Latest news with #Mudgee
The Australian
28-07-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Muswellbrook preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, July 27, 2025
Trainer Cameron Crockett is launching a double pronged attack on the Bengalla Cup with two horses that are the complete opposite. Crockett has Florino and Hulu in the $35,000 Cup (1280m) and admits the former has all the talent but isn't that mentally strong whereas the latter thrives when the going gets tough. Florino, a horse formally trained by Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich, is yet to break through for Crockett but can do so here if he gets some things to go his way. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The son of Mikki Isle comes into the race having not gone a yard in heavy conditions at Mudgee but Crockett reports the gelding pulled up fine from the race. 'He's fine but it's just when the chips are down, he throws them away and that's what he did that day,' Crockett said. 'Obviously, he's got all the ability but he just lacks that mental fortitude sometimes. 'But he pulled up well and I'd expect him to run better than what he did the other day.' Hulu comes out of the same last start race as her stablemate and she thrived in the heavy conditions, only going down narrowly despite a tough run in transit. Crockett isn't worried about the conditions with her and also thinks a return to Muswellbrook will suit where she's recorded three wins from four starts. 'She's just the complete opposite to Florino,' Crockett said. 'She just guts it out no matter what the conditions are and you saw her do that the other day. 'But she's not the easiest at home and I think if she knew we wanted her to win, she just wouldn't do it out of spite.' Bookmakers can't split the two with both opening at $7 with talented mare Chidiac the $2.25 favourite. A race later in the Scone Rural Supplies Handicap (1500m) will see Taipan Legend look to bounce back off a disappointing last start run. Crockett believes he's got a bit of Florino about him with the way he failed to fire in the conditions. 'He needs a lot to go his way in races and when it doesn't, he throws the toys out of the cot,' Crockett. 'He's a bit like the other horse actually with anything that goes against him, he just doesn't want to go on.' The final race on the card, the Power FM Handicap (1280m), has drawn a capacity field and Crockett is hoping for some scratchings so Lightning Speed can come in a few barriers. The Scone-based conditioner thought Lightning Speed was his best winning chance prior to the barrier draw so he's just hoping for a bit of luck and for the rain to stay away. 'I was really disappointed with the barrier she drew because I actually thought she was my best winning chance on the day,' Crockett said. 'She does have the speed to overcome it so I'm not concerned about the barrier in that sense, but if she were to have a tough run on a slow track it might be tough for her. 'If it was a fast track I wouldn't have any worries so I'm just hoping the rain stays away. 'But she gets here off a throat operation and I thought she trialled really well. 'Ash (Morgan) won on her and he was pretty keen to stick with her so hopefully he can get the job done.' Meanwhile, Crockett was unable to get a run at Randwick on Saturday with Durova but he suggests punters follow her wherever she goes. 'I think she's one to follow,' Crockett said. 'I've been really impressed with her since I got her and I think she'll be winning a few races.' JETT HATTON'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 2 No. 1: LEADING IMPACT Debuted in a strong race on the Kensington when fourth to Grand Prarie. Can break through second-up. NEXT BEST Race 4 No. 1: BEYOND MY KEN He's going well and enjoyed stepping back in trip last start. Should be in the finish again. VALUE BET Race 6 No. 1: SURREAL I AM Forgive her last start run when not getting any clear room. She's going super and has come up over the odds. QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 2, 5, 6 Race 5: 2, 4, 7, 8 Race 6: 1, 9, 3, 10 Race 7: 2, 3, 4, 8 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW As is normally the case, AARON BULLOCK has a stellar book of rides and should get at least two winners. WORTH A RISK Race 6 No. 3: DALE Matt Damon's horse is a bit overrated. I don't think he's come back well based on what he's shown at the trials. INSIDE MAIL - MUSWELLBROOK RACE 1: Country Boosted Mdn Hcp 1280m SNAP DECISION (1) was narrowly denied for a maiden win on debut when Justice Warrior couldn't be caught. Aaron Bullock was aboard that day and he sticks for the latest assignment. The way he hit the line would suggest the rise in trip, while only minor, will suit. DUNSTALLL THE GUN (2) ran on well in a race that lacked much tempo. Can position closer to the speed after drawing barrier four. MAGURTZ (6) looks to have a promising future, judging by what he's produced at the trials ahead of his debut run. Bet: Snap Decision to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Muswellbrook Motors Mdn Hcp 1000m LEADING IMPACT (1) led in a strong race on debut and faded to finish fourth. Can break through here in easier company. Gary Portelli has given Premium one trial ahead of her debut. Drawn well and think she'll run much better than the price would suggest. SALVATO (5) has trialled OK leading into her debut run. Gets Aaron Bullock in the saddle but might just need a touch of luck from barrier eight. WOOTTON PLEASE (12) debuted in a strong race at Warwick Farm that featured multiple stakes horses. Will be fit and ready to go for this with four trials preparation her for the first-up run. Bet: Leading Impact to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Pirtek