Warracknabeal Herald

Country music comes to town

superadmin — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:44:46 +0000

HORSHAM Country Music Association have recently hosted two country music shows at Warracknabeal Community Centre.
Rodney Vincent performed his highly regarded country, rock and comedy routine on April 20 and Jenny J and Big Bad John were the artists at Morning Melodies on May 3.
Warracknabeal country music fan Merv Muller said that both shows were terrific.
Rodney Vincent is a versatile and entertaining artist while Jenny J and Big Bad John took the audience down memory lane singing popular country music songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
Horsham Country Music Association secretary Lyall Wheaton said that people from Horsham, Minyip, Dimboola and Nhill attended the shows with attendance of 80 and 60 at the two shows.
Mr Wheaton said that, since Horsham Country Music commenced holding shows in Warracknabeal some 18 months ago, attendances have been on the decline.
“Horsham Country Music are running two more shows in Warracknabeal, with Laura Downing on August 17 and The Hoffmans on October 25,” he said.
Mr Wheaton said that if the number of people attending these shows did not increase, it was unlikely that the association would continue to run country music events in Warracknabeal.
Horsham Country Music are holding Morning Melodies in Hopetoun on September 13 at 10am, with the artists being Courtney Conway and Ian Castle.

Blues join Devils after enthralling victory

superadmin — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:42:47 +0000

MALLEE Football League fans were in for a treat as a determined Beulah took on the Devils, though with numerous injuries affecting both sides, it was a fairly even contest between the two.
Close all day, this game ebbed and flowed with first one side getting the advantage only for the other side to reel them back in.
Down by 10 points at three quarter time, Beulah finally came away with a memorable win after an emphatic six goal to one final term.
In doing so, they might just have upset the plans of those who thought it would be a Devils versus Roos Grand Final this year.
With both sides missing a few key players this week, any advantage that one side had over the other was negated. The scene was set for a fantastic match.
Hopetoun so far undefeated and sitting atop the ladder, Beulah back to something like their classy best and playing at home.
The battle for supremacy in the midfield was going to be the key. Whoever won that battle would most likely win the match and this was where Beulah had the advantage.
This turned out to be a physical match with not a lot of open play and the final result of the match coming down to a battle of attrition to see which side could outlast the other.
In the end it was probably the Blues’ ability to create a goal seemingly out of nothing that got them over the line. Hopetoun had as much forward entry as Beulah, but could not convert when it counted.
The task doesn’t get any easier for Hopetoun as they travel to Underbool this week to take on the undefeated Roos while Beulah come up against the Lakers and should be able to continue their upward momentum.
Ouyen United v Walpeup Underbool
A huge crowd gathered at Blackburn Park to watch traditional rivals Ouyen United and Walpeup Underbool battle it out in cold conditions with a light breeze to the northern end.
This was a big game for both sides. Ouyen United were desperate to record their first win for the season and Walpeup Underbool were just as keen to keep their unbeaten record in tact.
In the end it was the class and talent all over the field that won the match for the Roos.
They went in harder, tackled fiercely, their overhead marking was all one grab and they finished off their hard work with precise and accurate use of the ball.
Ouyen United on the other hand missed easy marks, they fumbled and were hemmed in and rushed when they tried to break away from an opponent who made them pay for any errors.
Ouyen United’s best chances came in the second quarter when they started to lead to the ball, get in front and make use of spaces out wide.
The Demons did come back within a goal at half time, however, an eight goal to three third term put away any United supporters’ hopes of a win.
Ouyen United looked dangerous when they were able to get out in the open and run, but this did not happen anywhere near often enough.
They have some good young players who look to have bright futures, they just need to find a bit more consistency in their game.
United started the last quarter well booting two quick goals to have a slight hope, but the Roos steadied, they could be heard encouraging and helping each other and they showed a lot of composure to play out the game.
Woomelang Lascelles v
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers
Evergreen Col Durie put in a best on ground performance in his side’s 46-point defeat of Woomelang Lascelles.
Durie was everywhere gaining possessions and such was his potency up forward, that he ended up as the Tigers’ leading goal scorer with four.
The Cats tried hard, they had a good first half and final quarter, but a lacklustre third term cost them dearly.
If Durie was a stand out for Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers, Cat captain Anthony Foott just as brilliant for his side.
Foott put in a consistently determined effort, he was hard at the ball and made his possessions count.
Woomelang Lascelles were let down by poor disposal and were not able to always make the most of their opportunities.
They are not having a good run with injuries and could be down on personnel when they take on the Demons next week the battle of the cellar dwellers.
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers are in the four, they have a bye next week before the interleague game and then face Ouyen United and Hopetoun in what could be a season defining two weeks.

