Kyabramites were sad to hear of the recent death of Glenys Makin in Melbourne at the age of 79.
Glenys spent a lot of her time as a young woman in Kyabram and district and worked at the Kyabram Free Press in the 1970s and also at the Kyabram hospital.
She had a vibrant and effervescent personality.
Stanhope residents are also grieving the loss of long-time town stalwart Cyril Evans and former resident Dennis Gavin.
Cyril, who worked at Stanhope Motors all his working life — 48 years —, was a talented sportsman in his day and played cricket and football with local club before switching to lawn bowls.
He was a member of Stanhope’s 1958-59 Kyabram District Cricket Association’s flag-winning A-grade side.
He was also a long-serving member of the local fire brigade.
Dennis was the last of the Gavin brothers who were raised in Stanhope.
Dennis and his late brothers Barry and Daryl were talented and active sportsmen in Stanhope in their youth and sons of popular local policeman and sports lover Ray Gavin.
Do you remember Tarax?
Those people who can go back a few years will no doubt remember Tarax beverages.
What they mightn’t know is Tarax beginnings were in nearby Numurkah.
The company was founded by George Albert Pethard and commenced operation in 1899, producing ales and stouts, Tarax Ale, Tarax Beer and Tarax Stout as well as raspberry and lime juices.
The company then moved its production plant to Golden Square in Bendigo and then to Melbourne in 1937 where it expanded to include Ecks, Loys Frosty and Tee Vee.
In 1976, it was taken over by Cadbury Schweppes for almost $16 million.
Kyabram boasted a Tarax Bar with juke boxes into the 1980s which was situated on the eastern side of Hurley’s Hotel.
Rain dries up
Kyabram’s dry spell has continued with no rain recorded for eight successive days up to Monday.
The last substantial fall was on Saturday, December 7, with 14mm falling. Only 15.2mm has been recorded so far in December, which has an average of 34mm.
Kyabram has received 451mm of rain for 2024 up to December, which is parallel with the long-term average.
Monday of this week was predicted to be the hottest day so far this year, eclipsing the 38.4ºC days on Friday, December 6, and March 9 readings.
Work of art
Mathoura has joined the Murray River Council’s art trail with the town’s water tower now boasting some impressive work.
Spanish artist Antonio Segura, or Dulk, took inspiration from the local landscape, drawing on native flora and fauna to produce his impressive creation at the tower site at 23 Moama St.
Meanwhile, Moama residents and business owners have expressed frustration over Telstra mobile service outages caused by a mural painting.
The Moama water tower on Cobb Hwy, which doubles as part of Telstra’s mobile base station in the area, has been painted as part of the council’s River Country Art Trail initiative.
Lighting the track
Greater Shepparton’s BMX velodrome is set to receive a lighting upgrade after local business Watters Electrical Pty Ltd was awarded a $183,239 grant.
The work will involve upgrading the lighting on the existing towers to meet AusCycling’s 300 LUX standard, a key for the club’s training competitions and major events.
The enhanced lighting will also enhance lighting for BMX events.
Apply for support
Community groups and not-for-profit organisations in the Nicholls electorate are being encouraged to express interest in the Federal Government’s 2024-25 Volunteer Grants Program.
The program offers grants ranging from $1000 to $5000 for eligible organisations which rely on volunteers.
For more information, visit sambirrell.com.au
Ramping up works
Upgrades to Echuca’s Victoria Park boat ramp are progressing well and should be completed by the start of 2025.
The works include an upgrade wet ramp pavement and retaining walls including an all-abilities walkway ramp and floating dock which includes a crane to allow for easy access for people with disabilities.
A town with no pool
Campaspe Shire has started the demolition of the Rochester and District War Memorial pool.
Work started last week and is expected to be completed by this Friday.
The works are serving as interim measure and swimmers are asked to be patient as council juggles with trying to obtain funding for a replacement pool.
Champion glider
Tocumwal’s Mark ‘Lumpy’ Paterson is Australia’s 18m gliding champion.
Lumpy competed against Australia’s best at the Australian National Gliding Titles staged at Lake Keepit in northern NSW over 10 days.
He competed in his Jonkers JS3 South African made glider and beat 11 other hopefuls for the title.
He recently competed in the 38th World Gliding Championships in Uvalde, Texas, in which he had a win and two other podium finishes.
Upgrade to network
Telstra has announced an upgrade to its mobile station at Cohuna to bring 5G coverage to the area with temporary service disruptions while the upgrade takes place.
The mobile base station was switched on Monday of last week until Friday with no coverage in this period.
Minor disruptions also occurred from Saturday, December 16, to Monday, December 16.