January 10
Outrage over constant power outages
INCREASINGLY frustrated locals are calling for action to address frequent power outages impacting Strathbogie Shire towns and surrounding districts, including five major unplanned outages since November. Barely a week after an outage on Christmas Eve affected 2185 customers, the region was hit with another major outage on January 2, lasting over 24 hours for some and affecting 2146 customers.
January 17
Klofty Retires
Latest Stories
IN 1953, in Germany, the Klofts named their newborn baby boy “Franz”, oblivious that in the not-too distant future, in country Australia, a building signed “Franz Kloft MECHANICAL REPAIRS” would become an intrinsic part of Euroa’s visual fabric, the workshop prominently positioned on Railway Street at the entrance of Binney Street. That piece of Euroa history is now drawing to a close.
January 17
Klofty Retires
Nearing his 71st birthday, mechanic Franz Kloft closes his iconic workshop
IN 1953, in Germany, the Kloft s named their newborn baby boy “Franz”, oblivious that in the not-too distant future, in country Australia, a building signed “Franz Kloft MECHANICAL REPAIRS” would become an intrinsic part of Euroa’s visual fabric, the workshop prominently positioned on Railway Street at the entrance of Binney Stre
January 24
“Urgently investigating” fixes for power outages
A RECENT commitment from AusNet of a $9 million investment in local energy infrastructure will not help reduce frequent power outages in Euroa and nearby areas, but AusNet has committed to addressing the issue and said they are “urgently investigating” solutions as pressure grows on the company to act.
January 31
Michael Tehan honoured with OAM
EUROA’S own Michael Tehan, a 78-year-old lawyer and community stalwart, was among 503 outstanding Australians to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) this Australia Day. Mr Tehan said in the 24 hours since the recognition was made public, the response was overwhelming: he was contacted by up to 160 people, many of whom he had not spoken to in over two decades. “They’ve all been extremely generous in their comments, and I think a bit excited themselves, and thrilled to have been part of my journey,” he said.
February 7
Euroa members to vote on partial GV Health takeover
EUROA Health – one of Victoria’s few remaining community-owned bush nursing hospitals – could soon see the operation of its acute, urgent and imaging hospital services taken over by a government-funded health service, Goulburn Valley Health. Members of Euroa Health will be asked to vote in favour of the proposal at a specially convened meeting on February 22, after the proposal was recently endorsed by the boards of Euroa Health and GV Health.
February 14
Nest boxes saving threatened species
NEST boxes made by local students in Euroa last year are housing some of nature’s wonderful animals, with phascogales and sugar gliders just a couple of species taking up the new homes. The children worked extremely well last year, and the results have been fantastic. The boxes were to provide homes for some special small animals that live in the bushland just south of Euroa, and are already working.
February 21
Women in War mural launched
ON Friday last week, 350 people gathered outside the Violet Town RSL to be part of the unveiling of their new mural with the help of local politicians Annabelle Cleeland and Dr Helen Haines.
February 28
A unanimous vote
SOME 116 Euroa Health members voted unanimously on Thursday evening in favour of a proposal to see the operation of Euroa Health’s acute, urgent and imaging hospital services taken over by Goulburn Valley Health.
March 6
French tourist dies in Euroa crash
A 21-YEAR-OLD female French tourist died in a car crash on Forlonge Memorial Road in Euroa at about 5pm on Friday. The driver, also a 21-year-old female French tourist, has since been charged with dangerous driving causing death.
March 13
Time extension for shire administrator
PETER Stephenson has been reappointed as Strathbogie Shire Council’s administrator, with his tenure extended until the October council elections.
March 20
Car show cancelled
THE 2024 Australian National Show and Shine Euroa has been cancelled after organisers of the iconic car show were unable to form a new committee at their recent annual general meeting. The fate of the event in 2025 and beyond will depend on individuals stepping up to fill core committee positions and other volunteer roles.
March 27
Local groups struggle amid decline in volunteering
THE decline in volunteering affecting community groups in the region – a trend seen across regional and rural Australia – has been highlighted by the closure of Euroa Probus Club and the cancellation of the 2024 Australian National Show and Shine Euroa.
April 3
Demolition delayed
COMMUNITY group EuroaConnect has succeeded in further delaying the demolition of the Euroa Goods Shed after the Heritage Council of Victoria (HCV) granted a hearing at which the group will continue to assert the shed’s heritage value. The shed is likely to remain standing until August 2024, with HCV required to make its decision within 90 days of the hearing, which is expected in May 2024.
April 10
Shire CEO will say goodbye
STRATHBOGIE Shire Council CEO Julie Salomon, pictured at last month’s council meeting, has resigned effective from July 4.
April 17
John Holland selected for Inland Rail
INLAND Rail has engaged John Holland to complete early commencement works (ECW) and early delivery activities for the remaining eight sites on Inland Rail in Victoria.
