General News
31 December, 2024
2024: The year in review
As the final hours of 2024 draw to a close, take a look back at some of the highlights, challenges and memorable moments that made for another unforgettable year in the Central Goldfields Shire and surrounds.
January
Maryborough heralded the new year in its usual fashion in January, kickstarting 2024 with the 161st Highland Gathering. While temperatures reached a sunny 30 degrees, that didn’t dismay crowds from turning out in force, and style, to mark the annual New Year celebration.
Works were well underway on restoring and reopening Bealiba’s Evans Hotel in what was a boost to the local community and a return for the town’s only watering hole.
A 70-year-old woman sadly died following a single-vehicle collision in Dunach in what marked a tragic start to the year.
January also marked the start of significant changes to the Napier and Nolan streets intersection, with drivers only allowed to turn left from Nolan Street.
The Central Goldfields Shire Council officially vacated in-home care, with four new providers taking their place.
To cap off the month, Aileen Marshall was named Citizen of the Year, alongside Khoa Do (Young Citizen of the Year) and Belinda McKnight (representing Community Event/Activity of the Year for the Goldfields Reservoir Parkrun).
February
In February, the future of Go Goldfields was unclear amid funding uncertainty from the Victorian Government.
Halfway through the month, wild weather battered the Central Goldfields — with winds up to 130 km/h tearing down trees, damaging properties and even flipping a plane on its roof in Maryborough.
Native timber harvesting was axed by the Victorian Government, impacting community forestry operators across the state, including locally.
A police raid in Maryborough saw weapons seized and a stolen vehicle recovered from a Sutton Road address.
A relief centre was established at Princes Park towards the end of this month as the Bayindeen bushfire continued to burn out of control.
March
Brendan and Matthew Veitch started a new chapter, taking over The Avoca Hotel as its new owners.
The Talbot Farmers’ Market celebrated its 20th anniversary in March and having not only stood the test of time, continues to rank highly in the state.
The life of prospecting icon Neville Perry was celebrated by friends and family following his passing.
In a first for women’s health in Maryborough, a state-of-the-art mammography unit was installed at the local hospital, expected to provide free breast screens to around 1000 women each year.
In more exciting news for the local hospital, construction of the facilities redevelopment reached a new milestone — with the building topped out.
April
Wareek’s Martin Long was awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct for his efforts in rescuing two residents stranded in floodwater in October 2022.
Communities throughout the district paused to reflect as part of Anzac Day, with locals attending services in Maryborough, Dunolly, Carisbrook, Majorca, Talbot and Bealiba.
May
The second Goldfields Community Festival was hailed a resounding success this month, with residents from far and wide celebrating all things community at Phillips Gardens.
Havilah received some $14 million in funding to expand its aged care services, paving the way for additional facilities.
The Maryborough SES unit joined a state-wide plea for sustained funding to remain operational.
June
In June, it was announced that an independent assessment of the Carisbrook Flood Levee would be undertaken, more than 10 years after the town was inundated.
The Full Monty returned this month, raising a record-breaking funding amount of $50,000 for the Maryborough District Health Service’s oncology unit.
July
The 150th anniversary of the first train that arrived in Maryborough from Melbourne was marked this month, with locals donning heritage outfits to celebrate the milestone in goldfields fashion.
Council backed a proposition to reclaim ownership of the Bristol Hill Memorial Tower, in a bid to regain management responsibilities of the local landmark.
Former council CEO Lucy Roffey announced her resignation from the position this month, vacating the role one year into a five-year contract.
Maryborough celebrated yet another milestone, with the town marking its 170th anniversary.
August
The independent assessment of the Carisbrook Flood Levee found it is not fit for purpose and in its current state, would not protect the town from a significant flood event.
An ongoing partnership between Asteria and the Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud was celebrated this month, culminating in a new wheelchair accessible vehicle to support residents.
September
Maryborough’s Parkview Bakery once again claimed the top gong at a national competition. The bakery claimed bragging rights for its Moroccan Chicken, Beef and Black Bean, and Southern Pork pies as part of the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition.
Carisbrook local Charlotte Cain received a significant scholarship, owing to her passion for agriculture to support her future studies in the industry.
October
The Advertiser hosted a candidate forum so residents could hear first-hand from those running for council about why they should be elected.
Some wet weather couldn’t deter an eager crowd from attending Chopped at the Maryborough Harness Racing Club, with hot rods, custom motorbikes and live music contributing to a stellar weekend.
As the search for Terry Floyd’s remains continue, a gofundme was launched and calls made for community donations after the Victorian Government failed to honour previous funding commitments to the search effort.
November
This month, after calls from residents and businesses alike, the speed limit along Napier Street was reduced from 60 km/h to 50 in a bid to improve road safety in Maryborough.
Results for this year’s council election were in — with Liesbeth Long, Gerard Murphy, Grace La Vella and Anna De Villiers returning for another four-year term, joined by new councillors Jacob Meyer, Geoff Bartlett and Ben Green.
Energy Breakthrough returned despite scorching temperatures in November, with almost 100 schools from across the country, and crowds of around 15,000, descending on Maryborough.
December
The Fair Work Commission ruled in favour of an enterprise agreement between the Central Goldfields and Ararat councils this month. The first of its kind in the country, the ruling will lead the way for better conditions for council staff.
It’s been a busy month for local emergency services, with a number of fires occurring locally in recent weeks.
Highview College’s Matilda Davis and the Maryborough Education Centre’s Khoa Do were named the school’s respective dux, taking top of the class honours to round out their 13 years of schooling.
From the staff here at The Addy, we wish all our readers and residents a safe and happy New Year.
We once again look forward to providing the local news that matters most and supporting our region through journalism and storytelling.
— Riley Upton, editor