Earlier this year, Ms Kennett upgraded her glasses and soon after began experiencing persistent headaches. Believing her new eyewear was the cause, she returned to her optometrist for a recheck.

During the eye exam, the optometrist detected a bleed behind her right eye and advised her to seek medical attention immediately.

"I did that, and when the GP took my blood pressure, he told me it was so high that I should have already had a heart attack or stroke by now," Ms Kennett said.

Fortunately, she hadn't, but the discovery sparked a series of urgent medical investigations, including blood tests, an ECG, and an MRI, which involved several trips to Ballarat.

"The blood tests revealed a few other medical problems which needed to be fixed before I could have any heart surgery," she said.

"Initially, they thought I would need stents, but after all the testing, the cardiologist said I would need a triple bypass."

Following the procedure, her surgeon informed her she had undergone a quadruple bypass instead.

"He told me I was a very lucky woman and from the condition of my arteries, he can't believe that I hadn't already had a heart attack," she said.

Recovery proved longer than expected.

For six weeks, Ms Kennett could not drive or return to work at her lighting and fan business.

"I thought I would be back at work in a few weeks, but that's not how it works because I was very tired and struggled to achieve much at all," she said.

Ms Kennett is now undergoing cardiac rehabilitation at Grampians Health Horsham, where she's connecting with others and gaining vital knowledge about heart health.

"The more I learn, the more I realise how lucky I've been," she said.

"I was aware that I was at some risk of heart disease because it was already in my family.

"My father died of a heart attack, but because I've generally been in good health, I just thought I was going to be one of those people that nothing happens to."

She now strongly encourages others to take their heart health seriously.

"I especially want women to get themselves checked because apparently their symptoms of heart disease are generally not as obvious as that of men," she said.

Grampians Health cardiac nurse Jo Carroll echoed Pat's message and encouraged regular heart health checks for people over 45.

"People with diabetes should get checked once they turn 35 and First Nations people from age 30," Ms Carroll said.

"It's generally a 20-minute check-up with your GP and it will help you understand if you are at risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next five years.

"Your doctor will then work with you on ways that you can reduce your risk."

"We issued several reminders last year after receiving reports of farms, orchards and vineyards mixing their legitimate burn off materials with waste like treated timbers, plastics and other common farm waste that should have gone to a licensed landfill or recycling facility," EPA Regional Operations Director Martha-Rose Loughnane said.

"Disposal of waste by burning is illegal.  

"Common farm waste, like treated pine posts, agricultural plastics, hessian, concrete, metal, waste tyres and mattresses, must be disposed of lawfully and at a place that is licensed to accept it."

EPA has a handy guide available from its website on farm waste management – visit epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/publications/iwrg641-1 

"Everyone has a duty to protect the environment. That means that if we find anyone mixing waste into their legitimate burn off material, EPA can take action, and we can issue fines of more than $9,000 for burning anything other than vegetation-sourced matter like timber and crop stubble," Ms Loughnane said. 

"No smoke is good for you, but smoke from burning farm waste like old tyres and treated timber can lead to harmful effects on human health, particularly for people with asthma or other lung conditions, older people, pregnant women, babies and young children."

Learn what can and can't be burnt from EPA's farm waste guide to avoid being a nuisance to your neighbours, causing a hazard to the environment or getting a fine from EPA. 

You can report pollution to EPA's 24 hour pollution hotline at 1300 372 842 or online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution 

The previous bench was installed in 2017 when students from Holy Trinity Lutheran College and Horsham College Mackenzie Creek Campus painted wooden skateboards.

Due to age and wear causing the bench to become unsafe, it was removed from the gardens last year.

In February this year, Horsham Youth called on local artists aged 13 to 25 to assist with painting a new set of metal skateboards, made by CHA Horsham.

Horsham Rural City Council youth services officer Alicia Drew said 14 young people from the community contributed to the updated project.

"It was important for us to honour the skateboard chairs original form and the finished product does that," Ms Drew said.

"The young people worked on their designs over a three-week period and should be very proud of their contributions."

Horsham Rural City Council's youth programs officer Arianna Vettos said, "It was such a fun project to work on and went amazingly.