Muswellbrook Mdn Plate 1750m NAVY PIER (4) was a beaten favourite at Taree last time out. Missed the start a length and as a result, he had to settle at the tail. It's normally hard to make ground at Taree and he couldn't. Getting to Muswellbrook suits and he'll have a fitness benefit being second-up into this run. JU TWO (3) comes out of a decent Gosford maiden and he did it tough that day when covering a stack of ground. Drawn wide here so needs luck. PIERRO'S GIRL (12) is trained by Chris Waller. She's been battling at her last few but gets her chance coming out to country level. Bet: Navy Pier to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Acorp Country Boosted Hcp (C1) 1000m BEYOND MY KEN (1) has steadily improved at each run this preparation. Just touched off by Star Amibition at his last start when back to 1000m. The short trip seems his go and he's drawn favourably. NOVA CENTAURI (6) was a strong winner at Scone first-up from a break. Got all the way back to last before getting to the centre of the track and ripping home for a big win. TOUGH GUY (5) is a former Victorian and won by four on his stable debut. The strength of the race has to be questioned though. Bet: Beyond My Ken to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Bengalla Cup 1280m HULU (8) has won twice this preparation from four starts and went very close to another last time out in a good race at Mudgee. Had to make the long run on that occasion too when only beaten a head by Zulfiqar. CHIDIAC (7) is a four-time winner from five starts with her only defeat coming in Highway grade. Won by a furlong when returning at Scone and she drops 4kg on that effort. CONTRIBUTINGFACTOR (1) has been running well at the provincial level. The form out of his races has stood up reasonably well. Bet: Hulu to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Scone Rural Supplies (Bm66) 1500m SURREAL I AM (1) was narrowly denied two starts back at Gosford before not getting a clear shot at Newcastle at his latest start. Drawn to get the run of the race from barrier one with Andrew Gibbons in the saddle. BUSH TELEGRAPH (2) didn't appreciate the heavy going last time out when carrying 60kg. Can improve here. DALE (3) is the horse owned by Matt Damon. Judging by his trials, and they're just trials, I don't think he's come back as good as last prep. Still has the talent to be in the mix here though. TAIPAN LEGEND (10) next best. Bet: Surreal I Am to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Power Fm (Bm58) 1280m LIGHTNING SPEED (4) is drawn a tricky barrier but she's come back in hot form and has the speed to overcome it. Just hope the track isn't chopped up by this stage of the card. ALL TOO WILD (8) looks to have a promising future. Hasn't been beaten far at all at her two starts this time in and she should be peaking third-up into the prep. CAPICELLA (3) and VIERVILLE (2) are worth considering too. Bet: Lightning Speed to win Horse Racing Form analyst Shayne O'Cass presents his best bets and inside mail for Wellington on Thursday, plus his tips for the Wagga meeting. Horse Racing Mudgee trainer David Smith has a big week ahead starting on Tuesday and ending on Sunday chasing Big Dance eligibility at Forbes with his stable captain Lockdown Gamble.
News.com.au
27-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Give us a break': Aussies want more time off
An extra day off could help with Australia's burnout crisis as new research reveals almost half of Aussies have taken a 'wellness sickie' to combat the issue. Burnout is not a virus or a bacterial infection, but something equally insidious and potentially just as devastating. Simply, burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. The World Health Organisation describes it as phenomenon that arises from chronic workplace stress that leaves people feeling exhausted and completely depleted of energy, which can lead to depression and anxiety. According to Mental Health Australia, an alarming 61 per cent reported experiencing burnout in 2023, compared to the global average of 48 per cent with the statistics revealing Aussies to have the highest burnout rates in the world. In fact, Mudgee Region Tourism today revealed almost half (47 per cent) of Aussies have taken sick leave for a personal break or getaway at least once. As such, 72 per cent want more public holidays as one way to help combat the issue. The organisation partnered with Pure Profile to conduct the research in June 2025, surveying more than 1000 Australians. 'These results weren't surprising to us,' Beau Kassis, chief marketing officer of Mudgee Region Tourism told 'We know Aussies are more stressed and burnt out than ever. Public holidays, particularly long weekends are one of the few guaranteed moments in the year we get a well-deserved break.' The tourism board has today launched a petition calling for a 'Mudgee Monday' - a proposed new public holiday for NSW, aimed at fighting burnout, supporting mental health, and levelling the long weekend playing field between states. Its research revealed 57 per cent of Aussies believe that an extra-long weekend each year would reduce burnout and stress. 'Give us a break' 'The Mudgee Region is calling on NSW residents to sign the petition and encourage Premier Chris Minns to give us the break we deserve – namely, a Mudgee Monday,' he told 'Towns like Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos and Rylstone are becoming more than just a nice option - we're part of the wellbeing solution. This isn't just about a day off; it's about taking rest before wreckage, even if just for a long weekend.' He said, interestingly, the tourism board's latest research shows Aussies want to also even the playing field when it comes to standardising public holidays across the country. New South Wales, alongside Western Australia, receive just 11 public holidays a year compared to Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia with up to 13 - and Tasmania having the fewest at 10. 