Life

Serena Kirby. Local winemaker Mike Garland was one of 50 cyclists who stopped in at Denmark Senior High School as part of WA’s annual Ride For Youth fundraiser. The cyclists joined 150 students from years eight and nine to talk about youth mental health.

Patricia Gill. Business developer and founder of Denmark-based Acare WA Marie Redman has proposed that the Shire of Denmark buildings be vacated to make way for seniors’ accommodation. Her suggestion, which would involve the Shire moving into the site of Supa IGA and a new big supermarket being built elsewhere, was met with applause at last Thursday’s meeting at the Riverside Club.

Nhill’s local craft, home made and home grown shop, Lowana donated $3,000.00 to local volunteer groups following their March meeting. Nhill Lake Committee received $1,000.00 to be used to install interpretive signs at Nhill Lake.

Coming back from Newcastle a couple of weeks ago we passed him somewhere between Nyngan and Cobar. Just poking along, and we thought, another person with time on their hands to cycle, not drive ... Mic Whitty’s story is not the usual push bike rider's adventure story ... he hatched a plan to cycle and follow his grandfather's footsteps around the Western Front in France.

People who love dogs often love gardens, and often, keeping mental peace while loving the two can be fraught. Many people have written stories about the perils of dogs and plants ... Doctor Seuss ... Banjo Paterson wrote a poem called “A dog’s mistake” ... Pam Ayres also struck trouble ... Enter Agnes…

Calling all Australians to add new details on public toilets to the National Public Toilet Map. The much-loved Great Dunny Hunt is back and better than ever with the Continence Foundation of Australia calling all Australians to update the National Public Toilet Map website or app with new public toilet facility details they discover while out and about these school holidays.

During the 2019 bushfires, Ember was severely dehydrated, her fur was black, coated in soot and she was badly singed. She suffered from congested lungs from smoke inhalation and had significant burns to her rump and all four paws.

Tennant Creek Women’s Refuge provides vital support for women escaping domestic violence; in many cases, these women and children have had to leave behind treasured possessions or much-loved pets. Recently the Refuge was gifted three baby rabbits, which were unfortunately orphaned when their mother died, and are looking to build a suitable enclosure ...

Mackenzie Walch, 18, has only been riding seriously since 2014 but the talented young eventer has just represented her country for the first time ... With eventing as her first love, she rose through the ranks and is now part of a group of young Tasmanian riders who find it necessary each year to compete on the mainland to get strong competition experience.

The Newstead Community Energy Project (aka solar farm) will be commissioned during the second half of 2024 (date TBC). The inverter, solar panels and most of the tracking system have been installed.

A decade ago the future of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Cudgewa looked bleak. The floor was riddled with white ants and the inside was in great need of patching and painting. Much discussion was held on whether it would remain open considering the nature of the repairs needed and dwindling church attendance.

Wayne Hawthorne. It was interesting to hear that the South-East of South Australia was home for one of the great surveyors and explorers of Polar regions. The little-known exploits of John Rymill (1905-1698) were outlined to members of Naracoorte Men’s Probus Club recently.

The Harcourt Applefest sets out to showcase local produce – in particular, with a name like Applefest (DRUM ROLL)... yes, apples ... At the recent Applefest, one of Maldon’s-own was also showcased … The award-winning Gluten-free Poached Apple Tea Cake will be available at Maldon Rose over Easter.

I was taken by a news item over the weekend with the head of the Ferrari F1 Racing team, Frédéric Vasseur, where he said the spirit of Enzo Ferrari still lives on, highlighting any successful team must have a sense of confidence. Which got me thinking. People only perform at their best when they are confident. Likewise, people are motivated when they achieve something and are recognised for it. This builds self esteem and belief in one’s own abilities.

With the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal being held ... we have brought you the story of young Frank Skratulja, whose family has utilised the services of the hospital since June 2022 as well as the Mercy and Sunshine hospitals. Frank was born just before his identical twin brother Luka on May 25, 2022 at the Mercy Hospital.

Lucindale's Cheryl “Fitzy” Fitzgerald has only praise for the Lucindale nurse who three years ago saved her leg, and possibly her life ... So Ms Fitzgerald was shocked recently when she tried to make an appointment for a blood test at Lucindale.

At this time of the year we see the tumbling grass-seed heads rolling into fences and garden beds - especially if the garden is surrounded by pasture land. This will be a different type of visit for the Allora and District Garden Circle when they gather for their garden tour next Tuesday 2nd April.

Join us on Sunday 7 April 2024 for a fun filled day with activities tailored for dachshunds, small dogs, locals, and visitors alike. Day of the Dackel is in its 5th year of running with visitors and hounds coming from as far as Queensland and Tasmania. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Henley Park, on the banks of Lake Wallace, Edenhope, the festivities kick off at 9 am with our market offering an array of dog and human merchandise.

As if all the promise to see a Grumman Avenger, a Delorian, or Paul Bennet performing his acrobatics is not enough, the Airshow Committee are pleased to announce yet another exciting surprise for those planning to attend. Jane Bunn the popular, Channel 7 weather forecaster, has agreed to be the ‘Guest of Honour’ on the day.

Approximately 100 people of various cultural backgrounds attended the 2024 Harmony Day celebrations held at the Nhill Memorial Community Centre on Thursday 21 March 2024, marking it as one of the largest Harmony Day celebrations in Hindmarsh to date. Attendees were treated to a range of entertainment and performances including singing, dancing, demonstrations and talks that were provided by local and visiting artists.

Legislation for the Albanese Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard being introduced ... will be good for the hip pocket and good for the environment.  This will reduce emissions from new passenger vehicles by more than 60 per cent by 2030, and roughly halve the emissions of new light commercial vehicles over the same period.

Holding signs high above their heads, a large crowd gathered in Bailey Park, Ulmarra ... to officially launch a petition demanding the NSW Labor Government abandon plans to close the Ulmarra to Southgate ferry service ... “It’s vitally important that we tell the NSW Labor Government how much this iconic ferry means to the community”: Member for Clarence Richie Williamson.