Backpackers say recent changes to working holiday visas have removed the incentive to take regional jobs that many Australians avoid. Under the new system, second-year visas will require a ballot, and the number on offer is falling sharply. Irish backpacker Meghan Morris and Chilean backpacker Catalina Quiroga say the lottery makes regional work less worthwhile. Cherry grower Tom Eastlake in Young and winemaker Darren De Bortoli in Griffith say backpackers are essential to their harvests. The Department of Home Affairs says the reforms are designed to manage demand and support a fairer allocation of visas.
Hilltops Council will carry out essential water main cleaning in Young from Monday 2 to Thursday 5 November 2026, between 8am and 4pm each day. The work aims to reduce water discolouration during summer. Residents may notice temporary discoloured water, lower pressure or brief supply interruptions, and some nearby properties may also be affected. Households are asked to limit use of taps, washing machines and dishwashers during the work. Afterwards, residents should run an outdoor tap until the water runs clear and release any trapped air.
An independent report on a public hearing into Hilltops Council's planning proposal PP-2026-1426 is now complete and open for public viewing. The proposal would reclassify 33 lots across 20 properties from community land to operational land. The hearing was held on 7 October 2026 under New South Wales local government and planning legislation, and was chaired by Janine Finlayson, who is not a council officer. Council staff will include it in a post-exhibition report for councillors before they decide how to proceed with the proposal.
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The Hilltops community is invited to a ceremony honouring Sergeant Henry (Harry) Smith M.M. at Carrington Park in Young on Wednesday, 21 October, from 11.00 am. A special tribute plaque will be unveiled at the park. Harry joined Young Municipal Council in 1909 and became park caretaker in 1912, shaping the grounds into a much-loved community space. He served on the Western Front during World War I, where he was wounded and awarded the Military Medal. He returned to Young and retired in 1951 after 42 years with Council. Family and community members are warmly invited to attend.
WA Greens senator Jordon Steele-John will not attend Federal Parliament during an investigation into decade-long allegations of inappropriate comments and behaviour towards women. He has also taken leave from the party room and denies the claims. Seven staffers and party members raised the complaints in a letter to Greens leadership. Party leader David Shoebridge says he had not heard of the allegations before the letter, and the matter has been referred to the WA branch for independent investigation. Questions remain about who will conduct the inquiry and whether findings will be made public.
Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has taken leave after allegations of inappropriate comments towards women. Greens leader David Shoebridge has ordered an independent investigation into the claims. Shoebridge denies knowing about historic complaints against Steele-John between 2017 and 2025 until a letter from seven Greens members demanded action this week. Steele-John rejects the allegations and has referred the matter to the WA Greens for a fair and independent process.
More than $4 million in youth grants is now open across NSW to help young people meet friends and learn skills offline. Applications for the Connect IRL Phase 2, Youth Week 2027 and Holiday Break Autumn and Winter 2027 programs close on Friday, 6 November. Successful applicants will be notified in early 2027. Over $3 million is available to councils, not-for-profits and community organisations for projects aimed at young people aged 8 to 24. Youth Minister Rose Jackson said the grants would create more places for young people to meet in real life.
Hilltops Council is inviting residents to dispose of hazardous household chemicals free of charge at upcoming CleanOut events in November. Events will run at the Victoria Street Waste Facility in Young on Saturday 7 November, and at the Boorowa and Murrumburrah waste facilities on Sunday 8 November, each from 8am to 3pm. Accepted items include motor oils, fuels, paints, pool chemicals, batteries, gas bottles and smoke detectors. Household quantities up to 20 litres or 20 kilograms are accepted, with paint up to 100 litres and batteries up to 10 kilograms. Business and commercial quantities will not be accepted.
A witness in the Alan Jones trial has denied allegations that his family sought financial gain from the broadcaster. The complainant, known as A, testified that he was 17 when Jones allegedly assaulted him. During cross-examination, the witness rejected suggestions that his mother influenced emails sent to Jones and that they aimed to deceive him. Jones, who has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges, previously stated he provided over $100,000 in assistance. The trial continues under Judge Glenn Walsh.
