EDITION 90 April 2012

COMING EVENTS2012Monday 26/3 Ulysses MotorcyclistsTuesday 27/3 Swim Club AGMThursday 29/3 Pre School Easter Hat ParadeFriday 30/3 End of Term ISaturday 31/3 Murray to Moyne Cycle Race in BoortSunday 1/4 Murray to Moyne Cycle EventSunday 1/4 Daylight Saving endsSunday 1/4 Scarf Making Workshop at BRICSunday 1/4 Boort Golf Opening DayTuesday 3/4 Pasture UpdateTuesday 3/4 Boort Tourism MeetingTuesday 3/4 Farm Chemical Refresher Course at BRICWednesday 4/4 Ladies Golf Opening DayFriday 6/4 Good FridayFriday 6/4 to

Monday 9/4 Boort Lawn Tennis Easter TournamentWednesday 11/4Angling Club AGMSaturday 14/4 Boort FNHC .v. CharltonSunday 15/4 Amity AuctionMonday 16/4 Curb side hard waste collectionMonday 16/4 Term Two commencesWednesday 18/4Ladies Day Badminton commencesThursday 19/4 Badminton Club AGMThursday 19/4 Solar Panel Presentation at BRICSaturday 21/4 Boort FNHC ByeWednesday 25/4Anzac DaySaturday 28/4 St Arnaud .v. BoortThursday 10/5 Infant ImmunisationsFriday 11/5 Debutante BallSunday 13/5 Mother’s Day ClassicThursday 24/5 Australia’s Biggest Morning TeaFriday 25/5 Loddon Shire Community Grants close

ANZAC DAY SERVICEWednesday, 25th April

9:00 am Assemble at Post Office9:15 am Wreath laying

March to Memorial Hall9:30 am Service with guest speaker

Alan Holmes an“old digger” fromInglewood.

All Welcome.

A special thank you to Doug Aldrich forfilling in the numbers for Ladies Tennis.You’re a champion, Doug !

EASTER SUNDAY DAWN SERVICE

6:30 am 8th April at Rotary Park on theshores of Little Lake Boort.Join us as the Churches of Boort cometogether to celebrate Easter.

SCHOOL NO. 1796

If you were unable to attend the“Last Bell”, you can still view the

photographs of the students and schoolover the previous 130 years of it’s

existence.The photos will be on display from

9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Fridayuntil Friday 30th March.

Congratulations to the organisers on theoutstanding success of the recent

celebrations at the School.

ANZAC DAY REFLECTIONSI grew up in the 70s and as a child didn’t realize that the 2nd World War was such an important part of my par-ents’ generation. They would have all known someone who went to war, someone who lost a loved one. Mymother talked of VP day and heading into Melbourne’s CBD to help celebrate the end of the war. She said itwas the most wonderful party. I don’t remember the war talked about much in my childhood, maybe becauseof the mixed feelings regarding the Vietnam War. However, I was always interested in Australians at war andAnzac Day was an important day for me, even as a child.

At my high school in a small Victorian farming community we would all gather in the Assembly Hall for anAnzac Day service. I don’t remember a lot about these services except the singing of “O God, Our Help inAges Past”. Do they still sing hymns in public schools? I can’t remember if my eyes welled up on hearingThe Last Post. They do now. I remember the smartest girl in school asking me why I celebrated war. Iwasn’t eloquent enough to tell her I wasn’t celebrating, but rather paying respect and remembering.

On Anzac Day I would watch the Melbourne Anzac Day parade on our old black & white TV. Our familyalways looked out for the 2/21st battalion. My father’s brother, Ernie Woodall was a member and died on theisland of Ambon as a POW. My grandmother, in the small Mallee town of Walpeup always broke her hearton Anzac Day. She could never reconcile the fact that her strapping son who could eat a whole polony in onesitting had died of starvation. There were never many marching in Uncle Ernie’s battalion as most did notreturn from Ambon. My cousin Noela visited the war graves on Ambon, and was impressed with the carethey were given.

Today Anzac Day brings many members of the communitytogether both young and old. It must be wonderful for ourVietnam Vets to hear the cheering as they march; so different fromwhen they returned all those years ago. In the outbackcommunity where I now live Anzac Day is not forgotten. The localcouncil makes a great effort to engage the community on this specialday. I still remember fondly a service of a few years ago. My familyattended the dawn service and a chap from the local National Parkwho could play the bugle attended. It was so moving to hear the LastPost played as the sun began to rise over the streets of this small Gulftown. I’m sure that chap with the bugle never realized the affect hehad on me and I’m sure many others.

