Takeaway Groceries Gifts

Open 6 days a week Ph: 0431 548 696

As a result of changes in the Local Government Act 2020, Victorian’s are now being asked to consider new ward structures to better ensure a balance of representation in each ward, particularly as communities grow and evolve.

In Central Goldfields Shire we currently have three single Councillor wards and one four Councillor wards and this structure will indeed change. As your representatives, Councillors have spoken in depth of how the community would like to see their interests shared by elected representatives. There have been three options put before us from Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) including single member represented wards; multiple member wards; or unsubdivided wards meaning seven Councillors oversee the whole of the Shire. I would find unsubdivided wards problematic due to the varying nature of the Municipality including a larger regional town, smaller townships and farming communities which all have different needs and require diverse representation. It is imperative that our community have their say in this decision-making process as this affects you. Individual members of the community can also submit your views by accessing the VEC website www.vec.vic.gov.au or speaking directly to your ward Councillor.

After speaking with many residents, we collectively found there is a resounding preference for single member wards. As a result of our feedback and subsequent exhaustive discussion around the table, our recommendation submitted for consideration by VEC, is for single member wards ie: Paddy’s Ranges, Flynn Ward, Tullaroop Ward, then Maryborough divided into four wards.

This structure will ensure, particularly as Maryborough grows, that all residents will have an opportunity to influence outcomes through more even representation. Council submitted its recommendations as did two community members. We encourage all community members to have their say by making a submission to the VEC by the closing date of April 19, 20 Mayor Cr Grace La Vella

Easter Public Holiday Closure

Due to the Easter holiday period, Council’s Customer Service Centre, VicRoads, Maryborough Regional Library, Goldfields Family Centre, Central Goldfields Art Gallery, Depot/Pound will be closed on Fri. 7 April and Mon. 10 April. Re-open on Tuesday 11 April. The Central Goldfields Visitor Information Centre will close only on Friday, 7 April.

The CGSC after-hours service will operate as normal. Urgent issues relating to the following areas can be reported to: Council Infrastructure - 0419 005 577 Animal Control - 0407 508 448; Aged & Disability

Maryborough. Limited time only so get in early. The program is supported by the Victorian Government.

Winter is Coming…

The winter chill was in the air last Thursday and we fear it won't be long until beanies are replacing our hats. Before making our way to The Community Garden, I popped into the Op Shop and got chatting with one of the lovely volunteers there about the dodgy season we seem to have hadtomatoes, pests, but most importantly, about garlic!

You can plant garlic anywhere from March to the winter solstice. An easy way to remember when to plant and harvest is, “IN on Anzac day and OUT on Melbourne Cup day.” This year at the community garden we won't be planting our garlic as early, as we have been invited to do a gardening session with the Kindergarten. I will endeavour to have my garlic planted by Easter.

Just about everyone was at the garden by the time Michael and I arrived. Ric had already been busy at work watering the raised beds as well as the compost pile, then he assisted Anna in pulling out a curry plant that was taking over a large section of one garden bed.

Most of this was handed off to Lisa who was adding green material to our compost heap. Michael and I harvested the never-ending bounty of Satsuma Plums. We didn't get an official weight, but estimate that we harvested another 10kg from the one tree! While Veronica was doing general tidy up jobs she spotted a couple of ladies admiring our garden and invited them in for a quick tour and chat. It was lovely to see more people enjoying our space. Come by and visit us in the near future. No gardening experience needed! Thursdays 3.30pm, 94 Maude Street Dunolly.

All Summer clothing, shoes and bags are still at $5 – for as many garments as you can thrust into an Op Shop bag. As we said last week, people are really supporting this sale and it is such a help to volunteer staff, so a big thank you. If you came in to select a $5 bag full for yourself, how about getting clothing items for men, children and babies as well? Our babies’ clothes are often “as new.” Could that be because those dear tiny creatures grow so fast? There is a great selection of equipment for baby, all with that “as new” look for a fraction of the baby shop prices. Children’s toys occupy a large section of the first vestibule on the left as you come though the Op Shop entrance door. A generous donation of 1960s paperback books has been passed on to the Op Shop. Crime and Punishment, Pygmalion are amongst some of the famous books now in the shop. Amongst the books, the authors look like a list of “Who’s Who;” Frank Hardy, Alan Marshall, James Michener, John O’Grady and Morris West. Come along and help yourself to some great reading this Autumn.

Lovel’s Septic Tank Cleaning Service

For all your septic cleaning needs trust the family with over 30 years experience. Servicing Dunolly and surrounding areas. For prompt service at extremely reasonable rates call: Mark 0428 179 870 or leave a message on 5468 1212

Waiting until winter to do something about leaves clogging up the gutters can cause problems. Here’s why autumn is the perfect time to clean your gutters.

