Gazette MARCH 2022

Girgarre Gazette
March pg
July 2020

Girgarre Gazette March pg 2
GIRGARRE COMMUNITY NEWS
AN ECO - ORCHESTRA - A LOVESONG TO THE PLANET
A letter to Girgarre from Graeme Leak.
Dear Girgarre Townsfolk. How are you all? Greetings from Scotland - it’s been such a long
time! I do hope to see you all soon.
You may recall that last year Patrick Cronin and I planned to simultaneously film in
Girgarre and Scotland for our ‘Eco-Opera’ project. If you’d like to be reminded of what this
is all about check out www.graemeleak.com/eco-opera. As with so many plans these days
everything had to be rescheduled due to Covid and our October launch couldn’t happen.
We are now going to film in mid May. Patrick will be in town with videographer Cobie Orger
to shoot footage of Australian birds feeding on special musical Bird Feeders and an Amplified Fence. We are really
grateful to Wallace Williams and Rob Axen who have created this duplicate
set of Eco-Instruments. Our challenge now is to get the birds
interested in visiting them and learning to ‘play’ the instruments! Patrick
(below right) visited Girgarre a couple of weeks ago to work with
Wallace and Rob on the installation of an amplified fence and several
bird feeders in Wal’s backyard. He also brought with him and tested
the Sonic Tube (pictured left) - the Oz birds sound really wonderful
when they are recorded via the tube. We are trying to get some cows
Sonic tube
to appear but they are asking for an unrealistic fee and refusing to
sign the contract…(We’re still trying, you never know.)
We are
creating two International Episodes. Episode 1 will see UK
videographer and co-creator Hazel Palmer and I filming the
UK Bird Feeder, Amplified Fence and Sonic Tube here in
Balfron while Patrick and Cobie are filming in the Royal Botanic
Gardens in Cranbourne; and Episode 2 will see Patrick
and Cobie filming Wal and Rob’s Amplified Fence and Bird
Feeders in Girgarre while Hazel and I are filming in the Royal
Botanic Gardens at Benmore in the Scottish Highlands. Each
episode will be 2 hours long and will gently move from scene
to scene. Because of the time difference we will be filming
sunrise in the UK while Patrick and Cobie are filming sunset.
We will be creating a brand new Eco-Opera website dedicated
to these films and are also planning to launch them with
public screenings in both Girgarre and Balfron. We envisage these films as a sort of love song to the planet, as the
two Sonic Tubes together will
make a beautiful rich global chord
that underscores throughout.
Stay tuned for details of the
official launch, and on behalf of the
Eco-Opera team I say a massive
thank you to Wal and Irene, Rob and
Jan for their generous and
enthusiastic support of our wild and
crazy ideas!
Graeme Leak 17 Feb 2022

Girgarre Gazette March pg 3
Co-ordinator’s Catch-up
Hello everyone,
Wow what a fabulous start to the year we
have had! Our new trailer for our garden
assistance/mowing program arrived last
week and it is marvellous, making the
volunteers job so much easier by having all of the needed
equipment in one place. Thank you to; Kyabram Cold Storage
and The Stanhope Development Group for funding this, the
communities are grateful. The Cottage organises the
volunteers, new garden clients OHS, garden roster, insurances
etc. This program is a true testament to working
collaboratively and is a huge success.
I also received three lots of grant funding, so will be picking
up a pizza oven and other goodies in the next few weeks. All
will be put to expanding current programs and making the
volunteering roles easier. Exciting times!
The Butterfly Patch is booming, the only negative being the
initial planting stage was done with grant money, so all of the
seedlings arrived at the same time. This resulted in us having
a huge amount of the same produce at once; cucumbers,
zucchinis, snow peas and much more. Nothing went to waste
though, all produce was used either in our community food
programs or in food parcels to individuals and families. Best
food parcels ever. The Garden Guru’s are now staggering the
planting, to extend the longevity of the produce. These volunteers
are amazing, so if you haven't popped in to see the
space and are not attending the Open Garden Festival, try to
drop by on a Wednesday and have a look. The Butterfly Patch
is open Monday-Thursday 10-3pm, however Wednesdays the
Garden Guru’s are here and you will have a lot more of your
questions answered.
The next major project will be the front yard. The plan is to
turn this space into a community edible garden, where you
can come and pick what is in season and what you need. I am
waiting on a quote and then will begin the arduous task of
finding funding. Fingers crossed this will happen this year.
Take care, Bye for now Kezia

