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Wednesday, October 29 2025

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Lives Saved as Fire Destroys Historic Hotel at Lascelles

Working smoke alarms have saved the lives of four people who woke to their building engulfed in flames overnight at Lascelles. CFA was called to the hotel fire on Henty Highway at 2.10 a.m. on Thursday, October 23. When firefighters arrived at the...

Botanical Survey Results Revealed

On Tuesday evening, October 14, 2025, Birchip Landcare Group held an informative evening showcasing the result of their recent botanical survey undertaken by ecologist and botanist Paul Foreman throughout the Birchip area. Fourteen environmental...

Fire Danger Period Looms

For more information on preparing your property and understanding local fire restrictions, visit www. cfa. vic. gov. au

“Rocky Horror” to Screen at The Rex

It’s NOT a midnight screening, but the perennial cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be up on the Rex screen this Friday night at 8 p.m. to usher in Halloween. Just to be clear – this is a movie screening, not a live show. And...

The Accidental Historian

As Remembrance Day, November 11, approaches, the Donald Lions Club invited R.S.L. members, and others interested, to join in its monthly meeting at Donald’s Mount Jeffcott Hotel last Thursday evening. Welcomed by the Donald club president, Lion...

Conquering the Corrugations – Rollicking Road Trip to the “Tip”

(By Sarah O’Brien) As I sit in my backyard in Donald and play back the last 17-day adventure, it brings a smile to my face. Who says you need months to plan and get to the Tip (Pajinka)? Why not just wing it and give yourself three weeks? It’s...

The New Emergency Services and Volunteers Tax: Where’s the Money Really Going?

[By CFA Volunteers Group Inc.] From July, Victorians will have noticed a new charge on their rates notices — the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF). The Victorian Government says every dollar raised by this new levy will “equip our...

Mallee Root Rounds ’em Up! Brilliant Birchip B ’n’ S Ball

The Mallee Root Round Up has once again proven that country people know how to celebrate, with 750 guests exuding enthusiasm and a strong sense of fun and excitement all weekend. Marking 20 years since its re-birth, the Ball, which ceased in 1997...

All the Colours of the Machinery Rainbow – a True Celebration of Country Life

[From Donald P&A Society] The Jeffcott Oval at this year’s Donald Show was a true celebration of farming life — filled with horsepower, innovation, and a healthy dose of community spirit! It was fantastic to see Michaels of Donald, Traction...

Major Status for Mineral Sands Project

[From Astron Limited] The Australian Government has granted Major Project Status to the Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project (Donald Project) through the Major Projects Facilitation Agency (MPFA). The designation recognises the project’s...

Tributes to the Late James Andrew McEwen

A memorial service for James Andrew McEwen was held at Oliver Tree Southland Church in Batemans Bay, NSW, on October 13. The church community, which Jim and Grace attended regularly, gathered to celebrate his life. Eulogies were delivered by Jim’s...

Wycheproof Probians Welcome Good Advice

Leading Senior Constable Tania Peters from Swan Hill Police was guest speaker at the October meeting of the Wycheproof Probus Club. She started her talk with a brief history of her 35 years with the Police force and her links to the local are...

Dinner Time for Brigade Members

Donald Urban Fire Brigade annual dinner was held on Saturday, October 18, with a crowd around 35 people attending. Captain Dale Anderson welcomed the Donald Fire Brigade members and Martin Nunn of the Donald Police, group officer David Manifold...

Game Day – Get Set to Play

(By “Violent Crumble”) The Donald Senior Citizens Club Open Day commences at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, at the Senior Citizens Centre, 4 Hammill Street. Be sure to turn up on time to stake your claim for one of many Lucky Door prizes!...

Daniel Leads Buloke Council

Buloke Shire Council has appointed Daniel McLoughlan as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a resolution of Council at the October Ordinary Meeting held last week. Daniel has been serving as Interim CEO since September 2025, providing...

Litchfield Hall Centenary is Nigh

The Donald History Society met in the Courthouse for its first daylight saving meeting at 7.30 p.m.. Glenys Pope (nee Falla) attended the meeting, as she was visiting Donald, and she was delighted to announce to the meeting the birth of Ronald John...

Donald History Society

Birchip Flower Show 2025 a Blooming Success

The Birchip Friends of East Wimmera Health Service Flower Show once again brought colour, creativity and cheer to the Birchip Community Leisure Centre on Friday, October 17, highlighting the talents of local community members and the dedication of...

Charlton Show Completes Spectacular Buloke Season

The 142nd Charlton Agricultural and Pastoral Show was held on Saturday, October 18 at the Charlton Showgrounds, with warm and sunny weather providing the perfect backdrop for a day of family-friendly fun, rural tradition, and community celebration...

Fire Season Officially Begins

This year’s Victorian fire season is set to officially begin with fire restrictions commencing in parts of the state this month. CFA has declared the first Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the 2025-26 fire season, commencing at 1 a.m. on Monday...