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Articles by Victoria Arnel
Country Week Cricket 1938
Sport Country Week Cricket 1938 Each year usually the best team would represent the country in Country week cricket and would head to either Melbourne or Bendigo. This match was won by Colbinabbin against Cohuna. A photo from 1938 is titled dads (Eddie Gleeson) first country week played at Williamson St in Bendigo.
‘Love Murchison’ day - a rainy Sunday
What a resilient group of volunteers Murchison has! On Sunday 25 October volunteers from many Murchison organisations braved the second wet day planned to exhibit their services to the community. After needing to postpone the original date because the heavy rain had made the ground unfit for the event at the Recreational Reserve, the second attempt was also marred by rain and wind.
Living the Good Life - now in print
Living the Good Life - now in print From the Heart of the Vineyard: Volume 1 is the first published collection of local writer, minister and vigneron Brian Spencer’s long-running Living the Good Life columns. The book will be launched by journalist John Lewis at Olive and Vine in Tatura on Friday 23 October at 2.30 pm. From the Heart of the Vineyard: Volume 1. This post is for paying subscribers only Subscribe now Already have an account? Sign in
Prestigious military award for Haydn
News Prestigious military award for Haydn ‘Born and bred’ former Rushworth boy Haydn Barlow was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in the King’s Birthday Awards this year. Proud parents Bill and Val were delighted to attend the Awards presentation in September. Governor General the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC joins the extended Barlow family for a photo following the Awards. This post is for paying subscribers only Subscribe now Already have an account? Sign in
2026 Aged Care Expo on next week
The event will highlight the many products, services and activities that are available for use by older people in the Waranga area. Representatives from multiple aged-care organisations will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidance material to potential beneficiaries and to members of their families.
Rushworth’s 3RW on its way to Stanhope
It’s just over a year since Rushworth’s own radio station, 3RW FM 87.6 commenced full time operation. In that year there have been many challenges. Brad suffered a major car accident in February which saw him out of action for five months. It has only been in the past couple of Months he has been able to get back into work. T.J. along with Rhonnie helped keep the ship floating. The station has started upgrading some of its studio equipment ready for the expansion.
Facelift for Ironbark Stadium
Residents of Rushworth will soon notice a change underway at the Rushworth Public Park, better known to many as the Ironbark Stadium. There has been an increasing noticeable hazard as cars are entering and exiting the ground especially on football day with an increasing number of supporters attending football matches. First to go will the gate entry building.
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Rosie’s Recycle finds a fresh new home
After my weekend coffee catch-up with friends our next stop is a chat with Sue at ‘Rosie’s Recycle’. We never seem to walk out empty handed after buying something we just couldn’t resist. Now recently relocated to a lovely new shop, thanks to Jaz from the General Store and her helpers, Sue is now more able to display her wide range of clothing, shoes, bags and accessories in a larger, lighter space.
Celebrating decades of service at Waranga Health
The awards, held on 13 August, celebrated staff from across GV Health who reached significant milestones during 2026, ranging from five to 40 years of service. Among those recognised were Waranga Health’s Alison Neville, who celebrated 25 years of service, and Sharon Gleeson and Deidre Laby, who each marked 30 years at Waranga Health. For Deidre, the occasion represented an even greater milestone, with this year also marking an extraordinary 50 years since she began her nursing career.
A ripper day for Kids with Cancer funds
What a ripper day it was for the 12th Shearing for Kids with Cancer Shearing Day at the famous “Corydon Shearing Shed” of Val and Bill Barlow in Wanalta. The sun was shining all day with plenty of people coming from near and far to support this wonderful charity, My Room. The team had 440 sheep to shear with 10 stands set up for 20 shearers to take in turns with pulling in and out of gear. The roustabouts were kept busy with plenty of fleeces hitting the table or using the brooms.
Twelfth Shearing for Kids day coming up
The 12th annual Shearing for Kids with Cancer Shearing Day will be held on Friday 31 July, at Croydon Shearing Shed, Wanalta,. The popular event brings together people and businesses within the sheep industry who donate their time, skills, products and services for a day of shearing to raise funds for children with cancer. The team will work together for the morning, shearing 500 merino ewes with eighteen shearers rotating on ten stands.
Community Bank supports Rushworth oral history project
The new not-for-profit organisation has been formed to support and enhance the Rushworth district community. Its first major initiative, The Rushworth Project, aims to record the stories, memories and local knowledge that have shaped the town over generations. The project will document the history behind many of Rushworth’s historic buildings by recording local residents sharing their memories, historical insights and personal anecdotes.
