Environmental surveys continue
VicGrid. VicGrid is continuing environmental assessments on properties within the preferred easement for the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West, informing the design and planning of this critical energy infrastructure. VNI West will play a key role in ensuring Victoria has access to reliable and affordable electricity as coal-fired power stations close...
Farmers’ rights eroded
Carey Brennan. More than 100 farmers attended the recent VFF community meeting held by the St Arnaud branch on Thursday, April 9, to listen to legal experts speak about the effects of the new Victorian Treaty Act and the land acquisition procedures for transmission lines, all of which will adversely affect farmland in this district.
More murals for Donald
Daniel Puentes. Melbourne street artist Heesco has once again brought his unmistakable creative energy to Donald, unveiling not one but two striking new murals that are already breathing fresh life into the town's landscape. With his remarkable eye for detail and storytelling through art, Heesco continues to transform everyday spaces into vibrant landmarks worth celebrating.
District farmers fight back
Quill. Community spirit was alive and well at Marnoo on Sunday, February 22, as farmers and friends affected by mining and the renewable energy push came together in support and to share their stories – it was standing room only at the Marnoo Cricket Ground ... Across Victoria Alliance (AVA) has united 27 allied groups across the whole of Australia in the fight against the mining and renewables projects throughout the regions.
Donald project reaches agreement with Traditional Owners
Donald Mineral Sands has reached a Journey and Understanding Agreement with the Traditional Owners of the land where it is developing the Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project. The agreement is between DMS and Barengi Gadjin Land Council, the Registered Native Title Body Corporate representing the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk Peoples ... The Donald Project, near Minyip, in Victoria’s Murray Basin, is a globally significant deposit of critical minerals.
To beat Australia Day heat – Donald chose cool pool
Daniel Puentes. Donald's venue for Australia Day was the pool; a welcome change, as the summer heat was no joke on the day. As the venue opened, people came and set up their chairs and prepared for a fantastic day at the pool. At 10 a.m., the emcee, Chloe Frank gathered everyone's attention for the singing of the national anthem and the reading of the pledge.
Donald welcomes inaugural Taekwon-do championships
Phil Zdybel. The United ITF Inaugural Victorian Regional Championships which included the Buloke and Geelong Taekwon-do students, were held at Donald's Dunstan Stadium ... This event marked a historic milestone, the first martial arts competition ever held in the Wimmera and Mallee regions – vast sparsely populated areas now bridged with the energy of Taekwon-do.
“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.
