High Country Times THE COURIER, Wednesday,
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Wednesday, March 26, 2025
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March 26, 2025 - Page 17
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ZERO FOOD MILES: THE AS PRODUCE DONATED IS AND FRESH AS YOU’LL GET . BOASTS ‘ZERO FOOD MILES’
spoilt for choice this week Mansfield residents were grapefruit, cucumbers, SPOILT FOR CHOICE: passionfruit, almonds, with nashis, pears, apples, capsicum, zucchini, beans, pumpkin, lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, preserves, the best summer a variety of herbs and silverbeet, chillies, and has to offer.
is a RESPOND: The food drive Mansfield RESPOND initiative and to encourage healthy eating community connection.
fruit and was an abundance of fresh John’s hall. at St TABLE OF PLENTY: There last week’s fresh food drive vegetables on offer at
er at Season’s harvest on off ive Dr od Fo sh Mansfield Fre
Mansfield District Hospital. and school Playgroups for children “Drop by on the way to and part of coordinate the receipt or after families this week as cucumbers, with the kids, before work once almonds, grapefruit, distribution of fresh produce. in up some their activities celebrating LAST week the community your morning walk, pick lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, week. All produce is free to anyone some Nutrition and Hydration again displayed its wonderful fresh fruit and vegies, share and capsicum, zucchini, beans, and a the community, and grown locally is an And left-over produce preserving tips generosity by donating pumpkin, silverbeet, chillies, the in backyards, both in and around Christian growing and eaten quality of distributed through the amazing quantity and local try something you’ve never variety of herbs and preserves, Mansfield, including at the Loaves & Fishes Food local produce at the bi-monthly grounds of Fellowship’s before.” best summer has to offer. is Youth Centre and in the Pantry and Mansfield Community Mansfield Fresh Food Drive. Mansfield Fresh Food Drive The food drive is a Mansfield the St. John’s Church. Tuesday’s beautiful autumn as fresh Cubby House. every first and third Tuesday initiative to encourage is on donated RESPOND free produce The welcome 11.30am “Shopping for your morning saw volunteers ‘zero food of the month 8.30am to healthy eating and community as you’ll get and boasts Hall, food is a wonderful outdoor a steady flow of home producers outside St. John’s Church connection. a very welcoming off their miles’. in Highett dropping and Tuesday experience, Victoria growers third of and Every first and Dunn, corner and A generous box of fresh from environment,” said Megan the tenderly grown fresh fruit to the Streets. of the month volunteers at were fruit and veggies went and Health Promotion Officer vegies. Mansfield residents St. John’s Anglican Church with Mansfield Shire’s Supported spoilt for choice this week Mansfield District Hospital nashis, pears, apples, passionfruit,
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Pages 17-24
GOLDEN MILESTONE LOCAL couple Heather and Alan Dobson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, surrounded by their bridal party, four daughters and ten grandchildren. The Dobsons moved to Mansfield in 1981 and have been active members of the community ever since. Pictured (from left) Narelle Rademaker, Rachael Dobson, Heather Dobson, Alan Dobson, Amy Jacob and Sarah Martin. PHOTO: Supplied
Sprinting into triathlon success Sport
Small towns, big wins FROM roadside halls to mountain-edge playgrounds, some of Mansfield Shire’s smallest and most spirited communities are set to shine brighter thanks to a funding boost of more than $71,000. In the largest round yet of Mansfield Shire Council’s Outlying Communities Infrastructure Fund, six community groups have secured support for projects that will deliver practical improvements and lasting local pride - from fencing and planning works to upgraded rec facilities and shared gathering spaces. The program, now in its third year, supports infrastructure projects in townships beyond Mansfield, helping strengthen community connection, improve local facilities, and build resilience.
Outlying communities set for upgrades in largest funding round to date BY SHAUN McMAHON
smcmahon@ nemedia.com.au
This year, six groups secured funding for a wide range of works, from safety upgrades and planning projects to recreation improvements and community beautification. Three projects were approved at the December 2024 council meeting, with the remaining three confirmed in March 2025 following additional planning support from council officers. Mayor Cr Steve Rabie praised the initiative and the people behind the projects. “We’re grateful to all those in our
community who take the initiative to make a difference,” Cr Rabie said. “Council is proud to support these initiatives. “They make our shire a better place to live. “By partnering with community groups, we’re putting power back into the hands of our locals.” The 2024–25 successful applicants are: Ancona Hall Committee Inc – $8270 for the Ancona Hall Safety and History Preservation Project Bonnie Doon Community Group Inc – $11,500 to upgrade the “Meet and Greet” room at the Community Centre Merton Campdraft Club Inc – $18,150 to enhance Sport and Recreation Facilities at Merton
Recreation Reserve Delatite Valley Association Inc – $10,000 for a site survey and concept plan for the proposed Merrijig Public Park Howqua Inlet and Macs Cove Community Group – $17,100 for upgrades to the Macs Cove Community Noticeboard and a shade sail installation over the playground Jamieson Community Group – $6000 to build post and rail fencing at the Jamieson “Triangle” entrance The 2024–25 round represents a significant uplift in support compared to previous years. In 2022–23, the fund launched with $44,000 distributed across five groups.
That was followed in 2023–24 by more than $33,000 awarded to seven projects, including restoration works at Ancona Hall, a new playground for Goughs Bay, a walking trail developed in Howqua Inlet, public facilities upgrades at Matlock Cemetery, building improvements for the Mansfield Motorcycle Club, new signage at the Peppin Hub, and restoration of the historic Goldfields Museum in Woods Point. Applications for the 2025–26 funding round will open in July and close in October. For more information, visit www.mansfield.vic.gov.au or contact council@mansfield.vic. gov.au.