Big sesquicentenary party crowd tipped

THE long wait to celebrate Rheola’s 150th charity carnival is over.

Organisers are “cautiously optimistic” of a bumper crowd on Easter Monday for celebrations on hold for three years.

“We’re finally there and we think the weather will play its part,” said president Peter Mason.

“We’re getting the vibe that people are really looking forward to being back in Rheola on Easter Monday and that the carnival is running again after years of COVID restrictions.

“We’re cautiously optimistic of a really good crowd ... we think it will be a top one. We’re hearing many people are keen to be at Rheola for the celebrations.”

Billed as real country entertainment since 1871, the carnival will raise funds for Inglewood and Dunolly hospitals and the local hall and recreation reserve committees.

Mr Mason said strong support from volunteers and sponsors had meant the traditional pro- gram had been locked in. Victorian Yard Utility Farm Dog Association trial competitors will be among the first taking to the ground with events starting from 8am.

Wimmera Axemen’s Association action starts from 11am while traditional Miss Rheola carnival girl and tiny tot judging will be from 2.15pm. Honouring the carnival’s sesquicentenary, a special section for period costume will be offered this year.

St Arnaud Pipe Band has appeared at multiple carnivals over the past 70 years and will return for the 150th event.

Mr Mason said Wedderburn,

Blocks popular

Central Goldfields and Mt Alexander clubs would mount stationary engine displays and the vintage tractor pull, for farm workhorses manufactured before 1954, would start at 10.30am.

Traditional games including bowling at the wicket, egg throwing and kicking the football through a hoop will run all day alongside the spinning wheel and stalls.

“We’ve had a great response from volunteers. We’ll still take more on the day to make this year’s carnival one of the best and one to remember,” Mr Mason said.

Police patrols aim to halt Easter road trauma

LODDON police will ramp up patrols on local highways and roads with the launch of the state-wide Easter blitz at midnight.

Operation Nexus Major will focus on roads leading to regional Victoria and holiday hotspots will be a particular focus after a spike in the road toll this year.

Deaths on rural roads make up 60 per cent of this year’s overall fatalities.

Police issued more than 8000 infringements over a five-day Easter operation last year and will again be on the lookout for speeding as well as distracted and impaired drivers.

Two driver reviver stops will operate in the Loddon today.

East Loddon Lions will be offering free tea and coffee at the Bears Lagoon truck stop on the Loddon Highway from 3pm. Mitiamo Golf Club members will be cooking a barbecue.

Wedderburn Lions Club will be hosting a driver reviver station at Ryan’s Creek on the Calder Highway from 9am to 6pm.

Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir: “Easter is a high-risk period on our roads – it’s a major holiday weekend that attracts significant travel across the state.

“There have been 11 lives lost on Victorian roads over the last five Easter periods - that’s 11 lives tragically cut short, instead of enjoying Easter with their families, friends and loved ones. “We’ll be doing everything we can to drive down road trauma this Easter.”

Operation Nexus will run until midnight Monday.

BLOCKS in the Loddon’s first major residential housing estate Bridgewater Rise are continuing to be sold. Just three months since stage one was released, seven of the 15 blocks have been sold by agent Drew Stratton, of McKean McGregor. A second stage is planned for later release.

Register burns

LANDOWNERS needed to remain vigilant and ensure they follow safe practices when burning off, as well as registering their burn-offs, checking weather conditions and following local council laws and regulations, the CFA said this week after fire restrictions ended in Loddon Shire. They should also notify neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions.

Car impounded

WEDDERBURN police have impounded a car and the driver will be charged with driving while suspended after reports of hoon activity.

Busy weekend

LODDON caravan parks have reported strong bookings for the Easter weekend and into the school term holidays. Schools break this afternoon with term two starting on April 24.