Community
16 January, 2025
The year that was
This week we take a look back at some of the news stories, events and photos that shaped the western district in 2024 and appeared in the pages of the Mortlake Dispatch.
January
A new local history book was published on the Reverend David Kay and his wife Caroline Hoste. The book titled ‘Aristocracy, Squatters and Presbyterians’ was written by Geelong’s Robert McLaren, who he grew up at Mortlake.
Bumper bookings across the six Moyne Shire council-owned caravan parks solidified the region’s position as a summer playground, with more than 9000 visitors booking out caravan parks in the shire.
Warrnambool Police called for anyone who saw something suspicious to get in touch after a vehicle and machinery were stolen in Woorndoo.
A new all-abilities walking group launched in Mortlake with strong support from the community.
A two-day showjumping festival gave upcoming riders and horses an opportunity to showcase their skills. The Caramut Riding Club’s showjumping festival, held at the Mortlake Showjumping Grounds, drew a large field of competitors across ten classes ranging between 60cm up to 110cm.
Country Fire Authority brigades were quick to bring a haystack fire in Garvoc under control. Smoke was visible hundreds of meters from the site of the incident, including a light flow over the Princes Highway which saw a community warning issued. Five CFA units responded to the fire, which had seen around 200 hay bales catch alight due to what was believed to be spontaneous combustion.
February
Mortlake’s Kaye Blackburn was at a loss for words when she learned she had received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the 2024 Australia Day Honours list. Mrs Blackburn OAM said the news came as a surprise as she was not expecting to receive such recognition. “I was shocked,” she said.
Moyne Shire Council chief executive officer Brett Davis informed councillors of his decision to resign from the role.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas visited the region to announce two significant milestones for the transformation of health in the south west. Ms Thomas and Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora announced the completion of the new Regional Logistics Distribution Centre (RLDC), and the appointment of a builder for the $384.2 million Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment. Based out of Warrnambool, the supply will be utilised by more than 50 health providers throughout the south west including in Terang, Mortlake, Camperdown and Timboon.
Moyne Shire councillors voted to approve Peter Brown as acting chief executive officer following the surprise resignation of Brett Davis.
Origin Energy (Origin) announced construction approval of a large-scale battery at the Mortlake Power Station, committing to an investment of approximately $400 million. The Mortlake Power Station battery will have a capacity of 300MW, and is expected to deliver output of up to 650MWh, helping to firm variable renewables supply and maintain reliable power for customers.
Perseverance and the dedication to make a better life for himself in Australia saw Warrnambool’s Rain Lai earn the 2024 Salt Creek Scholarship worth $30,000.
A small crowd gathered in Mortlake to remember the 82 sailors who lost their lives during what was described as one of the worst peace time disasters in Australian Naval history – the sinking of the HMAS Voyager (II).
Mortlake Police investigated a number of incidents including damage to the shelter at the Mortlake skate park, fires set at multiple bins at the lake and diesel theft.
Pancake Day lived up to its name when a team of Mortlake Uniting Church volunteers served up a feast to the community.
Woorndoo Cricket Club was left reeling after a break in saw goods stolen and the club facilities damaged.
March
The Mortlake Roadhouse is getting a new mural, but you’re going to have to spend the next two years slowly guessing what it will feature. Mortlake Roadhouse owner Dion Symon steamed up with Warrnambool artist Jimmi Buscombe to bring a new mural to life on the Bourke Street-side exterior wall of the Roadie.
The wider community enjoyed a toe tapping opportunity to raise funds for a mental health charity when Music Homestead Let’s Talk Country Music Festival drew hundreds to Mortlake.
Three of the women who make Moyne Shire such an incredible place to live and work were recognised for their contributions as part of Moyne Shire’s International Women’s Day celebrations. Mortlake’s Kimberly Parker joined Oonagh Kilpatrick and Melanie Macilwain were recognised with Inspiring Women of Moyne Awards during a breakfast celebration.
Mortlake’s Lucy Cody-Davis hit the ground running to support a men’s mental health initiative. Ms Cody-Davis raised funds this month to support ‘The Shaka Project’ as part of the ‘run for our mates’ fundraiser, running 100 kilometres throughout the month.
The Victorian Government again denied funding to begin the long-awaited redevelopment of the Mortlake Community Health Centre, but Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) vowed to continue its advocacy.
Mortlake College business manager Dot Jenkins announced her retirement after 24 years of helping her beloved school grow from strength to strength.
Mortlake hosted one of its largest gatherings of rare and unique motor vehicles when Federation of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Car Clubs (FVVCVCC) members descended on Mortlake’s Tea Tree Lake.