'This is why we're calling on the premier to even the stakes and give NSW residents an extra public holiday,' Mr Kassis said. 'We need to start thinking about time off in a more sustainable way. We can't continue to bank our annual leave for one big, expensive (and exhausting) holiday each year.' He said small towns like Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos and Rylstone remind us how travel is meant to be – slow, unhurried, and deeply personal. 'This style of authentic travel offers a refined refuge from the relentless pace of modern life,' he said. 'Adding a day to the weekend a few times a year may seem like a small solution – but the benefits of slowing down in regions like ours for three days instead of two will drive a big impact.' Dr Anastasia Hronis, a leading clinical psychologist and researcher, is also backing the campaign, advocating for policy that puts mental health and wellbeing at the forefront of legislative discussions. 'It is a wonderful initiative to help Australians see our beautiful countryside while enjoying some much needed rest and recovery from the grind of daily life and work,' she told Burnout is only 'getting worse' Dr Hronis said burn out is an issue that's only getting worse, adding she's not surprised 72 per cent of Aussies want an extra day off. 'Some industries are more affected than others, for example, those working in the healthcare industry, in education, and in agriculture,' Dr Hronis told According to Mental Health Australia, 40 per cent of Australian workers across all sectors report experiencing burnout, with healthcare professionals being particularly vulnerable. The organisation revealed a staggering 84 per cent of healthcare workers reported symptoms of burnout in 2022, a figure that has remained consistently high since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. She explained rates of burnout and work stress are at record highs and that 'sometimes, a single extra day, like a 'Mudgee Monday', can make a big difference when it comes to how we feel - at work and at home'. 'I see many people who come for psychological consultations because they are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and burnt out,' Dr Hronis said. 'It's becoming increasingly common, and often contributes to other difficulties like poor sleep, weight concerns and even substance abuse.' She said the reasons are varied, but some of the main contributors include work-related pressures, financial worries, uncertainty and change due to global events, and constant digital distractions. 'That's why getting away, even just for a weekend, to places like the Mudgee Region can help provide a circuit breaker. Slowing down in a peaceful environment can support recovery and stress management in a really powerful way. 'Excessive workloads, increased expectations from workers, poor work-life balance, economic and job insecurity, and a digital overload all contribute to why we are seeing higher and higher rates of burnout.' Dr Hronis said the desire for more public holidays makes sense given how much people are struggling with work stress and burnout.. 'Time off is essential for our mental health, allowing us to recharge, connect with loved ones, and enjoy life outside of work,' she said. 'More public holidays could really boost national wellbeing, not just by reducing stress, but by giving us all permission to slow down and prioritise what really matters.'
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Photos of Aussie tourist town reveal unlikely solution to major national issue
An impressive 12 hectares of potentially flammable land has been cleared from a picturesque tourist attraction thanks to a group of very hungry Aussie animals. For the past several weeks, ravenous goats have been working their way through thick vegetation in hard-to-reach areas of the Putta Bucca Wetlands — a disused quarry turned native paradise located just outside the western NSW town of Mudgee. From April to June, the animals were guided to dense areas where machinery could not reach, helping to reduce the bushfire risk at the popular outdoor spot ahead of summer, all while supporting the unique surroundings. 'The herd was moved progressively through the site to target over-vegetated areas while avoiding disturbance to environmentally sensitive zones,' Hollie Smith, an operational officer for NSW RFS — Cudgegong District, told Yahoo News. Video footage of the dozens of goats eagerly munching on long grass in steep, rocky and wet terrain has been praised by Aussies online, many of whom deemed the project a 'fantastic idea' and requested it be "conducted near their home". The clip also shows before and after images of the grazed areas, highlighting the stark difference the animals made. Goats remove invasive weed species, help regenerate native flora The goats, which grazed a total of 12.3 hectares, were confined using temporary fencing and 'strategically placed to match areas with high fuel loads or specific vegetation targets', Smith explained. 'They are only kept in each section for a short period — just long enough to effectively reduce the fuel loads.' And that's not the only benefit. 