Girgarre Gazette March pg 4
GIRGARRE COMMUNITY NEWS
RED DUST RISING – IT’S ALL ACTION AT GARGARRO.
It’s pretty obvious something big is happening on the Gargarro gardens site - there’s a red dust cloud rising high in
the sky most days now. The dust is from the works on stage two of the Gargarro gardens project, now well underway.
The electrical conduit for the lighting along the ephemeral stream has been laid and the groundworks crew
have started to excavate and reshape the land. The stream will wind its way around the back of the soundshell,
across the gardens behind the Green Thumbs Nursery. The coming weeks will see it all start to take on a more
formal shape. We’ll keep you posted.
GREEN THUMBS CAFÉ - COMING SOON
Security fencing is up and construction of the new café complex at Green Thumbs is about to start. Green Thumbs
Manager, Loraine Warde is more than happy to see action at last “It’s good to see work on both the botanic gardens
and here at Green Thumbs has started in earnest. We’re looking forward to seeing the café up and running in
a few month’s time. It’s wonderful news,” she said.
The Green Thumbs Nursery volunteers have also welcomed the generous donation of a 40ft shipping container,
kindly donated by Ezio and Michelle Dalberto. Storage has been at a premium as the nursery has expanded
beyond expectations. The extra storage space will be more than useful and is greatly appreciated.
Photos: Jenny Wadelton

Girgarre Gazette March pg 5
News from Many Makers Gallery Stanhope
I welcomed 3 new artists to the gallery in February:
Marie Van den Bosch (AKA Slik) is from Rushworth. Marie has been creative all her life but has only been
painting for 12 months; she recently held her first solo exhibition at the Rushworth Art Depot.
Julie Lundren-Coulter is an established landscape painter from Leongatha, Vic.
Irina Korotkow is from Benalla and began her artistic journey as a means of therapy whilst working as a
psychiatric nurse; now retired, Irina continues to explore new creative challenges and interests.
Makers continue to restock or add new lines and as a result the gallery displays change regularly. I love the diversity
of creative minds; Mica Rosenberg from Stanhope has added a new line of organic cotton dishcloths,
however she continues to create her stunning range of necklaces as well!
To celebrate Autumn, pictured is a gorgeous journal cover by textile artist Sonya Else from Rochester and some
delightful felted leaf brooches by textile artist Ann Smith from Rushworth.
The Many Makers Gallery is generally open Thursday to Sunday but please note that the gallery will be closed
on Sunday 6 th March.
Deb 0418252715
Get ready Junkestra!
Big things are in the pipeline (read Sound Walk!) Be
warned! You will be back with bells - and drums - later in
the year.
There’s not much happening as yet - we’ll be in touch in
due course.
OPENING HOURS Monday –Friday 9am-5pm

Girgarre Gazette March pg 6
Are you interested in
joining the Girgarre
Fire Brigade?
New members are
welcome.
Please call Shaun 0487
740 001 and home
number 58 546 536.
Happy 95th
birthday
Keith. We hope
you had a lovely day.
Keith Maudsley
celebrating his 95 birthday
at the Stanhope
Community meal.

