REGIONAL BANKS THREAT
The Finance Sector Union (FSU) has called on the Federal Government to extend the existing moratorium on regional branch closures to 2030 across all banks, not just the big four, as well as to metropolitan branches.
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The Federal Government has tabled its response to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee report, Bank closures in regional Australia: protecting the future of regional banking.
The Federal Government gave in-principle support to only two of the eight recommendations.
The union said the Federal Government did not commit to extending a moratorium on the closure of regional bank branches beyond July 2027.
The FSU said the Federal Government had missed an opportunity to secure the future of retail banking and protect the jobs of workers in regional and remote Australia.
Finance Sector Union National President Wendy Streets said bank branches weren’t just a nice thing to have ‒ they’re essential.
“The Federal Government’s response to the report is disappointing and will do nothing to allay the fears of regional finance workers and their communities.
"The major banks’ purge of branches across regional and metro Australia has devastated communities.“
SHEPP SALE TOPS $4700
Shepparton East dairy farmers Ron and Sheralee Newman recently dispersed the autumn calved portion of their AI bred commercial Holstein herd at the Shepparton Regional saleyards.
A sale top of $4700 was paid for a second lactation three-year-old daughter of Handshake. She was one of several purchased by D Notter of Kyabram. The same buyer also selected the equal top-selling two-year old at $4200 sired by leading BPI Sire Sahara.
Another two-year old by the same sire also sold at $4200.
This quality herd were all sired by WWS, and many were genomic tested with BPI to +759.
Selling agents Dairy Livestock Services report there were buyers from all parts of Victoria both on-site and online.
Ninety cows and milking heifers averaged $3250. This included the line of 35, two-year-old milking heifers that averaged $3440.
NEW SAFETY LAWS
Victorian farmers are being encouraged to take advantage of dedicated farm safety visits and practical resources available through the Victorian Farmers Federation’s Making Our Farms Safer Project as updated dangerous goods regulations commence this week.
The new Dangerous Goods (High Consequence Dangerous Goods) Regulations start on July 25, 2026, replacing the current regulations from 2016.
While regulations have been updated to improve clarity, readability and regulatory intent, existing obligations for farmers and agricultural businesses managing high consequence dangerous goods remain unchanged.
VFF President Ryan Milgate said the update was a fantastic reminder for farmers to revisit safety responsibilities and identify opportunities to improve workplace safety.
“Understanding your responsibilities around dangerous goods is an important part of running a safe farm business as safety must always be our number one priority. Our VFF Making Our Farms Safer Project team helps take the guesswork out of it and ultimately helps to make your farm compliant and a safer environment,” Mr Milgate said.
Farmers can find more information, access resources and arrange a dedicated farm safety visit by visiting the MOFS website https://makingourfarmssafer.org.au/ or contacting them at mofs@vff.org.au
NEW CHICKEN WELFARE STANDARDS
A new set of higher welfare standards just released by the RSPCA will, for the first time in Australia, provide a certification pathway for chicken meat producers to meet the globally recognised Better Chicken Commitment.
By limiting genetic selection for rapid growth, prohibiting live shackling, increasing space and enrichment, and ensuring access to natural light, the new top-tier standard has the potential to improve the welfare of hundreds of millions of chickens farmed for meat in Australia each year.
Alliance Strategy Director Bidda Jones said, “Fast-growing breeds which suffer high rates of pain, injury and illness, birds crowded together unable to move freely, and live shackling prior to slaughter are prevalent throughout the Australian chicken industry, including in current RSPCA Certified supply chains.”
“While the base RSPCA Standard will still allow these practices, the release of higher welfare requirements offers a practical pathway for chicken farming practices to match current science and community expectations for animal welfare.“
The Better Chicken Commitment requires higher welfare, slower growing chicken breeds, more space and natural light inside chicken sheds and more humane and reliable slaughter methods.
$50,000 FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE
The Country Education Foundation (CEF) has officially opened applications for the second year of the Tim Fischer Fellowship, building on the momentum of the fellowship’s inaugural year. Individuals passionate about making a difference in rural and regional Australia through the power of education are encouraged to apply.
The fellowship supports a recipient with up to $50,000 in funding, mentorship and networking opportunities to help turn their bold ideas into reality. The proposed project must include an education element, whether through communities or workplaces or other educational contexts to create meaningful change in regional and rural communities.
As applications open for the 2026 fellowship, inaugural recipient Annabelle Hudson has reflected on the significant progress made in delivering her initiative, True North, a practical, student-centred program designed to recognise their strengths, expand their sense of possibility and approach future education and career decisions with greater clarity and confidence.
Originally from Young in regional New South Wales, Ms Hudson is developing True North to address a gap she observed among regional students: not a lack of talent or ambition, but unequal access to exposure, tailored guidance and opportunities to explore what might suit them.
Country Education Foundation Chief Executive Officer Wendy Mason said the fellowship’s first year demonstrated the power of backing individuals with bold ideas and strong community purpose.
Applications for the 2026 Tim Fischer Fellowship are now open and close on August 24.