Bendigo Weekly [Bendigo] [All Sections]

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - ASSAULT RATE FALLS

Editor — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:42:50 GMT

BENDIGO'S overall crime rate has dropped marginally.Figures released hours after the Opposition released scathing figures to the start of last financial year, also show a drop in assaults in the Bendigo police area.The 2009-10 financial year figures show the number of assaults dropped by 9.3 per cent in 2009-10, although overall crime against the person has risen by 8.3 per cent.Behaviour-in-public offences skyrocketed last financial year by more than 26 per cent.The figures will be welcome news...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - RE: STAY INSIDE: POLICE URGE CAUTION IN WET

Admin — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:13:30 GMT

Great photos Drew!

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - WATER STORAGES HIT 100,000 ML

Editor — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:03:25 GMT

By BEN CAMERONBENDIGO now has access to more than 100,000 megalitres of water.Last weekend's rainfall has pushed Coliban's southern storages, and its share of Lake Eppalock, to 101,280 ML.Lake Eppalock is holding 173,384 ML and is at 57 per cent of capacity.It has received 138,000 ML since August, and is at its fullest since 2002.The weekend rain topped off an incredible few months.Lake Eppalock was just 8.5 per cent full in May.Bendigo's share of Lake Eppalock is 43,390 ML, an increase of 13,40...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - RE: Taxi row continues as McCrae Street in doubt

THE WOMBAT — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 14:04:13 GMT

So what do the taxi drivers think, they are the ones that will be using it all the time?

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - LOVELL URGES MITCHELL ST SOLUTION

Editor — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:36:39 GMT

LIBERAL Party Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has called on the State Government to organise an urgent meeting to solve Bendigo's Mitchell Street bus controversy.The City of Greater Bendigo council voted in June to undertake a trial of the controversial plan that would see buses stop in the left-hand lane of the busy thoroughfare.That hasn't happened yet because council was looking at ways to stop congestion caused by the south-bound left-hand Queen Street turn.Traders have objected to...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - RE: PREMIER TO REVEAL BENDIGO ART DEAL

Leafy Green Trees — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:54:41 GMT

Two questions now get raised here (1) How much of this is because it is an election year and the two local members look at little unsettled. (2) Because Mrs Brumby has a connection with the Art Gallery did this influence the decision? Now we know why the council want to keep wasting money up that end of town and not on essential services.

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR GALLERY

Editor — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:41:17 GMT

BENDIGO Art Gallery has secured a world-exclusive arts exhibition that will further cement the city's growing reputation as a leading cultural hub.Premier John Brumby announced the gallery would next year host the world premiere ofThe White Wedding Dress: Two Hundred Years of Wedding Fashionsfrom London's prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum. The exhibition will be the first in a new Bendigo International Collections series launched today, an exclusive series of exhibitions at the gallery...

Bendigo/BENDIGO SPORTS NEWS - Grand finale Heathcote chases back-to-back premierships

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:24:03 GMT

Heathcote will start warm favourites to make it back-to-back premierships when it faces Lockington in the Heathcote District Football League grand final at Colbinabbin this Saturday.The Saints are unbeaten this season and will have an army of fans at the ground to cheer them towards more grand final glory.Lockington has endured a tough finals campaign, where they downed North Bendigo in the first semi final and then Elmore in the preliminary final last weekend.Heathcote will need to be at their ...

Bendigo/BENDIGO SPORTS NEWS - Dynamic duo

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:28:39 GMT

The Reeves Racing team of Brendan Reeves and sister Rhiannon Smyth has scored its first victory in international competition.Travelling to New Caledonia last weekend, the talented duo from Wedderburn grabbed a 40-second lead on the opening stage.They never looked back as they recorded the fastest time in seven of the nine stages in the event billed as round five of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship.In the final stage on Sunday, the lead was extended to more than two minutes as they set off on ...

