Using your head: Australian Mining Magnate Andrew Forrest and his ex-wife Nicola have bought the iconic hat company Akubra.
AKUBRA’S NEW OWNERS
Andrew Forrest and ex-wife Nicola have bought the iconic Australian hat brand Akubra.
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The company had been owned by five generations of the Keir family, who sold the business in a multi-million dollar deal.
Outgoing chairman of the Akubra Board Stephen Keir IV said the family had chosen to sell to Mr Forrest because they wanted to entrust the company to custodians who would protect and invest in the company.
“We thought long and hard about selling the business after five generations of family ownership,” Mr Keir said.
“After we saw how the Forrests have invested in local manufacturing with R.M.Williams we decided they were the right custodians for Akubra.”
Through their private investment group Tatterang, the Forrests are buying Australian companies to keep them in Aussie hands.
Other companies owned by the Forrests include R.M. Williams and Bega Cheese.
"We are humbled to be entrusted with a company which is so important to Australia’s national identity,” Mr Forrest said.
CHURCH SOLD
Moama’s St James’ Anglican Church went under the hammer last Saturday and now has a new owner.
The historic church was listed with Charles L. King & Co First National Real Estate.
“This charming property was sold under the hammer for $1,210,000 and the energy on auction day was electric with five registered bidders in the mix,” selling agent Rowena Ash said.
“With fast-paced bidding, a local family-run business came out on top, securing their dream project. They’ve got big plans for this special place, renovating the existing buildings while keeping the spirit alive as a cherished community church.”
VALE NOLA RYAN
The Goulburn Valley League lost a highly-respected long-time stalwart and servant with the recent death of Tatura’s Nola Ryan.
Nola, 75, holds a special place in the league’s history, being the first female to serve on the board.
She was also a long-serving secretary of Tatura Football Netball Club, a role she was in when Tatura claimed premierships in 1995 and 1998.
He husband John “JR” Ryan is a well-known league observer, commentator, coach and selector and their son Travis is a former Tatura and GVL coach.
Their daughter Karlie is a former star netballer with the club and all four family members are life members of Tatura Football Netball Club.
The respect for Nola was evidenced at her funeral last week which was attended by an estimated 600 mourners.
– Gus Underwood
VALE MAX HANN
Tributes are flowing for Max Hann following his tragic death in a farm accident on Sunday, November 12.
The 65-year-old was a third-generation dairy farmer at Lockington.
His passing has been heavily felt throughout the district.
Mr Hann was a popular past president of the Rochester Football Netball Club.
He spent seven years in the role until the end of 2019, a period highlighted by the Tigers’ appearance in the 2016 Goulburn Valley League grand final under coach James Flaherty and Ash Watson’s Morrison Medal triumph in 2015.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved past president, Max Hann,” the club posted on Facebook.
“Max’s exceptional contributions shaped us into the community we are today.
“Max’s legacy will live on forever in our club. His absence will be felt around the club, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
“Let’s unite as a club to celebrate the remarkable life of Max Hann. May his spirit continue to inspire us all.”
Mr Hann is survived by wife Judy, children Scott, Athol, Bridget and Stephanie, and his grandchildren.
His life was celebrated on Wednesday, November 22.
Semicentennial:The Georgy Awards are on Saturday night, celebrating five decades of supporting local theatre in across the Goulburn Valley.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
MAGNIFICENT MILESTONE
Local theatre often goes overlooked, but one group holds an annual celebration to ensure local cast and crew are recognised for their hard work.
However, this year is special.
This year marks 50 years of the Georgy Awards and 50 celebrations of local performing arts talent.
Georgy Award president and senior judges co-ordinator Kathy Daly said the awards had strong roots in the Goulburn Valley.
“The Georgy Awards are named after George Puller who was involved in all facets of theatre in Shepparton and the surrounding districts in the 1950s and 1960s,” she said.
“Today the association travels all over central and north-eastern Victoria to judge all kinds of amateur theatre.”
The awards have categories that cover theatrical performance, singing and the technical elements of a production, including set design, lighting and wardrobe.
“Over its five decades, the Georgy Awards have seen some amazing transformations,” Ms Daly said.
“Our much loved event has taken many forms, with differing themes, various venues and presenters.
“We have seen themes like Arabian Nights, Cabaret and a dinner dance.
“At our 50th celebration, we are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of the past season, but we are also proud to acknowledge those who have come before us and work hard to establish our association.”
This year’s event is being held on Saturday night at Riverlinks Eastbank.
– Djembe Archibald
What a night: The Tongala faithful celebrate as local boy Harley Reid is selected with the opening pick of the AFL draft on Monday night.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
FAST FIVE QUIZ
1. Jimmy Barnes was the lead singer of which legendary Australian band?
2. True or false — Mt Wellington is the tallest mountain in Tasmania?
3. What are the two bones in your lower leg (bonus point if you get both)?
4. The Big Banana is located in which NSW town?
5. Javier Milei recently became the new Prime Minister of which country?
Happy birthday: Shane Bourne turns 74 today.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
Katherine Heigl, actress, 45, Billy Connolly, comedian, 81, Ryan Moloney (aka Toadfish from Neighbours), actor, 44, Marcus Bontempelli, footballer, 28, Shane Bourne, comedian/TV host, 74, Russell Robertson, footballer, 45, Tracey Wickham, world champion swimmer, 61.
BET OF THE WEEKEND
Still on the floor after Long Arm was beaten at Morphettville last week, but that’s racing.
This week we head across the Nullarbor and stick with our old mate Tuvalu, who lines up in one of Western Australia’s great races, the Railway Stakes at Ascot (Race 8, No.1).
But you will have to wait for it, the race will not be run until 9.09pm Victorian time.
JOKE OF THE WEEK
What’s red and bad for your teeth?
A brick.
FINALLY
Fantastic scenes in Tongala on Monday night when local boy Harley Reid was selected with pick one in the AFL draft by the West Coast Eagles.
It was terrific to see the clubrooms full at the Tongala Football Netball Club and the joy on everyone’s face shows how much it meant to the community.
Reid’s words after he got drafted thanking everyone in Tonny for their support spoke volumes. His AFL journey is one plenty are looking forward to over the next 15 years.
FAST FIVE QUIZ ANSWERS
1. Cold Chisel, 2. False (Mt Wellington has an elevation of 1270m, Mount Ossa is the tallest at 1614m), 3. Tibia and fibula, 4. Coffs Harbour, 5. Argentina.
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