Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper
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Farmers take back control with a digital first
Farmer-owned environmental goods and services broker Regen Farmers Mutual is set to launch their digital platform this week, as the first of 400 farmers on a growing waitlist take up the service. RFM’s farmer members will have access to a customised ‘digital twin’ of their farms which can be used to assess their green credentials and the environmental value of their property.
Raiders’ new era
Kendall Jennings. It was the second match for new head coach Darren Troy on a sunny Saturday afternoon for the Raiders (June 18). Raiders’ spectators were unaware they were in for a treat with the Seniors match.
Victorian Government bans game meat sharing
As the cost of living dramatically rises, the tradition of sharing game meat could now cost individuals over $18,000 after the Victorian Labor Government’s Agriculture Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 passed both houses of parliament. A second offence could see a $90,870 fine and/or 24 months in prison. The tradition of hunters sharing kills with friends and neighbours is as old as humanity itself, now the ever encroaching government bureaucracy will see the practice outlawed.
Time to have your say – pool closure
Kristin Nicholson. Community discussion has centred on the concern for the safety of the town’s youth who will seek out local alternative swimming locations such as creeks and channels, lack of leisure opportunities (including the water slide), lack of, or reduction of, swimming lessons and other organised aquatic-based lessons, and the cost of travelling to other towns or shires to access aquatic facilities.
Vinnies helper for 50 Years
Kristin Nicholson. 50 years is an impressive length of time to be associated with one organisation. That's how long Barham’s Phil Mertz has been involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society, better known as Vinnies. Last month, Phil was recognised for his years of service. Phil began his association with Vinnies in the 1960s when he lived and worked at Hay.
Pig off
Kendall Jennings. District residents met on a chilly Wednesday evening at the Koroop Hall to raise concerns for the Gannawarra Shire Council Planning Application P21147 to use and develop land for a rotational outdoor pig farm. The farm, located at 127 and 191 Orrs Road and 1399 Cohuna-Koondrook Road, Gannawarra, will have up to 5,000 pigs.
Sand slug strikes again
What has caused this estimated 20 million cubic metres of sand in the riverbed between Yarrawonga and Picnic Point to be such a problem now? .... Why did gold mining centuries ago only raise a problem now? How did the sand from the upper reaches get through the settling pond of Lake Mulwala constructed in 1939? And even more alarming, where have the beaches gone around Cobram and surrounds in the last 12 years?
Is rural sport on death’s door?
Kendall Jennings. Unfortunately, my mind always takes a wander; I tend to overthink things and get stuck in my head. Hello, mental illness. One thing that has been on my mind recently is the decline in participation in community sport ... Over the past 12 months, I have realised that local football is not like it was 20 years ago.

