To celebrate the launch of the all-new Toyota C-HR, Toyota has partnered with Australian jewellery designer Millie Savage and diamond manufacturer Heart in Diamond to create a capsule collection of unique jewellery made from parts of the new vehicle.

The sharp-edged exterior styling of the C-HR was inspired by a cut diamond and now it's literally become one in a world-first diamond collection created from the car itself - a collection that allows proud vehicle owners to make a statement.

Ms Savage has succeeded in turning parts of what was once a Toyota C-HR into a stunning and bold collection consisting of nine rings, a necklace, a bracelet, a pair of earrings and, in true Millie Savage fashion, a tooth grill. 

The one-of-a-kind lab-grown diamonds have been crafted specifically using carbon extracted from components of a pre-production C-HR and took just under four weeks to produce.

Toyota Australia chief marketing officer Vin Naidoo said this was an exciting opportunity for Toyota to be a part of something unique and innovative.

"This is an incredibly exciting moment for Toyota Australia, working with Heart in Diamonds and Millie Savage to create this world-first collection using carbon sourced from the new C-HR - it's something we're very proud to be involved in," Mr Naidoo said.

"The opportunity to collaborate with one of Melbourne's best-known independent jewellery designers in Millie is a special opportunity for Toyota Australia.

"Millie's capsule collection is a chance for us to learn from and connect with local creatives and showcase how inspiration and creativity can be derived from anywhere." 

Ms Savage, who began her career by handmaking pieces in her garden shed and who now has stores in Melbourne, Moorooduc and London, said that when she saw the brief from Toyota she was immediately inspired.

"The concept of transforming something mechanical into something organic was a major inspiration," she said.

"I focused on the sleek lines and innovative design of the Toyota C-HR, infusing these elements into the jewellery pieces.

"The final products are bold yet refined, reflecting both the car's contemporary aesthetic and my own style."

Ms Savage said she believed in using ethically sourced, high-quality materials and had a true love for jewellery making, ensuring a high level of craftsmanship.

The Toyota and Millie Savage jewellery collaboration is on sale at www.milliesavage.com/collections/limited-edition-2024.

The Toyota C-HR is available in three variants with a choice of two new-generation hybrid powertrains and features a range of new technologies for safety, comfort and convenience.

The three-hour event saw entrants come from as far as Kyabram, Ballarat, Warnambool, Ouyen and Mount Gambier support the event, with around 100 cars and bikes on display.

Organiser Simon Clark said despite the miserable weather it was a great day.

"I was blown away by the support we received," he said.

"It was outstanding to see so many getting behind WACK and their cause."

Mr Clark said it was the third time weather hadn't been too friendly, but they still managed to attract a good crowd.

"It just shows how strong the car and bike community is and it's a great social catch-up," he said.

"Thanks to Horsham Rotary for cooking up a barbecue breakfast and to Allison from Horsham Plaza."

The voices of 1000 rural women are being sought for a groundbreaking new documentary on Australia's rural, regional and remote women.

Rural Daughters is a feature-length documentary by award-winning CheekyMac Productions.

It will follow the personal journeys of some of Australia's most inspiring rural women in their efforts to overcome barriers, effect change and live a successful, purpose-driven life in the regions.

In addition to their stories, a nationwide 1000 Rural Women Survey has been developed to capture the experiences of rural women on a broad range of topics.

Their views are being sought on issues from natural disasters, health and domestic violence to societal attitudes, racial prejudice, tall poppy syndrome, community life, leadership and female role models.

The documentary and survey are the brainchild of producer, director and writer Danielle McAlpine Johnson, herself a rural woman from Gippsland.

Mrs McAlpine Johnson aims to garner more than 1000 survey responses to provide a statistical snapshot of rural women.

"Surveying 1000 rural women is a bold target but we hope women take this opportunity to tell us about their lives and be a part of a collective voice in the Rural Daughters story," she said.

"These women are the backbone of rural Australia and we are putting our heart and soul into telling their stories: how they overcome adversity, find purpose, break limitations and lead in their communities in the most unique and innovative ways."

The survey has been developed by Federation University's Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC), together with CheekyMac Productions - both organisations led by rural women.

Commissioned by the Community Enterprise Foundation, the survey is expected to be the largest and broadest of its kind.

"Our involvement in this documentary is an opportunity to showcase that a regionally based university can make a difference with regional communities and, in particular, advocate for rural women on issues that matter," CERC's Professor Joanne Porter said.

