Central West and Western Plains local news briefing: Friday, November 13, 2026

Detailed summary

Here's what's making news in the Central West and Western Plains regions today. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) says farmers have already lost hundreds of thousands…

Here's what's making news in the Central West and Western Plains regions today.

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) says farmers have already lost hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of crops to fires this harvest.

About 850 hectares had been burned in 100 separate fires across the state in recent days, including one blaze in the state's south-west that destroyed $250,000 worth of standing barley.

RFS spokesperson Ben Shepherd said bumper crop yields and increased storm activity was increasing the risk of harvest fires.

He urged landholders to have firefighting equipment on hand and avoid rushing or taking unnecessary risks.

Two new mobile medical clinics will be rolled out across the western region to deliver specialist healthcare to children in rural communities.

Medical charity Little Wings launched its first medical van yesterday, with a second due to begin operating in February.

The vans will expand its existing program, which flies specialists from the city to the bush, allowing 10 additional free clinics and support for about 1,600 more children each year.

CEO Clare Pearson said money raised by Warren student Dusty Langby would help fund wages, fuel, maintenance, equipment and family support over the next 12 to 18 months.

Opening of the article, excerpted from ABC Environment. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.