Community News Contributions Gratefully Accepted P.O. Box 3, 3579 Phone: 03 5457 2205 Website: www.murrabit.com.au Murrabit Advancement Association Inc. Facebook: www.facebook.com/whats-on-in-murrabit Email: [email protected]

104 stallholders spread over 165 sites for the May Murrabit Community News Murrabit Country Market - it was again fine Autumn Over 100 people attended the annual ANZAC Day weather and plenty of happy people visiting our little service at Murrabit to commemorate the servicemen country town! and women from the Murrabit, Myall and Benjeroop It was also a home footy match against Hay so it was communities. great to see the Recreation Reserve full of activity at Thank you to the Murrabit Heritage Group for the same time, plus providing a shopping experience documenting the stories, photos and family for the Hay Lions players and members! connections for the 19 men recognised at the Murrabit Cenotaph who paid the ultimate sacrifice thousands of kilometres from their families, friends and community in World War 1 and 2. The Murrabit Group School students who participated in the service by laying poppies and singing two lovely songs did a sensational job. Also thank you to the Murrabit and District Lions Club for making sure the Cenotaph looked great on the day and for the delicious morning tea that followed at the back of the Hall.

Lest We Forget...

New Murrabit Country Market ad for the Tourist News

Saturday 5 June 2021 LIVE MUSIC: REG POOLE

First Saturday of Every Month, rain, hail or shine!

8.30am—12.30pm Ph: 5457 2205 Yoga in Murrabit - Come and try it! MURRABIT MEN’S SHED A few members recently headed away (somewhere  improve flexibility, mobility and core strength warmer) for the next couple of months. We wish them  relieve stress and calm your mind safe travels and look forward to barbequed Barramundi when they return! Suitable for EVERY body, regardless of flexibility, age or experience. Because of the travellers, the Men’s Shed will miss General yoga with Robyn – Monday at 6pm having a stall at the June market. Timber items are instead available for sale in Busy Bees on Market Men’s yoga with Neil – Wed. at 6:30pm mornings or by calling into the ‘shed’ on a Sunday Murrabit Hall between 1:30 and 4pm. Bring blanket, cushion, water and yoga mat

Phone Neil 0490 830 641, Robyn 0427 517 236 (accredited yoga instructors)

KERANG TO ECHUCA BUS SERVICE 1st Tuesday & 3rd Friday of each month Timetable, Bus stops & Fares 8am - Departs Railway Station - 8.25am - Departs Murrabit Hall 8.45am - Departs Hall (side) 9.05am - Departs Cohuna Hall (rear) We have a few projects in the pipeline with the highest 10.15am - Arrives Echuca CBD priority being to get back on top of maintenance work 2pm - Departs Echuca CBD for the return service around the shed and community garden so that a One-way, Part way & non-concession fares are also available. No book- ings are necessary. Tickets are available from the driver & allow for free winter/spring crop of fresh veggies can be planted. A transport on Echuca buses whilst there. big clean-up of the garden beds has been completed For more information, please call Public Transport on 1800 800 007 and some gypsum added to help break up the soil after the summer.

Dillon Maher has been Monthly community lunches at the Men’s Shed have coming along to the returned. The meals are held on the last Sunday of Men’s Shed and recently each month, commencing at 12 noon. All welcome. completed his first major Next Community Meal: Sunday 30 May 2021, 12pm project - a Redgum clock. Men’s Shed is held 1:30pm to 4pm every Sunday. Membership is available for $35 per year to cover Dillon, and his mentors, insurance costs. were really proud - the end result looks Membership fees are due by 30 June 2021 for the fantastic! 2021/22 financial year.