The documentary and survey results are expected to be used to inform policy and develop educational resources in Australian schools.

The survey is available online now and throughout September and can be found at www.cheekymac.com/rural-daughters

To request a printed copy, contact CERC@federation.edu.au

Children had the chance to put their handiwork skills to the test and make a gift for dad.

Other activities and attractions included face painting, potion mixing and tiny goats, with emergency services crews also lending a hand.

Steven Kingshott is the second monitor appointed to HRCC in two years.

Ratepayers will be footing the bill to cover a daily pay packet of $1296 during his nine-month posting.

A council spokesperson said he was expected to work two or three days a week, beginning on September 2 and ending on June 30.

Mr Kingshott's predecessor, Jude Holt, cost council $65,779.87 during her six-month tenure from July 2022 to January 2023.

In her report to Local Government Minister Melissa Horne, Ms Holt noted "conflict between the councillor cohort" and "tension between councillors which escalated at times to disrespectful behaviours".

"It is my view that there was an absence of leadership qualities and behaviours expected of community leaders and councillors in line with the councillor code of conduct," she said.

Among her recommendations was that council addressed the disconnect between community interest in council affairs and an apparent revolving door of inexperienced, elected councillors.

Ms Holt said the rate of attrition of councillors was among the most concerning aspects of the running of Horsham Rural City Council.

In 2020 six of the seven councillors were first-term councillors, in 2016 there were four, and in 2012 five of the seven were first-term councillors.

The role of a municipal monitor is to provide advice to councils that are experiencing governance issues and make recommendations to the Minister for further action.

Ms Holt's recommended in March last year that HRCC create a community leadership program to attract prospective candidates.

"It's now up to us to deliver the improvements that have been highlighted," CEO Sunil Bhalla said in response.

The community leadership program finally took effect in May this year, attracting 12 attendees.

The Horsham Times has contacted all sitting councillors seeking their intentions at the October local government elections.

Les Power and David Bowe have indicated they will stand again, and Ian Ross is "seriously considering" another tilt.

Councillors Claudia Haenel, Penny Flynn and mayor Robyn Gulline did not respond despite repeated calls.

His plan was to work for six weeks through the conversion. He stayed 30 years - and only now is he hanging up his spatula and settling into retirement.

An emotional Graeme said he loved every minute of his three decades."It's been great," he said. "I've loved working here and love the people I've worked with and I'm going to miss them."

Grampians Health Food Services manager Stephen Hill said Graeme had made a huge contribution to the team and was well liked by his colleagues."Graeme has been a real team player," Mr Hill said.

"He would do anything he was asked and was always happy to slot into a role when needed.

"He was flexible in his role and a quiet gentleman who enjoyed the occasional laugh with hiscolleagues. Importantly he has been a 'go-to' person for his team because of his great culinaryknowledge.

"It won't be the same without him and we'll miss him greatly."

Mona Margaret Wilton was born at Hamilton Hospital on August 8 1914.

She was the daughter of Frederick Richard Wilton of Allansford and Christina Margaret (née Stewart) Wilton.

Mona had an older sister, Susan Elizabeth Amy Wilton (known as Amy), and later a younger brother, Thomas Frederick Osbourne Wilton (Tom).

The family lived at Willaura.

She was schooled at Willaura and Naringal state schools, Mordialloc and Carrum high school, and Warrnambool Hospital.

In 1924 the family moved to Naringal near Warrnambool, where Frederick purchased a farm.

In 1928 Mona went to stay with an aunt, Mrs George Meyers, in Brighton for a year, then she returned to the farm at Naringal and worked as the sewing mistress at Naringal State School until 1933.

Mona joined her sister Amy in 1933 as a nurse at Warrnambool Hospital, completing her training in general nursing after three years and obtaining her midwifery certificate.

While training, she befriended Wilma Oram.

After training, Mona did private nursing around Warrnambool and Daylesford as head sister.

She stayed connected with Wilma during this time.

In 1941 Mona joined the Australian Army Nursing Service, enlisting on August 6 in Melbourne.

Her occupation was listed as nursing sister and her hometown was Warrnambool.

Mona's service numbers were VX61225 and VFX61225.

She began training at Darley near Bacchus Marsh.

Mona persuaded Wilma Oram to join up as well and eventually they found themselves attached to the 13th Australian General Hospital (AGH).

