AS temperatures rise this summer, locals are being urged to keep their pets safe and cool in the new year.

IT has been a far more positive Hamilton and District Cricket Association A grade season for College this time around, highlighted by the Eagles’ T20 final victory against St Andrew’s last month.

CAMPERS will be banned from some areas of the Grampians, along with drones under a 15-year Parks Victoria management plan, restricting camping and other activities, including rock climbing which will be designated to only 104 specified areas.

THERE was plenty of excitement on offer at Hamilton’s Western Speedway last Wednesday night with the Formula 500’s and Super Sedans entertaining a large crowd.

Hamilton’s Brock Atkins took out his first feature win in the V21 machine, leading Jamie Collins and Dave McKenzie to the podium in the 20-lap final of the Victorian Super Sedan Series round.

A GRASS fire that was started by a header on New Year’s Eve north of Cavendish required 32 fire trucks and multiple air bombers to bring it under control.

PARKS Victoria has encouraged visitors to pack their summer smarts and stay safe when cooling off in the water this summer.

AFTER months of preparation, Heywood’s Nicola Handreck has completed the Melbourne Marathon in memory of much-loved South West resident Narla Saunders.

IT hasn’t been the ideal start to the year for Casterton District which has managed just the one win in the first half of the season, but all hope is not lost.

IT’S that time of year again when the anticipation of a new year ahead brings with it renewed motivation to set well intentioned goals for the year ahead.

COUNTRY Week cricket action starts on Monday as the best players from the Hamilton and District Cricket Association (HDCA) battle it out against other competitions in Horsham and Warrnambool.
The Under-17 team, coached by Robbie Cook will face Wimmera Mallee at Dennington in Warrnambool for the first match of the week hoping to start their campaign with a win.
Captain, Henry Bensch will be hoping the side can string together some strong performances to set them up to go deep into finals, which will be held on Thursday and Friday.
Tyler Ellis is vice-captain and capable of scoring big on any given day, he will play a crucial role at the top of the order throughout the week.
The Under-15 Hurricanes are coached by Lachie Watt and are fortunate enough to play their first match at Melville Oval against Portland and District Cricket Association before they travel up to Horsham for the remainder of the week.
Captain, Harry Austin played country week last year and will hope to have an impact with both bat and ball for the Hurricanes.
Eddie McShane is the vice-captain for the side, he is known to punish the bad balls and accumulate runs quickly, look for him to have a big week.
The three Under-13 sides will play the following week when they head down to Portland to play three days of cricket from January 10-12.
HDCA Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 female teams have been selected and will battle it out in Hamilton from January 19-21.
Visit the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association on MyCricket to see the draws for Under-17 and Under-15 teams.