I always think of a dear friend who was a member of the 2/26th

battalion and was a POW in Changi and worked on the BurmaRailroad. When I asked Slim about Weary Dunlop he said he was agreat bloke, but no better than their doctor, Dr. Bruce Hunt. He wasregarded as a saint and I hope Dr. Hunt’s family realizes the greataffection and admiration in which he was held. I asked Slim what theBurma railroad was like. “Oh the work wasn’t hard but the buggarswouldn’t feed us”, he replied. Isn’t that a great Australian quote?And when asked how he felt about the Japanese he said, “Oh it’s notthe young peoples’ fault”. Slim is one of myheroes.

On Anzac Day, there is a special group of people, the nurses of the “VynerBrooke” who I always remember. As a young teenager my mother, a nurse, gave me the book “WhiteCoolies” by Betty Jeffrey to read. I was in awe of these women back then and still am today.The nurses of the ‘Vyner Brooke’ were members of the 2/10th AGH, 2/13th AGH and the 2/4th CCC of the Aus-tralian Army Nursing Service. They were based in Singapore during World War Two.

Slim

In 1942 with the fall of Singapore imminent the Australian nurses were ordered to evacuate. I reiterate, ‘ordered’as the nurses didn’t want to leave the soldiers they were caring for, some who were just boys. Many cried as theyleft their charges.

Sixty-five of these nurses boarded a small boat named the Vyner Brooke. The overloaded boat left SingaporeHarbour and followed the coast trying to avoid enemy planes. However, on the 14th of February, 1942 the VynerBrooke was sunk by Japanese planes with 12 of the 65 nurses perishing during or after the attack.

Of the remaining 53 nurses who made it ashore 22 of them would never have imagined their fate. Aftersurrendering to the Japanese they were marched into the sea on Radji Beach (Bangka Island) and shot in the back.Only one nurse, Vivian Bullwinkel (who my mother told me was a legend in nursing circles) survived themassacre.

The remaining 32 nurses, including Vivien Bullwinkel plus many civilians were interned by the Japanese andendured over three years of captivity. The nurses spent their time in a variety of ways. Their training came intoplay and they spent much of their time caring for the sick. As they had no medical supplies they did the best theycould, sometimes just giving comfort. They made items to sell so they could obtain money to buy food. Somewere in the cooking teams, some in the burial teams. Some sang in the choir that was featured in the movie,“Paradise Road”. As the length of their captivity increased, just staying alive became their main focus. Theysuffered disease and malnutrition. They stuck closely together and were always known in the camp as theAustralian nurses.

Despite shifting camps many times and the hardships the nurses endured they made sure their uniforms were putaway for special occasions. Sadly there were six occasions when the uniforms were worn at the burial of fellowsisters. A quote from the book “Song of Survival – Women Interned’ written by Helen Colijn tells of theAustralian nurses giving one of their own a military funeral,“I had seen them lined up at the gate, standing stilland straight and conveying a sense of pride and spunk despite their haggard appearance and the oil stains on theirwrinkled grey dresses”.

Despite the unconditional surrender by Japan on the 15th of August, 1945 the nurses were not removed from thecamp for another month. They again donned their uniforms and were taken to Lahat to await a plane to fly them toSingapore. In every memoir I’ve read the nurses were shocked when their Matron in Chief, Colonel Annie Sagealighted from the plane. She was wearing trousers. In their three years of captivity, much had changed. MatronSage, on taking command of the A.A.N.S had made it her mission to find her nurses that had left Singapore in1942. When she asked where the rest of the nurses were she was devastated by the answer. Of the 65 nurses whoboarded the Vyner Brooke, only 24 returned to their loved ones.

So on Anzac Day this year I will again be remembering the uncle I never knew, Dr. Bruce Hunt and Slim andmany others. I hope when children are told of our diggers at Gallipoli, the Rats of Tobruk, our boys on theKokoda Track and the their Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, the battle of Long Tan and all the other inspirational stories, thatthey may also be told about the nurses of the Vyner Brooke. Every Australian should know the story of thesenurses and at the same time remember everynurse, doctor and orderly that have supportedAustralians at war.Lest we forget.

