Warrandyte brings soul music into the mix
The Warrandyte Diary, June 2013
Melbourne band Deep Street Soul talks to the Warrandyte Diary about their upcoming album and Europe tour, where the seven-person band will play at the renowned Glastonbury Festival.
The Warrandyte Diary, June 2013
TUCKED away in a court off Main Road, Research, you will find a cosy gym with a friendly atmosphere and an inspiring bunch of trainers.

The Warrandyte Diary, May 2013
ALAN and Janette Murray, the Warrandyte couple running around Australia for charity, have already broken several world records during their year-long challenge. On April 10 the raw vegans finished their 100th marathon near Hughenden, Queensland.
David channeling the flow of life
The Warrandyte Diary, April 2013
WHILE walking along the Yarra River in Warrandyte on a Tuesday evening, you may notice a small group of people practicing a unique traditional Chinese sport called Tai Chi.
Robyn’s shop stars in ABC film
The Warrandyte Diary, April 2013
Warrandyte’s unique charm has caught the attention of filmmakers, with Melbourne-based production company Matchbox Pictures commencing filming scenes for a new series in the town last month. The production company will use a Warrandyte shop to film an upcoming youth drama series.
Melbourne Hill ready for battle

The Warrandyte Diary, March 2013
A group of Warrandyte residents have declared they will fight Manningham council’s $1.9 million proposal to install drains and kerb-and-channel in part of the Melbourne Hill Road catchment.
Cam still a world-class motorbike champ
The Warrandyte Diary, March 2013
LAST time the Diary spoke with motorbike champion Cameron Donald, he said racing would still be a big part of his future. One year on, this Warrandyte success story is still doing what he loves and he is still recording strong results on the international arena.
Desire to help runs in the family of Cudgee pupil
The Standard, March 16, 2013
NONE of her family or friends have been personally affected by leukaemia, but 11-year-old Rhiannah Maddocks still decided she would do something to help others.
Stephanie’s all business
The Standard, March 16, 2013
STEPHANIE Moloney may not have plans to become a future business leader but the commerce graduate is already making a name for herself in the business industry after winning a prestigious Deakin award.
Hard work pays off for 200 Warrnambool students

Works go on display at Allansford CWA exhibition
The Standard, March 16, 2013
South-west charities are set to benefit from today’s Country Women’s Association exhibition at Allansford. The annual exhibition, which began yesterday, showcases quilts, toys, floral art, knitted items and paintings.
Park earns Peterborough a jump in profile
The Standard, March 15, 2013
PETERBOROUGH may be only a tiny spot on the map along the
Great Ocean Road but it is proving to be a national tourism gem. The Great Ocean Road Tourist Park in Peterborough won a national competition for Australia’s Best Holiday Park.
Landmark Warrnambool business celebrates 90th birthday
The Standard, March 15, 2013
WARRNAMBOOL hardware store Pontings has survived depressions, droughts, multi-national marketing forces and 90 years later is still going strong.
A WARRNAMBOOL language centre is concerned it will face closure if more students don’t join its classes.
South-west students step up to leadership role
The Standard, March 14, 2013
SOUTH-WEST secondary students are learning what it takes to be future leaders after accepting their roles as Beacon student ambassadors yesterday.
More than 30 newly-appointed ambassadors from five south-west schools attended the induction day for the Beacon program in Warrnambool.
Constabulary given colourful makeover at Warrnambool Police Station
The Standard, March 14, 2013
WHEN Warrnambool police officers walk past a bright mural at the
station, they will be reminded of the artistic talents of south-west youth. Youth and community members came together to create a brightly-coloured mural on a wall at the station, which was unveiled this week.
Fashionable fund-raiser
The Warrnambool Extra, March 13, 2013
WOMEN can have a great night out, support local businesses and raise money for a good cause at the same time at Lyndoch Auxiliary’s fashion parade this month.
Warrnambool university head backs teacher education plan
The Standard, March 13, 2013
DEAKIN University’s education school expects students in regional
areas will benefit from a federal government plan to improve teacher quality. The proposal would set national standards for teacher education and see applicants assessed on their emotional intelligence before being accepted into teaching courses.
