2019-6 June Gazette

Girgarre Gazette June 2019 Page 1

Girgarre Gazette June 2019 Page 2 

COTTAGE COORDINATOR’S CATCH UP 

Greetings everyone! Wow, what a busy month we 

have had. We held our second annual Mother’s Day 

Classic and with the wonderful sponsorship from Kerr’s 

AMCAL Pharmacy and Landcare (coordinated by the lovely 

Jo Doolan) we raised $1300 for breast cancer research. I 

would like to acknowledge Sandy Fletcher from the Post 

office, for all of her pre-event publicity, Tenealle Nicholson, 

for being the go-between for us and the Football Netball Club 

and Clare Kerr. 

It was a very early start for Mother’s Day (I was up at 

5.30am and thank goodness it was Mother’s Day or I do not 

think my children would have forgiven me for waking them 

up at 6am!). At the venue by 7am, with the faithful volunteers 

turning up at 7.15am. We had 40 participants, 

10 volunteers and Kara and myself. 

It was a wonderful morning, the walking track is 

beautiful and very safe. So the participants (if they were not 

running) could walk, talk and relax without having to worry 

about traffic and crossing roads. As this event coincides with 

the Farmers Market, we could saunter across the road for a 

coffee and breakfast after the event. 

All of the feedback I received was extremely positive, 

except for one lady from 

Shepparton who said the 7.45am start was a tad early, 

though she would still much prefer our event to the one being 

held over there as it was far too big. Good things come in 

small packages. 

On Tuesday 21 May we had our Biggest Morning Tea. 

What a wonderful day! Well done to Kara for running this 

event and Loraine, Cora and Debra for all of your assistance. 

The smiles and laughter, not to mention the food made it 

very enjoyable. A highlight of the day was the plant auction, 

thanks Avis Weller, not too sure if your auctioneering skills 

are legal, but they are funny. All up 44 people attended raising 

$876.10 for Cancer research. I have to admit, we were 

packed in like sardines-not able to walk between the tables, 

which did enhance the community feel as platters were 

passed and drinks were handed down the table. This has led 

to us deciding next year we will hold this event in the hall and 

open the invitation to more people and carry out greater 

promotion. So pop this one on your calendar and grab those 

friends. 

Our Facebook page is reaching more and more people and is 

sharing lots of information about what is happening in town 

and events which are occurring in this region. If you have not 

already liked our page, please search Girgarre Community 

Cottage and remember to like and share. Thank you! 

https://www.facebook.com/GirgarreCommunityCottage/ 

I need some assistance please. Our seniors are a lovely 

bunch of people, but it has been brought to my attention that 

there are many more in town we are not seeing. So I am 

organising a senior’s lunch for the 30 th of July, both for our 

current seniors and extending a personalised invitation to all 

the seniors of Girgarre. I do have a list of names, but not sure 

I have everyone. So if you know of a senior or are one, please 

get in touch with me; by phone 5854 6482, email 

girgarrenh@bigpond.com or drop in. 

Thanking you in advance. Bye for now, Kezia


FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS - MANY CAMELS GROW 

Fascinated with the beauty of wild 

camels roaming free while both 

working on a station in the 

Northern Territory, Chris and 

Megan Williams began to dream of 

milking camels. Following their 

marriage in 2011 they moved back 

to this district to take farming on 

Megan’s family dairy farm. 

This is Megan’s story; 

I am a born and bred local where I spent most of my 

years growing up on a dairy farm just outside of Girgarre. At 

the age of 20 I moved to the Northern Territory where I fell 

in love with camels and shortly after, with Chris. After 

spending 12 months in the Territory, Chris and I moved back 

to Girgarre to dairy farm with my parents, Allan and Loretta 

Warren. Fast forward a few years and now we have 3 

beautiful boys, Hugh 6, Cabe 5 and Carter almost 4 (pictured 

with me below) and from a small herd of just 3 camels, we 

now have around 300 … and a dog. The rest, as they say, is 

history. 

Starting a Camel dairy in Australia has had its 

challenges. There was no market and no one had heard of 

camel milk before. But slowly and surely we have educated 

and created a market for the milk, and for our valued added 

skincare range. The farm shop, open from 10am - 4pm weekdays 

is popular and our recent open day was a huge success. 

We are happy to run tours by prior appointment. Last year 

we gained export approval and now export fresh milk to Singapore 

and Thailand as well as to most cities in Australia. 

The volumes are small but certainly growing. An added thrill 

was winning a State Delicious award recently. 

When Chris and I first set out to produce camel milk 

I don’t think we really knew what we were getting ourselves 

into. Now with four and half years experience under our 

belts we have learnt so much, outgrown our original farm 

and expanded our production into purpose built facilities. 

It has been a wonderful few years and our learning still 

continues. It has been an exciting time developing our dream 

and we have more exciting things in the pipeline for later in 

the year. 

Check out our web page for more of our story. Megan 

(http://camelmilkco.com.au) 

Top Left: Chris relaxes against a camel. 

Above: Megan. Right: Chris with their herd of curious 

camels. Bottom Right: Megan with Carter, Cabe and Hugh


Graeme Leak “Hello Girgarre Friends” 

I am in Scotland, thinking back to the amazing time we all 

had on my most recent visit to Girgarre, my third in as many 

years. It is spring here, the fields are lush and green, the 

farmers are cutting grass. The rabbits multiplied while I was 

away and I think there is a bunny family living under the 

floor. The local farmers spray the fields with liquified cow 

poo at this time of year and some days your eyes water with 

the pong. 

This year I was engaged by Independent Schools 

Victoria to present workshops and a concert for their biannual 

Arts Learning Festival. 

During the planning, over a year ago, I suggested they 

bring the Junkestra to Melbourne, which is how our tin-can 

and rubbish-bin orchestra ended up playing a 

concert at the Deakin Edge in Federation Square on 

Saturday May 4. Once again Patrick Cronin, with his 

hallmark affability and calm professionalism, 

worked with us on the production. 