April 24
Council fees concerns
A 2.75 PERCENT increase in rates, a host of new fees for events on council-owned property, and initiatives to address climate change and road safety are among the proposals in Strathbogie Shire Council’s 2024/25 draft budget, which is now open for community feedback.
May 1
Lest Euroa forget
EUROA’S ANZAC Day services were marked by strong attendance as the community came together to honour those who have served and acknowledge the region’s storied military history.
May 8
More groups slam council’s proposed event fee hike
MORE community and not-for-profit groups have slammed the new event charges proposed by Strathbogie Shire Council in its 2024/25 draft budget, which is open for consultation until 24 May, saying their viability may be threatened.
May 15
Euroa rocked by string of car thefts, business burglaries
PEACEFUL Euroa enjoys a low rate of theft most weeks, but in the past week the town has been rocked by four alleged car thefts and three alleged business burglaries.
Euroa Police’s Sergeant-in-charge, Mark Eade, said three cars were stolen in Euroa on the evening of Sunday, May 12 and in the early hours of Monday, 13 May.
May 22
Interim shire council CEO Tim Tamlin appointed
TIM Tamlin has been appointed Strathbogie Shire Council’s interim CEO for a period of up to 12 months, beginning on July 15.
The May council meeting report states Mr Tamlin will lead the councillor induction program after the October council elections and assist the councillor team with the recruitment and selection of a permanent CEO.
May 29
GV Health campus to be named “Euroa Hospital”
GV HEALTH’S Euroa campus, set to begin operating under the GV Health banner from July 1, will be named Euroa Hospital, GV Health has revealed today.
Ahead of its partial takeover of Euroa Health, GV Health called on the public to provide feedback on two options for the name of its Euroa campus: “Euroa Hospital” and “Euroa Community Hospital”.
June 5
Alistair Thomson remembered by friends, colleagues
FRIENDS and colleagues of Alistair Thomson have expressed their shock at the former Strathbogie Shire councillor’s passing on a hike near Alice Springs, after police found his body at the conclusion of an extensive search last week.
The 64-year-old was a Strathbogie Shire councillor from 2016 to 2020 and a member of council’s independent audit and risk committee from 2020 until the time of his passing.
June 12
Funding to fix power woes
AUSNET has announced that they are working towards the improved reliability of the Benalla to Euroa electricity distribution line, known as BN11, spending more than $10 million since January with aims of addressing ongoing energy supply issues in the region.
June 19
Crime concerns voiced
RESIDENTS have attended community safety forums across the region to voice their concerns about the surge in local crime, with many people feeling vulnerable and demanding greater police presence in their towns. Hosted by Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, the forums held in Broadford, Benalla, Euroa, and Locksley on June 12 allowed community members to speak about their experiences with the escalating issues of theft s, farm crimes, assaults, and family violence.
June 26
Council resolves to demolish Chinamans Bridge
STRATHBOGIE Shire Council last week resolved to demolish one of Victoria’s oldest timber bridges, the heritage-listed Chinamans Bridge in Nagambie, which is believed to have been constructed in 1891. But the severely damaged bridge will continue to languish as council applies for a demolition permit from Heritage Victoria and advocates to the state and federal governments for funds to demolish the bridge.
July 3
Fire reveals secret Euroa cannabis house
A “HYDROPONICS HOUSE” allegedly used to grow cannabis on Beaton Street in Euroa was discovered by police after catching fire on Monday night last week. Euroa police Sergeant-in-charge Paul Van Emmerik estimated over 100 cannabis plants had been removed by police from the property’s rear shed, while an unknown number of cannabis plants inside the house were destroyed.
July 10
Council feeling burden
SRATHBOGIE Shire Council has joined councils and local government groups across Victoria in slamming the state and federal governments for cost shifting and failing to provide adequate funding through grants.
July 17
THE Euroa Agricultural Society is thrilled to announce the return of the Euroa Show, marking its 132nd year with a series of exciting events from October 25 to 27. This year, the Euroa Showgrounds will host the 2024 CopRice Victoria Yard Dog Championship, enhancing a growing section of our agricultural show.
The championship will span over three days, from October 25 to 27, showcasing the extraordinary skills of yard dogs and their handlers.
July 24
Change is coming for Longwood ladies
LONGWOOD Football Netball Club’s goal of building female-friendly changerooms has been beset by frustrating delays, but will finally become a reality after Strathbogie Shire Council secured a grant of $549,460 for the project.
July 31
Council’s $25m challenge
THE new councillors to be elected in October will have big decisions to make aft er a report this month recommended works totaling over $25 million to redevelop council’s staff buildings and depots, which are no longer fi t for purpose. The report proposed three options, each exceeding $17 million, to redevelop council’s Binney Street offices, while estimating a cost of over $7.5 million to improve council’s operational depots ($5+ million for the Euroa Depot and $2.5+ million for the Nagambie Depot).