Bendigo/BENDIGO SPORTS NEWS - New trots boss

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:37:21 GMT

Prominent sporting administrator David Aldred is set to take on the role of general manager of the Bendigo Harness Racing Club.Currently the chief executive of Harness Racing South Australia, Aldred is a well respected administrator with almost 30 years of management experience.He started out in Queensland in 1980 and his various roles included three years as the executive director of Harness Racing in British Columbia.“I am looking forward to starting in Bendigo on Monday, September 20,” he sai...

Bendigo/BENDIGO SPORTS NEWS - Range damaged

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:40:21 GMT

Rifle shooter Geoff Grenfell said the recent monsoon season in India has caused damage to the rifle shooting range at Gurgaon as the countdown continues towards next month’s Commonwealth Games.The Bendigo full bore shooter said there will be a race against time to get it ready for the competition.“The range was constructed over a quarry and it is very mountainous terrain,” he said.“There are three big tunnels under the range to take the water on a natural path.“Much of the range has been damaged...

Bendigo/BENDIGO SPORTS NEWS - Recruiting drive

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:43:44 GMT

The fledgling Bendigo Lacrosse Club is searching for more players to take up the sport and play in a Victorian based competition.Club spokesman Rowan Sweeney said the home games are played throughout winter months at the Flora Hill Athletics Track.“We are planning to use Flora Hill again next year and we will be continuing to train and recruit members over the summer,” he said.“Some of our players are going to be playing indoor lacrosse in Melbourne over the summer.“We also aim to get at least o...

Bendigo/BENDIGO SPORTS NEWS - Racing the penny

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:46:49 GMT

We were fortunate with our time with Tim Stirling to gather many articles on a whole range of different facets of cycling history and machines.For several years, Tim and his wife Jodie attended the Australian Penny Farthing Championships in Tasmania at the Evandale Village Fair, a great spectacle with up to 80 penny-farthings and competitors gathered from most Australian states.There were many international riders as well.Several of the top Australian penny-farthing riders are also elite class n...

Bendigo/BENDIGO SPORTS NEWS - BOWLS CLASSIC:

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:51:07 GMT

BOWLS CLASSIC:The Bendigo Motels’ Association has thrown its support behind lawn bowls with a $8000 sponsorship of the Classic Pairs which will be played this weekend. Clubs hosting the 150 teams in the men’s section include Bendigo, Bendigo East, Golden Square andSouth Bendigo. Play starts at 10am on both days.The women’s classic pairs will be played on the weekend of September 11 and 12.TRY OUT DAY:The Central Victorian Junior Motocross Club is gearing up for its annual Come and Try Day at Too...

Bendigo/BENDIGO LIFE - Tie debate is neck and neck

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:59:18 GMT

BY BEN CAMERONThe world is a forever-changing place.But I’m conflicted. While one half of me is protective of ritual and tradition – like a Saturday afternoon Grand Final – the other is very much open to change.Although there is one tradition, albeit in a fashion sense, I’ve been happy to see the slow demise of. The tie.I don’t mean bow ties, which were rightfully laughed out of town years ago, despite the odd cameo appearance from fashionably daring but all too eccentric university professors a...

Bendigo/BENDIGO LIFE - Let there be light in mine

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:05:06 GMT

Undoubtedly inspired by the initiative of the Ellenborough mine to the north, the directors of St Mungo decided electric lighting suited well.In 1882, the Ellenborough, just off Caldwell’s Road, had been the first mine in Victoria to introduce the technology.It was an immediate success.The Ellenborough had decided to not only light up the above-ground plant at their mine but, introduce the lighting system underground as well.One of the great features of the Ellenborough was the companyhad an ele...