The week before we went to Melbourne was 

action packed. After three weeks and eight 

rehearsals we did a warm-up concert in Nathalia at 

the invitation of U3A. The evening, on 24 April at St 

Mary's of the Angels School, was a great success, 

thanks in part to the excellent supper, cakes and 

drinks provided by our magnificent and generous 

hosts. Patrick joined us for one song on trumpet, and my 

sister Lynne, who just loves Junkestra, drove down from 

Canberra to play her violin alongside Wallace. 

We played three pieces - an arrangement of the Bach 

Can-ta-ta ‘Jesu Junk of Wal’s Desiring (conducted by 

Maureen Shepherd), the Dean Martin classic ‘Sway’ sung by 

Wallace Williams, and a revised version of ‘Spirit Rising, the 

piece we performed at the Sound Shell opening last year, but 

without the line dancers, the fire brigade, the Rushie band, 

fire crackers, Jigarre Jammers and Doc’s ag bike. We did substitute 

an exercise bike, a hand mixer and a blender for the 

Ag Bike though… 

The next week was instrument making workshops in 

Melbourne in a marquee at Birrarung Marr. It was a 

hectic couple of days with a lot of energy from the 

kids. At the end of each session we came together 

and practiced some rhythms - living up to the name 

‘Make and Play’. 

Above Right: Lyn Cosham who conducts the ’J-Ukes’ at the 

Cottage and Julie Gross McAdam at the Nathalia 

performance. 

Above Left: Val Maudsley at the Grand. Piano, Deakin Edge, 

Federation Square, Melbourne. 

Below: The school children absorbed in making instruments 

out of rubber gloves and tin cans.


Graeme Leak - “Hello Girgarre Friends” continued…. 

Above: Unloading at the Deakin Edge. Below Left: Waiting 

for rehearsal to begin. Below Right: Relaxing in the Green 

room. 

May 4 arrived and the Junkestra boarded Mark Summers’ 

bus at 7.30am to journey down to Melbourne. The day was 

hard work, with set-up and sound check on arrival, then a full 

rehearsal before the concert. Some wonderful 

professional players came and added their voice to the 

orchestra: Boris Conley on Bassoon, Thea Rossen and Ben 

Segal on percussion, and once again my sister Lynne 

Kowalik on violin. The audience of about 200 were hugely 

enthusiastic from the minute the band arrived on stage. A 

large number of the audience were in tears as the group 

received a standing ovation. It was amazing. 

I think Junkestra is just beginning, and if you’ve not 

played in it before or you couldn’t make it this time no 

matter - the doors are open and newcomers are always 

welcome. Imagine if the whole town joined? 

On April 27 I conducted my third annual Jigarre Jamming 

Camp-over workshop with a strong roll up of about 60. 

We made a piece called ‘Nothing’ in 2 hours and 

performed it that night. The session demonstrated that 

doing nothing in a performance can be interesting and 

powerful. Stillness and silence are important counterpoints 

to movement and sound. It was loads of fun and 

the participants really put 120% into their performance. 

A video can be found at www.graemeleak.com. 

Thank you Girgarre for making this all possible. 

Until next time -Graeme Leak 

Above: Graeme conducts ‘Nothing’ at the popular Jigarre 

Jammin' Camp workshop. Right: Peter Berner with accordion 

at Deakin Edge 

A quote from Anne Smith, director of the Arts Learning festival, Melbourne in an email after the show: 

“The concert on Saturday evening was amazing!! Thanks so much for bringing the Junkestra to the Arts Learning Festival, it 

was a joy to meet them and a privilege to hear them play as an innovative, creative and positive community who has found 

regeneration for their town through music and the Arts. I will continue to think about the performance for a long time to 

come. I hope they know how special they are.”


GARDENING NOTES - Gargarro Working Bee 

Anyone with a garden 

knows that maintenance 

and development is an 

on going work of love. 

It’s no different for the 

Friends of Gargarro who 

can be seen weeding and 

staking at the Winter Rd 

site. The hot weather has 

gone and the Friends 

made the most of the 

cooler weather recently to replant some of the species 

around the proposed Seed Bank where some of the young 

stock had failed to thrive. While on the job, they replaced 

some of the perimeter and Grand Avenue tree line, taking a 

well earned break with a Devonshire tea in the Sound Shell. 

Keep warm! 

Why not get out into your own garden before the cold sets 

in? Now’s the time for general pruning back, avoiding frost 

tender plants that may put on new growth too early, raking 

up leaves for the compost or digging over the veggie patch in 

preparation for some winter planting. Brassicas can still be 

put in along with peas, sugar snap and green, onions and 

leeks and chard. It all keeps you warm and active as well as 

the kitchen stocked with wonderful home grown produce. 

Come to the market on the 9th June for your seedlings. 

The Green Thumbs volunteers have also commenced 

their winter clean up program at the Nursery. They’re 

reviewing stock numbers and propagating natives ready for 

the spring planting season. Green Thumbs is open Monday 

and Wednesday 10am – 1pm. Or by appointment. Contact 

Loraine 5854 6236 

SENIORS NOTES 

Above: George Weeks and Marlene Rodrick. Left & Centre: Shirley Weeks and Doc 

McDonald hard at work. Right: The Sound Shell makes a nice sun trap for a morning tea 

1 May. We went to The Goulburn Weir last week as 

we do love our bus outings and country drives. Dale had a 

wonderful time at the playground scooting through the air 

on the flying fox and revisiting his childhood by rolling down 

the grassy knoll not once but twice! We walked across the 

weir, the water level was down as can be expected, though 

the picnic area was lovely and green. Back on the bus, then 

back to Nagambie bakery for lunch, Nagambie was really 

busy with people everywhere. We drove home via the old 

Kirwans Bridge taking the back way to Murchison. A lovely 

day was had by all with the weather keeping it nice and cool. 

8 May. It was a beautiful day last Tuesday with the 

sun shining and the birds singing, hence we decided to dine 

alfresco. We sat around chatting and laughing and played 

cloud spotto, (trying to see animals in the cloud shapes). 

However, we did see a pair of real brolgas fly overhead quite 

a rare sight these days they must have known that rain was 

coming. Debra cook spaghetti bolognaise and John and Loraine 

our garden gurus joined us. A nice relaxing day was 

had. We are in house again this week and have a surprise in 

store. 

