Community
17 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 Camperdown Chronicle.
January
A Lismore family had their hair cut short for a very special cause. Ava and Eden Halloran and their mother Sandy donated their hair to Kids with Cancer for their Wigs 4 Kids campaign.
Camperdown Turf Club awarded Life Membership honours to a club stalwart. Laurie Hickey received his badge from fellow life members Ron Cameron and Dennis Mahony at the club’s monthly committee meeting.
Fun, fashion and horses were the talk of the day for Camperdown’s annual Sungold Milk Camperdown Cup. Around 2500 people went through the gates, dressed in their Sunday best with fascinators abound.
A local watch maker ticked off a major milestone, celebrating 50 years in the job. Colin Brian, who works at Showcase Jewellers as a watch maker and is an SES volunteer, began working in the field on January 21, 1973.
Minister for Road and Road Safety Melissa Horne dismissed a call for action at a dangerous Gnotuk intersection after several serious road incidents. The intersection rests on a low-visibility bend, and the 100-kilometre-per-hour speed limit causes life-threatening and risky merging.
February
Corangamite Shire Council honoured people who give their time and effort to their communities on Australia Day. The awards ceremony was held in Skipton at the Mechanics Institute Hall, with around 250 marking the national day.
A simple post on Facebook about a South Australian couple’s visit to Camperdown went viral, with locals thrilled over the positive words from the visitors. Jenny and Malcolm McEachern, who live in Naracoorte, South Australia, visited Camperdown over the Australia Day long weekend to avoid the busy coastal season.
Thanks to the generosity of locals, more than $140,000 of donated medical equipment began arriving at South West Healthcare’s Camperdown Hospital. The equipment included a $43,000 foetal monitor and a tonsillectomy coblation system some of the bigger Melbourne hospitals don’t yet have.
One Skipton resident called out insurance companies’ poor behavior through a submission to a government inquiry and an appearance on national television. The Inquiry into insurers’ responses to 2022 major floods claims began on January 31 and investigated the behavior of insurance companies following many complaints regarding their handling of the October 2022 floods.
Lynn Rossiter, mother of Paul and grandmother of Mia and Willow, expressed deep gratitude to the Lismore and Derrinallum communities for the support they showed while the family recovered from a January 3 car accident. Lismore and Derrinallum community groups began running fundraisers to help the family while the family Bush Inn remained closed, giving them a form of income to pay their medical bills.
March
Camperdown’s Girl Guides will now be able to run activities more comfortably in their hall thanks to a donation from the Community Bank Cobden and Camperdown. The Community Bank donated $5000 to the Girl Guides to fund the installation of a new air conditioning system and new signage for the building.
The Camperdown Residential Aged Care Appeal was officially launched with a $100,000 gift from Midfield Meats International. South West Healthcare (SWH) hopes to raise $562,000 to furnish and equip its $39.6 million aged care facility in Camperdown, which is set to open mid-2025.
Two new registrars were welcomed into the Camperdown Clinic, bringing with them unique interests and skill sets that expand the capacities of the clinic. Katherine Penaloza and Jenita Kamina started at the clinic towards the end of February, with the pair both working part time.
Residents at South West Healthcare’s Merindah Lodge watched as the hoarding separating the current building and the upcoming facility was transformed by the collaboration between a local artist and students of Camperdown College. The hoarding has been decorated with a mural of native Australian animals and plant life, with a jersey cow and other land features representing Camperdown and the surrounding regions.
One Camperdown expat unveiled plans to cycle solo from his home in Noosa to his hometown to raise funds for two charities. Jake Rowbottom prepared to don his bicycle helmet on Good Friday, setting off from Noosa in Queensland and cycling around 2700 kilometres to Camperdown, Victoria.
April
Towns across Victoria dug deep for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, with Camperdown bringing in a record amount of donations. Camperdown’s Good Friday Appeal received $43,036.80 in donations this year, breaking their previous record of $38,000 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Boots scooted and a record broke at the annual Music by the Lake Good Friday Appeal fundraiser. The fundraiser managed to raise $8550 for Camperdown’s Good Friday Appeal, which broke 2023’s record of $6500.
A worker in Camperdown’s Ritchies supermarket marked a significant milestone with the store. Produce manager Jodie Stephens marked 40 years of working for Ritchies, being awarded a certificate to commemorate her dedication to the supermarket.
South West Healthcare’s Camperdown Residential Aged Care Appeal thundered along thanks to the generosity of various donors, with Beyond Bank contributing to the cause. Beyond Bank’s community development manager Grant Howland presented appeal manager Suzan Morey with a cheque for $5000.
A crowd gathered at Camperdown’s Clocktower to welcome back Jake Rowbottom, who completed his bicycle ride from Noosa to Camperdown. The bike ride raised over $26,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, surpassing his goal of $20,000.