• FALLEN: (back left) Beulah's Tyler Lehmann takes a leap and Sam Martin stops short to avoid their fallen Hopetoun opponent Kain Robins after an attempt to mark the ball during Saturday's match.

Tell your volunteer story

superadmin — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:40:30 +0000

WIMMERA Volunteers are looking for Wimmera residents to tell their personal story about volunteering as part of research project.
They are currently undertaking a research project with the key purpose being to equip the Wimmera region with a comprehensive picture of the role, profile and value of volunteering in the region to inform decision making and planning for district organisations and governments.
One of the core elements of the Project is an extensive stake-holder engagement with both organisational and individual volunteer stakeholders.
Wimmera Volunteers are part of the new study, which will outline how and why Wimmera people volunteer. They have invested $75,000 into the study, which was matched by the Net Balance Foundation.
Wimmera Volunteers board of management decided that they wanted to get a good, in-depth understanding of volunteering in the region, where it’s going and how they can help to strengthen volunteering.
A steering committee has been established including representatives from Yarriambiack Shire, Hindmarsh Shire, Horsham Rural City and West Wimmera as well as the Wimmera Development Association and Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly.
The study is an opportunity for people to connect via face-to-face interviews, by phone and online. Researchers have conducted research at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days and within individual towns across the Wimmera.
They will also be travelling across the Wimmera talking to volunteers during National Volunteers Week.
Yarriambiack Shire Mayor Kylie Zanker said historically we know older people volunteer and younger people volunteer, but what Wimmera Volunteers want to identify is how this volunteering adds value to our community.
“Its not just the dollar value that is important for the research to define but the emotional, social and health outcomes,” Mrs Zanker said.
Net Balance Foundation associate director Ross Wyatt is one of three researchers running the study called ‘Understanding Regional Volunteering’.
Volunteering plays a huge role in creating communities and the study is not only interested in seeking this information from the Wimmera, but also from other regional areas..
Wimmera Volunteers are hoping this study will create stronger communities right across Australia. To share your volunteering story please contact Wimmera Volunteers on 53 82 5607 or email research@wimmeravolunteers.org.au.

• VOLUNTEERS: Yarriambiack Shire employees, all of whom volunteer within the community (from left) Lynne Peters, Tony Brennan, Michelle Hallam, Mayor Kylie Zanker, Brianna Krause and Lisa Dunkley celebrate Volunteer Week this week.

Skate Park vandalised

superadmin — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:37:48 +0000

WARRACKNABEAL Skate Park was vandalised with spray paint graffiti recently.
Yarriambiack Shire maintenance employee Terry Smith said the outline of the graffiti was done on the weekend of May 5-6, but the offenders returned on the Monday to colour in the outlines drawn.
Mr Smith spent several hours attempting to remove the painting using pressure washers and acid.
“Last time the area was graffitied they used paint, which could be removed, but this time they have changed the type of paint used and I found it harder to remove,” Mr Smith said.
Yarriambiack Shire youth worker Chris Solly said it was disappointing to see this done to an area, which was provided for district youth to enjoy.
Ms Solly said the shire were currently looking at ways to improve the area.
“I am aware that the youth of the district don’t like the cages around the ramp but they are provided to protect the passing public,” Ms Solly said.
“The erosion at the sides is currently being addressed, however there is no funding available at the moment to make any further improvements to the area,” she said.
Police are urging witnesses or anyone with any information about the incident to contact Warracknabeal Police.

• EFFORT: Yarriambiack Shire maintenance worker Terry Smith spent several hours cleaning graffiti off Warracknabeal's Skate Park after vandals defaced it during the weekend of May 5-6.