22 May. We had a lovely trip to Shepparton RSL. Music 

seems to be getting far more popular with our group, singing 

and dancing does bring us much joy. During the bus trip we 

had The Seekers playing and gee the memories flowed. Dale, 

once again carved up the dance floor and he doesn’t mind 

being the only one up there! We are now running chair 

dancing classes on Fridays at 10.30am for the cost of $2 and 

this includes tea and coffee. Raelene is our instructor and she 

is fantastic, many giggles are had. Please come and join us as 

we are looking to increase our numbers. No RSVP necessary 

just turn up and bring a friend to The Cottage, 27 Olympic St. 

29 May. What a week we had last week holding our 

Biggest Morning Tea in conjunction with our Seniors day. We 

had over 40 people in our utility room, packed in very tightly 

but the community feeling was alive and well as drinks were 

passed and platters were shared. The laughter and general 

feeling of good will was tangible. We raised nearly $900 for 

cancer research proving big things can really come in small 

packages. The Girgarre community is truly wonderful. Next 

week we are off to Echuca, with the weather forecast looking 

grim. We will wait to see what the heavens deliver before 

finalising our activities.


THE FABRIC OF GIRGARRE - Quilt In A Success 

Once again the annual Girgarre Patch-workers ‘Quilt In’, 

held in the Girgarre hall on Monday April 29 th was a great 

success. One hundred and twenty people attended coming 

from many towns in the area, including Deniliquin, Wodonga, 

Euroa, Tatura, Echuca and many other Patchwork Groups in 

the area. For some visitors it was the first time they had seen 

our wonderful panels which are a backdrop for the hall stage. 

We are very proud of our backdrop and enjoy seeing the 

responses they bring from others. 

Our theme this years was ‘Hats, Bags and Shoes’. We 

set up a display of our own and quite a few of the other 

Patch-workers in attendance entered into the spirit of the 

theme with their own display. Five shops attended also, 

including the local Green Thumbs Nursery. All were well 

received and enjoyed by the visitors. Shops in attendance 

were Meg and Mob, Rushworth; Catharina’s Vintage Stitches, 

Kyabram; Mulberry Lane Bendigo; South Fabrics, Echuca, plus 

a stall of our own excess fabric and patterns. 

The raffle was a $500 voucher which could be spent 

at local shops in Kyabram. This was won by Mrs Bev Kendall 

from Bendigo. This was just one of the many raffles and 

competitions held on the day. 

Bernie Ryan from Stanhope was our guest speaker. 

Everyone enjoyed hearing about his adventures in different 

countries and viewing articles he had brought back to be 

incorporated into his home, ‘Bonshaw’ Stanhope. 

The Girgarre Patchwork Group would like to thank 

members of other Girgarre groups who assisted with setting 

up the Hall in readiness for out Quilt In. Also with helping 

with the clean-up. It was greatly appreciated. We were 

young 30 years ago, so were our husbands and we do want 

to continue on with this event. So thank you everyone for 

your help. Looking forward to next years ’Quilt In. 

Donalda Walker 

Ye Olde Winter Feast 

Bookings are now open for the second annual 

Mid Winter Feast. 

These popular events book out early. 

Don’t miss out. 

6 July 2019 

7 pm in the Girgarre Hall 

Cost $50, BYO drinks 

Bookings essential: 

Jenny Bassett 5852 2816 

E: jen801@hotmail.com 

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH 

Loraine Warde, one of the 

stalwart Green Thumbs 

Garden Gurus; member 

of the Gargarro Gardens 

team; volunteers in the 

kitchen for Gargarro 

fundraisers; Girgarre 

Community Group Committee 

member and 

much, much more. 

Thank you for all you do 

Loraine.


Rushworth & District Community Bank 

Following the closure of two of the larger banking 

organisations in the town of Rushworth, the 

locals rallied together over a number of years, encouraging 

local and districts patrons to invest. The town rose to the 

occasion and once the required shared capital was reached, 

Rushworth & District Financial Services Ltd, (the arm of the 

Bendigo bank that establishes local community banks) was 

founded, setting up a branch in Rushworth. The Rushworth 

& District Community Bank was opened in 2002. Now an 

integral and successful local business, it regularly feeds back 

into the prosperity of the local town and districts communities. 

I am a founding member, and chairperson of Rushworth 

& District Community Bank and I am passionate about 

making sure that our communities are not denied everyday 

facilities like banking. It is a extraordinary model that works 

well for our community and customers, you can’t have one 

without the other. 

I volunteered because it is all about people. We 

wanted a respected organisation and a return of banking 

infrastructure to our community. We are reaping the 

benefits of that success as 80% of all profits go back into the 

local area. It can be readily seen in the improved facilities, 

and in the events we support. To date $950,000.00 has been 

re invested back into local and district communities. 

The important message to you is to ensure your funds 

are domiciled in an account with the Rushworth & District 

Community Bank. This is the bank that supports your events 

and provides for improvements, large and small with 

sponsorships and grants. By holding your funds with us here 

in Rushworth you will be playing an important role, 

contributing to the continuing development of your 

community. It’s a great feeling. Christine Borger (Chair) 

THIS IS FUN! Ten pin bowling at Star Bowl in Shepparton was the name of the game 

Above: Never too young to learn. Junior Firies show the oldies their style 

TEAM CHALLENGE. Brigade members, young and old, teamed up on Tuesday 14th May, for one of our 

many team challenges we have throughout the winter months. 

Winners were - 

1st - Captain’s Team 

2nd - 3rd Lieutenant’s Team 

3rd - 2nd Lieutenant’s Team 

4th - 1st Lieutenant’s Team 

Congratulations to Jayden Halls for the individual top score for the night. 

Cover design by HiViz Event Management and Promotions.. E:manager@hivizevents.com.au


Development Group General Meeting - Tuesday 27 May 2019 

The vision: To build a sustainable vibrant community and create 

opportunities to celebrate the achievements of the town 

ACM Report:- John Hommes reported that the company is 

processing 5 tonnes of organic butter a day, both salted and 

unsalted and that they are very pleased with its quality. 