Geordie Rollings-Wurak parted with his signature hairstyle after the Mortlake College student raised more than $1200.
April
Mortlake College students dressed up as a beloved staff member to say farewell. The final day of term one coincided with the retirement of school business manager Dot Jenkins, who was surprised when students wore their netball gear to celebrate the legendary netball coach, and donned the colours of her beloved Hawthorn Hawks.
Students at Mortlake College made a big mess to celebrate raising thousands of dollars for charity, with a colour run and food fight to raise funds for Foodbank Victoria.
Heavy rain and wind caused havoc across Mortlake. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Mortlake experienced 31.2mm of rainfall on the day – which marked a significant percentage of the long-term average rainfall for the entirety of April (44.1mm).
Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) celebrated being named one of Victoria’s top-five best performing health services, recognised for its workplace culture.
The Mortlake community rallied around the installation of a new reverse vending machine. The installation was part of the rollout of the Victorian Government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), which rewards Victorians with a 10-cent refund for every eligible can, carton or bottle returned to the automated machines being rolled out across the state.
Mortlake’s Ready Set Go early learning centre continued its rapid progression through a Victorian initiative designed to create healthier places to learn and work.
Moyne Shire Council permanently shortened the open hours of its Mortlake customer office, which is now only open for customer service between 10am and 3pm.
Mortlake’s Dwayne Dolling ventured from Adelaide to Perth in a beat-up old Commodore after raising more than $11,300 for cancer research. Mr Dolling joined close friend Jason McGlynn in heading off for the Autumn route of the 2024 Shitbox Rally.
The Western District Showjumping Championships made a successful return after 39-degree weather had postponed the event.
May
Crowds gathered in solemn commemoration of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during Anzac Day services across the region, including in Ellerslie and Mortlake.
Mortlake P-12 College joined schools across the state to undergo a maintenance blitz on essential works and repairs thanks to $718,397 in funding from the Victorian Government.
Moyne Shire Council awarded $86,000 in funding to 20 community groups across the shire under the popular Community Assistance Fund.
Police investigated the circumstances surrounding a stabbing at Mac’s Hotel which left a 48-year-old man with upper body injures.
St Colman’s Primary School principal Janet Cain was recognised for her 30 years of dedication to catholic education; all of which have been spent in the south west.
Motorists were urged to remain vigilant on roads after a mob of kangaroos was believed to have caused a truck rollover.
The Royal Historical Society of Victoria visited Mortlake to conduct a seminar. The Mortlake and District Historical Society (MDHS) hosted the event, which was held in the Returned and Services League Hall.
Mark Eversteyn was appointed Moyne Shire Council’s newest chief executive officer. He joined Moyne Shire after serving as director of operations for Americold Logistics and has been responsible for managing logistics contracts with some of the nation’s biggest companies, including Coles, Woolworths and Saputo.
June
The 2024 Mortlake Art Show enjoyed one of its best years yet, according to elated volunteers as hundreds of visitors gushed at the warm community feel of the event.
Country Women’s Association (CWA) members from across the region brought their talents to Mortlake as part of the 2024 Creative Arts Exhibition. The annual exhibition is hosted each year by the CWA South Western Group, representing members across the region who all put their best foot forward across a wide range of arts, crafts and cooking for the public to enjoy. CWA South Western Group president Sue Long, who is a member of the Mortlake Day Branch, said she was delighted with the success of the event which had been hosted in Mortlake for the first time.
Premier Jacinta Allan visit to Mortlake sent a clear message; her government is unwavering in its commitment to lead Victoria to a renewable energy future. The Premier toured the Mortlake South Wind Farm (MSWF) as the final project to come online as part of the Labor Government’s first Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) reverse auction.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) offered male staff a special gift with a local twist as part of International Men’s Health Week. TMHS gifted a copy of Dr Bernie Crimmins’ book ‘Blokes Health’ to staff as a thank you for their dedicated efforts, and a reminder how important it is to keep good health a priority.
Mortlake College students received a standing ovation with the Graeme Good Centre full to capacity as students presented their production of The Lion King Jr.
The eye-catching mural at the Mortlake Skate Park was restored by artist James Cody-Davis after being vandalised earlier in the year.
The winner of the 2024 Mortlake Art Show’s Best in Show award was excited for the “groundswell of enthusiasm” elevating platform for artists across the south west to share their work with the wider community. Terang’s Jo Kenna said she was “shocked, surprised and in disbelief” to be named Best in Show at the Mortlake Art Show for her work ‘Last flight of the mutton birds’.
