Community
16 January, 2025
2024 year in review
This week we take a look back at some of the news stories, events and photos that shaped the western district in 2024 and appeared in the pages of the Terang Express.
January
A coalescence of local artistic talent saw the establishment of a new art gallery in Terang. Members of the Terang Artists Galley officially opened not-for-profit gallery located in the storefront at the Commercial Hotel.
Boorcan’s Theres and Jamie Drake family were shocked when an open garden at their family drew around 100 people through the gates to learn more about sustainable living.
Country Fire Authority brigades were quick to bring a haystack fire in Garvoc under control. Smoke was visible hundreds of meters from the site of the incident, including a light flow over the Princes Highway which saw a community warning issued. Crews discovered approximately 200 bales affected by fire.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas visited the region to announce two significant milestones for the transformation of health in the south west. Ms Thomas and Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora announced the completion of the new Regional Logistics Distribution Centre (RLDC), and the appointment of a builder for the $384.2 million Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment.
Corangamite Shire residents took full advantage of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) with more than half a million containers recycled since the scheme launched. The scheme proved a funding boon for the region with more than $54,000 in refunds collected or distributed to eligible community groups.
February
Despite missing out on the major accolades, Terang and Noorat were well represented at Corangamite Shire Council’s Australia day awards. Among those recognised with Community Volunteer Awards for the commitment to bettering the lives of those around them was Terang’s Michael Lee, Gabby and Ricky Sachs, Cheryl Ham and Colin Venn. The teams behind the Colour Terang Festival and Morning Melodies also received recognition for their respective events, as too did Noorat’s Lynn Patzel and Cobrico’s Megan Pringuer.
Corangamite Shire councillors knocked back a subdivision application to excise a historic family home from farmland, citing a desire to protect farming despite more than a dozen subdivisions on the same street.
The property, owned by the Glennon family, has been the site of one of the south west’s most successful agricultural businesses. Work trucks were out in force across the shire as Corangamite Shire Council undertook widespread resealing efforts. Council began its efforts to reseal 66 kilometres of shire roadsunder the 2024 resealing program.
An expanded workforce led Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) through a changing of the guard, as fresh faces embrace new opportunities following the departure of long-serving staff members. Among those departing was Janine DeBaere, who spent 17 years in front of house administration roles and Gaye Sanderson, who retired after 17 years as quality, risk and safety manager. Despite their irreplaceable absence, TMHS bucked the trend of staffing shortages to welcome a number of new staff members.
Laang’s Lisette Mill called for action after noticing a silver Kia abandoned at the Terang train station and a white Mitsubishi truck abandoned near the rail line at Sampsons Ford Road in Garvoc. Within 48 hours of Western District Newspapers publishing the story, the vehicles were removed.
It’s becoming a tradition for teenage musician James Eller to line up a gig in Terang for his grandparents to enjoy when he’s in the region. The 14-year old lined up a gig at the Commercial Hotel prior to his weekend performances at the Port Fairy Jazz Festival.
One of the worst roads in the south west received a much-needed upgrade, but only two sections of the road will receive a facelift. Crews completed major patching works on a section of Mackinnons Bridge Road between the Princes Highway and Pontings Road in Noorat East at a cost of $276,000.
Hundreds took to the streets to navigate the 5.92-kilometre stretch between Terang and Noorat as part of the 2024 Terang and District Lions Fun Run Walk. Around 380 people took part in this year’s annual event after a nervous wait for organisers.
Terang Country Bakery was crowned as having the best traditional pasties. Judges gave the tick of approval for Terang Country Bakery at the 2024 Victorian Baking Show.
March
Many hands made light work when students united with an aboriginal co-operative to plant native flora in a new sensory garden. Noorat Primary School students welcomed Worn Gundidj Nursey to the school for a day of learning and planting.
Underfunding, a lack of defined best-practice direction, mental health and an exodus of staff are among the biggest concerns plaguing schools in the south west. The issues were raised when Shadow Minister for Education Jess Wilson toured schools in Terang, Warrnambool and Portland at the invitation of South West Coast MP Roma Britnell to learn more about the challenges regional schools are facing.