Benefits Of Cleaning Your Gutters Regularly

Prevent gutter damage to your home: Gutters are there to help drain rainwater from your roof. But with clogging from fallen autumn leavesand debris, gutters can become very heavy and dammed.. This extra weight and stress can cause structural damage to your gutters, including rust, sagging, tilting, detaching, and even falling to the ground.

Avoid damaging your home's foundations: The main purpose of gutters is to direct rainwater runoff into drains. Just like pooled water can damage a roof, the structural integrity of the home can suffer from pooled water that seeps through to the home's foundation. Significant cracks can form in porous foundation materials such as concrete or wooden stumps, resulting in an unstable and shifting house.

Prevent pest infestations: Unwanted pests such as rodents, cockroaches and mosquitos are all attracted to stagnant water and rotting leaf debris. Birds may also attempt to build their nests in clogged gutters. Make sure to eliminate any from your gutters regularly so that water can flow freely.

Protect your roof from damage: When rainwater on the roof has nowhere to drain because of clogged gutters, water may pool in one spot on your roof tiles. Left unattended, can lead to major roof damage, including water seeping through roof tiles, rotting wood, or even parts of the roof collapsing.

Reduce health risks from mould and bacteria: Water that can’t drain properly from the roof has the potential to go stagnant, potentially triggering illness for those in the home who suffer from asthma or allergies.

If you choose to clean your gutters yourself, be cautious and ensure that you always use safety equipment such as gloves and non-slip shoes. Clear any debris from the gutters, placing it into the bucket as you go, and prioritise the cleaning the areas around each downpipe. Turn the water on to make sure that water can move freely.

If it can, your job is done.

This year Bealiba Railway Station is hosting an exhibition of works by renowned textile artist Jenny Bacon in the Ladies Lounge and sculptures by Korong Vale artist Dave McTaggart along the platform.

The Coopers have also partnered with a retired local chef to develop a range of tapenades and other delicious products made from the capers grown on the station grounds, which they will be offering for tasting and purchase.

Divine Studio of work by owners Phil and Helena alongside exhibits and demonstrations of other local artists and crafters, featuring woodwork, sculpture, textiles, quilting, and Victorian sewing boxes and baskets.

Visitors will also be able enjoy a lovely cuppa with some of our talented locals.

Tenar Dwyer will be opening her home studio for the first time this year and Rory Stainton’s incredible rock art is set to be a real drawcard for trail visitors. For more information about the artists in Bealiba and to find out what else is happening along the trail check out the Tiny Towns Arts Trail website at tinytownsartstrail.com.au

With so many talented artists living in our region there's so much to see.

Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) held a very successful 2023 MDHS Charity Golf Day, which has raised nearly $26,000 for the health service. More than 100 participants in 26 teams joined the annual fundraiser on Thursday 23 March. “The MDHS Charity Golf Day is always a fun day and a highlight on our annual calendar,” MDHS Chief Executive Officer Nickola Allan.

“It’s always amazing to see our community come together to support the event. Thank you to all our partners, sponsors, donors, players and supporters for being part of a great cause”

MDHS is currently undertaking renovations to expand the dining room at the Wattle Rise residential community in Maryborough.

“The money raised this year will go towards a new servery, bain marie and furniture in the new dining area.

“This will go a long way in helping our aged care staff and hospitality services team create a more homely environment, and a better dining experience for residents.

“We’re so grateful to everyone for their support and look forward to building on this success at our 10th anniversary next year,” said Mrs Allan.

If anyone would like to make a donation contact the CEO’s office at the health service on (03) 5461 0301.

2023 MDHS Charity Golf Day

Results :

Four person Ambrose event

Men’s Nett Winners: Aaron Hall, Craig McGilvray, Simon Campbell and Jason Baker – 54.12 nett.

Mixed Nett Winners: Jason McFadyen, Colin O’Halloran, Kendall McFadyen and Meagan O’Halloran – 54.5 nett.

Scratch Winners: Anthony Passalick, Craig Burn, Wally Passalick and Stacy Smithwick - 57 gross.

Encouragement Award: Anthony Brown, Robert Karavesov, Gab De Havilland and Shelby Pike.

Straightest Drive: Kane Shepherd

Nearest The Pin (9th hole): Colin O’Halloran.

Acknowledgements: MDHS acknowledges the broad support from partners, sponsors, businesses and donors that contribute to the success of the MDHS Charity Golf Day.

Partners: True Foods and Maryborough Golf Club

Sponsors: AFS & Associates, Alchemy Performance Packaging, Allround Packaging, Central Victorian Transporters, Community Bank – Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud, Edgemill Group, Edlyn Foods, Hutchins and Rowles Transport, Integral Food Ingredients, Manildra Group, Maryborough Toyota, Sensate Pty Ltd, True Foods and Visy Board

Major auction providers: Black Bull Golf Course, Gold Central Victoria, Hyland Hideaway and Maryborough Golf Club.