John also said that they expect their export licence to be 

issued this week. 

Resource Resolutions: Ian Bertram reported that discussions 

are still taking place and just waiting for outcomes to occur. 

Solar Farm: Peter Leeson reported that the company has 

finally received sign off on the Powercor grid connection 

studies and the project is now on track to commence before 

the end of the year. 

Micro Solar Farms: Development Group discussed proposed 

micro solar farm on Mason Road. After a full discussion re the 

planning permit application it was agreed that no action 

would be taken re this application 

Market: May market was again a very strong market with 

many new stall holders attending – A big thank you to Mick 

and Robin Murray our resident coffee makers for many years 

who have retired from the market due to their very large 

work commitments - again a huge thank you for all those 

great cups of coffee and for being wonderful neighbours to 

the Jigarre Juice team. 

Work is also commencing on a new logo for our market. 

An Events Operational Team is to be established. This group 

will be in charge of management of the communities mobile 

assets and the preparation needed for all events – anybody 

who would like to join this group please contact Jan on 

5854 6283. We can promise you lots of fun and a bit of hard 

work before and after all the wonderful events we run in 

Girgarre. 

Jigarre Jammin’: Jigarre Jammin’ was held Saturday 25 May. 

Almost 50 participants enjoyed a full day of music. As many 

attendees head north for the next couple of months there is 

increased workload for the remaining leaders. Planning to 

develop strategies to cover this period is being undertaken. 

Anybody interested in a wonderful day of music and song 

please feel free to come along and join us. 

Girgarre Stanhope Rail Trail Walking Track: 

Sandra McDonald reported that planning for the walking 

track between Mason and Morrissey Road is well underway 

with fund raising going well. The group has access to some of 

the sites already and cleaning up is occurring. 

RSL: Rob Axen reported that the Girgarre RSL has been 

asked to lead a project called ‘Looking for Gold’. This is an 

event taking veterans from war zones to go gold prospecting 

at Rushworth. 

Gargarro Botanical Garden: Doc McDonald requested that a 

focus group be established to develop a Memorandum of 

Understanding between all groups that will be 

associated with the development of the Gargarro Green 

Thumbs Nursery at the Gargarro Botanical gardens. 

Nominees were Duncan Rodrick representing the Cottage, 

Doc Mc Donald, representing Gargarro Botanic Gardens, 

Bernie Ryan, representing Friends of Gargarro and Jan Smith, 

Chair of the Girgarre Development Group. Accepted. 

Friends of the Garden: Marlene Rodrick reported that the 

group had held a very productive working bee at the garden 

replacing any plants that were not thriving along the Grand 

Avenue, around the perimeters and in the Seed Production 

area ( see page 6). Marlene also said a wonderful Fine Dining 

event held at the Memorial Hall as a fundraiser for the 

Garden was extremely successful (see page 21). 

Recreation Reserve: Greg Fitzpatrick reported that the 

Thursday evening meals are extremely well received by the 

footballers and their families. Greg also reported that the 

Club had held another very successful ferret race event with 

all the kids cheering their favourite ferret to victory. Six races 

over 7 metres were fiercely contested during the evening. 

CFA: George Di Battista reported that 4 representatives from 

the Girgarre Fire Brigade have attended a commemorative 

ceremony for Black Saturday at Marysville. The group wished 

Marie Gadzinski a speedy recovery from her recent surgery. 

Parks and Gardens: John Warde reported that that he has 

been busy planting a new type of couch grass in the caravan 

park area of the park. 

Tennis Club: Duncan Rodrick reported that the 3 new tennis 

courts are completed and will be wonderful for the next 

tennis season. 

Girgarre Web Site: Sally Canny, who is an administrator of 

the Girgarre Web Site (www.girgarre.com.au) attended the 

meeting to request all groups in the town who had stories 

and photos to share please remember to contact her so that 

our web page can be as amazing as possible. 

No hardworking volunteer should go without a decent morning tea, 

should they? Jan Smith and Cheryl Mattei serve up delicious scones, 

jam and cream at the Gargarro working bee.


HELP YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL AND KINDER 

The Kinder pie and slice 

drive will conclude on 7 

June. Don’t miss out. 

Pies - Large Family Size. 

Price $13-14, delivered in 

voucher form so you can call 

Kyabram Bakery and order 

the fresh goods to pick up. 

Slices - 6 x standard bakery 

sized portions. Price $12-13, 

delivered fresh. 

Orders can be placed at 

Girgarre Kinder on Tuesday, 

Wednesday or Thursday 

between 9am and 2pm or 

The Girgarre Cottage Monday 

through to Thursday 

10am to 3pm. Pick Up will be 

at the location you order 

unless specified otherwise. 

Shopping at Woolies? 

Then don’t forget to collect any stickers you earn and drop 

them into Girgarre Kindergarten or the Girgarre Primary 

School's boxes located near the supermarket registers. 

Alternatively, you can drop off any stickers directly to the 

Girgarre Kinder & Girgarre School. 

Your invite - Fundraiser for District Pre Schools 

MY Time Kyabram 

Providing support for parents/carers of 

children with disabilities 

Thursdays 9.30 –11am 

At KCLC 

21-25 Lake Rd Kyabram 

Dates Term Two 

6th June, 13th June, 

20th June, 27th June 

Contact: Wendy 5480 2388 

www.mytime.net.au


THE FOUR PILLARS OF GIRGARRE 

WHO WE ARE 

The Girgarre 

Development Group 

Celebrating the Achievements 

of our town. 

Building a Sustainable and 

Vibrant Community. 

Education 

The Girgarre Primary School 

Preparing a Path to the Future 

The Girgarre Community Kindergarten 

We aim to achieve an environment where everyone belongs, 

feels welcomed, valued and respected, while providing 

learning opportunities for children 

through exploration and play. 

The Community Cottage 

The Community Centre exists to help, 

support and encourage people of this rural 

area to enrich their lives by developing 

friendships and new learning skills. 

Sport 

The Girgarre Recreation Reserve 

The Girgarre Football Netball Club 

The Girgarre Tennis Club 

The Girgarre Cricket Club 

Our active and vibrant community, working together 

CONTACT THE COTTAGE 

Girgarre Community Group Inc. 

