General News
2 October, 2025
FLASHBACK: October 2 1975
The annual primary schools combined sports were held at Speed last Friday (September 26, 1975) with ideal conditions for sport participation.
During the morning almost every child in the junior grades of every school enjoyed participating in "fun"" events such as obstacle races, sack races, etc.
Field events were also conducted during the morning with keen competition from all schools.
During the afternoon the championship events were held, following flat races and hurdles.
The highlight of the sports were the running of the 400 metre events for boys and girls with large fields in both.
At the conclusion of the races, Cr Jim Bathgate presented medals to the champions and 400 metre winners.
Congratulations to the organising parents and teachers on a great day of sport.
Lake Lascelles is magnificent
Lake Lascelles is a magnificent tourist attraction and local amenity.
Mr Ken Wright, MLC for North Western Province and chairman of the Parliamentary Development Committee said this last week during a visit of the committee to Hopetoun.
Mr Wright said the modern caravan park was well situated to cater for an increased flow of visitors.
Committee members making the visit comprised — Mr Wright; Mr W. F. Stephen MLA, Ballarat Sth; Mr T. W. Templeton, MLA Mentone; Mr R. Wiltshire, MLA Syndal; Mr A. N. Castle, Secretary.
Local people meeting the Committee on sites at the lake and later in the Shire Offices included — Cr Jim Howie; Mr Jack Anrewartha, Shire Secretary; Dr Pete Stoutjesdijk; Mr Dick Boyd, Shire Engineer; Miss Jewell Young; Mrs Merlene Wellington.
Mr Wright said that the committee has been asked by the Premier, Mr Hamer, to inquire into the tourist industry, with a view to making recommendations
to the Government concerning the promotion and financing of tourism in Victoria.
Hopetoun is part of the Wimmera Regional Tourist Authority, for which he was guest speaker at Horsham on Monday evening.
Mr Wright informed those present that with its lake, caravan park, fine aerodrome, excellent climate and friendly people, Hopetoun should become increasingly important as a tourist area.
“I will do all I can to obtain assistance to upgrade the facilities at the lake” Mr Wright concluded.
Shareholders say no to dividend!
At the annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Hopetoun Community Hotel Co-operative Society held on Wednesday, September 24, 1975, the shareholders refused to accept the Board of Directors recommendation to pay a 7½ percent dividend.
The shareholders felt that the money was needed to improve the facilities in the bar and provide the patrons with more amenities.
The co-op with the exception of the first year of trading have always paid a dividend, but with rising costs and inflation the shareholders felt that the existing good standard of the hotel could be made excellent by foregoing the dividend for this year.
The hotel, over the past year has continued to support the various charitable bodies in the town, the purpose for which it was built some years ago, and the
aim of the Board of Directors is to see that it continues to provide these benefits.