Enquiries to Stephen O’Donoghue, Secretary, 0418 TA & DL 577 238. THOMSON PLUMBING Facebook - Murrabit Men’s Shed. (Formerly Gary Napier Plumbing)

Troy 0427 570 310 - Donna 0458 570 310

Licence No. VIC - 37387 NSW - 238436C Email: [email protected] ROBBO’S MOBILE WINDSCREENS

ANDREW LEAHY EARTHMOVING REPAIR & REPLACEMENT INSURANCE & PRIVATE WORK Specialising in ON FARM SERVICE Irrigation layout also Ploughing, 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE Smudging & Ripping PH: ANTHONY ROBERTSON Ph. Andrew 54 57 2368 or 0419 530 876 Mob: 0408 500 875 89 Marne Street, Kerang Vic 3579 Email: [email protected] MURRABIT & DISTRICT HERITAGE GROUP Murrabit Seniors

The Murrabit and District Heritage Group has been collecting information on the 19 men from Murrabit, Meet every fortnight - Wednesdays 1pm Myall and Benjeroop who were killed in action during World War I and II and who are recognised at the Social Meals also at the Murrabit Cenotaph. Their names are read out each Murrabit Hall year at ANZAC and Remembrance Day services. 2 June 2021 At the 2021 ANZAC Day service we were really New people very welcome pleased to be in a position to release a handout with details included of these men. Contact Evelyn Napier 5457 0280 We hope that more information will be forthcoming or Gannawarra Shire Community Care as we would one day like to publish this information Team on 5450 9333 into a book. Copies of the handout are available from Busy Bees on Market mornings. Weekly sessions are 9:30am to 11am on a Tuesday. Anyone is welcome. Please bring along a piece of fruit to share.

Codie Laursen President Olivia Monk Secretary

https://www.facebook.com/murrabitplaygroup

Stock feeds, Hardware, Plumbing, Seed, Fertiliser, Gates, Fencing, Elgas, Chemicals, Hay & Silage, Fuel, Oils, Pet food, Killed in Action World War I (1914-1918) Clothing, Gardening, Animal health, Dairy needs, Irrigation & Eric Charles Snowball (Benjeroop) (1892-1917). much, much more. Eric was born in Charlton, Victoria to William Ph: 5457 2235 www.murrabittrading.com Snowball and Mary Sophia Burt. On leaving school he went on to the land and was a farmer. He enlisted on 20 October 1914 in and joined the 1st Divisional Train, 3rd Army Service Corps. Service Get the News Early Number 5434. Last Rank: Driver. He was severely Did you know you can receive the Murrabit injured in June 1916, but after he newsletter via email? was convalescent he re-joined his unit and death resulted from wounds received twelve months It’s a great way to get the news on the day the later. He died in an Australian newsletter is printed instead of waiting for it to Clearing Station in France on 17 come in the mail box a few days later. June 1917 and is buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery To add your email to the list, simply send an email Extension, Nord III. D136. (Nord), to [email protected]. France. He was aged 24 at death. Lest we Forget.. NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

The Murrabit & District Heritage Group is now back To put an article into the meeting bi-monthly. Murra-bit-a-News please have it into the Next meetings : Tuesday 18 May and 20 July 2021, MAA Office by 7:30pm at the Murrabit Market Office. THURSDAY 17 JUNE 2021 Everyone with an interest in local history is more than welcome to attend. Information can be emailed to A delicious supper follows each meeting and general [email protected] finishing time is 9:15pm. delivered or posted through the door.

Contact: President Neil Hopkins 0439 970 029 Community interest info is free. Secretary Narelle O’Donoghue 5457 2264 Advertise from $10. “Busy Bees of Murrabit”

Community owned and operated gift shop and visitor centre, Gonn Avenue, Murrabit (part of the Murrabit Market Office Complex)

Currently open Murrabit Market mornings 9am to 12:30pm

Other times by appointment by phoning 5457 2205

Keep up to date by liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/murrabitpromotions Dane Swan & Ricky Nixon MARKET CLEAN UP ROSTER 2021

29.05.2021 June Playgroup, Murrabit Rec Reserve July-September Men’s Shed 8pm - 11pm

Tickets can be purchased online at Murrabitfc.tidyhq.com $70pp includes tea, drinks at bar prices, Golden Rivers Electrical Pty Ltd please note: age restrictions are advised. Greg Maher 20 Gonn Avenue, Murrabit VIC