Road upgrades continued in the region with a more than $2 million highway upgrade beginning. The Department of Transport and Planning began works on a total of 1.9-kilometres of road on the Princes Highway between Terang and Camperdown.
Cooinda participants officially moved in to a brand new, fully accessible state-of-the-art villa, located at 51 Dow Street in Terang.
A tale of determination and the desire to help others was among the inspiring local stories told as part of International Women’s Day. Businesses, organisations, community groups and families across the region took a moment to celebrate the women who inspire, among which was Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) registered nurse Meena Neupane.
The Terang Community Op Shop surpassed $900,000 in total donations made to the community. The volunteer-run operation has been there to give back every step of the way since opening its doors at the Mudbrick Centre on Shadforth Street, December 9, 2009.
The Victorian Government denied funding to begin the long-awaited redevelopment of the Mortlake Community Health Centre, but Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) has vowed to continue its advocacy. TMHS board chair Ben Dennis said the dedicated health service staff shared the community’s frustrations after the State Government again shut down any hopes of receiving funding to begin the redevelopment.
New Noorat Show president Rob Onley had no interest in trying to reinvent the wheel while the iconic agricultural show continues to thrive. He took over from former president Monica Heffernan after she enjoyed an extended leadership period due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Terang College students welcomed a special guest presenter to celebrate the simple fact that everyone is a little different. Students welcomed I CAN Network founder and chief enabling officer Chris Varney for a presentation on inclusion and acceptance of those living with neurodivergence, a term used to describe the variants in mental functions and those whose brain processes information in ways not considered typical.
A slew of sold out performances strengthened optimism a vibrant future awaits theatrical productions in Terang. The Terang Theatre Troupe’s run of shows for ‘Letters to Lindy’ proved a success, with all six shows officially selling out every seat.
April
Students in Terang and Mortlake made a big mess to celebrate raising thousands of dollars for charity. Students at both Mortlake College and Terang College recently celebrated their efforts raising funds for Foodbank Victoria, with each school respectively hosting a whole-school food fight.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) celebrated being named one of Victoria’s top-five best performing health services, recognised for its workplace culture. The results were released as part of the annual People Matter Survey, the Victorian public sector’s independent employee opinion survey, which this year focused on workplace culture.
Noorat Primary School students welcomed Spud, an animal-assisted therapy dog, in to the classroom four-days each week.
There was smiles all around as a bumper crowd made a day of it at the 2024 Sungold Milk Terang Cup. Terang Racecourse was abuzz with excitement as the community was out in force for a day of country racing action.
A second reverse vending machine was delivered to Terang as Cooinda participants make light work of the high-volume of containers recycled in town.
Noorat’s Country Fire Authority volunteers mourned the loss of beloved CFA Life Member David ‘Croz’ Lourey. Mr Lourey passed away, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated community service no better encapsulated by his 65 years of service as a member of the Noorat and District CFA Brigade.
Terang College installed two new playgrounds thanks to the tireless fundraising efforts of parents and a huge donation from the Terang Community Op Shop.
May
Crowds gathered in solemn commemoration of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during Anzac Day services across the region. Services were held in Noorat, Ellerslie, Terang and Mortlake, with large crowds gathering to pay their respects.
The delivery of two young calves helped Noorat Primary School students gain hands on experience under a popular agricultural program.
Terang Harness Racing Club officially unveiled its more than $2.2 million stables and community hub upgrades after persisting through years of complications.
It was an emotional moment when Hampden Specialist School officially unveiled its new campus to stakeholders, staff, students, school council representatives, family and friends.
The Bloods played their first game on the recently refurbished home courts at Mortlake’s DC Farran Oval.
Corangamite Shire Council announced its advocacy platform at a national assembly of councils, calling for the enhancement of telecommunications services to protect regional communities during times of emergency. The Terang and District Probus Club celebrated it’s 20-year milestone, with past and present members joining together to celebrate the strong social bonds built among members.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney officially unveiled the new upgrades which allowed all Terang College students to unite on the one campus.