New Not-for-Profit established to drive community projects in Rushworth
by Lyn Reade A new community-focused not-for-profit organisation (Waranga Regional Development Foundation Inc) has been established to support and deliver projects that will benefit the Rushworth community and surrounding district. Formed in April 2026, the organisation has been created with a clear vision of identifying, managing and delivering initiatives that enhance the liveability, prosperity and long term future of the region.
Music, fun and a Conga Line
The Controller position at the Rushworth SES is usually allocated for a term of two years. Ray Barber has been in the position for nearly eight terms and now the position has passed on to another experienced member of the crew, Hailey Lemin.
Montevideo Maru tragedy remembered
It was a wonderful and meaningful day at the Montevideo Maru Memorial in Stanhope on Wednesday, 1 July. Congratulations to the Stanhope RSL Sub-Branch Committee for organising such a memorable event. The day began with a prayer, followed by the Last Post and Réveille, setting a respectful tone for the commemorations.
Campaspe to farewell CEO after four years at the helm of Council
Campaspe Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Pauline Gordon will leave her position next month after accepting a senior role with Boroondara City Council in Melbourne. Mayor Daniel Mackrell announced Ms Gordon’s resignation, thanking her for her leadership during what has been one of the most challenging periods in the shire’s recent history. “On behalf of my fellow councillors, our staff, and the entire Campaspe community, I thank Pauline for her leadership and dedication,” Cr Mackrell said.
New Controller for Rushworth SES Unit
The changeover was marked with a presentation of ‘change of rank’ epaulettes to Hailey and a celebration of Ray’s exceptional service to the Unit. On Wednesday 10 June, Sandra Unthank from SES Unit Support and Regional Operations (Western Region) came to the Rushworth unit for the presentations. To mark the occasion Ray was presented with a beautifully engraved glass trophy to thank him for his years of service.
Guinness World Record cycling attempt to pass through Stanhope
American ultra-endurance cyclist Lael Wilcox is attempting a Guinness World Record attempt by cycling around the world faster than anyone in history. And she will be passing through Stanhope along the way! Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Lael Wilcox started commuting by bike in her 20s. Within a year, riding to work became riding across the country and then all over the world.
Student voices shine through at St Mary’s Rushworth Mural unveiling
The school community at St Mary’s Rushworth has proudly celebrated the unveiling of a remarkable new canvas and mural, the culmination of a collaborative and meaningful artistic journey. The milestone was celebrated with a community picnic and cultural craft activities led by renowned Indigenous artist Emma Stenhouse.
Communities ‘All In’ for Reconciliation and Sorry Day events
National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week are being observed this week with ceremonies, storytelling, cultural performances and educational events throughout the region. National Sorry Day, observed annually on 26 May, recognises the Stolen Generations — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families under past government policies. The day highlights the continuing importance of healing and reconciliation in Australia.
Tuddy Weaver retires after 20 years of service to Rushworth Cemetery Trust
Well-known Rushworth resident Barry “Tuddy” Weaver has retired from the Rushworth Public Cemetery Trust after 20 years of dedicated service. During his time with the Trust, Barry made a significant contribution to the development, maintenance and day-to-day operation of the cemetery, earning the respect and appreciation of fellow members and the wider community.
Ogden family’s Easter lamb sale raises funds for hospital that saved their son
Thirteen years ago, Bill and Katrina Ogden started donating ten lambs every year and sold them at the Bendigo Saleyards on the Monday before Easter. This had all come about because their second child, Heathy, had pneumonia back in 2013 when he was 15 months old. When they left the hospital with an 80% healthy child, Bill decided then that they would try and raise some money to donate back to the hospital that saved their son’s life. So, on 30 March this year, they sold their annual ten lambs.
Birds of a feather - Pied Butcherbird
The Pied Butcherbird is a native endemic species and one of five butcherbirds found in Australia As the name “pied” implies, it is black and white in colour with a black head and throat giving it a black hooded appearance with a white collar. The males and females look alike. Like other butcherbirds it has a hooked bill which is used to catch and tear into its victims. It feeds on reptiles, mammals, frogs and birds, usually catching them on the ground.
Easter Wood Auction raises $15,000+ for Kids with Cancer
What a fantastic day was had by everyone who attended the Rushworth Easter Festival. It started off a bit fresh but ended up being a lovely day. As organisers of the wood auction event (Katrina and Billy Ogden), we would like to thank a lot of people for helping us cut the wood, stack into trailers and deliver the wood. We would also like to thank the people who donated trailer loads of wood as well. Without the help of these wonderful people, we wouldn’t have been able to have this event.
Cream cheese pastry
Cooks Column If you’re as old as I am, chances are you’ll remember me featuring this quiche pastry many years ago. And if you’ve followed this column for a while, you’ll also know I’m not really into baking - especially cakes or sponges. You can add to that - I don’t like making pastry. But this recipe for a cream cheese pastry is within my capabilities and is really a tender, tasty case for a quiche.