"The group of young people we had did a fantastic job on their boards and had lots of fun letting their creativity flow while working on them.

"It was the perfect way to pay homage to the original."

The new bench brings a lively splash of color to the area, the updated metal construction being expected to give the structure a much longer life than its prececessor's.

They chose to build on a small rise in the centre of the property and enjoyed the 360-degree view with views to the Grampians and to Mt Arapiles.

It was the days before electrical pumps, and the difficulty of getting water to the house by gravity resulted in a house being built on a lower level later to ensure the water supply.

Trees still stand where the original homestead was.

infrastructure.

Their efforts were rewarded by the Wimmera Development Association a number of years ago when they were awarded Agribusiness of the Year.

This award highlights the care and development that have gone into the land.

But all that could change as the prime agricultural land is inside the Avonbank Mine footprint, now the subject of an application for a mining licence by WIM Resource PL.

The threat of losing the property for decades has hit the owner's Robert and Joan Johns, hard.

While they no longer live on the farm, it is managed by their son Dean, a Nuffield Scholar, and their daughter Maryla.

It is especially hard because they began their married life on a portion of the land which was a wedding gift from the family and will be dug up if the mine proceeds.

In their submission to the Environmental Effects Study, they highlighted the recent data from Elders Australia who voted the Wimmera as the second best cropping region in Australia for 2022, their property is part of that assessment.

It is this that also concerns the Johns family, that the land is recognised for its ability to produce prime produce but will be mined instead over 36 years.

On behalf of parents Robert and Joan, the prepared statement said, "These Australian farms have contributed significantly over the 139 (now 140) years and we are appalled at the prospect of the planned removal of homes.

"We recommend that no farm should be removed as this will have lifelong devastating impacts on family and generations to come," they said.

"The existing rail, electricity, roads, port options available through local and regional rail, water and gas facilities, and potential workforce are all benefits that were installed to benefit landowners, not mines," they said.

WIM Resources has promoted the Avonbank Mineral Sand project as being viable because of the low start-up costs due to the location of the land holdings, but landowners like the Johns fear their access to these facilities may be affected in the future.

The Robert and Joan Johns family and the neighbouring Chris and Donna Johns family stand to lose a significant amount of land to the mine due to the potentially high concentration of critical minerals under the soil they own.

Generational farming to this family has ties to the past and to the future; a family reunion was held don't on the property on March 28 2004, to commemorate the lives of the ancestors, especially the early settlers, William and Janet.

A monument was erected in honour of the pioneers who settled the land and prepared a future for the generations.

Dean Johns said the prospects of the farm being mined have played heavily on his parent's health and happiness.

"We honour many of the traditions of people who came before us, we honour grave sites and property, and so we should, but it seems that in this case, we don't have a say," he said.

Dean is the president of the Mine Free Wimmera Farms Inc and has campaigned for greater understanding for farmers and the imporance of prime agricultural land in the production of food in a clean green environment.

The neighbouring Johns' farm has the ashes of one of the descendants of the family interred there, and that has also weighed heavily on the wider family because they are inside the mine site, and to date, they have no confirmation of how they will be protected or if they will be.

WIM Resource Project manager Michael Winternitz told the Mail-Times the matter regarding the ashes was confidential and he couldn't confirm or discuss it.

Of 18 rural councils, the analysis shows that Yarriambiack rate payers will be the second hardest hit with an additional tax increase of 123 per cent.

Compared to the $2,722,192 collected by the Fire Service Levy, it is estimated that $3,349,428 additional tax will be collected by the ESVF in Yarriambiack Shire Council, resulting in a tax-take of $6,071,619. 

Primary Producers across the shire will bear the brunt of the change, with an average 162 per cent rise in the amount owed.  

Applicable volunteers who are primary procedures will only be entitled to the exemption for their primary residence.

Similar to the Fire Services Property Levy, the ESVF will be calculated based on a fixed charge that varies by property type, and a variable charge based on property value.  

Pensioners, veterans and single farm enterprises will continue to receive concessions, however, it is unclear if this will be increased, to counteract the rising ESVF.  

Commercial operators in the Shire will see an increased tax bill of 39 per cent.  