Girgarre Gazette March pg 7
R.S.L Changing of the Guard
On Tuesday Evening 1 st February 2022, the annual meeting of Girgarre R.S.L elections of officers for the next 12
months took place. Mr. Laurie Young, past president of the branch, said it was time he passed the baton on and
wishes to thank all members past and present for their contribution to Girgarre R.S.L. Laurie went on to say he felt
the R.S.L in Girgarre was in safe hands in Mr. Gary Kitt, ex-member of the Royal Australia Navy. Gary’s last ship he
sailed with was the Australian Warship H.M.A.S. Arunta, a guided missile Frigate (helicopters) who saw combat
action in the gulf war against Iraq forces.
Election of Officers Next 12 months being
President
Gary Kitt
Snr. Vice President
Robyn Hunt
Jnr. Vice President
Darren Bielby
Treasurer
Robert Axen
Secretary
William A. Perry
Welfare Officer
Appeals Officer
All Member of Executive
Historian
Region 9 Representatives Robyn Hunt & William Perry
Girgarre R.S.L. is committed to serving our community, and if you would like to know anything about our service to
the Girgarre and District Community feel free to contact us. Please note, if you have formerly served or presently
serve in our armed forces or you are a member of our emergency service i.e. police, fire, ambulance, S.E.S. or you
have a direct relationship to any of the above, you would qualify for membership to the R.S.L., and we would love
to hear from you.
Please contact any of our officers to discuss.
On March 5 th (Saturday), we will be opening our R.S.L. meeting room on Station Street to visitors to view displays
of memorabilia of our last 101 years in Girgarre. Open times will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and again in the
afternoon from 1:30 p.m. Children would be most welcome to attend this display. R.S.L. members will be happy to
answer any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Girgarre R.S.L. Secretary, William A. Perry 0408 174 543

CLASSIFIEDS & SERVICES
Girgarre Gazette March pg 8
FRIENDS OF GARGARRO
CATERING AVAILABLE
Need catering for a
function?
Well, the Gargarro Gardens
Catering Team will be more
than happy to cater for your
needs depending on
numbers.
Phone Bernie Ryan for more
info if you are planning a
function.
Ph: 5857 2407
Mob: 0455 578 722

Girgarre Fire Brigade
Girgarre Gazette March pg 9
Despite what is happening with the Corona Virus,
the Girgarre Fire Brigade is still available for any
emergencies that may happen in our community.
Hygiene is extremely important to us and we will
endeavour to keep both you and us safe.
Please keep in mind that now the fire restrictions
are over, if you wish to avoid an unwanted visit
from us, you should register your burn off at
1800 668 511
Girgarre Community
Kindergarten
To keep updated on all Kinder information
Find us on Facebook
Girgarre Community
Kindergarten
Stanhope & District Men’s Shed
We are open three mornings a week Mon, Wed
and Fri from 9 to 12 noon. If anyone would like
to call in and see what is on offer they would be
most welcome. Membership is $25 which includes
insurance whilst at the shed.
We offer woodwork, metal work, welding,
leatherwork, a large range of books to read and
a friendly cuppa at around 10am.
Girgarre Community Cottage
Keep up to date with future events and
local information.
Join us on Facebook.
HALL BOOKINGS
As you know, our well appointed and well used
Girgarre Memorial Hall
and Supper Room
are available for hire.
Contact
Girgarre Post Office
Ph: 5854 6200
Open Monday –Friday 9am - 5pm