Bendigo/BENDIGO LIFE - Man of his words - Cricketer alters pace for writing career

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:33:22 GMT

BY BEN CAMERONTo be a sporting hero is the dream of many Australians; to live a life closely entwined with fame, money and adulation.But a passion for writing, and a near-death experience, inspired one Bendigo teacher to go against the grain and bypass what many would consider a far more fortunate life.After all, more people would aspire to be James Hird than James Joyce.Dr Ian Irvine is a professor of the written word, a senior educator at BRIT and inspirer of countless writers across the regio...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - A healthy boost

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:41:06 GMT

BENDIGO’S capacity to train more medical students has increased substantially with the official opening last week of Monash University’s new Regional Clinical School building on Mercy Street.The $7.6 million expansion of Bendigo’s clinical training school will boost access to world-class training facilities for medical students studying in regional Victoria.School director Geoff Solarsh said a taste of practice outside the major metropolitan areas played an important part in a medical student’s ...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Sporting legend backs research

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:46:58 GMT

THE Gallic Club and the Bendigo Football Netball League raised almost $10,000 at an auction fundraiser for prostate cancer research last week.AFL legend David Parkin gave an inspiring and passionate address about Australian rules football and his experience dealing with prostate cancer.Local urologist Stephen Lindsay, who specialises in treating prostate problems, addressed a crowd of about 170 people about the importance of having regular prostate checks.Former Brisbane AFL player Matthew Campb...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - A taste of space

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:33:15 GMT

By Elouise Haley, 12,and Harrison Bowley, 11, Comet Hill Primary School captainsON Thursday, August 26, Anne Buckland, the US Space Camp ambassador to Australia came to Comet Hill Primary school to teach grades Prep to Two more about space.This has been their topic all of term three. Anne talked about how hard it is to function in zero gravity.Tasks such as eating, getting dressed and going to the toilet are extremely challenging.The students particularly enjoyed the space toileting ...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - For a greater cause

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:40:47 GMT

By BEN CAMERONAndrew John ‘Jack’ Balsillie is an example of dedication to a cause greater than himself.He began his 40 year military career at 16 as an apprentice, before going out as a Major.It began on July 10, 1945 as an apprentice electrical and mechanical engineer in the Royal Corps of Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.By November 1957, Jack had attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two, and his first full time association with Artillery Corps came two years later when he ...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Ready to add cheer

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:44:04 GMT

By BEN CAMERONGet ready foodies, music lovers and winos, it’s nearly time to pop your cork.Bendigo Heritage Uncorked is on again for the 16th year running, a cultural attack of the senses with unique wine, gourmet food, local music and grand architecture.The recently-unveiled Chinese Gardens will be a fresh addition to a host of suitably-refined landmarks hosting the two-day event, including the School of Mines, Capital Theatre and the Town Hall.Tickets have sold faster than a fruity red&n...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Opposition swarms to attack over pests

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:47:50 GMT

By BEN CAMERONSHADOW Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh has slammed the State Government for being more focused on self promotion, than controlling potentially the biggest locust plague for 75 years in Victoria.“John Brumby has ignored expert advice to ensure sufficient chemical supply is available to control locusts in spring and instead has embarked on a shameless $2 million self-promoting advertising campaign to tell farmers about a threat they already know of,” he said.Mr Walsh said the $2 mil...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Bank hits milestone

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:51:07 GMT

The Bendigo Central branch of Bendigo Bank has entered its 26th year in business with more than $1 billion in banking business, the first Bendigo Bank branch to reach the milestone.Branch Manager Sheryle Watson said the bank’s flagship branch, originally located in Fountain Court in 1989, was the first to be converted to a Branch of the Future.“The innovative new design is clearly achieving its aim of providing awelcoming and engaging environment for customers, with more than 12,000 local reside...

Bendigo/FOOD FOSSICKERS - Time to slow down

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:06:05 GMT

By Nicole MurphyI have decided to give a new tip each week during this healthy lifestyle challenge from my personal guru. Cyndi O’Meara is an Australian woman who has written a large amount of books that really speak my language. When I thought I was gluten intolerant or something awful last year I started to listen to her CDs in the car. In them she gives a new habit to break for each week.The one that turned my life around was this tip which I’m passing onto you first. It was as...

