• The entry cost is $20.00 per dog for the day with a gold coin donation at the gate
• Ribbons & Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd placings
Email: inverleighdachshundderby@gmail.com Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. No aggresive dogs permitted.
This family and small dog friendly event is open to all dogs up to 30cm at the shoulder. Ribbons & prizes awarded for all events with trophies for the Dachshund Derby & All Breeds Race. > Cutest Puppy
0401
Child Handler
Egg & Spoon Race
Billy Can Race
Sack Race
Pooper Scooper
The Inverleigh Progress Association
A organisation that is made up of local residents that want to contribute to making Inverleigh a great place to live What is the IPA?
What does the IPA actually do?
publishes the Leigh News monthly & local phone directory undertakes community projects ie Town Stone Entrances executing the 2023 Inverleigh Community Plan advocate for Inverleigh with government organisations meets with Council every quarter to discuss local issues maintains specific community assets ie Water Standpipe & Clock Tower
Who is on the current IPA committee?
President - Hilary Hamiliton
Vice President - Deb Morrison
Secretary - Keith Windle
Treasurer - Gwenda Smith
Leigh News editor - Peter Trevaskis
Who should be a member of the IPA?
Any local residents that want to see the Inverleigh community continue to thrive into the future!
How much does it cost to join?
Annual membership is only $10
Find us here Website: https://www.inverleigh.org.au/ipa
LEIGH RIVER STANDPIPE
The lock will be changed on the Leigh River Standpipe Pump Shed from March 1st 2025.
The Leigh River standpipe is managed by the Inverleigh Progress Association Inc and is located on the corner of Cambridge St, Inverleigh.
Current keyholders have been notified that the lock will be changed and a new registered key required from March 1st 2025. The increase in fees has been necessary to cover the cost of pump maintenance, pump operation and provision of registered keys.
All current key holders will have been invoiced their 2025 account during February, and any outstanding invoices must be paid along with the new fee in order to receive the new key.
Key changeover days will be held in early March 2025, and current key holders have been sent details with their 2025 invoice. For any new or existing account enquiries, please contact: Gwenda Smith (IPA Treasurer) at inverleighpa@yahoo.com.au
for
• Yard Clean-ups
• Soil Removal
• Shed Site Cuts
• Trenching
• Post Hole Auger
• 350 & 400 Augers
• Landscape Prep Work
• Located in Inverleigh
Federation Bridge Repairs Update
Following a flood damage inspection in 2022, the Federation Pedestrian Bridge in Inverleigh was closed and initial signage was installed.
To ensure ongoing public safety and facilitate necessary repairs, more permanent barriers have recently been installed to restrict motorbike, horse, and vehicle access to the bridge.
Council has received draft repair plans for the bridge and northern riverbank, and these will soon be submitted to the relevant authority for approval. We’re also finalising the repair specifications and we anticipate going to tender for the works shortly. Based on tender outcomes, we anticipate repair works will start in April and will be completed by the end of June 2025.
The repair works will significantly improve the Federation Pedestrian Bridge. We’ll be replacing the decking with new timber, upgrading the suspension cables, and stabilising the northern bank with new beaching. Other improvements include new handrails, corrosion protection for the cables and cable stay anchors, and refixing pier column caps.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to restore the bridge and we'll continue to provide updates as the project progresses.
Golden Plains Shire Council
2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, Victoria 3331
19 Heales Street, Smythesdale, Victoria 3351
Ph: (03) 5220 7111
Fax: (03) 4206 7011
Email: enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au
Facts matter in politics
On or before May 17, the country will decide who will govern Australia for the next three years.
Here are some facts to bear in mind when thinking about how to make your vote count. According to the Parliamentary Library, Wannon has received $694 million in federal funding since 2016, far more than our neighbours Corangamite ($427 million) and Mallee ($651 million).
This funding has supported vital local projects— enhancing community infrastructure, strengthening businesses, improving education and expanding healthcare. It’s wonderful to welcome Inverleigh to Wannon and I look forward to working with the community to deliver the projects that matter.
I’ve already been out and about in Inverleigh. The two major issues being raised by both residents and businesses are the cost of living and roads. This is very much in line what I hear right across the electorate.
These two issues will continue to be a key focus going forward.
I have also delivered over $1 billion dollars for Wannon’s roads, rail and air.
The issue we face with our roads is that the Victorian Labor Government and the Albanese Labor Government continue to prioritise Melbourne’s unaffordable Suburban Rail Loop at our expense.
The fact that both levels of government have cut funding and road maintenance funding in the last three years is nothing short of a disgrace.
Infrastructure funding relies on State Government being able to manage money and projects. Sadly, when it comes to the Victorian Labor Government, they are failing at both.
Facts matter in politics and no more so than in the lead up to a federal election.
Please see my contact details below if you have any questions or concerns you’d like to raise with me.
Shane thanked the Mayor, Council and staff for their support since joining Golden Plains Shire Council.
“It has been an honour to support the Councillors, staff, and the community of the Golden Plains through the transition from the previous Council, through the election, the completion of the inductions for the new Council, and guiding the foundational work for the next Council Plan,” Shane said.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside a dedicated group of professionals who have achieved so much with the available resources. The people working at Golden Plains are genuine in their willingness to get things done for the community by working together.”
GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE
Date: Monday 24 February 2025
The search for Golden Plains Shire Council’s new CEO will commence shortly, ensuring a seamless transition and continued progress for the organisation and community.
GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE COUNCIL CEO SHANE WALDEN RESIGNS
Golden Plains Shire Council CEO Shane Walden has tendered his resignation to refocus his career and pursue other opportunities.
Golden Plains Shire Council CEO Shane Walden has tendered his resignation to refocus his career and pursue other opportunities.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Sarah Hayden thanked Shane for his work since joining Golden Plains Shire Council September last year.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Sarah Hayden thanked Shane for his work since joining Golden Plains Shire Council on 2 September last year. “Shane’s resignation was accepted with regret; however, we understand his decision to pursue a different career path and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. Council appreciates Shane’s dedication and hard work during his time with Council,” Cr Hayden said. Shane thanked the Mayor, Council and staff for their support since joining Golden Plains Shire Council.
“Shane’s resignation was accepted with regret; however, we understand his decision to pursue a different career path and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. Council appreciates Shane’s dedication and hard work during his time with Council,” Cr Hayden said.
“It has been an honour to support the Councillors, staff, and the community of the Golden Plains through the transition from the previous Council, through the election, the completion of the inductions for the new Council, and guiding the foundational work for the next Council Plan,” Shane said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside a dedicated group of professionals who have achieved so much with the available resources.
Shane thanked the Mayor, Council and staff for their support since joining Golden Plains Shire Council.
The people working at Golden Plains are genuine in their willingness to get things done for the community by working together.” The search for Golden Plains Shire Council’s new CEO will commence shortly, ensuring a seamless transition and continued progress for the organisation and community. –
– ENDS –
Released by: Cr Sarah Hayden, Mayor, Golden Plains Shire Council
Media contact: Lisa Baldock, Coordinator Communications & Engagement, Golden Plains Shire Council P. 5220 7147 │M. 0448 235 807 │E. lisa.baldock@gplains.vic.gov.au
“It has been an honour to support the Councillors, staff, and the community of the Golden Plains through the transition from the previous Council, through the election, the completion of the inductions for the new Council, guiding the foundational work for the next Council Plan,” Shane said.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside a dedicated group of professionals who have achieved so much with the available resources. The people working at Golden Plains are genuine in their willingness to get f
GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE
Date: Monday 10 February 2025
DON WALLACE RECREATION RESERVE OVAL UPGRADE OFFICIALLY OPEN
Today, Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Sarah Hayden alongside Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle MP, officially opened the Don Wallace Recreation Reserve Oval upgrade in Teesdale.
The upgrade includes the installation of an automated irrigation system with a new pump, subsurface drainage, realignment of oval boundary, new fencing with concrete edging and new coach’s boxes. New goal posts and behind goal safety netting have also been installed.
This $798,000 project is funded with $250,000 from the State Government’s Country Football and Netball Program, with the remaining $548,000 provided by Golden Plains Shire Council.
Quotes attributable to Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Sarah Hayden:
“As our community grows, we are committed to providing quality facilities for our residents. This upgrade is part of that commitment, and we’re delighted to provide our beloved sporting clubs with a safe and compliant playing surface, ready for both junior and senior footballers and cricketers,” Cr Hayden said.
