Contributor, The Buloke Times

Blake Lee. The Birchip Early Learning Centre has expanded its workforce in recent years, welcoming new staff who contribute fresh skills and enthusiasm at a time when Australia faces a major shortage of early childhood educators. Jobs and Skills Australia reports a current shortfall of around 21,000 qualified Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals across the country.

Peter Hibberd. This is my opinion only – some very big changes are needed in harness racing. Over recent months, with the decrease in prizemoney back to $4,000 per race, one particular club did not get enough nominations to have its meeting, which was surprising as it is one of the biggest harness areas in Victoria. Another case was Charlton last Monday with only enough horses running for six races.

Emma Kealy, Shadow Minister for Agriculture. The Allan Labor Government's drought announcement fails to deliver the immediate support farmers have been calling for and desperately need. While doubling drought resilience infrastructure grants and deferring the emergency services tax on agricultural land for a year may sound helpful, it does little to provide immediate support for farmers who are at breaking point.

Dr Jeff Cave. As we move towards winter sheep producers may begin to see cases of pregnancy toxaemia or twin lamb disease in their ewes. Twin lamb disease occurs when ewes have an inadequate energy intake during the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy.

VicGrid, the government body responsible for planning and developing the state's renewable energy zones, has released the Draft 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan for community and industry feedback ... It sets out how much more wind and solar energy Victoria is expected to need over the next 15 years and identifies the most suitable locations for new renewable energy and transmission projects.

Peter Hibberd. Mornington trainer, Matt Laurie, achieved what must be called a unique or rare double by winning the Weirs IGA Donald 2-Y-O Classic with Diamond Gust.

Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster MP, says that while the national federal election results are extremely disappointing, Mallee voters have re-elected The Nationals in a strong rejection of Labor's appalling treatment of the electorate ... "Not only has there been a swing towards The Nationals in Mallee this election, it looks likely that we have won Mallee on first preferences and now hold Mallee with one of the largest margins for a Coalition seat in the nation."

Quambatook held the Australian Tractor Pull Championships on Easter Saturday at its purpose built track in front of thousands of appreciative spectators. This fully-fuelled event draws spectators and competitors from all over Australia and offers a jam-packed program to keep any and all entertained.

In Week 10 of Term 1, eleven Year 9 students and four staff members took part in the annual Bushwalk Camp – an experience designed to challenge, inspire and create lasting memories. Due to the impact of summer bushfires, this year’s camp looked a little different, with the route re-planned to explore the beautiful northern section of the Grampians National Park, which remained unaffected.