Bendigo/FOOD FOSSICKERS - Whirrakee wins accolade

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:11:01 GMT

BENDIGO’S Whirrakee restaurant is the first local restaurant in 10 years to win a much-lauded chef’s hat in the newly-released The Age Good Food Guide 2011.The one-hat category is awarded for restaurants achieving a score of 15 out of 20, and it denotes: “Great – notable in its class”.The Good Food Guide is the most respected food guide in Victoria. It has been guiding foodies in their dining choices for more than 30 years.The newly-hatted Whirrakee sits on Charing Cross overlooking the Ale...

Bendigo/FOOD FOSSICKERS - Nibbles

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:13:25 GMT

• In the name of research I dined out at Basement on View this week. Delicious – as were the other eight peoples’ meals. Chef Adrian Hensley came out and showed me the new spring menu starting this week. Looks amazing – more research required.• Ma Petite Cuisine has decided to have a bit of fun on Fridays by making up different cupcakes. There are always two gluten-free versions – Leonie’s good like that. Thanks for the samples. One of the girls at our shop was heading of...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Fashion on a high

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:17:50 GMT

FASHION will be on the agenda at Bendigo Marketplace next week for its latest In Season event.On Thursday, three local identities will go head-to-head in a styling pressure test to see who’s got the most fashion smarts.A panel of judges will choose the savviest stylist and a donation will be made to the winning contestant’s charity of choice.Contestants will be given a mannequin and the season’s hottest fashion trends.They will have five minutes to see who can create the most stylish outfit.Free...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Weighing in for week one

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:23:11 GMT

This is weigh-in week for the 114 participants in Bendigo’s Biggest Winner.“We went over the 100 because the last entry was from a workplace,” St John of God Hospital chief executive officer Michael Hogan said.“It is great to see so many workplaces doing something positive to help their staff start or maintain a healthy lifestyle.“Most have paid for or subsided their staff’s registration fee.”The workplace entries make up 74 of the 114 entries and each workplace entry is also eligible for indivi...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Back to school

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:27:05 GMT

HAVE you ever wondered what it would be like to go back to school?How your experience in the classroom would compare to that of today’s children?You can find out at the Town Hall next Tuesday at the State Secondary Schools Showcase.The event will give the community a chance to witness the changes and innovations in an era where technology has opened up a whole new world of learning and where the laptop is as common as pens and pencils.The event, hosted by Bendigo’s five state secondary colleges,...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Cash helps project grow

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:50:10 GMT

BENDIGO TAFE has received a grant from Bendigo Community Health to assist in buying materials for a gardening project run for migrant students.The students have knowledge and an interest in growing vegetables, and use their enthusiasm in gardening to improve their English skills.About 15 Karen and Sudanese refugees are involved in the project, which includes both classroom-based learning and practical hands-on learning in the Community Garden.Many of the participants have already had years of ga...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Rainfall best in 26 years

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:33:09 GMT

By BEN CAMERONBendigo has experienced its wettest August for 26 years, according to a local amateur forecaster.Kevin Long said Bendigo received 139mm, the wettest since 1984.The record for August is 169mm in 1909.But, it smashed the long-term average for August (usually the wettest month of the year)of 58mm, while 608mm has fallen for the year.“More rain has fallen this year than the entire year of 2000,” he said.Mr Long believes the moon caused the heavy rain.“This year and next year we are in ...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Dental wait list row starts to bite

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:36:40 GMT

By ANTHONY RADFORDTHE state election campaign has begun to heat up, with both parties attacking the other about the large Bendigo dental waiting lists.Shadow Health Minister David Davis attacked Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan over dental waiting lists of more than two years for public patients.“Jacinta Allan has neglected residents in Bendigo who waited more than two years for denture care, and she has seemingly ignored the growing dental crisis,” Mr Davis said.Denture wait times since Ju...

Bendigo/FILM AND BOOK REVIEWS - Isabella’s Garden

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:04:07 GMT

Title:Isabella’s GardenAuthor:Glenda MillardIllustrator:Rebecca CoolPublisher:Walker BooksISBN:9781921150333Price:$27.95Suggested Readership: AllA story endearing of life itself, Isabella’s Garden is a charming work – leading readers across a landscape of family and the toiling of earth.Stunningly illustrated, it is the picture that leads one to the written story – weaving concepts of family through age group, and generation. Author Glenda Millard sees part of her own kin in that of the fictiona...

