Turning circle leads to pathway doors

DOORS were again opening for vocational careers, Wedderburn College principal, Danny Forrest told Loddon employers last week.

The college hosted an information session on traineeship and apprenticeship pathways through CVGT.

Mr Forrest said the college had an even split of students studying VCE and vocational subjects.

“We are about setting up students with individual pathways. The circle has turned and there are options again for trade careers,” he said.

“We have a dedicated team helping students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 and we want to keep working with the community and employers.”

The school has linked with businesses across the Loddon over the past 18 months to place students in vocational partnerships.

Among employers at the session was builder Bruce Hargreaves.

“Some kids are not made to go to school, they are made for being hands on,” he said.

Mr Hargreaves has put four apprentices through their training during his decades in the industry.

“Many tradies are getting older and we need young helping hands,” he said.

In Brief

Picket painters

PROSPECTORS Sports Club wants Loddon schools to be part of its Paint a Picket Post for Prosperity project. The Bendigo-based group has received a grant from Women’s Health Loddon Mallee. “Our aim is to provide an outlet for primary school girls who were impacted by the 2022 flood and feel they might benefit from an opportunity to paint about their experiences,” said facilitator Meredith Dixon. Kooyoora Women’s Network is also supporting the project.

New CARE strategy

MORE than 25 organisations and councils are working together across the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria to prevent violence against women before it starts through the Collective Action for Respect and Equality Partnership. Women’s Health Loddon Mallee will launch the new strategy today, outlining the actions partner organisations are taking to collectively end violence and promote gender equality in the Loddon Mallee.

Truck rollover

FIRE brigades were called to a truck rollover on the PyramidYarraberb Road on Tuesday morning. The freight tanker rolled about 6.30am near the Prairie Road intersection. The driver was taken to hospital.

Volunteer thankyou

RHEOLA Charity Carnival will recognise volunteers behind the successful 150th event at Easter with a thank you afternoon tea on Sunday.

Ball starts rolling on referendum

CASES for and against the Voice referendum will be lodged with the Australian Electoral Commission next month.

Mechanisms for the first constitutional referendum in 24 years were approved in Parliament this week.

The National Party, including Mallee MP Anne Webster, will be campaigning against creation of an indigenous body to advise the Parliament and the Government.

The AEC said MPs and senators had until July 17 to prepare official arguments for and against the referendum.

The vote must be held this year.

Meanwhile, DJAARA CEO Rodney Carter is among 21 people elected to First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

Mr Carter heads the organisations responsible for redevelopment of Kooyoora State Park.