(The Cottage) 

A1601 ABN: 66 944 230 131. 

27 Olympic St. (P.O. Box 35), Girgarre, 3624 

Phone: (03) 5854 6482 Fax: (03) 5854 6484 

http://girgarre.com.au/girgarre-community-cottage 

E-mail: girgarrenh@bigpond.com 

Coordinator: Kezia Talbot 

Connect with us on Facebook. Girgarre Community Cottage 

www.girgarre.com.au 

The Girgarre Gazette 

Do you have something you would like us to share? 

Deadline for publication is the 20th of the month 

Email: girgarregazette@yahoo.com.au 

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Girgarre Post Office and it is available at Rob Varcoe’s shop, 

228 Allan St Kyabram, Nanneella Store, in Rushworth, Corop, 

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wwwgirgarre.com.au 

The Gazette is produced for the benefit of the community by 

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Join our email list! Drop us a line and we will add you to 

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Gazette 

Girgarre Gazette Editor: Irene Labbett. 

Ph: 5852 1995 M: 0429 149 246 

girgarregazette@yahoo.com.au


Tongala & District Memorial 

Aged Care Service Inc. 

Serving the Community since 1925 

• R.M McHale Hostel, Koraleigh Nursing Home 

for planned & emergency respite care & permanent 

residential aged care 

• Deakin Village – retirement rental units 

• Memorial Drive Retirement Village 

For further information contact: 

Sarah Tee, 18 Purdey St, Tongala Vic. 3621 

Phone: 03 5859 800 

Email: admin@tongalaagedcare.com.au 

“Care in a Friendly Town”


CLASSIFIEDS & SERVICES


Group Name Details Contact name Contact number 

The Girgarre Community Group Inc. President Duncan Rodrick 0429 391 706 

The Girgarre Community Cottage 

3rd Monday 7pm 

Girgarre Seniors 

Girgarre Cottage 

Words on Wheels 


Coordinator Kezia Talbot 5854 6482 

Tuesdays 10:45am Debra Stelzer 5854 6482 

Discuss chosen books 

3rd Tuesdays 6pm 

Carol Ohlin 5854 6371 

Girgarre Green Thumbs Nursery Nursery Sales Carol/Loraine W Carol 5854 6371 

Girgarre Open Garden Committee Open Garden Festival Loraine Warde 58546236/0438 546 237 

Girgarre Playgroup 0-5 years 

Monday 10-12pm, 

Jigarre Ukulele (J-Ukes) 

1st & 3rd Wed (5th) 1:30pm 

Girgarre Patchwork Quilters 

Fridays 9:30am 

Girgarre Line Dancers 

Thursdays 2pm $7 

Carpet Bowls-Thursdays 7:15pm 

April to August 

Girgarre Kindergarten 

Begins 2nd week of terms. 

Play/learn with others 


Quilters and sewing group 

Memorial Hall 

Sharon Pell 5854 6482 

Lyn Cosham 5859 0297 

Nola Marke 5854 8226 

Memorial Hall Gloria Atkins 0400 539 778 

All ages. 

Memorial Hall 

Theo George 

Rob Varcoe 

0428 740 976 

0409 975 997 

Girgarre Community Kindergarten Lead Educator Robyn Swan 5854 6368 

Girgarre Primary School Principal Peter Caldow 5854 6275 

Girgarre Returned Services League 

1st Tuesdays 7pm. Feb-Nov 

President 

RSL Club Room 

Laurie Young 5854 6303 

Girgarre Country Fire Authority 

1st Monday 7:30pm 

Stanhope/Girgarre Lions Club 

2nd Wednesday 7pm 

Captain 

CFA Meeting Room 

President 

Stanhope Hotel 

Maree Gadzinski 5854 6264 

Avis Weller 5854 6383 

Girgarre Community Church 

Sundays 9:30am 

Stanhope and District Men’s Shed 

Mon, Wed, Fri. 9am-12 

Christian Church Ron Gregory 5854 6382 

Have fun and create. 

3 Tivey Rd. Stanhope 

Des Crichton 0457 300 321 

Girgarre Memorial Hall Committee Memorial Hall Sandra McDonald 5854 6324 

Girgarre Development Group (DGD) 

Last Tuesday, Jan-Nov 7:30pm 

Girgarre Improvements 

Memorial Hall 

Jan Smith 5854 6283 

Gargarro Project Gargarro Botanic Gardens Athol McDonald 5854 6324 

Friends of Gargarro Garden Chairperson Bernie Ryan 5857 2407 

Girgarre Craft Market 

2nd Sundays. 8:30-12 

Bookings/enquiries Carol Ohlin 5854 6371 

Girgarre Farmer’s Market Bookings/enquiries Jan Smith 5854 6283 

Jigarre Jammers. Feb to Nov 

4th Saturday 10:30-4pm $2 

Acoustic Music Irene Labbett 0429 149 246 

Girgarre Living History 

Book title “Girgarre” 