Sue Woodall

Sue Woodall lives on a cattle station in theGulf Country of Queensland and is aformer resident of Boort

The surviving sisters of the Vyner Brooke

The Last Bell – a resounding success

The Last Bell celebrations held on March 17th were heralded as a resounding success with over 300 paststudents, staff and parents participating in celebrations. The idea was born as the closure of the Boort PrimarySchool campus looms closer. At the end of this year the doors will close for the final time for the school whichhas had many pseudonyms - Boort State School, Boort HES, Boort Primary School and Boort District School –King Street Campus. As the students in grades Prep to 4 trek up the hill to join their fellow Prep-12 pupils at thenewly built school, the old school will close after serving the community for over 130 years.The reunion gave participants the opportunity to view displays of photos and memorabilia through thedecades as well as sets of class photos dating back to 1962 and earlier. The Northern Oasis – a 1948 classic filmdepicting the township and district of Boort was available for viewing and a delicious morning tea was enjoyedby all. The main feature of the day was catching up with friends, past classmates and teachers. The day culmi-nated in the symbolic ringing of the cow patch bell by all students who were called up in decades. Awards weregiven to Mrs Thelma Powell, the oldest student and Mr Green, the oldest teacher. Many people worked manyhours to make the day the fantastic success it was.Thank you to all those people who volunteered their time and energy – the results on the day were amazing!

Murray to Moyne Cycle RelaySaturday 31st March

Nolen’s Park Boort 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Congratulate your Boort District Health team as they ride to raise money for new Hospital equipment

Welcome the riders to townBig Raffle drawBBQ lunch – gold coin donationMerry-go-roundFamily activities

Be part of the excitement and celebrate with the whole communityThe Boort team are expected through between 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm

The “About Boort” Newsletter is compiled by Jean Henderson and Jennie Weaver, proof read byAlister McDougal, and printed using the facilities at BRIC and delivered by Amity members.Funding is provided from the Shire of Loddon and the Boort Development Committee, and otherwelcome donations.

Please note: Articles need to arrive at BRIC by 9:00am on the20th of each month - preferably by email to bric.boort@bigpond.com

NCFL DRAW 2012

April 14 Boort .v. CharltonApril 21 Bye - BoortApril 28 St Arnaud .v. Boort

MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC 2012Make it a classic Mother’s Day in Boort !Residents of Boort and district are invited to join with more than 100,000 people acrossAustralia in the nation’s largest fun run/walk that raises money for breast cancer research.The Boort Mother’s Day Classic will start at 10:30 am on Sunday 13th May at Nolen’sPark where we will ‘walk the lake’ and return to share in a Community BBQ.Could families please bring a SALAD TO SHARE(cool room will be onsite)BYO Picnic Set/Chairs/Rug/Drinks & GOLD COINSPlease register for the event online at:www.mothersdayclassic.com.auPlease choose “Boort” under the regional Event sectionYou can also register at BRIC if you don’t have onlineaccess.Online and BRICregistrations close at noon 09.05.2011.(last minute registrations can be taken on the day at 9:30 am)For further information please visit the website above or contact Tamara Boyd - 54554393

CAN YOU SWIM ?

Who taught you to swim?When?In the old duck pond?Did you ever swim in comps in the old pool?

Honie Tweddle is compiling a history ofLearn to Swim in Boort and would like your input.Please get in touch with her on 54 552542

BOORT LADIES DAY BADMINTON

Commences on Wednesday April 18th at 9:15 amat the Boort Community Centre.New Players most welcome.Enquiries to Shirley McDonald 54 552170or Julie Henderson 54 552404

BOORT INDOOR BIAS BOWLS

James Boyle Hall7:30 pm each Thursday night

All welcome

Contact Frank Storey 54 552337

BOORT BADMINTON CLUB INC

is holding their

Annual General Meeting& Tournament

on Thursday 19th April 2012at 7:30 pm

Boort Community CentreAll welcome to attend.

BOORT REGIONAL ART GROUP (BRAG) IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS!

If you would like to dabble in artwork of any description – pastels,watercolour, oils, acrylic – do join us!No formal standard is needed and casual attendance is welcome.Call in at the Uniting Church Sunday School (behind the Church) on

a Monday morning at about 10:00am.

Loddon Shire is rolling out the welcome mat for the waves of black-clad motorcyclists due tosweep through the Shire later this month.

