Opinion · This week
Decisions made far from Dubbo shape local roads, health care and school life. Antenia Arps argues that regional communities need a place in the conversation before plans are settled. Make room for nuance.
Send us your view
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Why regional bus timetables need a rethink.
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This week, we’re listening closely to the towns beyond the bypass. A local voice matters.
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Hillis Nashef examines the practical choices families face when specialist care means a long drive from home.
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Thijs follows the decisions that affect farms, small towns and the people who keep regional services running. A local lens matters.
Read Thijs's latest columnMore voices from the region
Priestly Fuenmayor writes on local politics. Welly Cluney covers health access and community care.
Their columns connect policy choices to the people living with them.
Pitch a clear point of view rooted in lived experience.
Send a pitchAcross the desk
Nemah Hadrich brings a community perspective to the choices shaping regional classrooms.
Weekend feature
Small businesses tell the story of a place. We look at the daily work, changing costs and local decisions behind a busy regional strip. Read past the headline.
Explore the feature
Long read
Travel, time off work and follow-up appointments can all shape access to health services outside the cities.
Read the featureReporting and perspectives on dry seasons and recovery.
Browse storiesRegional access, care close to home and the people involved.
Browse storiesAccountability reporting
Our investigations team examines public decisions and asks what they mean for communities across the Central West.
Visit investigationsReaders' voices
A thoughtful letter can sharpen a local debate. Keep it civil.
“A reliable bus service matters to people who cannot simply drive to every appointment. Timetables should reflect when regional residents need to travel.”
Dubbo“Our town's facilities need steady attention, not only a mention when a decision is due. Residents should hear what happens next.”
WellingtonLetters should address one clear issue and stay under 250 words.
Our letters policy
We may edit for length and clarity. Personal attacks and claims without support won’t be published.
Include your suburb so readers know where you’re writing from.
Write to the editorOpinion submissions
Bring a specific argument and the evidence behind it. Our editors review each submission, and publication is at the editor's discretion. Make your case.
Letters: up to 250 words. Opinion pieces: pitch an outline first.
Publication is decided by the editor. We may contact you to verify details.
Before you send
Use your own words, explain why the issue matters locally and include sources for factual claims. Opinion submissions should make a clear case for readers to consider.