:30pm at the UNE SMART Region Incubator and online, and is moderated by Rev. Simon Hansford.
Rural Aid is encouraging farmers and rural communities to check in on one another during Mental Health Month, saying connection can help when pressures build. A Pulse of the Paddock survey found 94 per cent of farmers said community was important for accessing services, while 38 per cent identified barriers to getting help. Rural Aid mental health manager Myf Pitcher said access to counsellors who understand rural life matters. Dairy farmer Jason Cousins, from Singleton, said speaking openly about feelings had given him relief. Rural Aid's free mental health support is available to farmers and their families.