KYABRAM TOWN HALL
Writers’ Group
Girgarre Gazette March pg 10
Great Mates
Once upon a time there lived a good bloke named Darren. He drove a four-wheel drive Holden ute – white of
course, and it was his trusty steed. “Why have one horse when I can harness the power of eight?” Darren
joked as he winched his great mate, Bazza, out of the muddy bog they’d encountered on their way to Finke.
Bazza and Darren were inseparable – travelling the outback destinations, one towing the camper trailer,
the other the motorbike carrier. Wherever they set up camp others would invariably follow, as these two
affable characters always had a yarn to tell around the campfire after a big day of dirt-bike riding.
Tonight was no exception. However, Bazza was unusually reticent when it came his turn to spin a yarn.
Finally, he revealed that on his ride today, he’d come across a huge patch of scrub that seemed to spread
across hundreds of acres, with no way through. He was sure that the Stony Desert Road was there last
February –and as that was a great stretch for endurance riding, he was sorely disappointed to discover the
scrub had totally taken over in just twelve months! Bazza went so far as to check the satellite images on
Google Earth and could only see a purplish smudge covering what was locally referred to as U Bewdy Station.
He’d returned to camp and went back out in his 4-wheel drive, taking the chainsaw with him. It was bloody
useless, Bazza blunted two chains before giving up on hacking his way through the scrubby growth. For every
cut he made, a new branch seemed to sprout instantly, with spiky thorns attached. It had him bluffed, that
was for sure, and he was baffled as to what they were going to do tomorrow.
Over bush damper and billy tea at morning smoko the next day, Bazza regaled the newly arrived camp
mates with an only slightly exaggerated tale of his attempts to access the Stony Desert Road, claiming that
today it wouldn’t defy him again. Perhaps it had been a mirage and it was only a bank up of tumbleweeds, but
just to be sure he had packed a flame thrower, figuring if he couldn’t cut through, a judicious bit of back
burning would sort it out, quick smart!
Darren, aka Dazza, announced that he was a qualified CFA member, and he ought to accompany Bazza to
the site, just in case a bit of help was required. He would carry a backpack pump and put out any spot fires as
they occurred. Hopefully they could start a fire ring that would burn in on itself. No dramas at all!
Old Blue claimed to be a fossicker in these parts, and he knew a secret path into U Bewdy Station. He also
wanted to see this phenomenon for himself, and if the Stony Desert Road was cut, he would show them how
to reach the main homestead so they could alert authorities. Heaven knows – there could be people in need of
assistance from the Flying Doctor on the other side of the scrub, and if the mail plane couldn’t get in with the
monthly order, they might be starving too!
Well, blokes being blokes is nothing new in the outback. Each took his own you-beaut ute to speculate
upon this phenomenon, certain that he held the key to break through the spiky tangle and reach the
homestead.
Dazza headed out a bit after the last ute had left camp. He wanted a bit of bloody peace and quiet to go
sort things out at his own pace. He remembered that he’d packed his great-great-grandfather’s Swiss Army
knife, an heirloom that had served his family well through the generations. It was rumoured it had mystical
powers, which increased when each eldest son inherited the knife. That, along with the knowledge that there
was a tool for every situation tucked within its many folds, ought to do the trick!
A scene of absolute carnage confronted Dazza upon his arrival. Broken men and tools lay scattered in
every direction. Wounds flowed freely into the red dust; chainsaw links glittered under the relentless outback
sunshine. There was an angry-looking mist swirling above the bracken thicket.
Bazza staggered towards Dazza. “Mate – don’t go in there! It’s bloody hopeless. A bitch of a thing. Haven’t
got a clue as to what’s making it tick, but for every attempt we make she strikes back four-fold! Even the
drone got frisbeed back in no uncertain terms. The camera was pinched off it too! Bluey’s not bloody happy!”
Dazza considered his options and decided against trying to drive around it. From all descriptions it had tripled
in size since the men had attempted to hack their way through on all sides. He climbed back in his trusty

