Latest news with #communitygroups


Irish Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Joe Soap for president
Sir, – I wonder if the people of Ireland would like an ordinary Joe Soap as president. Somebody like me, for instance. I am not well known. I am not a member of any party. My achievements in life are extremely modest. I am not very articulate. I can't write for nuts. I have no grand messages for the people of Ireland. I am neither rich nor poor, though closer to poor. READ MORE I can't imagine anything I would do or say as president would offend any ordinary person like myself. I would continue to live in my modest home. The Áras could be converted into apartments for poor people. And 90 per cent of my salary would go to community groups. I would receive foreign dignitaries in my home as I receive all guests and visitors (I make a mean lemon cake). Don't all trample over each other in your rush to nominate me. – Yours, etc, TOM KELLY, Broadstone, Dublin 7.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Incredible transformation after grim 7.6 tonne find in Aussie river: 'Serious challenge'
An incredible transformation has taken place at a beloved Australian traveller region, after local community groups, recreational anglers, and government agencies worked together to clear a major waterway of mountains of decades-old debris. Over a few months in late 2024, the collaborative effort managed to free the Capertee River in the New South Wales Central Tablelands of illegally dumped items, including a whopping seven car and truck chassis, that had likely lain on the riverbed for decades. Announcing the impressive feat this week, the Central Tablelands Local Land Services said the feat is the latest endeavour in the area to support the recovery of native and endangered fish species and reconnect 24.8 kilometres of upstream river habitat. This will enable native fish to migrate, breed, and thrive in a healthier aquatic ecosystem, a NSW Local Land Services spokesperson told Yahoo News. "The most serious challenge was removing the car and truck components whole," the spokesperson said. "A five-tonne excavator made little progress, so a local who has heavy-duty cranes — from the Australian Train and Railway Services — was subcontracted. "While only one to two chassis were expected to be removed, there were multiples underneath, resulting in seven being removed to make the river navigable for fish. "After the removal, the bank of the river was reshaped to a more stable geomorphic form. All bare earth was covered with a biodegradable jute mat. Remaining timber was placed around the toe of the bank, and the slope was revegetated." Between August and October 2024, NSW Local Land Services led a major habitat restoration project along nearly 25 kilometres of the Capertee River, aimed at reconnecting the waterway and supporting the recovery of native fish species, including the endangered Blue Mountains Perch. The work involved a series of staged on-ground efforts — from arborist work and site preparation to the removal of dumped vehicle chassis and native planting. Dead eucalyptus branches were first cleared by the North East Wiradjuri Company in early September to ensure site safety, with the timber later reused to create in-stream habitat. Primary earthworks followed, along with the careful removal of car and truck chassis — a more complex job than expected, with seven vehicles eventually lifted from the riverbed by a subcontracted heavy crane operator. These abandoned vehicles had become significant barriers to fish passage. Calls for major change after 'devastating' find among bones 'Worst trash wave ever' hits beach renowned as Aussie favourite 10-tonne find on Aussie beach highlights devastating issue To manage environmental risks, Local Land Services implemented a detailed erosion and sediment control plan, including silt curtains and geofabric bunds, while also preparing for potential oil or fuel contamination, though no spills occurred. The site was stabilised and revegetated following the removal works, with bare earth covered in jute matting and leftover timber repurposed for bank reinforcement. Volunteers from Capertee Valley Landcare completed planting works in October to help restore the area's ecological function. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.

RNZ News
07-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Inquiry into the Government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic
Business leaders, community groups, health sector workers and churches are among those due to give evidence at public hearings held by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The first public hearings of the inquiry's second phase got underway in Auckland today, with commissioners hearing from business people hit hard by the Covid lockdowns. Amy Williams reports. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.

RNZ News
07-07-2025
- RNZ News
Man caught stealing copper from Old Horowhenua Hospital
By Kajal Nair , RNZ Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon A man allegedly tried to steal copper piping from the Old Horowhenua Hospital has been caught, thanks to a caretaker. The caretaker spotted the man at the hospital complex on Saturday morning and called the police. The police said the man fled the scene, leaving behind bags of copper. Police were making enquiries in the area which encouraged the suspect to hand himself in later. The offender is now facing five charges of burglary and is due to appear in the Levin District court on Monday. The old hospital buildings, now used by community groups, have been targeted several times in the recent months, police said. On Thursday, the main water supply to the site was cut off during another burglary attempt and the damage repairs were estimated to be around $20,000. The burglaries have caused thousands of dollars of damage so far and undermines the infrastructure of the building. Acting Senior Sergeant Bernie O'Brien said the police were grateful for the public help in locating the offender. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Trees planted to mark project's fifth anniversary
More than 1.6m trees in almost 1,000 locations have been planted as part of the Forest for Cornwall, marking its fifth anniversary. A new map listing the projects has been produced showing the variety of places that have benefitted from increased tree cover. Residents, farmers, landholders and community groups have planted tree saplings. Cornwall Council launched the initiative in 2019 to help the region respond to climate change. Councillor Loic Rich, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: "We're celebrating an incredible five years of Forest for Cornwall and we want to say a huge thank you to all of you who have got involved so far and to all those to come. "Not only has this scheme brought benefits for nature recovery, absorbed carbon emissions and improved flooding resilience in many locations across Cornwall, it has also had a tangible effect on improving the environment where people live with many trees being planted near homes and in amenity spaces. "We have many more trees in the pipeline for this winter and lots of tips and advice on planting and looking after trees whether you're a farmer or organisation or individual." More news stories for Cornwall Listen to the latest news for Cornwall Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Cornwall residents urged to collect a free tree Cornwall Council