8.45: Well, that's it from us today. Don't forget to check out our websites for the latest updates.
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8.35am: Did you participate in Friday’s Brennan’s Mitre 10’s 12 Days of Christmas?
Did you get the answer correct? We were at the Big Billy Can in Trangie!
There will be another clue tomorrow in the Brennan's Mitre 10 12 Days of Christmas.
8.20am: It's two-and-a-half minutes of your life you'll never have back, but no Christmas would be complete without a song from the Jingle Cats.
8.10am: It warns that it's not for the faint-hearted ... 25 things you need to know about Australia's B&S balls.
8.05am: Making news nationally and internationally this morning ...
A Russian military jet nearly collided with a commercial passenger plane in international airspace near southern Sweden on Friday, the Swedish authorities said.
The Defence Department has destroyed 85 surplus missiles worth $23 million in the past 18 months. But the department says getting rid of an average of one missile a week at an average cost of $271,000 per missile is an integral part of national security.
Parramatta's role as a second CBD has been cemented by the state government's long-term plan for the Sydney's future, which is less definitive about how growth will be distributed across the city's suburbs. The government's metropolitian strategy signals its intent to build up Sydney's western centre over the next two decades, as the city grows by almost 1.6 million people.
7.55am: What's on your menu for Christmas dinner?
Don't forget that the crooks do indeed work on Christmas Day, so take note of some of these handy hints provided courtesy of police at Lachlan Local Area Command to prevent your Christmas presents appearing on a thief's menu!
7.50am: A state government plan to encourage NSW public schools to show parents how they will improve NAPLAN and HSC results comes as the 2014 NAPLAN results reveal a gulf between metropolitan students and those in the country.
The proposed introduction of the School Excellence Framework will reveal to parents how schools plan to push bright students further and help the most disadvantaged students out of the cycle of under performance as well as improving grades, according to the Department of Education.
Dubbo College executive principal Ian Nebauer has praised the program for providing schools with an opportunity to self-identify what works well and what needs improvement.
What do you think? Have your say here.
7.45am: Check out some front pages from across Australia here.
7.40am: Brennan's Mitre 10 12 Days of Christmas
We are up to day six of our massive 12 Days of Christmas Competition today Grillers. You could have a massive $200 voucher to Brennan’s Mitre 10 if you’re the lucky winner!
We want to go on a destination hunt with you!
We’ve picked a destination around the region and all you have to do is guess where we are by our clues!
Fill out the form below and at the end of the 12 days we randomly select a winner.
We’ll tell you the correct answer the next day. The more times you enter the more chance you have to win!
CLUES
We’re in Tomingley
- “I am located at a Cross Roads.”
- “I quench the thirst of Miners.”
- “My address is the Newell Highway.”
Visit here to see what you could get if you win the voucher.
7.30am: What's making news across the wider region?
ORANGE: Department of Primary Industries (DPI) staff are using hidden surveillance cameras to identify illegal hunters frequenting the Mullion and Canobolas state forests.
ORANGE: Rising traffic volumes in Byng Street could lead to its first set of traffic lights if one Orange councillor gets his way. At Tuesday night’s meeting, councillor Glenn Taylor will move a motion to investigate installing pedestrian traffic lights between Lords Place and McNamara Street, connecting the civic centre with Robertson Park.
BATHURST: Members of the Bathurst Liquor Accord say illegal drug use is getting worse in the city. An emotive letter to Bathurst Regional Council by local publican Liam O’Hara, on behalf of the accord, lays bare the extent of the problem.
BATHURST: The former Downer EDI site at Kelso has been sold to a Sydney-based privately owned company with strong links to Bathurst.
MUDGEE: The federal government’s plan to cut the Medicare rebate paid to doctors by $5 could force regional practices to downsize, says one Mudgee doctor.
7.15am: Time to look at some of this morning's local headlines.
DUBBO: A state government plan to encourage NSW public schools to show parents how they will improve NAPLAN and HSC results comes as the 2014 NAPLAN results reveal a gulf between metropolitan students and those in the country.
DUBBO: A mentally ill Dubbo man has received suspended jail sentences for headbutting a woman and threatening to stab a man with a flick knife.
DUBBO: Pillow pets, stuffed animals and quite a few Santas made their way down Macquarie Street on motorcycles, horns beeping and arms waving to the onlookers. The parade was for the Ulysses Toy Run to raise money and provide toys to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal.
WELLINGTON: Representing a commitment to closing the gap in health, Wellington Health Service held a flag raising ceremony with the installation of flag poles across the health district.
WELLINGTON: A fire on a property near Bodangora on Thursday night had the potential to threaten nearby homes.But four fire brigades with 10 tankers quickly responded and prevented an outbreak.
7am: Good morning everyone and welcome to the Morning Grill.
You're with Angela in Dubbo this morning. Anything you want included? Community announcements? Birthdays? Email angela.clutterbuck@fairfaxmedia.com.au
We've got another set of clues for you this morning in our Brennan's Mitre 10's 12 Days of Christmas so keep an eye out!
Today's Weather:
Another hot one in store today ...
DUBBO / TRANGIE / NYNGAN: Sunny with a maximum of 34 in Dubbo, 36 in Trangie and 37 in Nyngan.
COBAR: Mostly sunny with a top of 37 degrees.
BOURKE: Mostly sunny with a top of 39 degrees.
