Public housing residents in Pioneer are bracing for a sweltering summer without ceiling fans or air-conditioning. Residents and concerned locals have pleaded with the state government to step in after yesterday’s 37-degree heat served as a reminder of the oppressive conditions in social housing over summer.

PARKS PLANNED FOR CLOSURE

Four playgrounds in Griffith could be removed and one park closed under council’s new draft playground strategy released this week. The strategy has also proposed reclassifying nine parks to reserves.

CLUB BIDS FALL SHORT

The future of the Catholic Club Yoogali remains in the balance after the multi-purpose facility was passed in at auction on Wednesday.

BULLS CHARGE BACK INTO TOWN

After a 15 to 20-year absence, the Griffith Showgrounds will play host to the Griffith Pro Rodeo Stampede. Yass bullfighter and rodeo clown Matt Darmody has helped organise the event in conjunction with TM Rodeo Productions.

ROAD AWASH WITH WINE

A B-double truck laden with wine blocked the road for more than seven hours when it rolled over near Goolgowi.

CENTRES TO STAY OPEN

Parents can breathe a sigh of relief following the announcement that three local ABC Learning Centres will remain open next year – but the fate of one still remains in jeopardy. While the Collina, Driver and Griffith centres will continue to operate in 2009, the same cannot be said for Hanwood.

PRICE FOR SUPERX EFFORT

November 16 may well prove to be a life-changing day for local motocross rider Toby Price. On that day, Price blitzed many of his better-backed riders to finish seventh overall and clearly to top privateer in the Australasian SuperX Championship in Wollongong

DEFICIT DUE TO WAGE, SALARY INCREASE

Significant increases in salaries and wages are behind Council’s operating deficit of $316,000 last financial year, it was reported at a council meeting this week.

SKATE PLAN GAINS MOMENTUM

The Griffith skate park is a step closer to being updated, following a visit by users and members of the skate park committee to the Berrigan skate park.

SWANS SIGN COACH

The RFL premiership-winning Griffith Swans enter a new era next season after signing new coach, former Essendon and St Kilda player Adrian Burns.