Girgarre Gazette March pg 11
white ute and drove along the road towards the very edge of the towering angry mass. The four
antennae on his massive bull-bar quivered as he stopped millimetres from the dust storm enveloping the
spiky growth.
He turned on his 24000 lumen lightbar and the storm seemed to calm. Dazza thought he could see a
pathway on the other side. He jumped out to have a better look. The Swiss Army knife in his hand burned
red hot and a peculiar looking attachment he’d never noticed before freed itself from the casing. As he
raised it towards the thicket, a green laser beam shot forth, decimating the growth around him, crumbling it
into the bulldust, as it settled upon the ground.
Dazza took several steps. Each time the same thing happened. He ignored the pleading cries of his
mates and continued. Bazza tried to follow him, to no avail – the growth sprang up and blocked his way
immediately.
Suddenly the spiky scrub gave way to softer tumbleweed. It too, crumpled under Dazza’s Blundstone boots
and the U Bewdy homestead appeared before him.
Dazza could see a pink swag set up on the verandah. There was someone lying inside. He hoped they
were still alive. As he approached, he could hear soft snoring emanating from the swag. Emboldened by this,
he swiftly made his way onto the verandah and knocked on the wooden floor slats. The snoring continued
unabated. Once more the Swiss Army knife grew hot in his hand and this time a can opener appeared from
the casing. As it locked into place, Dazza noticed a pink esky at the foot of the swag. He reached over and
pulled it towards him.
Inside was a solitary, well-chilled can of sparkling Moscato. The Swiss Army knife was zinging in his
palm, forcing his hand to the lip of the can. There was a satisfying pop and hiss as the can frothed open,
spraying its contents over him and the supine form in the swag. With that, the swag fly zipped open to
reveal – a jillaroo of stunning beauty. She sat up and checked Dazza out.
“G’day! I’m Shazza. Geez, I’m dying of thirst! Didyabringthegrogalong?”
Dazza turned at a noise behind him. The entire scrub circle disintegrated into thick red bulldust and his
mates began chucking their Akubras in the air. What a bonza tale they could now all spin at campfires
around the country for many years to come!
Shazza grabbed his shirt collar, forcing Dazza back around to focus on her once more. “Check the esky,
will ya? I’ve been promised a never-ending supply of coldies. They better be in there, or heads will roll!”
On being opened, the esky appeared to enlarge and fill with ice and a variety of drinks. Dazza was
astounded to see his favourite bevvy featured predominantly in the mix.
Shazza reached for a can and grabbed one for Dazza too. “Tell ya mates they’re welcome to join us. Just
be sure to pace yourselves. I’m not gunna allow anyone to get messy and ruin my day.”
With those inviting words, the entire search and rescue team (as they had earlier named their group
effort) descended upon the esky. True to Shazza’s word, it never emptied, with each person drinking their
fill before falling into a deep and peaceful slumber.
Only Shazza and Dazza remained awake – if not entirely alert. Dazza reckoned they ought to rustle up
some grub. “The sun’s ready to set and this lot will wake up hungrier than a flock of corellas in the back
paddock at seed time!”
“Oh, they won’t wake up for ages – in fact several years. It’s just you and me, Dazza, with every need
taken care of until the twenty-ninth of February rolls around again – in four years’ time. Until then, we’re
stuck with each other – so you’d best have some great yarns to tell because the only one I know is the
enchanting U-Bewdy Bonza Mate tale. And that one goes on forever!”
Judy Campbell © 2022
Judy Campbell is a member of the Kyabram Town Hall Writers’ Group. Members are diverse in interests, ages and backgrounds.
This makes for some very interesting and informative discussion while sharing stories, poetry, and the problems of the
writer’s craft. The KTHWs’G has produced a book – Celebrating Women, a collection of original written works and art from the
community, and is for sale at $20 from the Kyabram Town Hall and online from the writers’ group link on Facebook and the KTH
website: kyabramtownhall.com.au Direct contact: kyabramwritersgroup@gmail.com

Girgarre Gazette March pg 12
Contact The Cottage, it takes 5
mins to complete.
Bring your bill, pension card
and bank account details
Girgarre Carpet Bowls AGM 31 March 7pm
@ Girgarre Memorial Hall
We seeking new members and encourage members and their families to play. We are having a come and
try practice night. This night will begin at 7.00 and the date will be confirmed at the AGM.
The season lasts 15 weeks and began in 1955 making us 62 years old. Help us keep the tradition going,
come along and bring your family and friends it is a great night.
Contact Erin Owen: 0459 430 839 Treasurer: Rob Varcoe: 0409 975 997

Girgarre Gazette March pg 13
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 0800
Email: admin@tongalaagedcare.com.au
“Care in a Friendly Town”

