50 years ago July 1976

Basketball in Echuca will move into a new era with the introduction of competition under the club system in September.

A meeting on Thursday night generally agreed to adopt the club system instead of the individual team set-up.

At the meeting were representatives of five A-grade men’s teams who have indicated their desire to form clubs, and several other people interested in the future of basketball in Echuca.

The decision to opt for clubs rather than individual teams brings to an end a system that has operated in the Echuca association for many years.

Moves to introduce the club system came following problems in recent seasons with administration at all levels.

Under the old teams system, workers were becoming increasingly difficult to secure, with much of the organisation being left to only a few officials.

***

It's not often that a policeman takes the fingerprints of his own daughter, but that's what happened at Echuca Police Station on Friday.

Of course, it was in fun, but five-year-old Lauren Sharp looked just a little tentative as Dad – Senior Constable Brian Sharp – did the job.

It was all for Lauren's 40 friends in the prep grade at Echuca East Primary School, who joined her in a visit to the station.

Senior Constable Sharp didn't get away with one fingerprint job, he had to do it for all the students and a couple of the teachers too.

***

About 1000 Victorian dairy farmers are waiting anxiously to find out whether they will be able to obtain carry-on loans.

Whether they get the money depends on the State Government providing more cash for the loans.

The Rural Finance and Settlement Commission cannot approve any more carry-on loans until the Government decides.

The National Party State Leader, Mr Riss-Edwards, has urged the Government to make up its mind quickly.

25 years ago July 2001

Overwhelming support has been given to a project which aims to cut youth unemployment in Echuca-Moama.

A meeting on Thursday night was attended by about 150 people who pledged support for the two-pronged approach developed by Tasmania's Beacon Prep.

One approach is to develop a ‘No dole' attitude in students attending Echuca's three secondary schools, while the other is to develop a careers template, helping young, unemployed people find` work through created business and giving them training and mentoring.

John Blair, representing the three schools, indicated that, according to employment agencies, of 1817 seeking work, 130 were in the 15 to 18 age bracket and 385 in the 19 to 25 age bracket.

The not-for-profit, independent Beacon Prep plans to ‘export its program to about six mainland communities, hoping that, from there, its success will spread.

***

The Gannawarra Ratepayers Action Group has launched a shire-wide appeal to raise $250,000 to fund its legal action against last year’s change to the shire's rates and valuation system.

Every farmer in the Gannawarra Shire will be visited by action group members in the next few weeks to ascertain their support for the legal fight.

This move comes after more than 300 shire farmers last week voted unanimously to pledge funds in a bid to help the group proceed with legal action against the shire council.

There is no end in sight to the year-long dispute between farmers and the Gannawarra Shire Council, as farmers voted to hire Melbourne legal firm Slater and Gordon for their class action.

***

It was third time lucky for Echuca's Chris Jones, winning a gold medal in the recent Junior National Volleyball Championships.

After representing Victoria twice previously in the championships and winning silver medals both times, Jones captained this year's winning team.

Playing in the Victorian under 19 team, Jones' team defeated Queensland in the play-off for the gold medal.

Playing in the position of pass/hitter, Jones got good court time at this year's championships, which were held in Melbourne.

Last year he had been one of the younger members of the team, while the year before he was in the Victorian under-17 team.

10 years ago July 2016

Affordable housing is only one of the reasons Melbourne property buyers are zeroing in on Echuca-Moama.

Real estate agents believe the town’s proximity to Melbourne, lifestyle and employment opportunities were just as crucial.

Elders Real Estate agent Kathy Walker said there were many and varied reasons why people wanted to live here.

‘‘It is not just about a more affordable housing option,’’ she said.

‘‘There are many people who consciously choose Echuca-Moama.’’

***

The Lockington and District Living Heritage Complex is expected to buy the town’s heritage centre — owned by council — for $100.

Campaspe mayor Leigh Wilson said council supported the sale, which was contingent on meeting the requirements of the local government act relating to the sale of land.

He also said it would ensure the Lockington Heritage Centre continued to provide a window into Australia’s past for of current and future generations.

‘‘Museums such as the Lockington Heritage Centre provide the community with an important insight into days gone by,’’ Cr Wilson said.

‘‘For many of our residents, this can mean a deeper connection with their family, whose ancestors toiled the earth and proudly built the foundations of community life in Campaspe as we know it today.’’

***

Echuca-Moama has a new Vic Country football representative.

Cameron Farrar has become the first Echuca-Moama Rockets footballer selected to represent his state in the AFL National Inclusion Carnival in August.

Cameron was one of four Echuca-Moama Rockets players to attend the Vic Country trials in Melbourne on Sunday.

The players were put through their paces and after careful consideration from the coaching staff a squad of 16 players and two emergencies were announced on Wednesday.

Fellow Rockets players Brent Thomas, Matt Guiney and Jordan Betts all made the trip, and although they missed out on a spot in the final squad, all three were provided feedback on what they need to work on to improve their game.

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