Record of local history 

Athol McDonald 

Jenny Wadelton 

5854 6324 

5852 2301 

Girgarre Recreational Reserve President Darren Butler 0427 546 332 

Girgarre Football/Netball Club President Brendon Nicholson 0413 022 398 

Girgarre Cricket Club President Mick Coyne 0488 296 566 

Girgarre Tennis Club 

President 

Secretary 

Duncan Rodrick 

Fiona Smith 

0427 391 706 

0408 502 274


LOCAL EVENTS AT A GLANCE 

9 June Girgarre Farmers and Craft Market - Sandra and Doc McDonalds Garage Sale 

22 June Jigarre Jammin’. (Memorial Hall) 

6 July Ye Old Winter Feast (Memorial Hall) 

14 July Girgarre Farmers and Craft Market (Chook Auction) 

24 July Jigarre Jammin’ (Memorial Hall) 

30 July New Seniors Day 11am (The Cottage) 

30 July ‘Give A Scrap’. Using your Green Bin’ session. 2pm (The Cottage) 

11 August Girgarre Farmers and Craft Market 

24 August Jigarre Jammin’ (Memorial Hall) 

20 August Digital Lunch - Learning to Skype (The Cottage) 

31 August Bush Dance (Memorial Hall) 

8 September Girgarre Farmers and Craft Market (Chook Auction) 

27,28, 29 September Jigarre Jammin’ (Memorial Hall) Camp Weekend 

13 October Girgarre Farmers and Craft Market (Chook Auction) 

26 October Jigarre Jammin’ (Memorial Hall) 

27 October Girgarre Open Gardens 

BEAT THE FLU WITH OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SOUP 

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

1 small onion, finely chopped 

3 cloves garlic, finely sliced 

1 stalk celery, sliced 

1 litre chicken stock plus 500ml water 

100g spaghetti, broken into lengths 

2 chicken breast fillets (500g), cut into 1cm strips 

2 cups (40g) baby spinach leaves 

Cracked black pepper, to serve 

METHOD 

1. Heat the oil in large saucepan over high heat. Add the onion, 

garlic and celery and cook, stirring, for 4–5 minutes or until 

soft. 

2. Add the stock and water and bring to the boil. 

Add the pasta and cook for 5 minutes or until just starting to 

soften. 

3. Add the chicken and cook for a further 4–5 minutes or until 

cooked through. 

4. Remove from heat and stir through the spinach. 

Sprinkle with pepper and divide between bowls to 

serve. Serves 4 

A Donna Hay Recipe


COTTAGE SERVICES AND LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS 

COTTAGE HOURS. The Cottage is 

open 10am to 3pm, Monday to 

Thursday at 27 Olympic Street, 

Girgarre. Coordinator: Kezia Talbot. 

Telephone: 5854 6482 for services 

listed below. 

COTTAGE SERVICES. 

FOOD BANK. Food parcel available 

for those in need. Confidentiality ensured. 

Available Monday to Thursday 

10am to 3pm. 

COMMUNITY CAR. Information and 

criteria for bookings. Contact The 

Cottage. 

SENIOR'S GROUP. Meet weekly for outings 

or social events. Meet Tuesdays 

10am at the Cottage. 

UTILITIES ROOM FOR HIRE. Need a 

space to hold a meeting, do some training, 

hold an event or activity? The Cottage 

has a room for hire including tea & 

coffee. 

ITEMS TO HIRE Specialty items 

including shower chairs, walkers, porta 

cots, child's car seat, wheel chair, baby 

bath, high chair, walking sticks. 

VOLUNTEERS WANTED. Teach a class, 

join the committee or help out at the 

nursery. 

FREE PLAYGROUP Mondays 10am to 

12pm. Held at the Girgarre Kindergarten. 

BOOK SWAP Leave a book and take 

one. Free Service at the Cottage. 

DONATE CLEAN DENIM Ros makes it 

into quilts. Stains don't matter. 

DONATE ITEMS TO HELP OTHERS 

Spectacles , mobile phones, routers, 

bras, baby items, mastectomy items, 

cotton clothing suitable for Fijian climate 

www.upliftbras.org . 

Second hand suitcases for storing the 

above donated items would be appreciated. 

GIRGARRE (CAMPASPE) REGIONAL 

LIBRARY Borrow a book, DVDs, talking 

books - thousands of titles can be ordered 

online at 

www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library 

and delivered to The Cottage. 

PRESCRIPTION SERVICE Leave your 

scripts for collection and return. Free 

service at the Cottage 

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS 

GIRGARRE PRE-SCHOOL 

Enrolments welcome anytime 

www.kyabramkindergaten.com.au or 

phone 0428 738 147 

GIRGARRE HALL FOR HIRE Available for 

your next event. Phone Sandy Fletcher 

at the Girgarre Post Office T: 5854 6200 

STANHOPE MEN'S SHED Open Mon, 

Wed & Fri, 9am to Noon. Tea & coffee, 

chat, computers, wood and metal 

lathes. Phone Des 0457 300 321 

WORDS ON WHEELS Everyone 

welcome. Stimulating discussions on 

topical subjects. Third Tuesdays 

6pm.Phone Carol Ohlin 5854 6371 

The Girgarre Gazette, 

a Girgarre Cottage Publication 

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH AND DINNER 

MONDAY – FRIDAY $10.00 LUNCHES AVAILABLE 

Come in, relax and enjoy our fabulous modern facili- 

82 ALLAN STREET KYABRAM Ph: 5852 2431 

www.kyabramclub.com.au office@kyabramclub.com.au 

QUALITY BISTRO DINING, SUN SHADED PLAYGROUND, 

FOXTEL, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, OFF STREET PARKING, 

SPORTS BAR, LANDSCAPED COURTYARD WITH 

BARBEQUE FACILITIES, CONFERENCE ROOMS, TAB, 

KENO AND EFTPOS FACILITIES.


Sunday 9th June 

8am to 1pm. 

282 Wigg Road Girgarre. 

China, antiques, 

retro furniture, 

books, paintings, 

and much more 

Contact: Sandra 5854 6324 

Are you having 

a Garage Sale? 

I don’t want to sell 

my Garage! 

Chair Dancing 

Fridays 10.30am 

The Girgarre Cottage, Utility Room 

Cost $2 for a 45 min session 

Followed by tea & coffee 

All enquiries contact 

Kezia on 5854 6482 

Proudly sponsored by SWEAT VS STEAM 

An event coordinated by the YMCA and Edge FM 102.5 

ACCOMODATION WANTED. 

Hi Folks, we have a gentleman who lives in 

Lockington but works in Stanhope. He is 

looking for some accommodation for four 

nights a week. He travels with his own kitchen 

and food and is just looking for a room as the 

weather cools. If you can assist, please contact 

The Cottage on 5854 6482 and we will share 

details. Thanks. Kezia 

SHEPPARTON WORKWEAR & SAFETY 

189 – 197 High Street SHEPPARTON VIC 3630 

FOR ALL YOUR WORKWEAR CORPORATE 

WEAR AND EMBROIDERY 

Ph.: 5831 4838 

Fax: 5831 1696 

Email: sales@sheppartonworkwear.com.au 

Website: www.sheppartonworkwear.com.au


RSL ANZAC DAY GOLF AND BOWLS TOURNAMENT 

Over the past few months Girgarre RSL 

members have been kept very busy. Under 

the leadership of Rob Axen members have 

installed a “you-beaut” kitchen in the club 

rooms. This indeed will not only be a great 

benefit to the RSL but to the community in 

general. The upgrade would not have been 

possible without the support of Rushworth Bendigo Bank, 

Bunnings Echuca (Mrs. Anne Brown), Knights Building Supplies, 

Plumbtec, Ryan Demasi and Reg Ramage. Thank you 

for your support. 