Girgarre Gazette March pg 14
Group Name Details Contact name Contact number
The Girgarre Community Group Inc. President Duncan Rodrick 0427 391 706
The Girgarre Community Cottage
3rd Monday 7pm
Coordinator Kezia Talbot 5854 6482
0404 686 344
Girgarre Seniors Tuesdays 10:45am Debra Stelzer 5854 6482
Words on Wheels
Girgarre Cottage
Discuss chosen books
3rd Thursdays 6pm
The Cottage 5854 6482
Girgarre Green Thumbs Nursery Nursery Sales Loraine Warde 0438 546 237
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 Kindergarten
Begins 2nd week of term
Play/learn with others
Girgarre Cottage
Robyn Swan 5854 6482
Lyn Cosham 5859 0297
Girgarre Patchwork Quilters
Fridays 9:30am
Quilters and sewing group
Memorial Hall
Nola Marke 5854 8226
Girgarre Line Dancers
Thursdays 2pm $7
Carpet Bowls-Thursdays 7:15pm April
to August
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
Girgarre Country Fire Authority
1st Monday 7:30pm
Stanhope/Girgarre Lions Club
2nd Wednesday 7pm
President
RSL Club Room
Captain
CFA Meeting Room
President
Stanhope Hotel
Laurie Young 0429 009 515
5854 6303
Maree Gadzinski 5854 6264
Avis Weller 5854 6383
Girgarre Community Church
Sundays 9:30am
Christian Church Ron Gregory 5854 6382
Stanhope and District Men’s Shed
Mon, Wed, Fri. 9am-12
Have fun and create.
3 Tivey Rd. Stanhope
Des Crichton 0457 300 321
Girgarre Facilities Committee
Girgarre Memorial Hall
Girgarre Recreational Reserve
Memorial Hall (Bookings)
Recreation Reserve
Sandy & Barry
Darren Butler
5854 6200
0427 546 332
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 -
working Bee 4th Sunday of month
Chairperson Bernie Ryan 5857 2407
Girgarre Craft Market
2nd Sundays. 8:30-12
Bookings/enquiries Jan Smith 5854 6283
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 Football/Netball Club President Brendon Nicholson 0413 022 398
Girgarre Cricket Club President Mick Coyne 0488 296 566
Girgarre Tennis Club
President
Secretary
Josh Maudsley
Fiona Smith
0400 546 766
0408 502 274

Girgarre Gazette March pg 15
Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday take aways.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH AND DINNER
MONDAY – FRIDAY $10.00 LUNCHES AVAILABLE
Come in, relax and enjoy our fabulous
modern facilities
QUALITY BISTRO DINING, SUN SHADED PLAYGROUND,
FOXTEL, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, OFF STREET PARKING,
SPORTS BAR, LANDSCAPED COURTYARD WITH
BARBEQUE FACILITIES, CONFERENCE ROOMS, TAB,
82 ALLAN STREET KYABRAM Ph: 5852 2431
www.kyabramclub.com.au
KENO AND EFTPOS FACILITIES.
office@kyabramclub.com.au Kyabram Club Keep up to date on FaceBook

Girgarre Gazette March pg 16
Kyabram
Bakery
135 Allan St
5852 1208
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

Girgarre Gazette March pg 17
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
Proudly sponsored by
ADVERTISE WITH US
The Girgarre Gazette is published and distributed
electronically as well as in print to over 400 people via the
Girgarre Post Office. It is also available at: Rob Varcoe’s shop,
228 Allan St Kyabram; Nanneella Store, Rushworth & District
Community Bank; Stanhope and is published on the Girgarre
Website. wwwgirgarre.com.au
The Gazette is produced for the benefit of the wider
Girgarre community by the Girgarre Community Group Inc.
(The Cottage).
Join our email list! Drop us a line
EMAIL: girgarregazette@yahoo.com.au
Advertising
Advertising space is available.
Contact the Cottage or the
Gazette for details.
The items published and the views expressed in this publication are those
of the contributors, and not necessarily those of the Editor or the
publisher of the Gazette

Girgarre Gazette March pg 18
MORNING MELODIES
The Pure Drop describe themselves as
“Six local muso’s who have plenty of time on our hands to drink a lot of coffee,
have a few laughs... and just occasionally rehearse music!
We play songs from the Australian and Celtic traditions of hardship, love or
murder and mayhem, plus some pretty nice jigs and ballads
featuring the fiddle and beautiful Irish harp,
peppered here and there with a bit of rock n’ roll.
Whatever takes our fancy –
It’s an eclectic mix, and we love it. You will too.”
Book Now…To Enjoy These Talented Musicians!!
Kyvalley Hall
Thursday 31 st March 2022 – 10:15am
Bookings: $20 - includes Delicious Morning Tea
A great social morning. Raffles. Lucky Door Prizes.
Doors open 9:45am. All Welcome.
Door Sales: $22.00
Hall Heated / Air Conditioned
COVID Protocols will be in place
Beryl: 0408 137 635 or Bev: 0417 360 687 / 58 521 853
Presented By: Kyvalley Swimming Club Inc

