8:55am: Well that's it for today's Morning Grill. Stay tuned to our website throughout the day for the latest on Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, that was reportedly shot down over Ukraine.
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In the meantime, why not have a good look at what is making news locally.
8:45am: It's a big day for celebrity birthdays. Nelson Mandela would have been 96 today, Richard Branson is turning 63 and astronaut John Glenn is 92.
For the younger ones, former Veronica Mars star Kristen Bell is 33, Gossip Girl actor Chace Crawford is 28 and Vin Diesel is 46.
8:30am: The blame game has started after Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was allegedly shot down over Ukraine overnight. Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed the Ukrainian government for the diasaster while Kiev is blaming Pro-Russian separatists.
8:20am: And in national sport's news, there is growing speculation Israel Folau could be heading back to rugby league after he was spotted in talks with NSW head of football Todd Greenberg.
Folau's contract runs out at the end of next year.There is also speculation Kurtley Beale has done a deal to join the Canterbury Bulldogs next year.
8:15am: There is plenty happening in local sport at the moment:
DUBBO: Dubbo will host a NSW Country Eagles game during the Inaugural National Rugby Championship, with the Perth Spirit travelling to Caltex Park on October 18.
NARROMINE: Isaac Thompson is a star on the rise, representing Narromine, Western Division and NSW in rugby league this year.
DUBBO: The Dubbo Kangaroos are looking to bounce back from their 48-3 loss to Orange Emus with a good display against the Parkes Boars in Central West Rugby Union tomorrow.
8:05am: Now some exciting news for Dubbo. Plans are in the works to bring a New Years Eve fireworks display to the city, similar to those in Orange and Bathurst.
A group of volunteers is behind the project and they are calling on sponsors to make it a reality.
Head over to our website to have your say on whether you would like to see fireworks.
8am: The cold weather is playing havoc around the Central West, with Orange Airport forced to close this morning because of ice and snow on the tarmac.
7:55am: An update from Dubbo Mayor Mathew Dickerson about Barden Park.
7:50am: For those who are heading to Sydney, here is an announcement from NSW Transport Management:
Motorists travelling on the Great Western Highway or surrounding roads between Bathurst and the Blue Mountains are being urged to avoid non essential travel or if travelling exercise extreme care and caution due to wet and slippery conditions following heavy snow fall.
There has been reports of a number of vehicles sliding on the road.
Additionally,
The Great Western Highway is blocked in both directions following a truck accident in Blackheath.
Also, a three vehicle accident is also impacting eastbound lanes on the Great Western Highway at Katoomba.
Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions and exercise extreme care and caution.
Further information regarding these incidents will be made available as it comes to hand.
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
7:45am: A Dutch man who joked about his flight going missing is believed to be amongst those killed when Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down.
Cor Pan posted a photo of MH17 in Amsterdam, saying "if the plane disappears, this is what it looks like", a reference to the disappearance of MA flight MH370 in March.
7:40am: Looking at today's local headlines:
DUBBO: Those living in Eastridge should be able to access fast broadband next year, after work started on installing the NBN in the region.
NARROMINE: Narromine Shire Council was one of 13 that won a four-year legal battle in the High Court after receiving poor advice about investments before the Global Financial Crisis
DUBBO: Parkes MP Mark Coulton is claiming the removal of the carbon tax as a win for the people of his electorate. According to Mr Coulton, the demise of the carbon tax will lower household bills, helps businesses and improve the economy.
7:25am: We start with some truly terrible news this morning. Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 has reportedly been shot down over Ukraine, killing all 295 people on board.
Fairfax Media has been told by Malaysian Airlines there were 27 Australians on the Boeing 777.
The plane was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur and comes just months after Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 disappeared without a trace.
7.10am: Good morning and welcome to Friday. You're here with Mark Rayner in Dubbo for the final day of your working week.
If you have anything you'd like to contribute to today's Grill please email thegrill@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Dubbo / Trangie / Nyngan: Looks like a strong chance of showers with tops of 10 for Dubbo, 12 for Trangie and 14 for Nyngan.
Cobar/ Bourke: A sunny, windy day expected. Cobar should reach a maximum of 13 and Bourke 15.