Gossip.
Light conversation; casual talk, usually about trivial matters.
To engage in small talk, to discuss unimportant matters.
An informal gossip network, especially in a rural area such as the outback; also, a component in the network (either a person or an imagined wire).
A message or story transmitted through such an informal network, especially one containing false information.
A system for long-distance communication used by Aboriginal Australians, chiefly using smoke signals; also, a message or signal sent using such a system.