LOWAN MP, Emma Kealy has called on the State Government to make rapid COVID-19 testing a priority to ensure regional Victorians did not continue to be plunged into statewide lockdowns.

FATALITIES on Australian farms have dropped by almost half in 2021 but serious farm-related injuries were still a concern, according to a new report from Farmsafe Australia.

LOCAL sisters, Amelia O’Connor and Julia Huf have donated an impressive $13,660 to the palliative care unit at Western District Health Service (WDHS).

GYMS were left happy after the easing of restrictions on Wednesday morning allowed them to re-open the doors quicker than previous lockdowns.

HAMILTON Airport has received a huge boost, with $300,000 funding committed this week as part of the Federal Government’s regional airports program.

TELANGATUK East farmer, Tom Silcock has followed in the footsteps of his father and sister, this week crowned the Wool and Rural Monarch for 2021-2022.

THE Hamilton Boomers will be out to go back-to-back when they face off against the Wimmera Whippets in the Football Integration Development Association (FIDA) Western Victoria conference grand final tomorrow.

VICTORIA’S recent lockdown and current restrictions has forced the Hamilton Football Club 40-year premiership reunion to be postponed.

THE local region will see a number of different sports resume over the weekend and into next week with soccer, women’s football, hockey and basketball all back, however the South West District Football Netball League (SWDFNL) will wait at least another week.

GERARD FitzGerald will be stepping down as Hamilton Kangaroos senior coach at the end of the 2021 season. Photo: BLAIR BURNS.