'The goats also consume invasive weed species and research shows that after passing through their four-chambered digestive system, only about 15 out of 1,000 seeds remain viable — helping support the natural regeneration of native flora by reducing weed competition,' Smith told Yahoo. The animals were supplied and managed by Dry Creek Farm at Mudgee. The local contractor specialising in targeted land management via grazing runs a herd of about 200 goats, with a rotating number used on individual jobs. Rare species tracked down in remote Aussie creek Cyclists' discovery in forest highlights growing Aussie issue: 'Prolific' Dead scientist's 'time capsule' in vault key to resurrecting Aussie species Goats utilised across NSW as part of ongoing grazing trial The project is part of a continuing trial into targeted grazing that was developed by NSW RFS in response to the state government's inquiry into the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires. 'Putta Bucca was identified in the Cudgegong District Bush Fire Risk Management Plan and, due to its proximity to residential areas, environmental significance, and limited machinery access caused by thick vegetation growth, it was considered an ideal location for the trial,' Smith said. Similar trials have been conducted in various areas of the state as part of an ongoing effort to explore alternative hazard reduction methods, including the South Coast, the Liverpool Ranges, and the Wellington Caves near Dubbo. The trial was also carried out in Clandulla late last year following a wetter-than-average spring, Smith said. 'Another site that has been grazed within the past four years is along the Lue railway corridor. In both locations, the local communities have enjoyed seeing the goats in action and have taken a strong interest in the valuable role this method plays in bushfire risk management.' Several countries utilise goats to help clear flammable vegetation including the US, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Herd of goats reduce bushfire risk at Aussie tourist attraction
An impressive 12 hectares of flammable vegetation has been cleared from the Putta Bucca Wetlands thanks to a group of very hungry goats. Source: NSW RFS – Cudgegong District/Dry Creek Farm Mudgee
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NRL world rallies around Royce Simmons after Panthers legend shares sad update
The NRL community is getting behind the cause of Royce Simmons as the Penrith Panthers legend prepares for his fourth annual "Big Walk" next month to raise funds for dementia research programs. But the 66-year-old admitted this week it's "only a matter of time" before the disease completely takes over his life. Simmons played 238 matches for the Panthers across a legendary career, as well as 10 State of Origin games for NSW and 10 Tests for Australia. He famously scored two tries in the 1991 grand final as Penrith beat Canberra to reverse the result of the previous year's decider. In 2022 he revealed he'd been diagnosed with dementia, and immediately set about organising 'Royce's Big Walk' through his own foundation to raise funds and awareness. This year he will walk for 11 days and more than 200km from Penrith to Mudgee, beginning on August 13. Accompanied by fellow ex-players including Terry Lamb and Luke Goodwin, he'll arrive at Glen Willow Oval in Mudgee for Penrith's clash against Canberra in Round 25. The Panthers and Raiders game will be a fitting destination for the hero of Penrith's inaugural grand final win 34 years ago. Royce Simmons' sad admission about dementia battle Some 433,000 Australians are currently living with dementia, and Simmons made the harrowing admission this week that it won't be long before it completely engulfs his life. At the moment, it can take Simmons half an hour to remember what he did the previous day as he lies in bed each morning. But he's well aware there will be a time when he can't remember at all. "You wake up in the morning and you think to yourself, 'What did I do yesterday?'," he told AAP. "You lie there for half an hour and you think and you think and gradually you work it out. Then I suppose the stage comes where you don't." Simmons said he despaired at seeing his mates go down a similar path, so decided to do something about it. "When I was diagnosed, I sat around whingeing, really frustrated and cranky with the world," he said. "After I did that for a few months, I thought, 'get off your bum and get out and try to do something positive'. That's the reason why I'm in it now, trying to help out as much as I can before the dementia gets me any worse. I know it's only a matter of time until I go down that track." New look, same big mission! 🏃The Royce Simmons Foundation is back with a fresh brand and the 2025 Big Walk.👉🏽 🐾 — Penrith Panthers 🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@PenrithPanthers) July 18, 2025 NRL world rallies around Royce Simmons' great cause This year he's helped create a "virtual steps" program that allows donors to pay $30 to complete 30 steps "alongside him" for the Big Walk. "I'm not just crying out to Penrith fans, I'm crying out to all rugby league fans," he said. The 66-year-old is hoping to arrive in Mudgee to witness another Penrith win, with the four-time reigning premiers currently on a six-game winning streak that has turned their season around. And Simmons said a fifth-consecutive premiership isn't out of the question for Ivan Cleary's side. "They gradually just build their way into it every year, pick up some momentum, and things are looking positive again this year," he said. "But there's still a fair way to go." RELATED: 'Unfair' family detail as Andrew Johns makes unexpected career call Latrell Mitchell spotted in sad post-match moment amid Souths low Peter Lang of The Western Weekender wrote on social media on Friday that Simmons is "just as inspirational off the field as he was on it." One fan commented: "Fantastic bloke, fantastic player. Keep up the good work mate." While another added: "Royce Simmons' determination is truly amazing." with AAP