Overall, $139,025,274 extra will be taken from rural communities each year at an average increase of 90 per cent compared to the Fire Services Levy. 

"It is proposed that the ESVF will be collected through local councils," Mayor Kylie Zanker said.

"We already have approximately 8 per cent of rates arrears properties that we must pursue via either debt collection and/or the sale of properties via the Local Government Act 1989, section 181 process.

"The ESVF will place further financial strains on our residential rate payers, and it is envisaged we will see our rates arrears increase in the coming years, due to this fund being applied.

"It is probable the Council will encounter criticism and potential reputational damage when residents receive their rate notices in September and perceive it as a levy imposed by the council rather than by the State."

Yarriambiack Shire Council has continued its advocacy efforts since councillors moved a motion at the February meeting of council to undertake advocacy to the State Government regarding the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund and the additional financial burden placed on its community.  

"Adding further insult to our rural Community, our primary producers, who volunteer to serve and protect our communities during times of need or crisis will also bear majority of the financial burden of the ESVF," Cr Zanker said.

"It is unjust, and unfair. Why should our farmers bear the brunt of this cost."

VVED is an Australian-first video telehealth medical consultation service run by Northern Health and funded by the Department of Health.

According to Kristy McMahon, acting operational community engagement liaison co-ordinator (OCELC) for Grampians, the service can be beneficial to the community in the Wimmera.

The service is free and is staffed by highly skilled emergency doctors and nurses who can asses and treat patients virtually, arrange referrals and provide a follow-up care plan if needed.

"I'm a mum of three and it's hard to access GP services – it gets more and more difficult – so that's why this is perfect," Ms McMahon said.

"With three children, the number of scenarios where one needs care but you have the other two, it's ideal to be able to talk to a doctor.

"The doctor is examining your child virtually and the other two can still be at home – you aren't bundling them into the car in the middle of the night.

"For me, personally, I've found that to be a real perk."

Ms McMahon said the service could be used for any non-life-threatening emergency, like a minor fall, bites, diarrhoea, dizziness, nausea, rash and vomiting.

"All of those conditions and many, many more, anything that isn't an emergency you can call VVED for and consult with them."

Not only does this benefit the caller by allowing them to stay in the comfort of their home but it also benefits the care system.

"When patients use VVED it definitely reduces the non-urgent and repeat call-outs and the time paramedics spend at cases," Ms McMahon said.

"If we can improve the availability of ambulances, we can then reach the patients (who are) sickest faster.

"The beauty of VVED is it provides the right care at the right time in the right place."

VVED is available across Victoria daily, 24 hours, and can be accessed by anyone with a mobile phone and a connection to the internet.

It can be accessed by visiting https://www.vved.org.au/.

Community members can choose to pre-register so that their account is ready when they need the service.

The free event, Passing the Torch: Succession Planning for Farming Families, will run from 11am to 1pm on Tuesday, May 20, at Rainbow Learning Group and Neighbourhood House.

It aims to give families a clearer understanding of how to secure their future through effective estate planning.

Mr Smith, Principal at O'Brien & Smith Lawyers, brings personal experience to the topic, having previously worked on a sheep farm with his twin brother and father, who both continue to farm in the Mallee.

"I have a good understanding of the challenges farmers face," he said.

"My presentation will focus on succession and estate planning, including wills, powers of attorney, medical treatment decision makers, and advanced care directives—but with a special focus on the strategic planning needed for farming families."

The interactive session will also touch on the benefits of testamentary trusts, strategies to avoid will disputes, and how to prepare for an estate planning appointment.

A question-and-answer session will follow, allowing attendees to ask general questions about the process.

"It's not just for farmers, anyone with assets should consider attending," Mr Smith said.

"We'll explain how these documents work, what they look like, and highlight some options available for future planning."

He added that small communities like Rainbow could benefit greatly from early discussions around succession planning.

"I see it all the time, farms lost in estate disputes," he said.

"If you don't plan properly, legal fees can eat away everything you've worked for."

The session includes a free lunch and refreshments.

Community members can register by contacting Rainbow Learning Group and Neighbourhood House on (03) 5395 1884 or emailing info@rlgnh.org.

