Move it or lose it
Rachel Hagan. Minlaton Family Centre is moving towards becoming the wellbeing hub of the lower Yorke Peninsula. However, these dreams may fall short if the community does not start using the new health services already available ... the family centre hosts GP Gaurang Prajapati and dietitian Bonnie Sanderson, who are currently not being utilised to their full capacity.
Festive fun for 2024 Gin Gin Christmas Parade
The Gin Gin Christmas Parade is back again on Sunday 22 December with the whole community invited to get into the festive spirit. Gin Gin Rural Fire Brigade’s Jack Daw gives an overview of the event: The event started in 2023 as a way to bring the community and the local emergency services closer together, and to spread some holiday joy.
Bringing them in by baring all at the Bowlo
When is a bowlo more than a bowlo – when it’s at Bonalbo and the bowling club is a place to meet, eat, have a drink and even get your kit off. Bonalbo Bowling & Recreation Club is making sure it’s doing what it can to thrive. Club board president David Whitney ... quoted a shocking statistic that one bowling club a week is closing.
Tchum Lake Aquatic Club: New leadership
The Tchum Lake Aquatic Club has ushered in a new era of leadership, with Alex Noonan taking the helm as president following Andrew Lee’s dedicated eight-year tenure ... One of the first challenges facing the new executive team is tackling the lake’s significant weed problem.
Leadership opportunities at Maldon Inc.
The local traders association Maldon Inc. held its annual general meeting (AGM) ... but has yet to attract a new president or secretary. Barry Robinson has served as president of the organisation since 2022 and Lindsay Calloway from Warral Maldon has been serving as secretary ... Barry acknowledged that there is reduced enthusiasm for joining committees in 2024 but said the organisation is considering the creation of an advisory board, so people can contribute to certain topics or on certain projects in which they specialise.
CWA intergenerational initiative a first for Denmark
Serena Kirby. Denmark's CWA is bridging the generational gap with its Nanna’s Next Door initiative. The intergenerational playgroup is the brainchild of local mum Megan Sutton who believes that the Denmark CWA is the only branch offering this type of program ... "Some of these women may not have held a baby in decades and there’s certainly something special that happens when they hold a baby."
Action Gerard’s ‘key to prosperity’?
Hugh Schuitemaker. The current Gerard Council will again appear before the Berri Court, in January, with a "reset" in its management needed to help the community, according to a wellknown local figure ... In response to last week's article, a State Government spokesperson said "the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs (Kyam Maher) has been made aware of the concerns that have been raised by Mr Lindsay".
Gerard wants accountability
Hugh Schuitemaker. A senior member of the Gerard community says accountability for ongoing poor management of the area is needed to improve living conditions for its residents. Berri man Tyson Lindsay has raised concerns surrounding continued mismanagement of the Gerard Community Council and the resulting impact on community members.
Active spirits: Bridging generations in Hay through fun and connection
Meredith Gow. The Active Spirits Intergenerational Program, run by Intereach and supported by Hay Shire Council, has become a highlight of the week for many in the Hay community ... students from Hay War Memorial High School and local community members come together for an afternoon of activities designed to get everyone moving and laughing.
Food Co-Op marks 10 years
Neil Amor. Ten years ago, the Nimbin community came together to ensure the continued growth of an organic, sustainable food culture ... with the financial support of the community and the hard work of a legion of volunteers, despite some tough times getting things up and running, the Nimbin Organic Food Co-op has grown to supply the local need and has become a thriving business.
Days for Girls, empowering others
These wonderful ladies are busy making hygiene kits to send overseas to those who are less fortunate. Members of Allora’s Days for Girls meet on a monthly basis to create essential reusable items for girls and women who don’t have access to feminine hygiene products.
Police launch new community safety initiative
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) launched a new proactive initiative in Toowoomba ... aiming to reduce crime and fear of crime across the region. Safer Together Toowoomba, which runs for the next few months until January 2025, aims to enhance community safety through targeted crime prevention and engagement activities.
St Leonard’s 125 years of service
Denmark's Anglican Church celebrated the 125th anniversary of the consecration of St Leonard’s on October 20 ... The name St Leonard’s was chosen in 1914 because the French saint (d. 599) established a community for released prisoners in a forest ... Denmark historian Bev McGuinness spoke at the morning service and described how Norwegian carpenters had built the church.
Spooktacularly successful
Between Halloween events held at Wyreema the weekend before last and at Westbrook on Halloween night, well over a thousand local children participated in community events ... 1,400 kids were counted at one house, including likely a few repeat customers, and overall over 1,000 kids plus parents, meaning upwards of 2,000 people taking part in the festivities.
Community spirit came to the fore
Many residents of the close-knit community of Towong gathered on Saturday to celebrate the official re-opening of the Towong Soldiers Memorial Hall ... during the 2019-20 bushfires it was the local relief centre and as a place to reconnect with friends and neighbours.
School kids provide revegetation
Both Barham and Deniliquin High School students attended Barham Lakes to complete revegetation work. Almost 200 terrestrial plants grown at Tulla Natives and many aquatic species transferred from within the local area were planted, assisted by Western Murray Land Improvement Group, Traditional Owners from the Moama Local Aboriginal Land Council, Deniliquin Landcare and volunteers.
May celebrates 104th birthday
On Tuesday 22nd October, May Craig celebrated her 104th birthday with her usual style, good humour and grace… Merv Schneider, who incidentally is May’s Legacy helper – Reader please NOTE: Veteran Merv 99 years old helps veteran/war widow May 104!! That has to be a first, maybe even a record!
Serviceton’s Angela Heinrich recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year
West Wimmera Shire Council has named Serviceton’s Angela Heinrich as the 2024 Senior Citizen of the Year ... Ms Heinrich has been an active volunteer in her community for many years and continues to make an outstanding contribution to both the Serviceton and Kaniva districts.
Street works impact on youth centre
Despite a number of delays caused by the Corryong streetscape project, the re-opening of the Youth Space in Hanson Street will go ahead tomorrow. In 2021, Upper Murray Innovation Foundation (UMIF) - the Corryong Neighbourhood Centre (CNC) Community Foundation - received a federal Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant to refurbish and re-equip the Youth Space at 42 Hanson Street.
Bangin’ good show
The 61st Barham Koondrook Show dodged the rain on Friday to put on two days of fun-filled action for the community. Thrilling rides, live music, great food and impressive displays enticed the crowds to brave the wind and menacing clouds for the first show of the new committee.
Full of heart: The community choir with a big impact
Kate Hill. The night is young, the wine is flowing and drifting out from the main stage of the Coonawarra Soldiers Memorial Hall is the sound of twelve singers belting out the classic Let’s Put the Rooster in the Stew. "We’re pretty rough and ready - definitely one of a kind," said Coonawarra Community Choir Leader and Joanna resident Anne Woodard, with a laugh.
Building connections through gardens: Hundreds flock to Charlton Open Day
Jenny Pollard. “Life is better in the garden”. How many gardeners would agree with that?! From the attendance at last Sunday’s North Central Garden Club’s (NCGC) Charlton Open Gardens Day, the lure of that precious space you call your own resonates with a lot of people!