Japanese friendships a shorn thing after Warrnambool visit
The Standard, March 13, 2013
JAPANESE exchange students caught a glimpse of Australianculture when King’s College Warrnambool treated them to a sheep shearing demonstration last week. The afternoon was part of their 12-day homestay in Warrnambool.
Braving a new look for a good cause
The Warrnambool Extra, March 13, 2013
REECE Lane, 22, will cut his dreadlocks this month with the hope of raising $1000 for leukaemia research, as part of this year’s World’s Greatest Shave.
Positive reviews draw top seed to Warrnambool tournament
MELBOURNE-BASED Queenslander Ryan Agar is playing down his chances in this weekend’s Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club Open, despite being the No. 1 seed.
Deakin University student sheds light on Lady Bay fishing
DEAKIN University’s Lauren Dickson will be the first to shed light on the fishing industry’s impact on Warrnambool’s Lady Bay — and she is asking local fishermen to help her.
Barriers fall thanks to south-west volunteer teachers
The Standard, March 8, 2013
SOUTH West TAFE is welcoming people of all ages to become
volunteer tutors and teach migrants English and social skills. The ESL Volunteer Tutor program has been running for more than a decade and has already helped hundreds of migrants settle into the community.
Accidental Warrnambool stopover on charity ride
The Standard, March 8, 2013
A CYCLIST is warning drivers to always check for riders after being sideswiped by a car in Warrnambool yesterday morning. Carmel Gilson was on her way to Port Fairy with her husband Peter as part of their 4,000km ride for charity when the accident occurred.
Boys to hit the surf next week in Warrnambool
The Standard, March 8, 2013
YOUNG male surfers can learn from professional surfers for one afternoon next week in Warrnambool.
Surfer encourages local children to have a go
The Standard, March 7, 2013
DESPITE a skateboarding accident that left him paralysed from the
waist down, professional surfer and wheelchair skater Christiaan “Otter” Bailey is still doing what he always loved. Now he has made it his mission to inspire others with disabilities to get out of their chairs and into the ocean.
The Standard, March 7, 2013
SOUTH WEST Healthcare is reminding people to stay calm and immediately call an ambulance if bitten by a snake.
The advice comes after 18 people suspected of having a snake bite presented at Warrnambool Base Hospital’s emergency department within the last year.
The Warrnambool Extra, March 6, 2013
CYCLISTS and pedestrians using the promenade should be alert and mindful of others.
That’s the message the Share the Space Campaign is sending to cyclists and pedestrians who use the popular walkway.
Gem of an idea for tourism in Portland
The Standard, March 6, 2013
PORTLAND Cable Trams members met with Glenelg Shire councillors last week to share ideas in a bid to boost the number of tourists to the city.
Statue to honour Hamilton’s VC hero
The Standard, March 6, 2013
A STATUE of an award-winning Australian World War Two soldier will be unveiled in Hamilton this month.
The statue will pay tribute to Edward ‘Ted’ Kenna, the last living Australian World War Two recipient of the Victorian Cross.
Mortlake College leadership trifecta
The Standard, March 5, 2013
FOR the first time in Mortlake College’s history, three students will attend three prestiguous national conventions this year
Surfer’s inspiring adaptive journey
PROFESSIONAL surfer and wheelchair skater Christiaan Bailey is set to inspire south-west people with disabilities to get involved in sport.
The Standard, March 2, 2013
A SERIES of community events this weekend will raise money for Camperdown’s massive new playground.
BBC dives into legend of the Loch Ard on the Shipwreck Coast
DIVING instructor Gary Barclay will lead a BBC production team into the ocean depths off Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast.
Ugandan minister visits Warrnambool and Port Campbell
INTERNATIONAL Needs Uganda director Justus Miwanda will begin his visit to Warrnambool and Port Campbell this weekend.
The Anglican minister’s visit is part of a two-month national tour of Australia, sharing information about the organisation and raising funds for poor Ugandan communities.
School gets active with $1000
The Standard, February 28, 2013
WARRNAMBOOL children have been recognised as some of the state’s most active, with 40 per cent of pupils regularly walking or riding to school.