August 7
Clock’s ticking for council candidates
STRATHBOGIE Shire Council’s new interim CEO Tim Tamlin is calling on community members to stand as candidates in the October 2024 council elections, with about six weeks remaining for punters to decide whether they will stand.
August 14
Euroa has a public hospital
EUROA’S hospital, established in 1927, was officially transferred on Monday from community-owned operator Euroa Health to the publicly funded health provider Goulburn Valley Health. Some 23 former Euroa Health nursing and support staff have transferred their employment to GV Health and will continue at Euroa Hospital.
The momentous occasion was ushered in with a casual, upbeat morning tea at the hospital on Monday.
“Today there’s a real buzz about the place, so I can see that this future is going to be good for Euroa,” Euroa Health CEO Melissa Seymour said.
August 21
Magpie’s first birthday
EUROA’S giant Australian magpie sculpture has celebrated its first birthday. Ever since its unveiling on August 11, 2023, the town has felt different. The magpie has become a symbol of local pride and identity, a town focal point, a bringer of joy and a tourist favourite.
August 28
Green light for Kirwans Bridge caravan park
STRATHBOGIE Shire Council has approved a controversial application to develop a caravan park at Kirwans Bridge, near Nagambie.
September 4
Euroa gets new playground, bike-ed track
EUROA’S upgraded Bicentennial Park playground and new bike education track quietly opened to the public on Thursday evening. A small group of parents and kids celebrated on Friday morning by sampling the equipment and the 170m-squared, asphalt bike track within the gated Garrett Street play space.
September 11
Albury line to close for three days amid construction surge
THE Albury railway line will close for 60 hours later this month (September 14- 16) for Inland Rail construction work. Coaches will replace trains for the entire journey between Southern Cross and Albury during the works period.
September 18
Shed battle lost
COMMUNITY group EuroaConnect has lost its long-running fight to save the 150-year-old Euroa Goods Shed from demolition. Inland Rail has confirmed it will “now commence taking the necessary steps to remove the goods shed” after Heritage Council Victoria (HCV) published a ruling on Thursday denying state heritage protection for the shed.
September 25
Netball double
AFTER a thrilling season, both Euroa’s A and B Grade netball teams have taken out the GVL Premierships on Sunday September 22. Holly Reid led the charge and won A grade best on court and co-coach Sarah Ternes won B grades honours.
October 2
Mass job cuts at GOTAFE
STAFF across GOTAFE campuses are reeling with an estimated 70 jobs to potentially go, as part of 90 non-teaching positions impacted under a major restructure of the tertiary education provider.
October 9
The Show & Shine that almost never happened
THE Australian National Show & Shine Euroa was a success on Sunday – a triumphant turnaround after what had earlier appeared to be a dim situation for Euroa’s biggest annual event.
October 16
New role for Euroa CFA
SOME 14 Euroa Fire Brigade members are the first in Victoria training to respond to cardiac arrest incidents through the CFA’s Fire Medical Response (FMR) program.
October 23
“Farmers leave things unlocked”: police on Violet Town farm thefts
POLICE are urging farmers not to leave their keys in the ignition aft er two vehicles were allegedly stolen from neighbouring Violet Town farms in a 48-hour period.
October 30
Show’s still got it
THE Euroa Agricultural Show appears to be staying as fresh and relevant as ever, with the 132-year old event last weekend counting strong gate-takings and receiving glowing reviews.
November 6
AusNet’s second powerline proposal
AUSNET is preparing to submit a proposal to the Australian Energy Regulator for a second powerline to service the Euroa area, as a long-term investment for the region’s unreliable power supply.
November 13
Strathbogie Shire’s new councillors
DIVERSITY of towns, professional backgrounds and genders is reflected in the Strathbogie Shire’s new group of councillors, who were officially declared elected on Friday.
November 20
Slip lane extension irks Anderson St residents
INLAND Rail’s plan to extend a slip lane on Anderson Street will force some unhappy residents to drive around the block just to enter their own driveways.
November 27
MAYOR CLAIRE!
CLAIRE Ewart-Kennedy, a former staff er for Liberal and National Party MPs, has been elected Strathbogie Shire Council’s first mayor since council’s December 2023 suspension.
December 4
“Ridiculous”: local kids slam social ban
LOCAL parents and teenagers have reacted to the Federal Government’s new legislation banning under 16s from social media platforms, which passed in parliament last week.
December 11
Northeast growth spurt
THE Strathbogie Shire is riding a growth wave sweeping northeast Victoria, ranking as the state’s third fastest growing LGA in a December 2024 Regional Australia Institute (RAI) report.
December 18
Euroa SC Dux - Ellie Bott
EUROA Secondary College is delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its Year 12 students in the 2024 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) exams.
December 23
Cheers to another market year
WOW! What a way to finish of yet another successful year of community markets in Euroa. The sun shone brightly, the breeze (a little strong early in the morning but settled down later) kept the early temperatures at acceptable level, the stallholders were please with moving back onto the lawns and the atmosphere was great.