“This project is a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships, and we deeply appreciate the State Government’s commitment to our community.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle MP:
“Grassroots sport is the lifeblood of regional communities like Teesdale, they deserve modern facilities that we can be proud of The new oval upgrades provide a real incentive for the Roos to ramp up training, development and to host the big games and for locals to join in the fun ”
“Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to get involved and lead healthy and active lifestyles.”
Member for Eureka Michaela Settle MP and Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Sarah Hayden pictured with representatives from the Teesdale Junior Football Club, Teesdale Cricket Club and students from Teesdale Primary School at the official opening of the upgraded oval at Don Wallace Recreation Reserve.
-ENDS-
Released by: Shane Walden, CEO, Golden Plains Shire Council
Media contact: Georgia Stefanovski, Advisor, Communications and Engagement, Golden Plains Shire Council P. 5220 7187 │ M. 0402 381 801 │E. georgia.stefanovski@gplains.vic.gov.au
10 Leigh News
Come join us for a simple celebratory meal at Lawsons Park, Main Rd, Inverleigh. This is a get-together for all our Inverleigh Community Gardeners, please come alongwe'd love to see you there.
BYO a plate of food to share, sweet or savoury - take your pick!
BYO picnic rug or camp chairs, drinks, and maybe a hat.
We'll supply plates, napkins and tablecloths, along with games -bocce and klop.
Details:
Venue: Lawsons Park, Inverleigh (the old park)
Date: Saturday March 1st
Time: 5pm - 7pm
What to bring: Chair/picnic rug/own drinks
A plate of food to share. Wet weather plan: TBA rsvp & enquiries: inverleighcommunitygardeners@ gmail.com
You can also respond or invite others via our Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/share/1GdUH18b46/
Dates for 2025 Foodswap(second Saturday of each month, 9:30am)
Saturday March 8th
Saturday 12th April
Saturday 10th May
Saturday 14th June
Saturday 12th July
Saturday 9th August
Saturday 13th September
Saturday 11th October
Saturday 8th November
Saturday 13th December
Leigh District Landcare Group
General Meeting Notice
Thursday 13th March 2025
7.00pm
Inverleigh Golf Club
Agenda: Welcome and apologies Correspondence
Treasurer’s Report
General Business Items
• Rabbit Management Workshop – 17th May, Inverleigh
• Serrated Tussock Campaign update
• Proposed tree planting information evening Inverleigh
B&DG is a volunteer community company established for the benefit of every not-for -profit organisation based in our area. We receive dividends from the Bendigo Bank and distribute these funds via grants and sponsorships into the community.
Special Announcement – this year we are accepting Grant & Sponsorship applications in March, April, May and June!
Please check our website to download an application form.
For further information: Website: bannockburndistrictgrants.com.au Bendigo Bank: 5281 1990
Email: 19118@bendigoadelaide.com.au
12 Leigh News
The Photo for March in the Inverleigh Historical Society’s 2025 Calendar shows an early copy of the Leigh News. The Leigh News began its life at a Progress Association meeting when Brian Burbage, supported by Ian Lyster, proposed a free newsletter. Brian, as editor, put out the first issue in March 1977. Ian became the newsletter’s general ‘gopher’. In the days before computers, the Leigh News was much less sophisticated and provided its editors and helpers with a different range of challenges.
MARCH 2025 Calendar
Ian Lyster recalled that Brian, who worked at the Gordon Library, made the decisions about placement, created the ads and typed up the copy. Ian would chase up late contributions, seek ads, collect the drive-in movie passes (competition prizes) from the Village Cinema office in Geelong, and do any other jobs required. The earliest competitions were for captions for the monthly cartoons contributed by Kevin Phillips. These were later replaced by crosswords created by The Brain (Brian Burbage). Ian thinks that the early copies, about 100 of them, were printed in Marshall, or South Barwon, and brought back to Inverleigh by Brian.
The front page of the first edition carried an article headed ‘COMMON CONSENT’ outlining the changes under consideration. These included phasing out the rubbish tip, allocating an area for the golf club, which would also create a fire break, and creating a Flora Reserve for
meet in the Inverleigh Public Hall 0n the 4th Wednesday of each Month @ 2pm (Except December & January) VISITORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
the rare plants found there. It also carried an announcement by the Progress Association that ‘The Leigh News has come into being to help to improve communication within the township and the surrounding area.’
Handwritten copy was sent in by local organisations. Local council news was submitted regularly from the Bannockburn and Leigh Shires, since Inverleigh was in both Shires (the creation of the Golden Plains Shire was still in the future). The Bannockburn Shire News, a regular feature, was submitted by Councillor Ross Peel. The Leigh News fell into recess in 1981.
Keith Windle, who was a teacher at the Inverleigh Primary School, became the editor in 1982. By then the Leigh News Committee was financial enough to buy a daisy wheel typewriter to type up the copy. Volunteers could type at home or in the Windle’s dining room. A new feature was the People Page. Information was
The Inverleigh Historical Society was formed in 2004. It operates under the auspices of the Inverleigh Mechanics Institute and Public Hall Committee.
Our Aims are to collect and preserve items of local historic interest and to promote research and interest in local history.
We welcome all donations to our collection or the opportunity to copy material. We are most grateful to the many people who have kept the Historical Society in mind as they sorted through their own collections. We undertake many interesting projects and have enjoyable meetings, which you are welcome to attend.
48th Anniversary of Leigh News. PHOTO: Bronwyn Price.
MARCH 2025 Calendar
submitted to Carolyn Eaton – births (with a baby or appropriate photo taken by Keith), other milestones, achievements, farewells and thanks were the main fare. Classified advertisements were paid for by the word.
Keith used Letraset – transparent sheets with letters and decorative features in different sizes and fonts, which could be rubbed and thus transferred to the page – to create headings and advertisements. The photos were all black and white, taken on film. The negatives were developed and enlarged, and prints made by Keith using a dot screen in the Windle’s ex-laundry, now a darkroom. In this era, all printed photos needed to be composed of dots.
Pages were prepared by hand with photos and ads stuck on. All the pages were proofread by volunteers, led by Jean Smyth. Errors were corrected either with whiteout and a pen, or by retyping a line, cutting it out and sticking it over the mistake.
The pages would be transported by Keith and Christine Windle and Heather McMillan, who worked at the doctors’ surgery in Winchelsea, to the Winchelsea Star office to be printed using an offset process. Later in Keith’s time, printing was done at the Gordon College in Geelong. Boxes of A3 sheets, each printed with four pages, would be laid out on the Windle’s table tennis table for hand folding by a cheerful band of volunteers. Distribution of the 800 copies was to the Inverleigh General Store and Hotel and to the Shelford and Teesdale shops. Some were posted to subscribers.
The first computers used for the Leigh News were two Macintosh computers with floppy discs and later, hard drives. They were ferried around to volunteer typists. Now text, ads and headings could be digitally copied and pasted onto pages, but photos still needed to be pasted on. From today’s perspective, it is hard to remember the not so user-friendly computer programs and the lack of general computer skills within the community.
Editors have been: Brian Burbage 1977 –1981, Keith Windle 1982 – May 1992, Mike With-
ers June 1992 - 2001, Stuart Carter Feb – Aug 2002, Mike Withers Sept 2002 - 2005, Luanne Thornton 2006 – 2012, Gratton Fraser 2013 –July 2015, Peter Trevaskis August 2015 – today. Each one has served the community and the original aim of improving communication in the town and surrounding area.
Jump forward to today when Peter Trevaskis is the editor, having produced his first edition in August 2015. He prepares the Leigh News using InDesign on a Macintosh computer. Copy, photos and ads are submitted and manipulated digitally. 750 copies are printed and folded by Fed Print at Federation University in Ballarat. Peter submits the finished edition digitally, and he and John Croft collect the hard copies. Distribution is still to local outlets in Inverleigh, Shelford, Teesdale and Bannockburn. The big change has been in electronic distribution, with 400 to email subscribers, and links on the Progress Association website and the Leigh News Facebook Page (which has 2300+ followers). It is available online at Issuu.
The Leigh News now includes colour pages and regular features such as a writers’ page, Police Report, Historical Society article and The Friends of the Nature Conservation Reserve item as well as community information, events and feature articles. While it carries many ads, it always includes interesting content. We owe a debt of gratitude to all the Leigh News Editors and the many volunteer helpers and ‘gophers’ who have brought enthusiasm and skills to bringing us all our monthly Leigh News.
Right now the Progress Association is looking for a new editor, someone who will take the baton and continue the great work that has gone before. That person could be you, or you might know of someone, or some people, who would be just right for the job. Plenty of support will be available to help you ease into the role. Have a chat with Peter Trevaskis on 0407 100 791 to find out more about what being editor of the Leigh News currently entails.
