Appeal for fire family

COMMUNITY is rallying around a Korong Vale family whose home was destroyed in a fire on Saturday afternoon.

A gofundme online appeal page has been launched and had raised more than $2000 for the Hendy family by yesterday morning.

Fire brigades were called to the century-old weatherboard property about 1.40pm Saturday and took more than two hours to extinguish the blaze that claimed two family dogs and a litter of four greyhound pups.

Cole Hendy said he had been in Bendigo with father Mick when they were told their Vernon Street home was alight.

By the time they arrived back in Korong Vale, fire had totally destroyed their house.

However, volunteer firemen from Korong Vale, Wedderburn, Mysia Woosang and Buckranbanyule managed to save other

In Brief

Fourth high week

Police investigate crash at Mysia.

buildings on the property while neighbours and friends took greyhounds raced by the family to safety.

Fireman said exploding gas bottles had added to the challenge of bringing the fire under control and breathing apparatus was used.

A caravan was also partly damaged in the blaze.

Country Fire Authority investigators inspected the ruined home on Sunday morning. It is believed the fire was not suspicious.

The appeal to support the Hendy family is being organised by Sharon King who has told donors: “Due to the rising costs of living and mortgage payments their home insurance had lapsed so they are left with nothing.

“They are now homeless with a mortgage still to pay and nothing but the shirts on their backs,” she said.

NEW COVID-19 cases in Loddon communities have hit double digits for a fourth week. Reported cases are at their highest since double digit weeks between early December and mid-January. There were 11 cases recorded last week, taking the pandemic total to 2235.

Speaker’s new role

GAVIN Freeman has been appointed as the permanent Commissioner of Fire Rescue Victoria. Mr Freeman was previously deputy commissioner – operations and a former deputy chief officer with the Country Fire Authority. He was guest speaker at this year’s Australia Day celebrations in Jarklin.

Memorial centenary

REPRESENTATIVES of Loddon RSL sub-branches are expected to attend this month’s centenary of the Charlton war memorial. The centenary will include a pleasant Sunday afternoon at the adjoining Elliott Gardens. Charlton Wycheproof Community Brass Band and a centenary booklet will be produced for the ceremony on June 23.

King’s Birthday

ADVERTISING deadlines for next week’s edition of the Loddon Herald remain unchanged with the King’s Birthday holiday on Monday.

Police want tractor, car crash witnesses

POLICE are investigating a crash between a car and tractor at Mysia last Friday afternoon.

Wedderburn police say they believe speed may have been a factor in the late afternoon crash.

“Luckily the (car) driver of this vehicle was conveyed to hospital with only a scratch.

“The damage caused to both vehicles is extensive,” they said.

“Police believe speed is a contributing factor and are appealing for witnesses and or dash cam footage leading up to the collision.”

Witnesses have been asked to contact Sergeant Ben Huismann of Wedderburn Police on 5494 3300.

The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000

Trading hours

Monday – Open 3.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Social Darts Night

Tuesday – Open 2.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm Trivia Night

Wednesday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm

Dinner from 6.00pm

Pot’n’Parma Night

Thursday – Open Midday

Dinner from 5.30pm

Steak’n’Pot Night

Friday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm

Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm

With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle

Saturday – Open Midday

Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm

Sunday – Open Midday

All Day Pizza Menu Close 11.00pm