ChurchNotices

Catholic Church, Dunolly

Next Sunday is Easter Sunday and there will be Mass at St Mary's Church at 8.30am. A Good Friday service will be held at 10.00am at St Mary's. Everyone will be welcome, and there will be a cuppa and buns afterwards. There will be a collection for the Holy Lands at the service. There is the sacrament of reconciliation at 6.00 on Wednesday , April 5th.

R. Mecredy

Uniting Church, Dunolly

Worship and Holy Communion on Easter Sunday

April 9th at 9.30am will be led by Pastor Miriam Darlow. KYB will be on Wednesday at 10.30am. and will not be held on the following two Wednesdays during the school holidays.

Maryborough UCAF will visit Dunolly UCAF for a shared lunch at 12.00 on Thursday April 6th. Lunch will be followed by activities related to Easter. Good Friday service will be held in St Mary’s at 10.00am.

The Op Shop will be open on Tuesday and Thursday this week from 10.00am. Closed Good Friday. Uniting emergency relief will next be in Dunolly on Thursday April 13th from 1.30pm.

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”.

Psalm 18:24 (NRSV)

St David’s Anglican Church, Bealiba

Davies Street Bealiba

Sunday Eucharist: 8am second and fourth Sundays of every month.

Priest-in-Charge Reverend Judi Bird.

New Horizons Church, Bealiba

Bealiba Public Hall Every Sunday 3 pm.

Wednesday Bible Study

Dunolly 10.30; Bealiba 11 am

Contact Veronica for more information 0427 345 577

St John's Anglican Church, Dunolly

Rev Canon Heather Blackman

Parish Office, Nightingale Street, Maryborough. Phone 5460 5964

Please contact for service dates and times.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1.00am on Wednesday, 12 April in the following Central Goldfields Shire Council Municipality. While restrictions are lifting in these areas, CFA still expects the grassfire risk to remain across the state in the coming months, so Victorians need to remain alert and prepared.

AND...

Lower Regional Fares: The cost of a daily ticket on the entire regional Victorian network is now capped at the same prices as metropolitan daily fares – currently $9.20 for a full fare or $4.60 for a concession. On a weekend or public holiday, daily fares are capped at $6.70 and currently just $3.35 for concession. The cap also applies to interstate travel within 60 kilometres of the Victorian border.

Moliagul Build & Landscape Pty Ltd

onsite welding - retaining walls - pavingconcreting - roof sheeting - solid plastering owner builder assist - repairs & maintenance or freshen up that garden or create a new outdoor entertaining space

For an obligation free quote Call Keith 0418 953 473 or email

Rosie’s Ramble ….

After that heavy rain a while back, my backyard was ringing with cricket "song." It was very loud, almost as loud as the cicadas. I didn't see any, but they were there.

I often see spiders’ webs in my garden, but one spider last week outdid others in speed and opportunism. After I had hung out the washing, I left the trolley near a bottle brush tree. When l came to collect it, a spider had built a web between the tree and the trolley and was hanging in the middle of it. I presume it was waiting for its lunch.

I still have a lot of potholes outside my gate, I counted 17. I reckon it could be hired out as a minigolf course or perhaps as a putting practice area. I have killed my microwave oven - very inconvenient. It is a convection oven as well as a microwave and that works well. If anyone wants a very small oven, just let me know. I will really have to buy a new oneI miss it.

I wonder which genius decided to cover a hole in the footpath just near the Bakery with that giant yellow trip hazard.

I have made a note on my Ramble notes page and I have no idea what it says. It looks like loombs - but that is no help. It will join many years of scribbled notes I have left for myself and which may as well be written in Martian for all the use they are.

Rosie

Goldfields Music Club AGM

Our first AGM as a Club was held on Sunday 2 April 2023 at the Dunolly Golf Club with Ian Arnold from the Dunolly Golf Club chairing the Meeting for us. The New Committee is as follows;Sue Hayman - President; Cam Carter - Vice President; BJ Elliott - Secretary; Kez Jongebloed - Treasurer. Committee members: Amy Thomas, Andy Ball, Chris Jobson, Kath Walker & Lee Koumarianos. Many thanks to Jo Bourke & Nat Conlin who didn’t stand for re-election. What a year it has been for everyone, with the GMC Open Mic & Jam running for about 43 of the Fridays in 2022 & 2023! Through floods in the area, exciting renovations to the building by the Golf Club and a short Summer Break, people kept coming along and making great music each week. It’s great to be part of growing music scene in Dunolly!! GMC have been able to get equipment to support the Open Mic & Jam and have joined in taking music to some of the towns in the area as well. Being part of the Gold Rush Festival 2022 was a highlight for our players to be able to show their stuff too. To the many players & vocalists, the people that come along to listen and dance and especially the volunteers and Committee that keep the show running each week –thank you and well done everyone!! Here’s to another year ahead and make sure you include some music in your life!!

Sue Hayman, President