Concern surrounding the lack of road funding in the Victorian Budget prompted one MP to implore Premier Jacinta Allen visit the region. South West Coast MP encouraged the Premier to visit the region and “experience firsthand our absolute atrocious roads, because witnessing them firsthand is the only way to truly comprehend the severity of the situation”.
A donation of $52,250 supported the installation of a new rotunda to shelter those grieving the loss of a loved one. The new rotunda was installed at the Terang cemetery thanks to a donation from the Noorat-based C, J & B Glennen Charitable Foundation covering the full cost.
Stonemason David Long returned to Terang to commission a new sign on the western entrance 30 years after building the iconic entrance sign on the opposite side of town.
Students created their own dress up day as part of a school program which is heightening their understanding of agriculture.
Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell condemned a Victorian State Budget as having nothing to offer a large percentage of the region. “From Terang to Nelson, it has been a resounding “no” for our region from the Victorian Labor Government” Ms Britnell said.
Terang Country Bakery co-owner Brad Burkitt was selected to represent Australia in the return of a prestigious international baking competition.
Terang Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigade captain Ash Miller was among the 52,000 CFA volunteers being celebrated as part of National Volunteer Week. His journey with the CFA began in Lismore 15 years ago when he followed in the footsteps of his family, joining his father and older brother as a CFA volunteer.
A highly pathogenic strain of the Avian Influenza virus was confirmed to have been detected at a Terang poultry farm. The local outbreak of Avian Influenza, commonly referred to as ‘bird flu,’ was discovered a day after the HN73 strain was detected at an egg farm near Meredith, just outside Geelong.
June
Agriculture Victoria confirmed 160,000 birds had been culled in response to the detection of the Avian Influenza virus at a Terang-based poultry farm.
The State Government was given 30 days to categorically rule out a potential merger of south west health services after South West Coast MP Roma Britnell called for answers in Parliament.
Terang’s Greavesy’s Fruit and Veg was named the best fruit and vegetable grocer in Victoria, and the second best in Australia. Owners Cassie and Jason Greaves were shocked when they got the call last week announcing their store had been named A Better Choice’s Victorian winner of the Retailer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 and runner up in the overall national Retailer of the Year competition.
The long-term future of The Little Acorn Café was secured after a $450,000 renovation was officially unveiled.
The Terang and Mortlake Health Service Ladies Auxiliary made a $5000 donation to support Terang Hospital.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service’s (TMHS) Mt View aged care facility was successful in the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission re-accreditation, and received a five-star rating for the care it provides – among the top 2.75 per cent of providers in Australia. TMHS director of nursing Melissa Mitchell said the achievements were “significant”.
Volunteers of the Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) Terang unit received new equipment thanks to a donation from leading chainsaw brand STIHL.
Terang’s Brad Burkitt kept his pie recipe simple to help seal an Australian victory in a bake-off with arch rivals New Zealand. Mr Burkitt’s gourmet lamb pies wowed judges to help secure Australian victory at the return of the popular ANZ Bake competition.
Noorat Primary School welcomed a new acting principal after the departure of Ilona Watkins, who took on the acting principal role at Cobden Primary School.
A campaign to bring aged care back to Terang progressed, with a leading aged care consultancy firm helping the Terang Aged Care Future steering committee develop a plan tailored to the community’s aged care needs for decades to come.
The Terang and District Co-operative Limited recorded another year of solid profits. Although down on the previous year’s result, Co-op chair Geoff Barby and chief executive officer Gary Tempany said the profit of $356,941 was a strong achievement. The Co-op also continued to make a mark in the local community, providing $84,876 in sponsorships and donations and $297,455 in members’ rewards.
July
Quarantine measures remained in place after the detection of H7N9 Avian Influenza at a Terang-based poultry farm.
Corangamite Shire Council received the Mt Noorat Annual Report for the 2023-2024 year, which showed a period of success for one of the south west’s most iconic landmarks.
Mt View Aged Care Facility received an eye-catching new feature thanks to the generosity and talent of one of its own residents. Mt View resident Brian O’Sullivan donated one of his prized windmills to the aged care facility, which was prominently displayed at the front entrance.