On Anzac morning over 100 people attended a very 

moving dawn service with President Laurie Young 

conducting the service. Robyn Hunt led with prayers for the 

fallen and for peace. Maureen Shepherd recited a very 

moving poem and Jeff Bray played the “Last Post” and 

Reveille. The Australian and New Zealand flags were raised 

by the Girgarre Primary School Captains to the tunes of the 

National Anthems. 

After the service wreaths were laid by the Stanhope RSL 

President, Philip Chapman and Girgarre RSL President, Laurie 

Young, Shire of Campaspe Councilor John Zobec and the general 

public. Everyone enjoyed the ‘Gunfire’ breakfast 

prepared by Bernie and Dale. 

Later in the day RSL members in association with 

Valley View Golf and Bowls Club conducted very successful 

competitions which would not have been possible without 

the support from 26 district sponsors. Girgarre RSL are very 

grateful for their donations and sincerely thank you. 

Results from the Golf – Men’s winners, John Burrows 

and David Collins, Runners Up; Daryl Harrison and Greg 

Watson. Lady’s winners, Sharon Harrison and Julie Neale, 

Runners Up; Gloria Pell and Judy Greer. Ben Fletcher won 

the Callaway. Nearest to the pin, A Grade, Miles Gould and 

B Grade, John Burrows. Bev Lyon was nearest for the ladies. 

Results for Bowls – Winning Team, Russell Shawcroft, 

Runners Up; John Crilly. 

Raffle winners, 1st Leanne Busch. 2nd Marilyn Topp. 

3rd Shirley Perry and 4th Robyn Norton. 

Stanhope and Girgarre RSL members marched together 

on Sunday 28th April. Wreaths were laid at the Stanhope 

cenotaph followed by the service and a talk from Major Peter 

Powles regarding health issues of those who have served 

their nation which was very informative. Followed by 

afternoon tea. (Bill Perry) 

Thank you Sponsors For the Golf & Bowls Anzac Day 2019 

Our Golf and Bowls Day would not have been as successful 

with out your loyal support. Thank you. 

Australian Consolidated Milk. 

Betta Electrical. 

Autopro 

Rushworth and District Community Bank Bendigo Bank. 

Baker’s Delight 

Wakefield Bowtech 

Fitzgerald Butchers 

Camel Milk Australia 

Forbes & Summers Garage - Girgarre 

Hair Renovations 

Kyabram Club 

Knights Building Supplies 

Mr Embroidery 

M & S Group Accounting 

More Than Skin Deep 

Nestle Tongala 

Paint Right 

Ratcliffe’s Garden Machinery 

SPC Factory Sales 

Tatura Milk 

Diggery Piggery Worms 

Valley View Golf Club 

Jayell Ford 

GV Motor Vehicle Drivers Club 

Lions Clubs 

Rob Armstrong Plumbing 

PAT’S CAR REMOVAL 

Phone: 0415 164 855 

Email: 

patsmobilemat@hotmail.com


COMING EVENTS – Film, Music, Singing. Spoiled for Choice 

Waranga Winter Film Festival 

Saturday 22 June 

10 am- 4pm, Girgarre Hall 

$2 entry plus a plate of afternoon tea 

Everyone welcome. 

Join in the singing or borrow an 

instrument and have a go yourself. 

Tutors and beginner workshops every month 

plus plenty of opportunities to Jam. 

Come to the Rushworth Shire 

Hall, one of the town's most loved 

historic buildings and celebrate its 

rich history in the time honoured 

tradition of screening films. Not 

your typical theatre, no rows of 

seats, but instead, the hall is 

decorated like a cabaret and 

guests sit at their own candle-lit 

tables - served by some very fancy 

waiters. It is definitely a unique 

experience. Cost: $25/$20 

concession entitles guests to all 

films including hot meals Friday 

and Saturday and high tea on 

Sunday. 

Program 

* Friday 28 June. ‘My Fair Lady’ - 

11am Intermission with lunch and 

live entertainment. Bookings 

essential. 

*Saturday 29 June. ‘Bohemian 

Rhapsody’ - 5pm. Film followed by 

a buffet supper. 

* Sunday 1 July - 2pm. ‘Moulin 

Rouge’. Followed by a sweet and 

savoury high tea. 

An added treat each showing is 

local film student Taylah Bons 

who will screen her short film 

‘Polaroid’ prior to the feature 

film! 

Talented Acoustic Solo Artist 

Chris DeAraugo 

FRIDAY 28th June 2019 

7.30pm, KYVALLEY HALL 

Chris plays songs that people know and love, 

from the 60’s through until Today’s Hits. 

Why not BOOK A TABLE!! 

It will be a Fun Evening of Entertainment. 

Suits All Ages. Raffles. 

Admission: $20 

BYO, includes Delicious Supper 

Bookings: Beryl 0408 137 635 

Bev 0417 360 687 or 58 521 853 

Proudly presented by Kyvalley Swimming Club Inc. 

BUSH DANCE 

31 August 2019 

Girgarre Memorial Hall 

Heart warming Dinner 

and Dancing. 

Music by the 

Billabong Bushies 

Can’t dance? No drama 

There’s always a caller to tell you how 

Popular and great fun 

BYO drinks and nibbles 

$20 p/p. ($10 under 10 yrs) 

Booking: Jenny Bassett 

Ph: 5852 2816 

The first ever play along 

Uke Musical 

‘UKED’ 

Starring 

Rebecca Morton and Pete Gavin 

Director – Kate Stones 

Guildford Music Hall 

21-30 June 2019 

Bring your Uke and sing and play along 

(or just sit back and listen) 

Jane.cafarella@gmail.com 0408 880 185


BOWLING INTO GLORY. 

