Reflections from the past

The study was based on more common viruses, which cause brief fevers and persistent muscle and joint pains.

The first stage of research began last December when 900 Echuca people gave blood samples as part of a survey on virus infections.

The research, conducted by Echuca hospital and Dr Robert Fraser, of the Melbourne University department of medicine, is about to enter the second stage.

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There was a lot of back bending at Echuca East Primary School on Sunday. A working bee of members of the Echuca Apex Club and the school committee started constructing adventure play equipment out of logs.

The school approached the club to assist with the project.

The school has plans for a log bridge, river crossing, inclined ladder balance logs, tent house, fence walk and climbing frame.

The school principal, Mr Bruce Borchers, who took part in the working bee, said it was hoped to have a stockade.

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Moama trainer Albert ‘’Tunny’’ Buckley drives the pacer Royal Receipt in all his races because few drivers would be game enough.

But Albert Buckley knows the horse, and he’s a former rodeo rider who knows how to handle himself.

Royal Receipt, who is raced by Shepparton owner, Mr John Georges, had five trainers before going to Albert’s stable four months ago.

His four wins since include the Qualifying Stakes at Melbourne Showgrounds.

25 years ago July 2000

A push for a community bank for Tongala has reached a crunch stage.

Analysis of the survey forms returned by Tongala and district residents has shown figures that could jeopardise the proposed bank going ahead.

Members of the steering committee were informed on Wednesday by management consultants Robert Moyle and Associates that the surveys showed the bank was short on deposits.

The surveys returned showed the bank could be expected to generate $21 million in business. This would consist of $15.5 million in loans but only $5.5 million in deposits.

The Bendigo Bank, who runs the community bank schedule, prefers these figures to be closer to equal.

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A young Merrigum woman has just received her Coxon’s Certificate and is now qualified to captain the Kingfisher vessel on its Barmah Lakes tours.

Benita Lamond, 22, is a tour guide on the Kingfisher and is now one of three qualified captains for the vessel.

Benita said her tertiary qualifications gained her the positions of eco-tourism guide and having a Coxon’s Certificate was a bonus.

‘’I basically teach people on the tour about the nature of the area, the history, animals, and plants and the environment.’’

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Victorian Minister for Transport Peter Batchelor met with Campaspe and Murray shire councils to discuss the new Echuca-Moama Murray River bridge crossing options.

As well as meeting with the council representatives, Mr Batchelor was also shown the three proposed sites — two in the centre of town and one in the west.

While the councils told Mr Batchelor of their preference for the western option, he said all members of the community would be given the chance to voice their opinions in relation to all options.

As well as meeting with the councils and visiting the bridge option sites, Mr Batchelor said part of the aim of the visit was to promote to people that they could bring issues forward.

10 years ago July 2015

Campaspe Shire councillor Greg Toll does not believe paddlesteamers are a business council should be involved in.

His comments came in the midst of council’s debate on Tuesday night to whether it should approve an additional $65,000 to undertake deck repairs and an engine overhaul of the PS Alexander Arbuthnot.

Although the motion was approved – taking council’s total budget on the boat to $492,621 – Cr Toll said council should ‘stick to what it knows.’

And paddlesteamers, according to Cr Toll, does not fall into this category.

‘‘I’m certainly going to speak against this recommendation,’’ he said at the meeting.

‘‘I don’t believe paddlesteamers are a business council should be in.

‘‘I believe we are there for roads, rates and rubbish.’’

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Hudson Jasper is an ordinary 25-year-old.

The quietly spoken Bunnaloo resident will soon be taking to the skies on a mission and, while it may not be ‘mission impossible’, there are bound to be challenges along the way.

Because, Hudson will become a missionary pilot with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Australia’s top end — Arnhem Land.

The route from farmer’s son to pilot began when Hudson was a child and would watch crop pilots sow rice on his family’s 687-hectare property.

His passion for flying led him to gaining his commercial licence and instrument rating ticket over two years at the Australian Centre of Mission Aviation.

He has also completed one year of biblical training at the Melbourne School of Theology.

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Quitting isn’t in Echuca para-cyclist Michael ‘Squizzy’ Taylor’s repertoire.

And even with a wound on his backside, which has forced him to spend a week in bed, he pushed through the pain to compete in the ITT Victorian para-cycling series in Leongatha last week.

The Leongatha event was the second event in the seven stage series where Taylor came out on top in 36:04 followed by Alex Welsh 37:02 and Kerryn Harvey 39:21.

Heading into the race and carrying an injury, Taylor ‘‘wasn’t too sure what to expect,’’ but said entering and supporting the series was a win in itself.