Australian music icon Neil Murray drew a packed house for his one-night-only performance in Terang.
Taxes, roads and fears for local health services were among the most pressing issues facing Terang and district residents, South West Coast Roma Britnell warned following a listening post.
Members of the Terang and District Rotary Club launched a new endeavour to assist those in need of a helping hand – free of charge. As part of the club’s commitment to giving back to the community, members Wayne Reicha and Paul Blain unveiled plans to assist members of the community in cleaning out their split system air conditioning.
Rotarians celebrated a 35-year member taking on a fourth term as president, the selfless dedication of community members and more than $13,150 given back.
Terang College celebrated its multicultural school community by hosting its own Olympic games.
One of Terang’s most well-known family businesses changed hands after almost 30 years of operation. Bourkey’s Tyres welcomed new owner Adam Pyres after Pat and Michelle Bourke felt the time was right to step away.
The $7 million Terang Battery Energy Storage System remained in the pre-construction phase 21 months after the Victorian Government announced funding for the project.
August
The Victorian Government funded a $50,000 flooring upgrade for the Terang Civic Hall.
Vibrancy remained a feature of Johnstone Court despite the departure of one business, with a south west local signing a lease to bring her art gallery to the historic arcade. Rusty Spanner Studio owner Chelsea Pope announced the closure of her studio, but friend and Glenormiston artist Jess Fowler signed the lease to open her own studio in the storefront.
Students celebrated their wonderful achievements as part of the final session for the 2024 Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDA) year.
Catholic schools across the region are celebrating a milestone for the Diocese of Ballarat with the creation of an object used for thousands of years to allow Aboriginal nations to transfer information. Five message sticks, which carried artwork depicting important messages and histories to be shared between First Nations groups, were recently created to marks the 150th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat.
Among the schools to host a message stick was St Thomas’ Primary School in Terang and St Colman’s Primary School in Mortlake.
A former health care professional of more than 30 years joined the chorus of voices raising concerns surrounding potential budget cuts and forced amalgamations for health services across Victoria. Jane Fitzgibbon, who worked at Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) for 33 years, spoke out ahead of a planned “hands off our hospitals” rally.
Boorcan pony ‘Gainsey’ stepped in to retirement after more than two decades supporting Victorian children who are living with a disability.
Hundreds turned out in a sea of orange to celebrate independent candidate for Wannon Alex Dyson officially launching his campaign.
Cooinda participants supporting the thriving Yellow Tail Nursery have a new space to work from thanks to a renovation project.
The Terang Walking Group celebrated its 25-year milestone with a special bus trip throughout the region.
September
Terang’s Aaron Hayward took the nation by storm following his incredible performance on the hit TV show, ‘The Voice’. Mr Hayward earned widespread praise following his performance during the show’s blind auditions.
Liam Rowe was lost for words when he was recognised as the latest 1st Noorat Cub Scout to earn the peak award Grey Wolf.
Most Corangamite Shire would not be heading to the ballot boxes next month after it was announced six of the seven council wards received only one nomination.
Three firearms were stolen in an alleged smash and grab in Terang.
The Laang community paid a heartfelt tribute to beloved late bowler Margaret Sumner OAM, in an act which has drawn the appreciation of her family. A display cabinet was built at the Laang Hall to showcase some of the items Mrs Sumner earned during her more than four-decade career on the greens.
The Terang Community Op Shop will continue operations from its Shadforth Street location after Corangamite Shire signalled its intention to continue its mutually-beneficial lease arrangement. Councillors unanimously supported an alternative motion which will see Terang Resources Inc, the registered charity which operates the Terang Community Op Shop, enter a new commercial lease agreement from 2025. It had been determined a $19,000 annual fee was the market value of the 10 Shadforth Street premises, but councillors threw their support behind setting the cost at the nominal fee of $138.
Students were in for a treat when local Olympic hero Penny Smith made a surprise visit to St Thomas’ Primary School.
The Victorian Government announced St Thomas Primary School would receive $2.4 million in funding for a redevelopment.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) was shortlisted as a finalist for the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.