"I look forward to meeting everyone," Mr Smith said.

This fortnight, I want to describe an incredibly important part of our body, our microvasculature.

This will take a little explaining, so I hope you can bear with me.

An astounding and wondrous fact about reality is that the view out of a plane window often looks like the view through a microscope.

Nature shares patterns that seem to repeat themselves. The theoretical image of an atom looks somewhat like a galaxy, for example.

I would like you to imagine looking down from a plane at a river, and pretending that the plane is flying upstream. As you look down at the thin and winding body of water, you notice it becoming smaller and smaller, with tributaries and forks in the river often dividing it.

Eventually, the river becomes a creek, then a stream, then a trickle, by which time we have lost sight of it from the plane.

This ever-narrowing and dividing body of water has the same structure as our blood vessels. 

At its widest point, our vascular (blood vessel) system is about 3 centimeters wide, and it progressively narrows until it is about 3 micrometres wide.

That is so narrow that red blood cells can only pass through single-file, 30 times thinner than an average human hair. These microscopically thin blood vessels are collectively referred to as our microvasculature, and they are extraordinarily important. 

In essence, the role of our heart and blood vessels is to deliver blood to our microvasculature.

It is only in the microvasculature that exchange of goods occurs, all other blood vessels just pipe things around.

The microvasculature exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide, transmits hormones and glucose, absorbs ingested nutrients, deposits proteins and minerals for building muscles and bone, allows the immune system to target foreign agents, controls inflammation, and in the kidney filters waste products that become urine.

Every micro-inch of your body has a rich microvascular network. Needless to say, harm to the microvascular system causes widespread illness.

Sadly, the microvascular system is susceptible to harm and hence often responsible for manifestations and symptoms of disease.

Toxicity from chemicals (especially those in tobacco) and high blood sugar destroy our microscopic vessels.

Chronic high blood pressure or episodes of significant dehydration will also disrupt this system. This harm causes nerve damage with resultant peripheral pain, brain cell atrophy leading to cognitive decline and dementia, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, erectile dysfunction, vision impairment, etc. etc. 

A reason why you may not have heard about what is clearly such an important part of your health, is that there is no readily available test for measuring your microvascular function. An ultrasonographer will look at the blood flow through your larger vessels, an optometrist can look at the vessels in the eyes, but no-one can easily determine how well your microvascular system is operating.

It is only the symptoms that suggest if things are going poorly. 

Don't smoke, avoid unnecessary chemical exposure, ensure your blood glucose and blood pressure are well controlled, maintain good hydration, and you'll have good odds of living a long and healthy life, thanks to a robust and efficient microvasculature.w

The protest closed Mollison Street for more than an hour and culminated in frustrated volunteers dropping the keys to their trucks at the Premier's door.

The Nationals' Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said CFA volunteers and farmers were angry and upset over the controversial new tax.

"This protest was not something they did lightly. Some drove their tankers 200km to get here today in a bid to have their voices heard," Ms Broad said.

them," Ms Broad said.

"One farmer said his emergency services tax had gone from $5,000 to $12,000. Under Labor's plan it will increase to a massive $38,000.

"Others will pay even more. These figures will simply make some farms untenable."

Under Labor's Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF), households will see their rates almost double.

Commercial rates will increase by 100 per cent, industrial rates by 64 per cent, and farmers will face a staggering 189 per cent increase compared to what they paid under the previous levy.

Despite these major rate increases, the tax is unlikely to see local CFA brigades and SES units receive the extra funding they so badly need.

"Instead of properly funding them, Labor is diverting this levy to cover core government agencies such as Triple Zero, the State Control Centre, and Emergency Management Victoria—services that should already be funded from existing tax revenue," Ms Broad said.

The tax failed to pass through Parliament during the last sitting week but is likely to be discussed again when Parliament resumes next Tuesday.

Ms Broad also recently attended a community meeting in Baringhup where residents voiced their anger over the planned tax.

The Nationals have launched a new Scrap The Tax campaign in a bid to kill off the destructive tax.

The Parliament Prize, which opened this week, encourages students in years 5 to 12 to submit a video of themselves delivering a Member's Statement on a local issue, as MPs do each sitting week throughout the Parliamentary year.