Girgarre Gazette March pg 19

Girgarre Gazette March pg 20
Respect for: |
self | others | learning | environment
Primary School News
In 2022, we have welcomed five new families and seven new students into our school community. This has taken
our total enrolments to 26. We’d formally like to welcome Matthew (and his parents, Caitlin and Leigh), Hunter
(and his parents, Naomi and Emiel) and Ryan (and his parents, Skye and Brett) who are our new Prep students.
We’ve also welcomed Olivia and Ruby (and mum, Charmaine) and Zara (and parents, Amanda and Virgil) to
Girgarre Primary School, along with Ashala, a sibling of one of our current students.
Our three Prep students continue to thrive in their transition to primary school and they are quickly learning all of
the routines that accompany life at school.
Congratulations to all of our student leaders who were elected by their peers in the first week of school. We know
that they will all be outstanding leaders and both strong and positive role models.
We continue to run two classrooms: P-2 and 3-6, with all students being taught at their point of need. We are fortunate
to have great staff to student ratios which means students receive plenty of 1:1 support.
The grounds continue to look great with Reg ensuring that everything is well maintained and cared for.
We’ve been successful in several grant applications recently so there will be quite a few improvements being made
to our grounds this year. We’ll be installing a large shade sail to provide more space for
also be adding to our fitness playground with additional activity stations,
outdoor learning. We’ll
purchasing a new fleet of bicycles
and safety gear and painting some educational games and activities on our asphalt areas. We’ll keep you updated
as works progress throughout the year.
Photo captions:
Hunter Van Steeg, Matthew Godwin, Ryan Davies – our Prep students in 2022
Year 3-6s enjoying a day at the river as part of the Open Water Learning Experience, delivered by Life Saving
Victoria.

Girgarre Gazette March pg 21
Ethan Seabrook and Xavier Pangrazio, school
Jaida Miller and Adele Seabrook, sports captains
Left: Alyssa
Braithwaite
(President),
Holly O’Neill,
Piper Clarke,
Zara McKenzie
and April
Clarke, our
Junior School
Council representatives
for
2022

Girgarre Gazette March pg 22
Girgarre Football Netball Club
Season 2022 is well underway. Our senior football is looking exciting with Damian
Cupido (former AFL player with Essendon Bombers and Brisbane Lions) appointed our
senior coach and Rory “Youngy” Young continuing in the reserves coaching role. The
boys are confident with our numbers with good numbers on the park, however
hopefully now with cricket coming towards a close and round 1 less than a month away we will see a few more
faces joining training. We are always welcoming of new faces to the club, so if you have thought about coming
along, now is the time to do it. A couple of practice matches are coming up including Wednesday 16 th March v
Tongala at Girgarre. With Parso back on board and Nick Varcoe helping out, our thirds are sure to have a great year.
The boys have confirmed good numbers again for this year, but as always there is room for a couple more. The
boys are currently training Monday/Wednesday until Cricket training is finished then will move to Tuesday/
Thursday.
Holly Butler has taken over the ranks of the Senior Netball coaching A grade, with Rima Owen-Horn (B) and Jacinta
Turgoose (C) rounding out our Senior coaching positions. Almost 40 girls trialed, with all 3 senior sides filled. The
girls have been training since December with our first practice match on March 24. Junior trials were very successful
with all junior sides filled, although we would love a couple more girls in our 17&U side. Sheree Starling is overseeing
the 17s, 15s and 13s with Shannon Balfour and Lucy McKenzie assisting, and Bernie Woodcock and Rochelle
Camin are coaches of our 11&U boys and girls.
Girgarre FNC will be running NETSETGO and Auskick programs in 2022. This is the first time we will be running an
official NetSetGo program for boys and girls in Foundation upwards. More information will be provided soon. Keep
an eye on our Facebook page.
Round 1 is not far away.
Our Centenary celebrations
will take place that
weekend, with the
Centenary dinner and
book launch on Saturday
2 nd April followed by Rd 1
v Lancaster at Girgarre on
Sunday 3 rd April which will
also see the 1991 Premiership
reunion celebrations.
Please see flyer below for
more information.
Thursday night meals will
hopefully commence in a
couple of weeks, so keep
your eye out for information
regarding that.
Keep up to date with
everything that is
happening on our
Facebook page Girgarre
Football Netball Club.

Girgarre Gazette March pg 23

Girgarre Gazette March pg 24
Thursday 9-3pm
Saturday 9-12pm