An estimated 1500 visitors will pass through the Calder Highway towns on their way to and from the AnnualGeneral Meeting in Mildura of the Ulysses Club, the largest organisation of its kind in Australia.

Ulysses is a club for motorcyclists 40 years old and up, with 137 branches throughout Australia which arrangerides and social functions. In total, the club boasts about 28,000 members.

The AGM, planned for 26 March to 1 April, is expected to attract about 4500 riders from around the country.

Shire Tourism Manager Robyn Vella described the Ulyssians’ visits as a unique opportunity forlocal businesses.

“Loddon is the gateway to Mildura and our businesses need to do all they can tocapitalise on this event. This is a huge opportunity for Loddon to promote its towns toan audience which could well come back and visit in the future.”

The Tourism Department has distributed letters about the coming tourist influx to allbusinesses along the route and Mrs Vella will go to Mildura during the event topromote the Shire.

For their part, local businesses are doing their best to make a good impression.

Community Grants on offer

Loddon Shire is offering a helping hand to community-based organisations with the announcement that itsCommunity Grants Scheme is now open for 2012/13.For the past 12 years, the Shire has given clubs and community groups the opportunity to request Council funds to puttowards projects that develop or improve existing community facilities, programs or equipment. To date, Council hasinvested more than $1 million in 526 projects worth, in total, almost $4 million.Last year, the Scheme saw a long list of projects completed, including new air conditioning in the Pyramid HillNeighbourhood House, a dishwasher installed at the Bridgewater Recreation Reserve and a new mower for the BearsLagoon-Serpentine Football Club.To see the full list of conditions and find an application form, please contact Loddon Shire on 5494 1200 or go towww.loddon.vic.gov.au

SOLAR POWER PRESENTATION

Energy Matters would like to invite the Boort community to join them for a FREE community presentation onhow solar power can help you save on your electricity bill.

When: Thursday 19th April 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Where: Boort Resource & Information Centre

Three reasons to attend this solar session:

1. We’ll show you how to beat the rising price ofelectricity for the next twenty five years and beyond.

2. To hear about Energy Matters’ great solar group buyingoffer.

3. Learn how solar works and what rebates are currentlyavailable.

This is an informal session with no obligation to purchaseproducts or services.

To register your details to attend visit: www.energymatters.com.au/community or phone 1300 727 151

BOORT AMITY AUCTION

Sunday 15th April 2012 at Boort Park12:00 noon start

Drop items for Auction off from 8:00amYummy food available. Items left at own risk. 10% commission charged. All items sold for $5.00 and

under becomes a donation. Money from Auction comes back into our town. Auction will be in the horse stallsin bad weather. No dogs please.

SHOW & SHINE DISPLAY &ROCKER COVER RACES

ITEMS FOR DISPLAY WELCOMEPhone Sandra: 54 552 156 or 0428 552 156

Boort Historical Society still has copies of an etching ofthe Boort State School No. 1796 which can be

purchased from BRIC for $5.00.

IS TER TOURNAMENT

BOORT LAWN TENNIS CLUBEASTER TOURNAMENTFriday 6th April to Monday 9th April, 2012Tennis for all standards and ages. Guaranteed 3 sets perevent - singles, doubles and mixed.Morning or afternoon play can be selected.LOCATION: Lakeside Courts, Godfrey Street, BoortPHONE: 5455 2716 or AH 5455 2595EMAIL: ahvmcd@bigpond.net.auTennis played dailyFriday from 9:00 amSaturday from 8:30 amSunday and Monday from 8:00 amEntries still being taken, but don’t delay your decision for too long.Social events that anyone from the Boort Community can attend:-Thursday night—Barefoot Bowls at Bowling ClubFriday night—Social Golf Croquet at Croquet GreenSaturday night—Spit Roast Tea and Desserts followed by a Trivia NightSunday night—Steak and Salads and Deserts Tea followed by Last Man Standing.Do come along to help the Tennis club have a successful weekend.

