Mayoral Column 9 April 2018
Published on 09 April 2018
Borella-Jacka Victoria Cross Commemorative Sculpture
Council would like to invite residents to the official unveiling of the Borella-Jacka Victoria Cross Commemorative Sculpture.
The sculpture is a tribute to two prominent residents of our Shire, Albert Borella and Albert Jacka. Both men were awarded the Victoria Cross for their service during the First World War.
To be officially opened by my fellow Councillor Gavan Holt, the sculpture captures Albert Borella and Albert Jacka as they were awarded the Victoria Cross.
The original concept of the sculpture was brought to the attention of Council by a relative of Albert Borella. The sculpture’s development was also supported by the Borella and Jacka families, and members of the Loddon Shire Anzac Centenary Organising Committee.
The project was then made possible thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program, the Victorian Government and the Victorian Veterans Council.
I’d also like to acknowledge the Borella-Jacka Project Steering Group which helped guide and support the development of the sculpture, including completing extensive background research.
The unveiling of the Borella-Jacka Victoria Cross Commemorative Sculpture will take place on Wednesday 25 April 2018 at 11.45am at the Soldiers’ Memorial Park in Wedderburn.
Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the opening. Please RSVP to dcw@loddon.vic.gov.au if you wish to attend.
Other Anzac day activities prior to the sculpture unveiling include the Wedderburn Dawn Service at 6.15am, the Korong Vale Anzac Service at 9.00am, a march to Soldiers’ Memorial Park from the Wedderburn RSL at 11am, followed by the Wedderburn Anzac Service at 11.15am.
Our soils need your help
The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is working with Agriculture Victoria to put together the North Central Victoria Regional Soil Action Plan, and wants your input. The plan will identify priority areas and develop a long-term plan to improve soil health.
According to the North Central CMA, soil is much more than just the material that holds up plants, trees and crops. It’s a living organism and is linked directly to success and survival. Improving soil health leads to increased productivity, vegetation and biodiversity on farm.
The CMA wants to look at ways to minimise soil loss, reduce salinity and acidification, improve soil properties and work out better ways to manage wet soils. It also wants to identify how to prevent contamination, enhance the biota of soil, maintain fertility and improve groundcover and organic carbon levels, but needs the community’s help.
Community consultation will continue through April with a range of community workshops.
To find out more about the North Central Victoria Regional Soil Action Plan call 5448 7124 or visit www.nccma.vic.gov.au
Help make recreational fishing better
Victorian anglers and divers are being encouraged to complete an online survey to provide feedback on a range of topics and to help make recreational fishing even better in the state.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority has engaged Australian Survey Research (ASR) to conduct the survey on their behalf. The survey will gather information about how often people fish, what species they target, their favourite fishing waters and their opinions on a range of matters, including some size and bag limits.
Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a draw for one of 30 spinning reels valued at $239 each.
The survey delivers on a commitment of the State Government’s Target One Million plan, which is investing $46 million including $9 million from recreational fishing licence fees, to get more people fishing, more often.
Anglers who purchased a Victorian fishing licence online in the last five years should have been emailed a personal invitation to the survey. If you haven’t received an email, you can go to www.fishsurvey.com.au to complete the survey.
The survey will be open until 23 April 2018.