AUSTRALIA Day appears to be suffering a death by 1000 cuts.
How can I, as a proud citizen of this country, celebrate this country? I don’t need to celebrate our heritage, history or sporting achievements. I just would like to be able to celebrate the fact that I live in Australia and am very happy about it. There are many places on earth that are not as lucky as us and my heart goes out to their population. In celebrating that my country is luckier than some other country, I do not wish to belittle, degrade or chastise any of those countries or their residents in any way.
Let’s call it National Day or something, keeping in mind that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet and give us the opportunity to celebrate our National Day on a date that doesn’t upset anyone. Some are upset by the traditional day of celebration, so maybe January 31 would do.
COLIN Granter was clearly interested in the Komment about the bike track to Koondrook that was initially proposed. So much so that he has challenged Kurl to a ride to Koondrook if the bike track ever eventuates, which we hope it does. If they build it, we will come and ride it.
Colin says that his workmate Peter Colville can be our pit crew to service bikes due to his long service with Laughlin’s Sports Store way back in the day. An Esky at Hinkson’s – done.
Once we got to Koondrook, we would have to get home somehow. So there’s the challenge Colin – we ride back as well!
THE Kerang New Year’s Eve party went off well again.
Right near the Lake Meran Brewery stall I happened to catch up with former local lad Jack Parker. We weren’t misbehaving as Jack had bub Sloane on his shoulder. Don’t worry Brit, she was asleep in no time. Jack and Brit are way up in Mackay. Great to catch up Jack.
Also had a chat to Craig Bassler who is looking fit enough to play footy but has decided instead to give the motorbikes another go. Craig played in a premiership or two at Wandella but as a youngster was right into bikes. It may be late in life but he is going to give it another crack because it brings a smile to his face. Just ease into it Craig, you aren’t 20 anymore.
LOCAL bloke Alan Shields was presented with Life Membership of the Kerang Turf Club at Kerang’s December race meeting. Congratulations Al.
CAUGHT up with old mate Tony Newstead who has retired back to Kerang. Tony played some rippin’ footy with Kerang back in the day and a bit of cricket and tennis.
‘Tone’ was having a chat with a couple of other locals in Dean Swooper Moore and Sid Robinson – legends all.
Then there was this other bloke from Maitland up near Newcastle, that bloomin’ Tim Kenyon. Tim was another that played in a flag or two at Wandella and word is he could be moving back this way. Sounds a bit like they are getting the band back together.
Could have stayed a bit longer, but no, maybe best not to. All the best lads.
NOTICED that one of the fold-up 80km speed limit signs just past Pay Rd on the way to Swan Hill has been open. This means it was 80km all the way to the railway crossing.
Not too sure but I think these signs are for when the weigh bridge is operating.
Anyway, it’s quite inconvenient. I got to Swan Hill a full 10 second later than expected.
EVERY time they showed Rohit Sharma speaking to a player or the group in Melbourne Test, I noticed that Virat Kohli was sticking his two cents worth in as well. That would drive any captain crazy.
WAS interesting how Mark ‘Tubby’ Taylor and former Australian Cricket coach Justin Langer were saying to leave Mitch Marsh in the Test team as we can afford to because we were 2-1 up at the time. Isn’t that the perfect time to drop Marsh and give a prospective champion a chance? Turned out they did.
In the wash-up of what was a pretty good series against the Indians, one positive that was identified is that three new cricketers have seen some Test action.
That is good news for our ageing team. Probably not such good news for some ageing cricketers, but the fact that the selectors are making a move or two is encouraging and bodes well, or better at least, for the team’s future.
THE chook sheds on the Cohuna Road at the Leitchville Road turn-off are looking as if they are getting close to complete.
Gotta be good for the town as they will employ quite a few.
I believe that one shed is for the egg-laying chooks and the other further down the Leitchville Road is for breeding.