Cactus
When we walked around the garden of our newly purchased home in Rushworth, my husband commented, rather negatively, about the large cactus plant against the western fence. I have since studied it and found that it is a Golden Torch Cactus or Trichocereus Spachianus. This is a very fast growing, clumping cactus which grows as a group of columns, some of which reach as high as two metres. It is often used as grafting stock for slow growing plants.
Home-assembled Muesli
Cooks Column I’ve never been one for eating breakfast, much to my dear old mother’s horror. The thought of soggy breakfast cereal or toast spread with something nutritious (Vegemite or peanut butter - definitely not jam) had no appeal. But come mid-morning I’d tuck into nearly anything or everything.
Heat causes wildlife distress - put water out
All About Wildlife These ongoing high temperatures here in Northern Victoria can be very difficult for our wild creatures, although when temperatures build up slowly they seem to cope a lot better. It’s the sudden temperature fluctuations which can cause even more havoc. Some people say they think the roos are emaciated. This could be for a number of reasons. They could have injuries preventing them from foraging and could be in excruciating pain.
Water, a precious resource
I guess many of us are starting to get a bit tired of the constant watering, fertilising, edging and mowing the lawn. With the heatwaves and droughts it seems an endless task. Have you ever considered doing away with your lawn or at least reducing the size of it? Many home owners are now moving away from large expanses of labour intensive lawns and planting a garden that uses much less water and needs less maintenance.
Summer Garden
I don’t need to tell you how hot and dry it has been and unfortunately our gardens do suffer during these past conditions. For the last few years I have been slowly replacing and replanting some of my garden beds with plants that are more resilient to these conditions and bounce back once the weather cools down. As much as I love the cottage style garden, a lot of the traditional plants just don’t cope too well.
Catastrophic start to the year for wildlife too
Our year of 2026 has not begun with the prosperity one wishes for both ourselves and others when we celebrate the New Year. Sadly, catastrophic weather conditions have played havoc in different areas of our country with areas in Victoria facing heat events, high winds and fire as well as catastrophic flooding along the southern coast at the same time. Weather patterns are becoming more and more chaotic, extreme and unpredictable.
Lamb Koftas
Easy, quick and the kids can shape them for you. Ingredients • 600 g extra lean lamb mince • 4 slices multigrain bread • 3 cloves garlic • 2 eggs • 3 sprigs fresh oregano • 1 sprig mint • 3 sprigs fresh thyme • olive oil Accompaniments • tzatziki • tomato, sliced • lettuce • cucumber, diced • pita bread In a food processor add the bread to make breadcrumbs. Add the garlic and herbs, and pulse for another 20 secs or so until well combined.
Phyllis’s Orange Cake
2 medium navel oranges 200gm soft butter 4 eggs 11/2 cups raw sugar 1 cup SR flour 1/2 cup almond meal ICING 50gm butter 2/3 cup icing sugar 3 tspn fresh orange juice. Method Cut oranges into bite-sized pieces - skins and all (remove any pips) and blend to purée. Beat eggs, soft butter and sugar until pale and thick. Add orange purée and beat to combine. Fold in sifted flour and almond meal and pour into a prepared 20cm round springform baking tin.
A Foreign Flower Adventure
We have just returned from Singapore where, like most tourists, we visited the famous Gardens By The Bay. What a delight to explore for everyone, especially garden lovers! They feature both natural and architectural marvels where innovative thought continues to keep the Gardens sustainable. With plants from all over the world, there is always something blooming! There are several areas that are free to visit and others require paid admission.
Bringing an iconic species back from the brink
Australia has a large number of frog species and, as previously mentioned in this column, many are threatened or endangered due to a variety of factors such as habitat loss, disease (especially chytridiomycosis), invasive species, climate change and extreme weather events.
Fire in the forest
Over the years, the Rushworth forest has thankfully been spared from a major conflagration. One of the reasons might be that box ironbark forests are less susceptible to big fires than other forest types. The main species of trees do not shed their bark each year, leading to a build-up of fuel that can be found in other areas. The understorey of box-ironbark forests is also limited, compared to other forest types.
….tis the season to eat what is in season! Enjoy the following recipes and I wish you all a happy and safe time over the Christmas festivities with family and friends, neighbours and community. Warm regards from the Seasonal Kitchen x
Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter 100g of soft butter, I large chilli deseeded and finely chopped, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander and 1 teaspoon of grated lime rind. Couscous & Feta Stuffing 1/3 cup couscous soaked in ½ cup of boiling water for about 5 -10 minutes Fluff up the couscous with a fork and add 80g of feta cheese, ¼ cup of shredded fresh basil and 2 teaspoons of grated lemon rind, season with cracked pepper.