Will you nominate

superadmin — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:35:56 +0000

YARRIAMBIACK residents are being urged to start thinking about not only who they want to be their councillors, but if they themselves would be suitable for the role.
The next council elections will be hosted on October 27 and, as with previous years, the system will be via postal voting, where the ballot paper is sent to each rate payer, they then number it appropriately according to their opinion for each candidate within their ward, and finally post it back.
Across Yarriambiack Shire there are three wards, with Councillors John Kemfert and Ray Kingston for Dunmunkle, Crs Helen Ballentine and Andrew McLean for Hopetoun and Crs Geoffrey Lovel, Jean Wise and Kylie Zanker, the current Mayor, for Warracknabeal.
These wards will be the same at this upcoming election and it is hoped that, as with last year’s election, there will be more nominations than seats.
Last election Warracknabeal Ward had five people nominate for three positions, while Dunmunkle and Hopetoun had three each nominate for two positions.
Mayor Zanker said she personally thought that this was fantastic, as it showed that there are passionate people within the community who want to represent their ward and ratepayers.
“The other reason that I believe that it is terrific is so that the ratepayers have a choice. I honestly felt empowered that the general rate payer base believed in me and offered me the chance to represent them,” she said.
Understanding
Municipal Association of Victoria chief executive officer Rob Spence said many people could make fantastic councillors, and now was the time to understand what was involved.
“Becoming a councillor is a great hands-on way to serve your community and positively influence future directions and outcomes for the municipal area,” he said.
“It’s a rewarding role, but can also seem daunting. Councillors make decisions on a broad range of issues affecting people’s lives, and this involves balancing different opinions and weighing up community priorities.”
“If you’re interested in your community, willing to learn and participate, and consider yourself passionate, motivated and committed, now is the time to think about nominating.”
Mr Spence said, critical to the role of a councillor, was the ability to act with honesty and integrity, to make transparent decisions and be accountable to the community.
“Anyone considering standing for council should gather as much information as possible over the coming months about what to expect, and start planning their election campaign,” he said.
“Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit our website, www.mav.asn.au, attend a council meeting, or speak with current councillors or the chief executive officer.”
“The stand for council website can help candidates to determine if they’re eligible to nominate, it offers campaigning tips, and information about the day-to-day activities of a councillor.”
Responsibility
Mayor Zanker said that, as councillors, when elected by ratepayers their responsibility was to represent and make decisions on a range of regional issues.
“Some of these responsibilities include advocating upon the communities behalf with relation to many and varied issues,” she said.
“Some of these issues maybe around maternal and child health care centres, kindergarten services, meals on wheels and home help, sporting facilities and recreation reserves, libraries and community centres, animal registrations, rubbish and recycling collection, town planning and building regulations, and regional roads and footpaths.”
Mayor Zanker said this list was not extensive, rather merely an example of some of the responsibilities councillors undertake.
“The topics for advocating are so wide and varied. I must admit that at times I have had my values, ideals and beliefs challenged when I have needed to advocate and support an issue that a ratepayer has felt strongly about,” she said.
“I have grown and learnt so much as I have challenged my thought process and the rationale around the necessary policies and procedures. I believe that evolving and growing with the community is the key.”
Difficult
As council is a tier of government, at times decisions are made “higher up” and it is council that needs to implement these changes. At times this is difficult as ratepayers can see this as councillors and council “doing nothing”.
“I often chuckle at the amount of people who say we just go to meetings and eat sandwiches,” Mayor Zanker said.
“Yes, I have to admit that I do attend numerous meetings and eat sandwiches, however, it is these meetings that information around funding, best practice or community knowledge around services is discussed and acted upon,” she said.
“Council offers amazing opportunity to work with the community and build the communities dreams for the future. I’m lucky as I am in role in which I enjoy immensely.”
Mayor Zanker said she truly believed that seeing fresh faces at the October election would be fantastic.
“New combined with returning councillors offers an excellent balance. It is our council’s diversity of age, background and gender that makes us a strong team,” she said.
“I feel we represent the many and varying views of different pockets of ratepayers, such as young families, the older members of the community, farmers, women, men.”
“Fresh ideas, enthusiasm and perspectives combined with background knowledge of how council works, it’s a recipe for success.”
Choice
However, Mayor Zanker said she must reinforce that the ratepayers were the ones that choose who represented them.
“At election time they vote for the candidate that they feel has, or will, represent their ideas within the council chamber effectively,” she said.
“Once a councillor is elected the term in which they serve on council is four years and each year councillors are able to be nominated for the position of mayor.”
“This is a democratic process and the seven councillors vote for the upcoming mayor.”
“It is never a given that a councillor will be mayor for more than one year, though you may choose to nominate again for a second year or ask a fellow councillor to nominate you.”

$8.8 million for Warracknabeal campus

superadmin — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:34:54 +0000

Stage Two redevelopment to begin

• FIRST: The completed Stage One project at Rural Northwest Health's Warracknabeal campus, with (far right) the existing building which will be demolished to make way for Stage Two.

