Minister’s response on Shepparton Bypass provides no hope: Lovell
During a recent sitting of parliament Wendy Lovell, Liberal Member for Northern Victoria, highlighted the Labor government’s continuing failure to act on the Shepparton Bypass. Following the release of the Shepparton South East Precinct Structure Plan, Ms Lovell urged the State Government to commit to funding at least Stage 1 of the Shepparton Bypass in the 24/25 Budget.
Review – What’s For Dinner?
I’ve read a number of books that delve into issues surrounding Australian food production and it’s fair to say that I found Jill Griffiths’ book What’s For Dinner? the easiest one to digest (pun intended). Jill is a biologist and journalist who’s been writing about the environment and agriculture for more than three decades and her book is a blend of science, history and lived experience.
Jacob’s ambassadorial role
At the 2023 Donald Show Jacob Donnellon was awarded the Junior Rural Ambassador Award, which enabled him to compete at the Wimmera Group final of the competition held in Dimboola on March 15 ... The final question asked of the contestants was: “How would you get more people to volunteer at your show?” Jacob’s response was spot on; all in the crowd sat nodding their head in agreement.
Labor breaks regional Victorian rail commitments: Cleeland
Regional communities continue to pay the price of Labor’s mismanagement as key rail upgrades for lines across regional Victoria remain undelivered. Train lines in Shepparton, Warrnambool, and Gippsland were promised upgrades by the end of 2023, but the Allan Labor Government’s mismanagement of Victoria’s infrastructure pipeline has seen all three projects suffer delays and result in cost blowouts.
Local Walpairi man joins 2024 Youth Round Table
Shane Presley, a dedicated member of the Barkly Youth Advisory Group, is driven by his aspiration to enhance access to mentored employment pathways for fellow young Aboriginal Territorians. His passion for fostering a secure environment and his aspiration to establish safe after hours activities for the youth instil a sense of hope and optimism.
Still Water ‘Quince Fair’, Penola – open garden, 13-14 April
Di Michalk. Still Water is a beautiful, sprawling country garden built around towering natural red gums. Designed by Mary Skene-Kidman in 1959, the older parts of the garden strongly reflect her design, plant selections and colour schemes with Edna Walling influences at play in The Shrubbery.
Open air, blue sky combined church service
It was ‘community’ on display for all to enjoy – the Maldon churches combined to come together as one to host the Beehive Chimney Good Friday Service.
Ssh! Secret meeting!
Last night ... a secret meeting regarding nursing services at Lucindale was scheduled to be held behind locked doors. Patients, public and the media were excluded from the private gathering in the town's rarely used council chamber. With an “invitation only” guest list which expanded from “a chosen few” to around 24 people, the meeting was organised by the $243 million Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN).
Milestone year for Carnival of Flowers
Eighty-three events and activations (making up a combined total of 1025 days) will be on offer at this year’s 75th anniversary Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The Carnival is taking place over four weekends in Spring from 13 September to 7 October.
Super support
Local CFA volunteers were seen in trucks and in Corryong’s main street on Good Friday, raising money for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Appeal and once again the Upper Murray community and holiday visitors dug deep for the cause.
Ride for youth covers some tough ground
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.
Bold scheme to reshape aged care in Denmark
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.
Lowana donates to local groups
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.
Not the usual cyclist’s story
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.
Letters from Home: Of gardens, dogs and Agnes
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…
School holidays see the start of the 2024 Great Dunny Hunt: Continence Foundation of Australia
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.
Ember survives, then dies as koala volunteers try to save her
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.
Crowdfunding to house Easter bunnies bringing joy to women healing from domestic violence
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 ...
Young rider shares what it’s like to represent Australia at just 18
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.
Community update on Newstead solar farm
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.
Church reaches milestone
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.
Surveying past the icy pass
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.