Terang Harness Racing Club welcomed Chris O’Connor as new president after Evan Savage had held the reigns in the top job for 11 years.
The sprawling panoramic views atop Mt Noorat can now be further enjoyed thanks to the opening of a new scenic viewing area and walking track thanks to a $50,000 investment.
October
Christian Autos apprentice Dominic Knuckey-Holswich was South West TAFE Automotive Apprentice of the Year.
A team running in memory of those they lost to a rare neurological disease arrived back home in Terang after more than 900 kilometres travelled and $37,000 raised.
The Colour Terang Festival drew thousands in yet another successful event.
History was made at Mount Noorat when the first smoking ceremony since colonisation was held in a celebration of the importance the landmark played in connecting Aboriginal tribes. A ceremony was held on the mount as part of the ‘Caring for Country’ celebration, with Kirrae Wurrung man Brett Clarke and his son, Wirran, leading discussions and a guided tour of the mount.
Dedicated staff were recognised at the recent Cooinda Terang annual general meeting, which revealed a continued strong financial result and growth for one of the region’s most prominent disability service providers. Cooinda also named Rhiannon Emeny as the 2024 Darkie Lee Award recipient.
Hundreds lined Dalvui Racecourse to celebrate the club’s Family Race Day.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) was presented a five-figure cheque thanks to the dedicated fundraising efforts of local volunteers. Terang Hospital Ladies Auxiliary members visited the hospital to present TMHS chief executive officer Julia Ogdin with a cheque for $11,000.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio visited Terang to view the site of the upcoming $7 million Terang Battery Energy Storage System.
Train travel to and from Melbourne improved after the announcement of new and extended services.
November
Terang Harness Racing Club celebrated a historic 75 years since the opening of Dalvui Raceway– reflecting on seven decades of success, and burgeoning optimism the best may be yet to come.
A new business case study has revealed building an aged care facility in Terang is currently not viable, but the steering committee behind the push will pivot attention to a new 60-70-unit retirement village in the heart of town. The business case study commissioned by local steering committee Terang Aged Care Future revealed there are insurmountable challenges associated with the delivery of residential aged care (RAC) in Terang.
The Terang Gift paid tribute to Len Pomeroy, the town’s last surviving World War Two veteran, and announced the 800-metre event will be named the ‘Terang RSL 800M’ in honour of the Terang RSL and its lengthy history in supporting veterans and their families.
A proposal to develop a 60-70-unit retirement village in Terang, as part of ongoing efforts to shape the future of the town’s aged care options, received a strong showing of support from the community.
The 2024 Noorat Show put on a show with around 10,000 people through the gates.
The extraordinary range of talent at St Thomas’ Primary School was on display at a special talent contest. Patrick Tuckett was the overall winner after he wowed with his rapid drawing of a dinosaur.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service TMHS) remained in a strong financial position, according to its 2023/2024 annual report tabled in Parliament. TMHS reported a net operating surplus, before capital and specific items, of $401,000 despite a comprehensive net result for the year being a deficit of $379,000.
December
Terang Swimming Club planned an expansion to utilise both Terang and Mortlake swimming pools in a bid to emerge from dire times.
Dairy farmers from across Victoria’s south-west have gathered at the Warrnambool Golf Club to celebrate the industry whilst raising money for the local charity, Neil Porter Legacy Foundation. A Western Victoria MP has called on Premier Jacinta Allan to formally invite President-Elect Donald Trump to the “rust belt regions” of Western Victoria.
Jannette Miller was overcome with emotion as her 35 years of dedication to teaching was recognised
A family tradition has grown in to what might be the south west’s largest community Christmas tree. A group of Noorat residents have recently placed the finishing touches on a large Christmas tree, located at the Terang-Mortlake Road entrance to the village, which had been planted 20 years prior after serving as the Porter family Christmas tree.
A team of local golfers has raised a staggering $12,124 to support cancer research. The Terang Golf Club team took to the greens in Terang last Friday to complete a marathon 72-hole day of golf as part of The Longest Day fundraiser.
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