Amid doom and gloom, rain brings a ray of hope

Story by Tricia Duffield

It’s been a long time coming, but at last there is a sense of optimism and excitement for landowners, graziers, and primary producers following significant rainfall earlier this week.

The rain couldn’t have come at a better time – not just for those on the land, but for communities across the western region, struggling with a downturn in tourism, tough economic conditions, and a less than helpful Federal budget.

Mother Nature instead did her best to bring back some hope that 2026 may yet prove to be a good year.

Late on Sunday, many people across the Outback went to sleep with the sound of rain on the roof and woke to rain still falling.

In Louth, Yathonga Station recorded 60 millimetres since Sunday night, 44.9 was recorded at Girilambone, 42.4 at Bourke, 31.2 at Dubbo and 30.4 at Walgett. In Trangie, 61.8mms was recorded, with 58mms at Gunnedah and 43mms at Coonabarabran. At La Jolla station, 15 kilometres west of Dubbo, 44.5mm was recorded since Sunday night. […]

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Bourke grazier Richard Ridge and Garry Mooring of Rose Isle Station. Photos Ian Cole TWH