Copied from the issue of “Boort Standard” of North Lake View Street on 16th November, 1943Mothers’ Club

The monthly meeting of the Mothers’ Club was held at the School on Thursday last, when anexcellent crowd attended. The afternoon took the form of a Kiddies Concert by the children of thebabies, 1st., 2nd.,3rd., and 4th Grades trained by Miss Randles and Miss Erket, the programme beingas follows:-Song “Bush Children”; dance, Colleen Fitzgibbon; Recitation, “The Invalid” Freda Yole; song “LittleWhite Hen: solo “White Cliffs of Dover” Barry Weaver; recitation “Five Little Rabbits” John Rye,Neil Nelson, Beryl Lacey, Dorothy Ward, Brian Young, Norman Baldwin; song “John Brown’sFarm”; song “Little Miss Muffet:, Leonie Hollingsworth and Norma Fleming; song “Silvery Moon”,Grades 3 - 4; piano solo, Ron Maloney; solo, “Sambo” Barry Weaver: dramatization, “Epaminondasand His Auntie”, Anne Weaver, Myrna Letts and john Gale; Nursery Rhymes, babies: solo, LaurinaGale; “Nesting Hour”, Janette Urquhart; action song, “Little Nurses” Grades 2, 3, 4 girls: “The FloralDance”, dramatization “Market Square”, Evan Hercules, Lorraine Forster, Gordon Warren and RonMaloney; “Ten Little Nigger Boys” Grades 3 - 4 boys; “Ten Little Indians” , Grades 1 - 2 Boys;Spring. “God Save The King”.After the concert, the President presented a beautiful bouquet of flowers to Miss Randles, and twolittle girls gave Miss Randles and Miss Erket a bouquet. The kiddies were given cake by theMothers’ Club.The ladies then adjourned for their meeting which was presided over by Mrs. Howard, whowelcomed 15 new members. The sum of £2-16-0 was raised, which was divided between theMothers’ Club and the Junior Red Cross.

ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL APPEALFor over 40 years Boort has participated in the Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’sHospital. Please support the appeal by buying raffle tickets or putting money in the collectiontins which are located at various businesses in the town. Amity members will once again be

out on Good Friday collecting for this very worthy cause.

BOORT & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB

The Annual General meeting was held on 2nd March 2012 withMargaret Nelson elected as our new President.

Now into our 5th year, we are anticipating a year of great speakers. Over the years many have sharedexperiences of exciting overseas trips, along with very informative speakers advising us on health,legal issues, community affairs, etc.We would love to see you at BRIC on the 1st Friday of each month at 10:00 am (with the exceptionof our April meeting which will be on Thursday 5th) when we will enjoy a ‘trip to Japan’ along witha morning tea of hot cross buns !During the month there is also a very popular Coffee Club and a Bird Watchers Group, so comealong and enjoy some fun, fellowship and friendship.

Boort Angling Club Report March 2012The fishing club has been concerned about the number of carp in Little Lake Boort .As a result we wrote to the fisheries department of Department of Primary Industries to see if therewas a way of reducing the numbers. It didn’t take long for them to respond, as an officialrepresentative from Wodonga, along with other interested local bodies attended our last meeting.The outcome of that meeting was to inform us that it would be unlikely that we could obtain apermit to net or drag the lake, which would be harmful to the native fish and other water creatures.However it may be possible to use a trap as before. With the lowering of the lake, after Easter, toerect the walking and fishing platform, trapping could take place when refilling commences.The club is still looking into ways to get rid of some of the carp. If anyone has any objections,approval or ideas, please contact myself or other members of our club.We were pleased that Alan Digby, who is a member of Vic Fish (the organization behind thenumbers and waters where fingerlings are to be released) attended our last meeting also.Little Lake Boort has been allocated 5000 yellow belly and 5000 cod as soon as the water is

returned after the project. Alan is also secretary of the Mid Northern Association of Angling Clubsand has joined as a member of our club. We are delighted to have him in our club.Now on to business!Our last fishing comp was cancelled due to us forgetting that it was to be held the same weekend asthe reopening of the Boort trotting track. This comp has been put forward to the weekend of 24th -25th March at the Wakool Fishing Classic.The Mid Northern Association of Angling Clubs annual fishing competition , between clubs, is to beheld at Kangaroo Lake the weekend of 14th - 15th April. This will also be our own clubs comp.To those that would like more carp fishing days, on the Little Lake, we intend to hold more but withthe lowering water level it may become difficult for a time. We will see what we can do.Our next meeting is our AGM (11th April Commercial Hotel 8:00pm) please attend.

