General News
28 December, 2023
2023: A look back through the year that was
For the final edition of The Advertiser for 2023, it seems appropriate to look back at some of the highlights and challenges that made for another memorable year in the Central Goldfields Shire and surrounds. January Life appeared to be returning to...
For the final edition of The Advertiser for 2023, it seems appropriate to look back at some of the highlights and challenges that made for another memorable year in the Central Goldfields Shire and surrounds.
January
Life appeared to be returning to a sense of normalcy at this time last year, with Maryborough set to once again hold the Highland Gathering following two consecutive cancellations due to COVID-19. It was a triumphant return for the annual event, marking its 160th iteration, with over 3000 people and 400 athletes braving sweltering heat to attend.
Emergency services were kept busy in January, with a number of incidents throughout the month including a paddock fire in Rathscar, several car crashes including a fatal collision in Laanecoorie where a Dunolly woman tragically died and numerous illegal burn offs.
Towards the end of the month, Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year went to residents Tony Macer and Hannah Lanfranchi, while the Dunolly Gold Rush Festival was named Community Award winner during Australia Day celebrations in Maryborough.
To finish the month on a high, Maryborough held its first ever Pride Festival with nearly 500 people attending and showing their support for the event.
February
The month kicked off with a firey start, as emergency services managed to save homes and livestock after a fire burnt through more than 300 acres at Mount Glasgow.
Local solicitor David Hewitt was among those involved in a landmark decision which now sees approved psychedelic drugs used in specific mental health treatments.
The Victorian Government funded the final push to excavate the Morning Star mine site near Avoca, long believed by Daryl Floyd to be the final resting place of his brother Terry, who is believed to have been abducted and murdered in 1975.
Maryborough’s new Skate and Scooter Park was officially opened in February, following several years of advocacy from enthusiasts who presented a petition to council with more than 1000 signatures calling for the new facility.
March
Maryborough District Health Service’s (MDHS) new student accommodation was officially opened by then-Premier Daniel Andrews.
The $2 million redevelopment of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery concluded and the doors were reopened for the official opening.
A bumper program of school holiday activities was planned to keep children of all ages in the shire entertained.
April
In a big win for the local community, the successful Ladies Night Out and Full Monty fundraiser succeeded in raising more than $40,000 to go to MDHS’ oncology unit.
The 90th anniversary of the Bristol Hill Memorial Tower’s construction was marked, as community groups worked to maintain and restore the local landmark.
May
Sixty-five-year-old Clunes resident Lis Thevenet ran a half marathon in memory of her brother Francis and raised funds for Beyond Blue.
The community teamed up to bring back Maryborough’s agricultural show, holding workshops to discuss how best the event could take place.
MDHS succeeded in delivering 33 babies under its new maternity model, setting a new “golden standard” for the health service.
Maryborough residents Kevin and Irene Lloyd met with the paramedics who just the month prior saved Kevin’s life after he suffered a heart attack.
June
The redevelopment of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery made it to the world stage, featured as part of the Venice Biennale exhibition.
The Maryborough Rotary Club, Girl Guides, Goldfields Sustainability Group and Midlands Historical Society commenced work to establish a Friends of Bristol Hill group.
July
The Maryborough Benevolent Society called it a day after 154 years of serving the community, providing affordable housing to residents in need of support.
August
What better way to start August than to welcome 12 new Australian citizens to the shire? Residents from the United Kingdom, India, the Philippines and Vietnam were welcomed at a service at Maryborough’s Community Hub.
The Maryborough Highland Society was named Regional Community Club of the Year.
Carisbrook’s flood levee was officially marked as complete, more than 10 years after works began as a result of the 2011 floods.
Enforcement of CBD parking restrictions in Maryborough got underway, with an overwhelmingly positive responses from business owners and residents alike.
Carisbrook-based Glenore Poll Dorset’s owners Peter and Gill Cain were thrilled to bring home several awards from the annual Sheepvention Rural Expo.
The tick of approval was given to the Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail, following a successful feasibility study.
September
Maryborough’s Hamish Hare headed to Scotland where he and his team took out both the World and Scottish pipe band championship division titles, the first Australian school to achieve the feat.
Daniel Andrews announced his retirement this month, with Jacinta Allan named the 49th Premier of Victoria.
October
The Governor of Victoria Professor Margaret Gardner AC visited Maryborough as part of her first regional tour.
Dozens of residents attended a memorial tree planting in Maryborough’s Phillips Gardens in memory of the late Dianne Mullins — remembered for championing for the community and touching the lives of countless residents.
Timor Primary School marked a very special occasion this month, with the school celebrating its 150th anniversary with former students, parents and staff.
School officially ended for the local year 12 cohort, marking the completion of more than a decade of primary and secondary education.
November
A prospector had the find of a lifetime near Inglewood when he quite literally stumbled upon a 4.2 ounce gold nugget, worth around $18,000.
Local firefighters headed to Queensland this month to help fight bushfires plaguing the state.
The community rallied around Ben Weir, who after being diagnosed with a severe cancer wanted to marry his now wife, Leah. A whopping $90,000 was donated by residents to support the couple in getting married and through Ben’s treatment.
Energy Breakthrough endured a weekend of wet and wild weather but nonetheless, was hailed a resounding success by organisers.
December
Police seized significant amounts of cannabis from properties in Maryborough and Dunluce this month, as well as two other locations in the state, totalling $11 million in value.
Following extensive restoration works and community input, the Bristol Hill Memorial Tower reopened to the public.
The Maryborough Salvation Army’s thrift shop in Alma Street burned down just before Christmas in some heartbreaking news for residents.