Member for Lowan and Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Emma Kealy, said the competition was an important opportunity for the Parliament of Victoria to engage with students to help them understand Parliament's role.

"A Member's Statement is an opportunity for elected members to make a brief statement of up to 90 seconds in state Parliament on matters of interest or concern to them and those living in their electorate," she said.

"I would love to see lots of entries from local students, and encourage any schools wanting to get involved to reach out to my office."

The competition has three categories – years 5-6, years 7-9, and years 10-12 – with cash prizes awarded to the winner, runner-up and third-placed entrant.

Additionally, students who place first in each category will win $1000 for their school.

Ms Kealy said more information was available at vicparl.news/parlprize, and people could contact her office by calling 5382 0097 or emailing emma.kealy@parliament.vic.gov.au.

Entries close at 5pm on Friday, June 13.

Book lovers, including local customer Jen Doolan, flocked to the fair to support the cause.

"I've bought 10 books, but Tomorrow the World by Josephine Cox is my favourite one," she said.

"It's a great place to buy recycled books at a great price, and the money goes to a very worthy cause."

Chaplain Yolande Grosser praised the effort and support behind the event.

"There was a terrific Rotary East turnout to help us pack up, with all the unsold children's books going home with them for needy kids," she said.

"Wastebusters again supported us with our recycling, and the energy from Horsham College students was next level!"

The Chaplaincy Committee thanked all supporters, volunteers and donors who helped make the fundraiser a success.

Thanks to Alana M Music Promotions and Management, Issi will be bringing his show 'Legends of Rock N' Roll' to the town hall for the very first time.

Issi said the audience can expect tribute and original songs alongside some storytelling and audience interaction.

"I'll be talking about my history and experience on tour and of course pay tribute to these wonderful artists," he said.

Artists from the 50's and 60's such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Bobby Darin, Johnny O'Keefe and many more will be heard.

Over his career, Issi has supported many big artists during the 60's, 70's and 80's including The Beach Boys, Roy Charles, John Farnham, The Supremes and more.

Throughout the 70's and 80's, Issi hosted his own late night television show on Channel 9 and 10 networks in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

His show was the first late night program in the country.

Other than appearing on his own show, he was also seen on Countdown, Bert Newton show, Kerry Anne Mornings and a lot more.

"I've been doing this for 60 years and what I love most about it is travelling and meeting people," he said.

Issi said people love to have a chat to him about their personal experience seeing him on TV and even attending shows many years ago.

"It's going to be great to be back to Warracknabeal," he said.

"I've performed in one of the hotels before a few years ago but not the town hall.

"This time is more of a concert type show."

Issi encourages everyone to buy a ticket to the show.

"Come down, have a great morning and support the show and Alana," he said.

"We need more people like Alana to bring shows like these back."

The show is on Tuesday, May 20, from 10am to 12pm with doors opening at 9.30am.

Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1388718 or at Feet First Footwear in Scott Street, Warracknabeal.

Tea and coffee will be provided.

With parting words he said, "Come on down and have fun with Issi Dye".

Tired of being overlooked by the government and big companies, and upset about what is happening to his community, this fourth-generation sheep and cereal farmer has decided to speak out.

"Family and neighbours, they're your life in the country, and it's been that way since 1874 when my family began farming in the Wimmera Mallee region," he said.

"If you had an issue, you talked about it.

"If you landed on hard times, neighbours were the first people to pitch in and lend a hand, but that has all changed," he said.

Jim says the Aston Donald Corporation Mineral Sands Mine Project and the influx of renewables have hit his community hard, and now you "don't know who your friend is or whom you can trust," he says.

"We not only paid for our land with dollars, we paid for it with blood, sweat, and tears."

"We faced drought, death, and subsequent death duties.

Jim says his family nearly lost the farm in the 1950's but they worked hard and are still here today.

"It takes a lot to be a farmer," he says.

Jim has seven children, and six are on farms.

"Farming is in the blood."

Jim was married for 63 years, and they worked hard to improve the farm while bringing up six children.

Losing his wife three years ago was tough.

"She was against all this, too," he said.