I think that is enough for this month. Ian Lanyon 54 554237

BOORT PRESCHOOL SHOPPING TRIP

Join us for an exciting day as we explore some of Melbourne’s shopping outlets and factory stores.When: Saturday April 21st

Leaving at 7:00 am from the Post Office and returning at approximately 7:00 pm-8:00 pmCost: $40 (includes transport, lucky seat prize and nibbles on the return trip)Either pack your lunch or buy lunch at your own expense (we will be stopping near cafes and a food court)We will be visiting a range of factory outletsPayment required by 16th April 2012

This trip is subject to numbers so please tell your friends, relatives and neighbours.It is sure to be a fun day out and there will be lots of bargains!!!

To book your place please call Fiona Caine on 54552828 or email fcaine@gmail.com

Change in Name for Accident and Emergency at Boort District Health

From the week beginning 27 February 2012, Boort District Health’s “Accident and Emergency Department” will be knownas the “Urgent Care Centre”. This change has come about as a result of The Department of Health deciding to change theterminology used to describe emergency care facilities in local and small rural health services, such as Boort District Health.

Members of the Boort community should note that there will be no change to the existing services currently provided from theHealth Service in an urgent situation. Boort District Health will still continue to use the services of the local GP’s who attendthe hospital to provide emergency and afters hours care on an on-call basis.

If required, the Doctor on Call will be contacted and if necessary will come from their clinic or home to provide the necessarymedical care at the Health Service. If your condition requires more specialist investigation or care than can be provided by BoortDistrict Health, transfer by ambulance to a more specialised facility may be required.

Nothing changes except the name.

Northern District Community Health Service’sWomen’s Health Clinic including Pap Testing

At your appointment you are able to see a Women’s Health Nurse about all issues regardingwomen’s health such as pap smears, breast health, contraceptive advice & menopauseBoort at BRIC on May 9th BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Please Phone: 54510200 for appointment with Women’s Health NurseCost: $10.00 or $6.50 concession

www.ndchs.org.au

Good News Week!

Boort District Health is very happy toannounce that the Boort district communitywill again have the services of aPhysiotherapist.Mr Brett Long will be working privately out of theMedical Clinic, and supporting Boort District Health inproviding physiotherapy services to the Community everyMonday.Brett has now commenced work at the clinic and will beavailable until 9th April when he plans to travel fora short period before returning to work permanentlyfrom 11th June 2012.Brett is an experienced Physiotherapist and is lookingforward to getting to know the community of Boort.Footballers may already know Brett as a player forWedderburn, but we will not hold that against him!

The Breast Screen Bus has arrived in Kerang and will be here until 30thMarch (then away to have new paintwork) then back again in late May forfour weeks.Bookings can be made on 13 20 50 for all women over 40 years and it’sfree.Any questions to Alexia Stephens on 54510200.

Companions need supportA scheme which helps country people travelling to Melbourne for medical appointments has been thrown a financial lifeline, but needs greatersupport if it is to continue.The Medical Companion Project, staffed by volunteers from Travellers Aid Australia, was originally given a 12-month trial ending 31 March2012, but private philanthropic trusts have now put forward the money to extend it until June 30.The scheme seeks to ease the concerns of rural residents about getting around the city and suburbs on public transport.Travellers Aid volunteers meet users at either Southern Cross Station or Flinders Street Station, then accompany them to theirappointments.Loddon Shire’s BLine Transport Connections Co-ordinator, Sue Devereaux, said Shire

residents need to get behind the service if it is to continue.“This service is a great benefit to rural and regional people who need to access Melbournefor medical appointments,” Ms Devereaux said.“It takes the fear and uncertainty out of a visit to the city at a time when people can feelquite vulnerable.”“It needs to continue, so support from the community is vital.”The Medical Companion Project was launched by the Victorian Government’s TransportConnections Program in March 2011.The service is free, but bookings are essential on 1300 700 399. At least 24 hours’ notice isrequired. To find out more, phone Sue Devereaux on 5494 1242 or emailsdevereaux@loddon.vic.gov.au.