Bendigo/FILM AND BOOK REVIEWS - Salt

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:08:54 GMT

Title:SaltRated:MGenre:Action/ThrillerDirector:Phillip NoyceMain Cast:Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel EjioforLONG-time readers of this column will know that I don’t normally act as a spoiler – revealing the storyline of suspense thrillers.However, the spy-thriller Salt has annoyed me so much that I’m forced to break my normal rule of thumb as the film does not conclude and leaves the audience hanging waiting for a sequel to be made.Thanks to the producer’s greed, the movie breaks the ac...

Bendigo/OPINION - At the forefront

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:33:46 GMT

BENDIGO is well known for being at the forefront of innovation.When banks were pulling out of country areas, the Bendigo Bank decided to go in.When telecommunications companies were ripping off consumers, Bendigo Community Telco was born.When people wanted a sort-of healthy meal they could eat while drinking a bear at the same time, the Chiko Roll was invented.While perhaps not quite at the same level as the ordinary-tasting takeaway treat, another Bendigo innovation was unveiled yesterday.After...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Little bird Kasey flies in ahead of tour

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:55:42 GMT

Multi-award winning country singer Kasey Chambers called into Bendigo on Wednesday, on a promotional tour for her new album, Little Bird.The album, her first in five years, will be released on September 17 while Kasey will play The Capital on October 13.It’s wasn’t all fun and games though, she had to track down a local dentist after losing a tooth while eating lunch.To read more about Kasey and other lifestyle and entertainment news, check out the debut edition of b.entertained, launched next F...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - IPTv names the day

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:05:55 GMT

ONE of Australia’s first internet televisions stations, Bendigo IPTv is one step closer.The Bendigo-owned company yesterday announced a carrier deal with Telstra, and a launch date.Bendigo IPTv, which is part owned by the Bendigo Weekly, will start broadcasting on October 1 and will deliver locally-produced content.Chairman Geoff McLeod said the company identified a gap in programming.“TV audiences have a choice of more channels, but this has been at the expense of local programming,” he said.“A...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Delays continue

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:08:19 GMT

By BEN CAMERONBendigo’s trains have continued their poor track record.Ninety-two per cent of V/Line trains are required to arrive within six minutes of the scheduled arrival time, however that figure has been met just once in more than four years since March, 2006.The latest figures for June and July respectively was 84 and 85 per cent.Percentages as low as 77 per cent have been recorded in the past four years, despite the government changing the timetable in March, 2007 to accommodate the delay...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - Taxi row continues as McCrae Street in doubt

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:13:18 GMT

By ANTHONY RADFORDPLANS for a taxi rank on McCrae Street have been dealt another blow, with revelations the City of Greater Bendigo council does not support the idea.The Safe Community Forum proposed to build a taxi shelter and toilets in the car park next to St Luke’s Innovative Resources on McCrae Street.The plan angered nearby residents and the Bendigo Chinese Association, which was originally not told of the proposal.The council last month voted to defer the plan to get further advice.Howeve...

Bendigo/FILM AND BOOK REVIEWS - Ned Kelly and the Green Sash

Jacperryman — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:48:24 GMT

Normal01206117592144211.1287000Title:NedKelly and the Green SashAuthor: Mark GreenwoodIllustrator: Frane LessacPublisher: Walker BooksISBN: 9781921150876Price: $27.95Suggested readership: All ages Ned Kelly and the Green Sash(Greenwood & Lessac) gently preludes the adult life of its titled bushranger, Ned Kelly. A unique and uplifting portrait, it shows the iconic man as a child - selflessly saving the life of a young friend. As readers embrace the humanity of a ...

Bendigo/BENDIGO NEWS - RE: Battle for the state

Leafy Green Trees — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:50:56 GMT

I am hoping that they will both get the flick as they have been a waste of time. How many portfolios has Bob had and he still can't get any of them right. He better start looking for all the missing pistols since he is the boss.