1975
Kyabram Rotary Club’s changeover event was unique when District Governor Frank Ruler installed his own club president Howard Allen.
Other positions accepted on the night were by Don Telfer (vice-president), Arthur Pollard (assistant secretary), Warren Rice (treasurer), Eldis Raidkums, Stuart Sloane, Keith Coombs, Bruce Harper, Harry Gorr and George Lane.
Guest speaker was Australian Olympic Games team manager Judy Patching OAM, while Magraret Noble, Reg Poole and George Lane provided the musical entertainment.
– A further step towards the establishment of another kindergarten in Kyabram was taken at a meeting between the Town Council Health Committee and three representatives of the Kyabram Welfare Development Council and two pre-school advisers from the Department of Health.
The three main points the visitors discussed were the geographic suitability of a site, the architect’s plans, and the calling of a public meeting to appoint a committee of management.
– Dr Peter Tisdall has advised the Kyabram Hospital Board he is prepared to advertise for an assistant to help overcome the shortage of doctors in the town.
At a meeting on Monday night, the board agreed to a proposal put forward by its executive, to convert unused space at the hospital into a surgery.
– The $40,000 Regional Employment Development Scheme project under way at Kyabram Showgrounds is proving a huge success for all concerned according to “unoffical manager” Laurie Foley.
He praised the quality of candidates working in the scheme and said it was pleasing to see show society members involved on a voluntary basis.
1985
Kyabram’s Tijuana Reception Rooms changed hands when John and Audrey Timms, together with Mick and Jan Coventry, took over the business from Allen and Lorraine Tempest.
The new owners have no plans for any changes currently, but hope to expand the business to do more outside catering.
Mick, Jan, John and Audrey will all take active roles in running the business.
However, the 14 permanent part-time staff now employed by Tijuana will all be retained.
– One of the district’s best known and highly respected residents, Ernest Freeman, celebrated his 90th birthday with 70 members of his immediate family.
All of his surviving eight children and almost all of his 26 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren were in attendance, as was his only great-great-grandchild.
– GV and North East TAFE board announced it would fund a part-time coordinator for the Kyabram Community Centre.
Management committee president Fay Pattison said the centre was about to move into spacious new headquarters at Kyabram Town Hall and the funding was for 17 hours a week.
– Minister for Education Ian Cathie officially opened the Kyabram Fauna Park Education Centre.
Kyabram Mayor Richard Isaac hosted a civic reception to celebrate the launch of the facility, which had already had 1000 children pass through it since opening four months earlier.
Kyabram Lions Club played a major part in renovating the building, while Apex Club members repainted the roof of the former hut and Helen Walsh was the teacher responsible for conducting sessions with the children.
2005
Kyabram’s longest-serving employee, Matt Iannacone, has called it a day.
Mr Iannacone has been employed by the Amcor packaging factory since 1957.
He said his decision to retire after 47 years had been forced upon him by ill health.
He plans to spend more time with his wife Marie, daughters Rose and Angela, while playing a bit of golf, doing renovations and playing guitar.
– A two-storey shopping arcade incorporating seven shops and possibly a food court, mini bar and licensed reception venue will rise from the site of the former Albion Hotel in Kyabram.
The arcade, covering 2000 square metres of prime Allan St real estate in the heart of Kyabram, will feature a verandah and balcony reminiscent of that of the former landmark hotel, which burnt down in a spectacular early morning fire in August 2003.
– Talented Kyabram performer Clem Brega won the under-18s title of the Rich River Idol competition.
Clem sang Rogers and Hammerstein’s Climb Every Mountain from the musical Sound of Music and Bjork’s It’s Oh So Quiet to clinch her title.
– Work on the construction of a new roundabout on the corner of Allan and Union Sts in Kyabram is expected to begin, but the much-maligned water fountain is set to stay for now.
The Kyabram Streetscape Committee has received $400,000 in funding from the Campaspe Shire and the state government to undertake works around fountain, which will remain until extra funds to replace it can be obtained.
– Tongala residents are being encouraged to keep their spirits high despite the job losses at the Nestlé factory.
The Tongala and District Community Planning Group will continue with community projects that were highlighted in the town’s 2004 Community Plan.
These projects include the development of residential land, promoting Tongala as a great place to live and visit, and the development of childcare services in the area and further health and support services including a 24-hour emergency facility.