Jim says the worry about the mine and renewables on farming land is heartbreaking and is taking its toll on families in the district.

"The mine is about 6 kilometres from our home and we'll lose some of our land to the mine, but others will lose their homes," he says.

The Hepworth family has farmed their land for 5 generations, and Jim has a 16-year-old grandson who wants to carry on the farm.

He would be the sixth-generation Hepworth farmer, but now that is uncertain.

Jim says he thinks about it day and night, "There should have been more community meetings, and the community should have had more information," he says.

"They told us lies."

Jim concedes that some of the people spinning the benefits of the mine are probably nice people, but they are just paid marketers, and he feels sorry for them because they don't realise what they are doing to people.

"We just want some honesty amongst us all."

Before the mines, Jim says if neighbours wanted to sell land for whatever reason, drought or family death, they would tell you over the fence or at the post office when you caught up and give you a chance to buy it.

"But that's all changed!"

"Now they're selling to these big companies and signing agreements with confidentiality clauses, and it's caused division in our community like I've never seen before," he said.

"The bitterness is terrible.

"You don't know who your friend is anymore."

"People have the right to sell to whomever they want to, but once they'd have talked to you about it first and given neighbours a chance."

But the saddest part for Jim is the loss of cohesion in the community.

Those of my own vintage may remember from many years ago the professional wrestler andactor who called himself Mr T.

Mr T, whose real name is Laurence Tureaud, is known for his African Mandinka warriorhairstyle and his gold jewellery.

He was a professional wrestler and co-starred in 'The A-Team' and 'Rocky 3', among other roles.

His trademark of wearing large amounts of gold jewellery began when he was working as a bouncer.

Often, banned clients would leave their jewellery behind in the nightclubs where he was working.

He would put the gold jewellery around his neck and stand in front of the nightclub, where the rightful owner could claim it, if they dared.

Mr T was born in 1952 in Chicago, into a very poor family.

His father was a minister and his mother earned extra money by scrubbing floors.

This was during the time when racism towards Black Americans was a very real way of life.

From a young age, his life was very difficult.

He regularly found himself in fights at school, often standing up for what he thought was right.

He later served as a military policeman with the US Army.

It seems that despite the outward appearance and the "interesting" work history, Mr T has always been a genuine "born again" Christian.

While he doesn't talk much about his early Christian life, his faith is most likely the result of the influence of his family.

In 1995, he was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma, about which he joked, "a cancer with my name on it".

Now in remission, he is actively involved in ministry and preaches boldly and unashamedly at his home church, the Cosmopolitan Community Church in Chicago.

Like Mr T, many people today still have very difficult lives.

It was no different in biblical times.

King David endured constant hardships during his life, including betrayal, regular death threats, war, captivity, scandal within the family and many others.

In Psalm 56, he writes, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book".

The apostle Paul wrote about this very subject to encourage the infant churches to follow God.

To the church at Rome, he wrote, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love", and to the church at Corinth he wrote, "God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others."

We must never forget that despite all that may happen in this world, we have a God who created us and who loves us so much that he gave his only son to die on the cross, and that all who accept him are promised eternal life.

Contributed by David Young.

Beginning with a meet and greet with representatives from the museum, Jeparit Historical Society and Jeparit Town Advisory Committee.

The youth councillors learnt about the history of Hindmarsh alongside the importance of recording and remembering history.

After a delicious spread of food provided by the community groups, youth councillors began their monthly meeting.

The meeting was held in the Depta State School building where they discussed an upcoming disco that is set for Friday May 23.

Hindmarsh Shire thanked the community groups for making this opportunity happen and for inviting the youth council.

The BBQ can't go ahead due to workplace safety.

You call on the community through whatever means you have available, and watch social media work its magic for good.

This happened to Phoenix Animal Rescue Horsham, but not to be beaten, they rallied, put the word out, and set up at the Horsham Weir by the dog park.

The community rallied, brought their cash, enjoyed the beautiful surroundings on the banks of the Wimmera River and all in all enjoyed a very successful fundraiser.

It was such a success that some comments on Facebook have suggested it become a regular event.

Well done, Phoenix Animal Rescue, for your commitment to our animal friends and for being resourceful.