After final leave the two nurses boarded Wanganella in 1941, expecting to go to the Middle East.

Instead, they arrived in Singapore on September 15, where they initially set up a hospital at St Patrick's School.

They transferred to Johore Bahru on the southern tip of the Malay mainland, where they set up the 13th Australian General Hospital.

However, soon after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour, the invaders approached overland from the north and the nurses and their patients had to retreat across the causeway to Singapore.

Mona said "tent hospital had to be erected as there were many wounded soldiers coming in to be looked after" and "Japanese planes directing their bombs at the hospital".

After retreating to Singapore 13th AGH again set up at St Patrick's School.

With the worsening situation, nurses of all units were extremely unwilling to leave wounded soldiers behind when ordered to evacuate by sea in various requisitioned ships.

Mona was one of a group that boarded Vyner Brooke on February 12 1942 - one of the last ships to leave carrying evacuees from Singapore.

Although the ship usually carried only 12 passengers in addition to her 47 crew, Vyner Brooke sailed south with 181 passengers embarked, most of them women and children.

Among the passengers were the last 65 Australian nurses from Singapore.

On February 14 1942 Vyner Brooke was attacked by several Japanese aircraft.

Despite taking evasive action, the ship was crippled by several bombs and within half an hour rolled over and sank bow first.

Mona and her friend Wilma were in the water together as the ship went down.

Mona was not seen again after the ship listed onto them and sank.

Approximately 150 survivors eventually made it ashore at Banka Island after periods of between eight and 65 hours in the water.

The island was occupied by the Japanese and most of the survivors were taken captive.

Of the 65 servicewomen who embarked on Vyner Brooke, only 24 - including Vivian Bullwinkel and Betty Jeffrey - returned to Australia.

Of the 32 taken prisoner of war, eight died in captivity.

Another 22 who survived the sinking were washed ashore on Radji Beach, Banka Island, where they surrendered to the Japanese, along with 25 British soldiers.

On February 16 the group was massacred: the soldiers were bayoneted and the nurses were ordered to march into the sea, where they were shot.

Only Sister Vivian Bullwinkel and a British soldier survived the massacre, the soldier later dying as a POW.

Sister Mona Margaret Wilton was one of 12 nurses lost at sea off Banka Island, Netherlands East Indies, on Valentine's Day 1942. She was aged 28 and has no known grave.

Mona is commemorated at the Singapore Memorial to the Missing within the grounds of Kranji War Cemetery, where her official commemoration is on Memorial Location Column 142.

Her last rank was lieutenant and her unit was 2/13 AGH, Australian Army Nursing Service.

She is commemorated on 14 monuments and memorials, including Bicton Vyner Brooke Tragedy Memorial, the West Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour Panel 96, the Singapore Memorial in Kranji War Cemetery and a plaque on Banka Island, east of Sumatra in present-day Indonesia.

The Warrnambool Base Hospital Memorial Window is dedicated to Mona.

It was unveiled on March 28 1953 by Wilma Young (née Oram).

The Wimmera Mallee remembers its nurses Olive Dorothy Panske of Dimboola (who was lost at sea), Florence Rebecca Casson of Warracknabeal (massacred on Radji beach), Wilma Elizabeth Forster Oram of Glenorchy (POW), Mona Margaret Wilton of Willaura (lost at sea) and all the other nurses and soldiers who died in this tragedy or in POW camps.

Lest we Forget.

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

West Vic Business ​representative Stacey Taig​ said one of her members had complained of an increase in incidents of "aggressive behaviour from unstable individuals​" frequenting the area​.

Now police are being brought in to assist business owners de-escalate risks in potentially dangerous situations.

"We understand this is an issue facing many of you,​" Ms Taig told members.

"West Vic Business has contacted Horsham Police to follow up the potential for some assistance regarding this matter​.

"As a result, the Proactive Police Unit will be contacting us directly to speak further about the possibility of some form of training to help business owners and staff de-escalate a situation such as this, should it occur."

​Ms Taig said it also was important that employers underst​ood their OH&S obligations in providing a safe workplace for their employees and customers​.

​She recommended they develop some form of procedural manual that cover​ed off potential incidents​.

"Whilst it is difficult to pre-empt a situation like this, or predict the behaviour of others, it is important that you take the lead where at all possible," she said.

