Odds and Ends

Mathoura Bra fence was founded in 2018 by Sharnie Cellie in honour of her close friend Wendy Nikolovski, who sadly passed away from breast cancer.

It started with the creation of a physical bra fence on the Cobb Hwy at Mathoura, where women were asked to leave a bra and a donation.

It has since expanded to include socks and jocks too, allowing men to also get involved.

Starting on Saturday, May 6, from 6pm at the Pastoral Hotel, the fundraiser will include raffles, auctions and live music, as well as a courtesy bus and meals being made available for the event.

Sean is scheduled for his big shave about 9pm on the night.

He has already helped the ladies in charge of the bra fence to raise $1320, exceeding his original goal of $1000.

All proceeds from the night will be used to purchase fuel vouchers to ease some of the hassle of travelling to treatments and appointments, some of which can be up to a three-hour drive, sometimes more.

To date, fundraising efforts like Sean’s have allowed Mathoura Bra Fence to help 37 locals.

Those wishing to donate can do so on the night, or by messaging the Mathoura Bra Fence’s Facebook page.

— KEIRA DOYLE

ENGAGEMENT COMMENCES FOR FUTURE ROCHESTER PLAN

It’s time to think big, and build Rochester bigger and stronger.

The Rochester Place Based Plan Committee wants to hear from local residents about what they love about their local community.

The committee is keen for residents to share its big ideas and have their input on future ambitions including sports fields, parks, entertainment, business and tourism development in Rochester.

Campaspe Shire Council acting director of community Andrew Fletcher said there would be multiple opportunities for community members to have input into their next Place Based Plan.

“Our Community Development Team has worked with the committee to develop a helpful ‘kitchen table’ conversation guide which can be completed in person, via email or as an online survey to allow everyone to be able to have their say,” he said.

“We encourage people to get together with their friends, family, neighbours, community group or colleagues and host their own ‘kitchen table discussions’ and complete the conversation guide collaboratively.

“The committee will also be organising and advertising community pop-up sessions for people who want to contribute ideas in person.”

The engagement period will close on May 31 and following this, a draft Place Based Plan will be developed which will then be open to the community for feedback.

The members of the committee are Dimity Pearson (committee chair), Maureen Chiswell, Justin Cleary, Beck Hocking, Donald Hughan, Megan Keating, Karen Laing, Amanda Logie, Peter Romer, Maree Trail, Heather Watson and Bec Wolfe.

To complete the survey and to follow for more details about the progress of the development of the Rochester Place Based Plan, visit council’s website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/rochesterpbp or simply use the (attached) QR code.

DAY IN THE SUN FOR GARGARRO BOTANIC GARDENS

Rave reviews for the Gargarro Botanic Gardens Cafe are the tip of the iceberg, as the development committee behind the multimillion-dollar project plans to further develop the reputation of the soon-to-open tourist attraction.

While it has been nine weeks since café managers Leon McAsey and Joel Raglus took up residence in the unique double-storey building, the official opening of the Gargarro Botanic Gardens is timed for next week.

The café partners and Girgarre Development Committee’s Jan Smith were last week preparing for the ceremony at 11.30am on Wednesday, May 10, to officially rubber stamp the stage-two completion of the precinct.

From the front lawns of the calming and serene setting, Mrs Smith said following the stage-one completion of the community soundshell project, and the soon-to-be opened second stage, the Gargarro management committee would be seeking financial support for another four stages to complete the project.

“We made a decision a long time ago that we would save our money for something significant, but we never thought that this was where we would end up,” Mrs Smith said.

“We’ve been pretty blown away by its success and the café has well and truly exceeded our expectations.

“While we always knew it was going to be successful, this is next level.”

— ROHAN ALDOUS

OH DEER

Drivers on the Gold Coast have been urged to take extra care after a stray deer was spotted wandering in a suburban street earlier this week.

The young buck was caught on camera traipsing down a street in Merrimac before tucking into some grass.

Multiple wildlife agencies were called.

Some of wondering whether it was the same deer that was spied on a Gold Coast golf course a fortnight earlier.

TIP OF THE WEEKEND

We missed out last week with Long Arm, who ran fifth in the Port Adelaide Cup. We’re going back to Adelaide this weekend and look to strike early with King’s Crossing (Race 1, No.8).

JOKE OF THE WEEK

What do you call security guards working outside Samsung shops?

Guardians of the Galaxy.

FAST FIVE QUIZ

1. Queens Park Rangers is a soccer team based in which city?

2. What is the 17th letter of the English alphabet?

3. Annastacia Palaszczuk is the Premier of which Australian state?

4. Who stepped down as chief executive officer of Qantas earlier this week?

5. Quito is the capital of which South American country?

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

Adele, singer, 35, Craig David, singer, 42, Robert DiPierdomenico, footballer, 65, Glenn Seton, racecar driver, 58, Doug Hawkins, footballer, 63, David Teague, footballer and coach, 42, Isaac Heeney, footballer, 27, Kurtis Patterson, cricketer, 30.

FINALLY

This week’s decision by the AFL to award Tasmania the 19th licence is long overdue. There’s no doubt it should have happened sooner and 2028 does still seem a fair while away. The question now is when is the 20th team going to come into the competition. A Northern Australian team splitting games between Darwin and Cairns works for me.

FAST FIVE QUIZ ANSWERS

1. London, 2. Q, 3. Queensland, 4. Alan Joyce, 5. Ecuador.