Mortlake moved a step closer to securing a multi-million-dollar redevelopment of facilities to create a state-of-the-art experience for the burgeoning numbers of female athletes. Moyne Shire councillors voted to approve a draft budget alteration which would award a $250,000 fund to support the project.
July
Police appealed for witnesses after two men allegedly smashed their way in to Scotts Betta Electrical and stole thousands of dollars’ worth of products.
The Mortlake Energy Hub marked a major milestone with approval received to connect the 360-megawatt project to the National Electricity Market. Developer BrightNight announced it had received formal approval from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
Cole’s Coaches has announced the closure of its Mortlake Branch after more than five decades of operation. The company was originally founded by Jeff and Dorothy Cole in Mortlake in 1972, and began with just four busses before growing to more than 50 in 2024.
A new event showcasing the talent of the Mortlake community was hailed a success. The inaugural Mini-Market Craft and Demonstration Day was held at the Senior Citizens Hall, which drew strong patronage from the local community.
A small creek near Caramut moved towards renaming to remove a term which is offensive to Indigenous women and children, with strong support from the community. Following a period of public consultation, councillors voted to submit a formal request to Geographic Names Victoria to have Lubra Creek renamed Thanampool Thookay Creek.
The Mortlake War Memorial was damaged after a truck undercut a corner to incorrectly use Jamieson Avenue.
The Mortlake Lions welcomed Heather Rowe to the role of president for the 2024-2025 year after reflecting on another successful year giving back.
Kolora’s Remy Herry has established herself as one of Victoria’s best young bakers after earning victory at the Victorian Agricultural Shows junior state final.
August
A large number of residents in Mortlake and Noorat areas lost power last week after a vehicle struck a power pole. Powercor crews worked to restore power to more than 1600 customers.
A petition was launched to oppose a new service station in Mortlake, after widespread social media backlash about the proposal began to circulate. A planning permit lodged with Moyne Shire Council for the development of a new 24/7 Liberty Petrol Station located just outside Mortlake on the Hopkins Highway drew the ire of a large number of residents online, who expressed concern existing businesses could be negatively impacted by the proposed location.
Origin officially commenced construction of the $400 million battery at the Mortlake Power Station.
The mural at the Mortlake Roadhouse began to take shape thanks to the efforts of one of the region’s most prominent artists. Acclaimed Warrnambool artist Jimmi Buscombe continued adding to the mural which he began earlier in March 2024.
Catholic schools across the region are celebrating a milestone for the Diocese of Ballarat with the creation of an object used for thousands of years to allow Aboriginal nations to transfer information.
Five message sticks, which carried artwork depicting important messages and histories to be shared between First Nations groups, were created to mark the 150th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat. The message sticks were being passed between catholic schools, which included St Colman’s Primary School.
A former health care professional of more than 30 years joined the chorus of voices raising concerns surrounding potential budget cuts and forced amalgamations for health services across Victoria. Jane Fitzgibbon, who worked at Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) for 33 years, was among those with industry experience to voice concerns as part of the “Hands off our hospitals” movement.
Warrnambool’s Alex Dyson has announced his intention to run at the 2025 Federal election after a historic result in 2022 saw support for Mr Dyson swing Wannon in to a marginal seat.
Three men were arrested following a series of coordinated raids which involved 34 police from across the south west, two of whom were arrested in relation to a burglary of Scotts Betta Electrical in Mortlake.
September
Moyne Shire Council will undertake the process of honouring those who lost their lives during the Ash Wednesday bushfires, with a new memorial plaque to be installed in Panmure.
Students at St Colman’s Primary School celebrated Children’s Book Week with a parade and book fair.
Moyne Shire councillors Ian Smith, Daniel Meade and Damian Gleeson announced they would not contest at the 2024 council elections.
The Mortlake Racecourse Reserve Committee has called time after at least 145 years of supporting the development and maintenance of the town’s racing facilities.
The Corangamite Moyne Library Service reported usage figures for the 2023/24 year, with the numbers showing the community value of the shared library service. Across its 10 locations there were over 63,000 visitors to the libraries during the year, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
A new book providing an updated historical account of Dundonnell launched when Mortlake’s Florence Charles published ‘Dundonnell, Victoria, Updated 2023’.
Students are well on their way to enjoying a new playground thanks to the generosity of local businesses and families. St Colman’s Primary School drew its annual major school fundraiser, which saw 415 tickets sold and around $8800 raised for the school.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) was shortlisted as a finalist for the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.
