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St. Arnaud, Charlton, Wedderburn & Surrounding Districts
Est. 1864
18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. 3478. - Advertising & Editorial Material - Ph.: (03) 5495 1055; Fax.: (03) 5495 1937. Email: ncn@iinet.net.au Published weekly. Registered by Australia Post, Publication No. VAC 4217.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 27th 2024.
$2.00
Circulating in:- St. Arnaud, Charlton, Donald, Rupanyup, Bealiba, Stawell, Marnoo, Navarre, Dunolly, Wycheproof, Wedderburn, Birchip, Korong Vale, Stuart Mill, Redbank, Avoca & Moonambel.
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St. Arnaud and Stawell Pools call out for more lifeguards
RED STAR introduces Late Night Shopping on Thursday
ST. ARNAUD Swimming Pool leaders, as well as those from Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre, are on the hunt for additional members to help ensure patron and staff safety throughout the busy summer period. Both assets last week launched their 2024-25 summer seasons, which run until mid-March. Northern Grampians Shire Council (NGSC) mayor K aren Hyslop said St. Arnaud residents were excited to access their pool again, while Stawell’s lap swimmers were pleased to be able to move from indoors to outdoors. “The children are eagerly waiting for the water slides to open in Stawell, which are always a hit for the greater community,” she said. “Families travel from Horsham and Ararat to use them. We’re lucky to have such wonderful facilities available for everyone.” On average, the St. Arnaud pool chalks up more than 8000 visits in a year. Cr Hyslop said with predictions of an incoming hot summer, both Stawell and St. Arnaud pools needed additional lifeguards to ensure safety of both patrons and staff. She said for a limited time, the
council would cover the cost of becoming a lifeguard, valued at $520. “Pool lifeguards have the most important job at the pool, their main role is prevention, educating patrons about rules and safety to eliminate the risk of drowning,” she said. “Casual lifeguards can work between three and 30 hours a week over summer. “Our managers work with our lifeguards to ensure they have the number of hours that suit their needs. “Along with flexibility, other benefits include a fun and rewarding atmosphere to work in, an outdoor environment, an attractive pay rate and qualifications that are recognised Australia-wide.” Cr Hyslop said the lifeguard position was also a great stepping stone for career progression at the centre or within Northern Grampians Shire Council.
RED STAR will introduce one night of late night shopping on Thursday 28th November 5pm till late. Generously sponsored by Kell Funerals St. Arnaud, that means that if you shop at any of the participating retailers you can complete a coupon and you will be in for a chance to win a cash prize just in time for Christmas. The winners will be drawn on Friday 29th November and notified by phone.
Above: Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre leisure assistant Eliza Parker is encouraging others to join the St. Arnaud or Stawell pool teams by taking up an opportunity for funded lifeguard training.
Nominate a worthy individual or group for 2025 Australia Day Awards NORTHERN Grampians Shire Council leaders are calling on the community to nominate worthy individuals or groups for 2025 Australia Day Awards.
Above: Melissa Weir St. Arnaud’s Citizen of the Year 2024.
(Incl. GST)
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the organisation hosted Australia Day festivities annually on 26th January, to unite the community through celebration and reflection. “It’s a fabulous opportunity to come together and celebrate not only being Australian but being part of our wonderful community in Northern Grampians Shire,” she said. “As part of these celebrations, we recognise outstanding leadership, selfless commitment and-or significant achievements by local people and groups within our municipality.” Cr Hyslop encouraged residents to think about people or groups who had made an impact or significant contribution to Northern Grampians Shire within the past 12 months.
The awards categories are, for Kara Kara ward, Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group or Event of the Year. Winners will be announced at events at Market Square, St. Arnaud, from 8am to 11am. “If you have someone in mind you think is worthy of recognition, please nominate them ASAP,” Cr Hyslop said. People can visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au /Council/Civic-matters/Annual-Australia-DayCelebrations to make a nomination online. Hard copies of nomination forms are also available from the council’s customer service centres and libraries in Stawell and St. Arnaud. “If people want to nominate but aren’t sure about the process and want to talk to someone, they can contact customer service for help,” Cr Hyslop said. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, 13th December.
New faces join Buloke with a re-elected Mayor - story page 3.
Turn to pages 8 & 9 and check out what businessess can help you this Christmas
RED STAR promises plenty for everyone The RED STAR promotion has lots of goodies to be won including cash prizes, vouchers and items. With many businesses on board you can get all your Christmas shopping done by staying local. Look for the shops displaying the RED STARS in their shops and fill in the RED STAR Coupon when you purchase from the Businesses. ‘SHOP LOCAL’.
Walk Against Family Violence Tomorrow, Thursday, 28th November, at 10.30am. Participants will gather at Queen Mary Gardens and walk to the Town Hall for morning tea.