Golfers Flock to Birchip Gymkhana
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DONALD BIRCHIP Phone: 5497 1222 Phone: 5492 2735 Email: The Buloke Times Fax: 5492 2863 [email protected] Email: [email protected] birchipblc@ Est. 1875 bigpond.com Published Tuesdays and Fridays PRICE (inc. G.S.T.) $2 PP331336/0000 1 Friday, May 28, 2021 For the Shire of Buloke, and the districts of Birchip, Charlton, Donald, St. Arnaud, Watchem and Wycheproof • A crowd gathers at the Wycheproof turntable for the official turntable reopening following refurbishment works by Steam Rail Victoria volunteers. — Photo: Renaye Gretgrix. Steamrail Back On Broadway (By Averyll Loft) It has been a memorable week for Wycheproof and the Victorian vintage rail community with the visit of the K-153 steam locomotive for the first time in 50 years and the re-opening of the town’s historic turntable. Steam Rail Victoria volun- Hundreds of locals and teers spent four months re- rail enthusiasts from as far as pairing the hand-operated North Queensland gathered turntable at the Wycheproof on Thursday, May 20, to see Railway Station, which allows the turntable officially opened trains to be turned around for and the K-153 taken for a spin. • The K-153 steam locomotive on Broadway last Thursday. Wycheproof is one of the only locations in Australia with an the return journey to Melbourne. • Continued on page 2. operational railway down its main street. — Photo: Jenny Pollard. they are now deploring the drop in vaccination numbers. Who Is to Blame? It’s called having a bit each way. The ABC has reported a drop of 30 per cent in the number of people seeking influenza vaccination this The Press Council of Australia has issued a set of principles to guide and direct members and associates. year. Could this be related to the alarm and doubt raised FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021 by some sections of the media about COVID vaccina- Under the first heading, of “Accuracy and Clarity”, the tion? first rule reads: “Ensure that factual material in news safer place. Historically, small pox, polio and many reports is accurate and not misleading and is distin- The pandemic is proving a difficult path to tread. guishable from opinion.” Understandably, there has been much public puzzle- other infectious diseases were stopped in their tracks ment about where we are going. Delays in obtaining by vaccination. COVID is a tough enemy, but stimu- How well have city newspapers and TV stations official approval for vaccines, the variety of names, lating widespread immunity is the way to go. So far, complied with this objective? Some, perhaps, have whether you need one or more jabs, different efficacy Buloke has fared well, but the threat is far from over been displaying the power of the imprudent press. You for different age groups, diverse virus strains and the and we must play our part in winning this battle. can be the judge. In this most serious pandemic, would way side effects have been reported, have added up to it be too much to expect that the press would work with, rather than against, the governments to get on top confusion and some loss of confidence. Governments, Meanwhile, major media outlets have been known of outbreaks? Wouldn’t that be in the public interest? relying on the advice of medical experts, have strug- to blame federal and state governments for any confu- gled to disentangle the many knots. sion and lack of trust. While pointing fingers of blame, Then perhaps the Opposition could make up a trio One thing is clear. Vaccination is the main weapon have they paused to glance in their mirrors? Having of crusaders against a common enemy. But don’t hold for fighting the challenge and for making the world a spent weeks emphasising the dangers of side effects, your breath while waiting. Steamrail Back On Broadway • Continued from page 1. After it has been 10 years out of action, Friends of Rail- way Place chairperson Ann Durie, said it was quite an emotional experience for many locals seeing the turntable being used once more. “It’s really given the town a boost, and renewed appreci- ation for the importance of Wycheproof’s railway his- tory,” she said. Locals got a good look at the K-153 steam locomotive as it rolled into town on Wednesday night, and on its return Thursday morning as part of the Southern Steam Spectacular tour. Hundreds lined Broadway on Thursday morning ahead of its departure back to Mel- bourne. Wycheproof’s Barry and Deb Crockett were among the 146 guests aboard, and said the feedback from other tourists and train crew was extremely positive. “We had numerous discus- sions with both organisers and tourists, and everyone was most effusive about what a wonderful town Wyche- proof is, and how welcoming and supportive the residents are,” Barry