Bicycle Network Victoria presented Warrnambool Primary School with a $1000 reward yesterday for its success in getting pupils out of the car and onto the footpath. /em>
Timboon dairy farmer into finals of young achiever awards
The Standard, February 28, 2013
TIMBOON’S Simon Schulz is a finalist in the Premier’s Young Achiever Awards. The 28-year-old managing director of Schulz Organic Farms has reached the finals of the Victorian government’s Small Business Achiever Award.
Heytesbury region on show
The Standard, February 27, 2013

ORGANISERS are excited about Saturday’s Heytesbury show, which will boast more rides and attractions.
They are hopeful of a 3000-strong crowd for the agricultural showpiece, which is in its 78th year.
Warrnambool trio pack a punch
The Standard, February 27, 2013
THREE Warrnambool boxers packed a punch in Melbourne last weekend.
Jyl Wright, Tom Carstein and Tim Snell, from Koroit’s Lyndon Edney gym, were successful on the same card at Brunswick.
Wannon electorate residents take to solar energy
The Standard, February 27, 2013
SOLAR power is on the rise in Wannon, with the electorate now home to 7200 solar-powered houses.
Around 20 supporters celebrated the achievement at a barbecue in Portland on Sunday, where the figures were announced.
King of the understudies
The Warrandyte Diary, February 2013 
Sam Hooper was over the moon when he opened his inbox one Monday morning to find an email saying he had been cast in King Kong
Melbourne Hill drainage
The Warrandyte Diary, February 2013
The area surrounding Melbourne Hill Road requires major works to minimise flooding and expensive damage to downstream properties
Shinboner Shipp anchored in football history
The Warrandyte Diary, February 2013
Laurie Shipp may have sailed in a different era, but Glenn Archer wasn’t the only local to don the blue and white, discovers BRIANNA PIAZZA
Nyree’s year of sporty spice
The Warrandyte Diary, December 2012
WHEN Warrandyte’s Nyree Taylor boarded her plan to Argentina about 20 years ago she was a 16-year-old netballer who couldn’t speak a word of Spanish. Yet one year later she returned home with a national basketball championship title and a fluent Spanish tongue
Cops on bikes
The Warrandyte Diary, December 2012
Locals can expect to see more police and about as they take to their bikes to patrol Warrandyte. The Warrandyte bike patrol is enabling police to more easily cover Warrandyte’s reserves, pathways and other places that can be difficult to access via car
A Grand plan
The Warrandyte Diary, December 2012
Locals will start to notice many changes at the Warrandyte Grand Hotel during the coming months: new owners and chefs and a new manager are working around the clock to make our town’s pub an iconic feature of Warrandyte.
Dusting the record books
The Warrandyte Diary, November 2012
NATALIE Dusting’s hard work and dedication has earned her Warrandyte NetballClub’s record of the most played games. Natalie, 26, clocked up 362 games recently — not including the games she played as a representative player for Doncaster or her night competitions.
Well-remembered cop retires
The Warrandyte Diary, November 2012
After serving the Warrandyte community for 24 years, Warrandyte’s Senior Constable Ross Timms retired from the police force last month.
Tom’s proud Olympic past
The Warrandyte Diary, October 2012 
Canoeist Tom Ohman weathers the tide of life with a positive attitude, a sense of humor and some wonderful memories of the 1956 Olympics, discovers BRIANNA PIAZZA
Scott’s rush at top of the hill
The Warrandyte Diary, September 2012
Going to the Olympics at 15 was one of many adrenalin rushes experienced by teenage snowboarding sensation Scott James. Recently he enthralled Andersons Creek Primary School students with stories of his travels and achievements in sport
Chelsea clicks into top gear
The Warrandyte Diary, August 2012
Meet Chelsea Angelo, the 16-year-old who reaches top speeds of 240km/h behind the wheel and eyes a career in motor-sport
More than a game for students
The Warrandyte Diary, August 2012
Two Warrandyte High School students gained a rare insight into the video games industry when they attended a game design workshop at ACMI recently
High school scores grant for film studio
The Warrandyte Diary, August 2012
Plans to develop a multimedia film studio at Warrandyte High School are well underway following new funding…
Glennis says farewell
The Warrandyte Diary, August 2012 
Following her distinguished service as Warrandyte High School’s principal for almost seven years, Glennis Pitches said farewell to staff and students last month
Diminishing safe housing options for homeless
Investigative Journalism assignment, June 2012
It is becoming more difficult for not-for-profit organisations to find safe and affordable housing for homeless Victorians, with some children residing in rooming houses
Nathan comes up for air
Warrandyte Diary, June 2012
AT four years of age, Nathan France was fascinated with diving, but was told he would have to wait another four years to join a diving club. It was worth the wait.
