View Brianna Piazza's profileThomas goes from the stable to the stage
Warrandyte Diary, October 2013
Who would have guessed that the boy who spent most of his life growing up near Tandivale Equestrian Centre would one day play a lead role in one of Australia’s most colourful and creative stage plays, Strictly Ballroom The Musical?
Providing refuge for Congo’s forgotten victims
Warrandyte Diary, October 2014
A Warrandyte woman is working to save endangered primates in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She talks with the Diary about her work and the risks it involves.
Doco for Murrays
Warrandyte Diary, August 2014
An international film company has drawn up plans to make a documentary about Warrandyte residents Alan and Janette – the vegans who ran around Australia last year.
Brianna does it in a dress for a cause
Warrandyte Diary, August 2014
The Diary’s very own Brianna Piazza is putting on a school dress to send girls in Sierra Leone to school.
Opinions sought for Yarra River changes
Warrandyte Diary, August 2014
A Warrandyte environmental organisation says the government’s proposed changes don’t go far enough in protecting Warrandyte’s iconic Yarra River from overdevelopment.
Plastic bags dilemma
Warrandyte Diary, August 2014
Backlash from customers could force Warrandyte’s only supermarket to abandon its plastic bag charge scheme, a year and a half after it received widespread praise from residents, councillors and environmental groups.
Dumped soil a dirty issue
Warrandyte Diary, August 2014
Residents are angry that the company seeking to build a 24-hour petrol station on Yarra St hasn’t removed all of the illegally dumped soil at its site from June.
Wattle and Co in full bloom
Warrandyte Diary, July 2014
Hurstbridge’s much-loved beauty queen character, Miss Wattle, and her Panton Hill Ukulele Club have wowed thousands of people with their performance at the Cairns Ukulele Festival.
Transdev bus route changes upsets council
Warrandyte Diary, July 2014
Melbourne will receive 4000 extra weekly train, tram and bus services but Manningham bus users say timetable changes and cuts to services will leave them worse off.
Soil dumped illegally
Warrandyte Diary, July 2014
Manningham council is investigating the owner proposing to build a petrol station in Yarra St after soil was illegally dumped on the land.
No United front
The Warrandyte Diary, November 2013
Warrandyte residents have voiced strong opposition to a proposed petrol station and fast food chain at United Petroleum’s site on Yarra St, after construction work was carried out and petrol sold at the site in the last week of September.
United we don’t stand
The Warrandyte Diary, October 2013
Warrandyte Community Association and Yarra St residents expect United Petroleum to face strict consequences after allegedly breaching council laws when it carried out construction work and sold petrol at its Yarra St site without a permit in the last week of September.
Murrays power on
The Warrandyte Diary, September 2013
THEY have run through deserts, mountains, storms and wild tropical weather but Warrandyte’s Alan and Janette are still going strong on their 2013 run around Australia.
On August 31 Alan Murray and wife Janette completed marathon No.243 in their extraordinary charity run around the country.
From the Warrandyte Diary to Wall Street
The Warrandyte Diary, August 2013
When the Warrandyte Diary published an article about local author Corinne Fenton’s first picture book in 2006, she never imagined her story would appear in one of the world’s most famous newspapers.
Say hello to the Scrimshaw Four
The Warrandyte Diary, July 2013
The Scrimshaw Four amazed Warrandyte locals for the first time when they got together to play their first ever gig at last year’s Warrandyte Festival.
Since then the budding bluegrass/indie band has flourished with the release of their first EP, and spending their summer busking at beachside towns and scoring some regular gigs around Melbourne.
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.
Records are breaking
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
T
he Standard, March 9, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Staying calm around snakes
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.
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.
Surfer’s inspiring adaptive journey
The Standard, March 2, 2013
Professional surfer and wheelchair skater Christiaan Bailey is set to inspire south-west people with disabilities to get involved in sport.
BBC dives into legend of the Loch Ard on the Shipwreck Coast
The Standard, March 1, 2013
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
The Standard, March 1, 2013
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.
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
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.
Diminishing safe housing options for homeless
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brianna Piazza 