Vic

One hundred critically endangered Southern Corroboree Frogs have been reintroduced to their native habitat at Kosciuszko National Park ... The frogs were badly affected in the 2019/20 bushfires, and the field enclosures have been fitted with irrigation systems for fire-proofing, as well as remote cameras for monitoring.

“Increasing the capacity of the existing channel escapes will mean environmental water can fill wetlands and creeks that would otherwise only get wet during large over bank flows ... We put an end to buybacks because of the damage they have done to regions like this – stretching beyond the individual farmgate and impacting on the efficiency or whole irrigation networks”: Keith Pitt, Minister for Resources and Water.

An online forum of 90 local government Mayors, Councillors, Chief Executive Officers, key staff, Co-Patrons The Hon Denis Napthine AO and The Hon John Brumby AO, as well as representatives from regional tourism bodies and Heritage Victoria have heard how the bid will serve as a catalyst to transform the region, delivering a crucial post-pandemic economic lifeline to the Central Victorian Goldfields region.

The 108th Cohuna Show, to be held on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th March 2022, will feature the opening of the new show pavilion on the Friday. The new pavilion was made possible by means of a $475,000 federal government grant.

The Victorian Goldfields Railway (VGR) is in for a bumper year with the ever popular steam train back on the tracks. Visitors are catching up on missed rides, celebrating delayed birthdays and experiencing riding beside the driver. Bookings are almost sold out for the incredibly popular Ales on Rails and Murder on the Orient Express. Tickets are still available in May for a ride on Victorian Colonial Express; one of Victoria’s oldest railway carriages dating back to the 1880s.

Growing up he dreamed of being a train driver, and at the age of 26 he is well on his way to realising that dream. “I was brainwashed to love trains early on,” Adisson laughs. “This is the dream job.”

Michael McCartney. This year’s Maldon Classic was a great success for the town. The two-day event, prior to the long weekend, ran as a fundraiser for the Maldon Hospital. Visitors travelled from all parts of Victoria and interstate.

Diversified national property development group Goldfields has snapped up three adjoining sites in Shepparton, as they continue to expand their residential platform in regional Victoria. The $15 million combined sites span 44-hectares and have been earmarked for development into a 450-lot strong masterplanned residential community, to meet increasing demand for affordable housing in the region.

Kirstin Nicholson. Jan Heap and Faye Donaldson are members of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia’s Solo Network which held its biannual rally in Cohuna ... The rally attracted over 200 solo motorhome owners from across Australia, giving them a chance to catch up with old friends, form new friendships, try new activities, and experience new adventures and locations.

Last week, I supported a motion by the Liberal Democrats’ David Limbrick to end COVID-19 mandates in Victoria, sending the matter to the new ALP-fortified ‘independent’ body to review Pandemic Bill impacts. Quite simply, it went to the heart of freedom of choice, liberty and the right of individuals to be individuals.

John O'Donnell identifies the multiple barriers to effective low intensity or ecological maintenance burning of forest areas across south east Australia and opportunities to address these.

Former Tennant Creek rockers – Unbroken Expanse (UBX) – have released what they call a “killer” new single and music video. Bootstrap Billy tells the tale of this mythical character who knows how to spin a yarn, keen for a good time and loves a drink and a laugh.

The Jenkins family celebrated their 74th family reunion at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens last Sunday. The family scroll created by Ray Maxfield in the 1960s measures 25 metres and is proudly displayed on the grass as new babies are added to the historical document.

The Game Management Authority (GMA) has announced the arrangements for the 2022 duck season, including changes to the start times, daily bag limit and hunted species ... State Member for Bendigo, Maree Edwards told the Times that she has read the GMA’s release regarding the decision to open duck hunting this year and feels it is imperative that the Government takes significant advice from the GMA.

You may have noticed the Victorian Blue Light Youth Camp (VBLYC) in Maldon is back in action, with trails of kids in high-vis vests riding their bikes along the streets of Maldon ... “We’re now starting a new program for 16 to 24-year-olds which will work with young people who are disengaged from education, training, community or employment" : Jonathon Mitchell, Executive GM.

Alesha Millard. In its 52nd year, one of the world’s longest paddling races, the Massive Murray Paddle, was held last week ... The paddle commenced in Yarrawonga on February 21 and headed to Tocumwal for the first night – a 93km paddle. Paddlers also passed through Picnic Point, Moama, Torrumbarry and Murrabit, before finishing in Swan Hill on the 25th. The five-day event saw paddlers completing a 404km set course.

Joan de Bondt. Over the weekend, anglers descended upon Barham to participate in the annual fishing competition, which has been running for 13 years. The number of entries is capped at 300 for adults, and there is no limit on the number of children ... The financial and tourist benefit to the town is considerable.