Exceptional exhibition entries

FEW in numbers but strong in community spirit - that’s how Wedderburn CWA craft co-ordinator Diane Robertson reacted to the success of members at the Country Women’s Association state exhibition.

Reformed six years ago and with just 13 members, the branch collected five firsts and four seconds at the annual exhibition contested by CWA branches from across Victoria.

Rosie Last claimed a first for her pastel painting enhanced with natural and felted leaves.

“Di taught me how to make felt leaves,” said Rosie of her work with a frog as the focal point. “I love frogs.”

Rosie had a good teacher in Diane who picked up four first and a green star award recognising exceptional handcraft for a felt jacket.

Diane spent 35 years as a teacher of textiles and home economics but has only taken up felting in retirement.

“We took the plunge to enter the state exhibition for the first time this year,” said Diane.

“Five members entered a total of eight items ... not bad at all.”

Pam Turnbull gained a pair of seconds for her melting mo- ments and ginger fluff in the cookery sections, Lilian Riley second in the freehand machine embroidery and Moira Moody second in linoprints.

President Julie Benaim said: “When we reformed the branch, the idea was to help people new to town meet others.

“We may only be a small branch in terms of membership but our talented members have certainly made their mark at the state exhibition.

“Their efforts and expertise is wonderful and members are always willing to take on new challenges with their crafts.”

“There is never a good time to do this sort of work, however we need to turn the Boort site off because our tech needs to perform the significant work required to provide the new 5G upgrade which will improve connectivity and capacity on the tower,” he said.

“The upgrade is intended to improve mobile connectivity in the existing coverage footprint.

“The roll out of 5G connectivity for the first time in Boort means customers with Telstra 5B mobile devices will be able to enjoy a better mobile experience.”

4G capacity would be increased by the upgrade, Mr Tinker said.

$1 million road funding flows

AN EXTRA $1 million has been given to Loddon Shire Council for road repairs after last October’s flood emergency.

Council said contracts had been awarded and works were to be finished by November 30.

At Bridgewater North, the extra funding will pay for gravel resheeting of Bridgewater Road North and culvert replacement on Old Bridgewater-Serpentine Road. Works at Wedderburn in- clude gravel resheeting and new culverts on Old Boort Rd

There will be gravel resheeting of Maxwells Lane and Hamiltons Lane, Korong Vale, Woolshed Flat Road, Woolshed Flat, Hewett and Eucy Roads, Korong Vale.

The extra money will also be used for gravel resheeting of Foleys Road, Creek View Road and Longs Road, Serpentine.

Money came from the federal-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.