Christine Windle
Mature Aged Citizens Information Page
BANNOCKBURN INCLUSIVE
This group has been created to bring members of the community together
Maybe you are a senior citizen looking to make some new friends? OR
You live with a disability and want more social opportunities that are close by?
Maybe you are simply living alone and wanting something different to do and a person to have a cuppa with
What s on this month?
BANNOCKBURN INCLUSIVE GROUP PURPOSE
1 To provide an opportunity for senior residents and those with a disability to socialise in a friendly and safe environment
2 To increase social connectedness and reduce loneliness and isolation in our community
3 To reduce the risk of mental health issues developing by doing the above
Thursday 13th of June, 10:30am - Wintergrational Storytime in the Library
Thursday 27th of June, 10:30am - BINGO in the Cultral Centre
If you would like to get involved or know someone who would benefit from this kind of interaction reach out for more information on 5281 4444 or email Kelly at kelly kenshole@stockdaleleggo com au
Proudly Sponsored & Supported by
GOLDEN OLDIES MENS GROUP
A social Men’s group meeting in Bannockburn twice a month. And a day trip/Outing on the First Tuesday of the Month We have an evening Dinner Meeting, with a guest Speaker on the Third Wednesday of the Month Program for March 2025. A visit to the Geelong Gaol on 4th March (Self Drive or Carpool)Morning Tea 9:30am at King of the Castle Cafe, 24 Pakington St, West Geelong Gaol Tour at 11am, Cost of $20 pp, Lunch @ Barwon Club Hotel, 509 Moorabool Street 12:30 RSVP by 1st March to 0409 439 831 Tuesday 18th March, Evening Dinner Meeting 6pm @ Bannockburn Hotel
Guest Speakers: Councillors Sarah Hayden (Mayor) and Brett Cunningham.
Contacts : Rod McKenzie: 0408 527 704
Murray McMillan: 0408 036 783 Keith Burton: 0409 439 831
INVERLEIGH SENIORS
Meet in the Inverleigh Public Hall @ Midday on 2nd Thursday each Month for cooked Lunch ($10), guest speaker and afternoon tea and 4th Thursday each month for an outing.
Exercise
Classes Each Thursday from 10am till 10:30. in the Inverleigh Public Hall. Cost $5 each
Our next Lunch Meeting is @ Inverleigh Public Hall (Midday). Thursday 13th March 2025. Cost $10 Guest speaker is Stephanie Pridan from Hesse Rural Health updating us with services available.
Our March Bus Outing for 2025 will be on Thursday 27th March at 9am. We depart Inverleigh Public Hall @ 9am to travel to Apollo Bay Museum
Morning Tea @ Anglesea on the way Lunch at a suitable venue in Apollo Bay. $10 secures your Bus Seat. for more info contact-
President: Peter Trevaskis 0407 100 791
Secretary: Rhonda Goodman 0409 188 258
Treasurer: Val Robertson 5265 1492
Bannockburn & District
Men’s Shed
2B Pope St Bannockburn (rear of Shire offices)
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 am till 4 pm.
Well equipped workshop & meeting room with pool tables. Prospective members are welcome to drop in for a cuppa & look around. Contact Secretary Geoff Wild 0407 835 731 or President Syd McConachy 0408 525 905.
Vic Park Inverleigh Scrap Metal Bin.
Victoria Park volunteers use the Metal Skip Bin to help fund the upkeep of the park.
• Absolutely NO non metal items.
• NO wire, rubber, plastic, wood, bags or e-waste,
• No tyres, batteries, gas cylinders.
• If wood, rubber, plastic etc are attached to your metal, remove it before bringing the metal to Vic Park.
• Never fill the bin over the water line.
If the "Bin is Full" sign is up, place metal items at the stump or come back another day.
In early February this year, a mature female koala was spotted and photographed in the Inverleigh Nature Conservation Reserve. This is a very significant sighting and one that gives hope that the Reserve and surrounding bushland may again become a very desirable place for koalas to stay and breed.
Koala sightings in Inverleigh and nearby areas have been scarce of late. Two individuals were seen and reported to iNaturalist in May 2020 and November 2021; a mature male koala was seen in the Reserve in January 2023; a fresh koala skull was found in July 2023 and an adult stayed for several weeks in August 2024 in a garden alongside Native Hut Creek in Teesdale. Koala scratches on trees have been reported in the Reserve at various times and in adjoining Woolbrook. There are also a couple of recent records in Bannockburn.
The grassy woodlands plains surrounding Inverleigh are naturally good koala country. The decade from 1980 to 1989 had many records of koalas in the area. But each decade since then has seen a decline in sightings. The reason is not known, but the drying and warming climate is likely to be the cause. In addition, increasing carbon in the atmosphere is changing the nutritional qualities of eucalyptus leaves, making good koala trees toxic and inedible. Koalas are also vulnerable to the impact of urbanisation and can fall victim to dog attack and being struck by vehicles.
A lot of the country around Inverleigh was once a grassy forest of widely separated big trees, with River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Swamp Gums (E ovata) that grow beside creeks and on the flats, and Manna Gums (Eucalyptus viminalis), Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) and Yellow Gums (Eucalyptus leucoxylon) on the sandy plains. Much of this habitat has been lost but precious remnants, such as the Reserve are important areas for the basis of recovery for
animals such as the koala.
The Koala Clancy Foundation has been active in encouraging landowners to invest in suitable revegetation. A local example is at Woolbrook, where with the Foundation’s encouragement, 17,340 trees and supporting vegetation have been planted to support koala habitat along Native Hut Creek which flows adjacent to the Inverleigh Reserve. (Koala Clancy planted over 35,000 trees in western Victoria in 2024, with the prime aim of increasing Koala habitat) https://www.koalaclancyfoundation. org.au
So let’s keep an eye out for these wonderful animals – if you are lucky enough to see one, admire them from a distance and report them so that the database can be updated. The most effective way is to put them on iNaturalist. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations
If you see an injured or sick Koala, contact Bannockburn Wildlife Rescue Facebook or the Wildlife Victoria's Emergency Response Service at (03) 8400 7300. This service is available 24/7.
Looking forward to seeing you (and maybe some Koalas) at the Inverleigh Reserve this year. Keep an eye on Leigh News for activities led by the group or contact Keith Windle for further information on the Friends group windle.keith@gmail.com
Glen White
Photo byBrendan Flynn.
18 Leigh News Surfcoast Taxis
Our fleet of vehicles are growing to all late models and we are now covering an extended area including: Winchelsea, Colac, Bannockburn, Inverleigh, Great Ocean Road and Geelong. We have a fleet of 10 seater Maxi Vans, all with Capacity to carry wheelchairs.
Surfcoast Taxis Pty. Ltd.
All Bookings: 0408 325 992
Fax: 5267 2699
Email: bannotaxis@gmail.com (Admin or Stan 0429 672 888) 66A Batson Street, Winchelsea, 3241.
NDIS provider number 4050001044
When: Thursdays during school term Time: 9:15am –11:00am
Where: Inverleigh Public Hall
Cost: $5 per family
What to bring: Please bring a piece of fruit to be cut and shared, a drink boMle and a hat
Tea & coffee provided
provider number
Come and join us for a fun Thursday morning!
Inverleigh Playgroup welcomes all parents, grandparents and carers with children aged 0-5. Come along and try a session.
We run a weekly play session on a Thursday morning which brings local families together to learn and develop through informal play ac:vi:es and social interac:on.
Our aim is to provide a variety of experiences, toys, and ac:vi:es for children to enjoy, and create an inclusive atmosphere where care givers can have a hot drink, relax and build connec:ons that last beyond playgroup. New members are always welcome, we hope to see you at a session soon. Please join our Facebook page to keep up to date with weekly events and special announcements!
Hi Everyone, you might not recognise me in this outfit but it is indeed me, Christine Windle, training for the LAPS FOR LIFE challenge. Please support me in my swimming challenge over the month of March – I aim to swim more than 5 km to help raise funds for young people’s mental health. To make a donation to support my effort and youth mental health, please go to:
Contact Helen Collins on 0418 340 387 for all your Interior Design & Styling needs and she will work with you to create beautiful & functional spaces
Thanks to:
Ross & Caroline Wilson of Shelford and Mora Leach of Inverleigh for faithfully supplying the monthly rainfall figures. Your efforts are very much appreciated.
G’Day from the penners for March. The group is going along nicely and our writing is up to standard. We continue to have fun and laughs, disturbing the other patrons in the library. Good thing we don’t have to keep quiet in libraries anymore, we would be chucked out each fortnight, I’m sure!