October
The $700 million Mortlake Energy Hub has received the greenlight to be fast-tracked in its delivery. The project was fast-tracked through the Victorian Government’s new streamlined pathway, which aims to provide cheap renewable energy for Victorian households. Renewable energy developer Bright Night received the green light to begin construction of the Mortlake Energy Hub, which will be located on an expansive 677-hectare site spanning between Connewarren Lane and the Hamilton Highway.
Elders Mortlake bid farewell to livestock agent Bruce Redpath as he set off for retirement. Mr Redpath spent the past eight years as an integral part of Elders Mortlake, and boasts more than 50 years of experience in the industry.
Police investigated a fatal crash in Caramut after a car rollover on Purdeet Road. The driver and only occupant, a 20-year-old Warrnambool man, died at the scene.
A team running in memory of those they lost to a rare neurological disease arrived back home in Terang after more than 900 kilometres travelled and $37,000 raised.
A collision just outside Mortlake resulted in a woman being airlifted to hospital.
Scotts Betta Home Living was listed on the market as local businessman Robbie Jewell looked to retirement. Scotts Betta Home Living has been trading in Mortlake for more than 60 years, cultivating a stable following across the south west under the guidance of long-time manager and owner Robbie Jewell.
November
Darlington residents were ecstatic that town became safer thanks to a lower speed limit on the Hamilton Highway. The State Government reduced the speed limit outside the Elephant Bridge Hotel from 80kmh to 60kmh speed.
A Mortlake beauty specialist was named among South West TAFE’s major award winners for 2024. Emily Thorne was named Certificate III in Nail Technology Student of the Year at South West TAFE’s Pure Academy Showcase and awards night.
Mortlake celebrated the 100th anniversary of the opening of Montgomery Pavilion. Tea Tree Lake was a hive of activity as the wider community turned out in force to recognise the milestone century for a feature of the lake which has played a backdrop to the lives of Mortlakians for generations.
Students from Mortlake College honed their skills ahead of the 2024 Great Vic Bike Ride thanks to the generous donations made to the Great Vic Schools Support Fund.
The Mortlake Cup drew a strong crowd to town for a blockbuster day of racing. A crowd of around 2000 poured through the gates at Mortlake Racecourse for a bumper day of racing.
The Mortlake Rose Show was in full bloom as green thumbs throughout the community proudly displayed the best their gardens have to offer. Soldier’s Memorial Hall was a sea of colour for the 126th annual rose show with a wide variety of different cuts and arrangements displayed throughout the hall.
The 2024 Moyne Shire Council election results were made official, with the majority of the new-look council being first-timers. Successful candidates were councillors Jim Doukas, Karen Foster, Jordan Lockett, Lisa Ryan, Susan Taylor, Lloyd Ross and Myra Murrihy .Councillor Karen Foster has returned to the mayoral role, with Cr Jordan Lockett taking the reigns as deputy for the first time in his third term.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) remains in a strong financial position, according to its 2023/2024 annual report. The annual report, which was tabled in Parliament, showcased a “pleasing” financial result. TMHS reported a net operating surplus, before capital and specific items, of $401,000 despite a comprehensive net result for the year being a deficit of $379,000.
December
Mortlake College’s Ashton Maher admits his head was in the clouds when he found out he had been named school Dux. After learning he had achieved an impressive ATAR score of 88.90, Ashton said the result had come as a shock.
Artist Jimmi Buscombe continued adding to the unique mural being painted at the Mortlake Roadhouse.
Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur called on Premier Jacinta Allan to formally invite President-Elect Donald Trump to the “rust belt regions” of Western Victoria.
Some of Mortlake’s most talented young performers ushered in the festive season at the town’s Christmas Carols. Hundreds of people filled Market Square to enjoy the beloved event headlined by performances from St Colman’s Primary School and Mortlake College students, performing delightful renditions of their favourite Christmas carols.
Police investigated the circumstances surrounding a crash which claimed the life of a 32-year-old man in Mortlake. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Castle Carey and Mortlake-Ararat roads to a two-car collision. The man died at the scene while the other driver, a 26-year-old Penshurst man, was transported to hospital with serious injuries.
A family connection inspired a student-led fundraiser at St Colman’s Primary School, which raised funds to purchase much-needed paediatric equipment for children in one of Timor-Leste’s most impoverished regions.
Lowan MP Emma Kealy was among members of the opposition raising concerns increased WorkCover premiums are hurting the bottom-line of health services across the state. Ms Kealy said Victoria’s health crisis continues as figures show Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) WorkCover premiums increased 90 per cent last financial year, revealed in annual health service reports tabled in Victorian Parliament.
The Mortlake Garden Club celebrated a milestone 40 years since formation.