Contributor, The Buloke Times

Dr Jeff Cave. You may have recently read that a living roundworm, suspected to have come from the faeces of a carpet python, was pulled from brain of a woman in New South Wales. It was the first documented case of the parasite infecting a human.

The Naked Farmer (18-year CFA volunteer). Have you ever been a volunteer? It feels great, doesn’t it? Imagine if you were responsible for putting those volunteers’ life at added risk? For an organisation like the CFA which relies predominantly on volunteers, why wouldn’t it stop and ask the question, "Why are we allowing the added risk of Transmission Lines to our volunteers and those we serve to protect?"

Jenny Pollard. It’s hard to believe twenty years have passed since the Charlton and District Community Bank Branch Bendigo Bank celebrated its grand opening ... over the 20 year period of the bank’s operation in excess of $1.6 million had been shared back into local communities.

Jenny Pollard. Finally! Following three years of “No Show” the Charlton A & P Society could at last breathe a sigh of relief as the 140th Show returned to the annual calendar and - for the first time – was held in the new Charlton Park Complex ... As just one of the 580 agricultural shows which take place across Australia, Charlton has fought doggedly to retain its big day.

Alyssa Walker. For the second year in a row, Backflips Against Bullying has put on a parkour performance at Donald High School, weaving tools and life lessons in amongst their dynamic tricks ... Year 7-11 students all gathered under the cover of the Big Shed to watch Luca and Sam’s bombastic performance, interspersed with a variety of tips and tricks on how to de-escalate bullying situations.

Alyssa Walker. An empty throne; a kingless crown; a floating title. It’s been a long 35-years for Jim Russell and Sue Hart atop the rocky seat of Mount Wycheproof, but, last Saturday, that reign came to an end. Word spread quickly about the ruler usurped, and, with the crown up for grabs, people flooded into the home of the Demons, sights hungrily set on claiming the title of the next King and Queen of the Mountain.

Jacinta O'Sullivan. Wednesday, August 30, Transmission Company Victoria ran into approximately 30 farmers and local supporters as they continue to stealthily door knock landowners in the area of the VNI West. Several pensioners, isolated and absent landowners have been targeted by the state appointed company Transmission Company Victoria in an attempt to blindside locals who will live with the 80-metre transmission lines in their local community.  

Quill. It would appear that in my enthusiasm for  everything equine, I'm gathering a collection of Coffeys! There is often mention in my regular race reports of thoroughbred trainer Austy Coffey, and his son, Harry, a successful jockey, both based in Swan Hill, but regularly attending the Donald and District Race Club meetings ... This time my equine adventures led me a little closer to home, with a visit to one of the local Coffey horsemen, Ted, who took me for a tour of Birchip like I’ve never had before.