Junior Sports Star Awards 

go to local Bowls Team 

The smiles say it all. 

Left: Well done team 

Below: Ben shows off his well deserved 

awards. 

Girgarre's Ben Fletcher and team mate Peter Sherman are 

doing well in the Bowls. They won the Division 5-7 in pairs in 

the Goulburn Valley Association tournament. A fantastic 

achievement. 

The Kyabram P-12 Bowls team took out the Kyabram 

Junior Sports Team of the year award. Last year they won the 

Victorian Super Series and then placed 3rd in the 

Australian Super Series. The team members were 

Ben Fletcher, Olivia and Josh Cartwright, Austin Baker and 

Josh Locke (pictured above). It was an amazing effort and 

fantastic thrill for the kids and families. 

Congratulations Net-ballers 

Girgarre under 15’s Netballers were Runners Up in the 

awards. Congratulations to them also. 

Girgarre Football Netball Club 2019 Fixtures 

Rnd 8 June 8—Home 

V Ardmona 

Rnd 9 June 15—BYE 

Rnd 10 June 22—Away 

V Murch-Tool 

Rnd 11 June 29—Home 

V Longwood 

Rnd 12 July 13—Away 

V Undera 

Rnd 13 July 20—Home 

V Stanhope 

Rnd 14 July 27—Away 

V Shepp East 

Rnd 15 August 3—Home 

V Rushworth 

Rnd 16 August 10—Home 

V Merrigum 

Rnd 17 August 17— BYE 

Rnd 18 August 24—Away 

V Rushworth 

GF September 2.


RAISING FUNDS FOR GARGARRO - Classy Fine Dining in Girgarre 

Kristen and Brad Allot, Cora Ashe, Jess Rodrick, John Warde, Lisa Smith & Patrick Sufre 

There’s no doubt about the popularity of a fine meal 

married with some excellent local wines to make for a happy 

and relaxed atmosphere. 

On Saturday 18 May, Chef Bernie Ryan and his band 

of very experienced staff presented with a great sense of 

occasion, a dining experience to be remembered to the 

large crowd of locals and visitors in the Girgarre Memorial 

Hall. 

Guests included Mayor Adrian Weston and his wife 

Simone and a special guest in Hugh Jones of Humis Wines, 

Corop who provided some memorable wines to go with the 

meal. 

Bernie described his menu of six courses and the 

wines chosen to complement the French Italian Cuisine 

were explained by Hugh as each course was presented. 

The evening began with Hors’ D’ouvres of Crostini 

with Olive Tapenade and Paté washed down nicely with a 

glass or two of bubbly to set the scene. This was followed by 

a Tuscan styles Tomato and Bean soup accompanied by a 

lovely Humis Vineyard Grenache Rose 2018. The entrée was 

a Shrimp and Prawn Mornay in a choux pastry case, this 

time with a Humis Vineyard Marsanne 2018.The Main 

course was Beef Bourguinon accompanied by Humis 

Carménére. 

The Sweet, was a to-die-for Italian Chocolate and 

Hazelnut Torte served with a De Bortoli Vat 5 Botrytis 

Semillon 2016. A very successful evening and fundraiser for 

the Gargarro Gardens Project. Humis Vineyards 

(www.humisvineyard.com) 

Above Left: Brad Allot setting the scene. Above Right; Kristen Allot serving the Hors’ D’ouvres. Lower Left: Hugh Jones of Humis Vineyard 

and Chef Bernie Ryan. Lower Right: the hardworking unsung heroes of any great dinner party, the Kitchen Staff. L to R. Loraine Warde, 

Bernie Ryan,, Alan Ohlin at the sink with Noel Mattei. Cheryl Mattei holding the bowl. Wonderful volunteers each and everyone.


Stanhope Lions Club 50 th Anniversary Celebration 

The Stanhope Lions Club celebrated their 50 th Anniversary of 

Dedicated Community Service at the Stanhope Bowling Club 

on Saturday 25 th May 2019. 

The club was formed 50 years ago with 27 members 

and was sponsored by the Kyabram Lions Club. The evening 

was chaired by President Lion Avis Weller with guests, V6 

District Governor, Lion Judy McKerrow, her husband Ron, 

Zone Chairperson Lion Helen Hastie, her husband Ken. There 

was a large gathering of past and present Lions Members 

whom had a very enjoyable evening sharing stories from the 

past (all true of course). Many old friendships were renewed. 

Many thanks go to all the club members for making this night 

a great success. Rod McQueen. 

Above Right:(3 grumpy old men). The Cake was cut by 3 Charter Members David Lupton, Grahame Sharples and Ross Murray. 

Apologies received from Ken Day and Harvey Crooks. Above Left: 2019 Members: Hedley Buzza, Sec. Allan McGrath, 

Dale Donehue, Rob Hill, Owen Wallace, Pres. Avis Weller and Rod McQueen.


MOTHERS DAY CLASSIC - It’s a Game Changer 

Among those up bright and early for the MDC were family groups, the local 

energetic ‘Curves’ Team and just a few of the many happy locals. 

Nice to see the Attwell children there too (front of the banner). 

The funds raised since the inception of the Mother’s Day Classic in 

1998 (according 2018 figures) is a staggering $35.3 million. All of 

which goes towards Breast Cancer research. Over this time some 250 

scientists and 64 research projects have led to improved treatment 

and early detection methods. Because of this good work, the 5 year 

survival rate has reduced from 76% to 91% to date. Well worth 

getting up early on a chilly May morning and supporting isn’t it? 

MARKET WET WEATHER POLICY 

PUBLIC NOTICE Morgan St Closure 

A permit has been obtained from the 

Shire of Campaspe 

enabling the closure of 

Morgan Crescent to traffic if inclement 

weather is affecting the parkland. 

Effective between the hours of 

6.30am and 3.00pm 

for the following Market days. 

9 June, 14 July, 11 August, 8 September, 

13 October, 10 November, 8 December 

Girgarre Development Group Inc.

Girgarre Gazette June 2019 Page 24

2019-6 June Gazette

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