50 years ago July 1976

Proprietor of Golf Links Motors, Rochester, Mr John Coghill, was happy to stand on the steps of the Fiat 1300 Super tractor, in an area adjacent to his premises in Echuca Rd and show off the new arrival.

The Fiat 1300 Super is the largest model wheel tractor available in the Fiat range, Mr Coghill told the Campaspe Valley News.

He said the Fiat OM CP3 motor develops 150 horsepower, and the same motor turbocharged in the marine version, develops 216 horsepower.

The OM Company, which is a subsidiary of Fiat, makes motors for Mercedes Benz trucks.

***

A new Coat of Arms is to be designed for the Shire of Huntly, following the declaration of the present Coat of Arms as bogus and improper.

The shire secretary, Mr Allan Lee, said the Huntly Arms incorporates the Royal Coat of Arms at the top of the crest, and Mr Lee said this is improper, and is forbidden by Commonwealth law.

Continuing, Mr Lee told the July meeting of the council that the Coat of Arms includes two shields, which he said were bogus heraldry.

It is significant, that the Huntly Arms, in their present form, are very similar to those of many other municipalities in Victoria.

***

The annual charity day for the Rochester golf associates eventuated on Wednesday when 43 associates competed in very cold conditions.

Proceeds from the charity day, from the market stall, competition and playing fees will be a donation to the Restdown Retirement Village Committee at Rochester.

Results of the day’s play which included a stableford event, saw Betty Brown take the honors.

25 years ago July 2001

Rochester and district farmers gave a collective sigh relief when steady rain soaked the ground last week.

The rain on Wednesday and Thursday has brightened prospects for the region's broadacre farmers.

Rainfalls varied from 14mm to 20mm on Wednesday night at Rochester, Diggora and Pine Grove.

Rochester recorded 21mm from Wednesday onwards.

Crops were badly in need of rain after a dry May and a below-average June. It appears things are now looking up.

Diggora West farmer Fraser King, who has about 1750 of mixed crops, measured 17.5mm of rain up to Thursday morning, and was pleased to see the ground moist again.

‘’It was good. It soaked right through and that's what I have been waiting for,’’ he said.

David Acocks received 19mm on his farm south of Rochester.

He said the rain was welcomed.

‘’Hopefully there is a lot more to come.’’

***

Rochester's Sarah McKenzic impressed the judges at the 76th annual Bendigo Eisteddfod of Classical Ballet, winning the Novice Contemporary Solo section for under 12 dancers.

Sarah, 11, has been dancing for the last four years with Rochester's Antonlea Theatrical Company, but she has only taken up ballet in the last 12 months.

So being able to win her section was a huge feat.

Sarah had to perform in front of two judges from Melbourne and was marked on her contemporary performance and compliance to the competition's time limit of eight minutes

A first-time competitor, Sarah said it was a great time.

"It was tough because I had to learn four dances in six weeks and remember them,'' she said.

***

After years of lobbying Telstra for better services, Toolleen residents were able to enjoy the fruits of their efforts when the district's telephone exchange was opened after being upgraded to the latest Telstra Country Wide technology.

Toolleen's exchange, which has been at the Northern Highway site for more than 80 years and the first to be upgraded in Central Victoria, can now bring district residents from Toolleen, through to just before Elmore, and to Colbinabbin, Telstra Country Wide's latest services.

From better internet service, access to easy call facilities such as call waiting, call connect and message bank, Toolleen and district residents have now caught up with city counterparts.

Telstra Country Wide area manager for Central Victoria Mike Flavel said the decision to upgrade the exchange was long over due and very important to the improvement of communications in country Victoria.

10 years ago July 2016

Murray Goulburn suppliers Paul Mundy and John Bell are riding a groundswell of grassroot support from fellow suppliers in their bid to launch a class action against the co-op.

The two are also demanding the punitive financial clawback clause be eliminated from agreements and contracts.

And want an extraordinary general meeting called and a resolution presented for the current board to stand for re-election — and at least seven new directors to be nominated.

The call for action comes after Australia’s biggest farmer-owned milk supply company slashed its forecast milk price in April and demanded suppliers pay money back to the co-op (money they had been paid for a product they had supplied).

***

Des Church is bringing something he loves to Rochester.

Something set to bring dozens of new faces to our region and entertain those already here.

A sheepdog trial.

Rochester’s first in about 30 years.

And he’s looking for volunteers to help him on the day.

Up to 50 dogs will compete, moving sheep in and around obstacles and challenges and bringing their owners glory.

‘‘I travel to about 16 events a year all over the place, I thought why can’t we have one here?’’ Mr Church said.

‘‘It’s a lot of fun, brings people together and will get people to Rochy on their way to the following week’s event in Moulamein.’’

***

Rochester’s Mardi Chappel is fed up.

The Edwards St resident can’t drink her tap water.

For the past three years she has complained water from her taps smells and tastes like chlorine, and when it’s not chlorine, like bore water.

But Coliban Water can’t seem to fix the problem.

‘‘It’s been an issue since I moved here and every time someone comes to test the water they give me the same old response; ‘your water is safe to drink, it meets the Australian Drinking Guidelines’, but can they not smell the odour?’’ Ms Chappel said.

‘‘So I decided to bottle it up to prove I was not making it up.

‘‘It reeks of chlorine, there’s no way I’m drinking that, it’s pool water.’’

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