THE Wimmera Mail-Times team takes a look back at their most memorable stories of 2018.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Starting the conversation
HORSHAM’S Trudi Weir has endured tragedy few others could imagine. On January 15, 2017 her life changed forever when her husband Jason took his own life. He was 38.
The primary school teacher was loved and respected across the Wimmera, but few knew the battle he was fighting against himself. Mrs Weir hopes sharing her family’s story will help raise awareness about suicide and will help others.
Jobs data shines light on gender differences
AUSTRALIAN Bureau of Statistics findings mapped the number of employees and jobs across the Wimmera, median income, and the breakdown of jobs across sectors.
The data looks at the five years between 2011 and 2016, and focuses on 10 statistical areas in our region: Ararat, Ararat region, Horsham, Horsham region, Nhill region, St Arnaud, Stawell, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and Buloke.
In each of these areas, there were between one thousand to three thousand more men employed than women in 2015-16.
Spotlight on Horsham Rural City Council rates
WIMMERA farmers were disappointed by Horsham Rural City Council’s decision to not alleviate the rates burden on the farming sector.
The council adopted its Budget and rates strategy for the 2018-19 financial year at a special meeting in June. The meeting was attended by about 100 residents.
Horsham’s budget rose all average rates to the capped increase of 2.25 per cent. However, residential rates were decreased by 0.6 per cent, while farm rates increased by 11.8 per cent.
Wimmera passenger rail campaign
EIGHT councils across Western Victoria deemed the return of passenger rail as vital to the region.
Representatives from Horsham and Ararat Rural Cities and the Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera shires launched a feasibility study 12 months ago which said a rail service to Horsham and Hamilton was also a feasible option.
The Western Rail Project proposes to return services to the region within five years.
Kaniva community left devastated
KANIVA residents were devastated after the town lost its historic railway station in a suspicious fire in the early hours of May 12. Kaniva resident Robert McKeown, 79, recalled memories of the railway station.
“My father was station master here in 1921 and that’s one of the reasons why I felt sad – for him,” he said.
“Everyone in Kaniva, even those who are new here, are devastated because the building had only just been done up not that long ago by the railways.”
Mt Arapiles looms large
FOR more than 50 years, Mt Arapiles has been a popular destination for rock climbers from around the world.
However, a high number of climbers ascending the steep rock face comes with a high number of accidents.
Over the years, many groups – primarily made up of experienced rock climbers from the Natimuk area – have been formed to tackle rescues at the mountain. The most notable of these was the Arapiles Rescue Group, which was formed in the early 1990s.
Wimmera schools confront enrollment question
SECONDARY schools in the Wimmera could face an uphill battle maintaining enrollment numbers in coming years, despite a wave of new teenagers about to enter the system.
A Grattan Institute study has found high schools across the state will need to squeeze in an extra 10,900 students a year between now and 2024.
However, the student-aged populations of four out of five Wimmera council areas are predicted to decline in the next eight years.
Broad’s achievements in the Wimmera
MEMBER for Mallee Andrew Broad will leave Canberra next year with about $40 million worth of investment in the Wimmera to his name.
While many have been quick to criticise Mr Broad on his personal life decisions that have come to light this week, others have suggested they are more concerned with whether he has been an effective politician.
Horsham’s Commercial Hotel fire devastates
HORSHAM’S Commercial Hotel owner Gary Jelly re-opened his bar less than a week after fire devastated the premises.
Mr Jelly said he had received many messages of support since the fire.
“It’s been awesome to see the people who want to help and people saying how good the pub has been. A many thanks to all the people who have supported myself over the past day,” he said.
Anthony Heyward returns to riding following surgery
UP until July 2017, Anthony Heyward was living life how he knew best.
The 52-year-old vegetarian would ride his bike more than 200 kilometres a week, both indoors and outdoors, often at a high intensity. He didn’t drink, nor smoke, and prided himself on living a healthy and active lifestyle.
But one night, he woke in pain. Mr Heyward did not know it at the time, but he was having a heart attack.
Football pre-season: How much is too much?
THERE is no doubt country towns take their football and netball very seriously.
Clubs put a lot of resources into recruiting players and coaches, and for good reason – we know too well of the positives sporting clubs bring to small towns.
There has been a trend in recent years for football sides to start their pre-season training earlier and earlier. It is common now to see some clubs training up to three times a week at the start of November in preparation for the next season.
Steffi achieves American dream
STEFFI McDonald was awarded a four-year scholarship to play tennis at Lindsey Wilson College in the United States.
McDonald has been dreaming of the opportunity to play on the college circuit ever since she learned about the possibility at a young age.
“I guess I probably didn’t know until I was about 12, I think up until then my goal was to win a premiership in Horsham. But once I found out about college and playing tennis in the States, this has always been the goal,” she said.