If you would like to check out what we are up to in the library, please get in contact via our email goldenpens4@gmail.com we welcome all.
This month’s poem comes from me, it was a group exercise on the subject ‘Intrigue’ and as you can see, my inspiration was a little ‘ghostly’ We hope you enjoy it.
Regards, Wendy.
Ghostly Story
A ghostly figure upon the hill, vanished by day, at night to kill. Surrounded by a mighty mist, checking names against his list. An intriguing spirit all alone, rattling tooth and string of bone. Designed to make your skin go cold, he stands on the hill so powerful and bold. I am aware of his very being, I want to see what he is seeing. Intrigued by visions he seems to see, as the mist rolls in from the sea.
I offer myself to his embrace, to join him and his ghostly race.
But he does not beckon or order me thus, perhaps I have to earn his trust.
A man or apparition stands, on the hill, on the highest lands
An intrigue to me as I watch with care, oh how I wish he would take me there.
But he never does and I remain, firmly footed on this land of the sane. But oh, one day, just wait and see, I will be gone with him I will be.
MARCH IS RED CROSS CALLING
As we now do not do door to door calling anymore, we would appreciate any donations by calling Hilary our Treasurer on 0418 348 110, or Joy our Secretary on 0488 573 156. We will instead be sitting at the Bannockburn Plaza from 2pm on 7th March, 9am on 8th March, 2pm on 21st March, and from 9am on 22nd March. If you are doing your shopping then, please come and visit us.
These donations help so many projects, which include Single Mothers, Food Relief, Fire and Flood Single Emergencies, and many more programs.
Your donation can benefit so many people.
Many thanks,
Heather, Chairman of the Inverleigh and District Branch.
St. Joseph’s Parish 150th Anniversary Parish of Meredith
Father Smythe celebrated the first mass of the district at the home of Mr John Campion in 1853. The Catholic Parish of Meredith was established in March 1875, under the care of Father James Hegarty. The District of Meredith, until the late 1850’s was included in the Parish of St Mary’s Geelong. It was later transferred to and served from Ballarat. In 1874, when Ballarat was created a separate diocese from Melbourne, Meredith and Elaine were transferred back to Geelong, and arrangements were made to form a parish between Geelong and Ballarat.
In March 1875, the Parish of Meredith, comprising Meredith, Elaine, Lethbridge, Anakie, Darriwil and Steiglitz was established. Although Steiglitz was a much larger population, Meredith was chosen as the Parish Centre because of its convenience to travel, being situated on the main road and the railway line between the growing towns of Ballarat and Geelong. Lal Lal was added to the parish in 1909. The Steiglitz church closed in 1928; Darriwil in 1950; Lal Lal in 1960; Lethbridge in 2012 and Elaine in 2013. Bannockburn and Inverleigh transferred from the Winchelsea Parish to the Meredith Parish in 1998 and Winchelsea was welcomed in 2004.
The parish now comprises:
St Joseph’s, Meredith
St. Mary MacKillop, Bannockburn
St. Brigid’s, Anakie
Sacred Heart, Inverleigh
St John the Baptist, Winchelsea
You are cordially invited to join us for Mass at 11am on March 16th, concelebrated by Archbishop Peter Comensoli, Fr. Charles Balnaves and Fr. Joseph Panackal.
Followed by luncheon served in the garden at St. Joseph’s.
22 Leigh News POLICE REPORT FOR MARCH
Hello all,
After my recent discussion regarding campers, I had another unusual encounter with some travellers recently. I had been noticing some large caravans down behind the Inverleigh tennis club near the back of the Inverleigh primary school and I was concerned that they may be trying to set up camp there. I approached them to see what they were up to and discovered a long hose going from a water tap at the tennis club to one of the caravans. On speaking to the campers, they informed me that a prominent camping website informed them that they could fill up their caravans from the premises and that there was a connection on the tap to allow this. When informed that it was the tennis club’s water, and their information was not coming from the council they headed off. I contacted the council who were not aware of this occurring and would look to implement measures to prevent this in future. I also spoke to a prominent member of the tennis club who was also unaware of this but had noticed some campers loitering around there in recent times. Please be aware that when people/travellers are wandering around the township they may be noticing accessible water taps/power points to use for their own purposes as well as posting the details on social media about those facilities being there, as there are not many facilities for the ever increasing amounts of campers/homeless people staying in the town. This is on top of incidents in the past where I
have noticed people plugging devices like phones, electric bikes into power points located in some of the picnic shelters and recent incidents with youths who have unplugged pumps at the sporting complex to plug their electric bikes/scooters into same to charge them.
Still getting some incidents involving youths wandering about the towns in the night which recently included youths getting into the Inverleigh Primary school grounds and getting on the roof and the shade sails and treating them like trampolines which is extremely dangerous and could cause damage to the sails which would cost thousands of dollars in damage. People should not be in the school grounds after hours!!!! There was another incident with some youth around 11 pm at night entering one of the school buildings through an unlocked door setting the alarms off and having Police from Geelong having to respond.
I have also had reports of youths getting in the disused house in Railway Street at Mercer Street intersection backing onto the railway line. The amount of debris and broken glass in the property is dangerous and youths should not be frequenting the property. The council was notified about the issue and about the state of the property in general.
I had an incident at the Teesdale store were school aged youths again late at night during the school week went into the grounds of the store when the business was not open and were loitering about in the grounds. I was informed that there had been some minor damage incidents in the compound over recent times and an incident of lemons/fruit from the entryway being thrown at passing traffic which could lead to a terrible accident.
My message to the community is that youths should not be wandering around at night and going to properties that are not open. Late last year youths entered the Teesdale Primary school grounds at night, and one got on the roof and damaged an air conditioning unit.
Whilst recently in Teesdale patrolling, I came across two young girls riding together very unsteadily on an electric scooter with no helmets on in the middle of the Teesdale-Inverleigh Road. I warned the girls about the behaviour and to my surprise the next day I found them doing the same thing again. Now I have done a lot of articles informing the community that children under sixteen cannot ride an electric scooter at all unless on private property. There has been a lot of publicity about the amount of hospital admissions from incidents involving electric scooters and bikes, but parents are still obtaining these devices despite them being illegal to ride.
Recently the fines have been raised:
Riding an electric scooter under 16 is $296.
electric scooter rider not wearing a bicycle helmet is $395.
Riding with a passenger on the scooter $247.
Exceeding 20 km/h is $247.
Riding an electric scooter on footpath is $296.
Please! before purchasing one of these for your children look up the rules/laws and do not enable your children to ignore/break the rules.
I do not want to be knocking on your door one night to inform you that there has been an incident involving your children on one of these things.
Each month while compiling this article I say to myself I will try not to have to mention an incident with youths but in recent times every month I am coming across
incidents that I cannot ignore and which the community needs to know about. The only way these incidents will stop is if the parents step up and supervise their children and get them involved in activities/sports and if people see youths misbehaving and you know their parents let them know you are not happy with their behaviour or film/photograph it and let me know so I can visit and inform the parents.
So many of the youth I am encountering are continually informing me they are getting up to mischief as ‘they are bored”. I am hearing this repeatedly from various youths. Now I personally find this unbelievable with the town’s facilities and sporting/interest groups as well as activities available in nearby Geelong. If you are the parent of one of these youths have a discussion with them about their interests/needs and try to assist them and keep them on the right path.
The most disappointing incident this month for me which I am not happy about is the youths getting onto the school’s shade sales. The Parent group does a lot of work raising money to assist the school to get facilities like the shade sails and to have older youth from Inverleigh as well as some from Teesdale and Bannockburn being in there on a school night is unacceptable. Since this incident I have visited a lot of the parents of the youths involved and most were upset and disappointed in their children and have assured me that their children will not be roaming or doing this again. I will be pleased if this occurs, but actions will speak louder than words.
Hopefully, I will have the next article without any youth issues but only time will tell. The football and netball seasons are fast approaching and hopefully the teams will have a good season. Hopefully, we can get some good rain for the paddocks and dams soon and especially for my vegetable garden. Keep safe. Chris
24 Leigh News INVERLEIGH CFA NEWS
The Summer so Far
This summer is proving to be a hot one and with that, has come many days of elevated fire danger.
So far we have had several medium sized incidents that fortunately did not develop into bigger fires, the bare paddocks in several cases proved to be a natural barrier that helped slow the fire so it could be controlled with both trucks and aircraft. The two fires where the bare paddocks helped control the fire were both on elevated fire danger days with strong winds, so we have been fortunate that they both did not reach nearby paddocks with higher fuel loads.