Learning to cheat
The older I get, the more I love time-saving, labour-saving ideas for cooking. I’ve been lured into the world of frozen vegetables and marvelling at how quick it makes meal preparation and how little waste it produces. No more wilting or soggy vegetables in the drawer of my fridge. I hope our worms in the compost heap won’t get hungry now I’m not feeding them as much.
Making a difference
A big question I guess many of us ask ourselves in these times when the changes that are happening to our world aren’t what we would wish for, could be, how can I make a difference? How can one person change things without being a politician, a banner holding protester, a public speaker, a journalist. Just us feeling frustrated about what is happening to our world and not knowing what can be done.
Front page news with a difference in November 1975
50 Years Ago Making the front page in early November 1975 was an upcoming sheep gadget show at Heathcote. Six types of crutching cradles were to be exhibited, with crutching able to be done by the relatively unskilled. Several types of shearing gear were to be demonstrated. Sheep yard design was to include consideration of sheep instinct and psychology. (I could not be making this up! Any specialists around who can explain the psychology of the sheep, beyond their style of following other sheep?
Oven-baked risotto
Ingredients 300g chorizo (chopped) 1 onion (chopped) 1 clove garlic (chopped) 1 cup risotto rice 2 tblspn olive oil 3 cups stock 2 tspn oregano or Italian herbs 1 punnet of cherry tomatoes 300g parmesan cheese 30g butter 2 handfuls baby spinach leaves Method Pre-heat oven to 200ºC. In a frying pan cook the chorizo with one tablespoon of olive oil, then add onion and garlic and continue cooking, adding the herbs for another minute (it should be smelling great now!).
Big occasion for Toolleen in October 1975
Cr. Ron Hickson opened the new Toolleen Sporting Centre, which had been a big achievement for a small district. The multi-purpose pavilion was to become the hub for local sporting clubs, community groups and for public meetings. A series of grants and ratepayer contributions had combined to enable erection of a brick building of 28 squares, at a cost of just on $62,000.
A Rushworth Invention
In a town where the timber industry was important for many years, it is perhaps unsurprising that locals invented things that had a connection to the industry. One such invention was devised by Eric Ollov Risstrom Junior of Rushworth. Eric was the son of Eric Ollov Risstrom Snr, who was born in Sweden, and Mary Ann (nee Davidson), who was born in Ireland, and was one of nine children. His father came to Australia in 1859.
Spring brings magical time in the garden
Garden Hints & Tips Although not my favourite season, that goes to autumn, spring does bring a magical time to the garden. It never ceases to amaze me how plants just seem to explode into leaf and flower, seemingly doubling in size overnight, which brings me to some of my most favourite springtime plants. I always get excited when the Blue Bells start to flower. They are great left to naturalise in the garden, either in sun or shade and they’re perfect under trees.
Exciting times at Goulburn Valley Tree Group Native Nursery
We have started seeding and our tiny seeds are popping their heads up through the soil to greet our Spring weather and start a life as a tree, plant, grass or groundcover. It still amazes me that something as tiny as a grain of sand can end up being a huge canopy of shade reaching for the sky and becoming home to birds, insects such as bees and lots of other wildlife. Many of the varieties we have had will be the same as other years but there is always a few surprises along the way.
Birds!
Bird specialists are a bit of a rarity in the wildlife caring world. Many carers will look after common bird species such as magpies, parrots or tawny frogmouths and kookaburras or even specialise in a particular field of birds such as waterbirds or raptors but most carers are by definition, mammal carers. I get it. Mammals, particularly our beautiful Australian marsupials are cute and cuddly. The point is, you can cuddle them.
Chocolate Pound Cake with duck eggs
Cooks Column This is an American recipe, so I have used a conversion chart to get the weights calculated. The cake is made in a “Bundt” tin, a hole in the middle. A large springform would work too. Instructions: Pre heat oven to 160 C Thoroughly grease a Bundt tin and set aside.
Citrus Pie
Use up some of the beautiful bounty of citrus fruits that are in season to make this delicious slice. It all comes together to then bake in layers. Serve with yoghurt, cream or ice cream or on its own. Preheat oven to 170c Ingredients: 4 eggs 1 cup of sugar Half a cup of melted butter Grated rind of an orange Grated rind of a lemon Half a cup of orange juice Half a cup of lemon juice 1 cup of milk Half a cup of plain flour 1 cup of coconut Place all into a blender.
Spring is here
Spring is here and it never ceases to delight me to see the garden begin to burst with colour. If you can, it is a lovely time to walk around your neighbourhood. It is also a great opportunity to see what grows well in your area. Many exotics (not native to Australia) can do extremely well here. Roses especially love the climate and the clay soil, but take note from Roger Mann, the author of Yates “roses”.
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