AUTUMN firewood collection season is open and will run until 30 June, 2023, but woodcutters are reminded of their strict obligations to wildlife and habitats, as well as protected Aboriginal sites, when they head out for a woodcut.

SLIM Dusty coined it, the late JP ‘Jim’ Kent borrowed it and this week, the phrase will once again ring true as Casterton’s famous Fleur de Lys or Scout emblem, gets a new lease on life – set to be re-illuminated after several months out of action.

A NATIONAL polocrosse tournament, outdoor cinema night, working dog trials, bush music festival and Johnny Mullagh Memorial Cricket match are just some of the massive calendar of events, keeping the district busy, this long

TWO Casterton District teams will return to the crease this Saturday, securing berths in both the A Grade and B/C Grade Hamilton District Cricket Association finals.

THREE Casterton Secondary College students have earned a berth in the Greater Western Region swimming championships, after superb performances at district competition.

THERE were no real surprises in the results from the final round of the Casterton and District competition for 2022-2023, with wins going to the three top A Grade teams - Carapook, Coleraine and Sandford White - and the top B Grade team, Nareen.

CASTERTON Police have warned would-be pilots of the dangers – and illegal practice – of flying drones over the Casterton township.

AUTHORITIES are accused of using duck hunters as the “Poster child for (the Labor Government’s) green crusade” and engaging in “pure grubby politics” after “quietly” announcing arrangements for the 2023 duck season on Friday.

A SHIFT to stormy conditions forced a quick schedule rearrangement for the weekend’s Hamilton Campdraft, but nothing could dampen the excitement for Mark Ruff and his ride, Martha, as they took out the $10,000 Victorian Championship Open Draft.

In 2020, aged just 23 years, Gus Cleary took his own life. Three years later, his extended ‘family’ - which spans half of Victoria - is banding together and fuelled by Gus’ memory, dragging the Black Dog that took him into the spotlight, creating a legacy aimed at ensuring no one else in the family – or anyone around them – becomes a victim.