The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Page 1

Vol. No. Vol. 2418No. 2827

FREE PUBLICATION

A FREE PUBLICATION FROM YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATIONS 3WM AND MIXXFM

Wednesday, January January 26, 13, 2022 2016 Wednesday,

RIVER ACTION: Australia Day activities in Horsham today will feature a major waterskiing demonstration on the Wimmera River. Dimboola and Natimuk water ski clubs will present the show, featuring Southern Waters Ski Show Team, at Sawyer Park from 3pm. Victorian slalom champion and Dimboola Boat and Water Ski Club member Lachlan Schultz, pictured, will also join world champion trick skier Jason Sleep at the demonstrations. “I haven’t skied on this bit of river for a couple of years. It’s a good bit of water and it’s always good to ski in town,” the 22-year-old said. “The show ski team is incredible to watch so spectators will be in for loads of thrills.” The Weekly Advertiser and radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM are supporting the Australia Day ski event. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Club: We’ll be back O

BY DEAN LAWSON

fficials devastated over a fire that forced the cancellation of an iconic Wimmera horse-racing meeting have promised to ‘bounce back’ and continue to present the event in the future.

Great Western Racing Club manager Penny Penfold said the annual cup meeting was, and continued to be, so important to Great Western and Wimmera racing communities that an organising committee was already looking forward to planning 2023. She said all involved were disheartened and disappointed with events that occurred at the races on Sunday. “In assessing all that’s happened – as hard as it is for everyone – we still

adopt the same positive attitude in moving forward,” she said. “It has been really tough on everyone including the committee, staff and volunteers who put countless hours into putting this race day together. But we’ll bounce back – in time. “We’re a small one-event-a-year club and must consider what this race meeting not only means for country racing, but also the Great Western and surrounding district communities and the wider Wimmera.” The grass fire broke out in a Great Western racecourse parking area about 1.30pm on Sunday and with temperatures in the 30s, quickly developed into a significant blaze requiring a major emergency response. The fire, which ultimately gutted

18 cars and damaged others, quickly jumped from the carpark into the racecourse reserve. Ms Penfold said the club was working with Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria to assess what happened next. “The meeting is historic and important – for so many reasons – and it reflects what is great about regional sport,” she said. “Sunday’s meeting was also significant because it provided the community with a chance to get out and about again after major COVID-19 restrictions. “We will regroup and continue to provide a great community event into the future for many years to come. “We are thankful no-one was seri-

ously hurt and that everyone was safely evacuated. “We commend everyone – from the emergency services to Racing Victoria stewards and staff and of course our cherished patrons for how they responded.” Patrons had been taking part in Great Western Cup festivities and officials were preparing for the second race on the schedule when the fire started. As the fire took hold, patrons noticed black smoke and flames and started to hear the loud ‘popping’ of exploding car tyres. Ms Penfold said the club was awaiting a full briefing from relevant authorities about circumstances surrounding the fire. She said she had been in the mount-

ing yard when she became aware of what was happening. “It escalated very quickly. I take my hat off to the CFA firefighters and police onsite. They were so amazing,” she said. “To be honest, it was a challenging situation and the club and Racing Victoria stewards managed it very well. “I commend everyone in how they worked together through our emergency management plan. “We especially thank the patrons for their patience and understanding in what were very trying circumstances and hope everyone returns next year.” • Fire response, page 3.

IN THIS ISSUE • Crisis accommodation plan • Quantong residents stand strong • Football-netball action IN THIS ISSUE • Australia Day honours • Wimmera field days cancelled • Monthly AgLife Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

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