Some observations so far this summer and fire season are;
The accuracy of the weather forecasts become a lot better and the ability to predict high fire danger days has been impressive especially even up to three or four days out from the actual day, this makes planning and responding to the fire threat a lot easier.
The ability to dispatch a larger number of tankers to an incident early has certainly helped bring fires under control quicker and more efficiently with minimal property damage, this has changed from several years ago when possibly only one or two tankers turned out and then assessed the situation once they were on scene,
now with several more arriving early the resulting fire control seems to be better.
Aircraft also have played a role on being able to attack the head of the fire from above and then tankers on the ground come in and clean it up, this method seems to have been working well.
We recently attended a fire that started from an unusual source that a lot of people would not expect. Compost.. In this case the compost was piled up and was a commercial sized operation, and the heat generated combined with the strong winds ignited the compost and away the fire went. Backyard compost would be unlikely to have these issues because it does not have enough mass to generate the heat. With this in mind it would still be a good idea to check it and maybe clear the area around the garden compost pile so if it does catch fire at least it might be contained. I would like to thank all the CFA members, private tanker owners and the general community who have helped at the various incidents over the summer, both from our own brigade and the neighbouring brigades who have come into our area and helped out. Remember all these people are volunteers helping make our community safer.
Ewen Peel Inverleigh Fire Brigade.
Welcome to our new Prep, Yindi
We have 1 new Prep student begin at our school this year.
Yindi is the 4th Generation of the Allen family to attend SPS and has made a terrific start! She has quickly made new friends and is learning how fun and rewarding school life is.
School camps
It has been a busy term with 2 camps already! 2 weeks ago, Cian headed off to year 4 camp in Bellbrae. Despite the warm weather, he had the BEST time learning to surf, yabbying, making sandcastles, playing at Bounce and making new friends with students from Meredith, Lethbridge and Anakie Primary Schools
Last week, Beth had a brilliant time glamping at Cave Hill Creek. Our Year 5 camp is always full of new adventures and experiences for our students, with this year’s highlights including abseiling, canoeing, and archery
L SERIES
Mid-sized 36-46HP Utility Tractors
Kubota’s L Series utility tractors are a heavy-duty tractor and provide high performance, outstanding durability, easier operations and enhanced comfort. Take advantage of our special rate this season and grab a deal! All L3800, L4600 and L5740 tractors available now with 0% finance* until the end of December 2024.
INVERLEIGH CHAINSAW SHARPENING SERVICES
Foronly$15eachChainyoucangetyourchainslookingbrandnew 0447 516 857 or 0407 850 041 TODAY TO GET YOUR CHAIN READY FOR THE WINTER. DROP OFF OR PICKUP IS AVAILABLE.
Time: 10am to 12noon commencing 4th February 2025 and continuing every two weeks.
Bannockburn Library has a range of activities in March.
Take Part; Local Art. Growing my Creative Practice A weekend of professional development for artists. Develop skills in establishing yourself as a professional artist.
When: Saturday 1st March and Sunday 2nd March, Time: 10:00 to 4:00. This program is delivered in partnership with the Golden Plains Shire.
Each week discover stories, songs and rhymes at our regular preschool programs.
Details: Toddler Time, Tuesday’s 10:30 to 11:00. Story Time, Thursday’s, 10:30 to 11:15.
Baby Time, Friday’s, 11:30 to 11:50
The Junior Mix. Fun after-school activities including art, craft, games, tech activities, LEGO and more. No
need to book, sessions run on Wednesday’s from 3:45 to 4:45. Ages 8+
At Garden Chat, share your gardening tips and learn new ideas about various garden topics. Come along on Tuesday 11th March, 2:00 to 3:00.
Interested in exploring new books? Book Chat meets monthly. Talk about the books you are reading and gain new recommendations. Join us on Monday 31st March, 10:30am-11:30am.
Places are still available to join our Library Book Club. We read and explore a new title each month, available at the library. The next Book Club meeting is on Wednesday 19th March, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
To book & for more information, visit the Geelong Regional Libraries’ website.
High St in Inverleigh, offers an extensive range of ethically sourced and genuine crystal and gemstone products, including jewellery, lamps, books & oracle cards, smudge products, homewares, clothing and so much more.
If you are after a special gift for someone or just want to spoil yourself, then this is the shop for you!
Owner Jane is also a practitioner of Reiki, Access Bars and Crystal Bowl Sound Healing, with group Crystal Bowl Sound Healing available each fortnight at the Inverleigh Public Hall. Private Sound Healing is now also available for small groups and individuals.
If you would like to know more or would like to make an appointment, you can call into the shop for a chat or contact Jane:
Mob: 0417 143 669
Shop: 1/29 High St, Inverleigh E: Whitelotus_reiki@outlook.com
You will also find us on Whitelotus Reiki and Crystals whitelotus_reiki
32 Leigh News
MONTHLY FOOD SWAPS are held in INVERLEIGH on second Saturday of the month 9:30 to 10:00 @Sonny Cafe and in BANNOCKBURN
@ St. Mary MacKillop School 4th Saturday each Month
CWA
NATIVE HUT NIGHT BRANCH
Est. 14th July 2014
This branch meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm at Teesdale Hall, Main Road Teesdale.
All ages welcome. It is not an “oldies” group. If you are interested in attending please contact: Shirley 0447 873 763
Lions Club of Inverleigh
Leigh Valley
"Lions Club newspaper collection".
Leigh Valley Lions Club collects newspapers & magazines for recycling. Funds raised are used for both local & international Lions projects. Community members are asked to deposit their papers in "LIONS" marked wheely bins located at Inverleigh Hall & beside the Bannockburn Library in High St. Pick up of large amounts can be arranged by text or phone to Secretary John Crowe 0414 674 156.
NOTICEBOARD
Surprise Shop
Inverleigh's OP SHOP Opening Hours
Monday 12.30pm til 4pm Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 9.00am til 1.00pm
EFTPOS and CASH
NO Electrical Goods, Car Seats, Furniture, Bikes or Suitcases
We welcome new occasional volunteers
Contact the Editor to promote your community activity here
leighnews@bigpond.com
Golden Plains Baha’i Community
The Baha’i Faith upholds the oneness of God, the oneness of Religion and the oneness of mankind. Religion should unite all hearts and bring spirituality and world peace.
The equality of men and women is essential to create peace.
Spiritual education for all. We have no clergy as it is up to each person to investigate truth for himself. “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens” Baha’u’llah For more information: bahai.org or Bannockburn 52 812 102, Teesdale 52 815 143, or Ross Creek 53 420 286
11 Byron Street Bannockburn
Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 to 4
Saturday 10 to 1
Justices of the Peace
Mr Keith Windle
77 Dundas Street INVERLEIGH Ph: 0429 651 298
Mrs E McDonald 47 High Street Inverleigh Ph: 5265 1270
Mr Peter Bufton 110 Savage Drive INVERLEIGH Ph: 0448 694 204
CATHOLIC PARISH OF MEREDITH MASS TIMES – MARCH 2025
Winchelsea - St. John the Baptist @ 6pm Sat. MAR. 1, 8, 22, 29
Anakie – St. Brigid @ 9am Sun. MAR. 2, 30
Meredith – St. Joseph @ 9am Sun. MAR. 9, 16, 23
Bannockburn – St. Mary MacKillop @ 11am Sun. MAR. 2, 9, 23, 30
Inverleigh–No MASS
LEIGH PRESBYTERIAN PARISH
Inverleigh “Forwedonotpreachourselves, but ChristJesustheLord...” (2 Corinthians 4.5)
Sunday Service at Inverleigh 10 am.
VISITORS ARE ALWAYSWELCOME
For further information: Rev.SurendraWesley 0428489222
ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH 150TH ANNIVERSARY MASS SUNDAY MARCH 16TH 11AM @ MEREDITH ALL WELCOME Anglican Church
Weekly Bus Service provided for residents without transport to shop in Geelong!
The Bus leaves the Inverleigh Hall Every FRIDAY at 9:30 am and leaves Geelong at 2:15pm for the return trip.
Our Public Hall needs the lawns maintained. Can you join the roster to mow the lawns once or twice a year? If so, please contact: Anne-Maree Tarbett 0417 512 240
LIFELINE
Inverleigh Hall
Hall Hire Contact
The Inverleigh Hall Committee promotes the use of the hall and develops and maintains our fabulous community asset.