Kids ‘fancy’ Subzero

Ruby’s on the rampage
Warrandyte Diary, May 2012
WARRANDYTE’S first youth girls’ footy team is taking on its second season and they certainly aren’t afraid to get muddy.
Raw courage on the run for veterans
Warrandyte Diary, April 2012
BRIANNA PIAZZA discovers why our two warriors are always hitting the track
Andrew on the board
Warrandyte Diary, November 2011
Playing for Victoria and winning the Ryder Medal are two highlights in Andrew Wildsmith’s long and successful innings as a cricketer.
He talks with BRIANNA PIAZZA
Astra’s field of dreams
Warrandyte Diary, October 2011

Firing acorns at the boys up the road developed a throwing arm that would take ASTRA VITOLS to the international stage in shot put and discus.
Warren is a true blue
Warrandyte Diary, September 2011
As a lift mechanic and former AFL footballer, Warrandyte resident Warren McKenzie happily tells BRIANNA PIAZZA his life has had more ups than downs…
Young magician is flying high
Warrandyte Diary, September 2011 
Warrandyte teenager, Sam Hume, wants to become a pilot. But he also sees magic as part of his future.
The 13-year-old won two awards at the Melbourne Magic Festival in July.
Say hello to smokin’ Jo
Warrandyte Diary, August 2011
With past champions like Jo Metcalfe among us, it’s little wonder basketball is red-hot in our town. BRIANNA PIAZZA chats to a Tiger with a tale to tell.
CAN’s cheap power offer still open
Warrandyte Diary, August 2011
Within three weeks of accepting registrations of interest in a community bulk-buy power scheme,WarrandyteCAN(Climate Action Now) received almost 300 expressions of interest.
Bulk power deal
Warrandyte Diary, July 2011
Want to save real dollars on your power bills? Warrandyte Climate Action Now is calling on local residents to register interest in a community power saving initiative that could shave hundreds of dollars off individual annual power bills.
Man on the mark
Warrandyte Diary, July 2011
A young Mark Trewella swapped his tennis racquet for a football and went on to play AFL. He tells BRIANNA PIAZZA of his achievements and how he has applied his sports philosophies to everyday life.
Gentleman Jim
Warrandyte Diary, June 2011
JIM McHugh and wife Judy have made Warrandyte their home for almost half a century and the local tennis club life member was once renowned for tearing up the track at the Stawell Gift in the 1960s, among other running achievements. He talks with BRIANNA PIAZZA in our first ‘What’s Your Story?’ column on local sports legends
Twenty good years at Yarra Warra Kinder
Warrandyte Diary, March 2011
Last month Yarra Warra Pre-school had a lot to celebrate. Not only is 2011 the North Warrandyte pre-school’s 20th anniversary, but it is also a milestone for three-year-old teacher, Sue McIntyre, who has dedicated the past 20 years to teaching and inspiring youngsters at the pre-school.
Town lends a helping hand
Warrandyte Diary, February 2011
Warrandyte knows all about natural disasters, and is, as usual, providing generous aid-in-kind, as well as raising thousands of dollars to support Queensland and Victorian communities devastated by the recent floods.
They fought for cancer funds
Warrandyte Diary, December 2010
Local jiu jitsu instructor Wendy Carroll played a major role in a seminar held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre recently. The seminar, demonstrating 22 different martial arts, including taekwondo, kickboxing, karate and jiu jitsu, raised $12,000 towards the fight against cancer.
New primary school centres
Warrandyte Diary, December 2010
Impressive new buildings are in the final stages of completion at Andersons Creek and Warrandyte primary schools. The two local schools received funding for the new buildings under the federal government’s Building the Education Revolution Stimulus plan.
Scouts hunting for kids
Warrandyte Diary, September 2010
The Warrandyte Scout Group enjoyed a significant increase over the past year, however they are still welcoming new scout members and volunteers of all ages.



