May
Skipton Primary School held an official opening to mark the completion of construction works to the building, combining the historical with the modern. Construction works began back in 2022 for the $4.2 million upgrade, which was funded by the Victorian Government and the Department of Education.
Camperdown’s Lions Club officially began the process of fundraising for part one of a very big project. Lions Club president Andy Riordan said the club was “proud” to announce the commencement of fundraising for stage one of the play space.
A joint initiative between the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Ambulance Victoria helped to teach Chocolyn residents how to make use of the brigade’s new life-saving addition. The community joined together for a CPR information session hosted by the Chocolyn CFA Brigade and Ambulance Victoria representatives.
One Camperdown business owner has been making a difference in Africa, and began looking for new items to continue helping those in need. Future Freight’s Michelle Smith sought donations of baby clothes and wheelchairs from community members to ship to Botswana in Africa to help those in need.
South West Healthcare celebrated a significant milestone in its $562,000 Camperdown Residential Aged Care Appeal. The appeal received a $55,200 donation from the Collier Charitable Fund, bringing the appeal past the half-way mark.
June
One Camperdown resident began pounding the pavement of the town for a worthy cause and is already making significant progress. Peter James is participating in The Smith Family’s Dream Run fundraiser, aiming to walk 200 kilometres.
A Camperdown stalwart has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia as part of the King’s Birthday Honours List for his dedication to serving the Camperdown community. Camperdown CFA Brigade secretary, treasurer and communications officer Bernie Sinnott OAM was among 737 Australians recognised.
Regional Livestock Exchanges (RLX) announced it had advised the Corangamite Shire Council it would be winding down operations after concluding the site could not be operated viably in to the future. RLX has been operating the site at Camperdown since 2018 and, despite working with local agents and producers to increase throughput, cattle had continued to be directed to Hamilton, Mortlake and Colac in preference to Camperdown.
Community health and wellbeing services came together at the Camperdown and District Community House to learn more about the findings of South West Healthcare (SWH)’s report into food insecurity in the Corangamite Shire. The investigation, conducted by SWH’s health promotion team, included a community food survey, mapping of food outlets, analysis of food costs and community consultation with both community members and professionals working in the shire.
Camperdown was set to be introduced to a national audience after filming for the ABC television series Back Roads concluded. The film crew arrived in town before the Robert Burns Celtic Festival, filming various community groups and aspects of the festival.
July
The Rotary Club of Camperdown marked a significant milestone with a special dinner. The club marked its 75th anniversary, holding a dinner at the Camperdown Golf Club while looking back on the previous year’s work.
A special service was held to commemorate a milestone year for the St Paul’s Anglican Church, with a special guest attending the service. The church celebrated its 160th anniversary with a Thanksgiving service attended by residents from Camperdown and surrounds, as well as families of those with ties to the church and Bishop Mark Burton.
The Camperdown Turf Club became the latest donor to South West Healthcare’s Camperdown Residential Aged Care Appeal. The club’s donation of $9200 was dedicated to complete the furnishing and equipping of one of the facility’s 36 bedrooms.
Residents gained access to the Victorian Government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) with a new refund point being installed. The installation of the fourth reverse vending machine in the Corangamite Shire began on the corner of Manifold Street and Brooke Street.
A weekend of wet and windy weather did not dampen the spirits at the annual Old Bookaar School art exhibition ‘Corangamite Under the Microscope’, which artists claimed was the “best year yet”. Over 200 people passed through the doors of the old school for the Corangamite Creatives collective’s annual exhibition.
August
Inside Camperdown’s Men’s Shed at the Camperdown Showgrounds, one shedder (Men’s Shed member) proved you are only as old as you feel. Albert Beasley joined the shed nine years ago and hasn’t slowed down at age 99 and a half.
After 110 years, the Derrinallum Uniting Church was listed for sale. Derrinallum Uniting Church chairperson Keith Slee said members had made the decision to sell the historic church building.
While the Olympic Games had officially ended, Olympic fever continued to affect Camperdown as two sign-writers came together to celebrate local Olympians. Ian Currell of Currell Signs and Peter Conheady of Mr Sign collaborated on a series of stickers which popped up to celebrate their efforts.
The town of Camperdown was abuzz with excitement as residents welcomed Olympic bronze medalist Penny Smith home from Paris. The Commercial Hotel’s courtyard was packed as residents met with Ms Smith and learned more about her time in Paris and her sport.
One community member provided a space for residents to voice their concerns following the temporary pause of Camperdown Hospital’s maternity services. Cristina Miskin founded the Save Camperdown Hospital Maternity Facebook page following the announcement of South West Healthcare’s pause on maternity services.
September
Lismore Post Office marked a very special milestone. The building was opened on September 6, 1924, meaning last year officially marked 100 years since the building first opened.