Business owners can learn more about conflict resolution by visiting www.police.vic.gov.au/responding-to-aggressive-customers 

While there have been some districts with fair rains, many of the wetlands are holding little or no water and this impacts on the ability of birds to build nests.

Swans and ducks have to make do with less water.

Brolgas are a large member of the crane family that nests in shallow water by scraping together reeds, leaves and grass.

It is a fairly torrid nest but serves the purpose.

Nesting on deeper water makes them a bit safer from feral foxes and cats.

These are the dancing birds with courtship displays using the wings as part of a wonderful prancing/ flouncing routine.

Brolgas come and go with the season but they have greater numbers in northern Australia.

It is not uncommon to have a brolga feeding in a grassy paddock, seemingly a long way from water, as it searches out food.

The birds fly off in the late evening to spend the night in a wetland and return to the feeding areas the next morning.

A brolga is a tall graceful bird with a straight beak and a striking red head, while the body feathers are a pale grey.

A brolga in the air makes a distinctive honking as it flies.

There is no competition for food types because swans are predominantly grass-eaters while brolgas catch grasshoppers, small fish and frogs.

Swans and grebes will also build a nest that floats on water while ducks prefer a good hollow tree.

Getting the fledglings onto the ground seems impossible but the little ones simply flutter down in a sort of controlled fashion, then it is a long, dangerous journey to find a suitable water body.

To have no water might mean no breeding for that season, or enough late rains could activate a nesting.

Ms Simpson has been sharing her story in support of the Dying to Know Day campaign, and is urging others to complete an advance care directive.

This type of directive documents a person's preferences for future medical treatment, ranging from general values to specific instructions around treatment options.

"The main thing for me is I don't want to linger about in pain with no quality of life," Ms Simpson said.

"I saw my sister suffer in great pain and watched my friend visit her mother, kept alive as a vegetable, for years. I want to die on my own terms."

Ms Simpson said when she filled out her form she could not imagine how soon a life-threatening illness would bring the issue to the fore.

"I had an infection in my heart and an abscess on the aorta burst," she said.

"Surgeons had to take my heart out, clean it and keep me on life support while they gave me a new valve.

"I died and came back - they didn't have room for me."

Ms Simpson described having haunting visions and nightmares from the seven days she was intubated and unconscious.

Despite the "harrowing" experience, she said she was comforted by the knowledge her wishes were documented.

"The doctors had something to go by - my family weren't left to make decisions they didn't want to and I could relax knowing my wishes would be met," she said.

"These directives aren't something to be feared: they're about taking control of your own life.

"I'm not afraid of dying now."

Ms Simpson's message to people is to consider their options while in good health.

"When I filled mine out, I was clear-headed and could take time to think things through," she said.

"Making those decisions while under pressure, in hospital or while you're really sick, is notsomething you need.

"People avoid talking about death but, I promise you, it's such a relief and now I can get on with living."

For access and assistance with advance care directives call Grampians Health Edenhope HUB on 5585 9830.

Councillors voted on Monday to delay adopting the plan as presented to the public in July until specific figures on the catchment population could be rechecked.

Council's caution came after the plan for transforming the current aerodrome into a fully fledged airport was examined by the public in recent weeks.

The Horsham Airport Master Plan contains analysis of likely traffic throught the facility up until 2044 and makes recommendations for increasing commercial activity at the site, including by making the airport attractive to a regional airline.

Once the numbers have been either confirmed or updated, the plan will be considered by the new council at some point after the October local government election.

The memorial relates to one of the Wimmera's best known and loved stories.

It commemorates three children who were lost in dense bush for nine days in 1854 and found alive after Aboriginal trackers from nearby Mt Elgin Station joined the search team.

The saga began when Hannah Duff, the wife of a shepherd farmer at Spring Hill Station, sent her children Jane, Isaac and Frank to gather firewood.

The children became lost and when found had wandered about 80 kilometres through dense bushland.

During their ordeal without food they gathered water by sucking dew from leaves.

Soon after the siblings were found donations poured in from around the world and helped to pay for the monument.

The story of the lost children was later written up by historian Les Blake in a school reader used extensively in Australian schools in the 1960s.

A West Wimmera Shire spokesperson was unable to say whether the damage to the monument was because of wear and tear since its unveiling in 1935 or because of attempts to climb it.

"The upper section is now in storage while the council seeks quotes to reattach the missing section," she said.

The company has established a long and respected history as an industry leader when it comes to the quality of its products for the Australian market.

