The Griffith community is reeling following news the Griffith blood bank will close its doors for the final time next week. Despite plans to build a new facility close to being finalised, the unexpected announcement was made on Wednesday.

CHEERS FOR TARIFF PHASE-OUTS

Riverina wineries will use a free trade agreement between Australia and Japan to create a new market of "wine lovers". While the government excluded rice from the deal, the agreement will phase out tariffs on Australian bottled, sparkling and bulk wines over the next seven years.

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

Song downloads will take just three seconds and movies just 20 seconds, under the Federal Government's $43 billion broadband plan, which will include Griffith.

GSAHS FIGHTS BLOW-OUTS

Greater Southern Area Health Service has called for voluntary staff redundancies in an effort to bring its budget blow-outs under control.

BLACKWELL THROWN LIFELINE

Australian middle-order batsman Kate Blackwell has been thrown a lifeline after being named in the preliminary squad for the Twenty20 World Cup in June.

VARIETY KEY TO SKATE PARK

Griffith's new $100,000 skate park was given the thumbs up by local youth after the barricades to the site were taken down last week.

INJURY FAILS TO HALT WIN

Just over a week ago David Deery was riding his bike around a roundabout on Wakaden St when he was hit by a car, completely destroying his bike and finishing with cuts and severe bruising along his left leg. But he put all that behind him on Friday, cruising over the finish line in first place in the 30th running of the Bacchus at Lake Wyangan.

NEW BANK FOR TOWN

A welcome injection of services into the bush will have Bendigo Bank open a regional office in Griffith. Community-owned branches will also open in Hillston and Narrandera.

Love looking back?

On this day in Griffith: April 4-6

On this day in Griffith: March 28-30

Land army makes its mark on area

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