From the stretches of the MCG to Echuca South Recreation Reserve, the stars of the AFL were on hand to run the Footy 4 Fun program.
Hundreds of keen five to 12-year-old footballers put their best foot forward, with Richmond players inspiring the next generation of players through a series of drills and a chance to meet their heroes.
Stars such as Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Tim Taranto, Dion Prestia and Jayden Short were just some of the Richmond players to take training with a sea of yellow and black jumpers inundating the oval.
Earlier in the day, students at 208 Primary School were also treated to a Q&A with the Tigers, while Moama Football Netball Club’s Youth Girls, under-14s, and under-17s were put through their paces by Cotchin and Taranto in a special training session.
Stand-alone BNS balls under threat
The future of bachelor and spinster balls hangs in the balance, with underwriters refusing to offer insurance to stand-alone events.
The Elmore Charity Ball Committee had no choice but to call off its Elmore Summer Send Off BNS Ball scheduled for the Victorian Labour Day weekend after it was unable to obtain insurance.
Those who use the event to connect with people from farming communities have been left heartbroken by the decision, with many fearing BNS balls may be dying out.
ECBC secretary Hollie Hildebrandt said event organisers were told companies would not insure stand-alone BNS balls, and would only insure BNS events that were under the umbrella of other companies.
“We were unable to obtain insurance, at any cost, from any underwriters, because we are a stand-alone BNS,” she said.
“A lot of people thought we didn’t have the funds to obtain the insurance because insurance has gone through the roof, but that’s not true, funds aren’t an issue for us.
“We just couldn’t even get one quote.”
In years gone by, the ball has had anywhere from 1400 to 2200 people attend from across the country.
Moira FoodShare opens new Cobram shopfront
Moira FoodShare is opening a new shopfront in Cobram and is inviting the community to celebrate.
The shopfront and warehouse will be operating from 116 Karook St from Monday, March 6.
The organisation’s current facilities on Charles St will close on Friday, March 3.
Opening hours for the new facilities will remain Monday to Friday between 1pm and 3pm.
Moira FoodShare co-ordinator James Rouel said the change in location was in response to a growing demand for Moira FoodShare services.
“Our Charles St premises has served the community extremely well for a long period of time,” he said.
“The relocation will remove significant pressure off our hard-working volunteers and provide the opportunity to ensure we are aiming for industry-best practices.
“We think this move will give customers more choice and better variety in an environment that is welcoming and inviting to all.”
MHA Care chief executive Michael Hogan said the move was essential to maintain services.
“By combining our warehouse and shopfront in Cobram it will enable James and his team of 30-plus volunteers to ensure they continue reaching as many individuals as possible,” he said.
Moira FoodShare is inviting the community to a small morning tea on Monday, March 3 from 10am where light food and beverages will be served.
Attendees are asked to bring an item of food to donate to help mark the start of a new era. Please RSVP to Mr Rouel on 0419 809 if you wish to attend.