If you would like to become involved by serving on the committee or by initiating activities at the hall, please contact
Anne-Maree Tarbett 0417 512 240
Church Services each Sunday 8 am Inverleigh 10 am Bannockburn 5pm Meredith
38 High Street, Inverleigh
Rev’d Dr. Tim Smith 0412 673 152 Geoff Morgan 0408 106 559
Inverleigh and District
Red Cross
Meet monthly in Inverleigh Public Hall at 1.30pm. December 2nd 12noon Xmas Lunch at Bowling Club MEETING DATES FOR 2025 Feb 10th 1.30pm at hall
April 14th 1.30pm at hall
June 16th 1.30pm at hall
Aug 11th AGM 12 noon at the hall Oct 13th 1.30pm at hall Dec 8th Xmas Break up, Venue tba
Heather Bogie President 0408 521 090. Joy Gray Secretary 0488 573 156.
Welcomes existing and new members alike.
We are so much more than just Tea and Scones ladies!
Social Meetings 7.30pm every last Wednesday of the month (except Dec/Jan).
Meet in Presbyterian Church Hall. inverleighcwa@gmail.com or Brooke Wauchope. Ph 0431 006 761
34 Leigh News
VICTORIA PARK
Park Street
INVERLEIGH
GROUNDS FOR HIRE
TOILETS
GRASS & SHADE
OVERNIGHT CAMPING (NO POWER)
CANTEEN & CLUBHOUSE
ANIMAL FRIENDLY
HORSE YARDS
Reasonable Rates
CONTACT:
Narelle Bogle 0438 034 313
NOTICEBOARD
KNIT, KNATTER AND THAT GROUP-TEESDALE
Bring a craft, learn a new craft or come for a walk, chat and cuppa.
Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday’s , 9.30am - 1.30pm At Teesdale Community Hall
*BYO craft and lunch *Tea & Coffee provided.
Cost $5 Joining fee. $3 per session Contact Lesley 0400 547 157 or Shirley 0447 873 763
Ballarat Chooks Pullets for Sale: Hyline Brown Sexed and Vaccinated.
We meet the 3rd Sunday of every month for our ride day (NO RACING AND NO QUADS /4 WHEELERS)
We have 2 tracks: One that is set up as a motocross track that is marshalled and we also have a smaller flat track for kids/beginners to learn to ride.
St Johns is in attendance as well as a canteen. For more information please: head over to our Facebook page MADMCC or call 0415 503 869.
Vic Park Inverleigh Scrap Metal Bin. Victoria Park volunteers use the Metal Skip Bin to help fund the upkeep of the park.
Text or Ring Kelvin 0400 559 559 for delivery dates and times Tai Chi
• Absolutely NO non metal items.
• NO wire, rubber, plastic, wood, bags or e-waste,
• No tyres, batteries, gas cylinders.
• If wood, rubber, plastic etc are attached to your metal, remove it before bringing the metal to Vic Park.
• Never fill the bin over the water line. If the Bin is Full sign is up, place metal items at the stump or come back another day.
Local family business. 15 years experience in design, supply & install of ducted heating, cooling and split systems. PLUS heat pump hot water with government rebates / savings $$$
VBA Lic.104172 * ARC Lic. L136269
MOULES
Inverleigh Public Hall Activities
New Shed
INVERLEIGH HALL PIANO BAR
Requests, singalongs, fun! 2 MAY 2025
7–11pm | Tickets $27pp
Inverleigh Public Hall
Book a table with friends BYO food & drinks
You might have noticed action at the hall with a fence coming down and a large concrete slab being laid. Soon you will see the erection of the new 9m X 6m insulated shed. The shed and surrounding paths and connections are being funded by a Victorian State Government Tiny Towns $50,000 grant received by the Hall Committee last year. The local contribution is in a lot of in-kind work by our dedicated committee. There will be a garaport at the front which will provide a shaded area within the back yard. The fence and gate will go back ensuring that the yard is child proof again. The shed will be used for storage for the Hall Committee and user groups and to free up areas in the interior of the hall currently used for storage.
Inverleigh Hall Piano Bar - Friday May 2nd, 7 – 11 pm, Tickets $27 per person - an evening of piano bar entertainment with local piano man, Rohan Windle. Book a
A fun and interactive piano bar style evening of requests, singalongs and dancing, with local piano man, Rohan Windle. Get some friends and family together to make up a table of 10 or grab yourself a ticket or two to join a mixed table.
This event is a fundraiser by the Inverleigh Public Hall Committee to help with essential maintenance on the Inverleigh Hall, a valuable community asset.
For more info: Rhonda 0409 188 258
BOO K early to ge t a ticket! hallpianobar.eventbrite.com.au
table of 10 for you and your friends. Smaller groups and individuals will be placed on mixed tables. This will be a very popular event so book early at hallpianobar.eventbrite.com.au
You can see all the details for the Inverleigh Hall Piano Bar in our advertisement in this Leigh News or contact Rhonda on 0409 188 258. Funds raised will go to maintenance at the hall.
Book Bazaar
Our next book bazaar will be in 2026
We look forward to more wonderful community support in the way of volunteer help, donations and book purchasing next year.
Playgroup
Inverleigh Playgroup has changed the day it meets to Thursday, 9.15 to 11.00, $5 a family, and bring a piece of fruit to share. The Playgroup provides a great opportunity for learning and socialising for children and adults. It is a very valued community group.
40 Leigh News
TABLE OF CONTENTS
•Understanding Heart Disease
•Heart Anatomy
IN OTHER NEWS
Labour Day Public Holiday
Bannockburn Veterinary Clinic will be closed for the Labour Day public holiday on Monday 10th March.
For emergencings during this time please contact Geelong Animal Emergency on 03 5222 2139.
Microchip Source Number
This is a reminder that any person having a pet microchipped who's pet was born after July 1st 2020 must apply for a source number.
As a veterinary clinic we are authorised implanters and must collect a source number as part of the microchip registration form.
If any clients needs assistance with this process we are very happy to help.
If you need to apply for a source number you can use the link below:
Did you know your dog’s most important senses are smell and hearing?
Smell: 1 million times more efficient than in humans, can detect underground gas leaks, and drugs wrapped in 27 layers of polythene.
Understanding Heart Disease
If your dog has been diagnosed with heart disease, with your care and suitable medication from your vet, a better, longer life for your dog is now possible.
An important thing to understand is that your dog's condition is not uncommon. Heart disease affects around 10% of all dogs.
A heart problem present at birth is termed a Congenital Heart Disease, or if it develops during the course of the pet's lifetime, often in middle age, it is called Acquired Heart Disease.
Acquired heart disease account for 95% of all heart conditions in dogs. There are two principal causes of acquired heart disease: Mitral Valve Disease & Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
Both of these diseases result in heart failure. Heart failure in dogs is not like a heart attack in people. The term “heart failure” comes from the heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
This causes the dog to show signs or symptoms and the heart's performance declines over time.
While there is no cure for heart failure, it can usually be managed with medication and care.
What are the signs?
Signs of heart disease can initially be quite mild and so may be difficult to pick up. However, as the disease progresses, the symptoms can become more severe. These signs occur because of fluid build up or because the vital organs are not supplied with the blood and therefore the oxygen, they require.
Signs Includes:
Lack of energy/depression
Poor appetite/weight loss
Laboured breathing
Coughing
Weakness
Swollen abdomen (ascites)
Heart Anatomy
How it is diagnosed:
It's important that you and your dog pay regular visits
Hearing: Up to 20 metres away, capable of detecting differences in car sounds, people’s footsteps and are extremely receptive to our body language and the body language of other dogs.
Sight: Are they actually colour blind? They have a similar range of colours as people who are red/ green colour blind. Green, yellow, red and orange all appear as shades of yellow. They can see violet, indigo and blue clearly.
Imagine how difficult it is for your dog to see a yellow ball on the green lawn!
Of course Miranda wanted to make sure her doggie friends' parents were aware of these, not only for safety reasons, but also high fashion!
to the vet. This gives the vet the greatest possible chance of early detection of heart disease. The vet will pick up clues to any heart-related problems with a thorough physical examination. By listening to your dog's heart with a stethoscope, the vet can assess heart rate and rhythm, and detect a murmur if one is present.
The vet might also recommend radiographs; these tests will help detect fluid on the lungs, or an increase in heart size. An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart this helps diagnose problems with the rhythm of your dog's heartbeat.
Finally, your vet might want an ultrasound taken of the heart. They are ideal for providing a clear 3-D picture of your dog's heart in action, allowing your vet to observe the heart's wall, chambers, valves and blood vessels. Whilst ultrasound is one of the most accurate methods of diagnosing heart failure, it may not be necessary in some of the more straight forward cases of heart failure.
Care and Treatment:
Although your dog may be diagnosed with heart disease, there are many things you can do to help your dog live a full and happy life. It is important to remember that, to date, there is no cure for either of the causes of heart failure in dogs. However, there are treatments that not only greatly improve your dogs quality of life, but can also extend your dog's life span.
