The proactive Kyabram Project Committee has ensured the memory of Kyabram’s “Train Man” Neil Gillon will live on.
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An impressive Gavin Connally produced visible tribute to Neil is now appropriately being displayed on a new shelter at the former Kyabram Railway Station where he spent a lot of his final years assisting to bring the Alan Weeks-driven rejuvenation of the former railway station area, which boasts a magnificent water tank mural of Australian wildlife, to fruition.
Family and friends attended a memorial service for Neil last Thursday at the Kyabram Wesley Uniting Church to honour the man whose love of trains, especially steam trains, occupied a big part of his life.
Neil died on December 7 after being struck down by a stroke after a long battle with illness. He was 81.
Allan Weeks said Neil had been a great asset to the Kyabram Project Committee during the railways station and mural projects who will be missed immensely.
‘‘I genuinely think helping out with these projects prolonged his life a few years,“ Allan said.
“He was always doing something to better these areas and the committee felt it was only fitting to acknowledge his input on a permanent basis.”
Above average rainfall
While the first 17 days of January produced just 0.4mm of rain, it’s been a different story in the past week.
On Tuesday night of last week storms dumped 24.8mm of rain while more stormy unsettled weather last Sunday afternoon added another 11.9mm, which has taken the January total to 37.4mm, which is above the January average of 34.9mm.
While 11.8mm was recorded on Sunday at the Kyabram weather station some private gauges recorded 25mm and more.
Only a matter of time
Ky Lotto boss Miles Gould reckons its only a matter of time now before he sells his first division one winning ticket.
In last Saturday week’s draw some lucky Kyabramite picked up $10,000 in a second-division windfall, which Miles said was a pretty good weekend’s work and which has fuelled his confidence that a division one winner can’t be far away.
Hawkins’ Finley return
Finley mad (and so mad) footy fans received a big thrill last week when Geelong spearhead and superstar Tom Hawkins returned to his home town — armed with the 2022 AFL premiership cup.
And Tom delivered some great news for adoring Finely fans during his visit.
He told the hordes who had gathered to greet him and the cup at the local Apex Sports and Community Centre that would he love to play with the club where it all started when his playing days at Geelong are over.
Did you know . . .
• It is impossible for most people to lick their own elbow.
• A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
• A shrimp's heart is in its head.
• “Dreamt” is the only English word that ends in the letters “mt”.
Fishing classic cancelled
Some bad news for those who love their fishing competitions.
The Mathoura Hummingbird Fishing Classic usually held in the first weekend in March has been cancelled due to lack of committee members to run the event.
The same has happened to the Deniliquin RSL Fish Classic, which has also gone in recess due to lack of volunteers to stage it.
More Echuca fast food
Another fast food outlet for Echuca with an announcement Red Rooster is to set up shop in fast developing Echuca West, opposite to where the new Woollies supermarket just opened.
But those who fancy Red Rooster tucker will have to wait to October because that’s the planned opening date.
Stunning comeback
Two months ago it was only fit for swimming, but Deniliquin’s Memorial Park is making a stunning comeback and will stage its annual Agricultural and Horticultural Show on March 3, 4 and 5.
In a community effort and with support from the Edward River Council there is a lot of work going into staging the three-day event which looked only an outside chance of happening when the venue was flood bound in November.
Blue-Green Algae alert
A blue-green algae alert has been issued for Shepparton’s Kialla Lakes.
Greater Shepparton Council has warned people to avoid direct contact with water in the lake after monitoring and detecting high levels of blue-green algae.
Moira bullying culture
A survey has revealed a culture of bullying, sexual harassment and intimidation within Moira Shire Council.
The survey was carried out by the Australian Services Union and its deputy branch secretary Tash Wark said the incidents were very real and incidents of complaints were well above the industry average.
Moira Shire Council’s acting chief executive officer Mart Jarvis reacted to the claims by saying his council was committed to providing a safe and positive work environment.
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