RURAL Northwest Health board of management and staff are thrilled with the announcement from the 2012-13 Federal Budget that their application was successful to complete Stage Two of the Warracknabeal Campus.
Rural Northwest Health received confirmation that $8.8 million was committed towards the redevelopment project.
A master redevelopment plan for the Warracknabeal campus, which is the main campus of Rural Northwest Health, was undertaken in 2005 with Stage One completed in July 2008.
The board of management and staff of Rural Northwest Health have been working with the community, the Department of Health and the State and Federal Members of Parliament to access the funding for Stage Two.
Rural Northwest Health chief executive officer Catherine Morley-Nelson said the completion of Stage Two would allow an integrated campus of all services at Rural Northwest Health’s major campus.
“This integration will provide support for acute, urgent care, slow stream rehabilitation, residential and community aged care services, and community and primary care services to be provided under one roof, and the opportunity for community members to access a ‘one stop shop’,” she said.
Integrated
The ability to run an integrated service will allow for a full continuum of health services, from health promotion, illness prevention and management, active treatment of illness or injury, care for the aged and end-of-life care.
It will also allow for more coordinated health services that provide a single point of contact for the community, as well as increased operational efficiency and safety for staff, due to the ability to run the site as an integrated unit overnight.
This redevelopment will see enhanced outcomes for aged care residents, as the ability to provide sub-acute services in their current accommodation will be achievable with the close proximity of the acute unit.
There will also be improved access to urgent care for the community and paramedics as the entrance to after-hours support will be through the main entrance of the building.
Seamless
Other major benefits include financial and work practice efficiencies to be gained across management, administration and environmental services, and the ability for staff to work seamlessly across services.
Allowing staff to work in such an environment supports enhanced staff morale and productivity, by eliminating the ‘silo effect’ of separate buildings.
Staff clinical skills will also be able to be utilised across all services on a daily basis, and it will enable staff to strengthen and link the coordination of care between the acute and primary care health settings.
Replacing the ageing building of the campus will result in lower maintenance costs, as the current buildings are out-dated and constantly need major repairs.
With the demolition of the existing building and construction of the new facility, the existing parking lot will be extended further, allowing for improved access and parking for community clients, and it will feature a prominent and easy to navigate shop front and service.
Benefits
Ms Morley-Nelson said that, clearly, the benefits of proceeding with Stage Two were not limited to the enhancement of medical and clinical services, and improved efficiency.
“Other significant benefits to the community and the State and Federal Governments will follow.”
These flow on benefits will include:
• Major economic benefits that accrue to businesses from the region by undertaking major construction works.
In particular, the significant multiplier effects that will flow to the regional economy, as well as maintaining work and skill opportunities will confer an enduring benefit to a range of regional businesses across the district.
50 people will be able to access employment opportunities for a period of 24 months.
• The creation of a seamless model of care service across the site supporting Rural Northwest Health to maintain and enhance its community role and support the whole region as a responsive regional health service.
• The integration of the site which will allow cost efficiencies and productivity benefits.
• New and enhanced community care facilities which will allow best practice services for seniors living at home and community members living with a chronic disease.
• The enhancement of Rural Northwest Health’s ability to attract and retain skilled medical and clinical staff.
The project will commence within six months and will be completed within two years, with Ms Morley-Nelson stating that the impact on the community’s morale had been instantaneous.

It was all happening at the airport… Smoke, fire and blown engines order of the day

superadmin — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:50:23 +0000

A good number of competition entries, an excellent crowd, engine blowing action and perfect autumn weather all added together for a highly successful Wimmera Offstreet Drag Racing Club burnout competition on Sunday.
Over 40 entries vied for $1,000 in prize money and trophies in front of a highly appreciative crowd, enveloped in clouds of tyre smoke, due to the unexpected south easterly wind blowing large volumes of smoke across the public area.
Entries, which came from all directions of the state including Portland, Werribee and Bendigo, joined in with many local competitors to put on a highly animated, valve bouncing, engine detonating performance for the appreciative “petrol head” crowd in attendance.
Numerous engines and transmissions self destructed in the first heat, one notable detonation of a turbo charged V6 Commodore saw an engine flywheel self destruct ripping the transmission, turbo charger and fuel lines apart as lots of hot, high speed metallic bits flew around the engine bay. Fire then took hold until club members ran to the drivers rescue and extinguished the flames.
Club president Brendan Rosser said: “We were delighted with the response of competitors and spectators, the weather was fantastic, and I think anyone who attended could not have left disappointed. It was a great day with a great atmosphere and should raise a good amount of funds for kids with cancer through WACK”.

• SMOKE GENERATOR: Elite bracket winner Brad Murnane from Delacombe, put on a faultless performance in his supercharged 383 V8 LJ Torana, reportedly blowing both tyres in 43 seconds to the applause of the crowd.

