General News
30 July, 2025
Your letters: Eucy trees and The Oldtimers
Concerning ‘eucy myths’ Sir, I’m writing in response to criticisms from some members of the public regarding the planting of eucalypts in Inglewood. As an arborist with over 40 years of experience, I find such comments, often based on...
Concerning
‘eucy myths’
Sir, I’m writing in response to criticisms from some members of the public regarding the planting of eucalypts in Inglewood.
As an arborist with over 40 years of experience, I find such comments, often based on misinformation and myths, concerning.
The notion that eucalypts are inherently unsuitable for street planting is a broad generalization that ignores the incredible diversity within the genus.
With nearly 900 species, eucalypts range from towering forest giants to small, ornamental varieties which are perfectly suited for urban environments.
Many species are compact, have non-invasive root systems, and offer beautiful foliage and flowers without posing a nuisance.
What’s more, they are vital for attracting native birds and animals, providing essential food and habitat.
Furthermore, when considering trees for our local environment, we cannot improve on 60 million years of evolution. Eucalypts are uniquely adapted to our climate and soils, making them superior to many exotic trees that may struggle with our conditions and offer little ecological benefit to native wildlife.
Educating ourselves on the vast array of Eucalypt species available is crucial before dismissing them outright.
Choosing the right species for the right location can enhance our streetscapes with beautiful, drought-tolerant, and ecologically valuable native trees.
Peter Goegan
Wedderburn
Memories of
The Oldtimers
Sir, Picking up the Loddon Herald (june 12) with a photo of Glenda Hunter on the front and reference to the Wedderburn Old Timers brought back many memories of those times 50 years ago.
Reaching Page 15, I said that’s my mum, Doris McNaulty sitting third from the right with the ladies in front of the stage, then my sister said that’s my father-in-law, Ron McNally, at the back of the stage on the right.
Dad and Mum, Lex and Doris McNaulty loved The Oldtimers and travelled all over following them at every opportunity and were able to dance well into their 80’s. It brought them a lot of pleasure and I am sure put an extra spring in their step.
They looked forward to the dances and balls and meeting up with their good friends Hec and Mavis McGregor and dancers they met from far and wide along the way.
Mum was a first cousin of Lindsay, Trevor and Glenda and was proud of what The Oldtimers had achieved for themselves and the town of Wedderburn and the pleasure they gave people.
I remember Ted Stephenson and Ron McNally being the Emcee at some of the local dances and balls.
I would love to know who the other people are sitting along the stage and what hall that ball was held in. Mavis McGregor is the first lady on the right in the photo.
Thank you for the great write up.
Faye Rodger
Burkes Flat