And thank you to the community for your support.

Lifestyle theft

Between March 4 and March 8, several garden tools were taken from a shed near the Lifestyles building located on the Rural Northwest Health campus.

A Makita 18v whipper snipper, Makita 18v blower and the batteries that accompany the items.

Stolen diesel

Rural Energy located on Kelsall Street was stolen from and sustained damage on March 24 at around 1.45am.

A male, who had his face covered, had climbed the fence and cut a garden-type hose which was then used to syphon diesel from a truck leaving the premises.

Sleepers stolen

Around March 22, an unknown person/s attended a property on Coutts Lane, Warracknabeal, and stole six red gum sleepers.

The value is unknown.

Rifle range

The rifle range on Tip Road, Warracknabeal, was damaged and items have been stolen a couple of times over the last few weeks.

Damage was done to the club rooms and a shed midway down the range on March 3.

It is concealed from the road.

Two weeks prior an old phone and a bilge pump along with the associated hoses were stolen.

Anyone who witnessed or have any information in relation to these incidents are urged to contact Warracknabeal Police Station on (03) 5396 2100.

Alternatively, reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000, or submitted confidentially online www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Two new McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, Melanie Alford in Ballarat and Leah Adams in Horsham, have joined the team, boosting the service's capacity to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients.

They will work alongside the existing McGrath Breast Care Nurse, offering specialised, compassionate support throughout the patient's treatment journey.

Grampians Health chief operating officer Ben Kelly said that the organisation is enhancing cancer care through the expertise and compassion of our nursing staff.

"The addition of Melanie and Leah to our team allows us to provide more wholesome support to our patients who are going through a difficult phase of their lives," he said.

"This expansion of cancer nursing cover is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to support the community and improve cancer care outcomes."

Cancer care nurses play a vital role within the multidisciplinary care team, providing emotional support, education, and coordination to ensure patients and their families receive the help they need.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 34,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed in regional Victoria each year.

Grampians Health is responding to this demand by bolstering its workforce and services.

In 2023, the health service introduced an oncology nurse practitioner role to manage complex patient cases and deliver advanced clinical care.

It also strengthened its Symptom and Urgent Review Clinic in Ballarat with specialist oncology nurses, helping patients manage side effects during treatment.

Additional nursing support has been added to the chemotherapy day unit to ensure timely, personalised care for patients undergoing treatment.

Ambulatory Care and Outpatient Services director Catherine Heywood said our cancer care nursing team also helps oncologists in patients' progress.

"While our cancer care nursing team – spread across our sites in Stawell, Horsham and Ballarat – provide invaluable support to our patients and their families, they are also integral to the oncology care team," she said.

"These nurses are invaluable to the oncologists as they help coordinate care, manage symptoms, and provide critical insights into patient needs and progress."

His records show that on January 1916 when he enlisted in Melbourne he was a farmer living and working at Fairhaven, French Island via Stony Point.

French Island is on Western Port, just off the Mornington Peninsula.

Albert was appointed to 2nd Field Company Engineers, 16th Reinforcement, as a sapper and given the service number 7029.

After training at Seymour he embarked with his unit in Sydney and sailed on board the troop ship Makarini on April 1 1916.

After disembarking in early May he joined miscellaneous reinforcements at Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt.

After leaving Egypt Albert proceeded to England, where he was admitted to Falmouth Military Hospital with a bout of German measles in May 1916.

He rejoined his unit at the Australian General Base Depot in England, but in July of the same year he was admitted to Folkestone Hospital with malaria.

Having been discharged from hospital, he rejoined his unit in England before proceeding to Etaples, France, on January 27 1917, where he was transferred to 4th Field Company Australian Engineers.

During World War I the engineers undertook a raft of tasks broadly divided into mobility, counter-mobility and construction as well as survey and mapping and specialised tunnelling and mining operations.

The field companies' scope of works concentrated on the former rather than the latter.

They undertook a broad range of tasks including preparation and supervision of the construction of defensive and gun positions, excavation of trenches and dugouts, erection of wire and other obstacles, preparation of command posts, signalling and water supply, field engineering, road and bridge construction, and route maintenance.