Going well beyond the steel and chrome, Isuzu Trucks has spent decades creating an exemplary aftersales experience for customers, such as the smooth supply of genuine parts and accessories through its national network of dealerships and authorised service and parts outlets (ASPOs), this supply extending into a vast array of independent repair shops and panel beaters across the country.

This includes 35,000 individual line items – more than seven million pieces in total at any given time – that are available from Isuzu's National Parts Distribution Centre in Melbourne.

The state-of-the-art facility is one of the largest truck parts and component sites in the Southern Hemisphere and is a key asset in Isuzu's meticulous planning for efficient parts turnaround, keeping businesses on the road where they're needed.

For those seeking more from their hard-earned dollars, an additional benefit of choosing to do business with Isuzu is a loyalty program that rewards customers for investing in a range of top-quality truck parts and accessories.

This operational advantage is afforded to eligible customers who sign up to Isuzu's Trade Mate loyalty program, run in partnership with Qantas Business Rewards.

Trade Mate members can earn one Qantas Point for each $1 spent on eligible Isuzu parts and accessories.

Qantas Points earned for business can then be put towards flights, hotels and car hire, or more than 30,000 products on the Qantas Marketplace.

IAL national parts sales manager Joel Gledhill said Isuzu's Trade Mate program was designed to benefit small to medium-sized ABN holders, with the offer available on a huge number of Isuzu parts and accessories, including Isuzu's genuine parts range

"Not only does Isuzu have a massive range of products but we have in stock some seven million parts that are waiting to be shipped from our central National Parts Distribution Centre," Mr Gledhill said.

"If proof in the quality and durability of Isuzu parts was not enough, the offer of a Trade Mate membership to earn Qantas Points is a great incentive for the price-conscious to choose the very best for their tool of trade.

"We understand that the requirements of our customers vary in relation to their servicing, but there's always a common theme of the need for quality parts, ensuring vehicles are well-maintained – avoiding interruption and maximising uptime.

"We've recorded that $12 million of Isuzu parts are fitted to other truck brands through third-party service and repair outlets each year, which serves to highlight the value of this reward program."

Isuzu genuine parts are manufactured to strict quality standards to ensure a high level of performance and maximise future re-sale value.

They are backed by a 12-month, unlimited-kilometre warranty to ensure peace of mind.

They come with a three-year parts-and-labour warranty when fitted by an authorised Isuzu Dealer or ASPO.

Isuzu offers a comprehensive range of best-value parts (BVP) to suit many older Isuzu Truck models.

BVP products are backed by a 12-month, unlimited-kilometre warranty, regardless of the installer.

The Isuzu BVP range includes products such as starter motors, alternators, drive belts, brake components, clutch components and filters, manufactured to high quality standards and with the range continually expanding to keep up with customer requirements.

Isuzu has partnered with other industry-leading brands in truck parts and componentry to provide a range of trusted Isuzu approved parts.

Market-leading brands include Fuchs, Meritor, Narva, Fleetguard, Eaton, Hendrickson, Cummins Filtration, Allison Transmission and many more.

Rewarding loyal customers with a scheme that gave back over the journey of truck ownership was testament to the brand's faith in the longevity of its trucks, feeding into Isuzu's reputation for superior service and product support, Mr Gledhill said.

"The Trade Mate program is all about supporting Isuzu customers in the long-term, while also showing that we're proud to stand behind the quality of our products," he said.

"We've received great feedback from customers that have embraced the Trade Mate program already and they've unlocked some fantastic rewards for their business and their families.

"With the start of a new financial year now on us, this is your call to take full advantage of the perks of owning an Isuzu truck for the business."

Mr Bhalla, who joined HRCC as CEO in March 2018, is leaving to spend more time with family members and pursue other interests, including the establishment of a charity to support the welfare of young girls in rural India.

 The departure will be effective as of Friday, 6 September, and an open process to appoint an Interim CEO is underway.

 "I believe it's time for change. This provides the opportunity for the incoming Council to appoint a new CEO and continue the revitalisation of Horsham," Mr Bhalla said.

 "I am very proud of the work my team and I have done in Horsham over the last six and a half years. We have been on a change journey to build a forward-looking and inclusive organisation, with a culture of accountability and transparency, delivering best value for our community.

 "Our staff are committed and passionate about their work, and despite the growing financial pressures, they work hard every day to deliver the best services to our community.

