Vol. 19 No. 26
FREE PUBLICATION
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Australian Editorial Award 2016
MANY MOUTHS TO FEED: Horsham PAWS has called for donations to help feed eight puppies born on a sweltering night in late December. Vice-president Carolyn Stow said the group was waiting on results of DNA testing to determine the newborns’ breed mix. “Their mum, Violet, is a kelpie-cross-labrador but we’re not sure what the puppies’ dad is,” she said. “The DNA testing will help us with rehousing the puppies after they are eight weeks of age.” Ms Stow said Violet was found wandering the streets and ended up in the city’s pound. “We weren’t aware she was in the early stages of pregnancy,” she said. “We were actually surprised nobody claimed her. She’s a beautiful dog.” Violet and her puppies are pictured with foster carer Lynne Smith. Ms Stow said Horsham PAWS had called for monetary donations to buy good quality puppy food. Ms Stow said people could donate money or toys at Horsham PAWS shop in Firebrace Street or donate online at horshampaws.com.au. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
World-first for Natimuk A
BY SARAH SCULLY
rapiles Historical Society members are working to open Australia’s first national climbing museum in time for the Wimmera settlement’s 150th anniversary.
Society member and long-time rockclimber Keith Lockwood said the Australian Climbing Museum would become part of the society’s historical precinct in Main Street, Natimuk. The precinct comprises the town’s former court house, garage and Masonic hall. “We have had a lot of goodwill, generosity and support for the project already,” Mr Lockwood said. “We’ve been promised equipment from widows of climbers and from retiring climbers.”
IN THIS ISSUE
Mr Lockwood said promised donations included photographs from Michael Meadows, who wrote The Living Rock, describing the origin of mountain and rock climbing in eastern Australia from 1988, along with equipment from world-renowned climber and manufacturer Roland Pauligk. “Some of Mike’s photos are magnificent,” Mr Lockwood said. “Roland was a lead climber in his day. He invented specific equipment to protect climbers on Mt Arapiles – tiny brass nuts to fit in cracks. “His RPs are used by climbers across the world. He has promised some of his equipment and manufacturing tools. “I used to climb with him and other
people like him, which gives me access to a lot of early equipment.” Mr Lockwood has been climbing for more than 50 years. “As kids, we would pedal out to the rock and scramble up,” he said. “That was before climbers came to the mount in 1963.” Mt Arapiles is Victoria’s climbing mecca and attracts visitors from across the world. “Arapiles is at the centre of Australian climbing and has notched up more than 50 years, so there is considerable history there,” Mr Lockwood said. “Climbing in Australia started long before 1963 and the museum will display items relating to climbing Australia-wide. “It won’t have everything in it, but
we will cover as much as we can and in time we can build on it.” Mr Lockwood said organisers were considering an artificial climbing wall for the museum, along with climbing equipment, to create a hands-on approach, particularly for children. “It’s all theory at the moment but everyone is behind it, so that’s a good start,” he said. “We’re at the point of exploring funding possibilities.” Mr Lockwood said the society hoped to open the museum by 2021, which will mark 150 years since Natimuk district was settled. “There will be a big celebration for the town,” he said. “Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society is talking about a big show
and perhaps a street parade. Everything is still in the ideas stage at the moment but there are several things in the pipeline.” The society has commissioned Mr Lockwood, a published author and former journalist, to write an updated version of Natimuk’s history to coincide with the town’s sesquicentenary. “My dad Allan Lockwood put out a couple of books but I’m thinking of doing a coffee table book, something a bit different,” he said. “There are a lot of significant milestones and our history is disappearing so it’s important I start working on it now in order to preserve it.” Mr Lockwood said people could call him on 5387 1457 for more information about donating to the museum.
• Kylie coup for Ararat • Jobs For Stawell launch • Cricket previews and reviews
Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
AUDITED: 22,524 COPIES
April 2016 to September 2016
Source: AMAA; CAB Total Distribution Audit for further information visit www.auditedmedia.org.au
MASSAGE – $50 40 minute neck, shoulder and back remedial massage Open 7 days
Remedial bookings required – ph. 5382 1218 Health insurance rebates available.
Subject to your personal health insurance policy.
KMART • NQR GROCERY CLEARANCE • SPOTLIGHT • REJECT SHOP • WIDE RANGE OF SPECIALTY STORES • WWW.HORSHAMPLAZA.COM.AU
DARLOT STREET Ph 5382 0912