Ph: 5457 2293 HON PETER WALSH MLA Mob: 0408 500 988 YOUR STATE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Licence no: VIC - 12893 NSW - 215064C REPRESENTING MURRAY PLAINS ELECTORATE

496 High Street, ECHUCA Phone: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906

Email: [email protected]

Please feel free to contact my office with any  Fully automated garden watering systems and matters concerning the State Government or repairs its departments.  Swimming pool maintenance  Small engine and pump repairs Funded from Parliamentary Budget  Home maintenance  General odd jobs

SCOTT MCNEIL CR & CA Thompson ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Fencing Contractors

918 Myall Road, Myall VIC 3579 Specialising in all types of farm 5457 0304 fencing. Mb. 041 561 126

Licence No. Vic 14011 NSW 173404C Phone Colin & Cathy for enquiries. (03) 5457-2225 Murrabit Group School our school and I’ve loved being back for the past few weeks. I think this little saying sums it up perfectly: GRIP Leadership Conference: Our year 6 students ‘Every day’s a holiday when you are doing something travelled to recently to take part in the GRIP you love!’ Leadership Conference. It’s an excellent program aimed at helping to develop leadership skills in young State Swimming Champs people across the region and ten schools from around our wider district were involved. Lyla Morton was part of a relay team made up of girls Cross Country: We had a strong from our local schools that contingent of runners – Charlotte, Eve, Sophia, Evan, competed in the State Jorja, Jobe, Ivy, Lyla, Maddi, Callum, Cooper, Drew, swimming championships at Jed, Leah and Xavier - head off to Swan Hill for Zone the end of last month. The th cross country championships on May 18th. They’ve team was in 5 place after a been covering plenty of kilometres in preparation and great swim by Lyla and were were all keen to do their best. in the hunt right to the end. What a performance! Doing it for Dolly Day: The Do It For Dolly organisation is about bringing the community together to celebrate kindness and unite in taking a stand Something to think about: The grass is always greener against bullying. Our whole school had a day at Lake on the other side – but you still have to mow it! Boga PS last Friday and joined in a special day of activities, learning and fun. Have a great month! Neil Hopkins. Pre-Service Teacher placement: We have a couple of pre-service teachers with us in the coming weeks (we called them student teachers in my day!). Thomas Sawyer is a 3rd year student from LaTrobe Uni and he will be working with Miss Wren and her class for the next 3 weeks. Jo Drummond will be coming to spend a few weeks in the 3/4 class. And I know that they’ll love it here! Artwork created by Murrabit Group School Students Student of the Week Emily Murray, Hunter More, Jade Lavey, Murrabit Public Hall Sophia Larkin, Xavier The Hall is open for business. Murray, Huey Hein, Line Dancing Thursdays, Yoga Monday and Wednesday Hudson Hein, Kane evenings, Seniors on Wednesdays and Market Morning Gurnett and the Teas, on the first Saturday of each month. whole of year 5/6 re- For bookings phone Marlene Laursen on 5457 2291 or ceived awards for Neil Hopkins on 0490 830 641. their efforts over the past month. Keep up the great work kids!

Playgroup: Singing and dancing will be on the menu on Tuesday 18 May when we head down to Playgroup to help make the morning even more fun for the littlies… and for us! Local cows enjoying green Autumn grass and weather! Lightning Premiership: The older students are looking forward to this Welcome to Murrabit Packs annual sports day in Kerang on If you are new to Murrabit and District, we extend a very June 3. Practise for T-ball got warm welcome to you. underway last Friday. For several years now community volunteers have delivered Welcome Packs to residents moving to our Mother’s Day : The MGS Mother’s district. If you are a newcomer and day stall was a big hit so I hope that haven’t yet been visited, please let us there were some happy mums out know by emailing there! Our Mothers’ Day raffle [email protected] or phoning winners were 1st: Danielle Tuck 2nd Margaret 5457 2205. That way a friendly face Robbins and 3rd Michelle Seewitz. can deliver a pack. Murrabit specific information is added to the More Principals than you can poke a stick at: Gannawarra packs so that you have Mr Adams returns to MGS at the end of the month. I access to everything you need to know that Mr Gray thoroughly enjoyed his 7 weeks at connect in with the community in whatever way you choose! Netball News The netballLots season of Goodies is well at and Buy truly Bee underway Shop and the girls are off to a great start! All grades are playing some beautiful netball and it’s pleasing to see the development of our junior grades.

