Truck fatality after night of rain, winds across region

POLICE believe a truck driver was killed after swerving to miss a tree blown down in a night of wet and windy weather last Thursday.

The man was believed to be an Australia Post parcel contractor on the NewbridgeShelbourne Road. Deliveries to post offices in Bridgewater, Inglewood and Boort were delayed on Thursday.

Police said: “The crash scene was located by a passing motorist who raised the alarm shortly before 4am. The driver, who was the sole occupant, sadly died at the scene.”

Police said they would prepare a report for the coroner.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

The overnight rain saw between 40 and 50mm recorded in most southern Loddon areas. More than 52mm was recorded at Mincha.

VicEmergency had issued warnings for the Loddon River ahead of the deluge.

Bet Bet Creek and Loddon River downstream of Laanecoorie, were listed on Monday as being below minor levels. Serpentine Weir was 1.11 metres and Bet Bet Creek 1.64 metres.

Mr Barnes and Mr Kennedy said the town’s tourism and development committee hoped to lock in solutions for improved safety work between Lakeview and Station Streets with support of council.

Maternal move

LODDON Shire’s Maternal and Child Health service in Boort moved to new rooms at Boort District Health on Tuesday. The move to Boort District Health, located at 31 Kiniry Street, follows feedback from Maternal and Child Health clients in recent surveys. Council director community wellbeing Wendy Gladman: “The previous MCH facility located at the back of Boort Resource and Information Centre was a wonderful site for many years of our service; with the move to Boort District Health providing us with a great opportunity to improve the delivery this important service to local families.”

Back at church

PARISHIONERS at St John’s Anglican Church, Newbridge, are again worshipping in the 1860s building after repairs from flood damage last October. A formal re-opening of the church is planned for spring.

Employment law

NEW Victorian law the State Government says will strengthen protections for children working in cafes, shops and other businesses and make it easier for responsible businesses to comply with their legal obligations come into effect on July 1