said. • Wycheproof's Prep-1 class were chuffed to get a close look at the visiting steam train last Thursday: Pictured with the engine drivers are, front row, left “It has been a big bonus to right, R. Harrison, A. Harrison, K. McLeod, C. Greco, E. Pellegrino, T. Harrison, C. Bartlett, J. Barton. Middle row: E. Barker (partly oscured), C. for Wycheproof to be in- McLeod, F. Polzin, N. Cotton, L. Crawford. Back row: Teachers Mrs Amy Botheras and Mrs Nikki Coatsworth, E. Redmond (obscured), D. Greco, R. volved in the biggest move- Beattie, T. Buchanan, M. Barton, L. Harrison, C. Buchanan, E. Harrison. ment of steam locomotives in Australia since 1988.” future steam train visits, in- Steam Rail Victoria now cluding the Mt Wycheproof leases the turntable from the Cup weekend in November. Buloke Shire Council, mean- “It’s really exciting for ing it can charge other vintage Wycheproof to be able to rail companies to use it. welcome steam trains once Friends of Railway Place again and we are very grate- volunteers are already pursu- ful to Steam Rail Victoria for ing grants to continue refur- all their work in helping make bishing the turntable ahead of this a reality,” Ann said. • Buloke Shire Council Mayor Daryl Warren and Friends of Railway Place Chair Anne Durie. — Photo: Jenny Pollard. • The steam train is turned on the refurbished 80-year-old Wycheproof turntable. — Photo: Renaye Gretgrix. PAGE 2 — “The Buloke Times”, Friday, May 28, 2021. Kodomo No Hi On Monday, May 17, 2021, the P-6 section celebrated “Kodomo no hi”. Kodomo no hi is the Children’s Day known as Boys’ Day. In Japan, Kodomo no hi is a day to pray for the happi- ness and healthy growth of all children. Some of the boys in the P- 6 section came dressed in ca- BULLETIN sual clothes and brought along their favourite toys. In recent years, some of During recess all students our students have followed enjoyed an “ame”, which is this path, being it Navy, Army the Japanese lolly, and some or Airforce. Students can en- “mugicha” which is barley list into trades as well as offi- tea. cer and university training. Thank you to Grade 6 boys The defence forces are also for supporting the event. offering a very popular “try Defence force visit before you buy” option of the Students face a myriad Defence Force Gap year. choices when making deci- sions about their futures. One Leading Seamen Justin of the options is a career in the Dredge and Michael Budden defence force. recently visited the school to • Matthew Hogan seeks advice from leading Seaman Michael Budden. • Ollie Cook, Criswin Daniel and Daniel Adriaans in charge of the lollies on Japanese Boys’ day. discuss life in the defence forces with our students. Their presentation covered all aspects of life in one of the DON’T FORGET arms of the defence forces, as well as the entry requirements and generous benefits. The question and answer session that followed enabled YOUR FLU SHOT students to delve deeper into what the two sailors had achieved in their careers, and PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS where they see themselves • Leading Seaman Justin Dredge delivers his message. heading in the future. THIS FLU SEASON The best way to avoid St. Arnaud Aged the seasonal flu is by getting your flu shot. Care “Left Out” And this year, remember The State Government has failed to fund the redevelopment of aged to make sure it’s at least care facilities in St. Arnaud. two weeks apart from Member for Ripon, Louise The redevelopment of East collecting $5.8 billion in new your COVID-19 Vaccine Staley, said that the Govern- Wimmera Health’s aged care and increased taxes on Vic - ment’s decision to overlook facilities in St Arnaud is a torians. the project in this year’s Bud- multi-stage project which betterhealth.vic.gov.au/flu get was a huge disappoint- would deliver modern, fit-for- “Unfortunately, cost blow- ment. purpose facilities for public outs on major projects in Mel- “East Wimmera Health aged care patients in St. Ar- bourne, massive overspending Service has put a lot of work naud. on government wages, and into its bid for funding to re- skyrocketing debt ,mean that develop its St Arnaud aged “The existing building is much needed local projects in care facilities, and it’s a huge old, and no longer fits the regional Victoria have been disappointment that the pro- needs of the patients and overlooked. ject was ignored,” Ms Staley staff,” Ms Staley said. said. “This budget reveals the “I’ve raised this project in “The Andrews Labor Andrews Government’s prior- Parliament with the Treasurer, Government has received ities, and it is clear that pro- but clearly, it is not a priority more than $6 billion in extra viding decent aged care for the Andrews Govern- funding from the Federal facilities in St Arnaud is not ment.” Government’s Budget.