KERBSIDE HARD WASTE COLLECTION APRIL 2012

Loddon Shire Council will be conducting a kerbside Hard Waste Collection Day during April 2012. Residents of Boort, Pyramid Hill, Mi-tiamo, Dingee, Serpentine, Borung, Wychitella, Korong Vale, Wedderburn, Inglewood, Bridgewater, Newbridge, Tarnagulla, Laanecoorieand Eddington may place items (e.g. whitegoods, old bed frames) out on the nature strip on Sunday 15 April 2012 (not before) and Councilstaff will collect and remove these items commencing Monday 16 April 2012.Residents in the Logan area may deposit hard waste at a collection point located on the Logan Kingower Road opposite the Avoca Forest Ho-tel and Fentons Creek residents may leave hard waste at a collection point located adjacent to the Fentons Creek Hall. This hard waste willalso be collected and removed commencing Monday 16 April 2012.Items are to be sorted into piles of metal items, recyclable items and white goods. Total volume is not to exceed 1M3 in size.Excessive or unsorted piles will not be collected.Please note that perishables, tyres, oils, batteries, paints & chemicals, car parts, mattresses, TVs, computer monitors andgarbage will not be picked up.Any unsuitable items that are left behind after collection, are to be removed from the nature strip immediately.

PASTURE UPDATE FOR BOORTPasture information days will return to Loddon Shire for the first time in many years with an event planned for Boort on Tuesday, 3 April.The Grassland Society of Southern Australia is hosting a Pasture Update at the Boort Memorial Hall, where farmers can learn about pastureand green feed options for northern Victoria.The event is being jointly sponsored by the Birchip Cropping Group, Loddon Shire Council and the Department of PrimaryIndustries.Organiser Erica Schelfhorst, from DPI Bendigo, said the session would help producers todecide on the right management practices for their pastures.Ms Schelfhorst said the session would detail outcomes from local trials and present seed and crop options to suit local conditions.“There hasn’t been a pasture day like this in the region for many years,” she said. “We will be talking about new developments that willprovide valuable information for producers.”The program will cover the importance of pasture systems and management, managing risk, what good pas-tures achieve, snapshots of pasture and fodder options, perennial pastures, low rainfalloptions, renovating or re-sowing, cereal crops and perennial shrubs.Options for farmers to set up their own on-farm trials will also be explained. Seed companies and agronomistswill host stalls and displays and will outline new and proven seed options for northernVictoria.The Pasture Update runs from 9:30am to 3:15pm. For more details, phone Ms Schelfhorston 5430 4560 or the Grassland Society on 5433 5324.The deadline for registrations is Tuesday 27 March.

MEALS ON WHEELS ROSTERSun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2Gwen HendersonHennie Carton

3John & ValMaybery

4Betty Wagner

5Lois MaloneDorothy Gilmore

6PUBLIC HOLIDAY

7

8 9PUBLIC HOLIDAY

10Lesley PoxonKerry Lanyon

11 12Lesley PoxonLynette Clark

13Lance & ColleenSlatter

14

15 16Edna PotterLynette Cameron

17Margaret AllisonBetty Barnes

18Moritz & ElmaGierisch

159Kerry LanyonLeslie McCracken

20Don & ValPoyner

21

22 23Dorothy LanyonHelen Storey

24Nola StringerRobyn Storey

25PUBLICHOLIDAY

26Joy DePiazzaGwen Parker

27John & DorisGawne

28

29 30Dawn & TonyCooper

There are still a few gaps each month in the roster, if you are able to help, pleasecontact the Serpentine Office of the Loddon Shire on 54 377 999.

BOORT GOLF CLUB OPENING DAYS

Boort Golf Opening Day will be Sunday 1st April, 14 hole Pinehurst, any combination.12:00 noon -1:00pm barbeque, with hit off at 1:30pm and a cuppa to follow.

Ladies’ Opening Day will be Wednesday 4th April, 14 hole Stableford, names in 10:15am,hit off at 10.30am, afternoon tea to follow.

Ladies’ pennant commences Monday 23rd April, this is one week earlier thanoriginally announced.

Boort District Health Debutante Ball – Friday May 11th 2012

Training is well under way for the first Boort District Health Debutante Ball which willbe held on Friday 11th May.

Doors will open at 7:30 pm, with the Debutantes and partners presented at 8:00pm.

Traditionally the Boort A&P society has run the ball, but decided this was no longerpossible.

A small group was formed to try and retain the Ball, and with Boort District Health astheir auspice, are very excited to bring the Ball back to life in 2012.

The Debutante Ball retains many of the traditional elements, with ten couplesparticipating this year.

Entry includes the presentation, dancing and a delicious supper. All proceeds willbenefit Boort District Health.