Murrabit F Troop Squad

15 May 2021

On 15 May we welcomed Nullawil to the Murrabit Recreation Reserve and some fantastic netball was played by both clubs. F Troop played out a draw. The Under 14s, Under 17s and B Reserve lost while the B Grade and A Grade had big wins. The chocolate drive is on so if you need some chocolate see one of our netballers! The new change room project is just about to begin.

Murrabit Playgroup Update Exciting times both on and off the court for the With the change of season, playgroup has been a little Murrabit Netball Club. Go Blues. quiet with many of our families home unwell. We thank you all for doing so. On a brighter note, the Murrabit Primary School senior students are continuing with their leadership program, joining us at playgroup on Tuesday to play music to us lucky attendees. All the children having been working hard on their instrument playing and we are in for a real treat. Come along on Tuesday’s morning 9:30-11am and join us. Playgroup are rostered on for market clean up in June, a great quick fundraiser done and dusted in under an hour. If families could meet on the Sunday morning (June 6) at the Market site at 10am for a quick clean up. Playgroup are rostered on for market clean up in June, a great quick fundraiser done and dusted in under an hour. If families could meet on the Sunday morning (June 6) at the Sadly, Family Day Care at Murrabit has not yet started as Market site at 10am for a quick clean up. hoped. We have been informed that our goal of reopening Family Day Care Services at Murrabit has been delayed by the Uniting Church (Melbourne). Murrabit & District Lions Club Murrabit Playgroup and the Murrabit Advancement Thank you to all for supporting our Anzac Day service – Association are working hard to have an outcome to this even though it was a little different this year. The weather issue along with the future of the early childhood facility at was perfect for the outdoor service and we had a big crowd Murrabit resolved soon. We thank all families who of over 100, locals, former locals and visitors to our town, in expressed an interest in childcare at Murrabit for their attendance. With the Cenotaph looking terrific decked out patience and support. There was certainly enough interest in poppies and the many lovely wreaths, the local kids to restart this important service in our little town which was playing a leading role, a couple of beautiful songs and then great to see. a delicious morning tea that followed, we thought it was a Early childhood has been a priority at Murrabit since 1966 wonderful Anzac Day and a very fitting remembrance and when a pre-school officially opened in the old Sunday commemoration. We hope that you felt the same. School hall. When the pre-school closed in 2000, a We’re looking for a place to store our Lions caravan (our partnership with Gannawarra Shire Council has seen an In- ‘mobile kitchen’). If you have an empty shed or garage that Venue Family Day Care Program operate providing much might be available we’d loveDROUGHT to hear from SUPPORT you (Pres. Neil needed childcare for our district. Hopkins 0490 830 641) The building is also home to Murrabit Playgroup which took We’ve returned to our regular meeting schedule with over from the Murrabit Pre-School and owns all the business meetings on the second Tuesday of each month fittings in the yard as well as the building contents. Many (7:30 for 8pm) and the fourth Tuesday for our dinner improvements have been made to provide a safe learning meetings (7:00 for 7:30pm). We meet at the Murrabit Golf Club (which looks fantastic after its recent renovations) and environment for very young children. we have our next dinner meeting coming up on Tuesday This is such an important issue for our attracting and May 25. retaining young families in our district and we are proud of If you are interested in becoming a member of Murrabit and what has been achieved over the years. Our ultimate aim District Lions, please contact President Neil Hopkins on is for the Uniting Church to hand this property to the 0490 830 641 or Membership headman Bill Hazen on 5457 community so that the future of early childhood services is 2213. secured for our district. Ongoing advocacy is occurring.