THE Narrawong Mechanics Hall will once again be the venue for a day of live music, good food, and family summer vibes, with the return of the Summer Gathering Saturday, January 6.

TWO local violinists, Millie and Anna Davidson, were selected to sit front desk in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

EMERGENCY crews were kept busy over the Christmas break following heavy rain and storms that downed multiple trees across roads and flooded drains and gutters across the state.

IN response to popular demand, TOMRA Cleanaway has increased services to the Woolworths reverse vending machine.

HAMILTON Rotary has advised that unfortunately it has had to make the decision to cancel the free New Year’s Eve Family Party - and all the activities that were to be held at the Hamilton Showgrounds from 6pm on December 31.

THE active search for missing Portland woman Kay has now concluded.

VODAFONE recently shut down its 3G network as the first telco to do so, with industry spokespeople reminding communities - especially those in rural areas - of the need to make sure they aren’t still using devices that rely on the old technology.

THE BIG Summer Read is back, running from December 1 to January 31, and aims to address the ‘summer slide’ in reading levels by engaging children and their families in a fun and dynamic reading challenge.

THE 2023 sporting year has had many highlights in the region, and The Spectator looked back at some of the special moments.

SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) has developed a new 10-year vision for the Hamilton Showgrounds, and it is now open for public comment until the end of January 2024.