 "I would like to thank the mayors (Cr Pam Clarke, Cr Mark Radford, and Cr Robyn Gulline) for their leadership, at times under very challenging circumstances. I admire their passion, commitment, and pursuit to get the best results for our community. I thank all the current and former Councillors that I have worked with for their support."

 "I also want to thank my colleagues at numerous state government agencies, businesses, community groups, and our neighbouring councils who I have worked with for their support," he continued.

 "I already had leave planned for September and October prior to the Council election. I might now make it a longer break before embarking on the next chapter. My wife and I have been working on a plan to set up a small charity to help girls from disadvantaged families in rural and remote communities in India with their education. I intend to now focus on launching our charity foundation," he said.

 Mayor Cr Gulline thanked Mr Bhalla for his service and acknowledged his contribution during his time at Horsham.

 "We greatly appreciate the expertise and knowledge that Sunil has brought to this organisation during his time at Council and wish him well in the future," Cr Gulline said.

 "Under Sunil's leadership, we have seen remarkable progress in our infrastructure projects and community services that will have a lasting impact into the future.""It is essential for our Wimmera Mallee region that Horsham is a progressive regional city that attracts investment and people through opportunities and liveability. Sunil's strong focus in this area has been instrumental in Council gaining funding for the delivery of generational projects," she said.

 Under Mr Bhalla's guidance, Council has successfully secured more than $20 million in state and federal government investment in key infrastructure projects for the municipality, including:

 Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange's roof installation

• Wimmera Agricultural and Logistics HUB

• More than $5 million in competitive Federal Government roads funding

• Riverfront Activation project and Nature Play Park

• Hamilton Street Pedestrian Bridge

• City Oval and Sawyer Park Redevelopment

• Upgrades to Horsham Aquatic Centre

• Sporting facility upgrades at Quantong and Dudley Cornell Park

• Dooen Landfill expansion

• Horsham silo art project

Among them were Horsham Primary School 298 campus, which held a dress-up day on August 23, and Horsham West and Haven Primary School west campus, which hosted a morning parade on the basketball courts on the same day.

This year's theme was Reading is Magic.

Officers from Taskforce Lunar have arrested almost 80 people involved in serious and violent offending linked to the sale of illicit tobacco since the dedicated squad was set up last October.

Arsonists and ram raiders also have struck at dozens of tobacco stores during that period, firstly in Melbourne but now spreading into regional Victoria.

"The estimated cost of the damage from these arson attacks is well and truly above a million dollars," Taskforce Lunar Detective Inspector Graham Banks said.

"The reckless nature of these fires poses a significant risk to the life and property of innocent parties and that is completely unacceptable.

"While we have arrested a number of people already, we will relentlessly keep working our way up until we get all the way to the top of these organised crime groups."

Horsham police seized about $60,000 worth of illicit cigarettes, over $27,000 worth of vapes and at least $16,000 worth of loose-leaf tobacco in morning raids on three tobacco stores last Tuesday, in Firebrace Street and Roberts Avenue.

Anyone with information on illegal activity related to illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Council's failure to adopt its annual budget by the statutory deadline of June 30 - as required under the Local Government Act - was understood to be unprecedented.

The budget failure led to an investigation by the Local Government Inspectorate following intervention from Local Government Victoria executive director Mike Gooey.

Mr Gooey, responding to a request from CEO Sunil Bhalla to extend the deadline, warned him of the consequences and urged council to seek "urgent legal advice".

The budget was finally adopted at a council meeting on July 22.

Eight days later, in an astonishing attack from within the council chamber cohort, three councillors - Claudia Haenel, Ian Ross and David Bowe - released a joint statement saying appropriate governance was not followed, that council was not sufficiently briefed, and that relevant documentation was not provided to councillors in a timely manner.

They argued "failure by our leaders" had put council staff under "immense pressure and caused significant reputational damage to council".  

Council issued a formal statement on Tuesday morning saying the Local Government Inspectorate had concluded its investigation.

"The Inspectorate reviewed relevant documentation and held discussions with HRCC staff to understand the reasons behind the delay," the statement said.

"It was acknowledged that HRCC had applied for an extension from the Minister for Local Government in mid-June 2024, but due to timing, the request could not be considered.

"While there is no offence or penalty provision for breaching Section 94(1) of the Act, the Inspectorate emphasised the importance of timely budget adoption as a cornerstone for council operations.

