“Spark” ignites Christmas vision
Jenny Pollard. A new vision for Charlton's Christmas decorations has been realised thanks to the innovation and inspiration of a small group named "Community Spark". The volunteer-led team, comprising many "newcomers" to town, has created the impetus for refreshing and renewing the main street décor, along with encouraging local involvement in boosting the festive signature of the township.
Harry heads towards a thousand
Quill. Tuesday's mid-week meeting at Donald and District Race Club was one that reminded me of the perks of my job as the local race reporter; what a glorious day ... There was a buzz of excitement around the grounds with Harry Coffey's win total sitting at 997 prior to the first of his eight races on the day.
Farmers unite: Access denied
Carey Brennan. District farmers are resolute in their intention to deny access to Vicgrid and TCV employees trying to access their privately owned farm land along the VNI West 500 KV transmission line corridor. In the last two weeks, TCV badged employees have asked landowners for permission to enter farmland at Bungaluke, Glenloth, Teddywaddy, Wooroonook, Greens Creek, Wallaloo, Gre Gre and Normanville. All claim the right to access under Section 93 of the Essential Services Act but they are still required to have landowner permission to enter.
Report cards highlight cod season potential: VFA
Victoria’s Murray cod fisheries are in strong shape ahead of the annual season opening, according to a monitoring program funded in part by recreational fishing licence fees ... "Cod season opens Monday, December 1, and there’s good news for anglers planning summer trips to the Goulburn, Ovens and Lindsay rivers and Gunbower Creek."
The latest on Op Shop and Ukraine appeal
...There are now 18 volunteers contributing to the work of running the Op Shop, each person has unique skills and creative talents to contribute ... Overseas donations have been sent to Indonesia, supporting a child who has been able to attend school and receive helpful items, and to Ukraine and Niger with boxes of jumpers, beanies, scarves, bandages.
Fashions fight windy weather – Gallopers not the only winners
Quill. On Sunday, November 16, Donald and District Racing Club hosted its annual Cup Day celebrations in challenging four-seasons-in-one-day conditions ... Despite the wind and rain later on in the day, a supportive crowd arrived dressed in their finest in cup day fashion, or otherwise comfortably cosy for the conditions.
Need for speed as airstrip sizzles – Charlton hosts “Drag and Drive”
Jenny Pollard. The engines roared, tyres smoked and the volume soared as the first North Central Victorian Drag Racing event sped across the Charlton airstrip for three days last week ... die-hard drivers with classic machines showed that responsible drag racing can be a fun, controlled and family orientated sport – far removed from the concept of hoons doing burnouts on city streets.
Reaction to unexpected REZ’s expansion: Council’s deep disappointment
Buloke Shire Council has expressed deep disappointment with the State Government's handling of a major expansion to Victoria's REZs, which now push significantly into Buloke communities. The major extension of the Grampians-Wimmera REZ now extends into Buloke's west near Curyo and Wilkur and the NW REZ has shifted closer to the north-east of Charlton.
WestWind Energy welcomes Victorian Transmission Plan
Victoria's premier wind farm developer, WestWind Energy, welcomes the Victorian State Government's commitment to the renewable energy transition with the release of the Victorian Transmission Plan. WestWind's Managing Director, Tobi Geiger, says "Today's announcement by VicGrid follows months, if not years, of meaningful engagement and considering feedback from many stakeholders.
Transmission meetings disappoint Council
Buloke Shire Council ... Council accepted the invitation in good faith, based on TCV’s indication that an important update on the project would be shared. However, during the meeting, Council was advised that no announcement would, in fact, be made. Instead, the meeting was re-framed by TCV as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Council and improve consultation processes. Council expressed its disappointment ... Council was not informed of this amendment during Minister D’Ambrosio’s visit, despite its relevance and impact on affected landowners, some of which were present and engaged in the discussion held.