IF there is one event you should go to this weekend, it’s the Swan Hill Show.
With many towns in the Mallee shutting the gates on their shows, it has never been more important to support a tradition that has been steadfast for 123 years.
Volunteers have spent many months putting together a schedule of family-friendly entertainment, while ensuring the foundations of the annual two-day tradition remain — the agriculture.
Our region is populated with incredible talent; in the pavilion, on the stage and in the rings.
They deserve to be recognised and showcased, but that will only continue if we continue to walk through the gates.
The team at The Guardian will pit against ABC Mildura Swan Hill in the carrot cake competition.
It’s these challenges within a competition that can ensure support remains in the pavilion.
I took my niece and nephew to the Royal Melbourne Show last week and was amazed again at the talent on show.
Entrants are humbled to show their talents.
They request show guides from every show in Victoria to enter.
First or last, they are supporting an institution.
Horses to pigeons, our region’s animals are what helps bind us together in our hobbies and careers.
It’s on with the show!
Fast rail
THE need for train speed isn’t something new.
The sound of regional trains travelling at 200km/h and taking three hours to arrive in Melbourne, on the surface, sounds impressive.
But, are we just on track for an empty promise?
We need more detail. We need better infrastructure to cater for fast trains.
Will these fast trains cope with temperatures above 30 degrees in the height of summer?
Our regional trains have been neglected by both sides of parliament for far too long.
Head to Head
A LOCAL police officer handed in his police badge for the final time last week.
He was ill-health retired because of chronic post traumatic stress disorder.
I know him and his story well.
This officer always put the welfare and safety of his community first. Ultimately, that took a toll on him.
“There will be no fanfare and no ticker tape parade, just the tick of the clock ending a career way to early,” he said.
Ironically, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton is walking halfway across the state to raise funds for veteran officers suffering mental health issues.
These officers are part of our community and need the all the support we can provide.
“I do not intend to play on this, although the emotional feelings I have would destroy a large battleship, I am just letting everyone know in the best way I can that I am no longer there to protect and serve.”
To this officer, we thank you for your loyal service to protecting those in the worst stages of their lives.
