Melinda the lifesaver
A former Kyabram girl has provided life-saving organs after she was struck down with a fatal intracranial haemorrhage, or bleeding into the brain, earlier this year.
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Melinda Matthews, 46, daughter of former Kyabramites Robyn and Ian Matthews, was placed on life support after collapsing in a car park at her workplace near Newcastle in late March.
Melinda’s family members weren’t aware she was registered as an organ donor and when asked whether they would adhere to her wishes they didn’t hesitate.
Melinda’s lungs, liver and both kidneys were viable and two heart valves were also stored for possible donation.
Melinda’s sister Leanne Holloway said the family was now keen to hear from the people who had received her sister’s organs and another shot at life.
Melinda was born and raised in Kyabram with her sisters Karen and Leanne. Their father Ian owned and ran a Kyabram produce and hardware business for many years in McCormick Rd.
Ian and Robyn now live at Soldiers Point, about 60km north of Newcastle.
First falls for August
Kyabram has received 10.6mm of rain over the past week.
It comes on top of a below-average 21.6mm recorded in July, traditionally one of the wettest months with an average of 42.5mm.
The rain last Friday measured 10.4mm and took the yearly total to 278.2mm.
At the same time last year, Kyabram had received 269mm of rain.
Kyabram had its warmest day since 20°C was recorded on June 4 when the mercury rose to a maximum of 19.5°C last Thursday.
Tongala rugby league?
Could Tongala be home to another sporting club in the near future?
A little birdie told Traps that there was to be investigations into the possibility of a rugby league team being formed in the town.
With a contingent of fit, young, muscular rugby-loving Pacific IsIanders working in the district, forming a team mightn’t be as much of a concern as getting the right people to administer it.
We’ll keep you posted.
Not on the same page
While gas connections to homes and government buildings are banned from next year as part of a move by the Victorian Government to have net-zero emissions from 2045, it is not the same approach north of the Murray River.
NSW Premier Chris Minns answered ‘‘forget it’’ and that he was ‘‘happy to be on gas’’ when asked whether his state would follow Victoria’s lead.
Energy project extension
There has been another extension to the deadline for community consultations on a proposed massive Transgrid project running from Jerilderie to Kerang.
The project will connect the energy grids of NSW and Victoria.
Known as the VNI West, the preferred route is through Conargo, Wanganella and Moulamein before entering Victoria at Murrabit.
Submissions were initially set to have a July deadline, then were extended to August 4 and now to September 8 for more community consultation.
A lot of landowners are not impressed with the power lines penetrating their properties, although there are enticing monetary rewards.
Country show time
Country agricultural shows are bearing down quickly, with the first off the rank in this region at Finley on September 3. That is less than five weeks away.
Those planning to enter exhibits in the Kyabram Show have more time on their hands with the iconic event listed to be staged on Saturday, October 21.
Next year the Kyabram Show is due to celebrate an historic milestone — its 100th staging.
King of the Mountain
It’s been 35 years since the last King Of the Mountain was staged in the Mallee town of Wycheproof.
But it’s returning.
The Wycheproof-Narraporte Football Netball Club is resurrecting the Iron Man event on AFL grand final day, September 30.
There is a strong Kyabram connection to the event, which involves contestants hauling a full wheatbag on their shoulders for 1km to the summit of Mt Wycheproof.
Kyabram’s Jim Russell won the past four titles to claim the record from former Tatura Football Club coach Greg Dax, who won the first three titles of the challenge.
Secure your plates
Victoria Police have asked for vehicle owners to secure number plates on their cars.
Thefts of number plates are on the rise, with them being used on vehicles involved in an array of offences.
Stolen plates have to be replaced at the cost of the vehicle owner and police said securing the plates with one-way anti-theft screws could prevent thefts.
Bill Kelly connections
Nathalia G.R.A.I.N Store workers recognised one of their revered workmates, the late William ‘Bill’ Kelly, last Saturday night with a showing of the movie Can Art Stop A Bullet.
Although the brilliant, modest man himself would never entertain such an idea while he was alive, a screening of the 2020 documentary hosted by the film’s director Mark Street was a highlight of the evening.
Some guests also shared their insights on the film and their connections with Kelly.
Koonoomoo mystery
Mystery surrounds the identity of a man who died after being found injured on the Cobram-Koonoomoo Rd on Saturday, July 29.
A passer-by found the badly-injured man on the road just before 9pm. CPR was started, but the man died at the scene.
It is believed he was walking towards Koonoomoo. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 090.
Power bill shutdown
Nationals leader and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh says the deadline for the current $250 Power Saving Bonus is just weeks away.
Mr Walsh is warning constituents they only have until August 31 to submit their applications for the relief payment for electricity bills.
He said anyone who did not have theirs in by then would almost certainly miss out.
“People are really struggling at the moment. Energy bills — electricity and gas — are skyrocketing,” Mr Walsh said.
“At the same time, the overall cost-of-living is through the roof, so for every one of us, every cent counts.”
Mr Walsh said if you hadn’t applied and had problems completing the online process, there was help at hand.
He said residents could go to their local neighbourhood house, or even the local library, or turn to family and friends for support.
“I really encourage everyone who hasn’t already applied for this round of funding to get in now while you still can,” Mr Walsh said.
“If you can’t get to one of those options and still need a hand with your application, the team at my office will be able to help you out.
“This fourth round of the PSB opened in March but I suspect there are still plenty of people out there who have not put in their applications.
“So, as I said, if you are lost for support, find your way to my electoral office at 496 High St, Echuca.”
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