Cinema returns to Nhill Poles The silver screen will sparkle again at Nhill Memorial Community Centre.
Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty was in Nhill on Monday to announce a $75,000 grant for an upgrade of the Community Centre’s projection and sound equipment. Hindmarsh Shire Council will also contribute $60,000 to the project, resulting in a $135,000 upgrade. Nhill Cinema, with only traditional film projection equip-
ment, closed its doors in December 2013, when 35mm film reels ceased production. The digital equipment will enable the new centre to show new-release films, featuring full definition surround sound, within weeks of release. Hindmarsh Shire chief executive Tony Doyle said the upgrade to digital equipment was critical. “The cinema provides entertainment, social connectivity,
and cultural value, but it’s also an important piece of our local economy.” Mr Doyle continued. “When people go out of town to go to the movies, they’ll often eat out, fill up their car and do some shopping while they’re there. “By having a cinema operating locally, we’re keeping more dollars in Nhill. “We will also attract movie goers from neighbouring towns, as Nhill has the only
cinema within an hour radius. “In the bigger economic picture, the cinema is an important feature in town liveability, and will assist with the attraction and retention of population within our shire”. Mr Doyle said the ciinema was a fantastic resource for community, schools and business. Work on the project will start in late May. Movie screenings will start in July.
Run raises hope By LAUREN HENRY
H
opetoun will fittingly be the finishing point for a 421-kilometre trek from Melbourne to raise money for motor-neurone disease sufferers.
Motor-neurone disease has hit the Mallee town of Hopetoun hard in the past decade or so, with at least six people dying from the progressive, terminal neurological disease. People will MND progressively lose the use of their limbs, and ability to move, speak, breathe and swallow. Tim Solly, who has family connections in Hopetoun, and his musician mate Matt Sofoulis will start ‘Melbourne 2 Mallee 4 MND’ on April 8. The 12-day run will stop at Ararat on April 12, Stawell April 13, Dadswell’s Bridge April 14, Horsham April 15, Byrneville April 16, Warracknabeal April 17, Beulah April 18, and finally Hopetoun, April 19.
Hopetoun will host a celebration for the two men on at the town’s showground, with three live performances, children’s activities, raffles, barbecue and drinks. Mr Solly is raising funds in memory of his uncle Darren Solly, of Hopetoun, and Mr Sofoulis in memory of his grandfather Tony Ramondo. Polly Thomas, formerly of Hopetoun, lost her sister Mandy Gilbert to motor-neurone disease 12 months ago. She is helping Hopetoun community stalwart June Solly with organising the town’s celebration to welcome ‘Melbourne 2 Mallee 4 MND’. “It’s a cruel disease,” Ms Thomas said. “Your mind is as good as the day as you were diagnosed but your body deteriorates, eventually not allowing you to breathe.” Ms Thomas said the disease was ‘genetically-engrained’ in her family, with five sufferers in her extended family.
“This event will raise money that will go to people in regional areas who are suffering motor-neurone disease, to assist their quality of life,” she said. Ms Thomas said she hoped raising money would help to one day find a cure for the disease. She said she worried that other people in her family would develop the disease. The Hopetoun celebration will include Mr Solly and Mr Sofoulis performing in their band Dirtland, joining Dixie Beat, Chooka Williams and Mary Cummins. “I’m extremely pumped to do this for MND with my mate Matt,” Mr Solly said. “People think we’re insane for committing to the gruelling challenge but all of this madness if for a good cause.” The pair is aiming to raise $50,000 for MND Victoria, to provide care and support for people living with the disease.
Plans for Dimboola and Nhill Hindmarsh Shire Council will use a $60,000 State Government grant to develop Community Precinct Plans for Dimboola and Nhill.
Council chief executive Tony Doyle said the plans would place Dimboola and Nhill in a ‘great’ position for future social and community infrastructure and services funding.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
He said the council would complete the plans with ‘extensive’ community consultation, starting in the next financial year, identifying future needs to ensure the health and wellbeing and resilience of the communities. “These Community Precinct Plans will help the council make informed decisions about social and community infrastructure and facilities in Dimboola and Nhill,” Mr Doyle said.
project
Workers install feature totem poles at Horsham’s North Foundry Gardens in preparation for the unveiling of the Poles In Our Park arts project on Friday. Horsham’s Northfest Family Fun Day committee has invited the community to the 11am event which has involved young people designing artistic feature totem poles to become part of the parkland environment. The idea started last year and involved artist Nichola Clarke working with children from Horsham district schools.
Earn $35,500 as you learn in the Bachelor of IT (Professional Practice) Get ahead of your competition - earn a minimum of $35,500 while you study AND graduate with one year’s work experience in the IT industry. Labelled as national best practice by the Australian Computer Society, this program allows you to: • Combine study with work experience • Receive a minimum of $35,500 while you study in scholarship payments and paid employment • Be considered for a position with your industry sponsor upon successful completion Usually a four year program, we are excited to introduce new study options that will allow you to complete both the study and work experience components in as little as 3 years. Applications for second semester commencement open mid-April. For more information visit federation.edu.au/eayl or phone 1800 333 864
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Page
5