"HRCC will continue to work with the Inspectorate as it monitors compliance with future budgetary and governance requirements."

Mr Bhalla said at the July 22 meeting that he saw no problem with the budget delay.

"There are no consequences," he told councillors.

On that occasion, he was correct.

"This year is my partner Jordan's first year of being a Daddy to our eight month old girl Romee," Maddie wrote when we asked readers to share a photo for Father's Day.

"He is such an amazing father to her. We would love to show him how much we appreciate him."

Consider it a job well done for all concerned, Maddie, and happy Father's Day from us to Jordan and all the dads out there.

The 27th Wimmera Biodiversity Seminar, themed "Pests, Partnerships and People Power", will run across a full day on Thursday September 5 at Goroke Memorial Hall.

Like many seminars in the past, it is once again being held in a small community hall and supporting small community organisations and businesses.

Having continued without a break for 27 years, the seminar has brought knowledge, experience, research, practical applications, revelations and many conversations to the Wimmera region.

It will focus on pest plants and animals - the things that threaten biodiversity across the region.

This year's event includes,- eight presentations throughout the day, including management of invasive plants and animals; pathogens; genetics; conservation dogs; and local projects- a field trip to a West Wimmera conservation reserve to look at management by BankAustralia, Trust for Nature and Greening Australia, and- a one-of-a-kind handmade mug crafted by local artist Wendy McInnes of Wartook Pottery.

The organising committee has worked hard to pull together an interesting and relevant list of speakers to provide unique perspectives.

"After 27 years and still going strong, our audience knows that we always deliver a fascinating and informative day with a range of speakers who will provide not only insights based on our theme but also a variety of ideas and innovations," committee member La Vergne Lehmann said.

"These speakers will certainly challenge and engage the audience, with each bringinga different approach to this important topic and theme.

"Being able to support small communities has always been a critical element of the Wimmera Biodiversity Seminar."

This year's logo, poster and program have been created by Tanisha Lovett, a proud Gunditjmara andWotjobaluk artist based in Horsham.

Registrations have opened and tickets, priced from $65, are already selling fast for the face-to-face event through Humanitix.

Information about the event is available on the Wimmera Biodiversity Seminar Facebook page.

The event is supported again this year by a range of organisations including DEECA, Wimmera CMA, Bank Australia, Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Yarriambiack Shire Council, Horsham Rural City Council, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and Trust for Nature.

Car racing had an interesting beginning in the early half of the 20th century in southern USA, and was initially associated with the transportation of illegal alcohol.

To avoid being caught by the authorities, some "bootleggers" took to transporting their "moonshine" in their "souped-up", high powered cars.

This was not an easy task, with steep, curvy roads and the constant risk of being caught by the revenue authorities.

This was the beginning of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing - commonly known as NASCAR - and is now a popular sport with fans from all over the world.

Brazilian driver Alex Ribeiro - a devoted Christian - started his racing career with a vehicle that he built at home himself in 1967.

In 1972, after winning the Brazilian Karting Championship for two consecutive years, he entered the Brazilian Formula Ford championship sponsored by the country's largest manufacturer of cigarettes.

The decision to join the team was a dilemma, as Alex knew there were Christians who opposed smoking.

Eventually he accepted an offer to join the Hollywood Ford racing team, and subsequently won his first race, driving a Porsche 910 sports car, and was runner-up in the 1972 Formula Ford Championship.

His fame grew as the driver prominently displayed on his car the message "Christo Salva" - Spanish for "Christ Saves".

In 1977 he achieved his dream of qualifying for Formula One.

He achieved 8th place in both the German and Canadian Grand Prix, although he failed to qualify for the remainder of the season, meaning he was unable to drive in F1 the following year.

His determination to continue racing led him to form his own Christian racing team, based in England, which became known as "Jesus Saves - Racing", and continues to this very day.

Towards the late 70s, Alex's racing career declined, and he went on to drive the medical car and perform chaplaincy duties at race meetings.

The story of Alex Ribeiro demonstrates how Christian mission can emerge and operate from within even the most unlikely of environments.

Being able to prominently display the message on his F1 racing car provided the opportunity to deliver the most wonderful news in the world, in ways nobody could ever have imagined.

As we read our bibles, we find sports are often mentioned and used as examples of how we should live our lives for Christ.

The apostle Paul said in his letter to the church at Corinth, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we are imperishable.

"So, I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

This is how we too need to be living our lives for Christ.