The mining company head keen to tap Griffith for coal seam gas – despite vehement community objection – has told Riverina MP Michael McCormack to “stop interfering”.

RETAIL EXPERT APPLAUDS CITY

Griffith's welcoming attitude has won over a secret shopper who ran a fine eye over shops. Retail expert Debra Templar gave the experience of shopping in Griffith a seven out of 10 and could only pinpoint minor improvements.

SKY-HIGH SWAN

The Griffith Swans have landed a major coup, solving their ruck issues with the signing of highly-credentialed big man Michael Griffiths. The 206cm giant will lead the ruck division for the Swans this season as the club seeks a return to the Riverina Football League finals in their centenary year.

'WE WILL NOT BLEED DRY'

Murrumbidgee Irrigation has taken the extraordinary step of refusing all applications for external water transfers until Victoria agrees to remove trade barriers insulating it from the Federal Government’s $2 billion buyback.

FORMER WILD CHILD ANSWERS GOD'S CALL

From wild child to devout priest, Griffith’s newest member of the Catholic Parish, Father Andrew Grace is settling into life in Griffith. When he is not spreading the word of the Lord he can be found on the golf course.

HUTCHINSON CRUISES TO TITLE

Samuel Hutchinson was awarded the rookie of the year crown at the recently held Manly Juniors state titles at Lake Macquarie.

COUNCIL CRACKDOWN

Council has identified at least 20 households which have paid few, if any, of their water usage accounts since user pays billing was introduced mid-2002. These homes would be the likely targets of a proposal to restrict water flow in a bid to recover the debt.

FREEDOM TRAILBLAZER

Natalina Murray has become the first woman ever to be granted the Freedom of the City. She was recognised for her hours of fund raising for the Children’s Medical Research Fund, the Heart Foundation and NSW Society for Crippled Children.

DEFENDING PREMIERS OUT

Coro may have felt confident going into their must-win match having piled on 300 runs the week before, but Exies 2 turned out to be an absolute batsmen’s utopia. At the end of the day’s play Exies were 6-377 and Coro were undertaking an unexpected early end to the season.

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