The Cowra Phoenix

07/06/2026

06/06/2026

https://www.1800medicare.gov.au/

06/06/2026

At Picton Bros Panelspan, we have your home improvement needs covered. Our friendly and experienced team will ensure you receive quality products and practical advice for building patios, decks, carports, verandahs, room additions, wall cladding and much more! Our prices are very competitive and our staff are happy to answer any enquiries you may have. https://www.pictonbros.com.au/

06/06/2026

How exciting!

06/06/2026

Local government workers will now be supported through the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program, helping them settle into essential jobs in regional local councils such as road maintenance, town planning, engineering and childcare services for communities.

As a major regional employer, local government plays a vital role in sustaining communities, yet workforce shortages remain an ongoing challenge for councils.

The Welcome Experience is a free service supporting workers and their families make the move if they are considering or have accepted roles in key sectors such as health, aged care, education, veterinary services, policing, emergency services - and now local government.

The program was established by the Minns Labor Government in 2023 as a pilot in 11 local government areas to improve health, education, policing and emergency services in regional NSW by attracting the necessary essential workers.

The success of the Welcome Experience program has led to it being expanded into 88 local government areas across NSW. It has now supported 3,020 frontline workers to make the move to the bush and is now helping councils recruit essential roles for their regional communities.

A Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey found more than 90 percent of councils reported skills shortages, with 66 percent indicating

project delivery had been impacted by vacancies, skills gaps or training needs.

Through The Welcome Experience, the essential workers are connected with a dedicated Local Connector who provides practical, on-theground support, from finding housing and accessing childcare or schools, to connecting with community and sporting groups, plus identifying employment opportunities for partners.

To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the opportunities awaiting those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience

Full story here: https://www.cowraphoenix.com.au/essential-local-council-workers-will-now-be-assisted-to-make-the-move-to-the-bush

Local government workers will now be supported through the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program, helping them settle into essential jobs in regional local councils such as road maintenance, town planning, engineering and childcare services for communities.

06/06/2026

Local government workers will now be supported through the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program, helping them settle into essential jobs in regional local councils such as road maintenance, town planning, engineering and childcare services for communities.

As a major regional employer, local government plays a vital role in sustaining communities, yet workforce shortages remain an ongoing challenge for councils.

The Welcome Experience is a free service supporting workers and their families make the move if they are considering or have accepted roles in key sectors such as health, aged care, education, veterinary services, policing, emergency services - and now local government.

The program was established by the Minns Labor Government in 2023 as a pilot in 11 local government areas to improve health, education, policing and emergency services in regional NSW by attracting the necessary essential workers.

The success of the Welcome Experience program has led to it being expanded into 88 local government areas across NSW. It has now supported 3,020 frontline workers to make the move to the bush and is now helping councils recruit essential roles for their regional communities.

A Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey found more than 90 percent of councils reported skills shortages, with 66 percent indicating project delivery had been impacted by vacancies, skills gaps or training needs.

Through The Welcome Experience, the essential workers are connected with a dedicated Local Connector who provides practical, on-the-ground support, from finding housing and accessing childcare or schools, to connecting with community and sporting groups, plus identifying employment opportunities for partners.

To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the opportunities awaiting those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience

Full story here: https://www.cowraphoenix.com.au/essential-local-council-workers-will-now-be-assisted-to-make-the-move-to-the-bush

05/06/2026

Providing the latest office technology to the Central West for over 20 years. https://inlanddigital.com.au/

05/06/2026

The Elders Emms Mooney team is an energetic, enthusiastic group with a passion for success. With experience spanning over 60 years, Emms Mooney has been recognised as one of the leaders across residential, rural property and livestock sales across the NSW Central Tablelands. We are proud to be part of the Elders network, which has now been established for 180 years, is 450 offices strong, and is commonly known as the most trusted real estate brand in Australia. Our recognition as a successful real estate agency is consistent and that is because we strive to improve continually the services we provide for our clients. https://eldersem.com.au/

05/06/2026

Canowindra’s own Ernie Shankelton has been officially recognised on the state stage, taking out the prestigious 2026 Country Coach of the Year title at the Athletics NSW Annual Awards Dinner.

Ernie has coached dosens of young athletes from Cowra and is recognised as one of the best athletics coaches in the region.

Held two weeks ago on Saturday night at the Novotel at Sydney Olympic Park, the gala event brought together the state’s finest sporting talent, officials, and administrators.

As the driving force behind the Central West Throwers, Ernie has become a revered figure in the regional sporting community. Known as a fabulous coach who genuinely looks after the well-being and development of his athletes, he has been instrumental in taking students from Cowra and Canowindra to great heights in track and field.

Under Ernie’s expert guidance, local athletes are not only competing at a high standard but are thriving. His ability to nurture raw regional talent has turned the Central West into a powerhouse for throwing events, with whisperings that he already has a few future Olympians training amongst his current talented crop.

This state-wide accolade confirms what families and athletes in Cowra and Canowindra have known for years:

Ernie’s passion, skill, and tireless commitment to his squad are truly worldclass.

Prior to moving to Canowindra, Ernie previously coached Olympic, Commonwealth Games and world championship reps.

The community extends its warmest congratulations to Ernie on this well deserved honour. With the local athletics season continuing to surge ahead, the future of Central West throwing looks brighter—and longer—than ever.

Full story here: https://www.cowraphoenix.com.au/local-athletics-legend-ernie-shankelton-named-nsw-country-coach-of-the-year

05/06/2026

Canowindra’s own Ernie Shankelton has been officially recognised on the state stage, taking out the prestigious 2026 Country Coach of the Year title at the Athletics NSW Annual Awards Dinner.

Full story here: