Centre heads into centenary year

DINGEE Bush Nursing Centre last week entered a second century of service to the community.

Board president Geoff Thomas said formal celebrations would be held later in the year for the centre that has grown from a one-nurse service when it started in January 1923 to also providing allied health support to district residents.

“The bush nursing centre is highly valued by the community,” Mr Thomas said.

“We have important partnerships with Inglewood and District Health Service, Rochester Elmore District Health Service and Boort District Health that reduce the need for district residents to travel for care.

“We are ambulance first responders .... that has proven to be a God-send for the community on so many occasions.

“That’s a far cry from 100 years ago when a nurse hopped on her bicycle and rode for miles to see patients.”

Mr Thomas said Dingee was one of 15 bush nursing centres across Victoria that provided rural communities and residents with access to important health services.

A centenary year project is seeing East Loddon Historical Society members digitise all publications, correspondence and early records of the centre. “We have an amazing history to preserve and a great service to continue,” Mr Thomas said.

100 caring years - PAGE 17

Expressions of Interest Open for Community Reference Group Members

Loddon Shire Council are seeking expressions of interest for new members to join the Community Reference Group (CRG).

Any person that resides within the Loddon Shire and has a strong interest in their community is encouraged to put forward an expression of interest (EOI).

The role of the CRG is to consider, deliberate, make recommendations and advise on matters referred to them by Council. Applicants should be willing to be involved in reviewing, providing constructive and meaningful input on a number of key council strategic documents and future direction. Examples of when Council will engage the CRG include when:  There is a proposed change to Council activities or strategic direction which may a ect the community.

 There is a proposal for changing the way a public space looks, is named, used or enjoyed.

 Planning and developing major projects and capital works, including public buildings or other infrastructure.

Members of the group can be expected to be engaged for onehour sessions when required with the option to be either online or in person. It is preferred that applicants can commit to a 12-month period, however can elect to withdraw from the group at any time.

If you are interested in joining the CRG please forward your EOI to Tracy Hunt, Coordinator Governance on thunt@loddon.vic.gov.au by COB Friday 17 February 2023.

If you would like any further information please phone Tracy on (03) 5494 1200.

Small business bus making two stops in Loddon this month

Business Victoria’s Small Business Bus is making two stops in our Shire in February. Whether you are starting, building or transforming your business, the Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities.

These visits are an exciting opportunity for the community to receive expert advice from Monarch Institute one to one. Con dential sessions are 45 minutes, free of charge and bookings are essential. Walk-ins are also welcome on the day for the Bus

Concierge service. For more information visit business.vic.gov.au/ learning-and-advice/workshops- nd-small-business-bus

 Wedderburn – Tuesday 21 February 2023 10:00am to 4:00pm. Council o ce, Corner High and Kerr Streets. 41 High Street.

 Inglewood – Wednesday 22 February 2023 10:00am to 4:00pm.

 Outside Inglewood Community Hub. Corner Market and Verdon Street, Inglewood

PYRAMID Hill and the Wimmera town of Nhill are 260km apart.

But after Monday night’s screening of the latest episode in ABC-TV’s Back Roads presented by Heather Ewart, they now have two things in common - featuring on the show and the influx of immigrants.

Ewart explored how the migrants had helped and changed both communities.

Marilyn Fernandez was featured talking about coming to Australia to work in Tom Smith’s piggery and the community rallying to also bring her family from the Philippines. For Nhill, it was Karen refugees from Myanmar to work at the local duck processing factory in 2010.

Lily sets new target

LILY Finch is heading towards a new fundraising target as she prepares for the Challenge Brain Cancer this month.

The Wedderburn youngster has been selling raffle tickets for Team Jaxon in memory of her cousin who died with brain cancer.

Lily’s team including Jaxon’s father, sister and brother had originally hoped to raise $1000.

But with $1500 now raised, they have set a new target of $3000.