Geocaching is the ultimate treasure hunt!

Have you ever wanted to embark on an exciting adventure that combines exploration, technology and the thrill of finding hidden treasure?

Then look no further than geocaching, the worldwide scavenger hunt. The concept is simple: grab your smartphone, download the Geocache app, put your location in and caches will magically appear on your screen. Use the online clue, and GPS navigation to find the cache, and most importantly, have fun — and be safe!

Whether you’re in a new town or city, geocaching offers an interactive experience for all ages, allowing you to discover sights often missed by the average traveller.

My daughters and I have made it a tradition to indulge in geocaching whenever we can, especially during road trips. While it may occasionally extend our travel times as we eagerly stop and explore along the way, the memories we create are priceless.

To date, I’m not sure who has more fun, and it certainly brings out the competitive side in all of us as we scramble around desperately trying to be the first to find the treasure.

Geocaches come in various levels of difficulty, from easy to hard, and are often cleverly camouflaged. False rocks or other “natural” items are often placed with hidden caches underneath, and unveiling these hidden treasures feels like a real triumph.

Caches are the “hidden treasure” of geocaching: a waterproof container containing a logbook that each person signs upon finding it, and usually a small trinket you can take. However, it’s essential to remember the golden rule of geocaching: if you take something, you must leave something of equal value in return. It’s a small gesture that keeps the spirit of the game alive.

Geocaches are found outdoors and can involve long hikes. Sometimes they can even be found in unusual locations, such as in lakes, or high up in trees or near cliffs. It’s important, however, to exercise caution and only attempt to locate caches that are safe for you and your family.

Some caches involve doing a little detective work, prompting you to gather information that must be entered into the app to unlock the clue to your next destination. In doing so, you not only uncover hidden treasures but also gain insight into the rich history of the town or city you’re exploring.

Now, you may wonder about the curious looks you receive when you’re digging around a signpost, or even up a tree. Fear not, we in the geocaching community have a term for those who don’t quite understand our passion: “muggles.” Pay them no mind and embrace the camaraderie that comes with being a part of this vibrant community.

With approximately 80,000 geocaches scattered throughout Australia, and an abundance of remarkable ones in our own local area, the opportunities for adventure are endless. So why wait? Visit www. geocaching.com for more information, and start your geocaching journey today.

It was wonderful to attend the official opening of the Zig Zag Railway last week! It was smiles all around among the young to the young at heart, first time riders and Zig Zag veterans, locals and visitors.

There were screams and whistles of delight as the loco pulled into the first tunnel. And at the end of the journey, when the train pulled back into the station, the carriages erupted with applause.

On the Bells Line of Road, people had pulled over and were out of their cars to record the historic moment as the train passed by.

It was like an old friend had returned to remind us of the simple pleasures of a bygone era.

Riding the rails really brings home how much sheer hard work has gone into this reconstruction and re-opening. It’s a massive undertaking with a huge number of moving parts. And today it came together perfectly.

I really enjoyed sharing the opening experience with members of the Clarence and Dargan communities. And of course Aunty Helen and Aunty Sharon who generously carried out the smoking ceremony.

Acting CEO Daniel Zolfel, Lee Wiggins and the whole team of volunteers have achieved something truly momentous. Today they united thousands of people in happiness. Memories were made that will last generations - and it will be the same with every train that departs the station into the future. It’s a mightily impressive legacy their work will leave.

Welcome back Zig Zag Railway! It was a day we will never forget!

I’m enjoying being able to speak freely on the vitally important issues affecting our region and our country.

The Indigenous Voice to Parliament is a case in point. The National Party didn’t want me to speak out on this crucially significant proposal.

After the Nationals had put out their position opposing the Voice, and after I had put out my statement supporting it, Nationals leader David Littleproud spoke to me on the phone and very clearly stated that he didn’t want me doing any national media on the Voice.

If that’s not muzzling debate and the freedom to speak your mind, I don’t know what is.

Yet the party was still out there in the national media trumpeting their “unanimous” position on “no”.

The National Party is not the party I grew up with. It’s run by an ever-shrinking circle of people and has lost touch with its once mighty base and our communities.

People are sick of machine politicians who just parrot the party line. I would never have been able to speak out as freely on issues such as the Voice and the party’s failures on disaster relief had I stayed a member.

I have no regrets whatsoever.

Congratulations to the team at Cudal Community Children’s Centre on their wildly successful Winter Ball last weekend!

It was a top notch country night with plenty of great tunes, food and great times!

It’s a terrific centre, and the committee did an outstanding job to bring the community together to support it. Thank you Cudal!