There’s also lots of positive stories of people’s achievements, good deeds and connection to community.
On a whole, country papers reflect what Victoria is actually like: a pretty fine place to be.
Email shortcomings
Oddie hears a retired business owner who still takes a keen interest in civic affairs has put his foot (or finger) in it big time.
The fellow, who probably uses email much less than he used to, penned a blunt critique of city officials and sent it to a community lobby group but the email thread also included some of the targets of his frank and fearless assessment.
Oops.
On the ball
Country News veteran Geoff Adams rarely misses a beat but on Wednesday he emerged from his windowless office and exclaimed “oh, it’s raining!” at 9.10am.
Rain is big news for the rural writers, so Oddie is wondering how Geoff didn’t notice it was raining on his way into the office? Daydreaming of working dogs, or cows, or tractors probably.
Fastest fingers first
No surprise to see independent member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed supporting independent candidate for Nicholls Rob Priestly at his campaign event but Oddie is informed she was paying most attention to the wait staff.
Ange’s Woolshed tucker is always good and the finger food was flying off the plates. Ms Sheed was excelling at “fastest fingers first” to snare enough fuel to sustain her busy schedule.
“This is dinner,” she said.
Saddle sore
Oddie caught up with Shepparton’s Greg Maskell as he neared the end of the Victorian leg of the Tour de Cure.
Having cycled from Geelong to Albury it was appropriate to ask how his legs were holding up.
“Legs are fine, bum is a whole other story,” was his response.
The pain will all be worth it with his fundraising reaching $23,746.10 while on the tour, money that will help in the search for a cancer cure.