Medical treatment may consist of some or all of the following:
*Diuretics that remove excess fluid from the lungs and abdomen.
*Medications that allow the heart to work more efficiently
*Medications that "open up constricted blood vessels, so reducing the work the weakened heart has to do.
*Medications that improve the strength, the rate or the rhythm of the heart.
*Limiting sodium (salt) intake in your dog's diet can also assist.
Your vet may prescribe more than one medication to help treat different aspects of heart failure, and may need to make adjustments to the treatments (because heart failure can progress over time).
We recognise animals large and small are part of your family and our team is committed to providing the best health care available
1759 Midland Highway, Bannockburn
info@bannockburnvet.com.au
www.bannockburnvet.com.au
OUR SERVICES
ü Annual Health Checks
ü Full Surgical Facilities
ü Digital X-Ray
ü Equine Facility
ü Large Animal
ü Home Visits
ü Dentistry
ü AQIS
ü In House Pathology
From the Mayor’s Desk
March 2025
As we begin 2025, I’m excited to share an update on the many new projects and initiatives underway across the Shire.
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the Don Wallace Recreation Reserve Oval upgrade in Teesdale, alongside Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle MP. It was fantastic to see this important project come to fruition for our community. The upgraded Reserve will provide a safe and welcoming space all-year-round for both junior and senior footballers and cricketers.
have you heard about council’s
e-newsletters?
Council’s e-newsletters are an excellent way to keep informed on all the latest Council initiatives, news and events.
Engage
Council’s Engage e-newsletter is for community members who are interested in participating in community engagement activities.
GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE COUNCIL
I would like to thank those who attended the Draft Budget 2025/26 online forum last month and who have lodged a submission. Your input has been vital in ensuring we prioritise service delivery for the future.
Council will hold a meeting at the Golden Plains Civic Centre at 6pm on Tuesday 1 April to hear budget submissions, and the final 2025/26 Budget will be considered for adoption by Council at its meeting at The Well in Smythesdale on Tuesday 25 May.
To learn more about the 2025/26 Budget process, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ consultations.
Council has published a 2025-2029 Council Plan What We Heard Report, which outlines feedback received during the extensive community engagement program undertaken in 2024.
The Council Plan is a crucial document which outlines Council’s objectives and strategies for the next four years, so it’s fantastic to see community members really engaged in shaping the future of Golden Plains Shire.
There will be further opportunities for the community to provide feedback on the Council Plan in mid-2025.
Signing up helps keep you informed about relevant opportunities to contribute to Council’s decisionmaking processes.
eGazette
Council’s eGazette provides residents with additional news from Council in between editions of the Gazette.
It’s a great way to stay up to date with Council initiatives while you wait for your next copy of the Gazette to arrive.
NEWS
To view the What We Heard Report, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ consultations
As a final note, I’d like to remind residents that collection of the purplelidded glass recycling bin started on Monday 17 February 2025. We appreciate your help to improve recycling and reduce waste going to landfills.
Council has heard your feedback about the new glass bins. We have a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions section on our website which answers most of your questions.
This can be viewed at goldenplains. vic.gov.au/resident/wastemanagement/changes-kerbsiderecycling-collection.
The updated waste collection schedule is designed to be the most costeffective option for the community when balancing out the cost of travel and disposal of general waste and recyclables.
We thank you for your help in reducing what goes into our landfills, providing a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Cr Sarah Hayden Mayor
Business News
Business News is published by Council’s Economic Development team and keeps local businesses informed and connected. This insightful publication provides valuable updates on council initiatives, funding opportunities, local events, and business-related news affecting the Golden Plains region.
To find out more and subscribe to Council’s e-newsletters, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/publications
44 Leigh News
ENABLING BETTER CONVERSATIONS
There is a time in any community group meeting, a relaxing coffee or dinner with those who are important to us to happily spend quality time and conversation together. Much of our conversations are practical, surface-level when we meet. These kind of conversations strengthen relationships, express care for one another, and even encourage us knowing we are not alone in the ordinary issues of life. But, we can so easy to get stuck in these surface-level conversations and attend to the purpose of the community group or in our relationships. Here are five suggestions to enable better conversations within our community groups or with our significant others.
Stay connected on the mundane stuff
It seems a bit counterintuitive, but if we want to have better conversations, make sure we allow time for the superficial day-to-day stuff. Try including a gathering time before the set meeting start time, including some refreshments. Allowing for the surface level stuff makes going deeper that much easier later. This time also gives background to understanding each other’s world and context enabling understanding of how they are approaching the more profound stuff. Be curious
When our groups or relationships have been together for a long time, it’s easy to assume we know everything about each other. But people are continuously evolving, and that means there’s always more to learn about one another – and yourselves! Instead of assuming we know their thought process, be curious and ask questions that go beyond the surface level answers. And when an issue arises, be open to the same curiosity our self so we can respond in a way that continues conversation instead of shutting it down.
Ensure emotional safety
Effective relationships or community groups mean that we are not worried about being judged, criticized, shamed, or rejected for revealing our true self or expressing an alterna-
tive thinking. It means treating one another with empathy and kindness, and listening to understand the issue better and a mutually agreeable outcome.
Get uncomfortable
It’s normal to have topics that you avoid talking about for many reasons, personal and past experience. We can continue to tiptoe around these things, or we can acknowledge our nerves and speak anyway. To work through issues that require those tough conversations we need to be willing to be uncomfortable. Be intentional when you need to
When everything seems to be working well within the community group, or in your relationships, it feels like the conversation flows on its own. But sometimes, it can help to set some guidelines, have an agenda, to ensure the conversation does talk about the purpose of the community group, or a topic that is important in all our relationships.
Surface-level discussions have a time and place in our formal and intimate relationships. But if we want to connect on a deeper level, enabling better conversations will strengthen relationships and purpose.
Based on https://www.prepare-enrich. com/blog/5-secrets-to-better-conversations/ Prepare/Enrich is a low-cost programme we offer to explore relationship strength and growth areas in times of transition: preparing for a wedding, an addition to the family, change in career, approaching retirement, or just to enrich your relationship. Please contact me for more information.
The Revd Dr Timothy Smith Vicar
Inverleigh+Bannockburn+Meredith Anglican Parish
ALL are welcome
Living the Gospel in our Community revdrtim@hotmail.com 0412 673 152
www.goldenplainsanglican.org
SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT IN BANNOCKBURN!
Six monthly check-ups with your local dentist is a gauranteed way to ensure your smile stays brilliant and your teeth remain healthy with preventitive fluride treatments, dental sealants and early detection of of cavities and gum disease.
GOLDEN PLAINS DENTAL SERVICE
Book now online at: www.goldenplainsdentalservices.com or call us on (03)4217 3810
Conveniently located in the centre of Banockburn: 5/14 High St, Bannockburn, Vic 3331
Directory of Clubs, Services and Organisations
Below is a directory for clubs, organisations and services operating in Inverleigh, Teedale, Shelford and surrounding areas. If you are interested in obtaining further information about an organisation, please feel free to ring and have a chat with them. Any club or organisation who wishes to be listed, please forward details to us and we will include your listing. We would also appreciate being kept up to date with contact details.
INVERLEIGH AREA
Anglican Church Inverleigh (St Pauls)
38 High Street, Inverleigh
services: please check Leigh News for current times
contact: Rev. Dr Tim Smith Ph: 5265 1284 / 0412 673 152
Friends of Inverleigh Nature Conservation Reserve.
President: Keith Windle, 0429 651 298 windle.keith@gmail.com
Geelong & District
Carriage Drivers
Christa Jones 0408 342 403 gdcd.secretary@gmail.com
Mark Mummery - 0437 807 675 or Melinda Spiller 0413 648 012
Inverleigh RSL Sub-Branch
President: Deema Johnston 5281 1106
Inverleigh Tennis Club
Shane Lubcke 0410 483 690
Leigh District Landcare Group
Pres: Campbell Brumby 0419 889 757
Sec: Louise Blersch
Leigh District Riding Club
President: Narelle Bogle 0438 034 313
Admin & Enquiries - Sue Debets 0401 149 226
Victoria Park Reserve
Bookings, Narelle Bogle 0438 034 313
MURGHEBOLUC AREA.