Hoops down in thriller

superadmin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:10:25 +0000

WARRACKNABEAL Hoops played a tough game of hockey on Saturday at Anzac Park against Dimboola Men, losing by one point in the final 15 minutes.
Hoops came out fighting in the first half missing opportunities at goal early in the game and were unable to score in the first half, while Dimboola Men were quick on their feet and managed to score an early two goals.
At half time Hoops reflected on their first half performances and knew what they needed to do. Early on in the second half Hamish Wagenknecht lead the attack with the Hoops first goal.
The Hoops were finally on a roll with Paul “Chucky” Slater evening up the scores with 15 minutes on the clock. Dimboola men were quick to reply when a faint “back of stick” touch managed to slide past the goalie for Dimboola’s third goal. Hoops were unable to reply.
Hoops goal scorers were Barry Schilling one, Hamish Wagenknecht one and votes went to Steven Laverty, Will Hewitt and Paul Slater, Dimboola votes went to Jamie Guerin, Craig Schultz and James Klinge.
Dimboola Men’s defeated Warracknabeal Hoops 3-2 with the Hoops playing Cobra’s at Dudley Cornell park at Horsham on Saturday at 12.30pm.

• STRETCH: (front) Warracknabeal Hoops player Mark Furey takes a flying leap to stop the ball as team-mate Shane Langman looks on during Saturday’s action packed game against Dimboola at Warracknabeal's Anzac Park.

Ready and raring

superadmin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:07:21 +0000

WARRACKNABEAL Table Tennis Association is ready and rearing to go at Monday marks the start of their 2012 season.
Committee member Jodee Lardner said the two “come and try” nights had been successful, with the last having 20 people attend.
“Table tennis has again proved popular, with 11 teams again this year,” she said, “There are juniors making their way up to the seniors and the season, as always, is looking good.”
“Everyone enjoys themselves and we are ready for the season to kick off on Monday.”
The teams have been formed for the season and are as follows:
• ACDC: Donald Liu, Robin Hill, Gaye Seacombe, Cheryl Woods.
• Skyhooks: Jodee Lardner, Tristan Fernandez, Megan Watts, Ellie Woods.
• Men At Work: Glen Liersch, Cameron Blinman, Alex Kelm, Issy Cramp.
• INXS: Brian Coghill, Brad Martin, Isabel Lindsay.
• Powderfinger: David Baxter, Wendy Lehmann, Josh Fernandez, Sue Watts.
• Cold Chisel: Rob Lehmann, Jacob Tarran, Richard Tickner, Glen Pollard.
• Midnight Oil: Owen Osborne, David Ward, Craig Byron, Mason Cramp.
• Silverchair: Lindsay Martin, Kerrie Baxter, Leanne Roche, Brandon Cramp.
• Bee Gees: Bernard Lindsay, Bill Wake, Callum Zanker, Quinn Woods.
• Daddy Cool: Todd Krahe, Brendan Bibby, Tom Pearson, Jackie Hill.
• Sherbet: John Woods, Heather Huebner, Julie Pearson, Merryn Baxter.
Draw for round one: ACDC v Sherbet, Skyhooks v Daddy Cool, Men At Work v Bee Gees, INVS v Silvershair, Powderfinger v Midnight Oil with Cold Chisel having the bye.
Junior table tennis enthusiasts will be able to get into play soon, with two come and try nights organised for May 2 and 9, both at Warracknabeal Leisure Complex and to start at 4.30pm.

VFF honours Colbert

superadmin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:05:46 +0000

VICTORIAN Farmers Federation has honoured three of its most passionate advocates, including Watchem’s John Colbert, at the Annual Conference Gala Dinner last week.
Mr Colbert was presented with a VFF life membership alongside Cohuna dairy farmer Max Fehring and retired Carranballac grains grower Jim Hinton.
“These men have shown it’s not just about leading, but bringing others with you on the journey,” outgoing VFF president Andrew Broad said.
Mr Colbert has been a member since the early 1960s and has spent much of his life lobbying for more equitable rural rates.
Mr Colbert was also on the VFF Grains Council and was part of the team who set up Landcare, which now has hundreds of member groups throughout the state.
“The VFF values the contribution of its life members, who have volunteered countless hours of their time over many years,” Mr Broad said.
“Victoria is a better place to farm because of people like Mr Colbert,” he said.

• ACCEPT: (left) John Colbert accepts his Victorian Farmers Federation life membership from outgoing VFF president Andrew Broad.