WARM WELCOME
Welcome to the first edition of Odds and Ends.
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Each week, we’ll take a look at some moments from around the world and closer to home.
We’ll test the grey matter with the Fast Five quiz, hopefully amuse you a little bit with the Joke of the Week and maybe even win a dollar of two with the Racing Tip of the Week.
We’ll also welcome contributions from you.
If you have got something you want to share, feel free to email us at editorial@riverineherald.com.au
VALE JOHN HAMBLIN
Beloved Play School host John Hamblin has died at the age of 87.
Mr Hamblin appeared in more than 350 shows of the popular children’s television program, from 1970 to 1999 when he retired.
ABC director of entertainment Jennifer Collins said Mr Hamblin’s cheeky sense of humour was popular with the audience.
“John was an unforgettable presenter whose comedic timing and wit helped cement Play School as one of Australia’s most cherished children’s programs,” Ms Collins said.
Mr Hamblin is survived by his two children.
GREAT WORK
Spied this photo online during the week.
Michael Carey spent six months restoring and repairing his Commodore SX-64.
He wrote in his post “while it does have a few non-standard modifications, I feel it nicely represents the original machine.”
The Commodore 64 was a computer introduced in the early 1980s and earned a listing in the Guiness World Records as the highest-selling single computer model of all-time.
Independent estimates say between 12.5 million and 17 million computers were sold.
LOVE THIS PHOTO
One of my favourite all-time TV shows (and I’m sure yours) was M*A*S*H.
During the week, stars Mike Farrell (B.J. Hunnicutt) and Alan Alda (Benjamin ‘’Hawkeye“ Pierce) caught up, toasting the 50th anniversary of the show that Farrell said ‘’changed our lives — and our brilliant pals who made it what it was”.
DARTMOUTH DAM SPILLS FOR FIRST TIME IN 26 YEARS
Everyone in the Echuca-Moama region has noticed the rising levels of the Murray and Campaspe during recent weeks.
On Thursday came the news that the Dartmouth Dam, the largest water storage in the Murray-Darling Basin, would spill for the first time in 26 years thanks to inflows from last weekend’s rain.
Since it was completed in 1979, it has physically spilled in four years, each in the 1990s, the last time being 26 years ago in 1996.
CONGRATULATIONS
Well done to all involved with the staging of a successful Murray League grand final day at Moama Recreation Reserve last weekend.
Sure, the wet weather made life difficult, but it didn’t detract from a terrific spectacle and what was a well-run event.
Moama sure has a great record of producing classic grand finals in the seniors, with the 2022 grand final ranking right up there alongside the triumvirate of close finishes from 2014 to 2016.
DO YOU KNOW OF A YOUNG MENTOR?
The Federal Government has launched an program called ‘Young Mentors’ which aims to improve older Australians’ digital skills and knowledge by connecting them with teenagers.
Local schools and community groups in Northern Victoria are being encouraged to apply for the free digital mentoring initiative that supports older Australians to get online while encouraging a greater sense of community and connection through interaction with young people.
The program involves community organisations or groups partnering with secondary schools to coordinate one-hour mentoring sessions that are delivered weekly over a period of six weeks.
The sessions focus specifically on the needs of the older learners.
Following a successful pilot, the Australian Government is now inviting schools, councils, libraries, aged residential care facilities and other community groups to sign up to be part of Young Mentors.
To register or for more information visit esafety.gov.au/beconnectedyoungmentors
SHOUT OUT FOR MVD
I wanted to take this opportunity to give a shout out to Michael Van Dorsser, a well-known figure in the Goulburn Valley sporting scene, who did a terrific job as host of the GVL league medal night on Wednesday.
Few are more passionate about local sport than “MVD”.
Great job mate.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Check out this advertisement for SSW Foodstores in Echuca from The Riv in September, 1972.
FOUR-SOME WEEKEND
Life couldn’t get much better for those lucky enough (sadly not us journos) to get a four-day weekend with the two public holidays.
It will be a big few days ahead for the pubs and clubs throughout the Echuca-Moama region, all of which will be showcasing the AFL grand final on Saturday between Geelong and Saturday.
Sunday also promises to be a big one, particularly with Echuca taking on Euroa in the Goulburn Valley League senior football grand final.
The Murray Bombers are looking to end a 20-year flag drought at the top level and if successful, the party is likely to go for a few days.
HOW ABOUT AN AUTOGRAPH?
Joe Matera will be at Kyabram Library next Wednesday to speak about his first book Backstage Pass: The Grit & the Glamour.
The Australian guitarist, rock journalist and author will be speaking about his life in the music world since leaving Kyabram in 2000.
His first book was published this year and the library visit is on Wednesday, September 28, at the Lake Rd venue at 7pm.
He will also be at Shepparton Library on Thursday, September 29
“Signed copies of my book will be available on both nights. I am looking forward to discussing my book, conducting a Q & A and performing some live acoustic music for you all,” Mr Matera said.
Bookings for the event are preferred by phoning 5481 2400.
DO YOU FEEL OLD?
Bill Murray, best known for his work in classic movies such as Ghostbusters, Stripes, Caddyshack and Groundhog Day turned 72 earlier this week? Yep 72.
THE FAST FIVE QUIZ
1. Addis Ababa is the capital of which African country?
2. Name the two opposing coaches of teams in Saturday’s AFL grand final?
3. True or false — Mount Arapiles is the highest mountain in Victoria?
4. What would you do with shirako — eat it, wear it or drink it?
5. Name the host of the Australian version of The Chase on Channel 7?
RACING TIP OF THE WEEKEND
Each Friday, I’ll share my best bet around Australia.
With the AFL grand final on, Sandown hosts a rare metropolitan meeting on Sunday.
We’ll go Race 4, No.4 Elliptical.
AFL GRAND FINAL TIP
Sydney by 14 points and I’ll go with Isaac Heeney to win the Norm Smith Medal.
JOKE OF THE WEEK
A pair of cows were talking in the field.
One says, “Have you heard about the mad cow disease that’s going around?”
“Yeah,” the other cow says. “Makes me glad I’m a penguin.”
DID YOU KNOW?
The Melbourne Storm is one of Victoria’s best known sporting teams, but did you know the nickname was selected in a competition.
When the club was formed, a newspaper competition to find a nickname attracted 1000 entries.
Other contenders includes Melbourne Biodynamics, Melbourne Mutiny, Melbourne Exterminators and the Melbourne Gargoyles.
I think they made the right choice.
TODAY’S FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
Rock star Joan Jett, 63.
Opera singer Andrea Bocelli, 63.
Former Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo, 45.
Actor Scott Baio, 61.
THUMBS UP
Good luck to the Echuca Football Netball Club which has six sides playing in this Sunday’s Goulburn Valley League grand finals. Go the Murray Bombers.
THUMBS DOWN
It was disappointing to see and read about the graffiti on the Dhungala Bridge.
FAST FIVE QUIZ ANSWERS
1. Ethiopia, 2. John Longmire (Sydney) and Chris Scott (Geelong), 3. False (Mount Bogong), 4. Eat it (a Japanese dish), 5. Larry Emdur.
Gregor Mactaggart is the editor of the Riverine Herald.