General News
28 December, 2024
The year that's been 2024
January THE year started with floods across the region and a dramatic Wedderburn creek rescue by six local heroes after a man was trapped in raging waters. Mobile phone connectivity concerns were heightened by the emergency with calls for action...
JanuaryTHE year started with floods across the region and a dramatic Wedderburn creek rescue by six local heroes after a man was trapped in raging waters. Mobile phone connectivity concerns were heightened by the emergency with calls for action. Animal management probe starts at Newbridge farm. First steps to revive Wedderburn’s SES unit that was non-operational during the summer storms. Mincha’s Lloyd Mills celebrated his 100th birthday while Gary Meadows, owner of the former Boort and Quambatook Standard died. Jude Raftis and Samantha Bewley citizens of the year.
FebruaryTHIN blue line concerns as Loddon’s three northern towns left without permanent police presence. Serpentine and Pyramid Hill stations manned later in the year. Inglewood and District Health Services receives $5.1 million for upgrade of urgent and acute care. Mal and Leanne Burge end era as Wedderburn news-agents. Loddon artist Sarah Wallace-Smith wins Pyramid Hill Major’s Vision art prize. Todd Woodfine new principal at Boort District School and Coliban urges restraint in water use at Bridgewater and Inglewood during hot spell. Inglewood trader anger on footpath goods crackdown.
March YOUNG farmers descended on Bridgewater for the Birchip Cropping Group network ball while hundreds of old vehicles were part of the Run to Newbridge. Pop-up consultations for VNI West renewable energy transmission project start as critics slam continued lack of consultation. Goulburn Murray Water announces its Pyramid Hill office and depot will close. Julie Ramsay awarded top volunteer award by Kooyoora Women’s Network and Inglewood’s Enzo Scafati releases CD raising funds for Dementia Australia. Geoff Arnott launches new book on Wedderburn soldiers.
AprilBRADLEY Haw claimed a world record for paddling a pumpkin on the Murray River at Easter while thousands of people were at the 151st Rheola Charity Carnival. Bridgewater’s Janey Cluton and Tyler Estrada had their heads shaved in a Royal Children’s Hospital fundriaser while Boort District School staged its first writers’ festival. The Newbridge farm under investigation by Agriculture Victoria was bought after auction by Coliban Water to become a biosolids facility. Dalip Chawla retired, selling his Boort supermarket. Tennis star Jelena Dokic was speaker when the women’s health dinner returned.
MayRESIDENTS were left with a 5km detour when the Chamberlains Road bridge was suddenly closed. Loddon Shire’s bid for flood repair funding was knocked back by the State Government and would later be funded by council. Sporting groups in Pyramid Hill and Boort raised funds for cancer as Rowan Broad continued to receive treatement in Melbourne. State Budget included announcement of a pedestrian crossing for Wedderburn while Bridgewater residents ramped up calls for action as corella numbers increased, damaging Loddon River trees. Falcon Metals reported interest in Mysia mineral sands.
JuneHAY worth $500,000 destined for the export market was lost in a Campbells Forest fire. After 40 years, Peter Moore retired and sold his Inglewood IGA supermarket. Gladfield legend Jack Harrison turned 100 while Peter McClelland and Greg Keegan were presented with bravery medals for their assistance at a fatal road accident near Moliagul. Murray Keller delivered his last letters and parcels and Inglewood Primary School adopted a new logo and motto - be kind, work hard, grow together. Anti-duck hunting activists claimed damage at Lake Boort and assault at nearby lake.
JulyBROOKE Street Inglewood was the toast of a new store when Carlie Fashions and Accessories relocated to the town. Cobram Estate reported 10 million litres of oil produced from the olive harvest at Boort. Wedderburn College celebrated its 25th anniversary and Boort District School students were part of the national push-up challenge. The Federal Government moved to start Murray Darling Basin water buybacks but two then-Loddon councillors did not support continued opposition to the plan. Terrick West Merinos had the top price $25,000 ram at national show sale, Kedleston Park top commercial fleece.
AugustPOLICE and Inglewood Football Netball Club combined to promote road safety message to youngsters. Ian Bartels received Pyramid Hill Lions Club citizen of the year award, the last before the club was to disband, and Boort District Health nurse Michelle Holland received national aged care award. Loddon singing sensation Elias Lanyon hit national television as a contestant on The Voice while works at Inglewood Town Hall meant a touring opera had to find another venue. Inglewood’s op-shop moved to new premises in the old Royal Hotel. End of year closure of St Patrick’s Primary School Pyramid Hill set.
SeptemberHISTORY was lost when the 1866 Jennings Store in Inglewood’s Brooke Street went up in flames. The dramatic fire closed the Calder Highway and the facade had to be demolished but owner David Oakley remained stoic and continues to sell chickens from the property. Wind turbine companies started knocking on the doors of farmers in northern Loddon districts. A year after raising concerns, Eddington residents welcomed 80kmh speed limits on bend. Boort Amity Club held its 1000th meeting and Hay Australia expanded storage at Bridgewater plant by a third. Volunteer firies receive national emergency medals.
OctoberSPIDERMAN writer Zeb Wells made a visit to Jarklin to the delight of comic fans. Mologa residents acted quickly to replace a stolen brass plaque detailing the district’s history. Boort’s Gaye Sim again crowned state crochet champion at Royal Melbourne Show while the 60s crew held a rock and roll reunion in Dingee and ambulance officer David Booth marked more than 40 years caring for people. Anger when a national award went to SES for rescuing man in the summer storm floods at Wedderburn, snubbing local heroes - intervention by the federal minister saw “recognition” of locals on website.
NovemberYANDO talked tin halls and country towns while Loddon Shire Council election results were being declared - voters opted to dump first-term councillors Wendy Murphy (Inglewood Ward) and Linda Jungwirth (Tarnagulla) with Mrs Murphy taking a swipe at former colleagues and the media in a post-poll statement. Dan Straub was elected shire mayor. Stages two and three of the Bridgewater Rise housing estate released for sale and Wheelhouse industrial estate land tipped to be ready for sale early 2025. Local bank sponsorship means pool season tickets half-price.
DecemberTHE run of Christmas celebrations started in Loddon communities and Boort District Health collected a state award for regional service. VNI West criticism continued in the month after the preferred corridor, including Loddon land, was announced. Lex Johnstone ready for retirement after five years as Inglewood Primary School principal while Geoff Thomas was awarded life membership of Dingee Bush Nursing Centre and Kamarooka North farmer Des O’Donoghue topped the Bendigo sheep and lamb market. Wedderburn’s William Bone wins National Youth Deaf award and local ambos recognised for service.