They also undertook obstacle breaching and crossing.

For example, in the lead-up to the attack at Mont St Quentin the engineers were required to carry out two river crossing/bridging operations.

Engineers also had responsibility for signalling, although this function became more specialised as the war progressed, eventually leading to the creation of a separate signals corps.

Engineers – also known as sappers – were essential to the running of the war.

Without them, other branches of the Allied forces would have found it difficult to cross the muddy and shell-ravaged ground of the Western Front.

The 4th Field Company was formed in Egypt in August 1915 with men from 5th Brigade (New South Welshmen) and from reinforcements for 2nd Division.

In February 1916 they were reassigned to 4th Division.

Staying with 4th Field Company Australian Engineers in France, Albert was appointed to the rank of lance corporal in February 1918.

He was again promoted, this time to corporal, in April 1919.

He was involved with the unit moving between France and England before returning to Australia.

He left England on board the ship Beltana on July 19 1919.

After arriving back in Australia, he was officially discharged on September 2 1919.

Page 2 of the Horsham Times dated Friday December 9 1949 reported:

OBITUARY – BENNETTS:

Following a short illness the death occurred at Wembley Private Hospital on Thursday morning of Mr Albert Edward Bennetts of Roberts Avenue. Deceased, who was well known as a billiards marker at the Public Library, was aged 67 years. He was not married and was born in Normanville, SA. He had served with the First AIF in France. Brothers and sisters of deceased are Ernest, Richard, Frederick, James [dec], Alice (Mrs S Lemm, McKenzie Creek), Adeline (Mrs W Franklin, Horsham), Mary (Mrs Cheesman) [dec] and Annie (Mrs Bailey) [dec]. The funeral will take place today, leaving Weight and Sons chapel for the Horsham Cemetery after a service commencing at 1.15pm.

Albert was buried in the returned soldiers section of Horsham Cemetery and the plaque on his grave site reads:

In Loving Remembrance of

Albert Edward Bennetts

Died Dec. 1949 Age 67

Loved Brother of Alice Lemm

Abide with Thee

– KEN FLACK, Horsham RSL Military History and Heritage Centre

With thanks: Sally Bertram, RSL Military History Library. Contact Sally at sj.bertram@hotmail.com or call 0409 351 940.

Their sons, Alexander and Jack, are the sixth McRae generation on the farm and they run sheep and grow crops 20 kilometres west of St Arnaud.

They say the proposed 500 KV overhead power line planned by Victoria to New South Wales Intercennector West (VNI) across Victoria will split the McRae property in half and restrict their farming practices.

"Many of our neighbours are also descendants of the first settlers and are extremely opposed to the project and say they will fight to the end to stop it from happening," Warren said.

"The first settlers had an extremely tough life on land, which had no improvements, no fences, no water sources, or roads.

"They had to clear the land, build fences, housing, and dams by themselves. If they failed to do this, they were forced off their land, which happened to many," he said.

The ones that did hang onto their land had to endure many years of droughts, floods, depression, and wars.

"They didn't do this to lose their farmland to an overseas-owned renewable project that has no support from any of the farmers in the district," Warren said.

He believes the VNI project and those managing it have had little regard for the community and failed to hold proper community consultation.

The project managers have approached some of our most vulnerable, and that has angered and divided the community.

"People don't realise if they sign contracts with this company, they may have signed their farm and life away," he said.

" But no one in the area has signed yet as far as I am aware," he said.

"TCV has provided some small community grants, but it's nothing compared to what we'll lose," he said.

"People think the farmers are getting huge compensation, but nobody wants it anyway."

He is concerned about how fires under the high-voltage power lines will be managed

"How many homes will be under threat in the event of a fire while this is being worked out?" he asked, "because we have no answers on any of this yet."

"Many brigades have already gone on strike and say they will only attend fires on land hosting renewables if someone's life is in danger."

possible.

renewable energy projects have yet to be addressed.

fibre.

anywhere else in the world but not here somehow.

We mustn't have any uranium?

"Why not build the reactors where existing power stations are?"

leave much room for food and fibre production," he said.

"People's lights, TV's, heaters, air conditioners, and fridges will be working, but there will be very little to eat."