Sixteen of Skipton Primary School’s Year four, five and six students geared up for their performance at the Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS). The school was among 80 other Victorian state government schools participating in the VSSS at the John Cain Arena in Melbourne.
Students at Saint Patrick’s Primary School were thrilled to receive a special visitor to their school. Olympic bronze medalist Penny Smith visited the school to speak with students about her Olympic experience and answer their burning questions.
Knights, mages, elves and dwarves descended upon a property in Pomborneit for the annual Swordcraft Quest. Swordcraft is Australia’s largest medieval battle game and live action roleplay (LARP) event, with players from across Australia attending the event.
Wednesday (September 25) saw families and business people alike come together to celebrate a milestone for one business along Manifold Street. The day marked 60 years since Benallack’s Sports first opened, which proprietors Andrew Benallack and Michelle Elijah celebrated with a community-based day at the store.
October
Close to 100 residents from the townships of Derrinallum, Lismore and Darlington came together at the Derrinallum Hall to discuss a means of addressing road safety issues. Residents and representatives of the progress associations of the three townships turned out to hear a strategy of how to have their road safety issues addressed.
Camperdown’s Uniting Church had been collecting bottles and cans as part of an innovative to making a difference to those less fortunate. The church made use of the 10-cent refund collected on eligible cans and bottles recycled through the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), which has been going towards the church’s Ministry Benevolent Fund, with over $1700 raised through the scheme.
One Camperdown resident was recognised on the state stage, winning second place at the Melbourne Royal Show. Bronte deGille took out silver at the 2024 Royal Melbourne Art, Craft and Cookery competition on day one of the show on Thursday, September 26.
The Camperdown Pastoral and Agricultural Society (P and A Society) reflected on another successful Cobden Camperdown Community Bank Camperdown Show, with over 4000 people going through the gates. P and A Society secretary Cheryl McMahon said the turnout for the 2024 show was an “excellent” result for the society.
A prototype room at South West Healthcare’s new $39.6 million, state-of-the-art Merindah Lodge redevelopment earned a tick of approval from staff and residents. Western District Newspapers toured the site alongside South West Healthcare executive director of redevelopment and infrastructure Jamie Brennan, community health manager Janine Dureau-Finn and chief executive officer Craig Fraser.
November
Ninety-two people filled the pews of Derrinallum’s Uniting Church building in a final send-off to the building. The special service was one of thanksgiving to the building for housing the town’s worshipping community over its 110 years, as well as looking forward with hope for the future of worship in Derrinallum.
One dedicated employee marked a special milestone alongside his colleagues. Dean ‘Browny’ Brown has been working at Camperdown’s Betta store for 45 years, having started in its original location on the corner of Pike and Manifold Street in 1979.
Camperdown’s Kellarnie Edwards was “blown away” by the generosity of the community as she prepared for a fundraising walk in honour of her mother’s cancer battle.
As the Camperdown Chronicle reported earlier in 2024, Kellarnie Edwards began raising funds for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation after her mother, Jan, was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer known as glioblastoma multiforme.
Lismore Primary School marked a special milestone, with past and current students touring the school and looking through memorabilia and photographs. The school marked 150 years of state education in Lismore, with the school opening in 1867 east of the Presbyterian Church.
Corangamite Shire Council rolled out the green and gold carpet for local Olympians Grace Brown and Penny Smith for a special civic reception to welcome them home. Sixty people turned out for the free night, taking the opportunity to learn more about Camperdown’s two Olympians through a question and answer session.
December
A Camperdown couple who are members of the Australian Stock Horse Society (ASHS) received recognition of their contribution to the society and the Australian Stock Horse breed. Ian and Marlene Gladman were each awarded a Special Service Award at the ASHS annual general meeting in May and were mentioned in an article in an ASHS journal.
Childcare centre Banana Splits saw a changing of the guard as new owners take over the centre. Outgoing owner-operator Karin Vaughan announced she would be stepping back while assisting new owners Allen Zhang and Bella He over a three- to six- month transition period.
Lismore Outdoor Swimming Pool celebrated a 60 year major milestone, with special activities to be held throughout the season and a special banner on display. The Lismore pool, which is classed as a war memorial pool, was opened on December 6, 1964.
Performers at Carols by Candlelight were greeted with a full house as the event celebrated 75 years of spreading Christmas cheer in the Camperdown community. The 75th annual Camperdown Carols by Candlelight saw with around 450 people in attendance joining in with carols from the traditional ‘The First Nowell’ and ‘Silent Night’ to Australian versions including ‘Deck the Shed’ and ‘Aussie Jingle Bells’.
Another successful Light Up Camperdown event was held with a great community and visitor attendance, with many enjoying the festive air of the event. Mayor Kate Makin said Paul Kelly from the Eastern Maar Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation performed a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at the base of the clocktower to start the event.
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