Murgheboluc Recreation Reserve. 0459 042 910 - committee member booking site - spacetoco email - murgheboluc.hall@outlook.com
SHELFORD AREA
Shelford Cricket Club
Robert Rice (Pres) 0459 491 698
Shelford Progress Association
Sec: Glenn Jeffery 0413 317 779
TEESDALE AREA
CWA Native Hut Branch
Shirley Wild Ph: 0447 873 763
Leighdale Equestrian Centre
Mark Mummery - 0437 807 675 or Melinda Spiller 0413 648 012
Leighdale Pony Club Inc.
Pres: Tom McCann 5265 1169
Sec: Sue Moran 0437 914 454
Teesdale Branch Liberal Party
Charlie Hartup 5281 5222
Teesdale Cricket Club
Alister Woods. 0439 395 456
Teesdale Pre School
Mandy Bartlett. 5281 5488
Teesdale Sporting Complex
Mrs Kay Hower. 5281 5389
Teesdale Tennis Club
Mrs Judy Evans. 5281 5328
Teesdale Community Hall
Dale Smithyman 5281 5486
Working Sheepdog Club
Glenn Agnew 0427 325 905
BANNOCKBURN AREA
Bannockburn & District Men's Shed
Syd McConachy (Pres) Geoff Wild (Sect) 0407 835 731
Probus Club Bannockburn Secretary- Judith 0447 621 776 bannockburndistrictprobus@gmail.com
-S E S
Emergency 000
Windstorm and Flood 132 500
EMERGENCY
POLICE, AMBULANCE, FIRE, SES Ring 000
FOR POLICE-WITHOUT LIGHTS & SIRENS Ring: 131 444
LifeLine 5222 2233 or 13 11 14
B’burn Surgery 5281 1481
B’burn Vet 5281 1221
Surfcoast Taxi 0408 325 992
Barwon Water 1300 656 007
Power Failure 13 24 12
Geelong Hospital Accident & Emergency 5226 7564
Golden Plains Equine Vets 0437 467 097
Golden Plains Medical Centre 5281 2320
Wildlife Rescue 0500 540 000
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service 1800 015 188
Shire Ranger 5220 7111
If you would like your Club or Service included in this directory, or if you need to update any details above, please contact the Editor. leighnews@bigpond.com
The Leigh News is published monthly (except January) by the Inverleigh Progress Association Incorporated, and is distributed free in the townships of Inverleigh, Teesdale, Bannockburn and Shelford, and the surrounding districts. Letters, comments, suggestions, articles, and reports from readers are welcome whether or not intended for publication.
The Leigh News is prepared and assembled by the Editor and printed using environmentally friendly materials and distributed by volunteer workers.
Circulation: 750.
Editorial and Advertising
Items submitted for inclusion in the Leigh News should be clearly marked “For inclusion in the (month) Leigh News” and in by the 25th day of each month
Advertisements should be marked with the size of advert required and the number of editions in which it is to be displayed.
Advertisements or Editorial contributions should be clearly addressed to:
“Leigh News”, PO Box 247, Inverleigh, Victoria 3321 or leighnews@bigpond.com
PLAGIARISM
Contributions to the Leigh News are published with the permission of various bodies and representatives who supply the information, photos advertisements and crosswords. None of this information should be used by any other publication without first requesting permission of the supplier of this information. Using material without seeking permission is plagiarism and carries penalties.
The views or ideas expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editorial committee or of the Inverleigh Progress Association.
While we try to check the integrity, the publication of advertisements is not an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or quality of workmanship.
Leigh News - Advertising Costs from 1st January 2020
Contact: The Editor (Peter Trevaskis) 0407 100 791 leighnews@bigpond.com www.inverleigh.org.au Deadline is 25th each month (except NO January issue) Limited printed Colour is available (contact Editor) ALL electronic copies are in Full
For further information about advertising and costs in the Leigh News: contact the Editor, Peter Trevaskis on 0407 100 791 or leighnews@bigpond.com For changes or removal of adverts, please contact the Editor via the details above.
Please forward payments of accounts using Bank Details included on our invoices. Gwenda Smith, IPA & Leigh News Treasurer, or forward by post or email to: inverleighpa@yahoo.com.au PO Box 247, Inverleigh 3321. Phone: 0400 296 354
(Phone access only on weekends or between 12 and pm weekdays)
If you’re thinking of selling a Rural or Lifestyle acreage property on the Bellarine, the Greater Geelong region or beyond then think Peter Lindeman. Peter spent 20 years managing farms before jumping the fence to sell them; and over the last 23 years he’s helped over 350 vendors achieve extraordinary results, more often than not surpassing their expectations. Why not let Peter show you how he can help you achieve an outstanding result for your property.
- Victorian Community Pharmacy Pilot allowing us to prescribe for:
(i) treatment of shingles
(ii) treatment of flare-up mild psoriasis
(iii) resupply of select oral contraceptive pills without a prescription for women (iv) antibiotics for uncomplicated pills without a prescription for women
- Absence from work certificates
- Blood Pressure Testing
- Diabetes Australia (NDSS) Agency
- Home Medicine Reviews
- Webster-paks
- Free Prescription filing service
- Free Prescription reminder service (myTWC app & medAdvisor app)
- Extensive range of Vitamins & Supplements
- MooGoo products
- Natio
- Medela Breastpump Hire
- Hiring of crutches
- Weight Loss products
- Ear & Nose piercing
- Home Delivery Service to:
o Bannockburn
o Teesdale/Shelford
o Inverleigh
o Lethbridge
o Batesford
* Other Products & Services
- TerryWhite Chemmart Rewards PLUS Program
* FREE to join
* 20% Discount off gifts ALL YEAR
- Extensive GIFTS to choose from, including:
* Glasshouse
* Frank Green
* Handbags & Wallets
* Fragrances
* Aromatherapy & Wellbeing
- afterpay available
- Maybelline
- Designer Brands
Follow us on Facebook and be kept up to date
www.facebook.com/bannockburnpharmacy
Sell with a local agency who supports their community.
Major Sponsors of:
Bannockburn Football & Netball Club
Bannockburn Men's Shed
Bannockburn Inclusive Group
Teesdale Cricket Club
Inverleigh & District Good Friday Appeal
BANNOCKBURN SURGERY IS CELEBRATING 40 YEARS.
Dr Cameron Profitt
Dr John Henderson
Dr Benjamin Fry
Dr Rupali Jain
Dr Veronica Donahoe
Dr Edward Carson
Dr Rimas Liubinas
A humble beginning for Bannockburn Surgery when it first opened its doors in 1983 – small rooms located between what was the original supermarket and pharmacy.
Soon outgrowing these rooms, they moved in 1986 to 19 High Street with two consulting rooms, a small treatment room and tiny tearoom for its team members. Its current building (16 High Street) was opened in the year 2000 – a purpose-built practice complete with five consulting rooms and a sixth added in 2010.
The practice has grown from strength to strength and has a wonderfully dedicated team of Doctors, Nurses, Reception team and Practice Manager. They also have access to high-quality Allied Health services including podiatry and newly introduced acupuncture with Dr Rimas Liubinas, with plans for more services to follow.
For Bannockburn Surgery who celebrated their forty-year anniversary a few weeks ago, this was a proud milestone. The surgery welcomed back former team members: doctors, nurses, administration staff, and allied health for an evening of festivities reminiscing on the past forty-years and what the future holds for the practice.
The Directors (and Principal GPs) of Bannockburn Surgery would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to those whom have been part of their practice team, past and present. And also extends a warm thank you to patients for ongoing support in entrusting their health to the team at Bannockburn Surgery and their journey.
The surgery has a proud history and is incredibly excited for the future. Not only the future of Bannockburn Surgery, but also in continuing to support the growing community of Bannockburn and its surrounds. The surgery has grand plans and is eagerly awaiting to commence build
Bannockburn Surgery is a fully accredited medical practice that provides comprehensive GP services and have been practising within the community for 40 years. Bannockburn Surgery is the largest practice within the shire.
We are an accredited teaching practice –training medical students, nursing students and future GPs.
Dr Rebecca Tidd
Dr Bushra Akhund
Dr Abhirami Selvakumar
Dr Ernest Cheng
of their purpose-built facility to be located next door to their current premises.
It is pleased to announce that another GP Registrar will be joining the team from August, Dr Ernest Cheng, which will extend the provision of service even further. They are also very fortunate that their two current GP Registrars; Dr Bushra Akhund and Dr Abhi Selvakumar will be continuing at the practice for an additional six months.
Bannockburn Surgery doctors will be continuing to bulk-bill patients with healthcare cards and pension cards, as well as those under 16 years old.
Appointments are available daily and the doctors are welcoming new patients.
Book online via the website or contact (03) 5281 1481.
www.bannockburnsurgery.com.au
We put you first The team at First National Golden Plains working together to achieve for you.
